a point to ponder

Why is it that we, as scrapbookers, are constantly bombarded with the idea that we need to purchase a book or class, and then take the time to read or participate in it, in order to save money and time in our scrapbooking?

Ironic, huh?

Call me crazy, but I can resolve these two dilemnas (for myself, at least) without the cost of a book or seminar and certainly without the time it would take to involve myself in either one.

Problem 1: need to save money in scrapbooking

Solution: stop buying supplies

That's right guys and gals, it's just that simple. If you are spending too much on scrapbooking, then you simply need to stop. For most of us, there are plenty of scrapbooking supplies in our homes as it is. Guess what- this also elimates the need for increased efforts in scrapbooking storage and organization ;) For those who actually want to scrap, can't afford the supplies, and truly don't have an adequate stash already, let your scrappy friends know (to include the ones you see face-to-face and your online buds). An all-too-common question on scrapbooking message boards is, "What should I do with my supplies that I no longer want?"

Problem 2: need more time for scrapbooking

Solution: life is about choices

This one is much easier to solve than problem 1. "Life is about choices" simply means we choose how we spend our time. Take a look at how you spend your free time (non-working, non-eating, and non-sleeping) and make changes as neccessary. Maybe you don't really care about the TV shows you spend hours each day watching and would rather spend that time scrapping. Or maybe you have a lot of other important things in your schedule right now and you choose to focus on those things for now and save scrapbooking for later. Point being, if you really don't have the time to scrap, no gimmick is going to make that time for you. And taking your time to read a book on time only means you could have used that time to scrap (or whatever is it you wanted more time for in the first place). The only way to "make time" for scrapbooking is to eliminate some other activity from your day.

Disclaimer: I must say, I do thoroughly enjoy reading books, articles, blogs, and anything else I can get my hands on related to scrapbooking. This is something I definately choose to spend lots of time (and sometimes money) on :)

for my fellow crafters

take a minute to head over to Gina K's blog to enter for a chance to win a super-fabulous-looking set of markers :)

a great deal

I came accross the niftiest thing this week while ordering prints for my Christmas cards. Ritz/Wolf camera has this amazing deal on Tuesdays- 3 1/5 x 5 prints are just 5 cents- that's right, as in 20 for just $1. (This is one of those "upload your pics online and pick them up in the store 1 hour later" kind of deals.) At first I was thinking- what a find! This really saved me some $$ on my Christmas cards this year. But after I got home with my stack of prints and started putting my cards together I loved the quality of the prints and realized that this dandy little 3 1/2 x 5 size would not be bad at all for my scrapbooks. I think I generally spend $50 or more when I order prints. I tend to put off ordering them for awhile so, by the time I do, I have a ton that need to be developed. I am thinking next time I will be sure to order on Tuesday and switch from my tried and true 4 x 6 size to the ol' 3 1/2 x 5. Cha-Ching! Money saved! And isn't that what everyone is needing a little more of in the new year? ;)

a lovely little Thursday find

While surfing the world wide web in search of an idea for a cute gift card holder I came across this little gem of a blog. It showcases the work of the very talented Ms. Tori Wild. Her cards are so cute and fresh that I was instantly drawn to each and every one in its own unique way. I encourage you to check it out! Also, not only did she have a nifty little tutorial on a gift card holder (Eureka!), she also had a wonderful tutorial on "sewing for dummies" (sewing on paper, that is) that I would highly recommend for anyone truly new to sewing altogether and wanting to begin sewing on their cards, scrapbook layouts, and such. Both of these tutorials can be found right here :)

a few things I've made

I haven't gotten much done in the way of scrapping lately, however I am proud to announce the completion of at least 1 layout.

Impressive, it is not, but I am content with its simplicity and quite happy with the fact that I used up one of my Jolee's stickers. You see, I recently vowed never to purchase another Jolee's (or other sticker again). I have mountains of them and rarely find myself using them at all in my projects. However, they seem to have an effect similar to that of credit card debt- with the amount of stickers I have previously acquired, if I continue to use the minimum amount of them on each project, I will be struggling just to use them up before I die *sigh*

I also made 2 cards!


For the first one I used this sketch from the CPS blog, and for the second I used this sketch from the SCS Wednesday card sketches. These cards will be included in the set I am making for my grandmother for Christmas. She sends out cards like nobody's business and is always in need of a fresh supply. Originally I had planned to make a nice set of cards that all matched one another but I have changed my mind- I think a box of cards that are each unique would be a lot more fun to make and to receive. I am altering a lunch tin to put the cards and envies in and hope to get time to alter a little notebook and pen to stick in there as well. More pictures to come :) Thanks for looking!

eye candy

Want to make a super cute minibook for Christmas? Here is a nifty tutorial using Cosmo Cricket papers and lots of yummy Stampin' Up! goodies ;)

Ali Edwards is also putting together an amazing little album over on her blog throughout the 25 days of December.

And if those 2 haven't intimidated you, then head over to Tim Holtz's little corner of the world. But make sure you are sitting down securely for this one. His 12 Tags of Christmas just might amaze you right out of your chair.