Gift Bag FILE 8/13

have to do something creative everyday because it's good for my soul
it makes me truly happy.

My husband and I have created Marks Paper Company. I earned my
degree in graphic arts (communication design) many years ago. In 2002,
I began scrapbooking and fell in love with this craft. In 2003, Dan and I
attended CKU Boston together. Yes, he took all the classes and
participated in everything, but leaves the scrapbooking to me.

I have been fortunate to have been published in several magazines. I have
participated in many contests, challenges and message boards. In 2005,
we opened a local brick-and-mortar scrapbooking store. It was a
wonderful experience. I enjoyed connecting with our customers creatively.
I taught many classes and had the opportunity to teach at CKC Valley
Forge. I was hoping for less "running a store" and for more opportunities
to create and be creative. In late 2007, we sold the store to begin
preparations for Marks Paper Company.

I am inspired by so many things. Art is all around us. I see it in almost
everything. I will save a magazine page for a color in it. I love fabrics and
textures. A piece of tapestry, one of my husband's ties, a shopping bag,
or the texture of a rug will spark an idea. I hope that our papers will
inspire you to create something amazing.

Dan and I have been married for 17 years this June. We have two
awesome children who keep us very busy. We always work as a team in
our marriage and in raising our kids. Likewise, we have started Marks
Paper Company together.