DIY Network

DIY Women: Sandi Genovese From "Scrapbooking" episode SCB-507

DIY Scrapbooking host Sandi Genovese has been a cropping inspiration both on-screen and off. Sandi has traveled all over the U.S. to share her professional knowledge -- and personal passion -- with eager croppers. She's taken a little time from her busy schedule (including hosting this year's Croppin's USA Marathon!) to answer a few questions for DIY Women!

Sandi's story continued below.

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Sandi Genovese

Q: How did you know that paper crafting -- specifically scrapbooking -- was the career path you wanted to take?

I've always been interested in paper -- color, textures and patterns always inspire me. I never intended to focus on scrapbooking -- but I've been making my own Christmas cards for over 25 years. It was my fascination with cards that led me to scrapbooking. About 10 years ago, my parents had old slides converted into photos which they sent to me, my brother and sister. When my sister's got lost in the mail, I decided to make a scrapbook for her, incorporating the photos and the tools and techniques I used on my cards. Working with our childhood photos in the creation of a gift for her really got me hooked and I haven't stopped since.

Q: What's your favorite type of scrapbooking project?

I like to create my own scrapbooks that are smaller than traditional 12 x 12 pages. Making my own allows me to decorate the cover, create unique pages, use various folding techniques and develop unusual binding techniques. Some of my favorite photo projects aren't even in books -- they're displayed in three-dimensional formats all around my house.

Q: You've been an innovator for some of the most well-known names in the scrapbooking business. What keeps you inspired, and where do you get your best ideas?

Many things inspire me -- but the thing the most inspires me to scrapbook is a really good photo. The photos are the heart of the scrapbook and direct me to a particular style or technique to highlight them best.

Q: On the set, you meet croppers -- offering new ideas -- from all over the country. Ever see a new project you just have to try?

It's usually a technique or tool used to create a project that gets my fingers itching! I'm also intrigued by the way Anna Griffin uses paper as if it were fabric -- pleating, weaving and embroidering with ribbon on paper.

Q: Can you give us a peek into your scrapbooking supplies? What are your must-have tools? And what's on your shopping list now?

The list would include my oversized paper trimmer, hole punches and Sakura gelly roll pens that write on dark colors. I'm also launching a new line of products called Simply Sassy by Sandi Genovese (for Mrs. Grossman's Paper Company).

Q: Most people who are passionate about scrapbooking tend to have infectious enthusiasm. Do you try to get your friends and family members to start cropping too?

Not really. I encourage their efforts, but I don't try to push them if they aren't ready. My sister started creating her own holiday cards a few years back and is now beginning to scrapbook as well. It's great fun to share ideas.

Q: What has been the most challenging aspect of hosting DIY Scrapbooking?

Changing clothes 8-10 times a day and making my hair still match the previous segments shot in the same show! The greatest challenge was taping the first season -- the second day of taping was 9/11 and it was both impossible to focus for a few days, and get guests to the studio (who weren't able to fly).

Q: The scrapbooking industry has experienced tremendous growth. In your personal opinion, to what do you attribute its popularity? And do you see it as a continuing trend?

I think there will always be trends within scrapbooking, but I don't foresee a time when we won't have photos, so I can't imagine scrapbooking fading away. It's so universal.

Q: You've traveled all over the country giving presentations and teaching classes. Any funny stories to share?

At a trade show, my executive producer was talking to someone who wanted to be a show guest. The booth fell on the producer during their discussion and she fractured her arm. As she tried to crawl out of the debris, the guest was still trying to get booked on the show!

Q: What advice can you offer beginners who want to start cropping, but feel overwhelmed?

Start small. Don't think you need to organize your photos before beginning. Start with the most recent and work backwards, and scrap whenever the mood strikes! Eventually you'll find your own style and won't be intimidated about working on larger projects.

COULD YOU BE NEXT?
Are you saw-savvy? The self-proclaimed queen of crafts? If you're a woman with a do-it-yourself project you'd like to show off, then we want to hear about it. You might see yourself featured in an upcoming article as part of our new monthly series, DIY Women!

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