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scrapbook books

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Have You Read This Book and Is It Very Scrapbook-y?

This book is only $1.99 for Kindle right now and it’s a #1 Best Seller. It’s called Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris.

five quarters of the orange joanne harris scrapbook novel

The description caught my eye:

When Framboise Simon returns to a small village on the banks of the Loire, the locals do not recognize her as the daughter of the infamous woman they hold responsible for a tragedy during the German occupation years ago. But the past and present are inextricably entwined, particularly in a scrapbook of recipes and memories that Framboise has inherited from her mother. And soon Framboise will realize that the journal also contains the key to the tragedy that indelibly marked that summer of her ninth year. . . .

This author also wrote Chocolat which, while I didn’t read the book, was a movie I really enjoyed. The thing is, I don’t tend to like historical novels :/

And sometimes a book or movie description will mention a scrapbook, I buy it, then it’s mentioned one time in the whole work, LOL. Aggravatin’, I tell ya’! So I’m wondering if this book is actually “scrapbook-y” or are they just teasing me again?

Have any of you scrappy girls read this book who could give me a review please? (<- That is SO grammatically incorrect but I'm tiiired). I know it's only $1.99 and I should just chance it but my Kindle doth overflow with tons of bargain Kindle books and I'm trying to be more selective these days :) So should I get it?

“The New Rules of Scrapbooking” Free for Kindle – Limited Time!

Yippee, there’s a new book about our favorite obsession … erm, HOBBY … scrapbooking!!

It’s called “The New Rules of Scrapbooking: Crafting with Your Photos Can Be Simple” by Jennifer Wilson from Simple Scrapper.

new rules of scrapbooking

From Jennifer: ” In New Rules, and with the free companion workbook, you’ll gain insight into customizing your own rules of memory keeping in the modern world.”

It’s only 60 pages long so I’d definitely pick it up while it’s FREE. You can get it here.

I just downloaded it to my Kindle but keep in mind that you don’t need a Kindle to read Kindle books. Just download the free Kindle app onto your phone, tablet, or computer and VOILA! You’re readin’ a Kindle book without a Kindle. I’m impressed ;)

Would love to hear your thoughts on “The New Rules of Scrapbooking” if you get a chance to read it!

Scrapbooking in the Media: “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” . . . We’re Makin’ This SBR

Technically, I only talk about scrapbooking books or novels here. I mean, it’s called Scrapbook Obsession after all :P

But I broke from tradition not long ago to write this post and now I’m about to do it again. This time I’m talking about “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert. We’re going to take a mainstream non-fiction book and make it scrapbook-related (SBR).

big magic elizabeth gilbert

She’s the author who wrote “Eat, Pray, Love” that you may have read; it was quite the bestseller.

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She’s been writing for most of her life, has wrestled with creativity, and won. I mean, for one thing, she wrote another book immediately AFTER “Eat, Pray, Love.” Given all the attention, all the praise, all the criticism – about her book and her life – that was a brave feat in itself.

Elizabeth Gilbert has been on a speaking tour promoting her book this year and I was supposed to see her on one of the stops. But my plans fell through and I wasn’t able to travel the 3 hours. I did still get my signed copy of “Big Magic” though:

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I first became interested in this book because all my creative entrepreneur contacts were talking about it. These are my clients, potential clients, their friends, etc. I don’t make a living from being “a creative” but I’ve always been a writer, as a hobby and pulling it into my work whenever I can (blogging, copywriting, and editing for clients). So I intended to read the book straight-on, from the perspective of a writer.

As I started reading it, I found that I was able to apply almost every single point to being an entrepreneur as well. The author talks a lot about ideas, how we get them and use them (or don’t); not going into huge debt to learn how to be an artist because there are so may free/cheap ways to do so; no whining when publishers and patrons don’t seek you out; etc. Well, all the same things could be said for starting and nurturing a small business. So I was psyched – this book was applicable to TWO distinct parts of my life! Pretty dang cool.

Um, yeah, make that THREE: How about applying her ideas and wisdom to scrapbooking? It doesn’t get much more creative than this wonderful hobby. Now that I’m about 90% done with the book, I’m feeling the need to read it all again. There’s so much good stuff in here and I’m going to share a few important ideas of Elizabeth’s as they might apply to scrapbookers.

Here’s one of my favorite passages from early in the book (starts on page 88 … ooh, magical number!):

Are you considering becoming a creative person? Too late, you already are one. To even call somebody “a creative person” is almost laughably redundent; creativity is the hallmark of our species. We have the senses for it; we have the curiosity for it; we have the opposable thumbs for it; we have the rhythm for it; we have the language and the excitement and the innate connection to divinity for it.

If you’re alive, you’re a creative person. You and I and everyone you know are descended from tens of thousands of years of makers. Decorators, tinkerers, storytellers, dancers, explorers, fiddlers, drummers, builders, growers, problem-solvers, and embellishers – these are our common ancestors.

The guardians of high culture [and scrapbooking] will try to convince you that the arts belong only to a chosen few, but they are wrong and they are also annoying. We are all the chosen few. We are all makers by design. Even if you grew up watching cartoons in a sugar stupor from dawn to dusk, creativity still lurks within you. …

All of which is to say: You do not need a permission slip from the principal’s office to live a creative life. Or if you do worry that you need a permission slip — THERE, I just gave it to you. I just wrote it on the back of an old shopping list. Consider yourself fully accredited.

Now go make something.

I want to scream this to all those people who, upon hearing that I love to scrapbook, say, “Oh, I can’t do that. I’m not creative.” Bull puckey! (as my mama said as I was growing up, because she didn’t curse in front of minors). YOU are creative and YOU are creative and YOU are creative. Every single person. It’s in all of us. Granted, some might be shy about letting out their creativity, feel it’s a waste of time, or feel their efforts are lackluster. But no one can say they truly aren’t creative. It’s just IN us.

I also want to share that passage with you scrapbookers who feel your pages are too plain, you don’t do all the techniques, you don’t have $80 per page to spend on supplies, or you’re “just a pocket page scrapper.” I’ve been guilty of thinking and saying these things about myself. So I needed to hear this. No matter what form our scrapbooking takes, we are creating layouts, writing down memories, choosing pleasing colors and themes, and making our own version of art. We are creative, just as creative as those “creative scrapbookers”!

elizabeth gilbert big magic
~Quote graphic courtesy of Penguin Books

Another passage that spoke to me was this one, starting on page 179:

I firmly beleive that we all need to find something to do in our lives that stops us from eating the couch. Whether we make a profession out of it or not, we all need an activity that is beyond the mundane and that takes us out of our established and limiting roles in society (mother, employee, neighbor, brother, boss, etc.). We all need something that helps us to forget ourselves for a while – to momentarily forget our age, our gender, our socioeconomic background, our duties, our failures, and all that we have lost and screwed up. We need something that takes us so far out of ourselves that we forget to eat, forget to pee, forget to mow the lawn, forget to resent our enemies, forget to brood over our insecurities. …

Perhaps creativity’s greatest mercy is this: By completely absorbing our attention for a short and magical spell, it can relieve us temporarily from the dreadful burden of being who we are. Best of all, at the end of your creative adventure, you have a souvenir – something that you made, something to remind you forever of your brief but transformative encounter with inspiration.

Can I get an AMEN?? For those of us scrapbook obsessed, this is the wonderful, magical, amazing thing that keeps us sane. Scrapbooking allows us that time and space to escape the real world and all its obligations and crushing blows and just be creative. I don’t know about you but I can’t think of a single moment scrapbooking that hasn’t been enjoyable (well, except for editing and printing photos but let’s not count that).

How many times have you been so consumed by paper, photos, embellishments, and adhesive that you forgot to pee? Or eat or drink or pay the light bill? Yeah, that’s a magical escape my friends and aren’t we lucky to have found the key to the portal.

We are all creative and creativity keeps us sane. Those are just two of the scrapbook-y takeaways I got from this book. I’d love to hear your thoughts on these ideas and your scrapbooking creativity in general.

Team Lisa Bearnson: Who Wants an “Anthology” Catalog?

It’s pretty fun working for Youngevity. They do giveaways almost daily on their Facebook page and lots of times all you have to do is Like or Share something.

I Love Free Stuff!

Last week, Michelle Wallach (the founder’s wife) offered up the brand new “Memory Keeping Idea Book Fall/Winter 2015” just for leaving a comment. Luckily, I got in under the wire and this is how I received it!

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Not only was it in the pretty gossamer bag but it smelled delicious! I don’t know how she did that, LOL. And there was a cute card that said, “Thanks for your love & support for Youngevity!”

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I wish I could post photos of this entire yummy catalog and idea book for you! It has all the fall and winter lines not only for Lisa Bearnson’s new “Anthology” line, but also for Youngevity’s existing scrapbooking lines called “Our Memories for Life” (paper) and “Heritage Makers” (digital).

Youngevity Memory Keeping Idea Book – Fall/Winter 2015

I couldn’t resist showing you all the sneaks into the November “Anthology” kits. I’m just a SQUEEEEE bit excited to see them!

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*Note: This was a misprint. It’s actually the NOVEMBER Nifty Gifty kit :)
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Aren’t all those layouts cute! I especially love the “HOME” one 2nd from the bottom. In fact, I like what I see so much that I canceled the October kits I had in my auto-ship (going out 10/25) and decided to replenish my Tangy Tangerine multi-vitamins and ASAP weight loss drops THIS month, so I could spend all my auto-ship budget on these November kits NEXT month. October = health, November = SCRAP!!

Other features of this idea book:

– Glossy color photos throughout. It’ll remind you of the good ol’ days of flipping through a scrapbook magazine

– Great ideas for layouts, home decor projects, gift ideas (Christmas is getting close!),etc.

– Clear explanations of how to create Heritage Makers projects, how to place orders, and how to be a consultant*, if that interests you :)

*Make sure to sign up under me (Erika Friday / 101433514) so I receive credit for referring you and you get to be on Team Lisa Bearnson!

WOULD YOU LIKE A COPY OF THE ONLINE or PAPER IDEA BOOK?

You can see it online right HERE!

If you’d like a paper copy of the idea book, I’m selling them.

They cost me $40 for 10 – or $4 each. Postage within the US will be $2-3, so $6-7 per copy. I wish I could afford to send you one for free but I just can’t, at least until my “Anthology” business is selling more.

Would you like one? Just $5 including postage (within continental US). If you then place an order through me (Erika Friday / 101433514) and let me know, I’ll refund your $5 via Paypal. (you have 60 days after your idea book purchase). Sound like a plan?

My Paypal is: erika(at)scrapbookobsession.com

Whether digital or paper, I hope you enjoy the “Youngevity Memory Keeping Idea Book”!

Scrapbook Book: “Live Life in All Caps” by Teresa Collins

Yep, one of our own has published an autobiography!

The book is Live Life in All Caps: The Teresa Collins Story by Teresa Collins.

teresa collins live life in all caps

You can get the Kindle version for $6.99 HERE and the paperback for $14.39 right HERE with free Prime shipping.

Teresa is known for home decor . . .

DIY items . . .

organizational products . . .

and – my favorite, of course – scrapbooking supplies!

Even if you don’t know anything about Teresa other than her products, you’ll be interested by her life story. She’s certainly been through a lot including a stroke and the loss of her husband. It seems she’s found a way to keep a great attitude and keep smiling.

If you happen to be in Utah, you should check out her book signing tonight:

Book Launch – “Live Life in All Caps – The Teresa Collins Story”
Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.
American Fork City Public Library – 64 S. 100 E., American Fork, UT 84003

If not, you can get her book on Amazon HERE. If you read her book, I’d love to hear your review :)

Congratulations Teresa!!

Scrapbooking in the Media: “We Are Called to Rise” and the Importance of Memory Keeping

I like to take note when our lovely hobby is in movies, TV, books, on the news, etc. Scrapbookers, memorabilia, and memory keeping were mentioned in a novel I’m reading, “We Are Called to Rise” by Laura McBride.

we are called to rise novel laura mcbride

Okay, I’m already going on a tangent but I was so intrigued by the title. It’s based on a quote by Emily Dickinson:

We never know how high we are
Till we are called to rise;
And then, if we are true to plan,
Our statures touch the skies —

The English major (poetry) in me just loves that <3

Anyway, it’s a great read so far. It’s made up of the stories of several different people in Las Vegas whose lives intersect in the climax of the novel.

One of those characters is Avis, a 50-something mom who is on her own when her husband leaves her for a younger woman from his office. They end up selling their long-time home where they raised two children, a daughter they lost when she was a child and a son who is now struggling with PTSD after returning from military duty in the Middle East.

As she cleans out and packs up their home, struggling with what to keep and what to let go of, she says:

I’m not a scrapbooker, not somebody who tries to organize what I will remember. After all, there are a lot of years I want to forget. Nor did I want to shape something after it happened. I didn’t even like to write things in a baby book. It seemed like my interpretation of what had happened would get in the way of the actual experience. I wanted to remember things as they were, and not as I created them, by choosing certain photos, or saving certain items, or labeling certain moments.

Of course, I had that all backward. It turns out that most of what I remember are the things that accidentally did get labeled, or pulled out, or sorted. How is it possible that I can forget the dearest moments of my life? I never wanted to forget Nate’s first word, the silly tune Jim sang when he changed either baby’s diaper, the look of the sun glinting off the lake in Idaho. I never wanted to forget those things; I never thought I could forget those things. Turns out, forgetting is easy.

At least until I come across something that brings the memory back. A lopsided teacup from the pottery shop at the lake, an overheard melody that happens to be almost the same as Jim’s jingle, a baby repeating “ball” from a nearby grocery cart. Or this house. This house as I pack it up and decide what should be tossed, what should be given, what should be kept (pp. 156-157).

Do you ever think about what she says in the first paragraph? Whether as a scrapbooker you’re arranging your memories the way you want them at the time, or think you do? By writing memories down, especially right after they happened, are you creating the memory narrative (for you AND your family) or merely recording it?

In the second paragraph, I was happy to hear her say that she had it all wrong, that she wishes she would’ve recorded those memories – those ones that were so important at the time, she was sure she’d never forget them. That’s one of the main reasons I scrapbook – because I don’t have the greatest long-term (or even short-term, lol) memory. I’m not like Avis, where a random item or tune experienced out of context will unearth a concrete memory from my past.

If I didn’t record them – with photos, journaling, or memorabilia – those special memories would go *poof* into the ether, never to be seen again, at least by my conjuring them up. So I’m very grateful to have discovered scrapbooking fairly early in my adult life and to have recorded so many times that are special to me. I feel strongly that I *want to* and *must* remember these things. It’s important to me and important to my family.

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Image courtesy of Pixabay

A little bit later, she says:

So, damn, I do have to pack up this stuff. I do have to sort it all out: the precious from the unneeded from the still useful. What am I going to do with Nate’s baseball uniform from the seventh grade? Or the box of cards his first-grade class made for him when he broke his elbow? Or the plastic bracelet the hospital attached to Emily’s newborn wrist?

If I don’t save these things, I have lost something. It’s not just that objects release memories, it’s also that they keep them in check. As long as I have Emily’s plastic band, I know the actual diameter of her wrist, not the one I’ve come to imagine. Which doesn’t matter, except that somehow it does. If I just have this one life — if I made all these mistakes in it, felt all this joy and all this pain — I want to know what it was. I want to know what it really meant (p. 161).

Both sections were so beautifully written but I especially loved the last paragraph. Avis acknowledges that all these objects from her past that create a hassle for her to deal with in the midst of all her pain are also necessary to her life. They’re proof of the life she lives and help give meaning to it all.

What do you think? What did Avis say that you most identified with? I’d love to hear everyone’s deeper thoughts on these things we spend so much time doing – scrapbooking and memory keeping. Is your “why” inside Avis’s words – or somewhere else?

Please click on Comments under the title to this post and let us know your thoughts please :)

“Scrapbook Magazine” Has Ceased Publication . . .

. . . or so I hear on the interwebs :(

This was one of the very few (hard copy) scrapbooking or papercrafting magazines left, if not THE last, and was published in the UK. I would buy it sometimes if I could find it at Barnes and Noble but that had become more difficult lately.

It was hard to confirm this rumor online because everything on their website and social media looks like business as usual. But a message board poster from the UK stated on 05-07-15, “I have been on the phone with the publishers this morning and they confirmed that Scrapbook Mag has ceased publication and the current issue on sale (no 89) is the last one!!”

Of course, this leads to the cries of dismay and sadness, followed by the realization that we as scrappers bring this on ourselves. Yes, the internet is an amazing and wonderful source of inspiration. But if you only or mostly consume free content, those who provide paid content can’t make a living from it and have to fold. I think it’s a very interesting discussion to have.

It seems that in turning the reins over to the everyday scrapper we are almost shooting ourselves in the foot (or Tiny Attaching ourselves in the foot? paper piercing ourselves in the foot?). So many of us are now providing scrapbooking content and inspiration for free via blogs, YouTube videos, and even free classes. Which is awesome! But in turn – and over time – all that free content takes away the ability for others (who may be providing superior content, more organized content, magazine content we can hold in our hands, etc) to provide paid content.

It’s something that shifts and moves every day like the sand under your feet at the waves’ edge . . . one of those Catch-22s of life, I suppose.

What do you think? How do you feel about the whole issue? And, no, that wasn’t meant to be a pun but if it makes you smile, I’ll claim it :)

Scrapbook Novel: Maybe Kinda’ Sorta’? Well, It’s Free for Kindle Right Now

I saw on Amazon that this Kindle book is free right now: An Avalon Christmas: A Holiday Novel

It caught my eye because I’ve read other books by Darien Gee before, including “Friendship Bread” and “The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society”. In fact, I blogged about them HERE and HERE.

But here’s the thing: While “The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society” was about – OBVEE! – scrapbooking, the novel “Friendship Bread” which pre-dated and set up the characaters for it, wasn’t. Now there’s another “Avalon” book and I don’t know, therefore, whether it’ll be scrapbook-related or not. I skimmed the Amazon page description, reviews, etc. and still cannot tell.

Either way, for free and because I enjoy this author, I’m giving it a try. We’re expecting a big storm this weekend. Sounds like the perfect time to curl up with some vanilla coffee and a sweet new book. If you’d like to do the same, you can get the book HERE. And, remember, you don’t need a Kindle to read a Kindle book!

ETA 12-15-14: I wrote to ask the author, Darien, if there was any scrapbooking included in her new book. Here is her reply: “An Avalon Christmas doesn’t have scrapbooking in it but there are a few familiar characters you’ll probably recognize! Happy holidays to you and your readers!” I’ve started reading Avalon Christmas anyway and it seems to be a book of short stories. I don’t know if all the stories will tie together at the end or remain separate but they’re nice stories either way. I like to read happy, encouraging stuff this time of year and that’s how this book has been so I recommend it :)

Scrapbook Novel: Winner of New Scrapbooking Mystery! And a Scrappy Prize, Too :)

In THIS post, you were offered 2 chances for a prize and now it’s time to see if you won!

The winner of THIS . . .

. . . is Teri!!!!

Teri Pannesi
NOV 21, 2014 @ 11:14:46
I have this book on my wishlist on amazon!!! I love her books!
It’s funny that scrapbooking is our obsession and thankfully since I can’t scrapbook in bed (yes, I’ve tried) I can instead read about scrapbooking!!!

Yes, I put 20 numbers into Random.org and he (or she?) picked number 1.

Congratulations Teri! I hope you enjoy the book.

Thank you to author Laura Childs for providing a free copy of her book for this giveaway. If you’d like to buy the book, you can find it HERE.

As for the scrappy prize – first of all, thank you SO much for all the kind and helpful and constructive comments about Scrapbook Obsession Blog. I really, truly appreciate your input and will take all of your suggestions to heart. I want this to be a place YOU feel at home, and where YOU want to read and comment and hang out. So THANK YOU.

The winner of the scrappy prize is . . . Nadine!!

Nadine Palmer
NOV 23, 2014 @ 21:24:40
I have never read a scrapbooking novel, but I love mysteries, so Laura’s book would address my three addictions – reading, preserving memories while being creative, and enjoying a whodunit!

And now on to your other questions . . .
1. I love the redesign of the blog. As other readers have shared, the type size is superb. I don’t mind the white at all. It reminds me of a just painted white picket fence! Pops of color would be nice at times, but the white color to me is very clean and calming.
2. I just started reading your blog in January of 2014, and off the top of my head, I don’t know where I discovered you! I love all you do, but I especially appreciate your posts about HSN scrapbooking shows. I used to get reminders from HSN but they haven’t been coming through lately. I usually buy a few items but mostly enjoy listening and watching all things scrappy. I tell my husband and daughters it is my time to relax and have fun!
3. As another reader said, it would be neat to see some tutorials or project sheets on the blog. However, there is a ton of that type of scrapbooking stuff on the web and what you bring to the table is your unique sense of humor and information on so many other aspects of the industry. I would be interested in your recommendations on where we can find cool projects, etc. I am a “mini album junkie” and any new takes on them would be fun to read as well.

Thanks for asking for our opinions and ideas!

It was so hard to choose from all the great comments – thank you ALL again.

Teri and Nadine, please send me your mailing address and I’ll get your prizes out soon! Also, Nadine if you could please send me a little idea of your scrapbooking tastes so I can send you a prize you’ll like (e.g., family, boys, travel, blues and greens, Christmas, Project Life, etc.) Thanks! scrapbookobsession(at)gmail(dot)com

Happy Friday and here’s to a scrappy weekend!

Scrapbook Novel: Who Wants to Win a Copy?!?

I’ve been lucky enough to again receive a copy of a new scrapbooking novel to give away! I know how much you love these :)

This time, it’s Gossamer Ghost (A Scrapbooking Mystery) by LAURA CHILDS.

{You can see other posts I’ve done about her books HERE, including a post where YOU got to ask questions of Laura and she answered them for you!}.

The prize is in hardcover because the book just came out in October 2014. All you do to enter is click on Comments under the title to this post and leave a Comment :)

The comment can be about anything but if you’re speechless today, here are some ideas:

– What do you love about scrapbooking novels?
– How many scrapbooking novels have you read? Have a favorite?
– How do you like the way my blog re-design is going (be honest!). Is the “all white” too hard on the eyes? Other suggestions or comments?
– How long have you been a Scrapbook Obsession reader?
– What types of things would you like to read about here that I don’t cover (or cover enough?)

Because I’m so curious about those last 3 questions, I’ll send out a lil’ scrappy prize to someone who thoughtfully answers one (or more) of those – and you’re still eligible for the book, too.

DEADLINE: Sunday, November 30, 2014 at midnight PST
*Open to mailing addresses in the US only

Winners will be announced the following week. Please make sure when leaving a comment that it includes a way to reach you if you win – a link to your blog, your e-mail, etc. Book winner will be selected by random draw. I will hand-pick the scrappy prize winner.

PS: If you’re too anxious to wait for the giveaway (or would prefer a Kindle version instead of a hard copy), the book is available NOW for sale RIGHT HERE. If you’d like to check out other Scrapbooking Mysteries by Laura Childs, you can find them all HERE.

Please tell your scrapbooking and mystery loving friends about the contest! You can use the Share buttons below to easily post to your social media :)

Thanks for entering and sharing!

Scrapbook Obsession Weekly Roundup 09-21-14

This week, I finally reached 100 Followers on Bloglovin’ – whoo hoo! I’ve been at 99 FOR-EH-VURRRR. Ha ha, it just makes me smile :) So *THANK YOU* 100th Bloglovin’ Follower, whoever you are!

There’s a scrappy novel on sale for Kindle HERE. It’s part of a series; you can see all the books HERE.

The Project Life app I talked about HERE is now available! It’s getting rave reviews on the scrapbook message boards. You can get it HERE. Really helpful FAQs from Becky are HERE. It’s only $2.99 and includes some of the Project Life card designs; you can buy others for a reasonable cost. I can’t wait to play with it! How about you?

Here are the Fall 2014 Pantone colors as shared by October Afternoon:

I kinda’ like them. I can see some really pretty color combos in there – like Aluminum + Royal Blue + Misted Yellow. What do you think of this season’s Pantone colors?

Have a great week!

Free Scrapbooking Kindle Book! {Pssst! You Don’t Need a Kindle to Read It . . . }

Heya! I just got this e-mail from Lain Ehman who does True Scrap (and makes 6-figures in the scrapbooking industry on her own, by the way . . . so she’s an idol of mine).

Anyhoo, I wanted to share it ‘cuz I know you love reading about scrappy things as much as I do. She and the instructors from True Scrap 6 have a fun little KINDLE BOOK available! {What’s True Scrap 6? Read my blog entry here}.

Something cool to tell you about! The True Scrap 6 instructors and
I have just released an e-book on Amazon that shares some of our
best tips for motivation and inspiration in your scrapbooking. It’s
called “Profiles in Scrapbooking,” and it’s available as a Kindle
download for F-R-E-E for a limited time!

Regularly $2.99, this short volume includes profiles from each of
the True Scrap 6 instructors, where we talk about our tips for
breaking through those stagnant times, new discoveries about our
own crafting, and more!

Pretty darn cool, huh?

Just click on the book title to download it for FREE! “Profiles in Scrapbooking: Inspiration, Wisdom, and Advice for Your Memory-Keeping Journey”

If you don’t have a Kindle or other e-reader, don’t despair. You don’t actually need one to download and read Kindle books. I *know*, right?!? You just need a computer, smartphone, or tablet and use the Kindle app. You can download that and find all the info RIGHT HERE on Amazon.

Just a note: At the end of the book, there’s a coupon code to save $20 off True Scrap 6 which is held in mid-October. But if you click the link above to my blog entry about TS6, there’s a coupon code there for the same amount (if you don’t want to read my scintillating post, here ya’ go: use HERO by 10-10-14 to save $20).

I just downloaded my copy. Guess I know what I’m doing at lunchtime today! Happy Scrappy Reading :)

Scrapbook Obsession Weekly Roundup 09-07-14

– So love to see our scrappy girl ELSIE making waves in the big world!

– Time for Lain’s free September scrapinar. Just click here for more details and sign up, if you like. If you can’t make the scrapinar time, you’ll get a free replay to watch at your leisure – but you have to register beforehand.

– Have you seen these YEARBOOK PRINTABLES by Project Life? What a fun and easy yearbook you could make for thuh kiddo!

– I just ordered THIS scrappy goodness from ScrapbookSteals.com . . . so cute and fun!

– Have you heard what new thing the owners of BASIC GREY are up to? It’s so super cool you have to CHECK IT OUT!

Enjoy your week!
xoxo

Zsa Zsa Gabor’s Mother Was a Scrapbooker. Heh.


*Picture from Smithsonian Magazine

Yeah, that was my main takeaway from THIS article from the SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE.

JUST kidding. Sheesh.

My actual takeaway was that scrapbooking continues to serve the same purpose for many that it did hundreds of years ago. From the article:

It let them take this ephemeral media, find the best parts, and give them permanence—and gravitas—by pasting them into a book.

This especially reminds me of today’s fascination with “Project Life”-type scrapbooking – where we’ve gone back to taking receipts, clothing tags, one-off photos, etc. and making them “special” by putting them in albums.


*Layout by SCRAPPYJEDI.com

The Smithsonian article does a great job of contrasting paper scrapbooking of the past and present with the way many now choose to document their lives – via social media (heathens!). It was an enjoyable read about the history of our hobby. Please check it out, then come on back and let me know your thoughts.

That reminds me . . . I saw that MEGAN HOEPPNER is offering a CreativeLive class this week called “FROM APP TO ARCHIVE: SOCIAL MEDIA SCRAPBOOKING” kind of combining these 2 ideas.

Small world, huh? Or something like that. Anyway, just thought you might want to check out the class. I’m signed up to watch it live for free. If you love it, you can purchase the class and have lifetime replays plus the extra resources.

And CreativeLive has a sale going on through July 25 (Megan’s class is $49 vs $79) so you can watch the free preview and if you love it, buy it on sale. It’s a great time to check out all their other classes, especially the ones in the “CRAFT & MAKER” category, including Becky Higgins’ amazing CL class on Project Life. I’ve been a CreativeLive junkie since first seeing Becky on there and this is the first time I’ve seen them run a sale – so jump ON it, chickie!

Happy Learning, Lovie ….

Scrapbook Novel: “The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society” $1.99 for Kindle

I noticed that “The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society” by Darien Gee is only $1.99 for Kindle on Amazon right now. I don’t know how long that price will last so snap it up if you’re interested!

In THIS post, I talked about why you should read “Friendship Bread” by the same author first if you can.

Happy Scrappy Reading!

Scrapbooking Idea Book: “Simple Patterns for Papercrafts and Scrapbooking”

HERE is a new special issue from Papercrafts Scrapbooking I thought you might be interested in:

What caught my interest – and you’ll only remember this if you’re a long-time scrapbooker – is that I wondered if it was anything like my favorite scrapbooking idea book of all time: “EASY PATTERNS FOR SCRAPBOOKING”.

Yes, the date on that blog entry is April 2007!

I’ve used that book SO many times over the years, it’s the only one I’ve actually worn out. The idea goes along with my favorite online scrapbook class ever, “THE PERFECT COLLECTION” by Shimelle Laine. The basic idea of both is starting with a fixed set or collection of papers and cardstock, then cutting them according to patterns before assembling your pages.

I have such a hard time these days paying $15 for idea books that are essentially the thickness of what $6 scrapbooking magazines used to be. I mean, I get it. They don’t have as many ads, the industry is not great right now and they have make money, etc. But it’s still hard, LOL! Especially not knowing what exactly it entails. Here’s the description:

Save time, money, and effort using these fun formulas with an economical array of supplies. Starting with supply lists, cutting diagrams and sketches, you’ll see how to create layouts, cards, tags and even a gift bag with just a few sheets of cardstock, some embellishments, and a fiber or two. You’ll find tips to “step up” the patterns by adding a tool, stamp set, or technique, plus examples that show the versatility of each one no matter what theme, age or gender interests you. Jump into this clever and practical way to use patterns in your paper crafting today!

I also wish it was JUST scrapbooking and not papercrafts, cards, etc. {Hey, did fibers come back and I didn’t get the memo?!?! Shooks, I gave all of mine away}.

I figured, well, I’ll just get the DIGITAL ISSUE. Well, uh, NO! It’s the same price – $15. Sheesh. I don’t pay hardcover price for a Kindle book and I’m not paying hard copy magazine price for a digital version either. Oh well.

If anyone gets this idea book:

1. Come give us a review or link to one on your blog, please!
2. Can I buy it from ya’ when you’re done? Heh heh.

Scrapbook Novels: ALL the Books I Read in 2013

Please forgive me for being NSBR here (non-scrapbook related) as I try to remember all the books I read this year and put them in 1 place. I was keeping track in Project Life but, errrr . . . let’s just say that fell through. I’ve got some saved to my Pinterest books board but didn’t start that until late in the year. I have some on my Kindle account and some that I posted on the Two Peas weekly reading thread. But I’m scattered, baby!

{Yeah, I know there’s Goodreads but I hardly ever get over there and find the site to be a bit of a rabbit hole}.

I’ll put a brief review, a link to the book in case you’re interested, and will come back and add books as I remember them :) I’ll put the scrapbook novels first so, if you don’t care about regular novels, you can at least see the good stuff before you leave me :) And if you hang out ’til the end of this very long entry, there’s a special book I want to tell you about.

Gilt Trip (A Scrapbooking Mystery) by Laura Childs
It’s a scrapbooking novel so of course I’ve already talked about it! Check it out HERE, HERE, and HERE.

Cropped to Death (Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery) and Designed to Death (A Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery) by Christina Freeburn
Yep, wrote about these already, too! You can find the entries HERE, HERE, and HERE.

Scrappy Cupcake Angels by Kristah Price
You guessed it! Wrote about it HERE :)

Friendship Bread: A Novel by Darien Gee
This is kinda’ scrapbook-related in that it’s the prequel to The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society. I read “Avalon” first, not knowing that it was the same characters from “Friendship Bread” but with a lot more of a scrapbooking spin. So if you’re going to read “Avalon”, read “Friendship Bread” first. The characters are great and it’s a sweet story.

Italian for Beginners by Kristin Harmel
Do you have those “comfort” books and movies that, no matter how down or tired you feel, they can make you feel better so you read/watch them over and over again? That’s “Italian for Beginners” and “Roman Holiday” for me. Which are intertwined, interestingly <3

The Boy Next Door aka “The Guy Next Door” by Meggin Cabot (who became Meg Cabot, of The Princess Diaries fame)
This is from 2009. I think I’ve read it 3 times now. I’m a sucker for a book written in e-mails and texts (see Coco Pinchard and Holly’s Inbox below, hee hee).

Holly’s Inbox: Scandal in the City by Holly Denham
Another re-read. Holly is fun. That’s it, plain and simple.

Ciao, Bella: A Novel About Searching for Beauty and Finding Love by Ryan Phillips
I started reading because of the Italian title but turns out . . . it had NOTHING to do with Italy, LOL. Sweet, slightly religious story of a woman trying to find her purpose in life along with the right person to share it with.

The Not So Secret Emails Of Coco Pinchard: A Funny, Feel-Good Romantic Comedy by Robert Bryndza
Kooky, silly, British rom-com. Not believable but that’s okay.

Apart from the Crowd by Anna McPartlin
A nice story set in Ireland of two people struggling through life while falling in love, as friends first. You root for them the whole way.

Songs Without Words by Ann Packer
I loved her novel The Dive From Clausen’s Pier but the main character in Songs was SO whiny, it was hard to get through. I kept waiting for some revelation or A-ha! moment where she finally bucks up, but it never really came. Disappointing.

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
Another re-read for me. If you’ve lost a loved one, I think it resonates more . . . makes you think about what’s on the other side and what your beliefs are about Heaven.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
I re-read this lovely book in preparation for the sequel coming out this year, Fly Away . . . and then I never read “Fly Away.” Dork.

{Not able to grab a cover image; leave it to Zuckerberg to be the difficult one!}
The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook: A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal by Ben Mezrich
I was late to the game on this one. I realize it was only one side of the story but if even 1/4 of it’s true, he’s not a very nice person :(

Carry the Oneby Carol Anshaw
One of those “one moment can change everything” books. Some very flawed but lovable characters.

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter
Loved this book! A story that spanned time and location and kept me reading to figure out how all the stories fit together.

The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston and Mario Spetzi
True story of a serial killer in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I love everything Italy but their justice system is cray-cray. Great read and it stuck with me for a long time.

Waiting to Be Heard: A Memoir by Amanda Knox
Speaking of the cray-cray Italian justice system, I’ve felt from very early on that this poor girl was being railroaded. This is the first time she’s been heard from directly and she explained a lot of the false accusations and assumptions about her. She’s a bit of an “odd duck” but not a killer, no way.

Beachcombers by Nancy Thayer
Beachy + fluffy + sisters = nice escapism.

Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I started this book on a car trip and let’s just say, when we arrived and I had to stop reading, I was bummed :( I finished it in 2 days. I met and married my husband within months so I could really relate to how deeply they loved in such a short time. And the relationship that developed with her mother-in-law was lovely <3

The Sea Glass Sisters: Prelude to The Prayer Box by Lisa Wingate
As a former 9-1-1 dispatcher, I could relate to the main character and her guilt over a call gone wrong. Even when it’s not your fault, you feel tremendous guilt. I’m also a beach lover so I enjoyed hearing about the storm, beach life, etc.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
I’m glad I read this before too much of the hype was out there. Everyone talked about being disappointed in the ending but I don’t now how ELSE is could’ve ended. Looking forward to the movie version, due out in 2014!

The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty
I remember telling my librarian that this book was frustrating me because there were all these disparate stories that seemingly had nothing to do with each other. But rest assured, they’re all tied nicely with a bow by the end. And while I thought there was a point I “had it all figured out,” I was wrong. Which is cool. I *want* to be surprised by books.

The Light Between Oceans by ML Stedman
Not my usual kind of book but so glad I read it. It made me want to live on a lighthouse island, for one thing, LOL! Very well written and gives you a lot to think about – the meaning of and what constitutes “family” and also how dangerous secrets are.

The Marriage Pact by MJ Pullen
Cute and fluffy read about guy/girl friends who pledge to marry each other if they’re not married to others by the time they turn 30. The main character has a long affair with a married man which I hate reading about but she does come to see all the reasons it was so very wrong.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Very touching, sad, and hopeful at the same time. I fell in love with the 2 main characters, flaws and all. One of the best books I’ve ever read.

The Silent Wife by ASA Harrison
WOW. Very interesting book. I’m just glad I don’t know people like this in real life! They both drove me crazy in different ways.

The final book is a special one and I’ve read it twice since November:

Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers by Anne Lamott
Yes, it’s a book about prayer and spirituality. But I think unless you’re really offended by those topics, you would enjoy it. Anne is SUCH a gifted writer. She puts big concepts like prayer, gratitude, amazement, and pleading for help into such real, everyday, meaningful terms that you can relate exactly to what she means. I came away – both times I read it – laughing, appreciating life more, feeling sadness for people’s suffering but peace at the same time. I think it’s an especially good read for SCRAPBOOKERS because we’re already the types who want to savor our “moments” and realize how quickly time passes, how blessed we are even in our struggles, and are looking for meaning in how we live our lives.

So PLEASE read this book! It’s quick but powerful. I think you’ll love it like I did.

Okay! So that’s what I read in 2013. Phew! With all the research, copy/pasting, and writing, this post took me several hours to write, LOL. I know there are more books and will add them as I remember. I also read maybe 15 non-fiction books that I won’t bore you with – about dieting, health, blogging, working at home, that kind of thing.

I didn’t realize how MUCH I had read until I now see the books all in one place {28 and counting}. Pretty cool :)

Did you tally your books for the year somewhere? We’d love to see your list! Or did you have any favorites or books you hated? Whether scrapbook-related books or not, we’d enjoy hearing about YOUR reading in comments. Feel free to leave a link to your blog post, Goodreads, Pinterest, etc. if you like.

Scrapbooking Novel: Interview with Laura Childs, author of “Gilt Trip”

As I posted HERE, Laura Childs has a new book out called Gilt Trip (A Scrapbooking Mystery).

I had a contest to win a free copy of the new book. To enter, I asked you to post a question you’d have for the author and, boy, did you guys come through! So many great questions. {The book winner was posted HERE}. I submitted them all to Ms. Childs but honestly expected her to choose just a portion of them to answer. Well, she’s one generous lady because she answered them all!

And here you go: An interview *BY YOU* of Ms. Laura Childs, author of many scrapbooking and other novels:

Q: Do you try all the different projects that your main character does, or does someone tell you about them?

A: I try most of the projects, particularly ones that are a little complicated, just to make sure they’re doable. On some of the simpler projects that get repeated and repurposed – such as memory boxes, pillow boxes, cards, etc. – I already know they’re easy to do so there’s not much experimentation on my part.

Q: Had no idea there were scrapbooking novels out there. I’d love to know how you thought about starting a series of books involving scrapbookers.

A: After my first Tea Shop Mysteries were successful, I decided I wanted to write a crafting series, too. This was about ten years ago and scrapbooking was suddenly the hottest thing going. I talked to scrappers, worked on a few pages myself, and did lots of research. Boom – I discovered that I loved the craft and saw that there was a huge number of scrappers who might enjoy the books. The rest is history.

Q: I love your scrapbook series as I’ve read a few so far. I would like to know what you like to scrap about?

A: I mostly scrap about travel and dogs. I’m lucky that my husband is a professor of Chinese and Japanese art history, so we travel to Asia quite frequently. And the dogs (Chinese Shar-Pei) are an endless source of cuteness!

Q: Since you are a writer, is there a lot of journaling in your scrapbooks – or do you just let the photos tell the story?

A: I’m right in the middle. I’m a big believer in fun captions. Yes, a photo tells a story, but you can always use a kicker to punch things up!

Q: Have you ever lived in New Orleans? And how do you determine what scrapbook project the ladies will work on in the book?

A: I’ve never lived in New Orleans, but I’ve visited many times and have friends who’ve taken my husband and I to the float dens, parades, and Rex Ball. As far as determining what project my ladies will work on, sometimes that depends on timing (if it’s Mardi Gras it must be masks!). Usually I try to include projects that I think are new and exciting or very eye-catching.

Q: How did you get started writing mysteries around scrapbooking? And what’s your favorite type of scrapbooking – digital, hybrid, all-paper? Do you go to crops?

A: Like I mentioned earlier, scrapbooking just caught my eye when the whole phenomena started to explode. And I am clearly an all-paper scrapper. I love collages and mixed media in particular. I don’t go to many crops anymore – between writing three different series there’s just not much time.

Q: Do you have to research details of crimes or is it something that comes naturally for you?

A: You know, a lot of my crimes are really based on ripped-from-the-headlines stories. And I think the most interesting crimes are the ones that are slightly upscale and timely – like art thefts, jewel heists, real estate scams, stock market ponzi schemes. Well, you get the idea!

Q: I have only read two of your books, but love them. Something comfortable about reading about our favorite hobby. I would love to know if you have time to scrap and if there is a certain type of page you enjoy creating.

A: I don’t have a lot of time to scrap anymore between the three different mystery series. But when I do scrap, I like to do very artsy, almost contemporary looking pages. Either lots of white space with unusual typography or photos that have been in some way enhanced or embellished (think wild streaks of paint or aging with tea).

Q: I love the books series and am awaiting the 11th book! Will Carmela’s BFA Ava Gruiex ever find a steady beau?

A: I really don’t know. I try to keep all my plots a little loosey-goosey when I write, so the story can sort of unfold in a fun, exciting way. Sometimes I’m typing along and a character will just pop in without prior notice, or the story will take a wild twist. That the fun of writing! So I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what happens with Ava.

Q: I love Laura Childs and have been reading her books since the first one came out. She always writes about new and interesting techniques. I would love to know what her “can’t do without” scrapbooking item is?

A: Hmm, that would have to be my set of acrylic paints. There’s nothing like painting your own page background or doctoring up a photo to make a scrapbook page memorable.

Q: I’d love to know if Laura gets time to scrapbook since this book series took off.

A: Not too much time, unfortunately. But lately I’ve been stealing time away from my writing to work on altered books. So much fun!

Q: Gilt Trip sounds like a great read! I would like to know if Laura considers cooking another creative outlet?

A: Absolutely, I do! In fact my two other series, the Tea Shop Mysteries and the Cackleberry Club Mysteries, are culinary mysteries with plenty of recipes!

Q: I would like to know how Laura finds the time to scrap, research, and write such wonderful stories? What is her secret to finding this balance in her life?

A: Oh my, the fact of the matter is I haven’t found balance in my life. I’m always under the gun, always trying to write another few pages or edit a manuscript or rush off to a book signing. I write 6 days a week and wake up at night with ideas that I’m compelled to write down. I wish I could figure out a better balance, but then I’d have to give up one of my three series. And they’re dear to me, like children – awful to let one go!

Oh Em Gee, wasn’t that a fun read!?!?! I just love her. What a neat lady. I’m so happy she continues to write about scrapbooking for all of us to enjoy. It makes me feel like we scrapbookers are important and not forgotten, kwim?

I have to admit, I haven’t read “GILT TRIP” yet {and I feel so “gilt-y”, bwahahaha} because I’ve been busy reading business e-books and websites {I’m starting a new venture as a Virtual Assistant / Blog Helper!}. But reading this interview has made me grab my copy of the novel and commence to reading! I’ll give my review when I’m done :)

Would love to hear what you think of “Gilt Trip” as well – please leave your review in Comments below!

Scrapbook Novel: “A Sweethaven Christmas” by Courtney Walsh Only 99 Cents for Kindle Right Now!

I read on Courtney Walsh’s blog today that her third novel, “A Sweethaven Christmas” is only 99 cents for Kindle! Woot! I love when scrapbook novels go on sale :) You can get it HERE

She doesn’t say when it expires so I wouldn’t hesitate – just DO it!

Here’s the synopsis from Amazon:

The women of Sweethaven are reunited for a small-town Christmas!

It’s holiday time in Sweethaven, but things don’t go quite as planned for these scrapbookers. Lila is thrown for a loop when a woman claiming to be her sister arrives in town. As she begins digging into the woman’s claims, Lila uncovers things about her family she may never be able to accept or forgive.

And after the girls find an old scrapbook on Adele’s bookshelf, she is reminded of her first love, a Sweethaven boy whose heart she broke so many years ago. With help from modern technology, Adele arranges a reunion with this man. And when Campbell sees Luke with a ring, she isn’t sure whether to be happy or terrified. Are wedding bells in her future? For Jane and Meghan, Sweethaven is filled with the promise of something new—as well as good friends, a new scrapbook and a little holiday magic!

In case you want to read Courtney’s 2 other scrapbook novels, here they are:

Book 1 (02-16-12): “A Sweethaven Summer”

A faded scrapbook reveals secrets that reconnect old friends in a place called Sweethaven. Campbell Carter has come to Sweethaven in search of answers about her mother’s history. Just before losing a battle with cancer, Suzanne Carter sent letters to childhood friends from her hometown of Sweethaven, Michigan. Suzanne’s three friends — Lila, Jane, and Meghan — haven’t spoken in years, yet each has pieces of a scrapbook they made together as girls. Suzanne’s letters have lured them all back to the idyllic lakeside town, where they meet Campbell and begin to remember what was so special about their long Sweethaven summers. As the scrapbook reveals secrets from the past, old wounds are mended, lives are changed, and friendships are restored — just as Suzanne intended. A Sweethaven Summer is the first book in the Sweethaven series, followed by A Sweethaven Homecoming and A Sweethaven Christmas.

Book 2 (07-30-12): “A Sweethaven Homecoming”

An autumn surprise brings an old friend back to Sweethaven… The Sweethaven Circle is back—and so is the friend they thought they’d never see again! Country music star Meghan Rhodes has moved on with her life, leaving Sweethaven and its painful memories in the past. But when she is confronted on national television with her ex-husband’s plan to file for sole custody of their twins, Meghan takes the first flight home, back to the charming lakeside town full of regrets and relationships that need mending. As Meghan searches for forgiveness—as well as the ability to forgive—she is overcome with the need to make things right with her children, her ex-husband, her mother and even the friends she’d convinced herself she no longer needed. But is she too late? The Sweethaven Circle is together again as Meghan works with Campbell, Jane, Lila, and Adele to begin a new scrapbook for memories yet to be made. A new chapter in the Sweethaven series, A Sweethaven Homecoming explores the strong bonds of friendship, the power of forgiveness and the importance of unconditional love.

Now, I don’t want to hear any excuses like, “But but but but … I don’t HAAAAVE a Kindle! Boo hoo, poor me.” Because you don’t even need a Kindle to read it, see? You can download the Kindle app for free to your iPhone, Droid, iPad, computer, etc. Or you can get it for Nook. Or if you hate those e-reader thingees, you can get the paperback copies for a reasonable price :)

So most of us have a nice long Thanksgiving weekend coming up here. How about snuggling up with these 3 wonderful scrapbooking novels, a cozy blanket, and a nice cup of tea or Joe? Sounds super good to me! Goodness knows we’re going to be too tired from all the cooking, cleaning, and tryptophan to do much else. Lawdee.

I’ve read “Sweethaven Summer” and, because I need to read things in order, looks like I’ll have to get “Sweethaven Homecoming” {$7.69 for Kindle right now, not bad}, and then I can get to “Sweethaven Christmas” which I just picked up. I mean, 99 cents . . . what, am I crazy?

Have you read any of the Sweethaven novels? Reviews welcomed! Which ones are you going to pick up now?

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