I always enjoy learning more about our guest designers through their answers to our questionnaires, and I think Vicki Chrisman is someone I could spend hours chatting and laughing with after I read through her responses. Not only is she personable, she’s amazingly talented, and I love how she took our January kit, Notebook, and our Day in the Life: January kit, and rocked them! Her cards will get your mojo going! If you’ve not yet seen her gallery, you need to be inspired now! Please join me in welcoming Vicki as our January Guest Designer.

My name is Vicki Chrisman. I’ve been a crafter for as long as I can remember but have been working in the scrapbook industry for almost 15 years now. I’m a huge fan of  simple designs, mixing pretty patterned papers and a fun use of embellishments. Being able to incorporate anything vintage is just a plus.  I love re-purposing! Giving something old new life is awesome in my book!

When my boys were young I did much more actual scrapbooking than I do these days. Although I still scrapbook, I’m really loving card making and home decor projects a lot.  My husband Dan and I live on an acreage here in Nebraska with our two dogs Daisy and Lily.  We have two grown sons, Weston and Jarad, and a daughter in law Kate, that live not far away. We moved to this place in the country about fifteen years ago and absolutely love it here. My studio is upstairs and I can look out my window and see fields for miles. For me it’s a perfect place to create. I have designed for a number of manufacturers over the years but currently I am on the Design Team for Fancy Pants Designs and The Little Blue House.  I also have a number of my own die designs with Accucut Craft that you can see here.

I’d love to have you visit my blog This Art that Makes Me Happy were I share about my life and my creativity.

1. What is your most creative time?

I think my most creative time is when I have some fun new supplies, a stack of new photos and a clean desk.  New papers and embellishments are always inspiring.   New photos are also inspiring. I love looking at them and finding papers and other goodies to put a layout together that seems to fit the photo I’ve chosen.  And last but not lease I love starting with a clear work top space. I use a huge library table as my desk (33×72), and I always start with it clear. When I’m done it looks like a bomb dropped.  I clean it up and start fresh with the next project.

2. Share your current top 5 favorite songs/music groups with us.

I have very diverse taste when it comes to music.  I’m all over the place. I like so many different kinds of music.  I’m nostalgic about oldies that remind me of my childhood so I love 60’s stuff.  The late 70’s music of my teen years will always be great, like Journey, Boston ect..   As far as current music,  I’m a huge Fan of Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers, and go to see them live as often as possible. And also of  Tilly and the Wall, as my niece is a member of the band.  I enjoy listening to Sons of Bill, and Joey and Rory.

3. If you were in a Rock N’ Roll band, what would your job be?

That’s funny! Well… as much as I love music, I don’t have a musical bone in my body, so I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t let me play an instrument or sing.  Maybe I should be in charge of album cover design?  Or the PR manager?  If all else fails I can run the merch table. lol

4. Did you ever want to change your name? If so, to what?

I’ve never really thought of a specific name I’d rather have but I wish I had a more unique “less common” name.

5. If your life was a movie, what actress would play you?  

Probably Sandra Bullock or a similar actress who has a light side to her. Defiantly someone outgoing and funny.

6. What’s your favorite accessory?

I like bracelets. Also rings.  Simple …not blingy

7. If your life were a novel, what would the title be?

I was stumped on this, and then my sister said, why not the title of your blog.. it’s totally fitting.  So “This Art that Makes Me Happy”  is what I’m going with.  Thanks sis!

8. What was your first job and how did you get it?

My first job was at a Mr Donut. I had a friend who worked there who basically got me the job.  I bunch of my friends ended up working there. We always had fun working together. We often spent the night at each others houses on Friday nights to go to work together Saturday morning. This was in the 70’s and Grocery stores didn’t have bakeries in them like them do now, so it was crazy busy on Saturday mornings. There was always a line out the door. There was usually four or five of us girls working behind the counter. Good times! lol

9. What food would describe your style?

I think Pizza best describes my style. Sometimes it’s very basic, other times it’s the works, it just depends on what I’m in the mood for.  It’s also my favorite food! yum!

10. What is “dressed up” for you?
I am not about dressing up. I’m defiantly not a dress and heels type. I’m more of a slacks and cute sweater girl.

Thank you for joining us Vicki! It’s been a joy working with you.