I was feeling really nostalgic and wistful earlier this week on the eve of Mei-Lin's second grade graduation, thinking about how quickly time is flying by. I knew I wanted to capture this feeling before it went away, but didn’t want to spend a lot of time since it was late in the evening.

I pulled out a box of archived photos from 2002 (filed in my scrap armoire under "Mei-Lin, 2002"), quickly sifted through a handful of photos and came across a blurred chubby-faced version of my 8 year old. (Who says blurred photos aren’t scrapworthy?!) Perfect!

I grabbed October Afternoon’s Cherry Hill 8x8 paper pad and stickers that were in my "Pending" basket. I'd left them there because I love the patterned papers and hadn't wanted to incorporate them into my paper file folder just yet. But I also hadn't been able to bring myself to use the papers because they’re all just “too pretty” and “I should save them for a mini album.” So, instead, I cut some of the patterned strips from the paper pad cover. Problem solved. Perfect!

Next, I pulled out my favorite go-to letters from Making Memories. Always perfect in my book!  

And, finally, rather than agonizing over a design, I scraplifted from one of my favorite simple scrapbookers, Tina Cockburn. Love her style! Perfect!

1 crummy photo + 3 strips of scrapbook packaging + simple embellishments + a scraplift + 25 minutes = an emotion captured perfectly 

journaling: Where does the time go?! Love you, girlie * Feeling sentimental on the eve of your 2nd grade graduation * June 8, 2009

supplies: Adhesive (SCRAPBOOK ADHESIVES BY 3L) * Cardstock (Bazzill, Doodlebug) * Letters (Making Memories) * Patterned paper, sticker (October Afternoon) * Pen (Uni-ball)

Weekend challenge: Document something quickly before the feeling slips away. It doesn't have to be perfect to be ... perfect.

Best,
Beth

Do you ever feel a little "off" when you don't get a chance to create? Ever just feel better after scrapbooking even if—or especially if—you've had a lousy day?

It's probably no surprise to you, then, that crafting offers therapeutic benefits and can serve as a way to help people improve their health and feel better. That's the philosophy behind Craft For Health, a blog launched by design & craft expert Kathy Peterson and nurse practitioner & RN Barb Dehn—The Craft Practitioners. They recently joined forces to share empowering anecdotes, inspiring stories and crafty tips about the benefits of crafting. Launched a few months ago, inspiring guest blog entries are pouring in on how crafting has helped people cope with stress, job layoffs, post-partum depression, grief, eating disorders, chemotherapy and more.

If you need a little reminder about the benefits and importance of crafting—and how it can help you through life— check out craftforhealth.typepad.com.

We're pleased to have author extraordinaire Joanna Campbell Slan share her best advice for beginning and keeping a journaling practice, journaling prompts, and writing inspiration and resources.

Joanna knows what she's talking about, as she's the author of seven technique books on scrapbooking, as well as the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series featuring ace scrapbooker Kiki Lowenstein. Paper, Scissors, Death, the first book in the series, was an Agatha Award finalist for Best First Novel. Cut, Crop & Die is the newly released second book in the series. 

Today's article is about inspiration. Check back tomorrow for 42 journaling prompts and additional resources!

Happy Friday, friends! We have a fun giveaway to kick off your weekend!

We're giving away SIX copies of the new movie New in Town starring Renée Zellweger and Harry Connick, Jr. The film follows a successful Miami businesswoman (Zellweger) who adjusts to her new life in a tiny and cold Minnesota town. (Scrapbooking also plays a role in this warm-hearted flick!)

For details and to enter, click here.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Katie