ElleBelle

I really dislike "About Me" sections, typically. However, in this case, I am more than happy to let y'all know a little about myself.

I'm a culinary student from South Carolina. I have a passion for cooking, music, horticulture, art, and my family. I consider myself to be a fairly easy going person with many interests and curiosities. I like to travel and go on wonderful adventures close to home or far away. I believe that life is all about your experiences and what you learn from them.

Scrapbooking- I've been scrapbooking for about 10 years. I've made some special occasion scrapbooks for family members and friends. I have an on going scrapbook of my travels, family, and friends as well.

Knitting- I just learned how! My Aunt taught me how to cast on, do a basic knit stitch, and cast off. I've only been practicing for 3 days now, but I love it! I'm working on a scarf and as soon as I feel comfortable enough, I'd like to learn some different stitches and patterns. (10-30-09)

Drawing- I love to draw. I like to use different textures in the paper for charcoals, pencil, colored pencil and marker.

Cards- Most of the cards my family receives from me are hand made. I really enjoy making cards for holidays and special occasions.

Paper-crafts (in general)- You can do so much with paper. I like going through craft stores when they have sales on scrapbook paper and remnants to pick out unique textures and designs to use for cards, wrapping gifts, ornaments, decorations, etc.

Beading- I think this may be the craft I love the most. I find beading very relaxing and fun, but sometimes challenging. I like using buttons as well. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, headbands...you name it and I'll make it. I also like to make the beads themselves! :)

Fabric painting- I used to make t-shirts of all kinds in High School and still do. Most of them are silly, but I've occasionally had requests from friends for a logo they've designed to be put on a t-shirt, jacket, or pants. Making clothes a little more interesting is fun!

Fabric crafts, sewing, etc.- I like different textures, colors, and designs in fabrics, the same way I do in paper. I am by no means a fashion designer or seamstress, but I do enjoy making pillows, purses, scarves, and other accessories.

Painting- I used to paint a lot in grade school, but I've not really had the opportunity to do so very often in college. I've started to pick it back up where I left off. I really love working with acrylics and watercolors.

I enjoy all kinds of music. And when I say "all kinds", I mean it. I do tend to go through phases, but always like to listen to different genres and styles.

Some of my favorite artists are: Duke Ellington, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Sara Vaughn, The Blues Brothers, Blind Pilot, Brandon Patton, Lady Antebellum, She Daisy, Brad Paisley, Black Crowes, Rolling Stones, Counting Crowes, MC Frontalot, Tom Petty, Alison Krauss, Bluegrass Underground, Jurassic 5, One Block Radius, Missy Elliot, Optimus Rhyme, The Beatles, Lilly Allen, Cat Empire, AC/DC, Disney theme songs, The Red Elvises, Mojo Nixon, Coyote Shivers, The Wallflowers, India Arie, James Taylor, Steve Miller Band, Rascal Flatts, Johnny Cash, Bob Marley, Green Day, Linkin Park, UB40, Alice in Chains, Holst, Stakovsky...and many, many, MANY more.

Music- I firmly believe that music makes the world go 'round.

Family and Friends- I wouldn't be who I am without them. I'm very close with most all of my family even though we're spread across the country. They are very important to me.

Cooking- It's my life. It's what I want to do when I grow up. I also think it's a great way to express yourself. Playing with new flavors, techniques, and learning about culinary arts is awesome! There's always something new in the culinary world to learn that will keep you on your toes.

Happiness

Animals- I'm a huge animal lover! I have two adorable cats (Cricket and Coral) that I love dearly. Kitty snuggles are awesome. My favorite animals are tigers, cows, whales, and elephants.

Hiking, Rafting, Being Outdoors- Life's too short to stay cooped up all the time :)

Peter Pan- The character, the book, the play, the movie(s)...I adore it all. Please note, however, that I do not care for Tinkerbell one bit.

Clouds, Stars, Celestial stuff

Snowflakes!- They're my thing.

Travel- I love to travel! Plane, boat, bus, car, train...any mode of transportation that will take me somewhere new is okay in my book. I've never been outside the US, unfortunately, but I sure have been a good many places here in the states. I like the coast, I like the mountains, I like it all. NYC, Atlanta, Austin, Savannah, and Santa Fe are my favorite cities.

Blue and Pink

Cookbooks

Videogames

Pinball

Romance

Crafts (duh)

Stuffed Animals- I'm 23. I know I should get over it already, but I can't help myself. I have over 400. Don't judge :-P

Van Gough- "Starry Night" is my favorite piece (if it's cliche, sue me).

Picasso

Michelangelo (the artist/inventor and the ninja turtle)

Shopping

Gardening

Weather/Meteorology

Dinosaurs

Shakespeare

Comic Books- Gotham City Sirens is the series I'm enjoying most right now. Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy are my favorite characters of all time.

Cooking gadgets

Black and white movies/photographs

Audrey Hepburn

Landascapes

Negativity- Can't stand it. I know it happens and the world is not made of rainbows and sunshine, but I've recently learned that life is too short to be negative towards others.

Over-cooked meat- If I ever own a restaurant (which is part of my plan), "well-done" will not be an option. That's just sinful and ew.

"AIM" speak- Real words and grammar are our friends.

Politicians

Licorice

Tinkerbell

My favorite things to make so far are inchies, matchboxes, and ATC's :) All of these crafts have been so much fun!

I like to work with lots of different media...well just about anything really. I love paper, beads, ribbon, buttons, yarn, colored foil, velum, brads, glitter, stickers, rubber stamps, string, paint...lots of stuff. I don't have a lot of items other than beads and scrapbooking things, so I'm hoping to bargain hunt for some neat supplies soon.

I've noticed wish lists on many other profiles and there are often questions posted in swaps for about things that you'd like to receive. Hopefully this will help out my future swap partners.

brads and paper fasteners, ribbon, glitter pens/glitter, glass beads, yarn, tags, small envelopes (smaller than note card or standard letter size), stickers, pens, rubber stamps, inchie and ATC blanks, bookmarks, ribbon, paper/paper scraps.

Honestly just about anything...I really try not to be too picky. I appreciate anything you can think of.

I would rather not receive buttons unless they are very unique or glass. I have so many that I have plans for, but I've not been able to use them yet.

I love meeting and talking to new people. If you have questions for me or just want to talk, feel free!

I always send my swaps out by the deadline--ALWAYS. If you don't receive my package within 2 weeks, please contact me. It seems I've been having trouble getting things to the proper places on time. Unfortunately, the US postal service isn't as reliable as it used to be.