So, it's the last week of March and I'm STILL wearing my winter coat to work. I've become a victim of the wintertime blues and it's time to put a stop to it. Today, I'm officially kicking my cold weather mentality to the curb along with my winter sweaters, boots, jackets, scarves and anything else that makes me shudder at the thought of bundling up for one more day. I may be a little chilly during these transitional weeks, but that's ok...I've got SUNSHINE on my mind.
Therein lies this weeks challenge: Create a page using an image that evokes a feeling warmth in you.
This picture, from a trip I took last spring, is what I had as my screensaver during the cold months this past winter. If I squint just right, I can imagine that it's what I'm really sitting in front of....ahhhhh!
Share your finished projects with us over at the gallery, and spread some much needed sunshine!!
It's Friday afternoon, and the F+W office is pretty quiet. I need a little excitement around here, so let me announce the Show it Off! book giveaway winner.
Congratulations, Keelyyowler!!! You've won a copy of Memory Makers Books' fabulous new book. I've left a message for you on your mycraftivity
page; please reply to the message to receive your book.
Thanks to everyone for your enthusiasm about the contest and the
book. Look for more book giveaways soon.
Don't forget to enter this week's giveaway to win a free copy of Memory Makers' newest release, Show it Off!To enter, visit my Monday post by noon (eastern time) TODAY.
As you all know by now, it’s Show It Off! week here at the S+P blog. I asked Show it Off! contributor Nic Howard to share her thoughts in a guest blog today:
(above) One of Nic's Show It Off! creations
If I wasn’t a scrapbooker I think I’d still be a writer of some sort. I wrote in various diaries and journals as a youngster so it was natural that the love of writing would carry on into my adult years. As part of a retail team in my early working days, I wrote a weekly newsletter for the store customers. Many returned each week to the store just to read my newsletter. I enjoyed writing it as much as they enjoyed reading. I did the same with my weekly coffee group as a new mother. We didn’t need a monthly newsletter but it seems I needed to write one. It seemed to be part of my territory.
Then came scrapbooking. Like others, I love sitting and playing with gorgeous product. (Who doesn’t!) I love sculpting paper and creating something I can stand back and look at and think “Yeeeeeeeeeeeesss! I love this!!” (Well usually!) Creative is good, but storytelling is where it is really at for me. I go through each day and mentally note down conversations and inspiration-triggers that need remembering. Those are the things that usually kick-start my pages.
As scrapbookers I think perhaps many of us are the same in this regard. It seems we are driven to scrapbook by various things but for many of us the love of telling the story is paramount. Some of us like to play with artistic product. Some need time away from family or work pressures. Some of us want to preserve photos in an archival way for those that follow in our footsteps. For lots of us though, it’s our voice we want to preserve.
Next time you are stuck for inspiration for a page, think of the stories in your mind. You’d have dozens of tales if you recorded your day as a series of stories. Grab one of them from the recesses in your mind and write it down. Photos, paper and embellishments will soon follow quickly behind.
Want to learn more about Nic? Check out her blog and her book That’s Life. (By the way, we're runnning a Launch Celebration special in the mycraftivity store: Save 30% on any purchase through March 25th). To see more of her fabulous art in Show it Off!, pick up the book.
And don't forget to enter
our giveaway to win a free copy of Show it Off! To enter, visit my Monday post by noon (eastern time) this Friday.
Currently loving all things floral, especially embellishments. You
can add them to cards, tags, invitations, scrapbook pages and even to
decorate fabrics. With the shunning ranges of colours you can find
zesty limes and muted browns to add dimension to all crafts. Simple
crocheted flowers (shop-bought, or handmade like these on Etsy) added to a funky handbag or hat can show off the seasons fashions. Add silk flowers to scrapbook pages for a hint of romance or dainty metallic daisies to cards to celebrate a special anniversary. If you love making it
yourself grab some textured papers and layer them up in different sizes
with the help of punches.
This week I'm excited about Show it Off! Projects like the box frame with 3D flowers and the paper flower bouquet can really help coordinate with your home's decor. Don't forget to enter
our giveaway to win a free copy of Show it Off! To enter, check out Kristin's Monday post by noon (eastern time) this Friday.
