CTM Tiki aka cherryberry is in the spotlight today! Read on to learn more about her and then stop by her yummy gallery to see why she inspires us!

Give us the Cliff Notes version of you.

Grew up in small towns in British Columbia, Canada. Moved to Vancouver and went to the University of B.C. to get my Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce. Got a job in public accounting, became a Chartered Accountant eventually specializing in corporate tax. Met my husband, got engaged, moved to California, worked up until I gave birth to my first son in 2004 and have been a stay at home mom since then.

How did you get into scrapping?

Quite by accident. I read about Scrapblog in Parents Magazine and looked it up, tried it out and liked it and I guess the rest is history.

What program do you use to scrap?

CS4 (I just recently upgraded from PSE 7)

What is your favorite NSBR thing to do?

I love rollerblading, volleyball, working out and ballroom dance. I also am easily addicted to video games so I try to limit my exposure.

What are the top 5 songs on your list right now?

I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t listen to music much anymore and when I do it is mostly Laurie Berkner or some other kids’ artist.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Passing the “UFE” (the Uniform Final Exam) to become a Chartered Accountant. It’s a 4 day, 16 hour exam that only about 60% of people pass. You get three tries – I failed the first time but passed on my second attempt.

Are you musically inclined?

Yes – I played piano for about 8 years as a kid and played clarinet in the school band. I quit piano in high school when I was in Grade 8 of the Royal Conservatory. I really wish I’d kept it up until I finished. At the time, I thought practicing interrupted my social life.

What is a typical day like for you?

Wake up, take my oldest to Kindergarten, go for a run with my youngest, pick my oldest up from school, put my youngest down for a nap, dabble on the computer for a little while, play with the kids, make dinner, give the kids a bath and put them to bed, and then SCRAP, SCRAP, SCRAP usually until midnight if there isn’t anything good on tv.

What inspires you?

In relation to scrapping, I get inspiration from a lot of things – colors, a favorite picture, a kit, certain elements …

What are your top 5 layouts you’ve ever done?

 

How do you start a layout?

Most of the layouts I do are for CTs so I usually look at the kit and then find a suitable picture. The picture is always the fist thing I add to my blank page, followed by elements and my background page is always last.

What made you want to apply for your first CT?

Why free kits of course! I also was curious as to whether I was good enough to make it.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a sports medicine physician at one point but decided it would be too much work to achieve. I really regret not following through with the dream because I chose a profession (accounting) that doesn’t interest me in the slightest.

How long does it take you to create a layout?

Too Long! I’m super excited if I can finish a layout in 2 hours – I would say an average layout takes me about 4 hours.

Who are your scrapping/designing heros?

Gosh – what a hard question! There are so many. As for designers, of course I love all the ones at After 5 and too many more to list. There are also so many scrappers that I admire!  I just tried writing a list but it was huge so let’s just say I find a lot of inspiration from various individuals in the gallery.

Do you have a specific style?

No – I’m all over the map. My style ranges from white space to fantasy layouts with extractions. I do tend to like centered designs though regardless of type of layout.

Do you have a vision of what a layout will look like when you start it?

Rarely – I usually have to pull all the elements I like on to a page and play with them a bit before I get an idea for a layout

What would be your dream vacation?

Definitely Europe

And no After 5 interview would be complete without this question…What is your favorite after hours drink?

I have a glass of wine maybe once or twice a year but in the days I used to drink, one of my favorite drinks was a Bellini.