Monday, June 16, 2014

Design Team Member: Tracey McNeely

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Ready to learn more about another one of CASology's creative team?  Remember, you have 24 hours to go leave a comment on her blog for a chance to win her blog candy!  Ready?  Set.  Go!

Tracey McNeely from In My Creative Opinion

 

Currently...
How did you get into card making?

In high school I fell in love with scrapbooking by saving memorabilia and documenting important things in my life—like bus transfers, candy wrappers, notes passed in class--LOL When I was a poor University student I began making my own cards to save money and that is when I bought my first woodblock stamps.  My obsession was born.

Why do you like Clean & Simple design?

I like Clean & Simple Design because that is what feels comfortable for me. I love white space that is really ‘white’ and I love the feel of airiness in my designs. Clutter makes me uncomfortable in my card making and in my real world.  I am attracted and inspired by designers who are not CAS, but my translation of their designs is to simplify and create breathing room.

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

What took me a long time to figure out was my own design style.  I was always and still am attracted to designs that are colourful and full of layers and texture. I tried to copy that style with my own designs, but it didn’t feel right.  Try to add more to your design and also try to take some things away until you feel comfortable that you have made something that you like. Trust your feelings and don’t try to design like someone else, but design for yourself.  Design what makes you happy and your finished product will reflect that.

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



I am working very hard at regaining control of my life. I have never made it a secret that I have MS. Just recently I have begun physiotherapy to regain and retain muscle strength so that I can fight the progression of this disease that is slowly and steadily robbing me of my mobility. I am hoping this will also alleviate some of the debilitating pain I struggle with daily.


Tomorrow's the big 100!  Are you ready?

37 comments:

  1. Tracey's comments sound the way I feel, I'm drawn to designs with lots of layers but mine don't come off how I would like. CAS was a revelation!

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  2. Yay!!! Welcome to the team can't wait to see what you create and thank goodness for the cas design!

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  3. Congratulations Tracey! Love your work!

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  4. Tracey likes the comfort of CAS and that is a good thing to remind us of what one does in creating - finding what puts us in a comfort zone.

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  5. Well, I must say, Tracey and I are too much alike! ;) All that white space is certainly wonderful...Love it! Love her answers and creations! :) Thanks for sharing!

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  6. I'm still trying to find my personal style, but I do feel myself more and more drawn to CAS cards. It so happens that I follow most of the blogs that Tracey is designing for so it's fun to read a bit more about the person behind the designer.

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    1. I'm hoping that I will find a style that makes me feel comfortable in the same way that Tracey feels comfortable with her CAS style

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  7. Melissa ... Tracey loves white space and the feeling of airiness that CAS design gives. It's been great getting to know the design team better.

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  8. So happy to have Tracey in the cardmaking world. Her CAS designs are always perfectly executed and her comments make my day.

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  9. Tracey's designs are always inspirational ... no wonder CAS feels comfortable to her, it shines through every single card! Anita :)

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  10. Tracey, your style is amazing, your cards always gorgeous, and your resolve and persistence in your journey with MS absolutely inspiring! Talented, creative and strong = YOU!
    c

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  11. Melissa...Tracey likes the feel of airiness and CAS feels comfortable to her.
    I love all your cards Tracey my friend!!

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  12. Dear Melissa...I see each week design card from Tracey...and I love her design because she always has that faux stitching border in each of her CAS card...and I inspired from her CAS design...your design always crisp clean and inspiring...you ROCK Tracey...love your cards... :)

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  13. Hi Melissa,
    Tracey has consistently inspired me ever since I started playing along at CASology! Her designs are always bright and fun, and her CAS design always shines through! While reading her bio,she states that CAS is what feels comfortable for her, and I think that's a very important lesson for all of us.
    It was lots of fun to learn more about Tracey...Thanks!

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  14. Tracey loves plenty of white space and she knows how to make that work for her. I love her design style.

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  15. Hi Melissa. Tracey loves to simplify and create breathing room on her creations. She feels airiness in her designs and likes to create white space without clutter. She stated to design to make you happy which will reflect in the finish product. Tracey is always happy with her creations because they make her happy. Tracey's design are fantastic!!!!

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  16. I love Tracey's CAS cards. Love all of the white space she leaves and of course, her use of the stitched dies from Lil' Inker. She got me hooked.

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  17. Tracey's cards perfectly define CAS for me. Simple layering, sometimes one layer, crisp pretty bright designs and all that lovely white space. Tracey has inspired me to drop fussy designs and taught me that clean and simple is beautiful.

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  18. I love Tracey's CAS designs and she does them so well. Her positive attitude and sweet disposition is helping her battle her illness--and she's winning!

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  19. Tracey your amazing and always so inspiring to me.. You are just so sweet and I am sorry that you struggle with MS.. I will pray that your physiotherapy will offer you some relief.. thanks for all the smiles..

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  20. You are so inspirational, Tracey, not only for your impeccably designed and made CAS cards, but because you don't let the cross you bear with MS impact your attitude, spirit, or creativity! I hope the new regime brings you physical strength and less pain. And I'm glad you have this wonderful hobby to help you as you transition into an empty nest. Oh, and BTW, I don't think you are on enough Design Teams. Quit slaking off! Mwah! Darnell

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  21. What can I say about Tracey that hasn't already been said? She is sweetness through and through, and her talent is top-notch. She has embraced her style and never ceases to amaze me with her beautiful creations! And, I must add, she got me completely HOOKED on the stitched rectangles...thanks, Tracey! :)

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  22. Traci you are such an inspiration! Thank you so much for sharing about yourself and for you beautiful creations!

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  23. Tracey likes white space and does it so beautifully!! I love her style and enjoy following her blog!

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  24. Tracey is very much like me. She likes alot of white space, doesn't do clutter ANYWHERE and feels very comfortable with CAS designs. I have followed her for a while now and just love all her work!

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  25. Big fan of Tracey's...such the queen of clean and crisp!

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  26. I always love reading what makes you, you with regard to card making. Your style is simply amazing, so clean and yet so classy, never a sequin out of place.

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  28. Congrats, Tracey! I loved your comments. It was fun to hear a little more about you. You are truly the best with CAS designs. You have an amazing style and I always love visiting your blog.

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  29. It was such a pleasure reading about Tracy's feature. I love her unique CAS style and I think very few manage to bring that elegance that she brings into her cards-be it her perfect stamping , the colours she opts to use, or her stitched panels. I've spent a lot of time on pinterest just staring at her work. Her cards clearly reflect how comfortable she is with this style.

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  30. It was great to read about you! Getting to know a little bit of the person who leaves a comment on your card is so good! Sounds like you have struggling days but think you have so much optimistique energy; that is what I see in your cards... Love to see your cards allways; they inspire!

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  31. Tracey, you say you feel comfortable with CAS designs. I too like a lot of clean space. Some days I don't. We just stamp everyday with what is comfortable to all each day. After all, isn't that what stamping is all about? Not just one easy way to create, but many ways to create, and styles to chose from. The sky is the limit and so is style and mostly love into each card. Blessings to you and praying for your new therapy for your MS.

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  32. Thank you for being so generous with your wisdom Tracey. Such sensible advice! Still on the journey of discovery with regards my style, but am enjoying experimenting and learning along the way. Wishing you all the VERY best with your new therapy. May it bring you some relief and increased mobility! We are all so grateful to you and the rest of the DT for being so inspiring!!

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  33. I have enjoyed so much knowing more about Tracey in the last two years! She is one of the sweetest card makers that I met in real life! I am so blessed to call her my friend! Congrats on the feature, Tracey! You truly are a CAS card-making artist! I really admire you!

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  34. I love reading about the process behind the cards. I love Tracey's fabulous use of white space. I am trying to find my way right now with what style I am even though I have been making cards for YEARS. I am constantly changing what feels right to me.

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  35. Brilliant!! I love reading all about Tracey, busy and creative, such style :D x

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  36. Tracey, you are the one who got me started on the whole clean and simple card kick. You encouraged me, mentored me and you continue to inspire me daily! So glad to know you even if it is via long distance!

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