I Think, Therefore I Scrap.

One of the things I like most about making cards is that the themes are unlimited!  I find that happening often as I become a more "experienced" crafter. 

A few years ago, if my hubby had come to me one night and said:

"My buddy at work is having a birthday in two days.  Can you make him a special card?  He's a philosophy major and loves Descartes.  Go!"

I would have had a panic attack and threw together a birthday card featuring a duck and some left over glitter.

This time, however, I went with it.  I took a few minutes to think about what I wanted and made it happen (vs. making something happen around what I had on hand).  I'm totally into printing my own papers and images now and it has really expanded my creativity.

This card in particular, features Descartes (I think, therefore I am) and I did a play on it with this birthday greeting:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42839475

 

He took it into work last week and everyone went nuts over it (I love it so much when that happens.  It makes me feel all warm and squishy inside), so I decided to list it in my various stores as well. 

Wish me luck!  :)

Interview with Molly Lee

I love finding unique crafters on Etsy!  I met Molly through the Etsy Greetings team we both belong to and have never seen anything quite like her card designs.  Here is what she has to say about her art:

1) How long have you been paper crafting?

I've been papercrafting all my life! As a young child, someone showed me how to make a fortune teller (some people call them cootie catchers). Discovering that I could make an actual interactive toy out of a flat piece of paper seemed completely magical. Paper airplanes, origami and pop-up books all demonstrated how paper could be made interactive and dimensional and I've been obsessing about the possibilities ever since.

2) Where did you get the idea to start making pop-up and interactive cards and when did you start selling on Etsy?

I didn't get seriously into interactive cards until I started planning birthday parties for my twin boys -- I would spend months planning the celebrations, including designing completely over-the-top interactive invitations. The feedback I got from the cards was so encouraging that I ended up posting them for sale on Etsy a few years ago. Response has been wonderful and amazingly gratifying! I think I probably do it just as much for the validation and positive response I get as for the money it brings in.

3) How do you find design inspiration? What are some of your favorite pieces?

There are many wonderful how-to books about pop-ups available now (here's a list of some of my favorites: http://mollyleecards.blogspot.com/2008/12/paper-engineering-books-i-love.html). I browse the web constantly, looking for clever ideas -- there are a lot of papercrafting geniuses who regularly share their work online.

I really like how the mechanism works on my pop-up birthday cake card (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24754394).

Probably my most gratifying cards are my Three Reasons series of cards, which have different themes, like Three Reasons Why You're my Superhero (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36203236) and an elegant, more traditional floral theme. This series of cards allows the sender to turn a wheel and write three heartfelt reasons why the recipient is special to them. Of any of my cards, these are the ones where people often send me feedback, telling me how their spouse simply broke down in tears when they read their sentiments.

And my spinning fish invitations are the first invitations that I created (for my boys' third birthday) are still among my favorites: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28657799

4) What is one card that you've found to be the most popular?

My Drink a Toast Birthday cards are really popular!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32550909

They're also my very favorite cards. When you pull the little lever, Drinking Paul raises his glass in a toast and says "A birthday? I'll drink... to that!" It never fails to make the recipient smile.

5) What is a design or theme that you'd like to make in future cards? Are there any other unique card styles that you're looking forward to trying?

I have several ideas that I'm working on right now -- it takes a long time for me to post new cards because I'm really picky about my designs. I have a dinosaur-themed birthday party inviation that is nearly done. I have another interactive greeting card that will show images of fish bowls, propane tanks, miltary vehicles, etc. When you open it up, it will read "Many tanks!" 
 

Thank you so much, Molly!  I wish you continued success!!

 

Scrapbook Organization Woes

Now that I have more space (thanks to a huge liquidation sale last month), I'm working on reorganizing my scrapbook stash and spreading things out.

I'm having the hardest time organizing!

Don't get me wrong ~ I love looking at my favorite papers and embellishments over and over again (wishing I had a bigger family just so I'd have more pictures to scrap). So many great papers, so few events...

Anyway, the question of the day is:

How do you organize?

Sort by color? Theme? Brand? Season? Alphabetical? Shopping trip?

I think I've moved sections of goodies to different areas about 3 or 4 times so far. At first it was all the Vintage/ephemera themed goodies (my favorite right now). That was too big and still strangely random. Then, I sorted by brand. But what if a Basic Grey sheet would go perfectly with a Graphic 45 piece and I'll never know about the greatest pairing since argyle and socks because one was upstairs on a paper wrack and the other downstairs next to the mac and cheese?!

Also, what in the scrap do you do with all of those sections of paper that are partially used, but match other 12x12 sheets or kits?! I have a ton of 13x13 baggies and I try to keep everything together that way. Now, it just looks like my scrap drawer is a Ziploc Ad. Nothing lays flat or even makes sense. I never even know what I have (yet I still find myself shopping at the craft store each time a coupon comes in the mail).

Any advice? I'd love to hear what you do for storage and organization! Also, any organizational brands/items that you really like? I think laying things flat (700 sheets deep) is no longer working for me. Things are getting squished and wrinkled (although it saves time distressing my paper).

It's my goal to get organized this week ~ wish me luck!

Spring Scrapbook Giveaway Winner!

Drumroll please.

And the winner of my first scrapbook giveaway is........

Lisa!

Congratulations and thank you SO much to everyone who entered! 

I'm busy putting my next box of blog candy together now, so stay tuned... 

Retro Woodland Cuties

I love working with Vintage or Retro images.  They are just so sweet and cute and sweet and cute! 
This kitschy retro card is so happy and I smile each time I walk by it!  I made it last night using one of my favorite images (I've included it here in the blog, so you can print and use it too!)

I've embellished it using the Sassafras Lass Hog Heaven line, some ribbon and a Vintage style button.  There's also space on the Happy Birthday tag to write the recipient's name.

Here is the JPEG for all of you if you're feeling in the mood for some retro crafting:

If you'd like to experiment more with digital collages, please stop by my other Etsy shop, Collage Crazy, at:

http://www.collagecrazy.etsy.com/

Now that my eBay store is closed, I'll be spending more time doing what I enjoy most ~ crafting!  I'll be offering lots of new collages there (as well as here on the blog) in the coming weeks.

Tomorrow is the drawing for my first giveaway! 
Last call for candy! 

I'm so excited about it!  Now is the time to put your name in there, if you haven't already.  It is open to anyone ~ no matter your country!  I'll ship it to England, China, New Guinea...even Canada!  :)

http://gen-gensscrapbookkitchen.blogspot.com/2010/02/spring-scrapbook-giveaway.html

My Greatest Inspiration

My little tiger, Jackson, is my greatest inspiration.  I take picture after picture (after picture) of this little fellow.  Everything he does makes me laugh (except when done at 11pm...not so funny then).

I always wanted children, but never did I imagine my heart's ability to love.  I love my hubby, of course, but there is some kind of awe when looking at my child that I had never experienced before becoming a mommy.

I look back at pictures and layouts sometimes and already feel nostalgic at how fast he's growing up and changing (he's only 3 for cryin' out loud!)

No matter the day we've had together (I'm a stay-at-home mom), or how trying the last few hours before bedtime (don't even get me started) ~ when I see him sleeping, all is forgotten. 

My heart melts again and I'm putty in his tiny, sticky hands.

P.S. Don't forget about the Spring Scrapbook Giveaway!  The lucky winner will be chosen on Friday!!

DCWV = OMG!

For those of you who have not been to your neighborhood Michaels recently ~ you should probably print this entry so you can read it on the way before it's too late.

Die Cuts With A View (DCWV) has released what I can only assume to be a private Michaels line (I have searched the Internet frantically for these page pads to no avail). They have about 4 or 5 lines of fabulous new paper packs! I was there the other day and went NUTS! I literally bought one of everything (I'm glad I did, too, since the store by my house is now out of stock!)

I remember sitting at every red light on the way home, flipping through each stack. Glittery pages beaming off the car beside me. Drivers looking confused and blinded by the brilliance.

The layout above is one of the new lines (The Family Collection). I really wanted to use this paper, so I had my son and his faithful side-kick pose on the couch (don't act like I'm the only one here who takes pictures based on what paper/embellishments I want to use!) 

I simply added my photos and some Prima bling ~ easy as pie!

Here are some of my favorite pieces so far:

eWillow.com Interview

I recently had the opportunity to interview Charlene, of http://www.ewillow.com/. This unique paper craft website opened in August of last year and is growing larger and more popular every day!


Here is what Charlene had to say about the biggest thing to happen to paper since embellishments:

For people uninitiated, what is eWillow?

eWillow.com is a site for those who love all things paper! It is a place where people who make handmade greeting cards, scrapbooks, and other paper crafts can have a storefront and sell their wares to people who appreciate these types of items but don't have the time or the creative know-how to make them.

What prompted you to start your own craft selling website?

The light bulb went off one night around midnight. Over the years so many people have asked me to make cards and scrapbooks for them. I thought that other paper crafters must get asked to do the same. The worldwide web needed one place that would bring everyone together. There are so many papercrafting blogs out there, and the goal of eWillow.com is to house all of the blogs under one roof to make shopping easier and to give each blog a lot of exposure.

Do you have any hobbies other than crafting?

I love to shop!

What is your favorite medium to work with?

Hmmm...I really can't answer this question. Each aspect and technique used in paper crafting is fun for me. I would have to say that my most favorite method of approaching a project is to be given a creative challenge and then coming up with something from scratch. I was recently asked to come up with a creative invitation for a senior harp recital. I was also asked to create some really cool gift bags for a Mardi Gras party. That is my favorite part of paper crafting...the challenge.

What do you like most about owning your own business?

The answer to this question changes every day! I think the best part is the part that I can't see...the influence that I am having on my daughters. I think it is important for them to know that even when they are full-time moms like I am, it is important for them to maintain their own identities. It's also nice to not have to explain myself to anyone...for example, I had to postpone this interview with you, Genevieve, because I had to take my sick daughter back and forth to the doctor. It was really nice not having to explain my postponements to a "boss."

What has been the biggest surprise since starting this venture?

I have been pleasantly surprised to come to the realization that I can get a ton of work done without even getting out of bed! I mean that in all sincerity. One month after eWillow.com went live, I was diagnosed with mono. There were many days when I was too exhausted to move. However, I was able to keep my spirits up because I was able to accomplish a lot of things that I needed to just by going online. The Internet is fabulous!

What does the future hold for eWillow?
So many things! eWillow.com will be a household name! People will visit eWillow.com to buy all of their greeting cards, party favors, invitations, etc. from the very talented Design Vendors who have storefronts on the site. People will buy scrapbooks and/or hire our Design Vendors to scrapbook for them. What would like to see in eWillow.com's future?

Here is Donny Osmond singing to Charlene and her husband for their 20th wedding anniversary.  She's been a fan since she was 9 years old!

As a special "thank you" to my blog readers, leave a comment and receive 25% off your next purchase at my Gen's Scrapbook Kitchen eWillow shop. 

(You can click on my eWillow icon on the top left of the blog, too...

over...a little further over....there it is!)

Simply email me at gspeegle@gmail.com after purchase and I'll refund your 25% right away. 

Shabby Chic Dreams in a Neon Reality

Living in Las Vegas with a Vintage, Shabby Chic spirit can be challenging at times.  I dream of lovely overgrown acres where children run barefoot while dancing with fireflies.  Chipped white paint.  Antique tea cups with mis-matched place settings.  Dining outdoors under a chandelier suspended from an overgrown tree.  That's not much to ask for right?

Well, these are the things I think of when photographing my crafts.  I want to inspire that sense of warmth and snugly appeal.  A few of my favorite tricks:

*Lightening up my photos*
Even when I take outdoor pictures (I almost always do them outside now), I still take the time to lighten them up a bit.  It makes everything look a little brighter and softer.

*Close shots with some "props" in the background*
I like to add to the style of card I'm working on.  On the pieces below, I wanted to use a little nature and some old books.  I'm so happy with the results!

These cards are available at my hubby's, Just Write Blog, this month:

Now I can imagine a babbling brook in the background, instead of a topless boggle tournament billboard.  Much better...

Don't forget to register for my Spring Scrapbook Giveaway!  Contest ends March 5!

Lent

The beginning of Lent is a reminder that Easter is not too far away!  I'm still trying to get used to writing 2010 (so many scratched out checks...)

Here we are ~ weather getting warmer, birds chirping, bees chasing me when I take product photos outside.  Awwwwwwwwwww, Springtime must be around the corner!

I love walking through the local craft stores and seeing all the happy decor! The background props in these photos is from a cute Vintage looking egg wreath. I think it really adds a little extra coziness to the cards. :)

Spring Scrapbook Giveaway!

Welcome to my first blog giveaway!


This Spring inspired scrapbook lot has everything from card stock to flowers! Ribbon to butterflies!

In order to enter, simply add a link to my blog on any of your own websites (your blog, My Space, Facebook, etc) and then post a comment here as well.

You'll receive goodies from LOTS of fabulous, as well as some Vintage Easter sticker collages by yours truly.  Here are just some of the name brands included in the lot:

My Mind's Eye

Prima

Webster's Pages

Queen and Company

Basic Grey

Cosmo Cricket

Making Memories

Bazzill


The lucky winner will be chosen by a random number generator on Friday, March 5th.  Thanks so much, and good luck!!

The Joy of Upcycling

As a scrapper, I like to find paper and trinkets that I can use on other crafts.  My eyes dart around hawk-like when my family is opening Christmas gifts ~ careful not to miss a fabulous, re-usable bow or tag.  I also scour the catalogs and advertisements that I get in the mail.  Maybe I can cut this or punch that...

I do love shopping for the newest scrapbook goodies, but nothing quite beats the feeling of being able to incorporate a "find" into one of my crafts.  It's taking "scrap"-booking back to the roots of the art itself!

I was so excited with this card!  The background paper and the main collage image were upcycled from the new My Mind's Eye catalog!  I had just received it in the mail last week and noticed how nice the cover pages of the magazine were!  Why throw it away?!  I also saw that the collage of die-cuts advertised made a perfect embellishment!  Together, with a little ribbon, glitter, buttons and other embellishments, I made a very cute and inexpensive card!