And The Ditz Is…………

I started writing this post earlier this morning.  I was trying to think of a story to tell, but was drawing a blank, so I walked away.  I changed focus to my ever so long to-do-list….really, my long list…..I try to keep my number of stops to five, six max for every trip to town.  Today, my list was 14 stops long!  Yes, 14!!  (Such a big number I even get to use the numerical form rather than the word!)

Topping off the list of most important was a hearing test for my son.  I scheduled it about seven weeks ago.  And I had to fight to have him seen.  I wasn’t going through the proper procedure to have it scheduled, so they didn’t want to do it.  But I told them they would.  And then we waited. 

Today was finally the day!  I tried to squeeze in one more stop from my list before we went to the clinic.  And then I started thinking “hmmm…I wonder why the alert on my phone didn’t sound 5 minutes ago like I set it to do…”

So I pull out my phone.

I open the calendar.

I thought, hmm…this doesn’t look right.

There is nothing on the calendar for today.

But there was for yesterday.

Oh no.

No, really, OH NO!!!!!

Well, if that doesn’t just stink!  We missed the appointment!  Really???  How could I do that!  I had this in my head (and phone) for months!!!!!!  But I’ve had so many other doctor appointments (which is highly unusual) that I mixed the days up. 

Well shoot! 

I guess it’s time to quit denying my ditziness.  Yes, I am that ditz!  Pride is checked at the door, I shall forever more just embrace it.  I am a full blown ditz.

I called my husband, a bit worried and very embarrassed.  I don’t know how much the “no-show” fee from the clinic will be.  But it will be.  I told my husband, and wonderful man that he is replied simply, “it’s okay.  That’s life.  We’ll just pay the fee and reschedule.”  He wasn’t frustrated or disappointed.  I have to say, I was very thankful for that, because I think had he been, it might have pushed me over the edge today!  LOL

So, we finished grocery shopping, and to celebrate my complete ditziness, I went to Starbucks picked up a tall one pump vanilla iced latte and sipped it on the way home.  (of course wonderful husband then proceeded to guzzle the remaining 2/3 of my drink….oh, well, he can’t be completely perfect! LOL However, he is redeeming himself by washing the dishes as I type.  Bless him.)

And to embrace the ditziness even more, I’m going to scrap tonight.  Yup, I am.  And I’ll share this card with you.

Because I’ve already completely left you in shock by my admission of being a ditz, I feel I must warn you, for your own safety, please make sure you are securely seated before looking at this picture.  You will see quite a surprise. 

First:  it’s a card. 

Second:  I stamped the image. 

Third:  I used my alcohol markers to color it (YES, I know, insert complete shock here). 

And Fourth:  (I’m serious, make sure you’re seated safely) I fussy cut the stamped image. 

And to top it off…..I repeated this SEVEN times!  Yes – I didn’t even cheat by coloring one image and using my color copier (although to keep you from cardiac arrest, I will admit that I tried that – I didn’t like the result).

Well, now, because pigs have flown, I wouldn’t fault you if you went and bought a Mega Millions or Power Ball ticket.  (I’m not recommending it, but I wouldn’t fault you ; ) )

Supplies:  Close to My Heart (stamp), Offray (crotched trim), Crate Paper (paper – Pretty Party), Tim Holtz ink (Dyed Tea), McGill oval punch, Letraset ProMarker (markers, muted set)

Thanks friends!

What You’ll See

“I can teach anybody how to get what they want out of life. The problem is that I can't find anybody who can tell me what they want.” – Mark Twain

 

"When you have vision it affects your attitude. Your attitude is optimistic rather than pessimistic." - Charles R. Swindoll

What does this have to do with anything you ask? Why, everything!  Because I truly believe that to get to where you want to be, you must know where that is, and have a plan to get there!  Just as one wouldn’t expect to find themselves in New York City if they are currently in Seattle without a plan of action to get there.  One must know what and how in order to set out on a journey.  True, the path often changes mid course, and things don’t go as we expect.  But there must be a plan set forth in the beginning if one wants to successfully get from point A to point B, C, D or even Z.  So this post is a little bit of my vision casting of what you will see in the future here on this blog.

Mission Statement: 

The purpose of Love Joy Paper is to encourage other scrapbookers to grow in their skills of memory keeping, creative design, photography and story telling.  And to help other scrapbookers find success in what matters most, as well as contentment within themselves as a person and artist.

Okay, so I’m not very good at going deep. I’ve been involved in the writing of mission statements for many charitable organizations and other groups.  It’s essential to define the purpose of what the group does.  I think I need to have a purpose in why I blog.  Why?  Because there are millions of blogs out there, I need to know my purpose.  Will I be completely different and unique?  Probably not.  Can I try?  Sure!  By defining what I want to accomplish, it will help me stick to it.  And furthermore, I can then bounce new ideas off my mission statement to see if it is something I should be doing. 

Alright, enough of the mumbo jumbo, lets talk application.  What will you see and what won’t you see.
If I had to sum it up into one word, it would simply be teaching.  Yes, that’s what I want to accomplish.  I have the heart to teach.  So that’s what the purpose of this blog will be.  It won’t be about “look at me and how good I am.” 

In fact, I have decided that I am not going to submit for any design teams or publication at the moment.  I really don’t want my blog to be about my work benefiting a company.  I want it to be an opportunity to encourage you from the perspective of a real scrapper, not someone who is given free stuff to use in just the way a company wants it.  This will be about encouraging you by use of supplies that anyone can get (because really, living where I live, if I can get a supply, anyone can).  And encouraging you that pages can be created on a budget, without breaking the bank for every page, and without a design degree. 

To me, another reason I’ve decided that I won’t be trying for design teams is because of the progression I’ve watched in other scrappers.  I’ve been active on the internet for five years in the scrapbooking community.  I have so many great friends online.  But I’ve also watched so many people come, build friendships, then when the design teams start calling they disappear.  True, they’ve probably just built new friendships within those said design teams, but I don’t want to do that.  The relationships I’ve built are more important to me than a little bit of fame.  So you won’t see me peddling someone else’s product for a little bit of fame.  Not worth it.  YOU, as my friend, is what matters.

You probably also won’t see me participating in any challenges here unless it’s something I can use as a teachable moment.  If it’s only for my praise, you won’t see it. 

What will you see?

More of what you have!  I’m going to continue with the Design Tips.  But I’m going to try to expand on that a little.  I also plan to pick a topic once a month and try to go deeper on it.  I’m still working out these details, so hang with me there.  I’m thinking this might be more than just design though, it might be personal….so stick with me on this one.

You’ll still see the photos per page search and the price per page search. 

You will also see some more sketches.  I’ll try to periodically create a sketch from the pages I do because I know so many people use sketches regularly.   Not going to happen all the time because it’s time consuming.  But occasionally, quite likely.

You will see me being real.  Not a celebrity.  No autographs, please.  Nope.  You will see real.  I’m just an average scrapper.  I’ve never been published and only served on one design team.  And that’s okay! 

You will see encouragement to be YOU!  Be true to you.  I think that’s my new tag line that I’m going to play with here coming up.  Be true to you.

There’s more planned, but I can’t let it all out yet – I have to keep some suspense for you to come back!!

I think that over the last month, I’ve had time to step back and look at what my goals are.  My goals are to preserve my families memories and love.  For me, it’s easier to verbalize my feelings for my family on scrapbook pages.  Sometimes, when I want to tell them something, because I’m not good with spoken words, I will create a page and then give it to the person.  I do this with my husband often.  That’s half of why I scrapbook. 

I have also decided to relieve some of the pressure I put on myself to blog daily.  My goal is now three posts a week rather than five.  Sometimes there might be five, but I am only expecting three from myself.

I also realized that I don’t want to be on design teams or seeking publication.  I don’t want to go through the rejection.  But I also don’t aim to be famous or a scrappy celebrity.  Nope.  For one thing, even if I were good enough (ha ha), I’m sure it would go to my head.  And I don’t want to be like that.  Yes, there are crazy talented people out there!  Awesome for them.  But I have a really hard time with the whole Hollywood scenario that one person is more important or valuable than another.  Nope, not happening.  We are all loved by our creator, and while one person might be more important to you, as a whole, in the grand scheme of things, there is always another who can fill the role.  No human is that important.  I can only think of a few people who were so exceptionally skilled in what they do (say a handful of athletes and maybe a few CEOs or religious zealots) that they were not replaceable.  But for scrappers, no one.  Nope, I don’t want to be a celebrity.  I want to be real.  I also value the relationships and friendships I’ve formed much more than compensated success.  Thusly, I have decided that is not the road for me.

If this blog grows and becomes huge (which will be organically – I won’t be pushing it – because I can’t stand pushiness) and I’m sticking to the mission statement, then great.  I trust it will be a blessing to people.  However, if you haven’t noticed, I don’t believe I have my name on my blog anywhere (yes, some of you know my name) but I don’t identify myself.  Because really, it’s not about me.  Few of the ideas I have are original, but if I can take those ideas and apply them in a teaching way, then that is my goal.  And it’s about you learning and being encouraged much more than it is about me seeking accolades. 

So, there you have it.  Hopefully this nonsensical rambling is a little bit sensible.   And I hope to see you around and what the future holds!

Thanks friends!

Back From Banishment!!

About a year ago I banished my other blog (the food blog) because it was just too much.  I’ve been pondering bringing it back, and today the redneck was released (in heels mind you)!!  You can check it out at www.redneckinheels.com.  It needs a bit of reformatting, but it’ll do for now!
 
Go see what yumminess I posted today! 

How to Create a Watermark

Watermarks are a common thing on the internet.  Well, really, they are a common thing in life.  Most official documents, especially financial (for example checks) have watermarks.  I’ve always found watermarks to be a fascinating thing, the nerd in me loves to analyze them when I find them on a paper document.  But I also fully appreciate the application of watermarks online.  As you’ve noticed here on ye ole’ blog, I use watermarks for everything.  I do so to protect my work identifying me as the artist, but also (I will admit my selfish ambitions here), they are a great identifier of where you can find more of my work if you happen to like what you see.

Now, as social media continues to change and evolve, we enter this crazy confusing world of copyright property and such.  I won’t even begin to pretend like I understand that all.  I don’t.  So I’m not going to rattle off a bunch of info to you that may or may not be accurate.  But what I can tell you is that you can watermark your work for protection!  And you know what, it’s not that difficult!!  I have been especially cautious to do this as I’ve seen (not my work) but stuff taken off of Pinterest and the credit being given to pinterest.  Um, no, it wasn’t pinterest that created it.  It was shared on pinterest, but they aren’t the creator.  Now, had watermarks been on some of these images, it would have given me the opportunity to go back to the source (on example in particular was an image I saw in a print ad that had a photo along with wording “photo sourced from pinterest” – by taking it from pinterest to print, there was no way to follow back the links to the source as pinterest is designed to do). 

However, we cannot assume that because our work is watermarked it will be safe. I also saw recently an ad from ACMoore where they pulled a watermarked image from someones blog, cropped off the watermark and then used the image, implying they created it (as they did not cite credit). So, be warned that just because you watermark, your work isn’t guaranteed safe. You can be attentive to where your watermark lies and if it is in an area that is easily croppable or if it covers key parts of the photo. However, then you run the risk of being a distraction. There is a fine line of balance in this situation. But at any rate, take the first step and go from there.

There are probably at least 764,503 ways to create a watermark.  Maybe more, possibly a few less, but at any rate, I’m going to show you four examples today.  The first one needs only a free program (probably preloaded if you are using Windows XP or higher).  Obviously by what I said though, it’s not mac compatible, it’s a windows program.  So if you’re a Mac user, sorry, but I am no help to you in the free program department.  However, I assume that they would function with a similar process in the photo programs preloaded for Mac.  The second option is another free program, Picasa.  The last two use PhotoShop Elements (a program for around $90, has a learning curve, but is worth it’s weight in gold, okay, maybe only silver as I don’t know the going price of gold at this particular moment, but certainly valuable).

So, please don’t think of these as the best or only way.  They are just the ways that I process watermarks, based on the conclusion of speed and efficiency to me.

Watermarks Using Windows Live Writer

I must give a little plug to this for another reason before we even begin to talk watermarks.  I use Windows Live Writer for all (really all) my blog posting, and even 99% of editing.  It is an awesome program to write your posts in, offline.  You don’t have to be logged into the blogger platform, you just open it and write.  I.love.it. 

If you haven’t used Live Writer yet, you will need to import your blog information.  As you can see from the screen shot below, it imports what your blog will look like when it is published.  Awesome. 

#1  Insert photo from harddrive via “Insert” tab.  (Note, the watermark will only work for photos from your harddrive. Copied images from the internet will not allow a watermark in Live Writer).

#2 Click picture so the “Format” tab option appears.  You will want to set the desired size at this point. I usually use a width of 600 for my images (however, note my blog column is wider than average). I like my images to be BIG so you can see a lot of detail.

Once you have the size set, click the “watermark” button just left of center.  You can see it highlighted in orange in above picture.

#3  Watermark Box  In this box, type the text of what you want your watermark to say.  I use my blog address.  You can use your personal name, your blog address, whatever tickels your fancy. 

You will need to experiment with the size of font and the placement.  I prefer bottom right.  But you can put it wherever you want.  I also find that for a pictures sized at 600 pixels wide, I usually like a size 18 font.  But again, this part is completely personal preference.

Click OK.  (If you are using an older version of Live Writer (your screen will look different than this), you can set it to save default an automatically apply to all photos inserted.  However, I had to update my program due to computer troubles and I can no longer get it to do that.  I have to manually watermark each photo….very frustrating after using the automatic….so, I move on to option #2, quicker than each photo, not as quick as automatic).

Watermarks Using Picasa

Now, before we get into this one, I have to state a little disclaimer here.  I don’t use Picasa.  I used to (before PSE).  I just downloaded it tonight for the purpose of this post and surprisingly, remembered how to do it from using it 5 years ago!  My point is that I’m not a Picasa expert.

#1  Open images (or select) in Picasa you wish to watermark.

#2 Click them in the “selections” bin at the bottom left.  Then click the “export” tab on the bottom, just about middle.

#3 Export to Folder Dialog Box – set location and image size (changing is optional, again however, if you are saving for your blog, making the image smaller is good).  At the bottom, click the “Add Watermark” box.  Type text you wish to appear.

Note – this option has the least creative control, giving you no font choice or location choice.  It only does what the program is defaulted to do.

Basic Watermarks Using PhotoShop Elements

Photoshop Elements is a paid program by Adobe.  Most people who have much of an interest in photography have Photoshop Elements (called PSE from here on out).  It’s about $90 and very worth it.  Once you get into the world of PSE, you can be much more creative.  However, not all applications call for creative use.  The first approach I will demonstrate is the basic use of watermarks.

#1 Open all images desired to watermark in PSE. 

#2  Click File menu and scroll down to “Process Multiple Files” (sorry no picture here, the screen shot just didn’t want to take.

#3  Process Multiple Files dialog box.  This box is a plethora of options.  You will need to do multiple things on this menu.  However, you only have to set it once for all the opened photos. 

A.  Choose photos to be processed – this will be by selecting “Opened Files” files in drop down box

B.  Select Destination – I create a new file (or rather send them to my “blog” file that I have created already).

C.  Rename Files – This is optional, however I always rename the images what I want them to be called.  I often use lovejoypaper followed by the project name for example:  lovejoypaperwatermarktutorial.  Then set the additional extension.  I use 2 digit serial number (if you do this repeatedly with the same text name, be sure to restart the serial number in the box below – otherwise you will rewrite over previously saved images). 

D.  Resize Images – this part is again totally optional.  However, if you ware working with large images, it’s a great chance to make them smaller and not take up your storage space on your blog.

E.  File Type – this part may be irrelevant.  Because I am usually changing photos from RAW (the format I shoot with in my camera), this step is incredibly helpful to me to change to JPEG (if blogging, use medium quality).

F.  Watermark – here is where we get to the fun part!  This part is on the right of the box.  You will set your font (you can use whatever you have on your computer – I keep it very legible though as I am using my watermark for advertising more than anything).  Set the font size and location.  There are not as many placement locations as in Windows Live Writer. 

G.  Click OK.  PSE will process your images (and default to close them as it processes them).

H.  Done!  It’s not as scary as it sounds, I promise!!

Fancy Watermarks Using Photoshop Elements

Now, here is where we get into some stuff that isn’t for the more faint of heart.  If you have no desire to be more artistic, and no desire to get deep into PSE, let your eyes glaze over.  Go grab a donut and coffee and call it a day! 

But if you want to be a little prettier, then here you go.  I would like to note that I rarely use this option.  The only instances in which I do are for a) my for hire photography and b) our cabinet shot photos.  Here are two examples of a fancy watermark application I’ve done in PSE.

See, not always necessary.  So, shall we get to it?

#1  Using the text tool, create the image you want to use as your watermark.  Use black font – you will be able to change the color of the watermark later, but for this process, you need black for best results.  Select all layers, use the menu at the top of the layers pallet and click “Merge layers”  (Note, only merge text layers, do not flatten image).

#2  Click Edit menu.  Scroll down to “Define Brush”  (make sure text layer is selected)

#3  Name Brush – when prompted, name brush (I named it LoveJoyPaperwatermark)

#4 Your watermark is now saved.  It should be available for use at anytime (even after PSE has been shut down and restarted).  So let’s apply the watermark to images!

Open image you want to watermark.

#5  Load Brush – if you know what to do, then do it!  If you don’t, then here' you go.  Click the icon that looks like a brush on the left tool bin.  When you click that, you will see the top toolbar change. 

Go up and click on the drop down arrow for the first left box (where you see the sideways “s” or maybe rather ~).   Leave it to default brushes and scroll down.  Your new custom brush should appear at the bottom. 

Click on the new brush.

Now we get to play a little bit.  It’s easiest if you create a new blank layer, that way you can easily move it around without having to undo repeatedly.

Set the color of the brush to white.  I usually have the opacity around 75%, but this is personal choice.  You can use the bracket keys on your keyboard to increase or decrease the size of the brush.  Then click where you want it!

#6  Flatten image (if you used a layer) and resave.

Well, there you have it!  Four of the 932,859 ways (oh, you say that’s not the same fact I used above?  Well, 76.4% of statistics are made up on the spot anyway) to create a watermark! 

Go forth and watermark to protect your work! 

Thanks friends!

Blog Envy (or Success Envy)

Yesterday I was listening to Paperclipping Roundtable (an old episode, I’m behind because that’s how infrequently I’ve jogged this summer…), episode 121 to be exact.  Claudine Hellmuth was a guest.  Now, I’ve heard the name, and I’ve seen her name on a few products at Craft Warehouse.  But I have to admit, I really know very little about her style or her work.  But she piqued my interest in her talking about mixed media art but also her desire for tight, clean, grid-like work. 

Wow, the second half is totally me…and she does mixed media arts?  Well, now she most certainly has my interest.  It seems that the mixed media art that stands out to me is always messy and sometimes chaotic (I’m not saying all is, just what I notice to be mixed media).  And that is not me in the least.  Well, I had to investigate this girl more.  It was just way too interesting……

So I checked out her blog.  And I found a post that I found incredibly interesting!  And I needed to share it here.  You see, the pity party I had a couple weeks ago was the result of feeling so frustrated and down about constant publication and design team rejection.  Yes, because I was applying for the same design teams that a few other people in particular were also trying for.  And they made every one.  But I made none.  It’s so frustrating that a few people make everything!

Then I read Claudine’s post.  I know she’s a professional.  I know she’s good.  I’ve heard the name, while I might not follow her, I know she’s very good at what she does. 

And she has “blog envy”. 

Really? 

No, I mean really?? 

Well, shoot!  If even the celebs have blog envy, then that makes me feel better.  It doesn’t make it right for me to wallow in those thoughts.  I need to not be jealous.  But it certainly makes it understandable!

If you want to read her post, here is the link.  (Aug 20th post).

I just wanted to add a few more thoughts to this.  First of all, I *must* remember that the success and life presented is filtered. I have no idea what else is going on in the lives of these people.  For all I know, their home life may be in a complete state of chaos.  But I have a very blessed family and home situation.  I MUST remember that.  I can’t feel sorry for myself because I don’t know the complete story.  I don’t know the struggles these other “successful” scrappers have.  I just know the blessings I have and *must* count those. 

Second, I’ve come to believe that “making it” takes a bit of pushiness.  For one thing, as a design team member, a huge part of your job is to promote the product for said company/group.  They want persistent, forward people because it’s part of their social advertising approach.  That’s not me, and I’m not willing to sell out for such things.  When I remember that, well, it’s no wonder why I’m not chosen.  I don’t have the desire to be on the front lines constantly promoting myself or someone else.  And I’m okay with that!  When I remember that, it makes the rejection easier, because I know that I’m not what they’re looking for, and it’s not a good fit for either party. 

So, now that I’ve said that all….in a couple days, I have a bit more info coming in this regard, and what else you’ll see.  Hang with me, I think by the end of the month it will all make sense!!!

And rest assured, you aren’t the only one who has felt green with envy.  But DON’T let that rule you!  Count your blessings, look at the positive, and if you must think about the negative, then use it as a learning moment and grow from it!  That’s what I’m doing, and I challenge you do the same!

Thanks friends!

Training Them Right

At least once a week my photography skills are requested.  Now, sadly (or maybe not sadly), it’s not usually a paying customer.  Hmm…maybe I should start charging…..You see, it’s usually two subjects who are shorter than me, and mighty cute.  So, because of the cuteness, I think I can forego any compensation.  A hug and kiss is enough.  (mind you, only for my kiddos….)

Well, A had been pestering asking, no, no, I’m going to stick with pestering me to take some pictures of her and her American Girl doll collection.  She had the posing all planned.  Now, how can a photographer pass on such a perfectly posed subject?

However, taking the pictures wasn’t enough.  She’s now pestering, asking, no pestering, me to print it.  Sheesh, can’t a mom catch a break!?

Be sure to stick around!!  Next week I have a “what you’ll see” post coming and I’ll begin regular scrappy blogging Sept 10, with lots of giveaways!

Business Business

You might have noticed a change in my background and header today.  And if you didn’t, don’t worry.  I won’t disown you.  At least not as long as you keep reading my blog! 

 

Maybe I’m being a bit over anticipating, but I figured I might be asked what I used to make it.  So I wanted to be ahead of the questions and let you know!  I created the page with paper supplies, My Mind’s Eye Indie Chic.  The bling swirl is Petaloo.  And the best part, my current favorite thing to do…the words “love joy paper” are cut veneer pieces using dies from Paper Trey Ink (sorry, linking to their site does weird things, but you can sear alphabet and find them, there are only three different fonts). 

 

I photographed the pages and edited them using this technique and then I uploaded them into the Blogger Customized Template following these directions.

 

Also to share today, I had the honor of being invited to have a guest designer spot for Craft Warehouse again this year.  I was delighted that I was asked and can’t wait to see what I get to do.  I believe there were some changes to the schedule and I will be doing my spot in September.

 

Thanks to all for your encouragement and kind words!  I’m so blessed to have such loyal readers!

 

 

Stay tuned for the 10th, I’ll have some giveaways coming!  Before that, I have planned a few posts to share what to expect in the future.

A Thought on Chevrons

In the midst of my absence, I forgot to share the thought for thinking*through*design!  The thought my team was assigned was chevrons.  Ah, the controversial chevron.  Definitely a trendy item, ugly when used poorly (or from the 70s & 80s), super hip when well executed.  One thing is for sure, they can be a dizzying, head ache triggering pattern.  But, as you can see from my new blog background, I like them in moderation.  (Yes, moderation is a rule I *try* to live by, I don’t always succeed, but it’s my goal). 

Here is my thought from the thinking*through*design on chevrons.

Chevrons are incredibly trendy right now.  They communicate many different things, nearly all of which with a very strong emphasis.  I feel that I need to be careful in my use of chevrons because to me, the effect can be a little bit dizzying.  I also like to be a little cautious with chevrons because I do not want to look back at my albums and say “chevrons, that was so 2012”.  However, when I want to create a page that conveys movement, they are a great option!  In this page, I used a large but simple chevron pattern.  I kept it controlled by making it just a vertical border that my photos were mounted on.  The movement of the carnival ride felt very appropriate with the movement of the chevrons, as well as the excitement of my kiddos on the ride.  To communicate movement, excitement or business, few elements convey that with more strength than the chevron.  So embrace the chevron and what it can do for you.

***************************************************************************************

This is a digital page.  Echo Park (from www.jessicasprague.com) digital supplies.  I made the mask for the chevrons and duplicated them.  Dabbling in digital work every now and then can be a fun way to shake up things, especially if you feel in a rut. 

You still have time to create a page with chevrons and share it here!

Okay, I Can’t *not* Blog

Yup, you busted me….I’m a complete blogging addict……

I just can’t walk away! 

If I make something that I think is so awesome I have to share it, well, I just have to share it!! 

But I’m not going to be blogging regularly yet.  I’m still working out some details of the relaunch.

To tease you though, and keep you interested…..here is some goodness!!!

 

I was talking with someone today and she mentioned a handmade handbag she had seen for sale.  But it was $60 and she said she wouldn’t spend that much (I don’t blame her!)  But immediately, I thought in my mind “but I could make one for her!”

So I set to work.

And this is what I finished.  (it’s a revisit of the Ruffled bag I did last December).

Remodel Update!

As you can see by the background, I'm making some changes around here.  I'm preparing for my relaunch!  My goal at the moment is to be back up and blogging September 10.  I will have a few giveaways ready and more!

Be sure to mark your calendar for Sept 10!!

Excuse the dust.....

We're remodeling.  If you want to know more....see the post below!

Thanks friends!

Dear Friends

Hi friends and faithful blog readers.  I just returned from a fantastic and wonderful weekend with some of my friends from the Club Creating Keepsakes message board.  We organized our own little get together and let the mayhem reign on an innocent unsuspecting town in Central Washington.  Ah, but it was a blast!

On the way home though, I was reflecting about my blog, my photography and my scrapping.  I’ve been in a real funk lately.  I think a part of it is because of how much we’ve been travelling and how busy we’ve been.  But I’ve also been trying to sort out some mixed emotions about rejection (design team and publication) and such.  While I know I’m far from a star scrapbooking artist, I’ve been struggling with the aspect of sharing my work recently.  I don’t know if it’s unreasonable pressure I’ve put on myself or maybe a bit of jealousy that the few same people are selected for everything and it’s so incredibly hard to break into anything without being incredibly pushy.  I can’t identify what, but I can identify that that aspect is stressing me and taking some of the fun from this hobby.  I usually *love* blogging.  For three years I loved doing it.  I still do.  But I’m at a weird fork in the road. 

I’m not burned out.  But I have some other unidentified emotion I need to work through at the moment.  I realized that I have only posted a handful of posts since June.  Since it is my personal goal to post 5 days a week, this is a huge failure to me.  I don’t feel guilty about it, because it was my own expectation, and it makes me no less of a blogger or artist.  I’ve also taken only a handful of pictures.  And the weird thing is they haven’t turned out.  I’ve been a very poor photographer lately.  I think my haze is affecting the way I see things through the camera, which only provides further discouragement.

That all being said, I’ve decided I need to take a few weeks off.  I need to step back.  Do some pages for only me.  Let it all be no pressure.  Let me re-identify what my purpose, goal and desire is.  Well, I really know what it is, it’s to teach.  But I need to take some time to hone that, set a new path to hopefully fulfill that.  To do that though, I need to step back for a bit and not be in a position of rejection or implied failure.  That means, I need to not be sharing anything.  Because, if I don’t share, there is no failure.  Understand?
I’m taking the rest of the month of August off.  I’m going to just play.  At this point, my honest intention is to come back Sept 1.  If that changes, I’ll let you know.  Until then, have a great summer!! 

**UPDATE**
First of all, thank you friends, for your very kinds comments and e-mails.  You warmed my heart.  I'm so thankful for all of you!!
I want to say I WILL be back Sept 1.  I am going to take this time off to redefine my purpose and recreate a few things.  It will be a good thing.  I am already working on some ideas, what I want to achieve, what my goals are.  And I'm feeling so happy and relieved of the pressure, and thrilled that I will be going in the direction I really want to go in, instead of fitting into someone else' cookie cutter (because I don't do that well).  Thanks all, and have a great (hopefully not too hot) August!