A little Tease.....

Yours truly is hosting over at the Ella Publishing blog today with a post on scrapbooking about things OTHER than children!

My Ella buds Diana and Francine contributed, so that's reason enough to pop over there!

And if you still aren't convinced, here's a little sneak peek at a layout I created for the post (gotta take care of my bloggy friends, right?)


I also have another copy of Ella's new book, Journaling that Matters, to give away!



To enter, leave a comment below! I will choose a winner on Wednesday.

A few more items of business:
--Stephanie Baxter, please email me so I can get you your ebook! Otherwise, I'll choose a new winner Monday.

--Thanks for all of your insightful comment about the Pubs/DT post. I am aiming to have Part II posted on Sunday, so come back for that!

Up Close and Personal: DT Style

Today I want to write about something that is near or dear to my heart. It has brought me ulcers, stomachaches, frustration, joy, pride, disbelief, jealousy, anger, and more. It's the DT/publication process.

A bit of background about me: I have scrapped for almost 10 years, but I didn't find the online scrapping community until a bit over a year ago. Having been a scrapbooking junkie for some time, once I found out there was a way to get scrapbook supplies for free, I was sold! As I got to know more people on message boards, I also wanted to join teams where I could get to know these great people who shared my crazy hobby a bit better.

So I began trying--submitting nearly every layout I made for publication, applying to so many design teams I've completely lost count, stalking the Two Peas Pub board for tips and encouragement. And for a long time, I didn't really get anything--I had some guest design gigs and features here and there, but nothing that seemed proportionate to what I was putting in.

I was frustrated. And upset. And jealous at the same names that seemed to pop up everywhere. And then one day, I realized I couldn't go on that way, so I emotionally pulled back a bit from the process. I took submitting breaks. I only applied for teams that REALLY seemed like a good fit.

Then, a few months later, I got some good news. While my new teams were announced in piecemeal on my blog, I found out about all four within a two week period. It was surreal, and still is.

So while I don't feel that qualified to be writing this post, I love encouraging people. So here are my tips for publication/DT success, while maintaining your sanity and general good nature.

1. Wear the Right Headgear

I see myself as having two "hats" with scrapbooking--the "artist" hat that focuses on creating the most true-t0-myself project, and the "marketer" hat that worries about presenting said project in the best light. The marketer hat looks for a great photo--bright, cropped closely, and clear (believe me, I learned this the hard way--it took a comment from a magazine editor and lots of Studio Calico ladies' suggestion to change the way I photographed my layouts, but it was WELL worth it). Once you have a great photo, get it out there, on your blog, message board galleries, etc. People can't find you if your work isn't out there!

2. Join the community

Breaking into the scrapbook industry is like moving to a new neighborhood--you have to hit up block parties and community gatherings to meet people! Online communities, from message boards to blogs, are often very welcoming of new faces, and these relationships can lead to connections later on (not that you should be friendly just to get something out of people, but that genuine friendships can then lead to idea-sharing and opportunity in general).

3. Don't take it personally

Rejections hurt, period. And this is even moreso in scrapbooking, when the product being rejected is something you created with your own hands, with pictures of your family. It can really sting. But the truth is that most companies have more talent than they have space for--too many talented potential team members, too many amazing pages. So, the fact that you didn't get chosen doesn't mean you weren't good enough! It may mean the company is looking for someone with more of an online presence, or to provide personal diversity, or because their customers have expressed interest in a certain style. Again: it doesn't mean you aren't good enough.

And that's all for now--Part II is coming in a second post:)

In the meantime, I'd love to hear YOUR point of view on this topic!

And before I go, a winner for the Ella giveaway:

Stephanie Baxter!

Congrats Stephanie! Email me at keshet.shenkar@gmail.com and I'll get you sorted out!

Scarlet Lime November goodness

The November kit is up at Scarlet Lime and it's a beauty! The main and Frugal Fab kits are still available, so head on over and snap them up!

Here's what I did this month:

First, the Main kit!

I love the fall colors in this! I went simple on this layout below, about my little bro.

Journaling reads: I don't remember what year this was or how old you were. I just love the glimpse into you as a boy.

This is an example of a layout you can create when the event has already been lost in your memory.

This next one documents a friend's engagement party (called "vort" in Yiddish--odd word, I know:))
Journaling reads: After Sarah and Brian got engaged, the fab 4 plus husbands went up to Monsey for the vort. We had a blast!

And a sneak at the patterned paper flower...

I just crumpled patterned paper by hand for this. Easy-peasy!

And now, the Frugal Fab kit:


This first layout needs a little backstory--S and I met online at a Jewish dating site, and this photo below (minus his mom) was his profile picture! I'd been wanting to scrap this for some time, and loved the color combo between S's shirt and the kit. I used some beloved punches on this one--the Martha Stewart butterfly, and bracket border!

This last one is a photo from my days as a camp counselor. Late nights, screaming children, poor hygiene management (on the part of the screaming children)---I wonder how I survived it all!

But this photo reminds me of the awesome parts of camp, that made the squishy broccoli quiche and sleep deprivation worth it. The lazy mornings lying on the grass, hours spent cooking hot dogs to perfection, sweet little faces asking you when the next activity starts...priceless.


And there you have it--happy November!

What are YOU doing special for November?

I have nothing firm planned, but ideas include:
1. Buying a pumpkin spice candle and lighting it
2. Getting a pumpkin spice pedicure at a salon
3. Campaigning Starbucks to make their pumpkin spice latte kosher (can you sense a theme here?)
What would YOU vote for?

And before you go, check out THIS beautiful post and THIS fun sketch!

Oh. My. Word.

Over a month ago, I got a CRAZY email. It was from Elizabeth Dillow, and it was asking me if I had received their email inviting me to join Write Click Scrapbook, and if I could please let them know if I was interested. What on earth? First, I nearly fell off my chair. Then, I freaked out about the missing email and worried it was too late to respond. But mostly, I was shocked that such a cool group of women, whose profiles I had read all in one sitting when I first found WCS online, would ask me to join them. To say I'm honored would be an understatement.



If you haven't checked out the site yet, it's a wonderful spot of scrappy inspiration.

Here's the layout I created for the gallery this month:

The gallery theme was Young Me/Now Me. Given the lack of childhood photos available (my parents live in Ohio), I took two photos of me, one upon graduating high school, and one after graduating law school. I thought I was going to talk about the different places I'm at in my life, but I ended up talking about my smile. Go figure:)

Journaling reads: I used to be so self-conscious about my smile. I'd close my mouth in pictures, worried I had stuff in my teeth, and never loved photos of myself. I remember hating my smile in this senior pic. 8 years later, I noticed the same crinkly "doofy" smile in this professional pic. And I can't help but love it. I just wish I had loved myself more back then!

Supplies used: Studio Calico October kit and add-ons, Photo credit: Alexis Hardy Photography.

And before I go, I realized I hadn't shared my Sketchy Thursdays layout last week!

Here's the sketch:


And here's my take on it:

This one is about our sheva brachos (use the link to get an explanation!) at a friend's house in Passaic.

I'm working on a post about my journey so far with publications and design teams, and I would love YOUR input.

What's your #1 piece of advice for someone wanting to break into the scrapbooking industry?

PS--Ella giveaway still open in the post below!

PPS--You can access this site through keshetstarr.com now!

Scrappy Sunday--Giveaways Galore!

Hi bloggy friends! This Sunday finds me sitting cross-legged at my desk, waiting for my camera to charge so I can finish a tutorial (can't move on without photographing the step!) and waiting for my husband to stop working so we can go on our daily activities.

And what are these activities, you ask? First, we have a shiva call. For those of you scratching your heads right about now, shiva is part of the Jewish mourning customs. After someone passes away, their family sits shiva at their home and the community comes to them. Personally, I find these visits awkward. I don't know what to say, and I don't want to say the wrong thing. But, as I was reading just the other week, the point of shiva is not to comfort people, because you can't take away this sort of pain. The point is just to be with people, so they won't be alone in their pain. And so we're going.

On a lighter note, we're planning to follow up with a trip to Michael's. Ostensibly to find items for a project I have in the works, but (not so) secretly to investigate new border punches (Oops--did I say that out loud??)

And since this IS Scrappy Sunday, after all, here's a new layout:

This one is made of a bunch of random supplies, including paper from Jenni Bowlin, Crate Paper, and Studio Calico. I used my beloved birdie rub-ons on this one. The quote was made from Fancy Pants rub-ons on a Making Memories manila paint spot. [Photo Credit: Alexis Hardy Photography.]

The quote is one of my faves: And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make. (Beatles).

And some close-ups (which may look familiar!):




And now on to the GIVEAWAY part!

First of all, many of you commenters were right on the money about my love for the new Ella ebook! I was over the moon when Kelly and Angie asked me to participate, and I'm over the moon (or rainbow, I should say) that it's here! I didn't contribute any writing, but have a layout in there.

So, a personal prizepack from me goes to the very cool (and well dressed--check out her WIWW!) Jodi!

Jodi, shoot me an email at keshet.shenkar@gmail.com and I'll get you sorted.

And now, one of you lucky readers gets a copy of the e-book!

Simply LEAVE A COMMENT on this post with your biggest journaling challenge (or just comment--don't want to create any stress here!). I'll choose a winner next Sunday at 9am.

Happy Sunday, friends! What are YOUR plans?

What I Wore Wednesday and some Exciting News!

So this week, I only have one outfit for you--sad, I know.

The reason I only have one is because I worked the other days this week. And if you see me on a morning before work, you'd understand why I'm not taking photos of myself!

8:20 am on a workday morning generally finds the Starr abode in utter chaos, with S issuing his "five minute!" and "one minute!" reminders, and me frantically debating which shoes to wear, and other essential questions of life (tights or no tights? umbrella or not?). I've nearly walked out the door before remembering that I cover my hair--and ran back to shove that wig on my head. Good times.

So anyhoo, here's what you get:

I know the picture isn't too fantabulous. I'd replace the mirror, but truth be told? Everyone who looks in it comments on what a skinny mirror it is. And I always feel fabulous looking in it. So it stays:)

Where I got stuff:

• Tank top: Ann Taylor (on sale!)
• Denim skirt: Ann Taylor (long time ago)
• White shell: Kiki Riki online (since for some reason, the Orthodox stores in Brooklyn don't sell them in white. Boo.)
• Shoes: Target (last season)
• Necklace: Meredith Fenwick Designs (won this on Ali Edwards's blog and I LOVE it!)
  

A close-up of the detail on the shirt:


And some fairly pathetic attempts at a self portrait:

Wait, too serious. Let's try again:



And now, onto the exciting part! (if you're excited already, bonus points!)

Ella Publishing just released a new ebook about journaling! I've taken a peek at it and it is FAB! Here's the link to get a copy for yourself!

And before I go, a little sneaky question.........Can you guess WHY I'm so excited about this ebook?

The first one to get it right wins a little prize pack from me!

Scrappy Monday (and other lovely things)

I meant to post this on Sunday--I really did.

But then there were so many delectable things taking my time away. A sushi lunch, a cinnamon dolce latte at Starbucks, a pumpkin patch, my sweet husband, a hayride, and other wonderful things. Photos from the pumpkin patch coming up soon!

To tide you over, here's a layout about said husband on his birthday.

I used Studio Calico's October kit on this one. I loved this Seaside die-cut paper so much I was afraid to use it, but since I believe in conquering those hoarding tendencies, that paper got used right up! I still have a fair amount of October kit left, and November reveal is in just a few days--ack! Does this happen to you, too?

Now I happen to have a lot to say lately, so I'll have to turn that into more blog posts. Life has gotten too, too crazy!

But before I go, some sneaks for various and sundry projects coming soon to your local blog:




I hope everyone had a wonderful start to their week!

How is YOUR Monday?