FEATURE FRIDAY

Today we are featuring someone we all know and love, Valerie Light.  Valerie works at Cat's on Thursday afternoons and evenings as well as the crops on the 1st and 3rd Saturday's.  She is pictured above with her precious granddaughter, Kennedy, aka Peanut.  Kennedy is featured on many layouts throughout the store that Valerie has created.  I asked Valerie to send me a short bio so we could learn a little more about her:

I started scrapbooking in 2004 when I was invited to a "Creative Memories" crop. I was hooked. I didn't know there was such a thing as scrapbook stores until I had a friend who worked for a small scrapbook store in Mineral Wells now known as "Cat's Creations". Cathy bought the store in August 2004 and I began to visit often, attending crops and some of the classes. I attended the first retreat that Cat's Creations hosted. In 2006 Cathy asked me about working part time for her at the store and I said "yes".  I've come a long way since then!

I don't know what Valerie's first layouts looked like, but the ones she creates now are simply amazing.  Love the pinks and browns.  In addition to being a talented scrapper, Valerie is a very accomplished photographer.  The photos on her pages are always so beautiful.

More from Valerie:  I got serious about making cards about 2 yrs ago. I had made a few cards from time to time in the early years of my scrapbooking but I was never pleased with the finished product until I got introduced to Operation Write Home. This organization makes cards for people in the military to send home to family and friends. There are MANY tutorials and tips for making well crafted cards and I have learned so much! I am now very pleased with the cards I make!

Yes, I do believe this is a very well-crafted card.  LOVE the "rope' hanging on the corner of the horse image.  Beautiful!

This is an adorable card.  LOVE the pawprint brads.  So many wonderful features on this card!

Valerie continuing:  My husband, Doyle and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary September 11th. We have a daughter and son-in-law and two granddaughters with another grandchild on the way! I also have a horse, dog and cat. (Our herd has diminished over the years). My primary part time job is being secretary at my church. I am a very outdoors type person. Enjoying riding, hiking or taking walks with my dog. My favorite thing to do is watch a beautiful sunset (and photograph it) or watch the weather. I am an avid weather watcher and have been nicknamed the "weather woman"!  I have made so many wonderful friends through this hobby. I have learned so much and keep learning new things.

This is a beautiful layout that Valerie created featuring some of her spectacular photography.  Love how she made the "faith" pennants. 

Valerie inspires all who know her and is Cat's right hand person.  Cat and Valerie have been known to completely rearrange the store, starting on a Thursday and finishing up on Saturday.   

I hope you have enjoyed learning a little more about Valerie.  I know I have enjoyed featuring Valerie and her beautiful work today.

Don't forget about the Operation Write Home Birthday Bash at the store Saturday afternoon from 1-5:00 pm.  Sandy Trefger has made kits for us to put together to make some beautiful cards for our troops.  All that you need is a $5 donation for postage and some adhesive.  She has made it very simple for us to make these cards.

In addition, if you bring some handmade cards to donate to Operation Write Home or donate some cash to help page for postage, you will receive a 15% discount on any purchases through Saturday.  

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and that your plans include a trip to the store.