AECP Participants

Since December 2017 we have been pleased to offer the Altenew Educator Certification Program to Altenew fans and friends across the globe. The Altenew Academy takes a systematic and self-paced learning approach to help crafting enthusiasts perfect their skills, gain recognition in the crafting community, and teach Altenew workshops. We will be encouraging and supporting you on this crafting journey every step of the way! We are excited to have the following participants who embarked on their creative journey with us! For more information about the Altenew Educator Certification Program, please click here .

AECP Coordinator

Erum's friends call her E.T. She hails from Karachi, Pakistan. She started blogging in 2008, creating cards using everyday items since she didn't have any craft supplies. Her crafting style varies from shabby chic mixed media to CAS and she can accomplish both looks beautifully. She loves to color - whether it's watercolor or pencil color. Her friends motivated her to start selling her work so, in 2010, she launched her brand Glitter & Swirls where she sells her work and also takes on custom orders. When she is not crafting she is rescuing injured or abandoned pets. She has a house full of cats of her own too; she loves them unconditionally.

You can find Erum's creations on her blog and connect with her on Instagram , Facebook , Pinterest , YouTube , and Flickr .

Educator of the Year 2025

For those who may be new to your work, how would you describe yourself as a creator and educator?

I see myself as a creative who loves slowing things down. I’m deeply drawn to florals, color, and techniques that feel calming yet intentional. As an educator, I focus on helping people feel capable and confident- whether they’re learning a new technique or rediscovering joy in creating. I love teaching in a way that feels approachable and encouraging, where students feel supported to explore rather than pressured to perform.

What originally inspired you to join the Altenew Educator Certification Program?

I joined AECP at a time when I felt creatively curious but also wanted structure and growth as a teacher. Altenew’s design philosophy- thoughtful layering, and purposeful techniques- really resonated with me. AECP felt like an opportunity to deepen my skills while learning how to teach with clarity and intention.

Looking back, how has AECP shaped your creative skills and your confidence as a teacher?

AECP helped me become more intentional, both creatively and educationally. I learned how to break techniques into clear, teachable steps and how to design classes that flow smoothly. It also strengthened my confidence as a teacher. I now trust my process more and feel comfortable guiding students with empathy, patience, and structure.

Was there a particular class, challenge, or breakthrough moment during AECP that stands out to you?

One of the most rewarding moments was realizing that my strength wasn’t just in making beautiful projects, but in explaining them in a way others could follow. That shift from “creating” to “teaching with purpose” felt transformative and affirmed that education was truly where my heart was.

Your teaching style is something many participants admire. How did you find your ‘voice’ as an educator?

My teaching voice evolved naturally as I leaned into who I am- calm, reflective, and student-focused. AECP encouraged me to stop comparing myself to others and instead refine what felt authentic. I learned that clarity, kindness, and presence are just as important as technique.

If you could add one class to the AECP syllabus, what would it focus on and why?

I would love to add a class focused on creative mindset and teaching confidence especially with Tech Stuff. Something that helps participants trust their instincts, manage self-doubt, navigate technology and step into teaching with calm authority. Technique matters, but confidence is what allows educators to truly connect with students.

What was the biggest adjustment when you transitioned from being an AECP participant to an AECP Educator?

The biggest shift was stepping into leadership. As an educator, you’re no longer just creating for yourself, you’re holding space for others to learn and grow. It felt both humbling and empowering, and it pushed me to become more organised, thoughtful, and intentional in everything I teach.

What advice would you give to current AECP participants who hope to one day teach and lead like you do?

Don’t rush the process. Focus on learning deeply, teaching simply, and staying true to your style. Your voice will come with time. And remember- students don’t need perfection, they need clarity and encouragement.

What does being named Educator of the Year mean to you personally? And what excites you most about what’s ahead?

This recognition means more than I can fully express. It feels like an acknowledgment of not just my work, but my values as an educator. I’m excited to continue growing with the Altenew community, to mentor more creatives, and to keep creating learning experiences that feel meaningful, supportive, and joyful.

Making cards and teaching others has been my passion for over 10 years. When I discovered the AECP it offered me an opportunity to enhance my skills. It has truly been so much fun & I look forward to more opportunities.

I have just recently gotten seriously into cardmaking and was super excited to be part of AECP. I have learned countless techniques from expert cardmakers and fallen totally in love with the Altenew family.

Teaching paper crafting for over 4 years, I entered AECP to gain professional growth. The video lessons suggest excellent techniques. My students agree that Altenew products are innovative and inspiring.

AECP has expanded my skill base and given me new techniques to share with fellow crafters. I'm enjoying learning, trying new things and making new friends who love Altenew as much as I do.

I've been stamping for 1.5 years. I'm thrilled to be part of AECP! I've learned so much and have seen my designs go to the next level. As a result, I was invited to guest design for Altenew!

I am so excited to be part of AECP. It inspires my knowledge and creativity. I love showcasing Altenew's fabulous products. With such beautiful quality products and skilled crafters - amazing works of art can be achieved.

Through AECP I learned new techniques, but I also learned to use old techniques in a more efficient and precise way. All of these at my own pace, on my own time, from wherever I wanted!

Addicted to color and paper and a lifelong crafter. I am a wife, a mom, and Mimi to a little boy. AECP has been an incredible journey. I've been challenged in new ways and I love being part of the group!

I am a Christian, married 33 yrs with two beautiful, married daughters. I have been crafting, in different ways, all my life and just fell in love with making cards. The AECP was just what I needed to develop and build my skills. When I am not making cards I enjoy time at the gym and riding my bike while the weather is nice.

I have been a paper crafter for over 15 years but started making cards when photopolymer stamps became popular. I'm so grateful to Altenew for coming up with the AECP. With the variety of classes to choose from, I learned so many techniques from talented educators and was pushed beyond my comfort zone. It was such a creatively inspiring process. I'm so grateful to be a part of this community.

While I am a long time papercrafter, I only started making cards in the late 2015. I love to share my passion for high quality, innovative products. I loved that every AECP Class was an opportunity to learn a new technique or to improve on one that I already knew.

I've been a scrapbooker for 20 years, dabbling in card making along the way. I entered AECP for the opportunity to learn new techniques in paper crafting. The best part of it all is being able to share with others.

I applied for AECP because I'm a huge fan of Altenew and really respect the brand. I have picked up so many new techniques and rediscovered old ones during the classes. And all at my own pace!

I am so happy to be part of the Altenew family. I have been card making for 7 years. I learnt so much from watching others and exploring different techniques. Now I am able to share my knowledge with others. I love colouring and ink blending, using bright colours in my designs.
Aside from card making I am a Mum of 3 who loves cats and cross stitch.

AECP gave me the inspiration and motivation I needed to build my cardmaking skills and the confidence to pass that crafty knowledge to other people and share the love for stamping.

Although I have been an avid papercrafter for many years, the AECP helped to bring new techniques, inspiration and motivation to try something different. Each lesson was jam packed with so many ideas I was compelled to stretch my cardmaking muscles and make multiple projects. I also learned to use my Altenew supplies in new ways. Through this journey I have met wonderful crafty friends and been inspired to teach crafting to others. Thank you, AECP, for renewing my crafty mojo.

Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the Altenew family! I absolutely love to inspire and teach others the art of paper-crafting. I love to color, especially watercolor. Like others on the Certification team, making cards and teaching others has been my passion for many years. Altenew is where I feel I can offer my passion and talents the most, after all who doesn’t love a floral stamp? I am looking forward to getting to know more of the Altenew community.

I have had a passion for handcrafted items for over 14 years and I am the founder of Auzz Trinklets N Krafts. I started my paper craft journey in 2012 to learn and inspire myself for making cards which became my full-time job. I am a tax consultant by profession but I quit my job to learn more about this industry. I am excited to teach and spread the joy of creating with Altenew products

I love crafting because it allows me to be a lifelong learner. There are always new products and techniques to learn and explore. That's why I was drawn to the AECP program. Though I've been a cardmaker for over a decade, the Altenew "style" was new to me! What better way to learn than by taking Academy classes. I learned so many new techniques and was re-introduced to tried and true methods, used in new ways - all from people just like me!

The start of Altenew was a turning-point in my stamping life; those amazing stamps made me want to be part of this company! When AECP was announced I immediately applied and was delighted to be accepted. I love that I could do the AECP classes at my own pace, within my limited crafting time while working full-time. Moving home to Europe I plan to spread my love of card-making as an Altenew Educator.

I started stamping many years ago. I have enjoyed taking the Altenew classes and upping my card making game. What I love about stamping is it is multi-generational! I sit down and make cards with my mother, daughter, and even my granddaughters. I love the joy a handmade card brings! It is my pleasure to be part of the AECP educators and to now teach others.

I’ve been crafting since 2013, and this past year has been a year of momentum. Being a part of the AECP has been incredible and I’ve learned so much from all the classes. I’ve created some of my best work and I look forward to what comes next, family, God and my love of all things Altenew! Huge thanks to my hubby for everything

I began crafting around the same time that Altenew first began selling their gorgeous craft supplies, and I have been a fan ever since. I was accepted into the very first group of AECP participants, and was able to take my time to work through the classes at my own pace with the support of so many talented people. I am thrilled to be included in this group of artists, and excited to share all of the techniques and skills I’ve developed with others in the crafting community.

59 and holding!
I was a kid that liked to pretend I was the owner of an office, because I knew they never ran out of paper or crayons!
Now, I am the owner of my own craft room and I always have ink, paper and stamps!
I have been “playing” with paper for as long as I can remember. These days you can find me in my craft room creating with paper every day.

I have been making cards over 6 years now. I love to color flowers, which of course attracted me to Altenew! The AECP program taught me how to improve composition and quality, create blog tutorials, and photograph my cards. It's opened so many doors of opportunity! I enjoy sharing what I've learned with others, watching their excitement when my students discover a new technique and add their own style to a card!

I have completely enjoyed my AECP experience! I have been making cards for over 10 years, and I still learned some awesome tips and new ideas that I will carry with me in my creating. A big thank you to all the Instructors for the wonderful classes and to Altenew for putting this all together to help creators continue to learn and try new techniques. You can find me happily creating at www.sunshineinmypocket.com

I admit to having a serious addiction to paper.

The scrapbook and card-making industry has been a major part of my life for more than 25 years. Teaching classes, taking classes and working in stores created a passion that has never waned.

Retired but never tired of learning, I jumped at the opportunity to become an AECP Educator. It gives me great joy to share this creative addiction.

I have always loved to craft and decorate. I started Scrapbooking about 25 years ago when when my boys were small, then began teaching classes in 2000. I enjoying teaching and love to share the joy of paper crafting with others! Altenew has such beautiful quality products and designs, and I’m so happy to have found the AECP program! It has really grown my love of card making and broadened my creativity in so many ways!!

Joining the AECP has allowed me to connect with many talented crafters and expand my own creative thinking. Card making happens to encompass many materials. It is this expansive artful realm that satisfies my need to reach into different mediums. The program's diverse and inclusive community helps promote personal growth and outward thinking. Aside from the opportunity to teach, I am most grateful to learn from a multitude of talents; all with their unique approach to beautiful handcrafted art.

I am a craft content creator and demonstrator based in the UK. Over the years, I have blended my multi crafts experience to hone my mixed media and papercraft art. I draw my inspiration from diverse cultures, bright colors, bold graphic design, and eclectic patterns! I have taught at independent craft stores, demonstrated at international trade and consumer art & craft shows and been published in various creative magazines.

I've been crafting for all my life. I started cardmaking when I was jobless and it has become part of my everyday life. Making cards is like meditation for me. I love the smiles on people's faces when they receive my crafts. I'm always looking to learn new skills that will help me create joy and smiles. The AECP has definitely helped in adding that and sharing it forward.

My background is as a primary school teacher who has always been interested in art and craft from an early age. I happened to volunteer at a craft show as a demonstrator and thankfully the owner saw potential in me. She introduced me to the Altenew Education Program which I shall be forever grateful for. I love the endless interpretations that each of us can create from the huge range of Altenew products.

I have only been cardmaking for a year, but I have been an educator my whole life. Two years ago I retired from a career as a university dean in CA and moved to Alaska with my high school sweetheart hubby of 50 years. I am so excited about being an Altenew Educator! I love being a lifelong learner and I can also continue teaching in a new & different way.

Greetings from Maine! I am a widow with a son, and a furry sidekick. I have been a paper crafter (card making and scrapbooking) for 20 years. This educator program allowed me to learn new skills, sharpen old ones, and helps me share my passion with others. Altenew has helped me to express my creativity in wonderful new ways. I look forward to sharing my crafty journey and passion with you all.

Joining AECP helped me grow so much as a paper-crafter as I learned new techniques and improved my skills. I find cardmaking so relaxing and therapeutic. My favorite part is coming up with the concept for my card and then translating that idea into reality. I also love to play with color and texture. When not cardmaking I enjoy tennis and long dog-walks.

I’m short, love to laugh, afraid of heights yet married to a pilot and a huge Harry Potter fan! I love to craft - it's my zen. And I can do it in my PJS!

I first began crafting after I was taken ill in 2016, then cardmaking just sort of found me, late 2018, and I soon discovered the joy it brought me.
I have absolutely LOVED working through AECP! I am certain that the evidence of what I’ve learned is apparent both within my card designs themselves but also in my blog, project photography, video creation, and in my confidence.

I found in AECP exceptional classes, encouraging challenges, outstanding gallery, very supportive leaders, and kind colleagues. All these and more helped me to improve my self and teach others the beauty of card making crafthoppy . I am so glad to be one of AECP participants.

Tenia Nelson grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area but has called Denver, Colorado her home since 1990. She is a wife to Tim, momma to Thelonious, and doggie momma to Snowball. When Tenia is not making cards or getting inky, she plays music professionally as a pianist and percussionist and teaches private and public school music. Tenia got her start in paper crafting over 20 years ago.

My favorite color is glitter and I add something sparkly to every card I create and mail. I have been a card maker and paper crafter for over twenty years. I am a retired Language Arts/reading consultant and have taught card-making classes and continue to teach locally. Once a teacher, always a teacher. I am so excited to have achieved my goal to become a Altenew Certified Educator! Hooray!

After 15 years of crafting, the AECP came into my world as the world was shutting down with Covid. With more time on my hands to explore all the great classes, I truly enjoyed the process. I have an Education degree, have taught adults in a professional setting so now it is the fun of crafting that will allow me to expand my horizons and hopefully help others also.

I started making cards in 2016 with my best friend and enjoyed it so much. When the Pandemic came about in 2020 and my company closed its doors permanently, my best friend and I joined the AECP and the Pandemic Crafter was born. I have enjoyed the program, learned so much, and continue to learn with every new class that comes out.

I have been an avid paper crafter for most of my life. My journey into cardmaking began only a few years ago and it all started with an Altenew stamp! The AECP program has been instrumental in taking my cardmaking skills to the next level. The Educator program is top-notch -- there is nothing like it anywhere! I look forward to teaching what I have learned to fellow cardmakers and paper crafters.

Stamping has been a source of great pleasure for more than 15 years. It is the best way to express my artistic side, experiment with colors and styles without being a good drawer. My stamping friends call me “Blümchenstemplerin” (floral stamper) because many of my cards have flowers on them. I am a big fan of Altenew and was very happy to discover AECP, where I could enhance my skills.

Cardmaking has always helped me relax and brought out my creative side. To enhance my skills, I joined AECP, which not only helped improve my cardmaking skills but also encouraged me to think out of the box. I am honoured to be an Altenew educator and I look forward to sharing the knowledge I have gained with my fellow crafters.

Hi! (My profile photo was my husband’s inspiration.) I’ve been making cards since I was a young child. I still have a card that I made when I was 8! I found Altenew while in the hospital going through lymphoma chemo. The videos kept me distracted and focused. I love learning, teaching, and making worldwide friends! So happy to be part of the fantastic AECP group!

I am a nurse, wife, mother and lover of all things crafty!I have been paper-crafting since my school days.My passion is to teach and share my skills again, having taught scrapbooking and paper crafts when I owned a scrapbook store AECP taught me so much and helped me grow and was so much fun. I'm honored to be part of the Altenew family.

I remember the very first, high quality stamp set I bought was from Altenew & that is when my love for this company & this industry was born. AECP has been a journey of a lifetime, something that I will always carry with me. Wonderful program that helped me find out what kind of card maker I want to be. It makes me so happy to be part of the group!

I am a retired physician, wife, mother, grandmother, dog lover and an "artist wanna-be" who took up card making and dabbling in other artistic media a few years ago. Making beautiful and unique cards make me happy, and my hope is that whoever receives them will smile when they open the card. I’m excited to be an Altenew Educator and looking forward to sharing my love of card making with you!

I’ve been making cards since 1999 when I tried to emboss Christmas cards in my oven. Papercrafting is my happy place, and I love sharing this with others. For this reason, I’m proud to be part of the AECP Program. I’m also the proud mom of an adorable Corgi!

I’ve been a school teacher most of my adult life, but I also taught at a paper arts store, which is where my love for card making began. In 2015 I purchased two stamp sets from Altenew and since then I’ve purchased over 50 sets along with their coordinating dies, inks, paints, etc. I have enjoyed the AECP journey, building my cardmaking skills and connecting with wonderful people the world over.

Although I have been a paper crafter and cardmaker for about 15 years, the AECP program has really helped me to evolve and advance my crafty toolbox. My knowledge and cardmaking skills have grown and improved so much more than I had ever imagined! I hope to continue to inspire and teach others through cardmaking, one card at a time. This is more than just a program...it is a community.

I am the perfect mix of a loving, creative mom and a meticulous, innovative dad who taught me to look at things and situations from at least two perspectives. I live on the edge of the Barje National Park in the heart of Slovenia. My days are full of such and other surprises prepared by my wonderful daughter, a confident puppy, and a wonderful partner who supports my imagination and hobbies. I create always and everywhere, but I prefer to start with white paper and leave traces on it with different techniques and colors. That’s why paper crafting is “my happy place”.

Having been a quilter for many years, finding AECP has allowed me to further my love of color and texture. It has enabled me to focus on a servant attitude by sending a little love to those who need it—also giving cards to organizations that will do the same. I can't wait to spread my love of card making to others. The learning opportunities are endless.

I am a Christian, wife, mother, and Nonnie. Crafting has been a part of my life since childhood. My card-making addiction began when my children were in college. I sent them handmade cards weekly. I enjoy sharing crafting time with others because it not only makes beautiful objects but beautiful memories.

I've never met a craft I didn't like! But juggling with family and a professional career always left crafting on the back burner. My priorities are shifting though, and I'm spending more time doing things I love. Discovering Altenew and their AECP has been a godsend. I have learned many awesome techniques that have taken my work to the next level. Now I'm enjoying teaching them.

I am a wife, mom and Gigi who recently moved to Texas. I have been making cards and papercrafting for over 2 decades. I discovered the AECP at a time when I needed to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone. I love that the classes had me go back to refine old techniques plus taught many new ones. I am excited to share this knowledge with others.

I've been scrapbooking since my High School Days, created over 30 Scrapbooks for my 7 kids, and discovered Altenew in 2020. I am a crazy cat lady, loving wife and Momma! This program has advanced my crafty skills in ways I'd never imagine!I have learned so many new skills and can't wait to begin teaching and sharing my love of Altenew with others!

Hello, I'm Irene, and I'm from Texas. My primary job is being a wife and mother. Crafting is my haven where I can express myself. I'm fluent in English as well as Spanish. I've been a crafter for many years, but I didn't begin card making until April 2021 and fell in love with it.

Since childhood, I have studied and practiced many forms of art. I started scrapbooking 20 years ago and recently turned to card making. I believe, as crafters, we must always be learning as well as teaching, and I am excited for the opportunity to do that now with Altenew. When I'm not crafting, I play "Vintage Base Ball" with my husband or hang out with our seven cats.

I started scrapbooking over 20 years ago and quickly realized that I loved spreading joy with cards more than scrapbooking. My training is as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, which I practiced for 20 years. I am currently staying home with my 2 boys and realized that my ability to explain things in a simple, organized way to my patients is really helpful for YouTube and making cards.This community is amazing and I can't wait to meet more great people through becoming an Educator!

I have been paper crafting for 6 years and paper crafting is my passion! I use this gift to serve others by volunteering with seniors for crafts and making cards for children in my community to go in their pre-packed snack packs. I grew up on a farm and love animals and outdoors! I love live music and feel blessed to be in Nashville where live music is everywhere!

Mary worked in sales before finishing her career teaching Special Education. She has been a paper crafter for over 30 years and is a Certified Zentangle Teacher. She owns Eltimar Design, where she sells and teaches Zentangle, mixed media art, altered books, journals, and cards. She and her husband run an organic dairy farm in New York and are proud parents and grandparents.

Hi there, I’m Shahina, but you can call me Shahi. Originally from southern India, I now live in Dubai with my husband and our daughter, my biggest support system. I work as a teacher and run a small business, creating handmade cards under my brand, ShahiCreationz. Inspired by my father, I’ve always dreamed of building something of my own and sharing meaningful memories through my creations.

I am a Chartered Accountant by profession and a passionate paper crafter and cross-stitcher, often combining stitching with cardmaking. After an early introduction to crafting in 2005, I took a break due to career and family, returning in 2020. Discovering Altenew and AECP helped me learn new techniques and grow creatively. I’m grateful for the supportive crafting community and look forward to continuing to learn and share.

I am a heart transplant survivor and cardmaker. I have been crafting for around 10 years. About a year ago, I applied to be a certified demonstrator with Altenew, which has changed the way I craft. Altenew has been a wonderful experience, helping me to fine-tune my knowledge, and has pushed me out of my comfort zone. I couldn’t be happier to be a part of this program.

Anna is a cardmaker and blogger based in Portland, Oregon. A high school teacher of 19 years, she began making cards for stress relief and creative expression. After a break while raising her children, she returned to crafting in 2020 and hasn’t looked back. She enjoys biking, reading, music, and all things Star Wars. Her style features sparkle, bright colors, and dimension.

Hey there, I’m Aya from Egypt, a proud mom to Mariam and Jibreel. I’ve been passionate about crafting for over a decade and enjoy scrapbooking, mixed media, coloring, and card making. I hold a master’s degree in educational psychology, which shapes my approach to crafting and teaching. Join me on this creative journey as we explore and enjoy the boundless world of crafts together!

I started crafting in 2014 for a DIY wedding, which led me to handcrafted flowers, photo frames, and home decor. Over time, I’ve evolved into cardmaking and accumulated more supplies than I use (I’m not complaining). My passion is greeting cards, crepe paper flowers, and home decor. I’m honored to be part of the AECP family.

I come from London, England, where I live with my partner and our son. I have crafted all my life, but when I discovered cardmaking, it became my passion! I love that there are so many techniques to learn and that each project feels like a mini piece of art, with so many products available to help you achieve fantastic results.

I was born to create, moving from crayons to graphite and ink. Life has taken me through marriage, motherhood, earning a degree, authoring books, running businesses, homeschooling, hosting radio, and earning my Altenew Certification—all while living under the threat of seizures. I feel truly blessed to be here, surrounded by such creative friends, and excited to see what comes next.

Ruby McGuire, aka Ruby 2 Shoes, Business Coach and Mentor, Trainer, Speaker, and Author. She’s also a Certified Zentangle Teacher. She’s been card-making for many years. She’s a Brit who now lives in Scotland with her hubby, little dog, Daisy, and some chickens! She loves to read, craft, and tangle while drinking copious amounts of vanilla-flavored coffee!

With a passion for crafting developed over many years, I am a dedicated artisan, gardener, and Certified Divemaster. While balancing a full-time job, I am working toward my entrepreneurial dream with Forget-Me-Not Card Company. Driven by my love for crafting and a desire for independence, I am on a journey to turn my creative pursuits into a thriving business and become my own boss.

A little about me… I’m fairly new to card crafting and have been making cards for about two and a half years. I discovered it after my daughter found Jennifer McGuire videos on YouTube, and I was instantly hooked. We especially loved Altenew layering stamp videos, and now I’m an Altenew Certified Educator. Outside of crafting, I have a corporate job, I’m married, and have one daughter.

I am a wife, mother to three grown children, and a proud grandma to our (first)grandson. After immigrating to Canada 20 years ago, I got inspired to try scrapbooking through a friend. Through the AECP, though, I became really addicted to card-making by fine-tuning my skills. If not in my craft room, you can usually find me in my garden, where I draw daily inspiration, especially when everything is blooming. I am a translator (still working on languages #5 and 6), published author and I love scuba-diving, crocheting and reading.

I have always been the creative type, primarily crafting with fabric, threads, and yarns. A friend introduced me to cardmaking in 2021, and shortly after that, I discovered Altenew and enrolled in AECP to speed up my learning process in an organized way. Through the program, my life has been enriched by advancing my skills. I enjoyed trying new techniques which I may not have tried on my own. I'm grateful to be part of this community of crafters through online classes and groups and forming some friendships. I'm looking forward to continuing to engage and share with this community.

I started cardmaking in the 1990s but took an almost 20-year break! When I started again in 2023, the whole cardmaking world had changed. AECP was a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills and polish my previous skills in a new and expanded cardmaking world. I am a single mom to 2 wonderful college-age girls and a dog named Sadie. I love traveling, crafting, and photography.

Creating with my hands has always been a way for me to express my love of the beauty found in nature. I’ve spent most of my life encouraging and building the more logical, analytical part of my brain. My journey through AECP has built my confidence in my ability to express my authentic self through papercrafting, has refined my skills and techniques, and has inspired me to help others.

I'm a finance professional by day and an avid paper crafter by night, living in the suburbs of Boston, MA. I'm also a dog dad to two beautiful rescues - Sophia and Baxter. Paper crafting is a meditative yet creative way to take a break from days filled with spreadsheets and analysis. My favorite crafting style is working with vintage elements to create cards, journals, and mixed media projects. When not crafting, I enjoy cooking, reading, long walks with the dogs, and spending time with family & friends.

I have been a cardmaker for 14 years and started my YouTube channel in 2018. I love to color with Alcohol Markers and combine it with making cards. I find cardmaking relaxing and therapeutic. I am excited to teach others the joy of creating with Altenew products. In my free time, I enjoy taking walks with my husband and our two furry children, reading, and doing calligraphy.

I am a registered nurse and professor emerita of nursing who discovered paper crafting 15 years ago. The Altenew ACEP program has introduced me to many great paper crafting skills to add to my repertoire and share with all levels of paper crafters. I make about 250 cards every month for the military and other healthcare organizations. As an educator, I love to teach groups of varying skill levels how to make card-making accessible and enjoyable for all levels!

I have been married to the love of my life for 34 years and have two grown children and 2 fur babies. I've been a paper crafter stamper since the early 2000s. I started as a scrapbooker but quickly moved to card making. Of all my creative hobbies, I love card making because of the immediate gratification of sitting down and creating something rather quickly when compared to my other interests, like quilting and cross-stitching. I love teaching others how to create a card using stamps and cardstock. Other interests are hiking, reading, and researching mountain towns in which to retire.

I’m a passionate paper crafter with a love for stamping, coloring, and card making. My journey through the Altenew Educator Certification Program has allowed me to refine my skills, learn new techniques, and deepen my creative passion. I enjoy experimenting with different styles and sharing my crafting journey with others who share the same love for handmade creations. When I’m not crafting, I’m spending time with my wonderful family—my supportive husband, our grown son, and our two dogs, who bring joy and laughter into my life every day. They all inspire me to keep creating and finding beauty in the little things.

My friends call me Sharl (she/her) and I have been creating cards for more than 20 years. Now that my kids are grown and I am no longer working I have more time to dedicate to my hobbies – card making and genealogy.

I’m Ishani from India, an Air Force veteran turned passionate card maker and educator. My journey began with paper quilling as a creative outlet during fertility treatments. In 2017, I discovered stamping and never looked back. Cardmaking is my meditation—it helps me focus, experiment with techniques, and create beautiful scenes. I love connecting with fellow crafters and building a creative community.

Hi, I am Elizabeth, the maker behind Unik by Liz. A life long learner and avid crafter. I started my creative journey sewing, and over 20 years ago, I feel under the spell of embossing powder over vellum paper. Although I have experimented with a variety of pastimes, paper crafting has remained a constant in my life, and I hope it will continue for many more years to come!!

I have found joy in paper crafting for over 35 years! My husband, Dave, is always supportive of me, especially when I’m going through AECP. He is the most amazing husband! We adore our beagle/hound, Ginger! I love them both! I’m grateful to share my life with them! Now, I’d like to share my joy of paper crafting with you!

Married 32 years to a fabulous man and a mom to 2terrific adult sons. I was born with a creator’s soul and have lovedall things creative since I was a child. I have tried so manydifferent hobbies, but card making seems to be the one that has stayedwith me the longest. I made my first card in 1997 and continue to findit relaxing and fun.

I’m Revati, a creative spirit living in Washington with my husband and our two little boys—one hooman and one fur baby! Trained as a biotechnologist, I discovered my true passion in card making. What began as a hobby in 2017 has grown into my full-time creative journey. I love sharing tutorials, learning new techniques, and creating handmade cards that bring joy and heartfelt smiles.

Hi, I'm Michelle (she/her), a cardmaking, choir singing, cupcake baking science nerd! I've tried so many crafts over the years, but cardmaking is the one that stuck around! I've been cardmaking for 30-odd years, and started my blog, Handmade by Michelle, in 2011. I love to share on Instagram and also on YouTube. I'm such a fan of Altenew, and look forward to continuing my love affair!

Hi all! I am Berit, a Norwegian crafter, cardmaker, used-to-be architect, and, as of today, papercraft store entrepreneur. I have been enjoying creating and crafting my whole life, and I am so happy to share my creativity and inspiration daily as part of this wonderful industry. I’ve been a big Altenew fan ever since the start, and I am proud and excited to finally be a Certified Educator.

Hi, I’m Carrie, a Christian crafter from Michigan. I’ve been making cards for nearly 20 years and was thrilled to join AECP in 2024. I love the Altenew community and have made many friends through AECP and the Altenew Facebook Fan Group. I enjoy sending unique cards, teaching classes, and introducing others to the joys of papercrafting.

Hi! I’m Kriti—a mixed media artist and color enthusiast with a love for all things handmade. I enjoy papercrafting, card making, scrapbooking, watercolor, and coloring. I’m happiest at my craft table, surrounded by inks, pencils, and paint. I love sharing the joy of making and look forward to teaching workshops where beginners and makers alike can explore color and creativity together. If it’s handmade, I’m in!

Howdy from Texas! My stress relievers are crafting and home improvement projects. I wanted to learn more cardmaking skills and found the Altenew AECP program. Connecting with the AECP community has been a blessing and so inspiring. As an introverted Accounting Manager, teaching was never on my radar, but sharing something you love makes it so much fun. I am honored to be part of the AECP family.

Hi! I’m Gretchen Moore. I create handmade greeting cards by turning paper, ink, and embellishments into one-of-a-kind keepsakes that bring joy to both giver and receiver. Over the past five years, crafting has uncovered a creative side I never knew I had. My goal is to make beautiful art that also brings people together through thoughtful gift-giving. I’m excited to keep learning and to teach techniques that help others shine.

Joining Altenew Academy was hands down the best choice I’ve ever made! The program didn’t just sharpen the skills I already had—it pushed me to try exciting new techniques outside my comfort zone and boosted my confidence. Creating truly feeds my soul, and Altenew has inspired me so much that I’m eager to share the joy of crafting with others. What an amazing journey!