Meet: Melissa!!!

Hello Everyone.. It's finally time to start introducing our new Design Team Members!!! I'll be introducing them one at a time throughout the next few weeks... and first off we have Melissa!! Here is a bio she was kind enough to write up for us!

"Greetings! My name is Melissa Dehne and I am beyond excited that Heather and Michelle chose me to on the design team for Big Scrap Deal! Here is a little bit about me-- I am a still in my 30's teacher turned stay at home mom. I am married to a wonderful man that fully supports my hobby and passion. I have three sweet kids who have gotten used to the camera being attached to my face! About nine years ago I received my first scrapbook supplies as a gift. Although I created a few pages here and there, I got very involved in scrapbooking more recently. About two years ago it really became a passion of mine. I love having the opportunity to have a creative outlet that I love. In my world, creativity= happiness! Who would have known that paper, embellishments, buttons, etc. could bring so much joy!

I have found that my scrapbook room (also known as the kids' toy area) has quickly filled up! There are so many great deals to be had, especially at Big Scrap Deal, so it is easy to do. I have found that my scrapbook style kind of evolves depending upon what I am interested in at that moment. I have a weakness for patterned paper and have been hoarding it for too long! I love using different patterns on a page along with fun embellishments. I really adore most of the companies that make scrapbook supplies and I am loving the newer companies that I have been seeing as well. Some of my favorite lately have been Echo Park, My Mind's Eye, Crate Paper, Nikki Sivils Scrapbooker and My Little Shoebox. I have been really loving my border punches lately as well as the use of my Silhouette. Adding dimension to my layouts is something else that I have been playing around with.

While my scrap space isn't beautiful, it is definitely useful for me. I love having a pegboard that hangs right in front of me. I keep all of my adhesives and tools that I use often in the buckets/baskets that I have hanging from it. I am forever on the lookout for the perfect paper and embellishment storage. In the meantime, I have come up with a few things that work for for now but I am still developing that "organized crafter" gene! I think that I am the messiest crafter on the planet! I get so involved in the creative process that I don't take the time to put things away!

I can't wait to get crafty for Big Scrap Deal! Thanks for stopping by!

~Melissa"

And now I'd really like to showcase the work that she sent in!

first off are the five already done layouts (2 above and 3 below) that she felt best showcased her work:





and here are the 2 projects she created just for the submission!

A brand new layout using three colors and a handmade embellishment:





And her is her altered item, check out what this beauty started as!!!




You can view Melissa's personal blog here.

I'm excited to get to work next to Melissa and I know Heather and Michelle are excited to have her help! Thanks for joining us Melissa!! -DeeDee