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Meet Your Inspiring Designer—Tristann Graves!

Tell us where you got the inspiration for this page.

The things we see are at the root of our creativity. How wonderful to grasp inspiration from the ideas of others, and to stamp our own, unique print on the images we have captured.

I had wanted to do a special page for my dad for quite some time. As I was looking through pictures with my mom I ran across this 8x10 black and white picture of my dad and me sitting in front of the window. I was struck by the power of this photo. It seemed to speak volumes but yet it was such a simple photo of a daughter sharing time with her dad. I wondered what we had been doing, what we watching, and what we were thinking and reflecting on. I liked the thought of us reflecting and me reflecting (remembering) on this page of the times I spent with my dad.

The remaining photos I chose were of simple times of my dad and me together but showed all the love and closeness we share. The beautiful collage paper from Paper Pizazz™ also helped to carry my theme and further inspire me. I loved the soft colors and changing designs along with the border of words: Journeys, Celebrations, and Reflections. This conveyed what I wanted to show of my journeys, celebrations and reflections with my dad. The last finishing touch that I used and that was a big inspiration to my layout was the poem by dad had written and given to me in a journal he had made of his poetry and writings. This poem was perfect for the picture and for what I was trying to convey:

My hands hold this moment of time.
It is a fleeting thing.
As quickly gone as present.
Its existence briefer than mine.
But it will be here
long after I am gone.
All realities of living
lie in its presence.
In their going they depart like
melting snow before a rising sun.
What remains are fleeting memories
moments adrift on the night wind.
- Lance D. Freehafer.


Tell us about where you live.

I live in Vancouver, Washington with my husband, Bryan and our rescued greyhound, Amie.

How do you spend your days?

Monday through Friday, I work as a Project Administrator for Alternative Resources Corporation, which is a Technology Management and Staffing Company. I am responsible for metric reporting, billing and HR duties at the client site in Vancouver.

When I'm not working I love to scrapbook and craft. Some of the crafts I enjoy besides scrapbooking include painting, sewing, and quilting. I also enjoy walking and I participate in charity walks and Volkssport walks around the Portland/Vancouver area throughout the year.

Where do you find your creative inspiration for scrapbooking?

I like to look at other layouts, tips, and techniques at scrapbook sites on the web and in scrapbook magazines. I also buy idea books and go to classes, conventions, and getaways for a chance to learn about new products and techniques and to get the chance to scrap with fellow scrapbookers. It is amazing what you can learn working with fellow scrapbookers since everyone has their own style and look and they can point out things you may have overlooked.