What I've Been Working On & a WINNER!

One of the reasons that I joined Echo Park Paper was to help them produce their own set of idea books. I thoroughly enjoy requesting beautiful projects from designers and placing them into a book full of ideas for our readers. I've always enjoyed writing from the journals I kept when I was just old enough to form letters, to the books I've written both in my head and on paper that I've never submitted for publication, to the instructions I type out each month for Echo Park Paper's free PDFS and these idea books. I just need and love to write.

This month we created an idea book featuring collections from our Mini Themes, as well as, from some of our favorite collections. We think a mixture of projects that highlight subjects such as Spring, Mother and Father's Day, Sports, Weddings, and Babies will give you even more inspiration for creating. Be sure to download your FREE copy HERE!


I'd like to personally thank the designers, photographer, and graphic designer who put this amazing book together. I'm very grateful that I get to work with such professional and talented women!

In addition to announcing the release of our latest title, I have a winner from the 2Peas Gardener's Digest class giveaway on this blog post HERE. The winner is . . .


You will be contacted by 2Peas about registration for Shannon's amazing class! If you're looking for additional class ideas, be sure to visit the FREE class section at 2Peas HERE, or check out one of our $25 workshops in the right sidebar of my blog, including my "Scrapbook Stamper's Workshop." We really do have something for everyone.

This One's for Joey


Today marks the fifth anniversary of Joey's passing.

I am determined not to spend the entire day feeling sad. I'm determined to be happy that he is at peace, that is resting, that is he is happy. I'm determined to remember that he is well and whole again.

I will instead focus on what an amazing time we had together--how we laughed, played, explored, hugged, talked, and loved one another as a family. I will remember how he led his friends in games of fun. I will remember how he stood up for his younger sister and took care of his little brother. I will remember how he begged Brett to play video games every free moment that he had. How he left items for Brett to fix on his desk because he truly believed that Dad could fix everything. I will remember how he enjoyed spending time with me and requested that I share every field trip and school party with him.

I will remember how he faced cancer with grace and how he fought with everything he had to stay with us.

I will remember the type of man he was becoming: honest, hardworking, faithful, and loving.

I will hold his memory tight in my mind and love him from a distance always keeping him in my heart.

I will whisper "I love you" a thousand times today. And I will cling to every happy memory of our time together.

I love you, Joe!

Working on Schtuff

This has been a busy couple of weeks. Been working on something really BIG with Echo Park Paper that we're pretty excited about. Looks for details soon!



I really enjoy the opportunity of working with fabulous people in this industry. I've been working in some capacity in this industry since late 1997, whether it was writing, designing, editing, filming, teaching, etc. It is a perfect marriage of my love of writing, business, and creativity. I feel VERY blessed.

I thought it would be fun to share some of those people's blogs today. These people have inspired me (and these are just a FEW of them), encouraged me, mentored me, and generally been amazing to work with. I think you ought to check them out:

Laura Vegas (She and I met a few years back when she was in town for CK, and I'm a huge fan of her amazing work. She has a clean style and phenomenal photography.)

Kristine McKay (This woman can make something beautiful out of anything! We had the opportunity to film several episodes together when I worked for Northridge Publishing. I watched as she put together the completely amazing Craft TV network. I admire her gumption and go for it attitude. Plus I want to soak up some of her crafting genius.)

Leslie Ashe (She and I have never had the opportunity to meet, but I admire her and her work so much. Seriously you need to check out her work!)

Lisa Bearnson (I worked for her online QVC design group and had the opportunity to work directly with her a few times. She is genuine, giving, and kind. I really admire the way she shares herself with so many people.)

Tania Willis (Tania started a fund for my family when my son became ill with cancer. I had never met or interacted with her before then. She just sensed a need and took such good care of us. We became good friends through her loving efforts. She is an amazing crafter, a faithful friend, and one of those women that I just admire and look up to. She is a true soul.)

Kerri Bradford (Kerri is the woman who first introduced me to Lisa Bearnson. Kerri lives locally, and we've been able to work together on a few projects. Kerri is one of those creative geniuses that you just hope you can soak up some of their thought process to be even better at your job. She is funny and sweet and just wonderful.)

Tammy Morrill (Tammy was one of my Editor bosses at Northridge Publishing. She is creative, sweet, encouraging, and so fun to work with. It's her birthday today so stop by and say hello! I adore her and loved working with her.)

Stephanie Barnard (We have known each for YEARS when we first worked for PaperKuts Magazine. She has an amazing stamp company, and she is also one of those people you feel lucky to know. Be sure to check out her darling designs.)

In addition to these amazing women, I feel blessed to have my Garden Girl buddies (past and present), my Northridge Peeps, my PaperKuts peers, and every friend and person I've had the opportunity to meet on Design Teams, at conventions and tradeshows, through Facebook and my blog. I am very friend oriented so I feel super lucky to have so many amazing people in my circle of friends. Thanks to all of you!


An Oldie but a Goodie: Make Mine a Mini

A few years ago, I taught a series of classes for Two Peas that involved creating a Mini Album each month. It was called "A Mini Album a Month" and was FREE! (You can find the entire class HERE at 2Peas. Each class included a PDF and a video if you're interested in watching and learning more. ) A Mini Album is a great way to tell your story in compact form. I thoroughly enjoyed trying several different album styles, as I shared my memories each month.

Here are a few of the albums that I created:




I thought it might be fun today to share some of the other albums in the 2Peas store that would make for some fun Mini Album projects. Whether you're document your child's graduation, preparing a fun summer activities album, or just looking for a smaller format in which to include your memories these are some ideas to get you started! (You can also check out all of the albums HERE in the store.)

Mini Album Ideas: (click the photos for links)




Tuesday Tip: What to Do When You Lose Your Creative Mojo


This happens to me often. All of a sudden I find myself in my office, pushing paper and stickers and photos around on the page. Nothing feels right. I hate everything I create. I just can't seem to get it right even though I'm in the mood to be creative.

Whenever I feel this way I do one of the following things:

* Create a card.
* Try a new technique.
* Pull out a new product.
* Browse inspiration boards for a jumping off point.
* Look to a sketch.
* Try a new color combination.
* Put on some inspiring tunes.
* Take time for a photo shoot giving me new photos to create with.
* Just walk away for a while doing something that relaxes or energizes me depending upon what I need.

What do you do when the scrapbooking mojo takes a hike? I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Memory Keeping Monday with 2Peas

Today the next "Memory Keeping Monday" video and project is released at 2Peas. This week it's my turn to share. This time around I combined the monthly theme of "Favorite Place" with using florals on my layout.

This month marks the fifth anniversary of my oldest son's passing. Joseph would have been 18 this year. It's been a tough month as we celebrated his birthday on April 14 and his passing date is Saturday. Sometimes I feel in a place where I can share a memory or thoughts about him. Sometimes I am not. I give myself permission to scrapbook those feelings when I am in the right place. There are lots of difficult topics to cover in our personal scrapbooks. When you're ready, record those memories. When you're not, step away and let your heart work through your feelings. There are some memories I might not ever be able to share or record. As much as I'm an advocate of recording memories, I just won't include those things--they are too private, too painful, and just not for the rest of the world. That's ok too.

The journaling in this layout talks about how my "favorite place" is anywhere I can be with my children. They brighten up everything whether they're laughing, spending time together, giving me a hug, and telling me they love me. They ARE my "favorite place." (You can find more photos of this project HERE at 2Peas.)

In the video, I talk a little bit more about this plus I show you a technique for using spray ink to "color" your florals.



Because this project uses lots of florals, I've included additional ideas for floral products. You can find a more complete selection of florals HERE in the 2Peas store. There really is something for everyone!

Supplies (click the photos for links to each product):


Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...