Nikki Antonello
Name: Nikki Antonello
Forum Name: Nikki.A
Blog Address: http://scrapbookit.typepad.com/nikkiantonello/
How long have you been scrapping for and why did you start?
I’ve been scrapping seriously for about 4 years….In 2003 our eldest son Noah was born with Down Syndrome and has since been diagnosed with mild Autism Spectrum disorder. When Noah was tiny I remembered seeing the most gorgeous layout of a little boy with Downs too, and the journaling and message brought tears to my eyes. In that moment, I too wanted to document the same emotions about Noah and document our journey. So what began as some really great therapy has become a creative outlet that absolutely makes my heart sing. Over the past 4 years, I’ve journalled many of the highs and lows in Noah’s story and also the stories of our 2 subsequent children Isabelle and Joshua. I want them in years to come to be able to look back at their albums and see all the things I love about them, what makes them who they are and the beautiful stories that have made up our wonderfully blessed life.
On a personal level, I scrap because it indulges my creative senses in every possible way….from stamping, to painting, to glittering (which I really love), to cutting and shaping, to organising my ribbon box in rainbow order…LOL…the list goes on. As a little girl, I loved any artistic endeavours and have never really grown out of that. I lose myself in the creative process and I absolutely love it! It’s time for me to sit and play and really go to a happy place in my mind….LOL!
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Lots of places…..I love looking at the stunning work in the magazines and checking out different blogs…..but I also look at the colour combinations in my kids clothes, layout design in advertising, patterns and shapes…Often times the beautiful photos of my children are all the inspiration I need…(for example..Noah and Belle sliding down the huge pile of topsoil in the garden on the weekend) or the desire to write about something that’s happened that I just don’t want to forget.
Favourite subjects to scrap –
Without a doubt, my gorgeous family….. Stef my husband & our three beautiful kids. Their daily episodes, stories, antics and chatter, provide me with more than enough material…….
I want Isabelle to remember that when she was four she loved popping the fuchsias in the flowerpots by the front door, or lovingly searched our garden for fairies, or that at two Joshua threw the most atrocious tantrums ever…….these precious moments are my favourite subjects by far .
One word to describe yourself? Bubbly
How would you describe your scrapping style?
I’m a bit of a dimensional scrapper. It’s very rare that I have a layout that doesn’t have some degree of cutting and shaping to it. When I first see a piece of patterned paper, immediately I’m thinking…”What bits can I cut out of that?” I love the prospect of creating a little piece of magic with a well thought out design and some attention to detail.
Favourite Kaisercraft Product?
Not an easy decision…probably Rubons…I use these all the time and I find their application to be so versatile. You can also never have too many rhinestones..LOL…..
Favourite Kaisercraft Paper range to date?
Again, not easy….. but given that I’ve purchased sooo many pieces of this particular story, I’d have to say the recent “Sweets” range…”
Favourite Quote: “He has made everything beautiful in its time……”Ecclesiastes 3:11
My beautiful Mum always tells me that “Everything happens for a reason and in God’s time….Over the years I have come to appreciate and understand this more and more…..I don’t always know what will happen or why, but I trust that it’s all part of a bigger grand plan that is my life’s journey.
Favourite Book? Chicken Soup for the Mother’s Soul. By Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Jennifer Read Hawthorne & Marci Shimoff. Given to me by my Mum (Whom I love the whole world) has stories that will make you laugh and lots that will make you cry. Too nice!
Favourite Music? As small children on family road trips we were “subjected” …LOL….to every hit Kenny Rogers has ever made…as a result, at 35, I can still do a pretty good rendition of “the gambler”…..my music tastes are really broad….as long as it has a great melody I can sing along to, I appreciate it….from, Kenny, to the Waifs to Michael Buble` to Red Hot Chilli Peppers….to my current favourite…Pink!
Favourite Food? Pasta…really any sort….my Mum makes the most spectacular Eggplant parmigiana with spaghetti….toooo yummy!
Any tips for the new scrapper?
Be kind to yourself…..and try not to be overwhelmed by the images you see in the gorgeous magazines as most of these talented ladies have been scrapping for a while! The more you scrap, the easier it is becomes to work out what you like. Use the magazines as a resource. Look beyond the layout to see how colour combinations are used, different techniques employed, layout design…. I know I still do this and draw inspiration and ideas from others.
