The spotlight is back and shining bright on CTM Sara Gleason aka scarletsierra. You know her layouts and if you’re like me you drool and marvel and sigh over them day after day, page after page. She is completely amazing and an absolute sweetheart to boot! What more could we ask for in a CT member? 
Give us the Cliff Notes version of you.
married to my prince.mom.scrapbooker.nature lover.gardener.lover of learning….blessed.
How did you get into scrapping?
I was a paper scrapper for a long time–though never a very good one, so mostly I just have a closet full of paper scrapping supplies and some pretty boring albums/pages to show for it–before I finally delved into digi scrapping in May 2008. I was smitten from the start and it was as though digi was just the thing I needed to help my creativity really blossom.
What program do you use to scrap?
I’m a PS girl. I *just* upgraded to CS4, before that I was using CS3.
What is your favorite NSBR thing to do?
Soaking up time with my family. I also really love butterfly gardening and practicing my photography.
What are the top 5 songs on your list right now?
I love a little bit of everything. here are the Top 5 most played on my iTunes:
Fix You by Coldplay
9 Crimes by Damien Rice
Indescribable by Chris Tomlin
Reasons To Love You by Meiko
Fisherman’s Blues by The Waterboys
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Motherhood. It has been both the most challenging and rewarding thing I’ve ever done. And the most important.
Are you musically inclined?
Meh. I can sing and was in choir throughout my school years, and I played piano and cello for a few years, but I would say I’m “inclined” in more of the harmonizing/chorus girl vs. a soloist kind of way. LOL!
What is a typical day like for you?
Lots of activities with my preschooler..reading, art time, running around the yard, snuggling. Cleaning the house some. Laundry (there’s allllways laundry.). And as much scrapping time as I can squeeze into my free spots in the day.
What inspires you?
My daughter is my ultimate muse. But I find a lot of inspiration in the simple moments and in nature, music, color, beautiful art.
What are your top 5 layouts you’ve ever done?
Oooh…that’s definitely an evolving answer. But right now I’d say these are among my faves:
How do you start a layout?
Sometimes I start with a photo and design in mind, but many times I start with a kit and build from there.
What made you want to apply for your first CT?
I really liked the designer’s work and her store.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Oh I went through all sorts of phases..I wanted to be a marine biologist, an attorney, an archaeologist, a teacher.
How long does it take you to create a layout?
I’m a bit of a slowpoke. I can count on one hand the number of times a layout took me less than 2 hours to create. Usually I spend about 2.5-4hrs working on a page.
Who are your scrapping/designing heroes?
This is one of those questions I hate answering because truly there are so many designers and scrappers who I admire and who inspire me. Among my designing heroes are Creashens, Holly Designs, Kate Hadfield, and of course all the amazing A5D designers. There is such a beautiful range of designs here and each designer seems to inspire me in fresh ways. I have so many scrapping inspirations. Sarah (my3hens) has such a seamless and unique creativity that I admire so much. Every page is a dream. And Kristen (our own kristenrice/K Studio) has always been an inspiration of mine. Her pages are flawlessly composed and rich in layers and I love every last one. I seriously could ramble on about scrappers whose pages I admire. There are so very many.
Do you have a specific style?
Hmmm..I used to think I didn’t have a style, but I think one has emerged in my pages without my even realizing it. I guess I’d describe my pages as photo centric designs with lots of little details.
Do you have a vision of what a layout will look like when you start it?
Rarely. LOL. I often *think* I do, but in the process of creating my pages I never end up where I think I’m going.
What would be your dream vacation?
Oooh a trip to New Zealand.
And no After 5 interview would be complete without this question…What is your favorite after hours drink?
I’m not really a drinker, but once in a blue moon I enjoy a nice glass of Merlot.
