Meet the Contributing Artist series Featured Artists

Meet the Contributing Artist: Natalie Desrochers

4 October 2024

Natalie Desrochers, a talented French-Canadian artist from Quebec, has intertwined her creative journey with Cricut for over a decade. Natalie loves bilingual designs, clever puns, and projects that bring joy, and she is a valued member of the Cricut Contributing Artist Program. Let’s dive into her story and what inspires her craft.

How did you find Cricut, and why did you decide to join the Contributing Artist Program?

I got one of the first Cricut machines around 2007, back when the projects you could make were much more limited than they are today! Fast-forward to 2012, when I started a blog where I shared my creative projects, and everything changed when I got my Cricut Maker. I began mixing my blog content with Cricut projects and started creating files for my subscribers. Joining the Contributing Artist Program felt like the next natural step in my journey, as I was already immersed in creating designs for others to enjoy.

Where did your artistic journey begin?

I’ve always been creative, and I don’t think it started at any particular moment—it’s just a part of who I am. I’ve always needed to create in one way or another. Before Cricut, I worked as an architect, which gave me a strong foundation in design and an intuition for creating. Those skills transferred seamlessly into my digital crafting journey, and now I’m passionate about helping others craft confidently with my designs.

What does creativity mean to you?

Creativity is about finding original solutions to all the ideas bouncing around in my head. It doesn’t always have to be artistic; it can be a way to organize something or create the perfect gift for someone. Creativity is expressed in all areas of life, though. Let’s be honest—my creative energy usually ends up in Cricut projects! I love seeing how my ideas can evolve into something tangible and functional.

Who or what inspires you to create, and why?

I’m inspired by a desire to meet a need. Whether it’s a project I want to make or something someone else is searching for and can’t find, my designs come from that desire to solve a problem or fill a gap. I find inspiration in creating things for the French-speaking community, especially when it comes to funny quotes or puns that don’t easily translate into English.

What is your favorite type of craft, or what project have you created that you are most proud of?

I absolutely love creating quotes that make people laugh. There are so many clever sayings in English, but translating them into French is tricky—they often lose their meaning. So, I focus on making my own designs that are tailored to Quebec or the French-speaking community. One of my proudest creations is a series of quotes and glass wraps that bring a little laughter into everyday life. I also made an editable design for a Santa’s Sack that allows the text to be modified in any language—something I’m proud of for its inclusivity!

Describe your artistic style.

Simple, purposeful, bilingual! My designs are often straightforward, intending to solve problems or meet needs. As a French Canadian, I create many designs in French, but I also ensure that I have English versions for broader accessibility. One recent project I’m particularly proud of is an editable design, so users can customize the text in any language they prefer.

A Little More About Natalie:

I’m a French Canadian and an active Cricut Community Leader and Friends of Cricut Canada member. My designs reflect my love for crafting in English and French, and I enjoy connecting with others in the community. Here’s a little fun fact about me: if I could have any superpower, it would be the ability to stop time. What crafter wouldn’t love a little extra time in the day to complete their projects, right?

Favorite Cricut Product?

Hands down, it’s the brayer! When I first got it, I didn’t think it would be that useful, but now I use it all the time. It’s the perfect tool to secure materials on a mat, ensuring no wrinkles or bubbles—super handy for a flawless finish.

What makes you laugh the most?

Good puns! I love a clever play on words, which is probably why so many of my designs feature funny quotes. There’s something special about creating something that looks good and makes people smile or laugh.