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Quick question for you: How many scrapbook layouts have you created this month?

Two? Ten? None? As it stands, the number one answer I get when I ask this question is “Who has time?” Sad, but true. So many women are bombarded with the realities of running a business, household, and life that we struggle to find time to slow down long enough to pull out our fabulous supplies and get some scrappin’ done. Even when we do get motivated enough to pull out our supplies, sometimes scrapper’s block, comparison, and feeling overwhelmed prevent us from making much, if any, progress.

For this week, I’d like to invite you to take a look at one simple scrapbook solution that I found. It’s just one solution, there are many other options, but find one that works for you and fits your style…and get those pages done! Always remember that it’s not the stickers, the die cuts, the paint, the chalk or the paper that our families will cherish in years to come…it’s the time, energy, and personal attention that we gave to capturing and preserving precious lives of loved ones. Keep your focus and find your simple strategy.

My solution for the backlog of photos that were taken before I began scrapbooking is to use a “cheater” album like the Creative Memories PicFolio. (I’m not a CM consultant nor do I sell their products, this is simply the album I found to work for me. There are others on the market for you to consider as well.) This album may look like a traditional photo album at first glance, but here’s what I like about it:

1. Gorgeous matte-leather black cover that is smooth to the touch and carries a lifetime guarantee.
2. Neutral interior that works with any project.
3. Flexibility to add photos, journaling, titles and accents in different size sleeves.
4. Color and patterned paper in a variety of families that coordinate with the album.
5. Completed albums in less time and for less money.

The end results are pages that highlight your photos, have splashes of color and plenty of room for journaling, titles and embellishments. You can add as much detail as you want so the options are really unlimited.

When I first brought my blank album to the local scrapbook store for crop night, I was met with mild enthusiasm. Secretly, (I was told later) the scrappers thought it was just another photo album and not a scrapbook at all. Oh the horror of it! They were a little more interested by the end of the night when they saw that I took 2 years worth of photos from when my daughter was a toddler and had them in the album along with a little color and patterned paper. I didn’t have to crop or cut my photos because they were all 4 x 6 or smaller and fit in the album perfectly.

Two weeks later, when I returned for crop night to the same store with the same scrappers, I spent time adding titles, journaling boxes, and embellishments. By the end of the night, my completed album had converted the hesitant ones into believers. No one likes feeling guilty about not preserving and treasuring our photos, but finding the time to do a full-fledged album with little ones at home or a full-time job (or both) can feel overwhelming and unrealistic. That’s why I gave myself (and you) permission to use a “cheater” album. Your cheating may be like mine or it may be preserving your photos in digital photo books or traditional albums. We’ll talk more about those options later. Please remember we’re not talking about designer pages to be published in a magazine. We’re talking about completed pages and albums that our families (and ourselves) can sit down and enjoy!

The key to remember is that there definitely is a place for simple scrapbooks in our lives and on our shelves. We’re not in competition, nor are we going to count how many albums you have complete at the end of your days. Scrapbooking, memory making, and preserving a legacy are for you and future generations. Allow it to be as unique as your personality and don’t get stuck in a rut.

For me, simple scrapbooks work with my older photographs that I just want to get in albums. I’ll save the more artistic pages for current photos and my son’s baby album. It’s a practical solution to a real problem: photo backlog.

If you’d like to start a simple scrapbook, here’s what you need:

  • “Cheater” Album
  • Patterned Paper (acid free): use a matching color palette for your entire album to make life easier. You can find paper packs at any local craft and hobby store or online at Scrapbook.com.
  • Paper Trimmer or Scissors
  • Adhesive (scrapbook safe): find at your local craft store. I use UHU adhesives because I love their quality. Glue rollers or tape runners are ideal.
  • Photos: choose the best photos to include in your albums. Leave the rest in storage. It’s about remembering the moment, not every out of focus or dark shot you took. If you need to get them printed, do it now. Upload them to a site like Kodak Gallery or take a CD into your local Long’s, Costco, or Walmart.
  • Embellishments: once you get your photos in with patterned paper, then take your album and see where you can add titles, journaling, and embellishments. Whether it’s a beach ball or some palm trees, keep it simple. Add just enough and then move on to the next page or album.

It’s that easy. You can find a solution that fits you and have a complete album two weeks from now. No more guilt, no more talking about doing something, take some action. When you do, leave a note in the comments so we can all celebrate with you!

Coming soon…

If you’d like to get listed, leave your email and URL in the comments and we’ll contact you about being included!

Many surveys have been done about priorities in a busy woman’s life. One survey I created for my blog was to find out why people scrapbook. The results weren’t surprising. Whether it’s a creative outlet, girl time, or preserving pictures, there was one overwhelming reason people picked up the hobby and craft of scrapbooking. Have any ideas about what it is? Look no further…it’s leaving a legacy.

As moms, wives, daughters, sisters, friends, and more, we want to leave a mark…a positive and indelible mark on this world. We want to know that what we do, say, and who we are matters in the long run, not just today. We want a way to be remembered. Scrapbooking is often the easiest and most practical solution. It doesn’t matter whether our legacy is preserved on digital photos and albums or traditional photo albums and scrapbooks. Whatever works for you is the right and best way.

I’d like to offer one suggestion for how you can create a legacy for yourself or someone else: create a tribute album. Maybe you’ve seen a tribute album or read about it in my book, Real Women Scrap. Tribute albums are an amazing way to recognize the value and worth of another individual. You can create the album on your own or elicit the help of others who know and love the same person.

For example, I created a tribute album for my grandmother’s 90th birthday, but I didn’t complete it alone. I added the photos, created the layouts, and embellishments. But I saved the journaling for everyone to help with. At the birthday celebration, everyone had their own page and photo to personalize with a special message to my grandma. Not only did that make it easier for me, but it made it more meaningful for everyone involved, especially the recipient. I’m sure you can think of at least one person who could use a pick-me-up like that right now. Why not think about pulling something together.

Here’s how to start:

1. Pictures. It’s time to find some great photos. Even if they are old, faded, 70′s images, get them out. If they’re sitting in your camera, use one of the many online sites to order them. Just get them ready to create your album.

2. Simplify. Do not overdo it on embellishments or extras. Tribute albums are about the person you’re honoring, not about the stuff that you can buy to beautify the page.

3. Plan. Create a theme or color scheme for your album. Whether it’s an entire album in a kit that you purchase from the local scrapbook store, or some leftover supplies from your last venture into scrapbooking, find something that fits well together and keep it together. You don’t have to get excessive or spend a lot of money. With a simple plan, you can save time and money.

4. Create. Schedule a time to put together your page. Start with the background paper and photos, then move to the embellishments and title. Leave blank journaling blocks for others (or you) to add your thoughts and memories. Do not skip the journaling…this is vital to leaving a legacy.

That’s really all there is to it. Are you ready? The results will be worth any extra effort or energy you expend. Remember that leaving a legacy is something we all desire and want to produce. Why not help start someone along the path with a gentle nudge and a beautiful gift of a tribute album.

Until next time, live creative and keep it simple.

Tasra Dawson

Guest post from scrapbooker and funny girl Lain Ehmann. You’re sure to be inspired!

Tasra invited me to share a bit about how to get the scrapping juice flowing again after you’ve been in a dry patch. And I know about dry patches! Sometimes my scrapbooking mojo hits the high road, and I’m left with a pile of photos and a well as dry as the Sahara in August. The good news is, my pain is your gain. Over the years, I’ve adopted some strategies to get the ideas flowing despite the drought. Here are a few tips I’ve used when I’m up against the wall:

1. Get a Helping Hand.
If you’re trying to find inspiration, why reinvent the wheel? Leaf through a magazine or an online gallery until a page catches your eye. Grab (or “scraplift”) one element of the page that you like, or copy the whole thing piece by piece (with your own pictures, of course!). Think of it as cooking from a recipe. Sometimes you feel like improvising, and sometimes you just feel like being led through the whole thing from beaten egg to sprinkle of sugar. Think of it as Hamburger Helper for scrapbookers — without the MSG. icon smile Scrapbooking 101: Finding Inspiration with Funny Girl Lain Ehmann

For this page, I found inspiration in the Write.Click.Scrapbook. gallery from a layout by Melissa Kaiserman. I loved the orientation of the photo, the line of buttons, and the scalloped journaling block – all elements I adopted for my own page. But you can see how I made my page my own with the product selection, the 12×12 size, and the patterned paper.

lain ehmann scrapbooking Scrapbooking 101: Finding Inspiration with Funny Girl Lain Ehmann

2. Use Products You Love.
Why force yourself to clean out the corners of your scrapbook supplies, finding a place for that vintage brad or Mrs. Grossman’s sticker from 1992? Grab paper that makes your mouth water and embellishments you can’t wait to run through your fingers. Save the recycling/old product challenge for another day. I absolutely adore arrows, and using one on this layout made me happy. icon smile Scrapbooking 101: Finding Inspiration with Funny Girl Lain Ehmann

3. Use Coordinated Products.
If you’re stumped for ideas, let the manufacturers do the work for you. I chose several patterned papers from Scenic Route, all of which were already pre-coordinated. It’s one less thing I have to worry about!

4. Pick a Story You Can’t Wait to Tell.
If you’re inspired by your story, the rest of the page will often just fall in place! Flip through a stack of photos until one grabs you, and start there. Let the story guide the page. This picture was one I’d been waiting to scrapbook — my son actually ASKED me to take it. I can’t help but giggle when I see that serious, proud look on his face.

5. Remember That Scrapbooking Should Be Fun.
If you don’t feel like scrapbooking, then don’t! Unlike paying taxes or watching American Idol, it’s not an obligatory activity. Let yourself take a break and come back at it when you’re feeling motivated and refreshed. Fill the well first with juicy experiences (remember to take your camera!) and enjoy LIFE. Then when you sit down to scrapbook, you’ll be motivated by the freshness of your experiences.

Lain blogs at www.getscraphappy.com. If you’re looking for more inspiration and guidance, think about joining her monthlong Layout a Day (LOAD) scrapbooking challenge. Stop by her blog for more information and scrapbooking fun.

Some days I’ve got so many photo shoot ideas, I can’t keep track of them all. Other days (like today) I struggle to come up with something interesting and start to get nervous as the clock ticks down toward midnight.

I did what I frequently do when I’m stuck for ideas and I went searching for help, first in Ron’s office. As I was asking him what I should shoot for today, I saw one of my custom scrapbook albums from the very first book signing I did at a scrapbook store in Santa Rosa, California. It was perfect and another chance for me to use my new portable lighting studio.

tasra365 custom scrapbook 1 Custom Album: All About Me (D196) This album was a custom project we created for the people who came out to my book signing for Real Women Scrap. What a moment of pure joy. I’m sure I was grinning ear to ear the entire time.

tasra365 custom scrapbook Custom Album: All About Me (D196) Seeing this album and these images makes me a bit nostalgic for the days when I spent more time hands on with my scrapbook paper and supplies. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love everything I’m learning with photography and the hands on aspects of improving my craft. I just think it’d be good for me to find more time to bring the two together. I’m thinking it’s probably time for another Real Women Scrap TV episode too! What do you think?

Manual: Page 104
Images: David Beckstead, an amazing photographer in his own right, decided that he is going to start doing more intentional study of photographers from the past. He posted his first review of Avedon’s work on his Facebook page today. I can’t wait to hear about his journey and discovery of “old” photographers!

“A mile a minute – that is how fast your child can disappear.”

Those are the haunting and truthful words posted on the website for Klaas Kids. As a legacy to his daughter, Marc founded KlaasKids Foundation to help stop crimes against children. You can hear from him and ask questions about how to prevent kidnapping and crimes against kids. Keep reading for the details.

KlaasKids Real Tips for Preventing Kidnapping & Crimes Against Kids I know this is a bit off topic of photography or transforming your images, albums and life, but I felt like the message was an important one to share. We’ll be back to regularly scheduled content right after this brief message. icon smile Real Tips for Preventing Kidnapping & Crimes Against Kids

If you’re like me it’s hard to read those words or think about Polly Klaas without a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. My heart still breaks and tears brim in my eyes when I think about hers and so many other stories of abused kids. Somewhere deep inside I just want to not think about it, but I know that ignorance and ignoring will only perpetuate and strengthen the very thing Marc is fighting against.

Here is an excerpt from Marc’s journal that is posted online:

“There is nothing that can prepare one for a murder trial. My family sits as the last few hours in Polly’s life are dissected, analyzed, de-constructed, reconstructed, cross-referenced and compartmentalized. The constant assault on our sensibilities by horrible revelations that defy the principles of civilization seem overwhelming much of the time. It is impossible to withstand or rise above the continual dehumanizing facts that are revealed in a constant, monotonous stream of revelation. There is no room for anything but the processing of nightmarish information. The killer laughs throughout the video tape and I want to shout, yet I must sit unflinching and stone-faced for fear of causing a mistrial. Every day my family is drawn into the world of murder, mayhem, rape and deprivation and there is no way out.”
On Friday, February 19th, Margaret McSweeney will interview Marc Klaas, father of Polly Klaas who was kidnapped and murdered in 1993. Learn about effective ways to keep your children safe from harm and find out what you can do to help stop crimes against kids. You can listen and call in with your questions for Marc this Friday 11-12 CST on Kitchen Chat.

If the answer is anything but a resounding yes, then you need to join us in the One Month to Live Challenge. It’s never too late to start creating the life you’ve always wanted! Each button will take you to a new day… Get started now!

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What Defines You?

Tasra Dawson —  December 14, 2009 — 1 Comment

6a00d83451bb0b69e20120a6b4f4cc970b pi Tell Me Who You Are & Win a $25 Gift Card The time has come. I’ve changed. You’ve changed. So I thought it was high time for our intro video to change.

Don’t you agree?

I’ve posted the old and the new so you can see them both. Then read on to find out how you can tell me more about YOU and Win a $25 Gift Card!

Click through to see both videos…

Continue Reading…

6a00d83451bb0b69e2012875b7f145970c pi Create & Win a Digital Photo Book in 7 Easy Steps Yesterday I shared my exciting new photo book, A Girl in the Big City: Images from New York. Today, I'm sharing the seven easy steps for creating a book of your own. And as promised, I'm giving away a FREE photo book coupon so you can create your own masterpiece. Read on to find out how to win.

Here are the steps for creating a digital photo book…

Step 1: Select an event or trip you want to publish. Don't overthink it. Just choose an event that you'd like to be able to look at again and share with others. 

Step 2: Add any processing to the images, i.e. sharpen, black and white, etc. You can do this in Shutterfly or on your own program. I use Adobe Lightroom with free presets I picked up online.

Step 3: Upload your images to Shutterfly. I uploaded 57 high res images and it took about 8 minutes. You can actually start step 4 while you're waiting.

Step 4: Select the size and style of book you want. I chose 8.5 x 11 with a Portfolio theme to keep it simple. You know me and simplicity…gotta have it.

Step 5: Follow the basic instructions online as you walk through each step. I used the new Storyboard feature and loved how easy it was to choose pictures for each page and let the program select the arrangement. Again, don't spend too much time here. It's too easy to get bogged down and never finish. Just keep moving.

Step 6: Add captions or journaling, if you want. I chose not to because I wanted the images to speak for themselves. And because for me the images evoke the memories I would write about anyway.

Step 7: Preview. Order. Enjoy!

Here's how to win a FREE 5 x 7 photo book from Shutterfly…

Join the Holiday Blog-Abration (full details here). Then leave a comment on this post. That's it!