This week, we're shining our spotlight on Made To Surprise by Sam Calcott as part of our Brand Spotlight feature.

Sam is one of the best crafters in the industry, and we're so proud to have her as part of the CraftStash family, designing her very own products that we know you all love as much as we do!

Here's a little more about what makes Sam tick!

How did you first delve into the world of design and crafting?

SAM: I’ve always been creative and tried my hands in lots of different crafts.

As a family we used to scrapbook when we were younger, documenting summer holidays and special occasions. I used to make my own jewellery for years and even made my own clothes!

 It wasn't until after leaving my long retail career and moving abroad that I was able to take up cardmaking & papercraft. My mum is a crafter too, and has her own craft room, and when visiting she would show me her new things and introduce me to Heat Embossing, that changed everything for me, I was amazed and wanted to do more. 

As I started to create with her, she told me about the FB groups she is a member of and encouraged me to share my makes, I guess the rest is history!

What inspired you to create Made to Surprise?

SAM: I was approached by CraftStash to join the Co-Brand team.

It was something I had hoped would happen, after seeing Helen and her brand launch a year or so before. I love being part of the CraftStash family.

What's the trickiest part of your creative process?

SAM: Making some of the prototypes. Sometimes a vision in my head doesn't always work as a card.

I remember spending ages on the Fun at the Fair collection, getting each set to move and stand in the way I wanted took ages.

How do you stay inspired when designing new collections?

SAM: Sometimes I look at trends, but mostly a new collection will develop and grow off the back of a past collection launch.

I regularly interact with my followers and customers. They may say ‘You should do this’ or ‘How about this theme’, or ‘I can imagine it with this’. These requests can really spark my imagination!

Any tips for someone just starting with cardmaking?

SAM: Don't rush out and buy everything all at once because 9/10 you won't use it all and it will be very overwhelming. Sometimes the loveliest cards are made using little supplies.

Start with the basics, scoreboard, trimmer, and good cardstock, and go from there.

You can make fun fold-shaped cards using just your scoreboard and then check out other brands and creators for styles you like.

CraftStash Rapid Round

Favourite card fold?

SAM: Big Showstopper designs & Pop-Up’s!

Most inspiring source of creativity for your designs?

SAM: I love scrolling through Pinterest, but also get inspiration when I'm out on walks or from my Facebook group Mixed Up Crafters.

Most used colour palette in projects?

SAM: Pink, Yellow & Orange

Favourite technique?

SAM: I love heat embossing!

Top three essential tools in your craft stash?

SAM: Scoreboard, Trimmer & Die-cutting machine.

Unexpected talent?

SAM: I'm really good with directions, I only need to be shown once and I remember, even years later I can remember exactly where to go.

Ideal vacation destination?

SAM: Vietnam

Favourite book or movie?

SAM: Steel Magnolias

Most memorable childhood hobby?

SAM: Scrapbooking

What's your go-to comfort food?

SAM: Pizza!

We loved delving into Sam's thoughts and finding out where her inspiration comes from!

For everyone wanting to stay updated with Sam's latest creations, be sure to follow Made To Surprise and Sam Calcott on social media.

Made To Surprise by Sam Calcott - Shop the full collection on CraftStash.

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Keep crafting, and stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our next "Brand Spotlight."