How did renowned scrapbooker Suzanne Tonga’s occupation changed from scientific laboratory work to teaching scrapbooking? The Into Craft Team caught up with Sue to discover her journey.

Sue has always been a lover of photography and stationery items – she explains how scrapbooking was a marriage made in heaven for her.

How did you start scrapbooking?

“I did my first page when my son was born about 10 years ago but didn’t really start scrapbooking until my daughter was born about seven years ago. I walked into a scrapbooking store and instantly fell in love.”

Sue was working in a laboratory as she has a background in science but started volunteering at her local store on a Saturday. Then after 12 months, she left that job and started working at Daisy Chain Scrapbooks in Nambour.

What inspired you to start teaching?

“At first I just worked in the retail side of things at Daisy’s but teaching was a natural progression as I enjoyed sharing the artistic side of this wonderful craft with other people. Teaching classes has been a gift as it has allowed me to get to know many beautiful people and share in their stories and memories through their photos.

What continues to inspire you?

When I am designing a layout, sometimes I start with the photos or I’ll start with the patterned papers. I usually choose about 10 papers I like, that work well together with the photos, then I shuffle them around and eliminate the ones that don’t work quite as well.”

You will always see lots of layers on my pages, stitching and perhaps a few pretty little details to catch your attention. I am inspired by life around me, my children, colour and of course places of interest!

If I am feeling creatively stuck, usually a walk along the beach or a visit to our local markets is enough to get the inspiration flowing again. Home magazines like Real Living are also wonderful sources of inspiration.”

Suzanne Tonga is a tutor at the 2012 Scrapbook & Papercraft Expo & Convention from June 9 to 11, 2012 at Brisbane Exhibition Centre, South Bank. To read about the other tutors who will be at this annual expo held in Brisbane, visit  http://www.scrapbookexpo.com.au

Daisy Chain Scrapbooks is located at 7 Daniel St, Nambour, Queensland. Visit online at http://www.daisychainscrapbooks.com or see them at the Scrapbook Expo.