Meet the Designer - 1/2 of Scraps N Pieces

Hi all! It is my turn for the designer intro so here goes........

Name: Lori Nielsen

Username at Stuff to Scrap: loaner (because I am a loan processor, not because I like being alone)

Blog Address: http://www.scrappinwithlori.blogspot.com/ is my scrapping site, I also have a family blog, a recipe blog with my sister, mom, aunts, and cousins, and a blog I put together with my friends and neighbors to teach them the art of digital scrapbooking! I'm a blogging fanatic

Store: Link is here

Now that you know which designer we're talking to, lets learn a little more about them and family comes first:

Husband: Yes, I have one. He is wonderful and supports my scrapping habit wholeheartedly. We met country dancing and have been happily married for almost 18 years (wow, that dates me huh?)

Kids: I have 3 boys, Travis - almost 16, Tyrel - 14, and Trevin - 10

Pets: NONE, we are not really pet people here at our house. We have tried a few fish and some frogs, but my hubby and middle child have pet allergies, so we haven't tried anything hairy.

What do you like doing with your family? We love to camp, ride ATV's, fish, and our boys are pretty involved in sports so we spend quite a bit of time at the ball park.

It's an alternate universe and you're computer won't turn on for an entire week, what do you do with yourself? Hmmm, that means I wouldn't have to work either, so I would probably pack up the family and go camping!

Alright, the computer's all better - let's talk digi-scrapping for a few minutes.When did you start designing and how did you learn? I started digiscrapping and designing around June of 2008. I just googled and surfed the net to find out how to do it and went from there. Misty Cato has some amazing wonderful tutorials on her site that have helped answer most of my questions.

What program/programs do you use to design? I use Photoshop 7 to design. I know, someday I'll upgrade to CS whatever version they are on when I can afford it. I also have a machine called a Klic N Kut that I use for paper scrapping. It has amazing design software, so for my paper pieced elements in my digital kit, I design the in my KNK software and then export and make into paper piecings in Photoshop.

Where do you get your inspiration? I try to do older boy kits because it seems like most stuff is for little kids/babies and/or girly. Although, I can make masculine layouts with most girly kits. I find myself looking for color schemes everywhere, peoples clothes, diaper bags, car seat covers.

How did you pick your digi-scrap name? Kind of sad, but I don't remember exactly, it just came to me one day I think. I started with "Scrappin' With Lori" but that is way too lame. I design with my sister, so every kit we do is a collab kit.

What’s your favorite kit that you've designed? Well, since I've not done very many, I'd have to say that our Play Ball kit that comes out in June is my favorite so far. I think you will love it! I'm going to let you peek!

Alright, this is a hard one, but what's your least favorite? My very first kit is my least favorite. I didn't know how to do patterned paper at the time, so it is kind of boring. But we are revamping it with a new color scheme for release this summer, so stay tuned. This is the preview of the old kit. Kind of sad huh!? I do like the lantern though. It is a keeper.

Describe yourself in one word: I would have to say "Organized" at least most of the time.

Share a secret with us, what's something that not everyone knows about you? I used to say "I was born in Germany" but I think I've said that so many times that it isn't a secret anymore. LOL. I can't think of anything else though.

If I said you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? I want to take my kids on a cruise. My husbands aunt said it was the best vacation they ever had because they took their kids when they were teens and they were all contained on the boat and they really grew closer as a family. It wouldn't matter where, probably somewhere warm though.

What is your favorite food? I love mexican food. There is a restaurant here where I live that my hubby and I go to every Friday for our lunch date. I never get tired of it.

Do you collect anything? Scrapbooking supplies!?! I have a whole room full and now I'm digiscrapping. I guess it will get used eventually.

What is your favorite TV show? I'm a reality show junkie - Survivor, American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, and Amazing Race are my faves. I also like to watch CSI (but only Las Vegas and New York)

What is your favorite color? probably navy blue or forest green

Here is a freebie for you! It is a QP from our new Play Ball kit that isn't even released yet! Click preview to download.