often receive emails and questions from users so I thought I would answer a few online.
Q: Are you really an Architectural Drafter?
A: Yes and No. I received my degree in Architectural Drafting but I have never worked in an Architectural firm. I began my thirteen year career working for a Structural Engineering company and later moved on to an Environmental Engineering firm. I now, however, find myself thrust into the role of stay-at-home mom (by choice) and am looking forward to returning to work next year.
Q: How do you come up with ideas for templates?
A: Well, sometimes I get direct requests from my blog readers but most of the time I get my inspiration from things that I see online. For instance, my 3D mug template was born after I tried to order a template that was available through ProvoCraft. They wouldn’t ship the template to Canada so, phooey on them, I decided to draw my own. Of course, I never “copy” an idea exactly – I always throw my own twist on things. For example, Provocraft’s 3D mug has a lid. I didn’t like the lid so much so I didn’t add one on my template. I also think my handle assembly is different.
Q: How do you go about designing a template?
A: First, I sketch my thoughts and ideas on to paper, planning the shape and, most importantly, how the template will come together in terms of assembly. Once I have that puzzle solved, I move on over to my computer and draw the template in AutoCAD. This allows me to prepare my design accurately using real dimensions so I can be sure everything will fit together nicely. Once the template is complete, I will print out the prototype and assemble it, making sure to note any adjustments that need to be made. I then finalize the plan, convert it to PDF, and get it uploaded. And of course, a finished sample always follows.
Q: How do you get your projects to look so good? Mine never look like that!
A: During my training as an Architectural drafter, I was forced taught to be a perfectionist. Organization, neatness, straight lines and proper alignment was an absolute must in my profession. The result of my brain washing is a very steady hand, a sharp eye, and a loathing of clutter. Unfortunately, this way of thinking has also migrated into my personal life; great for the husband and kids, gruelling for me!
While I love designing templates, I absolutely HATE cutting them out so my sweet husband purchased me a Silhouette Craft Cutter to do the dirty work for me. This little baby cuts AND scores all of my templates and saves me a great deal of time not to mention my sanity and a lot of cursing. So there, my secret is out; My templates are now cut by machine which means that they are essentially perfect in form. Of course, that all changes when I get to decorating them. We’ll talk about my finishing skills later 
Q: Why are some of your finished projects so small?
A: Considering the fact that most people only have access to a printer that prints 8 1/2″x11″ sheets of paper, I have to modify my designs to fit within those dimensions. I like to make my templates as easy to assemble as possible so I try to limit the amount of cutting and pieces needed in order to complete the project. Because a ‘one piece’ template generally takes up more room on a page than a template that has many pieces that can be rotated and manipulated into place, this sometimes yeilds a smaller project (ie. The Mini Toolbox). If you require a larger project, you could always take the template to a business supply store, such as Staples, and have them enlarge the template for you.
Q: Do you do special requests?
A: Absolutely!! If you have an idea for a template, just email me and I’ll see what I can do. I can’t guarantee that all requests will result in a template but I will certainly do my best.
Q: If I paid you for your time, would you be willing to assemble a template for me? And what about one of the cards featured on your blog?
A: Are you sure you want to miss out on all of that fun? I’m only kidding! Of course, I can do this for you. However, you’d have to be specific in terms of your cardstock colors and pattern choices. Please keep in mind that I live in a wee little town so I don’t always have access to the latest and greatest supplies.
Q: What projects are you working on now?
A: I have been dealing with some health issues lately so I haven’t been designing too much. I, do, however have the cutest little Cowboy Boot Box that I am finishing up. I should have that uploaded today.
Q: Why are your blog comments disabled?
A: It all boils down to spam – I was receiving way too much. Even with message approval enabled, I found alot of my time was taken up deleting nonsense messages. Honestly, don’t people have anything better to do than to fill up someone’s inbox with garbage? And, I mean absolutely no disrespect to other bloggers when I say this, but I’m simply not one of those people who needs to have feedback on my posts or my work. If you like my stuff, that’s awesome! I hope you keep coming back. If you’re not a fan of my work, well, that’s okay too. I totally respect that. I hope you find a website/blog that will blow your socks off. If you DO happen to have a question or a comment regarding one of my projects, by all means, feel free to contact me. I respond to each and every email!
