Inspiration for Generation C 2.0

MOVING TO A NEW BLOG! Please follow me!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 22:36:00 +0000

Ok...since this blog got hacked with malware...I am moving to a new blog at http://julieannshahin2.blogspot.com/

If I could import followers, I would, but I can't unfortunately.

Please follow me to that address, as I will be deleting this blog soon. It will look the same as this blog except you'll see items in the sidebar! :) Please join as a follower there now, because this blog won't be here long!

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How to Make A Customized Blog Header Clickable!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:42:00 +0000

Photo by The Snail's Trail Blog

I found this great tutorial on how to make your blog header clickable for Blogger at The Snail's Trail Blog, with one adjustment, that I used this image mapper instead of the one she recommends. I purchased the Sweetie Pie Blog-ware from Shabby Miss Jenn Designs. It seems that I still can't add any widgets to my blog or it freaks out my Symantec Endpoint Protection as I said yesterday, but the customized clickable Blog Header I made works just great!

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Counterfeit Kit Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 06:39:00 +0000

Well, first of all, excuse the look of my blog. It seems that I can't use the advanced template in blogger without it freaking out my Symantec Endpoint Protection system. ~~And, apparently there is no easy way to tweak your blog in the Classic template. Hopefully I can get an answer on how to restore my template, in the meantime I guess this is better than nothing.~~ I ended up finding a template and figured out how to put it into the HTML code. This will work for now. Thanks for sticking with me!!!!
xoxo

*****************

Last month I discovered the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog, and had fun participating. What a great way to use my stash!!! Plus a great way to take action against kit envy! :) Right now, it's just not in my budget to join a kit club, but I have plans to join one in the future. So in the meantime, it's the Counterfeit Kit Challenge for me! I'm so excited about this month's challenge: drumroll...

the March 2011 Club Kits for this month's inspiration kits are put together by Studio Calico...you can visit their blog at http://www.studiocalico.com/ .

Studio Calico released 5 kits this month (one main kit and 4 add-on kits). I don't even feel guilty counterfeiting these kits because they are all sold out already!

The link to the picture of the Main Kit (called Into the Woods) is...

http://www.studiocalico.com/kits/current

The link to the picture of the 1st Add-On Kit (Babbling Brook) is...

http://www.studiocalico.com/kits/add_ons/354

The link to the 2nd Add-On Kit (Mossy Knoll) is...

http://www.studiocalico.com/kits/add_ons/355

The link to the 3rd Add-On Kit (Sunny Clearing) is...

http://www.studiocalico.com/kits/add_ons/356

The link to the final Add-On Kit (Wildflower) is...

http://www.studiocalico.com/kits/add_ons/357

I counterfeited all five kits, and had a blast doing so!!!! I chose to try to match the patterns and colors as close as I could. If you want to try, they suggest at the Counterfeit Kit Blog you could also just use the kits as inspiration for a mood board, or just create a card kit!

MY COUNTERFEIT KITS

To compare, I'll post a photo of Studio Calico's Kit first, then a photo of my counterfeit kit!~ My choices ended up a bit brighter I think, than SC. Ok. Here we go:

Studio Calico's Main Kit: Into the Woods

My "Into the Woods" Counterfeit Kit

I am going to probably alter the brown Thickers, not sure how....but they are begging to be altered. I found chipboard stars, and the little book page illustration features a tiny bee. I will also be using some digital elements I have from Studio Tangie's Dictionary Cuts that have a bee, and printing them out as well. Studio Tangie is at scrapbookgraphics.com. Instead of the journaling stickers, I am using Webster's Pages journaling cards.

Next, first Add-On Kit...

Studio Calico's Add-On "Babbling Brook"


My "Babbling Brook" Add-On Counterfeit Kit

For Babbling Brook, I kept it small. I'm going to alter chipboard circles to counterfeit the chipboard pieces in this kit. I also punched butterflies from paper for this kit. I do have circle stamps that are not pictured. I love the happy feel to this one.

Second Add-On...

Studio Calico's Add-On "Mossy Knoll"

My Counterfeit Kit "Mossy Knoll"

I went with the blues from the SC kit, and focused on vintage embellishments, plus vintage book illustrations of seashells that will go great with vacation photos from last year. For the ribbons, I substituted brown striped ribbon instead of the black striped ribbon. I can't wait to play with this kit.

Third Add-On Kit.........

Studio Calico's Add-On Sunny Clearing


My Counterfeit "Sunny Clearing" Kit

Again, this is a much brighter version of Studio Calico's kit...I added in a fun vintage game piece, more butterflies, and thickers that might get altered. I really love the patterns in this kit. Love!!!!

And finally, the fourth Add-On kit...

Studio Calico's "Wildflower" Add-On Kit

My Counterfeit "Wildflower" Add-On Kit

Since I didn't have patterned papers besides the light pink scraps, I decided to make this a cardstock kit with vintage goodies. I don't use a lot of cardstock, so I hadn't put any in the other kits...so it makes sense to have a few sheets in this kit. I pulled out my Studio Calico rub-ons as a nod to SC! Then added in vintage book papers and illustrations that fit the theme of the kits, and what I think I might be scrapbooking this month. My diecut lace has been used for spray painting so I'm not sure if I'll just use it for misting or with part with it or some of it. The only tulle I have is this white tulle for making the flowers in this kit. I'm not sure if I'm going to go out and buy more colors, or make do with the white.

I'm excited to go check out the Mister Linky now on the Counterfeit Kit Blog and see what others have been up to making up their kits!!!

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Get Published! Deadline March 30th (repost)

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 23:59:00 +0000

GingerScrapsStreet Magazine

NEW CALLS

Cover Contest

Each month we will choose one layout to grace our cover and that designer will receive a wonderful package of goodies as our thanks. All layouts submitted for our article calls are eligible. Good Luck!

June 2011 Calls

Boys & Toys. Share layouts about your boys and the toys they have to pass their time. Sporting toys, electronic toys, or big four wheel toys, whatever the men in your life use to have fun! Digital, Hybrid and Traditional Layouts please.

Building Blocks. Send in your layouts with blocks of paper/blocking as part of the design.

1+1=3. Are you expecting? Let's see anything you've made related to pregnancies, hybrid or digital! Layouts, shower gifts, baby's first photos projects....We want to see your most creative ideas!!! *

This land. This land is your land this land is my land! Show us your layouts using landscape shots...Let us see the world...your world! Digital, hybrid, and traditional projects welcome!

Music to my...Layout. Do you or a family member play an instrument? Were the kiddos in a musical/recital? Have you been to a rockin' concert? Show off your music-related layouts!

BBQ time! Layouts of favorite foods, photos of favorite recipes...or even actual typed up recipes...send them our way!

Crossroads Cafe: Western Wranglers! Show us those western/cowboy/girl type projects!

Deadline is midnight March 30th for all calls.
Please send your work to gsscalls@scrapstreet.com.
Please send a separate email for each submission you would like to be considered for publication. Please keep the image size around 600 x 600 pixels. Thank you!

*This is my call!

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Tangie Baxter CT Layouts and Art Journal Pages

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 06:35:00 +0000

Art Journal Page for the

Art Journal Caravan: Itinerary #8 - Reinforce

Inspired by Susan Buckner

Borders: Art Journal Caravan {Expedition 2011},Art Journal Caravan 2011 Provision Parcel 1,
Art Journal Caravan Provisions {Parcel 40}, Hand Cut Collage Fodder: Edges
Paper: Art Journal Caravan Provisions {Parcel 46}, Art Journal Caravan Provisions {Parcel 47}
Tag: Art Journal Caravan {Expedition 2011}
Stamp:
Journal Anthology
Arrow and talk bubble: Keep Moving Forward
Hearts: Hand Cut Collage Fodder: Hearts
Marie:
Queen of Cakes Collab with Holliewood Studios
Dots:Art Journal Caravan Provisions {Parcel 51} ,
Unconventional Wisdom
Ephemera, Monogram: Dictionary Cuts

Alpha: Vintage Ransom Alpha
Fonts:
Tweedledee{Art JOurnaling Font}, Art Journal Caravan 2011 Provisions {Parcel 08} , Mary Ann {Art Journaling Font}
Style: Paperworn Art Styles & BONUS Action

Art Journal Caravan Itinerary #2: Thrive - I Will Thrive

I was inspired by the week #2 blogger inspiration for the large face and writing along the side (year).

Supplies: (all by Studio Tangie

at Scrapbookgraphics unless noted)

Quickity Split'N Print Bundle
Quickity Split Borders 2
Hand Cut Collage Fodder: Heads
Mary Ann {Art Journaling Font}
Tweedledee{Art JOurnaling Font}
Paperworn Art Styles & BONUS Action
Font: Benny Blanco from the web

Art Journal Caravan Itinerary #9: Verb: Amuse
Title: Amuse Yourself

What fun this week's prompt is!!!! I really love this quote too. The two new kits from Tangie are an artist's dream. I also played with Wendy's Shadow action for the first time! I'm in love!!!!
xoxo

Supplies: (all by Studio Tangie here at Scrapbookgraphics except as noted)

Kits:
Art Journal Caravan 2011 Provisions {Parcel 09}

Journal Anthology V

Elements:
Splatter Graffiti - Circles: Amuse

Journal Anthology III

Happenstance

Keep Moving Forward

Art Journal Caravan Provisions {Parcel 45}

4 and Twenty Blackbirds

Fonts:
Dodo {Art Journaling Font}

Benny Blanco (found online)

Action:
ACTION: Shadow It by Studio Wendyzine Scraps

Style:
Paperworn Art Styles & BONUS Action

And this layout is for Ali Edward's Big Picture class: One Little Word as she asked us to take "action" this month with our word.

I already had Belly Dancing in mind.

This new kit by Studio Tangie and Studio Rosey Posey is so awesome!
Being Me: Art Journal Collaboration Extraordinaire with Studio Rosey Posey

Additional supplies: by Studio Tangie
4 and Twenty Blackbirds
Art Stomp! Collab w/ Roben-Marie Designs
Studio Tangie Fonts: The Director {CU OK}
Template: Template Pack 7 by Kaye Winiecki (The Lilypad)
Photo: Sharon Pruitt

Thanks for looking!!!
Love ya!
xoxo

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Thursday Tutorial: Titles

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 06:32:00 +0000

Artist's Block Conquered with Today's Trends in Titles & Word Art
by Julie Ann Shahin

originally printed in Flourish, newsletter for MyScrapbookArt.com

Computer eye strain, hundreds of photos, and eager family members, awaiting your next masterpiece, make up your current dilemma. You sit in front of your monitor, as the queen of digiland, staring down the blank page yet feeling mildly inspired.

Flipping through design books, wandering among street art, checking out the latest releases in the music store for album art, googling for the latest and greatest ideas is where you find yourself. You listen to Pandora.com hoping your favorite artist's tunes will stimulate your senses. You've found an excellent color scheme at Kuler.Adobe.com. What you need is that perfect title and word art to deliver that "aha!" moment you've been seeking.

Think cursive hand-written titles mixed with arial fonts, quirky alphas made up from typography, and word art and frame clusters among vivid paint strokes. Take inspiration from recent graphic uploads at deviantart.com. Now you have your masterpiece. Now you are a trend-setter.

Trends In Word Art Today: Products

Express Yourself Word Art by beAUDacious Designs: Word art and frame clustered among vivid paint strokes
Brush N Stamp Alpha: Lettered by Leiko Beck Designs: Quirky alphas made up from typography
TaylorMade Spotlight Bundle Kit by TaylorMade Designs: Cursive hand-written words mixed with arial fonts
Magical Words Overlay 2 by Kitty Designs
Rought Draft Free Font

Inspiration #1) Rotate Text
Inspirational Typo Poster from Deviant Art http://palax.deviantart.com/art/061-121839414

and also inspirational playbill from Deviant Art http://camaeralucida.deviantart.com/art/MammaMia-121616219

From the two graphics above, I was inspired to make this layout to symbolize my husband's passion for music and my enjoyment of it.

Credits: Layout by Julie Ann Shahin
Background: retrogirl_by_lookbutdontouch at deviantart
Font: The King & Queen
Word Art: Magical Words Overlay 2 by Kitty Designs; TaylorMade Spotlight Bundle Kit by TaylorMade Designs
Other digital elements: Project 365 Word Snips by DeCrow Designs; Whimsical Woodland by Emily Merritt, Rachel Young and Jaime Young; Inked overlay by Janet Crowley

Inspiration #2) Handwritten draft-style font in different pt sizes
http://arhcamtilnaad.deviantart.com/art/A-Hug-121708108

and the resulting layout

Credits: Layout by Julie Ann Shahin
A is For Amazement by Kathryn Wilson
Sea Creatures by Emily Merritt
Picnic in the Park Collab at wearestorytellers
Happy Together by Emily Merritt
Rough Draft Font
Background from deviant art:textures by youshinevh

Inspiration #3) Type created from typeDigital art http://honeysand.deviantart.com/art/Feeling-Good-122112730

and also view this inspiring page titled "type invert" which is viewable here .

My resulting layout will be a RAK for a friend. Each letter of "mother" is made up of tiny type, available as a brush and alpha.

Credits: Layout by Julie Ann Shahin
Brush N Stamp Alpha: Lettered by Leiko Beck Designs
Mother sign from deviant art: http://deviant-brazilian-fc.deviantart.com/art/Mother-sign-by-pryestrela-122101705
World of My Own by Emily Merritt
Funky Love Song by Emily Powers
TaylorMade Spotlight Bundle Kit by TaylorMade Designs

Inspiration #4) Chunky Hand-written Alpha, Cursive Handwriting Mixed with Arial Font

Credits: Layout by Julie Ann Shahin
TaylorMade Spotlight Bundle Kit by TaylorMade Designs
A is For Amazement by Kathryn Wilson
Intrinsic by Kathryn Wilson
Wishes and Wonder by Kathryn Wilson and Traci Reed
Embellishous by Kathryn Wilson
Background: retro textures by ~awesomestyle http://awesomestyle.deviantart.com/art/4-retro-textures-121317560

Inspiration #5) Word Art with Frame and Vivid Paint

Credits: Layout by Julie Ann Shahin
Express Yourself Quotes by beAUDacious Designs
It's A Date Word Art by beAudacious Designs
Life's A Circus Distressed Papers by Angela Woo
Vintage Embroidery Vol. 1 by Spotted Dog Designs
Picnic in the Park Collab by wearestorytellers
Forecast by Emily Merritt
Background: Large textures by ~Lookbutdontouch http://lookbutdontouch.deviantart.com/art/3-large-textures-121654414

Hope you enjoyed these inspirational title ideas!
Julie Ann Shahin

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Color Me Red: As Seen in GingerScrapsStreet Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:43:00 +0000

Color Me Red by Julie Ann Shahin

GingerScrapsStreet Magazine, February 2011

"In our life there is a single color, as on an artist's palette, which provides the meaning of life and art. It is the color of love." Marc Chagall

The color Red holds an important spot as the first visible light of the rainbow. It is a color to be celebrated. As such, Red is the perfect hue to serve as the official color of the month of February, of Valentine's Day - as it evokes passion, exhilaration, love, and warmth. Red is a beating heart, a stop sign, a rose, Cupid. Red is hot, flush, joy, action, happiness, and prosperity. What does that mean for you and me? Red is also the perfect color for scrapbooking and papercrafting as it grabs the eye, calling for attention. There is more to using this color when you want to set the mood.

See if you agree with expert color psychology on the following greeting cards. First, notice Karen's choice of a light shade of red in her "I Go Cuckoo For You!" card where this shade exudes playfulness, while the purple undertones add a bit of charm. Second, observe that Donna's bright red declares happiness in her "Love, Laugh, Grow" card while a bit of blue in this red gives it a sense of bonhomie. Last, but certainly not least, Laura's attention-getting dark red, in her Valentine Day Card, goes to the mysterious side yet a distinguishing feature of this red is that it is mixed with purple for subliminal symbolism that speaks of treasures. You can scoop out more about color psychology here.

The next time you make a layout or craft, reflect on the shade of red you use and it's undertones , and allow it to help you decide what tone and atmosphere you intend to set.

I Go Cuckoo For You by Karen Maldonado

Supplies: Paper: We R Memory Keepers, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Die Cuts: Spellbinders, Ribbon: Fabric Barn, Buttons: Jo-Ann, Markers: Copic, Floss: DMC Creative World. Tools: Die Cut Machine: Sizzix (Ellison), Dies: Spellbinders, Border Punches: EK Success, Stamps: La-La Land Crafts.

Designer's Notes: Use different size and shaped border punches for added flair to your card! I also used the ribbon across the card as a way to prop up the sitting girl stamp, so it looks like she is sitting on top of the ribbon and border punches!

Love, laugh, grow by Donna Espiritu

Supplies: Paper: Red River, Cardstock: Georgia Pacific, Other: twine. Tools: Other: corner rounder, sandpaper. Digital Supplies: Kit: Dear Sweet Friend by Janet Carr (For The Luv Of Art). Software: Adobe Photoshop CS3.

Designer's Notes: To make a flat hybrid card more interesting, add dimension by popping up some of the cut out elements like flowers, leaves, wordart. I did not use a foam tape which can make the cutout elements too prominent. Instead, I used a piece of folded cardstock for a slight raise only. I used a brown twine to add texture and to somewhat balance the bright and bold colors in the card.

Thomas Valentine Day Cards by Laura Thomas

Digital Supplies: Card: Vintage Valentine Cards Kit by Rhonna Farrer (twopeasinabucket), Brushes: 175_Rhonna Swirls (twopeasinabucket), Alphas: Parisian Alpha Rub-Ons & Brushes by Rhonna Farrer (twopeasinabucket), Frames: Snapshot by Rhonna Farrer (twopeasinabucket), Software: Adobe Photoshop CS2.

Designer's Notes: When using the templates for the cards I wanted to soften the edges on the photos and to blend them into the background. Since I was using template cards designed by Rhonna Farrer, I also used her swirl brushes to create the effect that the photo is part of the background.

"Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own." Robert Heinlein

Capturing the joy and love from special events to everyday life is what scrapbooking is all about. Joy and love are obvious themes for scrapbooking at the Valentine holiday, and color is one splashy way to convey those emotions, without having to say it big and loud. By using a gallon or a quarter, a lot or just a little, either way red is sure to say volumes about your affections.

Whether you want to declare a celebration as in Colleen's "Happiness" layout with a friendly shade of red, or declare a sentiment as in Angel's sophisticated "Love Story" layout with just a bit of red in all the right places, or hug your "first-time" photos with patterned papers containing cheery reds as in "Jacque's Family Fun at The Track" - red is an all-around pleasing color to use in design. On a personal note, I know I use red more than any other color in my layouts. Take a closer look at these stunning layouts, and next time you'll be reaching for the reds in your stash too. Here is a bit more help to get you started:

Great Title Ideas for Scrapbooking:

Red Letter Day

Paint the Town Red

Red Carpet Treatment

Lips As Red As a Cherry

Caught Red-Handed

Alert Status Red

The Last of the Red Hot Mamas

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

Red Hot

The Red Queen

Find more: here.

Songs With the Word Red in It (also great for titles):

Red Headed Woman - Bruce Springsteen

Red, Red Wine - UB40

Lady In Red - Chris de Burgh

Little Red Corvette - Prince

Red Dirt Road - Brooks & Dunn

Red Rain - Peter Gabriel

The Red Shoes - Kate Bush

Red Hill Mining Town - U2

Ballad of the Boy in the Red Shoes - Elton John

Red Letter Year - Ani DiFranco

Red Sails in the Sunset - Bing Crosby

99 Red Balloons - Nena

Put On Your Rosy Red Glasses (Album by The Number Twelve Looks Like You)

Find more: here.

Happiness by Colleen Swerbinsky

Supplies: Cardstock: Papertrey Ink, Flowers: Prima Marketing, Pens: Signo (Uni-ball), Other: ribbon. Tools: Stamps: Papertrey Ink. Digital Supplies: Kit: Forever Moments by Lauren Grier (Sweet Shoppe Designs), Templates: 2010 iNSD Cookie Template at Sweet Shoppe Designs (retired), Software: Adobe Photoshop CS2.

Editor's Note: The red background serves two purposes: one, to unite the photo and the paper grid; and two, to declare that this is a special occasion or moment that is quite meaningful. I love the grid of paper blocks, and how Colleen embellished them. The scalloped borders are perfect finishing touches.

Journaling: I never get tired of the way you make me laugh.

Love Story by Angel Hartline

Supplies: Paper: Prima Marketing, Transparency: Heidi Swapp, Ribbon: Prima Marketing, Buttons: Foof-A-La (Autumn Leaves), Bling: Prima Marketing, Photo Paper: Hewlett-Packard. Tools: Punch: McGill. Digital Supplies: Paper: Enchanted Garden by Pat Christensen (Weeds & Wildflowers Design), Paper: Rue 88 Coordinates by IOD (Prima Hybrid), Alpha: Gem Alpha Royal by IOD (Prima Hybrid), Software: Photoshop CS3, Font: 1942 Report.

Designer's Notes: I created Love Story as a hybrid layout-within-a-layout. I created a simple digital layout, printed it 8x8in on to photo paper, then mounted it on 12x12 patterned paper. The red journaling box was printed separately so I could punch out the scallops and tuck embellishments underneath it. The digital layout works all on its own, but the hybrid embellishment and layering really framed the layout and brought the project to life.

Journaling: Twenty years ago on February 14 you were born. A girl destined to steal our hearts from the start. And every Valentine's Day we're reminded how lucky we are just to love you.

Family Fun at the Track by Jacque Stanwood

Digital Supplies: Kit: On the Field and On The Field Add-on (Red Team) by HD Creations (Stuff to Scrap), Fonts: Urban Sketch, Pupcat, and Papyrus, Software: Gimp.

Journaling: You boys totally enjoyed your 1st trip to NHMS Loudon, NH Designer's Notes: This was the very first creative team layout I ever did. I loved all the fun papers and wanted to show them off in a fun way!

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GingerScrapsStreet March Is Now Available (Free)

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 19:08:00 +0000

Here is my article on a retro trend: Piece It Together

Pages 7-10

Contributors (to my article) include:

Regiane Thahira

Bonnie Freshour

Rona Gavino

Nicole Pomeroy

Samantha Jensen

Eryn Herbert

Tanisha Long

Ellen Sosnoski

Laina Lamb

Izzy Anderson

Brianne Nevill

If you would like to be a guest designer for my article, please email me at julieann at scrapstreet dot com, and I will add you to the list, and give you more information.

P.S. Check out this issue - all readers get a free 12x12 print from Persnickety Prints for a limited time!!!! I've ordered from them recently, and they are awesome!!!! Click on the magazine image to read it.

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Guest Blogger Feature: How to Deal With a Bad Day

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 05:31:00 +0000

How to Deal with a Bad Day

by Christine Kane

Let's face it. No matter how much progress we make, we're still going to have "bad days."

You know the ones.

When the old critical voices are milling about drinking martinis in your head. You try to send them all away with your favorite powerful affirmation, but only a few of them even look up - and one of them turns away and snickers.

So, what do you do when no matter what you do, you're just icky?

Very few success-gurus or business coaches talk about the bad day. Rarer still is any discussion on the process of following your dreams or building a business and the persistence it takes to break through old patterns.

Sometimes it helps to hear someone be honest about this stuff. Not so that you can indulge in self-pity about how hard you have it. But so that when the bad day strikes, you have some leverage and you KNOW WHAT TO DO! (Or not to do!)

So, how do you get through a bad day?

Here's a few things that help me. Let them help you too...

WHAT TO REMIND YOURSELF:

1 - The icky voices do not tell the truth.

They're just your old voices coming up to feed. Do not feed them. This is what makes them stay.

2 - This is not who you are.

The voices like to tell you that this messed up person is who you really are and that the rest of the world doesn't have these same flaws.

Not true.

This is just a temporary set back. That's all.

3 - Lattes don't take the voices away. It just makes them go faster.

Bad Days are not a call to rush out to Starbucks, hoping that if you move faster, it will all go away. If there's any action that needs to be taken now, it's probably a nap.

4 - You can put off your productivity until tomorrow.

Consciously choosing to be unproductive is much more effective than spending the day wondering why you can't get anything done. It really is okay to put down your goals and to-dos for one day. You can return to them tomorrow. Today, make it your goal to consciously do nothing.

5 - Everything seems worse when you're tired or hungry.

If you are tired or hungry, that could be the primary cause of feeling bad. Eat something yummy. Take a nap. Go somewhere and sit quietly.

WHAT TO DO:

1 - Stop feeling bad about feeling bad.

If it helps, make today a container. Know that you're allowed to have this stuff and that nothing horrid is going to happen with this one day of getting thrown off.

2 - Make no decisions.

The late Richard Carlson, author and psychologist, gave this great advice: "Never make decisions when you're in a low mood." That's because low moods are a natural occurrence and that any low-mood decisions are typically not healthy. Put off all decisions when you're having a bad day.

3 - Don't read fashion magazines. Or the news.

4 - Take a 20 minute walk.

Bring a gentle affirmation along with you. On days like this you don't want to say, "I am master of the universe!!!" On days like this you want to say, "I am loved. I am precious."

5 - Don't try to FIX yourself today.

No need to rush to the Self-Help section at Borders. Maybe there are steps you can take toward being healthier in the big picture. But today, let yourself stop.

6 - Lower your standards.

If you eat a good healthy meal, be proud. If you do a little yoga, give yourself a high five. Tomorrow you can have your old high standards back and be productive and evolved and all that. Not today.

7 - Say NO to anything if it's motivated by the word "should."

This is a good rule to follow on good days too!

8 - Ask yourself what you feel like doing.

Sometimes the answer to this can be surprising. Maybe you'll want to begin a fiction audiobook and clean your closet! Maybe you'll just want a nap. Don't judge your response. Just do it. You might be surprised at how this one little bit of permission changes your state instantly!

9 - Don't do anything destructive.

Don't overdose on sugar or indulge in alcohol. Don't call anyone who drains you. It will not help.

WHAT TO BE:

Be very, very kind to yourself.

WHAT TO KNOW:

That the victory is not about not having bad days anymore. The victory is that you can get back up after having one.

Christine Kane is the Mentor to Women Who are Changing the World. She helps women uplevel their lives, their businesses and their success. Her weekly LiveCreative eZine goes out to over 12,000 subscribers. If you are ready to take your life and your world to the next level, you can sign up for a F.R.E.E. subscription at http://christinekane.com.

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February Blog A Day in Review!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 06:02:00 +0000

So I made it! I blogged everyday this month. I hope you enjoyed all my posts as much as I did posting them.
Here's a recap in case you missed any:

FEBRUARY:

Thanks so much for all your comments and emails this month! I had so much fun I'm doing Blog A Day again in March. If you have any topics or tutorials you'd like me to cover, please drop me a note.

Want to learn more about blogging?

Blogging For Dummies

Blogging for Bliss: Crafting Your Own Online Journal: A Guide for Crafters, Artists & Creatives of all Kinds

The IT Girl's Guide to Blogging with Moxie

Artful Blogging Magazine (310+ Inspiring photos, May June July 2010)

Artful Blogging Magazine By Somerset Studios (August September October 2010)

Artful Blogging Magazine (Somerset Studio, November December 2009 January 2010)

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Log Your Memory Challenges

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 06:20:00 +0000

Log Your Memory.com Logbook Challenge #6
Special Relationships
Journaling:

Being 4 years apart, it was tough for my sister and I to see eye-to-eye growing up.. We made peace many years ago, as adults, and now I’m proud to say we are friends. I really couldn’t imagine life without a sister or the unique friend that she is. I cherish our bond now so much.

Digital Supplies: Kit: Forever Friends by MLE Card and Captivated Visions (Scrap Orchard), Font: Pea Gretchie

Log Your Memory.com Challenge #7 What Do You Love About Your Everyday Life?

I asked my Facebook friends what they love about their everyday life, and recorded their answers here.

This layout was inspired by Nancy Damiano's layout

LYM Challenge 8
I Can't Get Enough!

Journaling:

The object of my affection is The Beach! I absolutely love taking vacations to beach locations, not to mention that we live at the beach too. It's the sun, the water, the sky...it's all beautiful and I love it!

Credits: Kit: Happenstance by Tangie Baxter Designs (Scrapbookgraphics)
Borders: Splatter Graffiti Happenstance by Tangie Baxter Designs (Scrapbookgraphics)
Font: Fox Script

We are having fun with the Log Your Memory challenges, come join us!!!

Thanks for checking in today!
Love ya!!!
xoxo

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Free Classes at Spotted Canary!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 19:17:00 +0000

"Spotted Canary is your resource community where creative ideas take flight! You can come to learn something new, read the latest crafting articles, check out projects and share your own ideas. The Spotted Canary team is continuously posting new content that is sure to inspire you!"

Here are two free classes being offered....click on the banner for a preview. Take them now!

Spotted Canary

Focus: Guest Blogger Beth Dargis

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 08:51:00 +0000

FOCUS by Beth Dargis, Encouraging Coach

What is a project you really want to do, but haven't gotten around to doing? For example, cleaning the basement, reconnecting with a friend or making a budget. Commit to working and focusing on that one project this month.

Take Action:
1. Write down your focus for the month ___________________________________________________
2. Write down what you will let go of this month to make time (i.e. TV, trips to the mall, a meeting you didn't want to attend anyway, other projects)
_____________________________________

_________________________________________
This month I want to scrapbook our summer vacation pictures, so I am cutting out doing some genealogy and some novel reading.
3. Write down small action steps to take that are 15-30 minutes each.

For example:
Find pictures
Put pictures in order
Browse scrapbooking magazines for ideas
Buy album and supplies
Do 5 pages at a time
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________

4. Schedule time in your calendar for your project.
5. Decide on a reward for completing your project this month. ____________________________________

If you need help getting motivated for each step, e-mail me for a free e-coaching session at dargis@chartermi.net.

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Thursday Tutorial: Creating the Perfect Background - Hybrid Style

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 05:54:00 +0000

Creating The Perfect Background
Instructions by Julie Ann Shahin
Originally appeared on the Authentic Artistry Blog

Although I prefer to let other people design papers, I do have a few tricks up my sleeve for designing a background. In fact, I absolutely love incorporating authentic vintage music paper in my work so this is something that you could use as a hybrid background or a digital background. I find my vintage music paper at local antique co-ops. Maybe you'll Goodwill store might have some, or at least vintage books that you can take pages out once you get the book home.

The other item you will need are brushes of vintage images. If you are making this for commercial purposes, you'll need to make your own brushes or you can find brushes that have commercial licenses. I like seeing what is new at the site Brusheezy. Brusheezy lets you download brushes for free or you have the option of making a Paypal donation. Always be sure to read the Terms of Use that comes with your downloaded file. For my background, I'll be using the 1940 Cosmopolitan Ads brushes.

Instructions for Vintage Background: (to be completed after the brushes are installed)
1. Once your software program is open, select a color for your background. (I use Photoshop Elements).
2. Open in your software program a new document size 12" x 12" with Transparent chosen for the background contents, 300 dpi. It must be transparent or the following steps will not work for our desired result.
3. Fill the layer with your selected hue from Step 1.
4. Now chose the Eraser tool. From the drop-down box in your tool bar, load the 1940 Cosmo Ad brushes.
5. Select various brushes and click them on your background. This will leave the area erased away.
6. If you wish to do some further distressing, play with some of your default brushes such as natural brushes or faux finish.
7. Now you are ready to print this design onto your vintage music paper. Trim your physical paper to a size that will fit in your printer. Be sure to re-size your digital image so that it will fit onto your physical paper as well.
8. Print directly onto the vintage music paper, with Best Photo selected and the proper printer settings. I used the Plain Paper setting.
9. My finishing touch was to add a machine-stitched zig-zag border along the edges.
10. To use your new paper, you can use it for a hybrid layout or scan it to use as a digital background.

Background by Julie Ann Shahin

*************************************
Layout Example by Julie Ann Shahin
{Credits below}

Credits: (CRD = Christina Reneed Designs)
Background paper: Julie Ann Shahin
Tag: Authentic Artistry ATC Freebie-Sherrie
Arrow: CRD Just for Fun Doodles
Swirl: CRD Just Plain Ole Swirls
Ribbon & buttons: CRD Ribbon Fasteners
Stitched leaf: CRD Urban Stems
Ribbon heart: CRD French Countryside Collection
Frame: CRD Ultimate Art Collection
Alpha: CRD Graffiti Alpha Brushes
Flowers, leaf: CRD Build-A-Bloom Collection

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Family of 3 Layout

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 08:20:00 +0000


Family Of 3 by Julie Ann Shahin

This layout was created for a virtual crop at My Scrapbook Nook at the end of January. I love how this layout turned out, thanks Tanya for the great challenge. I used Crate Restoration, I love this line! Smile The banners read "sweet David, Julie and cute Friday" (we named our dog Friday, he is a 4 year-old Bichon Frise rescue)

I cut out the scallops from the patterned paper to add texture instead of using the paper flat.

Thanks for looking!!!!
Love ya!
xoxo

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February's Assignment for Ali's One Little Word Class

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:05:00 +0000

February Assignment for Ali's One Little Word Class
Photos that represent
literally or figuratively
our word for the year

The little boy is my nephew to represent me being an Auntie

Thanks for checking in today!!!
Love ya!
xoxo

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CHA Favorites 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 05:54:00 +0000

On my wish list from CHA Winter 2011

Home Sweet Home Puffies Embellishments (Ki Memories)

Happy Day Puffies Embellishments (Ki Memories)

Kale Forest Wood Campy Trails Thickers Stickers (American Crafts)

Confetti Invitation Pinwheel Flower Delights (American Crafts)

Fancy Floral 12X12 For The Record Collection Paper - Echo Park

For The Record 12X12 Element Stickers- Echo Park

Borders 12X12 For The Record Collection Paper - Echo Park

Echo Park Paper For the Record Collection Kit

Delightful Decorative Brads Stella Rose Collection

Joy Woodgrain 12X12 Stella Rose Collection Paper (My Minds Eye)

Remember Buttercup Die-Cut 12X12 Stella Rose Collection Paper (My Minds Eye)

You & Me Ornamental 12X12 Stella Rose Collection Paper

By My Minds Eye, LLC

Happy Label Stickers Stella Rose Collection

By My Minds Eye, LLC

Paper Flowers Happy Go Lucky Collection Embellishments (Pebbles)

Felt 1 Happy Go Lucky Collection Embellishments (Pebbles)

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DIY HomeMade Clip It Up

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 06:29:00 +0000

ETA: March 21, 2011 Happy First Day of Spring!!!! Welcome Scrapscene Readers!!! Please note I have moved my blog to http://julieannshahin2.blogspot.com and this post is also moved, now found at this link.You can also view a welcome message at my new blog here. I hope you'll follow me there.

Clip It Up Wall Mount Organizer by Simply Renee

I am in the midst of re-organizing my scraproom. I decided I wanted to make my own Clip It Up Wall Mount Organizer, and I'm sharing with you today my finished results. I deliberately didn't take pictures of my worksurface because it's a mess, as I'm sorting through the rest of my scraproom!

I had saved the clear wrappers from scrapbook orders and purchases for years, and that is what I used to put most of the items in. I have on my new Wall Mount Organizer: flowers, felt goodies, bling, stickers, rubons, and ribbon. (see full-length photo below)

The details: My husband installed this for me with his power tools, an electic screwdriver, I mean. It cost under $30 for two wood dowels (Walmart), 4 brackets (Walmart), screws and wall anchors (stash), shower curtain hangers (Home Depot), and binder clips (Dollar Store). The length overall is about 68", or it could have been 72" as each dowel was 36" in length but I only had room for 68". The same length from Simply Renee would have cost about $75. A savings of $45!

View of the bracket attached to the dowel, using small screws

View of the Shower Curtain Rings and Binder Clips


I had some clear organizers from a binder that I used for flowers.

View of the entire length, fits between wall and window

Here are some other homemade Clip It Up's links, a few tutorials too:

Ikea Wall Mount by gamerbabe360
Curtain Rod "Wall Mount" by grandmaper
Pink Shelf DIY by craftykblog
El Cheapo Clip It Up by Denise Hill
Make Your Own Clip It Up (used to hang organizer buckets) by Tara D.

Plus!

Simply Renee Clip It Up Rotationg Organizer Base Rack with 80 Swivel Clips

I don't think I have room for this in my room, but I wanted to share links to Homemade Clip It Up Tabletop Spinner links:

How to Make Your Own Clip It Up by Kathleen Driggers
Homemade Clip it Up Video by Margaret
Homemade Clip It Up Floor Model by Sharyn
Homemade Clip It Up How to by scrapbook girl (uses terracot pot saucers)

If you have a great organization tip, or have a comment about Clip It Up, please share!!! Now back to my scraproom to finish my re-organization project! :)

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I've Joined the Art Journal Caravan and Tangie Baxter Designs Creative Team!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 06:57:00 +0000

I really love doing art journal pages, and it's been awhile since I have done any. So one way to make 2011 fabulous, I've decided to join the Art Journal Caravan Expedition 2011. Last year's Expedition sold out! I'm excited to join in, I've got my camel and all! Here's a little more information:

NOW BOOKING PASSENGERS FOR EXPEDITION 2011

Join "The Art Journal Caravan" with your Tour Guide Studio Tangie! I'll take you on a Fascinating Year Long Journey into the World of Art Journaling with both digital and hands on experience!

Your $39.95 "Travel Package" Includes:
*Exclusive "Navigation Guide" to Art Journaling in .PDF format Written by Tangie Baxter updated with more than 50 pages of interviews and articles for 2011 plus a NEW resource guide of leading industry designers (many with eclusive AJC coupons for 2011) {$12.95 value}

Exclusive Digital, Colossal Starter Kit "Journey '11" {$9.95 Value}
Three Exclusive Printable Collage Sheets {$8.85 Value}
Exclusive Splatter Graffiti Set {$2.50 Value}$10 Coupon to Studio Tangie Purveyor of Fine Art Journal Supplies
Lifetime Access to the 2011 Caravan Member Only Forums at Scrapbookgraphics.com
Lifetime Access to the 2011 Passport Gallery for Caravan Creations
Exclusive "Art Journal Caravan 2011" Blog Wear Button
NEW! Exclusive Membership to the 2011 Expedition Class List News (IMPORTANT INFORMATION, by purchasing the AJC 2011 your are OPTING IN to receive this newsletter which is required to participate)

As a bonus you will also receive:
*Travel Ticket Vouchers for 50% off each of the 52 Art Journal Caravan weekly releases (optional purchase, these kits do NOT have to be purchased to participate)
*A Weekly In-Depth Itinerary given to you each Friday, in our Art Journal Caravan Forums, including Some of the Following:

Monthly Adventure Quests!
Art Journal Prompts, Ideas and Inspiration
Exclusive Ephemera or Collage Sheets
Blogs of Interest
Inspiring Quotes
Book Recommendations
Art Journal Samples
Interviews
Tutorials
Caravan Member Only Coupons
Encouragement and Support on Your Journey

Fine Print: Program is planned to run a full 52 weeks. The $39.95 Reservation/Caravan fee includes the digital items listed in the "Travel Package" portion and is delivered to you upon payment and verification of your forum access. Everything else should be considered a bonus and may not be available for all 52 weeks due to unforeseen circumstances. Lifetime refers to the lifetime of Scrapbookgraphics.com, as long as the site/boards are open you will have access to the 2011 Caravan forum. Your purchase of this product is your agreement to these terms and conditions.

Program can be started at any point in the year, you will have access to ALL the activities and weekly projects no matter when you join , it's designed so that you can jump in at ANY time.

For even more information visit the Art Journal Caravan Blog http://artjournalcaravan.blogspot.com/

Price $39.95 Link: http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Art-Journal-Caravan-Expedition-2011.html

I've created my Dedication Page to my journal,

which focuses on my One Little Word for 2011.

Digital Supplies: Border, Splattergraffiti, Avatar, Word Art, Flowers, Sequins, Alpha: Art Journal Caravan {Expedition 2011} By Tangie Baxter Designs, Mask: Splatter Graffiti [Photo Masks] 7
by Tangie Baxter Designs, Dress: Ultimate Art Doll Collab by Sherriejd and Tangie Baxter Designs, Border: Happenstance by Tangie Baxter Designs, Font: Art Journal Caravan 2011 Provisions {Parcel 08}
by Tangie Baxter Designs

And I have an Announcement!!!! I am thrilled and honored and delighted to join Tangie's Creative Team! I will be doing the occasional digital page, but mostly a focus on hybrid!

Tangie has a new release, the Foundry, fonts by Tangie Baxter! http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Fonts/
On sale for a limited time! I used the {Mock Turtle} Font in my art journal page above!!!

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As Seen On the GingerScrapsStreet Blog - A Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 06:18:00 +0000

How to Recycle and Alter Your Valentine Candy Boxes in 8 Steps!

Hi, it's Julie Ann bringing you a tutorial today on How to Recycle and Alter Your Valentine Candy Boxes! It's easy and fun, and good for the environment too!!! This appeared on the Scrapstreet Blog on Valentine's Day. These are inspired by Lisa Kettell.

SUPPLIES
To start, you need a few supplies:

heart-shaped candy box
liquid adhesive (I used gel matte medium, and I also really love Fabri-Tac by Beacon)
pop-dots adhesive
digi printables- vintage valentines vignettes: I Heart You by Tangie Baxter (Scrapbookgraphics)
pen or pencil (for tracing)
scissors (one with fine tip is preferable)
vintage music paper or patterned paper of your choice
crepe paper aka streamers
flowers
wing and jewel (Prima Marketing, Inc) *optional
glitter
silver pipe cleaner or garland
ribbon
hole puncher or Crop-A-Dile

TUTORIAL

1. Trace on wrong side of music sheet paper or patterned paper around the heart, and cut out. Adhere to the top of the heart lid.
2. Add adhesive around the edges of the heart on the paper.

3. Gather and scrunch/pinch the crepe paper together as you adhere it to the edges of the heart. Go all the way around the heart in this manner.

4. Adhere silver pipe cleaner or silver garland in a heart shape over the edges of the crepe paper where it meets the music paper. I find Fabri-Tac adhesive works best.
5. Sprinkle vintage glass glitter over the project and it will adhere to the glue left over from the pipe cleaner.

6. Adhere the three cut-out digi printable hearts, overlapping, as shown above, using pop-dots for dimension.

7. Embellish with flowers, a wing on the angel, and a jewel at the bottom tip of the heart.

8. I punched two holes, one on each side, of the candy box - with my Crop-a-Dile (or you can use a hole puncher). Pull ribbon through and tie a knot. It's now ready for hanging when you put both sides of the candy box together!

And here are a few others I've made this year for additional inspiration..........

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Thursday's Scrapbooker's Library Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 05:57:00 +0000

Scrapbooker's Library Recommendations: Journaling Books

(books worth considering, I own all of these books myself)

Journaler’s Handbook by Tracy White, Creating Keepsakes Primedia

What’s your greatest scrapbooking challenge? If you answered “journaling,” you’re not alone! In this two-book and audio CD kit, Tracy White, Editor-in-Chief of Creating Keepsakes magazine, takes you by the hand and helps you gain the confidence to become a great journaler. Learn to go beyond the obvious and get to what's really important. You'll find the stories within you in no time with Tracy's help!

You'll get:
Sample scrapbook pages
Over 1,000 journaling ideas
Incredible two-book and audio CD kit

Journaler’s Sidekick (Computer Software Companion to the Journaler’s Handbook)

The Journaler's Sidekick software from Creating Keepsakes magazine is the memory keeper's best friend. Journal effortlessly with memory-evoking topics from Tracy White, CK Editor-in-Chief and author of The Journaler's Handbook.

Rest assured knowing your unique memories are archived, backed-up, all in one place and searchable with just a click of the mouse.
    * One convenient place to organize journaling entries and get ideas flowing.
    * Inspiring questions and prompts to capture your special memories from Tracy White.
    * Three Creating Keepsakes journaling fonts for perfect looks every time.
    * Secure, searchable and archiveable.

In three simple steps, you'll be journaling like a pro:

      1. Create your profile to customize your topics.
      2. Read the memory-evoking topics and journal to your heart's content.
      3. Organize, print, and scrapbook away!

What to Write to Make Meaningful Albums by Melody Ross, 2004 Chatterbox

Join over 20 designers as they share their ideas for heartfelt and meaningful journaling. Take a glimpse into real, personal scrapbook pages created straight from the heart. Find simple as well as elaborate tips for diving deep into your heart in order to put the perfect words and stories onto your pages. Learn how to bring your pages to life, and to ensure that your stories live on long after you are gone.

The Photo Scribe: A Writing Guide - How to Write the Stories Behind Your Photographs

By Denis Ledoux, 1999 Soleil Press
With The Photo Scribe, you will: learn more about yourself, your family and your photos; acquire the writing skills to photoscribe your albums; create a legacy for your family and descendants.

Imperfect Lives: Scrapbooking the Reality of Your Everyday

Edited by Tara Governo, 2006 Published by Memory Makers Books
Celebrates scrapbook pages that tackle honest, raw and realistic subjects and the courageous scrapbookers who record real-life situations in their pages.

Slice of Life Scrapbooking by Stacy Julian, 2006 Simple Scrapbooks

Slice of Life Scrapbooking offers scrappers an entirely new approach to scrapbooking the lives and relationships they cherish. This idea-packed special issue shows them how to create more-meaningful layouts. As they read, they’ll learn how to document relationships in new and interesting ways and find easy strategies for tackling overwhelming topics. Slice of Life Scrapbooking will also help them reflect on the importance of life’s everyday moments.

The Big Picture: Scrapbook Your Life by Stacy Julian Simple Scrapbooks

Stacy Julian, founding editor of Simple Scrapbooks magazine, is best known for her liberating and revolutionary approach to scrapbooking. As an industry pioneer with over ten years experience as a teacher, writer and scrapbooker, Stacy is committed to empowering others. The Big Picture, Stacy’s fourth book, shares ideas, inspiration and solutions for all scrapbookers, regardless of their style or expertise. Inside you'll also find tons of ideas for scrapbook pages and projects, plus everything you need to create your own “Big Picture” tag book!

Scrapbook Shortcuts with Quizzes and Questions 2006 Simple Scrapbooks

This issue shares personality quizzes and questionnaires of all kinds to help scrappers generate meaningful journaling for their scrapbook pages and albums. Self-quizzes help them ask interesting questions and get more of themselves in their albums. There are lots of reader layouts and cool layouts from our talented Simple Scrapbooks designers. If they’re not asking probing questions, how can they tell interesting stories?

The Sound of Paper by Julia Cameron

From Publishers Weekly

Best known as the coauthor of The Artist's Way, creativity guru Cameron now offers a series of personal essays and exercises about working through creative droughts. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging artist's blocks as a part of the creative process, but also "soldiering through" by continuing to show up "at the typewriter or the easel." In each essay, she invokes her own struggles to make time for creative work and avoid the traps set by the "inner censor." In "Getting at It," she writes that "[w]aiting for art to be easy, we make it hard. We take our emotional temperature and find ourselves below normal, lacking in resolve.... The truth is that getting at it makes it easier. Every day we write creates a habit of writing in us." In the exercise that follows, Cameron suggests that readers list five ways in which they have inched forward in a given day. Some pieces of advice are likely to resonate more with readers than others-and the author's straightforward message can seem one-note at times. But for novice artists looking for encouragement in an uninspired period, this volume could do the trick.

Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Writing from Life: Telling Your Soul’s Story by Susan Wittig Albert, Ph.D.

From Publishers Weekly

Believing that all women have stories to tell and that they can grow spiritually as they learn to put those stories into words, Susan Witting Albert provides a guided writing program that is practical and inspiring. Her step-by-step instructions and exercises derive from her 30 years experience as a teacher of writing. She encourages women to discover their own voices through exploration of eight thematic clusters: beginnings and birthings; achievements, gifts and glories; female bodies; loves, lovers, lovings; journeys and journeying; homes and homings; visits to the Valley of Shadows; and, experiences of community. In an appendix, Albert shows writers how to create what she calls a "Story Circle," a community of women who can gain, through sharing their writing, a sense of belonging and an appreciation of "transformative magic of writing." Albert's book brings charm and elegance to the view of writing as a process of self-discovery.

Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Friday: Tutorial on how to Recycle and Alter a Candy Heart Box!!! Must See!

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Favorite Bloggers

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 06:33:00 +0000

Here are a few favorite bloggers of mine, perhaps you'll add them to your bookmarks too:

Creature Comforts

Alisa Burke - Author of Canvas Remix, fantastic craft and creative sewing tutorials
Creature Comforts - D.I.Y. projects and printables, plus a guide for better blogging
Creative Chaos - her blog speaks to my love of all things shabby chic
Wayside Treasures - again, shabby chic love meets flea market goodies
Selina Lake, Stylist - Author of Romantic Style and Bazaar Style books, amazing interior and lifestyle stylist
Craftily Ever After - free subway art printables, and awesome inspiring craft tutorials
Infarrantly Creative - crafts, tutorials, home projects, and sew much more

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Counterfeit Kit Blog Challenge and Tutorial Links

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 08:35:00 +0000

I heard about the Counterfeit Kit Challenge on 2peas when they announced their DT Call. I'm too busy to apply, though highly tempted! I love the whole idea (and created my own Counterfeit that is below), which they explain as posted on their blog...

If you have ever browsed through those great monthly scrapbook kit clubs and admired their beautiful kits...but knew you needed more supplies, like a "hole in the head"...you know who you are (you're the one with TONS of supplies and embellishments in your ever growing scrapbook stash)...this challenge is for you!

On the 5th of every month here at the Counterfeit Kit Challenge Blog, we will choose a kit from a popular kit club (for inspiration) and challenge you to create a "counterfeit kit", using just the supplies you already own. And to be fair, just in case you need the "inspiration" kit, we will only feature current club kits, because we're nice like that!

In addition to our "counterfeit" challenge, we will also include a few other challenges (to actually USE these kits), a few tutorials (for creating your own embellishments), and a blog hop (toward the end of the month for everyone to SHARE their "counterfeit kits" and their creations)!

We challenge you to jump right in, join us, be inspired, create, and share your work! We can't wait to meet you!

The Challenge
Their February Challenge is to Counterfeit the Scraps of Darkness kit as pictured here:


Link: http://www.scrapsofdarkness.com/images/Feb_Main_Kit_Embellishments.jpg

The CHALLENGE is to use this kit for inspiration. How, you ask? Well, there are many ways to go about this. Here are a few ideas...

Try and match every piece in this kit as close as possible to something from your supply stash.
Use the "kit contents" as inspiration, and recreate your own kit with the same types of supplies, but in a different color or style that corresponds better with your preferences/photographs/scrapbook style/tastes.
Make a "page kit" rather than a large kit..."counterfeiting" just a few items from this kit as inspiration.
Using the color scheme from this kit as inspiration, try to re-create a kit of your own using whatever supplies you have available.

We hope you all find some inspiration in the kit we choose this month!!! If you aren't sure where to begin, check out the "Hints and Tips" page of our blog for some help.

Tutorials

Some of the items in this month's kit, were similar to some tutorials from last month...check out these tutorials to get you started...Embellished Straight Pins and Bingo Cards. Have fun getting started!!!


Photo source

Photo source

ADDITIONAL TUTORIALS (not created by me, see authors at link location)

My Take On the Challenge

Here is my Main Kit, it's my first time and since I'm re-arranging and re-sorting through my scraproom, I took a really quick and haphazard photo.

This is my Vintage Add-On Kit, I couldn't resist adding in some Valentines.

I've made several projects so far. A layout inspired by the Big Picture Class "Embrace Imperfection"...

Oh yeah, see that white strip of paper that's been embossed? I just used my new Sizzix BigKick!!!!

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Scrapbooker's Valentine Day Adventure Itinerary

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 05:16:00 +0000

Ok Scrapbook Friends! I'm sending you on an adventure, and the deal is that you have to come back and tell me all about your adventure, or email me! This is taken from the book "Fabulous Friendship Festival" by Sark. The Scrapbook theme is all me. You can choose from an All-Day Itinerary or a Half-Day Itinerary. If you blog about your adventure, come back here, and add yourself to Mister Linky.

Full Day Itinerary

When you wake up:

Pack a small bag with: journal or sketchbook water, piece of fruit or other snack, bring a sweater or jacket.Optional: a few scrapbook supplies you can take into a coffeeshop
Wear something you don't usually wear
Go to Starbucks, and order the Nonfat Tazo® Green Tea Latte (only 150 calories!)
Walk to a table and sit down. Take out your journal or sketchbook and write for 15 minutes about what's meaningful in your life today, or sketch it out. If you want you could even draw two or three layout sketches to go along with your journaling. If you brought scrapbook supplies, make an art journal page about what's meaningful in your life today.

Lunch:

You're going to P.F. Chang's and order the Buddha's Feast Lunch Bowl or Crispy Honey Chicken Lunch Bowl. (They also offer a Gluten Free Menu)

Afternoon:

It's nature time. Find a tree (if it's too cold to sit under it, sit near it in your car or shelter) and write a poem about it, or a description, or find something else in nature to write about.

Matinee:

Massage at (use this search engine for an American Massage Therapy Association Member)
Or a movie at (enter your zip code under Movie Times here for movies near you)

Afternoon Tea or Snack Festival:

Go to Panera Bread and order a Valentine's Day Cookie

Pleasure Walk:

Start wherever you are and walk for ten minutes, then lie down and smile.
Make a layout about your day.

Blog or email me about your adventure!

Half-Day Itinerary

Afternoon or Evening:

Bring a camera or drawing pad and notebook, wear a scarf. Make a reservation at Chili's at 6 p.m.
Go 15 minutes early, sit at the bar, and order a drink. Discuss with the bartender or another patron about what's meaningful to them in their life today.
Take a picture or do a sketch or this person.
Next, go to the art museum in your town. Find a piece of art that you love. Write about why you love it, how it makes you feel.
Go home in a limousine or rented Mercedes. (Use this coupon from Hertz.)
Make a layout about your day.

Blog or email me about your adventure!!!

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Scrap Someone Or Something Special This Month of Love

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Ann Shahin) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 05:22:00 +0000

As seen on the Log Your Memory blog, 2/8/11

Right now, in my quest to explore my One Little Word for 2011 (Fabulous), I am reading Fabulous Friendship Festival: Loving Wildly, Learning Deeply, Living Fully with Our Friends by Sark.

Julie Ann Shahin Challenge Team

I just finished reading Chapter Two yesterday, which explores Kinds Of Friendships, which is kind of what this week’s theme is all about here at Log Your Memory.

Sark breaks it down into: Old Friends, Instant Friends, Neighbor Friends, Animal Friends, Email and Online Friends, Phone Friends, Sibling Friends, Male/Female Friends, Former Lover Friendships, Elder Friendships, Books as Friends, Imaginary Friends (includes Famous People Living or Deceased You Wish You Were Friends With), and Being Friends with a Child.

Here are a few notes I journaled in my Memory Logbook after reading Sark’s chapter on the Kinds Of Friendships:

Old Friends: What keeps these kind of connections strong through the years, in my opinion, is staying in touch every so often. Nurturing the friendship. Mutual respect and trust.
Instant Friends: What opens the way for immediate intimacy is a synchronicity between two people.
Phone Friends: I do not enjoy phone friends as I’ve never had good experiences via the phone. I hardly use my phone and I don’t even have a cell phone.
Email/Online Friends: This is my favorite way to maintain and build friendships as I’m online all the time, and it works for me. I suffered before I had a computer, and now I have many networks and supportive friends through email, messageboards, Facebook, etc.
Imaginary Friends: If I could invite to dinner anyone in the world, I think I might invite my old friend D.M. whom I’ve lost track of, Oprah (T.V. personality), Chelsea Handler (T.V. personality) , Marianne Williamson (author), Ali Edwards (scrapbooker and author), Natalie Portman (actress), Michelle Obama (1st Lady), and the Dalia Lama (spiritual leader).

This week’s prompt to tell the story of a special relationship using photos and words could define any of the friendships outlined in Sark’s book, or you could choose to tell about one of your favorite somethings, whether it be a child’s toy, a favorite food, song of the week, favorite piece of clothing, etc.

Kick It Up A Notch

Go further and journal about why you chose it above something else or someone else.
Why is this relationship special?
When did the relationship start?
How did the relationship begin – was it a gift? Or in the case of a person, were you introduced or how did you meet?
Did you initiate the relationship? Or did you purchase the item as a splurge?
What is the object of your affection? What is it all about? What is its/her/his history?

Here are a gathering of layouts that are wonderful illustrations of this theme…

"Special Friends" by Danielle Flanders

"iPod Love" by kendallt

"BFF's" by Keely~B

"Friends" by holiday_jenny

"My 2 Sisters" by lingovise

"Magic Grandpa" by ltarbox

"Favorite Patient" by britaneejean

"Evolve" by Michelle Clement

Click on the layout above to read the journaling, which is about Michelle’s relationship with herself and how she had evolved over the year before.
I look forward to seeing your special relationship layouts in the LYM gallery!

*****************************

Coming Tomorrow: Scrapbooker's Valentine Day Adventure Itinerary
On Valentine's Day, I'll share with you a Full Day or Half Day Itinerary for you to go on a special adventure date with yourself! xoxo

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