Life on a day to day basis is full of laughter, anger, charm, magic, tears, loss, success, defeats, obstacles, play, love, and so much more, and how fantastic would it be to be able to capture it all to look back on and cherish! That's what Crafty Lady Maria Mutthoni is all about. Scrapbooking is an obvious passion of Maria's and it shows ever so vibrantly and lovingly throughout all of her pieces. Graceful swirls, colorful embellishments, eclectic fonts and textured papers often stitched delicately with thread, makes her pieces true keepsakes that you will not want to tuck away in some corner, but rather display it for all to see. Not only does she embellish her daily life with her beautiful creations, but she also does custom pieces for outside clients as well.Her pieces are true pieces of memorable art and Maria takes a few moments to chat with us about scrapbooking and the inspiration behind her creativity!

ymib: Why is creativity important to you?

Maria: Creativity is important because it allows the creator to fully express themself in a way that is aesthetically pleasing. The act of creating something {especially visually} allows you to share a part of your innermost self with the outside world.

ymib: What are some essential tools that you would recommend that one must have when getting into scrapbooking?

Maria: As a beginner, one should obtain a paper cutter, scissors, adhesive {wet and dry}, cardstock, and patterned paper. I suggest you start small. There is no need to get overwhelmed with the hobby before you really begin. Start with one theme, or one roll of film to get started. Choose papers that match your photos or the theme itself.

Maria: My favorite scrapbooking magazines are Creating Keepsakes, Simple Scrapbooks, and BHG Scrapbooks Etc. Creating Keepsakes and BHG have more creative ideas, while Simple Scrapbooks shows how pages can still be graphically appealing while maintaining a simple theme. {I'm also pretty biased because I have been published in all three.} I have also had the opportunity to attend the Creating Keepsakes University Albums which allows you to learn from some of the industry's best teachers. CKU-A is a great place to learn for the beginner, or the intermediate and advanced scrapbookers.

ymib: How would you describe the character/decor of your studio/design space?

Maria: Living in a New York apartment, I don't have as much space as I would like to for a full studio. I have set up a quaint little section in my bedroom for my creative needs.

While I tend to scrapbook with a lot of neutral colors, my creation spot is full of vibrant colors. The key to having a small space is organization. Everything has its place, and if I don't keep it clean, I tend to get creator's block.

ymib: What has been your favorite scrapbooking project/composition thus far?

Maria: I recently created a page about my father discussing how he was the first man in my life...that if any other man should break my heart, he has already mended it. I like the mixture of the browns, greens, and creams with the boldness of the red.

ymib: What is your favorite craft product thus far and what have you enjoyed making with it the most?

Maria: I tend to use a lot of machine sewing in my pages. I have yet to use my sewing machine for its inteded purpose, but I love the creations I can make with paper.

ymib: What are the usual materials and mediums that you tend to use within your pieces?

Maria: Again, I use a lot of sewing {hand and machine}. I have a massive stash of buttons, so I usually include some of that. I've been exploring more with stamping also. Most of my pages do not incorporate a lot of loud brash colors, unless the subject is my daughter, and then I tend to use pink.

ymib: Most unique gift that you have given to someone?

Maria: My mother recently said she would like to start recording some of the funnier things my daughter says, so I created a "Nani Journal" for her. I altered a regular composition book with patterned paper and gaffer tape. I added pictures, buttons and rub ons to the cover. She loved it!