Tell me about yourself. I am a blogger, designer, and memory keeper living in the Boston area with my boyfriend, Ray. When I’m not in front of my computer or happily working away in my tiny studio, you can find me enjoying the neighborhood I love and dreaming of my next project.
I believe in cultivating a happy life and, for me, that means creating something every day and giving thanks for all the little things that make life so wonderful.
What is one weird or interesting fact about you? Sometimes I forget how old I am.
What do you do to express your creativity? So many things. I love graphic design, paper crafts, photography, memory keeping, and blogging.
How did you get started doing this? I’ve always been drawn to the arts. My paper obsession started while I was a child and as a teen, I was always in the darkroom.
What do you love most about what you do to be creative? A couple of years ago, I started my first Project Life album and I’ve been hooked ever since because I get to combine so many things I love in one project. I’ve also really come to appreciate the act of documenting the everyday. It’s become such a wonderful gratitude exercise and I think it helps ground me.
I feel the same way about Instagram. There was a period of time when I stopped shooting photos and about 5 months ago, I challenged myself to post at least one photo a day on Instagram for the #100happydays challenge. This daily ritual become a habit and now I continually find new things to be grateful for, often posting 3 times a day now.
Who or what inspires you? I am constantly amazed by other artists, crafters, and makers. Instagram is always inspiring and I find new people to follow everyday. I also love Pinterest for organizing my images. When I’m feeling low on inspiration, I’ll often scroll through the different boards I’ve created in order to give my creativity a jump start.
How do you stay inspired? What do you do when you feel stuck or uninspired? Stepping away from one project to work on something else always helps when I’m feeling stuck. Cleaning and exercise are also really helpful, although I avoid going those routes whenever possible 🙂
Why do you do what you do? What motivates you to be creative? I just become so unhappy when I’m not being creative. I think making things is good for the soul.
Describe your creative style. A crafty blend of pretty paper and pixels.
Name your top five favorite tools or products.
- Photoshop, the love of my life.
- Also, my camera,
- printer,
- Cameo,
- and glue stick.
Are you an early bird or a night owl? When are you most productive? I am most productive on my computer at night and I tend to be more crafty during the day. I used to be quite the night owl, but I’ve come to love mornings. Breakfast is the one meal Ray and I always eat together and I cherish this small, everyday ritual.
What project(s) are you currently working on? If you’ve visited my site, you may have noticed the Shop section! It will be launching in September and will feature digital designs for download and personalized paper goods made to order. Here’s a little sneak peek…I’m beyond excited!
If you had to be a color in a crayon box, which color would you be? White
If you could possess a super power, which one would you choose? To get things done! Definitely a case of more ideas than time over here.
What is your favorite quote? “Not all those who wander are lost.”
There’s more creativity and inspiration on Pinterest, Instagram, Studio Calico and her website. Be sure to follow Maria to keep being inspired!
