I feel: Motivated!!

You guys have such great ideas!! I tried so many different things to get motivated and because of you I completed a bunch of projects. That makes me happy and my load a LOT less (although I did get 2 additional assignments just this week--LOL!).

Here is a peek at a Halloween set that I completed this week for my Little Yellow Bicycle monthly assignment. This line is just gorgeous. :)


The witch's hats are available at Provo Craft stores and come in 3 different sizes. I think I will go back and get a few more for fun. :)

And I also made some cute cards with the LYB Valentine line, which is shipping in December. This line is flocked and comes in a gorgeous color scheme.


Kinda two very different holidays, but your suggestion REALLY helped get me going!!

So because of your generous spirits, I randomly drew a name for the winner of the Little Yellow Bicycle goodies. And the winner is:

Jennifer Fleming

Go ahead and shoot me an e-mail, Jennifer, with your mailing address so I can ship these out next week.

On another note, I was nominated by Nancy as a blog that she loves. How sweet is that? She is an awesome designer that I worked with at Creativexpress. She makes the most lovely cards and layouts. You'll have to check her out.

I received this as my award:



The rules of this award state: (1) The winner can put the logo on their blog. (2) Link the person you received your award from. (3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs. (4) Put links of those on yours. (5) Leave a message on the blogs of the girls or boys you’ve nominated.

So I hereby nominate:

Jamie's blog. A friend of mine from Savannah--a lovely store own who became my good friend. She has started this awesome videos to demo her amazing skills.

Angelia's blog. Miss Wiggington is the ultimate in my book. This girl designs with ease and amazes me with her graciousness. I consider her nothing less than WONDERFUL!

Jennifer Pebbles. WHOA! You really need to see this girl's skills in action. :)

Susan Weinwroth. Love her happy colors and gorgeous photos. I'm constantly inspired.

Kristy Lee. A good friend and a positive person. She's a great designer that I served with at Creativexpress.

Linda Albrecht. This woman is talent running over. She can alter things like no one's business. I would LOVE to take a class from this designer.

Courtney Walsh. The complete package: designer, mom, Christian. I just admire her so much!

There are several other blogs that I visit OFTEN, but here are just a few to whet your whistle. Thanks again for the help in getting motivated. Only 2 more weeks of crazy deadlines then hopefully a bit of a lull--my husband laughs at me now when I say this!


The Team(s) I Did Not Make

As you've read, I've been doing this scrapbook thing for a long time now. With all that time under my belt, I've had my share of rejections. Seriously. It happens. :)

Does rejection keep you from trying for a Design Team or for publication?

Don't let it. Really!

I won't lie and say that it doesn't sting a little when something I love doesn't get picked up. But I figure that it's a done project no matter if it gets published or not.

I have had rejections in many forms: a straight out "no thanks," an "Ok, but would you change this and that," and a "now who are you again?"

It doesn't matter whether it's being let go from a Design Team, never making it in the first place, or just a project that didn't get the love and attention I wanted it to receive. All those experiences have made me a better designer.

That's not a cliche. Really.

It has made me a better designer. Because when someone tells me "no." I want to know why. And so I studied and studied what the magazines were publishing. I compared my work to the work being picked up. I looked at what was strong about my work and what was weak.

I learned that my photos were dark and busy.
I learned that my embellishments were wandering randomly along the layout.
I learned that sometimes one page works better than two and vice versa.
I learned that a good scan/photograph of my work looked better than a crappy one.
I learned an organized system gave me more opportunities.
I learned that a professional response gained me more work over time--even if it was a rejection.

If I hadn't been rejected over and over again, I wouldn't have gotten up, dusted myself off, and learned some new skills.

So what have you got to lose? Bad skills, crappy photography, an old scanner? Seriously! It's so worth taking the bad with the good.

And guess what?

I got rejected again this week. This time it was the Chatterbox Design Team. They picked an awesome team, and I wasn't on the list. And I'm totally ok with that. It certainly isn't going to stop me from checking out their blog, or keep me from being friends with the amazing Courtney Walsh. And it certainly can't keep me from drooling over and hoarding their products. And it won't keep me from trying out for new things.

Rejection is ok!! Say it with me, "Rejection is ok!!" :)

So how 'bout a layout that got rejected to round out this post? I love it. But it wasn't a winning entry. But I'm ok with that. ;)

Working, Working, Working


Ok, so I'm trying these great suggestion.


I ate some chocolate (priorities, priorities).


I cleaned my office (but you wouldn't be able to tell if you looked at it right now).


I put away the "uggo" items and pulled out things I loved.


I turned on some tunes (Journey's latest CD--and yes, the concert ROCKED).


I visited inspiring websites (although, I did get a little intimidated--Jamie).


And guess what? I did one layout yesterday and 2 today, and I wasn't particularly in love with the product I was using but I love the layouts. Only 40+ more items to go in the next three weeks: "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can."
(NOTE: The layout posted above is not one of the ones I completed, but rather one published by Scrapbook's, Etc. I used Inque Boutique stamps all over that puppy.)


You guys are so awesome!


Keep those suggestions coming. I really need to give away some stuff. ;) (My husband will completely agree with that comment. LOL!)
I Need a motivating Kick in the Pants!

Help! I've got loads to do and no motivation. Ever been there before? If you can leave me a motivating comment or a trick you use to re-motivate yourself there are some Little Yellow Bicycle Halloween goodies in it for you. (I'll do a random drawing for the winner on Saturday or Sunday.)

This will all be one prize. Cardstock stickers:

Jewelry Stickers:

And some Frosted Shapes with templates:

Thanks in advance for the help!

Just Some Eye Candy!

Ok, totally crazy busy here this week (as I predicted that it would be). Sister leaves for Alaska on Saturday. Daughter started school today (with a warning of "Do NOT talk to boys," from her father--lol!). Five church meetings--yikes! And Book Club at my house tomorrow. (Yes--I am a TOTAL glutton for punishment.)

So to keep in contact I thought I'd post some recent publication items.

A travel card for Cards Magazine:



A layout for Scrapbook Trends:

And a photo of the book we are reading for book club--at my suggestion. Do you like Young Adult fiction? This is a fun read, and boys and girls would both like it! It's about a boy that is the product of a mythological God--remember Mythology in grade school? Loved the funny way the author "talks" in the book. My kids laugh out loud when I read it to them. I catch myself laughing too sometimes.




What a Week!


What a crazy week this has been. I thought that things would slow down after CHA, but it's been quite the opposite. My husband laughs at me now when I tell him that I will have a lull in a week or two. I don't think he believes me any more. ;)


The most fun thing is that my sister is down from Alaska. I've hardly been able to see her, though, because of other obligations and a sick little man (summer cold). She brought her five children, and I am having so much fun being around them. They are so well behaved and fun. What great kids! I am not surprised as she is one of those VERY involved Moms. Frankly, I don't know how she gets them to everything. She amazes me.


Work has been BUSY. Holy cow! I had no idea. Wrote my article early this week so that would be done. I have assignments from nearly everyone. Several releases coming from Karen Foster Design and Little Yellow Bicycle. You will LOVE them.


Up above my post is a Countdown Calendar that Karen Foster sells. The boxes are about 1 1/2" square and hold a small prize or treat for whatever holiday/event you're counting down towards. I thought it would be fun to have candy kisses until Valentine's Day. I hope KF does more fun boxes like this.


Wednesday my Katelyn starts school. Yikes! Where did the summer go? This week is going to be equally busy: church meetings, back-to-school open house, school, book club (we're reading "Lightening Thief"), work, and my sister is leaving Friday or Saturday. I hope I can pull it all off and still feel relaxed. That's the biggest thing--I'm feeling mighty busy these days. I need to make sure and just take some relaxation time or else it starts to get a bit out of control.


I do like to be busy, though, so don't get me wrong. Plus I'm trying to put aside $$ for Christmas so work is great!


When do your kids go back to school? Some of my friends' children have already started. I know that in Georgia we started on August 11th one year. That seemed so early to me.


Here are some more photos of that countdown box and a peek at another one I just completed for KF:



Can you tell what holiday this one is?


My Article Call


So you want to be published? :) Now that I have the monthly article to write, I thought I would post the monthly call from Scrapbook Trends on my blog. I always thought it would be great to know exactly what the editors wanted to see so I thought I'd give you a heads up on the things that I look for when I'm selecting layouts for the article.


First: I'm looking for journaling. The article is about journaling after all. LOL! Sometimes something long and lengthy will catch my eye. Or sometimes it's something short and sweet and directly to the point that fits the bill. I definitely look to see if the journaling fits the specific call, though.


Second: I like a great design. I tend towards clean design. But what I mean by that is if your style is graphic, I like graphic. If your style is more eclectic, then I like a good clean eclectic page (one where items look carefully placed and not just all over the layout). Whatever your style, I don't like it when it distracts from the photos. (Photos and journaling should go hand in hand.)


Third: Photos should support the journaling and design. Now not every layout needs a photo, especially when we're dealing with journaling. But if you have a photo on your layout it either needs to be a good photo or one that tells a story. Because if it's a bad, blurry, dark photo and it doesn't really tell me anything about the story, I probably won't choose it.


Now I don't want links to your layouts. That's not how we do things. Just PUH-LEASE send your work to Scrapbook Trends via their submission e-mail. From there, I get sent a batch of layouts that fit my call. And then I select 2-3 from there. (And if you have a question about the call, then please send it to ST. It wouldn't be right to answer those kind of questions here in my blog.)


If you have general publishing questions for any magazine, then I can answer them here, but for ST I need to follow protocol. :)


Please START SUBMITTING!! Seriously! I don't bite (well not much). Take a chance. You might be exactly what me or another editor is looking for!


And one more hint: when you send your submission e-mail, include your supply list and journaling and contact information. It makes it WAY more easy to write the article if I know your name and what you were thinking when you created the layout.


All right . . . go forth. Create. And then submit! I'd love to publish your work!


Here's the current calls for Scrapbook Trends (note: one is due Friday):


January Stories To Tell: Numbers - We're surrounded by numbers, from our age, the date we got married, our address, etc. Show us how you incorporate numbers in your layouts, whether it's the number of photos, a significant date, or the number of children you have, and make sure the emphasis is on journaling! (Due: August 15)


February Stories To Tell: Constant Cravings - What can't you live without right now? Is it the latest gorgeous patterned paper, or time with a trusted friend? Tell us about what you're craving these days. Make sure the emphasis is on journaling and you might find it's your layout we're craving! (Due: September 5)


Hearts in My Eyes for You!!


What a fun experience to see CKU from the inside! I've been to one (CKU-Orlando) before as a demonstrator at the inspiration tables for Li'l Davis Designs. But this was my first one where I got to teach. I loved that!


CKU students are so eager to learn and so kind and grateful. I was so much fun to hear their excitement over Little Yellow Bicycle's latest and past releases. Thank you everyone for making us feel so welcome!


I got to meet Heather Stanworth, the new owner of Pageframes. She is awesome and donated lots of goodies for prizes. The Frightful album everyone made was darling!! A lot of people had not worked with rub-ons or acrylic albums before. It was fun to see them catch the vision and get excited about trying new things. The Pageframe album really made the Halloween stuff stand out. So much fun!! :)
There were several very cool students who introduced themselves as blog readers. Waving hello to them! One great person even asked me how I was doing since the passing of Joey. That meant a great deal--that in the middle of all that fun--someone would want to know how I was doing.
Over the weekend I got my Scrapbook Trends boxes for June, July, and August. Inside the August issue is my first article. They made it look so nice!! It's so fun (and scary) to read it in print. :) I am so loving writing. It's my first love--that's for sure.
The layout at the top of this post was for a past ST. Jimmy loves Teen Titans and loves that Beast Boy always shows his love for pretty girls with big cartoon hearts in his eyes. So for the longest time, Jimmy would come at me with these half-crossed eyes and tell me that he had "hearts in his eyes" for me. I absolutely loved it, and I'm glad I got this photo of him doing it because he doesn't any more. :( Another reason to be grateful for scrapbooking, right?!!
Anyway, that's how I feel about my scrapbooking friends. You guys make it so great. There's something about meeting other women that "get it!" Thanks for that!
Stamp Give-away Winner!
And the winner by random drawing (courtsey of my daughter Katelyn) is . . .
Jennifer!!!
Please shoot me your address, Jennifer, and I will send out those stamps.
(Note: I know there was more than one Jennifer, but this user posts only under the name "Jennifer." Shoot me an e-mail if you're confused about which Jennifer was selected.)
CKU and You Never
Know Who's Reading Your Blog!

I had a short day today at CKU, and since I live about 15 minutes from the hotel, I am staying at home.

What amazing women scrapbookers are! They made me feel so welcome and loved. I really appreciate that. I wasn't feel well AT ALL this morning, but it passed when I saw the enthusiasm and eagerness of the students. THANK YOU!!

I taught the Vita Bella spread for Little Yellow Bicycle. Everyone loved it--Kathryn Chambless designed it, and it was hugely popular. Way to go, Kathryn!! :) Lori Marek is a product designer for LYB, and is just such a great person. I love that I'm getting to know someone that I've admired for a long time on a more personal basis. What a cool industry this can be!!

On another note--beware the reader that reads your blog. LOL! Ok, so I posted in a few posts back about industry changes and my future goals. Who knew that at least 2 of my bosses were reading my blog--you know who you are. It makes me laugh and also feel sad that such fantastic women would think that I was unhappy in my work with them. I'm so NOT!!

So I apologize if it sounded like I am ungrateful or unhappy for my work in this industry. It really is so cool, and I'm completely blessed to work with great publications and manufacturers. I have had some VERY awesome bosses, and I know that I'm one lucky girl to be doing what I love.

I hope I convey that gratitude. I do see industry changes that make me sad. I hope that doesn't continue or gets better as the economy changes. I'm not the kind to complain behind someone's back. I'd rather address it first with someone. Are you like that too? I just think you should give someone the benefit of a discussion before you get upset.

Anyhoo, thought it was funny that my "bosses" are reading. You know--you really should warn a girl. ;)

On a fun note, I got to finally talk with Ali Edwards, Margie from Making Memories, and Lance from Rusty Pickle and they are all just as great in person. It really is a cool place to be in my life.

I'm grateful, though, to be home and sleeping in my own bed. :) I'm gone tomorrow and Saturday too and will do the draw probably Sunday or Monday so keep watching.

Feeling Thankful and a Good-bye!


This layout was one of my Karen Foster Design CHA layouts. (It's driving me crazy that it's crooked). :( Oh well. I am thankful for many things. It has been a good summer. I've been able to do things with and for the kids and sometimes that doesn't happen or can't happen. If we get to the pool in the next week, I'll feel like I can check off "have a completely fun summer" from my "Be a Good Mommy" list. LOL! Just haven't felt like swimming yet this year I guess.


I'm thankful for my sweet kids and their sweet affection. The day I was so sick my youngest came upstairs to tell me that while he was blessing his food he asked the "Mom would feel better." How sweet! I didn't even realize that he would make the connection and ask Heavenly Father for help. I was very touched. My daughter is always doing kind things for me. She offers to feed her little brother, help me with a project, run something to the neighbors. I feel very blessed to have such great children.


I love Brett working from home. I love him taking a break to wrestle with Jimmy or to tease Katelyn. It's just so nice to have him in our home. He's a great husband and wonderful dad!


I have many good things in my life, that's for sure.


On a sadder note, I decided not to reapply for the Creativexpress Design Team. It just wasn't a good fit any more in my life--schedule and other reasons. I really loved that design team, and I absolutely LOVED filming Nth Degree with Kara (and our awesome camera guy). It was a stretching experience for me as being in front of the camera was a little scary. I hope they can release a few more of the episodes that we filmed. We did some fun projects that I'd love to share.


Leaving a DT is always hard. You miss the people. You miss the fun assignments. But when you know it's time to let go, it helps a little bit.


I remember when I first stepped away from PaperKuts Magazine. I was burnt out and needed a break. I wasn't even sure if I wanted to continue and PK had been such a fun experience. But then a few months after stepping back, I submitted again and had my first layout published by CK. That gave me the push to try harder and design better.


It's always like that. I worked for Making Memories as a designer for a couple of years, and then their style changed from paper piecing to Heidi Swapp's style. I could not design like her. Oh how I tried. And oh how I wanted to. She's a true artist!! After giving me the opportunity to try, they politely let me go. I was so grateful for the opportunity and recognized that I wasn't a good match any more for them. It's been fun to watch them grow and change their style again: I love Keisha Campbell's style too. They really are drawn to beautiful designers. It was good for me as a designer because I learned that to stay current in the industry I have to be watching trends and trying new things. If they hadn't let me go, I wouldn't have improved and reached the point as a designer that I am at now.


Whether it's me walking away from something or a company moving in a direction different than my own, it's always been a good experience. It helps me grow as a designer and a person. Of course I'm disappointed, but I have always tried to be professional about the change. How ungrateful would I be if I didn't recognize all the good things that came from the experience? I just can't see being unhappy about the change. It would be a waste.


Even when I've had to turn down an opportunity from the very beginning because it didn't turn out to be a good match, it's been a learning experience. I am getting better at recognizing what works for me and my job as a designer. I make mistakes. Of course I do! LOL! Still, I'm really grateful to see how I've changed in the ten years I've been doing things. It really has been a positive learning experience.


Anway, sorry that was a total novel. Just feeling reflective I suppose as I step back from CX. Thanks for listening!


As a reward, here's another layout from my KF CHA assignments :



I am off to CKU tomorrow. I will draw a name for the stamps when I get back. Wishing you a great weekend!


DT Opening and Blog Giveaway!


I will passing along info to the DT Lead this week. I wish you all the best. :) I think it must be very difficult to select from so many talented designers.


I am finally feeling better, although still very tired. Life is getting VERY busy around here. Yesterday we went and filled out paperwork for the kids' school. They were able to see what classes and teachers they have. Can't believe they will both be in school. They were ready to get started, but we have a few more weeks before they actually go back. Plus they have a "meet the teacher" day coming up which I think, will allay some fears they are having.


Stephanie Barnard sent me some Inque Boutique stamps as a thank you for sending work to the CHA tradeshow. She told me that I could give away extras, and there were two stamp sets that I already own so I thought I'd put them up for grabs here.


If you are interested, post a quick comment. I will send the two stamp sets to one lucky random drawing winner.


Hope you are having a great week!! Happy 1st of August.
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