It’s the first Monday of the month and you know what that means- it’s time for a brand new Featured Blogger post! I seriously love introducing you all to bloggers from all over the blogosphere and today I’m thrilled to bring you someone I have admired for quite some time.

For my crafty blog readers, you will recognize the picture above- it’s that of the ultra talented, superstar crafter Cristina Kowalczyk! She has been in countless magazines, shared her ideas on various design teams, crowned Stamping Royalty in 2011 and was the winner of the Paper Crafts 2011 Gallery Idol. Oh my, and let’s not even get started on the fact that she’s a published writer as well!

Without further ado, let’s get to know Cristina a little bit….

Tell us about your blog. When and why did you start it?

You can find me at mypapersecret.blogspot.com. I started in 2010 because I had spent a few month prior admiring other people’s card via their blogs and it seemed like everyone was having so much fun, doing challenges and leaving comments for each other. I had the sense that it was a real community and I wanted to be a part of that. I originally thought I would call my blog Confessions of a Secret Papercrafter, but my husband convinced me that that was too long, so I ended up with My Paper Secret.

How did you first get into papercrafting?

Ten years ago I did all the paper goods for my wedding, so my interest has been there for a while. But the first time I really got hooked was at a Stampin’ Up! workshop in 2009. I happened to go to it after a difficult time in my life and I think it helped me mentally escape some of the stuff I was going through. Since then, cardmaking has often been a sort of savior for me. No matter what else is happening, it’s something that makes me happy.

How would you describe your card-making style?

Clean and simple, for sure. I gravitate toward more a graphic style, too.

Is there a technique or style you admire, but aren’t able to “pull off” yourself?

I love that sort of fresh, wispy, layered look. Do you know what I’m talking about? People like Clouds Shadler and Tina Fussell and Danielle Flanders do it well. It’s not shabby layered. More modern and spare than that. I always love that, but the few time I’ve attempted it have *not* been pretty. Ha!

List five things that never leave your craft table:

Tombow tape runner, Stamp-a-ma-jig, foam square adhesive (actually, they’re foam hexagons- I use Stampin’ Up!’s version), Momento Tuxedo Black ink, scissors

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 reading. Love love love. I am a sucker for taking long walks around our little town, watching basically anything on HGTV or Bravo, and hanging with my husband and kids.

If you had to choose one food or drink to live off of, what would it be?

I’m going to choose one of each because in my mind they sort of go together- guacamole and margaritas.

What is something about yourself that not many people know? 

I’m scared of animals. All of them.

Do you have a favorite quote?

This is a long one, but I have it memorized because I love it so much. It’s from Martha Graham, and I can only assume she’s referring to dance, but to me it’s really about any artistic endeavor or act of creations.

“There is vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression becomes unique. If you block it, it will never exist through any medium and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is; nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours, clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep directly open to and ware of the urges that move you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others. ”

Top five things you are most passionate about:

My kids, my husband, writing, cards, and learning.

Okay, now that you have gotten to know this sweet gal, I’m sure you’re dying to check out her amazing blog. I’m fairly certain you’ll be adding her blog to your blogroll- she always posts such beautiful creations!

Cristina’s blog