Please meet Carla

First, happy Memorial day! Don't forget the Operation Write Home hop still going on. I will pick the winners of my giveaways tomorrow morning, so you have till tonight to enter!

Carla Suto is one of my StampTV friends and she's gracious enough to be one of my Designing Friends this month featuring my latest stamp sets by GinaK Designs, Fine Furnishings and Fine Furnishings Addition.

Look at her beautiful cards below. I love how she mixes patterns so well. She excels in making elegant and classy cards.
Let's get to know her some more:

1. How long have you been paper crafting and how did you get started?

I was always an avid crafter but I only got into paper crafting about three years ago when my good friend brought me with her to a Stampin' Up party. The rest is history! I've been addicted to stamping and card-making ever since!

2. What are your current favorite:

• Techniques: Coloring with Copics, Embossing

• Tools: Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Dies, Punches

• Embellishments: Ribbon, Flowers and Pearls

3. What makes a "WOW" card, in your opinion?

A WOW card to me is something that really stands out with a unique layout, color combination or arrangement of embellishments. I'm always impressed by the amazing creativity of paper crafters. I love seeing designs I would never have thought of.

4. What inspires you to create? Define your crafting style.

I am inspired by lots of things. I love challenges and I find lots of inspiration on my favorite blogs and stamping sites. I'm not sure I have just one style. I love to use patterned papers in my creations. If one style appeals to me most, it is probably shabby chic. I love vintage-inspired images and embellishments.

5. Tell us something about your family. Where are you from? Other interests besides paper crafting. Or any random fact about you.

My immediate family consists of my wonderful DH of 22 years and our two sweet cat children. They are 12 years old. A year ago, I moved my 85-year-old Mom here to NC to be closer to us. I was born and raised in Massachusetts. I stayed in New England for college and graduate school, then began moving around the country for my post-doctoral work and for our jobs in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry. I lived in Houston, TX, Ann Arbor, MI, and San Diego, CA before settling here in North Carolina. We've been here for 6 years now. Before I got into paper crafting, I was really into jewelry-making, especially beaded jewelry. I also enjoy playing golf with DH and my friends when I have time.

6. Do you have a favorite quote/verse that you live by?

One of my favorite quotes is: "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."