Spotlight on Tiffany Ervin

Today's Wonder isn't just a cardmaker.

Oh, noooooooooooo! Cards are just her warm-up. She does scrapbook pages, too. And then there are the 3-D creations that leave you feeling a little weak in the knees.

She goes by the name of Paper Girl over at Flickr, and I must say she ALMOST got her name right... I'm thinking Paper Magician might be a more accurate moniker.  Like, would you just LOOK at this:

And if building with paper isn't enough, she's got some crazy-mad photo skills, to boot!

(I think I screamed when I saw the picture below. If your baby is sleeping, you might want to shove a sock in your mouth.)

 

Normally, I don't post extra pictures, but how am I supposed to describe stuff like this?!

I don't even know where to begin with this woman's creations.

But before we go any further, I should probably start calling her something other than "this woman." Gentle Readers, allow me the pleasure of introducing Tiffany Ervin!

Tiffany is versatile - I can't see her not being able to adapt to whatever she had to work with. (I suspect I could give her an old paper bag from the Piggly Wiggly and she's turn it into something sensational.) Because she's so versatile, it's hard for me to pin down her style. However, if I had to select recurring habits in her work, I'd have to say that her sense of design is very clean: clean lines, orderly placement. She's also a Diva for Dimension - as in "these ain't your mama's pop-dot attachments." Tiffany likes to get her elements up off the page - no quarter-inch lift here - those beauties jump up and say, "Howdy!"

She regularly employs large-ish, gorgeous, silk flowers that just laugh in the face of all those rather hum-drum Prima paper flowers, and she also likes to mix it up with her card shapes. Tiffany's not satisfied to just lounge around in the standard 4 1/4' x 5 1/2' card world! She's all about pushing the envelope (no pun intended) with new and different shapes, punched out bits, curves instead of angles.    

AND Tiffany is of particular interest to me because she very successfully uses her stamps on her scrapbook pages, and I'm struggling with this. (So if you're looking for some inspiration in that department, Paper Girl's your girl!) 

Tiffany's creations and her abilities have attracted quite a bit of attention. Her efforts have been recognized often in the weekly challenges at the Hero Arts Blog. She's received a Fresh Face award for the Make-It-In-Minutes Challenge; a 2nd in the One Layer Challenge and the Valentine Challenge; an HM for the Window Challenge and the Challenging Color Challenge; the scrapbook page award for the Spring Challenge, the Pocket Challenge, the Thank You Challenge and the Friendship Challenge; and a Bonus Prize for the Birthday Challenge. And if that's not enough, she was also the SEI November Winner, and Dawn McVey selected her scrapbook page for In the Spotlight (Raspberry Suite Challenge kudos).

Boy, that's a lot of links!

Although she didn't say anything about being published in a magazine, I'm thinking this is probably because it would be easier to list the places that haven't published her work. (I don't know that for a fact, but I'd bet a fiver on it without batting an eye!)

Tiffany has been a guest designer for Making Memories, and she's also on the Lizzie Anne design team. (I had never heard of this stamp company before, but now that I've checked it out, I wish I hadn't because I find some of their product strangely compelling....

(I wonder how my family would feel about eating Mac'n'Cheese for a month? Well, SOMETHING has to give around here! I'm telling you, crack addicts don't have a thing on ME....)

But let's dawdle no further! While I re-work my food budget, lift your Diet-Cokes to Tiffany Ervin, Paper Magician!

TIFFANY'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?

No, I normally do not sketch or pre-design. If I already have a concrete idea in mind and all the supplies are readily available, then making a card and layout can be very quick! Quickest for me would be 45 minutes or less. When I have no ideas at all and just start playing, then I could take anywhere from 1 - 2 hours.

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

On average, I try to shell out 4 - 5 cards per week and 1 layout, depending on my schedule. If I have more time, then I can create one card a day.

I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy!

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?

Oh, definitely all the inspiration and tutorials around me that I see and learn from. I read a lot of books and the HA videos are fabulous, too - they give so much insight into the materials that are out there and all the possibilities you can create with them. I definitely still have a lot to learn and need to make the time to view more tutorials! Overall, I have seen an improvement in my cardmaking designs as well as the layout and color choices that go into them!

Yes, Tiffany has gone from fabulous to uber-fabulous!

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)?

LOL! You wouldn't believe this, but my standby food is actually my son's snacks! You know, the little snack bags that are conveniently used to throw into his backpack for school? Some are quite healthy and all I do is throw them in a bowl and - BOOM! - right beside me while I craft! (Easy cleanup, too!) Pretzels are my favorite!

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!)

My super sharp scissors, all of my border punches, (does that count as 1? LOL!) clear blocks, Nestabilities, double-sided adhesive tape, Prisma pencils, colored markers, glitter/diamond Stickles, hole punch, crafting knife.

Wel, I see there is no wand on your list, so your magic must be organic!

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 don't listen to all that much music anymore. I think the most calming noise for me is the ocean waves and the birds flying by in the sky. That would be the best atmosphere to craft in...aaaaaaaaah!

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

Totally my own customized studio with the works!! Still dreaming of that day! ;)

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

I would have to say my coloring skills! I have yet to master Copics, so that is definitely next on my list! Coloring is difficult for me and sometimes I spend way too much time and effort on it when I shouldn't!

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've always had a CANON, have never really tried other cameras. But each time an older model quits on me, I upgrade to the next higher performance model and I love it!!! I currently use a Canon AS1000; it has 10 megapixels, and I love it (always wanting more megapixels)!

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

LOL! I usually say something like, "Well that certainly won't be published!" (I only say that because I've been working on stuff for book publishing.)

Will this be just your stuff or are you part of a group? When does it come out?? How can you leave us in such suspense???

❧

If you would like to see more of Tiffany's work, please visit Paper Girl's Photostream on Flickr or her blog, It's the Stuff I Love.

Comments

[Lucy]

One of my FAVOURITE artists - thanks for the interview Deborah and Tiffany. Tif certainly is the PAPER QUEEN.

[Lysa]

Lovely interview as always- love all of Tiffany's creations!

[cathy a]

Deborah, I have just checked out the stamp site and you are ok some items are 1/2 price in the sale, so Gigi will still be able to eat!! Tiff your scrapbook layout here was as Deborah would say Jaw dropping, I love your style and I too am keen to hear about your book.

[judyjung]

Thank you for the interview with this amazing artist. She also gives of her time to post encouraging comments on the entries at the Hero Arts weekly challenges! Her work is inspirational!

[Kelly Rasmussen]

thanks for another wonderful interview...loved hearing more about tiffany! her paper skills have always amazed me! i'm interested in hearing more about that book too... :)

[vera rhuhay]

Hi....Tiffany's big fans here!
She's Super Talented Artist!! I always love and amazed with every her unique design.
Thanks for the wonderful interview Deborah!

[stampersuzz]

Tiffany is super talented. Thanks for highlighting her!

[Tiffany E.]

Thank you Deborah! You crack me up with some of your words, omg!! Too hilarious!! Still wiping tears off my eyes..

Thank you to the ladies for all your kind comments..so sweet, I forgot I was on for today? Thanks again, too fun!

[Virginia L.]

I absolutely ADORE Tiffany! She is THE paper queen!! I often compare her crafting style with Martha's Stewart's .....well, let's just say Martha has a few things to learn from Tiff! Thanks so much for highlighting this GIFTED artist. She is going to PLACES!!!

[Fika]

I really enjoy reading this interview, thanks Deborah!! and Tiffany.. whoohoo.. i'm a big fan of you.. all of creations are my favorite and i still can't believe that you face some difficulties in coloring? are you kidding? your color always so bright, so warm and cheery and pop out in every picture!! of yeah for me you're a PAPER MASTER! ;)

[kathy racoosin]

Another wonderful Wednesday wonder!!! Deborah I just love your writing syle and Tiff WOW so fun to read about you and your elegant style that so inspires!!

[Paula Laird]

Deborah & Tiffany that was an amazing interview with jaw dropping photos. You two are the best :). Keep up the great work & thanks for the link to Tiffany's blog. Take care xoxoxo

[donna mikasa]

Thank you once again for a stellar interview! Tiffany always knocks my socks off with her paper projects--I dub her the Paper Queen--and she is a genuinely sweet person, too! Talk about a complete package....

[Arlene]

I don't remember seeing the umbrella card at all and it's so fabulous and is making me very very hungry right now for ice cream! Talented woman!

[Kelly Booth]

LOVE Tif...she is Super duper Creative and so VERY nice too!!! Loved learning more about this Wonderful Artist!!Thanks Deborah for featuring Tiffany and congrats Tif for being the WW......

[sarah]

Great interview! I'm wanting that publication she's working on badly now! please keep us up to date, as I'm surely not the only one one the tip of my chair here?

[Jacqueline]

I really enjoy your writing style Deborah and thanks for this wonderful interview with a woman who has personality which shows through in her card making. I have found Tiffany to be a very kind, encouraging person and enjoy her work!!

[Vanessa Menhorn]

This interview was fab again! Love Tiffany`s creations! And Deborah, you are soo funny, you crack me up with your comments :) Thanks for making my day!

Vanessa

[Chris M]

Another super interview with a very talented creator!! Can't wait to find out about the publication!

[Anne Gaal]

Hi, Deborah and Tiffany! Super interview! Lovely elegant cards and such wonderful photos! :-)

[Patty Y.]

Thanks for another great interview, Tiff & Deborah! Tiffany is truly the Paper Queen, all her creations bring oohs and aahs. Deborah, you crack me up with your rhetoric. LOVE Tiffany's work, and she's a big sweetie as well! Thanks for sharing!

[Alice W.]

Thanks for another excellent interview!! Love Tiffany's clean and elegant style. She always presents her work with such great photos, too!

[ivy]

fabulous interview! tiffany rocks & is a great source of inpiration! she NEEDS to be published & get her well deserved recognition! she works so well without all the fancy tools----- she comes up with the most creative way to make something uniquely hers! *applause*

[Tomo H.]

Love Tiffany's creations. She is soooo creative and always makes lovely works! Loved to read this interview to learn more about Tif's wonderful art world! Thanks so much, Deborah!