Design Team Close Up – Amy Tsuruta

 

Happy March!   We’re starting a new feature to spotlight the design team over the next couple of months.  We’ve had an increase in the amount of our caffeinated friends that have joined the Coffee Loving Papercrafters Facebook Group so we thought it was a good time to do some updated introductions!

My name is Amy and I’m your happy hostess.  Did you know that this blog started with my friend Chaitali Narla reaching out to me in September 2014 to celebrate National Coffee Day with a Coffee Lovers Blog Hop?  It started on her blog, then moved to my blog and then settled here, February 2015. Chaitali is our official techie and Co-Hostess.

If you follow me on social media you know that I was married last summer. We were married the same month that we celebrated our 10th anniversary.  He’s a techie by day and an avid hobby pilot. He’s building his 2nd airplane, a 4 seater (yes!). How lucky am I that I can share his love of flying and that he has a hobby that costs way more than crafting.  My purchases pale in comparison to his.

I started ‘seriously’ crafting in 2003.  For some reason I signed up to be my son’s Co-op Preschool Scrapbook Coordinator.  At that point, I hadn’t even scrapbooked yet. I’m happy to say that we still have that scrapbook.  I was introduced to Stampin’ Up around 2004 and started my Splitcoaststampers Gallery in 2005.  I remember seeing blogs and became curious about them.  I started mine in 2007.  I didn’t start my IG account until April 2015.  I was holding out because I didn’t think I could swing the time commitment.  I still feel that way but try my best in keeping up with everything.

Hands down, my favorite kind of card to design = caffeinated themed.  I’m always trying to think of how I can add coffee/tea to a card. Here are some of my recent favs:

Here are some of my go-to supplies:

I work with the best teamies here.  Their creativity is always inspiring.  A big shout out to our readers too, we appreciate you!  I really love our Caffeinated Community.

Thanks so much for staying with me!  Leave me a comment before Friday, March 8th at 11:59 pm pacific and your name will go into a drawing for a $15 Not 2 Shabby Gift Card!

 

For more inspiration, please visit my Blog  |  Instagram  |    Facebook  |  Pinterest  |  Flickr

33 responses to “Design Team Close Up – Amy Tsuruta”

  1. Jerrie Avatar

    Nice highlights of how the CLBH started and a little about you. It is always fun to learn a little more about the design team. Love all you pictures of your coffee cards!

    Like

  2. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    Amy thanks for introducing yourself. I love hearing people’s creative journey. And yes coffee rules

    Like

  3. Mary Samuelson Avatar

    Amy, I am so fortunate to have been pointed in your direction a few years ago. What started as me just doing a few coffee cards for the CLC Blog Hop, has turned into a beautiful friendship. When I count my blessings, I count you twice. Love ya lady!! oh and please do not add me to the giveaway, I was just elated to come over and let you know again how much your friendship, and inspiration means to me..

    Like

  4. Beverly Sizemore Avatar

    Enjoyed reading and getting to know my “coffee queen” better. Thank you Amy for getting me on the coffee theme creating (and collecting) path….it is a FUN journey. 😉

    Like

  5. Cynthia Cole Avatar
    Cynthia Cole

    Amy, your cards are always fabulous and inspiring!

    Like

  6. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    Thank you so much for sharing your creativity and happiness with us. I appreciate so much you keeping us up to date on sales and techniques. Happy March to you.

    Like

  7. Ivypink Avatar
    Ivypink

    Awww Amy! Your commitment to blogging & making cards is inspiring!!!!!

    Like

  8. carol Avatar
    carol

    Fabulous post to give us a glimpse into our lovely Coffee Queen! I’m still giddy that you two tied the knot; makes my heart smile!
    Mega hugs…and thank you for a great get-to-know-you series!
    hugs~c

    Like

  9. Lisa bzibziak Avatar

    Awesome post! I learned some new things! Love your inspiration always!

    Like

  10. Robyn Jordan Avatar
    Robyn Jordan

    I love these more personal posts!
    Our kids do grow up so fast..
    Thanks for sharing your crafting story! I am always curious to when others started this crazy ride!

    Like

  11. Sandi Pressley Avatar

    So interesting to see how you got started in this hobby of ours. You are one of the sweetest and most generous crafters that I have gotten the privilege to get to “know”. I just would like to know how you get so much done in a day??!!

    Like

  12. Becca Yahrling Avatar
    Becca Yahrling

    So funny about those hobbies … I think my hubby’s of Bonsai can be quite expensive. He does try to get the best deals on plants that he thinks he can make into a great bonsai. But the pots, the good ones, are way more expensive than a Misti (which I still haven’t bought yet!).

    Like

  13. Meghan Kennihan Avatar
    Meghan Kennihan

    Congrats on your wedding Amy! And you do not look old enough to have adult children!!! OMG! You and your hubbie look so cute together! I need one of those 🙂
    I love your “Go-To” craft supplies… I would put Misti on my list too!

    Like

  14. karenladd Avatar
    karenladd

    I’ve been a fan of yours for years and it’s always fun to learn more about my favorite artists and bloggers. How you manage to keep so many balls in the air is something that astounds me. That photo of you and your hubby is just adorable and I had to laugh about your expensive hobby comment. Always love seeing your fun projects on your blog and am ever so happy that you and Chaitali decided to host the first Coffee Lovers Hop!

    Like

  15. shartl Avatar
    shartl

    I love all of your cards but when I think of you, I think of Coffee! Thanks for spotlighting the DT,because that always makes it way more fun when you get a little background. You are amazing Amy…and deserve all the best!

    Like

  16. Denise Bryant Avatar
    Denise Bryant

    Thanks for sharing a bit of your story! I’m always inspired by your amazing cards!

    Like

  17. Vicki dutcher Avatar

    So fun! Even though I knew most of what u sid, it’s still fun to read it 😊

    Like

  18. Pat Gotsis Avatar
    Pat Gotsis

    Love this feature and hearing more about you, your crafting journey and how it all began. Congrats o your nuptials and best wishes for a long and happy life together. I am a firm believer in everyone should have a hobby. My husbands are golf and pool playing. I am not sure but I think we might be about even. We have our own game room. So no expense there. Golf is seasonal here but he does play about 3 times a week and I have learned to control myself….most of the time. 😀 Thanks for sharing and most of all for everything you do to manage this fun blog.

    Like

  19. Fikreta Avatar

    thank you for sharing!
    Love Amy’s blog and her gorgeous cards!

    Like

  20. Shell B Avatar
    Shell B

    What fabulous idea to share intros with everyone again, you alway have some fun cards and inspiration……love seeing them on flicker too!

    Like

  21. Donna Avatar

    Love your inspiration & peeks into your sweet wedding !
    Crazy how our kids grow up so quickly! Cheers and stay caffeinated!!

    Like

  22. Christine Burillo-Kirch Avatar
    Christine Burillo-Kirch

    Amy, so wonderful to read more about you! I love how you add coffee to as many cards as possible- your cards are beautiful! Thank you for all you do to encourage and inspire us all- hugs!

    Like

  23. Cherrie Avatar
    Cherrie

    I enjoyed reading this, Amy! So interesting just like your beautiful creations. Looking forward to seeing more beautiful inspirations from you. Thank you for sharing your talent and story.

    Like

  24. Katie Brooks Avatar

    Fun feature Amy. Love that Darin spends more than you. 😂 cute creations!

    Like

  25. Anila Avatar
    Anila

    Hi Amy,
    It was great to learn many new things about you. Already following your work on Instagram and I love it.

    Like

  26. Eve Avatar
    Eve

    Thanks for this new feature 🙂 Enjoyed learning little about you 🙂 Looking forward to other DT’s close ups 🙂

    Like

  27. Rose Avatar

    always great to have a hubby that spends/costs more then you do LOL

    Like

  28. Tangii Crain Avatar

    I just love this idea! So fun! I remember when you and Chaitali started all of this, I can’t believe it’s been that long already, lol! I didn’t know about your hubby the pilot/airplane builder… my hubby wants to build a plane. Can’t wait to learn about the rest of the team ❤

    Like

  29. Jean marmo Avatar
    Jean marmo

    How fun to get to know you. Thanks for hosting the fun here! Cannot even imagine building a plane!

    Like

  30. Crystal O. Minkler Avatar
    Crystal O. Minkler

    Such a fun post!! I love to hear how others started in their crafty journey! Thanks for sharing!

    Like

  31. Kelly J. Avatar
    Kelly J.

    Your cards are always awesome! It’s nice to learn a little about you.

    Like

  32. Laila Avatar

    Your cards are awesome Amy….my favorite is the purple one, with the Lawn Fawn critters and coffee! And I hope my husband find a hobby as expensive as card making too. LOL…Hugs, Laila

    Like

  33. Danni Reid Avatar

    Very fun read Amy, you are so inspiring and talented. You inspire us to embrace our inner caffeine-regulated days and love of the bean. This is such a fun group and love all the cards posted and received as a result of a hop idea, thank you!

    Like

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Coffee Loving Papercrafters!

Welcome to the home of the Coffee Loving Papercrafters…formerly known as the Coffee Loving Cardmakers. We’re so excited to share all things crafty caffeinated with you!

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