Telling Stories

Scrapbooking Your Faith Weekly Prompts {Week Five}

 

(why can't youtube give me decent thumbnail choices? I mean, really.) 

 Here is the layout I made for this week...

 

This week's prompt: Create a layout to remind yourself what God says about you as opposed to what people say about you. Use verses or quotes, but take the focus off of any negativity that's been spoken over you and focus instead on the truth of God's words. 

I really wanted to break a layout down for you, but that meant photographing in my office at night. If you can't bear with the horrible lighting, click the red X in the upper right-hand corner of your screen now. 

Usually when I start a page, I have a vague idea of what I want to do...but it's really vague. I grab my supplies:

I tend to pull everything that might possibly work on a layout out onto my desk. Makes for fun clean-up. In this case, I am using the "It's the Little Things" line from Fancy Pants, which I absolutely love.  

Step One: Use the product packaging to cut handmade scallops to go underneath your photo:

I'm a huge fan of using packaging because you get a "stripe" of all the different patterns. I cut from both ends to give a little variety. 

Step Two: Cut solid black scallops to "break up" the pattern so it doesn't get lost. In this picture, you can see I was planning to use this die cut flower on the upper right of my photo. 

Step Three: Use the leftover piece of the product packaging to cut out letters for your title. In this case, I left the "O" out because I saw a sticker heart I knew I wanted to use. Once I finished the title, I realized the die cut flower wouldn't fit where I'd planned. I also adhered my scallops down to help me keep my photo placement. 

Step Four: If there's a good amount of white space in your photo, you can use it to add a bit of decoration. Here, I used my baker's twine (From Divine Twine), tied it around my photo and then used Foam Squares to pop the whole thing up off the layout:

Step Five: The photo still needed more, so I found these paper flowers and layered them with Foam Squares, using a flower shaped sticker for the center. 

Step Six: I still loved that die cut flower, so I decided to cut it in half and use it in the blank upper right of my page. Using that as the foundation, I layered a few other cut elements, including die cuts and stickers, incorporating a bit of dimension underneath just a couple things:

Step Seven: Next, I finished my title by adding the heart and then adhering my hand-cut letters with small Foam Squares. These letters and the scallops really gave me the handmade look I wanted for this page. I also used a few mini letter stickers to create the "I Am" part of the title:

Step Eight: I stood back and looked at my page. It was still a little bare. So, I used the other half of my die cut flower, popped up a little rainbow die cut and used a coordinating paper flower and button to create a cluster of embellishments in the lower left-hand corner of my photo:

Step Ten: Still, I thought my page needed one more thing. A border to bring it all together. But I didn't want a straight border, I wanted a rounded rectangle. So, I used a scratch piece of cardstock, rounded the corners and traced around it with a pencil. I used a ruler on the straight lines: 

This worked like a charm. 

Scrapbooking Your Faith on Facebook:

So, to help make sharing easier, I'm thinking of starting a Scrapbooking Your Faith Facebook group where we can share pages and prompts, etc. but I refuse to just put people in the group without asking them, so if you're interested, shoot me an email or leave me a comment with your Facebook info and we'll get that started! This will be a GREAT way to stay in touch!

***

OH! And....We have a winner!!!

All four of these books will find a happy home...

IS....

 Jane said...

Hi Courtney, I found your scrapbooking faith challenges this week and love all of the ideas. I want to start an Art journal with this in mind. I came over from Homegrown Stephanie's blog. I have been following along with her since 2007. So glad to find you and all of these wonderful books. God has been speaking to me about gentleness. I have struggles that seem to fire me up. So He's telling me to watch,listen,and use some gentleness in my attitude, behavior and reactions. I look forward to seeing you again next Friday. Thanks!

ReplyMay 18, 2012 at 07:14 PM

Jane, send your address to me at courtneycrops{at}msn{dot}com and we'll get your books out pronto! 

***

So, tell me, are you scrapbooking your faith? Finding it hard to dive in? I'd love to see what you're up to...and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Scrapbooking Your Faith {Week FOUR} & A Fiction GIVEAWAY!

Week Four already of Scrapbooking Your Faith! Here's a little video about this week's prompt and a cool Pinterst Project I was able to put to good use to finish it off! 

 

I got to share my "I Believe" project on the Creating Keepsakes blog, but I wanted to share it here too because it's really important to me to document this particular topic.

The funny thing is, I've made LOTS of "I Believe" layouts, some are lists, others are just one belief that I can document...and it seems as much as my beliefs stay the same, they're always changing too. 

Anyway. That's the scrapbooking element this week, but I was inspired to take the prompt for this week and do something a little different. A mixed media project I can display as a constant reminder. 

The prompt for this week is: Create a layout or project that focuses on one word or key phrase you know God wants you to focus on. Could be for this season of your life, this week, this month... What is God's plan for you in this moment? 

Also, be sure to check out the video where I talk about the cool Pinterest find on how to make these super simple tissue paper flowers! 

They might be my new favorite thing ever. 

So how about a giveaway?

How was that for a random change of subject?

This week, I am sooo excited because I get to offer the chance to win all three of the books I reviewed this week AND a copy of my book, A Sweethaven Summer. 

I do believe these will all be autographed and ONE  lucky winner will get to add all four to their bookshelves! 

Summer is right around the corner, so how can you resist beautiful stories that tug at your heartstrings and transport you to other worlds?!! 

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and I'll announce the winner NEXT Faith Friday! 

Sounds too good to be true. :) 

Girl Land BLOG HOP!

I'm really excited today to be a part of the Webster's Pages Blog Hop. I get to share all the time about all the amazing things our designers are doing with the new collections, but this time I had to crack some open for myself... 

Girl Land is our new line and it's goes ON SALE TODAY! 

Before I share my Blog Hop layout, I have to share one other fun thing. Today I've got a project over on the Scrapbook and Cards Today blog... and I'm really excited about this one.

It's an envelope book I made for Sophia. 

Each envelope has a letter from me to her, letters she can open at pivotal moments in her life. For instance: "For when you get your feelings hurt..." and "For when you lose your courage..." and "For when you need to feel loved..." 

Wednesday, I'll also be sharing a little tutorial on how to make an envelope book of your own!

I hope you'll join me on their blog this week! (We're giving away a Girl Land Collection Kit on Friday!)

Speaking of giveaways...I'm hoping that our Girl Land Blog Hop brought you here...

It starts over on the Webster's Pages blog and continues through SIXTEEN fabulous designers' blogs. Among those 16, we've hidden SEVEN big prizes...but we're not telling you which blogs are the prize blogs! 

This is my Blog Hop Layout:

(Photo by LyndseyLew Photography)

Did I mention we're giving away the entire collection?

I'm actually the last stop on the Girl Land Blog Hop, but if you haven't started yet, head over to the Webster's Pages blog for all the details. Sixteen blogs with sixteen different inspiring projects... seven mystery blogs with prizes! All you have to do is comment and you could win! 

I don't know about you, but I think that sounds like pretty good odds! 

So tell me, what colors are inspiring you right now? I can't promise my blog has a giveaway on it... but you might as well enter just in case! (The prizes are SO worth it!)

Happy Monday!

Scrapbooking Your Faith Weekly Prompts {Week Three}

It's the third week in this Scrapbooking Your Faith venture, and I'm finding that I'm sort of coming up with prompts based on whatever kind of week I'm having. Maybe if I pre-plan a "Scrap Your Blessings" week, I'll have a WEEK of blessings?

Hm. It's worth a shot.

Regardless...here's the video for today's prompt: 

 

For the record, my thumbnail choices are atrocious. Come on Youtube!

So, here's this week's prompt:

Scrapbook (or document) a disappointment and talk about how it
stretched / challenged / shook your faith. 

I took a bit of a sideways approach with my layout because I didn't document specific disappointments...rather, I looked at disappointment as a whole and created a page based on something God's taught me recently...that HOPE never disappoints. 

I shared this photo yesterday on my blog, but I wanted to do more with it. I want to always remember (because I DO fear hoping)...that hope is a very good thing...and if your hope is in HIM, you won't be disappointed...

That said, you better believe there are times when I want things to go a certain way and they don't... I could easily scrapbook those times too. And since we all have them, so could you.

Take the opportunity to look at something that just STINKS and journal your feelings about it. 

My friend, Tania Willis (you can find her blog HERE) created a layout inspired by this week's prompt:

(Click on the image for a larger version so you can read her amazing journaling.) 

I LOVE that Tania didn't use a photo on this page. This page is all about getting her feelings out on paper...writing the words that her heart needs to say...

...and hitting on some solid truths that we all feel. It's funny how I can relate to so much of what she's written here...

"Because of it, I’ve lived the last several years of my life hoping
with a fragile kind of hope.
Because of it, I’ve come to learn that it’s only by God’s mercy
that I haven’t let disappointments consume me.
Because of it, it’s taken a while for the concept of
God’s mercy to sink in, but it never fails to test me again."

I so get this...don't you?

Here's what I've learned...God doesn't expect us to always be laid back and never feel disappointment, but there are lessons in these things if we look hard enough. Just writing/scrapbooking through these feelings can be SO helpful in finding the truth of them.

And suddenly, these hurtful things have a purpose. Is it going to solve all of your problems? Ha. I wish. But it might help you put things into perspective. 

So, this week...are you in? Have you ever felt disappointed? Can you turn that disappointment into a layout/art journal page or some other documentation? Share your links in the comments so we can all be inspired! 

Scrapbooking Your Faith Weekly Prompts {Week Two}

 Ah, here we are again...time for another installment of "Faith Fridays." 

Let me start with this trust little video because I know you're all dying to stare at my dark roots and asymmetrical nostrils. 

 

To note: 

1. My favorite phrase is "super excited". 

2. I swear I didn't "color outside the lip lines" with my lipstick. I checked it twice, but it still looks off. Whatevs. 

3. There is no good natural lighting in our house. 

Now that we've gotten that out of the way...here is my layout:

The prompt is: Create a page or project to serve as a word of encouragement for yourself or someone you love. For me, this layout was a way to remind my son of something God's already done in our life.

Also, part of the challenge would be to create something that you could easily integrate right into your regular, annual albums. This page isn't overtly "faith-based", yet the journaling very much is what I wanted to remind him of. 

So, that's the prompt for this week. 

I think after I created this for Ethan, I needed to do something to remind myself as well...so I did this art journal page:

Here's a close up on the journaling:

To me, this was 1000% therapeutic. Sometimes you just have to get lost in the paint. Regardless of how accomplished (or not) you are. 

I created her bubble skirt using tissue paper and gel medium. I tore small pieces and balled them up, dabbing a dot of gel medium inside and then dabbing a dot on the back. Once it was all in place, I covered the whole thing in gel medium. 

It's not going anywhere. 

This week, I'm especially excited because I'm featuring the ridiculously amazing work of mixed media artist and god-lover, Stephanie Ackerman from Homegrown Hospitality. 

Here is Stephanie's take on this prompt:

I think I may use her project as a jumping off point for whatever I do next week just because it's so darn inspiring. The truth in this..."Out of my hands and into his..." is SUCH a great reminder, and I love how she really created something meaningful for herself. 

You can see more of Stephanie's project on her blog HERE. Scroll around there, it's amazing! 

So, there you have it...don't forget to share your projects once you get going...I cannot WAIT to see what you guys come up with! 

And finally, the winner of the life-changing, soul-jarring book "Lost and Found"
by the fabulous Ginny Yttrup is...

ROBBIE IOBST! 

Robbie, send me your address and we'll get it in the mail! (And if you aren't Robbie, head over to amazon to pick up a copy for yourself. It's a gift. I promise.)

Scrapbooking Your Faith Weekly Prompts {Week One}

I'm so excited to share the very first "Faith Friday" Scrapbooking Your Faith Prompt!

 

Things I've learned from making videos of myself: 

1. One of my nostrils is bigger than the other.

2. You should never film yourself with the camera looking up at you. Even the slightest angle can show all your chins. 

3. There is nowhere in our house that seems to have good natural light. 

Today's Prompt: 

Scrapbook/Journal/Document Your Truth. 

What I mean by this is, document your latest revelation, your latest word from God. The most recent thing you don't want to forget. Your ah-ha moment...

Here's my page:

I'd like to apologize now for crummy lighting. It's been overcast and I took these photos THREE times. sigh. 

Regardless, you can see I'm all about keeping it VERY simple. It's important for me not to overwhelm myself with the crazy pressure of creating art right now. I'm on deadline and very busy preparing to move...so simple and easy is the name of the game. 

The point is, I don't want to forget the story. That's the most important thing. I don't want to forget what it's like to be in the middle of this revelation...

I've hidden the journaling behind the strips of patterned paper. This makes it easier if you happen to be journaling something you don't really want everyone to read. 

Clearly, I'm not:

In this case, I took the words straight from my blog post (which is where I digest most of this stuff anyway...) 

My embellishments were few and I printed the title right on the photo to make this whole thing even easier. 

Now, what about you? What revelation will you document? 

How would you like to win a copy of "Lost and Found" by Ginny Yttrup?

Leave me a comment and I'll enter you in a drawing to win an autographed copy of Ginny's book. I can't explain the importance of reading something so powerful, and the fact that the revelation comes through a fictitious story...you'll be amazed. 

Now...for the five winners of "Scrapbooking Your Faith"...

1. Stacy Caddy

2. Renee J.

3. Kimberli

4. Karen Larson

5. Susan C.

You five, email me your addresses at: courtneycrops{at}msn{dot}com and I'll get those out to you! 

And, like I said in the video, I hope you'll link up here when you finish your projects...even if they're simple (like mine), they can still inspire.

Have a wonderful weekend! 

 

A Sweethaven Page Map

This week, I have SO much to share...more on this crazy faith journey we're on and the first installment of  "Faith Friday" where I'm going to share "Scrapbooking Your Faith" (Or journaling/painting/documenting your faith) prompts to get you delving into your own faith journey...

But while I collect my thoughts, I have to tell you about something else I'm SO excited about!!!

This, my friends, is an exclusive Sweethaven Page Map designed by the amazing Becky Fleck to help celebrate my first novel, A Sweethaven Summer. 

Becky's first book, Page Maps, came out around the same time as my first book (I think) and wow, it just flew off the shelves. It is a book I keep out regardless of where we move. Since that time, she's also released Page Maps 2 and she has the most fabulous Page Maps website where you can create pages based on her sketches. 

Becky is not only amazingly talented, but she's wonderful to work with, she's encouraging and kind. I love when that happens. 

This sketch makes me so happy...and I want to invite you to join me in creating a page based on it too.

Here's my take: 

Rather than create a page specifically inspired by "A Sweethaven Summer", I decided to create a page about my life + "A Sweethaven Summer." More specifically, about this dream of writing my first novel coming true...

Having my first book signing is something I'll never, ever forget, so I wanted to document this part of the journey and Becky's sketch was such a great jumping off point. I find these sketches to be so helpful in sparking creativity. If you're ever stumped, hers is the website you need!

You can see I moved the placement of the flower/pinwheel element, mostly because I really loved this big Prima Flower and I really didn't have enough room for it in the bottom left-hand corner. But clustering it here with the photos made the whole thing come together. 

I then added three smaller flowers in place of that element to balance everything out. Those flowers along with the ones up at the top and the big one off-center create the visual triangle I needed to pull the whole thing together. 

So, do you want to give it a go?

To enter:

 Choose one of the theme prompts listed below and create a layout based on this sketch, in any size, any orientation, any way you want to interpret it and using any products you would like. Post a comment on this thread with a link to your entry.

The contest starts today and ends at midnight, Sunday, May13, 2012 (MST). This contest is open to everyone, everywhere!

THEMES:

• Create a layout about a friend or friends you haven't seen in a long time (or "create a layout that celebrates a special friendship). 
• Create a layout about a place that's special to you.
• Create a layout about a dream that came true (that is the theme of Courtney's sample page above).
• Create a layout about your first love.
• Create a layout inspired by the cover of "A Sweethaven Summer."

This contest will be running both on the PageMaps blog and on here on my blog, so feel free to enter on either one. 

What you can win: 

For more inspiration, grab your own copy of A Sweethaven Summer and spend a little time on the Page Maps site...there's SO much to see! 

Scrapbooking Your Faith Weekly Prompts {Won't You Join Me?}

I'm interrupting my story to gather the rest of my thoughts. I'll tell you all about how this move has already been challenging in that my son is acting out in school because he can't seem to process his emotions. I'll explain what it's like when well-meaning people plant a seed of doubt in your mind and how difficult it is to cling to what you know you know...

The story just keeps changing. Today our Realtor is coming by to talk about selling the house. When we moved here, I was terrified about our house in Rockford. It never did sell, but we have fabulous renters. 

Sometimes God works things out in a way you never expected. I love that. 

Because of it, I feel like I can walk into this next season with more peace. I don't know how God will work it out, but I know he will. I rest in that. 

Anyway. Today, I want to direct you to the Creating Keepsakes Magazine Blog where I'm guest posting (yay) and sharing a layout inspired by my book, A Sweethaven Summer. (Should go live later tomorrow!) Since I haven't talked about the 'ol book in awhile, I'll put in a shameless plug here...I think it'd make someone an awfully nice Mother's Day Gift, don't you? 

You can head right over HERE and enter to WIN a copy along with some fabulous scrapbooky prizes! 

I'm also working on some fun events to help spread the word about the book because we all know word of mouth is what really sells a book. 

If you've shared it with a reader in your life...thank you. Immensely. 

If you haven't, feel free. I'll pledge my undying devotion to you if you help spread the word. 

Too needy? 

Here's a little peek at the project I'm sharing over at CK...

(It's a map project. I love a good map.)

A few weeks ago, CK Editor Extraordinaire Jennafer Martin was in town and my good friend Liz and I got to meet up with her for breakfast:

I can't resist. I have to mention how sleepy I look. Wowza.

If there's one thing I LOVE about scrapbooking it's the friends I've made...which is why I'd LOVE for you to come join me for this new thing I'm doing right here on my blog. Six weeks of journaling prompts to help you Scrapbook Your Faith. 

Now, I'm not much of a video girl (which you will soon see givent he crummy webcam I'm using, but today I'm doing something I've never done before...a video announcement to tell you more about this fun idea.

I want to stress that this is NOT just for scrapbookers...this is for anyone...and I hope you'll join me...

At the risk of looking like a complete dork, here we go...(And the freeze frame/lighting are sooo flattering.)

 

So, let's recap (and talk about how you can WIN some GREAT, awesome, wonderful stuff.) 

1. Go over to the CK blog and enter to WIN A Sweethaven Summer and a scrapbooking prize package! (Post should be up tomorrow!) 

2. Leave me a comment on this post and you'll be entered to win a copy of Scrapbooking Your Faith (and one of the five winners will get a scrapbooking mystery box as well!) (And also, tell me if you're going to join in and journal YOUR faith!)

3. Come back next week for the first "Scrapbooking Your Faith" journaling prompt! It's going to be tons of fun! 

4. Tell Your Friends! 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

A New Way to Journal {And Some Winners!}

I wish I could ask my mom not to read this post, but I know she's the nosy type and would never comply. 

I want to tell you about something we're doing over at Webster's Pages. You know, when I started working there, Brandin told me not to blog about something unless I felt really strongly about it. You know, she didn't want me to turn myself into a Webster's Pages commercial. 

Thing is, I blog for Webster's Pages 3-4 times a week, and I could STILL find things to tell you about here on my blog...but I try to keep it all in check because, you know, I don't want to turn myself into a commercial for Webster's Pages. 

Anyway, this particular product is near and dear to my heart because I've gotten to be a part of it since the beginning...I've gotten to understand the process of conceptualizing a product and watch as it morphed into something unique and special and yes, simple. 

See, a few years ago, I wrote this book: 

I wrote it because I'd spent a lot of time trying to convince people to take up scrapbooking...but in all my badgering I realized something...

The number one reason people don't do it is because they're busy. 

So, I started thinking to myself..."You know, I'm busy too... and I don't really have time to spend hours on a scrapbook layout. How can we make this simpler?" 

The results of that brainstorm are in this book...(which you can get at amazon right now for just $8!!)

Now, I feel like we've taken it one step further with this new program called {blueprints*}. 

Incidentally, every time I type that word, I type "bluepritns" Every. Single. Time. 

Ok...feast your eyes...

So, this is what it is. 

A journal. This one is called "A Mother's Love." Inside are pages to write answers to the prompts we'll be posting on the Webster's Pages website every day starting April 12th. 

You'll finish just in time to wrap it up and give it to your mom for Mother's Day. Or, you can choose the prompts that are geared toward YOU being a mom...and save it for your own kids. 

It's like, the very easiest way to get your memories down into one place. 

Add photos where and when you want to (just stick them down, there's no pressure here...) 

The journal comes with an Embellishment pack and there are envelope pages to hold things like cards and pictures...You can snag your own HERE. 

I have to warn you though, there's a VERY limited supply and they've already started moving out of the warehouse. I'm going to be participating in this, answering my own prompts and giving some thought to this whole motherhood gig. 

Wanna come along?? :) 

***

Now it's time to finally tell you who the winners of the Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge are. This was HARD. I had to call in reinforcements to finally find winners. You guys are amazing. 

You can click HERE to find out more about the prizes, and thank you to everyone who played along! 

So, here they are...the WINNERS of the Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge! 

The Grand Prize Winner is...

Nicole Brenna with her take on Leslie Ashe's "Just Meant to Be Friends" layout. I absolutely love the little flags belowt he photo and the way Nicole wrapped her photo in twine. Love it! And the photo is adorable. 

First Place Goes To:

Laura Cox with her "Summer Traditions" layout. I love the way the waves swirl up over the journaling block, and capturing her boys in the same place at two different ages is just brilliant. 

Second Place Goes To:

Ann Jobes with her "Sweet as Honey" layout. I think the popped out honeycombs won me over, and the colors on this layout are so adorable. 

So, Nicole, Laura and Ann, send me your addresses so I can get your prizes out to you pronto! You can see some of the prizes in THIS POST but it's going to mostly be a surprise! Because who doesn't love a surprise? 

I have to add that I've chosen three additional Honorable Mentions. I wish I had prizes for these, but I did want to show them off because I LOVE them (and I really loved all of the entries! So much talent!) 

In no particular order...

"Sun Kissed Cheeks" by Emilia Van Den Heuvel...

"Capture Moments" by Kate Barber:

And "Never Say Never" by Naomi M.

Thanks to everyone who played along! I had so much fun...and I'm going to have even MORE fun sending out prizes! 

Happy Wednesday! Make it happier and (Go get you a {blueprints*} journal!)

Words That Speak

I confess. I'm a word nerd. I love words. I love to string them together to evoke emotions. What can I say? I'm a writer. 

But I also love how words can encourage and uplift...and I'm not above encouraging and uplifting myself. We all need a little pick-me-up every now and then. Today I want to share with you a tiny little book I created full of words and reminders that I often need. A little positive self-talk never hurt anyone. 

This book started with a few digital layouts. I used this Kitschy Digitals kit from jessicasprague.com (Click on the image to check it out.)

I thought of them like little cards, so they're small, like 2.5"x3.5" and I used the same basic design for each one. It made everything simpler.

So this is what the cards looked like:

I chose words that spoke to me. Words that really get me out of any funk I might be in. You could easily do this with Bible verses, words of wisdom, notes to yourself...anything that speaks to you. 

The trouble with digital is that they do you no good unless you print them out. And I knew I wanted these cards to be carry-aroundable. 

What? It's a word. 

So, I went for a hybrid mini album. I made the booklet by hand using accordian-folded cardstock which I covered with print-outs from my digital kit. 

Very simple little booklet, but powerful for me...because the words are powerful. 

What words speak to you? Have you put them in a place of importance to help you remember them? And isn't it funny how we often forget them, choosing instead to focus on other words...like can't or who do you think you are? or you'll never...? 

There has to be better words than these, don't you think? 

And also, tomorrow is the last day to enter the Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge! Are you entered?? Click HERE for details on how your art can win you big prizes!!

 

Dream Day & Some Fancy Pants

Today I'm over on The Crafty Power Blog sharing a little Fancy Pants love. This is my niece, Lilah. I got to hang out with her in November and then again over Christmas and I'd like to brag and say that I won her over because it was quite a proud moment in my life. 

I have to tell you how very much I love Fancy Pants. This collection is SO fun and I accidentally printed a few extra photos so I'm making more pages of Lilah. I love it! 

Fridays used to be a big writing day for me, but since I turned in the manuscript for A Sweethaven Christmas, today I've decided to catch up on something every bit as important as the writing... dreaming. And studying. And drinking a lot of coffee. 

Today is Dream Day. Sometimes I think you go along with life just accepting whatever comes your way, failing to stop and actually make the changes you need to make...and it's not until you get alone with your thoughts that you can really say "this needs to change." Or "This isn't right." Or "I can't do that anymore." 

For me, that day is today. I've been challenged by a very dear friend to dream bigger...and I thought my dreams were pretty big...but lately, what I've been learning is that if God is in the details then I should pay attention to the details too. And I haven't been...not really. 

Our life, right now, is in the middle of yet another upheaval...and I have to admit, while that sometimes frightens me, the truth is, I'm kind of excited...and in the midst of more changes for our family, there is SO much peace...

I will always follow the peace. 

Happy Dream Day!

The Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {Big Prizes! Big FUN!}

Today is the BIG DAY! 

THE SWEETHAVEN SCRAPBOOKING CHALLENGE!

Before I tell you how this is going to work, let me share one last beautiful layout to inspire you courtesy of designer Leslie Ashe:

I'm a total scallop fiend, so this layout (and the one she has on her blog today) have me swooning over here!! And the topic of "Tradition" is right in lines with the story of Sweethaven...the tradition of going back to the cottages year after year, the tradition of sharing the scrapbook and documenting their memories...

Do you document your traditions? 

Don't answer that...at least not yet!

Let me tell you how the challenge is going to work. (And the whole thing makes me a little nervous because this is sort of like throwing a party and then crossing your fingers that people will attend...I'm not going to lie, I'm a little nerve-wracked!)

But here it is...the DETAILS:

Step ONE: Look over all of these gorgeous Sweethaven-inspired layouts...and then pick one as your inspiration piece.

Take a peek: (larger images if you scroll back for the last two weeks through my blog...there's SO much inspiration!!)

Any inspiration that comes to you, through the colors, the design, the topic or your own Sweethaven inspired layout if you've read the book, is eligible! 

Step TWO: Create a piece of art (any art...scrapbook page, paper crafting project, mixed media...there's really no limitation here to what you can do...) inspired by the piece you choose. 

Step THREE: Post your project somewhere on the internet (Two Peas, Scrapbook.com, your own blog, Facebook...anything goes here too!) But it MUST contain the words "inspired by 'A Sweethaven Summer'" somewhere in the title/post. 

Step FOUR: Link back here in the comment section of THIS POST and tell me a little about your layout and what project inspired you! 

Step FIVE: Tell all your friends so they can join in and be part of the fun! 

Step SIX: Watch my blog for the announcement of the WINNERS! 

Some of the amazing prizes include:

A $30 gift card to:

(Have you seen their gorgeous stuff?? If not, click on their logo and check it out!! Amazing!) 

This amazing new book by Vicki Boutin:

(Click the image for more info!)

Several stamps from Unity Stamp Company, including (but not limited to:)

 

 

 

 

 

A prize pack from Scrapbook Adhesives:

A copy of Card Maps Vol. 2 (which comes out this month!) 

An 8x8 gallery wrapped canvas (2 inch sides), like this one:

A Chipboard Mini Album from Maya Road, similar to this one:

7 Gypsies Accordian Mini Album: 

As well as product from Prima, Bo Bunny, Doodlebug, Basic Grey and MUCH, much more (I'm still shopping!) :) 

So, who's with me? Tell me I'm not going to be tooting my noisemaker by myself!

Anyone up for a BIG FAT PRIZE OR TWO OR THREE?

I plan to award THREE winners, and I cannot WAIT to see what you come up with!!! 

The deadline to submit projects is March 23rd, so you've got THREE weeks to create!! (And multiple submissions are okay too!) :) Get crackin', creatives!!

Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {It's Almost Time!}

Lately, my son has been saying "I can't wait for Thursday" or "I wish it was Tuesday..." and I wasn't really sure why until I discovered that his dad bought him new goggles for his swim lessons...which are on Tuesday and Thursday. 

And that's a little bit of how I feel about tomorrow...I can't wait for Friday...because I get to recap all of these beautiful layouts and projects, (and share a new one) and then issue

...The Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge...

And perhaps I'll even let you in on what the prizes are going to be. 

That's something to look forward to, right? (I hope you'll consider joining in!) 

Tomorrow is also the deadline for the first draft of my third book in this series, A Sweethaven Christmas. And while I should be panicking a bit more than I am, I'm actually just really excited to start the next phase of writing a novel...the editing! {And thankfully, I have an amazing editor!} 

But I've learned not to squander a single day, so I'm beyond excited to share two gorgeous Sweethaven-inspired layouts from two gorgeous girls...and I promise I didn't give them a color scheme to work with, it just worked out that way! 

First up, Vicki Boutin, who scrapped a page about being a memory keeper...something all of the girls in Sweethaven would relate to:

Vicki has long been one of my favorite scrapbookers. I got to meet her at CHA one year, and I remember being awe-struck by how much she had accomplished that year. And I know from experience that every now and then you're going to create a layout that's just kind of a dud. You know, they can't all be winners...(at least that's how I'd console myself...) 

But I've never, in all these years, seen a dud from Vicki. 

What's more, she's giving away a copy of my book on her BLOG today!!

 And I may or may not have something super special to add to my prize package for tomorrow...

Here's a hint:

 

(Click image to read more about Vicki's new book!) 

Whether they intended to or not, Campbell, Jane, Lila, Meghan, Suzanne and Adele all became memory keepers...and I'm so glad they did, otherwise, I may never have gone to Sweethaven myself. 

Next, I get to share with you another gorgeous layout, this one by my new, beautiful friend, Jaime Warren. Jaime is an amazing photographer and scrapbooker and I'm so thankful I have the chance to work with her over at Webster's Pages...and especially thankful that she's created this Sweethaven-inspired layout:

Sweethaven is a town where the cottages are passed down through the generations...a place where people go to escape, to unwind, to decompress. Gosh, I'd love to go there right now!

Jaime ran with that idea, creating a page about the times her family spends at this cabin, a wonderful escape from the daily grind. 

So, have you been to Sweethaven? It's a way to escape the daily grind without even leaving your house...

And I'm happy to announce the winner of these....

Bethany Becker said...

I am learning to let things go and not to take things so personally. I am also trying to believe in myself and be more appreciative of the things I have. This post really means a lot to me and encourages me to continue on with improving myself and my life and to not give up! Thanks for the opportunity to win.

ReplyFebruary 29, 2012 at 07:50 PM

Thank you to everyone who entered! Bethany, shoot me an email with your address and I'll get these in the mail to you! :) 

See you tomorrow...for the BIG CHALLENGE!

5 Lessons I'm Learning Thanks to my Debut Novel. {And a giveaway!}

                             

Today I'm talking a little about my writing journey over at the Brave Girls Club Website. 

I'm sure you've heard of Brave Girls Club. Yes? I'm going. One of these days, I'm going to get out there and get my hands all painty and explore my life and how I can make it better. That image at the top is one of Melody's and it appeared at precisely the time I needed it most.

Funny how that happens. 

It's amazing to me to see how God has used this writing journey to teach me so very much about myself... about the things I need to keep working on...day after day, I learn something new. Like how to lean on other people. How to accept the help of others. How to admit to myself and everyone else that there's no way I can do it all. 

Oh, I pretend for awhile...but when I do that, it all comes crashing down on me. 

Today, on this reflective Saturday (I wrote this on Saturday), as I prepare to head out to the Barnes and Noble here in Loveland for a book signing, and my nerves are amped up and I'm scared, I think about the things I know for sure...

(Also Melody's art)

So here's my list: 5 Things I'm Learning...thanks to my debut novel:

1. God is always going to come through for you. No matter what. Even if it feels like the midnight hour. Even if it feels like he's forgotten you. I promise. He hasn't. Lately, I keep hearing the same phrase echoing in my mind... He has me in the palm of his hand...

2. Sometimes compliments are more jarring than criticism. They're scary because they bring out a different kind of insecurity...the kind where you want to sit down and explain to everyone that they're mistaken. Don't they know how frazzled you really are? Don't they see that you're the mom who forgot the permission slip? Again. 

3. Just at the time when you're sure you cannot go on for one more single solitary second, someone jumps in and throws you a rope. If there's no rope, then you can do it...even if you feel like you can't. 

4. When you put out a "fleece" and convince yourself it's biblical, you might be mistaken. Some experts say this is actually a sign of an immature faith. (When you discover this the day after putting out a fleece, it's especially fun.) 

5. You can't make people run to amazon and buy your book. And as much as you want to, you can't give them away...all you can do is be thankful...so thankful...that you have this opportunity...and then you can pray that God gets a hold of it and does what he wants with it.

You can't worry about what you can't control...

I'm learning, my friends...so much and so fast...and other things...REALLY slowly. Ha. But in honor of these many lessons, and in honor of my "Someone Threw Me a Rope" post at Brave Girls Club, I want to give away a copy of my book, A Sweethaven Summer...

The book is available HERE and HERE and on KINDLE, and NOOK...so if you don't win, maybe you'll join me for a little escape to Sweethaven!?

How do you enter? Simply leave me a comment and tell me...what lesson are you learning lately? 

To sweeten the deal, I'm also going to give away a spot in my new Big Picture Class, Scrapbooking Your Faith...

(Click on image for more information!) 

AND a copy of my first book, Scrapbooking Your Faith:

For additional entries:

1. Facebook a link to this post OR to "A Sweethaven Summer" on amazon!

2. Tweet a link to this post or to "A Sweethaven Summer on amazon!

3. Blog about either of these things. 

4. Sign up for my newsletter by clicking HERE. (I promise not to spam you. Cross my heart. I'm thinking 2-3 newsletters a year. I won't tell you if we get a new puppy or anything like that.) 

Also, I want to tell you that my sweet friend, Vicki Boutin has done a very brave thing herself...she's written this book:

Click on the image and find out you can WIN her new book...and come back here tomorrow for a very fun Sweethaven-inspired project from Vicki! (I can't wait!) 

:) Thank you. I'm feeling extreme gratitude today and I want to say thank you. I'd love to send you my books and see you in my class, so be sure to leave a comment today! :) 

Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {Point of View}

When you write, one of the first things you learn about is Point of View. I love the whole idea of jumping into a character's mind and seeing everything just as he or she would see it. I think this is where the time I spent in theatre really comes in handy...because acting is all about bringing a character to life. In every way, you inhabit the character. You become them. It's why some actors don't stop talking with an accent when the cameras turn off...because embodying another person is a mental task, and for the writer, not one to be taken lightly. 

It's also my favorite part of writing a book. 

One thing that struck me as especially fun was when I asked two scrapbookers to create pages about friendship...and they came back with two very different points of view...but they both used the same photo. 

It was like a visual representation of what a novel is all about. The nuts and bolts of it...seeing things through the character's eyes. It was completely unplanned but it made me smile. 

First, designer Leslie Ashe scrapped this adorable layout about a friendship that was meant to be...

We all have those friendships, don't we? The ones that are meant to be. The ones where you look back and can't remember a time you didn't know the person? Even if you've only known them for a short time. 

Female friendships are so complex. I think that's why I wanted to write about them... because they're volatile and full of drama...but on the other side of that is something so special. When you cross the bridge and find out you've still got someone beside you? Well, there's nothing like that. 

The funny thing was, that Wendy Hammer, the other lovely in this photo, also created a page about friendship...and look who she decided to document:

I couldn't love the journaling on this layout any more. I swear. I love the whole idea of documenting a relationship that means so much to you...and I love the way both these girls did it.

Two different styles, two different points of view...

One friendship that clearly means the world to each of them. 

I think I'm hormonal because I kind of want to cry just thinking about it... 

All that said, I have to tell you that A Sweethaven Summer is on sale today on Amazon...so if you haven't joined me in that utopian cottage town, maybe it's time? 

It's also available on Kindle and Nook, if you're a fancy technology lover...

And if you're really desperate, someone is trying to sell a used copy at bn.com for $146. 

Hey, to each his own. 

Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {The Blessings of Friendship}

Friendship and Forgiveness. It's what I keep telling people my book is about. A Sweethaven Summer is a story about friends, brought together by a little town and a scrapbook. That's it in a nutshell...but friendships are rarely so cut and dry, are they? 

I am so blessed to have friends all over the globe, people I love even when I don't get to talk to them every single day (or even every single month.) People who "get me." 

It's a resounding theme so naturally, it deserves a lot of attention when it comes to this fabulouso Art Challenge I'm about to issue...(I'm thinking tomorrow I'll get all the details announced...and the prizes...well, I'll tell you some of them!) :) 

Anyway, it's easy to document your children's friends, but what about your own? What about those people you cherish? Maybe you've known them your whole life...grown up with them...or maybe you met at a particularly important point in your own lives and have been friends ever since. 

For my friend Anabelle O'Malley, part of friendship is the tradition of going to Disney with her girlfriends...a tradition definitely worth documenting...

Anabelle took photos from three different years--three different trips--and used them all on the same layout. Can you imagine if Anabelle's son found this years from now and tracked down these girls to hear more about what his mom was like when she wasn't on "mom duty"?

It intrigues me...the whole idea of it. I guess in some ways, I think when we play a "role" all day long, like "MOM"...it's hard to think of ourselves as anything else. But that role of "FRIEND" is so important... it shapes us and forms us into who we are...don't you think? 

What if you step outside the role you're most used to playing and focused instead on another role, maybe one you don't get to play often enough, but that you're so thankful for. 

The other day, I had a radio interview and they mentioned the idea of the gratitude journal...in my mind, scrapbooking and art journaling are largely about expanding this concept...talking about our blessings, focusing on them...keeping them in the spotlight. My real life friend, Liz Hicks, demonstrates this with her "Blessed Beyond Measure" art journal page:

I love that Liz's art journal pages are always so full of vibrancy and life...and to be able to document the blessing of a good friend is something that she (and future generations) will cherish. I love to hear stories about my mom's friends growing up...it won't be any different with our kids...

I think more than anything, they want to know us as people not just as the "warden in the prison of their life" (as I expect my daughter might say given that the mother seems to be the villain in the story she's currently writing...) 

But the truth is, friendship IS a blessing...a huge one that we should never take for granted. Our friends see us through so many storms, whether we realize it at the time or not. 

Check out Liz's blog for tons of great art journaling tips, techniques and prompts. You can find it HERE. 

Question for YOU: Have you created a layout or art journal page highlighting your friendships? Does any of your artwork focus on you? 

I'd love to hear about it...and if not, I'd love to hear why...

And I'd especially love for you to join in my Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge and create a page inspired by one of the beautiful pieces of art my friends have shared...but we'll get to that later! 

For now, I'll leave you with a documentation of some of my favorite friends...

People I don't live near anymore...but who I carry in my heart...

Happy Monday!

Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {On Scrapbooking & Music}

This morning I had a radio interview set up by my amazing publicist, Jeane. She's more than a publicist, she's a friend...and this girl keeps my brains in check. (Did you know I had more than one brain?) 

One thing that I love about doing these interviews is the fact that I get to talk about scrapbooking...something that I've realized has been with me for as long as I could remember. 

Before there was patterned paper and embellishments and scrapbooking stores, I used whatever I found around the house...(not acid-free, mind you...) and the results were always just fine. Because I was telling my stories. 

Pulling that in to this novel has been one of the most eye-opening things for me...because even as I wrote it, I don't think I fully realized the impact scrapbooking has had on my life. And I'm not "caught up" and all my pages aren't organized in albums...but the stories have been told...and there they are, waiting to be told again. 

Scrapbooking is at the heart of A Sweethaven Summer...so when Scrapbooking Rock Star Jen Jockisch agreed to create a Sweethaven-inspired layout, I was so happy she chose to reflect on the "why" of scrapbooking. Jen has long been one of my favorite scrapbookers, with her fresh and funky style...

But when you read her journaling...gosh. I just get it. I get that need for the creative outlet...that need to lock yourself away and get lost in it for a few hours. I love every word of this journaling...not to mention the adorable design...

(PS...visit Jen's blog later today for a chance to win a copy of my book!) 

What is your creative outlet? I really want to know what you're into!!

Being able to pull parts of yourself into a keepsake...it's so worth it. Worth the time it takes... For instance, Becky Fleck of Page Maps fame, has created a layout focusing on a particular song...a song that ran through her mind all day long the day she had to say goodbye to a trusted friend:

Music is a huge part of Sweethaven...from the country lullaby Adele always sang to her daughter to Campbell and her mom's shared love of Norah Jones, to the faded memories that accompany "When You Say Nothing At All..." the soundtrack of our lives brings back memories quicker than anything...

So, yes, I'm a sucker for this hobby that's become a job and then a hobby again...it's something that brings people together, and for that, I will be forever grateful. 

Next week, I'll announce The official rules of The Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge and tell you how you can win some awesome prizes! {Which of these layouts will inspire YOU most?!}

Now. About this book...If you've read it, thank you. If you've told me your thoughts about it, thank you. It's consuming my life a little right now, although the rest of my life sure hasn't stopped or paused or even hiccupped...

If you haven't read it, it's now available for Kindle or in paperback right over HERE at Amazon...and in advance, I'll say a humbled thank you...because it means the world to me.

Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {A Special Place}

When I was home at Christmas, I spent more time in my hometown than I had in many, many years. Living about an hour from there, I always drove to my parents' house and then drove home, but now that we live in Colorado, driving home every night wasn't an option. 

While I was there, it really sunk in for me how much your heart can be tied to a place. Whether it's the place where you grew up or the place you spent every summer or your grandmother's house...places are so much more than places...

When I was working for Memory Makers, I wrote an article about "Scrapbooking Your Stomping Ground." I guess even then, I knew there was special significance to the park I went to to practice for that audition and the train tressels where the entire senior class signed their names. 

I suppose that's why creating a small midwestern town where the streets are named after flowers and the Main Street is still a brick road came naturally to me...Sweethaven is every good feeling about small town USA I could muster...and believe me, I could muster a lot. 

I asked two amazingly talented friends to scrapbook a place with special significance, and these girls have created layouts that are sure to inspire. They're gorgeous! 

First, look at Linda Barber's (do you think she's related to Luke? A long lost cousin, maybe?) ode to LA. She moved there not long ago, and the city is finding a way into her heart...

I can't begin to tell you all the things I love about this layout. The colors, the sewing, the design... but I especially love the story...

I know first-hand how moving can challenge everything you thought you knew about yourself. There are still days I wonder if Colorado will ever feel like home...but Linda's layout, documenting this moment in her journey, reminds me that I need to do the same...

I don't even know what to say about this:

I told Linda this is why she's so "dream-teamy" (because she's on the Creating Keepsakes Dream Team.) I mean, really? A stitched title? It makes me want to send her all my photos and have her scrap them for me. 

And this sub-title treatment with the photo in the stitched frame is killing me...

I have sewing machine envy. It makes me want to learn how to use mine already! 

Have you scrapped your hometown? Your stomping ground? 

What about a vacation spot that holds a special place in your heart? Lisa VanderVeen, another California girl, created a two-page spread about Mackinac Island, a place where no cars are allowed...

It sounds heavenly to me...and it has a lot of the same elements that Sweethaven has...a town that takes you back in time somehow, to a day when things were just a little simpler. And even if things got complicated, they still felt simpler. 

It's funny how small-town living can do that. Lisa's layout is full of adorable little details (the wooden bike is such a cute addition to her title, I can hardly stand it.) 

And it spoke to my intense love of scallops...

So, what about you...is there a place you love, one that's captured your heart? One that you were smitten with from the very moment you stepped foot in it? 

Have you ever created a piece of art about it? 

Who knows...

Maybe that place is waiting for you right on the pages of a book...if you're looking to be transported, I've got just the one. 

Escape to Sweethaven (in paperback or on Kindle) right HERE. 

Maybe I'll see you walking down Main Street or having a donut in Sweets on Sweethaven... or perhaps we'll ride the old wooden carousel together or dip our feet in the lake down by the Boardwalk...

Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {Forgiveness}

Sometimes I think we, as writers, end up writing about things that are personal to us whether we want to or not. Forgiveness wasn't something I set out to include in this book, but I can't think of a more universal struggle. We all know we should forgive, but it's the how that escapes us... 

And sometimes, even when we think we're over something, it comes back to bite us later... and we realize that thing we thought we'd dealt with still holds up shop in our hearts. 

This is a strong theme through all three of the Sweethaven novels, and I think that's because it's a strong theme in my own life. I don't come buy forgiveness easily. It's not sitting on my doorstep waiting to be invited inside. It hides out in the dark spaces of the back yard... and if I want it, I have to go searching for it. 

And sometimes I do because I know it's what I need...but other times? I close the door, turn of the light and walk away, taking my bitter feelings with me, letting them fester... In Sweethaven, Jane does this a little bit. And she's justified...anyone would harbor anger in her shoes...but that anger, it eats us up... 

So she journals her through it. With photos. Like a paper crafter. 

I asked two incredibly talented paper artists to create pieces based on this idea of forgiveness... this elusive, yet freeing idea. They blew me away. 

Look at this art journal page by the insanely talented Tammy Tutterow:

It's SO gorgeous and I love the rectangular size of it. (I fully intend to create something this size!) 

But it's what Tammy said about the project that I find most inspiring...

Tammy: "At this time last year I was in a really tough place in life.  I had been hurt and deceived by someone very close to me and my world felt completely torn apart.  I tried to keep a very happy public face, but inside and in the confines of my home I was feeling complete devastation.  I didn't know where to turn or what to do.  I felt like I was swimming up river with a boulder strapped to my ankle.  

Although I have struggled with issues of faith my whole life, I knew that I had to surrender the pain to something larger than myself, that I alone could not fix the person, the situation, or my response to it.  Through everything, I knew that a large part of healing and moving forward would be in forgiving the person who had hurt me so deeply.  I couldn't even wrap my mind around how to forgive or even what truly forgiving someone meant.  I thought forgiving meant to just forget and to tell the person what they had done was ok.  It wasn't ok and I really wasn't sure I could ever let it go.  I am not one to share personal things or to reach out to others but I did and was led to some really wonderful resources.  One was THIS ARTICLE on the Focus on the Family website.  

At last I really started to understand what it meant to forgive.

As I sat down to create this project with the focus on forgiveness, I kept thinking of butterflies. When faced with difficult times and difficult situations at the hands of others, we can continue to crawl in the grief of the circumstances, or we can forgive, let go, and be free to fly.  It didn't happen overnight, but eventually I chose to forgive the person who had hurt me.  

At this time last year, I thought about the situation and concept of forgiveness every single day.  As I worked on this page, I realized I hadn't thought about it in weeks, maybe even months.  I think that was a sign that I had let it go and was finally flying free.  I chose to create the stamped images of the page so that they looked very fluid, as a reminder of the tears that were shed.  The symbolism of it though is that despite tears, there is beauty and vivid color and freedom to fly.  

The memory will never go away, but the pain does through forgiveness.  As I worked on my page, I searched for a quote to include about forgiveness and very quickly found one by H. Jackson Brown Jr, the author of Life's Little Instruction Book:

"Never forget the three powerful resources you always
have available to you: love, prayer, and forgiveness."  

Those were the three things I clung to in those dark days and those are the things that helped carry me through.

Tammy's story is so inspiring...I especially like that she mentioned that it doesn't happen overnight. It doesn't for any of us, does it? Not even the characters in my book have eveyrthing all wrapped up with a pretty red bow...

Tammy is still writing her story...you can find more of it on her blog HERE .

Stacey Michaud also tackled this subject of Forgiveness by scrapbooking about a relationship that helped teach her how to forgive: 

In this case, Stacey is also scrapbooking an important lesson, and it celebrates the fact that despite the hurts of the past, she could, with the help of a good friend, move past it and forgive. 

Take a look at Stacey's journaling:

What a gift, don't you think? The peace of mind that comes with forgiveness. 

I know, it's so easy to say that but even as I do I find myself mentally repenting and trying to come to terms with the hurts of the past...

How about you? Do you struggle to forgive? Do you journal through it? What helps you with those feelings of anger and hurt? I'd love to hear...

A Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {Vacation Memories}

I am so happy to announce that A Sweethaven Summer is now available on Kindle! I've gotten some of the coolest emails from people who've read the book, but the most unexpected note is "this book has made me want to scrapbook again..." I've heard it several times now, and I'm almost surprised--but so happy--that maybe, somehow, reading it will inspire people to tell their own stories (in whatever way they choose.) 

Some people aren't as smitten with the book, however, which is evidenced by the first line of Sophia's new story: 

"Paige Jones was so excited that she got to see her friends again. She hadn’t seen them all summer since she had to spend it in a boring old cottage in Michigan." 

She asked me to "edit" it, and I didn't get much farther than that because it made me laugh. Sophia read the whole book in a weekend, and we've had many conversations since about what she thinks should happen to the characters. I have a feeling one of these days she's going to be my favorite brainstorming partner. 

Sweethaven instantly evokes the feeling of being on vacation, something I could desperately use right now...(but couldn't we all?) And in all of my scrapbooking, I'm not sure I've ever done a vacation layout...I don't remember one, so now I'm on a mission to get one made. 

My friend, Greta Hammond, created this inspired by Sweethaven layout, focusing on the subject of "Scrapbook a vacation memory..." 

There are so many things I love about Greta's layout, starting with the colors. She always has the best colors on her pages. But I especially love the way the journaling block breaks up the strip of photos on this page. It's just a clever way to get the story documented, don't you think? 

If you look carefully, you'll see all kinds of neat little layers on this page...just way too fun. 

So, are you ready to join in the fun? I'm putting together an awesome prize package (or two) to conclude this little Scrapbooking Challenge, and I'll announce all the rules very soon, but the plan is to have you create a layout based on one of these inspiring pages...(or, if you've read A Sweethaven Summer, you can create one inspired by the book from your own point of view!) 

Super fun, right? 

People are winning...and here's the proof!

The Winner of the Sweethaven Online Launch Party Day THREE goodies is: 

Anne Demos said...

I am a coffee snob! Hard to admit I absolutely LOVE Starbucks it is the ONLY Coffee I drink. Sumatra Bold is my favorite everyday. Carmal Machiatto Venti and Peppermint Mocha Venti are my special treats. Which I was trying to decide today what I was going to order when I come and see you Saturday at Barnes and Noble!!

ReplyFebruary 09, 2012 at 12:36 PM

(Anne Marie, send me your address!)

And the winners of Melody Ross's Soul Restoration Class (and a copy of "A Sweethaven Summer") are:

• Jessica Engel
• Julie P
• Rebecca Lovell
• Martha S.
• Tracie
• Laura L.
• Shannon Taylor

Girls, send me your address to claim your prizes! courtneycrops {at} msn {dot} com.

Congratulations to all the winners! I can't wait to get everything boxed up and shipped off...it's so exciting to send happy mail, isn't it? There's really nothing like opening the mailbox and finding a package waiting for you! 

I hope you all have a beautiful Monday! 

And come back all week for more inspiring art projects inspired by A Sweethaven Summer...I'd love it if you played along!

Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge {A Painful Memory}

The girls of Sweethaven are fighters. Their lives aren't all happy and jolly. What kind of cardboard characters would any of us be if we didn't have challenges, struggles, things to fight for...?

These women, like all of us, have been through their share of tragedy. And in this first book in the series, one of the characters, Jane, finds out that scrapbooking through it becomes quite therapeutic. 

In my own life, I've found that journaling and scrapbooking and creating art all give me the tools to tell a  story... painful or otherwise, and in doing so, somehow, I always feel better on the other side of it. 

And the most painful, most personal of memories are the ones you may be the most afraid to document...and also the ones that most deserve your attention...

Document a Painful Memory.

My friend, Jennifer Gallacher is a brilliant scrapbooker. Her layouts are so stunning and vivid and eye-catching, sometimes they literally make me gasp. On this layout, Jen shared so openly about a painful memory, the loss of her thirteen-year-old son, Joey. 

Isn't he handsome?

Yes, it's painful, but this is a huge part of Jen's story. 

A story I'll let her tell you herself...

"I lost my oldest son at 13 years old to the devastation of colon cancer. Joey had poor health almost his entire life, but he was always so happy. That's not to say that he didn't get down, but he never complained about the pain he was in. His battle with cancer and his passing was a terrible blow to our family. Suddenly we were left with a huge, gaping hole in our family and in our hearts.

As we have worked to repair those feelings of sadness and loss over the past five years, we try very hard to dwell on the happy times that we had together as a family. We also rely heavily on our faith. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't "talk" to my son and let him know that I'm proud of him, and that I miss him. I feel so grateful that I took so many photos of him even when he didn't necessarily love having his photo taken. I am even more grateful that through journaling and scrapbooking that I have recorded hundreds of memories of our time together. Now his sweet personality and beautiful smile is forever preserved for my children and my children's children--a priceless book of memories we'll always cherish."

Jen's story continues right HERE on her blog...

I can't think of many things more priceless than memories and photos of the ones you love.

The ones you've lost.

Scrapbook for the comfort of others. 

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to create a layout for Angie Smith. You might recognize her husband from the Christian group Selah. Angie's blog, and now her books, are inspiring, encouraging, amazing...but their story is not without pain.

Sometimes, documenting the hope found in the sorrow is also hugely important--for you or for those whose stories have touched your heart the way Angie and Todd's did mine. 

But where do I begin?

But maybe you're thinking, "I don't know where to start. It hurts too much..." 

Maybe you're scared to crack open the things that are holding you back, to speak them out loud so they lose their hold on you. 

So, today, I want to offer something amazing that can help you document the painful things, the things that are hard, the things you fear, the things that keep you from moving forward...

Watch:

 

My soul friend, Melody, is offering not one, but SEVEN spots in her online Soul Restoration class. 

Seven. 

And because I believe in the power of storytelling...in the power of all of us telling our own stories, through whatever medium we choose, I'm going to give away SEVEN copies of A Sweethaven Summer too. 

I've recently learned that writing a book is wonderful, but it makes you vulnerable in a way you didn't expect...and in some ways, that's scary...but in other ways, it's exhilarating.

I'd love to share it with you. (If you don't win, you can order your copy HERE or HERE!) 

How do I enter?

This time, just leave me a comment and tell me: Is it hard for you to document the painful parts? Would you rather turn away and forget all about them? Or do you find it helps to work through it...even though the tears may dot your paper as you write or paint or create? 

We're all in this together, girls...

Now, last order of business:

The winner of the Sweethaven Online Launch Party DAY TWO is: 

Margie Visnick said...

I think my word would be "light" to remind me to find the light and be the light...so important in all aspects of my life!

ReplyFebruary 08, 2012 at 06:39 AM

Margie, email me and claim your beautiful prizes! :) 

I can't wait to read your comments, your thoughts, your hearts...I hope you

Sweethaven Scrapbooking Inspiration {& some faith building...}

Before I talk Sweethaven...something has been on my mind. It helps to write it out, so here it is...

Sometimes it seems like I get knocked around a little bit just so I'll come running back to God. 

Like he takes a step away from me and leaves me to my own devices so I can see how incredibly futile my attempts are at doing everything on my own. 

I was talking to a friend the other day about how self sufficient we both are, and I think in many ways that makes it difficult to fully rely on God. When we were in the process of moving to Colorado, I had to depend on God more than I ever had in my whole life, and sometimes I wonder if he did all that--showed up for us so many times--just to prepare us for the next time he'd ask us to do something that didn't have a bit of sound logic in it.

Lately, I hear him, over and over, saying "Trust. Me." 

And I look back at myself in the midst of the storm (so far...it's still raging) and see a bratty toddler, whiny and pouty, throwing my fists in the air and expecting someone who was never invited to show up for me. 

And God doesn't work that way. 

It's a sobering realization...discovering I'm the only one hindering his work in my life. 

Go me. 

Is anyone else scared to do the things he's asking you to do?

Anyway...

This really has nothing to do with why I'm here though...posting on this here blog. 

I'm here because I want to share another Sweethaven-inspired layout with you as part of the Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge, and friends, it's PRETTY.  I have the pleasure of working with Jaz Lee over at Webster's Pages and her style blows me away every. single. time. 

Jaz decided to create a layout about some of her closest friends. They call themselves the "Joy Luck Club" (JLC are the first initials in each of their names.) The girls in Sweethaven call themselves "The Circle" and their old scrapbook is page after page highlighting their friendship...

Each page reveals a little more about each girl, about their lives in Sweethaven, about their friendships...wouldn't you love to have something so special on your bookshelf? 

And, I can't go without pointing out the incredible dimension Jaz has created on this layout. Her style is so intricate, it makes me drool!  Detailed and beautiful, she's captured these special friendships in a way that will be cherished for years. 

Do you love it? 

So, in the Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge, you could file this layout away as inspiration...a page on friendship, layered and detailed... (Does that get your wheels a-turnin'?) 

Now. 

I think it's time to announce some winners...

The WINNER of the DAY ONE Online Launch Party Giveaway (which you can read about in THIS POST) is...

Jodi Jardine said...

Shared on Facebook.

ReplyFebruary 07, 2012 at 10:16 AM

It's funny because I saw an email come in from Jodi yesterday and thought "Gosh, I hope she wins, she's been so faithful in entering! And wouldn't you know it, Random.org pulled lucky number 7 and she's our girl! Jodi, send me your address & I'll pack up your box!! 

Oh, and have YOU been to Sweethaven yet? If not...here's your ticket!

Too Cheesy?

I'm just darn overwhelmed. 

The end. 

A Sweethaven Scrapbooking Challenge

When I first started writing A Sweethaven Summer, I sat down and thought about all the things I love about scrapbooking. I wanted to find a way to incorporate those things into my story. And while the book is largely about friendship and forgiveness, it's all held together by this faded scrapbook, full of secrets and memories...

You can almost hear the laughter of the girls as they made each page. 

I'd love to write "An Ode to Scrapbooking" but it's getting late and I have a two-hour episode of Downton Abbey to watch when Adam's not looking. It can be done, yes?

The fact is, scrapbooking is storytelling. It's a way to tell your stories. An artistic, creative way to get your words on paper. And I believe we're all storytellers at heart...

I created this layout, inspired by A Sweethaven Summer: 

It's a simple, layered project celebrating the "Unexpected Friendship" I found in Deb Raney when I first started on this writing journey. 

In Sweethaven, Cambell finds a group of women who become her unexpected friends... and in so many ways, these are some of life's most precious gifts. Finding a friend when you aren't looking for one. Realizing they're a life friend, a kindred spirit...it's something to celebrate.

Techniques: I rolled up a few pages from the Anthropolgie Catalog ("If you can't afford it, make art with it" is what I always say!) and tied strips of Divine Twine around them to give them a scroll-like effect then adhered them to the page. I used the same twine to spice up the buttons and incorporated lots of foam squares to get that layered, dimensional look that I find positively swoony.

SO...Are you up for a challenge?

Over the next couple of weeks, I'm going to be telling stories about the book and sharing layouts created by some of my very favorite scrapbookers...

And then, I'm going to issue a challenge to YOU. You create any kind of artwork (Scrapbooking, mixed media, home decor--anything) inspired by the book or inspired by one of the pieces I'm going to share and you could WIN a big, fat basket of goodies.

Like, really big. And fun. And artsy. 

Because I love to give stuff away. 

Now that I got that out of my system...I want to share what I believe is the best photo of me ever captured in the history of the world:

Which is all the proof I need to understand WHY my son is plagued the fine art of the weird facial expression:

Over the weekend, several times my mom told me "there's a time and a place for self deprecation. You need to learn where the line is." Apparently telling someone who is buying your book that you feel you might be in need of deodorant is crossing a line. 

I can't help it. I like to self deprecate. (and in my defense, I knew the woman and she's funny so she didn't mind. I wouldn't say that to a perfect stranger.)

On that note, I won't say a word about this:

I will not even MENTION the ridiculousness of my hair in this photo. 

And I'll surely not mention that this was at 6:20 a.m.

And I won't say a single word about my first television interview (because I haven't watched it yet)... but you can, right HERE: Author of "A Sweethaven Summer".

That's that. 

I have to go ruin something in the kitchen now. 

Will you take the Sweethaven Inspiration Challenge?? Who's with me?

A Sweethaven Summer Online Launch Party! {HUGE Giveaway!}

I used to wonder what it would feel like to wake up on the morning of my big book launch... to watch this thing I'd created go out into the world and you know, be free...

But I woke up the same way I always do...a little panicked and realizing I didn't make the kids' lunches last night. Worse, I'm out of jelly...and how do you make PB&J without the J?

On this, the morning of my book launch, I find myself wondering two things...

1. If I wear a long shirt, will anyone see the hole in the back of my yoga pants? 

AND

2. How do I properly say thank you to everyone who is a part of this amazing journey that I'm on? 

I'm risking it with the yoga pants, but #2 still has me stumped. I don't have the words or the means to convey how I'm really feeling at this moment in my journey. 

So, today, rather than get all sappy like I sort of feel like doing...I'm celebrating with A Sweethaven Giveaway...a virtual launch party to welcome this new book into the world...and friends, I'll be here all week...

Join me in Sweethaven with your own copy, available HERE or HERE or HERE! And it's always available on the Guideposts Website HERE. 

Now...for the good stuff...

The story of Sweethaven centers around a faded scrapbook...one that's full of secrets and stories of years gone by...so today, I'm celebrating with a scrapbooking giveaway...and here's what you could win! 

1. Webster's Pages' Palm Beach Collection Kit

With its beachy, breezy feel, this collection reminds me of Sweethaven, a little cottage town right on Lake Michigan. It's perfect for scrapbooking vacation, summer days, or even non-themed moments you want to remember. 

2. Unity Stamps

I LOVE Unity Stamps. And I love their BLOG! These beach-inspired stamps are a perfect complement to the Palm Beach collection, but could be used for so many fun scrapbooking and card-making projects! 

And this one: 

...is one of my favorites because I believe in creating yourself. In the book, Campbell learns this lesson for herself..and with a little help, she finally discovers how important it is...Both stamp sets are included in the giveaway!

3. Cardmaps Today vol. 2

It's FULL of gorgeous ideas and a copy could be all YOURS! (Lucky.) 

4. 7 Gypsies Interchangable Certifiable Round Stamp (Hand Drawn Seals)

I LOVE these things. They're just SO cool. Don't you want to win one? 

5. Scrapbooking Your Faith at Big Picture Classes.

I'm excited this giveaway will include a spot in my upcoming workshop at Big Picture Classes. This topic has always been near and dear to my heart, and I'm thrilled I get to share ideas on ways to document your faith for future generations through Big Picture. 

But I can't give you a spot in the class and not give you...

6. Scrapbooking Your Faith

My first book. I'd love to send it to you. 

7. Hope Springs Magnetic Closure Journal.

This new line of journals, cards, totes and apparel will make its way into this online launch party...there are some CUTE things I can't wait to share...but for today, it's this journal that wants to come home with you. And I'm a sucker for a cute journal. 

8. Chatterbox Wood Veneer Scrapbooking Album

It's really sassy, don't you think? 

9. A Sweethaven Summer

You didn't think I'd do a giveaway and NOT offer this book, did you? My goal is to get it into the hands of as many people as possible. I might even give a few away in the airport this weekend. 

If I'm feeling brave, that is. 

So, here's how to enter: 

1. Leave me a comment right here on THIS POST. 

Easy right? 

BUT, I need help spreading the word...so I'm offering  Three extra entries...

1. Tweet the link to this giveaway.

2. Facebook the link to this giveaway. 

3. Blog about Sweethaven and/or this giveaway. 

Each time, come back and leave another comment. Up to FOUR total. 

And tomorrow...the party continues with MORE giveaways that I cannot WAIT to share! :) 

Sharing a Little Page Maps Love

I know. It's Saturday. Who blogs on Saturday? 

Apparently I do. Because I'm blabbery.

And I like to invent words. 

Before I start, a sidenote: Don't forget you can still enter to win a copy of A Sweethaven Summer on THIS POST! I'm going to draw a winner on Monday...{and on Tuesday I've got some awesome stuff to share!!}

A few years ago, my main focus was scrapbooking. I wrote about it, hunted down new products and then I spent most of my free time creating. It was (and is) a huge part of my story. 

But then I started writing more seriously, and scrapbooking had to take a back seat. When I first started working at Webster's Pages back in September, I was worried because I hadn't really done a lot of scrapbooking. I think I made five pages in all of 2010. Maybe. 

What if I didn't remember how to do it? 

(Seriously, it's NOT like riding a bike.) 

Slowly, but surely I'm starting to find my footing a little bit...and this month, I got to participate in Becky Fleck's brilliance, Page Maps. 

Becky asked me to create an 8.5"x11" page, which I have to tell you, might be my new favorite size! I love it, and I love the ease of creating with a sketch. 

The truth is, sometimes you just have no idea what to do, but once you get started, the ideas come. I like simpler pages these days. I don't have time for intricacy, and I think that's okay. Some of the most beautiful artwork is simple...

Slowly, I'm finding my way back into this scrapbooking thing...and of course, remembering why I loved it all along. This week I did three pages in the evenings while Adam kept me company working on the computer. 

Somehow, it's become (again) a great stress reliever. What is it about knotting embroidery floss through the holes of a button that calms me down? (Does anyone else feel this way about art?)

All that to say, if you're looking for a kickstart, Page Maps is a GREAT place to go. You can see all of the February sketches HERE (and check out the archives for tons of great ideas!) 

And, what's even awesomer (I know. Not a word.) is that Becky's got a new book coming out in March... Card Maps vol. 2. You can see it HERE. 

So, this weekend, I want to know...are you creating artwork? Scrapbooking? Painting? Sewing? What do you do to shake off the stress of the week?

Scrapbooking Your Faith at Big Picture Classes

A few years back, I had the sheer joy (and good luck) to write this book: 

I remember when I got the cover art, I was so stunned and amazed. The red doors are from a church in my hometown, Dixon, Illinois. Aren't they cool? 

Anyway, the book has been such a blessing to me...and I'm still passionate about the topic. Scrapbooking, to me, is like therapy...and when I'm working through something, I often turn to the written word. 

Go figure. 

After I wrote it, I started talking with the amazing Stacy Julian, creator of Big Picture Classes, about doing a workshop based on this book. I distinctly remember sitting my house in Illinois discussing this and thinking "YES. I have to do this." 

But life really got in the way. I got the contract to write three novels. I moved to Colorado. I moved again. It's been an absolutely crazy couple of years...but you know what? I think the timing for this class could not be better...

Yesterday, registration opened for my Scrapbooking Your Faith workshop at Big Picture. 

I couldn't be more excited about this. The class starts in March, so you have plenty of time to wrap your brain around it. 

I don't know if you have an album just for documenting your faith or if you work these kinds of images into your regular albums...or if you've never considered scrapbooking your faith...

...but there are so many different ways you can do it, and we'll be talking about that as well as doing eight different faith-based projects. 

There will be layouts, home decor, a mini album and mixed media artwork so you can put your faith on display...and the best part is that it really doesn't matter what your faith is. This isn't a religious class, it's a class about documenting YOUR beliefs...whatever they are! 

I hope you'll join me...I'm so excited about this and passionate about it. I think it's important and I still find ways to scrapbook my faith, both for me and for other people. 

Because it's important. 

You can register now for the workshop, and PLEASE let me know if you do! I am really hoping to get to know everyone that's taking the class! Just go HERE. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Scrapbooking Your Faith: Pocket Promises

When I first graduated college, I came back home (don't we all) and worked at my hometown newspaper for a little over a year. While I was there, I learned a TON--about writing on deadline, about writing with distractions all around you (seriously, have you ever BEEN in a newsroom?) and, surprisingly, about faith. 

My favorite stories (other than columns, which, let's face it, we now call 'blog posts') were the lifestyle stories. The ones about people. All kinds of stories came across my desk. From a little girl who saved her sister's life to a murder trial one town over. A lot of those stories have stuck with me, including one about a woman who created her own "Promises from the Psalms." 

She'd been battling cancer and to help bring comfort through it, she gathered all the Promises she could find in the book of Psalms. Now that she was healthy again, she bound the promises together and distributed them to others going through difficult times. And the whole idea of taking the time to find God's promises and write them on the pages of your heart just sunk in. 

Years later, I've developed many incarnations of this. I scrapbook my faith, paint about it, put it up on the wall. And when someone I know is going through something difficult, I've found that sharing the promises I've found can be a great way to extend kindness. 

Recently, I created a tiny book that I call "Pocket Promises" by hand stitching together about eight sheets of folded paper...

I love to make little books by hand. I'm not fancy about it and I sure don't know anything about real book-binding, but I've found that a simple stitch down the center holds everything in nicely: 

On each page, I wrote a verse or two, promises that could bring comfort for a friend. Prayers that she could whisper and cling to, even on the hard days...

These words are life to me. I've been through some really crummy stuff over the past few years, and I found it was during that time I RAN straight to God...and he found me there, in the midst of my mess. 

Obviously everyone reading this won't share my same beliefs, but you could create a book like this, one to keep in your pocket or purse, and fill it with encouraging quotes or words of wisdom. 

Maybe it's because I'm a writer, but I believe words have POWER. So much power. Life and death kind of power...and while it's not always easy to speak life, to speak GOOD, it is always beneficial. And necessary. And rewarding. 

I clipped all kinds of little things in here, more words, more promises, my own prayers. And I folded a heavier cardstock over the inside pages and adhered the outsides of the front and back to the covers. 

This way, I got exactly the size I wanted, and it was 100% customizable. 

I wrote the promises in the book, and took the time to read over them again and again, and I found this had a wonderful impact on me... but to give it away was even better. 

I'm going to be sharing lots of other faith projects like this one in my Big Picture Class, Scrapbooking Your Faith. Registration is coming SOON, and I'm excited to share some easy, inspiring ways to incorporate faith in your layouts and projects. Maybe you'll join me?

What about you? Do you scrapbook (or paint or craft) your faith? What kind of impact does it have on you?

Ringing in the New Year with Webster's Pages

Alright, I can hardly stand it for one more second. This whole Sunday Picnic collection at Webster's Pages has me absolutely giddy. And by giddy I mean, really, truly, giddy. 

I know some of you aren't scrapbookers or papercrafters, but indulge me for a moment because I've always had a love affair with pretty supplies. And boy, are these pretty. 

I'm specifically having a major love-fest with these:

Because there are orange bloomers. Do you know all the cool things you can do with this stuff? I'm thinking of decking out my office with some of it myself. It's beyond beautiful and would easily translate to home decor, mixed media artwork or crafting projects...not just scrapbooking. 

I think I'm personally excited because I consider myself a somewhat simple scrapbooker these days. (I didn't used to, but I've come to appreciate the fine art of white space)...so the whole Clean and Simple addition has got me all kinds of flustered. 

Plus, we've got the coolest commercial:

Yeah. I love working for this company. I love the opportunity to help other people tell their stories. I love the creativity and the beauty...

I'm going to get me some...how about you? It's on sale NOW, just head over to the Webster's Pages Website to get yours. And...I'd love to hear what you think about this new line! :) 

Happy New Year Everyone!

 

 

 

Handmade Holiday Giveaway WINNERS!!

I want to sincerely thank everyone for entering these giveaways I've had over the last week...it's been so much fun to offer prizes that I myself LOVE to my blog readers and I hope you'll check some of these shops and books out for yourself! You can find such unique and meaningful gifts!

Now, for the winners...

The Winner of the "It's a Big One" Giveaway

Including the Jeanne Oliver messenger bag, cuff and dress (all for little girls) and the Kate Lloyd book is: 

Rebecca said...

These are all fantastic!!! What I want most this year is a die cutting or embossing machine. I don't think I'll get it, but it's nice to wish for something... :) Thanks for the chance!

ReplyDecember 07, 2011 at 03:00 PM

The winner of the Tired Mommy Giveaway

(including the Mindy Lacefield print, the Jennifer Stewart keychain, the assortment of Madi Mo's Bows, the $25 gift card to The Rusted Chain & the copies of the Faith Kids Memory Verse CDs is:

Lemonade Makin Mama said...

I'm especially in love with the "I have all I need" necklace... that's a message I need tied around my neck every dang day!! LOL

I hope your back feels all better soon girly!!

ReplyDecember 07, 2011 at 06:09 PM

The winner of the Hopeless Romantic Giveaway,

Including 3 books from Annalisa Daughety, the handpainted chalkboard from Jenn Schmidt, the Starbucks card, two mugs, hot chocolate and the Bath and Body Works lotion and shower gel is...

Lara Carson said...

Happy Anniversary! It may be too late to do this this year, but maybe book an overnight getaway in a Bed and Breakfast or a vintage old hotel. It is very special to do those kinds of things. We pick quaint old hotels and tiny restaurants in little towns not far away. Sometimes those places have last minute cancellations and you can get a good deal!

ReplyDecember 09, 2011 at 06:49 AM

The Winner of the "For the Creative in your Life" Giveaway which features:

The Webster's Pages Black Friday Monster Kit (Come Home for the Holidays) 

along with:

• Autographed copy of Carla Stewart's novel Broken Wings
• 3 Disk set of Harry Connick Jr. CDs
• Handmade cuff from Farmgirl Paints
• Where Women Create/Where Women Cook (3 publications in all) 
• Autographed copy of Scrapbooking Your Faith

is...

Teri said...

O, Holy Night is my favorite! But, it's not an easy song to sing. So... my second choice would be Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. It talks about all the things that are important to me, for Christmas. A Merry Christmas to you! Thanks for the chance to win such a beautiful collection!

ReplyDecember 10, 2011 at 09:58 PM

And finally, the Winner of the Christmas Cheer Giveaway:

Including all that stuff you see up there is...

tara pollard pakosta said...

It's not Christmas until, there is snow on the GROUND! but that isn't likely again this year! it's 43 and raining today with a high of 50's! UGH!
tara

ReplyDecember 14, 2011 at 07:41 AM 

Winners! Email me your address at courtneycrops[at]msn[dot]com so I can get your present to you pronto!

Wishing you the most beautiful of Christmases...and I hope you'll come back and visit me soon! Who knows? Maybe I'll have more fun stuff to give away!

Handmade Holiday Giveaway...to spread Christmas Cheer

Oh, how I love Christmas. It finally hit me yesterday how wonderful last Christmas was and I got really excited to do it all over again. Nevermind that I haven't really started shopping. Or wrapping. 

I'm having too much fun putting together amazing gifts to giveaway on my blog! 

So, for the last of the handmade holiday giveaways...for the cozy Christmas lover in your life.

This, to start:

• A copy of Kristen Chenoweth's new Christmas CD (which I admit may be open when you get it because I know someone who might put that on her itunes before sending it off. How tacky am I?) 
• A copy of Susan May Warren's new book, "Baby, it's Cold Outside." (With a glowing endorsement from my mother who read it in one day. I cannot WAIT to read it for myself!) 
• A copy of "Love Finds You on Christmas Morning by Debby Mayne and Trish Perry
• A copy of "Love Finds You in Sunset Beach, Hawaii" by Robin Jones Gunn (This is me trying to help you put up with the snow by escaping to Hawaii...)
• A beautiful, glittery snowflake ornament
• A canister of Archer Farms Milk Chocolate Peppermint Crunch

I will confess to you that I had another jar of Hershey Candy Cane candies to send along, but for some reason, they've been rendered useless. 

Namely because I ate half of them. 

Sorry 'bout that. 

But there's more! My friend, Sasha is giving away this fun Christmas print:

...which is no longer available in her shop, BUT she has TONS of other awesome gifts in there, so check it out HERE. 

The package will also include:

All of the Northridge Publications are SO well done. I mean, they're just gorgeous, and I happen to have an extra of this one. You will LOVE it. You can take all the ideas as they are or change them up for other events throughout the year. 

Then, I have this guy:

Scrapbook & Cards Today. This magazine is total inspiration, believe me. 

I've also got an adorable Flip Note Pad from the amazing Kelly Rae Roberts:

If you don't know Kelly Rae's artwork, you're seriously missing out. Her book taught me how to paint and while I'm still learning, it was kind and gentle in leading me into the world of mixed media. 

Also, I have a copy of this book:

A Sound Among the Trees by Susan Meissner. 

Susan is one of my favorite authors. Of all time. I LOVE her books, so naturally, I cannot wait to read this one. It's her newest release and it could be yours all yours! Check out Susan's Website for more information...because if there's a reader on your list, this is a GREAT one to give!

I'm also throwing in one of these guys:

Not because it has anything to do with Christmas...but because it's mine and I like to give it away. :) 

So. To recap:

I know. Get on with it. Tell me how to enter...

Ok. Hold your horses. I'm getting there. I want you to fill in the last part of this sentence: "It's not Christmas until..." 

And leave your answer in the comments. 

The other holiday giveaways are STILL OPEN (just until THIS THURSDAY!) so feel free to add comments to those too. For extra entries, Facebook, Blog or Tweet about this giveaway, then come back and leave another comment! 

I can't wait to give these away!!

Good Luck and Happy Tuesday!

Scrapbooks, Freebies & Sonic Colors

Yesterday I got five packages in the mail. (See, next week, I'm doing this super cool giveaway thing on my blog and no, I cannot wait...) but among those, I got a little treat...a couple of copies of the new issue of Scrapbook & Cards Today. 

I'd forgotten what it feels like to get the magazine, leaf through it and find your layout. The editor, Becky (who is pure genius) asked me to do a layout that focused on the journaling...for their From the Heart column. Yeah, I pretty much loved everything about this assignment. 

My layout turned out as almost a year-end wrap up. Kind of appropriate for this time of year, don't you think? 

My photo needs a V8. What is it with my inability to take a straight photograph? 

Anyway, the layout features a letter I wrote to myself. I think I've written it to myself before (many times) but the older I get the more it seems to sink in. 

Adam used to tell the kids in our ministry to stop and take a "moment in the middle." Literally freeze time for a second and let it all sink in...the sights, the sounds, the smells, the way you felt...

How often do I do this? 

Really not enough. So, that's what it's about. And I'm thrilled with the way the magazine turned out. You can view the whole thing online too. 

Another special surprise was that they included the 2012 Sketch Calendar. It's REALLY cool... And you can buy one of your very own on their website if you want. (You want!) 

I'm also excited today because I got to post some Freebies over on the Webster's Pages Blog. You don't have to be a Scrapbooker to appreciate free downloadable Christmas tags.

They're adorable!! You can download eight different tags, print them off and use them in your scrapbooks or on your gifts this year...Check out the blog for more info and download yours right away! 

Today is a writing day for me. That means, I face off with my deadline and I will be the first to pull the trigger. (Cue whistling, western-y music in the background.) I love falling asleep thinking about my characters and what trouble they're going to get into next...so I'm anticipating this day. 

But before I go, I leave you with just a taste of what I'm contending with trying to work from home amid the constant interruptions of my goofy little Hobbit...

Even though I clearly don't have any idea how to hold a phone when recording a video (thus the black on either side of this)...this is still worth sharing. 

So, I give you...a conversation between Sam & I in which he schools me on the characters of Sonic Colors (after two days of calling me "Amy" and only responding when I call him "Sonic"...) and a little Christmas wishlisting. 

(I know it's cut off on the right but that's probably actually better...)

Ignore the mess in the background. 

And the fact that he's still in his jams. We do what we can. 

Have a great weekend! :) 

 

My NovelTree Winner!

I didn't want to let the day slip by without posting the winner of the brand new My NovelTree photobook. 

Colette said...

I am dying to have one of these books so I WILL run over-- but I am sure I could love a second one if I WON it!!!! Thanks for the chance

ReplyOctober 10, 2011 at 08:47 PM

Colette, you are so super lucky! Be sure to email me with your info (cwalsh [at] websterspages [dot] com) so I can get your book in the hopper! 

Thanks everyone for playing along...and if you didn't win, you can check out My NovelTree on Facebook and on the website! They are so purty! You need to go getcha one!

Happy weekend!

Turn your junk mail into art

What seems like forever ago, I pitched an article to Memory Makers Magazine about using recycled goods in your scrapbooking. I was never one to get too caught up in the acid-free thing...in truth, I just like paper. 

And one of the greatest sources of paper is your mailbox. 

Junk mail. 

The result of that pitch was an article about Green Scrapbooking...a nice way to say "use your junk mail to make pretty things." 

Like a mailer with coupons for diapers...

...which became a little mini album. 

Or, if you're in children's ministry and wind up with a random roll of raffle tickets...

They make a lovely background for a layout. 

So whenever I get a catalog I love, like Anthropologie or Land of Nod or anything else that comes to my mailbox full of things I know I can't afford, I hang onto it.

My husband calls this "hoarding." 

If I'm not careful, he's going to put me on A&E.

Doesn't he know you can turn the pages of a catalog into a gift for a very sweet, very wonderful, very amazing friend on her birthday? 

I took a sheet of kraft cardstock on the outside and gussied it up...which is a nice way of saying I got it good and messy. With paint, rub-ons, stickers...all the things that make birds sing outside my window on a clear day. 

I like messy things. 

You should see my bathroom. If I wasn't exhausted and if I knew how to take an indoor photo at night that didn't turn out burnt orange, I would go take one to show you how messy it is. 

The funny thing is, I also have a cleaner, more graphic side, but these messy pages with masking tape and paint and STUFF sticking out all over the place? They make my heart do cartwheels. 

Because when I make something like this, I am NOT over-thinking. I am creating. And it's therapeutic to get a little lost in what I'm doing...to think about the message I want to convey, in this case "You are an amazing person and I wholly adore you." 

That photo above shows you that this is not a fancy-schmancy book. I took a stack of pages, folded them down the center and hand-stitched the binding. 

EASY but seriously, so fun. 

I inserted pockets by folding one page over and stapling it to the following page. Then you can stick even MORE stuff inside! Here's a closer view...

If you get a cute graphic like this flower-guy from Land of Nod...

Let it show by folding a sheet of book paper back. 

It's a completely original, one-of-a-kind gift...the kind you give when you really want your heart to show. 

We've all got plenty of junk mail laying around...and I know we read about controlling clutter and how throwing junk mail away immediately is key...but what can I say? 

I think I've found a way to justify holding on to a few things...

What about you? Have you ever turned your junk into art? I would love to hear about it...or better yet...I'd love to SEE it!! 

We hoarders have to stick together.

 

Mixed Media Art

I painted this weekend. It felt good. It's really the first time I've painted since we moved. Sometimes you just need to create something. 

And knowing I was making something for a dear friend of mine made it even more fun. 

The background is a lot of Webster's Pages papers, a sewing pattern, sheet music and old book pages. Lots of paint, modeling paste, texture...

And then this big old chipboard heart I found in my scrapbooking stash. I used more Webster's Pages (Western Romance), and then the standard old sheet music and book pages and painted the whole thing pink.

The trim threaded through the scallops really added some cool texture, and I popped the heart off the canvas by using foam squares from Scrapbook Adhesives.

I really wanted to make this piece super-girly because my friend Lyndsey has four boys...and every girl needs a little pink.

When it came to the sentiment, it was important for me to get it right...so I spent some time just thinking about Lyndsey and all the things I love about her. Ultimately, the thing I focused on was that she really makes the world more beautiful...

Seriously...Just go look at her website. 

So, I printed the words off and used more gel medium to adhere them down. A few rub-ons, a big pink button and pink paint on the edges and I was done. 

 
I feel so lucky to have friends who really fill my world with beauty...

I've got some big news!

When you're trying to get used to a new life, you spend a lot of time kicking around ideas of what you're supposed to be doing.

Does this fit into my new life plan?

Is this what I want my life to look like?

 And you also hit on a lot of practical ideas like...

Should I cross my fingers for new freelance work?

Should I teach drama at the kids' new school? 

 
The bottom line is, you weigh your options. Adam and I have been weighing my options for a couple of months, and while I've been incredibly fortunate to work on some amazing freelance projects, they are somewhat sporadic. (I one time spelled that word "spurratic" and a friend of mine oh-so-gently corrected me. And then laughed. I've never spelled it wrong again.) Of course, I love freelancing and hope to continue, but I was in the market for something more stable. 

Adam and I agreed that if I could find some sort of job from home, that would be best. We do still have a Hobbit home all day. But jobs, by and large, are hard to find...and at home? What was I going to do? Cold calls? I'd pass by editor positions at magazines I'd love to work for, but they were always in-house and not in Colorado. 

Long story short...miraculously (does anyone else realize there's really no such thing as coincidence?) a scrapbooking company that had jumped on my radar in searching for product to use for my new papercrafting book, was hiring. 

They are Webster's Pages. 

So I applied. And I got the job. And while my kids were off having a brilliant first day of school, I was home having my first day of work. And loving it. The owner, Brandin, is not only smart but completely relatable...and that goes a long way. My only complaint is that she doesn't live next door. I think we could rock some morning coffee.

Here's the big announcement on the WP blog!

Their products are gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous and I am already loving going through all of the collections, mostly drooling. Great for scrapbooking but also for mixed media...and I've got an idea for some wall art that might get the Webster's treatment! 

(Aren't they beautiful?) 

I love that they are vintage, but still vibrant. I am, after all, a color girl! 

So, yes, I'm going to be working with the crack team at WP and I am one blessed girl for it. 

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. - Psalm 37:4

 

 

 

 

Today on the Crafty Power Blog

Today I'm over at the Crafty Power Blog talking about this layout...

Which is based on this post...

Which is still one of my favorite stories ever. 

Come check it out!?

Ten Things (otherwise known as "Free Association.")

10. I love when my kids go outside to play, but I cannot stand the way they smell when they come in. Something about the summer heat + their sweaty bodies doesn't sit well with me. 

 
9. Sometimes this smell is so overwhelming I have to leave the room. They probably think I don't love them anymore, but I just have a really sensitive nose. 

8. Yesterday I told Sophia and the neighbor girls "You guys really stink" before I could censor myself. Whoops. 

In my defense, they really did stink.

7. I have a secret movie crush on Jason Bateman. I'm not sure where it came from because during his "Valerie's Family" (or whatever that show was called) days, I actually didn't like him...but then Mr. Magorium happened and I've been prone to J.B. crushes ever since. This weekend I watched "The Switch" and it got worse. Dry + Sarcastic = Pure Awesomeness.

6. Sophia would spend every waking minute on our neighbor's trampoline if I let her. Some days I seriously consider letting her. And then I realize she's entering the phase where she wants to be with her friends more than us and I call her home for no good reason. 

5. This always backfires. 

4. I'm starting to wonder why my older kids find it necessary to argue with their 3 year old Hobbity brother. I mean, really? He's 3. (I usually stop wondering at the exact moment I find myself arguing with him. He's obstinate, that one.) 

3. I did seven projects for my papercrafting book this weekend and I actually like them. I'm getting really exciting to see this one come together! It's been fun getting back into it...and my scrapbook room almost has a floor. When I'm going to paint the walls is a whole different issue. My painting days feels over. At least, I want them to be.

2. I'm on day four of no sugar/starch/dairy (which I don't eat anyway.) I'm eating mostly fruits, veggies and meat (and eggs, if I want them, which happens to me like, twice a year. Not much of an egg fan.) The first day was easy. The second? Considerably harder. The third? Worse. The fourth? Getting better. I know once I get the junk out of my body I'll feel so much better and am thinking of permanently adapting a "no starch" diet. I'm trying to decide if this means I should give up coffee as well (I know, I go through this monthly)... but when my favorite mug broke, I wondered if that was a sign...

This is my mug (on the left) next to a normal sized mug (on the right.) 

(Adam superglued it, but it's a little wobbly. I drink one of those in the morning and no coffee the rest of the day.) I have no idea how this is affecting my body, but I'm wondering if giving it up to find out would be smart. (I've been here before...)

1. Adam just walked in after performing his third installment of "The Sound of Music". His grand entrance into the house TERRIFIED me and I'm still trying to get my heart out of my throat. Excuse me while I go perform the Heimlich maneuver on my own self.

How about you? How was your weekend? I'm hunting for some new blogs to read so if you have one, leave me a note so I can check it out!

Bits and Pieces

Reading:

...and it's rocking my world. (And I've studied this issue to death, so it must be good.) 

I'm thinking we should do an online group to discuss it because it's FULL of good stuff. I've been reading a chapter each morning and taking tons of notes! What do you think?

Also reading:

...and am loving it. Highly recommend this book!

Excited to be a [small] part of this:

I was interviewed for this article:

...and provided ideas for Scrapbooking As You Go...

And I admit, I was pretty excited about it! Love the way it turned out. 

Scrapping:

...for CHA and wishing I was there.

Also making a few cards...

for the Scrapbook Adhesives website...

Watching a little too much of this:

And last night, I fell 100% in love with this number:

(the video isn't online yet.) 

I LOVED it. And I love this kid. (Could be the Broadway connection, I am a theatre geek.) 

And also whipping my living room into shape (not ready to show pictures of that yet. I need my husband's mad picture-hanging skills.) 

It's anything but a relaxing summer. July is our busiest month yet...

But we're still finding time to enjoy. I hope you are too...What are the bits and pieces in your world today?

 

 

 

One of those random Free Association Posts...and a Winner!

I think I forgot to show you my little altered notebook I made for the Crafty Power Blog. You can see the full post HERE. It's using mostly Vintage Street Market.

The next day Sophia made her own version with my scraps. 

I scrapped that all on the floor since my room is in shambles and my product is in the garage. No matter. It was therapeutic.

And now, I have some random thoughts for the day. 

1. Sometimes I hope a blog post will strike a chord and I'll hear lots of feedback in the comments section. This is not one of those posts. 

2. I've started using professional-speak with my kids. Often you'll find me saying things like "Please acknowledge." (Which is usually met with a slow as molasses "Yes, ma'am..." and then a pout.)

3. Unpacking shines a light on a lot of things. Like how you need to pay a little closer attention at the grocery store.

I've never even used Paprika.

And four cans of Sweetened Condensed Milk? I remember making one dessert that called for this (I admit, it's probably the most fattening, gooey thing ever, but it's really, really good...) but I haven't made that in years. WHY do I still feel drawn to these little of high fructose corn syrup?

And I beg you, tell me, who eats chicken out of a can?

I'm preparing for my bomb shelter. That's what it is. 

In other news, we don't eat kidney beans either, but they're making an appearance in this shot as well.

And I've decided for the next three months we're not eating sandwiches. Only wraps. 

For a family that has only had tacos maybe three times in eleven years, this is bordering on insanity.

4. Speaking of insanity. Doing dishes and having this pop up in the kitchen window is enough to scare anyone into the sanitarium...

6. I watched Adam "catch up" on my blog the other day. He only reads the posts in which he is featured. And then he laughs...not at my commentary...just at his own wacky antics.

7. And he skips the "deep posts" saying "Eh. Too deep for me." (P.S. I did not even SEE Sophia when I was taking these pictures.)

8. You know that song "Shave and a haircut?" That's the theme song I'm assigning to my husband. Fer reals. 

9. I never say things like "fer reals" in real life. 

10. And really the only thing anyone cares about, let's face it! I'm giving away this beautiful book:

And if your name is Cathy Derouche, you are one lucky lady because you won! This is Cathy's comment:

Cathy Derouche said...

Oh I love giveaways and this one is awesome!

ReplyJune 27, 2011 at 09:42 PM

If I knew how to do a screen shot, I'd offer proof, but I don't, so you'll just have to trust me. I'm an honest girl. (Cathy, send me your address to claim your prize. courtneycrops [at] msn [dot] com.)

Now I'm wondering if writing your email like that really does keep the spambots away...I have my doubts. I'm also wondering how to take a screen shot. I think I used to know.

If you're still on the fence about this book, take a peek inside HERE.

11. Just for kicks...my kids are at this moment speaking to me, or rather, at me, because I'm only listening with one ear, in French accents. So far, we've mastered Russian, Italian (or Brooklyn, I suppose) and French. I think we're ready for a world tour. 

12. P.S. Did I tell you that I now love our new carpet? (After all that worrying...) If you could see even a patch of it in this mess of a house, I'd show you a picture, but alas, someone hasn't gotten her act together and unpacked much of anything the last three days. 

What's that you say? That's how it looked the day we moved in? 

Don't bore me with those silly details. 

Just kidding. It's a little more put together, though not enough to take a photo. Have a happy (insert day of the week because I can't remember it here) day!  

Big Book of Scrapbooking Giveaway!

If you're my Facebook friend, you may already know that this hasn't been the best couple of days. Just an hour ago, Adam and I made a verbal list of everything that's gone wrong, just to get some perspective and try and laugh about it. This list is long and almost comical.

Almost. 

But in spite of that, there are some GREAT things in my life. First of all, I don't have a landlord anymore. And after this morning, I'm even more grateful for that. Our Dish Network is finally working (after an entire morning on the phone and then having a tech come out again.) Our internet apepars to be okay...knock on wood...so I can blog with photos again. 

And didn't you miss my sunny disposition?

AND. AND. This guy showed up in the mail:

I'm REALLY excited about this book because I got to write the text. The pages are NOT all mine (be thankful!) but the words are, and I can tell you even the black and white printout they sent me to use when writing it, I could tell, this book was pure awesomeness!

** I want to stress that these pages are from a WIDE assortment of some of your favorite scrapbookers!! I'm just the writer, the eye candy is what makes this an awesome, awesome book!!!

Here's my little introduction. Sorry, it's not a good picture. I needed a V8.

We tried to keep the tone very conversational, and my editor was absolute JOY to work with. She's the one who had to find all the awesome pages and put them all together in the perfect way. The crack team at Memory Makers Books assembled a TON (a TON!) of incredible eye candy to inspire even the most burnt out scrapbooker. 

Not that I'm talking to myself or anything.

The other cool feature is that this book spotlights other Memory Makers Books authors in case you haven't snatched up some of their other amazing idea books. Here's my spotlight...

Fun, right? Here's Greta Hammond's. I love that girl. Her work is amazing.

There's also these cool extra tips throughout the book, just to inspire you to think outside the box. It's great for beginniers and advance scrapbookers alike!

There's just so much to look at. 

Trust me, you want this book! 

So. Let's give one away! Here's what you have to do...

• Leave a comment on this post. 
• Blog, Facebook or Tweet about it for another chance to win! (3 additional chances total!)(Won't you help me spread the word?!)
• Don't make me feel bad for wallowing in my own self pity for a couple days... I promise I'll snap out of it and be back to my typical self in no time. 
• Don't point out that my typical self is equally as snarky and cynical as the self I am right now. 
• Do go eat some chocolate and refuse to feel guilty. 

I'm really not asking much, I don't think. 

Leave a comment, win a book! C'mon, play along! It's super easy to win! 

Contest will close next Tuesday, because for some unknown reason I like Tuesdays. That's June 28th. You have till then to leave some love! 

And if you just want to go ahead and order it, go HERE. It's 100% worth it!

Productivity, Setbacks and Indecisiveness

This past week has been beyond full. I admit, it's getting hard to keep everything straight. 

I've been packing up boxes for a month now, and Adam loads them up into the van and drops them off at the house after work. We've moved so much already, so why do I still feel like there's so much left to pack?

In my purging/packing, I discovered my affinity for magazines is bordering on out of control.

That was one of three stacks I found. I packed them up in a box before Adam could hunt me down and force me to throw some away. (I haven't read these yet!) 

I made cover art for my upcoming papercrafting book. This is always so fun, but lots of pressure to "get it right!" You can tell I am an indecisive person when it comes to art...

I also made some little bookmarks for a friend which were featured on the Crafty Power Blog last week. 

I cleared off the fridge and thought "I will NOT miss this thing." Not only is this fridge small, but it's impossible to open. I swear, it's sealed as tightly as a deep freeze right after you close the lid. 

Plus, the kitchen does look cleaner with our fridge because I can't stick a bunch of stuff on it. As much as I love that, it's so messy!

One night last week, we had this crazy hail storm. It started out as thunder and rain and then got louder and louder until these started falling from the sky. 

In the morning there were what looked like piles of snow from all this hail. It was insane.

And keeping in line with Murphy's Law...my Hobbit woke up on Thursday morning 100% sick. Throwing up everything and ended up sleeping on the couch (in the midst of all of our noise) for most of the day.

I felt so bad for him--He was just miserable.

By Friday, he was totally normal again. It was the strangest bug. 

I also hunted down some fun stuff...

And yes, painted loads and loads of ugly brown trim to a beautiful white...

My hair looks ridiculous in that picture. Just sayin'.

Looking back on the whirlwind, it was quite productive, but we're all feeling the pain a little bit. Living in two houses hasn't been easy, but this upcoming weekend we move in for good. 

I can't wait to wave goodbye to the rental, but I have to admit, I'll miss living in this part of town, close to my friends and familiar with everything. This rental got us out here, and even though there are many things we don't like about it, I am thankful for the Colorado roof over our heads this past year.

Today we're getting hardwood floors in here...

...which I think is going to transform the space completely. We're still talking about backsplashes and counters, but those are decisions for another day...

My brain is much too full to think about it!

Scrapbooking Our Cross Country Move

I took a little hiatus from scrapbooking that ended only a few months ago. And by little I mean about three years. I'd had a stack of photos developed (which rarely happens) that chronicled our move, and as I looked them over, I saw so many stories I wasn't telling. It bugged me. So, I decided to document them, one at a time. 

I started with this photo:

...taken during Adam's trip out to Colorado to interview for his current position. Our kids had no idea. Something about that felt so so deceptive. I mean, look how happy they are here.

But the page I made is journaled in hindsight...and with the knowledge I have now that everything would turn out okay. Better than okay. We wouldn't just live out here, we'd thrive. 

I started with some of my favorite Basic Grey paper and incorporated torn book pages, notebook paper, hand stitching and lots of buttons...

...piled underneath the photo to highlight it and secure its place as the focal point of my layout.

and I wrote the journaling by hand, which I've often done because I think it makes the pages more personal.

I had to walk away from my scrapbooks because I think I'd turned scrapbooking into something it was never meant to be...more stress. It's not anymore. It's back to being a creative, visual way to tell my stories. And in this case, a story that isn't necessarily easy to tell...it was the hardest decision we've ever made.

 
Simple,but uniquely mine. 

So, a question for you: Do you document (scrapbook, journal, art journal) the tough times your family goes through or do you keep your albums and memories light-hearted? I don't think there's a right or a wrong way to do it, I'm just curious what other people are doing! 

For more on how I created this page, check it out on the Crafty Power Blog over at Scrapbook Adhesives!

 

 

Half Full

I love pretty things. I want to fill my new home with prettiness. Not necessarily "stuff" but just beauty...weather it's kind words or lingering kisses...hands helping little ones or looking for ways to make my kids smile. 

I'm declaring our new house a "Family First" zone. 

I rarely make things to decorate our house, but I plan to fill it with handmade items (cheap and easy decor) and things my kids have made. I don't care that it'll never be in some decorating magazine...it'll speak to our family, and that's what matters most. 

I made this wall hanging for the Crafty Power Blog...you can see the whole post HERE.

So simple and easy, but such a great reminder. I want to hang this one in my kitchen so I always remember to focus on what's important. 

GOD.
Our Family
People who love me. 
Encouraging words.
Our creativity. 
Good friends.
Our Health.

The glass is half full. Or 3/4 of the way full. Or overflowing.

And I don't want to miss it by focusing on the things that don't matter.

*****

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for Elana's new book, Gluten Free Cupcakes! Delicious stuff. I think I might make some this weekend! Just leave a comment on the post below.  

 

 

 

Writing Journey Wednesday: On Marketing

I wasn't going to blog today. 

I woke up twice in the middle of the night thanks to an upset stomach and I still feel a little off. Plus, it's gloomy and rainy outside which always makes me feel gloomy and rainy on the inside. 

But there's this nagging realization that won't let me from its grip, and it helps to process through the written word. Maybe you'll be able to relate, who knows? 

I've realized recently that I have this tendency to downplay everything I do. I started to see it in myself when I read Kelly Rae's e-book, which I mostly read to learn about marketing my own books. As I read what she did to promote her book, Taking Flight (which I loved, by the way,) I started to see all the missed opportunities. All the ways I'd failed to promote these projects I'd worked so hard on. All the ways I'd convinced myself that my books were "no big deal."

And I knew it was too late to go back and re-market. I'd simply missed my chance. 

So, I started to ask myself why. Why hadn't I blogged about these books? I'd killed myself working on them. I loved them. I poured myself into both of them. So, why was I afraid to share that with the world--virtual or otherwise? 

Why am I the author who, at book signings, is a nervous wreck? Why, at the mention of doing more book signings do I want to dive ostrich-style into a pile of sand? 

What I've boiled it down to is this...I was taught to be humble. I know people who are not humble. Their lack of humility grates my very last nerve. Because telling me you're great at something, first of all, doesn't make it so and second of all, just makes you sound haughty.

I don't want to sound haughty or proud or arrogant...so I choose to say nothing. Everything I've read about marketing tells me this is not the way to sell a book. But how do I glorify God with my work if all I'm doing is touting my own self? 

Then there's that little notion inside that there will be people who belittle the work I'm doing. The "real" authors would look at my books and turn up their noses. Won't they? The "real" artists will think nothing of my papercrafting work. Right?

A couple of weeks ago, though, as I was processing this, it dawned on me, that these aren't "little books." These are "huge opportunities." God-given opportunities...and I have a duty to make the very most of that. 

I can't control what other people think or say about me. Oftentimes, I think the negative ones end up sounding bitter and critical anyway, so why do I spend time worrying about those faceless people and not focus on the gift I've been given...a contract...a chance to tell these stories...a chance to share my art...a chance to live out a dream...

I am proud of the books I'm writing, of the work I'm doing...I'm excited to see a show that Adam and I wrote produced for the very first time...I'm over the moon that God's opened a door and given me a chance to write a new papercrafting book that's unlike the other two in every way. 

And I know I need to share that...because there are so, so many good people who encourage and inspire and motivate me. People who want to see me succeed... but I don't let them in the car on this crazy roller coaster ride. I leave them standing on the ground because, in the past, I've let the wrong person come along with me. 

The truth is, I left the spotlight a long time ago in favor of a behind the scenes position. I did that on purpose, because in the spotlight is a difficult place to stand. Your flaws are illuminated and all eyes are on you. I've done my best to stay behind the scenes, and I think I've done myself a terrible disservice back here, in the wings. 

I don't have this one figured out yet, but it's something I'm working on. Finding the balance between marketing and bragging. Being comfortable talking about my work, without worrying that the person I'm talking to will walk away thinking I'm full of myself. 

How do you accomplish that? 

Writing Journey Wednesday: Constructive Criticism

...otherwise known as "editing."

First things first.

Happy birthday to this guy right here:

 
(Not a great picture of an old layout) but still... HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I'll do a sappy post later when I tell you all the reasons why my husband is the best thing in the world... but for now...

I've been thinking a lot about the editing process lately. Thinking about how fortunate I am to have such amazing editors. I've never worked with a bad editor. I've worked with hard editors and fairly easy editors, but every one of them has made the end result better. But that's not to say their suggestions don't sting just a tiny bit in the beginning.

I've been the recipient of lots of constructive criticsm over the years. I've also been the recipient of some not so constructive criticism. I've been the giver of constructive criticsm and I've learned the best way to dole it out (especially when you're directing a theatrical production with kids.)

(best to hand it out gently, flanked by positives)...

Here's a great visual example.

Years ago, I created this scrapbook page...

 
First of all, my hair is ridiculous in that picture. (Don't pretend you weren't thinking the same thing.)

This layout was for an article I was writing and my editor said "hm. It's not quite there." She told me the things she liked and then said "I think maybe it needs to be more grounded." She suggested adding a darker color.

Human nature is to defend ourselves. To say all the reasons why our idea is best or our version is perfect. You have that initial "But...I like it MY way..."

But sometimes having someone else help us along makes the end result so much better.

 
I've learned that it's no different with writing. You pour your heart and soul into this project. You eat/sleep/breathe/love those characters. You read and re-read. Then you hit "send" and you feel DONE.

You may even celebrate with dinner in a restaurant. You may even convince your husband you need a pedicure to commemorate this momentous occasion.

Then, a few weeks later your editor sends you a lovely "editorial letter" and tells you all the wonderful things about your book. You feel overjoyed. You're beaming. She likes it!

Then you keep reading. You realize there are just as many things that need to be changed. Your heart sinks. You decide you're the worst writer on the face of the planet. A fraud. No one should buy your books.

 
If you're smart, you close your laptop and walk away from it for at least a day. Maybe two depending on how much work you have to do.

But then you start to think about some of the suggestions your editor has proposed. And you start to get kind of excited about the new path a character could take. And you write a scene over again. And it's a lot of work. But after a few times of this, you can step back and compare the first version to the second. And the third. And, in my case, even the fourth. (I know. My editors are incredibly patient.)

And you can see the progress. It's so much better than it was.

By golly, they were right.

 
You want to send them cupcakes to celebrate. But is there a rule against gifting editors? Is it like bribing government officals? You aren't sure so you decide to hold off...just in case.

I sent one of my editors a note today. I've never worked with her before, so I wanted her to know that I love constructive criticsm. I know how much better the end will be if we can work through some of what's not working really early on.

And I started thinking...it's like that with any artistic endeavor. None of us has it all figured out. Even the people who seem like they do. Even the people who act like they do. There's always room for improvement. There's always ways to make our work better. The key is to find people we trust to speak into what we're working on.

Because those people won't let us lose ourselves in the process. They'll work with us to make the book/art/page whatever representative of who we are. If we're willing to be teachable, we can learn from anyone... and I believe it's an absolute must as a writer.

Do you have any thoughts on the subject? I'd love to know what you're thinking...

Busy.

This week, we close on a new house. Our first Colorado house. Our fourth house ever. We can't wait, but I admit, it doesn't seem real AT ALL. I keep thinking we have a month to wait, but we don't...it's actually here. I'm a little nervous, if I'm honest. I guess it means we've officially moved to Colorado. Maybe after we move into our own house, it'll actually start to feel like we live here and stop feeling like we're on vacation.

I painted this weekend. Just this one that's been brewing in my head for awhile now...

 

A reminder to myself that it's okay to go against the flow. It's okay to make waves. To be different. To follow your gut.

I'm also...

...working on a few custom pieces but they aren't finished. I loved what my friend Becky said about painting for other people in this post. I echo her sentiments exactly.

...busy trying to find Sophia a good audition song for her audition for "The Sound of Music" (which is Saturday.) Anyone got any good ideas?

...finishing up a few deadlines so I can enjoy my weekend free & clear because I'm...

...preparing for my best friend to come visit me. It's been years since I saw her and we are both ready for the break! There's something about an old friend, someone who knows you already...it's comforting and familiar. I am so looking forward to it. I envision antique stores, spa treatments, good food and there's even been talk of some Friday Night Lights. Sounds like perfection to me.

...Loving being part of the Scrapbook Adhesives design team. I did my introductory post this weekend and added this layout: 

 
...which looks crooked to me. Maybe I need a V8.

...reading devotionals here. They have so much great stuff and I have a feeling this one today is going to nail me to the wall.

It's important for me to slow down and hand it all over to God because stress has been making me physically sick and I'm kinda done with that. So. That's what's on my mind as I start my week...a whole lot of busy.

What're you up to this week?

 

[In Her Words] Ali Edwards

 
When I first started writing, I remember researching everything I could about other writer's processes. How did they develop a story? Did they know on page 100 what they'd write on page 275? And why hadn't I developed that ability? It fascinates me to learn about what drives people. What makes them go. How they tackle their day to day and how their big dreams land in the mix.

It's no different with art or scrapbooking or business. I love to find out what makes people tick. Especially people I admire. And today, I get to share half of my interview with one of those people.

The always lovely Ali Edwards.

Photo by Tracey Clark

I had the joy of meeting Ali at a CKU many years ago. In person, she is just as you'd imagine her to be...kind, humble and a lot of fun. She's an author, designer and teacher and you can check out more of her work HERE.

Ali is so down to earth and laid back...a big part of why we all love her so much! Read on to discover even more reasons to love her...

 
[Courtney]  You’re known for your “one little word” concept. Where did this idea come from and did you expect it to take off the way it has?

[Ali] I first started having a word of the year for myself in 2006. I love lists and have made lots of resolutions lists in the past but something about having a single word/concept to focus on really resonated with me. If I remember right the idea grew out of/was inspired by Andrea Scher’s Mondo Beyondo list (now an online class: http://www.mondobeyondo.org/).  (Original link to Andrea’s Mondo Beyondo in 2004:)

 Having One Little Word for myself helps me focus – I usually have something I’d like to have come into my life related to my word. It also always, without fail, makes itself visible to me in ways I never would have imagined. I love that about the journey and the process.

I never expected it to take off, but I so love reading all the words each year and I really love the community that has developed around it (especially through my year-long class at Big Picture Classes).

Over the last few years of doing One Little Word I’ve found other people online who have similar ideas they’ve shared with their own communities – I’m definitely not alone in the idea and would never want to take credit for “inventing” it. It was something that made sense to me so I shared it. 

 
[Courtney]  How do you go about instilling creativity into your kids?

[Ali] Leading by example. Offering choices. Having things on hand and available (paints, pens, crayons, sidewalk chalk, etc). Teaching them that there’s not always a right or a wrong way to do things. Also teaching that creativity does not only mean you make art projects – creativity can be in how you see the world, in how you approach problems, etc.

[Courtney]  It's such a part of your day-to-day lives. You've turned capturing the everyday into an artform. Why is this important to you?

[Ali] It’s really everything to me. Focusing on being thankful for and documenting our everyday has made a major difference in how I approach life. I notice things that I never saw before. I’m more patient overall. My pace is slower and the choices I make are often grounded in a fundamental appreciation for how I want to live our everyday lives.

To me there is so much beauty in the monotony – really, it makes up the bulk of our lives. I think a lot about how this is our one life and how do I want my time to be spent here. I want my time to be spent enjoying more days than not – enjoying the basic simple things (like a hot cup of tea, the sound of one of my kids reading books, walking barefoot in our backyard, etc).

For me, a lot of this celebrating the everyday came about during the process of my son being diagnosed with autism. The way I thought my life was going to go was changing significantly and it was through that initial tumoil/grieving that I began to really watch how Simon was experiencing the world. He’s the best at celebrating all the little things. His delight at being served his favorite breakfast is so awesome.

He’s really the one that taught me how important it is to celebrate the wonderful little things in life.

 
[Courtney]  What are some creative goals you’re working towards?

[Ali] I’d like to write another book or a series of smaller e-books. I’m also planning to do more online classes both through Big Picture and on my own site. I’ve always got something on my list.

[Courtney]  What’s your favorite part of your job?

[Ali] Being my own boss. Working from home. Getting to do something that I really, really love. Having a job that has a lot of different parts: designing, creating pages, writing, photography, etc. If I don’t feel like doing one thing there’s usually something else that’s waiting to be done that will use an entirely different part of my brain.

[Courtney]  Do you feel pressured to constantly be innovative and unique?

[Ali] To be honest I don’t very often. I was recently interviewed and I mentioned how I have no problem repeating designs I’ve done in the past. If it worked for me once – had room for photos and the story – then why not use it again? Constantly re-inventing the wheel takes energy away from my main focus - the words and the photos.

For the last couple of years I’ve used mainly white cardstock – why? Because I love it. Maybe I’ll move away from it again in the future but for now it’s my favorite.

 
[Courtney]  I love what you said about reinventing the wheel taking energy from your main focus. What a great point. You know, looking at you, it’s easy for the rest of us to assume you have everything together and never deal with a shred of self-doubt. Is that the case? If not, how do you deal with it?

[Ali] Ah, assumptions. I definitely don’t have it all together and I definitely live with self-doubt.

Everyone has self-doubt in his or her lives in one form or another. I don’t work with a lot of doubt related to creating scrapbook layouts or telling stories, but I face it in other areas of my life.

One of my perspectives related to creating pages is that’s really no right or wrong way to put a layout together. Once you really own that idea it’s a lot tougher to doubt the choices you are making.

The main way I deal with self-doubt is by attacking it head on – making new choices, taking things one step at a time, taking action.

 
[Courtney]  It sounds so simple when you say it! So, I have to ask...what inspires you?

[Ali] My kids and they way they see the world. Magazines. Enlarged photos. Travel. Antique stores. I’m inspired by so many things – I’m always open to finding inspiration because I never know where it will come from next.

[Courtney]  Where do you get your ideas and how do they evolve from a little spark to a reality?

[Ali] Ideas come to me often when I’m exercising. At first I thought it was a fluke, but it’s been fairly consistent recently.

Ideas pop up for me all the time. Often it’s when I just going about the regular routines of my day (reading the newspaper, driving the car, cooking breakfast). I’m also inspired by all kinds of things I find online – visual stuff that I want to incorporate into something I’ve got working on or a spark for something different completely.

Right now I’m using a spiral notebook to keep track of ideas. I’ve tried lots of different methods but good old-fashioned handwritten lists seem to work the best. I do use a program called Things to keep track of more long-term projects.

 
[Courtney]  Do you ever have to deal with negativity as a result of being such a pioneer in this industry? How do you handle it?

[Ali] Sure. Over the years I’ve learned to have a pretty good filter – a filter that allows me to disregard the things that are completely untrue and/or come from a mean/anonymous place but also allows me to take constructive criticism and see if there’s some truth to it that will help me to grow as a creative business person. There’s such a difference between people who simply spew hate because of the anonymous nature of the Internet and those who are genuinely giving constructive criticism. 

 [Courtney]  Describe a typical day.

[Ali] I wrote a post on that recently that details a working day for me called Daily Work At Home Rhythms And Things I Have Learned.

 
[Courtney]  What about your idea of a perfect day? What does that look like?

[Ali] I think my perfect day would begin by waking up on vacation (either tropical or European), having a leisurely local breakfast with something hot to drink and something to read, happy kids eager for adventure, embarking on some sort of adventure (swimming, hiking, biking, walking, etc) with lunch along the way. Our adventure would be followed by an afternoon nap/downtime and then getting dressed up for dinner. Dinner would be outdoors, followed by a walk through the town or along the beach.

If we weren’t lucky enough to be on vacation, I love days here at home where we have a morning adventure with a leisurely rest in the afternoon and then have friends over for dinner.

[Courtney]  Do you have a “life motto” or something you strive towards on a continuous basis?

[Ali] I’ve had a few over the years – they are continually evolving based on what’s happening in my life at the time. Simplicity is always something on my mind – how can I not make things more complicated than they need to be? Having less and living more. Life is for living.

I also really strive towards creating a calm, loving environment in my home where my kids can grow and flourish.

 
[Courtney]  Has anything on your professional journey really surprised you?

[Ali] I think I’m constantly surprised. I’m still surprised that it has become what it is today. It’s been a combination of right place/right time and a good dose of very consistent hard work.

At times I’m surprised at how much I love what I do and that I still, after nine years, love scrapbooking/memory keeping/storytelling so very much.

 

[Courtney]  Why is it important to you to tell your stories? What drives you to do that?

 [Ali] To me, it helps me make sense of our lives. Through my layouts I reflect, I celebrate, I document, and I make my memories visible.

Photo By Tracey Clark

[Courtney]  And my favorite question...Describe yourself in three words.

[Ali] Practical. Optimistic. Evolving.

 

Super. Exciting. News.

Forever ago, when I finished working on The Busy Scrapper, I knew I needed a break. I had a LOT (still do) to learn about writing fiction, so I took 2009 to learn. And learn. And learn. In the process, I walked away from papercrafting altogether. I couldn't do it all, and frankly, I'd lost the desire.

I got my book deal (for my novels) and at the center of that story is a big, beautiful scrapbook. The kind you find hidden in a trunk. The kind that you open and when you do, a whirlwind of laughter pours out, bringing with it a collection of memories.

 
Source

Fast forward to about a month and a half ago. I was going through a bunch of photos of our move and I started to think about all the stories I wasn't telling. So much had changed, but none of it had been documented. And suddenly, I knew I needed to start up again.

Telling our stories was too important.

Long story short, one morning, I got a hair-brained idea. Truth be told, I think it had been percolating for a little while... but that day, it turned into a full-fledged idea. One that needed some attention.

And one that resulted in some super exciting news!

 

I'm writing a new book!

My proposal to Memory Makers Books was officially accepted and all systems are a GO! This isn't fiction, it's another idea book, like my first two...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, I'm hard at work finishing up my rewrite for my second novel in the series and outlining/organizing this one.

 
I can't say much more about it, but I can say that it is really, really exciting and will have loads of creative ideas in it! I've already got a few contributors lined up but am working on getting the rest. Let me tell you... so far, I'm working with a dream cast! I love this part!

I've come to realize that when it's not time for a thing, it feels forced. I think God takes the desire away. But when the desire returns, I think it's important to pay attention. I'm not talking about doing laundry or unloading the dishwasher... but creatively, two years ago, it wasn't time for me to do a third book. Now, it is. And I'm more than thrilled.

In the midst of all this house buying craziness, it's a much-needed source of excitement!

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Birthday & A Winner!

So as of today, I am officially the mother of a ten-year-old.

 
I honestly cannot believe it's been ten years since we first met Sophia.

 
From the beginning, she's always been a pretty content kid. A rule follower like her mommy.

Well, except that one time...

 

She's always been fashionable...

 

...and loving to her brother(s)...

 
And yes, she's always been a little performer...

 

She's always been told she looks just like her daddy...except, ya know, prettier...

 

See what I mean?

 

She's smart beyond belief, loves to read and has a strong sense of what's right and what's not. And she's not afraid to say so.

 
I kind of love that about her.

We named her Sophia because 1. I liked the name and 2. It means "wisdom" and "excellent virtue." We pray those things for her...

 
As she grows, it's my prayer that she'll know God more, love God more and be totally confident in who He's called her to be.

 
We love you, sweet girl, and hope this turns out to be your best birthday yet!

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

Now, for those of you who didn't come here to see my walk down memory lane, I do happen to have a WINNER for Christy's brand new Art Journaling Class, "She Had Three Hearts."

Special thanks to my sweet friend for letting me probe her brain! I loved it! (And I'm doing another fun interview this week that you might be interested in, so come back and check it out.)

Now. For the good stuff. The winner is:

 
(Like my brushwork there in Photoshop?)

#20!

Martha Richardson said...

I'm signed up for SheArt but already know I want to sign up for the next one ;)

Reply March 25, 2011 at 05:39 PM

So, Martha!! Send me your information and we'll get it on to Christy and YOU, lucky lady, will be soaking up the good stuff.

Hope you're having a great week!

Using Creativity to Instill Faith in your Kids: The Prayer Board

I've got a super fun project to share today that gives you a chance to use your creativity to build your kids' faith.

Adam is an editor now for Group Publishing, which means he and I have been digging into the phenomenal curriculum this company puts out. I've done some freelancing where I've been writing curriculum for churches, but it's the take-home activities I'm loving dreaming up.

As I work on these different ideas, I find myself thinking "Wow, we should do that with our kids."

So this weekend, we did.

I'm extremely visual when it comes to learning, and recently I went back in my journal with a highlighter and highlighted all the answered prayers going back to months before our move. There were SO many. I started thinking this would be a great way to build our kids' faith. To create a display board where we pin our prayer requests and then a separate section where they could move the requests once they've been answered.

I started with this:

 
...which, let's face it, isn't doing anyone a bit of good.

I cleared it off and tucked away all the awesome little mementos...

 
Then I turned to the brains of the operation for their input.

 
I cut strips of paper and asked them to write down any prayer requests they had. And then, any answered prayers they could think of.

 
Once that was done, I started with this hoity toity, frilly scrapbooking paper and then realized I thought it was really pretty, but it didn't reflect our family...certainly not my kids...so we put that aside and went with something more cheerful. Ethan and Sophia each got to pick one piece for the background and then they had to agree on the other two pieces.

I did the cutting...

 
...and the dorky posing that shows just how desperately I need to find someone local to cut (and color) my hair. Ouch. It hurts to look at this.

 

(And for those of you who saw me on Friday, I may or may not be wearing the exact same clothes I was wearing then.)

We laid the pages out on the board and that's when I discovered my haphazard methods of measurement weren't exactly the best idea...I had this gap in the center.

 

See?

 
Happy accident, if you ask me.

 
Turns out, a nice strip of striped paper in the center made the perfect separation.

Pause for mustache picture.

 
Can you see the chocolate milk mustache? Or is it "moustache?" I never know. But while we're on the subject...are mustaches (moustaches, pronounced "moo-stashes") coming back in style? I don't claim to be fashionable and I need to know. The whole concept confuses me. Like a furry animal over the top lip. Just no.

Unless you're Tom Selleck. Then you can do whatever you want.

Anyway. Back to the Prayer Board.

The great thing for cheapie mommies like me is that when you're working on a cork board, you can staple it instead of parting with your precious (and expensive) adhesive!

 

So, staple it all on there, a nice border in the center to separate your requests from your praises.

 

(I know this picture feels "off". I get vertigo looking at it. Sophia was camera happy so she took most of these, but seriously, I couldn't figure out which way this one went!)

Anyway. Next, we laid all of the requests out on the board. Not including mine and Adam's because we haven't done ours yet... Oh, and I added some 3-D K & Company sticker flowers onto two of the edges. I really think it needs more "pop" in general, but this is a good start.

 

So, then we took a bunch of these fun Girl's Paperie stickers and outlined the board and I added the words "Prayers and Praises" right at the top.

 

I also printed out two "titles" to help differentiate the top and the bottom.

 
The top says "We're asking God for..." and the bottom says "We're thanking God for..." (Now that I think about it, I should probably flip those around. I'd like to teach them to be thankful first. So if you make this, do that, ok? and make your titles bigger because you're kids don't understand "small handwriting," and their requests will overpower your title. Just sayin'.)

Then we re-hung it.

 
While I did the cutting and stapling, this really was the kids' project, and my hope is that as these prayers are answered, one by one, we can move them to the other side of the board and they'll have a visual way to see that God does listen to them. To all of us.

And he answers every prayer...in his time.

*Don't forget you've still got a couple days to enter the giveaway in this post. You could win a spot in Christy's art journaling class!