hello mandie............. (sassafras pal spotlight)

i've got lemons, limes, and georgia on my mind today. all of which remind me of two things: delicious summer bliss and the delightfully sassy craftiness of sassafras pal  Mandie Pierce:

we discovered her whilst on-line gallery surfing (one of our favorite pastimes here at sassafras, as you might know), and haven't been able to keep her projects off our mind since! so much so that we couldn't help but ask miss mandie to let us get into her head just a little bit. so without further ado, we are delighted to share with you some inspirational words of wisdom straight from the mouth of a real life paper crafting goddess...

 

so mandie, tell us a bit about yourself. work? family? where do you live? what kind of hobbies do you have outside of paper crafting?  "I am a 31 year old stay at home mama of 3, and an Air Force wife. My husband and I met while working as cashiers at a Kroger in Atlanta, Georgia almost 14 years ago. We are currently stationed in Sacramento but have lived from Anchorage, AK to San Antonio, TX and a little in between!  I enjoy reading fiction of all sorts.  I do not, however, like non-fiction.  It makes me feel like I'm in a history class. I need to be entertained, moved. I do like historically based fiction, though.    I always wanted to be  a writer. I always wrote short stories growing up, but it's something I've gotten away from. One of these days, I would like to get back into writing. Also, coffee. I think I am addicted.  Is that a hobby?"

sure, let's call it a hobby. except for our resident expecting mommy, the whole sass team is right there with you on that one! so, what are some things that inspire the artist in you?  "I think I take in inspiration all the time, and log it away in my brain.  Often it is scrapbook product itself that inspires me, or a particular photo or two.  I am always drawn in by color combinations":

"This first one is my bedding.  I know it's dorky, but I just love the colors in our bedroom. I find the blues so calming when paired with the white and the espresso finish of our bed.

  It's just so lovely."

I recently added the yellows.  I think it gives a happy feel to the calm.

Another inspirational photo I chose is this cupcake set from Meri Meri:

I love making cupcakes.  These circus ones are just so cute and give me tons of ideas for my boys' birthday parties this summer!  So fun, and the colors are so happy.  They just put me in a good mood.  Wouldn't they go so nicely paired with 'Discover' paper from the Apple Jack line? 

The color combo on this Kaleidoscope bedding from Land of Nod is just calling my name.  Hello, Happiness!" 

 

a woman of impeccable taste, you are! who or what drew you to paper crafting, and how would you describe your unique style? "I have always been a collector of things...ticket stubs, cards, photos, etcetera.  I have always loved office supplies and paper.  I like to go to Office Depot or Staples - just for the smell. (sassafras confession: that's weird...but we hear you sister! nothing makes our noses happier than hot-off-the-press paper.  except maybe freshly brewed coffee...) I was always the kid who got excited about school supplies.  I discovered paper crafting in 1999...I don't remember exactly how I discovered it, but I definitely took to it right away. I went through all of the obligatory phases...the Sticker Sneeze phase, the 'cut-your-photos-in-silly-shapes' phase, the Paperkin phase, the eyelet phase.  I don't really think of myself as having a certain style.  I like a little bit of everything, so I do a little bit of all kinds of things! 

do you have any friends or family who share in your passion? "I do! I have found a wonderful online community and have made friends with a couple of the girls on there.  My cousin Danielle recently became a scrapbooker as well. She and I have had fun chatting via email about all of the fun products and the craziness that happens when you become a scrapper.  (I know you all know what I am talking about!)" 

what do your friends and family think about your paper crafting passion? "My family is supportive.  The kids love looking at their albums, and I find that so rewarding.  It reminds me of how important it is for them, and not just me.  My husband (though not a full-on 'scrubby') is very supportive.  He may not understand the mountain of supplies but he loves me in spite of it."

let's find out some more about you. favorite band right now? any t.v. series you're into? "I love all kinds of music.  But right now?  This instant? Train is ranking right up there along with some old school Beastie Boys, Jason Mraz, and the "Glee" soundtracks.  How's that for a combo?  As for T.V. series...too many! "Dexter", "The Tudors", and "The Shield" (when it was on) are a few of my favorites,  I recently added "The United States of Tara" to that list.  "Glee", "The Middle", "Modern Family", "Amazing Race", "The Office", and "Marriage Ref". (they make me feel oh-so-normal!) 

what's gone on recently that has taught you a life lesson? I can think of one thing right off the bat. It relates to this 'Calamity Jane' thing I've got going on... I think I should make that my legal name!  So my car only runs with the special key made by the dealership, and it came with just one.  They are expensive, so I had never bought another.  Recently the little plastic loop that held the key to my key ring broke.  One day when walking to my car with Collin (my 3 year old) and my friend Dena, Collin asked if he could hold my key.  Sure.  What's the worst that can happen, right?  If he drops it, I'll just pick it up, right? Unless he just happens to drop it in the STORM DRAIN.  The ONLY KEY to my car. What did I learn from this little incident? One: Dena is a fabulous friend who hung out with me even though she had stuff to do. Two: always have more that one car key - even if they cost $200 apiece. Three: the iPhone is invaluable. It will allow you to look up all kinds of phone numbers in an emergency. Four: if you drop something in the storm drain, call the water company. They can most likely come open the manhole and get it out. Be forewarned - they might laugh at you." 

(sassafras note: he may look innocent, but don't be fooled. there is a good chance that's collin the car key culprit in the picture above.)

do you have a paper crafting tip to share? "I know this isn't anything earth shattering, but just do what you like.  You don't have to scrap every event or every photo.  Get the emotions down.  The funny things.  The little things you will forget in 5, 10, years. I let go of scrapping what I felt I had to scrap, and started scrapping what made me happy.  When I did that, I started enjoying it a lot more.  I also started liking my projects a lot more.  Let the paper crafting hippie in you free and let it all loose!"

that is SUPER advice mandie, we couldn't agree more! one last question...what would you say to someone who is hesitant about getting into paper crafting to convince them that it is a must? 

"Just do it.  Do it to remember the fun things.  The hard things.  the little things your kids or spouse do.  The silly things that make you happy.  What I wouldn't give to have that kind of information from my great grandmother - or even my grandmother!  It doesn't have to be what's perfect.  There is no 'right' way or 'wrong' way.  Do it because you think it's fun, and you like the smell of paper.(Wait, sorry. That's me. But I know I'm not alone!)  Don't let the size of the hobby intimidate you with its vast array of products.  It can be such a wonderful, close knit community where you form bonds with women you've never met!

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thank you mandie for being such a great sassafras pal, and for letting us get to know you! 

on that note, here are some more of mandie's projects to feast your eyes on before we bid you adieu...

 

we hope you enjoyed mandie's musings as much as we did!  why not show her some love in the comment section if you have a minute, or check out her super inspiring blog: lemons to limes.  and what exciting treats have YOU whipped up lately?  we would love to see!!  leave us a link...we are always on the lookout for a new sassafras pal to spotlight!
 

Comments

[RachelM]

That was a lovely interview, and projects. Thanks for sharing! :)

[Heidy]

is this whit a bingo card stempel.
Love how you do that
Heidy

[Denise]

Glad you highlighted Mandie's work. I have always loved her creativity and talent - not to mention her sass. :o)

[Jill Oriente]

What a great interview & some wonderful projects! Thanks for sharing!

[Laura Fiore]

Congratulations to Mandie on the honor of the highlight! Her work is always fun and I think she's a real sweetie, to boot!

[joanna]

Absolutely LOVE Mandie's creations - she's one of a kind for sure!

[Taryn]

I may be Bias because Mandie is one of my dearest friends, but I think she is pretty fantastic! She always makes the most fantastic pages...you should see the cards she sends me.

[Millie Picker]

You're not biased Taryn! I'm her Mom and I think she's pretty fantastic too!

[rebecca keppel]

Gorgeous pages...and bedding too :)

Here is my latest Sass lo:
http://rebeccakeppel.blogspot.com/2010/04/monday-mania.html

[Jing-Jing]

Mandie rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jennifer Hansen]

Great layouts!

I have a few "Sassy" projects on my blog too. Have even had a couple SL cards picked up for pub recently!

www.jenniferhansenscrapgallery.blogspot.com

[Simona]

Gorgeous works Mandie!!!
Here are my latest Sassafras LOs:
http://satrialesgirl.blogspot.com/search/label/Sassafras%20Lass
Have a nice day!

[Siberiё]

Grate LO's!!!!!!it's so inspired me＝3

Here are my latest sassafras LO

http://yaplog.jp/spiralflower/archive/16

[Jacqueline]

Great Layouts! =)
I want to nominate Merdrey Chew for the next Sassafras Pal!- - - http://dreamieland.wordpress.com/