Spotlight on Pia Overgaard

Today's Wonder is another "International" - like Hamlet, she's from Denmark, but you'll find nothing rotten in the state of her creations! (Okay, I'm going to make a real effort to stay away from all things Hamlet and Shakespeare, but you know me, my lack of self-control, my utter inability to resist puns... well, it's really just hopeless, isn't it?)

But back to the Wonder at hand. Her name is Pia Overgaard, and, man, is she goooooood!

Rarely have I had so much trouble picking my favorites from one artist's cards. (Go ahead, YOU try picking a handful of favorites - I dare ya!) It's like being a greedy child in a candy store - the minute you pick up the licorice, you see the All Day Suckers, which are discarded for some unholy chocolate confection, which is then abandoned in favor of a bonbon with so much sugar it comes with a coupon to visit the dentist. And, in the end, you're clutching the nearest counter, digging in your heels and bawling as your mother drags you out of the store because, No, You may not have them ALL, young lady!

I have resigned myself to a paltry few of "Pia's Perfections" (as I've affectionately dubbed them), but I'm doing so under protest! (There are no counters to hang on to in Cyberspace, so I know when I'm licked.)

Pia's style isn't something that slides easily into any box, but I've noticed a few "tells." For one thing, this woman loves curves - she favors circles and scallops and rounds (oh, my)! She also enjoys employing butterflies (which is good because the slacking-off in the butterfly community is simply shocking). And she's very fond of shading edges with ink (which I love because it adds so much depth).

  This beauty actually turns to reveal other animals in the circle. Is that clever or what?

Pia is a major contributor to the Hero Arts weekly Blog Challenges, and she's won more than a few of them: Little Things (2nd place); Heartfelt (3rd place); Make-It-In-Minutes (Fresh Face); Pockets (HM); Mini (HM); and Threes Please (HM). Although Pia's not been published in any magazines, I suspect this is because she hasn't submitted anything, because her cards are fabulous. (As I'm sure you've noticed - or will notice by the time you finish reading this interview.)

And did you know that Pia has an online shop? Oh, yes! Kreative Fornemellser! If you live in Denmark or around northern Europe, I'll bet she's a good source. Heck, she might be a good source for anybody located on that side of the pond. (I'm not sure of her mailing practices, but I'm sure it's on her shop site.)

(I'd just like to point out at this time that I have not made any additional Hamlet or Shakespeare references. Clearly, I am maturing....)

But enough of my blathering! Lift your Diet-Cokes to Pia Overgaard, the Main Dane of Her Stamping Domain! (Yes, I had to go there.)

PIA'S WONDER-FUL INTERVIEW

1. Do you pre-sketch a design or do you just leap out of the gate? How long does it usually take you to make a page? A card?

I never pre-sketch a design. I really wish I could do that. I just jump right into it. Sometimes I get an idea during the day which I want to try out later, or I flip through a magazine to get inspiration. At other times I just sit and stare at my supplies and stamps and nothing happens. A card can take half an hour to... several hours! A page really takes me forever, (more than 2 hours usually) as this is quite new to me. Maybe I should try that pre-sketching thing? 

Every time I try to use a sketch, I change it up so much it doesn't even look like they're remotely related to one another by the end. AND I still spend hours staring at it. So sketching, alas, isn't the magic kick in the creative pants I wish it was! 

2. How many, on average, pages per week do you make? Cards?

I used to make 4-5 cards a week or even more. Currently I am just too busy – so I would say 2-3 cards a week if I am lucky - and trying to practice scrapbooking in between.

3. How has your process evolved to make you a leaner, meaner crafting machine? (In other words, what are some lessons you've learned or tips you can share that allow you to make better and faster design choices?

I am definitely still learning. I have been stamping since October last year so I am not sure if I can share some tips. When I look back at my early creations – I can see that my stamping skills have slowly evolved – this is definitely because of the Hero Arts Flickr group – this community has helped me in so many ways. I am truly thankful for that. One thing that I have also learned over time is that I need to clean up my scrap area before starting on a new card / project. This is like a “reboot” for me.

Just a year as a stamper?! *THUD*

Kudos to the Hero Arts people - I think we can all say that place has increased our skill and design level immeasurably.

4. What's your stand-by, FAST dinner solution for those times when you really want to get to your scrap space ASAP (or stay ALAP)?

I would say “My husband” – he is the best. He knows I love this hobby so he quite often agrees to make dinner if I ask him nicely. Otherwise the local pizza delivery place is always an option.

5. If you were stranded on an island that had a billion supplies but NO tools, what ten TOOLS would you HAVE to have? (All the stamps in the world are available, so you don't need to list them as one of your tools. EX: we've got all the embroidery floss in the world, but you're going to have to bring your own needle if you want to use any of it!)

Cuttlebug (including Spellbinders Nesties ;-) )
Embossing folders
Bonefolder
Craft knife
Scissors
Heatgun
Papertrimmer
Corner rounder
Craft mat
Prima colored pencils (are they tools ?) 

Nope, but I'm thinking I may need to revamp this question or add a question re: one's favorite supplies, because I get a lot of non-tool items on this one. ;~)

6. If you were still on that island, what kind of noise would you want (if any) in the background? List as many as five different favorite musical artists.

I probably would be satisfied with listening to the waves but would also appreciate George Michael; James Blunt; Jose Carreras; and the soundtracks from Savannah and Out of Africa.

7. If you could have anything you wanted, (concerning scrapping or stamping) what would it be?

A very large crafting studio with lots of light (huge windows) and white furnishing /décor filled with lots of wonderful supplies and tools. (Nothing unusual there!)

8. What about your style/artistry are you least satisfied with?

I just hate it when I don’t know when to stop… I think sometimes I try too hard and then the result is definitely not what was in my head! I think I should learn to redo the card when that happens… which I am currently not really doing. I am a bit insecure on my style. I really would love to have a signature style....

Now that's something that rarely gets mentioned - knowing when to stop. And I totally agree that it's a hard call sometimes. Of course, they don't make it easy when they insist on manufacturing all those cool embellishments and paper and stuff.

9. What cameras have you tried, which one is your favorite, and why? (You can shorten this to just the one you're using now if you like.)

I am currently using a Canon EOS 450D, but I am considering buying another one with a macro function.

10. What's the word or phrase that comes to your lips when you mess up while creating? ("Unprintable" is definitely an option!)

Pis! (Danish for which I think corresponds to "sh*t")

LOL - it sounds like our slang term for the other kind of elimination!

❧

Now go visit Pia's blog to see more or her beautiful creations. Or check our her photostream on Flickr.

Comments

[Tomo H.]

Thank you Deborah for the wonderful interview!
Really glad to know Pia's works I didn't notice them. I love Pia's pure and cute designs.
Thanks so much, Pia! Thanks, Deborah! Loved to read the interview. :)

[Jenn Biederman]

Love Pia's work!! Such a great interview...thanks, Deborah, for showing us a bit more of this wonderful artist!! :)

[Anne Gaal]

Hi, Deborah! Hi, Pia! Terrific interview. I love your Wednesday Wonders series, Deborah! And I'm so glad you included Pia's card with the little owls peeking out of the bags! Love all the projects you showed for Pia! :-)

[Vanessa Menhorn]

Great interview again! Love Pia`s creations!

Hugs,
Vanessa

[Anette H]

Love this Pia- interview! I love in Norway, so I can just confirm that she is, indeed, a good source! (I'm expecting a shipment as we speak) I am a huge fan of her work, and I love to see her highlighted like this! Thanks!
Anette :o)

[Paula]

What a wonderful interview with Pia :D. I love coming here every Wednesday just to see who is on your wonderful Wednesday wonder.

[Kelly Booth]

Always Love Pia's Creations!....It was great knowing some new things about her....Congrats Pia and thank you Deborah for another wonderful interview!

[Lin]

Great choice this week, Deborah! I love every Pia creation, and it's amazing to me that she has only been stamping such a short time! I guess that's called natural talent, as opposed to the rest of us who have to learn and practice.

[donna mikasa]

I've been a big fan of Pia's work and she's such a sweetie, too! And she loves Bo Bunny dotted paper as much as I do! No, make that more than I do...she has more colors! Great interview, Deborah and Pia!

[Virginia L.]

Love Pia's sweet and elegant style! She is so versatile in all kinds of cards! Thanks for this Pleasant, Insightful and Amusing(short for PIA) interview!