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 Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Heading Off to CHA!
7/18/2007 8:36:59 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) I'm way beyond excited to be heading off this morning for the Craft and Hobby Association summer show outside of Chicago! I can't believe it's finally here! Christine and I are teaching a class Thursday morning on adding dimension and texture to pages, and then Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be filled with opportunities to check out the latest and greatest scrapbooking products to be released soon. YAHOO! I'm just a wee bit thrilled. I'll be blogging from the show and will share new finds and adventures as time and WiFi allows. Well, better go load up the car for my five-hour drive from Cincinnati to Chicago. Suitcase? Check. 20-ounce Diet Coke? Check. Laptop? Check. Marie Antoinette book on tape? Check. High School Musical and Hannah Montana CDs? Check. (I'll explain those in a second.) Mei-Lin and her stuff? Check. My little 6-year-old road warrior will be traveling with me to Indianapolis (to hang out with my parents for a few days of fun), and on the way, we'll be rockin' out to "Best of Both Worlds" and "Get'cha Head in the Game." Do we know how to have fun or what?! Chicago, here I come! Best, Beth
7/18/2007 8:36:59 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) 
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Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Be a 2008 Memory Makers Masters Contest Winner
7/17/2007 2:00:37 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) The Ohio Lottery has a slogan: If you don’t enter, you can’t win. I’m not much for lotteries, but I encourage you to enter the 2008 Memory Makers Masters Contest. Do it soon, because the entries must be postmarked no later than July 31, 2007. Click here for rules and other contest information. As a magazine editor, I’m not eligible to enter, but as the moderator of the Memory Makers Masters Contest forum, I feel the excitement. I'm the one who answers questions that no mere set of rules could ever hope to cover. Contest entrants occasionally reduce their stress levels by talking to each other about their frustrations or nervousness. As a moderator I don’t have that kind of creative stress--I have what you might call don’t-be-creative stress that comes from making sure I answer questions correctly and consistently so I don’t lead anyone astray. It’s harder than you might think. I sometimes wonder if the contest entrants have gotten together on a different forum somewhere to devise a game of Trip Up the Moderator. “She’ll never be able to answer this one,” they say, or “Let’s see if we can get her to contradict herself.” I love the MMM Contest entrants. They’re a hardy, hopeful, creative bunch. Ten will become 2008 Masters and the rest will have grown tremendously from the experience. Sure, that’s easy for me to say, but I only say it because it’s what the entrants are telling me and each other on the forum. If you don’t enter, you can’t win. But, unlike the Ohio lottery, if you do enter, you will win. Maybe you won’t be a Master, but you’ll still win by creating five new layouts, meeting a challenge, boosting your self-esteem and stretching your creativity. So go to the contest Web pages for the basic rules and visit the forum if you have additional questions or need a bit of moral support. But do it soon. That July 31 postmark due date is just around the bend. Meet you at the forum, Holly Davis
7/17/2007 2:00:37 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Monday, July 16, 2007
Calling All 20-(and older) Somethings
7/16/2007 3:35:53 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Last week, I came across this article about scrapbooking being "hip" with the 20-something crowd. I found the article interesting—and not just because I'm a 20-something. I was quite interested in the comment section, actually. I enjoyed reading what people had to say about the article's claims and appreciated the diversity of responses. So, that got me thinking, and based on that article, I have a few questions to post for discussion. Please share your thoughts on the following in the forum (as well as any other comments you have in regards to the article). Or, if you prefer, leave your comments in the comment section of this blog entry. In all responses, please indicate what age group you fall into: under or over 30. 1a. How do you think the act of scrapbooking differs for 20-somethings when compared with those 30 and older? 1b. How do you think it's the same? 2. Why do you scrapbook? 3. What subjects do you primarily scrapbook? 4. How did you get started scrapbooking? 5. Where do you share your work? 6. Do you use social networking services like FaceBook and MySpace to connect with other scrappers? 7. Do you do any digital scrapbooking? If so, how did you get started and why? If no, are you interested in doing it? Why or why not? 8. Lately, scrapbooking has been called both "hip" and "dowdy" by the news media. What's your take? 9. In the article, it says many 20-somethings enjoy customizing their scrapbooking supplies by making their own paper, painting on layouts, etc. Do you like to use time-saving products like pre-decorated albums, or do you prefer to custom make your scrapbooking supplies? 10. What are your can't-live-without supplies? 11. What did you think of the article? Do you agree with it? Disagree? Why? We can't wait to hear your thoughts! All the best, Katie
7/16/2007 3:35:53 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Friday, July 13, 2007
Wanna win?
7/13/2007 1:35:06 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) We’re in the process of tabulating responses from our Reader Survey (which went to a random selection of e-newsletter subscribers), and it’s clear that folks want to see more photos on a layout and more two-page layouts. So let’s be ahead of the curve and flex our creative muscles and see just what we can come up with! You can WIN one of the newest Memory Makers Books titles, We Dare You, if you post your work by Monday, July 23 in our forum. We’ll choose a winner and send her a copy of We Dare You from Memory Makers Books. Plus, we’ll let you know who the winner was in an upcoming e-newsletter. If you’re not on the that mailing list, subscribe now by clicking here. I’m going to do a layout, too and will post mine here next week. My daughter and fiancé are coming home this weekend so perhaps I’ll start on the opening spread of that wedding album. Can’t wait to see your stuff! Peace and love, Patty
7/13/2007 1:35:06 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Thursday, July 12, 2007
What Are The Top 10 Things You Take For Granted?
7/12/2007 12:47:57 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) The plane landed in Washington at 6 a.m. last Saturday morning. After the 16-hour flight home from South Africa it felt so good to touch the ground. Even though it was good to be home, my feelings  were bittersweet. I learned so much while I was is South Africa, not just about another culture and worldly issues, but also about myself, that I wasn't quite ready to come back home. Every person I encountered was a blessing. They were the happiest, most welcoming people I have ever met. Seeing the joy in their eyes and faith in their heart was so inspiring. It is so obvious that their joy does not come from their circumstances. Some of the living conditions, lack of resources and sometimes food would be enough [you'd think] to make someone blue. But they sing, dance, and laugh like they are on top of the world. It hit me when I landed in D.C. and had access to warm water, over abundance of food [and choices], and clean air, etc... that I am so blessed. It has been challenging getting back into the swing of things this week. I have had a lot of reflection time about my experience in South Africa and I came up with a list of the top 10 things that I take for granted: 1: clean air  2: hot showers 3: family 4: shoes 5: food 6: beauty of nature 7: freedom 8: laughter and hugs 9: good health 10: indoor plumbing This list sounds like the start of a great layout! Have a great day! Christy
7/12/2007 12:47:57 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Travel Scrapbook in a Flash(?!)
7/11/2007 1:03:36 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) On Saturday, after THREE years of looking at the postcards and photos from a memorable, fun-filled overnight stay at our friends' cottage THREE years ago, I decided I would just go the quick and easy route and get 'er done. So, I swooped up the postcards, slapped photos from the trip on the back of each, and used a hole punch, ring and ribbon to connect and decorate the scrapbook. I didn't journal, because the postcard description on the back of each card was left exposed, and our friends are so much a part of our lives that there's not much more to say.  In 15 minutes, I moved the memories from a box and into a format that can be enjoyed. No muss, no fuss ... and done! Whew! And it only took 15 minutes (and THREE years)! Share your quick tips for scrapbooking by commenting below! Best, Beth
7/11/2007 1:03:36 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Why do you scrap?
7/10/2007 9:21:14 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) We’ve worked hard to make MM the best that it can be. And from your positive comments, we know we’re on the right track. But we’re not resting on our laurels.
In a couple days we’re sending out an online, reader survey with a few questions that will help us better understand why you scrap and what you want in the magazine. Make your voice heard!
Plus, everyone who answers the survey by July 15 will be entered to win an iPod! Don’t miss this opportunity to give us valuable feedback and to possibly win a way-cool new toy (my suggestion: don’t give it to the kids—load it with all your favorite tunes  .
The survey will go to RANDOM RECIPIENTS of our e-newsletter. So if you’re not already subscribed, click here and subscribe today.
Stay cool and speak out!
Peace and love,
Patty
7/10/2007 9:21:14 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Monday, July 09, 2007
7 Things
7/9/2007 2:52:41 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Recently, I discovered the Web site Inspire Me Thursday: A weekly dose of inspiration for mixed media artists and creative types to nurture their muses and CREATE! For those who read my weekly e-newsletter, you know I'm a lover of prompts. I like coming up with them, finding them in books and on Web sites and sharing them with others. (Quick, shameless plug: If you don't subscribe to the Memory Makers e-newsletter, you can sign up to get it for free, every week, here.) What I like about the Inspire Me Thursday site is that it offers a variety of delicious inspirational information every week. You'll find related prompts for journaling and creating, as well as a "Reflect" section with quotations and notes about art, life and creativity, a "Connect" section that encourages discussion and an "Explore" section with random resources about being creative. The prompt for Thursday, July 5 was the number 7.Today is my first day back in the office after a few days of vacation visiting family for the Fourth of July. It was a wonderful visit, and in honor of the 7 prompt, I'm going to share 7 happy highlights from my trip:
1. Laughing with my sister. 2. Delicious food (Chocolate silk pie, fruit salad, deviled eggs, bbq chicken). 3. Fireworks. 4. Catching up with friends and loved ones. 5. Sunshine. 6. Great music for the drive. 7. A new plant for my apartment. What's your interpretation of this prompt? If you make a page, share it with us (and leave a link on the Inspire Me Thursday site.) If you journal using the prompt, let us know. Or, just leave your thoughts about the prompt in the comment section of this blog entry. Share seven things you're grateful for today, seven favorite foods, songs, books, people, places. Share seven things on today's to-do list, seven wishes, seven goals. As you can see, the beauty is that there are so many ways this prompt can get you thinking and creating. And while we're talking about favorites and lists, check out the article "A Few Favorites" by Contributing Editor Kari Hansen. It will help you celebrate the best-loved aspects of your life by creating a favorites mini-album. (And why not stick to the number 7 theme?) I look forward to hearing all of your thoughts on this prompt and getting to know seven quirky things specific to you. Also, if you've found other sites like Inspire Me Thursday, please share them here. Happy Monday, everyone! Katie
7/9/2007 2:52:41 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Saturday, July 07, 2007
Why don't we play more?
7/7/2007 2:56:40 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Take time to play today. Forget about the laundry or trimming the hedge—they'll wait. Just do something fun. I'm thinking of blowing bubbles off my balcony and watching them float away over the neigborhood. And my sister will probably come over and try to kick my butt at Scrabble (which she does with alarming frequency these days, though I tell her I'm at a disadvantage due to cancer. hey! i won't have the excuse forever
When you're done playing, take a minute to notice how you feel. Lighter? Happier? Younger? More free? Why don't we play more?
I leave you with this thought:
"Sometimes I found that in my happy moments I could not believe that I had ever been miserable."
—Joanna Field
Peace and love,
Patty
7/7/2007 2:56:40 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Friday, July 06, 2007
What Are the Wonders of Your World?
7/6/2007 10:59:20 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) You may still have time to vote for the New 7 Wonders of the World. The campaign started by Swiss adventurer Bernard Weber in 1999 ends at 8 p.m. EDT today. Winners will be announced Saturday. Makes me wonder where I’ve been the last eight years, because today is the first I heard about it, thanks to an Associated Press Web article. Finalists include ancient notables such as the Great Wall of China, and Stone Henge as well as more recent structures such as the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. Each structure represents huge forces affecting our cultural and political thinking—things that affect us daily, though we hardly think about them. I have to admit, I’m more likely to think of the Central Wonders of My World. Restricting my choices to created beings and things, my hands-down, number-one Central Wonder is my daughter. My husband, I’m sure, would a gree. Chances are, you would not. She is, after all, the central wonder of MY world.  Now isn’t that what scrapbooking is all about? Not the big history-book people and events, but the big personal-life people and events. The people closest to us are the movers and shakers of our world. So yesterday I was delighted to find a news-clipping generator that creates a digital news snippet that can be added to a blog or scrapbook page. You type the newspaper name, date, headline and a few sentences—the generator creates a clipping. The width is fixed, but the length expands to your text length. Download the clipping on a digital layout or print it for a physical layout. So what are the central wonders of your world? C’mon, I’m inviting you to do some bragging here. And let me know what you think of the news-clipping generator. Holly Davis
7/6/2007 10:59:20 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Thursday, July 05, 2007
Where in the world is Christy Miller?
7/5/2007 10:49:28 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) We take turns blogging and Thursdays are usually Christy’s day. But as you may recall, she’s currently 10,000 miles away from home in Mamelodi, South Africa, on a mission trip with her church.
She’s on my mind constantly—I pray for her safety and that her experiences are life affirming for her and the people she meets there in S. Africa.
Before Christy left, she packed up a stuffed animal she and I kept on the cubicle wall between our desks. It’s a soft turtle, given to me by another dear friend as a reminder that slow and steady wins the race (and to apply that same principle to my cancer challenge).
Christy named the turtle Africa long before she left on her trip, and we laughed that she could take photos of Africa (the turtle) all over Mamelodi. Kind of like the traveling gnome!
I created this layout in preparation of a picture of Africa and Christy in Mamelodi. I can’t wait to hear all her stories and to welcome her home after her amazing adventures.
Peace and love,
Patty
7/5/2007 10:49:28 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Monday, July 02, 2007
Scrapbooking For Charity
7/2/2007 1:37:52 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) I recently received an e-mail from Linda Woods, one of the authors of Visual Chronicles, about a great scrapbooking charity event that's happening in July, and I wanted to share the details with all of you. Event Details:The July 14 event is to benefit The John Tracy Clinic, a non-profit organization that provides free services to families of children with hearing loss. The event will consist of three classes, three meals, a welcome kit, a goodie bag filled with scrapbooking products, prizes and a silent auction that will include handmade items. The event classes are being offered by Linda Woods and Karen Dinino, the authors of the best-selling book Visual Chronicles and the soon-to-be released Journal Revolution (both published by North Light Books), Suzi Finer ( Happily Ever Crafter, North Light Books 2008) and Elena Etcheverry of Scrapbook Royalty. Linda told me that she and Karen will be teaching their Personal Palette project, which appears in Visual Chronicles. ( On a side note: I have a copy of the book, and I'm currently putting my own Personal Palette together. I'm having fun picking colors to match my moods, the important people in my life, different aspects of my personality, special memories, etc. The great thing about making a Personal Palette is that you can keep adding to it, and the collection will spark ideas again and again. I've been making a list of everything I want to represent in my palette, such as my love for pasta, the beloved dog I had growing up, my very loud laugh, the soothing sound of rain (which always relaxes me) and so on. I've also been trying to decide what color represents "me" in general, and I'm leaning toward a bright, vibrant pink or a saturated grape purple.   (Color swatches downloaded from Resene Paints.)For more information about the charity event and to register, visit www.scrapbookroyalty.com.I'd also like to wish all of you a very happy Fourth of July. (And don't forget to take part in our Fourth of July Challenge!) All the best, Katie
7/2/2007 1:37:52 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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