My Story

Hello and Welcome

So nice to see you over at my blog today! I’m Alicia.  I love to do a bit of crafting, every day if I can.  It makes me happy!!  I enjoy making cards, scrapbooking, colouring and planning in my Planner.

How I began Crafting

I thought you might be interested in a little about me and how I began this crafting hobby.   For me my crafting journey began when I was a full-time Primary School Teacher.  In about 2007 one of my friends and colleagues invited me to a “Stampin’ Up” party at her home.  Her sister-in-law had just started as a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator and showed a group of us how to make a card.  We were all very excited and immediately wanted to get into this hobby.   

Before I began Paper Crafting I really did not have a hobby at all.  I was working all the time for my class.  I would stay late at school and mark books and work on my classroom displays.  I would bring work home.  I would think and talk about school 24/7.  When I was introduced to card making it was like I had found my hobby, my me-time, something I wanted to get good at and improve. 

My Projects were Awful!

I want to tell you at the beginning my card making skills were AWFUL!!  But I was patient with myself.  I kept telling myself “give yourself time to learn”, “it’s not going to be perfect the first time”.  Do you believe my cards were awful? Its true.  Go back to the very beginning of my blog posts and you will see for yourself!!!  

I started blogging in 2009.   I have read lots of blogs and watched a lot of You Tube over the years and I have learnt a lot! I taught myself how to make cards and then I taught myself how to Scrapbook.  I fully believe that we can learn anything.  I don’t believe Creativity is a gift and I believe it is possible to LEARN how to be creative.   

My Purpose

My plan for this blog initially was simply to share my creativity with others. I love the Crafting Community, everyone is so supportive and friendly. As I blogged for longer I realised I could possibly help other people to grow on their own crafting journey. I re-named my blog “Paper Craft Secrets” and my mission now is to unlock the secrets of Paper Crafting for others who are interested in learning more about Card Making and Scrapbooking. 

I can show you how…

I can teach you how to create cards and how to Scrapbook.  You can easily create what I create if you have a little time to play and a little time to watch and learn.  Crafting is a wonderful journey. You can become part of the Crafting Community and learn as much or as little as you like from others. If you are patient and kind to yourself. 

If you would like to learn how I create projects and you would like me to teach you how I craft I need you to do a couple of things:     First of all I need you to subscribe to my email list.  This allows you access to my Secret Password Protected Page.  It also allows me to notify you when I create something new and blog about it.  You get all the information first.  You are in the loop to everything I have going on.  You can do this by filling in the form below.  

Classes

I offer one on one Classes in my craft room at home or online via zoom. Or you can pair up with a friend and halve the cost. I can tailor the class to suit your individual needs. Email me for further details at aliciamareemcnamara@gmail.com

Social Media Links

I also need you to follow me on You Tube. Hop over to this Link here. This is where I show you exactly how to create my projects. If you are on Facebook you need to be a part of my special group “Paper Craft Secrets Creating with Confidence”. This is the best place to create connections in the crafting community. Its is a wonderful and supportive community filled with very knowledgeable crafty ladies who are happy to support and encourage you. My own Facebook Page is here.

Pinterest is a great place to source ideas. You can see my Pinterest Account here. My Instagram here and my Twitter Account here.

Design Team Resume

The Design Teams I have been a part of are:

  • May 2019 – May 2022 Guest Designer at Uniquely Creative
  • July 2019 – June 2024 MINTAY Design Team
  • July 2015 – July 2019 Kaisercraft DT
  • July 2014 – October 2014Craftin’ and Stampin’ DT
  • May 2011 – Guest Designer at Kenny K
  • March 2011 – May 2011 Let’s Ink it Up DT
  • August 2010 – November 2010 The Craft Garden DT
  • October 2010 – December 2012 Mad for Markers DT
  • September 2010 – October 2011 Southern Girls DT
  • July 2010 – July 2011 Paper Play Challenges DT
  • October 2009 – Guest Designer at Magnolia Down Under
  • July 2009 – Sept 2009 Guest Designer at Delicious Diva

Publications

I have had the honour of seeing my work published many times in the Kaisercraft Workshop Magazine and in the Cardmaking, Stamping and Papercraft Magazine. See some of my favourite pieces over here.

Scrapbooking Classes

I have taught many Scrapbooking Classes including teaching on a Scrapbooking Cruise in 2019 for Unmistakable Creations and the Brisbane Scrapbook and Papercraft Expo in 2018.

My Family

My husband, Ben and I have two beautiful boys that we absolutely adore. They are both miracle babies that we cherish with all our hearts.

We live on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. It’s a beautiful place in the world, we have lots of sunny days : )

Thank you for stopping by and getting to know me and hearing my story. I’d love to get to know you and assist you on your crafty journey if I can. Please feel free to contact me and get in touch : )

Alicia xoxo