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 Tuesday, January 15, 2008
A Year of Evenings
1/15/2008 9:33:41 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

Perhaps you remember my recent blog about the site 3191: A Year of Mornings? I'm happy to share that the two sisters are now artfully chronicling a year of evenings. I'm looking forward to checking in each day for a bit of visual inspiration. And, their photographs from last year's adventure will be compiled into a book!

I'm grateful for the daily inspiration I find in the blogosphere. What are your favorite blogs? Do you have a blog-surfing routine? I normally read my favorites each morning, as I eat my breakfast at my dining room table. It's a lovely way to begin my day.

—Katie



1/15/2008 9:33:41 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)  #  Comments [0] 
 Monday, January 14, 2008
January 2008 Issue: Highlights
1/14/2008 1:46:28 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
MMFEBcover_160.jpg
I’m loving the non-traditional color scheme of our February 2008 issue (which goes on sale tomorrow). It’s vibrant and sassy and fun. This issue is one of my recent favorites because it’s about being real: scrapbooking everyday moments, scrapbooking your mistakes and embracing—and celebrating—your life as it is.

Here are a few highlights:

Pg. 8
We’re loving the Bohemian style around here. Swirls, swoops, arrows, brackets. For more on this trend, check out the new online column from Hot Off the Press at memorymakersmagazine.com/hotoffthepress.

Pg. 10
Ready for a new Master’s Challenge? This month, Master ’08 Iris Babao Uy challenges you to use a single photo to create a multi-photo layout. For more information, check out page 10, or visit the forum.

Pg. 16
I like the idea of scrapbooking the lovely bits and pieces of your everyday life, so I’m digging the February 16 prompt on this issue’s calendar: “Create a 5 Everyday Things I Love layout.” For more fantastic February ideas, check out the rest of the calendar.

Pg. 17
Are you a font junkie? We’ve got a fun free font on page 17.

Pg. 18
In our Great Finds section this month, I’m drawn to the Jotters from Luxe Designs. I can think of so many uses for these journaling spots!

Pg. 25
In the spirit of capturing your everyday, check out our list of authentic moments to capture in this month’s Focus on Images column.

Pg. 28
For this year's Valentine’s Day pages and cards, consider taking color cues from the True Colors column. Kari Hansen has created a very nifty ’50s color palette.

Pg. 39
I can’t wait to try Greta Hammond’s chipboard-tile letter technique. The letters remind me a bit of Scrabble tiles—very fun!

Pg. 50
Our Single and Lovin’ It feature is refreshing. Excerpt: “Whether by chance or by choice, your single life is full of stories, people and life lessons just waiting to be documented.”

Pg. 54
The Everyday Memories feature by Master ’05 Nic Howard will help you preserve more than the obvious for layouts that tell the story behind the story.

Here’s a sneak peek (love this tip):

Celebrate being you.
“Imagine you no longer contributed all that you do at home, work, school, church, etc. What would people miss about you? Think small—like how you make better coffee than anyone else in the house. Or, how you have a stack of five books you’re reading on your bedside table.” (Side note: The bedside table thing is very me. I have to be reading at least one book at all times, and I'm usually reading more than one.) Check out the article for prompts to help you celebrate the wonderful you-ness of you, as well as other ideas for capturing your everyday moments and memories.

Pg. 64
This month’s Reader Idea Gallery showcases lovely layouts about what has captured these scrapbookers’ hearts. From butterflies to traveling to baking and family, this gallery is sure to inspire you to make “What I Love” pages of your own. You’ll find great doodling ideas, journaling on photos, multiple-photo layouts and more.

Pg. 84
And if you’re looking for additional ideas for multiple-photo layouts, check out Twice As Nice for some design ideas from Debbie Hodge.

Now that I've shared what spoke to me personally in this issue, I hope you'll do the same. As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts, opinions and suggestions.

Have a happy Monday, everyone.

—Katie



1/14/2008 1:46:28 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)  #  Comments [0] 
 Thursday, January 10, 2008
Page Call:
1/10/2008 5:04:09 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
We’re looking for your best vacation layouts for a feature in our July issue. This call is different than a previous call we made for the Reader Idea Gallery in this same issue.

Please review these submission guidelines carefully:

1. You may submit only three (3) pages to this call.
2. Send hi-res .jpgs to: editorial@memorymakersmagazine.com with VAC0708 in the subject line.
3. Include the title of the page, journaling AND a complete supply list.
4. Indicate if your page is digital.
5. No stock photography.
6. Deadline for submission is 6:00 a.m. (EST) Monday, January 21.
7. Submissions must be new—never-before-seen, never posted in an online gallery or blog, never published in another magazine.

If your page(s) is chosen, you’ll be notified via email with further instructions.

DO NOT POST YOUR PAGES HERE. THEY WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. You must send your submissions to the address listed above.





1/10/2008 5:04:09 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)  #  Comments [0] 
Scrapbook Therapy?
1/10/2008 10:57:37 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
At the beginning of this new year, I think it’s only natural to reevaluate my life. During this time of evaluation, I asked myself: “Why do I scrapbook?”  For the first time since I began this hobby, I realized scrapbooking can be therapeutic. I always considered myself to be creative and crafty, but I only created things to give to others. I would make cards, figurines with sculpy, necklaces and earrings, but I would rarely keep anything for myself. When I began scrapbooking, I found that I was making pages about my life and my friends, but they weren’t really for me.

I created this layout with a story in mind that I wanted to tell. I wanted it to be a reminder for me when I looked back on my life. This page is about learning to embrace my life right now. I challenge you to ask yourselves the same question: “Why do you scrapbook?” Our reasons may be different, but I believe our purpose is the same. Whether you want your children to grow up and remember their childhood, or if you want to remember the events that have shaped who you are today. We all want to remember and be remembered.
 
Create something. Inspire everyone.
GinaMarie



Digital Layout:
Patterned Paper, embrace life title, and embellishments: Embrace Life Kit by Sande Kreiger download here FREE.
Hand Stamped Alphas: Michelle Coleman (littledreamerdesigns.com)
Tab: Autumn Leaves
 


1/10/2008 10:57:37 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)  #  Comments [1] 
 Wednesday, January 09, 2008
My New Year Commitment/Goal/Slogan/Philosophy/Whatever
1/9/2008 1:59:44 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
My day started off in the dumps, literally. A heavy late-night windstorm had blown our half-filled trash can from the end of our driveway across the street to our neighbor's driveway, so my morning began with retrieving the can and all its scattered contents. Whee!

As I was driving to work, I thought about the mess in a philosophical way. It occurred to me that some days are just messy; sometimes a little trash enters your life so that you can more fully appreciate the "clean" days; sometimes gunk is going to slow you down on your path, but you've gotta deal with it and just keep moving. Well, you get the idea.

While I was waxing philosophical, I decided to stop at a convenience store to get my morning caffeine. I figured, I'm already running late, so I might as well stop.

Getting out of the car, my eye caught a promotional window sign for fat-free shakes and malts: Go green. Reduce waist. (How clever is that?!)

And, just like that, my day turned from trashy to inspired.

Since the new year, I'd been looking for a word, mantra, resolution for 2008 (see Eileen's)—something attainable but that requires dedicated mindfulness and action—and there it was on the window of UDF. I've been wanting to go greener (watch for our green issue coming soon!), and I've been wanting/needing to lose some inches.

And, so, my new slogan aptly relates right back to today's trashy start:
Go green. Be sure, among other earth-friendly actions, to recycle effectively so that I'm not trashing my community and planet.
Reduce waist. Bend to pick up the orange peels. And the bottles. And the papers. And the packaging. Repeat. And repeat again and again throughout the year.

The one word I'm adding to the slogan?
Go green. Reduce waist. Gracefully.

Share your resolution/goal/mantra/intention here for a chance to win a free copy of Memory Makers Books' 601 Scrapbook Ideas. Here's hoping your days are as trash-free as possible!

Best,
Beth



1/9/2008 1:59:44 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)  #  Comments [2] 
 Tuesday, January 08, 2008
We hear you talking ... and we've responded!
1/8/2008 12:47:10 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
There's been a buzz in the MM Forum about why we retain rights to layouts submitted to the MMM Contest. Beth and I spent this morning responding to some timely comments from readers, and with the 2009 contest you'll find the following revisions to the rules. (Come to the forum to post your thoughts.)


    • For our 2009 MMM Contest we will require one original layout and four photocopied layouts. We need one original because entries will be judged and winners chosen based on quality of craftsmanship, design, originality, creativity, journaling, photos, title, skill of techniques and whether each entry meets all requirements.
    • No part of any entry may have been published or posted on any public domain Web site. This includes, but is not limited to chat rooms, message boards, blogs and online galleries.
    • The layouts of artists who are chosen as 2009 Masters and Runners-Up become property of MM for the 2009 term. This allows MM the right to publish their art at any point during the term. At the end of the term, all rights to unpublished layouts will revert back to the respective Masters and Runners-Up.
    • Once Masters and Runners-Up have been announced for 2009, all rights to the remaining entrants’ work revert back to said entrants.
    • MM is unable to return any original layouts, unless they become published, at which time artists will also be compensated for their work.

Peace and love,
   Patty



1/8/2008 12:47:10 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)  #  Comments [0] 
 Monday, January 07, 2008
Monday Muse
1/7/2008 2:01:05 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

muse.jpg
On this unseasonably warm Monday in January, I'm feeling a bit blah. I've got a cold, and my brain feels foggy.

So, I was happy to hang up this beautiful piece of art by Laini Taylor (a gift from my mother). Laini's whimsical “Muse of Writing” now hangs next to my computer screen, ready to keep me inspired as I work on future issues of Memory Makers.

Do you have anything dear to you that adorns your desk at work or your craft room at home?

Wishing you a great start to your week,

Katie



1/7/2008 2:01:05 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)  #  Comments [0] 
 Friday, January 04, 2008
Helpful Digital Camera Tip
1/4/2008 11:38:16 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
ChristmasLayout_Web.jpgOne thing I love capturing on film at Christmas time are the beautiful lights. In contrast, one thing I hate about my digital camera is that anytime I remove the flash to give the picture a soft glow it usually comes out blurry and out of focus. To lessen the shake when you aren’t using a flash, set the timer button and hold your camera very still. By setting the timer button, it reduces the movement your hand has to make to click the shutter. I know that many of you have probably already taken down your Christmas lights, but this tip can be used throughout the year. For more camera tips, check out photojojo.com and sign up for their free newsletter.

I liked the results I got by using this technique and created a layout using Michelle Coleman’s Frosted digital kit that you can download here FREE. Since this was my first year of living alone in an apartment, I decided not to hassle with putting up a Christmas tree. I’m so thankful that when I went home my Mom set up not one, but two trees for us to enjoy this Christmas. It wouldn’t have felt like Christmas without sitting by the light of a Christmas tree and spending time with my family. Hope your holidays were filled with wonderful memories!

Create something. Inspire everyone.
GinaMarie



1/4/2008 11:38:16 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)  #  Comments [1] 
 Wednesday, January 02, 2008
What's Your Go-to Source for Inspiration?
1/2/2008 10:27:47 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
Happy New Year! Hope you had a holiday filled with a great mixture of festivities and relaxation!

I spent part of my holiday break purging my scrapbooking supplies. I put any papers, embellishments and tools that I hadn't used or were no longer "me" in a donation box, and I already feel more inspired to scrapbook.

One of the items I could never part with, though, is my 3-ring scrapbooking inspiration binder. It's filled with page ideas, layouts and articles that I've gathered from lots of different scrapbooking sources. I divided the binder into five sections: Philosophy, Ideas, Layouts, Techniques and Misc. This is where I keep layout ideas and journaling that I plan to create, and it's my go-to inspiration when I'm "stuck."




Do you have your own go-to source for inspiration? Share it here

Wishing you a 2008 filled with creativity, happiness and love!

Best,
Beth


1/2/2008 10:27:47 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)  #  Comments [5] 
 Friday, December 21, 2007
Happy Holidays to You and Yours
12/21/2007 11:56:45 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)



- Your friends at Memory Makers magazine


12/21/2007 11:56:45 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)  #  Comments [0] 
 Thursday, December 20, 2007
Simple and Inexpensive Home Decor Project
12/20/2007 11:39:47 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
Styrofoam-art.jpgI have a simple and easy home décor idea that I’d like to share with you. If you’re looking for last minute Christmas gifts or even a fun family project, this might be the perfect solution for you. Dow Chemical Company has introduced STYROFOAM brand foam in 12x12 inch squares. Grab a few of your scrapping supplies and you can complete this inexpensive project in a few minutes. I used ultra-thin, super-strength Glue Dots and Towbow dry adhesive to adhere the scrapbooking paper to the Styrofoam square. I suggest using some form of dry or spray adhesive because liquid adhesive created wrinkles in the paper. I poked holes in the paper using a piercing tool and then pushed in the brads for a finishing touch. To cover up the edges, I used a black ribbon and adhered it with more Glue Dots.

The entire project took me about 10 minutes, and the possibilities are endless. I love finding inexpensive ways to spice up my home décor that I can personalize to my own style. The STYROFOAM squares and can be found at Wal-Mart or your local craft store. For more great decorating ideas, click here. And if Holiday projects are what you’re after, check out the Masters blog for some great decorating tips. Hope you have an amazing Christmas!

Create something. Inspire everyone.
GinaMarie

Supplies:
Patterned paper: Luxe Designs
Brads: K&Co. (Marcella K)
Adhesive: Tombow, Glue Dots super-strength, ultra-thin
Misc.: Ribbon


home decor
12/20/2007 11:39:47 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)  #  Comments [2] 
 Wednesday, December 19, 2007
What Kind of Holiday Treat Are You?
12/19/2007 10:48:03 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
I love taking cheesy Internet personality quizzes. Sometimes I just have a hankering to know what color I'd be (if I were a color) or what season I'd be (if I were a season) or what kind of car I'd be (if I were a car). It's reassuring and reaffirming, in some odd way, and it's definitely a quick and amusing form of entertainment.

So, this morning, when I should have been editing an organization article for a spring issue of Memory Makers, I was instead out surfing because I had a burning need to know what kind of holiday music, treat or decoration I'd be (if I were holiday music, a holiday treat or a holiday decoration). Inquiring minds—mainly mine—needed to know.

So, interestingly, I'd be Hanukkah gelt if I were a holiday treat ... Who knew? Useless information, but somehow reassuringly validating. What are you? Find out here.

Best,
Beth



There are many, many tasty things to munch on during the holidays, but you are a bite-sized classic. A chocolate coin in a golden wrapper, you're a symbol of success and good fortune. Since you also like to share, people love having you around during the holidays. You're especially useful when there's a dreidel around, and you make any game more exciting -- the stakes are a lot higher when people are playing for chocolate. On the surface you are expensive-looking and glamorous, but on the inside, you're undeniably sweet.

Like this quiz? Send it to a friend.

22% of the people who took this quiz got the same evaluation.

 
Want a badge? Here, take this one!

You are Hanukkah gelt.

 




12/19/2007 10:48:03 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)  #  Comments [4]