A Blog by Amy Elkins

Find Me HERE...

2011-12-23T14:01:00.000-08:00

Friends, please come find me on my new WordPress blog here: http://fromhomewithlove.wordpress.com/

There are weekly updates, if not more, and it's easier for me to keep up with just the one. Thank you!

New BlueMedia Contest!

2010-01-28T21:00:00.001-08:00

Are you obsessed with sketches? Love the Blueprints series? For all you sketch-crazed scrappers out there, this will be a fun one. This is a brand new Blueprint from Amy Elkins!

What can you do to make this Blueprint your own? We'd love to see!

Here are the rules of the February Featured Artist contest:

Submit your best un-published layout using THIS MONTHS new Layout Blueprint. Layouts may be any theme, any page size, and either one or two page. Please specify "February Blueprint" in your email subject line. Submit them by February 28, 2010 to bluemediasubs@gmail.com. Please note this email is ONLY for submittals, not for general questions, information, customer service, orders, or wholesale.

The BlueMedia editorial staff will choose an artist from the submittals to be our Featured Artist. The Featured Artist will be contacted and asked a few brief questions about themselves, and have their artwork and a brief About Me article featured on our blog for the following month. They will also receive a special surprise gift package of great product from our ever-supportive wholesalers.

Organizing to Save Money

2010-01-27T08:49:00.000-08:00

We've all done it, bought that "must have" embellishment only to stash it somewhere really special and uncover it years later, having forgotten where we stashed it. Supplies aren't cheap, and keeping them organized can help you use them better, and more often.

Years ago I found a great system for myself, and have had much better luck using my stash because of it. I can't say the same system will work for everyone, but there are some guiding priciples that can help us all to stay organized, and keep us from buying the same thing over and over only to find we had it already.

The keys to great scrapping organization are Visibility, Portability, and Accessability.

Let's first talk about assessing your personal organizational needs. Start with a few simple questions:

- What kind of scrapper are you? Do you use lots of embellishments, paint, stamps, inks, etc.? Or do you like to keep things simpler?
If you answered that you use lots of embellishments, you'll want to find a system that will keep your embellishments easily accessible, and always in sight. If you use other mediums in your scrapbook like paints, inks, and stamps, you will need storage for those items that allows you to search them - probably by color. Those things don't necessarily have to be visible to remember to use them. Those items tend to be something you will use regardless, but accessability and portability may be important.
I used to keep my pages very simple, mostly just paper, because it was a hassle for me to find anything else. But I found that organizing all my embellishments into a system that allowed me to see everything I had made me more likely to use more embellishments. Now I can easily find a trinket or two that I may not have used before.

- Do you often travel with your scrapbooking supplies? To retreats? To crops?
Because I travel a lot and take my scrapbooking with me, I chose a system that would easily travel with me. I chose the ScrapRack because it suited my needs of portability, visibility, and accessability. I keep a small amount of each embellishment I have in my ScrapRack pages, and the rest in backstock if I have that much of it. It breaks down easily into rubbermaid tubs to take to retreats. I only take certain "spinders" if I'm going to a short crop, though.

- Are you a pre-planner? Do you pre-plan pages to take with you to these retreats and crops? Or are you more comfortable taking everything you own with you? (like me!)
I'm not a pre-planner like some. I have to have everything around me for inspiration while I'm scrapping. But if you're able to pre-plan, kudos to you! You'll have less to travel with. But are you able to find things when you're doing the planning? Make sure you have your supplies visible, and accessible so that you can make them portable in your pre-planning.
And if you're like me, and have to take it all along, you've got a bigger job in front of you. See the next step.

- How do you search your supplies? Meaning, when you're doing a page do you look for embellishments by color, brand, theme, type, or style?
This may be the real key to your personal organization style. I personally organize by both color, and theme. Most of my embellies are done by color, all organized into my lovely ScrapRack where I can easily see and access them. Things that have themes are separated into several categories that I developed over the years that work for me. Alphabets, for instance, have thier own binder spine in my rack. Yes, I'm an alpha-junkie. Other things like sports, outdoors, birthdays, holidays, baby, and other themes are divided and marked as their own sections. I find it makes things easier on me when I'm working on a page to just flip to a theme or a color and see what I have that I can use.
So, when I'm working on a boys soccer page that is brown, green, and blue, I may start by flipping to "Sports/soccer" and seeing what I can use from that section. Then I will flip to the color sections to see what else I can add.

It has worked well for me, and in the long run has saved me from wasting money on those "must haves" and losing them in the vortex of my craft room. Now, when I spend money on those items, I know where they are, remember I have them, and actually USE them.

So, when designing your personal organizational system keep in mind the key factors; Visibility (so that you won't forget what you have, and will actually use it), Accessability (so that it's easy to find and use), and Portability (if you're traveling to any crops or retreats).

I'll be posting more tips on organization in the future.

Here is a pic of the first part of the "red" section of my overstuffed and much loved ScrapRack just to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Love all those little flapped plastic pouch pages.

New BlueMedia Contest!

2010-01-02T15:45:00.001-08:00

This is from the BlueMedia blog at http://layoutblueprints.blogspot.com

With the New Year comes a new series of contests! BlueMedia is happy to announce a new Featured Artist contest. Submit your layouts for review, and win a guest spot as a Featured Artist on our blog!

RULES:
Submit your best THREE un-published layouts using any of the Layout Blueprints from book one or two. Layouts may be any theme, any size, and either one or two page. Please specify the Blueprint book and page used as reference. Submit them by January 31, 2010 to bluemediasubs@gmail.com. Please note this email is ONLY for submittals, not for general questions, information, customer service, orders, or wholesale.

The BlueMedia editorial staff will choose an artist from the submittals to be our Featured Artist. The Featured Artist will be contacted and asked a few brief questions about themselves, and have their artwork and a brief About Me article featured on our blog for the following month.

Reunited

2009-12-19T18:46:00.000-08:00

Recently, thanks to Facebook, I was reunited with a long lost friend from high school. It had been about 13 years since we'd been in contact, and even longer since we'd seen eachother. When we found out that we lived in the same state, there was no question that we had to find a way to get together.
We met half way for lunch and a visit that lasted about 3 hours. It felt like we had never been apart. It was so great to see her, and wonderful to catch up on what the last decade plus had held for each of us. It was a reunion well worth the drive, and I'm looking forward to seeing her again.

Macky Cheese Please!

2009-04-15T08:56:00.001-07:00

Last night I made mac and cheese for Wyatt for dinner, with the intention that he would most likely need a bath afterward. So I left him to his own devices while I tended to my homemade chicken soup in the kitchen. When he was done he let me know by banging on his tray. So I go into the dining room to find him, coated in cheese sauce, and happy as a clam. I started laughing so hard that he started laughing. Until his eyes started to seal shut. That's when I had to compose myself and get him into the tub. It took forever to get it out of his eyelashes, nostrils, ears, hair and every other crack and crevice he could reach. He still smells like cheese sauce, but at least I think I got it all.

More Scrapbooking for Me!

2009-02-13T09:09:00.001-08:00

I managed to get a few more pages done in the past couple weeks. I'm very happy with them. And this weekend I'm escaping for a whole weekend to scrap with all my friends! Marc and Wyatt are having a boys weekend at home. How nice for me! I'm really looking forward to having some time for myself that I can devote to scrapping and feel like I've accomplished something.

Hey! I Can Still Scrapbook!

2009-01-23T15:53:00.000-08:00

Amazing. It's been so long since I've had time to scrapbook, but this week DH was gone, so rather than spend my evenings cooking, cleaning, and visiting with DH, I spent the time after Wyatt went to sleep scrapbooking. It was great! I actually got two pages done! (Hey... I'll take anything I can get) And I'm really pleased with how they turned out.

I had been putting off the "You're Pregnant" page for quite some time (obviously, since that was well over a year ago) because the photo was less than exciting, and I needed to journal it. I finally found some inspiration, and this is what came of it.

This one is of the first visit with his cousins. Such cute photos, and I'm so pleased with how this turned out. It looks so boyish.

Finally an update...

2008-09-22T11:53:00.000-07:00

My goodness. It HAS been a long time. And apparently more people watch this blog than I knew, because I keep getting emails reminding me to update with baby pics. :)

So... I've been a little busy the past few months. :)

Wyatt Ernest Elkins arrived a week early, born June 5. He weighed 6lbs 7oz and and measured 20 inches long. All the right numbers of parts in all the right places. A perfect baby boy.

And boy, you could have knocked me over with a feather when the doctor said "it's a boy!" I almost fell off the table! I thought for sure I was having a girl. Well... so much for that theory! haha! I actually said to the doctor, "really?? Let me see!" haha.

Anyway, it was a VERY fast delivery. We didn't have enough time once we got to the hospital to call anyone, so nobody was in the waiting room to announce his birth to. But as soon as I released his hands, my husband was on the phone to everyone we know. A proud daddy.

Here's a link to my Photobucket albums with photos.

First Day photos: HERE

Other photos: HERE

His most recent proud moment:

An update on the house expansion:

My husband hardly believed me when I told him it was baby time. It was a week early, no drywall had been put up, and things were just not ready - including my husband. "But it's not the 12th yet!" "Try telling the baby that!" hahaha!

So, Wyatt was born before the drywall was installed - which was a mess. And Wyatt, my mom, and I ended up in a hotel for a few nights while the dust settled (literally). It was a rocky first week for sure. But the drywall got hung, and painted, and eventually carpet got installed. Most of the electricity is done, the bathtub is the only working element in the new bathroom (and I'm wholly thankful for even that).

It was not until 2 weeks later that my mom was able to move into "her room", but she didn't complain, and was happy to have her own bed.

It's still in progress and coming along slowly. Things take longer when you're working during the day, driving in traffic, then want to spend time with the baby before starting work on the house again. So my husband is making smaller strides on the progress now, but is still progressing.

I'm just happy to have my new scraproom, and a baby nursery. Things are good.

The Great Home Expansion

2008-06-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

We've been deep in a home remodel and expansion for months now, in anticipation of the baby's arrival. With the arrival date looming, work is progressing quickly and my poor husband is working himself stupid to try and get things buttoned up before baby arrives.

The first phase of the project was getting a floor laid for the expansion. We had planned to build a second floor over the bar and workshop areas, only part of which had an existing second floor, with minimal head clearance. So after the floor was laid, we would need to raise the roof. Literally cut the roof off the house, raise it 4 feet, and fill in the open sides with walls. Easy right? HA!

This is an animation I created of the actual roof raising. It was quite an endeavor, but went very smoothly, and with no injuries to the work crew, which was important to us obviously.

The interior now has walls, a bathtub, plumbing, and electrical. All that's left now is the insulation, drywall, and fixtures. Well... and flooring of course, but that's not essential yet.

I was hoping to see the drywall contractors tomorrow, but now it sounds like they won't be able to come til the end of the week. Nothing like waiting until the last possible minute. The idea was to finish at least the back bedroom so that we'd have a space for my folks to stay when they arrive on the 7th (next weekend), but with the drywallers not arriving until then, it's a slim chance in you-know-where. Oh well... at least there's visible progress, and soon I'll have a baby room.

Layout Blueprints 2 NOW SHIPPING!

2008-04-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

It's finally here! And it's GORGEOUS! (if I do say so myself) Here's the post from the BlueMedia blog:

Layout Blueprints 2 has arrived in our warehouse!

We are now shipping Layout Blueprints 2. If you placed a pre-order, be assured that pre-orders have begun shipping and you will soon see your copy.

If you haven't placed your order yet, you'd better get it in. This is a limited print run. Hurry and get your order in today! Don't miss your opportunity!

ORDER NOW!

If you like sketches, page maps, and Blueprints, this is the book for you! And don't forget the first book, too!

Trying to avoid bedrest

2008-04-10T14:14:00.000-07:00

Well good grief anyway...

Tuesday afternoon at work I started having cramps. I tried to ignore it and figured it would go away. Then back pain. Then serious pressure... Time to leave work. Things got worse in the car and I was stuck in terrible traffic. This had been going on for over 2 hours. Called the doc, and they told me to get to the hospital ASAP. (I'm 31 weeks, yikes.) Well, by the time I got to the hospital everything had calmed down. But they still monitored me until the small contractions on the monitor stopped.

So... I was put on bedrest for 24 hours. No action during that time, so I'm back to regular life thank goodness! But I've cut back my hours at work, and will not be lifting anything over 10 lbs from here on out.

Dang. It's gonna be really hard to slow down...

New Grab Bag!

2008-03-08T18:19:00.000-08:00

This one is chocked full of vintage and "found object" type things. Papers, alphas, and lots of embellishments. You'll love it!

Get it at DigiDiner: HERE

Chicks Rule Easter Kit

2008-03-07T17:29:00.000-08:00

Aren't chicks cute? These ones are! It's a new Easter themed, or girly themed kit. You can get it at DigiDiner here: Chicks Rule! Kit

Baby Update

2008-03-06T18:22:00.000-08:00

Well, baby is VERY active and obviously training to be the next Olympic gold medal gymnast. We are officially 3 months away now, and I'm feeling very anxious. In many ways.

I've started clearing out my scrap room (GASP) so I can start making the transformation from scrap room to baby room. It's not easy, since I don't yet have a new scrap room, but my husband's constant promises of a new - LARGE - scraproom with a view have kept me motivated. :) Meanwhile, I took down my "inspiration board" so that I could paint the mural I've had in my head for months.

With no room to really decorate, my creativity has been stifled a bit, but my shopping instinct has kicked in - BIG TIME. I hit IKEA for the first time (Gasp again) and found some cute buys there. Hard to find anything in my colors, because everything is so bright and primary. My colors are soft yellow and green. We're keeping it neutral since we've decided (OK, so my husband really decided) not to find out the gender. Besides, the frugal side of me figures we can reuse everything for kid #2. Anyway... I almost completely outfitted the room as far as linens. I bought a crib bumper, crib sheets, crib duvee cover, pillows, curtains, and a darling canopy that DH says is too feminine. It's white sheer with stitched green lines and green leaves. How is that too feminine? It's baby. Period. :)

So, after IKEA, I hit Babies R Us and finally special ordered the glider rocker and ottomon that I've been wanting since we first found out I was pregnant. It's large enough for my husband to actually rest his head, and cushy enough that I'll probably catch many a Z in it myself. I special ordered it in white wood finish with a fabulous green cushion cover. I'm so stoked that they had a matching color.

Artist Bundle, and New Friday Freebie

2008-02-29T08:09:00.000-08:00

OMG, the girls at DigiDiner are truly awesome! Our new Artist Bundle kit is just amazing. They really went all out. Check out this gorgeous kit.

You can get it here: Artist Bundle: Spring 2008

And for a limited time you can get this free sampler of the kit, which is just darling.

Get the freebie here: On The House

And there's a TON of new product in the store. Just click "What's New" to see it all. These girls have been BI-ZEE.

Friday Freebie at DigiDiner

2008-02-14T14:19:00.000-08:00

It's Fridaaaaay! Hope you all had a love-filled Valentine's Day yesterday. :) To commemorate, here are a few flying heart rub-ons for your scrap projects.

Get them at DigiDiner.

Enjoy!

Challenge and Freebie

2008-02-06T09:13:00.001-08:00

This week at DigiDiner I'm hosting the challenge. :) It's an easy one, so you better come play! Anyone who plays will get the Happy Hearts mini kit below free!

Find details in the forums HERE

Have fun!

Friday Freebie!

2008-01-25T10:11:00.000-08:00

This is a great one! It's a two-for-one deal at Mellow Butterfly. You can get mine AND Michelle's today! Here's mine.

Check it out!
HERE

And get Michelle's HERE

I Have a Facebook

2008-01-24T15:40:00.001-08:00

I'm not sure I really understand how it works yet. And I'm not sure I like it as well as I like my blog, but then, I wasn't born in the 80's. :) So, if you want to check it out, you can add me to your friends, (I guess that's the cool thing to do).

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=643013412

Anyone that "does" Facebook want to enlighten me as to why it's SO, like, super cool? (geez I feel old)

A New V-day Freebie

2008-01-23T10:21:00.000-08:00

Grunge anyone? :) This is a set of two grunged out, urban style, labels. One is the King of Hearts with the wings, the other is the Queen of Hearts with the cool crown. Fun, funky, and totally unique. You can get them at DigiDiner.

It's a Great Day at MellowButterfly!

2008-01-11T12:40:00.000-08:00

Today is my debut! Check out my new products. There are two brand new, exclusive products, up at Mellowbutterfly.com. A set of gorgeous brushes, and a set of grungy overlays.

BONUS: Everything I have for sale there is 20% off! Just this week, so hurry!

See my stuff HERE

AND it gets better! Today is Friday, so there's also a Friday Freebie!

Better go check it out!

Enjoy!

Designer Call!

2008-01-09T18:48:00.001-08:00

Join me and the other new designers at DigiDiner! It's a great place to hang your hat - or Chef hat, as it were. :) Easy to work with and full control of your own products. Details are at the site under Become a DigiChef! Or click the picture.

New Store - Making My Debut

2008-01-02T10:11:00.000-08:00

New Year, New Store. Yep. I'm going to be making my debut at Mellow Butterfly this month! It's a hip store dedicated not only to scrapbookers, but to digital designers in all realms. So, if you're looking for brushes, actions, and cool tools like that, you might want to check it out.

This month they will be holding several challenges and contests to kick off the new year and open the store up for more scrapbooking products. It's going to be a blast! Come over and visit us for freebies, gifts-with-purchase, and challenge goodies.

Mellow Butterfly Site

I'd love to have you stop in and say hello, and check out my new products - only available at Mellow Butterfly - including a new set of brushes that are super cool.

Ciao!

Just 5 More Days!

2007-12-20T15:14:00.000-08:00

Yes, til Christmas, but also to save 40% at DigiDiner! This is the biggest sale we've ever had, so don't miss out! And new stuff is being added every day, at the sale price! Check out this new kit:

You can get it, and everything else in the store, at 40% OFF!

GET IT HERE

And VISIT THE STORE for other great new additions.

Happy Holidays!

Grandma update...

2007-12-11T10:02:00.001-08:00

Thank you all for your kind words. You're a bunch of sweethearts. It means so much to have your support.

Grandma is getting settled into her new place, and has made it quite homey I'm told. Which doesn't surprise me a bit. She's getting good at giving directions and asking for help (some might say bossy. LOL). The good news is, she doing very well, and is stronger than any of us, her doctors, and even she gave her credit for. She's really surprised us all.

DH and I and my little bro are driving home for Christmas, and will stop on our way back home to visit her and check out her new digs. I'm excited to see her in better shape than I saw her last - when I really thought it was the last time I'd ever see her.

I'm told that Hospice brought her a new scooter so that she can get around on her own and not rely on the help to bring her to dinner and back (since they left her for two hours after dinner one night, and that's completely unacceptable in my book). So now she scoots around on her scooter and has a little more independence that way. She's getting her hair done at the little salon in the building, and she even has made a couple new friends and started playing Bingo.

I'm happy to hear she's doing so well, and adjusting to her new situation. I wish it didn't have to be that way, but she seems resolved to be OK with it and that's what matters.

Sugar Plum Fairy - a New Digital Paper Kit

2007-12-10T15:33:00.001-08:00

I just had a blast with these papers! (you can probably tell) There are 30 fabulous papers in this kit. They feature fanciful fairies, drifting snowflakes, and lovely swirls. It's a great kit for any wintery or snow pages, or for little girl pages, or for your annual trip to the Nutcracker (or performance in it). Many of the papers are "snowless" so they can be used year-round.

This kit, and everything else in the store, is 40% OFF until Christmas day. So get them while they're hot!

Get the paper kit HERE.

Let me know what you think! If you like the papers, I'll put together an accessory pack.

WOW! Another Freebie!

2007-12-10T15:28:00.000-08:00

This one is really fun. These were made to coordinate with my "Old Time Christmas" kit that you can get at 40% OFF at DigiDiner. I just love lables like this. One is a little grungy for an urban feel, the other is all sugar and spice. Lots of fun!

You can get them at the DigiDiner Store HERE

Enjoy!

Christmas Accessory Pack

2007-12-07T14:43:00.000-08:00

I loved the Old Time Christmas kit so much, that I had to play with it some more and came up with this great accessory pack. This is now included in the original kit when purchased at the DigiDiner store. OR you can buy just this set on it's own for $1.00. The tags took me loads of time, so it's well worth it.

You can get the full kit, with the new accessory pack,
HERE

Or get just the accessory pack HERE

Thanks for checking in!

A Great Christmas Kit

2007-12-05T10:19:00.000-08:00

I just love this color combo! Totally inspired by the vintage postcard that is included in this kit. Comes with 15 richly textured Christmas themed papers (and a few that are not themed that could be used for anything), 1 vintage postcard, 1 aged journalspot, 4 rippled ribbon corners, and 10 different glitter snowflakes in matching colors. It's a new twist on the old fashioned Christmas.

You can find the entire kit at DigiDiner HERE.

Enjoy!

Another Christmas Freebie

2007-12-05T10:16:00.001-08:00

Well, these two don't exactly go hand in hand like the last two, but they're cute just the same. :) A funky embroidered christmas tree, and a velvet one that looks like it's been heat stamped or embossed.

You can get them HERE.

Enjoy!

Finally A Freebie!

2007-11-30T11:54:00.000-08:00

Whew! It's been a while, huh? Well, I was feeling in the mood, so I did up some stitched Christmas Trees with adorable embroidered ornaments. They're fun. They're even missing a few stitches here and there (looks just like my sewing!).

You can get them at DigiDiner HERE

Enjoy!

Some News and Updates

2007-11-27T08:13:00.000-08:00

I know it's been ghostly quiet here. These past few months have been very... interesting.

It started in September when my grandmother was diagnosed with a very dangerous, and fatal, pancreatic cancer. It was not unexpected, as she's been having problems since last year, and that was the suspected culprit. Since then, she's been in and out of the hospital, in varying states of emergency. At the beginning of the month she was taken by ambulance and we were told to say our goodbyes that day. However, she's stronger and more willfull than the doctors gave her credit for, and she's still with us.

Last week she was released from the hospital and sent home. However, she requires 24-hour care, which the family can no longer provide. We've all taken shifts over the past 3 months to be there and take care of her. This week she decided to go into assisted living, which seems a double edged sword. One the one hand it's a relief for us all to get a break and not have to continue to put our lives and jobs on hold, and on the other, none of us really wanted that to happen. But she has made up her mind, and that's that.

So I've spent a lot of time back home in Montana in the past few months, and have been away from many of my duties, including this blog, and my digital work.

To add a pleasant note to all of this, I found out I'm pregnant with our first child. I'm elated, and so pleased that I could share that with my grandmother when I saw her in October. I'm busily working on our overdue wedding album, and our everyday photos that have piled up, trying to get things done as best I can before the June arrival of Baby Elkins.

Life has thrown me some curveballs these past few months, but not all of them bad. But it HAS kept me from doing a lot of the things I love to do, like scrapbook, design, and blog.

Hope all is well with all of you. Stay tuned for new digital stuff (soon, I hope).

Watercolor Flowers Freebie

2007-08-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

Aren't these just darling? What a great way to add a splash of color to your pages! Let me know what you think. If you like these, I may make more.

Get them HERE

New Kits and Embellishments

2007-08-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

Boy I'm just bouncing all over the place lately. Seems I'm going from one extreme to another. After that crazy retro-style surf themed kit, I jumped headlong into a more formal, antiqued, Victorian style kit. Who knows what I'll be up to next! :)

I think this kit turned out beautifully. The colors are so rich and the patterns are wonderful. It's got a rich romantic, almost baroque feel to it. It's available in the store now, so get it while it's 30% off! Just one day left!

Get It HERE

And I've added a grungy flourished labels set with 4 new rub-on labels in black and white.

Animal Tails: A Cat in a Cone

2007-08-16T08:28:00.000-07:00

Had a minor tragedy last week. I had to take my fur-kid (Buck) to the vet Thursday morning because he's been fighting with the neighbor cat, and had a huge abscess that burst Wednesday night (boy was THAT fun). -- I told him if he kept fighting with the neighbor "kid" he'd end up at the vet, but did he listen?? -- So, I got him home after work all drugged up, with a cone on his head (OK, so it was hilarious, but I had to TRY not to laugh at him... out loud.).

I left for a concert (Marc Broussard and Toby Lightman. FABULOUS!), and hubby hadn't gotten home yet. He was leaving that night for an overnight hike. I got home at 11:30. No Buck. I looked everywhere in the house. Had my neglectful husband let my drugged-out-cone-for-a-head cat out of the house!?!? Yep.

So I searched for over an hour for him, and was totally distraught. I thought he probably wandered off in his drug-induced state and gotten lost or stuck somewhere in his cone. I thought I'd lost him. I changed for bed and decided to try one last time. So I threw on a robe and went outside. After a few minutes I heard a rustling. There was Buck, moving as slow as molasses doing the get-this-off-my-head march. I was so relieved I cried. Boy, I don't know what I would have done if I had lost him. I've gotten so attached to the little rascal. Well, just look at how adorable (and hilarious I might add) he is, even in his cone.

And this, I think, is why he took so long coming home. He'd get the cone caught on something and just stop. Like it would release him if he just waited long enough.

Insta-Cards Digital Freebie!

2007-08-15T15:01:00.000-07:00

Hey, these are super cool! Have you ever found yourself in a bind for a quick card? I know I have! On my way out the door to a party that DH forgot to tell me about, for a family member I don't know, who's birthday it is, and we're late as usual. Hm. Need a quick card. Well, here's the easiest solution yet!

The card faces are already done. Just add one of the pre-made greetings or embellies, print, cut and paste onto a card! There's even greetings for the inside! How easy is that?! (OK, so I'm just SOOOO tickled with myself over this...)

Link to freebie page: HERE

Here's a couple of samples using the cardfaces and a couple of the greetings in the kit. So quick it's almost like cheating!

Surf City, Here We Come!

2007-08-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

Oh boy, did I have a blast doing these papers! This is not my usual style, but I sure had a good time playing with these. And I think they turned out great, if I do say so myself. :)

Don't forget... Everything at DigiDiner is 30% off!

The word art is awesome! This kit would be a great hybrid kit for just the word art and the surfboards alone. Print them and cut out, or add to your photos before printing. They're totally Rad! (OK, I couldn't resist the 80's surfer speak)

Get the kit HERE

There are 20 sheets of wonderfully retro patterned paper, with an updated feel and 4 textured solids to match. Totally sweet! ;)

Southern Oregon Scrapbook Expo

2007-08-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

October 13-14, 2007

Fun crops, lots of shopping, and ME! :) I'll be there at the BlueMedia sponsored booth to meet and greet and answer questions about "Layout Blueprints".

Come join us!

Details are at their blog: SOExpo

Another new Kit, a SALE, and a FREEBIE!

2007-08-06T08:23:00.001-07:00

I'm feeling so energized and inspired lately! I have so many ideas running through my head that I can hardly get them down fast enough. Then I'll start working on one idea, and that leads to something totally new, and I'll have to get to work on that before it's gone. I feel like I have scrap ADD. It's exhillerating and at the same time very frustrating because I can't work as fast as the ideas are coming.

So, here is a result of the idea flow from last week. A cute, simple, very graphic kit with some awesome embellies, including lots of felt (SO cute!) and some great embellished tags.

You can get the kit HERE at 30% off.

I have made my favortie embellished quote tag from the kit available for free. It's stitched, layered, with a felt letter and a great quote about Happiness.

You can get it, and the other freebies, HERE.

The best news is, EVERYTHING IS ON SALE! To celebrate the beautiful new storefront (after months of work and revision) Everything in the store is 30% OFF! For the entire month of August. Visit the store today! DigiDiner

Enjoy!

Rock and Roll! Another new kit!

2007-07-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

I'm on a roll! And I'm having a blast! I've really enjoyed these last two kits, and they've come together so nicely. I really think it's the color combinations that made them so much fun. :)

This is the full kit, available now at DigiDiner.

And if you'd like just the painted ghost alphabet from this kit, it's also at DigiDiner, under "Scrappetizers" HERE.

And here's the FREEBIE! This is just a sample of what is in the kit. So that you will have an idea of how detailed everything is, and the quality of my work. I hope you like it!

Download it from DigiDiner under "On The House" .HERE

Ice Cream Social Digital Kit

2007-07-11T13:21:00.000-07:00

This kit is simply scrumptious. 17 fabulous 12x12 papers in rich, aged and detailed layers of color are complimented with 35 different accents and elements that round out this lovely kit. Ribbons with two bows and a knot in each of the 5 tasty kit colors are included, along with several matching buttons, stitches for the buttons, a shabby stitched frame, rub-on frame and photo corner, fabric scraps, and a journalspot. This kit also includes a pre-made page overlay to drop over a photo for an instantly beautiful layout. All kit contents are at 300dpi.

Cool off with some ice cream on a hot summer day!

Available exclusively at DigiDiner.

Who Wants Ice Cream?

2007-07-10T14:50:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited about this new kit I've been working on! It's just so yummy, if I do say so myself. The papers are simply scrumptious, and I've included several ribbons with several different matching bows, buttons, a slightly shabby stitched frame, rub-ons, a journalspot, and a few fabric scraps (so far). Not to mention this awesome overlay. I've made up a sample layout using the overlay that will be included in the kit, just to give you an idea of the kit colors and style. I hope to have it up in the store by the end of the week. I'm calling it "Ice Cream Social" because of the yummy colors.

A New Freebie!

2007-06-27T14:51:00.000-07:00

Things have been SOOO busy for me lately, but I've managed to come up with a pretty little paper kit for you. Very soft and subtle aged papers with hints of India. Batiked papers and patterned papers. These would be great for beach layouts.

You can see more of my kits and freebies at DigiDiner.

You can download the kit
HERE

Enjoy!

What Some People Would Do...

2007-06-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

For a clean windsheild.

So, I'm driving to work yesterday morning, minding my Ps and Qs, when from out of nowhere I'm struck. A bang like a gunshot and glass shards fly all over me. I thought I had been shot! A quick check of my surroundings, and a check for blood indicated that was not the case. A huge rock had hit my windsheild, and actually come THROUGH the glass! The windshield was destroyed. It looked like it had been a stunt car in a shoot-em-up movie. My poor car.

And, here I am, coated in sharp little glass shards. What do I do? Well, I really wanted to just pull over and compose myself, but I was afraid that if I adjusted my position, or got out of the car, I'd be sitting on little glass shards. So I just continued on my way to work, heart pounding a hole in my chest.

When I got to work, I carefully got out of the car and vaccuumed myself off, then the car, and called the insurance company. I found someone to replace my windshield same day.

So... now I have a beautiful sparkling clean windshield! And the rest of my car looks SO dirty. hahaha

Happy Dancing!

2007-06-14T14:30:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! My little brother (not so "little" anymore since he has about 8 inches on me) got a job in Portland, and will be moving here in three weeks! I'm just so thrilled I could pee. (gross, I know, but if you knew me you'd know I'm just like a cocker spaniel.)

He's transferring within his company, so that will help him make a smoother transition. He has a few friends here already, and of course his adoring sister and one of his best buds, my hubby.

All you Portland area ladies, fair warning, he's an absolute doll and a lady killer. (who would kill me if he saw I had posted this silly photo of him) This was at Christmas during our "silly headgear required" Christmas Eve celebration. (see Dec 2006 post for a description and rules for this fun annual event)

I just can't even describe how incredibly stoked I am to have this kid close by. We are so close, and aside from my hubby, he's my best friend. Just love love love this guy.

Is Scrapbooking "Life Art"?

2007-06-14T13:20:00.000-07:00

It's a fairly new term being used throughout the industry, "Life Art". What is it? Is it simply the expression of life through the use of paper, photos, and writing? Is it merely a record-keeping of ones life in a somewhat artistic fashion? We haven't really defined it yet, have we?

Some days I feel more artistic than others. Lately... not so much. I guess I go through stages. I'm sure many of you do, too. Right now I'm in the "I don't have time" stage. It's sad really. I want so badly to take the time to really sink into that wonderful scrapbooking bliss that seems so rare these days, but I seldom can find the time and inspiration to do so.

Lately, my work feels forced. And I'm feeling stifled by things I "have" to do and not being able to do what I "want" to do. Not that it's bad to have assignments, but it's not always what I want.

So, back to my question "What is Life Art"? For me, that changes I guess. Right now, it's simply the record of my life on paper. But I'm working to change that. I'm hoping to free up some time (ha!) so that I can just sit and "go Zen" with all my tools and supplies. Use anything I want. Play any way I want. And just feel inspired to get my stories down in an artistic way that expresses my inner art.

Sad News: Update

2007-06-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

This man was the first from my small hometown to be killed in Iraq. (A stroke of luck for my town) I'm impressed with the tribute they are making for him. The city has gathered volunteers to hold flags all along the funeral route as a salute. It will be covered in the local newspapers, and by the local news stations.

What I want to know is, why aren't we seeing these things on the news? Why are our fallen soldiers not given, at the very least, a moment of silence (Like the Newshour with Jim Lehrer does) at the end of the news program? Why don't we see the funerals, or the caskets draped in flags? Is it because seeing that every time we lost a soldier would make the occupation real to us? I wonder.

Sad News from Iraq

2007-06-08T11:59:00.000-07:00

This week I was delivered some sad news. An old friend of mine was killed in Iraq. He and his unit were on a patrol when they were confronted by a group of Iraqis. When communications started breaking down, the Iraqis fled. He pursued and tackled one of the men, at which time the man detonated a suicide bomb strapped to his chest. It killed them both instantly. The army, and the men who were with him, believe that he saved the other soldiers' lives by taking down the man with the bomb. The other soldiers opened fire and chased the other Iraqis off.

He was 31, with an 11 year old son.

It makes me question - even more than usual - what we're doing in a country where they don't want our help. Why are we senselessly wasting lives, both American and Iraqi, in this occupation? What is our goal there? And have we really accomplished anything? When we look back in history, years from now, will we be able to say "It was all worth it"? Somehow, I doubt it.

Anymore it's not so much about whether you're "for" or "against" it. I'm just "for" getting our troops home safe. All of them.

God bless those who are still there.

From inside a bubble

2007-05-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

You know that commercial for a cold medicine, where the guy is walking around with a balloon for a head? That's how I've felt for the past 5 days. I've got some terrible crud that makes my head feel like it's not attached to my body and floating around in a fog. (mostly I just wish I could temporarily detach it and go about my business until it gets better, but that would look pretty silly, wouldn't it?) So... I've been hibernating at home and away from human contact. I've been grumpy and rotten and bless my dear hubby for putting up with me.

I'm finally starting to feel more normal, though I still sound like death. Hopefully I'll kick this nasty bug real soon, and get back to the real world.

Being sick stinks. I hope you're all having a better week. :)

Rediscovering an Old Technique

2007-04-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

I recently decided to flip through some old magazines and idea books to see if I could revive the inspiration a bit. In flipping through I came accross one of my favorite, and long forgotten, old techniques. I used to call it "Poppin' Pastels". It gives a really soft effect much like a soft light camera lens would. I thought it would be perfect for a nice spring card like the one below.

To create the soft glow on the flowers use Versamark Ink by Tsukineko (This is by far one of my favorite products! SOOO many uses. It's the one ink pad EVERY scrapper should have.) to stamp stems. Using a dauber, sponge, or cotton ball lightly dab on a green chalk. You will begin to see the stems "pop" out at you. Then stamp three of the flowers in Versamark. Chalk those with a different color. Stamp the last three flowers and chalk in another color.

TIP: It's important to stamp each item that will be a different color separately to keep colors from mixing too much. It's also important to be careful while chalking not to touch other stamped items so colors don't get muddy.

All papers and stamps by Boxer Scrapbooks

New Digital Freebies!

2007-03-29T18:14:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of new freebies for you all! These are parts of kits that are available at the new site DigiDiner (That I design for!). Please check out the site. All my kits are there, as well as several new goodies and freebies. They'll be having a Grand Opening in April with lots of games, contests, and prizes. YAY!

This is from the Fern Prairie Kit at DigiDiner. A cute set with a touch of country.

This is from the Maryhill Kit at DigiDiner. A nice word art perfect for springtime.

CALL: 20 New Blueprints Due 4-30

2007-03-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

This call is for our upcoming idea book "Layout Blueprints 2", the sequel to the highly successful "Layout Blueprints". Use the Blueprints shown below to create layouts, and email them to us for consideration. We accept paper and digital pages and international entries. Please include a complete supply list with your entry, and a copy of your journaling if it cannot be read in the picture. Entries for Blueprints must be in by their respective deadlines to be considered. Please make sure the files are no larger than 200Kb each so that they will be considered for publication. Please mark your email subject with the Blueprint number so that we'll know how to sort it.

If you'd like some tips directly from BlueMedia on submitting great layouts, check the FAQ section for links to the "Publisher's Perspective" article series on the Layout Blueprints blog at layoutblueprints.blogspot.com.

E-Mail your entries to : bluemediasubs@gmail.com

Deadline for these Blueprints is April 30th. Be sure to have your UNSEEN layouts in to BlueMedia by then!. Please ask any questions on our MESSAGE BOARD so that everyone can benefit from them. Thank you!

A Recent Layout

2007-03-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

Aww. I just love this layout. Mostly because it has one of my favorite pictures of my kid, Buck. He's such a cuddle bum. Twenty pounds of lovin packed into a soft fur ball. How could you resist?

All products are by Boxer, including that adorable cat stamp and the "meow" ribbon. TOO cute!

MORE Blueprints! DUE MAR 30th

2007-02-15T09:33:00.000-08:00

We are starting the final push to get all of the Blueprints called and filled. So stay tuned. Here's the next batch, due MARCH 30. Be sure to have your UNSEEN layouts in to BlueMedia by then!. Please ask any questions on the message board so that everyone can benefit from them. Thank you!

*DON'T FORGET! There are several Blueprints in the previous post that are due FEB 28th*

"Layout Blueprints 2":
This call is for our upcoming idea book "Layout Blueprints 2", the sequel to the highly successful "Layout Blueprints". Use the Blueprints shown below to create layouts, and email them to us for consideration. We accept paper and digital pages and international entries. Please include a supply list with your entry, and a copy of your journaling if it cannot be read in the picture. Entries for Blueprints must be in by their respective deadlines to be considered. Please make sure the files are no larger than 100Kb each so that they will be considered for publication (see note above Blueprints). Please mark your email subject with the Blueprint number so that we'll know how to sort it.

If you'd like some tips directly from BlueMedia on submitting great layouts, check the "Publisher's Perspective" article series on the Layout Blueprints blog at layoutblueprints.blogspot.com.

E-Mail your entries to : bluemediasubs@gmail.com

Preview Scrapbooking: Styles Defined!

2007-02-09T09:41:00.000-08:00

Ooo! You are going to just droooool over this book. The layouts are AH-mazing. There's a preview and pre-order sale at BlueMedia right now! Check it out.

BlueMedia Home Page

Preview of Styles

New February Blueprints!

2007-02-02T19:58:00.000-08:00

Here they are!

This call is for our upcoming idea book "Layout Blueprints 2", the sequel to the highly successful "Layout Blueprints". Use the Blueprints shown below to create a layout. Get a nice, even, scan of your creations and email them to BlueMedia for consideration. Entries for Blueprints 5 - 14 must be in by February 28, 2007 to be considered. Please make sure the files are no larger than 100Kb each so that they will be considered for publication. Please mark your email subject with the Blueprint number so that Blue will know how to sort it.

If you'd like some tips directly from BlueMedia on submitting great layouts, check the "Publisher's Perspective" article series on the Layout Blueprints blog at layoutblueprints.blogspot.com.

E-Mail your entries to : bluemediasubs@gmail.com

Please see dates by Blueprint for submission deadlines. Be sure to have your UNSEEN layouts in to BlueMedia by then!.

I have provided both 12x12 and 8x11 for your convenience. BlueMedia accepts all sizes of layouts.

Boxer CHA Sneak Peeks!

2007-01-23T14:33:00.000-08:00

Hooray! Lucky you get to see some Boxer products hot off the presses! They are releasing just a few things each day on their blog, so check there for the new papers, printed ribbons, and clear acrylic stamps! These use some of the new papers in the black/red line including the new ginghams. I'll post more later!

BlueMedia Seeking Digital Design Team!

2007-01-18T13:41:00.000-08:00

Hey hey! This is the big time! All the details are at their site HERE.

Good luck all!

Another Digi Kit!

2007-01-16T14:07:00.000-08:00

Mmm... I just love this kit. And it's chocked full of goodies. 70 pieces to be exact. A beautiful painted wood alpha, tags, journalblocks, little word strips with stitching, eyelets, and ribbons. You'll have plenty to play with! This kit is available at BlueMedia's new shopping cart. Go to the BlueMedia site and click "Online Shopping" or "Store" to see this and other great kits!

Happy Scrapping!

More Calls for Blueprints!

2007-01-15T17:16:00.000-08:00

These will be due Feb 15th to bluemediasubs@gmail.com, so get a move on! Expect more later this month! We're kicking it into gear! Check the BlueMedia site for submission details (or see previous blueprint calls below)

Another Digital Kit!

2007-01-12T12:06:00.000-08:00

This is my new Olympia Kit. Lots of fun goodies here! Embroidered patches and embellies and an embroidered fabric title with lots of fun papers to match. Enjoy!

This kit is available at BlueMedia's new shopping cart. Go to the BlueMedia site and click "Online Shopping" or "Store" to see this and other great kits!

Happy Scrapping!

Boxer Scrapbooks!

2007-01-10T11:20:00.000-08:00

I'm very excited to announce that I will be joining the Boxer Scrapbooks 2007 Design Team! I'm just thrilled to be working with the folks at Boxer. So I'll probably post projects, sneak peeks and info here (IF and when I can).

Thanks "bunches" to the team at Boxer!

New Blueprints Calls!

2007-01-01T16:07:00.000-08:00

Details and answers to Frequently Asked Questions can be found at the BlueMedia Forums

It's time again for a new Blueprint! YAY! This month, you get TWO! Double YAY! Watch for more later this month as well.

Please note that ALL themes and subjects will be accepted.

Use the Blueprint to create a one or two page layout, then send your pages to BlueMedia for our next Layout Blueprints book! Missed the first one? You can get it here: Layout Blueprints

For your convenience, there are both 12x12 and 8x11 versions of each of the Blueprints. Enjoy!

Mail your entries to :

bluemediasubs@gmail.com

Please make sure the files are no larger than 100Kb each so that they will be considered for publication. And mark your subject with "January Blueprint Challenge" so that we'll know to open it right away. If you'd like some tips directly from BlueMedia on submitting great layouts, check the "Publisher's Perspective" series on their blog at http://layoutblueprints.blogspot.com.

This call/challenge ends January 31st. Be sure to have your UNSEEN layouts in to BlueMedia by then!

Good luck!

NEW Digi Kit!

2007-01-01T16:00:00.000-08:00

Hey look! It's my debut digi kit!

There are some fun papers and goodies in this, including nice felt accents. I'd love to see your creations using this kit, so please contact me and share your work.

This kit is available at BlueMedia's new shopping cart. Go to the BlueMedia site and click "Online Shopping" or "Store" to see this and other great kits!

Happy Scrapping!

A Recent Digi Page

2006-12-22T08:59:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share a recent page that I LOVE.

This is a photo I took at a friend's wedding last summer. The colors were so pretty. A detailed list of supplies can be found in my gallery.

Digital Fusion

2006-12-21T08:47:00.000-08:00

I've been bitten by the bug! Yes, I have all the classic symptoms; wide reddened eyes from staring at the computer screen, enlarged mouse finger from clicking downloads incessantly, frequent mutterings of digi paper organization, and the obsessed crazed look of a woman in constant pursuit of pretty papers. I'm an aspiring digital scrapper.

I've been drawn to it for a while now, but discouraged so many times by feeling limited. But now, I've learned some new tricks, and downloaded a plethora of digi kits and am feeling more liberated. It appeals to the collector/organizer in me. I download stuff - instant gratification - I add it to my collection - collecting - and then I get to categorize, organize, and drool over it. Not to mention that you only get a little sneak preview of what is in this little package called a "zip file" which makes it seem more like a present when you finally open it and view the contents in their entirety. And I LOOOVE presents.

So I've been loving this new found pleasure. I've created several digital layouts this week. I am loving the whole new world of designer goodies that has opened to me. No more of the same ol' same ol'. And the best part is, I can get a lot of it for free. None of it ever gets used up either. It really appeals to my frugal side as well.

The best thing about all of this is that I am being inspired by things I never noticed before, and it's translating to my paper scrapping as well. I'm seeing things just a little bit different that I have before, and noticing details that I may not have noticed in the past. I'm able to see things a little clearer (not literally of course, I need to see my eye doctor about that!). In working on a few projects last night, I was completely inspired by a few things I noticed - minute little details I might add - in a fashion magazine {I never understood why my mother-in-law insisted I needed it. A subtle hint perhaps? But now I'm thankful} Ideas flowed, and I literally could not scrap fast enough. I finished 6 projects last night! {Those that know me know I'm a notoriously pokey scrapper. I spend hours, days even, on one page alone. For me to get 6 projects done in a weekend is a real feat.}

I guess it's true that learning something new can open your eyes in other areas of your life. I just never suspected this revelation in my scrapbooking would come simply from delving into another realm of it. I've found my muse and it came in the form of digital fusion.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like

2006-12-13T08:27:00.000-08:00

Christmas!

I've got my house all decorated. Most of my presents are wrapped. And soon we'll be on our way to Montana for Christmas. Hooray!

I just love the snow. Especially on Christmas. It wasn't that long ago that I left it because I was tired of it. But now, I miss it and I love it. Of course, that's probably because I left it, but oh well.

I'm looking forward to cozy evenings with the family gathered in the living room around the "Vegas Tree" as it's come to be known for the number of bright lights. The annual Christmas party will be the day we arrive and promises to be as big and fun as ever. We'll have enough food left over from the party and my mother's tendency to over do it, to last all six of us through the following week. And she won't stop there! No sireee. She'll make a beautiful Christmas Eve dinner where we'll sit and talk and sip wine. Then we'll load up the 4-wheel drive family sleigh and hit the streets to see all the pretty lights. Silly headgear* is required for this trip. No one is admitted without it.

Upon our return home, exhausted from laughing and dazed from all the light seeing, we will open just one present of our choosing. The choosing of the present is an art in itself. When my brother and I were young, and had time to be home alone with the presents, we would scope them out, guessing, shaking, and fondling each package. By Christmas Eve we knew good and well which one had us the most curious, and therefore, which one we would open that night.

It's my favorite time of the year. There's no doubt about it. And Christmas Eve is my very favorite part of it because of all the fun traditions we've developed over the years, and the great memories that go along with them.

*Silly headgear; (n) an object, usually a hat or headband, worn on the head that is so ridiculous or silly that you cannot possibly take one seriously while wearing it, nor be serious yourself. Christmas silly headgear should either flash, blink, jingle, or at the very least, look utterly ridiculous.

Take a Break

2006-12-05T10:09:00.000-08:00

This month, I'm taking a break, and in turn, giving all of you a break. There's enough stress this time of year without thinking about getting a layout in for consideration. I won't be calling for a new Blueprint this month.

So watch for big things to come in January! *wink wink*

Happy Holidays!

New Message Board!

2006-11-30T09:06:00.000-08:00

YAY! BlueMedia has started a message board for discussion about calls, contests, idea books, and upcomging events all in ONE PLACE! Hooray! Here is the link:

BlueMedia Forum

BlueMedia Launches New Site!

2006-11-08T14:17:00.000-08:00

BlueMedia has launched a new website, with all the information you want in one spot!

See the cover of the NEW Scrapbooking: Styles Defined book!

Join Blue in the Forums and chat, share, ask questions, and enjoy contests and calls!

Check it out! BlueMedia Site

November Blueprint Calls

2006-11-01T16:31:00.000-08:00

It's time again for a new Blueprint! YAY! This month, you get TWO! Double YAY!

Please note that ALL themes and subjects will be accepted. Just because it's November, doesn't mean it has to be fall, Thanksgiving, or Christmas related.

I'll post a brand new Blueprint once a month for you to interpret as you choose. Use the Blueprint, then send your pages to BlueMedia for their next Layout Blueprints book! Missed the first one? You can get it here: Layout Blueprints

For your convenience, I've made both a 12x12 and an 8x11 version of the Blueprints. Enjoy!

Mail your entries to :

bluemediasubs@gmail.com

Please make sure the files are no larger than 100Kb each so that they will be considered for publication. And mark your subject with "November Blueprint Challenge" so that they'll know to open it right away. If you'd like some tips directly from BlueMedia on submitting great layouts, check the "Publisher's Perspective" series on their blog at layoutblueprints.blogspot.com.

This call/challenge ends November 30th. Be sure to have your UNSEEN layouts in to BlueMedia by then! Good luck!

A Sad Case of the LSS Blues

2006-10-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

I just visited one of the LSS a while back that had moved to a new, bigger location, and seemed to be doing quite well. I was excited about the new location, and their super duper scrapping room. I went back the other night to pick up a few things, and when I pulled up, the store was completely empty.

What's going on people? Are we not supporting our LSSs enough? Are we purchasing too much online where the overhead and operating expenses are less? Is the industry shifting?

I think it's all of the above. In the past five years, the industry has seen a shift. Five to ten years ago one could open a store on the notion of "If you build it they will come." And come they did! For years. Scrapbookers are resourceful by nature, and will seek out stores to supply their habit. However, in the past few years, the market has become saturated. Saturated with product, with stores, with online venues, and magazines.

The major downfall of these small local stores is that they have only focused on people who already scrap. Unfortunately, people fall out of the hobby, they themselves get saturated with product and decide not to buy more, or they just flat out don't make the time anymore. Stores and the industry in general failed to recognize this, and worse, failed to react fast enough. They did not start pulling in new blood. Any industry cannot live on their current market alone. No, they must expand, grow, gain a new audience.

The successful stores are offering classes at the beginner level, as well as intermediate and advanced. They are keeping people coming back time and again. And we all know that once a scrapbooker sets foot in a scrapbook store, they are not getting out of there empty handed. It's a matter of getting to those new scrapbookers. Introducing it to people on a simpler level.

How many times have you heard from a non-scrapper, "It just looks like so much work!" It's true. How would you feel today to pick up a magazine, having never scrapped a day in your life, and see the work therein? Wow. Just imagine how intimidated you'd be. Would you honestly feel like jumping right in? Would you really feel like, "Hey, I can do THIS!" Probably not.

It's discouraging to see it going on, and to know that people who really want to scrap and be a part of the community we share are feeling this way. It's time to reassess and bring the industry back to it's roots. Remember what it was like to start out, and try to assist new scrappers where you can. This community was based on friendship, the preserving of our family memories and heritage, and supporting eachother in our own processes. Let's start at the beginning and introduce people to scrapbooking on a less intimidating level. Or offer to teach a beginners class at your LSS.

Support your local Scrapbook Stores!

Scrapbook Answers Closes It's Doors

2006-10-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

It's a sad sad day in the industry. If you have not heard yet, it was announced this week that Scrapbook Answers magazine will close it's doors. November will be their last issue.

I am so saddened by this huge loss in our industry. The magazine was phenomenal. Truly. I saw it as the new industry leader that would set the standard for other magazines within the industry. Thank you to all the staff at SA, for bringing such an amazing, in-depth, honest magazine to our mailboxes every month. I can only hope that other mags will catch on and see what the scrapbookers really want. We don't want just oodles of slick pages with showy scrapbook layouts, we want facts, tips, how-tos, real reviews (Not just lipservice to your advertisers), and honest writing.

What a hole this will leave in my monthly magazine stack. It was the only one I rushed to open and read every month because I knew I'd be rewarded with more than just pretty pages. I knew I'd refer to it time and again for the articles. I still refer to my March issue (I beleive it's March 06) with the fantastic photography lessons. PAGES of them! I was floored when I read them. It has been a real saviour to me every month. A refreshing breath of air.

And now I'm out of breath.

Blueprint Challenge: Oct 2006

2006-10-01T16:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new Blueprint Challenge series. I'll post a brand new Blueprint once a month for you to interpret as you choose. Use the Blueprint, then send your pages to BlueMedia for their next Layout Blueprints book! Missed the first one? You can get it here: Layout Blueprints

Mail your entries to :

bluemediasubs@gmail.com

Please make sure the files are no larger than 100Kb each so that they will be considered for publication. And mark your subject with "October Blueprint Challenge" so that they'll know to open it right away. If you'd like some tips directly from BlueMedia on submitting great layouts, check the "Publisher's Perspective" series on their blog at layoutblueprints.blogspot.com.

This call/challenge ends October 31st. Be sure to have your UNSEEN layouts in to BlueMedia by then! Good luck!

For your convenience, I've made both a 12x12 and an 8x11 version of the Blueprint. Enjoy!

Blueprint Challenge: Sept 2006

2006-09-17T22:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new Blueprint Challenge series. I'll post a brand new Blueprint once a month for you to interpret as you choose. Use the Blueprint, then send your pages to BlueMedia for their next Layout Blueprints book! Keep watching their website for updates: Layout Blueprints Mail your entries to :

bluemediasubs@gmail.com

Please make sure the files are no larger than 100Kb each so that they will be considered for publication. And mark your subject with "September Blueprint Challenge" so that they'll know to open it right away. If you'd like some tips directly from BlueMedia on submitting great layouts, check their blog at layoutblueprints.blogspot.com.

Without further ado, here is your September Blueprint. I know it's a bit late, but spread the word, and don't forget to check out the first book, Layout Blueprints, at LayoutBlueprints.com!

**Please read the rules and clarifications on the Blueprints blog**

Submit never-before-seen LOs only! Due by Oct. 1st

I Love My ZOOM!

2006-08-01T13:50:00.000-07:00

I am still completely infatuated with my Canon DRebel XT. I used to try to take photos of my husband wakeboarding and always ended up with these pictures of a dot out in the water attached to a line. Nice. I really wanted some close, action photos of him and the faces he makes when he's concentrating so hard.

I bought a Samsung 70/300 lens for my Rebel and it's just the thing! I absolutely love it! I can get right in close on his face, see the beads of sweat and water, and the sport mode on the camera allows me to get the perfect shot of his acrobatics. It also allows me to be "Super Stealth Photographer" at gatherings and events and get great shots of people when they don't know you're there. Gotta love the candids.

This is a layout I did using one of my favorite shots of him wakeboarding. I like the juxtaposition of the lines in the photo vs the lines on the paper.

A little bit closer still. He must be preparing for a trick, judging by the concentration in his face.

Lousy Crop

2006-07-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

Signed up for a crop for Saturday. I was so excited to go because it was a new store location, really nice facilities, and I was hoping to meet some other nice scrappers.

So I show up, and there is one other lady there setting up her stuff. She looked nice enough, so I asked if she was saving any places. "Not really" So I said, would it be OK if I sat here? "I guess" (hm. real freindly.)

So she left the table and went out into the store. When she came back, she had two friends with her. She promptly packed all of her things and they set up at another table, leaving me abandoned.

Keep in mind, there are 4 places to sit at each crop table.

They never spoke a word to me, but rather, kept whispering to eachother and looking at me suspiciously as if I was eavesdropping.

Why do women treat eachother so poorly? I guess I have just been very lucky to have met the women I have in this industry. I always try to be welcoming to new scrapbookers I haven't met, and have always been welcomed just as warmly. Perhaps I've just been very lucky up to this point.

A Small Kindness

2006-07-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

An elderly man walked into my office today, looking tired and a little worse for wear. (It's a tough neighborhood, a lot of depressed areas... and people. I never know what I'll get when the door opens.) He was working at the construction site next door. He asked if there was a store close by. I told him there was but it wasn't open until 10. He looked extremely disappointed, so I asked what was wrong. He explained that he was diabetic, and had forgotten his lunch at home. His wife could no longer drive to bring it to him. The other man working at the site could not spare anything. I told him I had plenty of snacks, and offered him something to boost his blood sugar. He thanked me, and went back to work.

Sure made me feel good to be able to help him out, if even in such a small way. And I'm really glad I keep plenty of healthy snacks on hand! :)

Have you helped a random stranger lately? Leave your comments/stories here.

A Special Thank You

2006-07-06T09:45:00.000-07:00

I'm sure I've mentioned my lack of scrapping in the past few months. I've been extremely busy with a wedding, a book, and just life in general. So of course scrapping is the first thing to be put off.

Somewhere in the past 5 to 6 months, even when I WAS scrapping, I was beginning to feel like I was lost. Like I'd been struggling to find myself. I tried to step back, out of myself and my perspective, to examine what it was that was throwing me off my usual groove.

It took a special person, a stranger to me, to step up and offer the help I needed to get myself up out of that rut so I could find my style again. She came forward and volunteered to give the help I'd been needing.

Thanks to her, I am feeling back in the swing of things. And I feel more than ever like I have sunk into my style and found my true groove.

Thanks, Niki, for reminding me of the simple things I knew all along, but had lost along the way. You're a lifesaver! :)

I'm On a Roll!

2006-06-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling inspired. I feel like my "time off" actually refreshed my view and creativity. I feel like I've found my style again. I had felt lost in a sea of trends and pressured to keep up with the latest 'thing'. But in all reality, my true happy place is found when I am true to myself and my style.

I had a great time doing this layout. I had so many unrelated pictures of Jamaica to scrap, and needed a nice opening page for the trip, so here is what I came up with. It's simple, to the point, and I like it. That's what's important, right? :)

Things of Joy

2006-06-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

Just some random thoughts for today. These are just a few of the things that bring joy to my everyday life.

* A hug from my husband when he comes home

* Two fat, purring kitties on my lap

* Sunshine (I'll take anything I can get in the Great NorthWET)

* Getting that great photo

* The last 1/2 mile of my drive home

* A good, clear view of Mt. Hood from our hill

Promoting Yourself on a Shoestring Budget

2006-06-21T09:04:00.000-07:00

When you are first starting out as a professional designer, things can get spendy. Supplies, trade shows, promotional materials, postage, you name it. So where do you draw the line? How can you promote yourself without breaking the bank? Can you look professional without that expensive portfolio case? Yes you can!

The age old saying "Time is Money" comes into play here. Just as any new business, you, as the owner/proprietor, will need to invest substantially. When you start out, your primary investment may indeed have to be time. Properly invested, it can payoff big.

There are several things you can do to promote yourself on a daily basis without laying out much cash. For example, you can write your own press releases and send them to your local papers or special interest newsletters. This definitely takes time, but your name will be "out there" in front of people. Make sure that what you write is actually noteworthy; teaching a public class, an article being published, etc.

Rather than assembling an expensive portfolio, take the time to put together a trifold brochure, and make up business cards to go with it. Print it on a good quality paper. You will be prepared to present yourself and your work to potential persons of interest. If you have the file electronically, convert it to a .pdf file using any number of free conversion softwares available, and you will be prepared to email it at a moments notice.

Write a designer resume for yourself. If you haven't had much industry experience, use your job related experience and relate it to this industry. For example, if your goal is to be on a design team, use your experience in your job meeting deadlines, and following instructions. Use any teaching experience you have. Teaching means planning ahead, being able to speak in front of people, and communication skills - all great lead-ins for a DT job.

Use up your scraps and make greeting cards to send to editors, design team leaders, and other persons of interest. It's all about networking. Even if you think someone is not in a position of importance, or won't be able to help you advance, send them a card anyway. You never know when a contact will be promoted, or move into a position where they can help you. Keep up with your contacts, keep good notes, and be sure to include personal information in your correspondence such as their spouse's or children's names. Make it personal.

Write scrapbooking related articles for newsletters, local papers, or websites. Small newspapers, newsletters and websites are always looking for content. Write a "how to" article on a technique for a scrapbooking website or newsletter. Write a more basic and broad article, ex: top ten reasons why everyone should scrapbook, for a local paper. Be sure to add any published articles to your resume!

These are just a few inexpensive ways to promote yourself. Whether you are just getting started, or are already a well-known name, these tips can help you advance and meet your goals without breaking the bank.

Getting Back in the Saddle

2006-06-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

After what seems like a very long hiatus from scrapping, I am going to make time to get some things done this weekend. I have a huge pile of new photos to inspire me. Now I just need to make a trip to the LSS to get a huge pile of new supplies to go with them! Hahaha.

I'm feeling like all my layouts and galleries are looking old. Do you ever feel like that? The layouts in my galleries are not that old, but they sure seem like it to me. Gee, when I think about it, they are maybe only 6 weeks old. But seeing as I haven't been able to do a thing since, it must be really hitting me. I'm tired of not being able to upload something new. (There's that submitting addiction again.)

I just want everything to be fresh, and exciting. Not just for browsers, but for me too. I get tired of seeing the same thing. Know what I mean?

A Long Dry Spell Has Ended

2006-06-16T08:45:00.000-07:00

After what seems like ages, I finally was able to sit and scrap the other night. I finished a page using my favorite photo from our honeymoon. I think it turned out rather nice. Simple.

It was enough to get me back in the swing of things, and I'm already working on another Jamaica layout. Hopefully I'll be able to share that with you by the weekend. It's taking me some time because I'm feeling out of practice, and I very much want to "do it right". Know what I mean? Not that there is a right way or a wrong way. I just want it to be "me", which was somewhat lost or muddled over the past few hectic months.

So here is the sunset layout I completed, entitled "Just Us".

A Rescue and Adoption

2006-06-06T13:29:00.000-07:00

I went to the Humane Society this past Saturday and met two handsome cats. But I'm getting ahead of myself. I went in to find two kittens, or possibly two older cats. I had strict guidelines and qualifications for the older cats, though. Kittens, though terrors, are easier to adapt. So I asked the employee if she could think of any two older cats that were short haired, neutered males, with claws, that got along together, and could tolerate dogs. It would help if they were affectionate and large. She thought for a moment, then disappeared through a door. Moments later she reappeared with two sets of paperwork and began to describe two cats.

"They were part of an animal rescue. The conditions were awful, and the person who lived there is being held for trial for animal abuse for the horses they had. It seemed though, that the cats and dogs living at the home were treated well, as they came in with very few health issues and no signs of physical abuse, or malnutrition."

I was leary when I heard the circumstances. I mean, who knows what strange things went on and how the cats will behave. Unfortunately animals can't tell us in words what happened.

When she showed me their photos, I knew I had to meet them. So I visited with them until the shelter closed. I went home cat free, and called my husband who was out of town. He was not thrilled, to say the least, but knows losing my two cats recently has been very hard on me, and agreed that if I thought this was the right situation for them and us, to go ahead with it.

So I brought them home the next day. They have adjusted well to the new surroundings, including our bouncy ball-of-energy black lab. They are very affectionate and curious, and I have a feeling they will be plenty of trouble.

The black and white is Olly (short for Oliver), and the blue and white is Buck.

The World's Gone Digital

2006-05-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

Canon announced that they will no longer produce new models of SLR Film cameras. They will continue to produce their current models, as supply demands, but we will cease to see any new technology from Canon in film cameras. Canon follows Nikon's announcement of the same information earlier this year.

An article from Yahoo News stated "Japanese camera makers sold a combined total 64.77 million digital cameras last year globally, compared with 5.38 million film cameras, according to industry figures." Article

It is obvious where the industry is headed. Digital is easier, and appeals to the NOW attitude so prevalent today. People want instant gratification. I'll admit, seeing my photograph seconds after I take it has a definite appeal to me. And yes, I was one of those 64.77 million last year.

But could this be to the detriment of the fine art of photography? There are still those die hards who steadfastly stand by their film methods and claim there is no match in the digital realm. Is that true? With all the recent advances in digital? Could even the trained eye tell the difference between a photograph taken by a digital vs a film camera? Perhaps. But it's getting ever more difficult, and technology is a freight train that cannot be stopped.

Dearly Departed...

2006-05-24T11:27:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling very sad today. During my trip to Jamaica, my kitty escaped to the big wide world. I'm afraid he has not returned. I fear that the local coyotes have taken another prize. This comes just 7 months after losing my other kitty to the same sad demise. I'm just heartbroken. How does one become so attached to a furry critter? I guess it doesn't matter how, but that I was. And I miss them both so terribly.

I can't help but feel guilty for bringing them out to the country, where terrible things could happen to them. And yet, I know how happy it made them to prowl in the grass, chase bugs and mice, roll in the dirt and bask in the sunshine. My only reprise is that they had a good life, and were happy with us for their time here.

Paradise Found!

2006-05-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

Well, the wedding is finally over, and so is the honeymoon. (large, collective "awww")

Jamaica was incredible! What an amazing, and much needed, trip. We were pampered like royalty. Great food, plenty of fattening pina coladas, massages, scuba diving, beach lounging... Paradise.

Here are just a few pictures of our fabulous trip.

The Tutorial that Saved My Life!

2006-05-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

well... not literally, but this tutorial and site have saved me many a time. And after putting Layout Blueprints in the works, and seeing/hearing how many are afraid to stitch layouts, I realized I HAVE to share this with everyone. So here it is. Please, read it, learn it, use it. It will make your life so much easier. And if you don't use Photoshop, they have other fantastic tutorials for other software programs. Just search the site.

http://retouchpro.com/tutorials/?m=show&id=162

Addicted to Submitting?

2006-04-21T10:29:00.000-07:00

I have been

CRAZY

BUSY

lately.

I am now just two weeks away from my wedding, and all the little details are about to drive me insane. Seriously, they will have to commit me to the funny farm after this.

What I've noticed in the past few weeks, is that my focus in other areas of my life has caused me to sacrifice scrapbooking, and in turn, submitting. As calls go out for all the Design Teams, and magazines, and contests, I feel my heart sink slightly. Oh, I'm excited for those who got the call, but it is also a reminder of what I'm missing and how much I NEED to scrapbook.

Yes, NEED. It has gotten to that point. And that is when I realized.... I'm a scrapbooking, submitting, addict! Oh my gosh! Between that and the digital photo addiction... I'm desitned for an intervention. Let me tell you, though, nobody will stand between me and my scrapbooking!

Just two more weeks... no, wait... THREE! Aaaagh! I have a honeymoon to go on, too! Oh no. I don't think I can make it that long. I seriously need some alone time with my supplies. I'm craving it. I need it to keep me sane. Oh how I wish there were more hours in the day!

Animals

2006-04-19T14:02:00.000-07:00

I seem to be doing a lot of animal related layouts lately. Maybe because they are like kids to me. Maybe I just need kids! haha These are two of my favorite most recent layouts. They just happen to both use primarily 3 Bugs in a Rug papers and products.

Meet Dusty. He's my future Mother-in-law's horse. He never gets ridden, or brushed, or anything. And it just breaks my heart (being the horse-loving Montana girl). He's just like a dog. He'll follow you anywhere, loves to be pet, and acts silly to get attention.
Meet my special needs child, Indy. My fiance's black lab. He's a handful, but a good dog, and loves to have his picture taken (if he can sit still long enough). I usually get nice blurry action shots of him.

Self Promotion: Tip #2

2006-04-06T09:35:00.000-07:00

Last time we talked about putting a resume together. Second in the self promotion series and perhaps even more important is Tip number 2.

Set goals. Without a clear goal, you will be floundering in the industry with no direction, throwing your work at anything that moves. This is both unproductive and inefficient. When you set clear goals, you have a destination. You have something to reach for.

Let's say you decide you want to be on a Manufacturer's Design Team. That's a lofty goal, but attainable. So, what steps do you need to take to get there? You should try to get on a LSS team, or an online store team, and gain some experience. Set goals to meet the requirements of your larger goals.

That Photo Bug

2006-04-04T14:29:00.000-07:00

I just love taking pictures! I always have. But since I got my Canon Digital Rebel, I can't seem to stop.

I love zooming. I'm addicted to it, really. I just love the look of those close-in shots. My favorite close-in shots are the candids - the ones they didn't know you were taking. THAT is why I love my zoom so much. I can be the stealth photographer, lurking in the shadows. SNAP! SNAP! Another hapless victim to the crazed digi chick. Mwahahaaa!

My poor nephews will never again see my face. It will forever be hidden behind the lens. At least they are old enough to distinguish that it is only a camera, and not actually a large penetrating black eye protruding from my forehead at them. Whereas if they were younger, they may never recognize that fact.

*SIGH* Hello, my name is Amy. I'm a digi-addict.

Wedding Histeria

2006-04-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

Yes, I've finally entered it. I have 33 days left, and it's just now hitting me how fast that will actually go.

I have so much to do, and so little time. There are so many demands on my time this month. Holy smokes. I'm so relieved that I don't have any Design Team work this month. Boy did I time that right! haha.

Well, better get to it! I'm a busy lady!

Why I Love This Art

2006-03-29T11:40:00.000-08:00

This is a freeing artform. Truly. It allows me to indulge so many aspects of my creative being. From my love of writing, to my love of color expression.

This is not a new realization for me. Not by any means. Rather, this is a reminder that came out of a fun little project I did recently. I had such a great time putting this little faux purse together, and realized that I really need to work in 3 dimentions more often. I've been too constrained to that 12x12 paper lately.

3 Bugs in a Rug papers, L'il Davis Key, Architexture rivets

Self Promotion: Tip #1

2006-03-29T11:29:00.000-08:00

This is a tough industry to break into. So I've decided to offer a bit of help to those struggling to get that foot in the door. Not that I'm an expert, but we can all grow together, right?

So Tip number 1 is:

Put together a resume. Yes, a resume. If you don't have any published work, write a bio and add some of your current work, your best work, to it. You can include things that are relevant to your goals. If you want to be on a design team, include experience you have that's relevant. Like a job where you had to meet deadlines. Explain the relevance (important, because some may not understand why you listed your experience as a paralegal on a scrapbooking resume).

Try online resume services like www.scrapbookresume.com, or sign up for a free Blog, or build and host your own page. But make sure to link to a gallery of some kind so that people can see your talent and what you have to offer them.

Finding Your Style

2006-03-29T11:26:00.000-08:00

Can you look in a magazine or online gallery and recognize certain scrappers work by their style? Have you ever wondered what “your style” is? Me too. Sometimes I feel so eclectic that I can’t put my finger on a particular style. Maybe it’s because I’m too close to my own work.

Here is something I have found to be helpful in “finding your style”. First, cruise online galleries, take notes on things you like or don’t like and ask yourself WHY you like or don’t like them. Write it down. Thumb through magazines and do the same thing. Now, sit down with your own scrapbooks, and try to look at them objectively with the same eyes. Take notes. Write down what you like and don’t like. See if you can find some of the same elements in your work that you liked in the work you reviewed in galleries and magazines. You might be surprised at the results!

Tired Titles

2006-02-28T14:01:00.000-08:00

Do you ever get tired of seeing the same old titles for scrapbook pages? Personally, I'm worn out on the "*fill in the blank* Fun" titles. Water Fun, Summer Fun, Pool Fun, Beach Fun, Snow Fun. Though I've been known to use them, there are several "tired titles" out there. So what can we do to become more creative with our titles, so that we don't see the same things over and over again in the magazines?

1. Dig deeper. We can see that you were at the pool, and it was fun. Can you dig a little deeper for us? What was the thing that stands out to you, that you tell everyone when you show them the photos? Was it that your child loved playing with those silly foam "noodles"? Well, then let's get a little more creative:

- Wet Noodle
- Water Skipper
- Wet & Wacky

2. Use a song as inspirtation. How many wonderful songs can you think of that have key words in them that will go with your page theme? Summer, for example:

- Hot Fun in the Summertime
- Summertime, and the Livin' is Easy
- Summer Breeze (and the list goes on)

try this site (and many others) for song titles that inspire http://www.allbutforgottenoldies.net

3. Take inspiration from quotes, poems, and stories. I'm not saying you need the whole quote, poem, or story on your layout, and it doesn't even have to have anything to do with your layout. Just take a piece, any piece, that fits your layout's mood. Sometmies just hearing certain words put together can inspire.

- From Shel Silverstein's "Rain" ; Slishity-Slosh (great for rainy day, mud photos)
- I know you little, I love you lots - from Shel Silverstein's poem of the same name (great for new baby)

I hope this offers some ideas to help you gather inspiration for your next page title. Good luck in your title endeavors!

Lessons Learned

2006-02-20T15:30:00.000-08:00

In going through a recent book publishing effort, I came to this realization: When you submit for publication, but don't get your layout picked up, it is not necessarily because they "didn't like it". What I noticed repeatedly happening in the choosing process was that layouts we DID like didn't make the cut due to things like, page space, too many of that particular theme already, maybe we'd seen too much of a particular paper line already, and so on. It was numerous things. But what I learned from that was; Don't let it discourage you. Keep submitting, and your work WILL get picked up. It just has to hit the right person at the right time for the right article/subject/book.

What an interesting industry this is!