Introduction

Hello,

My name is Tanya Ilnicki, I live in Abbotsford, British Columbia (just 10 minutes from the US border), and have been scrapbooking/papercrafting for 14 years. Previous to scrapbooking, I enjoyed beaded knitting and politely declined the offers to join the papercrafting world as I did not have enough time to do both. That changed when my Sister-in-Law asked me to join a party as a last minute fill in. I now have no time for beaded knitting...

However, I am excited to be able to show you all some of my cards and projects made with your wonderful Graphic 45 papers. I love what I do! I love when new papers arrive and they have that "new paper smell".

I consider my style to be "Vintagey" or "Shabby Chic". I describe my style as Vintage, but around Christmas I always say "Victorian" (I start designing or thinking about projects in July so for 6 months of the year I'm saying "Victorian Christmas Cards"). I also find that when I am creating projects, if I can make things that I can use in my everyday life, then I can create something even more beautiful and detailed rather than if it was just a piece of art. I find also really get caught up in the details. I love the details. I find that is what makes the project/pages!

My cards and projects/pages vary in levels of difficulty as I am an Instructor for a local scrapbook store in Abbotsford, as well as a freelance instructor, teaching at retreats, and to local groups some of which cater to the elderly, and to those who have disabilities.

When looking at your papers I find myself with so many ideas and projects in mind. It is almost a shame that I have to teach monthly classes (don't let my store owner know that) because I have to get the "work" done before I can "play". If chosen for the Graphic 45 design team, I hope to get the opportunity to play a bit more with your wonderful new papers, staples and stamps, and work a bit less. Here's one little idea I haven't had time to work on yet... I like to work in the miniature and I have some rectangular Bazzill chips that almost fit the postage stamps of 'Letters to Santa', I thought to adhere the stamps to the outside, ink whatever the stamps don't cover, create the accordion inside, adhere index prints, attach ribbons to tie closed, and a small accordion book is made! There are other mini books, along with journals that have altered and pop-out pages, as well I want to create other pieces of art such as soldered jewelery and of course scrapbook albums. So many ideas, so much to create, such great paper to work with!

While I have not been on any design teams, I have worked with Crafty Secrets and have had some of my cards published in their stamp catalogue in 2009, and on their blog.

In 2008 I was published in the Canadian Scrapbooker in the SWAK (Sealed with a Kiss) section (pictures and instructions)

So without further typing.... here is a sample of my cards, and projects....