I can honestly say they don’t come much sweeter than this girl. Allison Kreft is a class act, 100%! And she’s also a true trend expert, though she’d never admit as much (because she’s humble like that).
Allison spent many years with Hambly Screen Prints, bringing us amazing transparencies, paper, rub-ons, and more.
I knew, in my years as a magazine editor, that I could count on Allison’s art to point me in the direction of the next big thing. Every. Single. Time.
Allison has a natural ability to design products that are ahead of the trend curve, and while Hambly has closed its doors *sniff*, it hasn’t slowed Allison down. Today, she designs signature (and A-mazing!) product lines for Webster’s Pages and Echo Park, as well as produces fabric designs through Spoonflower.
"Hello, World! I’m one of Allison’s adorable lines for Webster’s Pages! Even if I weren’t the mama of a toddler, I’d be all over this business. I mean, the fox/ele/owl party is enough to make anyone smile."
Everyday Eclectic, Allison’s latest release for Echo Park. Complete with tasty Bomb Pops. How can we go wrong with that?
Have a favorite “Allison” print? Well, odds are you’ll find it in Spoonflower’s impressive assortment of Allison Kreft Designs fabric. I ordered several of the baby prints and have LOVED using them!
Hey, Allison, here’s a tag I created using your sweet fabric. I gave it to a new-mama-to-be. Thanks for helping me make her day!
Yup, this talented chica keeps busy, and we’re so lucky she does, as it means more amazing things for us to play with. But, enough of my gushing. Let’s hear it straight from Allison’s point of view!
Megan: From your trend-savvy vantage point, what would you say is the next big thing we can look forward to in the world of paper crafting? Why?
Trend Friend: I think we will continue to see more fun embellishments to coordinate with paper. Like the unique shaped paper clips, printed pattern rubberbands, kawaii-style puffy stickers, photo overlays and printed transparencies.
Megan: Of the many amazing trends on the scene at the moment, what is your current fav when it comes to the world of crafting?
Trend Friend: I love the “photography inspired printer paper”. From the clouds, bokeh lights, sandy beaches to all the different real textures like glitter and gold foil. I think it adds a different element/layer in paper crafting.
Megan: While I know you have a natural cool factor, I also know you’re an incredibly hard worker, which means doing your homework. Do you mind taking us on a small tour of that research route by sharing a site or two you refer to when seeking trends? Preferably something one of your gems that isn’t as known on these world wide webs?
Trend Friend: There are so many great sites and blogs I love to read. Lately I've been loving the Parcel Post blog from Urbanic and also the blog from Ban.do.
Megan: As you find yourself inspired by trends, how do you translate that inspiration into projects? For example, do you have a notebook where you keep your trendy tidbits contained to pull from as you’re crafting?
Trend Friend: Pretty much my iphone is my go to for notes these days. I'm constantly inspired by things when I'm out and about. I find it easiest to take a quick picture, write down a note or use Siri when my hands are busy with kids. (Evernote is a great app for this!)
Megan: Mind giving us a peek at project you’re currently working on or just finished?
Trend Friend: Well I can't give you a peek just yet- but I did just finish designing a baby photo book for Shutterfly! It will be available mid-summer. It was a fun project and I loved working with the Shutterfly team. And I’ve also just released fabric with Spoonflower, which I’m excited to see.
Megan: How can our SCT Trend Friends learn more about you and your style?
Trend Friend: If you want to see what I'm up to daily check out my Instragram account at allisonkreft You can also find me at the following locations:
* blog/website:www.allisonkreft.com
* spoonflower: allisonkreftdesigns
* twitter: allisonkreft
* facebook: AllisonKreftDesigns
* instagram:allisonkreft
Allison, I adore you. Thank you for taking time out of your busy life as an artist, product designer, mama of two beautiful girls, wife, and overall good egg to be here today. We all appreciate it so!
Questions for Allison? Or simply want to leave her a little love note? The comments section is where it’s at, and I know she’d love hearing from you.
Cheers!
From App to Archive: Social Media Scrapbooking
P.S. My class is THIS WEEK. Makes my stomach flip-flop just typing that. *gulp* And Allison is going to be a guest in my live studio audience (Wed. only). You’ll have to look and see if you see her cute face. :) And, speaking of, to all who’ve RSVP’d/enrolled (to watch from your comp, that is) or sent your words of kindness, thanks so very much. The support from this brilliant SCT family of mine has meant so much. From my heart, I offer my thanks! I’ll be sure to give you a recap soon. In the meantime, any good-luck vibes you want to send my way would be welcomed with open arms! *double-gulp*
I love, love, love the colors Allison uses. And such fun embellishments. GOT to get some of those light bulbs! I will be watching for her releases now!
Posted by: Linda Johnson | July 21, 2014 at 03:05 PM
Some FUN going on there!!! Total eye candy!!!
Posted by: Gisele | July 21, 2014 at 03:58 PM
I tend to be a late trend adopter (overall) but i love how Allison's collection are unique but appeal to people like me who are more conservative. I love using the scrapbooking products she designs and i have learned today that i will be able to find her designs in fabric too! Good luck, Megan, with your class. I am sure it will be great.
Posted by: Jeannine H | July 21, 2014 at 04:50 PM
Vibing... vibing... ahhh-ohhmmmm! :)
Posted by: jengd | July 22, 2014 at 01:07 AM
What fun, exciting papers and designs!
Posted by: bette | July 22, 2014 at 03:32 AM
All I can say is that I had fell back in love with Webster's Pages when Allison arrived!!!! Hope that's a good compliment! She's AMAZING!
Posted by: Renee VanEpps | July 22, 2014 at 01:29 PM
OH Megan, you get to meet the MOST AMAZING & CREATIVE people!!!
=> THANK YOU for ANOTHER great Trend Friend interview :)
Posted by: TracyM #6773 | July 24, 2014 at 06:43 AM