Member Spotlight | ATXmom

This month, get to know Studio Calico member Kathryn Quintana (ATXmom). Kathryn is a mom, wife and reading specialist living in Austin, Texas. Learn more about Kathryn and her style below!

Hi, I’m Kathryn, and I live with my family in Austin, Texas. I've been married to my husband, Matt, for over 20 years, and we have a son, Dylan, who recently turned 17. I work full-time as a reading specialist providing support for students K-5. Although I am dedicated to my work in education, I also have a fine arts degree, and expressing myself creatively is essential to my well-being. When Dylan was a baby, I fell in love with scrapbooking and even taught classes at my local scrapbook store until it closed many years ago. Finding Studio Calico opened up a whole new world of inspiration and renewed my enthusiasm for memory keeping. I'm happiest at home creating in my craft space; grilling out on the patio; enjoying a home-brew with my husband; watching skateboarding videos with my son; snuggling our yellow lab, George; or reading in the hammock.

Member Since:

My first kit was in August 2010, Summer Camp. During the summer of 2010 I won a Studio Calico prize from an online class, and this was my introduction to Studio Calico. I’ve been a subscriber ever since!

All-Time Favorite Kit:

If I had to say just one, it would be Copper Mountain. I was in Colorado on a snowboarding trip, and I logged on from our cabin for the Copper Mountain Reveal. The kit colors and images captured perfectly the feeling of mountain life from the cozy cabin. Other favorites include Hello, Hello; Carolina Moon; and Arendal.

When my kit comes:

I usually run out to greet the driver and then announce to my family that I will be busy. I turn on music and spread out the contents all over the floor. I begin grouping patterns and colors I like together, and hang my favorite stamps and embellishments on the wall in front of my desk. I check out the ink recommendations and pull those out and place them into my rolling cart. Whatever remains of the older kits, I pack to make space for the new kits inside the cart. My favorite paper goes in front so it beckons to me whenever I see it.

My Go To Technique:

Compositional techniques are the mainstay of my design process. For example, when designing my layouts, I consider how the lines and shapes flow together, affecting the viewer’s feelings subconsciously. I enjoy learning new techniques and experimenting with hybrid scrapbooking. However, if the basic composition of my project does not work, then I will not be satisfied when using additional techniques and embellishments.

Top 5 Products:

1. Studio Calico kits- These are my go to supplies for the modern aesthetic and coordination.
2. Selphy Photo Printer- I am happier with these prints compared to those of my ink jet printer. I became a consistent scrapbooker once I began printing at home!
3. Olivetti Studio 44 vintage typewriter- There is something authentic and therapeutic about typing on a real typewriter.
4. Color Theory Ink Pads- The color palette makes these my favorite inks for adding stamped designs to my projects.
5. Nesting Metal Dies- I use these with my Cuttlebug and keep them handy to add layers and shapes to my designs.

Where I Go When my Mojo is Low:

When my creative mojo is low, I feel overwhelmed by inspiration and lack of focus. In these situations, I take Julia Cameron’s advice from The Artist’s Way and step away from the information overload to regain my creative ju-ju. I have found that unplugging and getting outside or playing with stamps and watercolors in my spiral bound mixed-media journal can bring back my enthusiasm. When I am ready for more inspiration again, I know I can always find it in the Studio Calico Creative Team and Member Galleries!