Welcome to another edition of Designer Spotlight! Today I’m excited to show the amazing planner spreads and layouts made by Dedra Long!
Name: Dedra Long
Location: Arizona
Instagram: @dedralong
Pinterest: @dedralong
Facebook: dedra.long
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started crafting: I’m a mom, wife, daughter and twice over cancer survivor. I started scrapbooking in 1996 after the birth of our first daughter. About a year later I started working a corporate position, everyday life took over and stopped scrapbooking all together. Then in 2001, I was diagnosed with stage III malignant melanoma cancer. Our daughter was five and if something was to happen with me how would she ever know how much I loved her, how I felt about her, advice I might like to tell her someday, etc. So, I started scrapbooking again and haven’t stopped since.
In May of this year I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I have to say in the last 6 to 7 months my relationship with God has taken a deeper connection. I seek Him more and I have started bible journaling in order to grow my relationship with Him even more. I find now, that I seek Him more, more than ever. This requires special attention and planned time that is dedicated just for Him, including prayers for others (including those that I have met or Insta-met in the crafting world.) This is a special hobby where you can meet the most inspiring, caring, supportive people.
In addition to scrapbooking and bible journaling I also LOVE to get creative in my planners. A planner for me is something (or somethings) I would like to focus on. I have one I carry to work, one for personal/family/creative and one I use as a faith planner. Instead of switching out purses or wallets I switch out planners, LOL!
Telling the stories of our family and recording the everyday is something that brings me joy. Our girls will know what bible verses meant to me, what our favorite vacations were and the milestones of their lives. Moments and memories that are irreplaceable.
Favorite thing to create: HHHmmm, that’s a tough one. The favorite thing would be what, at that moment, brought me joy, inspired me or a creative idea I would like to try.
What do you love about this hobby? Recording and documenting the moments of our family, as well as planning out and keeping our family on track.
5 fun facts about yourself:
1. I LOVE the holiday season.
2. I’m a Chevy truck person.
3. Home decorating is another passion of mine.
4. I drink black tea ALL day long.
5. Weather watching fanatic and rain lover (and ironically I live in Arizona).
Here is the exclusive project Dedra made for her feature:
DECEMBER PLANNER SPREAD by Dedra Long
Creating this monthly spread really got me in the spirit of the holiday season. Stamping some festive snowflakes, mistletoe and that cute bear with a scarf!
Here are a few more of Dedra’s favorite projects:
BIBLE ENTRY by Dedra Long
This bible journaling entry is being crazy thankful for Him and all of His blessings! Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Thessalonians 5:16-18 This year has been tough and this is a reminder to myself to always give thanks even when you face unthinkable times, times that are most difficult.
CELEBRATE by Dedra Long
When our oldest daughter left for college out of state and I had to stalk her Facebook and Instagram feeds to save photos in order to keep creating layouts. That first year apart was hard and the journaling in this layout reflects the feelings I had for her at that time.
OUR ANNIVERSARY by Dedra Long
This was a special anniversary for us. The first time we had been up in a hot air balloon. It was a special weekend that needed a special “pullout” album with journaling. This was such a fun layout to put together.
OCTOBER PLANNER by Dedra Long
This was a weekly spread/planner dashboard in my faith panner. One of my favorite dashboards that moves between all of my planners. A constant reminder during my treatments to never give up. Dashboards are a wonderful place to create favorite quotes, motivational inspiration or even photos of family to look at throughout the year.
Thank you so much for joining me today and getting to know Dedra! Be sure to follow along on her sites to learn more about her and see her beautiful creations!
Thanks for sharing this interview, I am one of Dedra’s Instagram stalkers, love seeing her work.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. It was so inspirational. I have wanted to bible journal for years and have put it off. You have shown me not to waste time and do it today. I love your daily planner. I think I will try a smaller version for 2017