Wow...I can't still believe that this is reality and not a dream. Someone pinch me please!!! I remember when Lydia called me, she said something about some SU! challenges, and I was little confused.

Little did I know she was asking me one second later to be one of the Dirty Dozen. I feel it is such an honor and privilege to be one of the Dirty Dozen. I hope I won't disappoint you.

Hi, my name is Ilina Crouse (pronounced as E-lee-nah). I am known around here as ilinacrouse, which is basically my first and last name. I live in Alpharetta, GA with my husband of almost six years and our little naughty bunny, Fluffy. We moved from Philadelphia, PA about a year ago, because I accepted a position as an electrical power engineer down here.

We have pretty busy lives, me - working as an engineer, and my hubby working full time as software developer.

I am also a Stampin' Up! demonstrator for a little over three years now, and I mainly do online classes and tutorials. Stamping keeps me sane from the craziness at work. However, I do love my job!

A little background on me. I was born and raised in Skopje, Macedonia (Europe). I moved to Philadelphia, PA in June 2004, and in August, 2009 moved to Alpharetta, GA. I have always loved arts and crafts. Growing up, my parents did a lot of crafty things,and my uncle is an artist (painter), so I was attracted to art. When I was 10, my parents bought me a stamp set from one of their travels around Europe - and I fell in love with it. Unfortunately, the set didn't last forever, eventually it fell apart, which meant that was end of stamping for a long period of time. I did keep making cards, using different supplies and altering many things, as well drawing my own images. Fast forward 16 years. I moved to the US and was getting married to the love of my life, whom I met in Romania while doing volunteer work with children from different orphanages there. My Matron of Honor took me to Jo-Anns fabric to get ribbon and different stuff for my wedding. I was in awe. And my addiction to stamping was back!!! Now if I only had a fortune to get everything I want.

In 2007 I decided to sign up with Stampin' Up! as a hobby demonstrator (everyone loves a discount). I feel 100% blessed with this form of craft, I have met so many new people, in person and just as cyber friends. It has taken me to heights I could never have imagined or dreamed of. I was at Splitcoaststampers for couple years before I finally decided to register as a user, I was just lurking around and looking at everyone's amazing creations.

Thank you Splitcoast for giving me such an inspiration!!

I am looking forward to the next six months to create together with you and hope to inspire you in one way or another.