Over the Rainbow

Scrappy Sunday--He is Good

2012-01-29T09:44:00.010-05:00

Today I have an older layout to share with y'all. I created this layout back in May (I wish I had the exact date). This was one of the lowest points for me in my infertility experience--after an awful disappointment in the previous cycle, I was trying a treatment plan one last time before moving on to the "big guns." I was scared, and frustrated, and to be honest, angry.

One day during that month I felt peaceful. I felt suddenly sure that G-d was with me, that things would work out in the end, and that He would give me the strength I needed to get to that point. I created this layout on that day, to keep my spirits up when my sense of security faded. I used happy colors (my favorite Studio Calico kit of all time, Lawn Party), and created this layout, which may not win any design awards, but which I will always love. The gray background felt calming to me, exactly how I wanted the layout to feel.

I wrote journaling that meant something to me, and creating the layout just made me happy.

I had no idea that this was the month I would get pregnant. I would not find out the news until several weeks later in June, but it was in May of 2011 that my miracle finally came.

Months later, I decided the layout deserved a repeat. I used the same title, and put together a design that made me happy.

I love that my album now has a visual recording of how life can change in such momentous ways. That's one of the best things about this hobby, isn't it?

Don't be afraid to scrapbook the sad stuff--because one day, when things turn around, it will always remind you of how lucky you are, and how quickly life can change for the better.

One of the hardest aspects of infertility is how isolating it can be. According to Resolve (a great IF resource, by the way), 1 out of 8 couples in the world experience infertility. Yet it still feels so lonely.

I know that many of you have been down this road, and still more of you are waiting for your day to come. If you have an infertility story you feel comfortable sharing, please leave it in a comment or link me up to your blog (I will post links in a future post). You'd be surprised how much sharing YOUR story can help others.

Wishing you a happy Sunday, everyone, with lots of dreams come true.

A note on the giveaway--we have a new winner for Box #2! It is.......Tiffany Davis! Shoot me an email and I will get your package out to you:)

Tiffany DavisJan 21, 2012 06:36 PM

Yay! I've followed your blog for almost a year now. tiffanydenisedavis@gmail.com. :)

Staycation fun

2012-01-24T18:37:00.007-05:00

A few weeks ago, S and I decided to take advantage of the fact that we live in New Jersey and head off the big city for a little "staycation." It was wonderful--not much packing, not much traveling, and an exciting destination!

S and I stayed at a fancy Sheraton in Times Square:

I know this photo is SO dark and grainy, but I love it anyway--it looks as happy as I felt.

At night, we headed out to a delicious steak place, La Marais, for dinner--and the highlight was that I ate some dessert AND my blood sugar levels were fine! An exciting development in the life of a diabetic:) We then went to this funky theater in Midtown to see Million Dollar Quartet--S's pick, but I actually really liked it!

We topped off the night with some drinks at the bar (virgin over here):

And menorah lighting (which makes me realize, this was really more than a few weeks ago. Oops!).

The next day, we got off to a late start and then headed to brunch.

We rounded off the day with a Trader Joe's stop (I *love* that store. Although next time I go, I want to buy all of the English toffee bars I can see!)

So that was our staycation--probably the last babymoon before bunny arrives. Speaking of which, my due date is THREE weeks away. Eek!

Tell me--what is YOUR idea of a perfect staycation?

Note--giveaway winners posted below. Jenny, please email me by Sunday or I'll have to pick a new winner!

We have WINNERS!

2012-01-22T21:10:00.004-05:00

Thanks for playing along with the giveaway, everyone! You are all helping my nesting instinct very effectively (speaking of which, the coat closet is my next victim, so if you're wanting extra coats . . . .)

source

I have two winners to post!

Box # 1 is going to . . . . .

CourtneyJan 19, 2012 08:58 AM

How sweet of you Keshet! I would love a chance to win! Thanks!

Box # 2 is going to . . . . .

Jenny LilacJan 19, 2012 02:58 PM

What an awesome giveaway! I am following your blog!

Please email me at keshet.starr@gmail.com, and I'll get your box out to you!

Giveaway Day!!

2012-01-19T06:00:00.001-05:00

Well, the giveaway box in my guest room closet has been overflowing, and causing a few avalanches lately. So I decided it was officially time to pass on all those goodies to YOU!

I have two boxes of scrappy stuff to send out.

Box #1 includes some new October Afternoon (I don't do the Christmas lines, although they're so cute!), and some Crate Paper, Pebbles, Basic Grey and more from last season's releases. There's a Scrapbook Trends issue stuck in for good measure as well!

A little close-up:

Box #2 has some new Cling stamps, Washi tape, Cosmo Cricket, mistables, and a few exclusive Studio Calico stamps stuck in:)

And another closer peek:

If you would like to win a box, here's how to ENTER!

1) Leave a comment in this post by SUNDAY at 8:00 PM.

2) Either follow my blog or leave me an email so I know how to find you:)

*Fine print--I am happy to ship to international winners as long as you can pay shipping! Otherwise, US only please:)

Happy Thursday, everyone!

Scrappy Sunday

2012-01-15T09:39:00.002-05:00

Happy Sunday, friends! Today will be a bittersweet day for us--attending a funeral, and later taking care of more things to do before bunny arrives. We're also meeting with great friends in Brooklyn, and S is pumped about meeting their new cat (he really wants a cat. but i feel like a baby is a good start for now. ha!)

I have a new layout up with the Scarlet Lime February kit!

The blog theme this month was personal style, so I pretty much had fun and used a bunch of my favorite things (label stickers, doodling, flowers, etc) to pull together this layout. You can check out more on the Scarlet Lime blog right here!

Speaking of style, how would you sum up YOUR scrappy style/philosophy?

A trip down (scrappy) memory lane....

2012-01-11T20:38:00.004-05:00

Hello friends! I hope this week has been treating you well. Mine has been filled with cooking, scrapbooking, catching up with friends, and trying to get my yearly budget organized, plus a bit of working thrown in for good measure:)

I have some oldie-but-goodie layouts that I've never shared with you, so here they are today!

This first layout was created for an Ella Publishing article based on a sketch by Donna Jannuzzi. I used my very first kit of all time, Studio Calico's Lawn Party kit from last May.

This next layout was created with Lawn Party (again--sigh, I loved that kit!) and some fun Elle's Studio goodies! The photo is from years and years ago, and is with one of my best friends from growing up.

This last layout was published in Scrapbook Trends earlier this (or I guess last!) year. It was my first magazine assignment and thus very intimidating, but I'm pleased with how it came out!

So tell me--what is YOUR favorite layout of yours lately? If you have it in a blog, link me up!

I hope you enjoyed the scrappy share! Happy end of the week, everyone:)

One Little Word...

2012-01-08T18:33:00.006-05:00

I've been thinking about my One Little Word for a while. And in true Keshet form, I'm a little too wordy to settle on just one. So I've chosen a phrase.

Source

This year is going to bring a lot of changes, and if you know me, you know that change is not my specialty. I hope this phrase reminds me that figuring out how to manage life and motherhood will come over time, and I just need to focus on the day at hand. I also hope it reminds me to be present in each day because life moves SO, so quickly.

So here's to 2012....one day at a time.

Oh, that bunny....

2012-01-04T19:23:00.002-05:00

I hope this isn't becoming one of those "hey look at my baby! look at it again!" kind of blogs. If it's been a bit baby-heavy lately, I apologize in advance. Let's just say, my life ain't so exciting otherwise the past few weeks.

I am 34 weeks pregnant right now and Bunny is weighing in at 5 pounds, 3 ounces! It's grown almost 2 full pounds since my last ultrasound, which explains why I've been so tired the past few weeks:)

Bunny was not such a fan of the ultrasound--at first, it was curled up in a ball and refused to unfurl itself (in its defense, the room was freezing). Then, when the technician turned on the 3D/4D feature, it stuck it's tongue out.

Nothing like a little attitude in the womb, right? I'm already nervous for the teenage years....

Write Click Scrapbook January

2012-01-02T20:50:00.004-05:00

It's a new month, a new year, and time for another gallery over at Write. Click. Scrapbook!

I had fun finally getting to play with my Studio Calico December kit. Love the colors on this one!

The theme for this month was "today," so I decided to use an older photo as a catalyst to discuss what has changed.

The journaling reads: I can’t believe this photo is over 2 months' old—pregnancy is long, but it has gone by so quickly. I can’t wait to meet little bunny in just a few weeks! Love you, Mommy

I had so much fun putting together this layout. I'd been a bit "blah" about scrapbooking lately and bogged down in assignments, so getting to just play with pretty colors was refreshing. Check out the rest of the gallery this month right here.

In other news, I'm at almost 34 weeks, so this pregnancy is in the home stretch. Surprisingly, though, the anxiety has come back very strong this week. Note to self: Do not google "34 weeks pregnant stillbirth" on the Internet just for reassurance. It's a bad idea. If S "accidentally" turns off on our Internet service one of these days, you all know why:)

I hope 2012 is treating you well so far! What are YOU doing today?

2011 in Review

2011-12-30T14:12:00.015-05:00

Now that 2011 is almost over, I figured I'd take you all with me for a trip down memory lane, remembering some highlights of this past year. Putting this post together made me realize how busy and eventful and miraculous of a year it has been!

We started off in January visiting Disney Land! It was hands-down, one of our best vacations ever. Something about Disney just makes me feel like a kid again, in the best way.

Can't miss the teacups....

Tagging along with our Disney trip, we also visited the new Harry Potter park, where I totally geeked out!

Loved the random owl guy.

We spent lots of fun time with family....

And I got to experience CHA for the first time, in Anaheim in January! It was so wonderful to be able to interact in person with so many online scrappy buddies. And it's funny how quickly you can pick up in real life!

I also became an official lawyer this year! And got a job I love. So, all good news on that front!

We spent Purim with some of my best friends growing up.

And just a few months later, after months of disappointment, THIS came along!

While still feeling nauseous and tired, I jetted off to Chicago for CHA Summer, spending more wonderful time with friends.

And a few months later, in September, we headed out to Key West!

We loved the sunshine, ocean, swimming, and frozen limeades:)

And best of all, I got to share the good news with all of you:)

Thank you for tagging along with me this year, and for all of the stories, kindness, and love you've shared with me. I never expected this little blog to lead to so much friendship and happiness, but it really has. Here's to a happy, healthy 2012 for all of you!

Festival of Lights

2011-12-26T15:39:00.006-05:00

Well, Chanuka is a bit more than halfway over (I always get a little nostalgic when both sides of the menorah have candles), but I have a Chanuka post to share anyway.

For my Write. Click. Scrapbook project this month, I whipped up a little Chanuka decor.

I had fun creating the banner--I used blue and white (Chanuka colors), but added in some yellow and ledger to give it a lighter, more vintage feel. And because I can always use some ledger.

If you'll notice, this menorah is actually a leaning menorah, and therefore can't be used for candlelighting (all the candles are supposed to be level), but it does look pretty. I always wish I could just bend it a bit the other way!

A few Chanuka candles add some color....

I created this centerpiece using a sticker from Crafting Jewish Style--a great source for Jewish holiday-themed scrapbooking projects. (PS--I don't get money from CJS, I just like the products and people. Disclaimer over:))

Here are some fun Chanuka links around the scrappy web:

Some fun Chanuka crafts and giveaways at CJS

Chanuka scrapbook pages over at Scrapbooks, Etc.

And a cute Chanuka take on the holiday cookie exchange

If you find any other fun projects, please link me up and I'm happy to add them here!

And before I go, I want to take a minute to think about the actual meaning of Chanuka. Amid the great food (latkes and jelly doughnuts, oh my! Although not too diabetic-friendly, so boo to that!) and fun menorah lighting and songs, I have to remind myself to step back and get to the point of it all.

The Chanuka story is about a battle between the Jews and Greeks, who were trying to prohibit the practice of Judaism. It celebrates that element of being Jewish that involves being different, doing something other the rest of the world, which is not hard to relate to during to the Christmas season. Being different isn't easy--it wasn't when I was the only kid with a dreidel taped to my desk in 4th grade, and it isn't always a comfortable feeling now. But it's part of our story, and so important. For a fun take on the rest of the Chanuka story, check out the classic Maccabeats video:)

And of course, the ultimate miracle of Chanuka is the oil that lasted for eight days and eight nights. As I said in my earlier post, I'm so in awe of the miracle of my own this year--I look down and just can't believe that after all the treatments, it finally worked. I still have to pinch myself sometimes.

What's been YOUR greatest miracle this season?

Happy Chanuka!

2011-12-20T20:00:00.003-05:00

To those of you celebrating Chanuka, wishing you a very happy first night!! And to everyone else, wishing you a happy and fun holiday season!

I'm off to do some menorah-lighting, dreidel-playing and possibly a eensy teensy piece of gelt-eating:)

PS--Remember this photo? It's from my Scrapbooks, Etc. Chanuka layout featured here. I can't believe that here I am, one year later, so close to having a baby at last. Miracles indeed.

Ele's Studio December Gallery

2011-12-18T09:00:00.007-05:00

Happy Sunday everyone! This may be a bit of weepy post, because it's my LAST inspiration gallery as an Elle's Studio team member. I can't say enough how much I've loved being part of this team. Elle is a fabulous person to work with, her products are top-notch quality with adorable patterns, and best of all, they coordinate perfectly with the rest of your stash! I would definitely recommend applying for this team in the future!

But now onto business--the December Inspiration Gallery.

For this gallery, each DT member used one of the two December project kits. I chose Jack Frost:

I also LOVED the other kit, but I went with the less Christmassy option:)

I went with a snowy feel for this layout (loved using the Studio Calico Shine mist that comes with the kit) and added a Maya Road kraft doily from my stash.

I seriously can't get enough of Crate's woodgrain patterned papers. When will they make 25 packs of these, I ask you?

This layout is about how I grew up in Hawaii (fun little fact about me) and moved to Ohio and was THRILLED about snow. And I still love the white fluffy stuff, although my new routine driving to work may complicate that this year!

For my next layout, I brought in bolder colors to the color scheme--I love how you can use the same kit to create layouts with really different feels to them.

In case you can't see it clearly, the paper in the photo says "snow day." S took this photo 2 years ago I think, when I was desperately hoping for a snow day and my wishes for finally fulfilled! Journaling reads: Snow days are CLEARLY the very best part of winter!

And those are my December projects for Elle's! I may make a few projects by January 15th as part of the withdrawal process, so I'll share those on here in if I do:)

In other news, S and I are driving to Philadelphia to see family today. And I'm hoping to continue the great "let's compare these 5,000 stroller options and choose one without our brains exploding" debate in the car. Fun stuff!

What are YOU up to this Sunday?

Scrappy....Monday?

2011-12-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

This was supposed to be a Scrappy Sunday post, but then I got lazy:) Oh well. Thanks for all of your kind comments about my last post. I'm only 3 days in, but so far the finger pricking is a lot less scary than it was initially and I'm getting used to the diet. I even got to eat a Dunkin Donuts munchkin today--score!!

I have an old layout to share with you today. I made this back in Kelly's Sketchbook 3 class. The colors are a lot bolder than my usual girly style, but I had fun with it:)

In other news, I'm very happy that winter has finally hit New Jersey. Something just seems wrong when you're wearing no jacket on Thanksgiving. I'm loving the cold weather:) Although now that I drive to work, I'm not quite as keen on being blanketed with snow!

What's going on in YOUR life this week?

Life....It Ain't Easy

2011-12-05T21:04:00.005-05:00

I wrote this post a few days ago but wasn't ready to share it just yet--

I haven't talked about it too much on here, but this pregnancy has been a roller coaster from 20 weeks on. First it was a concern about chromosomal abnormalities (now gone), then an issue with bunny's heartbeat which led to me cutting out all caffeine. After that, there were concerns about preeclampsia, and today I found out that I have gestational diabetes as well. Sometimes it feels like just when I've adjusted to one piece of news, another one is hitting me.

One of the hardest parts of infertility was accepting that something so easy for other people was so difficult for me. I was so angry about potentially doing IVF--it just did not seem fair that I would have to jam needles in my stomach once a day to get pregnant while other people had honeymoon babies. And of course, it really isn't fair. Lately, I've struggled a little with feeling frustrated that my body has made this pregnancy so complicated while other people have an uneventful nine months. I worry that bunny will be somehow worse off for growing inside me of all people.

But I try to remember this: that going through the pain of infertility is probably the best training to be grateful for a challenging pregnancy. That I'm so, so thankful to be pregnant even if I have to eat nothing but spinach for the next few months (kidding! Or at least I hope so!). That life may not be fair, but as unfair-ness goes, I'm hardly in the worst position. (Although I will add that it still boggles my mind that people have babies doing something actually fun!)

So I'm keeping my eye on the ball--one happy, healthy little baby coming up right up, G-d willing:)

Holiday Homes--Purim edition!

2011-12-05T18:58:00.003-05:00

Our gallery topic for Write. Click. Scrapbook this month was Holiday Homes. Since I don't (a) have a house or (b) celebrate Christmas, I decided to go way out of the box for this theme and use some fun photos from Purim, a holiday we celebrate in March. What I love about Purim is how it fills up our entire house--crazy costumes hanging in the closet, shalach manot gift baskets spread out assembly-style on the floor, last-minute baking attempts (see chicks below) covering the counters and dining room table.

For this layout, I kept the design pretty simple and focused on the photos. I loved the Crate "Hello my story is" sticker and was happy to use it here!

And a little close-up.....

Check out the December gallery here to see what the other girls whipped up!

So tell me, what does YOUR holiday home look like today?

Publication Q and A

2011-11-30T19:47:00.007-05:00

Today, I thought I'd tackle some publication questions I've been getting. (Note: this photo has nothing to do with anything. I just like adding at least one photo to a post.)

Before I get started, a caveat: I am really no expert on publications and design teams, and my "lucky streak" ebbs and flows like anyone else's. I'm just answering questions based on what's worked for ME and what my experience has been. That said, now we can move on:)

One thing I've always wondered is how new of layouts do you submit? I like to use up older kits and I always think it's not "new" enough to submit.

I tend to submit newer layouts, but mostly because I forget about the older ones! I also usually feel like the effort invested in submitting isn't always worthwhile for me for a years-old layout where none of the product is available anymore (although I'm not sure how much this actually matters). That said, I think any layout you love is worth a try, and there are some "oldies but goodies" that I do go back to and submit. And if it's a newly made layout with some "vintage" product, I generally send it out!

How do you deal with the rejection?

This is the million dollar question! Rejection is really, really hard. Especially when the item being rejected is something you created with your own hands. The best way I've found to deal with this is to separate myself from the actual publication/submitting process, and try to send it out and forget about it (easier said than done, I know!). I have so much more I could say on this, but I think that is the crux of it.

Why do the manufacturers seem to want the same people over and over for their teams?

Well, I guess this answer should really go to a manufacturer, but I'll take my best crack at it! First, if a designer has a large following and a lot of exposure due to other DTs, then they can provide more publicity for the manufacturer. Second, it's part of the ebb and flow--when a designer gets exposure on a "big team" then other companies are more likely to notice them and pick them up. And third, sometimes when you see a name over and over, you can't help but feel that there's something to that person's work. That said though, everyone starts somewhere, including the "celebrities," so it never hurts to try.

My question would be how do you keep from getting burned out?

This is SO important. I feel like I'm always hearing of people who work like crazy in the industry and then quit scrapbooking, and it makes me sad. Since I keep the Sabbath (no scrapbooking on Shabbos, for those wondering), I have a built in break every week where I can't scrap,so that gives me a much-needed creative recharge. I also take breaks and try not to force it if a layout is just not working out. Finally, I try to keep my schedule manageable and not sign up for more teams than I can handle. The nice thing about being a little "under-booked" in your teams is that you aren't completely overwhelmed when guest design gigs and such come along.

I'd like to know what it is they look for when they are look for pubs and DT members.

I wish I knew the answer to this one, ha! My guess would be quality projects and a friendly persona that are "packaged well"--good layout photos, a well-designed blog, etc. Otherwise, I have no clue:)

My question is "What is your end goal in doing all the submitting to design teams and magazines?"

This is a VERY good question. And a tough one. The reason I got involved in DTs to begin with was because I wanted to connect to other scrapbookers who were "into" the industry side of things, and for the validation. As its evolved for me, I focus less and less on getting validation from industry success, because there's never quite enough to feel like you're there. I do it because I love being involved in the industry and part of this amazing group of women. And because I like free scrapping supplies, especially when I have to cut my own budget:)

Don't you sometimes just not want to scrap? And when that happens (if it does) and you have an assignment due, don't you just h*te scrapbooking?

Yes! I try to work on assignments ahead of time to avoid this very situation. It took one night of me scrapbooking with a migraine, pasting paper while holding an ice pack to my forehead, to realize I needed to change my system.

Do any companies or magazines offer payment for design work?

Yes, depends on the company and magazine. Not crazy cash, mind you, but there is payment.

And those are the questions I have for now! If I missed yours, leave a comment! And if you have any insights/ideas into these issues, please share below. What do YOU think is/would be the best and worst part of being in the industry?

Fall Farewell......our Apple Picking Adventure

2011-11-27T19:28:00.010-05:00

Just a few weeks ago, S and I finally tackled the outstanding item on our fall to do list--apple picking. By the time we went, there weren't a whole lot of apples left (and the ones that were still on the trees were either too high or rotten), but did we get just enough for some tasty snacks.

S posting with his apple picker:

How pretty is this farm?

Me posing on a wooden cow. (btw, I have a thing for cow statutes. You find one, I'll pose with it!)

We headed straight to the Granny Smiths--while I know the other ones have their uses, I'm an apple loyalist. It's Granny all the way.

Our modest harvest:

After the apples, we stopped by a farm so that S could see a pig (don't ask). I took the opportunity to take some pumpkin shots:

Ahem. I believe the belly is bigger than the giant pumpkin. Lately, I've been getting a lot of "when are you due?" and "oh wow, you have some time to go!"s. I blame the small torso.

At the end of the day, we turned some apples from our haul and caramel sheets into these yummies:

It was a lovely fall day:) Now I need some snow to make winter memories!

Has winter come to YOUR area yet?

Elle's Studio November!!

2011-11-23T19:20:00.013-05:00

It's that time again....Elle's Studio gallery reveal!

I can't believe it's one of my last months as an Elle's Studio DT gal. I try not to think about it too much, or I tear up. I have love love LOVED being on this team.

My first layout includes one of my favorite new photos, from a day of apple picking:

I loved the fall colors in my November Studio Calico kit and had so much matching them with Elle's goodies! I love the larger "traditions" tag made a great backdrop for my title.

(PS--Can we talk about how big that belly is? Shaving legs is *already* becoming an issue. It's going to be a looong winter, folks!)

A little sneaky:

And what the heck, one more...

The next layout features a photo taken by my friend Pam (who just a really cute kitty--but I digress). In this shot, S is holding Nava, my friend Sara's little girl, and has the best expression on his face. Seeing that photo makes me SO excited to see him as a father.

I kept the design of this layout pretty simple to focus on the photo. I like how the die-cut background adds some pizzazz.

Why do all things look better in macro? Unclear.

My last layout highlights the 4D ultrasound shot of little Bunny. While this photo may be a teensy bit strange to look at, mommy goggles are on in full force in these parts. I just love that tiny face:)

And those are my Elle's projects for the month! Go right here to check out what the other ladies have whipped up.

While y'all know I don't do Christmas, Elle has some really cute new items out that would perfect for those December Dailies. Check out these circle tags...

And these fun tidbits!

And more immediately relevant, I love these Thanksgiving Gratitude tabs:

I hope everyone has a fabulous Thanksgiving weekend! What are YOUR Thanksgiving plans?

Guest Designing at Sweet Peach Crop Shop!

2011-11-19T20:11:00.010-05:00

This month, I had the pleasure of guest designing for the Sweet Peach Crop Shop! Corrie makes the funnest kits, and I had a blast working with the November edition.

My first layout is one I've been meaning to scrap for about 5 months now....don't you love how that goes? This layout documents the day I found out I was expecting Bunny, and how I told S that night. I kept the design simple to focus on the happy photos and words, and I love the result!

And a close-up--love those wooden letters. They make such a great statement!

This next layout is a bit more serious, abut all of the things I'm worried about lately. Which, for a natural worrier such as myself, is a long list. Much of the problem stems from the fact that I want every little aspect of my life worked out right this second. I don't do well with uncertainty, and gray areas. Unfortunately, as the talented Alexa Stevenson writes in Half Baked, gray areas account for about 99% of human experience. Alas.

I was really debating where to put the journaling here, but ended up liking the white space in the middle and placing the journaling around the edges.

My next layout goes back to the first topic, with more details and photos of the day I told S I was preggers. Even though these two layouts are a bit redundant, I'd rather create two layouts about something important to me than feel pressured to get every detail in one project.

Snuck a little sewing in here:

And finally, I fell in love with a Martha elephant punch in Michael's a few weeks ago, so I gave it the spotlight on this card. A great way to use up scraps!

Love my elephants....

And that's all for my Sweet Peach projects, folks!

Question for you: how often does the same topic creep into YOUR layouts?

Be back soon:)

2011-11-16T15:52:00.003-05:00

I've developed a nasty little cold/cough/throat situation, so I'm taking a little while to recover. I'll be back with some fun things to share soon!

source

Bunny at 6 months

2011-11-13T08:25:00.001-05:00

Well, I'm actually over 6 and a half months at this point, but thanks to my new system of writing up an index card each month I actually remember what was going on!

At 24 weeks, bunny is....

Kicking up a storm, especially when I'm late eating lunch (kid does NOT like being kept waiting for lunch. or breakfast. or dinner. hoo boy:))
About the size of a rutabaga (and as long as an ear of corn)
Running away from the doppler every. time. the doctor tries to hear its heartbeat.

And at 24 wees, mommy is.....

Feeling very large. I grunt every time I bend over to pick something up off the floor, or tie my shoes (which is highly attractive, I assure you!)
Having trouble imagining getting any bigger. Although apparently this will definitely happen
Starting to feel sleepy again--and having some trouble staying asleep
Gaining 14 pounds so far
Loving her maternity wardrobe (But NOT loving how the belly button is popping out, which interferes with said maternity wardrobe)
Feeling moody and sad every now and again
Enjoying every little flutter and kick, especially the little baby punches
Trying to refrain from buying baby clothes, especially when on sale!

What's going in YOUR world this Sunday?

Elle's Studio + Lily Bee = Heaven

2011-11-09T08:26:00.006-05:00

Recently, Elle's Studio and Lily Bee Design had a team up week. As an Elle's DT member, I was *very* pumped about this week--I've been a Lily Bee fan ever since I stumbled upon their birdie rub-ons way back when. I've also been admiring/stalking the Head over Heels collection since CHA, so I was thrilled to get to work with it!

Isn't it beautiful? Chevron and polka dots and stripes and floral, oh my. Love.

Here's the layout I created with the line:

The journaling reads: I can't believe I'm going to have my own baby to hold in just five short months. And can we talk about the fact that it's now just 3 and half short months??

For a list of the Elle's and LB products I used on this, check out the Elle's Studio blog post here.

Now for a close-up: (side note--I picked up these Martha Stewart doilies at Michael's and I am in love. So fun and easy to layer and embellish.)

Next up, I have a card I created with the line. First, a little teaser:

And the whole enchilada:

I think my fave part of this is the sunburst punch cut from patterned paper. If you don't have this punch, pick it up--it's one of my favorite ever. For more info on products used on this card, check out the blog post here.

I'm telling you, it feels SO good to finally be catching up on the backlog of projects I have to share. Happy Wednesday, y'all?

Question: if you could choose any two companies to team up and work with, what would they be?

Things I'm Loving Right Now...

2011-11-06T18:31:00.008-05:00

Every so often, I like to do a new "favorite things" list--who doesn't love to be surrounded by happy things? So without further ado, right now I'm loving . . . . .

These "big sister/little sister" necklaces my little sis bought for us when I was home in Columbus

Fun belly shots like this one. . . . .

These adorable little tidbits from Elle's Studio (Halloween themed, but they work so well for any type of layout!)

I've been admiring this diaper bag from JJ Cole (although it's probably very impractical and would get spit up on in 2 seconds--but right now ignorance is bliss:))
And this body butter, which is insanely good--trust me. It's limited edition, so I need to get more stat!
The October Afternoon Sidewalks collection. Rarely do I want/need a whole line, but I do with this one. It serves as the perfect baby line to me, happy and bright without an overemphasis on teddy bears.

How pretty are these?

I love happy little wrapped packages, especially when there are fun presents inside them:)

And that's the current love list. What are YOU admiring right now?

Elle's Studio October gallery!

2011-11-03T18:04:00.012-04:00

Well, this is my second time writing this post--blogger ate it this morning. Aargh. But on happier topics, I have my Elle's Studio October gallery to show you!

How pretty is this image? I love close-up shots.

I had a blast creating my layouts this month. I don't know what it was, but things just clicked and I really enjoyed the creative process. It also worked out nicely that Elle's products coordinate perfectly with the October Studio Calico kit, Field Guide!

This first layout is about our Key West adventure:

The cut-outs shown here are meant to be, well, cut out, but I loved how they looked together so much I kept them as a block. The rest of the items are mostly from an add-on from the SC kit, including the wooden doily (funny story about that? those things are HARD to cut. S finally offered to use one of his camping knives, and that did the trick:))

And here's a sneak:

I kept this next layout pretty simple, focusing on the butterflies and the beautiful photo by Alexis Hardy. Again, I love how the colors of the new Elle's products work so well with the photo and kit!

By the way, that little date cut above is from a sheet of "date" tags by Elle's Studio--they're one of my favorites of hers!

For my last project, I whipped up a tag for baby gift (and a note to inquiring minds: this is NOT a hint as to Bunny's gender, just a gift! Ha!)

I loved the little blue chick brad and was so happy to use it here.

And there you have it! Check out the rest of the projects the ladies created in the gallery right here.

And now that we're almost into winter (or at least it feels that way, given that snowstorm!), tell me what YOUR favorite fall memory this year was!

Blog Your Heart

2011-10-31T18:32:00.005-04:00

I'm linking up with Stephanie today for her Blog Your Heart challenge! If you joined in, too, let me know--I love reading honest posts on blogs.

1. Life has been hard to juggle lately. Between work, weekly monitoring appointments for bunny, catching up on scrapbook assignments after the holidays, emails, etc, sometimes I feel like I have to schedule in breathing. I would joke about scheduling in washing my hair, but I actually do that:)

2. And then, just when life seemed to calm down a teensy bit over the weekend, a new whammy today--my first ever traffic ticket. And unlike bunny's future firsts, I do not plan on keeping the stub and scrapbooking it. This is one memory best left forgotten, I think. Unless there was some meaningful lesson to be learned from it, which there probably is, but I'm way to close to see it. Right now, all's I know is that cops in New Jersey are A LOT less friendly then they were in Ohio. Seriously people.

3. Bunny isn't even here yet, and Mommy guilt has already set in big time. Definitely going to need to work on that, or it will be a long 18 years (or more).

4. I talk about this a lot on these posts, but it really can be hard to find passion in the everyday. I love my regular routine and have been settling in to a good one at work. But still, sometimes it seems the day goes by so fast with so many mundane things to attend to, and I want to grab on to it more (with the exception of this traffic ticket day--I can let go of this one!)

5. I cannot BELIEVE that in only 3 months, we'll entering the "any day now" stage of this pregnancy. Which probably means I should stop buying materntiy clothes, but that's besides the point! A part of me is so unbelievably excited to meet this little baby, but a part of me is also strangely sad to be almost past this stage of excitement and anticipation. Life just moves so, so quickly.

And there's my brain dump for today:) What's going on in YOUR world this afternoon?

Happy Friday....and an Elle's Studio sketch!

2011-10-27T09:05:00.005-04:00

Well, I'm happy to report that this week has been far more ordinary than the last. Which I'm very grateful for:)

This is my first experience in 2 years working on Fridays, so hopefully everything will magically get done in time for Shabbos! S is serving as my sous chef tonight (whipping up portobello grilled-cheese sandwiches as I write) and we're having a grand old time.

I wanted to pop in and share an actual scrapbook layout! I had so much fun working with this sketch from Elle's Studio:

I decided to go with a nature-y theme for my own layout. Here's a close-up:

And the full view:

I worked with my Studio Calico October kit and lots of fun Elle's Studio bits, including Handmade Layers items and my beloved scallop circle tags. How fun is the blue polka dot paper?

And because I'm feeling "blah" these days about my weeknight cooking, please*please share YOUR favorite dinner recipe!

When it Rains, it Pours (Literally)

2011-10-24T19:19:00.003-04:00

Well, it's been one heck of a week over here. First, just as we were packing to leave for Ohio on Tuesday, an upstairs pipe burst in our apartment building and we had a leak of epic proportions. I'm talking water streaming down the bedroom and kitchen walls. Which is never a good thing. Almost a week later, we're still trying to get our apartment management to actually FIX the damage, dealing with mildewed belongings, and just thanking G-d that the scrappy room was spared. Thank heaven for small mercies:)

If that wasn't interesting enough, as we drove into Columbus on Wednesday, I got four phone calls from my parents in a five minute period. What was the emergency, you ask? Oh, just some wild animals on the loose in Zainesville, Ohio. About 50 animals to be exact! Zainesville happens to have one of the best Targets in our grand nation (in my humble opinion), but I didn't really want to fight a cheetah for the last Missoni tidbits, so I passed.

And then, to cap off the day. . . . S got hit by a car Wednesday night as he walked home from the synagogue. Thank G-d he escaped with only a concussion, but needless to say it was very VERY stressful. Emergency rooms are not usually on my holiday roundup. A few days later, I still look over at him all the time and feel overwhelmed with gratitude that he's still here. And fear, because loving someone is scary business. You never know exactly how things will end, and life can change in a moment, with the sudden rush of taillights on a dark road.

So with all of the stress going on right now, I'm mostly grateful. Grateful that these are my problems, and not another set. I'll take 'em!

Scarlet Lime September--the Main Kit!

2011-10-17T12:41:00.009-04:00

Yes, yes I know, it's October. Yeesh. I'm a bit behind in my blogging, but I blame, in no particular order:

1. One very troublesome little bunny (who apparently wants to keep mommy on her toes)

2. Beautiful Indian Summer weather

3. Lots and lots of Jewish holidays

4. Alternately cooking/packing/making plans for said holidays

5. Partying it up. Heh, just kidding:)

But either way, I'm here to *finally* share my Scarlet Lime September kits!

The main kit was super fun (lots of great Amy Tan goodies!) and is available right here.

I loved the bright colors and quirky embellishments in this kit, and had a blast with it!

This first layout was created the night before I found out what bunny is. (Yes, I know, but no, we're not telling:) We just like to keep everyone else in suspense! If you're really dying to know, you can either (1) try to sweet talk my mom or mother-in-law into sharing the news, or (2) hang out with me a LOT. I've already slipped once, so you never know!)

I was very proud of myself for the sort-of gender neutral color choices on this. And how perfect are the "bathroom people" stickers?

I used one of bunny's gorgeous 12 week headshots for this, and the journaling reads:

In just a few hours we will know if you're a boy or girl. I have a strong feeling you're a girl but can't wait to find out! I never dreamed that by Rosh Hashana this year I'd be 20 weeks pregnant with you. Bunny, I love you so. Ultrasound pic--12 weeks.

My next layout was created the day afterwards, when we were concerned about an ultrasound finding of Bunny's. I wanted to keep the journaling on this more private, so I created a pocket behind the photo and slid the graph paper strip underneath.

When I was thinking about this layout, I came across this quote and thought it fit my emotions perfectly, so I added it to the design.

I loved the row of buttons and added the key sticker because it was significant to the journaling.

That week was so full of ups and downs and varied emotions--I'm so glad I have it down on paper. It's one of the best parts of scrapbooking, I think.

What's the last major event (either a typical event or under the surface) that YOU delved into with scrapbooking?

Forever Grateful

2011-10-11T18:52:00.009-04:00

I pretty much squealed when I opened up my package from Elle's Studio to discover the Forever Grateful project kit. It's chock-full of unique and creative supplies, designed by the awesome Jenni Hufford, and still available for purchase!

And the best part? Elle created tags specifically to fit in the printer's tray. How cool is that?

Here are some close-ups of my take on the project:

Since I'm still so in love with the photos Alexis Hardy took of us last fall, I decided to feature those on my tray, along with a few other favorite "couple photos." I'm thinking of displaying it in Bunny's room (when Bunny actually has a room that is, which won't be for a little while!)

I had so, so much fun making this. I also love that it reminds me how happy I am in my little family. And speaking of that little family, Bunny is doing well as per our last appointment! There is still one thing we need to monitor, but thankfully it's nothing to worry much about. All of the stress this week though, plus finding out the gender, really made my love for Bunny grow in leaps and bounds. I'll probably be one of those moms who cries hysterically during preschool graduation at the rate I'm going:)

And in case you thought the Jewish holiday bonanza was over, think again! This Wednesday begins Sukkot! I have always contended that if any Jewish holiday needs a PR team, it's this one, so here's my very-very-fast attempt to explain this holiday.

On Sukkot we celebrate our time with G-d when He took us out of Egypt and we lived in the desert. To bring back that "trusting G-d in the desert" theme, we eat our meals in huts like this:

Although unfortunately, weather.com is predicting lots of rain, so we'll probably eat most of our meals in a regular dining room. But here's hoping!

We also use a lulav and esrog, shake them around, and say a blessing. A lulav looks like a collection of leaves and an esrog is a sort of lemony-fruit. They look like this (see below) and each item represents a different approach to living and relating to G-d.

I want to explain more about the deeper meaning of Sukkos, but I'm running out of time at the moment. Luckily though, the holiday continues to next week so I can share more then! In the meantime, if you're curious, Aish has some great basic information about Sukkos right here.

Coming up is another three-day holiday, so that means three full days with no internet, TV, radio, etc. It's actually quite lovely but definitely involves being very organized beforehand! Between holiday prep and obsessing about baby names (anyone else do that?), life has been keeping me busy.

And while we're on the holiday topic, what's one fun/weird family or religious ritual YOU celebrate?

Recalculating.....

2011-10-07T12:29:00.003-04:00

Tonight is Yom Kippur, aka the "Day of Atonement" in Judaism. Sounds pretty scary, and frankly, it sometimes it is. Thinking of how quickly life can change and how precious it is is so important to keep in mind, but so terrifying.

It's hard to tell from the outside what the "point" of Yom Kippur is. We tell G-d all of the things we did wrong, but we don't flagellate ourselves. We acknowledge that G-d makes the major decisions about what will happen to us in the coming year, but we assert our ability to change those decisions as we grow closer to G-d again. We don't eat or drink or do normal everyday activities, but we think of how much potential the everyday holds, to do both good and bad.

My favorite Yom Kippur explanation is this--it's sort of like when you're driving with the GPS and make a wrong turn, and soon after you hear the tinny voice saying, "recalculating, recalculating." And then you end up taking a route that wasn't the plan originally, but that hopefully gets you to the same place.

And that's exactly what Yom Kippur's about. Looking closely at our lives, at all the areas where we might think we're doing fantastic, and realize that we have strayed from the right path. And then we come up with plans to re-route and get to the place we want to go, becoming the people we want to be.

Image source

My realization for this year? A lot of the time, I excuse being short/rude/unfriendly by telling myself that it's ok, because I'm stressed, or tired, or going through a difficult time. When really, I'm capable of better than that. I don't want to dump my own problems on other people. So for this year, I'm going to focus on counting to 5 when I feel myself getting angry or upset before I react.

Today, we're doing to an ultrasound appointment to double check how our Bunny is doing. It's been an intimidating and scary week, but the timing has been perfect--I can't forget that G-d is with me all the time, helping me handle it.

I hope that all of you enjoy a happy and healthy year!

WIWW--Baby Bump Style

2011-10-05T06:00:00.001-04:00

It's been a looong time since I've participated in What I Wore Wednesday, but now I have a little bump to make things interesting! I feel a *bit* bigger than I should be at 20 weeks, but I suppose it's just more space for the bunny. Who might share my preference for big open spaces:)

This first photo was my 4 month shot, so from about 4 weeks ago.

Shirt: Motherhood Materntiy

Skirt: random Jewish materntiy store in Brooklyn

Shell: also Brooklyn

Necklace: Lisa Leonard

Tomato planters: the hubby

Bump: miracle from G-d:)

This next photo is from around 17 weeks ( I think?) and displays my new attempts to wear a belt above the belly. Is it working?

Shirt: Junee's

Skirt: Target

(SO cheap and I love it! I got the slit sewn up, so don't let that scare you!)

Shell: Junee's

Necklace: Camera pendant from Ruche

Shoes: Target

This last outfit is from more recently, at 19 and a half weeks!

Shirt: Motherhood Maternity

Skirt: Target

Shell: Junee's

Shoes: Target

Necklace: Meredith Fenwick Jewelry

And what would an outfit be without a belly profile?

After wanting this for so long, I still can't always believe I'm actually pregnant. So I love looking down at this belly and remembering that I'm not actually dreaming:)

So there you have it! I'm linking up with Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy today.

Question for you: Since I need more work clothes ideas, what's YOUR favorite work or dressy outfit?

(PS--Also blogging today at Scarlet Lime with a fun inspiration tool!)

Midnight Rooster--Part Deux

2011-10-02T11:55:00.004-04:00

I'm back!

I hope you all had a fabulous week--mine was definitely filled with a lot of sleepiness (I blame the baby), time with friends, poring over name books, laughing over crazy names with friends, and you get the idea:)

I'm excited to share the rest of my Midnight Rooster layouts with you today!

As you can see, I have a thing for dark mist these days--this one is Atmosphere by Studio Calico. One of these days, I want to find a dark black inky mist!

This layout is about the day I finally finally became a licensed lawyer. After 3 years of law school, 3 months of studying for the bar, 4 months of waiting for my result from the bar, and about 6 months of paperwork and jumping through hoops, it was about time! S and I meant to celebrate by going out to eat, but the only kosher restaurant around had closed, so we wound up eating a delish meal of chummus and crackers at Starbucks.

I'm not normally a card person, but decided to break out of the box for this one! This card was quick and easy and used up a bunch of leftover scraps. I also love adding pen detailing for a whimsical touch.

And while this has nothing to do with anything, I thought I'd add and share my joy that I finally snagged this purty necklace in exactly the color I wanted--how gorgeous is it? I found it at Allora Handmade (and I'm not getting paid by them or anything--just an enthusiastic shopper today!)

What's the last pretty thing YOU picked up?

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

2011-09-27T20:09:00.004-04:00

If you've been following my twitter feed (if you don't, and have a wish to hear super random thoughts on life, I'm @keshetstarr), you know I've been cooking a lot this week.

Why all the cooking, you may ask?

This Wednesday is Rosh Hashana--the Jewish New Year! Also the Jewish equivalent of a triathlon cooking-wise. Instead of cooking one or two Thanksgiving-sized meals, I'm cooking five. Luckily, I like to cook:) Oh, and I have a very helpful hubby!

There are so many fun details about Rosh Hashana I could tell you about! Since it's the new year (we like to get it started in September instead of January, according to the Jewish calendar), it's a custom to have sweet foods for a "sweet year." That means apples and honey (the classic), challah and honey (best thing EVER. trust me), and lots of sweet foods. And extra dessert, naturally. Another custom is to have a food you haven't eaten all year, so you can make a special blessing on it. So my fruit bowl is now filled with pomegranates, starfruit, and some strange fruit that look like sweet potatoes but have horns on them? That was S's pick, if you're wondering.

The customs are all really fun, but the real point of Rosh Hashana is that in Judaism, we believe it's the time where G-d makes major decisions for the future year and judges us on our actions. It's sort of like a "tax day for the soul" where we stop and think about who we are, where we're going, and what we need to work on. I find that for myself, it's so easy to think that I'm doing enough. I'm nice enough, I give enough charity, I think of other people enough. But in reality, the good things I may do don't erase the many mistakes I've made or areas I need to grow in. And even if I'm not failing horribly at something (like speaking nicely to telemarketers, for example--ahem), there's always room to grow.

I don't want to just do enough. I want to do my best. Especially now that I'm going to have a little person to raise soon, G-d willing, I want to pay close attention to the areas of myself that need work, and get cracking.

And on a less serious note, it wouldn't be a holiday post without a Maccabeats video!

What's one thing YOU want to work on this year?

Elle's Studio September!

2011-09-25T19:20:00.007-04:00

I'm coming to you today from total crazy-land. In the next three days, I'm planning to bake six loaves of challah, six desserts, and five (big) meals worth of food. It does appeal to my love of organization, but still--phew! Rosh Hashana is one of my favorite holidays though, and I can't wait to tell you all about it in a few days:)

In the meantime, I have my Elle's Studio September projects to show you!

I love creating little bitty tags for my galleries because they work so well with the beautiful details on Elle's products.

Now I'm all ready for a birthday party:)

This next layout is an ode to my new favorite spot on the island of Manhattan (well, second favorite--I have to tell you about my actual favorite one soon!)--16 Handles.

If you're not familiar with 16 Handles, go to the Upper West Side immediately. If that isn't possible, just imagine this: 16 pumps of delicious frozen yogurt in flavors from chocolate to pomegranate, and every topping under the sun. Add to this the fact that every single topping is kosher (including the gummy bears, which are never ever kosher--trust me on this) and I'm pretty much in heaven there:)

I combined a June Studio Calico kit with Elle's tags and some alphas from my stash for this one!

My last layout for September is probably my favorite, because it documents a story that makes me smile whenever I think of it.

The journaling reads: At your 12 week ultrasound, I first got to see your little personality. You were fast asleep in the beginning, and no amount of coughing, turning or pushing woke you up. It took a full 40 minutes until you woke up! It looks like you inherited your mommy's penchant for sleeping very deeply. After that you didn't want to turn around and get in the right position, so I wound up with an hour-long appointment! The technician commented that you seemed like quite the stubborn baby. I didn't think it was possible at that moment to love you more, but I did. Can't wait to meet you in a few months, my little stubborn sleepyhead! Love, Mommy.

I don't think I'll ever get tired of being able to sign letters as "Mommy," especially after all of the waiting and wondering along the way:)

Since I didn't want to paste the card with the ultrasound to the actual layout, I created a pocket out of a spare page protecter and sewed the pocket to the page. I hope to do this a lot with baby memorabilia!

Make sure you check out the Inspiration Gallery to see the beautiful layouts the other gals whipped up! Susan Weinroth is the guest designer this month, and her layouts are so much fun!

And since I can use some cooking company these days--what are YOU cooking up this week?

Guest Designing!

2011-09-22T15:46:00.006-04:00

Hello everyone!

This has been one cah-razy week (I could tell you why, but then I might just relive all the craziness, and I'd like to keep my hair attached to my head) so my grand blogging plans sort of disappeared.

But either way I'm happy to share that I'm the September guest designer for the Midnight Rooster kit club! The September kit is full of fun, handmade details and great embellishments. I'm going to share half of my layouts today and more very shortly!

For my first layout, I was so excited to use this photo--it's always nice when a photo comes out bearing some resemblance to what you had in mind. Which doesn't seem to happen as often as it should!

This layout made me realize that I *need* an inky black mist to splatter. Any suggestions?

The journaling reads: I fell in love with this vintage camera at COSI in Columbus. Unfortunately, it wasn't for sale!

My next layout gave me the chance to break out my wedding photos, which I love (thank to Jerry Meyer Studios for the photography).

I adore the Crate Paper Portrait buttons. Portrait is the first wedding line in years I've really had fun using.

And how fun are those woodgrain letters?

Stay tuned for Part 2, coming soon!

In other news, I'm now 19 weeks, and started to feel some wiggling from the bunny--so exciting!

Tell me, what's the craziest/best thing that's happened to YOU this week?

Vacation Fun....and a Winner!

2011-09-18T13:56:00.017-04:00

A few weeks ago, S and I hit up Florida (Key West and Miami) for a little babymoon. The trip was busy and fun and involved lots of (a) sun, (b) beach, (c ) good food, and (d) fun memories together. So all in all, a success:)

As you can see, we were pretty pumped in the airport heading off on our adventure:

Key West was full of little hole-in-the-wall restaurants and sweet shops, and I loved wandering up and down Duval street and checking them out!

These weren't kosher, so I didn't sample them, but they did look delicious. . . .

And is this not the cutest little store you've ever seen? (This photo is also an excellent example of why you need to change your ISO when you go outside. Oops!)

At night, we headed out to Mallory Square to watch the sunset and all of the random fire-juggling acts. One guy was juggling fiery torches while on a unicycle very close to the dock's edge. Which made me quite nervous on his behalf. I could barely enjoy the show!

Even though this photo is kind of messed up, it does illustrate the motion and craziness of Mallory Square, which I love!

The ocean and sailboats in Key West were just beautiful....

And even though it was a different view, I also loved the high-risers and palm trees in Miami.

On one of our last days, we decided to do a tour of the Everglades. The alligators were pretty agreeable (apparently, it's the crocodiles that eat people. Like in Peter Pan), but some of the other travelers on our airboat? A bit of a different story. Not that it wasn't entertaining.

And last but not least, we have a winner for the My Memories giveaway! The random.org number was 3, so the winner is:

CONNIE!

Connie said...

pretty cool

September 9, 2011 7:27 PM

Connie, shoot me an email at keshet.starr@gmail.com and I'll get you all set up:)

How's that for a smooth transition? Ha!

Now that our vacation is over and I need to carry a cardigan in my purse, fall is officially here. What are YOU most excited for this season?

Blog Your Heart Out

2011-09-14T10:22:00.006-04:00

Image source

I love this post on Stephanie's blog and decided to play along, even though I'm a bit late in the day. (Don't be alarmed by the 2 post thing--don't see it happening THAT often, ha!)

1. I've been having a lot of trouble sleeping lately. Now, I am a strictly "8 hours of uninterrrupted sleep a night" kind of gal. And while I realized that was not going to happen once Bunny comes along, I did not realize it would start with pregnancy! After several days of trying to manage work, job interviews, catch-up from vacation, and running the house on 4 or 5 hours of sleep, I'm a little cranky. And then I feel guilty for being cranky, as if the fact that I wanted this baby so badly means I never get to feel the side effects of pregnancy. But I think, deep down, I do feel guilty, I do feel that I want this so much, I should love the fact that I'm tossing and turning all night and edging S out of the bed with my ginormous body pillow. So the cycle continues....

2. I tend to get stressed about getting things done that don't really matter all that much. Like going through my enormous pile of post-its accumulated over the past few weeks. Or organizing my Things list. Or cleaning my bathtub (although maybe that really does matter, ha!) I wish I could spend more time on the long-lasting things in life and less time just trying to get from day to day.

3. I haven't even had the kid, and I already worry about how I will balance pursuing my own dreams and being the mother I want to be. Jury's out on this one, and probably will be for a while.

4. I wish S was home for dinner more the past few weeks. But I'm so grateful for his job at the same time.

5. I wish I had more confidence in myself. That has been the single most present battle in my life.

6. I wish I wasn't always so worried about something happening to this baby.

7. I am so amazed and grateful to be 18 weeks today. If not for the belly, I really wouldn't believe it. Sometimes I think about how I would have felt if I could see a photo of myself today a year ago, and how much peace it would have brought me. Today is a good day.

So there's my reality today. If you did a post like this, please link me--I'd love to see.

Scarlet Lime!

2011-09-14T07:00:00.001-04:00

So, can we discuss how it's suddenly mid SEPTEMBER?? Last I checked, August had just started. Sigh.

This confusion does, however, explain why I have yet to share my Scarlet Lime layouts with the August kit!

The main kit (still available!) is chock full of fun new Amy Tan products, especially my favorite thickers from the release--woohoo!

This layout is fairly self-explanatory. I like cinnamon buns.

I've been really into vertical punched borders lately, so I broke some out for this layout. (How cute is the orange camera sticker? I have to be careful not to hoard the fun embellishments in this kit!)

And a close-up.....

The Frugal Fab kit has some brand-new Pebbles goodies in it, and I loved the mellow, summery colors. (You can buy the kit right here.)

Apparently, I was hungry while working on my DT layouts, because I"m starting to notice a theme here:)

And last but not least, I whipped up this layout to record a really fun day at COSI (a science museum in Ohio--anyone been?) with my sister.

I loved the pink woodgrain Pebbles paper so much, I was afraid to use it, but thankfully I got over that fear:) The Basic Grey rub-on pack added some spark and whimsy!

Phew! A little late on these, but hopefully all of you nice blog friends will forgive me:)

We just got back from our Florida vacation, which was fantastic, and I'm slowly digging myself out of a very tall pile of emails and post-its. In case we haven't discussed this before, by the way, I have an unhealthy obsession with post-its. I buy them in megapacks and probably use at least 10 a day. As a conservative estimate.

I should probably work on that habit one of these days. I'll write myself a note;)

Are YOU as neurotic as I am with notes? Or am I just crazy?

PS--You can still enter the giveaway in the post below! I'll choose a winner Thursday.

It's a GIVEAWAY!

2011-09-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

Hello, bloggy friends! As you read this, I will be enjoying sunny Florida, and hopefully not getting caught in a hurricane. But while I'm out, I preposted several posts for y'all this week, including this fun giveaway!

The nice folks over at My Memories contacted me to offer a free software giveaway to one of my readers!

While I'm not a digital scrapper myself, I hear the product is easy to use, and I'm in love with the layouts scrapbooks star Megan Klauer created with the software!
And that's not all--aside from the lucky winner, EVERYONE can receive a $10 discount for the My Memories Suite Software and a $10 off discount for the My Memories store with the code STMMMS95349. If you'd like to make a purchase, follow this link to the My Memories Suite Software and store.

To ENTER (the giveaway), please go to My Memories.com and tell me one layout or product pack you love! Also, if you want to be nice to me, *please* leave contact information. It makes me very happy when leave me contact information:)

Have a fabulous weekend, everyone!

Write Click Scrapbook September!

2011-09-07T06:00:00.003-04:00

It's time for a new gallery over at Write Click Scrapbook!

The theme this month was near and dear to my heart--BOOKS!

I used a Studio Calico kit for this one, which is a good thing, because they have been piling up like no other! The combination of travel + baby sleepiness has really done me in this summer. But I've been making slow and steady progress on the kit front:)

The journaling on this layout reads:

I have always loved books, and still do. I love reading a mix of book types and genres—from fiction to social commentary to history to biography to mystery to historical fiction to chick lit. I often feel so happy and myself when wandering through a library or bookstore from section to section. Truly, I love it all.

Here's a little close-up for ya too:

I broke out my beloved Martha Stewart 3-in-1 butterfly punch for this, as well as my new Dewey Mr. Huey (try saying THAT five times fast), which has become my new most favorite mist ever.

Check out the rest of the month's gallery HERE!

Do you like to read? What's YOUR favorite book?

I Heart....JA

2011-09-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

I don't think I've discussed this nearly enough on my blog, but I really REALLY heart Jane Austen novels, especially Pride and Prejudice. Persuasion is a close second (if you haven't read, you really need to--it's one of the most transformative, sweet stories I've ever read) but nothing beats the good 'ol classic P & P.

My favorite version is, of course, the classic one with Colin Firth:)

The Kiera Knightley one isn't too bad, but I think the problem is that it misses the humor in the story. I'm not really laughing in that film, and laughing is a big part of the Pride and Prejudice experience for me.

I'm also deeply in love with an old black and white version of P & P featuring Laurence Olivier.

It has a wonderful, elegant, old Hollywood charm to it. Check it out, you won't regret it:)

And to add a fun twist, this is a great adaptation of the story set in India:

I love Indian movies and I obviously love Jane Austen, so when my friend Kathleen saw a trailer for this film, she said "it's like someone went in your head and made a movie!" So true. The Bollywood feel can be a little much if you're not used to it (think 400 people in matching outfits suddenly breaking into song and dance in the middle of a supermarket scene), but the story is wonderful and translates well!

So there you have it--some gut-spilling from a Pride & Prejudice fanatic.

Are YOU a Jane Austen fan, too? Come on, don't be shy!

It's here!

2011-08-31T13:14:00.003-04:00

Scrapbook Workshop is available on Amazon right here!

It's edited by the talented May Flaum and has lots of fun techniques from a lot of my favorite bloggers--and some new bloggers I was delighted to discover! This was fun to contribute to, and I hope you enjoy it:)

Back soon with a tall stack of layouts!

A trip down memory lane.....

2011-08-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

I realized the other day that I have a few layouts I created a loooooong time ago that I never got around to sharing. It's always fun (sometimes in a "what was I thinking???" kind of way!) to look back on old layouts.

This first one was created for the Ella Publishing blog, using a photograph by the fabulous Alexis Hardy. If you can't tell already, it was for a purple theme blog post:)

Looking back on it now, I love the simple design and the mix of alphas in the title. I would maybe add more detail now, or switch out the purple alphas for something that stands out against the background more, but I love this the way it is and I'm glad I have it.

Next up is a layout made on my two year anniversary. I would probably frame the border of the layout by stitching or framing it, but I do love the mix of photos and color combos! (another Alexis Hardy photo in here. I got a lot of mileage out of that photo shoot:))

This next one is really old, because the baby being photographed now walks everywhere and talks up a storm!

I love the bright colors and circles, not sure I'd change anything.

One of the funny things about looking at old layouts of your own is thinking about "style." I have a hard time describing my own style. From what I've heard from others, it's simple--I know this based on the fact that sometimes I make what I think is a super-complicated page, only to get tons of comments like "what a great simple layout!" I'd like to think it's whimsical, colorful, and "happy." At least on a good day:) Thoughts?

How would you describe YOUR style?

Birthday Bonanza!

2011-08-26T13:37:00.008-04:00

This past Wednesday was my 26th birthday--and while I meant to share about it earlier, life has been keeping me busy! So here's a better-late-than-never birthday recap!

I'm a big birthday person. Not in the "I need a huge dinner with all of my friends and family" kind of way, but more like "let's load up lots of sweet little things and end up with an extra-fabulous normal day."

I woke up after S left the house (not the typical course of events, but someone very small was keeping me up all night already!) and found little notes he had left me around the house, along with this giant bag:

I was VERY tempted to open it right then and there, but decided to wait to open it with S:)

After a day of work (along with lots of fun birthday calls and emails), I did some shopping in midtown, serendipitously found the pair of tan pointy-toe flats I've been searching for for eons, and met S for dinner.

We headed to Va Bene, a fancy dairy restaurant on the Upper East Side. They have a private curtained off area in the back where we usually sit, and everything is delicious, from the bread basket (including focaccia with bruschetta on it--yum) to the dessert menu.

This one's a bit dark (thanks to the mood lighting and all), but I'm a huge creme brulee fan!

(ignore the weird smile in this photo. Not sure what's happening there?)

When we got home, I finally opened that giant bag and found this little lovely inside:

It's a camera bag from Cheeky Lime that I fell in love with months ago and emailed to S for future reference. I had forgotten all about it and was thrilled to find it in my house!

You can't see it so clearly in this photo, but the bag comes with an adorable pink camera charm--right up my alley:)

I also came home to an envelope from my family, complete with a scrapbook layout made by my little sister in honor of my birthday! It was pretty much the sweetest thing ever and between that and the hormones, I was very weepy:)

And of course, I can't forget the other birthday gifts I got this year! Even at the beginning of the summer, I would have never dreamed that i'd be 15 weeks along for this birthday. Along with S, my family, and health and happiness I'm a lucky birthday girl indeed.

So tell me, what was the best birthday gift YOU ever got? (or any gift, for that matter!)

Elle's Studio August Layouts!

2011-08-23T08:47:00.009-04:00

The Elle's Studio August Inspiration Gallery is live, and I'm having so much fun checking out all the layouts! (This is also helpful procrastination for avoiding a trip to the bank, since I HATE going to the bank. Unclear why, but I do!)

Most of my layouts were created over the past few months and saved up for when I could share about the babes (who we call "bunny" for now).

For my first layout, I loved using my favorite sheet of Sassafrass paper for the background, and I added a lot of bits and pieces that I love!

This one is about my feelings at reaching 12 weeks, and my overwhelming gratitude that day (and then the next day my due date was moved so I wasn't actually 12 weeks quite yet, but nevermind:))

I used Studio Calico butterfly rub-ons and punched kraft butterflies,

and added the camera sticker I've been hoarding for a few months now:)

I added some of my favorite Elle's Studio products, like the Handmade Layers pennants and the month tag from the Savoring Summer kit.

This next layout is the title of the pregnancy album. It's also the explanation for Why I Need To Have A Girl, since this was my attempt at being gender neutral. Oy.

Can you see my attempt at masculinity with the blue star and little boy rub-on? Ha!

This was my first baby layout, about how I was feeling at 5 weeks, very shortly after I found out. I might have gotten a little over-excited with the misting, but I love the soft colors and the memories it contains.

So there you have it--my August Elle's layouts! Be sure to check out the rest of the gallery right here.

Also, Elle's is having a moving sale going on right now! Information can be found right here. While you go shopping, I'm going to run around and take care of errands so that I can party it up for my birthday tomorrow! Yay!

Question for ya: Have YOU tried Elle's Studio products yet? Either way, what catches your eye the most? (this is not a survey, btw. I'm just too curious for my own good:))

Phew!

2011-08-19T16:15:00.008-04:00

I have to tell you I'm a SO glad I finally spilled the beans:)

First off--thank you for all of your love and kindness. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I read each comment more than once and I was so touched. People may comment on "online friends," but I have no doubt that there's a lot of real love and compassion out here on the Net.

And now I'm very excited to be able to share what I've been thinking about for the past 3 months! Not to mention the approximately 8 billion baby layouts I've created around my assignments:) (Not to worry though, this won't be one of those baby only blogs! I always like to keep a mix:)) But for today, there's just a little more baby stuff ahead.

Back on June 2, I went to the city early to take a blood test and find out if our treatment had been successful. Later on that day, I was on the train home when my doctor called and asked if I was sitting down. If you were one of the people looking at me, annoyed, while I shouted "Are you sure? Are you sure?" repeatedly into my cell phone, then now you know why! I waited to tell S in person when he got home that night.

I set the table up all nice: (Although, in my first official act as a pregnant woman, I neglected to make dinner!)

And made a little card with the relevant information inside.

I got some donuts to celebrate (because what's a celebration without donuts, right?):

And after he stopped saying "No, you're not!" and "Are you sure?" repeatedly, we took some happy self-portraits:

It was one of the most special days of my life. After two years, 8 Clomid cycles, countless injections and mountains of pills, my dream was now my reality. It took a while to sink in, and there are days now where it still doesn't feel real.

After one of my first ultrasounds, I created the layout below. One of the things that surprised (and scared) me about pregnancy was how much I loved this particular baby, and not just the fact that I was having a baby.

This scares me because when you love someone, especially when that someone is a 5-weeks-along fetus, the potential for loss is absolutely terrifying. I'm so grateful to be at 14 weeks right now and still pray constantly for a healthy baby in February.

I love this layout, because it's basically my heart bled out on paper. And thank you all again for being part of this continuing journey with me!

And a scrappy question for you: What's your favorite aspect of YOUR OWN work?

It's the LITTLE things in life....

2011-08-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

If you know me well, you know that I adore the little things in life. (In fact, I have to occasionally remind myself that life does not revolve around delicious snacks and sunny days. But they're a definite plus:))

I love iced lattes (especially kosher versions of frappucinos!) on crazy hot days . . . .

and fun experiments with leftover pie dough.

I love my (waaaaay too big) collection of body butters . . . .

and boxes of yummy new scrap supplies.

And lately, there's one particular little thing that's making me extra happy:)

Need a hint?

It should be here in about 6 months:)

Hodu LaHashem ki tov, ki liolam chasdo--Thank G-d for He is good, His kindness lasts forever

Last Creative Journey installment for a while.....

2011-08-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

I have been so enjoying reading everyone's thoughts about the creative journey posts. My purpose in organizing this series was to remind everyone (myself included) that most experiences in the industry aren't a straight, quick shoot to the top. Instead, the roads are long and windy and fraught with self-doubt and rejection. But don't let that stop you, because it doesn't mean that you aren't good enough. It just doesn't.

Today, I'm going to share a few of my thoughts about this topic. I hope to get another set of guests on in a month or two to continue--if you know someone who would fit or are interested in being profiled yourself, email me and let me know! So excuse me while I interview myself!

So Keshet, tell us about your scrapbooking journey.....

When I first started scrapbooking, it was when I discovered a bag of Creative Memories product in my basement. Even though I've moved away from Creative Memories since then, I'm so glad I started that way, because it was a narrow universe of scrapbooking and not too overwhelming. The first time I saw a "mainstream" scrapbook layout in a magazine, I was actually horrified--there were dozens of flowers, one photo, and nary a mention of which baby the layout was about! Despite my initial reaction, I slowly began using traditional products in my Creative Memories albums and mixing up my techniques.

I scrapbooked on vacations only in high school and college, even though I read magazines here and there and wished I could spend more time with my stash! For about 8 years, I didn't even know the online scrapbooking world existed, let alone have any aspirations to submit to magazines, etc. When I moved to New Jersey and didn't have scrapbook stores close by, I discovered online stores like Two Peas, and through that discovered message board forums and blogs. I also joined Studio Calico as a subscriber, which introduced me to a whole community of savvy online scrappers.

As soon as I found out there was free scrapbook stuff to be had out there, I was hooked--ha! I began submitting to magazines and was really upset when my first submissions were not picked up. I also still remember my first two design team rejections and how much they hurt. Over time, I started investing less emotions in the trying, waiting to get excited if I actually got accepted to the team. After at least 6 months, I had a layout accepted in Scrapbook Trends, and after about a year of trying I made my first design team. A few months after that, I had a crazy two week period when I got four teams. The fact that I get to work with such fantastic companies and people is still surreal to me, and I feel very grateful for it.

Well, that's very nice Keshet. But do you have any actual ADVICE for people??

Advice--that's the key part, huh? I don't feel very qualified to give advice (that's why I got GUESTS for this, people!), but here goes.

1. Don't give up
As you know from my last post, I'm on the Elle's Studio team. I usually make my gallery layouts without realizing it, that's how much I love her products. What you may not know is that this was my fourth time applying for the team. Yep, you heard right--fourth. I almost didn't apply this last time thinking that it was a lost cause, but I figured if I still loved her products (which I do), I wasn't going to let fear of rejection stop me. I read the email about 200 times to make sure it wasn't a mistake:) It just goes to show--you really never know when your chance will come.

2. Be a good marketer

To matter how lovely a layout is, an editor won't search for its inner beauty behind a dark and grainy photograph. Try to take the best photos you can of your projects to show them off! (And Gabrielle, I'm planning a tutorial on photographing layouts to answer your question!)

3. Do what you love and love what you do

Try not to worry about if your layouts are "good" and REALLY really don't compare your work to others! Just create things you love, pour your heart into them, and the rest will fall into place over time.

And there you have it--my take on the creative journey. You can also find more information on publications and design team advice on this post and this post.

If there's ONE QUESTION you could ask about publications/design teams/"the industry," what would it be??

We have a WEEEEENER!

2011-08-14T14:11:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the slight delay, everyone--recovering from a short illness bout + unpacking and repacking about five times in the same week. Ugh.

The random.org number was 6, and the Elle's Studio winner is....... Christina!

Christina said...

Fun giveaway-I've been wanting to try out some Elle's products!!

Christina, shoot me an email at keshet.starr@gmail.com!

Hope you all had a great weekend and can't wait to sneak back in here real soon with some scrappy and life posts!

Elle's Studio Spotlight--and a Giveaway!

2011-08-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

Thanks for all of your sweet comments on my last post--it's always a little daunting putting raw emotions out on the blogosphere, but your equally heartfelt comments back make it so worthwhile. So thank you again, so much:)

Today, I'm the Spotlight DT gal over at the Elle's Studio blog!

Here's a little sneaky-peeky at the layout I created for today's post:

And to spice things up, I'm giving away my three favorite Elle's Studio items! They are the Pieces of Life note tags, Owl Love You Forever Scalloped circle tags, and Handmade Layers Date/Place strips!

Simple leave a comment on this post and I'll pick a winner on Friday! (And if you want to have mercy on me, please leave contact info as well:))

Pop over to the Elle's Studio blog for another chance to win!

Happy Wednesday, y'all!

A day of mourning

2011-08-09T09:02:00.005-04:00

Warning: a bit of a heavy post ahead.

I love to write about Jewish holidays and events on this blog--it helps remind ME what the essence of the holiday is, and I love that it gives you all insight into a world that can be hard to understand from the outside.

Today is the saddest day of the year in Judaism. It's the day that the Holy Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed thousands of years ago, and it's also the day when we mourn all of the tragedies that have happened to the Jewish people since then. We call it Tisha B'av. We fast and we don't shower and we sit on the floor. It's a hard day, but an important one.

When you think about it, there's this thread of tragedy and intensity in the world that we (or at least I) mostly ignore. You hear about a sudden death or an awful tragedy and while you're shaken for a moment, you go on with your life, worrying about what to make for dinner and if your shoes clash with your top. Tisha B'Av is a day to see the unseeable, to take the unbearable and force yourself to stare it in the face. It's a day when we realize this beautiful world is also a place of unspeakable darkness sometimes.

But what's the point of all this depressing sadness? According to the rabbis, there are two kinds of sadness--the kind that cripples you, and the kind that motivates you. I try to use this day to widen my perspective, to realize there are bigger things going on in the world than me and my concerns. I'm in a world filled with too much darkness, and it's my job to create as much light as I possibly can.

So today, I'm thinking of the Fogel family of Itamar, Leiby Kletzky, Gavriel and Rivkah Holtzberg, the boys killed in the Mercaz Harav shooting, the victims of 9-11, and all of the people who were killed in the Holocaust, including many of my family members. I'm thinking of a girl my grandmother once told me about, who was so desperate to escape the horrifying reality of Auschwitz that she kept her head in a novel, all the way to the gas chambers. And I'm also thinking of all the work there is to be done, and all of the opportunities for good I can seize as long as I look outside of myself.

Creative Journey on with me!

2011-08-08T08:00:00.002-04:00

Happy Monday! I hope this Monday finds you well and happy and looking forward to a good week! (And if not, Friday isn't THAT far away, right?)

Today, the Creative Journey series is continuing with a fascinating story shared by Laura Craigie!

Laura is one talented lady, and I loved what she shared about her experience in the industry:

I really got into scapbooking when I got pregnant with my first son in 2004. My mom had attended a beginner’s class at the LSS, and I decided to give that a go too. I knew right away that I loved it, but also knew that I wanted to do it differently than the basic way they taught. So I sought out ideas on the net. I stumbled across many sites, but always came back to Two Peas in a Bucket as my “home” for all things scrapbooking. It was there I discovered the Pub board and added the task of becoming published and making a big Design Team to my ever evolving and growing life list (Aka Bucket list, but I’m not a fan of that name.. lol). I really wanted to see my kids in a magazine! We are also a smaller one income family and I do not have a large budget for craft supplies, so the idea of designing for a company for product sounded like a dream come true.

In the beginning I tried out for so many things, and would get so incredibly discouraged. I ate quite a bit of consolation chocolate those days... ;)

Now with the bonus of hindsight I can see that my work was just not up to par. I gave up submitting for publication, but eventually I did land a kit club design team which really helped me to grow. It was doing that when I really started to dabble in card making. The smaller canvas just seemed so much easier to work with for me, and on the advice of a friend I tried submitting again, this time with cards. My first month I got 4 cards picked up! I was so incredibly shocked, and delighted. I kept at it, was getting published monthly, and soon was making cards almost exclusively.

Making cards has opened many doors for me, the biggest are that I now design cards for both Cosmo Cricket, and Two Peas in a Bucket. I want to note that with Cosmo Cricket I was short listed the year before I made their team and was quite disappointed. So I made it my mission to better my work over the next year, and to get published with their product so when their next call rolled around I had more to show. It worked, as I made the team that next year, and 2 yrs later I am still designing for them. I think working hard for what you want is imperative in life in general, but definitely applies itself to this industry too.

Laura is spot-on about the working hard part. And the "consolation chocolate"--not that I have experience with that or anything:)

Laura also shared some advice with us:

I guess this is the part where I should offer some sage advice or something... ;) Which sadly I don’t have, but I can tell you what I think works for me.

I don’t create for calls, I just can’t get inspired by that… I just make what I love and if it fits, great! If not, I just don’t submit. I think it also helps to know the magazines a bit too and what they are looking for. I know personally I tend to get more “love” from one mag. than another so I don’t spend as much time submitting to the other anymore. Another odd publishing thing is that the projects you really love will sometimes get passed for something you might not have even bothered submitting. Even after a few years at the game I can never tell what will get picked up and what will not. It makes me scratch my head and laugh sometimes, so really, try not to take it personally

Photography is really important… Whenever you can, shoot in natural light, I photograph my projects on a kitchen table with lots of window light from multiple angles. Every image gets a quick edit in photoshop where I adjust the color balance, brighten, crop, resize, and sharpen. If you don’t have photoshop, you can do all of this for free by using a program like Picnik.

Even though I can sometimes be terrible at updating it, I think maintaining a blog is a good idea, you never know who might stumble upon it! Truth be told, I’ve had work requested a few times that I never even submitted, but was seen on my blog. It does happen :) Also, if you have a favorite manufacturer let them know you are out there. If they have a Flickr gallery, Facebook page, blog challenges, etc, submit to it! It can’t hurt.

Lastly, I’m pretty much an open book if anyone has any questions, let me know. I’m certainly no expert, but if I can help anyone with anything I would love to!

Thanks, Laura! I've asked her questions in the past, and she really is as sweet and helpful as she sounds:)

Here's one of Laura's classically stunning cards:

I live in beautiful B.C. Canada with my Husband (Andrew), and I am a stay at home mom to our three boys Isaiah (6), Griffin (4), and Everett (8months). When not paper crafting I love to sew, read, write, and just spend time with my boys. I'm addicted to Pride and Prejudice (movies and book), Pinterest, Bubble Tea, and chocolate covered gummy bears. Or heck, anything covered in chocolate, except black licorice. That's just gross. I have been published in CARDS magazine, Scrapbook Trends, Paper Crafts, Scrapbooks & Cards, and Scrapbooks Etc. I currently design for Cosmo Cricket and Two Peas in a Bucket.

Well, thanks for joining me for another edition of the blog series! A question for you--is there something you'd like to see in this blog series and haven't seen yet?

Scrappy...Friday!

2011-08-05T12:40:00.004-04:00

Well, I really should be eating lunch right now, but I'm a little full from sampling the cinnamon buns I made this morning:) Which just goes to show you the blessing/curse of twitter: thanks to Jenni's photos of her cinnamon buns earlier this week, I couldn't help but whip up my own batch!

So instead of eating nourishing food, I bring you a new layout!

I created this for Donna Jannuzzi's Stretch your Sketches series on the Ella blog! Check out the blog regularly to see more sketches and interpretations!

Here's the original sketch:

And here's what I did with it:

I switched out several of the photos for patterned paper blocks, and added little embellishments. Papers + embellishments are from the Lawn Party Studio Calico kit! The photos are from an impomptu dance party I staged with S and my sister, Riki, in order to practice my shutter speed skills:) As you can see, they were very enthusiastic participants!

I hope you're all having a wonderful, happy Friday! I'm running off to finish my 12,465 item long to do list (as is the case on all Fridays--luckily one of the items is "buy donuts"! Ha!)

And since I'm always looking for more dessert ideas (May that continue for the rest of my life--amen.) can YOU tell me your favorite dessert?

(Oh, and PS--make sure to come here on Wednesday for a fabulous giveaway!)

WCS August gallery--no photos!

2011-08-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

The August gallery is up at Write.Click.Scrapbook, and the theme was a bit of a toughie--no photos!

I kind of "cheated" and used this house shaped packaging from Crate Paper's Neighborhood trim as a focal point instead of a photo.

For this layout, I wrote about my experience of moving around and looking for home.

If you can't read the journaling, it says this: As a kid, I lived in Israel, Hong Kong, Hawaii and Ohio. As an adult, in Michigan, Philly, and New Jersey. After growing up all over the place, I badly want to put down roots in one spot and stay there. Which puts a lot of pressure on the "where to live” decision!

We’re hoping Elizabeth will be “home” for the long run.

And if you check the layout in the gallery, you can also learn Fun Facts about me and the rest of the WCS team!

Make sure you stop by the gallery and see what everyone has created!

Question--Where is home for YOU? Is it a temporary spot, or a long-term home for you?

The Creative Journey continues!

2011-08-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday, everyone! Thanks for coming back to read more about creative journeys with me. Today's guest is the funny and talented Christa Pastenbaugh! I loved reading what she had to say.

I started actual scrapbooking (i.e. beyond collages!) when I was invited to my first Creative Memories party back in 1998. I went as a way to get to know fellow Marine Corps wives, and I'm so glad I did! I scrapbooked off and on until I had Ella (baby #2) and bought Cathy Zielske’s first book, Clean and Simple. After that, I was a changed scrapper!

I joined a kit club and saw what the designers were doing with the product and was very intrigued. I loved how they looked at paper and embellishments a little differently and I wanted to venture down that road as well. It was around that time that I began subscribing to scrapbook magazines as well and looked, really looked at what was being published. So, after many, many, many submissions over many, many months, and many, many, many rejections I finally got a layout picked up in November 2009, with of all magazines--Scrapbooks, Etc! I couldn’t believe it. That seemed to get the ball rolling and I started getting submission requests regularly from Scrapbook Trends, Creating Keepsakes and more from Scrapbooks, Etc. too. And I am forever grateful for each and every one of those.

Even after getting work published on a semi-regular basis, I still go through “dry” spells if you will. For example, I’m in one right now. I have had less than a handful of requests over the last few months, but that’s how things go in this industry I think. Things ebb and flow, but I don’t stop submitting. One of the difficult pieces for me is that I’m not technique-y and often fall into the trap of thinking that I have nothing to offer. I always have to remind myself that I have my stories to offer and if that isn’t enough, then so be it. I create for me and this is just a nice side effect from it!

Christa also had some great advice for people who are trying to submit:

I don’t feel like I’m one who is overly qualified to give advice on getting published and making a name for yourself in the industry, but here goes. Keep submitting. I know, people hear this all the time, but you never know exactly what the editors are looking for at any given time for an article. Layouts I think are great go without ever getting picked up, while others that I nearly don’t submit sometimes do get picked up--you just never know! I also submit the same layout several times because what might not work for one article, may work for one another month.

And submit a lot. When a call is for a subject area where I have several layouts that fit then I submit them all. That can mean 3-5 for one specific call.

I don’t make layouts for a call unless it is a subject/event I would scrap anyway. It takes the fun out of it! A lot of times calls get the ball rolling for me. For example, since I’m not an event scrapper holiday photos sit forever, but when a call comes out then I dig them out because I do want them documented and this is the kick in the hiney I need!

I feel like my niche is journaling and scrapbooking the out of the ordinary. I tell the story behind the photos and use lots of journaling on my pages. I also try to look at photos outside of what is physically going on in them. I go with my gut and scrap how I feel about them.

Here's a layout that shows off Christa's beautiful style: (And if I can editorialize, I absolutely adore Christa's use of color. You have to check out the layouts on her blog!)

I currently LIVE in the DC suburbs in Northern Virginia. I've been married to my college sweetheart for 13 years who keeps us moving with his career in the Marine Corps. We have lived on each coast several times with more moves in sight! We have 2 beautiful and drama filled daughters, Maya and Ella. I work part time as a school social worker in a large high school and I absolutely love it! I can't imagine doing anything else, but also love that it's part time!

My style has definitely evolved over the years and my main focus is and always has been the story behind the photos. I love to focus on what isn't seen in the photos, including our personalities and quirks. I love to journal and like to make space to get as much in as possible!

I currently design for Pebbles, Inc., Creative Memories, Ormolu and Write.Click.Scrapbook. I have been published in Creating Keepsakes, Scrapbooks, Etc., Scrapbook Trends, Scrapbook and Cards Today and several idea boohttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3891972351431603536ks. I am grateful for all that comes my way!

I chose this layout to feature not because I love the design (which I do), but because of the story behind it. I’m a story girl and this one is one I’m so glad I documented. My husband and I got engaged at the Capitol Building in Washington, DC and it holds a special place for us. I created this for the sketch class at Two Peas in a Bucket and I love the large photo from the sketch and thought the photo of the Capitol was perfect. I want my girls to know this story about us and how we came to be our family!

Thank you, Christa! Learn more about her on her beautiful blog, right here:)

And a question for you--what have YOU found to be the most helpful advice for getting into the scrapbook industry?

Elle's Studio July Layouts!

2011-07-27T08:00:00.001-04:00

I'm so excited to be able to share my July Elle's Studio layouts with you!

For my first layout, I pulled out the February Studio Calico kit, Candy Shoppe--loved that one!

As you can see, I received a stuffed hippo for Valentine's Day last year. Luckily, I think stuffed hippos are fairly romantic:)

On this layout, I used lots of Handmade Layers, included my most favorite date/place strips! Love those!

For my second layout, I tried something that makes me inordinately proud of myself. I used my Smash date stamp to stamp on the blank pennants! (Next stop: Harvard. Ha!)

This layout is about the delights of spending time with a good friend--we had a wonderful, connected weekend together and I didn't want to forget it anytime soon.

To top off my gallery, I whipped up a little "welcome tag":

I give out welcome baskets to new families in our community, so this tag was both fun to make AND will be handy when I give out new baskets today! I used more Handmade Layers and pennants on this little puppy--love all the color combos you can get out of this line!

And since I always love new ideas, what is YOUR favorite non-layout project to create?

Creative Journey blog series--Stephanie Howell!

2011-07-25T06:00:00.001-04:00

Happy Monday, everyone, and welcome back to the Creative Journey blog series! I'm so excited to introduce today's guest--she's talented, funny, and has some great insights on the industry.

Without further ado, here's Stephanie Howell!

I asked Stephanie some questions about her journey in scrapbooking and here's what she had to say:

I started scrapbooking when I was pregnant with my oldest daughter, Harper, so about 6 years ago. I attended a Close to My Heart party and decided I wanted to try. Then I picked up a CK magazine and I couldn't believe all of the fun ways that women were scrapbooking. It lit a creative fire in me!

About a year later, I decided to try out for a team. I had been lurking at the Two Peas in a Bucket Pub board, and I thought it sounded fun. The idea of being sent products to use just sounded interesting. What a way to get me out of my comfort zone, to encourage creativity! I tried for several online shops and manufacturers and had no luck. A friend of mine suggested trying for a small online community design team. So I did, and I got the spot. It was the perfect way to break into the industry. I learned about deadlines, a team dynamic, etc.

As the years passed, I started trying for more teams and submitting to magazines. I tried for several big manufacturers, kit clubs, websites.....and man, I experienced a lot of rejection! I remember applying for the Scrapologie kit club and the Scrap in Style site and not getting either and being pretty upset. Then I realized that was silly. I promised myself that the moment that scrapbooking made me feel bad about myself? Well, then I wouldn't do it anymore. The purpose of this hobby for me is that it makes me HAPPY.

So I stopped being so hard on myself and had fun. And in hindsight, I'm glad those gigs didn't work out. They wouldn't have been a good fit for me.

After submitting for about a year, Scrapbook Trends picked me up. They've been wonderful to me and I recommend them to any new submitter. They are fabulous. It took me about four years to get into Creating Keepsakes and Scrapbooks, Etc.

Right now, I'm on three teams, but my main priority is still having fun. If I stop having fun, I will no longer do the team thing. Life's too short:)

Stephanie also shared some tips for industry hopefuls:

It's all about sticking with it. I submitted for years to certain publications. YEARS!!! There's no reason that not being picked up for a few months should be enough to make you quit. That always baffles me. It takes persistence!

Have FUN with it. If you are doing something you love, authentically love...well good things come out of that. I blog because it is my sanity. And i LOVE it. And the fact that good things have come out of that??? That's just icing on the cake that's already pretty sweet.

Another great tip is that when you are looking at magazine calls, be original. If there is a call for "Mother's Day" layouts, submit a layout about "a mother's heart"- how you feel about being a mother - instead of a standard mother's day call. Or if there is a "summer" call, submit a layout about snow cones. Do you see where I'm going here? Do something different! Also, good photography and cropping of your layouts is a MUST!

Here's one of Stephanie's recent favorite layouts:

Growing up with a ridiculously artistic mother, Stephanie tried and abandoned many crafts in frustration before she finally stumbled onto scrapbooking and fell in love. She made a few scrapbooks (in the loosest sense of the term) when she was in college, but truly became obsessed when she was pregnant with her first daughter. Scrapbooking is her therapy and has gotten her through seven of her husband’s overseas deployments.

Stephanie has been published in Creating Keepsakes, Simple Scrapbooks, Scrapbook and Cards Today, Scrapbooks Etc., Memory Makers and Scrapbook Trends magazines. She designs for Studio Calico, Sassafras, and Jenni Bowlin Studio.

Stephanie lives in Savannah and is married to Jimmy, who is a Major in the army. She is also a stay-at-home mom to Harper Elizabeth (5yrs), Sadie Caroline (3yrs), and twin baby girls, Lucy Claire and Catherine (Cate) Bennett (6 months old). In her spare time, she loves blogging, antiquing, taking zumba, and watching reality tv (her dirty little secret). She dreams of learning to sew, embroider, knit, quilt, and cook (well). But most of all, she loves just being together as a family, and she relishes those moments…as they are few and far between.

In Memory

2011-07-24T21:15:00.002-04:00

I wasn't going to post tonight, but I just found out some terrible news and I can't help but write it out--as it still hasn't hit me yet.

This beautiful, funny, talented woman, Chris Hertel, lost her battle with breast cancer and passed away several days ago. I didn't know Chris well, but her thoughtful and clever comments on this blog always made me laugh and spread a little bit of sunshine. Even from our brief interactions, I can tell what a beautiful person she was.

She will be so very missed. Things just aren't the same without her.

CHA Fun and a WINNER!

2011-07-22T13:07:00.013-04:00

Hi everyone! Sorry for that loooong hiatus. Between running around like a crazy person at CHA, having a little tiramisu emergency yesterday, and racing against the clock to make 8 challahs today, things have been a little--er--disorganized.

I have some fun CHA stuff to show you, but before I get to that, we have a winner for the Ella Scrap your Single Years giveaway!

The random.org number was 13, and the winner is VERA!

___

Vera said...

I'm still single ;) so being able to get up and go at the drop of a hat is wonderful!

____

Yay Vera! Shoot me an email at keshet.starr@gmail.com and I'll sort you out:)

Now back to what you REALLY want to know about. . . . . .CHA!

This was a fun, fun trip. I was looking at scrappy stuff and hanging out with scrappy folk until past midnight just about every night, which is normally way past my bedtime, but it was so much fun I couldn't resist! Looking forward to lots of sleep and recuperation this coming weekend:)

The week started with a delicious dinner with friends:

(Special thanks to Jenni's husband Todd for driving us everywhere!) Check out Jenni's blog for more photos of the dinner and the meaning of our new vocabulary word, "poshers":)

There were so many fun things made out of paper to see at the show:

And lots of gorgeous tablescapes:

The Smash booth had this fun photo prop! I want one for home!

Not to mention these UBER-attractive glasses..... (ooh la la, right??)

SO many great new supplies out, like these Pebbles clothespins:

And can you believe this fun embroidery in the Amy Tan booth?

I had fun running into Nik at the Studio Calico booth!

Lots of pretty floral paper--YUM!

And as an end to the day, drinks with Elle (of Elle's Studio!), Jenny, Jenni, Linda and Cindy!

Whew! Quite a random little mishmash, huh?

And just to add to the random--the Elle's Studio July Inspiration Gallery is up, so go check it out! I'll be back to share my projects soon!

Tell me--What's YOUR favorite part of traveling??

Creative Journeys--Meet our Next Guest!

2011-07-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

This is an exciting week, scrappy-wise, with CHA just around the corner! But before we get started with the CHA madness, here's another entry in the Creative Journey blog series.

First off, I have to thank you all for your kind and thought-provoking comments about my last post. I'm newly resolved to focus on what I DO have in life and not what I don't. A hard thing to attempt, but a necessary one.

On to today's guest--meet the talented, fabulous Helen Tilbury--all the way from Africa!

Helen had some wonderful things to say about her journey in the industry:

I started scrapbooking in 2003 in Harare, Zimbabwe, after my daughter attended a holiday workshop & brought home a simple layout that captured my heart! For a couple of years I attended weekly lessons at a really basic studio using simple products & none of “the latest stuff” as it simply wasn’t available. For the first 2 years of my journey all I learned were the basics as I had no time to scrapbook at home and had no idea that there was a whole new world waiting for me online.

In 2005 we emigrated to South Africa & I took a break from scrapbooking for a year while I was adapting to my new environment. 2006 came around and I started attending weekly lessons at my new local scrapbook shop. Now that all my kids were at school I began scrapbooking every morning. I discovered Creating Keepsakes and it was the first scrapbooking magazine I’d ever seen! I became an instant fan of Ali Edwards & finally the cogs started turning and my mind-set regarding my hobby began to shift to a more serious mode 4 years down the line, with that my excitement for scrapbooking started to grow exponentially.

In September 2007 I entered the then only (now non-existent) national scrapbooking competition and came second out of thousands of entries. I received nothing, there were no sponsored prizes for second place (as most scrapbooking products sold in South Africa are imported) & no design teams to get onto as there are virtually no local manufacturers. No recognition followed as there was no-one to recognize me! The scrapbooking industry in South Africa is almost non-existent, not even any local scrapbooking shops to teach at as the few that exist teach the classes themselves as they are so few customers. Even the one and only local scrapbook magazine that was set to print the finalists’ layouts closed down the month after the competition & retrieving my layouts turned into a year-long nightmare.

The disappointment spurred me on to find a solution as I realized at this point that there were no local opportunities & I would have to get online in order to get anywhere with the hobby I was growing to love more and more by the day. There had to be a way I could indulge my passion and succeed despite my location. I kept hearing the word “blog” &had no idea what it meant but gathered that it was some type of personal online interactive website.I just knew I needed one but had no idea how to go about getting one – having never been online! September 2008 & I had never surfed the web!! I began fighting with my kids’ computer when they were at school & in October the same year my blog was born.

I love how Helen's growth in the scrapbook industry also involved finding and "clicking" with an online community--this was very true for me as well!

I spent hours online, learning the ropes, started commenting a lot – I figured someone was bound to notice me eventually if I just kept at it and after a year I had a small readership.I discovered just how excellent so many scrapbookers were in the online world and I remember feeling like I could never “get there”, but the more I saw the more desperate I was to learn& to eventually succeed at creating layouts just as good! I lost my way a bit as I fell in love with blogging & ended up blog-hopping more than I was scrapbooking - I certainly made up for all my years offline as I was so excited to broaden my horizons & learned so much about the world beyond Africa, that I had lost sight of my dream of becoming a well-known scrapbooker whose work spoke for itself.

I have always been a competitive person and it just came naturally to want to go all the way with something I was so passionate about. I was determined I didn’t need a national competition to succeed – I was aiming higher than that anyway – I wanted to take on the world! Towards the end of 2009 I started my online education in earnest. Less blogging & more studying. I poured over layouts by talented designers from all over the world & tried to emulate them. I gave myself an 18 month intensive online “course” in scrapbooking by studying successful scrapbookers from all over the world, whose work I admired & used as my inspiration. I was struggling to find my own style though & not sure of what I liked & disliked. I was trying too hard & doing too much – I was all over the place!

Trying too hard--definitely an issue I've noticed and experienced! How about you?

Towards the end of 2010 (2 years since I started my blog) it dawned on me that I was never going to “get anywhere” if I didn’t release myself from the confines of my blog and “get out there”. I began taking part in challenges, joining forums, adding my work to galleries and I had various successes along the way. Definitely more failures than successes but finally I felt like something was happening. In 2010 I started to apply to various design teams & faced rejection upon rejection. By Christmas 2010 I realized that I couldn’t go on & needed to reassess what exactly I was doing! Or at least trying to do!! I prayed to God to please give me a change of heart, so that I was able to apply for design teams then forget all about it (as opposed to keep checking my inbox for the e mail that never came…only to see the DT advertised on their blog!). I cried my heart out then went away on holiday! This was the turning point for me. The next DT I applied for when I returned accepted me! And the one after that, and that, and that, and that, and that!

Six design teams in six months & definitely more successes than rejections. The tide is finally turning. I feel I have worked for everything I have but at the same time I want to give all glory to my maker for giving me the stamina and attitude needed for this harsh game. Scrapbooking is sweet and lovely and nurturing and healing, but competitive scrapbooking? Welcome to the School of Hard Knocks! Want to give it a go?! I hope my story has encouraged you & that, if it’s what you really, really want (as the Spice Girls would say) that you’ll go confidently in the direction of your dreams. I love finally having a real audience, feeling like my work has a greater purpose& getting a “wow” once in a while. I am striving to be the best I can be &looking forward to the rest of this wonderful journey. I still have a long way to go (I have my first CK publication this month but it’s actually a photograph – check out page 99 of your latest issue) & I’m still not on the DT of any “major” scrapbooking manufacturer, but I am in it for the long haul & I’ve always believed I’ll make it eventually.

I LOVE how Helen really believes in herself--so hard to do but so important!

I do think that it is definitely harder for an “international” (especially an African) to make it in an American dominated industry – mainly because it takes a month to receive any product & I have to make all my scrapbooking purchases online from the States – but I don’t think it is impossible – you just have to be fantastic – and that’s what I’m aiming for! My advice – count the cost. There is a lot involved, and that’s the honest truth. You need to up your game on all levels if you want success. You need to work long & hard. You need to meet deadlines. You need to be 100% reliable. You can’t blog about the bad day you’ve been having if your DT has it’s reveal that day – you’ve got to put your happy hat on & encourage everyone to play along. You need to comment on all the entries & in some cases judge the winners, and that is really hard! But along the way you will have a wonderful, exhausting time!

You’ll be rewarded with the most wonderful affirmation of your work (and you’ll make some enemies along the way who despise you just because they’re jealous so you’ll get the occasional nasty comment too!) Toughen up & let it slide off you like water off a duck’s back. Just keep your eye on the prize! If you’re prepared to work for it it can be yours – you can live the life you’ve imagined!!

Thank you for sharing, Helen! Here's a layout that shows off Helen's vintagey style:

Check out more of Helen's beautiful work on her blog here!

Helen lives in Durban, South Africa, with her husband & four kids – Chelsea (18), Jack (16), Reilly (13) and Cami (11). She is a keen photographer & when she’s not taking photos, scrapbooking or blogging you can usually find her in the car, rushing up & down the freeway with kids off to dancing lessons, soccer matches or sleepovers!

Currently Helen is designing for Scrapbook Challenges, Inspired Blueprints, Once Upon a Sketch, Bird is the Word, Pretty Paper Petals&Scrap-it-Lah. You can find her blog @ http://helentilbury.blogspot.com.

Tune in next Monday for another edition! And let me know if there are any questions YOU'D like answered about publications and DTs!

A layout and a giveaway!

2011-07-15T16:52:00.004-04:00

Hi bloggy friends! I'm popping in from the most. stressful. friday. of. all. time. Let's just say I decided to forgo my weekly trip to Dunkin Donuts (where I indulge in a French Vanilla latte and bring home some treats to share with S) because it would be too stressful. Clearly, things are not good.

To take my mind off that to-do list, here's a layout I created a few months back for a Write. Click. Scrapbook post:

The photos here are from the first day of our Disney trip, when we went to the Magic Kingdom. I wanted to echo the sheer excitement and fun we felt on that day.

Can you spy the stamps on this one? They're one of my absolute favorite Studio Calico sets!

And while we're at it, as much as I love to scrap my married adventures, I'm so glad I have albums upon albums full of my goings-on as a single gal. Whether you're currently or formerly single (hopefully we all fall in one of those categories!) this Ella ebook would be absolutely perfect for you.

Would you like to win a copy? If so, please leave a comment below telling me a fun memory from YOUR single years! (I will choose a winner next Friday)

Wishing you all a happy, stress-free weekend with lots of summer fun:)

What I have my eye on.....

2011-07-13T18:34:00.013-04:00

Even though CHA is still a few days away, I'm already compiling my "loves" list!

Here are some of my fave items from all of the new releases (and warning: this post has WAY too many photos. I just couldn't narrow it down any further!)

The new Elle's Studio release is full of delicious, summery goodies:

Here is one of my favorite new tag sets--can't wait to play!

Veering over a bit, American Crafts has some delicious new products, including this delightful paper from the Garden Cafe line:

And these wonderful loopy thickers!

I'm also loving the cute apple tags from Bits from the Daydream collection.
And this has been the talk of the town, but I adore the Amy Tangerine/American Crafts line! The motifs are so fun and whimsical!

I'm probably going to need 25 sheets of this paper:

And only around 10 packages of these thickers: (did you hear that? That was the sound of S gasping in the corner. Ha!)
These Crate Paper buttons from Farmhouse are definitely going to make their way to me one of these days:

Studio Calico's Memoir line is rocking the jewel tones:
And I can't wait to try out this cool ampersand mask!
Well, there yo have it--some highlights and things I'm coveting. Think my pocketbook is about to get a bit lighter!

What are YOUR favorite items from what you've seen so far?

Creative Journey Blog Series--Meet Guest #2!

2011-07-11T07:00:00.002-04:00

Welcome back, friends! Thanks for joining me for the next edition of the Creative Journey blog series.

It's ironic, because just this week I've been struggling with feeling like I haven't progressed in the industry, I'm not good enough, etc. Even though I have been blessed with wonderful opportunities, the insecurity doesn't just disappear, so I need this blog series this week as much as anybody.

Today's guest is the funny, wonderful and talented Lisa Truesdell!

Here's what Lisa shared about her journey in the industry:

I started, as many do, by finding the Pub board at 2peas. totally intrigued by the idea of having my work published. I submitted sporadically for a while, and then started following magazine calls more closely. Creating for calls pushed me beyond my comfort zone - and deadlines make me more motivated to get to my desk! There were a lot of ups and downs - I learned quickly to separate my emotions from the "rejections." I learned that there's a lot of WORK involved, and that it doesn't always pay off. I learned to weigh the pros and cons of every opportunity that came along, and to pass on ones that didn't resonate with me. I learned to give up some dreams for the sake of others.

I've been working fairly steadily in the industry for almost 4 years now. I still submit. I still get discouraged at times. I still make pages that I hate (there's one about to be pulled apart for pieces on my desk as I write!). And I still get a thrill when I get an email about a layout being picked up or an assignment.

I love what I do. It isn't a perfect job - for all the fun creative time there's paperwork, supply lists, following up and stressful deadlines to deal with. But at the end of the day, the fact that i get to share inspiration and help to promote memory keeping really fuels my creative soul.

Lisa also has some great advice for scrappers looking to break into the industry:

My best advice is to have a sounding board. I have a handful of friends that started making their way into the industry around the same time as I did, and they were (and ARE!) an invaluable support. They were the fresh eyes to look at a layout that wasn't working. They were there to commiserate when an opportunity passed me by. They were there to cheer for me when things went well. I can honestly say that I wouldn't be where I am today without the love and support of these women.

I also think it's important to learn how to market yourself. what do YOU do well? What can you offer a company? There are a lot of designers out there who make great pages--learn what's special about your work, and figure out how it can benefit you and the people you work for.

I've also found that it's KEY to separate your emotions from your work. Not easy, but really essential so that you can be "in the game" but still keep your love for the craft in place.

Here's a layout that illustrates Lisa's fun, eclectic style:

As Lisa says:Do you ever finish a page and it just evokes EXACTLY the emotion you were going for? This is one of those pages. It totally captures my littlest right now.

Lisa Truesdell lives in Omaha, Nebraska, in a midtown neighborhood filled with big trees and old houses. When her mother started scrapbooking, Lisa was surprised to see how far the hobby had come, and quickly fell in love with a craft that allowed her to experiment with colors and patterns, words and photographs. She's now been scrapbooking for 6 years and her pages are detailed and whimsical. She loves to mix and layer bits of patterned paper with lots of sewing. Lisa finds inspiration in quilt patterns and decor magazines, and loves to record the small moments in her family's life that would otherwise be forgotten.

Lisa has been married to Matthew for 13 years and is a stay-at-home mom to their three boys--Alex, Ben and Sam. When she's not making pages or chasing her boys, she is slowly teaching herself to use her sewing machine on fabric. She also subscribes to too many magazines and is useless from the moment she starts a new book until she finishes it.

Lisa was a Creating Keepsakes Honorable Mention winner in 2006, and has had her work published in BHG Scrapbooks Etc., Creating Keepsakes, Simple Scrapbooks, Scrapbook Trends and Cards Magazine. She is currently designing for Studio Calico and is a Two Peas in a Bucket Garden Girl.

Thanks for joining us, Lisa! And don't forget to pop by next Monday for another entry in the series!

Happy Birthday, Theresa!

2011-07-08T11:00:00.001-04:00

The talented and sweet Theresa is celebrating a birthday today, so we're having a little blog party for her!

I got to know Theresa through blogging, and her comments always enlighten me and crack me up at the same time. I hope this is one FABULOUS birthday for you, my friend!

And how cute is this itty-bitty birthday cake:

source

The next stop on the blog hop is Lydia! And if you want to start at the beginning, check out the Scrapbookers Anonymous blog.

Thanks for coming by and have a great Friday!

And to feed my curiosity, what's the best birthday YOU'VE ever had?

It's a Wedding Kind of Week.....

2011-07-06T08:49:00.006-04:00

I love weddings. Mine was two and half years ago, and--ahem--I have yet to complete a scrapbook about it. I'm really delinquent in scrapbooking large life events.

Given this delinquency, I was pleased to find out that the topic for the Write. Click. Scrapbook gallery this month was weddings! You can see the whole gallery here.

For my layout, I focused on one element of the day, the fact that I gained a new family as well as a husband. I used lots of Crate Paper's Portrait line, and some Studio Calico veneer butterflies for good measure.

And a little closeup:

Up there in the corner is one of my favorite punches--the Martha Stewart starburst. It's an oldie, but a goodie. I think it just adds the perfect touch to any project, whether used as a circle or cut in half. (And no, I'm not getting paid for this. I'm just a huge starburst fan)

And now, down to some business:

GIVEAWAY WINNER!!!!!!!!

I have to pick another (let's hope it's the last!) winner for my blog giveaway--the Random.org # is 21, and the winner is Meredith!

Meredith said...

I must confess I haven't purged for some time but every now and then I slip a few things my daughter and sons way for them to scrap with (they are 4, 6, 8, 9!!) They love it!
I love the haul of goodies that you have there!!
My email: john.treloar@bigpond.com

Also, I promised a prize pack to whoever guessed what my blog secret was--and the winner of that is Sarah Webb!

Sarah Webb said...

I am going to guess an inspirational series... Something on scrapping ;) Maybe something for Ella? Looking forward to what it might be!

Ladies, email me at keshet.starr@gmail.com to collect your prizes! Also, don't forget to check back here on Mondays for a new Creative Journey blog series post! (we skipped this week for the holiday weekend).

So tell me--are YOU as bad as I am in scrapping events like weddings??

Happy Fourth!

2011-07-04T09:37:00.009-04:00

Happy Fourth of July everyone! I'm looking forward to spending most of the day with family and going to a friend's BBQ in the evening, but before I go, I wanted to share some fun Fourth of July inspiration I discovered on Pinterest!

Some delicious-looking snack options:

I have a not-so-little "thing" for chocolate dipped strawberries. I always want to buy one at Godiva, but they run something like $8 a berry. So needless to say, I'm VERY excited by this patriotic strawberries.

[Image source = http://scrambledhenfruit.blogspot.com/2010/06/red-white-and-blue-berries.html]

And after my run-in with cake pops, I've been thinking that marshmallow pops might be the way of the future. Check out these lovelies:

[Image source = http://www.alamodemaven.com/2011/06/thoughtful-place-festive-4th.html]

A good dress never hurt anyone, and this patriotic number is no exception:

I like how it's fun and flirty and color appropriate without being over the top.

[Image source = http://www.judithmarch.com/collections_detail.cfm?form=469&cat=5]

I'm also in love with the fun decor ideas I found. Pinwheels galore:

and tags for beverages, oh my!
[Image sources = http://allsorts.typepad.com/allsorts/2010/06/starspangled-pinspinners-for-this-fridays-freebie.html, http://www.twigandthistle.com/blog/2009/07/diy-4th-of-july/]

And last but not least, I LOVE a good tablescape.

This one has such a feminine feel to it despite the bright primary colors:

[Image source = http://www.marthastewart.com/photogallery/red-white-and-blue-clip-art-crafts?lpgStart=1&currentslide=12&currentChapter=1]

What are YOUR plans for the Fourth? And are there fireworks involved?