Anatomy of a Motorcycle Mama

I was honored as Designer Spot Light on the Gecko Galz newsletter this month.
Here was my favorite piece for this spotlight: To make this collage I was inspired by the "Miss Louise" image from the June Gecko Galz sheet with Miss Louise and two sharp shooters. I layered her on a leather frame and added the copper sticker grommets and the metal gear halo. She was layered on a city map with the "Anatomy of a motorcycle" free image, a transparency that says "Life is a daring adventure" and  watercolored chip board license plates. The motorcycle image was painted and brads were used to spell "MAMA". Additional accents include metal gears and clocks in the corners, stitched leather  trim and Stickles. All this was layered on a piece of brown paper that looked like wood.

"Anatomy of a Motorcycle Mama"

Here are the questions they asked me, if you read them you will learn a little bit more about me and my art.

How long have you been paper crafting?

Since I could hold a pair of scissors..LOL. Our family is a creative one and often  we had to move the art projects off the kitchen table, so we could eat dinner. In regards to true paper arts, I would say  I have been creating probably about 10 years or more .

   

What is your favorite kind of projects to do?

I love making cards and ATCs (artist trading cards). I like these formats since I can then share my art. I get pleasure in sending my little beauties into the world for others to enjoy. For me, it's the exploration during the  process of creating as much as, the finished art it'self.

In the industry who do you most admire and why?

OK, I must admit I am in totally love with Tim Holtz. I have been following him for many years. Also  Ranger Industries is in New Jersey, where I am originally from so, he's been on my radar forever.

  

What brands (besides Gecko Galz) do you enjoy working with? 

Retro Cafe Art is one of my favorites for the variety of mixed media items that it offers. They have Chip board items, 3 D items, German scrap, jewelry pieces and so much more. Kristin  Hubrick the owner has really has an amazing selection. I happen to be on their Design Team so,  I am lucky because they have everything I could ever want to create with.

My other favorite brand is  anything from Ranger Industries including  their stamping inks, alcohol inks, Stickles , embossing powders etc...I could go on and on. They really make  great products.

  

What is the one thing in your crafting tote that you cannot live without? 

That's a hard question, but I would say my  numerous bottles of Stickles. I do so adore glitter , shine and sparkle. It is the finishing accent that tells me my project is done. After that, it would be a black sharpie marker to outline my fussy cut images and my watercolor paints to add, change or correct colors on everything.

Where have you been published? 

I have been honored to be published in Take Ten and Stamplers Sampler, both Stampington magazines.

What is the best thing about being on the Gecko Galz Design team?

I would have to say the friendship and support of my art. The Gecko Galz team members are really there for you and always offer  words of encouragement and praise. I am thankful for their friendship.

What is your favorite scrapbook shop and where is it located? 

I do go to Michaels a lot...they are  a large art and craft chain  store located in Bluffton , South Carolina. They have great coupons and sales too.

But my favorite haunts are thrift shops, around here they always have craft supplies. It's the  hunt for bargains and unusual items that excites me.

Truthfully, if you saw the size of my art stash, I really shouldn't be buying anything more!

How would you describe your crafting style?

Sparkly Vintage inspired Story telling

If you could have a job in the crafting world what would it be and why?

I would like to teach and travel to art conferences around the country. I love  travel, meeting different people and funny... I do like figuring out the logistics of getting it all done. To be able to help  people to explore their creative side is a very important aspect of life that  I believe sometimes gets lost in our day to day living.  We are all creative individuals and sometimes someone just has to encourage us to try.

  

Share your blog site:  

http://gerriherbst.blogspot.com

It's called "it's all treasure"  cause "Everything and anything we create, is all treasure".

Any last words for our friends and followers? 

You go Gecko Galz !

Keep on creating!