It’s time for another post in our 2017 Canvas Corp Crew Interviews. We are extremely privileged to be able to work with a group of over a 100 of amazing designers from around the world. They have all come together to create, share ideas, support each other, let us know what we can do better and remind us of what we are doing well. Our Crew members contribute projects to our blog, design with our products on their blogs, create models for our trade shows, packaging and other fun little projects. We love to hear what they have to say, to be inspired by their work and to learn new things everyday.
Today, we get to know Linda Israel.
Describe your design style…
I have an eclectic style. It all depends on my mood when I sit down to create. Love a little bit of color in everything, so leaving white space is hard for me. Some days I create cute simple greeting cards, other days I create fun messy collages.
Who or what do you give credit to inspiring your creativity?
Growing up on a small farm and having little access to tools and supplies I learned to be creative because of my mother. She taught me how to use things we already had to make things. I took this to heart and started making my own barbie doll clothes at an early age. Later she took me shopping with the little bit of money I had earned to buy fabric for my prom dress. She has always been supportive of what ever I have created.
What inspires you most today?
So many things inspire me. Fellowship with friends usually kicks things off for me. We will start talking and something will trigger a creative streak in me. Or they will ask questions on how to do something and I’ll then start to show them. My friends are always good at helping me to be inspired. All I have to do is connect with them and usually they will have something they want to know more about. lol
What is your favorite Canvas Corp Brand Product? and why? Just one please!!!!
My favorite product offered by the Canvas Corp Brands is the Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists. When I first saw the mists I wasn’t sure if I wanted to invest in a consumable like these. But now I find this is one of my go to items when I’m creating. It’s so easy to add a bit of color, shimmer and sparkle to a project.
We asked Linda to share with us her favourite project she made using CCB products.
Why is it your favorite?
This is my favorite project due to the fact it made me stretch a little as an artist. It was for the Challenge back in Oct 2016 on the CCB Blog. Using the CCB tissue paper to cover the mask, to make flowers and then the Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists to give everything color, it just all came together beautifully. When people see this mask they fall in love with it instantly. I have had offers to buy the mask, but as of yet, I just can’t seem to let it go. It is on display at an art gallery in Oklahoma City at the moment.
Do you teach and if so tell us a bit about what you teach, where you go and some of your favorite places?
Currently, I teach via YouTube and locally at Paper Arts in Edmond Oklahoma. I’ve been known to travel all the way to Ohio for classes in the past and I’m about to travel to Springdale Arkansas for classes soon. The classes are mainly of two categories: Greeting cards and mixed media. But I have been known to teach a sewing class or two as well. As I’m a quilter and make wedding gowns.
I am the happiest doing…
any art in my studio. I love to turn on some upbeat music and just dive into my art supplies. I have a lot of supplies, just ask Christine Meier, she has seen my studio. So long as I had food and water I could stay in the room for a very long time. My dogs have a palet on the floor and love to share the space with me.
My favorite place to be creative…
See I’m the happiest doing…
Tell us one cool detail about your studio or craft space…
When my friends see my studio they say, It looks like a store! lol I love my space, but it has taken well over 20 years to collect the items I have. My favorite thing, all the stamps I have. One day I may count them, but I’m pretty sure I have several thousand stamps. My husband always says when we walk into a store that sells stamps, she has more than you have on yourself, well except for Viva Las Vegas Stamps. lol
Tell us one thing fun about you we might not know…
I have a flying unicorn tattoo on my leg. Years ago when it wasn’t the thing that everyone did, I was one of those that had one. I’ve had the tattoo for 25 years and back then it just wasn’t something that nice girls did. When people found out that I had it, they were usually shocked. Now people think it is really cool and they said, did you just get it done? I just laugh and say, no, I’ve had it longer than you have been alive youngin.
Share with us anything about your creative life that you feel would inspire others…
When I was in High School the art teacher wasn’t very encouraging. She never really tried to help me improve. I completed an assignment that was then taken to a special show and I won a first place ribbon despite her telling me my art wasn’t good enough. Never let anyone tell you that you aren’t good enough. Keep creating. You can always ask for help on improving, but never let someone tell you that you are not good enough. I’ve been featured on HGTV’s show That’s Clever, in magazines and have my own website. People have been purchasing things I make and come back to buy more. I love what I do and I don’t let anyone say I’m not an artist anymore. I say it with pride. I’m an artist.
You can see Linda’s work on her blog and Instagram as well as… here, on our blog!
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'Linda Israel – Crew Interview' have 2 comments
May 1, 2017 @ 9:06 am Jean marmo
Wow- what a great space. I love reading about the crew!
May 1, 2017 @ 8:13 pm Linda Israel
Thanks so much Jean. I really enjoy being a part of the crew. Thanks for stopping by.