TEAM

Ashley Cannon Newell, founder and editor-in-chief, has a true passion for paper crafting. Although Ashley has crafted her entire life, she began stamping and card making in the fall of 2006. Her work can be found in many magazines. She resides in Northern Virginia with her husband, McArthur, and their Yorkshire Terrier, Ozzy. When she is not card making, Ashley enjoys traveling, photography, entertaining guests, and surfing the Internet.

Ashley started Embellish in September 2009. She wanted to offer a new and fun concept to the paper crafting community, from a designer’s perspective. The opportunity of an online magazine presented itself (with the help of McArthur). After brainstorming magazine concepts, she finally decided on a challenge-based publication that mixed two worlds into one. Many paper crafters enjoy online challenges to start a creative flow and others love to see their work published.

Charlene Austin is a contributing editor for the Color Splash column. Her great use and knowledge of color can be found on most Fridays as a member of the Loonie Stampers Challenge. Charlene has a great knack for using color in her designs.

When not paper crafting, Charlene works part time as a Claims Property Adjuster. She has been creating cards since November 2006. Although never crafty growing up, Charlene has discovered how important card making is in her life. She started blogging in February 2008, which brought about a true passion to share her creations in such a fun way.

Charlene has a great history of paper crafting success including being published on her first try and working with quality publications. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with her husband Mike and little dogs, Willow and Paisley (which her blog is named after).

Originally from Delaware, Cristina currently lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with her husband and daughter. She’s an author by day, with two books published under her maiden name (a short story collection called Come Together, Fall Apart and a novel entitled The World in Half), and a card maker by night.

Mariana Grigsby lives in Northern Illinois with her husband, Larry, and their sons, Daniel and Allan. She is originally from Mexico where she was raised and went to college. Mariana’s mother introduced her to crafts many years ago, but in 2006 she became addicted.  She started blogging over a year ago to participate in challenges and have fun. She reserves time out of her schedule almost every day to create crafty stuff and is thankful her supportive husband embraces her creativity.

Sarah Martina Parker, also known as *Sarah Martina*, is a contributing editor. Although Sarah is fairly new to the online paper crafting world, she has a wealth of paper crafting product knowledge. As a a result of her know-how and outstanding card designs, her column, Trendy Perspective, will offer current paper crafting trends.

Sarah joined the online craft community in December 2008 and dove in “head first.” You can find her work being praised by everyone, everywhere! Sarah began submitting work to be published in Summer 2009, and was blessed to have projects published both inside the magazine and on the cover on her first try! Talk about motivation to keep her going!

Most importantly, Sarah has a wonderful family who loves and supports her dearly. She is married to her hero and best friend, Sie. Together, they have a beautiful daughter, Sydney, and a loving son, Sie, II. They are a busy bunch, but at the end of the day are happy to look at each other to remind themselves of why they get up every morning.

Tina Fussell, the Traveling Mama, is a wife and mom of three. They have set off on quite the adventure overseas and have spent three years living in Morocco. They have now moved on to their new destination in Denmark. She remembers the first hand made card she received and still has it! Tina could not believe her friend made it and she called her immediately to find out how she could learn how to make one herself! Four years later, Tina is addicted to card crafting in addition to her previous affection for scrapbooking! She loves a clean, modern, and simple design with a touch of elegance now and then which can be found in her work.