A Scrapper's Thoughts

My Blog Has Moved!!

2011-04-19T18:59:00.000-05:00

It's official! A Scrapper's Thoughts has moved and has had a slight name change to Scrapping Thoughts. You can find me blogging now over at www.scrappingthoughts.com. Please come join me in my new location!

Carol Anne

Hiatus Explained and Gone

2010-02-24T17:09:00.003-06:00

I've been on a year long scrapbooking hiatus. I've been working hard to get my bills paid off, which meant no scrapbooking for me. It was too much of a temptation to pull out the stuff -- then I would want to run out and get some other supplies. So I decided to go cold turkey.
After the beginning of the year, I pulled out the pages I completed in 2008 and put them into the kids' albums. I sorted through some pictures, and got started again.
My goal, to get started, is one layout a week. I've hit that goal, and I'm amazed at how long it takes me to put together a page now. Two hours! I use to do 5 or 6 layouts in that time.
I wouldn't say my quality is any better, taking more time vs. less time. I think I'm just out of the groove and feeling more unsure about my choices and supplies.
I did go to an Archivers ScrapMania last month. It felt good, I enjoyed myself, and somethings never change. I'm still very untrendy in my page design, but everyone marvels at all the journalling that I put on a page. They're amazed I can think of stuff to write. They don't know that's never really been an issue for me. Every picture tells a story, to quote a Rod Stewart song.
As long as I can keep my housework up-to-date, my grading completed, and the general turmoil of life at a low simmer, I can look forward to cranking out my page (or two) every week. I'm glad to be back.

Coming Home

2008-12-21T18:36:00.002-06:00

I've been messing around with a different blog in a different blogging software. I've decided to come home to this blog -- where I have all my old stuff and can continue to do my new stuff. And I have more flexible features.
So you'll probably see more action over here in the future. I've just finished transferring over posts from my other blog. I'm glad to be back home.

TGI-GMail

2008-12-04T18:28:00.000-06:00

I had to send some large files last night via my MSN account. Unfortunately, the files weren't zipping smaller, and I couldn't get what I wanted using a third-party file transfer program.

On a whim, I flipped over to my one and only GMail account and ... no issues with file size. While I'm not in the mood to test the limits of GMail and it's file transfer protocol, I am very glad that it fit my needs right now.

Inked Edges

2008-12-03T18:27:00.000-06:00

I've been searching for the "perfect" technique to ink edges digitally. I've been searching for about 6 months now, but nothing I see fits my criteria. I'm probably too picky, looking for look-alike ink edges.

I'm sort of picky with my real inked edges, too. They have to be messy, irregular, sometimes with oops areas where I lose my grip on the pad and it goes flying across the paper.

Just how do you create that digitally? Or create a script that runs that effect.

I keep reminding myself that Google and Delicious are my friends. I'll figure it out -- I always do. Maybe I just need another 6 months of searching and playing.

Double Dipping -- Part 2

2008-11-20T18:25:00.000-06:00

I had another opportunity to learn a scrapbooking technique in the course of work. This time I learned how to make torn pages. It saves space to just show a portion of a repetitive report as an example graphic.

Now, I didn't ink the edges. That would have been too much.

In the course of looking for a torn-edge tutorial, I found at least four more PaintShop Pro tutorial sites that I have never seen before. My Delicious tag list for PSP is up to 17 entries now.

Double Dipping

2008-11-12T18:24:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I really love my job.

I was working on a graphic for user interface prototype, and needed a technique I've seen used in scrapbooking to pull the graphic together.

So, I did a google search on some keyword, and started surfing digital scrapbooking sites. After a few minutes, I found detailed instructions for the technique. About 30 minutes later, I had mastered the technique.

Two for the "price" (time) of one: a technique I can use professionally AND in my hobby.

PSP Plaid

2008-11-11T18:22:00.000-06:00

I took some time out from grading to play with a beginner PSP (PaintShop Pro) tutorial. Because of my scotties, I decided to try the tutorial to make a swatch of plaid.

I used some really bright, obnoxious colors. I wound up with a really bright madras plaid. Not at all Scottish. Here's a link to the tutorial.

http://www.whisperscorner.com/tuts/basicplaid/index.html

It's pretty easy, and with a little extra thought, it could be translated into a (gasp!) Photoshop process.

Quality vs. Quantity

2008-11-10T18:20:00.000-06:00

Spent some time today working through the first two weeks' assignments in Cathy Z's "Design Your Life" class. I'm a month behind in the class, but that's life.

I like what I'm learning so far. As a technical writer, I need to consider design when I craft documents for work -- especially when I am creating graphics. The design principles Cathy describes are universal. They apply to scrapbooking, web design, photography, newsletter design. Anything that is visual.

So right now I am concentrating on balance and symmetry -- not two of my strong points right out of the box. What I find interesting is how difficult I find applying this concept to scrapbooking. But, if I am working entirely with text or widgets, it comes naturally to me.

Perhaps the solution is that I need to look at all the things that I put on a scrapbook page as widgets or funny-looking paragraphs of text.

I use to play with placement when I first started scrapbooking -- moving things around before pasting it down. I stopped playing around as my crafting time got more limited.

Perhaps that's where the actual issue lies: I am limited by the clock. I can't produce as many pages as I use to a sitting, because I have less time to actually work. And that is impacting the quality of my work because I'm trying to produce the same quantity that I had in the past.

I think I need to explore my quality/quantity dilemna.

Actual Scrapbooking! Actual Stamping!

2008-02-04T10:58:00.000-06:00

I did two layouts this weekend!
This one is all digital, using the Club Scrap January 2008 digital kit

This one is a hybrid, using the Club Scrap December 2007 kit.

I made Chinese New Year cards for the NiHao swap earlier in the week.
The paper is from the Club Scrap January 2005 kit, the stamps are all miscellaneous.

Hoping this is the end of my creative slump.

Twelve Best

2008-01-21T09:39:00.001-06:00

On his year-end episode of Tips from the Top Floor, Chris Marquardt challenged his listeners to find their twelve best photographs of 2007.

I'm presenting my list below. I've noticed that they may not all be "best", but some are favorites. Also, many of them were taken at TFTTF get-togethers or the workshop. I think that tells me something: I need to slow down to take a good picture.

In no particular order, here are my twelve best in 2007:

Journal Your Christmas - 12/10

2007-12-10T21:40:00.001-06:00

Journal Your Christmas - 12/09

2007-12-10T21:39:00.000-06:00

Journal Your Christmas - 12/05

2007-12-06T21:44:00.000-06:00

Journal Your Christmas - 12/06

2007-12-06T21:38:00.000-06:00

Journal Your Christmas - 12/04

2007-12-04T21:37:00.000-06:00

Journal Your Christmas - 12/03

2007-12-03T19:35:00.000-06:00

Journal Your Christmas - 12/02

2007-12-02T21:34:00.000-06:00

Journal Your Christmas - 12/01

2007-12-01T21:32:00.000-06:00

Say What?

2007-11-27T23:34:00.000-06:00

Does this make sense?

Planning Ahead

2007-11-27T22:53:00.001-06:00

Don't think I've mentioned that I'm taking Shimelle's "Journal Your Christmas" this year. Shimelle sent out some sample templates, so I decided I would design some digital pages from the templates, just in case I don't have the time to use paper -- at least I could do the daily pages digitally.

I used Renee Pearson's Greenwich kit from "Digital Scrapbooking". It took me about four hours to put together these six templates, but then I'm a beginner.

I was really surprised at how nice this one came out. It was the easiest of all of them to do, even with all the little extra parts.

I like this layout, but I think I need something between the squares and the background paper. It looks incomplete.

I did some playing here. There are some things I like, and others that make me want to run away screaming. All the little block things don't work for me. Maybe, if they were different colors...

This template surprised me. I like the look, but the drop shadows really make this layout. I wonder, though, how it would look if the circles were buttonized?

This template needs some help. I think I should have used a drop shadow on the star. It's very plain.

I was very surprised at how nicely this one turned out. It's not a design I would have thought of myself.

I guess if I'm feeling creative, I can work on some of these in my spare time.

Something Old, Something New

2007-11-26T22:20:00.000-06:00

On her blog, Ali Edwards asks what is new for you or your family this coming Christmas season, and what's old.

What's new? I'm organized this year. I have things written on the calendar, and I'm taking it slow.

What's old? The Christmas cards from last year that I didn't open because I was too depressed last Christmas to even think about it. Didn't send cards out, either. This year, I'm on top of it.

And That's It.

Four more days of NaBloPoMo.

Use Your Imagination

2007-11-25T18:51:00.000-06:00

Rachel wanted me to tell her what to draw, she had run out of ideas. I told her she could draw a picture of my students.

"But I don't know what your students look like."
"Neither do I. Use your imagination. " (the class I teach is online)

After discussing gender possibilities, she trotted off. She has just informed me she will draw my whole class.

Using your imagination. It's so easy when you are in Kindergarten. I wish it as easy for me now, as a grown-up. It's fun when something pops up, though. It's worth the effort.

Check Out the Other Blog...

2007-11-22T21:50:00.001-06:00

The post I felt like writing seemed more appropriate for the family blog. So take a gander at The Walls of St. Paul this evening.

Back in this space tomorrow.

Today's Tasks

2007-11-21T22:54:00.000-06:00

More file reshuffling on the hard drives. I'm now burning my digital CD files to disk. Eventually, I'll get some space back on this computer's hard drive!

Today's Update

2007-11-20T22:29:00.000-06:00

I only received one birthday card today. Just one! I guess this is just an indication that eventually the birthday card blitz will end. To be replaced by the Christmas card blitz, unless everyone has taken us off their list. I never got around to sending out cards last year.

While doing grading last night, I had my computer multi-tasking. My photographs are backed up, and backed-up again. I deleted some files, but I still only have 2gb on my hard drive. I need to go through my documents and such, and weed things down, shift things over to my external hard drives. You'd think I'd have enough room, with a 60 and an 80 GB external HD.

Time for a little light blog reading, then it is the end of another day.

Today's Post

2007-11-19T22:52:00.001-06:00

I added the new Slideshow function to the right. It's supposed to show photos from a particular set of tags in Flickr, but I know darn well it's not showing all the photos. Bugs, most likely.

Chimping

2007-11-18T21:53:00.000-06:00

I was introduced to the term "chimping" during the photography workshop I took with Chris Marquardt. For the uninitiated, "chimping" happens when you take a photo digitally and look at it immediately afterward. As Chris so eloquently added, "and there's ooh-ooh-ooh sounds".

At our house, it's not so much the "ooh-ooh-ooh" sounds, but the "Mamamamamama! Can I see? Can I see!" accompanied by much hopping up and down.

Google "chimping" in the images section, to get some visuals on chimping. Stick to the first page or two of the search results. After that, some of the pictures ... well, I don't see why chimping is a keyword.

A Hell of a Mess

2007-11-15T22:10:00.000-06:00

Two weeks ago, I set out on an adventure to purge and rearrange my workspace. I haven't done anything with my space after the initial purge, and boy does this space look terrible. Stuff is spread all over.

My only consolation is that I have a Saturday at Home this weekend, and I can probably get much of this cleared away in 1/2 hour. I just need to apply myself to the task.

I do really want to purge this space, but I also realize that I have run out of enthusiasm. I think it's because I'm paralyzed by the thought that Thanksgiving is next week. Which means Christmas is about 5 weeks away, or so. There is a photograph to be taken and printed, cards pulled together, a Christmas letter to be written, decorating to be done. I do have cards, some stamps, address labels, return address labels, paper, and two kids that are very happy to do assembly line card stuffing.

I feel so behind, but that's just because there's too much clutter about right now for me to just sit down and see how much ahead I really am. I can get to that point this weekend. I really can.

Tired

2007-11-14T22:21:00.000-06:00

My butt has been dragging since after supper tonight. A spaghetti dinner will do that to you, I suppose.

I finally took out all the stuff I bought at the CS Open House over the weekend. I may never get it put away. I'm just too tired.

In fact, I'm too tired to write much of an entry tonight. So, I think I'll just call it. After all, tomorrow is another day!

Doin' What Comes Naturally

2007-11-12T21:10:00.000-06:00

When the kids and I arrived home on Sunday, Laddie was making weird whimpering noises. Sarah let him out of his cage, and he bolted for the stove. He was absolutely obsessed. After about 5 minutes watching Laddie's frantic sniffing and digging, I figured it out. We had a mouse.

I saw said mouse about three hours later while talking to The Spousal Unit about his (TSU's) discovery of a mouse in the house. Yes, I screamed into the phone. No, I did not jump on any chairs.

Laddie has been absolutely nuts on mouse patrol. It's clear only he (and sometimes Sydney) know what is going on. They are running on pure instinct -- doing what Scottish Terriers do naturally: hunt vermin. It is both funny and interesting to watch my beloved pet turn into the small Scottish wolf with a mission.

There has been talk on the Smack blog that basically boils down to this: why don't we do what creatively comes naturally to us. Why do some people need to follow the Scrapbook divas? Why do some people do all they can to become divas, but fail to be chosen time and again. Why scrap what some "authority" tells you to do, or in the style they deem "correct"?

I once submitted pages to a design contest -- then, immediately after mailing my package, realized that it was a total waste of my time and postage money. Never did it again.

I once applied to a design team. When I saw who was chosen and their style (throw everything from a particular manufacturer on a page - a.k.a. product vomit), I realized my style was not one that would sell tons of product. It's all about sales, not about good design or technique. I never did that again.

So, I stick to what I like. I pull together some pretty nice layouts and cards, if I say so myself. I share my work with a non-competitive and very creative bunch of paper artists when I'm in the mood -- or I have time to post a photo.

But it's all on my terms, and no one else's. Because in the end, the one who really cares the most about what I've created is me. Like Laddie, I am going to keep digging, and searching, and doing what comes naturally to me.

Christmas Planning

2007-11-11T17:47:00.000-06:00

Went out of town for 24 hours to spend some time at the Club Scrap Headquarters in Appleton and spend some money at their warehouse sale. I purchased a number of project kits that I should be able to turn into quick and nice Christmas presents.

I really should sit down and look at all the things I have purchased in the last 6 months. I have a feeling that I have all the Christmas presents purchased, except for The Spousal Unit and the Kids. Maybe I should do that Tuesday night after supper. Then I could start wrapping, and be WAY ahead of the program. Wouldn't that be nice!

The Birthday Cards are Rolling In!

2007-11-07T21:14:00.000-06:00

As this is my birthday month, I've started to receive birthday greetings from my fellow Club Scrappers. I'm starting the scanning to my Flickr gallery for this year's card shower. You can click here, or click on the link in the side bar. I'll keep updating it throughout the month.

This is my reward for making cards the past 11 months -- a parade of creativity in my mailbox almost every day. It's great!

Brain Pain

2007-11-06T22:00:00.000-06:00

With the removal of my wisdom tooth, I am reminded again of why I like Vicodin: it gets rid of the pain, doesn't make me nauseous, and just makes me slightly sleepy.

I woke up with a massive migraine after a night of random awakenings due to tooth removal pain. Unfortunately, my migraine meds are all at work -- where I left most everything on Monday. The migraine quickly escalated into a barfing and blinding pain. That's when I decided to up the Vicodin dosage to see if it could replace the missing migraine meds.

It worked -- at least it made the migraine more manageable, and I was able to (fitfully) sleep until I got rid of it. I was able to rejoin the land of the living around 3pm today.

I know this has absolutely nothing to do with creativity, unless you think along the lines of creative pain medication. It worked, the brain pain is gone, and the tooth socket is doing OK, too.

How I Spent My Monday

2007-11-05T22:18:00.000-06:00

I had an emergency wisdom tooth extraction today; this afternoon to be exact. It's not how I planned to spend my day, but that's what happened when I saw my dentist for an infection that had been intensifying over the weekend.

So, I had a hot date for an oral surgery this afternoon. Fortunately, it was a very easy extraction, as the tooth was above ground with nice straight roots. Now, Vicodin and an ice pack are my very best friends.

So, how did you spend your day?

Licenced to Wreck/Create

2007-11-04T00:30:00.000-05:00

I mentioned in yesterday's post that I will be purging and rearranging my work area.

My husband is appalled. Not because I am purging, but because I will be moving furniture. He seems to have this idea that I can't redecorate or rearrange furniture without his minute by minute instruction.

As you may recall, I had to wait until he went out of town for a week to get rid of the crappy carpet on the stairs, and fix them up.

I also had to take the bull by the horns to paint my work area (painting over some really ugly paneling ) a nice lavender, and get new flooring. When I told him I would have a friend help me install the flooring after I painted, he freaked. He freaked even more when I presented all the research on how to paint over paneling, and showed him the cans of paint and primer.

He did wind up helping, but he was a pain-in-the-ass. Even my friend said so. But the room turned out great. Just the way I wanted it. Still looks great two years later.

After these two incident, I decided to get the objective opinion from a professional -- handyman. I explained to this guy my husband's reactions, how I am completely capable of handling power tools and cleaning them up, painting, demolition, etc.

The handyman listened carefully to my story, then made this diagnosis: I'm not doing anything wrong. It's my husband. I scare the heck out of him because I am capable. I'm competition. That's why he nags, and criticizes, and is a general pain-in-the-ass. And that I should continue doing what I am, and continue to do as much of it behind his back so I don't have to put up with his crap.

I have a license to do what I want to do, in my space. Even though my husband is flipping over my latest plans, they are my plans. It's my workroom and I'll move what I want to.

Purge - The Sequel

2007-11-03T16:33:00.000-05:00

I have a very small work area. It's an alcove off our bedroom upstairs. The light could be better, it could be warmer/cooler (depending on the season), but it is all mine.

Lately I haven't been satisfied with my space. I had two problems:
-- clutter
-- things weren't in a logical location.

I have piles of clutter, some of it neatly hidden, other not so neatly hidden. As soon as I get rid of a bunch of clutter, more moves in. I'm not sure how that happens, as I don't buy that much stuff anymore. Maybe it's all the Here Mama's I get from the kids (Here Mama, this is for you. Here Mama, I drew these twelve pictures during free time for you.).

My scrapbooking supplies are housed in three different locations in my workspace. My stamps are also in three locations. I have computer software and manuals everywhere. And I have computer peripherals everywhere. I look like the biggest techie in the world (but really, most of my computer stuff is pure crap!), wires everywhere.

After a lot of thinking and some measuring, I have come up with a plan to rearrange my workspace. It will start with a major purge of sewing and scrapbooking items, putting some stuff into deep storage, and moving things around.

I got rid of three boxes of fabric, two inches of scrapbooking supplies, four grocery bags of fabric, and three grocery bags of clothes this morning. I feel freer already.

Mean Girls

2007-11-02T22:24:00.000-05:00

There are lots of mean girls, and most of them are older than 18, and should know how to behave better. I've really noticed this mean girl mentality in the scrapbooking world -- and I don't mean recently.

When I taught at an LSS ages ago, I was simply dumbfounded by the two-faced antics of some of the people who I encountered. Sugary sweet to someone one minute, then ripping them apart when they are out of sight. I'm sure the people who were oh so nice to me were being nasty behind my back. But I didn't care what they thought: my opinion of myself was more important.

That's not to say there aren't mean boys. But I don't know anything about that, being female. I'll leave that for some guy to comment on.

A friend emailed me today to ask why women are so mean. Here's what I wrote in response:
Insecurity. Those who are insecure are mean to others to prove they are superior/better than the others.

Those who are secure don't give a rat's ass about what other people think. We know we are fine just the way we are and aren't threatened by others. Therefore, we don't have to be mean.

At this point in my life, I have friends who just care that I am honest, a good listener, enjoy a good laugh, and will be there if they need me. And vice versa. Anyone else can go jump.

That's the "crabbiness" of maturity. It's a wonderful gift. Too bad not everyone will accept the gift.

So, instead of being a mean bitch, I'm just crabby in that I don't put up with shit. I don't associate with shit. I don't give a shit. If you're not going to be true and honest with me, I don't want to deal with you. That's it. I have no need for revenge or attempting to prove myself better.

That's what I'm trying to teach my girls, because they will be hitting the Mean Girls early entry time very soon. My hope is they won't be the mean girls. I know they will have some interaction with mean girls; I hope they know they are better than that and just walk away.

The Logo Says It All...

2007-11-01T21:52:00.000-05:00

A Contest I'd Consider Entering

2007-11-01T21:20:00.000-05:00

After all the scrapbooking contest drama* at the House of CK Media in the past three weeks, it is damn funny that I would see a reminder about another scrapbooking contest today.

But here's a reminder announcement for Simple Scrapbooks' "The Funnest Scrapbooker Ever (for 2007)" at Stacy Julian's blog.

And I wouldn't feel bad about submitting layouts that didn't have product vomit** on them. I'm not a product vomit kind of gal. Simple Scrapbooks doesn't seem like a product vomit magazine. At least not yet.

Truthfully, I've been thinking about entering this contest since they announced it. I just haven't had time to act. Not that I think I would ever win. I just think I'd have fun completing the entry.

Sans vomit.

______________
*Drama Recap:
-- Creating Keepsakes publishes their Hall of Fame winners book.
-- Subsequently, two HOF winners are disqualified/resigned for not using their own photos.
-- A third HOF admits not taking her own picture. DQ status not announced.
-- There are questions about at least three other HOF winner's "claims" of using their own photos.

**Product Vomit:
When a scrapper puts as much patterned paper, embellishments, doodles, flowers, glitter, and crap that the page can hold. Manufacturers love product vomit pages in magazines and contests. Not so much the Average Everyday Scrapbooker.

Just In Time

2007-10-31T23:05:00.000-05:00

NaBloPoMo has prompted me to finally get this blog look upgraded. NaBloPoMo is National Blog Posting Month -- participants promise to write one blog post a day for the whole month of November. I thought I would try it out, and at this blog, instead of the family blog. I figure it would get boring talking about family stuff all the time.

I am taking this time to work on my creative side, the scrapper/stamper/photographer. I will do my best to post something cool I've created (paper crafts or photographs) or some comment on my creative hobbies.

But as it is way past my bedtime, I will say "goodnight" and "see you tomorrow".

Blog Work

2007-10-23T15:11:00.000-05:00

Blogger is making me upgrade to their new format, so things will be more chaotic than usual on this site. Stay tuned.

Go-To Products

2007-07-15T21:35:00.000-05:00

In Ali Edwards' latest newsletter, she asks her readers to consider their go-to products. The scrapbooking products you always use.

Here's my list:
Adhesives
-- Tombo MonoAdhesive
-- Zots Glue Dots
-- 3L Photo Mounting Squares

Pens
-- Zig pens

Miscellaneous Items
-- Eyelets and Brads. Can't live without 'em
-- Tonic scissors. Love the Teflon coating.

Storage Stuff
-- Club Scrap pizza boxes. They are sturdy and versatile. I can turn them into vertical or horizonal storage, without worrying that I will damage my paper.

Trimmer
-- I am slowly giving up my Cutterpede for my Purple Cows digital photo trimmer. It does great on cardstock, too.

Camera & Lens
-- If I am around home, I will always grab my Canon G3 digital camera. It only has the lens it came with.
-- However... if I'm traveling, I go back to my old reliable: Pentax K-1000 and throw the 135 mm lens in the bag as well. And I'll also drop in the Canon Elph APS camera that does panoramic photos. On a trip, I HAVE to take panoramas. It's my signature travel photo.

One Page Wonder Technique

2007-06-17T20:33:00.001-05:00

About six months ago, I found a card technique on the web called "One Page Wonder". You stamp up one piece of cardstock and cut it to a specific formula. Then you add other cardstock and embellishments to finish 10 cards.

I finally got some extended free-time to do the technique. It's not that it's time consuming, it just takes me a while to come up with the cardstock colors, stamps, and embellishments.

The cardstock is from the first Club Scrap kit I ever subscribed to: Weather (April 2003). The blue stamped cardstock is my "One Page Wonder" page. I used stamps from the Weather kit, Stratosphere (May 2007), and some word stamps.

The vellum pieces are also from the Weather kit. The fiber is from some stuff I had in my stash, along with the paper flowers and gold brads. I did go through a lot of adhesive, but I think it was worth it.

So, what I am going to do with all of these cards? Well, most of them should be obvious -- Birthday greetings. I'm still participating in the Club Scrap Birthday Card Club, so these cards should hold me over for a couple of months.

Not too bad for a couple hours' work.

Creative Postage

2007-03-18T22:43:00.000-05:00

I had an oversize letter to mail today -- one of those square cards that take 52 cents.

Because I'm cheap, I like to use exact postage. Fortunately, I found a stash of stamps last week of various denominations.

So, I "created" this stamp collage to come up to 52 cents.

I hope the recipient finds this amusing.

Your Attention, Please!

2006-11-13T18:29:00.000-06:00

I have been showered this November with beautiful birthday cards, courtesy of the Club Scrap Birthday Card Club. These cards are delightful. I like them so much, I thought I should set up a Flickr gallery so everyone can enjoy these creations. Click on the Flickr badge to the right of this entry, under "Club Scrap Birthday Card Club", and enjoy!

I have been a member of the Birthday Card Club since July. I know how much fun I had creating cards for others. But it is even more fun to be on the receiving side! The sentiments expressed on the inside of the cards is just as wonderful. I am lucky to belong to a group of talented paper crafters!

I'll be adding to the gallery as I receive cards. I have 15 cards I have yet to scan -- and I'm not half way through the month.

Enjoy!!

ATCs and Cards

2006-11-11T19:39:00.000-06:00

It's been a very busy Fall for me, what with the new semester starting with a new textbook and new curriculum. I've managed to get a few card making projects completed, thanks to the Club Scrap Birthday Club and OCAM (One Card A Month) group. Here's an example:

I also joined the Technique Junkies. I get the newsletter and belong to a couple of the email lists as well. When one of John's musical colleagues got married, I made this card using a moziac technique:

Here's a card I made using the brayered madras technique. I love the Club Scrap stamps on this card. I am finally getting a decent collection of phase stamps, courtesy of Club Scrap.

And finally, here's the ATC I made for the latest Nihao Stampers swap. I think all ten took a total of 1 hour to make. But they look pretty cool:

A Letter to Brad Vadas

2006-09-10T20:41:00.000-05:00

Bradley Hodges Vadas
2/28/1964 - 9/11/2001

Beloved fiancé of Kris McFerren. Son of Donald Vadas and Connie Taylor. Brother of Melissa Prevey and Christopher (Denise) Vadas; uncle to their children. Friend to many in Westport, Weston, New York City, and more.

Missed terribly by all.

***********

Hi Brad -

You don't know me, but thanks to the Internet, I know more about you than this simple obituary, above. I hope to honor the memory of you through these few words on my blog.

While reading about you, I found that the words of your wide circle of friends put your life into perspective the best. It was obvious you are a beloved friend.

I laughed to read of your nickname, The Squirrel, bestowed upon you sophomore year in high school. A tribute (?) given to you by a senior on the varsity team, based on the way you would scamper after the ball on the field. It was a nickname that stuck, too, but always used with affection. Your love of baseball comes through in so many of your friends' memories of you -- weekend games at Compo Beach, reunion games. A valued team member and a valued friend.

Frequently mentioned is your smile, so warm in the photos I have seen, the warmth reflected in your voice. I imagine there is a great sense of humor that goes along with that smile. I wonder if that's what first drew Kris to you. You two had a strong commitment to each other, a long relationship that was to be celebrated in a springtime wedding.

Your commitment to your family is strong as well. Your calls to your father on that day, and to Kris, show the depth of your love. In your message to Kris, you said, "Take care of my dad; the two of you, love each other." A simple, heart-felt wish. My guess is that this wish is granted, tenfold, in your honor.

Brad, you are a remarkable young man, personally and professionally. A successful trader, you attained the position of Senior Vice President at Keefe, Bruyette, & Woods. The lessons you learned at Boston College, and in your life, served to make you a successful executive, and savvy negotiator. Even your landlord was impressed with your negotiating skills!

Nevertheless, most remarkable is your legacy of love, laughter, and teamwork. Your friends, family, and Kris continue to write to you, write about you on your memorial sites. Five years later, your death is still deeply felt. You are remembered with love, through tears and smiles. Even with an occasional acorn on your grave marker.

It has been an honor to read about your life. May your memory always be for a blessing. Walk with the angels.

Your admirer from a far,

Carol Anne

Photos from www.legacy.com and www.cnn.com

Not Entirely Out of Action ...

2006-08-14T19:55:00.000-05:00

I've been creative, just haven't posted much. Here's photo collage I made for John for his birthday.

I've been a member of the CS Birthday Club. This month I sent a bunch of cards that looked like this:

I love that felt flower. That was a RAK from a CS'er in the Netherlands, for a swap I am hosting.

Here's an ATC I made for the August Retreat:

So, I've been creative. Just not posting much.

Not Quite a Craft...

2006-07-06T21:43:00.000-05:00

I just remodeled our stairs -- it was a 5-day project. The details and photos are on the family blog: thewallsofstpaul.blogspot.com.

I did it all by myself! John is away at a conference. I really enjoyed the work. It feels so creative and energizing. Even though I'm not a fan of orange or gold, I do really like how it works with the wood panelling and the stair treads.

Instant Relative Swap

2006-04-25T21:50:00.000-05:00

Here's the ATC I made for the Instant Relative Swap on the CS list:

For those of you who don't know who "instant relatives" are, they are those vintage photos/images you find on things these days. People you don't know about. You just claim them as "instant relatives".

I figure I get to wonder about my Chinese "instant relatives", too. I think my kids' birth parents are about as "instant" as the family you marry into. And just as mysterious. This card reflects my thoughts on those unknown members of the family tree.

Thoughts of Spring

2006-04-20T21:45:00.000-05:00

I'm participating in an Easter/Spring swap on the Nihao Stampers list. While I don't have cute bunny or chick stamps, I do have a number of flower stamps that I could have used for this swap. But, I decided my card theme should be based on what I think of when I think "Spring"...

Tornadoes.

Perverse? Odd? A stormspotter gone mad?

How about this -- I purchased these tornado and tornado-related stamps years ago and this is the first time I've been able to use 'em.

And I had fun. I hope my fellow swap participants enjoy them.

The card with the blue background is a stamp collage. The tornado, gate, and ladybug are all separate images. I'm thinking about sending a .jpg to some Yahoo!Groups listowners I know. I'm sure at least one of them might consider it worthy of being on their group home page.

Donna's Class - Week 15

2006-04-19T22:28:00.000-05:00

I really waffled about doing this project -- altering a frame. I just couldn't think of a frame that was in need of a face lift. Plus I didn't know if I could pull it off.

Then, Sunday night, I turned around from my computer and found it: the frame that holds a small cardinal print. It was a dollar doo-dad from Target with a 3 x 3 opening that I had modified into a picture frame. It didn't look that good.

What did I have to lose? I knew I had to re-do it sometime.

Pulled out the paint, crackle medium, brushes, ribbon, CS paper, Sizzix, Distress Inks, ruler, and Xacto knife. A couple hours later, here's what I came up with:

It's looking MUCH better now!

Studio Friday

2006-04-19T22:20:00.000-05:00

I thought I would take part in the Studio Friday challenge. This week is "sparkle". I decided to not be completely literal.

Looking around my studio (hey, I like how that sounds!), here's what I found that sparkles:

A close up of some literally sparkly (or shiny) things:

30 Minutes...

2006-04-10T22:12:00.000-05:00

The biggest scrapbooking problem I've had, now that I have two kids, is getting something into the second kid's album. I now understand the old joke about the oldest child has the fully complete baby book, and each child has fewer and fewer photos, until the last child is lucky to have their first picture taken at age 12.

So for Rachel's album, I'm not going chronological right now, and just scrapping whatever hits me. Whatever I can get done right now, in this next 1/2 hour. I'll go back and do the chronological thing when I know I'll have 5 or 6 hours of uninterrupted time. But if I can only grab a few minutes, I'll keep it simple, and inspired.

Therefore, today's blog posting. It was a monochrome challenge on the Club Scrap list. But I really wanted to document as many of Rachel's names for herself as I could. It also gave me the opportunity to play with changing a color photo to black and white with PaintShop Pro. It was pretty darn simple.

And now, it's time to rest. As Scarlett said, "tomorrow is another day". And my new words of wisdom are: "If you can't do it all, do what you can do in 30 minutes".

Random Me and Random China and Random Card

2006-04-08T21:24:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd better post this now, before Snookie B. ragged on me for being late to blog.

Made two little booklets for my Random Me A to Z class.

I'm to use these booklets to write keywords, random phrases and thoughts on the topic of "me" and on the topic of our two trips to China. The "me" book is for the class. The China book is for the day when I decide I will become a famous author and write a book about our two trips to China. I'll probably do that right about the time ... hell freezes over. Or my kids leave the house. Whichever comes first.

Look at the lovely card I received from my CS August Retreat Secret Pal!

It uses the CS Frames kit, which I loved. This card is colorful and texture-filled. I have fun rubbing my fingers over the various surfaces. Odd; yes I know. But this is just the COOLEST card!

Donna's Class - Week 12

2006-04-01T22:57:00.000-06:00

Theme: A layout of the first signs of spring.

I didn't do a first sign of spring, because we have many of them. And then a snowstorm will hit. I documented the sign that winter is gone and not coming back -- the blooming of lilacs.

I am starting to get my scrapbooking groove back. I made some section title pages for my Book of Me today. I have a bunch of memorabilia sorted in general categories. I am ready to scrap!

What I Was Up To ...

2006-03-27T22:37:00.000-06:00

On the Club Scrap list, we were talking about how to catalog the sample layout sketches we receive every month. Inspired by this, and by a project from Donna's class in February, I decided to create two layout sketch books.

And with the leftover paper, some ink, stencils, and a photo I took of the CS Headquarters two years ago, I made this card for a secret pal.

It was a good day.

What Else Did I Do Today?

2006-03-19T21:00:00.000-06:00

After finishing the two layouts for Donna's class, I finished up the pages for my Club Scrap '05 Retreat album. Ta Da!! Here's what I did:

A couple of "slap some pictures on a page" layouts. A few door signs from our hotel rooms.

A summary layout, using the bits and pieces of things that didn't make it on the rest of the pages. My attempt at collage...

Yes, I've had a few beers in the photo in this layout...

Donna's Class: Week 9 and 10

2006-03-19T20:50:00.000-06:00

Due to all the activity in the tech comm class I am teaching, I haven't been able to keep up with Donna's challenge assignments. Until today, when John took the kids to an organ recital and I went to Archivers-Roseville to meet up with some of the MN Club Scrap bunch.

In week 9, Donna wanted us to document someone we admire -- someone that we don't have many photos to remember them by. I decided to document my high school English teachers and Speech Team coaches, Mr. Iten and Mr. Randall.

The paper is from the Club Scrap Jr. Paisley kit (March '06). The photos come from my yearbook. I had to photograph them, as they did not scan nicely. I have an unfortunate flash in this photo, too. I'll go back later and clean that up...

For week 10, were were to work with text boxes, documenting family fun. Well, I went for "extended family" fun -- a night at the Mall of America.

The paper for this layout comes from the Club Scrap Games kit (March '03).

I'm hoping to get to week 11 after I get this next batch of papers graded, and before Donna issues the week 12 challenge!

This is a great class!

Purge

2006-03-11T23:23:00.000-06:00

I have been in a severe scrapping draught. I managed to do a couple more projects for Donna Downey's class, but that's been all I've been able to muster.

The draught started when my teaching time ended at The Scrapbook Shop. I'm realizing now just how angry the whole situation made me -- how classless it was. I didn't start realizing this until Michelle got pushed out of The Shop's ownership team. That situation also lacked a lot of class.

So tonight I decided I needed to do something to symbolically purge The Shop out of my life, and as an attempt to get my scrapping muse back. I went through all my stashes of paper, alphabets, and stickers, and either threw out the small, ugly stuff or put it in a plastic bag. The plastic bag will go to school with Sarah on Monday, as a present for her art teacher.

I'd like to think I immediately feel better. But just like when I purged all my Creative Memories paper stuff, it will take a while to feel the weight lift.

Right now, I feel OK. I know I did the right thing. Now I'm surrounded by my much loved Club Scrap paper, some special papers I purchased at Paige's, and my collection of Asian papers from various sources. All things I love and use without a hang-up. Maybe I'll feel free to play tomorrow.

Donna's Class: Week 7 - Goodbye, CM!!

2006-02-19T23:45:00.000-06:00

It's been a couple weeks since I've been inspired to do one of Donna's projects. I'm enjoying reading her ideas, listening to her words, and seeing other's work.

This week, we were to create cards and/or tags entirely out of our scraps and some rub ons. Well, I now have 11 cards! (had to use one for a birthday party already). I went to those darn CM triangles, and went to town. Here are the six best:

Not to say the other five weren't good. But I like these the best.

After this, I decided to purge all my Creative Memories paper and stickers. Bye-bye!! Having some of that stuff around was holding me back -- lots of guilt about "I should use that!". Well no -- it's ugly old, it's not me. I'll be sending Sarah to school with two full pizza boxes of stuff for her art teacher.

Now, if I could get rid of some other old baggage that easily...

Donna Downey's Class - Week 4

2006-01-31T23:34:00.000-06:00

This week's assignment was to make a digital page. Have I mentioned before how much I hate digital scrapbooking? It feels too much like my day job.

But I was a good sport, and made this page:

For something I hate doing, I keep turning out pretty good looking digital pages. BUT I AM NOT GOING DIGITAL.

I can't afford the required 12 x 12 printer...

Now You Know ...

2006-01-28T22:39:00.000-06:00

You are a pair of SCISSORS!

You're cutting edge, baby! You cut through life

with ease, always keeping others on the edge.

You have the power to simplify things by just

cutting them out. But scissors beware - you

may cut some of the important things out of

your life without realizing it, in your need

to keep trim!

What scrapbooking item are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Donna's Class - Week 3

2006-01-20T20:33:00.000-06:00

This week it's called Five Things and Five Piles. We're supposed to think of five things to scrapbook, and then make five piles of pictures for the things, and put the pictures in an envelope.

Well, I have a whole box full of these type of envelopes done all ready. Here's a sample:

And here's another one.

Oh, and that just the girls'. I have another box full that is for my Book of Me.

Call this assignment done! (Hee-Hee)

Stacy's Class - Daily Creativity Assignments #1 & #2

2006-01-20T20:17:00.000-06:00

I'm taking Stacy Julian's creativity class through Big Picture Scrapbooking -- the same place where I am taking Donna Downey's class. So far, I am very happy with these classes because I feel like I am stretching beyond the typical class I would take in a scrapbook store. It's a little like being on an extended, slow moving Club Scrap retreat. Creative projects, ideas, fun things to think about.

I think after all the years that I have been doing some kind of craft (needlepoint, sewing, stamping, scrapping), this is exactly what I need. And you know what? I've been able to do it all so far with the stuff I have in my stash. I love that I am using my existing materials and Club Scrap papers. I may not have a ton of fancy supplies, or the latest, coolest thing. But I have some quality stuff.

It will be fun to see how my creativity expands over the next four weeks of Stacy's class. It will also be fun to see how much influence Donna's class has over my work in Stacy's and vice versa. Come watch my creativity grow. (That was assignment #2)

Here's assignment #1 make two signs stating "I am creative". You are suppose to put them on your bathroom mirror and the rearview mirror of your car. Well, I don't spend that much time in the car, and DEFINITELY not that much time in the bathroom! So, I am going to put one on top of my computer and the other one on the table next to my bed. I spend most of my time on the computer or sleeping. Makes sense to put them there.

So here are my creativity signs. I don't know that they are very creative. But I did learn something about myself. I really, really, REALLY hate alphabet rub-ons. I'd give them to the kids, except I'd probably find them rubbed-on all over the dogs. Must find the perfect interested party who might like them. Or what's left of them.

Any volunteers?

Donna's Class - Week 2

2006-01-15T22:55:00.000-06:00

Donna's class, week 2: create a year in review layout.

Once again, this was a new experience for me. I'm not a year-in-review kind of gal.

But thanks to my Club Scrap Reaching Out kit, this layout came together nicely.

Donna's Class - Week 1

2006-01-15T22:52:00.000-06:00

I'm taking Donna Downey's year long class through Big Picture Scrapbooking.

This first week, our assignment was to alter the cover of our date book. I've never altered anything, except clothing. It was an experience ... and it worked out pretty well. What do you think?

Paper is from the Club Scrap Earth & Herbs Kit. Ribbons from my stash!

Christmas Journal - Day 15

2005-12-15T20:11:00.000-06:00

This was a quick and easy page: make a title about visiting/company and journal. That's it.

I'm glad it was an easy assignment. I have a ton of things to do tonight, including writing the Christmas letter so I can get all my cards sent out this weekend.

Christmas Journal - Day 14

2005-12-14T20:36:00.000-06:00

Yes, Day 14. I'm just a little bit behind. But today's challenge to document a favorite Christmas song came to me in a flash. Plus once I started researching and developing my page idea, I decided I would go WAY beyond the scrapbooking box for me -- an almost exclusively digital layout.

And so I present: Santa Claus is Coming to Town

It would have been completely digital, but I really wanted that picture of Clarence Clemons up-close in the Santa Hat for the page -- and I needed to journal why this song is my favorite Christmas song.

Here's the journalling that is hidden underneath The Big Man:

I need to credit the St. Petersburg Times for the Santa picture of Clarence. The picture of Bruce and Clarence in Santa hats is cropped from an original photo on a Springsteen fan site (ametrano.net/bruce/asbury.html - 12/17/2000 concert), and the single cover comes from www.mistletunes.com.

Trust me folks, I have no plans to publish this obvious rookie digital scrapbooking attempt. But it sure was fun to play! I may have to try a digital layout another time...

Angels With Fur

2005-12-11T13:36:00.000-06:00

Here's a layout I made commemorating the life of our puppy Macalester and how her brother Laddie came into our family.

I am almost a week behind with my Christmas Journal. But, I was three weeks behind with this layout...

So, the fact that I finished it is wonderful! It was a very difficult layout do to, since it had to do with Macalester's untimely death. But it was very healing, too.

I've heard from others how healing working on a layout or an entire album can be. This is the first time scrapbooking has performed this type of magic for me. I won't forget.

Christmas Journal - Day 3

2005-12-03T21:18:00.000-06:00

Day 3: How we feel about Christmas cards. I make most of my Christmas cards, so I decided to scan and print my three favorite cards. Then I had a revelation, which I wrote about in the journalling.
This is just another direct-to-paper let's-play-with-ink-pads thing. With some handmade paper as a background. But ... I like it!

Christmas Journal - Day 2

2005-12-03T21:08:00.000-06:00

Day Two we were to ponder Christmas weather and play with snowflakes. I decided to make my snowflakes from vellum, and also do my journalling on vellum. I LOVE vellum. If you get past the fear of ruining it (you can always buy more...), it becomes a wonderful paper to work with.
I don't think I've made paper snowflakes for years. While these are not as intricate as some, I am well pleased. I wish the scan showed off the flakes better -- they really look good in person.

Christmas Journal - Day 1

2005-12-03T16:44:00.000-06:00

I joined an online Christmas Art Journal class. I read about it on Ali Edwards' blog.

The class is run by Shimelle. She is a regular contributor to Scrapbook Inspirations, a UK scrapping magazine I pick up on occasion at the bookstore. Yes, I read UK scrapping mags. They are COOL. So are the Australian mags.

I digress. Back to the journal...

Each day, Shimelle gives us an assignment. Here's what I did on Day 1, when we were to write about what we hoped out book would accomplish.

On to the next assignment!

Now I Know ...

2005-10-26T19:59:00.000-05:00

... why I never win contests or get published. Saw this lamentation of a frustrated scrapper on one of my many scrapping lists:

"it seems that if you want to get published in CK (and be considered top notch) you stand a better chance if you: heat an image with UTEE, drive over it in you car, tape it to the leading edge of a Thunderbirds jet, where it will be dropped into a stream (fresh water only) nibbled on the edge by a 6" bass (1/2 to 3/4 inches on each corner), then dry it by brushing it with organic corn husks. After that - scan it, alter it with Photoshop, and print onto vellum using professionally processed heat printing techniques. It's crazy. I am all for the leading edge, top-notch work, etc. but I feel like the publishers have lost touch with reality (I use the gallery as my reality). "

Amen, sister!

Scrapping Teacher No More

2005-10-03T16:52:00.000-05:00

For my students: I will no longer be teaching at The Scrapbook Shop. They decided that the new design team would only teach classes. Although I applied for the design team, I did not make the cut.

I've investigated other teaching avenues. I've concluded I would have to charge much more than I would be confortable charging for classes, just to make up rental costs. And there are no other stores close by.

I am doing private lessons for a few people. But given the circumstances, it appears I am finished as a scrapbooking teacher.

However, a new teaching avenue has landed in my lap -- I am teaching at Metro State University starting January! I will be teaching an online Technical Writing class. It's been my dream to be a classroom teacher. While this isn't a classroom, per se, it's a start with possibilities of moving into classroom teaching.

I still pinch myself on occasion -- I can't believe I am teaching a university class -- in my field of study. It makes up for the disappointment of losing the scrapping teaching position.

I do love to teach, and I have loved teaching all of you in class. We've had a blast!! I hope you've all taken my "one thing at a time" and "keep it simple to start" approach to heart. It will keep you grounded in the most important part of scrapbooking -- documenting in words and pictures your life and the lives of your loved ones.

I'll keep this blog going, because I always have some project cooking somewhere. Please drop in and see what I'm up to. And let me know what you're working on, too.

Take care, and keep scrappin'!!

Here's Using Your Noggin'!

2005-09-21T17:53:00.000-05:00

Hats off to "ceo" from the Organized Scrapbooks forum. She created a personal version of page templates, not unlike the Pages by Design templates you see in some of the scrapbook stores. The link below goes to the forum where she explains how she created her templates for around $20.

http://organizedscrapbooks.com/ftopicp-2163.html

Check it out, especially if you've been thinking about using templates to help with your page design.

Got Fonts?

2005-09-07T19:56:00.000-05:00

Technical writers have an unnatural obsession with fonts. Probably because fonts are the only "pretty" thing we can do with a hardware specifications document or user guide.

Now, make that technical writer a scrapbooker ... on technical writing email lists populated by other scrapping technical writers ... and you get periods of posts listing cool font sites. And a hard drive full of fonts.

I'm passing along the latest list of locations for "cool fonts". The dingbats site looks particularly appealing.

I've done a quick check of these sites, and they all seem to be legitimate, independent font sites. Didn't make my spyware, antivirus, or firewall software programs send up alarms. Most of these sites have a combination of free fonts, shareware fonts, and fonts for purchase. Maybe you'll find a new font to fall in love with.

www.fontfoundry.com
www.fontgarden.com
www.fontpool.com
www.dafont.com
www.momscorner4kids.com/fonts/
www.katsfunfonts.com
www.dingbatpages.com

Have fun!

Five Random Things About Me

2005-08-27T23:17:00.000-05:00

This is part of a blog game of "tag". I commented on Cathy Zielske's blog (http://cathyzielske.typepad.com/), so I'm "IT". I think I'll have to pounce this on my pals on Nihao Stampers . But then again, if you're reading this ... you're it!

So, here are my five random things...

1. I like shopping for groceries in the middle of the night. They play the music REALLY LOUD at Lund's at 2:30 am.
2. I like to read the encyclopedia.
3. I used to hate coffee.
4. The sun, moon, and all the planets need to align properly for me to remember to re-charge my cell phone.
5. I'm allergic to dogs -- especially labs.

So, what are your 5 random things?

September's Coming

2005-08-27T22:46:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe September is almost here! But there it will be, this coming Thursday. I remember back in January, thinking June was a long way away. But then thinking, "By the time June gets here, July and August will fly by."

And sure enough ...

Speaking of September, here are my classes for September:
Saturday, September 3 at 1 pm: Mini Books #3
Thursday, September 8 at 6 pm: Introduction to Scrapbooking
Thursday, September 15 at 6 pm: Organization
Monday, September 19 at 6 pm: Mini Books #1

Please remember to bring your basic class kit to all classes: scissors, adhesive, ruler, cutter, pen/pencil.

I'll be sending the Mini Books classes off for a well-deserved vacation at the end of September, so I can work on other ideas. So, if you've been wanting to take the Mini Book classes, now is the time.

So, you ask, what are those other ideas? Oh, some fun paper techniques, slide mount altering, and a CASE book. More about those in a couple of weeks. Stay tuned.

All About Me

2005-08-17T23:56:00.000-05:00

On the Club Scrap list, we're doing an All About Me challenge this month. I came up with this layout tonight, based in part on a layout I saw by Cathy Zielske. The layout is different, but I used some of the same questions she did (from the latest issue of SS). Others I modified or made up all by myself.

I like the look of this layout. The part that took the most time was typing all the text! I think I spent a total of 40 minutes on the layout. I have torn paper and chalk in it too.

I thought about using those cute brads that look like screw heads (I bought some two weeks ago). But that might be over the top. The page has a lot to it -- there's no need to clutter it up.

I love the timer on my digital camera, too. It's the only way I get pictures of myself these days.

Classes for August

2005-08-01T22:50:00.000-05:00

Here's what I have on the burner for August:
Intro to Scrapbooking - Thursday, August 11th at 6 pm
Minibooks #3 - Wednesday, August 17th at 6 pm
Minibooks #2 - Saturday, August 20th at 1 pm
Journalling - Monday, August 22nd at 6 pm

If you're interested in any of these classes, please contact The Scrapbook Shop at 651-698-7979 to register.

Experimentation

2005-07-27T00:26:00.000-05:00

Here's a layout I completed for a co-worker's retirement scrapbook.

To look at it, it is nothing special, artistically speaking. But I am very pleased with it because ... I tried something old and I tried something new.

The old is my handwriting. I worked very hard to make my handwriting "cute" on this layout. Rather than the near-scrawl it usually is. I am amazed that with a little trial and error, I can write something legible. Even when it is teeny-tiny.

A couple days ago, I had decided to purchase an upcoming book, "Love Your Handwriting" by Heidi Swapp (www.creatingkeepsakes.com/shop/item.ihtml?idx=268). My handwriting never kept me from journalling my heart out on a page. But I knew it could be vastly improved. I am very happy with my first attempt here to add some style to my handwriting. I'm looking forward to seeing what I can learn from Heidi Swapp.

The "new" thing is: I made interactive elements. For those of you who know me well, you will be absolutely shocked and amazed. But the interactive elements became a necessity, when I wanted to add two more small pictures to the layout but wasn't sure how to do it without overcrowding the page. Thus, the interactive bookshelf was born!

I decided to make the first book and third books on the shelf interactive. This gave me enough space for the pullout and to secure it. Here's the bookshelf with all the books "closed".

Here's what it looks like with the first book ("Cooperate with Co-Workers") open.
Sidebar: I love this picture of Sandy and Carol. They are both camera-shy, but were willing to put their shyness aside to help me make this page for their buddy. Their personalities come shining through in this picture.

Here's what it looks like with the third book ("Our Gang") open.

I learned a some of the mechanics of interactive elements, working on this page. I know what I will do the next time I take the leap to be interactive.

As I said before, this layout is far from beautiful, as beauty is defined in the scrapbooking magazine world. The beauty in it for me is that I had success, and I was able to communicate through paper, photos, chalk, and ink.

I know Velda will think the page is a hoot. In the long run, that's all that matters.

Good night.

CHA Summer Review

2005-07-26T07:32:00.000-05:00

Here's a link to a comprehensive summary of the products debuted at CHA Summer last week.
http://www.scrapjazz.com/topics/Miscellaneous/Crops_and_Conventions/610.php

In particular, I'm very excited to see more personal cutter systems. But I'm still waiting for the Wishblade to come down in price. In the meantime, I guess I'll have to use the one at The Scrapbook Shop!

Other things that look interesting to me are the stitched rub-ons from Autumn Leaves and the Asian Flare papers from a new company, Zsiage.

Check out the review and let me know what makes your ears perk up!

Color Forecast

2005-07-17T17:19:00.000-05:00

I ran across this blog article about possible hot colors for the 2005-2006 fashion season. I mention it here because I've noticed over the years that scrapbooking color trends do tend to follow fashion color trends.

Here's the link, if you want to see one designer's guess:
www.adampolselli.com/2005/

You may also want to check out your favorite department store here in the next couple of weeks. All the fall fashions and colors should be in full bloom. Personally, I have a hot date with Nordstrom's Anniversary sale on July 27th...

Now there's absolutely nothing that says you have to follow a color trend when you are scrapbooking. But being aware of trends will help you understand what and why you're seeing something in your LSS*.

If you like the trend, then you'll know to stock up on supplies, or at least make lots of notes on color combos before the next trend comes rushing through the industry. Trends come, trends go.

*LSS = local scrapbook store

Class Schedule for July through September

2005-06-16T12:04:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, July 6 at 6 pm: Versatility of Vellum
Saturday, July 16 at 1 pm: Gr8 Start
Wednesday, July 20 at 6 pm: Introduction to Scrapbooking
Thursday, July 28 at 6 pm: Paper Techniques

Thursday, August 11 at 6 pm: Introduction to Scrapbooking
Wednesday, August 17 at 6 pm: Mini Books #3
Saturday, August 20 at 1 pm: Mini Books #2
Monday, August 22 at 6 pm: Journalling

Saturday, September 3 at 1 pm: Mini Books #3
Thursday, September 8 at 6 pm: Introduction to Scrapbooking
Thursday, September 15 at 6 pm: Organization
Monday, September 19 at 6 pm: Mini Books #1

Please remember to bring your basic class kit to all classes: scissors, adhesive, ruler, cutter, pen/pencil.

New Class: Mini Books #3

2005-06-05T10:37:00.000-05:00

Mini Books #3 ($18) - "Sticks & Stitching". In Part 3 of this series, we're ramping up the size a bit to create two journal-styled books using conventional (stitching) and non-conventional (sticks) binding techniques. You'll love these versatile mini books! Class Limit: 6.

Classes are scheduled for mid-August and early September. Watch this site or your newsletter from The Scrapbook Shop for more information! Samples will be in The Shop by June 10th.

Did You Know ...

2005-06-02T12:07:00.000-05:00

Here's an interesting tidbit I learned from one of my scrapping list: one inch of pattern paper represents somewhere between 75 and 100 scrapbook pages. That's alot of pages!

I can verify that number is true (or close to being true!), because I'm staring at a 100+ page manual on my desk. And it's about an inch thick.

Gives you a whole 'nuther perspective on that paper stash, doesn't it? Guess it's time to get scrapping and use up some of that paper.

Upcoming Classes

2005-05-22T21:00:00.000-05:00

Here's my class schedule at the Scrapbook Shop through the end of June:

Wednesday, May 25th at 6 pm - Mini Albums. This is the first of a two-part series that shows you how to create five types of mini albums. In this class, we'll make hot dog, puzzle accordian, and explosion albums.

Saturday, June 4th at 1 pm - Mini Albums #2. This is the second of the two-part mini albums series. Albums to be made in this class are the paper bag book and a tag book.

Monday, June 6th at 6 pm - Paper Techniques. I'll teach you three paper techniques to add to your layout idea book: serendipity squares, tearing, and diamond folding.

Thursday, June 16th at 6 pm - Organization. Need some ideas on organizing your space? Would you like some tips and techiniques to help you be more organized at your next crop? Bring in your organizational questions, and I'll help uncover the answers. Plus, I'll teach you a planning technique to help you be more productive.

Monday, June 20th at 6 pm - Introduction to Scrapbooking. Interested in scrapbooking, but don't know where to start? Curious about a specific tool? Come to this class where I cover the basics of scrapbooking and we work together to create a layout from pictures you bring to class.

2005-05-22T20:41:00.000-05:00

Create a border using serendipity squares and ribbon.
Posted by Hello

2005-05-22T20:38:00.000-05:00

Rub-ons and dimentional stickers add punch to this layout.
Posted by Hello

2005-05-22T20:32:00.000-05:00

Use chalk, pop-dots, and twine to add texture and depth to this beach layout
Posted by Hello

Gr8 Start Sample Layouts

2005-05-15T21:03:00.000-05:00

I'm posting a couple layouts for my Gr8 (Great) Start layout class on May 21st. The theme is "Summer" -- my students will make eight single page layouts. They will also come away with the recipe for making the second page, if their pictures need a two-page layout.

Know Your Audience, Understand Your Style

2005-02-11T21:30:00.000-06:00

This week was scrapbook magazine mail week. Sometimes I wonder why I subscribe to the magazines that I do, because I get depressed looking at many of the layouts. It seems the more product on the page, busy background style continues to reign supreme. This style, as represented in the magazines, is a far cry from what I do.

My style is closer to clean and simple. Although, clean and simple doesn't exactly describe my style either. I've been reading Cathy Zielske's "Clean & Simple Scrapbooking". I agree with much of what she says and take similar approaches to scrapping. Our styles are not similar in the least.

I've learned, by the reactions of my family and friends as they look through my albums, that it's the photos and the writing that are the most important. I do focus heavily on pictures -- and sometimes use too many on a page. I'm trying to cut back -- or extend my layouts to 3 and 4 pages, to avoid the crowded look.

I do not, and will not, cut back on the journalling. If the photos are the heart of the page, the journalling is the soul. The stories, remembrances, reflections are equally important as the photographs. I will write until all the words are out. It's what my audience expects, it is what I am compelled to do.

So I need to work harder on letting go of "publication envy". I'll never be famous, I can't be a trendy scrapper. But my style of "Focus on Photos, Tell the Stories" is classic; I won't have to worry about being dated. That, and the squeals of delight from my kids with a finished page, or the words of pride from my husband as he looks through our family history, is all the prize I really need.