An Interview with Sue Dix

September 01, 2015

Good Morning Crafters

Today we have an interview with Sue Dix, the designer of Sweet Dixie dies and stamps.

Sue's Sweet Dixie Dies can be found on the Personal Impressions website, on the home page you will find the Stockist Locator where you will be able to find a stockist near you!

Before we start here are a couple of pieces from Sue that she created.

Q. How and when did you first get into crafting?

A. My mother was a crafter who encouraged me from a very early age. I was knitting from 5 years old, then sewing, crocheting, making paper flowers, basket weaving, patchwork, beading, cross stitch and more.

But for as long as I can remember I have always loved drawing and painting. I studied art to A level, then after working for a high street bank for 9 years I spent over 20 years selling my hand painted stones, slates and house signs at local craft fairs, and I still exhibit at occasional craft fairs now.

Q. When did you come up with the idea for your stamps?

A. I've been a stamper for many years but had never considered the possibility of designing. Then in 2007 Dawn Bibby saw some decoupage made from prints of some paintings that I'd done for Craft Creations, she contacted me and then introduced me to Personal Impressions. I've been designing stamps ever since and will always be grateful to Dawn because without her help I wouldn't be where I am now.

Q. What do you love about stamping and making cards?

A. I love the versatility of stamping, there are so many different things you can do with just one stamp, and I especially love being able to create bespoke, personalised cards for all my family and friends.

Q. Over the years have you found your style change and evolve?

A. Most definitely, my style developed considerably over the many years I spent painting every day, but since I've been designing stamps and dies it's changed even more.

Q. What inspires you when designing your stamps/dies?

A. I find inspiration everywhere, and I'm always looking out for anything that sparks an idea, but I've always loved drawing and painting from nature and I find myself greatly inspired by wildlife and flowers.

Q. Do you have a favourite project you created?

A. That's a really difficult question, there have been so many, but I have a real passion for scrapbooking so it would probably have to be one of my layouts or one of my themed mini scrap books.

Q. What advice would you give to new crafters?

A. Enjoy yourself, and when a particular craft or technique inspires you just give it a try and never be scared to experiment. You don't need to be artistic and in crafting there is often no right or wrong, just as long as you have fun and love what you've created that's really all that matters.

Q. What is your favourite piece of crafting equipment?

A. I'm tempted to say one of my die cutting machines.....but to be honest it would probably have to be my 12 inch guillotine, I use it almost every time I craft and I couldn't bear to be without it.