It's been a little over a month since Martha and I had the chance to sit down with Elsie Flannigan, scrapbooker/artist, and the designer of the Love, Elsie line by KI Memories. When I approached her on doing an interview, she was completely accepting and polite. Sitting with her, hearing about her thoughts on her creative process, her art and her life, was such an enlightening experience.
In speaking with Elsie, we got a small peek into the creative mind of such an inspiring artist. Her new line of products were revealed at the Winter CHA expo, and we were not disappointed. The Claire, Cody, Daisy, and Forrest kits were adorable.
We asked Elsie what she was most excited about and she said her New Recipe Idea Book (which will be out in May)...it is something she is truly proud of...
...And her new Hobby Lobby lines, Emma and Josie, were announced recently on her blog, A Beautiful Mess.
When asked what people would be surprised to know about Elsie, she said that "I usually work late at night, sometimes until six in the morning," and that she felt it was more peaceful, without distractions. She also stated that she gets her inspiration from many different places, from books, from movies, and even her Flickr photo account.
She is inspired by everything around her...art, her boyfriend's music, the DVD Sigur Ros, the film Amelie, and especially hardworking, ambitious, and creative people. Surrounding herself with artistic people makes her more creative she says. She also spoke about her parents influence on her work, saying, "My parents have always been really supportive with everything I've done," mentioning her past interests in comic books and fashion. She spoke gently of doing art with her mother, and it was obvious that she finds that time very special.
On her style itself, Elsie says," I like to keep the basics and add fresh new pieces." She says she is excited about constantly evolving and having fun with her work. Elsie admires other designers as well. We asked her what her favorite of the winter CHA and she said "BAM POP!, it's different but fresh, and is an artistic compliment to my lines."
Whatever your style, Elsie Flannigan is definitely an artist anyone can relate to. Her fresh outlook on scrapbooking and her artistic approach is truly inspiring.
Thank you Elsie for such a lovely experience and for sharing with us.
You can find her new Hobby Lobby line here and her new CHA lines at your local scrapbook stores or online boutiques.
When I first stepped into the world of crafty blogging, I discovered Elsie Flannigan's blog. I had no clue that scrapbooking could look that cool. I mean, I had always loved scrapbooking, but never felt that I could stray too far out of the box. She showed me that it was definitely ok to try.
So here is my finished layout. I decided that my album was going to be a 7x7 book. I used the Love, Elsie Jack + Abby line, which focuses on home. 
