As a scrapbook enthusiast and the proprietor of an online scrapbook store, my heart has always gravitated towards vintage aesthetics, favoring them over sleek, modern designs. I found it increasingly challenging to find the specific products and styles that resonated with both my personal taste and the preferences of my online customers. So, in 2016, I started 49 and Market with the goal of producing premium products for next-level crafters and have since closed my existing online store.

It's funny, my mother always likes to talk about how my sister was an artist and I was an athlete. Somehow things have changed and crossed paths... I'd say it was in the early 2000's when I discovered scrapbooking. Once I started, I never looked back, and I completely immersed myself into the craft.

Explore!!!! There is nothing wrong with experimenting with different looks to determine what does and doesn't work for you. Papers, mediums, stamps and dies are all meant to be played with and tested. You might surprise yourself with the different results you can get when you change things up. Also check out who is doing what on social media. If you find a maker you like, follow them, check out their tutorials online and see if you can invest in an online or in-person class.

Well, this question of course comes down to Katie Pertiet!!!! Katie has a digital scrapbook business, and I would STALK it. She designed our very first 49 and Market collection, which helped establish the brand’s look and feel. We took a short hiatus as I didn't have the ability to produce the products I envisioned from her artwork. Then back in 2020, we reconnected when I finally figured out a way to bring her designs to life through the paper products I produced. Katie's style and artistry is second to none.

Distressing! Hands down this is my go-to move in terms of making things look like they are next level. For lighter backgrounds, I ink the edges and for darker backgrounds, I sand and distress the edges.