Valerie Salmon

There's no denying that I am a creative and crafty girl down to my bones. I love all types of crafting and am always up for any DIY project! My wheels are constantly spinning with ideas -- and although there is never enough time to bring them all to life, I sure try.

I've been crazy about drawing since I was old enough to hold a pencil. Art and sewing were always my favorite subjects in school and they continue to be a huge part of my life.

I am a former athletic footwear designer turned stay-at-home mom, doing freelance design work in the paper-crafting industry. Two kids later, I am still keeping busy with my creative obsessions. My studio is always a-buzz with crafty messes. I can't wait to share more with you. I hope to inspire you to create some beautiful things!

THE PAPER-CRAFTER
I was instantly hooked to scrapbooking in 2000 when I became a new mom and the rest is history. Since my first published layout in 2002, I have had hundreds of my work featured in the most popular scrapbook and card magazines and idea books -- some of them on the covers. I have been involved with various manufacturer design teams; with work ranging from product packaging artwork, to tradeshow exhibits, catalogs, class projects, publications, as well as highlight features in the QVC & HSN television networks.

Currently, I am a designer for Fiskars Inc. and a sketch artist for Pink Paislee.

Working with Fiskars has enabled me to have my work featured in nationwide chain stores such as Michael's, Jo-Ann's, Hobby Lobby, and AC Moore. I design store projects used for their various ads, aisle headers, in-store demos, and paper-crafting classes.

Other notable achievements include being a creative team member for Better Homes & Gardens "Scrapbooks etc." magazine from 2008-2012, winner of the '07 Paper Crafts Gallery Idol, '06 Memory Makers Master, '05 PaperKuts Power Team member.

THE SEWING JUNKIE
Sewing is my first love.
Would you believe that I started sewing as a young girl, making clothes for my Barbie dolls? Our family owned a tailoring shop and I remember being fascinated as I watched the tailors and seamstresses. I was immediately intrigued and my sewing journey began.

In addition to what I learned from the tailoring shop, I continued to learn more by taking every sewing class offered throughout middle & high school. By the time I was in my early teens, I was sewing clothes for myself and other people, including prom dresses for classmates. At that time, my dream was to become a fashion designer because I loved to design and sew my own clothes. But with a slight career path change, I was privileged to become a footwear designer instead, a profession I enjoyed for several years. To this day, I am still wild about shoes! What girl isn't?
I continue to master sewing and it is still a passion for me. I even dabbled in making beauty pageant formal gowns!

These days, as a busy mom with a full freelance design schedule, my quicker sewing projects range from household-related items to anything made with pretty fabric. I am a sucker for pretty fabric. A trip to the fabric store to me is like "being a kid in a candy store."

Currently, I am sharing my passion for sewing by teaching children and teens to develop the skill. I am excited to offer the Kids Can Sew® & Fashion Design program in my home studio. Stop by the website at A Sewing Studio for more details.

THE INSTRUCTOR
I love to teach and meet new people! I have been fortunate enough to be able to travel and teach paper-crafting classes to groups as large as 100 students in one session. It's a joy to share ideas, tips, and techniques with fellow crafters.
I also design, teach, and organize my own online sketch-based scrapbook classes, which have become a favorite among sketch fans.

THE SKETCH ARTIST
In 2007, I started the blog Got Sketch?, a popular go-to inspiration source for scrapbookers and card-makers. The site posts my digitally-designed sketches that many crafters subscribe to. I have a wonderful team of artists who help bring my sketches to life with their project interpretations.. In addition, I offer a variety of sketch-based online Got Sketch? classes.

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I am a Northern Calfiornia girl, now enjoying life in the midwest with my husband and two children. My other interests include photography, reading, baking, home decorating, crocheting, and just plain hanging out with my family.

Thanks for stopping by!