Contributor Center Stage | Jen Chapin

This September, we're thrilled to dedicate the Contributor Center Stage to Creative Team Contributor Jen Chapin (jenrn)! Jen is an active part of the Studio Calico community, bringing her stories to life through scrapbooking. Be sure to check out her projects in the Gallery this month! Take a few minutes to learn a little more about Jen — her scrapbooking history, organization techniques and more! We're so thankful for our talented team that helps to spread the joy of memory-keeping all over the world.

How long have you been scrapbooking?

I started scrapbooking in 2006 when I was interested in making my own thank you cards for our wedding. Originally, I started out doing stamping and cardmaking, but that quickly progressed into scrapbooking. I scrapbooked for about three years before I had children, so it is always interesting to go back to those pages and see what was going on in our life.

What’s your go-to technique?

I would definitely say that my go-to technique is machine stitching. I was given a Viking sewing machine by my grandmother several years ago, and while I have no idea how to sew fabric, it seems I cannot make a page without it! The machine sits right on my desk so I have easy access and is always threaded with a roll of white thread. I love the texture and visual interest that stitching adds to projects.

Would you mind sharing some photos of how one such project came together/some text describing the stages?

This layout is a good example of how much I love stitching! I started with a white background, then added scraps of colorful patterned paper and a small black and white photo.

I also layered on lots of wood veneer pieces and used circle punches to create negative space for more patterned paper and stitching.

Washi is always another favorite! I love how it can be layered and stitched through on a project.

I finished off the layout with some typed strips of journaling. I have quite a typewriter collection! Seven, in fact. Don’t tell my husband.

How do you stay organized?

Staying organized is an ongoing battle for me. I find that I use my supplies more if I can see them, so I have lots of little clear bins and bags. I store my Studio Calico Project Life® kits in clear plastic boxes so I can tell which kits are which. My scrapbook kits stay in the original zipper pouches after I am done with my initial layouts. I haven’t quite had the courage to break all my kits up yet!

As far as tools, I try to keep everything I use often within reach. My tool caddy, sewing machine and a small paper trimmer always sit on my desk. My stamps are in clear organizers and in a bin close by. I always have to clean my desk after each project so I can start fresh.

What is the crafting tool you can’t live without?

This isn’t really a crafting tool, but I am going to say my DSLR camera and my home printer. Ever since I started printing at home, my life is so much easier! I find I can print on demand and have less waste than if I were to order my prints from a lab. I use a Nikon D5100 and my favorite lens is a 35mm 1.8. I am constantly practicing my photography skills and have learned so much over the years.

I use Photoshop and Rad Lab to edit my photos, and print them using a Canon Pixma. As far as photo paper, Costco brand is my go-to! I love that I can print any size I need, and I love to print with white borders.

Where do you go to get ideas?

Two places – the gallery here at Studio Calico and Pinterest. The gallery is always so inspiring and I love seeing what others are doing with their kits. Pinterest is great because I can search for a certain inspiration piece or color palette – and sometimes I even search for quotes that I use in titles for my pages.

Anything else we should know about you and/or your style?

I have a really busy life and don’t let that stop me from creating. I work full time and we have two small kids (6 and 3). I am also in grad school right now. Scrapbooking is my “me time” and I know I have to make time for it so that I can be happier and more well rounded for my kids! They also love helping me and like to use my punches, stamps and paints while I am scrapbooking.

I am also really grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had and friends that I’ve made in this industry. I truly can’t imagine my life without it. I’m so excited to be contributing this month! I have been active in the SC community for many years so this is a dream come true for me.

Learn more about Jen by following her here at Studio Calico, and check out her work with the Brimfield kits in the Creative Team Gallery this month!