Get to know the Design Team: Nicola Mason

Hi creative friends,

I’m so excited to launch a brand-new series here at Shabby Art Boutique … Get to Know the Design Team.

Every few months, I’ll be sharing a behind-the-scenes look at one of our wonderful Design Team members so you can learn more about the creative souls who inspire us each week.

And who better to start with than someone who has been by my side for over four and a half years?

Today, I’m delighted to introduce (or re-introduce!) you to Nicola Mason of Shabby Journals Crafts and More and previously known as My Shabby Craft Corner.

 

Nicola has been an integral part of the Design Team, first as a valued member and, in more recent years, as an Ambassador.

Over this time, we’ve become great friends, and I’m so grateful for her dedication, encouragement, and endless creativity.

Her crafting style is wonderfully diverse, but her 3D projects and enchanting dioramas are especially exceptional… they truly bring my digital kits to life.

Meet Nicola

Nicola lives in the picturesque little fishing village of Mevagissey at the very bottom of the UK.

Imagine pastel cottages, cobbled streets, and a working harbour… it’s no wonder her surroundings inspire a whimsical, shabby style.

 

Outside of crafting, Nicola loves refurbishing furniture and playing video games.

And here’s a fun little quirk that makes her uniquely Nicola: she has a thing for the smell of rubber… from hot water bottles to new trainers to wetsuits!

She admits to being a self-confessed chocoholic too (who isn’t?) with a soft spot for Dairylea Dunkers and fizzy pop.

 

How it all began

Nicola has always been creative… sketching, painting, and colouring from a young age.

When her children grew up, she started making Christmas cards.

But it was actually her love of video games, Drake’s Fortune and Tomb Raider, that led her into the world of journals.

Seeing how journals were used in those games to detail adventures and treasures sparked her passion for documenting and creating in her own shabby style.

 

Being on the Design Team

When asked what she loves most about being part of the Shabby Art Boutique Design Team, Nicola says:

“My favourite part is that I get to inspire others and make sure they grow by encouraging creativity. I am so grateful to be part of a supportive community and team which makes it a delight to be here.”

Her creative style? Shabby, vintage, whimsical – three words that describe her projects perfectly.

 

Inspiration and process

Nicola’s inspiration usually begins with the fussy cuts:

“I always get inspired by the elements and fussy cuts first – my brain starts ticking with ideas. Then I choose papers that reflect what I have in mind, usually in my favourite colour palette of pinks, whites, and sage greens.”

Her process starts with cutting out most of the kit:

“I never know what I’ll need, but I find fussy cutting relaxing and love seeing all the little pieces laid out, ready to play with.”

 

 

Favourite projects and tools

Nicola is especially fond of the Field of Flowers collection… the kit that first sparked her love for Shabby Art Boutique and inspired her beautiful doily book.

Another favourite was creating a 3D Christmas Village, which was as fun to make as it was magical to look at.

When it comes to tools, Nicola keeps things simple:

“My go-to tools are my glue gun, Fabri-Tac glue, fussy cut scissors, and lace. I like to show that you don’t need expensive tools to create something beautiful.”

 

Growth and gratitude

Over the years, being part of the Craft Room and Design Team has influenced Nicola’s style and given her confidence to experiment:

“I’ve grown with the whimsical style, using the fussy cuts and elements to influence my dioramas and bring the kits to life. The main thing that has helped me grow is having a supportive and nurturing mentor in Kerryanne.”

Her kind words mean so much… but truthfully, Nicola has been just as much of a support and inspiration to me and to the whole community.

 

What’s next?

Nicola is brimming with ideas for the upcoming A Homemade Christmas kit, and we can’t wait to see the projects she has planned.

If her past Christmas projects are anything to go by, we’re in for some truly special creations!

 

Thank you, Nicola

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little peek into Nicola’s creative world.

Her warmth, generosity, and imaginative projects have been such a gift to our community, and I feel incredibly lucky to have her on the team.

You can connect with Nicola and see more of her beautiful work over at Shabby Journals Crafts and More:   Instagram  and YouTube
Be sure to subscribe to her YouTube channel, so you can keep up with all of her fun tutorials.
Click here to join Nicola’s Shabby Journals Craft & More Facebook group.

 

Stay tuned…  next time we’ll be spotlighting another one of our talented Design Team members in the Get to Know the Design Team series.

Happy crafting,

Hugs
♥
Kerryanne

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