Featured Blogger- Leigh Penner

For those new to my blog, on the first Monday of each month, I feature one of the bloggers that I follow. When I read blogs, I always enjoy getting to know the person BEHIND the blog. Whether it be a crafty blogger, a lifestyle blogger or a fellow young single gal- I love putting away the formalities and having a “conversation” with a blogger I enjoy.

My Featured Blogger today is a name that will be familiar to those who participate in the 10 Minute Craft Dash- she’s one of the new DT members! Please join me in welcoming the incredibly talented Leigh Penner to the blog!

Let’s get started with the questions….

Tell us about your blog. When and why did you start it?
I started my blog in December 2005. I had been posting my layouts in a few different scrapbooking galleries and noticed that some online friends were starting to blog, so I decided to start, too. I thought it would be a good place to post photos of my kids for my brothers to see. I also thought it would be a great way to document events and then have the journaling at the ready when I wanted to scrapbook them.

How did you get the name of your blog?
I chose the name from my favourite Bible verse: John 10:10: “Jesus said: ‘I have come that they might have life and have it to the full.'” It’s my reminder to live life to the full.

When did you start paper crafting?
Just over 10 years ago. A friend of mine was selling Creative Memories & I hosted a beginner’s party. From day one, I was completely hooked! I started card making several years later, when it occured to me to make the most of my supplies. I didn’t start stamping until 2.5 years ago, but now it’s one of my favourite things to include on a card or layout.

What do you enjoy most about paper crafting?
I just love playing with pretty papers & stamps! I find it to be such a fabulous creative release! It calms me when I’m upset or stressed or just need some “alone time”… It just always makes me feel good.

How many hours do you spending crafting each week?
During the school year, probably between 5 & 10. In the summertime, between 10 & 20, easily.

If you could meet anyone in the crafting world, who would it be?
I would love to meet either Nichole Heady or Betsy Veldman. I think they are both so inspiring!

Okay, now onto some fun questions that are non-relevant to crafting…..

Besides crafting, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time? 
I love to read, go for bike rides & watch movies. I also have been taking tae kwon do with my kids for the last five years. Oh, and I love playing cards & board games (Scrabble & Settlers of Catan are my faves).

What is something about yourself that many people don’t know? 
I’m have my second degree black belt in tae kwon do.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what five things would you have with you? 
Ooh, that’s tough. I have no idea!

Top 5 things you are most passionate about: 
Jesus, my family & friends, stamping/scrapbooking/card making, taekwondo & good books.

I’m sure that many of you have visited Leigh’s amazing blog, but in case you haven’t, be sure to take a peek. Her cards are so gorgeous and she is a sweetheart.

Leigh’s blog