Design Team Member: Jen Wills

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Jen Wills from JENerally Speaking

Currently... 

• designing for CASology.
• using a lot of stamps, dies, tiny gems and coloured cardstock - mostly Stampin' Up.  I love patterned paper too, but I seem to collect more than I use.
• a big Paper Smooches fan, but it's tough to narrow it down to just one favorite craft company.  I also love Avery Elle, Mama Elephant, Sweet Stamp Shop, Papertrey Ink, Memory Box,  CAS-ual Fridays and Neat & Tangled.

How did you get into card making?

A friend suggested I mount my photographs on cards.  While trying to find cardstock, envelopes and such online, I stumbled across some card blogs and was hooked.  After a few months of blog stalking, I finally dove in, started my own blog and started playing in challenges.  (The photographs have totally fallen by the wayside…) 

 

Why do you like Clean & Simple design?

I struggled initially with putting patterns and colours togethe,r so I gravitated to a more clean and simple style which let me focus on a key element instead of having to marry too many things together at once.
 

Any advice for fellow crafters when it comes to finding their own design style?

Patience and practice.  It took me ages to figure out what style I was comfortable with and what worked for me.  I look back at my early cards and am amazed at how I got from there to where I am now.  It's an ongoing learning process.  Look at cards you like and try to pinpoint what it is exactly that you like about them.  Copy designs to get the feel of how they come together.  Then, try copying but changing up an element or colour combo.  (Use these copies for learning only though - if you post them give proper credit to the original designer).  You'll be surprised at how quickly you find your own groove.  

 

Is there anything else you think we should know about you?

Aside from making cards, I work part time at a veterinary hospital where there is never a dull moment.  At home, I hang out with my hubby and our pooch, Atticus, who keeps us busy with swims, walks and endless games of fetch.  I'm also a big reader and would watch more TV, but usually Luis lays claim to it first.  :)