Sundays are my days to post on the team blog for The Scrapbook Site and A Walk Down Memory Lane. Today's post kind of just struck me as I was roaming around the message board and, as I started thinking about it, it just kind of took shape.
The more I wrote the more I liked it so I had to share it here too. It's good food for thought (even if I do say so myself!) and while I don't want to stop you from visiting the team blog (there is SO much good stuff on there!!!) I didn't want to not have it for myself either! Hmm... too greedy?
So here it is...
Do you share?
by Lissa Ballard
A while back on the message board, Kelly asked:
"How often to you look at your scrapbooks? Do you leave them out for everyone to see? Do you have a special place for them?"
There were varying answers to this that were of interest to me. Personally, I like to keep my books where I can look through them and get to them easily for a multitude of reasons.
One, if there was ever a fire, I know where to go to grab my photos and my books quickly.
Two, I don't scrap chronologically so I'm always in need of adding a page here or there.
Three, I have many albums on which I work simultaneously.
Four, and most importantly, why do it if you're not going to have fun looking through them and enjoying the memories, the thoughts, the dreams, the lives of our loved ones and friends? Why would we spend time doing this great craft if we just put our work into books that are never seen?
Too often, people make their albums, get the photos into books and walk away from them. They seldom spend time looking through them, they don't show them to friends. The books just sit on a shelf, on a coffee table, or worse yet, in a closet, neglected. They're done. That's an accomplishment, but... why do it if you're not going to share your beautiful art?
This week, think about the reasons you scrap, think about the love and thought that went into creating each page. Think about how you chose the album (or albums) you did in which to place your art and how important it was choosing the right color, the perfectly decorated book, or whether it was leather, vinyl, canvas, bare and you decorated it, or cloth; think about the importance of D-Ring vs. post bound or other binding. You may have started out putting your layouts in the first thing you could find, but you've since begun using something that is worthy, that you selected carefully, for your layouts.
Every aspect of this craft involves careful selection, planning and a lot of love. Show your love for your own art and give yourself the respect you deserve. Get those books out in the open! Encourage your kids to look through them. Show them to your friends. Keep them in a more central place. Providing you use page protectors and don't have pets, you might even leave them open to a page you particularly like on the coffee table. Doing so will encourage your visitors and family to look through your books, enjoy them, even encourage talk among your family reminiscing special times, places and folks.
In essence, respect and love what comes AFTER the love and respect you give your work. Feed it! You'll find yourself feeding your stash more and more often, creating more and more and loving what you do even more than you thought you already did!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Saturday, May 17, 2008
I've been scrapping but not sharing...
Bad girl! Bad Girl!
I've neglected you too sweet blog so I'm sharing today some of the fun I've had for the last few months. I'm still without my beloved computer so I've had to save everything to photobucket so as not to lose it. Talk about frustrating... Between that and my card reader, I'm about on overload!
So here is my first acrylic album. I had an absolute blast making this baby. It's fun to see how to coordinate what will show through the page to the one underneath and how you can hide adhesive. This project was one of my favorites and I"m looking forward to making another.
This book is all about my closest friends...
This is our sweet Little Bear. He's an outside kitty by choice. Even in winter he prefers to be outdoors. He comes in to play sometimes and we like to keep him in when it's really cold. Otherwise, he's all too happy to stay outside.
This was a challenge about our favorite place. In nature is my favorite place to be. Of all places in nature, there is none so perfect as Nature Camp. I adore this place and one day would like to go back one last time to sit in the chapel there, walk the grounds that once meant so much to me and show my kids where my love of nature was really solidified. It was here I learned about ecology and became very conscience about saving our Earth. You can see from the photos just how gorgeous it is here... (The papers for this were from the May kit at A Walk Down Memory Lane for the Design Team at The Scrapbook Site.)
This was also one for the Design Team at The Scrapbook Site. The papers came from the May kit. You will absolutely fall in love with the Boxer line from Basic Grey! This is how I start my mornings! I always drink from one of these mugs despite the fact I collect mugs and have way way more than this. These are the ones that are most important to me and each of them has a story.
This was a quick card I made from the May Kit at AWDML also. (Although that stamp was mine already and was bought at Impression Obsession.)
This was Taylor's Graduation. Goofy picture really and I didn't take it but I liked how this came out. Simple but focused on the words. I found this rub on (Phrase Cafe) that was absolutely perfect for what I wanted to say about this. I've not done the left side to this yet. It will have a focal photo of Taylor when he began Kindergarten. Looking for the right photo still...
These are my sisters two gorgeous kids about 5 years ago. I haven't gotten any recent photos but I was fortunate to see Ryan, my nephew this summer. He was 9 in this photo and he's now 14. Holy moley he's a good lookin' kid! Not changed much, just more mature. I can only imagine how beautiful Ashley is now...
This is Ashley, our sweet Russian Blue and the matriarch of our family, and Fluffy, a sweet long haired domestic, who has since left us. These two kitties are and were two of the best kitties ever. It was Fluffy who gave us our Cartman and Gizmo (also passed on now) and those two gave us Little Bear and Alfred Boots, aka "Buddy Boots".
This layout was super super fun. Dalton was only about 3 in this photo. He loved (and still does love) playing Hide and Go Seek. He thought if he couldn't see you, you couldn't see him. This particular day was the first time he had ever dressed himself (thus the boots and mismatched shirt and shorts) and he had a ball hiding from me in both couches! What a funny boy he was!
I think that's enough for now... hope you liked...Thanks for looking!
I've neglected you too sweet blog so I'm sharing today some of the fun I've had for the last few months. I'm still without my beloved computer so I've had to save everything to photobucket so as not to lose it. Talk about frustrating... Between that and my card reader, I'm about on overload!
So here is my first acrylic album. I had an absolute blast making this baby. It's fun to see how to coordinate what will show through the page to the one underneath and how you can hide adhesive. This project was one of my favorites and I"m looking forward to making another.
This book is all about my closest friends...
This is our sweet Little Bear. He's an outside kitty by choice. Even in winter he prefers to be outdoors. He comes in to play sometimes and we like to keep him in when it's really cold. Otherwise, he's all too happy to stay outside.
This was a challenge about our favorite place. In nature is my favorite place to be. Of all places in nature, there is none so perfect as Nature Camp. I adore this place and one day would like to go back one last time to sit in the chapel there, walk the grounds that once meant so much to me and show my kids where my love of nature was really solidified. It was here I learned about ecology and became very conscience about saving our Earth. You can see from the photos just how gorgeous it is here... (The papers for this were from the May kit at A Walk Down Memory Lane for the Design Team at The Scrapbook Site.)
This was also one for the Design Team at The Scrapbook Site. The papers came from the May kit. You will absolutely fall in love with the Boxer line from Basic Grey! This is how I start my mornings! I always drink from one of these mugs despite the fact I collect mugs and have way way more than this. These are the ones that are most important to me and each of them has a story.
This was a quick card I made from the May Kit at AWDML also. (Although that stamp was mine already and was bought at Impression Obsession.)
This was Taylor's Graduation. Goofy picture really and I didn't take it but I liked how this came out. Simple but focused on the words. I found this rub on (Phrase Cafe) that was absolutely perfect for what I wanted to say about this. I've not done the left side to this yet. It will have a focal photo of Taylor when he began Kindergarten. Looking for the right photo still...
These are my sisters two gorgeous kids about 5 years ago. I haven't gotten any recent photos but I was fortunate to see Ryan, my nephew this summer. He was 9 in this photo and he's now 14. Holy moley he's a good lookin' kid! Not changed much, just more mature. I can only imagine how beautiful Ashley is now...
This is Ashley, our sweet Russian Blue and the matriarch of our family, and Fluffy, a sweet long haired domestic, who has since left us. These two kitties are and were two of the best kitties ever. It was Fluffy who gave us our Cartman and Gizmo (also passed on now) and those two gave us Little Bear and Alfred Boots, aka "Buddy Boots".
This layout was super super fun. Dalton was only about 3 in this photo. He loved (and still does love) playing Hide and Go Seek. He thought if he couldn't see you, you couldn't see him. This particular day was the first time he had ever dressed himself (thus the boots and mismatched shirt and shorts) and he had a ball hiding from me in both couches! What a funny boy he was!
I think that's enough for now... hope you liked...Thanks for looking!
Friday, May 16, 2008
An Altered Mint Tin (bragbook for Grandmom!)
In honor of Mother's Day, my little guy wanted to make something for his Grandma. Now this is not his real grandmother. This is my older two son's grandmother. When my husband and I married, she was aware I had no living In-Laws. She was very close to my own mother and knew that Dalton would never have the pleasure of knowing her. So, she and Pop (my ex father in law) asked me if they could be the honorary grandmother and grandfather. Now that's exceptional... They are exceptional people. I'm blessed to know them and have them in my life.
Unfortunately, Grandma doesn't really know us very well any more. She's got Alzheimers and more and more frequently, she forgets who we are since we don't see her as often. This little Grandma's Brag Book is so she will have a reminder of Dalton and how much he loves her.
Supplies:
Empty mint tin
cardstock
Paint
foam brush
heavy duty adhesive
fine grit sand paper
corner rounder
scraps of coordinating patterned paper
Mod Podge
12" length of ribbon
12" length of ric rak
embellishments to match
4 or 5 1.5" x 1.5" photos
Instructions:
Sand and paint your tin and set aside to dry
Cut a strip of cardstock 2.75" x 12". Score every 2" and fold fan style. Using a strong adhesive, glue the back of the first fold tot he back of the second fold. Repeat with the 3rd to the 4th to form 3 pages.
Cut a piece of scrap paper 2" x 3.5". Score at 1.75" and 1 7/8".
Cut two 6" lengths of ribbon. At each edge of the book cover and book back, 1/2" in from the side, add a glue dot or two sided tape and push ribbon onto dot or glue tape.
Adhere the scrap paper cut and scored to the book using strong adhesive across spine and around to cover ribbon end that was glued to the front and back covers of the book.
Add photos and embellishments on the inside as desired. Journal and set aside.
Adhere ric rak around the perimeter of the lower part of the tin.
Measure the top and cut a piece of patterned paper to size. Round edges with corner round.
Embellish as desired.
Open and embellish inside of lid and bottom.
Tie book closed and insert into box.
You're ready to gift your little brag book to yourself, your mom, your grandmom or anyone else special! It's just the right size to carry in even the smallest of purses!
All the supplies for this little beauty can be found in the April "Tea Party" kit available at A Walk Down Memory Lane. Their kit club is AMAZING! ANd their Design Team rocks too! *(wink wink!)
Now, take a look at this little guy and tell me, who would want to forget this face!! What a smile!
Unfortunately, Grandma doesn't really know us very well any more. She's got Alzheimers and more and more frequently, she forgets who we are since we don't see her as often. This little Grandma's Brag Book is so she will have a reminder of Dalton and how much he loves her.
Supplies:
Empty mint tin
cardstock
Paint
foam brush
heavy duty adhesive
fine grit sand paper
corner rounder
scraps of coordinating patterned paper
Mod Podge
12" length of ribbon
12" length of ric rak
embellishments to match
4 or 5 1.5" x 1.5" photos
Instructions:
Sand and paint your tin and set aside to dry
Cut a strip of cardstock 2.75" x 12". Score every 2" and fold fan style. Using a strong adhesive, glue the back of the first fold tot he back of the second fold. Repeat with the 3rd to the 4th to form 3 pages.
Cut a piece of scrap paper 2" x 3.5". Score at 1.75" and 1 7/8".
Cut two 6" lengths of ribbon. At each edge of the book cover and book back, 1/2" in from the side, add a glue dot or two sided tape and push ribbon onto dot or glue tape.
Adhere the scrap paper cut and scored to the book using strong adhesive across spine and around to cover ribbon end that was glued to the front and back covers of the book.
Add photos and embellishments on the inside as desired. Journal and set aside.
Adhere ric rak around the perimeter of the lower part of the tin.
Measure the top and cut a piece of patterned paper to size. Round edges with corner round.
Embellish as desired.
Open and embellish inside of lid and bottom.
Tie book closed and insert into box.
You're ready to gift your little brag book to yourself, your mom, your grandmom or anyone else special! It's just the right size to carry in even the smallest of purses!
All the supplies for this little beauty can be found in the April "Tea Party" kit available at A Walk Down Memory Lane. Their kit club is AMAZING! ANd their Design Team rocks too! *(wink wink!)
Now, take a look at this little guy and tell me, who would want to forget this face!! What a smile!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
WOO HOO!
My first article for IScrap's monthly newsletter appeared today. I love it! It's such fun to see your own articles in print. Thought I'd share with you.
Staying Away from the Gimmies
by Lissa Ballard
Each year when all the new products debut, all the scrapbook product enthusiasts (or hoarders like me) eagerly comb the internet for glimpses of the latest and greatest product. Many online communities feature threads, or conversations, that show off beautiful new patterned papers, fun new tools and gadgets and great new embellishments in yummy patterns and rich textures. It is often a dizzying experience to pour over page after page of amazing new product. With all that comes the "gimmies". Gimmie one of those, two of those, one of these and, and, and... Before you realize it, your shopping cart is overflowing and your credit card and bank account are screaming, "Help me! I'm drowning!"
While the best way to avoid overspending is, of course, not to look, we are in the business of keeping our memories, feelings, events and thoughts recorded for all posterity. We absolutely must look! Not looking would be to deny who we are and what we do! All kidding aside, we can look as long as we are prepared.
Keep a good handle on your tools and materials. If you haven't been re-visiting your collections regularly, try to begin doing so at least quarterly. By going through them, you'll be well aware of what you have, what is beginning to age, what needs new blades or replacing and what you no longer favor, and can purge. Keep a clear thought with regard to your style, the colors you like to use, and the colors your albums typically contain. That great new vibrant collection is beautiful, but will you really use it? Will it fit the theme or style of your life, albums or projects? It might help to take notes you can keep with you to which you can refer when looking over new products and each time you are in the store.
It's wise to plan ahead. Budget a little each month to be saved for new products. This, of course, is in addition to your monthly budgeted amount. When the time comes, you'll have the opportunity to be a little indulgent. The newest tools can replace those you already have. You can recover some of their cost by selling them on a list, online message board, Etsy or eBay, providing they are still in excellent working order.
Be wise when spending impulsively. Over spending on a whim can really stunt your product growth in areas that count! There is something for every appetite and taste; simple, elegant, shabby, whimsical and everything in the middle and all around. While there is a need to have a little of everything on hand, be careful to not "let your eyes be bigger than your tummy". That is to say, don't let your appetite for all the different goodies overwhelm your budget.
Staying Away from the Gimmies
by Lissa Ballard
Each year when all the new products debut, all the scrapbook product enthusiasts (or hoarders like me) eagerly comb the internet for glimpses of the latest and greatest product. Many online communities feature threads, or conversations, that show off beautiful new patterned papers, fun new tools and gadgets and great new embellishments in yummy patterns and rich textures. It is often a dizzying experience to pour over page after page of amazing new product. With all that comes the "gimmies". Gimmie one of those, two of those, one of these and, and, and... Before you realize it, your shopping cart is overflowing and your credit card and bank account are screaming, "Help me! I'm drowning!"
While the best way to avoid overspending is, of course, not to look, we are in the business of keeping our memories, feelings, events and thoughts recorded for all posterity. We absolutely must look! Not looking would be to deny who we are and what we do! All kidding aside, we can look as long as we are prepared.
Keep a good handle on your tools and materials. If you haven't been re-visiting your collections regularly, try to begin doing so at least quarterly. By going through them, you'll be well aware of what you have, what is beginning to age, what needs new blades or replacing and what you no longer favor, and can purge. Keep a clear thought with regard to your style, the colors you like to use, and the colors your albums typically contain. That great new vibrant collection is beautiful, but will you really use it? Will it fit the theme or style of your life, albums or projects? It might help to take notes you can keep with you to which you can refer when looking over new products and each time you are in the store.
It's wise to plan ahead. Budget a little each month to be saved for new products. This, of course, is in addition to your monthly budgeted amount. When the time comes, you'll have the opportunity to be a little indulgent. The newest tools can replace those you already have. You can recover some of their cost by selling them on a list, online message board, Etsy or eBay, providing they are still in excellent working order.
Be wise when spending impulsively. Over spending on a whim can really stunt your product growth in areas that count! There is something for every appetite and taste; simple, elegant, shabby, whimsical and everything in the middle and all around. While there is a need to have a little of everything on hand, be careful to not "let your eyes be bigger than your tummy". That is to say, don't let your appetite for all the different goodies overwhelm your budget.
What color are you?
What color are you? I found this gem on my friend Tara's blog and thought I'd give it a try. I've done it before but our assessments of who we are often changes according to our emotional being at a given moment. Give it a shot and see what it says about you! This is surprisingly on target.
#6495ED |
Your dominant hues are cyan and blue. You like people and enjoy making friends. You're conservative and like to make sure things make sense before you step into them, especially in relationships. You are curious but respected for your opinions by people who you sometimes wouldn't even suspect. Your saturation level is medium - You're not the most decisive go-getter, but you can get a job done when it's required of you. You probably don't think the world can change for you and don't want to spend too much effort trying to force it. Your outlook on life is bright. You see good things in situations where others may not be able to, and it frustrates you to see them get down on everything. |
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