We recently connected with Lindsay Wahl and have shared our conversation below.
Lindsay, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I have always had a passion for color and crafting. I began working with paper and creating scrapbooks while in high school, long before all of the amazing products were available in local stores. Yearbook layouts helped me to design in grids. My dad was also a creative role model for me. He could fix anything, from plumbing to computers to cars. And if he couldn’t fix it, he’d research until he found an answer. In college, I studied marketing and fashion/textiles. This opened my eyes to trends and color schemes like never before. As time went on, I was inspired by designs I saw in magazines and at craft stores. I attended retreats and conventions, trying to absorb as much information as possible.
Because I’ve pursued multiple interests and careers—business, teaching, philanthropy—I don’t feel that anything could have been done to speed up the learning process. I look at each year, each new experience, as another tool in my belt that I’m now applying in my business. Creativity and organization have been my most essential skills throughout the process. I also benefit by learning from my creative peers and giving them credit where credit is due. I firmly believe there’s room for every artist or designer at the table.
My biggest obstacle is time; there’s never enough! I’m a busy mom, and my craft isn’t something that can be mass produced. And I wouldn’t want it to be any other way. When I’m feeling burnt out or creatively drained, I step away and take the time to refill my creative tank. This could be as simple as taking a walk outside or going to a museum. I also have learned to take time to sit and play with paper without an end goal of making a product to sell. Sometimes the act of being creative with no pressure leads to so many more amazing ideas in the future.
Lindsay, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Lindsay Wahl, and I am the owner of and designer for Lindsay’s Layouts. I specialize in scrapbooking and card making kits, as well as virtual and in person retreats. I live in Colorado with my husband, three daughters and two guinea pigs. I have a degree in business and elementary education. Both have helped guide me to where I am today.
Lindsay’s Layouts began in 2005, shortly after I made an anniversary gift album for a close friend. From there, I was inspired to create for others. I connected with both crafters and companies at local conventions. I later hosted large crops at local churches, designing layout kits for the attendees. I began to see just how beneficial kits were for crafters and specifically moms. The kits took the stress out of crafting since every piece was cut and prepared. There was little to no waste or overbuying of product for the customers, because the kit came with exactly what was needed for a professional looking design.
Over the years, I have been a MemoryWorks consultant, hosting monthly crops in my basement. Attendees would come with their photos and adhesive, and they would leave with at least four completed scrapbook pages, using the latest and greatest paper and materials. I later worked as a subcontractor for several local scrapbooking stores, creating kits, teaching classes and running events. Finally, I decided the time was right to strike out on my own. I launched my website and Etsy store at the beginning of 2022. Since then, I’ve hosted 2 virtual retreats, with another planned for February of 2024. I’ve also attended multiple in person retreats as a pop up shop. I’ve consistently set sales goals and surpassed them. I’m excited to see what my creative future holds.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Paper crafting is therapy. My mission is to create community, either in person or online. Scrapbooking is often referred to as the modern day quilting bee. Crafters come together, share their stories and learn from each other. Not only are they preserving memories for future generations, but they are also benefitting from the creativity and social aspect of the craft. When I am able to teach a class or share a kit with a customer, I am helping them simplify the process. They can focus on the memories because the design is taken care of for them. By hosting events, I am connecting crafters from all over the globe. I always leave events with new friends, because crafters are some of the nicest, most generous people I’ve ever met.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
Through the years, I’ve come to realize that many non-creatives don’t understand the intricacies of what I do and how I do it. I’ve been told many times, “I wish I could sit around and play all day.” I’ve had to learn to let that comment roll off my back. I’m very lucky that I love what I do, but I don’t love all of it. I’m an entrepreneur who handles marketing, photography, bookkeeping, events, design, assembly, shipping. One batch of kits can take me 8 hours from start to finish. And then I have to do it all over again. I will never make millions from working with sheets of paper, but I am offering a service that makes both me and my customers happy. Do not let anyone make you feel less valuable simply because they do not understand the time and love that goes into your craft.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lindsayslayouts.com/
- Instagram: @lindsayslayouts
- Facebook: @lindsayslayouts
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LindsaysLayoutsShop
Image Credits
Melissa Whitney