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 Wednesday, August 22, 2007
It's Official! 2008 Memory Makers Masters
8/22/2007 11:02:02 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) We're so pleased and excited to share our 2008 Memory Makers with you! We're looking forward to working with them beginning with our January 2008 issue. You'll be seeing them a lot next year, as they'll share techniques, layout ideas and challenges with you. If you'd like to join in on the Masters excitement now, check out our forum. A special thanks to all who entered our 2008 Memory Makers Masters competition. As I've said before, we saw some really amazing talent, and we appreciate your trust in sharing it with us. Congratulations to all! Best, Beth
8/22/2007 11:02:02 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) 
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Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Have you heard the news?
8/21/2007 4:27:37 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) TOMORROW we'll share the names of our Class of 2008 Masters. This is such an exciting time for us here at the magazine, and we can't wait to introduce you to this talented group of scrappers! Check out our Web site Wednesday 8/22 for an intro to our newest class of Masters. Then visit the forum and share your good wishes and thoughts with them and the whole Memory Makers community. Peace and love, Patty
8/21/2007 4:27:37 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Show Off Your Embellished Chipboard
8/21/2007 12:25:03 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  Meet GinaMarie Reda, the newest member on the Memory Makers Magazine editorial team. She’ll begin blogging soon, and I’m sure she’ll want to introduce herself, so for now I’ll just say that we’re thrilled to have her on board. A new team member means a reshuffling of responsibilities, so last week I was told I’d be moderating the Tips and Techniques forum. This is the place to go for advice about a tool or technique. Start exploring, and it’s hard to break away. My favorite find in my recent exploration was a reference to a thread on another forum giving 34 ways to make chipboard pop. The list is summarized in the first message, but if you read the whole thread, those techniques really come alive with tips and ideas. Let’s revive the chipboard thread. Take a look and add a technique or suggest a tip for a technique already mentioned. And don’t forget to post a photo of your embellished chipboard. Holly Davis
8/21/2007 12:25:03 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Monday, August 20, 2007
Take Advantage of Your Camera's Self-Timer
8/20/2007 3:17:02 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  Luke's sister got married this past weekend. After the preparation, the ceremony, reception and photos (8 hours later), we were exhausted. After the wedding we just wanted to go somewhere and chill. I haven't lived in Cincinnati all that long, so I told him to take me wherever he wanted to go. We ended up at Union Terminal, an old train station that is now the history museum. We walked around inside for a little bit, but I was more interested in the large fountain outside. The weather was beautiful and it was the perfect time at night for photos. Luke doesn't like to have his picture taken, but we don't get this dressed up very often and I wanted a photo of the two of us. He's getting used to the idea that the camera's always in my back pocket. Although I was thankful for the peaceful time alone with Luke by the fountain, there wasn't anyone around to take our picture. And it's times like these that I want to remember. So I took full advantage of the self-timer on my camera. With a little patience and a few tries, I got the photo I wanted. Next time you don't have anyone around to take photos remember that you can still capture the moment with just the camera and you. A couple of tips: 1. Don't worry about cropping, you can do that later. Just capture the moment you are looking for. 2. To save time, visualize the composition before you take the picture. If you can, get rid of any unnecessary background elements or make sure there is nothing too distracting behind you if you are outdoors. Think about how you want to position yourself and others. Have a great week, Christy
8/20/2007 3:17:02 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Friday, August 17, 2007
Around the Office
8/17/2007 1:42:36 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) For a little Friday fun and to add to Christine's recent blog, here are a few shots from my desk:  The view from my chair: Soon all of these new, empty cubes will have happy residents.  I can't have an afternoon without Diet Coke, Kit Kats and tunes from my iPod. Behind my afternoon necessities, you'll see a picture of me with my younger sister, two fun Fossil tins (I heart vintage owls) and a very fun handmade red-pen box from one of my dear college friends—and now co-workers, Grace.  Happy, inspiration wall: Art print from KellyRae, notes and cards from friends and loved ones, big mug of pens (I'm a bit of a pen junkie) and my chapstick (I'm addicted to Burt's Bees).  And I had to show off my bright orange desk lamp: A $15 steal from West Elm. Behind the lamp I have pictures of me with my grandparents and also photos of friends and family, but you can't see all of those, as the lamp takes up most of the room in this shot. That's all for now. Happy Friday, everyone. —Katie
8/17/2007 1:42:36 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Have you responded to the August 9 challenge?
8/17/2007 11:00:48 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) May I just say: TGIF! This heat wave is wearing on me, and I’m way glad to have a weekend of rest! How are you doing on the August 9 challenge? I’ve seen a handful of pages posted to the forum, but would love to see more. You have until midnight August 20 to post your entry. The winner will receive We Dare You from Memory Makers Books.  Here’s the layout I did in response to the challenge. This adorable pup is my daughter’s long-haired Chihuahua named Coco Chanel. The journaling reads: I have a dream to be the flower girl. I’m including the layout in the wedding album I’m doing for Megan and James. Peace and love, Patty
8/17/2007 11:00:48 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Thursday, August 16, 2007
Fun Day
8/16/2007 10:14:28 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)  I love birthdays! I came in this morning and my cube was decorated with bright streamers and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY sign. A sweet card signed by everyone made my heart smile. Everyone brought in food: chocolate donuts, cookies, strawberries and cherry pie. Good thing I am only working half a day today—after all this sugar I am not going to be able to sit still! :)  Here's a page I scrapped with a photo of me on my second birthday. (And it's my response to the August 9 creative challenge in the forum. Have you submitted your creation?) This year is the first time I've really thought about the passing of time as I celebrate another birthday. I am truly amazed how 27 years have flown by. The places I've been, challenges I've faced and all the blessings I've received have made me into the woman I've become today. I am so thankful for another day to live, laugh and love. It's days like this when kind words, an e-mail, flowers, or even a hug make me realize that I am richly blessed. Christy
8/16/2007 10:14:28 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Ever Have One of Those Days?
8/15/2007 1:33:41 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) It's one of those days where I just feel funky and out of sorts. Too much to do ... too much on my mind ... too much not going the way I planned ... just too much. It's on days like this that I've learned to give myself a break and take a break. I head to one of my favorite craft/art blogs and bask in Alicia's lovely, lovely, LOVELY words, photos, handiwork and spirit. I always feel soothed and comforted after reading one of her blog entries. It's like curling up on the couch with a soft blanket on a rainy evening. Where do you go when you're feeling the stresses of everyday life? Stop by there today and take a well-deserved respite. Best, Beth
8/15/2007 1:33:41 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Tuesday, August 14, 2007
New Look for MM Web Site
8/14/2007 12:21:10 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) Since you’re reading this blog, you’ve certainly noticed that memorymakersmagazine.com has a new look. Actually, extreme makeover is a better term, because our changes are more than skin deep. Over many months, our media specialists joined our magazine and book teams to recreate the Memory Makers Web site. Besides a new look, ease of use and increased resources have been two major goals. I invite you to start at our home page and explore the site. Watch a few videos, read a few articles, shop Memory Makers books, learn about contests, inspire yourself with a visit to the gallery. Already we’ve had great feedback, but we’d love to hear your opinion. So take your time getting reacquainted with memoymakersmagazine.com and then leave a comment on the forum to let us know what you think. Click here to leave a private comment. Click here for a public comment. Of course, comments added to this blog are welcome, too. Enjoy, Holly Davis
8/14/2007 12:21:10 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Monday, August 13, 2007
Pet Pages
8/13/2007 1:11:26 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
I have a new roommate:
  Mia is 7 weeks old and enjoys shoes, chasing her tail, cat naps under the couch and curling up on the couch with her human (me) for a bit of evening TV. Mia and I spent the weekend getting to know one another. (She was a gift from my mother who came to visit for the weekend.) I also spent some time snapping pictures (see above), and I hope to make a scrapbook page about her soon. While brainstorming for my pet page, I remembered that we recently published a pet photography article in our June 2007 issue. In it, Audrey Neal shares fantastic ideas to help you cature your pet's quirky personality. A few of Audrey's suggestions:* Try using a zoom lense. This allows you to photograph your pet without his or her awareness, so you can capture your pet's natural behavior. * Use props. Props can help showcase your pet's size or other distinctive characteristics. (Examples: an old boot, a sweater, a stuffed animal, a hat). I'm going to have to play around with my camera to capture Mia's love affair with shoes. (We're kindred souls already, as I, too, have a weakness for a cute pair of shoes.) * Choose your time wisely. If your pet is energetic, give it some time to run around and play before your photo shoot. This way, your pet will be less likely to squirm. To read the rest of Audrey's article, pick up a copy of our June 2007 issue. And if you're looking to photograph fish or birds, check out the Web exclusive. If you have a favorite pet page or photo, please post it in the forum. And if you have any funny pet-photography stories or tips for creating eye-catching pet pages, please let me know. I look forward to reading (and seeing) your feedback. All the best, Katie
8/13/2007 1:11:26 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Friday, August 10, 2007
FREE Digital Kit
8/10/2007 1:37:03 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) It's one of those days. You know... where your to-do list is 5 pages long and everything is a priority. If you saw my desk right now you'd probably laugh (at least Beth did) when she was walking by. Just to paint you a mental picture, these are the things sitting on my desk right next to me: 1. To-do list [which is way too long] 2. iPod [for sanity] 3. Bible [for peace] 4. An apple [for healthy snacking] 5. BlackBerry 6. Vitamin C [which Beth thought was Rolaids...]  So, needless to say, I am happy it's Friday. While I was looking for a bit of inspiration, I came across this free digital kit at oscraps.com. I love the colors and patterns and the photo strip is cute. Not to mention it comes with an 8x8 quick page ready for photos and some text. I am going home this weekend for my cousin's wedding. She's a bit eclectic, so I think I am going to snap a few photos and create a page for her with this kit! Happy Friday, Christy
8/10/2007 1:37:03 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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Thursday, August 09, 2007
What lies ahead? Today, another creative challenge!
8/9/2007 10:16:16 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) I feel most alive when I’m creating. Whether it’s writing a poem or an entry in my journal, or creating a scrapbook layout, I feel most satisfied at the end of the day when I’ve put my creative energies to work. To keep us all in a creative flow, we have a new challenge: Create a 1-page layout that includes the following: a) the colors pink and brown b) at least one butterfly (butterflies are symbolic of change and rebirth…see below) c) polka dots, and d) hand-written journaling Post your layout in the forum by midnight August 20. We’ll announce the winner of this challenge in the August 22 e-newsletter ( click here to sign-up if you don’t already receive the e-newsletter). The winner will receive a copy of We Dare You, the hot new book from Memory Makers Books. Tomorrow (Friday) is my LAST chemo treatment—Hallelujah!! I included the butterfly in this challenge because I feel a bit like a butterfly breaking out of her cocoon right now. Or, perhaps it’s because I’ve felt like I’ve had morning sickness for the past five months and I’m rebirthing myself healthy and whole again. We can’t wait to see your challenge responses in the forum. Let those creative juices flow! Peace and love, Patty
8/9/2007 10:16:16 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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