Who Me?

Little 'ol me?  You picked me?  Holy Canoli Oil, that's the best news ever!!  That's exactly what I was thinking when I got a call on my way home one day.  It was non other than Carrie, the owner or Paper Trunk, inviting me to join the new Paper Trunk Design Team.  I was so ecstatic, and I can't wait to share with you all the projects that I have burning in my brain when I get my little paws on my stash of Paper Trunk goodies!!

So would you like to know more about me, hmmmm, where to start?  Well, my name is Carole, middle name Ann. Growing up I was always teased with "how's Carole Annie's little fanny today, and come to the light Carole Ann"  It drove me nuts about my name until one day my friends started calling me Care Bear. See, my maiden name is Robare, and if you say Carole Robare too fast it kind of sounds a bit like Care Bear. I don't get called that much anymore, except by my sister, but I was always the sweet, shy, introvert growing up and it's kind of stuck with me. There are things though that would surprise you about me ;}


I am now almost 32, my birthday is at the end of June, and I've been married to my high school sweetheart of nearly 12yrs, his name is Jay. He is the most ever supportive and loving husband, and my best friend. We've been together a total of 15 years. At age 19, he decided to join the Navy and we got married. After his boot camp, our first duty station was Goose Creek, South Carolina (not far from Charleston). This is where he did his training and schooling to become the Nuke Electrician's Mate he is now. Then we were off to Everett, Washington for his first sea going command. He was assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln and did two deployments, the later of which was 10 months long and the beginning of the Iraqi War. Not long after he returned we were off to Saratoga Springs, New York for shore duty. He was an instructor at a prototype training facility.  While stationed in New York we had our first and only child, Kiersten Belle, who is now about to turn four this August. Finally we were given orders to come back to Washington and Jay changed from being on an aircraft carrier to being on a Submarine, The USS Maine. Now we are currently living in Washington in a tiny town called Allyn which is not far from Bremerton, WA.

I started scrapbooking roughly four years ago while I was pregnant, after I couldn't think of an excuse quick enough to get out of an invitation to a scrapbooking direct-sales party. Little did I know that it would be the launch pad for what is more than a true passion now, but a hope to be a part of the future of creative embellishments and alterations! I have a background in Fine Arts with a focus in oil painting, and before motherhood did many pieces on commission. The art of paper crafting holds a natural attraction for me, and documenting life in such a creative way is extremely fulfilling! I find joy in bringing an artistic touch to my layouts, and I consider scrapbooking an art form all it's own. I am infatuated with patterned paper, creating depth with layers, and experimenting with textures and various techniques. I would say that my scrapbooking style is somewhat eclectic in that I go back and forth from the shabby chic look to a more whimsical style.

One thing I find really interesting in learning about other designers, is seeing where they create.  Since I don't have any lovely Paper Trunk projects to share with you quite yet, I thought you all might like to see where I create. 

One of the things that always get's me through troubled times is my love for the creative arts.  Every time during my life thus far, during times of stress, I gravitate towards art and creativity.  Scrapbooking is a huge positive force in my life!  I thank you in advance for coming to visit the Paper Trunk blog to enjoy some wonderful inspiration made from the love of the art of scrapbooking.  Take care and may the craft be with you!!