We loved having Amy as a Guest Designer for July. Amy took some time off her busy schedule to answer some questions for our readers!

Name and age?
Amy Tan, 30

Where do you live?
Venice Beach, CA.

What are your passions?
I love life, living it, savoring it and remembering it. I love traveling and experiencing as many happy moments as possible. I believe in working hard and playing hard. As a true Libra, I try and achieve balance in all aspects of my life.

When did you start scrapbooking?
I started scrapbooking in 2007 after taking a class and becoming friends with Emily Falconbridge.

Do you make cards?
I do love making cards, but don’t usually take photos of them before giving them away. I sometimes get lazy and just purchase cute cards because I am addicted to spending money on unique hand crafted goods.

Favourite scrapping size?
I LOVE 8.5″ X 12″ but mostly scrap 12″ X 12″. I am not quite sure why I do that?

How do you store your layouts?
I used to pile them up high so that I could organize them chronologically later, but I moved recently and wanted to get them into sleeves and albums. I am getting better about putting them in a protected and proper place.

What camera and lenses do you use?
Nikon D40, and just the lens that it came with. I am considering an upgrade, so I can give my D40 to my cousin. I also have a fun FUJI Instax that prints out instant credit card sized prints.

Tell us about your ‘day job’?
I run my own business, Amy Tangerine, which is going through some exciting changes at the moment. I’ve had the tee shirt line for over 7 years, and now it’s moving towards a more diverse creative consulting company. I try and keep work interesting and creatively challenging while remaining enjoyable. I enjoy teaching classes and also scrapbooking for others.

Do you seek balance in your life?
Constantly.

How do you organize your days and fit in scrapping and your busy, thriving company?
Making time for the things I enjoy are a must. It helps fuel my creative energy and prevents burn out. There was a time when I was working from the time I woke up to the time I went to bed. I am grateful for that experience, but am also realizing that time just flies and time is far more valuable than money. So I try and enjoy everything I do, and my life has felt extremely fulfilling thus far.

Where do you find inspiration? Inspiration for me if found in the everyday. Little things, big things, nature, quotes, anything that is aesthetically pleasing. I love the blog- Oh Joy! and am inspired by the book, “How to be Lovely”. My father’s positive and laid back attitude and my mom’s work ethic has inspired me as well.

What would you like to achieve in life & scrapping?
I hope to continue to make happy memories and inspire others to do so as well. I would love to start a non-profit where crafts are brought to hospitals and nursing homes. Living a fulfilled life and scrapbooking it along the way makes me a happy girl.

Where do you see yourself in the future?
Hopefully my future holds more goodness, a wonderful husband, and some babies, living a simple, loving and joyful life full of fun adventures.

Any messages to your fans?
My favorite quote: “The secret to life is knowing how to make the bad times good and the good times unforgettable.”

Look forward to Amy’s offering of a Daily Prompt for our message boards later this month!!

Interview prepared by Sue Mylde.