Moxie Fabber of the Week: Marlena McDeavitt

Happy Monday, Moxie Fabbers! I hope you had a great weekend and a moxie fab World Card Making Day! It's hard to believe that it's come and gone so quickly, isn't it? But now we have something fun to look forward to next year! I know, right?

I'm absolutely delighted to introduce you to our Moxie Fabber of the Week, Marlena McDeavitt. I have gotten to know Marlena and her beautiful card style over the years because she plays and plays and plays and plays and plays. She enters most every challenge, especially the Tuesday Triggers, usually contributing more than one inspiring interpretation for each challenge I offer. Her commenting is equally prolific, and I know her to be a kind, supportive, and passionate paper crafter.

What's more, Marlena stands out in my mind because her blog posts are always filled with genuine gratitude, heartfelt honesty, and touching generosity when she speaks of her family, her friends, and her faith. I always leave Marlena's blog feeling a little lift, and after you read this interview, I'm certain that you will, too.

And so, without further ado, take it away, Marlena!

What is your full name? What is your screen name? Do you have a blog or an on-line gallery?

Hi! I’m Marlena McDeavitt. My blog is Marlena is Faithfully Crafting.

Describe yourself in three short, fun sentences.

I am a follower of Jesus. I’m a wife to a wonderful, retired Army man; a homeschooling mom to three beautiful young ladies who are 16, 13, and 11; and daughter to an amazing set of parents who’ve given me all they’ve got and more. Words can’t begin to describe the beautiful love and grace they’ve poured into my life.

How long have you been paper crafting? How did you get involved in paper crafting? What is your favorite aspect of paper crafting?

I have been digitally paper crafting since 2003 and seriously stamping since the beginning of 2011. My paper crafting obsession began with a free Print Shop CD while we were stationed in Germany. My girls were under the age of 6 and my husband was deployed for 15 months. Designing with clip art was extremely therapeutic and mess free! The requested projects of friends were creative milestones for me to finish. I was so honored that they requested my work in the first place. Recently I’ve learned to stamp and blog about it. I love it! There is something about creating a “new” that inspires and motivates me.

What do you like most about the Moxie Fab World?

I love the Tuesday Triggers. It’s like Cath is saying, “Here’s what I’ve got…now show me what you’re going to do with it!” I love being a part of that party.

Do you have a favorite all-time post? If so, include the URL and tell why you like it so much.

I searched Moxie Fab for the post that I love…only to realize it was on Cath’s site (same voice, different blog), “The Gesture.” I connected with it from a writer’s perspective. It’s a blessing to be able to “publish” on our blogs what we write and showcase what we create. It’s a tremendous responsibility, too. This post addresses the skillful care involved and recognizes that it’s a performance of sorts. Someone is listening and we need to be sure of what we say and how we say it. It takes practice.

We are all moxie fab in our own way. Name one thing that makes you moxie fab.

I’m smiling right now…because ever since I told my husband about this huge blessing…he’s been calling me “Moxie Fabber." Isn’t he sweet? I create, I share. Everyone that does so here is moxie fab. ;) It takes some courage, right?

Name a paper crafter who inspires you. Why are you drawn to his or her work? Please provide a link to his or her blog.

I credit Susan Raihala and her blog, Simplicity, for teaching me the basics of stamping! I wasn’t content with my stamped cards, until I started using quality inks, stamps and paper (like she suggested.) Who knew?! Also, she’s an incredible writer. Her honesty and ease with words are inspiring.

How would you describe your style? Provide an image of a paper crafted project that illustrates that style best.

When I asked my husband, “What’s my style?” He replied, “You make cards like I play golf. Each time is a new experience and you don’t know what you’re going to get until it’s done.” That’s so true! Although I don’t know the outcome until it’s done, I can bet it will lean toward CAS in bold, chunky, funky patterns. I love gadgety textures too! Here are a couple of examples:

Do you consider yourself to be a card maker or a scrapbooker? If you are a card maker, why do you prefer it over scrapbooking?

I am a card maker. I’ve created a few scrapbooks, but they were for personal gifts. I prefer to make cards, because I can fit them in an envelope (if I keep the gadgety texture limited), and they don’t take as much time to produce. I can create when the mood strikes.

Attach an image of a paper crafted project of which you are the most proud or that means the most to you. Include a brief statement that explains why.

This card, “A Sound Mind,” comes to mind, because of what I shared in my post. It’s not easy to write about an emotional situation, but when I do, it’s memorable to me. It’s like I cut a section of my heart out to share. We’ve all got our hearts out there, don’t we? Praise God for the moxie fab bloggers and crafters out there who are supportive and kind with their comments and prayers. I’ve gotten to know sweet bloggy friends that have given their support when I’ve stuck my neck out in sharing the personals. I try to do the same.

Thank you for today, Cath. You’ve blessed me!

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The word that comes to my mind first when I think of Marlena is genuine. I have a glowing feeling in my heart after having read this interview, and I'm so grateful that Marlena has graced the Moxie Fab World with her presence today. She is one of those people that helps to make the Moxie Fab World and this craft of ours the positive, supportive, and lovely arena that it is, and I am extremely grateful that Marlena stops by as often as she does.

Thanks to Marlena for the kind words she has said about me and the Moxie Fab World today, and for taking the time and trouble to work up this interview for us all.

Be sure and leave Marlena some love before you go, my friends!

Moxie Fabbers ROCK!

~Cath