A little bit about Jessica:

I'm the author of "Outstanding Mini Albums", and currently writing my next book, "More Outstanding Mini Albums", both published by F & W Media (Memory Makers Books). I love creating unique mini albums and projects and teaching them to others. I've taught classes at scrapbooking stores, conventions, online and CHA. A couple years ago I made a life changing decision to follow a dream of becoming an exotic animal trainer. This meant going back to school and leaving my family, friends and country. I made the move from Victoria BC, Canada to Los Angeles, California. Lots of changes but it was the best thing I ever did. Having recently graduated from the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program with 3 degrees, I am now living the life I always dreamed of. Working with animals by day, scrapbooking at night! I met a wonderful guy while I was going to school, who happened to be in my class and loves animals as much as I do. We got married a few months ago and we are now living in Chicago, both of us are working at a small zoo. I miss Canada a lot though and one day we plan to move to BC. Now that I've lived in other places, I have realized that there is no place like Victoria - it truly is one of the most beautiful places. If you'd like to see more of my projects/mini albums or read about my many adventures, you can visit my blog: www.jessicaacs.com.

What do you like about Bisous PDQ products?

I've never been one to make a lot of 12 x 12 layouts. I think the huge amount of space just intimidated me! That's one of the reasons I started doing mini albums then I got so addicted to making them that I never made anything else. After being introduced to Bisous' PDQ pages, I'm hooked!!! I can make 12 x 12 pages so quick and they look like I spent a lot of time on them. I also love the styles of them: cute, funky, gorgeous, fun...they work with all different themes and they totally fit my own style. The chip shapes are amazing too - fun shapes and designs in all different colors and patterns - so awesome!


How long have you been scrapbooking and what made you start?

I have been scrapbooking for almost 15 years now. I started after I saw a scrapbook that my sister made for my mom. It was so awesome, it just inspired me to start creating. My first major scrapbook was one I made for my Grandma for her 80th birthday. I started with photos and mementos from when she was a baby up through her entire life. I even had a copy of her marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc. There were so many pages in it! She loved it though so that's all that matters :)


What is your favorite thing about scrapbooking and crafting?

I just love to create and let my imagination take over. It's always fun looking back on things later too. I love looking back at photos and seeing them in a scrapbook makes them a little more fun.


What inspires you to create?

I find inspiration everywhere. It could be in a magazine, something I see on a poster or sign, something on tv, or even something I hear on the radio can inspire me. I get ideas for mini books all the time, so I usually have all kinds of little notes in my iphone to remind me!

Do you have any tips to pass along so people can create more efficiently?

I try to work on one project at a time but I have a notebook of all kinds of projects that I want to create. I write down as much info as I can, usually an outline of what pages I want to be in the mini book, journaling, etc. It does usually change somewhat once I'm actually putting the book together but it acts as a good guideline. Then I start with a clean desk, get my essentials out (paper trimmer, adhesive, scissors, inks) and choose the papers I want to use. I keep a little pail on my desk to throw in scraps and garbage - I find it helps to clean up as I go.

Do you craft standing up or sitting down and why?

I have always scrapped sitting down. I usually sit at my desk or sometimes I'll sit at the kitchen table. I work best when it's quiet so I try to sit at my desk and close the door to my scraproom so no animals can come distract me. We have a lot of pets! Dogs, rabbit, guinea pigs, rats, chipmunks, hedgehog, parrots, reptiles.... it's a zoo here! I love them all dearly but if I want to get actual scrapping done, I need to do it in peace.


Do you watch TV or listen to anything while crafting?

Usually I prefer silence cause it's really the only time I ever get complete silence :) Sometimes I'll take my stuff and go work in the living room so I can watch a movie or I'll play music on my computer and listen to that.

What is your favorite craftin' snack?

I actually never eat or drink anything while scrappin'. I don't know why, I just never have! Kinda odd cause I love food. It's probably a good thing though cause I'm a bit of clutz so I would probably just spill stuff all over the paper.