A Fresh Creative Hop (with Chickens!)

So today I'll be doing something a little different - my own dear Jesse, our challenge Mom over at My Pumpkin Challenge, tagged me to participate in a "Creative Hop" that tells a bit of the story of my creative journey.  What?  No card?  No design?  No way!  So, I'm doing the hop, but you know I have to post a card every day, so scroll down for the deets on that, too!  Now, let's dive right in!
What am I working on right now?
Well, I have to say, I do a little bit every day - cards, sketch challenges, decor items, class projects, Pumpkin kits - I try to challenge myself to post a new offering on the blog EVERY SINGLE DAY.  I really strive to treat it like a discipline, and see what that kind of sustained energy can do for my business and my creativity.  As time goes on, it has gotten SO much easier, and SO rewarding!  It was actually stressful for me to take a week off for a trip recently, lol.
I'm also working hard at stocking up fun holiday items for the upcoming Mountainview Presbyterian Holiday Sale & Mission Marketplace - an annual craft show I participate in.  I tend to have Christmas on the brain year-round!
How does my work differ from others in my genre?
Hm, this is a tough one.  There are so many creative people out there that I follow, and admire!  I try to use that inspiration to challenge myself, and especially to add those special little extras that really take a creation over the top.  And of course, I have never met a shape or image that I'm not all too happy to fussy-cut, lol.  A little extra dimension is my go-to trait!  I also LOVE to color in line-drawing type images...
Why do I create what I do?
Well, I truly believe that having the gift of creativity to use and share with others is God's gift (and sometimes challenge!) to me.  To not go that distance is to not respect that gift.  His creation is so beautiful!  Color, shape, movement, form - my work is just one giant celebration of that.  I truly want to inspire everyone around me to tap that inner spark as well, and to have confidence in their own gifts and creativity.  EVERYTHING is possible - He says so!  And we are called always to respond to Him, if we can just get out of our own way...  "Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in Heaven!"  I hope I continue to do that, however He inspires me...
How does my creative process work?
If you follow my blog at all, you know that I am a sketch challenge junkie!  These days I've settled on 8 or so that I try to hit regularly, and I switch out some after a while, to give new endeavors my support...  I find sketch and color challenge blogs to be a terrific tool to get started.
I always want to turn something about the sketch on its head:  how can I change out the shapes in a funny or unexpected way?  How can I add texture, color, dimension?  Shall I switch it up and make the sentiment the focus?
For all I'm a total color addict, I most often start with shapes, and look for what could fit in the spaces provided, then add the other elements.  But you know, like the pirate says, they're really more like GUIDELINES, lol...  Oh - and when in doubt, pull out the chickens!
Tag - you're it!
Now it’s my turn to tag someone for the Creative Hop! These creative ladies will be posting their responses next Monday but in the meantime, please go check out their beautiful work!
I'm so delighted that Brenda Quintana will be joining this hop, make sure you check out her creative adventures at Qbee's Quest (if you haven't already!) and check back in with her on Monday, October 20!
Kathya Hidalgo has also accepted her tag - make sure to visit this crafty chica at Stamp With Kathya for her beautiful creations, too!  You may know her from her design team work for Sunday Stamps and Nacho Average Challenge - woot!
Best of Cluck & Chicken Wire Stamp Sets (retired); Whisper White, Crushed Curry & Cherry Cobbler CS; Memento Tuxedo Black Ink; Crumb Cake, Daffodil Delight; Cherry Cobbler, Calypso Coral, Old Olive & Pumpkin Pie Blendabilities; Color Lifter Marker; White Gel Pen; Decorative Dots Embossing Folder.

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