Polly Picks: November Challenge Winner & Wrap Up

I live just south of Sydney, Australia, with my husband, our two teenagers, and three birds. I’ve been digitally scrapbooking for nearly 20 years, and a regular at The Lilypad since 2010. Creativity has been a constant companion—but not always a tidy one.

My style? Anything and everything. I don’t really box myself in. Inspiration tends to show up everywhere—except maybe under the lounge when I’m vacuuming, or under the kitchen sink. But I can almost always count on finding it in my photo folders, my favorites list, the shop, or the Challenge Pad. Honestly, time is more of an issue than inspiration!

Photoshop has long been my go-to digital tool, though we have a bit of a love/hate relationship. After many years with CS6, I’ve started trialing other programs too. My ergonomic mouse is a game changer (trackpads and I don’t get along), and in terms of digi products, I’m all about templates, mixed media, patterned papers, and word art—though I never would have guessed I’d love mixed media this much five years ago!

If you’re new to scrapbooking (or any creative hobby), the best advice I can give is: jump in and have a go. Most of us learn by doing, and yes—that means some frustration, a few mistakes, and definitely a learning curve. But if you push through the messy parts, there’s so much joy waiting on the other side. And if it ever feels like the frustration is winning, vent in the forum—we’ve all been there, and someone will always show up to help, or at least sympathize and cheer you on.