Who I am
Contact
Mail:
Kristal Andrew
4821 Antioch Road
Crestview, FL 32536
Background
I began my journey as a public schools teacher whose drawings proved to be excellent decorations, worksheet images, and props. I have both my Masters and Bachelors in Education, and have been a teacher for 10 years. I completed my principalship in a Juvenile Justice School. When my son was born, he was born with a rare midline disorder called Pentalogy of Cantrell. When I finally was able to bring him home at 3.5 mths old, my maternity leave was over. I continued to teach Special Education during my pregnancy, and then transferred over to primary education. I began stamping and dabbling in mixed media. Many artistic journeys would I have! I went thru a very unfortunate divorce, because of my sweet son's traumatic birth and hospital stay. It was too much for his father.
I remarried when my son Jasper was 3.5. I married a US Navy officer, who volunteered as a paramedic at the local hospital, where my son often went for his many bouts of pneumonia. A friendship was formed, and he was transferred to Whidby Island NAS, in WA. We married, and I began my first real life as a self employed business owner and artist. I taught classes throughout the area, online, began my love of altered art and books, and sold many electic hard to find art materials thru my company Eye Candy Originals.
We were transferred (again) to FL. I went back to teaching intermediate school, until my son Jasper needed another heart surgery--then our homeschooling adventure began! What also began? My love of immense scrapbooking! I taught classes locally and online, and began designing cutting files for my Pazzles and Cricut Expression.
This past summer my oldest son was diagnosed with Aspergers, and returned to a social setting, in private school. So, Here I am now.... a freelance writer, designer, and blogger!
Unfortunately, I went thru a very sad divorce--so I am now a single mother of two amazing boys; God has carried me thru these hard times and for Him I'm thankful. I'm loving life, embracing the challenges and exciting times ahead. No matter what comes my way...I believe Attitude is Everything...it's all in how you turn the glass, and the attittude you take.
Current Work
Freelance Writer & and Designer, Instructor
I design my own rubber stamp line: K Andrew Designs Stamps. This is my HEART and how I support my two young boys.
I do freelance ghost writing and designing for companies in the scrapbooking and crafts industry.
I currently write for Gingerscrap Street, sister to ScrapStreet Magazine. My regular column is called Crossroads Cafe, focusing on hybrid scrapbooking. I'm always looking for new talent for my articles.
I also review products and freelance design for different companies.
Past companies: Renaissance Ribbons, Sulyn Industries Amy Chomas
Present companies: Cri-Kits, Memory Miser, Visual Designs by Chris, ScrapStreet Magazine
Current Design Teams: Creative Charms
I write for the Teacher's Bookbag. Currently, I'm finishing a teaching companion trilogy for a Roald Dahl book series. This is also completed in my free time. I also am a staff writer for GingerScrapStreet magazine for their Hybrid section, and write monthly for this publication.
I also teach classes at local scrapbook stores, cricut groups, and in my home studio. I will be demoing for Cri-Kits this year at Winter CHA in LA end of January 2011.
I've also been published in Somerset Magazine (Paris Edition 2005), Altered Words(2005), Scrapbook News and Reviews (October Edition 2010), GingerScrapStreet (January, February, March, April, May 2011 issues), ScrapStreet Magazine (March, April, May 2011), and a few educational publications.
I've been featured/guest designed at Scrappy Mom's Rubber Stamps, Amy Chomas, Cri-Kits, Sulyn's Glitter Blog, Peachy Keen Stamps (April 2011), and Creating Keepsakes (2011).
I am passionate about my relationship with God, my family, and creating for His purpose. I am grateful for His blessings, and grateful for each person I may meet and the continued learning each day I'm blessed with.
All the best,
Kandrew
