Printshop | Shanna Noel

Hiya everyone! I am so excited to share a little more about the process of how Printshop came to be. Before I get started, I wanted to thank you for all the continued support of this line, it truly is a a dream come true to play a part in this project!

Earlier this year I got an email from April, and as I opened it I am pretty sure I stopped breathing for a moment. In the email she asked if I would be interested in doing the art direction for a mid-release. I love how she asked, as if I could say no! I held on to this email for a while, and didn't tell a soul, not even my husband. It's almost like if I talked about it, then it wouldn't be true! Really, until this very moment, as I am holding Printshop products in my hand, it all felt unreal!

Once I talked with April about the details of what is needed to go into a line, I thought about it day and night. You know how that is, right? You get OBSESSED! As I started to think about the colors I wanted for a fall mid-release, I knew I wanted something a bit different, and as I looked over my own projects I saw how much I was drawn to the pinks and yellows and was excited about the idea of using those in a fall line! I was also loving the idea of using black in the line instead of your typical brown you see in a fall line, and I love how these colors all played off each other!

From there I cultivated the style I wanted to bring to life with Printshop through all different sources! From the Studio Calico Gallery (man you guys are all so inspiring!), Pinterest to my daughters bedsheets, I was finding inspiration everywhere I looked, and before I knew it I was headed to Bowling Green to share my ideas! As I flew to Studio Calico headquarters I had butterflies in my stomach, but at the same time I was so excited. April and her team made me feel so welcome, I felt as though I was walking into a room of old friends. There wasn't a moment that I was there that I didn't feel like PINCHING myself! I was in awe of how well everyone worked together, and the creative feeling you got as soon as you walked through the doors.

After day one, I walked into day two knowing a bit more as to what was expected of me, what I need to get done with my day and how best to support the designers. Matt, Jenna and Stephen were SO much fun to work with, there really are no words to express how easy they made this job. It was a blast just to have them bring my thoughts to life, they are all so talented, and I am so lucky that I got to work with them! But I also got to create a couple of things, which was VERY exciting. At this point I hadn't designed any stamps or kit products, so the idea that I was creating something that would turn into a product was and still is beyond exciting!

When Matt and I were talking about the different papers in the line, he suggested that I try my hand at painting a script paper. So I ran down to the local art supply store and picked up a new paint brush (hello, is there anything better.. I mean really!) and some black paint. Once I got back to the office, I wrote out a sentiment that runs through my head as I create in my own studio, and as excited that I was able to fit it on the paper as I had imagined on my first try. I wanted this pieces to be messy, and inky as that is how I create on my own projects. Once Matt scanned it in and I saw his take on it, I was even more excited. He also created the pink and white version, which I just LOVE!!!

I was amazed and energized by all the choices that go into making a line come together from picking exact pantone colors, to typefaces and all the choices in between. I quickly learned to just go with your gut, and the first thing that comes out of your mouth when April asks you to name something is a go, so make sure you love it! :)

One of the best things about this adventure has been thinking of new products that I would enjoy as a scrapbooker that we could incorporate into the line.

I loved the idea of having a die cut line on my journaling cards so you can easily slip a photo or journaling into them, and was excited to create these. And since I scrap on an 8x8 scale I was excited about the idea of creating mini badges, and when Matt put together this beautiful collection I couldn't wait to get my hands on them.

I am a huge fan of roller stamps so when we were able to create this alpha stamp I was one happy girl. I love how easy you can add some quick journaling or make a little tag. Endless possibilities!

I also wanted to share a card I made with the line. I love very clean and graphic card, so I knew I wanted to pair that with the black and white paper from Printshop. I also love the statement these cork shapes add to any project, .. a little inky black Mister Huey and I was set to go!

Supplies- Embellishments, Cork Shape Thickers, Paper- Criss Cross, Mister Huey - Inky Black, Ink Pad- Staz On , Pen- Precision Pen

Aside from seeing this whole thing come together, my favorite part about this project has been seeing how you all have been so CREATIVE in using the Printshop products on your projects. I hope you will all continue to share those with me. Thank you for everything! I'd love if you could use the tag #SCprintshop in the SC gallery and on instagram so I can see what you've made!