Meet Jennifer

December's Cover Girl

We're thrilled to introduce the first Ella cover girl who was discovered from among the ranks of our readers. We asked for your Winter-themed layouts, and you responded! We couldn't resist Jennifer's fresh color palette, beautiful design, and her oh-so-cool photos. Of course, she did have a bit of an advantage: there's snow on the ground 8 months of the year where she lives. After four years of living in Alaska, Jennifer has a LOT of Winter photos to draw from.

Enjoy our fun interview with Ella's latest scrapbook superstar!

My name is: Jennifer Barksdale

My cover layout was inspired by: my son's expression in these photos.

Supplies:

cardstock (Paper Co.) • patterned paper (Making Memories, Cosmo Cricket, My Mind's Eye, American Crafts, Scenic Route) • stickers (Me & My Big Ideas, Melissa Frances, Martha Stewart, Michaels stores) • die-cut journaling sheet (Making Memories) • decorative scissors (Provo Craft) • stamp (Studio Calico) • pen (Marvy Gel Excel) • corner rounder (EK Success)

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I've been scrapbooking: consistently since 2005, but I first started in 1997 when my daughter was born.

I spend my days: enjoying breakfast with coffee and checking emails alone before the little one wakes up, scrapping here and there throughout the day, trying to convince my little one that napping is a good thing (I'm so losing that battle), helping with homework for big brother and sister, and cooking dinner.
~Definition of “nap”: Something parents would do anything to get, and kids would do anything to get out of. (We just made that up!)

My family is made up of: Hubby Mike, daughter Brianna, and sons Akio and Amari.

A Favorite Layout:

This layout features my four favorite people, and it represents a bit of my style.

Supplies: cardstock (Paper Company) • patterned paper (KI Memories, My Mind's Eye, Die Cuts With A View) • stickers (Me & My Big Ideas) • stamp (Heidi Grace) • ink (Tsukineko, Ranger for Tim Holtz) • font (Batik off Internet) • punch (Fiskars) • other (hemp cord)

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I'd describe my scrapbooking style as: ever-changing. Really, I have no idea! It's a good question, because I ask myself that all the time. I think I'm still developing my own style. I like to use sketches to help me get a page done faster, though that doesn't always go as planned. I've noticed there is always something with polka dots on my layouts and sometimes scallops and I don't usually use a lot of bright colors.
~Sounds like a style to us!

In 10 years, I hope to be: happy and healthy.

If I could go back in time, I would: take more pictures of my daughter when she was little and learn some photography skills. I don't have nearly as many pics of my girl than I have of my boys.

I never thought I'd: get this involved with scrapbooking. Sometimes I lie awake at night thinking about it, like I have nothing better to occupy my mind with!
~Yeah, we've been known to dream about scrapbooking ourselves on occasion. Luckily, the nightmares have been few and far between. (Actually, there was that one time we were being chased by a rogue ATG gun... Terrifying.)

Another Favorite Layout:

I love that it's a clean design with multiple photos—the kind of page I don't create very often. My photos are a little blurry, but they tell the story.

Supplies: cardstock (Bazzill) • patterned paper (Scenic Route, Love, Elsie, Little Yellow Bicycle) • transparency and mini alpha stickers (Making Memories)• letter stickers (American Crafts) • brads (Colorbok, JoAnn Stores) • pen (Sakura)

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If I could be a scrapbook supply, I'd like to be: patterned paper! Because, seriously, who doesn't have patterned paper these days? There are SO many pretty patterns and colors to love that you have to save even the tiniest pieces, hoping that one day you'll find a way to use them. *sigh*
~We'll second that *sigh*

I've loved elephants ever since: I watched the Disney movie Dumbo. Who can resist those big ears? I even made an elephant costume for my son when he was a baby.

My favorite thing about Ella Publishing Co. is... I really like the clean and cute design of the site and how easily you can navigate around to find what you want. Even better, you can view the eBooks from home and not have to worry about recycling!
~Ah, we're blushing. Even though we basically tricked her into giving us a compliment.

If I were to author an eBook, I'd title it: Scrapbooking: Git Er Dun!

My favorite Ella eBook is: Text Tricks for Scrapbookers.

Thanks, Jennifer! To view more of Jennifer's fine designs, check out her layout gallery at twopeasinabucket.com.