Please welcome Maria Colosimo! Maria is from Southern California and spent her summers growing up in Northern Minnesota. (Much farther North in Minnesota than I am, but I can vouch for it's beauty up there!) She is a mom to two boys and a Graphic Designer in the Music and Entertainment Industry. You can see more about this here. Maria is also the creator and founder of Kitchen Sink Stamps. Which I am sure you are quite familiar with after some of the previous crafters I have featured. This is a link to Maria's blog where she keeps you up to date with all things Kitchen Sink related. I actually won one of these wonderful sets from Becky a while back, so I can tell you, these stamps are great! Maria does wonderful work, so don't forget to stop by and say hello to her!

I also asked Maria a few questions I thought would be fun to hear answers to.

How did you get started with crafts?
I have been crafting even since I was little. I remember getting "craft" projects as Birthday and Christmas presents as early as 6. As soon as I would get one ... I wouldn't stop until it was finished. :D Some would say persistent...some would say obsessive. (LOL) I have always loved working with my hands and making things using shapes, color and texture. As I got older, the crafts just seemed to get more involved (silk screening, stain glass, glass lamp work beads, jewelry making, sewing, etc.). I knew I wanted to be a graphic designer when I was in high school and on the school yearbook.

How much time per day do you spend on your crafts? Is it enough? :)
Now that I have started my own stamp company .... crafts seems like it is 24/7 affair... in between wife & mom of 2 boys (2-1/2 and 9). But my hands are lot less inky than I would like them to be ... I keep saying I need a 48 hour day, 8 days a week to get everything I need (and want) to get done.

What is your favorite craft item to use or project to make?
I am an ink junkie.... all types, all colors. I especially love overlapping inks and the surprise you get with different colors, different inks on different color surfaces. So, I have always been drawn to stamping.

Where do you get your inspiration (for your stamp creating or card making)?
For my stamp designs, my inspiration comes from everyone and everything around me. I try to design stamps that I want to use. I don't mean for that to sound selfish... it is just that is how this all started.... wanting stamps I could find anywhere except in my head. As for inspiration for card making... I am in awe of the Kitchen Sink Crew! I have learned so much by watch them and all the other amazing crafters in this big generous stamping/crafting community! :D

Do you have any advice for fellow crafters out there? Words of wisdom, perhaps? :)
Advice.... hmmm? Always follow your creative heart. Even if you think it looks terrible because no one has ever done it... if you like it...that is what matters. Creating should never be stressful... it should be a stress reliever. :D Always have fun! (That is my opinion.)

I have included a few pictures of her work for you to admire!

I hope you have enjoyed meeting Maria and Featured Crafter Friday. If you would like to be featured, please send me an email! I would be more than happy to include you! See you next Friday for another wonderful crafter!