Terhi from Finland has a special passion for mini albums and layered layouts. She began paper crafting when her daughters were born but lost all her scrapbook layouts, albums and craft materials in 2018. Read the interview to find out what happend.
Who are you? Can you tell us about yourself?
Hello, I’m Terhi Koskinen from Finland. I’m 36 years old scrapbooker and paper crafter, with a special passion about mini albums and layered layouts.
In addition to loving paper, I also have two horses, two dogs, a handsome husband and most importantly, two beautiful teenage girls. The last mentioned are often the topic of my scrapbook layouts and mini albums.
I work full time as a graphic designer in an engineering office, so I get to use my visual skills every day.
READ ALSO: HOW TO COLOR A FLAWLESS RED
When did you start with paper crafting? Why did you start with paper crafting?
When my daughters were born in 2008 and 2010, I was very keen on photography (I still am) and wondered how to store all the photos. They weren’t visible inside my hard drive. Especially with the growth of my children, I want to see the photos more often and easier.
One of my Mom-friends showed me her scrapbook albums, and it was a revelation. She offered me to come to scrapbook with her, so I saw how she did her layouts, what stamping was, where to purchase materials etc. etc. I owe her part of my life really! I sat two nights in her room doing things like her, then I went shopping and started to do things my own way. She gave me the first sparks and I made the flames.
Since then, I have been in various design teams, published in several magazines, taught both online and live classes, met hundreds of new wonderful people, and scrapbooked thousands of memories.
What is the best thing about paper crafting?
I would have to say “my world”. Let me explain this better.
Our everyday life is full of chores, schedules, meetings, deadlines, things to remember and things to follow. I find the opposite, peace and quiet from scrapbooking. I have stepped down from many design teams to have more time for scrapbooking the way I want to. No need to follow guidelines, no schedules, no rules, nothing. It is just me, my pretty papers, my memories and scissors. Once I get myself into it, it is almost impossible to drag me out of that world before I’m finished!
Have you made any mistakes when papercrafting and would you like to tell me about it?
Oh yes, of course! I don’t count spilling coffee or ink on finished layout as a mistake, as that’s just life.
In 2018 we found out there was huge water damage in our house. One water pipe was leaking for months, and it has caused a major mold. All our interior, loose material, furniture, everything had to be thrown away. Everything, I mean. Including the scrapbook layouts and albums I created during the previous ten years. And also all my crafty stuff.
I was, obviously, very upset and anxious, and focused more on where we are going to live, how to get over it, take care of children etc., so I didn’t pay attention to crafty material. I didn’t photograph all my scrapbook layouts and albums, before dumping them to the landfill. It didn’t feel important at the moment.
What kind of paper projects do you make?
As mentioned, mostly mini albums and scrapbook layouts. Sometimes cards and notebooks, too. I also make macrame creations, and I knit.
How often do you craft?
Sometimes daily, sometimes just a couple days a month. It really depends on my inspiration and time.
Can you describe your style?
Controlled chaos. I like clean looks and white backgrounds, but I also like layers, splashes and messy effects. I try to include all this to my creations, so usually they look clean, but when you take a closer look you see there are lots of things going on.
Has your style changed since you started?
Absolutely! I guess everyone’s style is ever changing. First I tried everything, once I was very interested in mixed media, then without any media, then about sewing, then no sewing at all.. You know, it goes as anything, the trends and megatrends affect our style.
Show us your favorite projects. Why are these your favorites?
I could show 500 projects and there would still be many favorites missing. For me, the photographs makes my favorite project.
Then, after the memories, the overall look is the key. The colors, the design, how smoothly the photo sits next to papers and embellishments. Colors are very important, they give instantly some emotion and mood.
What inspires you?
My memories aka. photographs, but sometimes some new materials, too. Pretty patterned paper can take my inspiration to the next level!
Is there anything in paper crafting you would like to learn?
If I come up with something I like to learn, I usually learn it right away. Or I try it as long as it takes to learn it. I’m a bit impatient that way.
Can you mention five products/tools you cannot live without?
Scissors, paper trimmer, a pencil, adhesives and a glass mat. Four first mentioned are also usually on the list to bring to my classes.
What is on top of your wish list right now?
Storage fairy, who would organise my craft room again. A normal human would do, too.
Who in the paper crafting community would you like to meet «in real life»? Why?
The owner or the CEO of American Crafts. American Crafts is my favorite brand, it has been for a long time. I would ask questions about their design process and would make some proposals about how to make crafters more happy about their products.
Can you describe your craftroom?
Light, open and green. I have my office in my craft room, or my craft room is in my office. That’s why I keep my shelves and desk organised and all unorganised stuff is stuck inside huge cabinets.
Other things you would like to mention in the presentation?
Something to think about for all papercrafters around the world: Always forget rules, measurements and “have to” thoughts when crafting.
Where can we find you?
terhikoskinen.com
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube
This post is published by TPC Magazine.