Today...is a great day!

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!

Labels: Harvesting Memories, pudding

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!

Labels: About the ING, Expanding the Passion, IMHO, it starts with a memory, Stop the DRAMA

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!

Labels: Expanding the Passion, industry insights, Latest and Greatest

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!

Labels: About the ING, hand holding

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!

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!

Labels: About the ING