March Guest Designer

Today on the blog, we would like to introduce you to our March Guest Designer. Say hello to Brooke Takara!

Aloha! My name is Brooke Takara (username welobellie.)  I reside in Honolulu, Hawai'i with my boyfriend and our two wonderful children.  By day I sit at a computer and push paper around in the most non-creative way possible, but in my free time, I try to squeeze in as much creative time as I possibly can!

To get to know our guest Brooke a little better we've had her do a little Q & A with us: 

How long have you been scrapbooking and why did you start?

I intially started scrapbooking in 1998, when I was in high school. I had a million photographs and memories that I wanted to perserve, but wanted something more than just the standard photo album. Back then it was all about paper punches, decorative edge scissors, and stickers for me. ;) I fell off the scrapbooking wagon for awhile. Fast forward to 2012 when I found myself with, yet again, a million photos and memories I wanted to perserve.  This time the photo and memories were of my daughter and I wanted to do something really special with them. The modern scrapbooking I was seeing in the online galleries completely blew me away and I was immediately inspired to take scrapbooking up again.  I've been hooked ever since.

How would you describe your scrapbooking style?

I like to mix things up constantly, so I find this question hard to answer. I know I like to include bold elements on my pages, whether it be color or size or anything really. I try to use a main design element that's impactful and statement making. I think about texture and movement a lot as I create my projects.  And I really just try to have fun. I hope that comes across in my projects!  I think enjoying the process is just as important as documenting memories and telling my family's stories.

What scrapbookers have influenced you the most?

There are crafters and artists that inspire me every single day. And because I couldn't possibly name all of them, I will mention the first two designers who really opened my eyes to what modern scrapbooking and documenitng could look like for me.  I found Amy Tan's blog first. I can't remember how, but I do remember her Daybooks.   To say I was intrigued is an understatement. I mmediately started a Daybook of my own, pulling in random papers and ephemera I had lying around and documented my month.  I journaled and added photos and ephemera from daily life.  I loved it so much!! Amy's blog eventually led to Kelly Purkey's blog and her modern, graphic style really caught my eye.

What is your favorite thing about kit clubs?

With kit clubs, the work has been done for you. You're not wasting time trying to put products together.  I save time and energy, and new products are more easily accessible to me.

What are your 5 favorite scrapbooking items?

My 5 favortie scrapbooking items are patterned paper, stamps, sewing machine, labels/tags, and die cuts.

How would you describe the Citrus Twist March Kit and what do you love the most about it?

When I opened the March Pocket Life Kit, I was surprised by how much product was included and was the most excited to see the patterned papers.  They really make the pocket pages kit a versatile one.  The die-cut pack is another great component in this month's kit.  I can see this kit stretching beyond a single month.  It is a great value.

Thanks you so much Brooke for joining us here at Citrus Twist Kits for the month of March! It has been a pleasure getting to know you better and we are looking forward to seeing the rest of your projects as the month progresses!

To learn more about Brooke and to see more of her inspiring work, you can stop by her blog and also find her on Instagram @welobellie. 

**Make sure and leave a comment at the end of this post and we will be picking one lucky winner to receive one of Brooke's favorite scrapbooking supplies! Good luck!