I sat down with another of our new Designers, Karen Chrisman, and really enjoyed getting to know her a little better!

Toiny: Introduce yourself, name, (general) where you live, who is in your family including pets?

Karen: I‘m Karen Chrisman. My husband and I live in the Kansas City, MO area. We have been here for 15 years, which is the longest we have ever lived in one place. We have 5 grown children and 6 grandchildren. We feel very blessed that they all live in the area. Holidays and family get togethers are always a little bit crazy and loads of fun as eating and playing games together are usually the highlights.

Toiny: What got you into scrapbook design?

Karen: Two years ago I took several online classes in pattern design. I’ve always loved wallpaper, fabric, and anything with a pattern. This past spring as I began brainstorming ways I could put into practice the things that I had learned, I had a light bulb moment. What about creating scrapbook kits! I have been a digital scrapper for almost 14 years and the pattern papers have always been my favorite part of any kit. So now when designing, creating the pattern papers is my first and favorite part of the process.

Toiny: How did you discover the Studio?

Karen: On a search to learn more about the process of becoming a designer, I began contacting shop owners with questions. After reaching out to Toiny, she told me about the upcoming Next Designer 2020 Contest. I was excited to learn all about it, but especially about the possibility of having an experienced designer as a mentor. Though I was really nervous, I jumped in! The contest ended up being a wonderful experience and the mentorship part was just what I had hoped it would be. I highly recommend it to anyone who would like to try their hand at designing but may not know much about the process or how to go about getting started.

Toiny: What is your favorite hobby outside of scrapbooking?

Karen: I’ve loved photography ever since taking a class in high school. This was in the pre-digital days. We used black and white film and developed our own prints in the school’s darkroom. I think I’ll always remember the odd smell of the chemicals and the excitement of seeing the images slowly begin to appear.

Toiny: Name your favorite movie or book, bonus if they are the same!

Karen: In the past, I’ve really enjoyed reading books by Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell. I have to confess that I don’t read as I used too. But, I do love the movies that have come from those books and have rewatched them often. I also really enjoy older movies. I think a favorite has to be Roman Holiday staring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.

Toiny: What is one thing that has taken on a new twist since COVID 19?

Karen: For several years, my husband and I have enjoyed going to our local assisted living facility once a month to sing and read scripture. Since we hadn’t been there since COVID hit, we were really happy when the activity director called with a way for us to be able to meet with the residents again. A canopy was set up for us outside the building, a little ways from the front door. We pointed our PA speakers through the propped open doors, with the residents properly masked and distanced inside. It was such a blessing to be able to see old friends and hopefully encourage them with our music.

Karen has her newest mini kit on sale for only $1.00! If you are a fan of quilting, sewing or even just masks, Makers Gonna Make is the mini kit you’ve been needing:

Karen has her entire store on a Big Grand Opening Sale at 40% Off, including her brandnew, celebratory, Party Animals collection: