Inspired to Scrap with Frank Garcia

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Lizzy Hill for Scrap Friends

Hi Guys! We have a very, very special Guest Interview today with the amazing Frank Garcia. Heard of him? Yes? Then you'll love this glimpse into his scrappy world! Haven't heard of him...then you'll see what you've been missing!!! Frank’s blog is called HAUS OF W & you simply must drop by to check out his VERY creative, stunning style. Here’s what he has to say:

How did you originally become involved in scrap booking?

I walked into my local craft store looking for a new hobby to start…found the scrap booking section and fell in love with all the embellishments, bits and pieces, and papers. Since then my love for scrap booking has grown to what it is today.

Tell us a little about what you're up to in the scrappy world at the moment?

At the moment I’m working with Prima as a Prima Educator. I go to different scrap booking stores and teach classes. I really enjoy doing that. I am also in charge of PaperHaus Magazine, a magazine that I founded with over 40 designers who collaborated with me to put this amazing publication together. And of course, I make time to create...between the inevitable side projects that seem to crop up!

Which are your faves: layouts, cards or off the page projects?

I don't have a favourite because I love them all! I suppose I just find time for everything and it depends on the mood of the moment. I’ve currently found myself making a lot of off the page projects, as the products I’ve been using seem to lend themselves perfectly to creating altered projects.

I have to say, however, that I’m enjoying embracing my particularly distinctive style of creating dimension in my layouts. Layouts are where my passion started and I have developed it more and more. I see them more as pieces of my life than anything else.

Where do you find inspiration for your creativity?

My biggest inspiration is the love of my life. He inspires me to create wonderful pieces. When I first started scrap booking, I decided I wanted to document everyday "moments" above all else. Special moments happen in my life constantly and documenting those moments is just so much fun. I have to admit, however, that sometimes when I’m driving to work in the early morning, I "zone out" and think of new and creative ideas…it just seems to happen that way!

If you get 'stuck' - or a LO just won't come together - it's not going right - what do you do?

This happens to me a lot. Whenever I get stuck, I go back to my old projects and look through them. I find that looking at my older projects inspires me heaps, and it helps in the process. I am not one to leave and come back. I feel it breaks the inspiration moment. I simply pause, and look at my other layouts, and keep going. I feel you’ve got to push through that barrier…

What are your 'go to' products right now; your current faves?

I love Prima's new releases. My favourite collections have to be ‘Divine’, designed by my good friend Jodie Lee, as well as the amazing ‘Engraver Collection’ - both amazing. I’m also excited about the new flowers Prima are releasing - they are all so amazing.

If you had to choose 3 highlights of your scrappy career, what would they be?

• Becoming an Endorsed Educator for Prima
• Founding my own Scrap booking Magazine [PaperHaus]
• Having the ability to share what I know about scrap booking with others:)

You can choose only ONE scrappy project that is a favourite. Why did you choose it?

This one is hard because I love all my projects!

If I had to choose, however, it would be the layout I made with Engraver. This has been one of the most dimensional layouts I have made. The layout is composed of a "suspended" image that is held by pieces of twine on the layout. Even though it might be hard to see, the layout is highly dimensional. The papers are stacked in a particular way that makes the whole layout come together very well.

Choose ONE other project that you think reflects your scrappy style right now...what does it say to about you as a scrapper? 

Right now I am big on twine. I am using a lot of jute twine. I made a layout with Divine, using a lot of pennants and banners. I simply adore this layout because of the dimension. I simply like to go bigger and bigger. The boundaries of a 12x12 piece of paper are no boundaries for me.

Some final thoughts you’d like to share to inspire us in our scrapping journey?

Scrap booking is an interpretation of your life. It should reflect your life – your past, your present and your future. Cherish your moments; savour them. Love the simple pleasures and document them. Live for the day and live as if it is your last.

I truly consider scra pbooking to be a part of my life, and everyone should too. It's not about being the best; it's about having your own personal distinct style, embracing it, and sharing it with the world.

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Wise words, indeed – like Frank, I think it’s really important that scrapping represents who we are & the life we live – it’s an expression of creativity as well as the story of our lives…..so, with those words resounding, go forth & scrap!!! Hope this helps to inspire you on your very own scrappy journey,

Cheers, Lizzy.

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