How did you get in to papercrafting?

I am afraid I don't have any romantic story to tell. I randomly heard the word "scrapbooking" in 2012 and started searching for it online because I had no idea what it was (yes, I had not even known the word at that time!) I was quite amazed at what I saw so I have decided to give it a try. I remember the first things I bought were a paper trimmer, a craft knife and a cutting mat plus some patterned papers. I made a mini album for my nephew's birthday - that was my first project.

What are the popular papercrafting trends in the Ukraine at the moment?

I believe the most popular trends in Ukraine are mixed media and scrapbooking (girls like their photos and want to store them beautifully!). I have also seen a lot of really advanced examples of album and notebook making as well as bookbinding. Clean and simple has its fans of course but I don't think it's the number one trend. Cutesy stamp sets are not too popular as well. Flowers and traditional designs get much more love from crafters.

What inspires you the most?

Simple things that surround me inspire me the most. Same thing with card making - I like using stamps and dies for more than they were initially meant to do. It's just like watching the clouds - if you look hard enough you can see so much more than just the clouds.

What have you created that you are most proud of?

When I was teenage I knitted a jumper for my mum. The pattern was really advanced but I did it!

Tell us a little background about yourself

I have been crafting since I was five. I tried so many crafts (embroidery, crochet, knitting, sewing, decoupage, decorating the furniture and many more) until I finally met my biggest love - paper crafting. A few facts about my background: I studied English at the university, my latest job was organizing conferences, I am also an interior designer although I'm not currently practicing it.

What are three interesting facts about you?

- I cannot wink my eye. I can only open and close both eyes simultaneously. - I have started studying Japanese recently. - I have a strong fear of heights although I'm totally OK with spiders.

What is something that your friends would consider “so you”?

"Waking up" in the middle of conversation and asking what everyone has just been talking about :)

What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend?

Travelling to some new wonderful place!

Which is your favourite season of the year and why?

I love autumn. Not only because of gorgeous colours but mostly because of the low autumn sun. Everything looks better when side lit - nature, buildings and people.

What is the best thing about the place where you live?

This question is not easy to answer - it's the same as if I had to say what the best thing about my hand or my eye is. It's just a part of me, it's my home, it's a place I always want to come back to no matter where I am.

What’s the farthest you’ve ever been from home?

Italy is the farthest. Not too far away actually.

Where would you most like to visit?

Since I am now studying Japanese Japan is at the top of my wish list. It's very different and I think it would be an amazing experience.

How different was your life one year ago, and what are you looking forward to in the coming months?

So many new things are happening. Children are surprising me all the time, I've seen some new places and met new people, I try to learn new things. I discovered memory planning and traveller's notebook for myself. And of course, could I imagine just one year ago that I would have my own product line?