Fantastic Friends: Teresa Frankenstein

Meet Teresa Frankenstein!  Teresa is a phenomenal demo/show artist and she has been showcasing Craft Fantastic's amazing products for the past year.  Keep your eyes open and you might run into her at a show in your area.  Here's what Teresa has to say about her foray into crafting and finding a job she truly loves:

You know that saying, "I wish I could do what I love for a living" - well after years of being in sales for large corporations (TV Guide Channel and American Red Cross), I'm finally doing what I love for a living.  My family moved from Oklahoma to Vancouver, Washington 5 years ago and crafting has been a great way for me to make new friends.

My passion for scrapbooking and paper-crafting started when I was in 7th grade - over 30 years ago!  I remember my first scrapbook was a gift from my aunt and it was avocado green with all black pages.  I spent hours putting school spirit ribbons, pictures of friends, and my "crushes" on teen pop-stars.  I recently found that album tucked away and shared those memories with my 12 year old daughter.

A year ago this October I met Anne Engelhardt who owns Craft Fantastic.  Like all the other "scrapbookers" roaming the Portland Scrapbook Convention floor, I ran across her "free" make and take and have been hooked ever since.  I love scrapbooking, but scrapbooking is ongoing and never ending,  right?!  When I made a ring and necklace with Craft Fantastic products in under 10 minutes the wheels started turning - instant gratification and endless possibilities!  As the show winded down I asked Anne if she needed help in the upcoming Seattle scrapbooking show and after talking for a few minutes we just clicked and several shows later, here I am.

I love teaching customers, friends and family how simple glass art with Craft Fantastic is to make.  But the thing I like the most is me and my teenage daughter making great glass art together and she is so proud when she sees her teachers sporting their new necklaces she made them :)

Teresa dazzling during a demo at a recent show!

Teresa Frankenstein:  tray, round glass bead and image by Craft Fantastic

Teresa Frankenstein:  square trays, square glass beads and images by Craft Fantastic

Teresa Frankenstein:  retro bracelets and round glass beads by Craft Fantastic

Teresa Frankenstein:  trays, glass beads and images by Craft Fantastic

Thank you, Teresa, for sharing your lovely art with us and being such a talented and exuberant member of the Craft Fantastic Team!  Visit Teresa's blog at Scrappin' Frankenstein for inspirational art and behind the scenes photos of what it's like to be on the road with Craft Fantastic!

Thanks for stopping by!

'Tis near Halloween!

When witches go riding

and black cats are seen,

the moon laughs and whispers

'tis near Halloween!

Here at Craft Fantastic, we're big fans of this colorfully festive celebration.  It brings back happy memories of panhandling door to door dressed as our favorite cartoon character or superhero, or if we were brave enough, perhaps something more on the sinister side.  Mom and dad were always standing by to escort us along our journey and a cool nip in the air might mean that our carefully constructed costume would be obliterated by a bulky warm coat, but we didn't care.  There was candy to be had!  Even though the occasional toothbrush or apple found it's way into our plastic pumpkin head, we were always giddy with our loot at the end of the evening, which always ended with a big shower of candy on the kitchen table as we dumped the contents of the night's haul out for full display.  Who had the biggest pile?  Who acquired the best candy?  Ah, the simple joys of being a child.

Nowadays our treats have changed a bit.  Sure, we still enjoy the gooey deliciousness of a mini Snickers or 2 (or 5), but sometimes we like to mix it up with something of the fat-free variety.  I'm talking about Halloween goodies that put a smile on your lips and provide enjoyment throughout the year.

Take a look at these Halloween projects created by our resident Craft Fantastic Artists, Teresa Frankenstein and Shay Silva.  This incredibly yummy eye-candy is sure to quell your Halloween cravings.

Find the glass beads, trays, images, and Craft Fantastic Glaze and Glue in the Craft Fantastic shop!

Created by Teresa Frankenstein:
  Find the glass beads, trays, images and glue in the Craft Fantastic Shop.

Created by Shay Silva

Created by Shay Silva:
Find the glass bead, image and glue in the Craft Fantastic Shop.

Created by Shay Silva

Created by Shay Silva:
Find the glass beads and glue in the Craft Fantastic Shop.