Cricut Contributing Artist series: Cyndy Gustashaw
Cyndy Gustashaw, an incredible artist from North Carolina, has turned her passion for crafting into a beloved career. Her journey is an inspiring testament to creativity and determination, from painting ceramics to designing intricate SVGs for cutting machines. Let’s dive in and learn more about Cyndy’s artistic journey and what drives her to create.
How did you find Cricut, and why did you join the Contributing Artist Program?
I first saw a Cricut infomercial in 2005. My mother and I were avid scrapbookers, and the show amazed us. We went in together to buy our first Cricut Expression. From then on, my love of paper grew and grew. I kept an eye out for an artist program through Cricut. Finally, one day when I Googled it, the program came up!
When did your artistic journey begin?
I had an artistic mother, and we were always doing art projects—sewing, painting ceramics, scrapbooking, and decoupage. Art was always my favorite class in school, and in my twenties, I worked for Antique Reproductions. They hired artists to hand-paint figurines that they sold in local Hallmark stores. I have painted an army of bears in striped shirts! Eventually, they moved their business to China when the free trade agreement was signed. I then found a mentor who ran SVG Attic, and she taught me how to take my art to the computer. Ever since, I have been creating SVGs for cutting machines. Cards are my specialty. I enjoy the challenge of creating a pop-up card that sparks the imagination.
What does creativity mean to you?
Simply—everything. When I’m not crafting, I’m coloring. I am an Administrative Assistant. The thing that attracted me to my job as an Administrative Assistant for NC Cooperative Extension is that I am responsible for all the marketing materials for our programs.
Who or what inspires you to create, and why?
People inspire me. I love to create someone’s vision. I have taught many classes on mini scrapbooks, cards, scrapbooking, and 3D projects made from paper, another part of my job that I love.
What is your favorite type of craft, or what project have you created that you are most proud of?
I love working with paper. I love seeing people’s faces when they realize the vase of flowers on my desk is made from paper, and then when they look around my desk, they notice I have a windmill, mask, and train all made from paper.
Describe your artistic style.
Cute, charming, simple. It is important to me that people of all ages can complete most of my designs.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My family. I am a mother of five children, and I am proud of each one of them. They all have artistic talents: singing, dancing, drawing…
What is your favorite family tradition?
My favorite tradition is spending the holidays together. I love having my family around me, visiting with their significant others, and enjoying everyone’s company.
Do you collect anything?
This is a crazy one; my youngest daughter got me into collecting Bigfoot Squishmallows. They are adorable!
Thank you for joining us in celebrating Cyndy’s incredible talent. Her dedication to crafting and love for sharing creativity with others truly make her a standout in our community. Visit Cyndy’s Design Space profile to see all of her creations!
Interested in seeing more Contributing Artist images and designs? Check out all of our artists in Design Space!