Karen Yates

What attracted you to Scrapbooking?

An outlet really. I enjoy the creative aspect of it, and find the preservation of photos for future generations a bonus. I also think it is a wonderful way to display photos, compared to the old boring photo albums.

How do you create your layouts?

I tend to just go for it. Not much planning here. I chose the photos and match some patterned paper and just let nature take its course.

How do you choose your supplies?

I usually by things I see and love. But at the moment, like all scrappers I have a mountain of product so I am trying to use what I have.

 How often do you scrapbook? When do you do most of your work?

I try to do something every week. Times vary, often of an evening when the kids are in bed, but sometimes I will get my supplies out on the kitchen island bench during the day and go back and forth to it, in between children’s needs.

How long does it take you to complete a layout?

I tend to make quick decisions; I don’t like to hang on a layout, nothing would ever get done if that were the case. It rarely takes me more than 2 hours. I can do a quickie in an hour though.

What technique do you love but are yet to try?

I am sure there are many. I prefer not to get too bogged down in the technique side of things. I am always happy to try something new though.

How important is journalling to you?

I do like to journal, but I don’t feel it necessary to journal on every layout. Sometimes the picture says it all.

How often do you handwrite on your layout?

I would have to say nearly every layout! I just find it so much easier and quicker. No time to be sorting stuff on the computer or looking for the perfect font.

What inspires and motivates you to create if you get a creative block?

I just usually chose a photo and will myself into the mood. I let it come back in its own time. Deadlines help too, LOL.

Describe your scrap space.

A mess, hehe. It is in our office, I have 2 basket drawers with stuff on the top (AMM tote, and ink colour caddy) and then a table with MM carousel and my clip it up. I try my hardest to keep it clean, but as soon as deliveries of things arrive, i scrap a bit, it all piles up again.

Do you prefer to scrap alone or at a crop?

I am happy to do either. Always love company, but on the other hand, happy to just chill at home by myself with no stress or distractions.

What advice would you give to new scrapbookers?

Keep it simple, there are no rules. Don’t expect to have a ‘perfect’ layout every time or be up to date ever. Just enjoy it, scrapping should be fun. A beginner’s class and/or articles can be useful for basic info to. 

Do you have a blog? What do you use your blog for?

I have a blog that I use to share my life, which includes everything. So some creativity, some business info and my family. www.karenyates.blogspot.com

If you had 3 wishes, what would they be?

1. Health
2. Happiness
3. With some wealth thrown in.

Standard wishes really.

 Please share with us, 5 random things about yourself.

1. I am a Paediatric nurse
2. I love talent type reality shows (dance and signing)
3. 2 of my front teeth are crowns
4. I was athletic in my younger day (I used to be able to do a round off and then several backflips and I was Under 21 athletic champ at school in Year 11)
5. I had Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in Year 11