During my crop, I was having a conversation with one of the attendees who is fairly new to scrapbooking and feeling quite overwhelmed by all that she has in the way of pictures.
There are several things that you should remember when you begin to think about all that you have to do.
1. Don't think about all that you have. There is no way that you can always be caught up, especially if you are planning to scrap for children who are already here. Just when you are caught up, more things happen and there will always be more things to create.
2. Block off time. You won't be able to get anything accomplished unless you make the effort to block out time to do it. We all love to scrap but, realistically that is not on the top of the list of must do's unless that is what you are getting paid to do. Just like ball games and working out, you need to set aside time to do what you want.
3. Think about how you want to organize your books. I am making large chronological books for my boys. They each have 1 book than spans birth to their 6th birthday. Major events and everyday pages are in them. If the thought of one large book is too much, think mini albums. I know lots of scrappers who do events -- a vacation, a holiday theme, etc. This will allow you to take a small stack of pictures and do one thing at a time.
4. Take your stacks of pictures and think one page at a time. We all know that you have endless memories that you have captured in photos and you'd love to get them all scrapped. The thought of looking at hundreds of pictures makes you want to put them all back in the closet and shut the door. So consider making a Christmas 2009 layout. Don't think about the 14 years of Christmas pictures you have, just one year at a time.
5. Ask for help. Talk to someone you know who has experience. Take a class at a local store. Call me. I'll be happy to help you get started.
The new ele.ment.ary and Life Documented kits, exclusive to MemoryWorks, are perfect examples of easy ways to get started on scrapbooks. These kits are designed to be easy, stress free, and are beautiful. I used the LD kit to create a cruise album for my husband and me. The 20 page album took me less than 7 hours to create. (You can see pictures of the pages at my website under the idea gallery http://cindysmith.memory-works.com)). I just received my ele.ment.ary kits and haven't yet created with them but, the ideas are endless. Check out the Simple Stories blog for other MW consultant ideas and what to do with the kit (http://www.mysimplestories.com)
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
I'm So Excited .....
....and I just can't hide it!! (ok a little cheezy, I admit it). Summer CHA (I actually called it winter in my last post but, it is indeed summer - it is July Cindy!), is literally just around the corner. All the major scrapbook manufacturers are rolling out their sneak peeks to get everyone geared up for the show and boy are there some really great things out there.
We aren't yet aware of the exact launch date but, it will be sometime in mid-August. The kit is 180 pieces (like the Life Documented kit) and the picture of what is available in the basic kit is the top group. The rest of the pictures are add-on elements that can be purchased separately. You will also be able to order additional paper packs of the 12 x 12 sheets that are included in the basic kit. I don't know pricing on all of these treats but, the original SS kit, Life Documented, is only $16.99 (plus tax and shipping). How cool is this pack???
I was just looking at a couple of other blogs (http://timholtz.typepad.com/my_weblog/ and http://papercrafterscorner.typepad.com/papercrafters-corner/ look under sneak peeks) and they have some really great things rolling out. We will carry some of these at MemoryWorks I'm sure but, we'll have to wait until the new catty comes out to see exactly what that is.
Speaking of sneak peeks and MW -- did you all see the way super cool Simple Stories ele.ment.ary line released this week by MW? I am so loving this line. I can't wait to get several kits and get started. I have visions of books for my boys of course but also my mom and my mother in law (though she's got other scrapbook projects in mind for me right now). Check out the Simple Stories website (http://www.mysimplestories.com/) but, here are some of the cool things that you can get with this package.
We aren't yet aware of the exact launch date but, it will be sometime in mid-August. The kit is 180 pieces (like the Life Documented kit) and the picture of what is available in the basic kit is the top group. The rest of the pictures are add-on elements that can be purchased separately. You will also be able to order additional paper packs of the 12 x 12 sheets that are included in the basic kit. I don't know pricing on all of these treats but, the original SS kit, Life Documented, is only $16.99 (plus tax and shipping). How cool is this pack???
Some other sites that I have recently come across in my never ending search of all things scrapbooking:
1. http://www.scrapbookpitures.com/: one of my fellow MW consultants turned my on to this site. They are another picture printing company, with reasonable prices, but, you can order all different kinds of sizes from 2" x 2" to poster size. I haven't ordered anything from them and she hadn't yet received her pictures but is looks cool for those cases where you are needing something smaller (or bigger) or making a mini album.
2. http://www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com/: This site is sort of a social media type site. They have a blogs and a gallery but, they also have online scrapbooking classes. A couple of folks I've talked to have taken some and really liked them. Some are for a fee and some are free but, it looked interesting to me when I was on there yesterday.
3. http://www.pagemaps.com/: Stuck in rut or need a layout idea? This site offers free layout ideas for your books.
I have a crop coming up at the end of August. sign-up at the right or send me an e-mail. It should be a nice relaxing Sunday afternoon at the coffee shop.
As always, happy scrapping and let me know if there is anything you need from me!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Where does the time go?
I can't believe that 2010 is already half over. Where does the time go? It feels like just yesterday was the last day of school and my boys go back for first grade 6 weeks from today! I was just looking at my calendar and it seems like we have something planned each weekend until then. Summer is almost over and soon it will be time to pull out the sweaters and snow shoes and hang the Christmas decorations. Geez.
I hope you are all busy taking lots of pictures to complete your summer pages. We spent yesterday at Old Man's Cave hiking and then went swimming at the lodge. It was such a nice day and I did have the opportunity to take some nice scenic shots and pictures of my guys -- from behind or in action at the pool since they REFUSE to have their picture taken by me. My list of uncompleted pages continues to grow.
With the changing of the seasons also comes the CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) winter show. It is just around the corner. This is the time when all the scrapbook manufacturers roll out their winter lines and begin the steps to discontinuing their summer lines. It's an exciting time for us at MemoryWorks because it means that a new catalog is also coming soon. While we haven't yet received an announcement on the new catalog launch date, it is typically around the end of August/first of September. If you need supplies for your summer pages, I recommend looking at my website or your catalog now before the items are marked for discontinuation and inventory is no longer available. I know I've run into problems getting that perfect paper because I waited too long.
I'm also excited to announce that MemoryWorks is also planning an August launch of a brand new Simple Stories line! Simple Stories is a MW exclusive line that was released this past fall. (http://mysimplestories.com) The first kit is titled Life Documented and was made for making scrapbooks that are fun and easy and guilt free. The line is great and I used it to make an album for my cruise with my husband for our 10 year anniversary. It turned out wonderful and I was able to complete a 22 page album in about 6 hours! Of course, you can tailor the kit to use whatever way you like best. You can see pictures on my MW website under the My Gallery section (http://cindysmith.memory-works.com). I have no idea what the theme of the NEW SS line is but, it sure is exciting to us and I'll certainly pass along the information to all of you as it becomes available.
I have previously passed out introductory information about the MW retreat in June of 2011. It will be held June 23-24 in Utah. I'm saving my pennies to get there. It is open to the public and I would certainly like to have some company. I don't have many other details on the trip but, if you're interested in more information, please let me know and I can keep in contact with you.
I hope you are all staying cool in this heat wave. It certainly was warm at the cave yesterday but the pool water sure was nice. Keep taking pictures and making memories!
I hope you are all busy taking lots of pictures to complete your summer pages. We spent yesterday at Old Man's Cave hiking and then went swimming at the lodge. It was such a nice day and I did have the opportunity to take some nice scenic shots and pictures of my guys -- from behind or in action at the pool since they REFUSE to have their picture taken by me. My list of uncompleted pages continues to grow.
With the changing of the seasons also comes the CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) winter show. It is just around the corner. This is the time when all the scrapbook manufacturers roll out their winter lines and begin the steps to discontinuing their summer lines. It's an exciting time for us at MemoryWorks because it means that a new catalog is also coming soon. While we haven't yet received an announcement on the new catalog launch date, it is typically around the end of August/first of September. If you need supplies for your summer pages, I recommend looking at my website or your catalog now before the items are marked for discontinuation and inventory is no longer available. I know I've run into problems getting that perfect paper because I waited too long.
I'm also excited to announce that MemoryWorks is also planning an August launch of a brand new Simple Stories line! Simple Stories is a MW exclusive line that was released this past fall. (http://mysimplestories.com) The first kit is titled Life Documented and was made for making scrapbooks that are fun and easy and guilt free. The line is great and I used it to make an album for my cruise with my husband for our 10 year anniversary. It turned out wonderful and I was able to complete a 22 page album in about 6 hours! Of course, you can tailor the kit to use whatever way you like best. You can see pictures on my MW website under the My Gallery section (http://cindysmith.memory-works.com). I have no idea what the theme of the NEW SS line is but, it sure is exciting to us and I'll certainly pass along the information to all of you as it becomes available.
I have previously passed out introductory information about the MW retreat in June of 2011. It will be held June 23-24 in Utah. I'm saving my pennies to get there. It is open to the public and I would certainly like to have some company. I don't have many other details on the trip but, if you're interested in more information, please let me know and I can keep in contact with you.
I hope you are all staying cool in this heat wave. It certainly was warm at the cave yesterday but the pool water sure was nice. Keep taking pictures and making memories!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Summer Layout Ideas
I received a e-mail from Archiver's last week with these summer layout ideas. The products used in these layouts is from Bo Bunny, a featured vendor of MemoryWorks. You can use the ideas in these layouts for all occasions by flipping images or changing paper. I thought these were great and wanted to share.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Summertime!
We are now just a few days away from the first official day of summer! I was completely caught up on Brandon and Jackson's scrapbooks the first of May and I am now already behind 5 or 6 pages in each book. It seems like I am constantly looking for reasons to take pictures and therefore scrap but, it always puts me behind. I suppose it's a good thing, it allows me to do what I love most -- scrap.
I recently subscribed to Scrapbook Update e-mails. Several times a week I get an e-mail about things that are going on in the scrap booking world -- new products, trends, ideas, techniques, etc. This past week there was a series of 5 posts around organization. I really enjoyed these posts and thought I would share them with you. I can't ever seem to find an organization technique that works well for me long term. I find that once I get my scrap room organized and efficient, I host or attend a crop and with mobility, the organization is gone. I think some of the ideas in this series are great. I hope you think so too.
1. Organization Talk: The Big Picture (http://www.scrapbookupdate.com/2010/05/31/organization-talk-the-big-picture)
2. Organization Talk: The Small Things (http://www.scrapbookupdate.com/2010/06/01/organization-the-small-things)
3. Organization Talk: Digital Totes (http://www.scrapbookupdate.com/2010/06/02/organization-digital-totes)
4. Organization Talk: Bits and Pieces (http://www.scrapbookupdate.com/2010/06/04/organization-talk-bits-pieces)
5. Organization Talk: Digital Elements (http://www.scrapbookupdate.com/2010/06/04/organizing-digital-elements)
If you are interested in receiving e-mails from Scrapbook Updates, visit their site at www.scrapbookupdates.com. I will post links to items which I find particularly interesting or noteworthy here for you all.
Since this is my first post, I am still gathering my thoughts on how I would like to see this blog progress. Please feel free to forward the link to friends, family and co-works. Post your thoughts and ideas. Provide feedback and let me know what you'd like to see. I will always have links to current important MemoryWorks information at the bottom of the page.
I am toying with the idea of a "swap" similar to what my fellow MemoryWorks consultants and I do. We usually limit participation to 12 and for each swap there is a theme. (example -- this month is Red, White, and Blue) Each participant purchases, or takes from their at home stash, items which fit the theme for the month (ribbon, paper, buttons, stickers, etc.) divides them into baggies (one for each participant and then sends them to host (me in this case). I would divide each bag and each person would then get a collection of these items from each other. I've received some really great items this way -- things that I have turned out to really like but, would have never purchased myself. Swaps like this are great for forcing you to think outside the box of your usual scrapbook groove and try something new. Please let me know if this is something you would be interested in participating in.
Back to work for me. Happy Father's Day to all your husbands, brothers, and fathers. Enjoy your weekend and Happy first day of summer! Let me know what I can do to help with all your scrap booking needs.
Cindy
I recently subscribed to Scrapbook Update e-mails. Several times a week I get an e-mail about things that are going on in the scrap booking world -- new products, trends, ideas, techniques, etc. This past week there was a series of 5 posts around organization. I really enjoyed these posts and thought I would share them with you. I can't ever seem to find an organization technique that works well for me long term. I find that once I get my scrap room organized and efficient, I host or attend a crop and with mobility, the organization is gone. I think some of the ideas in this series are great. I hope you think so too.
1. Organization Talk: The Big Picture (http://www.scrapbookupdate.com/2010/05/31/organization-talk-the-big-picture)
2. Organization Talk: The Small Things (http://www.scrapbookupdate.com/2010/06/01/organization-the-small-things)
3. Organization Talk: Digital Totes (http://www.scrapbookupdate.com/2010/06/02/organization-digital-totes)
4. Organization Talk: Bits and Pieces (http://www.scrapbookupdate.com/2010/06/04/organization-talk-bits-pieces)
5. Organization Talk: Digital Elements (http://www.scrapbookupdate.com/2010/06/04/organizing-digital-elements)
If you are interested in receiving e-mails from Scrapbook Updates, visit their site at www.scrapbookupdates.com. I will post links to items which I find particularly interesting or noteworthy here for you all.
Since this is my first post, I am still gathering my thoughts on how I would like to see this blog progress. Please feel free to forward the link to friends, family and co-works. Post your thoughts and ideas. Provide feedback and let me know what you'd like to see. I will always have links to current important MemoryWorks information at the bottom of the page.
I am toying with the idea of a "swap" similar to what my fellow MemoryWorks consultants and I do. We usually limit participation to 12 and for each swap there is a theme. (example -- this month is Red, White, and Blue) Each participant purchases, or takes from their at home stash, items which fit the theme for the month (ribbon, paper, buttons, stickers, etc.) divides them into baggies (one for each participant and then sends them to host (me in this case). I would divide each bag and each person would then get a collection of these items from each other. I've received some really great items this way -- things that I have turned out to really like but, would have never purchased myself. Swaps like this are great for forcing you to think outside the box of your usual scrapbook groove and try something new. Please let me know if this is something you would be interested in participating in.
Back to work for me. Happy Father's Day to all your husbands, brothers, and fathers. Enjoy your weekend and Happy first day of summer! Let me know what I can do to help with all your scrap booking needs.
Cindy
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