Interview with Aletha J. Williams

Here's a quick reminder that our current challenge theme is choice of "No Lines" or "Color Bingo".  The challenge page is right here.  Deadline is Saturday, July 19, 2014, at 11:55 pm EDT.

I'm really glad you could stop by for the 8th installment of the Designer Interviews. Today, we are getting to know Aletha J. Williams!  Everyone, please meet Aletha.

Aletha J. Williams

Mitzi: I think the first card I saw from you that was made with one of my digi's was "Hydrangea Sprite" with "Believe" sentiment that you uploaded to the wall almost the day I first set up the FB group back in November of 2013. I remember the rich, luscious colors, and beautiful details throughout, which I've come to learn that are characteristic of your work. How long have you been coloring/paper crafting and how did you get started?

The bright and richly colored creation by Aletha with "Hydrangea Sprite".

Aletha:I have had some form of art in most of my adult life, but as far as coloring/paper crafting that began in 2000 with my plunge into Stampin’ Up! and working at Hobby Lobby (and, yes, Hobby Lobby got most of my check!). I have always been very good with colors and when I discovered Copics in 2009 (that’s when my health went you know where and I became disabled) the rest is history.

Mitzi: Oh, my.  I can just imagine how tempting to spend all the paycheck on things you see around you right at your workplace every day!  I've been in that situation.  I'm glad that you had your Copics to keep you busy when your health failed.  I would imagine that it helped you through to have an easy access art form close by.  Next question.  I couldn't help but notice you have made a lot of cards with my Sprites. What appeals do they have for you?

Aletha's beautiful card in shades of purple with "Fuchsia Sprite".

Aletha: Other than me being a big fan of fantasy, your Sprites are so much fun to color and create with. Also, our latest grandson was born in November 2013 and he has this otherworldly essence about him. He reminds me of your Sprites. This is also what his father, my son, looked like at his age.

Indeed!  He IS the Sprite baby!  CUTE~!!

Total cuteness!

Mitzi: Awww.  You're right!!  Your grandson does look like a sprite!  The outline of the face and those eyes!  Just adorable! :D  *squee*  Now, a totally random question for you...  Are you a cat person or a dog person? (I like to ask this often... ^^; )

Aletha: I am a cat person, meaning that I will take a cat before I take a dog, BUT I am a sucker for puppies and rescues! We have always had 3 dogs and 3 cats, but we are down to just one cat. LucyFur is 19 years old and still very active. I also love lizards and dragons, but my faux lizard and dragons will be the only ones I can have. 

LucyFur

Mitzi:  What an awesome name - LucyFur! That's wonderful that she's 19 years old and still healthy.  :D  And I love your dragon & lizard collection!  Now, Aletha, when you're not coloring and crafting, what do you enjoy doing?

Aletha: I love to shop online and spend my husband’s money! I have been going through pulmonary rehab lately, so there has not been much time for anything else.

Mitzi: Well, hey, what girl doesn't like Retail Therapy, right? ;)  I like shopping online between illustration sessions myself.  Hehe.   Now, here's my 'random' question for you.  What is your favorite genre of music?

Aletha: I really can’t say other than my tastes are eclectic. If I like the voice I usually want the album. I am really big fan of female recording artists: Merchant, Nix, Lorde, St. Vincent, etc.

A gorgeous mixed media piece with "White Poppy" digi.

Mitzi: Eclectic it is! I was curious what your answer was going to be since I couldn't guess what you'd say. ^_^  Now, something a little different... If you were to describe yourself as a single color, what would you see yourself as and why?

Aletha: I would have to say I am purple. You can combine so many colors with purple and they all pop!

Aletha's gorgeous "Petunia Sprite"in glorious purple.
This baby was commissioned by Aletha.

Mitzi:Aha!  I imagined you as a purple.  Probably because I've seen how you color your projects.  And from what I've seen, you use purple beautifully.  I love purple, too.  It's a color with a wonderful vibration.  Now, getting back to the topic of arts & crafts,  what is your favorite art/craft tool and why?  This is something I ask everyone. 

Aletha: I know that you asked for one, but I have three. First is my Xacto. When an image allows it, I fussy cut the images so my project will have a 3-D aspect to them. Next are my die-cutting machines, Big Shot and Grand Calibur.

Stunning DT work with "Chrysanthemum Festival".

Mitzi: That's great!  Hehe, I know I'd have a hard time narrowing down to one favorite tool, so I understand where you're coming from.  You do have the distinction of not pickcing Copics among my designers, though. :D   The next question is another one that I love asking everyone. Just for fun, when you were little, what did you want to be when you grow up?

Aletha: I really wanted to be an artist or a book maker. I loved making itty bitty books for my dolls who were my club members. Of course, I was always the president of said clubs. 

Mitzi: Oh, now, that's pretty cool!  ^_^  And here's my last question.  This is yet another one that I ask my designers in every interview.  If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you like to go visit?

Aletha: This is a toughie because I am on oxygen 24/7, but if I could get there somehow I would want to go to New Zealand!

Mitzi: Oooh,  New Zealand would be awesome!   *mind wandering*  Well, Aletha, thank you for the fun interview.  It was great getting to know you beyond the beautiful creations you make. ^_^ I'd also like to thank the readers who stopped by to join us.  Be sure to check out and give some love to Aletha's blogs.  She has two -- "AJ's Designs" here and "AJ's Alternative Endeavors" here.

I'll show you some more of Aletha's fabulous creations here.  Enjoy!

Beautiful in shades of purple with "Bluebell Sprite 2".

Striking in green and purple with "Rose Fairy 2".

Gorgeous colors and stunning design with "Snapdragon Sprite".

And don't forget to join our Challenge #4 "No Lines" or "Color Bingo" here.  Also, do join us at the very active Facebook group Stamps by AuroraWings, if you're not already a member, for even more opportunities for fun challenges, mini-contests, discount codes, & so much more.

Till next time, happy coloring!! :D