About four years ago, after my first two books were published, I kind of took a break from scrapbooking. To be honest, I was 100% burned out. I'd been writing about scrapbooking and making samples and gluing my fingers to things for so many years I think maybe I just needed a break.
And I needed to study up on writing fiction...so when my first contract for a three-book series had to do with scrapbooking, I had to mentally plunge myself back into the things I loved about my little hobby turned career.
It wasn't the glue or the art or the getting messy that came to mind. It was the people. This week (and next) I get to share with you about the people that make scrapbooking so amazing, people who in ways, inspired the Circle to come to life in Sweethaven.
People like my friend Vicki Boutin:
Vicki is every bit as lovely in person as you would expect. She's fun and funny and when you trip coming out of the hotel elevator she only makes fun of you for a minute. Minute and a half.
One of the inspired by Sweethaven themes is "getting away"...more specifically, "getting away with friends..." and that's just the topic Vicki is scrapping today. Look at her adorable layout:
Vicki made the excellent point that sometimes getting away and making time for herself is just what she needs to be a better wife and mother, and I must say, I completely understand.
Vicki used The Escape from Little Yellow Bicycle and the butterflies are Jillibean Soup. She painted a white border around the photo and added some Doodlebug stamps.
That messy, scraps of patterned paper photo mat is killing me. I love the way that looks. (Vicki, I'm lifting that!) :)
But what an adorable way to capture those special get-aways, to say, Sweethaven.
Have you been there yet? :)
If not, you can head right over to Amazon or Barnes and Noble's website and order your copy today... OR, you can head over to Vicki's blog and try your luck at her giveaway because she is giving away a signed copy of A Sweethaven Homecoming today.
She's also sweet enough to let me give away a signed copy of her new book:
You can read more about this awesome book HERE.
To Enter:
Just leave a comment and tell me: Where would you go if you had a weekend to get away?
As usual, I like to up your chances to win so tweet, blog, facebook, pin or enter Vicki's giveaway and then come back and leave another comment for each one you do. That's lots of extra chances AND, yes, it helps spread the word.
And writing books is all about word-spreading, eh?
(I threw that in there because Vicki is awesomely Canadian.) :)
Happy Tuesday!
