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10 Questions with Donna Downey
It all began on September 15, 2006. When I finally decided that I really wanted to go to CKU-Houston and sat down at my computer to register, all the classes that I wanted to take were full. I wallowed in my sorrow and determined to register sooner for the next year's event. Then I got an email asking for volunteers for teachers' assistants, and I decided to sign up. After several weeks and no word from CK, I had pretty much given up. But then, I finally got an email which notified me that I was selected to be a TA, and I was thrilled. Of course, I still did not know whom I would be working for/with until the day I checked in. I just hoped it would be someone good and inspirational. When I checked in and looked at my assignment, I must say that I was not overly thrilled. Exactly who was Donna Downey? I had seen her name in Simple Scrapbooks and heard of her in some online forums, but I didn't really have any scrapbook "idols" to speak of, and I reminded myself that I was there for the experience and inspiration.  Little did I know how an afternoon with Donna would breathe life and meaning and a refreshing new view on scrapbooking for me! Her spirit, her drive, and her enthusiasm were absolutely infectious. I loved her teaching style, and her passion for creating was evident in all she did. Donna was positive, upbeat, complimentary and just a dynamic ball of energy. And, she was kind; she was genuinely nice! She took time to have photos with the students, looked at their work, gave positive feedback, and shared personal stories. She was one of us, and she did not set herself apart as a "scrapbook goddess" even though she is. Her ability to give the students a new view of creating was phenomenal. For me, she was an icon who validated my own commitment and passion for this art of scrapbooking. So naturally, Donna was the one I turned to for this assignment.
Donna's answers to the questions that I asked reflect her unique style. When you have a chance go read her blog, you'll find even more interesting bits about this phenomenal artist. - How did you get started with scrapbooking?
I was a 5th grade teacher and about to leave the profession to become a stay-at-home mom. I had always loved paper and taking pictures, and the two just seemed to be a natural fit for me!
I went to Michael's and bought Stacy Julian's first book "Simple Scrapbooking" and fell in love. I then found message boards and online communities, began a very small scrapbooking-for-others business and started submitting. The rest is all an amazing dream!
- Do you ever feel less than enthusiastic about creating, and if so, what do you do to get your mojo going again?
Never about creating, but sometimes I feel less than inspired if I have to make something to fit a specific criteria. When I lose my mojo I try to walk away and be creative with something else. I also keep a journal of all my ideas and that is a great way for me to jump-start my creative juices.
- What is your most memorable moment in scrapbooking?
The moment that I saw my books in print for the first time! I spent five minutes just smelling them...LOL!!
- What advice would you give to someone who is just starting in scrapbooking.
Enjoy every moment of it, from the shopping to the finished product. If it is not fun do not do it!
- When I was your TA at CKU-Houston, you were so vibrant and full of energy! Your passion for scrapbooking was so evident. What do you do to keep your high level of enthusiasm?
Wow thanks!! I love people, and even more I love people that love the same things I love about this hobby. People energize me and that level of sharing is all the enthusiasm I need.
- When is your favorite time to scrap?
When inspiration hits... however this is usually at the MOST inconvenient of times like between 4-7 pm. I scrapbook best when I can complete my work in small sections throughout the day as I make creative decisions. But it is the BEST when I can scrapbook a project in one complete sitting!
- Tell me about a person or event that has influenced you most in the industry.
Stacy Julian and Cathy Zielske have been the two biggest influences on me both creatively and personally. They both give me insight into who I am and who I want to be without ever really trying. They are amazing inspirations to me.
- You are all over the place with so many things going on. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In 10 years?
I have no idea! LOL!! I am lucky if I know where I am going to be next month.
- What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
Sit in my pj's with my family and watch 80's movies all day.
- Share with us anything else that we need to know.
Wow if this isn't a loaded question! LOL! Let's see, I think I ask myself everyday what is it that I am. A scrapbooker? Paper crafter? Mixed media artist? Painter? Knitter? But I recently decided that I want to create my own description of who I am creatively, and I decided that I am a "craft media artist." What does that mean? Anything I want it to, I guess; but I love the fact that it does not limit my potential for play! As one can tell, Donna has a lot of things going on. Here are some places that you can find this "craft media artist." October 12-14. THE CROP ROOM
1250 Bethlehem Pike
Hatfield, PA 19440
215.822.9195 October 19-21. FOR KEEPS SAKE SCRAPBOOK
St. Louis, MO
314.487.8131 November 8-15. THE SCRAPBOOK SHOPPE
Scrapbook cruise
Tampa, FL
813. 839-6701 December 7-9. GREEN TANGERINES
The Blue Oaks Marketplace
6831 Lonetree Boulevard
Rocklin, CA INSPIRED. Artist Workshop, April 10-12, 2008, Concord, NC. This new spin on creativity is in keeping with Donna's new craft media artist philosophy. Registration opens September 15, 2007. ART JOURNAL 101. A 13-page downloadable class with over 60 full color hand shots, available for purchase at www.donnadowney.com. Looking for some fun new fonts? Try the donna downey handwritten fonts. Donna's fall release camera bags go on sale October 1, 2007, just in time for the gift-giving season! Get additional information about classes, products and more at www.donnadowney.com and be sure to check out Donna's blog at donnadowney.typepad.com.
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