Designer Focus: Kelly Marie Alvarez

We love the clean style of the cards, stamps and scrapbook paper from Lawn Fawn.  Recently, we were able to chat with Kelly Marie and learn more about her and her company.

Where are you from? What are your roots?

I am originally from Miami, Florida, but I have lived in California since 1994. I now live in South Orange County and love it!

How did you get started?

I have always hand made cards, ever since I could hold a crayon. I just always enjoyed the idea of personalizing cards for my friends and family. I started to realize that there was this wonderful world of crafting and blogging on the internet and went from making thumbprint animal cards to using stamps and patterned paper and tools. I just loved this crafty world so much that I knew that I wanted to make my living doing this, so I came up the idea for the company and started it with my husband, Mike, and my friend, Erica.

How has your art changed over your career?

I have always created in a fun and cute style with bright colors. I love things that make me happy and that make me smile, and I love to surround myself with them. Because of this my main style has never really changed!

What is your focus now?

I have two main focuses. One is creating wonderful products that people will love. We pour so much joy and care into everything we do, and we love sharing that with others! And the other is creating wonderful relationships with our fans and retail stores. Nothing brings me more happiness than seeing what people create with our products.

What brings you joy?

My husband Mike and my dog Putter. They make me smile and lift my spirits every day. I am a very lucky girl.

What inspires you?

Everything! That sounds crazy, but I do think you can find inspiration in everything if you look for it. A walk around the neighborhood, a trip to Target, thumbing through a catalog or perusing Pinterest, everything opens my eyes to new colors, shapes and designs.

What inspires your art?

The same as above. My cards, layouts and our products are an extension of what inspires us as a company. If it makes us happy and it makes us smile, then we know it is a true Lawn Fawn product!

Who has been most influential in your career and why?

For the business side of my career, my Dad. He is a businessman, and I think being around him really taught me a lot on how to run a business with integrity. He inspires me to go 100% full force with Lawn Fawn.

For the creative part of my career, my Grandmother and Mother. My Grandmother was so creative and was always sewing and creating. My Mother is very fashionable and also did lots of crafty things while I was growing up. I think being around all of that creative energy inspired me!

Favorite quote?

“Come on with the rain, I’ve a smile on my face” -Singin’ in the Rain

Favorite medium?

Card making is my first love, but I also love creating scrapbook layouts, too!

Favorite color?

Yellow. Its happy and bright.

Favorite place?

Any place I am with Mike is my favorite place. I realize that is really cheesy, but it is true!

Favorite room in your house?

Our family room has a super comfy couch and a big TV. Perfect for relaxing!

Favorite object? Why?

My wedding ring. It reminds me of Mike and our love, plus it is pretty and sparkly. 🙂

Pets?

I have a Maltese named Putter. He is six years old, and the cutest guy ever. He loves sitting in the office while we work.

Blatant product plug?

We have new stamp sets coming out at the end of May! Our release week starts May 26th, and we will have lots of design team samples, videos and giveaways!

Summer CHA previews?

No previews yet because we like surprises, but there will be more paper and more stamps!

What’s next?

We want to continue to create products that bring people joy and get people crafting. We just love what we do and are grateful every day for the opportunity to do what we love!

The stork card  has a video here: http://youtu.be/91MIFcoNIP8

Website:  http://www.lawnfawn.com/

Blog:  http://lawnfawn.blogspot.com/