I'm grateful that this job continually inspires me.

Yesterday, in between editing pieces for our February 2008 issue and planning for our March 2008 issue, I was fortunate to meet an artist who has been a BIG inspiration to me: Kelly Rae Roberts.

(me, Kelly Rae)

A few months ago, when I found out Kelly Rae was writing a book for North Light Books, I was thrilled (not only because she was writing a book but also because I knew there was a possibility of meeting her).

Kelly Rae combines inspiring words with beautiful images, creating art that truly speaks to me. I've purchased two of her prints (see below) and the "Wear Red Shoes" print currently hangs in my cube.




When I met Kelly Rae yesterday, I got a sneak peek at some of the art that's going in her book (it's fabulous!) and got to hang out in the photo studio with Kelly Rae, her book editor, designer and photographer.

I returned to my desk feeling happy and inspired. I have a number of art and writing projects I want to work on, and after talking with Kelly Rae and seeing some of her newest work, I have a renewed sense of spirit. I can't wait to do some creating.

Being inspired and being able to inspire others is such a wonderful part of scrapbooking, memory keeping and art making. Who is your biggest inspiration? And how do you inspire others?

All the best,

Katie

I just joined the MM staff as an assistant editor and wanted to take a moment as the “newbie” of the team to introduce myself and also share with you my “Wings Challenge” creation. My name is GinaMarie (yes that is my whole first name, I don't have a middle one :) and I moved down here from Norwalk, a small town in northern Ohio. I went to Capital University and graduated with a degree in English Literature and Professional Writing, and was previously working at a horse and carriage specialty magazine as an assistant editor. After working for almost a year for a scrapbooking retail store in my hometown...I became addicted to scrapbooking and making cards. When the opportunity presented itself, I happily accepted this new job, excited that two worlds I deeply enjoy would become intertwined: editing and scrapbooking.

As for the challenge, my title is “My Wings Are Made of Grace,” because I know it is God alone that has given me the grace and strength to become the woman He’s created me to be, and without Him I would have nothing. I emphasized each word using a different medium and tried to add as much texture as I could to the page without making it seem too crowded or busy. My favorite details on the page are the My Mind’s Eye transparencies and the acrylic blocks I used to add depth and dimension to the page. The dragonfly transparency was from My Mind’s Eye Bohemia 2 Boulevard collection, and I attached it to the page using a brad and another acrylic block to add depth and allow the dragonfly to “swing” freely over the page. I love using many techniques on one page, and the challenge was fun because it made me think creatively within the bounds of structure.

How will you handle the “challenge”? Click here to see what amazing things people have created in the forum, and download your page to join in the fun!