The Paper Players are looking for two more Design Team Members for their March, April and May challenges. The way we are supposed to apply is to post something on our blogs answering 3 questions that they provided:
Please include the following in your post:
- Your Name
- Tell us about yourself and why you would like to join the team.
- And please include 3 projects you have created
I thought this was a very fun way to apply for the design team! So here we go! I firmly believe that you should always have "your story" ready to go just for cases like these :) Tell me what you think about it.
My name : Cristena Bagne
About me:
After consistently getting in trouble for doodling on her Peechee in class at school, it was no wonder Cristena Bagne is now helping people around the globe to get back to the heart of handmade gifts, stamping and creativity with her inspirational art work. What seems like a twitch of her nose she makes creating paper craft projects such as cards, scrapbooking and home décor look effortless and amazing!
Cristena is fiercely committed and passionate about letting all who “think” they are not creative to achieve opening the creative door and unleash the knowledge that it is okay to copy it is how we all learn to create and find our own style. After years of being in the transportation industry, everything from being a flight attendant to insurance underwriter for ocean freight, and years of being behind the scenes keeping buyers safe from fraudulent merchants as a fraud investigator for Amazon.com, the thought of a night or day of crafting is relaxing and a lot cheaper than a therapy session.
Jobs such as the ones she had in the past make the thought of mistakes actually fun! "There are no mistakes in stamping it makes perfect opportunities for more great embellishments", this is coming from someone that thought the first Stampin’ Up! Workshop she was invited to was a postage stamp party, and didn’t know why she was even going in the first place.
Now Cristena loves being a designer for website INKspirations4U and a former guest designer for Create with Connie and Mary, all the while teaching her own classes in her home and online. Cristena is also in the mists of starting her own a wedding invitation/favor consulting business.
Why is it always Dragonflies? Cristena once had the unique experience with a dragonfly. One summer afternoon Cristena found a beautiful black dragonfly caught between her dining room window and the closed blind. Already in love with the gracefulness and beauty of these small creatures, she calmly told the dragonfly that she was only going to help him and would be gentle as possible. While he probably didn't understand, she was hoping the calm of her voice would help avoid the little creature to startle and get hurt. Cristena slowly moved her finger to the chest area of the dragonfly, as you would when picking up a bird. This worked! The dragonfly climbed on her finger and she slowly moved him from the blinds to outside. Thinking the dragonfly would fly away immediately, he actually sat in her hand gracefully for what felt like 10 minutes, but was probably more like 2 minutes, then flew away. It was the experience of a life time!
Why would I want to be a part of Paper Players - because I love challenges, I love making new friends, and I know it would be a GREAT Time!
3 of my favorite projects be sure to click the image to view larger
The first is the hidden book card.
The love actually pops out at you
There we are everyone :) Wish me luck!
For a look at The Paper Players latest challenge, just click here to visit their website. Click on the "Challenge Schedule" tab for a look at the lineup of challenges they post on a monthly basis
Until next time my friends!



























I maintain I learn a little more abt you every time Cristena. Thanks so much for sharing that wee story...love it. Good luck with your candidacy. ooxx
Posted by: Lynda S | February 24, 2012 at 02:33 AM
Cristena, Good Luck in the selection on joining the Paper Players. You would be a great addition to their team. Your short autobiography was enjoyable to read. You truly are a go-getter.:-)
Posted by: kathy t | February 25, 2012 at 09:52 AM
Hello Cristena! Thank you so much for submitting for our Design Team Call! All of your projects are just beautiful! Good luck! :)
Have a very happy day today!
-Anne Marie
Posted by: Anne Marie Hile | February 25, 2012 at 12:22 PM
Hi Cristena, thank you for sharing your fabulous projects with the Paper Players.
Jaydee
Posted by: jaydee | February 25, 2012 at 02:50 PM
Hi Cristena,
Thank you so much for applying for our team and for sharing your wonderful work! Good luck.
Smiles,
Lesley
Posted by: Lesley | February 25, 2012 at 06:02 PM
Hi Cristena! What a creative bio! Thank you for sharing your work with us for The Paper Players Design Team Call!
Nance
Posted by: Nance Leedy | February 25, 2012 at 08:22 PM