If you saw Master Tracy Austin’s blog entry about her workspace compared to her hubby’s desk, you’ll get a hint of where I’m going with today’s blog.

Christy (MM art director) and I have become friends as well as co-workers, sharing our faith with one another, our trials and tribulations and our hopes and dreams. And just like blood sisters can often be, we’re as different as night and day! This picture was taken at a picnic this past weekend.



Christy and I work side by side, separated by only a cubicle wall (upon which Africa the stuffed turtle sits). Part of why we sit so closely is that we collaborate constantly as an issue is prepared for print. But check out how radically different we keep our work spaces!
 
Yes, my desk always looks like this; this is not just a bad day. I know where everything is and I bounce around throughout the day doing a little editing here, a little writing there, and occasionally a little layout design (usually right on top of everything else). Those  green folders are columns and features for the Feb 08 issue. Note the chocolate donuts nearby. I've got my day planner and favorite Vera Bradley purse behind me ... I'm ready for anything!



Christy, on the flip side of the wall, maintains this order on her desk and is just as ready for the world as I am. It makes her a little uneasy to have to come to my chaotic cubicle if you want to know the truth. Note that Africa (our stuffed turtle that reminds us that slow and steady wins the race) casts his eyes onto the serenity of Christy's space.



And here’s how all of this ties into the Scrapbook Idea Gallery (SBIG) Creativity Challenge. (SBIG is on sale now at your local bookseller.) SBIG challenges you to “find your style.”
•Clean & Classic   •Romantic & Shabby Chic   •Digital & Hybrid   •Modern & Eclectic

SBIG Challenge:
1.    Take a photo of your desk/work space
2.    Create a layout that echoes the style of your work area (see style categories above)
3.    Include multiple photos (more than one) on your layout
4.    Post BOTH the photo of your work area AND your layout in the forum in the SBIG Challenge thread before midnight October 25
5.    The subject of your layout may be about your work space or not. Your layout just has to echo the style of your work space.

The randomly chosen winner of this challenge will receive a copy of Find Your Groove by Kitty Foster & Wendy McKeehan (Memory Makers Books).

Can’t wait to get to know you all a little better and see your layouts!

Peace and love,
 Patty

We’re working on some Cafe Press items and want your expert input! Tell us: 1) Which of these slogans appeals to you, and 2) What products would you be most likely to purchase for yourself or as a gift (mugs, journals, calendars, messenger bags, stationery, T-shirts, etc.)?
 
1. Possibly slogans:
a) I'm a Memory Maker!
b) Will scrap for product.
c) Got Adhesive?
d) Ideas. Inspiration.
e) Mommy's Little Photo Op
f) Go away ... I'm Scrapping!

2. Possible products:
g) coffee mugs
h) calendars
i) T-shirts
j) journals
k) mousepads
l) magnets & buttons
m) stationery
n) messenger bags

Come to the forum and share your opinions on the Café Press thread. Then stay tuned for when and how to order your very own MM products—it’ll be SOON!

In the past, I have only been a very traditional scrapbooker, mainly using a 12x12 page and placing them in an album when I’m done. This next project I’m working on is helping me break out of the mold. I’m doing a mini-album for an upcoming road trip I’m taking to Louisiana. Katie and I stumbled on these wire-bound conference pamphlets from How Design, one of our sister publications. I’m planning to alter this pamphlet into a mini-album that I can use on my trip to record and collect tidbits from here and there. When I get home, I can add photos and other embellishments to the album.
 
I have already worked on the front cover as you can see, and have begun to prep the pages by gluing together several pages and adding cardstock to give them strength. I also glued cardboard on the front and back cover to add sturdiness. I will be using gesso (used by painters to prep the canvas before painting) to give the pages a stiff and rough feeling. So far this project has been fun, and it may be a little more time-consuming than buying a mini-album for this event, but I think in the end I will feel more freedom to rip out pages and glue stuff down in this album. I really want to branch out of my traditional scrapping techniques and learn some new ones! What are some of the craziest things or techniques you’ve used for a mini-album? Keep me posted at the Craziest thing or technique you've used in a mini-album thread in the forum!
Create something, inspire everyone.
GinaMarie