Scrapdango: Getting to Know....

Today we are Getting To Know.................................

Kathi aka Kathi Minikatie!!!

When did you first start scrapbooking and how did you get into it?

I started scrapbooking in late 2005 after my parents’ passed away. While my siblings and I were cleaning out my parents’ home, we kept running across boxes of photos in all areas of the house (basement, attic, cabinets, and closets), and none of us recalled ever having seen some of the photos, primarily my parents’ heritage photos. I began cataloging the photos and putting them in date order as best I could. I also knew I wanted a way to document (almost none where and we still don’t know the who, what, when, where of most) and feature the photos that had special meaning to me. After a trip to Michael’s and JoAnn’s, scrapbooking happened and has been going strong ever since.

Looking back into your creations is there one you really dislike and would you change it or leave it?

Seriously, my first couple of LOs were really NOT good. I don’t know why I felt the need to cut all the photos in shapes, but I did and thought that was what scrapbooking was all about! After those first couple of LOs, I discovered scrapbooking magazines and realized that there were so many possibilities that I had yet to explore. I then discovered a group that met once a month at a local Archivers to scrap and joined in the fun and also found a few message boards online. I then sought out my first LSS and discovered better quality pattern papers and the obsession truly started then. So, even though my first couple of LOs are not my favorites, I’ll never change them.

What does scrapbooking mean to you?

Of course, all the standards like documenting and preserving memories, but far more importantly to me is that scrapbooking is my creative outlet. Scrapbooking has replaced numerous other hobbies in my life and it supplies all the creativity I need right now. Scrapbooking has also expanded my circle of friends since I have met numerous friends in the Atlanta area through this craft.

What is your can’t live without scrapping tool?

My Tonic guillotine trimmer, ATG gun/adhesive, paper piercer, micro tip scissors and tweezers. I use these tools all the time.

When beginning a layout are you the kind of person who has to work of a sketch or you can throw anything together and it all works?

I have to admit that I never really think to use a sketch unless I’m participating in a sketch challenge. I didn’t start scrapbooking with sketches and they are just not part of my usual process like they are for some. On occasion, and it’s pretty rare actually, I’ll sketch an idea I have in my head before starting on a LO.

How did you find Scrapdango and what do you like most about it?

I knew of ScrapDango’s existence but had never participated on the site. I was visiting PubCalls and saw the Design Team call, so I visited the site to check it out. I was a late comer for the DT call, so had to post my design for the first challenge immediately. I then took time to participate during the next week and the duration of the DT call and found that ScrapDango offered the type of community that I wanted to be a part of.

Show us a couple of your favorite layouts. What makes them a fav?

XOXO – I love the LO because it documents a special moment/bond between my sister, Kimberly, and her cat. We both have senior cats, so capturing moments like this with them is a priority for us.

Embrace – I’ve had this framed photo in my bedroom for as long as I can remember (me and my mom when I was one month old) and it’s always been my favorite photo. I kept the LO simple so the photo and journaling could take center stage and I love how it turned out.

Beach Bums – Of course, I also love scrapping vintage, whether my childhood or my parents before children or even their childhoods. I recently ran across this photo of my mom and her parents and I love it! What fun they had as a family together.