Today...is a great day!

Harvesting Memories

2007-10-15T21:57:00.000-06:00

Today...I interviewed Sherry Diccion of Great Scrapbook Events on the Scrapbooking Matters BlogTalkRadio Show. Sherry's a long-time Service Provider member of the NSA and is hosting this year's Harvesting Memories Crop & Shop in Mt. Clemens, MI.

Harvesting Memories is the NSA-sponsored fundraising event supporting Trees for Troops, the program to provide live Christmas tress to our military serving overseas and their families. Last year Trees for Troops delivered over 11,000 trees, including 400 to Iraq and Afghanistan. This year's goal is 12,000.

In addition to the Mt. Clemens event, I'll be hosting a four-hour online crop on Saturday, November 10. A $15 donation to Trees for Troops gets you a chance to participate in games, challenges, give aways and more!

Details are pending, but more info is posted on the Harvesting Memories web site.

ETP!

Scrapbooking's Image

2007-10-10T06:19:00.000-06:00

Today...I replied to a note from Marianne who let us know how she would like to see scrapbooking portrayed in the media:

Scrapbooking is so often ridiculed because of the following it has created. Realistically, scrapbooking has been around for many years, in fact centuries, in one form or another. As respresentatives, I would hope that the NSA provides a high standard of answers and a pride in our works.

I agreed:

Great opinion, Marianne!

Scrapbooking shouldn't be portrayed as a separate lifestyle, but simply as an extension of our lives. We're already taking photos; we're already making memories. Scrapbooking is a way for us to showcase and share them. Focusing solely on the creative aspect alienates newcomers. Scrapbooking is a great gateway to crafts, but it's not where it starts. It starts with a memory. And scrapbooking helps us appreciate the moments that become memories.

Thanks so much for your support and for expanding the passion!

ETP!

Miss me?

2007-10-05T22:38:00.000-06:00

Today...and for many yesterdays and for many more tomorrows, we've been working on the new web site. I know there have been hints and teases, but the struggle to revolutionize the scrapbooking industry, well, has some sub-struggles that also have to be endured. But the thing about struggles is that when they are over, you are freer and lighter and finally able to soar!

So, if you're ready for another teaser, go here!

ETP!

Bob Dylan promotes NSA

2007-09-21T10:17:00.001-06:00

Speaking of inspiration...

2007-08-30T19:58:00.000-06:00

Today...I share a little more from the Pottery Barn catalog. This quote hits you when you open to the first page.

On the NSA Forums, there is a Quote of the Day. Here is today's quote:

You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club. -- Jack London

And here are a few more I found on The Quotation Page:

Inspiration may be a form of superconsciousness, or perhaps of subconsciousness - I wouldn't know. But I am sure it is the antithesis of self-consciousness. -- Aaron Copland

Inspiration is wonderful when it happens, but the writer must develop an approach for the rest of the time... The wait is simply too long. -- Leonard Bernstein

ETP!

Welcome new subscribers!

2007-08-29T11:10:00.000-06:00

Today...I'm welcoming new subscribers to this blog. Thanks for signing up! I thought I'd take a minute to show you a couple of things that today's technology has for us scrapbookers.

First, look at the sidebar on the right...the heading "Check it out." Here I have a feed of scrapbooking-related stories on the Internet. When I find a neat article, I list it here for you to read, too. Generally I select articles in mainstream media that share the wonderful benefits of scrapbooking.

Next, take a look at this screen shot. It's from the NSA's fabulous new Store Locator! Now scrapbookers can type in a zip code and find a local scrapbooking store anywhere in the world! We work very hard to keep this information accurate and up-to-date so you can find an LSS wherever you go! I say "we" because NSA members and anyone who accesses the Store Locator can submit changes. So if you know of a new store or any information that is different than what is posted in the NSA Store Locator, help keep this wonderful resource accurate by submitting a change.

Two ways the NSA works to expand the passion of scrapbooking!

ETP!

PB in da house!

2007-08-21T12:25:00.000-06:00

Today...the September Pottery Barn catalog came in the mail! Pottery Barn has long been a source of inspiration (or should I say desire) for scrapbookers. The colors, the organization, the homey feel, the classic contemporary style. We love it all!. Here's some of the yummy goodness that, to me, applies to scrapbooking:

page 13 - This project table has scrapbooking written all over it. Here it is in the kitchen. The labeled jars are cute, but does it bother you that they are out of order?
page 18 - These monograms are suitable for framing...and embellishing!
page 39 - Wouldn't this make a great scrap space? The white ledges and desk against the Bermuda blue walls remind me of the old-fashioned blueprints (think photos matted in white against a Bazzill Bermuda blue cardstock); the drawers of the Bedford desk are wide enough for 12x12; oh, and those adjustable pendant lamps...must-haves for lighting help!
page 46-47 - I could put this iron home-office grid to work in a scrapbook area
page 54 - the colors of the artisan-painted furniture (right) remind me of some of the collections from Cosmo Cricket (Be Good, Dutch Girl, Halfway Cafe)
page 74 - I would love to have scissors as wall art grace my scrap room; I'll even take the "V" next to the rub ons on the linen pinboard!

Inspiration can come from anywhere. After I thumbed through the PB catalog, I was inspired to spend some time straightening up my scrap space.

And you? I'd love to hear your comments about inspiration, surroundings, space, and any other thoughts that may come to mind!

ETP!

Long Live the King!

2007-08-16T12:19:00.000-06:00

Today...is the 30th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley.

I remember when the King died (ahem, I will not disclose how old I was, but I was young enough to not know who he was). It's one of those vivid childhood memories in addition to being a milestone memory, like "where were you when Kennedy was shot?" or "where were you when the Challenger blew up?" and, of course, "where were you on 9/11?"

When Elvis died, my family was having a small reunion at my parents' house. My parents had over-stuffed, dark brown Naugahyde sofas and linoleum flooring in the den. I remember my aunts and uncles spinning yarns about Elvis, debating the earlier hits and the "fat years." It was one of the first times I remember wanting to hang out with the adults to hear their conversation instead of playing with my younger siblings or creating Lite-Brite designs. If memory serves me right, I was wearing my pink, square-framed Coke bottle eye glasses. Eww!

Where were you when Elvis left the building?

ETP!

P.S. A local restaurant, Chuy's, has several shrines of Elvis, built on their customers' love of the King.

NSA Chat Night

2007-08-15T10:50:00.000-06:00

Today...plan to chat online and on air! We're back from CHA and ready to tell all about it tonight on the monthly NSA Chat Night.

Meet in the forums at 9:00 p.m. central time to chat using the NSA Shout Box

Then at 10:00 p.m click over to Scrapbooking Matters, the NSA's BlogTalkRadio show. Members of the NSA who attended the 2007 CHA Summer Show will call in and tell us about their experiences.

ETP!

End of Summer Blog-Abration

2007-08-01T06:52:00.000-06:00

Today...is the first of August! Before we all get into back-to-school mode, I invite fellow bloggers to the End of Summer Blog-Abration at Lessons from the Scrapbook Page. You could win one of the great prizes and you'll discover new friends: real women who scrap.

And it's easy:

Add the Announcement Button to your sidebar and link it to here
Write a post inviting all your friends
Sign the Mr. Linky box with your blog site to register to win a prize
Enjoy what's left of summer!

ETP!

What Memorytrends said...

2007-07-28T10:16:00.001-06:00

Today...I'm posting what Beth Hess, editor of Memorytrends Magazine, reported as trends and hot products from CHA summer (my notes in orange):

The Craft & Hobby Association Summer Show provided an array of new product collections for crafters of all kinds. New yarn textures and colors are likely to inspire papercrafters. So, too, are artist materials. One of the hottest new scrapbooking products of the show is the IOD Paintables collection from Prima. These 12"x12" sheets of cardstock feature outlines of swirls, flowers, and more and are designed to be colored in with paints, markers, color pencils, chalks, or any other color medium. Co-creator Josie Celio says, "I forget how much fun coloring is until I started with this line. It's a form of expression many of us haven't used in a long time." Judging by the crowds watching the demos and placing their orders, others agree scrapbookers are ready to incorporate more of their artistic self and products they already own, like ink pads and pens, in this way. (Watch for more about artistry in journaling and scrapbooks in the September issue of Memorytrends Magazine.)

Other Products that stood out:
Glue Arts GlueGlider Max - a large adhesive gun runner GlueArts is a long-time sponsor of the NSA!
Dove of the East - Japan Collection
Other Trends Spotted:
Birds, Trees flocks of owls, bird-shaped chipboard mini-albums from Piggy Tales & Maya Road, penguin Christmas paper from Imaginisce
Swirls, Paisley
Calendar projects Karen Foster, Flair, and others; getting ready for Christmas gifts
Unique shapes in mini albums, board books, spiral journals, etc.
Storage, storage, storage - this category just keeps growing (and becoming more fashion-forward and in-line with today's decorating trends) I'm guessing that this product line offers a high return for both manufacturers and retailers, hence the flood

ETP!

Hot products to warm up our winter

2007-07-24T22:19:00.001-06:00

Today...I'm identifying some of the products and trends I think will be hot coming out of CHA-S. What do you think?

More of the warm, rich colors from January's CHA plus brighter blues (mentioned here)
Texture and more texture - flocked, glitter, embroidered, stuff that screams "touch me!"
More felt, velvet and lace, especially in rolls and ribbons, but also in flowers. Look for it from Queen & Co., Prima, Maya Road and others
More interactive projects - see-through pages, flip books, hide & seek flap book and barn doors from Piggy Tales
Anything transparent, like acetate, film, acrylic - the digital layered look goes beyond paper
Home printers and multiple ways to use them - think hybrid and transparencies
Glue Arts' Glue Glider Pro, which won the Art Materials Magazine Most Innovative Product Award - this is a must-have for serious scrappers
Prima - with a special eye on the new Printables - something very different for scrapbooking (let's cross over to the art material aisle and grab some water brushes for our distress inks!)

Come back for more as I add to the list!

ETP!

Home from CHA

2007-07-23T14:32:00.000-06:00

Today...I'm home from CHA in Chicago, and as usual, it was a great trip! Do you ever feel that you are in the right place at the right time?

The highlight of the trip was meeting more members of the NSA and reuniting with the members I met last year. Look for photos and articles to come soon.

In the meantime, check out some new NSA features!

The AWESOME new Store Locator! Now interfaced with Google Maps, the NSA Store Locator identifies local retailers -- wherever you are in the world!

Check the sidebar to the right. I'm tracking interesting stories and blog posts that resonate the NSA's message to expand the passion of scrapbooking. Let me know if you find one to add.

More about CHA later, as the suitcases are unpacked and life gets to, uh, normal.

ETP!

CHA-S Press Kit Preview

2007-07-19T21:22:00.000-06:00

Today...I visited the press room to get a preview of what's in store for us when the show opens on Friday.

Exhibitors and other CHA members provide press kits to announce new releases, entice with sample products, and provide catalogs and digital images for print. This is an excellent way for editors to find the info they need - and bring it home - to do their job, which is ultimately to spread information.

As a Service Provider, I find the press room an invaluable benefit and ultimately a huge time saver. In one room I can gather a significant amount of information that helps me to plan my show schedule and identify the must-see exhibits. Even if it's just an updated catalogue provided, having it in hand is so much easier - and appreciated - than if I had to hunt down my prospects for information.

I also get a glimpse of what the other categories are working on, such as Pentel's Fabric Fun Dye Sticks. Their press kit included a small canvas bag and encouraged creative time with their new product. Talk about make-n-take!

NSA members Cindy Bisson and Becky Chabot submitted press kits in the designer section, and they were on hand to preview the kits from the exhibitors. This video is just a sample of what we discovered on the show floor:

(Disclaimer: this is my first video post, so please forgive the lack of editing and the burst of exuberance at the end!)

ETP!

Manufacturer's mentioned

Bright blues:
me and my big ideas
Stemma

Skulls & Pirates:
Collected Memories Bad to the Bone albums
Rusty Pickle's Cap'n Jack and Pirate Princess Collections
Karen Foster Design's Pirate Collection
2 Daisies Designs' Heads of the Family

Celebrations:
AdornIt Halloween Collection

You ain't seen nuthin' yet!

2007-07-02T23:43:00.000-06:00

Today...I received the July/August issue of Scrapbook Business. I went straight to page 8 for Kevin Nelson's note from the editor. In his letter, he highlights the NSA's retail directory. The NSA Store Locator is like nothing else in the scrapbooking industry. Nowhere can you find a comprehensive list of retailers that specialize in scrapbooking but on the NSA site. Other lists are too expensive to join, tied to a product manufacturer, or terribly out-dated. And forget about functionality!

Thing is, we're hard at work creating a better retail directory and locator, and it's scheduled to launch very soon! So if you like the NSA Store Locator now, wait until you see what's in store next!

ETP!

Remember...the NSA lists all brick & mortar stores for free. Stores receive an enhanced listing -- with phone numbers, directions, maps, store hours, photos and more -- as a retail member of the NSA. You also will receive a monthly reminder to update your listing information.

Hands-Down favorite

2007-06-30T13:11:00.000-06:00

Today...I received the August/September Memory Makers. (ACK! September?!?) Word is out that this is a phenomenal issue and that the new Memory Makers is on track to be an all-around great scrapbooking magazine.

I did my initial scan-through and immediately felt compelled to share with you my pick of the issue. Hands down his layout, "Hands-On Mom" by Linda Harrison (pg. 76), is my favorite.

There are so many reasons why this layout works, plus it's a PERFECT example to show beginners the basic rules of design and how they can successfully scrap that pile of photos. Do you see what I see?

Rule of thirds (the photos on the right axis; the title on the top axis)
Visual triangle (pink accents)
Great use of older photos (those square black and white prints have the processing date in the white border)
Poignant journaling - short, meaningful, heartfelt
Effective title - sums it up and draws the viewer to read the journaling
Good use of patterned paper - just one sheet of a tone-on-tone graphic

And if you look closely, you can see the repetitive use of circles inspired by the patterned paper: the hyphen of the title, the brads in the visual triangle, the rhinestones in the flower, and don't forget, the round blow-up pool in the photos.

Great job, Linda, and thank you Memory Makers for showcasing this layout.

I'll get to read in detail the entire issue, but I still see something missing -- from Memory Makers and the other consumer publications - - that could really help the scrapbooking industry. Can you guess what it is?

ETP!

P.S. On a personal note (without any bearing on my decision to highlight this layout), Linda's page also is a comfort to me -- a single mother doing all I can to be a hands-on mom.

Tell me something I didn't know

2007-06-25T23:40:00.000-06:00

Today...Beth Mauro, editor of CNA Magazine, reported from GASC in Chantilly. Here are some quotes of note:

No matter what your crafting niche I highly urge you to attend consumer shows whenever possible. There is nothing better than seeing the industry through (these) customers' eyes. When crafting is your business there is a danger of getting jaded when it comes to products and projects. A short trip to a consumer show is like a shot of adrenalin.

My favorite part was seeing scrapbookers of every age, color, size and level of expertise. We saw three generations of scrapbookers visiting the show together and plenty of new moms looking to start a baby book. The crops were packed. Over a three day period, hundreds of scrapbookers dragged all their stuff in for the fun of scrapping with friends and soon-to-be-friends.

and

Digital Scrapbooking 101 classes were full as were sessions on getting photos off of your digital camera (I should take that one) and photo retouching. The fact that that attendees that come to this show are hardcore scrapbookers should prove that traditional scrapbooking and digital scrapbooking can co-exist under one roof. Will next year be the year of Hybrid Scrapbooking classes?

It boils down to this:

Always remember the customer
Scrapbooking is for everyone
Never underestimate the passion of a scrapbooker

ETP!

The benefit of dreaming big

2007-06-22T13:12:00.000-06:00

Today...I'm reminded that dreams really can come true!

Remember when I offered an invitation to create the ultimate scrapbooking web site! Well, it's being done! The new NSA site will be like no other! I'm just too excited not to at least mention how great it is going to be. For me, it's like having all my dreams come true AND dreams I didn't even know I had come true.

It's not too late to let us know your dreams for the ultimate scrapbooking web site.

Whatever your expectations are, they will be blown away!

ETP!

To coupon or not to coupon

2007-06-11T00:25:00.000-06:00

Today...I responded to a question posed by retail consultants Kizer & Bender about honoring competitors' coupons. It goes a little something like this:

There needs to be a way for the independent retailer to stand apart from the larger box stores, in pricing and not just product selection and customer service. It should be something that consistently pulls the consumer into the store and rewards them for being there, not because they have a coupon, from a competitor or otherwise. Additionally, the whole notion of "couponing" cheapens he image of the category.

The National Scrapbooking Association offers a creative solution that is super simple for retailers. Every consumer member of the NSA can download and print their membership card, which shows their name, address and expiration date. The consumer presents their membership card to participating retailers for a discount of what they purchase. The retailer sets the discount (generally a percentage of 5-10%) and can adjust it to maximize marketing opportunities. For example, offering 15% off on special days like National Scrapbooking Day.

The benefits for the retailer are numerous: it's a program they don't have to manage, initiate, mantain, print, distribute, punch, etc.; there is no cost and very little risk; the responsibility is placed on the customer to keep their membership up to date and to present their card; the discount is customizable and controlled by the retailer; the discount is tied to cash flow, not dictated by the competition.

The benefits for the customer are plenty, too: there's only one card to keep up with! and additional cards can be printed if one is lost (the retailer may ask for ID to verify the cardholder); the discount applies just for walking into the store, not accumulating punch cards - which are usually lost; and there is immediate satisfaction, not guilt for spending so much money.

Best of all it allows the independent retailer to compete on a more level playing field: against other independents on the merits of service and selection, not with the box stores where there is neither.

Veronica Hugger
National Scrapbooking Association

ETP!

Don't let them define us

2007-05-29T10:39:00.000-06:00

Today...we need to take a stand against the antiquated mindset that scrapbooking is "dowdy" or "saccharine". There is a sexy side of scrapbooking, and we don't need (nor do we want) Martha Stewart to prove it for us.

Remember the Panty Journal?

How about Scrap City?

Consider some of the scraponistas out there and their cutting edginess.

Here's me looking down my nose at the Wall Street Journal article. Dowdy? Pfh.

We missed out when we failed to own our own definition of scrapbooking. And we're still explaining that it has nothing to do with doilies.

Mike Harnett warns us of stereotyping the category. And we need to heed the warnings across the board, especially regarding product development and usage. Not every scrapper wants the latest/greatest.

The only stereotype I want scrapbooking to have is that it's an activity for everyone. Scrapbooking is so personal and personalized that it can be whatever you want it to be. But the common denominator remains: memories.

So don't let some Wall Street know-it-all or high-brow hot shot define your passion or label your look. Besides, I'm quite sure the writers of both articles saved clippings of their printed stories, even before their first by-line.

So, what are your thoughts? Got any proof to the contrary? What image should scrapbooking have? Let's create it!

ETP!

Here's the reality:

2007-05-23T23:03:00.000-06:00

Today...we need to admit that the "scrapbooking as art" and "gotta have it" vacuums have been filled. We've elevated memory keeping to a level that is alienating the newcomer, and we've saturated the market with a flood of product. It's time to identify the new needs of the industry and fill them. That's what the NSA strives to do with these products:

Up-to-date LSS locator and directory where all brick & mortar retailers can list their store for free and scrappers can find a scrapbooking store easily

Calendar of calls for publication, for enthusiasts who want recognition and publishers who are looking for fresh contributors

An open forum where any product, store, or sale can be discussed

What else does the scrapbooking industry really need? My guess:

Greater global synergy

A unified voice

A place for everyone

An identity people can relate to

Tools specific to the scrapbooking industry (ah, an upcoming blog topic!)

In other words: more newcomers.

Don't fear. Not only has the NSA identified these new needs, but we've been working very hard behind the scenes to fill them to satisfaction! If you're interested in a preview, email me.

ETP!

Let's get real

2007-05-22T21:32:00.000-06:00

Today...I'm pointing out the reality trend that has emerged in scrapbooking (perhaps a response to all those reality shows?). The trend has been looming, I mean, how many single photos layouts wallpapered with flowers can inspire Suzy Scrapbooker who only wants to organize and preserve her 3x5 snapshots of her teenager's ninth birthday?

To draw your attention to the recent surge, take these examples:

Tara Governo's Imperfect Lives (F&W) tells the kind of wonderfully human, less-than-glorious stories that often go untold. Its pages are full of honest, edgy, quirky, humorous layouts about real life
Tasra Dawson's Real Women Scrap and t.v. for busy women
Memorytrends April 2007 cover story "What Women Want...and how scrapbooking gives it to them"
The handful of blogs attacking and smacking celebs and wanna bes (and no, I won't provide the links...stay here and finish reading)

Here are some other observations. The number of inquiries to the NSA for information for LSS business plans has decreased significantly. More hobbyists are waking up to the reality that operating an LSS is 99% retail and 1% scrapbooking. Real life (i.e., kids, the mortgage, aging parents, insert "any daily stress" here) or lack of business skills, foresight or critical thinking has pushed retailers to close their doors, and the predictions are realistic. Industry politicos worn of the impending doom; the number of LSSs in the US will be down to 800 by the end of the year; this vendor is not exhibiting at CHA-S, and that vendor is not going to Memorytrends.

All this is reactionary and old news in this cyber-fast world. What we really need is to be pro-active.

Tomorrow...I'll talk about the new reality.

ETP!

It’s raining men

2007-05-17T09:30:00.000-06:00

Today…Creating Keepsakes announced its new editor. Replacing Tracy White is Brian Tippetts. Yep. A guy. He joins a handful of men making their way into the female-dominated world of scrapbooking. The guys have always been here; but now they’re getting face time.

CK started with Don Lampson. David Venable works side-by-side with Lisa Bearnson at QVC. And the first male Hall of Famer, NSA member Mitchell Kraft, was named in 2007.

F+W is doing it, too. David Pyle is now Group Publisher, formally held by industry matriarch Jeanne Wines-Reed. Steve Smith’s column, "Manly Memories," appears regularly in Memory Makers Magazine.

This sprinkle of men is just the beginning of the summer storm. There will be a gully-washing this year in the industry, brought on and carried out by the “guys who get it.” Are you ready to ride the winds of change?

ETP

My precious Winnifred

2007-05-09T21:52:00.000-06:00

Today...my beloved Winnifred died. She was my shadow. I miss her. I mourn her. I have spent the day crying. As much as I loved her, she loved me more. She taught me what it meant to love.

When I told my nine-year-old son that Winnifred died, he responded in a way that touched my heart. He's been keeping a notebook in which he's outlined letters to spell out his classmates names. He quietly brought me the notebook and showed me the names he has done so far, one per page. Then he turned to the next blank page, slid the notebook to me, and said doing Winnifred's name would help me. So I drew her name and together Joseph and I colored in the letters. Purple was Winnifred's color.

I added a few recent photos, and this make-shift memorial was created:

I've been working on a layout of Winnifred for some time now. I've scheduled some time on Friday to finish it and will post it as soon as it's done.

Pets is a hot theme in scrapbooking, now more than ever. And because of Winnifred, I know why.

ETP

Let's create something SPECTACULAR!

2007-04-25T17:57:00.000-06:00

Today...I posted a challenge of sorts on the NSA forums. I encourage participation from every market segment!

Let's create the ultimate scrapbooking web site!

It would have a community organized by...
It would have valuable resources like...a comprehensive, accurate LSS locator and mapping function!
It would be highly functional and do the most amazing things, like...tell me when a certain product has arrived at my LSS

It would be pretty to look at, and in the most appealing color combinations like...Scott would not dare change
I would visit it every day because...I could cutomize it to display everything I needed to know about scrapbooking in one place
and it would provide the latest information about...what's in the magazines

It would network me with...manufacturers who need local representatives, demonstrators and instructors
and feed me information about...money-making opportunities

and it would not...spam me with offers or announcements I really don't care about
and would never...insult the way I scrap

but most of all,
it would move me to...scrap and scrap often and openly
and make me feel...satisfied

I would love to hear what you want!

ETP!

Retailers, NSD is your time to shine!

2007-04-23T22:28:00.000-06:00

Today...the industry prepares for National Scrapbooking Day. Craftrends noted NSD in their news headlines. CNA provided a press release template for retailers. Here are more tips to make the most of our special day:

Send press releases to local media, especially television network affiliates, and add the words "photo opportunity" or "remote feature" to the release. This will alert them to a visual event that they can cover instead of just a news event. Follow up with a phone call.

Contact local community calendars, usually in suburban weekly newspapers, for free mention of your NSD event.

Have a tool-focused, round-robin make-n-take project for your NSD crop. For example, build a one-page layout documenting the NSD event. For the first make-n-take, use the Crop-A-Dile to punch a hole in plastic drinking cups. Create a name tag (again, use the Crop-A-Dile to punch the hole and set the eyelet) and tie to the drinking cup. Continue with the second make-in-take by using a die cutting machine to cut a title for a layout. For the third make-n-take, break for a group photo. Demonstrate a compact photo printer and print copies of the group photo for each participant. For the fourth make-n-take session, demonstrate a technique that's new to the group, like machine stitching. Pass around pieces of cardstock for participants to sign as journaling to mark who was there. For the final make-n-take, assemble the layout and add the tag.

Take pre-orders of the tools used in the make-n-takes. Alert customers that certain products will be highlighted at your NSD event. Have them stop by to try out the tools. Offer a discount on pre-orders (or pre-pays) and have the tools on hand for sale.

If customers can't come for an all-day crop, invite them to an open house. Schedule make-n-takes for croppers and visitors, so everyone has the chance to do the projects.

Make sure your event is posted on the NSA calendar! It's free, and the calendar is one of the most viewed pages of the NSA site. Scrappers are looking for crops to attend. Let them know how your store supports NSD.

Today...I got a call from a newspaperin Illinois wanting to know more about NSD, the NSA and if there were any NSD events in her area. Guess where I looked for that information!

ETP!

Change can be good

2007-04-23T11:42:00.000-06:00

Today...I realized how long it's been since I blogged. So sorry. I have thoughts in my head that I think would make good blog posts, but somehow they never make it to the computer. I shall try harder.

So this is the thought that came to me today, and I immediately wrote it on my white board. I'll share it with you:

ETP!

Support your LSS!

2007-04-10T10:52:00.000-06:00

Today...I drove home to Houston after spending Easter weekend with family. On the ride through Waco, TX, I had the urge to visit the local scrapbooking store. I had one consumer magazine with me, but it listed only four stores in Texas and none in Waco. So I pulled off the interstate, into the parking lot of a dry cleaners, and fired up the laptop. Amazingly, I got a strong internet connection and went straight to the NSA Store Locator. A quick search showed me that Crop-Paper-Scissors was just a bit further south.

I was looking for two things specifically: a skull and crossbones stamp and Rangers' Distress Ink refill in old paper. On Saturday, I had searched three box stores and a chain scrapbooking store with no luck. But Crop-Paper-Scissors had an extensive display of Distress Ink products, including refills, so soon I was doing the happy dance.

Independent retailers are an enthusiast's best friend. If you're enthusiastic about scrapbooking, please support your local retailer!

ETP!

Meet Mitchell!

2007-03-22T16:56:00.000-06:00

Today...CK announced the 2007 Hall of Fame. Congratulations to all the honorees...especially NSA member -- and first male HOFer -- Mitchell Kraft! I talked to Mitchell this afternoon and invited him to join me on the Scrapbooking Matters radio show. So he's scheduled to hang out tomorrow at 1:00 CST. Come listen in live, or download the show to listen later. If you have any questions you'd like to ask him, post them here. Oh, and did I mention? -- he's only 18!

ETP!

The week of "the call"; RIP Irv Rubens

2007-03-19T12:19:00.000-06:00

Today...is the day scrapbookers around the world (at least in the United States, Canada (excluding Quebec), England and Wales) who entered the Creating Keepsakes Hall of Fame contest anxiously await a call from founding editor Lisa Bearnson. She makes "the call" to all 25 winners. If you get "the call," it most likely will change your life forever.

Scrapbookers that make the Hall of Fame go on to contribute to the magazine on a consistent basis, design the hot products we will lust for a year from now, and get book deals that feature their special style or approach. Some accept the HOF as a pinnacle and go on to reach other life goals, scrapbooking-related or not.

There will be the drama...of waiting for the call, watching the boards, counting the number of secret toots, hearing the disappointments, then the jealousies. It's the same every year.

And every year I am blown away by the winners - and the honorable mentions - and their ability to inspire and touch scrapbookers of all levels. Their pages are very powerful. And everyone who enters a competition such as the Hall of Fame pours forth their best and newest work. Just entering the contest and meeting the required assignments can be self-satisfying.

Congratulations to everyone who entered, and especially to those who get "the call."

ETP!

P.S. I just received notification that the founder of Pioneer Photo Albums, Jason ("Irv")Ruebens, passed away at the age of 99. Born in New York, he started Ruko Camera Cases in the early 1940's and then moved on to California in 1960, eventually creating the nucleus of what is today Pioneer Photo Albums. Pioneer Photo Albums continues on strongly with his work ethic, and is still run as a privately-owned company by the family members who will greatly miss his presence.

Proof is in the pudding

2007-03-14T10:43:00.000-06:00

Today...I did some blog clean up and added labels for my posts, including a category called "pudding." This label is for those posts showing the benefits of being a member of the NSA. I'll come up with additional labels as needed. Hopefully they won't be as cryptic!

ETP!

My Scrapbooking Library

2007-03-14T09:39:00.000-06:00

Today...I'm answering Tisha's SBR QOTD (scrapbooking-related question of the day):

Scrapbook Library: Do you have your own mini scrapbooking library? Do you have multiple scrapbooking books and entire lines of scrapbooking magazines? How do you keep your library organized for it to be useful?

I have three stages:

The stack near my desk of recent issues. The ones at the top of the stack I need to read. Uh, I got 3 new issues this week so far!

The storage of past (read) issues. They are in cardboard magazine holders that I got at IKEA -- I didn't buy enough holders, I might add, because the mags that didn't fit are on shelves. Grouped by consumer vs. trade, then by title, then (hopefully) in date order.

A stack planned for the recycle bin. They are tied, bound and waiting for me to release them to their destiny. Most are old PaperKuts issues I just can't say good-bye to since PK was "my first"

I have to say that holding on to these issues does have its benefits. For example, CK recently had a call Your Favorite Ideas from the Pages of CK. I had a favorite idea (Tracy White's "The Perfection Trap," January 2004, page 111) but I didn't submit it.

And I have to admit that I enjoy the trade magazines more than the consumer mags. Craftrends, Memorytrends, CNA, Scrapbook Business, Scrapbook Retailer and the various eZines provide the industry insight that I need. And I love distilling it and putting relevant info on my blog to share with you!

Which means I have some reading to do! As far as idea books...they're on a shelf, looking pretty! I keep most for reference, but I'm known to give them away as RAKs!

ETP!

Good deed of the day

2007-03-13T22:21:00.000-06:00

Today...I ran across a blog post that was -- how can I say this -- not saying nice things about a certain scrapbooking something.

The premiere issue of Digital Scrapbooking Magazine hits the stands this week.

As a scrapbooker, I'm ambivilant. (I'm a die-hard paste eater).

As a scrapbooking professional, I am thrilled.

Scrapbooking is moving forward and embracing what was once deemed a threat. I'm certain that digital scrapbooking will bring more consumers to our market. We (as an industry, a community, and a network) must accept (and have been accepting) digital scrapbooking as a legitimate form of creativly preserving our memories and adjust accordingly.

Hey, anyone hear of Darwin?

In the past year, we have adjusted to this new breed of scrapbookers; but for some digital scrapbookers, we haven't worked fast enough.

So I read a blog that mentioned some message boards that talked about (i.e., slammed) the delay of Digital Scrapbooking Magazine.

Um, I can think of several things I'm more concerned about, like do I plant my Kolanches in the front beds, or do I pot them for the back patio?

And I'm serious.

So instead of deciding on my deciduous plants, I emailed DSM's associate editor, Molly Newman, and brought the drama to her attention (tweet, tweet). She was very grateful and was able to address this issue appropriately...since she now knew about it! Yes, the drama unfolded on the blogosphere instead of directly with the people that could actually deal with the issue!

This is not the first time this has happened, and I have heard countless stories of the nicest people in scrapbooking having to deal with the cruelest of comments, demands, and -- yes, I'm serious -- threats.

The internet is where democracy meets technology. It is where our wonderful freedom of speech will be overused and tested. And I encourage that.

Still, I'm a mom, and as a mom, I must remind you: if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. Or at least tell someone who can do something about it. Geez.

Let me give some of you a word of advice: if you want to be a scrapbooking professional, you need to act in a professional manner.

If you don't know what that means, then you're still an amateur.

I'm stepping down from my soapbox now.

ETP!

Promote NSD with official logo

2007-03-09T10:05:00.000-06:00

Today...I'm still recovering from a doosie of a cold. I hope to have 100% of my voice back in time for my Diva on the Road report on Wednesday's Diva Craft Lounge. Thank goodness for the Internet and the wonderful tools, like email, blogging and forums, where we can voice our opinions and news when we literally don't have a voice!

So let me tell you the big news of the week...kicking off the campaign for National Scrapbooking Day. Press releases were sent to manufacturers and industry insiders and posted on several news services. We presented the official 2007 logo and announced various file versions are available for download. If you haven't done so already, make sure to sign the petition to recognize NSD as an official holiday.

One important item I want to point out: The NSA promotes National Scrapbooking Day...because it's all about the ING. We promote the process over the product. It's the subtle way of getting people to scrap as part of their daily lifestyle. So make sure you use the full name of the holiday!

I'm still adding some features to this blog, so bear with me!

ETP!

A Match Made!

2007-03-02T11:50:00.000-06:00

Today...I was cc:d on this email:

Sherry -I enjoyed speaking with you yesterday, 3/1. Your retreats of 50-70 attendees & your Great Scrapbook Event (3/31-4/1, 800 attendees) sound exciting. Thank you for helping us by using one of our catalogs as a giveaway at your events. The catalog is C&T Publishing's Create & Treasure catalog for our papercraft books & products, annually published. I am mailing you 1200 copies today, 3/2.
I appreciate you putting a link on your web site for C&T Publishing. Our URL is http://www.ctpub.com. If, for any reason, you have any questions about linking to us, I have cc'd our Web Manager, Adrianne Shroyer, so that you can contact her directly.

Thank you to Veronica for "introducing" us!
Regards,
Martha Osborn
--
Marketing Manager
C&T Publishing
Innovate. Educate. Create.
www.ctpub.com

Cool, huh?!

ETP!

P.S. Happy TEXAS Independence Day!

ScrapbookING, yes!

2007-03-01T22:18:00.000-06:00

Today...this article warns us that we --as a market/industry-- have gone overboard and scrapbooking is now alienating consumers. Perception has crossed from overwhelming to down-right frightening. From the author:

Scrapbooking is everywhere...There is even a television show about it, which I watched one time simply out of sheer disbelief.

Upon leaving the store, I had the urge to down a whiskey to counterbalance the act of purchasing scrapbooking supplies on a Friday night. But since I don't drink whiskey, I settled for a raspberry martini, which took the edge right off my uncomfortable foray into the world of scrapbooking.

It seems my old method of sitting down biannually with five photo albums and a shoe box full of pictures no longer cuts it.

...scrapbooking highlights my inadequacies in the craft department, takes too long, and makes my fingers and my neck ache.

It makes me sad, because there is only one rule in scrapbooking: If you're having fun, then you're doing it right. The author of the article was not having fun. And I don't know who looses more: that we loose a customer, or that she looses confidence in her capacity to creatively preserve her memories.

Expanding the passion is not about getting excited over the latest and greatest. It's about finding and embracing a way to integrate memory preservation into our lifestyle so we become more passionate about our life.

ETP

Making a Match!

2007-02-28T20:19:00.000-06:00

Today...I received a call from NSA Sponsor, C & T Publishing, looking for a way to distribute 2,000 of their catalogs. They had already sent catalogs to all distributors and retailers; and they didn't want to throw away their over-runs.

Here's the cool part...the first source they thought of was the NSA! And the first thought I had was: which NSA service provider member is having an upcoming crop? That's easy -- I just had to check the Events Calendar. But wait! It's one thing to make the match; it's another to foster the relationship so it lasts.

In this case, it would be frustrating to croppers if they received the C & T catalog but couldn't buy or play with C & T products at the crop. There should be a vendor at the event with C & T products for sale, or there should be a class or make-&-take using C & T products. Making the most of the match!

So I checked the Events Calendar and saw that Sherry Diccion of Great Scrapbook Events was having a show in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, on March 31...plenty of time to ship the catalogs by media mail and for a vendor to order and receive C & T products to sell at the crop. Sherry's event would be a perfect match!

Sherry joined the NSA in November of 2005 when she launched her scrapbooking business, Great Scrapbook Events. Her goal was to start with bi-monthly crops then grow steadily to eventually launch area trade shows in three years. She had a solid business plan and realistic business model. Plus, she actively sought advice and took advantage of what made sense to her. She'll be the first to tell you that her NSA membership has more than paid for itself. Today, not only is she realizing her goals, she's ahead of schedule. The Mt. Clemens event is her second trade show this year!

I can't tell you how excited I am to connect NSA members with each other, especially when the match would never have happened if not for the NSA. The NSA is so much more than a scrapbooking community...it's a network. And it's days like today when I love my job: playing the role of matchmaker!

ETP!

Getting on the same page

2007-02-27T17:23:00.000-06:00

Today...I had some wonderful telephone discussions regarding the NSA's Instructor & Designer Certification Program (IDCP). The program has been on hold while we find someone to manage the beta testing and to manage the program for the long term. This is not easy, but after my conversations, it may get a lot easier! Some members of the industry have come forward to offer some help, and that is huge!

The NSA will not roll out the IDCP until it's ready. We will only do it if it's done right. Scrapbooking deserves nothing less.

The IDCP, as envisioned in total, has the potential to revolutionize the industry and benefit all market segments, especially consumers. The IDCP also will play a big role in expanding the passion of scrapbooking. It is no small task making such an idea a reality. I'm beginning to think that we had to wait for the time to come, and now it is here.

Thank you to those NSA members who have patiently waited for the IDCP. Many thanks to the Development Team who worked diligently to create the certification portion. And thank you to the industry representatives who have offered to serve on the Beta Testing Team.

It is very exciting to come to the realization that our industry has grown to the point that there needs some form of standardization. I'm proud that the NSA will be the driver that puts scrapbookers from around the world on the the same page.

ETP!

Expanding the Passion @ Sea

2007-02-26T13:07:00.000-06:00

Today...I caught this article from the Detroit Free Press...

Some people's greatest legacy is the memories they bequeath their children and grandchildren.
That's one reason for scrapbooking, a hobby so popular that a Google search reveals more than 850,000 Web pages devoted to the pastime.
Identifying a niche, Princess Cruises recently launched a maritime first, Scrapbooking@Sea. The scrapbook curriculum offers a regular series of onboard classes and a specially created kit with themed pages. Currently available on select ships, scrapbooking had proved so popular in field tests, says Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales, that the line now expects to roll out the program across its fleet of 15 vessels by early this year.
"In a cruise-ship setting, where passengers are on vacation and have spare time to try new things," says Princess spokeswoman Karen Tetherow, "scrapbooking is the perfect opportunity to pick up a new hobby."
Princess' Scrapbooking@Sea kit contains decorative papers, stickers and rub-on emblems along with instructions on how to build five vacation-themed pages. The pages can be used to create decorative backdrops for photos from typical cruise activities such as welcome aboard events, days at sea, shore excursions or formal evenings.

ETP!

To Blog or not to Blog

2007-02-23T11:26:00.000-06:00

Today...I'm adding some features to this blog. When I'm done, I'll come back and tell you what they are.

Fiction story tells the truth about scrapbooking

2007-02-16T22:55:00.000-06:00

Today...Rebeca Seitz provided an interview on GoDeKalb.com about her new scrapbooking fiction book due out in early March. Prints Charming (WestBow Press) is about four women with very different life paths bound together by their love of scrapbooking. The book will be available at book stores everywhere and on Amazon.com. Rebecca is doing an extensive tour to scrapbooking shows and local scrapbooking stores to promote the book.

I had the privilege to pre-read the book and provide a quote for the cover. Prints Charming demonstrates the "power scrapbooking has to develop and strengthen relationships," and that story -- even in fiction form -- needs to be told. Prints Charming's distribution will be wide-spread, and many readers, who have never been exposed to scrapbooking, will have a positive and non-threatening introduction to our passion: fiction lovers, Christian book readers, crafters, etc.

Look for more fiction titles, by Rebeca Seitz and other authors developing this genre, which help expand the passion of scrapbooking.

ETP!

So you can see

2007-02-02T09:34:00.000-06:00

Today...I'm providing a list of companies and products I reviewed on the Diva Craft Lounge from CHA:

Theme: Quality through rich, luxurious textures

Papers:
Paper Elements
Daisy Bucket
Luxe Designs

Embellishments:
Felt: Tinkering Ink, Queen & Co.
Velvet: De Ja Views, SEI, Imaginisce
Chipboard: My Mind's Eye embossed chipboard; Magistical Memories food quality chipboard
Film in the PageSage press kit

Journalling:
Karen Russell Journaler's Notebook (MT release)
Graph papers: Scenic Route, Dream Street

Color:
Black & White
Aqua
Plums

Tools:
7 Gypsies punch
Bind It All
The Slice
Karen Foster's Scraparatus
*Purple Cow's Freestyle

Organization:
Clip It Up
Arccivo
*KFD's Scrap Apron
*ScrapEze vertical paper holder (MT release)

Give the Gift of Scrapbooking:
Love Books
My Book
Speaking Up
*Photopoly
*SEI's Minute Memories (MT release)

The asterisk indicates the companies/products that deserve mention but I didn't talk about because of time or because Diva Danielle and Jan covered them.

Of course, there are many other wonderful finds at CHA, and I would love to hear about your favorites!

ETP!

CHA: I felt the felt!

2007-02-01T14:28:00.000-06:00

Today...I'm recovering from CHA, so here's a quick summary. For a more detailed report, listen to my segment on the Diva Craft Lounge.

The theme of this year's show was Quality -- my guess, a tactile reaction to the fast-growing digital market. Look for lots of luxurious textures in paper and embellishments like 80 pound text double sided patterned papers, embossed chipboard, and textiles like velvet, felt and corduroy. Reoccurring color themes were in black & white, teal with everything, and rich plums, burgundies and ivories. Look for a full report on the NSA web site coming soon from Debbie Hodge.

In the meantime, enjoy these photos from the show!

Diva Danielle kept busy doing a show review for Clique TV. She broadcast live from the NSA booth with me and Jan Mollet Evans. And I got to meet Rayme and his mom !!! but no photo :-(

Robin (far left) and Donna (far right) from Scrapbook Warehouse and I stopped by the Memories in Uniform booth to thank Amy Alfaro for her support of Harvesting Memories.

It wouldn't be official without a photo with the lovely Leah Fung!

I finally met Tara Whitney in person at the 2 Peas ice cream social.

Get this...green round sprinkles (peas?) on my ice cream!

Wendy and Kitty have a book due for release later this spring. They and a table full of designers gave me their take on the show during lunch.

The cool tool of the show...the Freestyle from Purple Cows. I first saw this product at PMA last March. It's finally here!

More later!

ETP!

CHA Prep, Part III

2007-01-26T13:36:00.000-06:00

Today...was the last day for CHA preparations. Tomorrow we fly out. Scott's been working hard getting the logistics together, and I've been sending out emails about Sneak Peeks. And don't you worry! I'm tracking the hot products for my Diva on the Road report, Wednesday, January 31 at noon pacific. Diva Danielle will be broadcasting LIVE from the NSA booth, #1508. Tune in live or listen to the archives!

ETP!

Think outside the box

2007-01-24T15:27:00.000-06:00

Today...EK Success announced its launch strategy for the new Martha Stewart Crafts™ line of paper crafting, scrapbooking, and storage products, begining with limited retail distribution in May to all Michaels stores, followed by distribution to EK Elite independent craft and scrapbooking stores later this year.

Today...I highlighted this tidbit of advice offered to independents by Rob Krieger, president of Checker Distributors, in the January 2007 issue of Craftrends, page 34:

The strengths independent shops can use to their advantage...are their unique product selection, classes, and individual attention (emphasis
mine).

and he advises retailers to...

"Find suppliers who are directing their total sales and marketing efforts to make independents successful. Why depend on a supplier who is doing all they can to help chains be successful at your expense?"

Krieger goes on to encourage independents to "think outside the box" and lists suggestions like using the Internet to attract younger customers, choosing the right supplier ("Make every attempt to buy products and brand names that are not in the chains."), keeping up with trends, and offering unique classes.

I can't help but think that EK Success released word of the launch schedule as a way to avoid a communications fiasco a la Provo Craft and the Cricut. They're making sure everyone knows that the box stores will have Martha's product before they attempt to ship it to their "elite" customers. Thanks for the warning, EK, especially before you have thousands of independent reltailers decend upon you at CHA.

Independents need to think outside the box or the only place to shop for scrapbooking supplies will be inside the box stores.

Harvesting Memories featured in Craftrends

2007-01-11T14:58:00.000-06:00

Today...the January Craftrends was in my mailbox. Lookie what was listed in the table of contents!!
The cover story of the sneak peek issue of the new Memorytrends magazine is "Keep in Touch: How scrapbooking can support our military families," and features Harvesting Memories. The photo taken at Scrapbook Warehouse in Dallas shows some of the cards we made to during the crop to raise funds for Trees for Troops.

Read the full story scanned from the January 2007 issue.

CHA Prep, Part II

2007-01-10T20:37:00.000-06:00

Today...on the Diva Craft Lounge I gave a CHA Sneak Peek report and provided a little insight as to what to expect later this month.

ETP!

CHA Prep, Part I

2007-01-09T15:27:00.000-06:00

Today...I started preparing for the slice of heaven that is CHA. I developed a web page for the sneak peeks and glanced over the CNA issue new to my mailbox, one of the several pre-show mags I'm sure to receive. So here are some things that caught my eye:

Clip File System from Simply Renee...something new in storage and organization

Pay-per-project Online...something close to a concept I'm trying to develop, but no where near what it needs to be (Warning: I find F&W web sites painfully slow. This one is no exception.)

Give 'em what they need...excellent peek into what this industry should be -- and should not be -- doing:
Karen Ancona's editorial "We Reap What We Sow" about kindness and generosity...it was like she was speaking to the NSA about Harvesting Memories and our plans for CHA: "Americans love a company that promotes civility...a good deed in the pay-it-forward spirit."

ETP!

Let the games begin!

2007-01-05T14:39:00.000-06:00

Today...I heard of the demise of another scrapbooking company. Leaving Prints has shut its doors. While some, especially direct sales representatives of any company, see this as a blow to their chances to build their own business, I also see it as a struggle for the scrapbooking industry to expand the passion to a greater consumer base.

Direct sales companies, with their home party plans, have the permission to enter people's personal space, both physically and emotionally, that other retailers do not. Sales reps are friends and acquaintences, actual people, who can provided that personal contact and relationship not available from a retail store or web site. That type of hand holding is needed in scrapbooking, especially to introduce scrapbooking to the intimidated and overwhelmed newcomer.

So when the industry looses a player such as Leaving Prints, it leaves a sad impression with us all.

ETP

Scrapbooking goes to Iraq!

2006-12-15T10:52:00.000-06:00

Today...I read about two congresswomen who will be scrapping up a storm on their upcoming fact-finding tour of the Iraqi region. According to a press release from the office of Congresswoman Sherri Davis, R-CA:

Also along on the fact-finding trip, according to Davis, will be Democratic Rep.
Louise Slaughter of Buffalo. 'She is a neat lady and a major, major scrapbooker
-- and so I wouldn't be surprised if the two of us, with the aid of U.S.
military transport, set a land-sea scrapbooking record of some kind," predicts
Davis with her trademark grin. "Scrap-booking and fact-finding, fact-finding and
scrapbooking. It's a very good mix, and I expect to get several complete books
out of this trip. Arthur Schlesinger recently sold his scrapbooks to Penguin for
a cool 1.5, and so it is actually a very good investment of my time, as well as
being super fun and super educational."

Well, how about that!

I ask both Davis and Slaughter to let our soldiers know we scrapbookers support our troops and hope they enjoy the Christmas trees that are on their way to them!

ETP!

CK announces new & enhanced CKU

2006-12-14T14:25:00.000-06:00

Today...CK Media posted more information about the new and enhanced CKU formats that we've been hearing about. Brooke, the CKU coordinator, told me at CKU-Houston about the changes planned (listen to my Diva on the Road report, Sept. 13, 2006).

Promoted as a "hybrid of everything you have loved over the years," technique classes will combine with two album tracks to provide a three-day event focused on education and fun. Four locations for 2007 include Detroit, Anaheim, Nashville and Orlando, and each event is $345. Look for a new web site to support the new format.

ETP!

Product Line News

2006-12-14T14:07:00.000-06:00

Today...I learned that Basic Grey (a trend-maker) is retiring the Sublime, Motifica, Lollipop Shoppe and Lucky paper lines, along with a selection of Wholy Cow rubons. Say good-bye to these lines, two of which (Sublime & Motifica) debuted with Basic Grey at CHA Summer 2004 (Lollipop Shoppe and Lucky were released February and July 2005, respectively).

This bit of news is helpful to retailers and customers alike. It also can open a discussion about the life of a line. Please post your thoughts. I'd love to hear what you think.

ETP!

The NSA Discount Card Program

2006-12-13T18:00:00.000-06:00

Today...I gave my December report on the Diva Craft Lounge. The news this month included preparations for CHA, the 2007 Event Calendar, and the NSA retail program. I discussed the benefits for NSA retailers, mainly the built-in customer appreciation program through the NSA membership card. Every member of the NSA can download and print their membership card (so it's accessible to them at any time by Internet access...no more punch cards to keep track of!). Consumers then present their NSA card to participating retailers. Retailers offer any point-of-sale discount or special offer they wish. Most NSA retailers offer a 5-10% discount on immediate purchases, and the program can be customized by the retailer. For example, retailers can offer a higher discount to NSA card holders on special days, like National Scrapbooking Day.

Other benefits for the retailer include: no cards to print and distribute, customers are drawn to stores that offer discounts, customers are happy just to be in the store and shop knowing they are getting a small discount for being there, plus retailers can sell NSA memberships to their existing customers for added revenue without inventory.

This is not a new concept; the NSA has offered this program since launching in September 2004, and it's the only program of it's magnitude available to the scrapbooking industry. And it's just in time. As reported in CLN Online, a leading craft industry newsletter:

The Society of Decorative Painters and Jo-Ann's have partnered to provide an extra perk for 2007 SDP members. With each new or renewed membership, members will receive a 10%-off discount card for purchases made at Jo-Ann's stores or at joann.com. A tear-out card will be included in issue #1 of the 2007 THE Decorative Painter magazine. In addition, 25+ other SDP business members have offered a discount on products and services.

The NSA is dedicated to helping the independent scrapbooking retailer thrive. The NSA Discount Card Program is just one service members can take advantage of.

The NSA, like all associations, find strength in numbers...the more the merrier. So make sure your LSS accepts your NSA card!

ETP!

Christmas card revisited

2006-12-12T09:53:00.000-06:00

Today...I was checking the NSA web site stats, and I noticed a peak in the page views for instructions for the Christmas card I made in 2002. OK, so I have some explaining to do....

Last year the NSA was contacted by Readers Digest for ideas to make a memorable Christmas. I shared a card design in which I formatted the text of my "year in review" as a Christmas tree. I agreed to provide the instructions on the NSA web site, and Readers Digest published the link in their December 2005 issue. I guess some readers saved the link for this year, hence the added traffic!

So if you're in need of a Christmas card idea, check it out here!

ETP!

Expanding the Compassion

2006-12-08T11:17:00.000-06:00

Today...I learned about a scrapbooking store in San Antonio, Texas, helping a nearby store in a desperate time of need. In October, a fire hit the shopping center where the Memory Bucket is located. While the Memory Bucket didn't suffer actual fire damage, most of the store inventory was lost due to water damage.

Fellow scrapbook retailer, Scrapbook Obsession, has been collecting donations to help the Memory Bucket rebuild. When I called Scrapbook Obsession to confirm this story, I was told that they continue to "pass the bucket" around to collect donations. If you are in the San Antonio area any time soon, I encourage you to stop by Scrapbook Obsession to make a donation and to express your thanks for their efforts.

Kudos to Scrapbook Obsession for reaching out to help a fellow retailer. Most importantly, thanks to Scrapbook Obsession for recognizing and promoting the fact that scrapbookers are part of a larger community that relies on one another for strength. I am humbled by their acts of compassion, and I wish the Memory Bucket a speedy recovery.

ETP!

Now for the trade mags!

2006-12-01T19:46:00.000-06:00

Today...I got a call from Beth Hess at Craftrends magazine. She also wants to mention Harvesting Memories in an upcoming issue. Look for it in January 2007!

ETP!

Harvesting Memories in the Top 10!

2006-11-21T15:17:00.000-06:00

Today...I received word that Harvesting Memories may be mentioned in the upcoming Creating Keepsakes 2007 Top Ten issue! We had to provide a release for the photo we took at the Lewisville crop (see previous post), so look for the issue to be out next spring!

ETP!

WOW! Harvesting Memories!

2006-11-13T14:42:00.000-06:00

Today...I'm doing major follow-up from Saturday's Harvesting Memories events! So, quickly, here is a shot of some of the croppers at Scrapbook Warehouse in Lewisville near Dallas. We made appreciation cards for Hero Hugs, a group of kids that sends care packages to troops serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Every care package includes a handmade card.

Many thanks to the local coordinators and generous sponsors that helped make Harvesting Memories happen this year. Next year's event is scheduled for November 10!

ETP!

Memory Trends RAK Attack Challenge, Part 2

2006-11-06T13:08:00.000-06:00

Today...I'm posting five more photos and questions from Memory Trends. RAK to the poster with all the correct answers. Sorry, winners from Part 1 can play, but they can't win. Good Luck!

1) Stacy Julian and her right-hand want you to get into the big picture. Who is she?

2) This project in the Flair booth was created by their design team lead. Who is she?

3) Thena has a new book releasing on November 11 from Blue Grass Publishing. What is the title?

Bonus question: Thena's scrapping buddy is always nearby. Who is she?

4) Here I am with my Las Vegas hostess. Who is she? (first name only OK)

5) Richard Bender and his teammate are nationally recognized retail experts who regularly contribute to Craftrends magazine and MemoryTrends. His teammate is not his wife. Who is she?

ETP!

RAK Attack Answers and Winners!

2006-10-27T12:04:00.000-06:00

Today...I explain the answers to the Memory Trends questions and announce the winners of the first RAK Attack!

1) What are the three new lines from this cosmopolitan company? Bonus point: Name the girly in the center.

Flirtini, Pink Squirrel and Orange Dreamsicle are the three new lines from Pink Martini. Suzy West, Scrapbooking on the Wall phenom, is in the middle. That's Amy Goldstein (Ames), owner of Pink Martini, on the right.

2) The guy in the crazy pants is marketing director for what sticky supplier?

Richard of GlueArts makes a statement that sticks with the outfits he wears on the show floor. He tricked me into believing he was wearing Jim's pants (Jim Rudolph, GlueArts' sales director, didn't come to MT, so he got to be the butt of Richard's jokes). I admitted to Richard that I packed the wrong pants, so I had to borrow a pair from Fiona. To mark the silliness, we took a picture of us wearing other people's pants. Thing is, Richard IS wearing his own pants. I'm so gullible!

3) This Scrapbooker of the Year Finalist has two scrapbook-related businesses. What are they?

Holly Van Dyne runs Scrapbook Insights and Scrapbook Resumes. I forgot she used to collect and sell snowglobes! You still doing that, Holly?

4) These ladies are the force behind what fabulous company, and what is the tag line of that company?

Dina Quondamatteo and Janene Jaeger are the owners of Zsiage, the Essence of Fabulous. Their new India-inspired papers are beautiful!

5) This is the tallest couple in scrapbooking. Who are they? and how did they name their newest company?

Eric & Julie Comstock have four kids, five if you count their new company, Cosmo Cricket, which is an anagram of Eric's name.

And with that, Kathleen gets the Cosmo Cricket Jitterbug Paper Pack, a sample of GlueArts new total coverage vellum adhesive (works great on transparencies, too!), and several yards of beautiful ribbon from MayArts. I'm sending Trish some ribbon, too, for getting the bonus question right! Enjoy ladies!ETP!

Check back later for five more questions and another chance for a RAK!

ETP!

Memory Trends RAK Attack Challenge, Part I

2006-10-26T13:15:00.000-06:00

Here are five photos from Memory Trends. Can you answer the questions that relate to them?? Killer RAK to the first person who does and gets all of them right!

1) What are the three new lines from this cosmopolitan company? Bonus point: Name the girly in the center.

2) The guy in the crazy pants is marketing director for what sticky supplier?

3) This Scrapbooker of the Year Finalist has two scrapbook-related businesses. What are they?

4) These ladies are the force behind what fabulous company, and what is the tag line of that company?

5) This is the tallest couple in scrapbooking. Who are they? and how did they name their newest company?

Check back tomorrow for another five questions and another chance for a RAK!

ETP!

Memory Trends Highlight #3

2006-10-22T13:42:00.000-06:00

You've seen her creations all over the internet-- web sites and logos for scrapbooking enterprises in all segments of the industry. This is Michelle Williams (right) of Treasured Pages, and Cory (left), her new right hand! Spend just a few minutes browsing scrapbooking web sites and you'll see Michelle's work, including the Harvesting Memories logo and web site. I finally got to meet Michelle and Cory in person -- definitely a highlight! Michelle donated her time and talent to develop the Harvesting Memories web site site, and since then the three of us have been IMing each other on a regular basis! Thanks so much, Michelle!!

Memory Trends Highlight #2

2006-10-21T13:16:00.000-06:00

There are so many nice people in the scrapbooking industry, and at the top of the list is Leah Fung. She is genuine, and sweet, and so willing to help. We saw each other at the BHG Scrapbooks, etc. booth, and she is one of the hosts of their webTV show, Scrapbook Lifestyles. As full as her life is right now, she eagerly offered to help an any way possible with the Harvesting Memories events. Thanks, Leah!

Memory Trends Highlight #1

2006-10-20T10:46:00.000-06:00

Here I am with Tracy White, editor of Creating Keepsakes. Tracy really is a phenomenal woman and the perfect person to lead the leading scrapbooking publication. We ran into each other in the speakers' lounge, where she was waiting to start a meeting with Lisa Bearnson and others from CK. She showed me how she uses her Memory Dock system, and we talked a bit about how to better intersect scrapbooking and lifestyles. Tracy is big on journaling (well, she is an editor!) and is an "in the moment" type of person. I'm honored to know her and share our passion of scrapbooking.

Memory Trends Highlights

2006-10-16T10:51:00.000-06:00

Today...I'm back from Las Vegas where I attended the 7th annual Memory Trends Conference & Expo. Since it was the fourth trade show I attended this year, I'll only point out the highlights that made this show stand out from the others. Later I'll post photo highlights!

Speakers Badge - This was the first time I attended as a Speaker and got to don the coveted blue badge! Over 58 people signed up for my seminar, "Creating the Scrapbooker for Life," and hopefully the class offered a different yet positive perspective to the retailers who attended. I captured everyone's email address and hope to continue to communicate with them on a regular basis.

Diva Craft Lounge Live! - I was on assignment for the Diva Craft Lounge! It was fun -- and challenging -- reviewing as many exhibitors as possible looking for the latest and greatest products. Debbie Hodge did this for the NSA at the Chicago CHA show, and my stint made me appreciate her efforts all the more! Thanks, Debbie, for offering to come to CHA Anaheim to do it again! Anyway, Wednesday's DCL show was LIVE! with the recently-name Scrapbooker of the Year, C.D. Muckosky, Jan Mollet Evans, Thena Smith, and many more. It was a whirlwind show! And I got to meet Tom, Diva Danielle's husband, who helps considerably with DCL and other behind the Diva scenes.

My wonderful hosts! - I can't tell you how wonderful it is to travel to a strange city (and Vegas is different!) and be welcomed by friendly faces. In this case it was NSA member Fiona and her husband Ed, delightful daughter Dakota, and their new puppy, Bailey! Thank you, Nottoli Family, for your hospitality! Fiona and I did a fairly good job of keeping on track with the task at hand. We only went to In and Out Burger once, visited only one scrapbooking store, and made it to sleep before one a.m. most nights! It's always a highlight to stay and spend time with fellow scrapbookers!

More later...

ETP!

SBA helped to expand the passion

2006-10-04T22:48:00.000-06:00

Today...Scrapbook Answers announced that November 2006 would be the last issue for the scrapbooking consumer magazine, which hit the scene October 2005.

Scrapbook Answers took the scrapbooking community by storm with it's fresh, fun and realistic approach to scrapbooking. Each issue included a CD jam-packed with additional features, how-to videos, fonts, and ideas. The product review section was appriciated by discriminating scrapbookers, plus the magazine was widely available in stores. It had a main-stream feel with content to inspire all scrapbooking levels.

Additionally, Scrapbook Answers was a sponsor of the NSA. We distributed the magazine in Sponsor Kits, and they offered NSA members a $5.00 discount on subscriptions. I had the pleasure a meeting the editorial staff and working with the associate publisher. These are dedicated, hard-working, driven, approachable, passionate women. I wish them well with their new challenges and hope to work with them again very soon.

ETP!

Harvesting Memories

2006-09-27T22:37:00.000-06:00

Today...we formally announced Harvesting Memories Crop & Shop events on the Diva Craft Lounge and launched the Harvesting Memories web site!

Many thanks to Michelle Williams of Treasured Pages for the logo and web site design and all the time she volunteered to make the Harvesting Memories web site a reality in record time! This girl is amazing! One look at her portfolio will tell you how much she has influenced the online scrapbooking market with her designs and web development. To top it off, she's super nice and easy-going! Thank you, Michelle!

So instead of duplicating here all the info that's on the web site, click over to Harvesting Memories to see the latest locations and sponsors and to find out how you can help Trees for Troops!

ETP!

Listening to the everyday scrapbooker

2006-09-01T09:00:00.000-06:00

Today...the NSA launched a new blog for scrapbookers called, "Here's What I'm Thinking!". Kim Luty, new to Team NSA and coming up with a slew of ideas to involve and represent the scrapbooking consumer, is looking for those with stories relevant to the everyday scrapbooker.

The NSA is a member-driven organization, and as such, needs to be there to listen to the stories of scrapbookers. The purpose of scrapbooking is to capture, showcase and share stories, so blogging can be viewed as the latest form of scrapbooking.

Thoughts?

ETP

Collaborating with Your Competition

2006-08-11T22:56:00.000-06:00

Today...I finalized my round table discussion topic for Memory Trends. New to this year's conference are Industry Forums. Here's the topic I submitted:

Benefit by Collaborating with Your Competition
Meeting Leader: Veronica Hugger
Veronica Hugger, head of the NSA (National Scrapbooking Association), has seen many creative ideas evolve and grow in the scrapbooking arena. Join us to get and share advice on how you and other independent retailers can collaborate and work together to provide exceptional and memorable customer service and keep customers coming back for more.

So much to talk about on this subject! I can't wait! I'll post some of my thoughts in future blog entries.

ETP!

Photo Keepsakes vs. Memory Projects

2006-07-28T11:17:00.000-06:00

Today...I'm sharing another observation about the looming polarization of the scrapbooking industry. This month, Primedia released a new publication called Creating Keepsakes: The Ultimate Guide to Photo Keepsakes. At CHA last week, craft group publisher of F&W, Jeanne Wines-Reed, stated the term F&W will use from now on is "memory projects." Both terms are accurate, and both help support a broader definition of scrapbooking.

Each term also supports the publisher's flagship periodical..."keepsakes" for Creating Keepsakes and "memory" for Memory Makers. But what these terms really do is to help dig a deeper line in the sand between the two primary players in the scrapbooking industry.

It's the scrapbooking version of the Coke vs. Pepsi war. Never mind that the two most popular sodas pretty much taste the same (Hey, I took the challenge.). Marketing agencies have done an excellent job emphasizing a perceived difference between the two sodas to convince consumers that there is a difference. Still, many cola lovers are die-hard fans of their favorite brand. My best friend only buys Diet Pepsi. Me? I'm a Diet Coke fan.

But my dad will order a rootbeer at any chance he can get. Although not as popular, rootbeer as a soft drink is known, has limited availablilty yet a loyal following. Same thing with Dr. Pepper.

All this makes we wonder ... where does the NSA fit in? Simple. The NSA is water. Cool, crisp, refreshing, neutral, life-giving, cleansing...a necessity.

ETP!

Deja vu all over again

2006-07-14T00:17:00.000-06:00

Today...the mail included my pre-CHA copy of Scrapbook Premier. Like all the trade magazines I receive, I devour it cover to cover. This issue had no less than four articles -- all on different topics -- discussing what the industry needs:

hand holding
broader definition of scrapbooking
personal portable printers as a retail solution
importance of written instructions
competition vs. cooperation

I've been touting all of this for well over a year. In fact, I'm starting to identify what scrapbooking will be dealing with next year (should I tell...or maybe I already have?)

My boyfriend says one of my greatest assets is my ability to not say anything (drives him crazy!).

So, I'll do what my coach taught me. I'll bite my tongue, praise the concepts as fabulous, original ideas, and offer to help champion the cause. Besides, no idea is really original, and I'm thrilled that more people are doing the work and bringing the issues to the forefront. That's what we really need, right?

ETP!

Recent press

2006-07-11T12:41:00.000-06:00

Today...I'm posting links to recent articles mentioning the NSA...

Computer-assisted photo projects are more than scrapbooking - Chicago Tribune
Digital scrapbooking lets you create with a click - The Grand Rapids Press

ETP!

Digital Effects

2006-07-06T22:52:00.000-06:00

Today...I gave an interview to a reporter looking into the impact of digital scrapbooking (Renee Pearson calls it "digi"). She asked for numbers (we just know that the trend is growing) and what effects digital might have on traditional scrapbooking. She also was interested how scrapbookers are combining digital with traditional scrapbooking techniques.
Here are the thoughts I shared with her:
Digi is growing because:

Software like PSE filters out the features superfluous to most scrapbookers and makes it easier to apply the effects they are looking for
Digital photos are loaded to a computer, and scrapbookers find it easier to scrap them on the computer
Many digi scrappers say it's about convenience and cost. No product to buy, organize, pull out, put away, etc.

Here's why some scrappers have not converted:

They need a hands-on activity. The textures of paper and embellishments is a big part of the experience. Happiness is an inky, paint-stained hand.
Like me, they may spend most of the work day at a computer. Traditional scrapbooking gets them away from the computer.
Or they are not computer savvy, and they don't want to have to learn to scrap on a computer.

Needless to say, many scrapbookers use their computer for scrapbooking:

Uploading, editing, and printing photos
Journaling and titles
Some design layouts on the computer, like a sketch, before assembling all the pieces
There's a trend to do both: create a page with digital elements, print it, then add 3-D embellishments like ribbons and charms, to create a totally unique look. The Leeza Gibbons Scrapbooking Software software by Mountain Cow facilitates this approach.

And for the final bullet points, here are my thoughts about the impact of digi:

Digi has the potential to bring more people into scrapbooking and to help more people to create more ways to preserve their memories.
It has the potential to attract men to the hobby. Generally men buy the cameras, but it's the women who take the pictures. Showing men what they can do with the photos with their other "toys" may entice them to scrap.
Digital scrapbookers should utilize services to print and bind their albums so they can to showcase and share their memories in book form

And finally, digital scrapbooking further proves the point that scrapbooking is for everyone, even the person who doesn't want to get ink on their hands.

ETP!

Happy 4th of July!

2006-07-01T10:26:00.000-06:00

Today...I'm sharing photos from last year's fireworks display. Enjoy!

Some random thoughts

2006-06-29T22:27:00.000-06:00

Today...was one of those days that you know was fabulous, and what comes next is even better!

First, we found out more about the Creative Imaginations win...see previous blog entry. Whoa!

Scott and I had conversations with several key people...VIPs, CEOs, media...it just blew our minds when we look back on today's progress.

Plus, we got a shipment from the NSA's newest sponsor...Marvy Uchida! I started to play with the product, got a layout idea, it brought back precious memories, those gut-wrenching, tear-forming, happy memories...and it reminded me yet again about the importance of documenting our lives.

I hope today that you had a chance to scrap. I hope that everyone has a little spot at home that allows them to keep an on-going, everyday scrapbook, or journal, that they maybe can add photos to. Maybe that's what I need to do -- keep a journal, add to it as needed, embellish the pages from time to time, accent it with photos. A different approach to scrapbooking.

Scott and I have had several discussions about the definition of scrapbooking and the NSA's responsibility to broaden the term to mean it's more than a craft. It should be seen as less of an exclusive obsession and more like an extension of our existing lifestyle. Scrapbooking is a way to showcase and share our memories, and with today's digital technology, more people are able to capture more memories. Isn't scrapbooking a way to kick it up a notch? To actually do something with all the photos we're taking?

So loosen your definition of scrapbooking to include more than picture-perfect photos and pub-worthy layouts. What will matter to your ancestors 100 years from now when they look through your scrapbooks? That you used the latest and greatest techniques and patterned paper? No. It will be that you took the time to note that today you _____________ (fill in the blank).

ETP!

Winner of CI's $10,000 contest is...

2006-06-29T09:48:00.000-06:00

...a member of the NSA!!!

Scott and I are doing the happy dance with THE winner of the Studio Basics 101 Sweepstakes!!

We just got off the phone with her. The official announcement won't be made by CI until the 25 runners up have been notified. But we have the inside scoop from the winner. We'll be following up with an announcement of our own, complete with an exclusive interview of the lucky scrapper, so members of the NSA can share in the excitement.

As a fellow contest winner, I know how she feels. And it's a feeling that lasts a very long time. Congratulations!!

Today is a great day!

ETP!

1,538 stores...and growing!

2006-06-27T12:37:00.000-06:00

Today...I awoke to 1,538 stores in the NSA Retail Directory! Chris uploaded a spreadsheet I've been building of some of the international scrapbooking stores. It's time to let the world know of the global plans and capabilities of the NSA.

The NSA Locator is now live, too! Anyone can find a U.S. LSS near them, wherever they are, whenever! Bluegrass Publishing has helped considerably by calling many of the retailers on the list and verifying or adding their information. Now the task lies in promoting this fabulous service.

Just last week Mike Harnett had this to say in his CLN Online newsletter (Mike is known for his tounge-in-cheek approach, so I attempted to add humor to my responses):

Where to find lists of retailers
CLN is asked periodically where vendors can find a list of industry retailers. There is no master list, (the NSA has one, and makes it available to everyone!) and if one existed, it would be out of date as soon as it was published (not if it was kept online!), given the number of stores opening and closing. However, here are some suggestions:
1. Trade show exhibitors often have the opportunity to purchase a show's attendee list after the show closes. Contact the show sponsors (yeah? got spare arm and leg?).
2. Many vendors include on their websites the names and addresses of stores that sell their products. It could be very time consuming to find and collate the names from various sites (you're telling me!), but if you want a list badly enough.... (yes, we do! all of us! consumers, retailers, and vendors...we all need it!)
3. Consider exchanging customer lists with other vendors (Bluegrass came to the table with us, but others told us no, indicating not everyone wants to share).
4. Trade magazines do not rent their circulation lists, but may on occasion do a mailing for an advertiser (if you still have that spare arm). And, of course, there's always advertising and creating a list from the reader response cards (or that spare leg).
5. Some trade associations offer its members a membership
directory, often divided by category, such as "retailers." (ahem)
Whatever the size/extent of your customer list, a good way to keep it "clean" is to do an annual, simple, first-class mailing. That way you can cull the names of stores whose letters were returned by the Post Office (annual? we do a monthly email correspondence. Cleaner and cheaper).

Rebecca Ludens of scrapbooking.about.com needs to be informed, too. She claims her site is the place to start when looking for a scrapbook store...but she only provides a few links to store locators created by magazines and manufacturers. Several problems lie in that approach, but I won't state the obvious, and my tounge is too far into my cheek to respond.

I'll just emphasize...the NSA provides an active, comprehensive, functional Retail Directory and Locator:

active...the NSA actively maintains the data, researching stores, contacting them on a regular basis, deleting duplicates, store closures, etc. Viewers can submit information about missing stores or edits, deletes, etc.
comprehensive...the list is not tied to product or publication. Stores are listed for free! The criteria for a store to be listed are that it is a brick & mortar store front, offers scrapbooking classes for the beginner, and has inventory at least 50% scrapbooking-specific.
functional...with the locator, web links and other capabilities, the information provided is useful and promotes the independent scrapbooking retailer by making it easier for consumers to find retailers

One way the NSA fulfills its mission to expand the passion of scrapbooking is by providing global support for a grassroots hobby. Creating and maintaining the NSA Retail Directory says we mean business. We mean to direct consumers to retailers, to tell the public that there are local stores that offer scrapbooking classes, and to offer ways to market the independent retailer that they alone cannot do.

To get technical...the NSA web site is built on a powerful Cold Fusion platform. Because of the investment the NSA has made to provide this tool and to build the data base, we can now interface with other web tools, like Google Earth, to serve the scrapbooking community with the best store directory and locator technology can offer. We've captured email addresses and phone and fax numbers, too, and will soon launch a manufacturer directory. And let me tell you...that ain't all we're doing to help this industry. You just wait.

Many thanks to Bluegrass Publishing for seeing the need and benefit of the NSA Retail Directory. They, like the other members of the NSA, get it!

ETP!

Changing for the better

2006-06-14T16:53:00.000-06:00

CrafTrends announced that Primedia has entered into an agreement to sell substantially all of the assets of its Crafts Group to Enthusiast Media LLC, an entity controlled by affiliates of Sandler Capital Management, in an all-cash transaction valued at $132 million, subject to audit adjustments.

So you can imagine the premature reactions, suppositions and conclusions posted on the various message boards. (Primedia's Crafts Group has been on the table for some time.)

So what's my reaction? Too soon to tell. The optimistic Ali Edwards says "It's all good," but that has been the catch phrase since CHA-S 2005.

So the change management consultant in me says the easy and the obvious: "If it's change for the better, then the change is good." But will this and the other recent changes really be good for scrapbooking?

If there is a place for the beginner and a place for the obsessed addict, then yes.

If there is a level playing field for all members of the scrapbooking community, then yes.

I don't see either of the two mega players offering what's needed...yet. Only the NSA can provide the solutions to manage the impending changes.

Primedia's Creating Keepsakes has a lock on the artistic scrapbooker. But the magazine is not forthcoming about its focus for the advanced scrapoboker. CK tends to lure the novice in the short term and alienate them in the long term. Primedia's Simple Scrapbooks tries to target beginners, but with professional quality photos in every layout, it alientates the beginner who happens to have a shoebox of more-than-average snapshots.

F & W's only consumer scrapbooking magazine, Memory Makers, claims to have something for everyone, as does the newcomer, Scrapbook Answers from Future Networks USA. Both publish nine times per year and neither has a consistent way to communicate what level scrapbooker their particular content is for.

No wonder non-scrapbookers find the hobby intimidating, overwheming and downright scary. It's not so fun to play.

One solution is a system to communicate clearly and effectively the ability level of a particular project, class, make & take or technique. The NSA is developing a standard that all members of the scrapbooking community can adopt, without having to side with one magazine, publisher, "side" or camp. It will be a way to tell beginners, "Hey, you can do this, no matter how artsy it looks," and it will let the advanced scrapper know that they will be challenged.

When the NSA makes this service available, it will be free and open for anyone to use. I hope all the players do, because that would be change for the better.

ETP!

Open wide the doors

2006-05-27T00:31:00.000-06:00

Today...hit the ground running!

First, I got a confirmation that my presentation on the Home Shopping Network is a go. In August I'll head to St. Petersburg for the first of several appearances. That pretty much brings full circle my education!

I entered college seeking a broadcast journalism degree. I spent many hours behind a desk reading off a teleprompter, but I much preferred a behind-the-scenes role. My subsequent jobs required some face time, and none really on camera. Presentation skills are important to have in many types of jobs, but few lead to broadcasting. I'm excited to have this opportunity, and I truely hope it opens more doors for me and the NSA.

Speaking of opening doors, Scott and I are pondering the openness of the NSA. If the NSA truely is to be about expanding the passion and communicating the message that scrapbooking is for everyone, shouldn't the NSA be more open to more people? We agree that it should, but we don't know yet what that open door looks like.

F&W publisher David Steward speaks of the "Big Tent" approach, and for the consumer that is very true. The scrapbooking community must "open wide the doors" to let all types of scrapbookers in. However, the F&W tent implies that their competitors aren't really welcome. That's where the NSA is different, and the NSA must recognize that and promote its open door policy as a strength.

Like I said, we're still working on the details, and I have other exciting developments in the works, like a meeting tomorrow with HP. More later!

ETP!

The joy of spying?

2006-05-18T12:10:00.000-06:00

Today...I did much of what the other NSA has been accused of doing: collecting data to complile a list of contacts. Granted, the National Security Administration is getting much more press about their efforts, but mine will yield a directory of manufacturers that this NSA will provide, plus some other cool features. I'm signing up for as many manufacturer newsletters as I can, so the NSA will receive announcements and be able to pass on information that scrapbookers want to know.

I also spoke to someone who is writing a book of daily suggestions to "ignite the joy of everyday life." One joy is scrapbooking! And she wants to direct readers to the NSA web site for more information. Cool! That's how it's supposed to work: introducing the mainstream to scrapbooking via the NSA; the NSA is the portal to the scrapbooking community.

Many thanks to Lynda at Memory Treasures in Maryland for telling the author about the NSA. Talk about expanding the passion!

ETP!

Saying thanks

2006-05-18T00:13:00.000-06:00

Today...I called in on the Diva Craft Lounge. Kevin Nelson, the editor of Scrapbook Premier was the guest, and I wanted to thank him for the article about the write-up about the NSA's Scrapbooking in the Schools program in the May/June issue. I had already sent an email to the author, Lori Solomon, but thanking Kevin on the show gave me the opportunity to express my appriciation to a greater audience.

ETP!

Movin' & Shakin' at Memory Makers

2006-05-16T22:20:00.000-06:00

Today...I had the chance to meet on the phone the new editor of Memory Makers Magazine. Steve Smith, who happily gave the NSA permission to promote their submission calls.

There are many more changes on the way from F+W, the publishers of Memory Makers. The First Lady of Scrapbooking, Jeanne Wines-Reed, is now group publisher with oversight of CNA Magazine and Memory Makers in addition to her Great American Scrapbook Conventions and Scrapbook Retailer Magazine. Karen Aconda, in her editor's viewpoint in May's CNA, mentioned some of the updates being made to the CNA brand.

Exciting things are happening over there, and I'm anxious to see all the wonderful improvements they come up with. It's not a small task, and I wish them well in their makeover endeavors.

ETP!

Return to the grassroots

2006-03-23T12:02:00.000-06:00

Today...As in most industries (local healthcare markets is a good example), there emerges two or three major players, aligned to provide a full range of services and to compete against each other.

Apply the model to the scrapbooking industry. Powerhouse (in this case, a publisher) holds consumer and trade mags and a consumer convention/education series:

Primedia has CK, SS, Craftrends, CKC, CKU
F&W has MM, SB Retailer, CNA, GASC

(Hijack for the obvious questions: are there only two? what's going to happen with Scrapbook EXPO and Scrapbook Premier? how do Meredith and Future play into this?)

Despite recent consolidations and eventual polarization, there will be an attempt to return to the grassroots.

Like in healthcare, where the hands-on interaction is crucial to success, there will be a need to provide the personal touch to the end consumer. This is not done with the "cult of personality," but with a return to the grassroots efforts. Therefore, expect to see both powerhouses make an attempt to seem small and personable as a way to reach new consumers.

But we all know that scrapbooking was built at the grassroots level. And just like the nurses who provide the care and bed-side manner, it's going to take individuals like you and me, not the figureheads, to hold the hands of the new scrapbooking consumer.

We need to be ready to hold some hands.

ETP!

Yesterday was great, too!

2006-03-23T01:44:00.000-06:00

Before I set up this blog on Blogger, it was hosted here. So please visit the archives to read posts as far back as November 2005.