Moxie Fabber of the Week: Richard Breaks

I'm sure that our Moxie Fabber of the Week, Richard Breaks, would not mind me calling attention to the fact that he is, indeed, our first male card maker spotlighted in this much beloved feature that highlights the inspiring Moxie Fabbers in our midst. I moxie love that we have a handful of gentleman Moxie Fabbers--but given Richard's amazing approach to card making; his upbeat, inspiring, humorous, and super fresh blog; as well as his insightful commenting; I certainly do wish we had more like him contributing to this little ol' world we've all come to know and love so much.

For Richard is one of those rare gems. He approaches our craft with a great deal of purpose--lovingly making cards for friends and family, all the while being mindful of his budget which means choosing his materials carefully. He has a joy for this craft that is utterly delightful, as you will see here in this interview, and in every single one of his blog posts. Trust me, read just one and you will be hooked for life!

And now, without further ado, take it away, Richard!

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

My name is Richard Breaks, aka Mr. Cardmaker on my blog.

Describe yourself in three short, fun sentences.

I am a semi-retired hairdresser, actor, and artist living in Bloomfield Hills, MI with my partner of 21+ years. I am always looking to involve myself in artistic and forward-thinking endeavors (trying to stave off early brain issues!) I am a big animal lover, and I am one backyard fence away from acquiring more dogs.

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 paper crafting for about 4 years now, having been introduced by a dear friend at an at-home crop. It took me about 3 hours to become absolutely HOOKED! I am primarily a card maker, but I will also enjoy a 3D project every now and then. Paper crafting takes me out of my self and out of the world, and lets me recharge. I couldn’t be without it.

What do you like most about the Moxie Fab World? What is your favorite feature and why?

I am always so inspired by Moxie Fab World, either by finding new blogs and ideas via Out & About in Moxie Fab World, or by whetting my crafty appetite at Oh My Moxie Fab!, and I just love the way Cath shows us all of the wonderful new products hitting the market in Moxie Monday and Moxie Fab "Stamp" of Approval posts!

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

AM I moxie fab? If I am, it’s due to the support of all the wonderful crafty people I come across on a daily basis, either in person (which happens too little, for my taste) or in the blogisphere. There are simply no better folks around, anywhere! If I am moxie fab, it is on THEIR say-so!

Who is your favorite manufacturer and why? What is your favorite all-time collection and why? Have you created a paper crafted project using this collection? If so, feel free to attach it.

Ok, I have to say I have TWO favorite manufacturers, and for two distinct reasons.

Papertrey Ink has some of the best artwork around when it comes to their stamps. They use iconic images, have fresh outlooks on their subjects, and they cover a variety of styles. They are almost never too fussy or cheesy. And, their coordinating DIES open a world of possibilities! Their papers are beautiful and are super competitively priced. Can’t say enough good about them (and will keep my very few criticisms to myself for the moment.) I am a big fan of the Rosie Posie stamps and dies. I made this with them—

Gina K. Designs, and especially founder Gina Krupsky has GOT to be the most generous outfit around. There is NOTHING that she learns that she doesn’t share with her customer. Her video tutorials are informative and fun, and they cover just about every technique known. GKD stamps are beautiful and really good quality, and they also have beautiful paper goods; the heavy-weight card stock is the BOMB! The very best set I have from GKD is my first one, Gifts from the Sea, by Melanie Muenchinger. I made this with it—

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? If you are a scrapbooker, why do you prefer it over card making? If you do both, what do you like about card making that is different from scrapbooking and/or vice versa?

I am definitely a card maker, and NOT a scrapbooker. I have SO MANY photos; I just find it too overwhelming! This is really sort of funny, because these photos are mostly sent/given to me. I guess the real reason is I just don’t care enough about my photos to make the effort. To be honest, I rarely take photos of anything other than my CARDS!

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 set project was one that I was really happy with. I had never seen a card treatment done like this anywhere, and while I am sure I had not invented it or anything, I thought it was clever, and I liked how it had the shape of a full sized card with mini card writing space.

I write about this project in more detail on my blog.

Do you consider yourself to be a trend-watcher? Why or why not? Do you feel that trend-watching is important to your creativity? Why or why not?

Trend watching. Okay, here’s my thing about trend watching. Yes, I notice them. Yes, I appreciate them, and am often caught up in them. However, in the grand scheme, I really study the new trends, and I try to decide which ones of them will become STYLE over time, and which ones are going to fade. It helps that I am a particularly FRUGAL shopper. I can often pass up a trendy item at the paper store, and stick to my staples! I do like though, when Paper Crafts magazine can help you achieve a trendy look on a budget! Now THAT I like!

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After reading this interview, I feel like I've known Richard all my life. I just love the ease with which his voice comes through, and I wish that I could invite him over for dinner sometime soon. I just adore his card making style, and I really admire the fact that he plays so much in an industry that is typically populated by an overwhelming female majority. In fact, I was deeply struck by this comment that Richard left on a blog post I wrote about the connectivity of card making for World Card Making Day Week over on Paper Crafts Connection:

As a male card maker, it is not always easy for me to make crafty friends. I have more than once been given a look of “What are you doing here?” by women at craft fairs, shops, and even at the home of a fellow lady crafting friend of mine (though not by her.)

HOWEVER!! There have been some AMAZING women in craftland who have RUSHED to welcome me into their folds, and the support and friendship found with them has been more than priceless. I am so grateful and constantly heartened and inspired by my friends, whether they be bloggers or people I have met in person. I could NOT do without them!

Richard is one class act, my friends, and I encourage you to leave him some love before you go about your day, Moxie Fabber style!

Moxie Fabbers ROCK!

~Cath