playful.productive.present

It flew the coop this week.

Time that is. Maybe it was the Monday holiday, maybe something else ... whatever it was, I'm stunned that it's already Friday again.

I'm subscribed to the Organizing Tip of the Day (MarthaStewart.com) and this one today, made me laugh out loud ...

"Find inspiration from Martha's own
craft room, which is ingeniously
organized and perpetually neat."

really?
Well then my guess is she isn't using very often!
And maybe I'm just a little perturbed because I have been wanting to clean up my own studio. Which by the way is also ingeniously organized, used every single day of my life and therefore perpetually MESSY.

but then, we don't want Martha to be messy. Martha wouldn't be Martha if she was messy.

 

One of the projects that came out of my craft room this week was two sophomores dressed and ready for their DECCA showcase. There are a lot of things I could be better at as a mother, but I do have paint and letter stamps!

Speaking of projects ... I am loving the exposure BPS is getting at Examiner.com

Michelle Vocke, the national scrapbooking and stamping examiner will be doing a series of interviews and articles on us and I couldn't be more thrilled. We starting off with a promo code that you can use on almost any class we have posted now -- click here and read the article. Thanks Michelle!

I'm currently working on some pretty big projects and looking at only TENish more days of school. I know many of you have already started summer ... but I'm still in that "Oh No! Here we go again!" place. I SO WANT my kids home and am craving the looser schedule and NO HOMEWORK (except what Dad assigns) but it takes some serious planning ... I gave Lauren the day off today and so Addie and I enjoyed running errands this morning. We stopped at Michaels and I stocked up on summer craft supplies. I'm mentally working on my summer plan -- will post soon. 

One thing I'd like to make time for is this ...

The Farm Chicks annual antique show, which is next weekend here in Spokane.

A "farm chick" is girl who sees the world through rose-colored glasses. She loves her family. She laughs a lot. She's farm girl meets fifth avenue. And with a little junk, she'll change the world.

How can you NOT want to be a farm chick? The original farm chicks, Serena and Teri are from my neck of the woods and apparently they put on one heck of a great party. So ... while I'm not sure I'm up to waiting two hours in line, which is what some of my friends will be doing, I am hoping to go check it out. Serena and Teri have a NEW book too. Here's the link.

I just heard my boy Chase come in, so I'll sign off with that. 

be happy!

Project 365 + something NEW ...

So, in case you've noticed, I'm terribly behind on posting my daily photos for Project 365.
This is my daily photo for Sunday, May 24th.

This is my favorite image of Lizzy and Addie playing with Play Doh at the picnic table on the deck. I wish the table support wasn't in the way, but I still love it and I love that I thought to crouch down and take it -- yeah me!

I am still taking my daily photos, so all I have to do is export them, add them to my blog and write the little blurb. Perhaps like me you've fallen a bit behind? If so, I'm going to challenge you to join me this week in spending 15 minutes a day catching up. Use a timer and set it, either first thing in the morning or just before bed --- and focus for 900 seconds whatever it is you need to do.

I'm thinking that I can be caught up and ready to go for next Monday, June 1st.

What do you think?

 If you're keeping up with blogs written by "former" Simple Scrapbooks editors and team members, then you may be aware that something NEW is coming. I personally can take ZERO credit for what will soon be unveiled, but I am extremely proud of the collaborative efforts to bring YOU something that will promote the SS philosophy and help you stay connected to many of the personalities you have come to know and love through the pages of Simple Scrapbooks.

 

I will be supporting this effort and contributing as often as possible.
Here's a peek at my first assignment.

Stay tuned!

Lilacs.

so pretty and so fragrant.

LOVE lilacs.
I hope you enjoy a grateful and FUN Memorial Day.

Wow. more global connections ...

I love hearing from BPS students and blog readers and generally I keep these emails and letters to myself, because they tend to be personal, but ... in the spirit of my last post I'm going to share a few additional people and "connections" that have come into my life because of scrapbooking. 

I received two very thoughtful gifts this week, from girls in my Library of Memories class.

 

First, decorative napkins from Sharon in New Zealand. I LOVE decorative napkins (thank YOU.)

Sharon wrote to me that LOM has helped her past the feeling of being "totally overwhelmed with trying to scrap all of my photos chronologically -- I honestly was at the point of wanting to quit all together" She goes on to write that she is learning to look at her life differently. She realized that she was not telling the stories (about her and her husband) she most wanted to tell. The most exciting part for me, is that Sharon not only wants to scrap again but now knows how to tell those stories that will really matter.

 

Second, I received sprinkles from Jacoba. Jacoba lives in Canada, shares my birthday and was raised in the Dutch tradition of eating sprinkles on her bread! How cool is that? Jacoba, who is in LOM for the second year, also has four adoarable boys, so she has eagerly embraced the photo freedom that comes from non-chronological scrapbooking. The Julians are looking forward to eating sprinkles on toast tomorrow morning --- thank YOU Jacoba.

 

This is Lisa. Lisa doesn't live half way around the world from me -- she lives in Spokane. But I still wouldn't "know" her if I wasn't a scrapbooker. Lisa is also taking LOM this year (although her class assignments have taken a backseat priority to her goal of running a marathon, which she did on May 16th.) I met Lisa at the local event I attended on the 15th. I got an email yesterday, letting me know that she reached her goal.

LISA, I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!

I know what it takes to be a busy mother and make the decision to run a marathon. I know the elation of running 10 miles and thinking to yourself "I can't believe I can run 10 miles" I know the overwhelming feeling that comes with the realization that 10 miles is less than half the distance of a marathon. I am acquainted with the sheer mental exertion that is required to keep yourself running at 17, 18 and 19 miles.

I know what it feels like to come home from a long run and realize that the marathon day with family and to-do list is just beginning -- that the bath, massage or nap that your body needs is not a part of the plan.

I know the sense of fortitude that you gain by making this kind of commitment. I know how it changes your view of life and yourself. You believe you can pretty much do anything once you've run a marathon.

I AM SO *totally* PROUD OF YOU!

And finally, remember the sixteen pancakes I failed to photograph on Clark's birthday?


Rose (who lives in Utah) got the picture. Lookee -- she has started the same tradition in her home.  And hello? How cute is her daughter ("Clark, come and see ....")

If you stop and think of all the ways we benefit our families through the ideas, traditions and gratitude we share as scrapbookers, it is nothing short of AMAZING.

When you Teach A Friend to Scrapbook, tell her ...

Tell her she is in for one amazing ride. Tell her she is joining a worldwide sisterhood of life-loving women, that are eager to connect and share and help her recognize and preserve what matters most.

Life is most definitely GOOD. Have a wonderful and productive weekend!

Wow.

I just received an email from Francisca, in the Netherlands.
She wrote ali, becky, donna, cathy, jessica and me to say thank you.

In fact, she created this scrapbook page that acknowledges what each of us have contributed to her life and to her personal development as a scrapbooker --- and I'm right with her in admiration for these other women. Being a part of this industry and even better this global connection of story-tellers is no small thing.

I can't even find words right now (imagine that)

I want Francisca to know that (and I'm pretty sure I speak for my friends here) *we* are still a bit surprised by the opportunity we have to work and share in this amazing hobby. We can't believe that there are women in the Netherlands (and all over the world) that read what we write and appreciate what we teach. We are humbled by the responsibility we feel to nurture our industry at this crucial time. We feel incredibly blessed and we are SO Thankful for YOU.

When you read this post, visit the Fickr link below Francisca's layout and leave her comment. Tell her where you are from and how you feel connected to her --- and if you have time, leave your name and location here too. Let's have a mini celebration of global connection.

WOW.

You have my permission to use ...

Freshly captured photos to help you document memories for which you don't have a picture.

I couldn't resist snapping this photo of Taft reading this book that holds so many memories for me. Back in March, I blogged about the recollection that initiated my search to find this book. Interestingly enough, it was a blog reader that helped me find it! $45 dollars later (can you really put a price on extending the life of a really good memory?) Taft can now curl up with the same book that I loved when I was eight.

good stuff.

When you Teach A Friend to Scrapbook

tell her that her 10,000 photos can be look at, not as an obligation, but an opportunity. Tell her the easiest and most authentic approach to scrapbooking begins with a memory. Once she has a memory in mind, she can either take or find a photo that illustrates her memory.

Tell her it really is that EASY.

I promised myself yesterday (no matter what) that I would plant flowers in the pots on my porch. At 8:30 last night, I started. It think starting counts. Today the sun was up early and I'm hoping it gets a bit warmer (with less wind) I plan to continue after work.

 

I just created this layout in 22 minutes (taking one phone call in the middle) It is based on the conversation I had with Taft, yesterday a.m. I found the photos of Taft with me and Geoff behind the Together Forever tab in the All About Us drawer, and the photos of Taft with grandma and grandpa behind the Grandparents + Me  in the People We Love drawer.

It's nothing to rave about and it won't win any contests. But I LIKE it.

Make a page you like this weekend. Make it with photos of people YOU love.

When you TEACH a FRIEND to SCRAPBOOK ... (edited)

I've fallen a bit behind on my "tell her" tips for National Scrapbooking Month. To make up for last ground, here's ONE of my very BEST TIPS.

NOTE: I just added the sale price on the Fiskars trimmer and the link to Scrapbook.com for the Kokuyo pouch.

When you Teach a Friend to Scrapbook,

that one of the smartest things she can do is put together a collection of basic tools and keep them within arms reach of where she stands or sits.

The first thing she will need is a trimmer that will cut both photos and paper. 

 

I bought one just like this in 1993, when I signed up to be a D.O.T.S. demonstrator. I have never sharpened the blade and it's still going strong! These heavy, hard to find and now cost around a $100, so ...

 

starting out, it makes more sense to get something that is portable. I don't think it really matters which trimmer you use, as long as you like it! Call me old fashioned, but I still like this Fiskars paper trimmer with the ruler that extends out to the side. BTW ...This trimmer is on sale for only $8.99 (regularly over $20)

Next up, is a small pair of scissors for detailed paper cutting and ribbon and just about everything else. Here again, specific brand doesn't matter really, except that you'll know when you find a pair you LOVE.

 

I LOVE these. I have three pair, because I get really bugged when I can't find a pair.

Once you cut things up, it's time to paste. I'm a firm believer that you can and should save money where possible. When you are adhering paper to paper you can use any acid-free glue stick. 

Yup. Buy mine at Costco or Staples.

 

These, from Martha Stewart are in fact much cuter and available at Scrapbook.com, but seriously, buy in bulk and then you won't stress when you leave the lid off (which for me is every time!)

I like to move fast when I'm scrapbooking, so my FAVORITE photo to paper adhesive is hands-down the Kokuyou Dot-n-Roller repositionable adhesive. Replacing cartridges is a snap and the dispenser itself is super easy to pick up and use. I was introduced to this adhesive by my friend Kris Parkin (who incidentally introduced me to scrapbooking, via Creative Memories. That was in 1994)

Not long ago, I blogged about my new ATG dispenser, which I also really like and use at home, with ribbon and photos when I need a really good permanent hold.

 

I think a see-through ruler is a must-have. If you can, tie a ribbon to one end, so that you don't lose it on your desk. This of course never happens to me!

Other handy items to keep with your basics, are ...

A PENCIL and a soft, white eraser for removing pencil lines and other smudges from all kinds of paper.

JOURNALING PENS. I always keep 4 or 5 black American Crafts Precision Pens in my favorite point sizes (.01, .03 and .08) in my "to-go" case.

I also love this paper piercer, from Lasting Impressions for Paper. It's a mere $3 and I love the way the wood handle feels. Here again, I've got three.

 

The Doodlebug cutting mat and craft knife. CUTE and totally functional. The cutting mat is big enough to use and small enough to travel with the the craft knife has an adorable flower on the end that prevents it from rolling off your work space!

 

One last item that just makes sense is some UN-DU adhesive remover. Trust me, this comes in handy all over your house!

So ... there you have it. Stacy's collection of BASIC TOOLS.

When I scrapbook away from home, I ALWAYS bring my basic tools and a materials file full of photos and products I need to update or complete a current project. I admire women that can drag it ALL behind them, neatly packed away in two or three totes, each the size of dog house, but I'm generally flying or flying out the door and have to travel light.

 

This is my preferred zipper pouch and here again, I LOVE it.
It packs easily and the top zips down so I can easily grab what I need. Tip: stick your paper piercer in your eraser and be sure your craft knife has a lid. I probably don't need to tell you that I learned this one the hard way!

As you share this amazing hobby with family and friends share your excitement for the endless array of AMAZING and innovative tools available to us, but PLEASE don't make her think that she has to have them ALL. I think one of the biggest barriers to getting started in scrapbooking is the assumption that it is so expensive. When you start with your best memories, some paper you love and a collection of basic tools, you can start with the assurance that you have what you need.

I promise.

I'm back with Today ...

Wow. Life has been crazy lately. I've become accustomed to a general sense of crazy, but every now and again when I travel twice within a four week period and there are family celebrations and milestones and looming projects, the crazy exceeds my current limit and things start to "fall off."

First thing to go? The blog.

but hey, at least I'm not letting the kids "fall off."

It's good to be back.
I'm returning with this very pretty bowl of strawberries. Do me a favor and photograph something you eat today. In the northern hemisphere, we're finally heading into spring and I'm so looking forward to eating beautiful food. Speaking of food ...

Today ... I ate breakfast (sitting at the table) before I woke up the kids. Note to self: Do this again sometime soon.

Today ... I have a meeting with our BPS Featured Teachers, Elizabeth, Georgana and Lisa. I am really enjoying connecting to them once a month, as we work together on bringing the BPS community our first round of inspiring project classes.

Today ... I enjoyed this conversation with Taft as he was headed to the bus stop.

Mom: Who loves you the most?

Taft: My mom. She loves me first. Who loves me second? My Grandma. Who loves me third? My Dad. Who loves me fourth? My Grandpa.

Mom: I think you are a very loved little boy.

Taft: That's for sure.

I'm hoping to find time to let this exchange become a scrapbook page. I've committed myself to two pages a week for the final weeks of Library of Memories and I'm just barely scraping by. 

Today ... I noticed how much Chase has changed in one year. He recently traded in his glasses for contacts and taught himself how to put them in (this required some serious effort and patience.) He comes downstairs smelling really good and brushes his teeth without being asked. He refuses to admit that he has a crush. I'm naive, but I'm not stupid.

Today ... I'm planting flowers in my pots on my porch, no matter what!

What are you doing, no matter what?

Friday, I'm staying home ...

and kicking off this event. The Inspired Creations Extravaganza is a collaborative effort by three friends (Sheryl, Crystal and Bonnie) with a vision to spread the FUN of scrapbooking. I figured since it is Teach A Friend to Scrapbook month over at Scrapbook.com, I'd better jump at the chance to join them. Seriously, the venue is 10 minutes from my house and Sheryl extended a personal invitation, so I'm there.

If by chance you live in Spokane and need something to do this weekend, there is still room for about 10 or 15 people. The cost is $50 dollars for two full days of cropping. You can come and go as you like and you'll receive $35 dollars worth of product with your registration. There are a variety of technique demonstrations planned for both days. Most importantly, there will be potential friends and lots of space to spread out.

I'll be attending tomorrow (Friday) from 11:00 to 3:00. I'll bring BPS goodies and a handful of other giveaways.

I'll be speaking to anyone and everyone who wants to listen at 11:00. We're going to talk about color inspiration and finding your own happy colors. My hope is that I'll convince you to check your "matchy matchy" tendencies at the door, so you can be more playful and more productive (WARNING: You'll have a lot more FUN too)

If you have any questions at all, feel free to call Sheryl at 991-5393

So sorry for the short notice.

While I've got your attention, we've open registration for our 4Experts workshop with the amazing and talented Jenni Bowlin. Twelve weeks with Jenni will prove to be invaluable in your ability to find and use inspiration in the world around you. I hope you'll check out the details and listen to Jenni talk about her plans.

And then ... stop by Tip Junkie, a delightful blog dedicated to excavating and sharing tips for creative ideas. Laurie is highlighting a mini-book I created for Father's Day last year. If you're new to my blog, you just might want to have a peek!

I also had the GREAT opportunity to write up a little article for Mermaids of the Lake a super-cool online community based right here in Liberty Lake, WA.

In fact, when you Teach a Friend to Scrapbook,

tell her NOT to leave her love of photo albums behind. Designing layouts inside a big, beautiful 12x12 album is an amazing opportunity to play with personal expression, but it is NOT a realistic approach for scrapbooking the vast majority of the photos you choose to scrapbook. Yes, I just said that. Once we've been enlightened with the possibilities that blank pages hold, we sometimes we take on a "never look back"  attitude that is often borderline snobbish. Please tell your friend that anytime you pair photos with memories, you are scrapbooking. And when you start with the easy and inviting format of a photo album you can get focus on the memories and still have lots of fun!

I'll be sharing more tips and ideas for Photo Album Scrapbooks, very soon. In the meantime, the next time you see some of these ...

 

buy a few. Trust me.

Life is hard.

Don't you think?
I do.
Life is an amazing gift and an opportunity that I'm convinced we don't fully understand. There are often things that transpire that we simply can't anticipate or be prepared for. These are the things that prepare us (if we let them) to move forward and become what we have the potential to become. When challenging  things happen that you can't understand, I believe you can fall back on faith -- faith in yourself, faith in friendship, faith in forgiveness and faith in God. I think above all the experiences anyone can have on this earth, the greatest is that of building relationships that will stand the "test" of life and time.

I have spent the better part of two days caught up in emotion that I can feel in a very literal way. I hurt. I have reflected and prayed and cried and reflected and prayed some more. On my jog this morning I had this very specific thought, which I believe is inspired:

What was said or done isn't important. Whether or not these things were said and done intentionally is not important. What's important is the perception that has developed. Perception on the part of someone you care about is the reality you must begin to face if healing is to take place.

I know this is all very vague, but I wanted to share this idea with you because I believe it is absolutely true. Because this thought came to me with such force, I will now spend today finding a greater degree of compassion and compassion always brings clarity.

I will be more careful and more conscious. I will do more listening than speaking and ...

I will remember that while life is hard, it is also very, very good.