When I was little, I hated writing on the back of paper. My grandfather used to get so upset that I would "waste" paper in this way. My darling grandmother, Mary Lee, was quite different. She would encourage my doodling, handwriting experimentation, and anything else that appeared on the paper without hesitation. She truly taught me to love paper. Additionally, she constantly used to leave notes, small packages, and surprises for me in her mailbox. She loved the mail, and I so enjoyed receiving her surprises. In some of my shop pictures a cursive "L" can be seen in some of the twine; this is for her, as L was the first letter of her last name. I continue the gift of correspondence today in her honor with creating handmade goodies and personalized cards and stationery. Hand-written notes are so special, and are quickly (and sadly) forgotten in this data-insta-techie-day in age. My grandpa built me my own "writing center" when I was two years old, which is still around today. I would sit for hours upon hours just drawing, coloring, writing, and doing it all over again. I am looking forward to someday seeing my own daughter sitting at that table finding her inner creative goddess.

I have had a dream to share my love of paper with others ever since I was a child at that table. At a very young age, I was "hired" by family members for lemonade stands, gift-wrapping at the holidays, and other odd-jobs. Sharing the love and joy of handmade & homemade goodness with other artists on Etsy has been quite an exciting experience for me and I look forward to where the path leads. So, here begins my "Grown-Up Lemonade Stand." I'm just a girl, in love with paper, and making other people smile. :)

As for my username, guapaycreativa, I have been in love with the Spanish language since I was in 9th grade. I had an incredible Spanish teacher who inspired me to become one as well. Guapa is a synonym of sorts for beautiful, and creativa is...well, creative! I LOVE beautiful, creative gifts and creations, and highly admire and adore those who dedicate their time to creating something beautiful for others! Spanish has, and always will be, a part of my life. I love to sneak Spanish words into conversations and crafts all the time.

Family is my life. I have a fantastic and supportive husband, a beautiful sister, and the greatest parents in the world. My beautiful mother has been living with RA for several years now. RA is a painful, chronic disease that attacks the joints, as well as causes your body to swell and become stiff. A portion of each sale will be donated to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation (www.ra.com).