Penny Smith

Hi! I'm Penny...

I have been "stalking" Paper Trunk since their debut at CHA when I found them in the new exhibitors area-and I was blown away by their both and their recycled packaging, and the CUTE designs!! It was love at first site! I was honored to guest design some time back, and have been "bothering" Carrie ever since about a design team call! When I saw it, I jumped on the chance... and the waiting to hear was EXCRUCIATING... OK, that was a bit dramatic (that's me at times!). But I am THRILLED to work for such a FABULOUS company!  But first, I have to mention my scrapbooking inspiration, my family! (We are QUITE the motley crew!)

I started scrapbooking to record the events of my life when it was just me, my pets, career, friends and family... then I got married and had kids, and BOY did I have inspiration!  My fantastic husband and I dated in high school... and then after school, I moved away for my career. We were always best friends! 14 years after we started dating in high school, I moved back to the area I grew up and we were married. I am truly married to my best friend! He is my Romeo, my knight-in-shining-armor, my Edward... :) We laugh every day! (I think that is SUCH a blessing to us!) We have three children.

Gavin is 9, Cora is 7, and Gabriel is 7... And no, I don't have twins. :) Cora was an answer to prayer. When my youngest son was just under two years old, we flew to Ukraine and adopted a two year old Ukrainian princess! Our lives have not been the same! God always has a plan! :) I also have three dogs and an African Grey parrot!

We spend our family time playing together, walking, biking, reading, camping or just playing Wii! I am on the steering team of a mothers ministry, and I try to stay active helping were I can at my children's little private school. I am also like many scrapbookers, that have ventured into photography as a business. A nature transition, it seems!  I have been scrapbooking since Mrs. Grossman stickers were HOT! (:)) I took so many long breaks. While getting back into the hobby, my best friend opened a scrapbooking store! About a year into this venture (I work there part time, and teach monthly), I REALLY dove into the world of scrapbooking! I went to my first CHA and I came back with a book deal and a freelance design contract! Huh?!? LOL! I have since been published regularly, been certified as a Ranger Educator, and been fortunate to design for manufacturers! WHAT a ride! BOY have I met some FANTASTIC people!!! The Trunk Team is no exception! I am SO grateful to Carrie for putting up with me and allowing me this opportunity! What a blessing to be part of this team! (From my Guest Designing way back when! :) )