Simple and Easy

Summertime and the living is easy - with "simple and easy" being the theme of the editor's post in one of my favorite magazines - Artful Blogging. It is true that I am one of those people who find myself in the midst of slowing down and simplifying my life. Not that I have stopped "making art" but rather, I am paring things down so that I have time for the things that matter. New and improved methods of organizing and storing my papers and supplies have been a priority this month. Arranging tools and materials at my fingertips make production easier and allow more time to capture the creative moment and get it three-dimensional. Digital recording is also a more prevalent habit in the past six months also, allowing projects to be viewed online and in my scrapbooks for many years to come.

Memory-making Lane

Fueled with papers, fibers, and other necessary embellishments, the engine is awaiting the signal from "creation station". Having gathered and culled elements from the cabinets of my studio station, I am nearly ready for the roll-out of paper art education. Now packing my bags with tools and visuals which will aid in a successful journey through color and design theory, the first SDU classes in the area will soon be underway. The interest sheet of prospective passengers on this trip through memory-making lane is filling up quickly, with yet one more forum to entice and urge purchasing a ticket to better scrapbook completion. If you are reading this and have not yet made your decision for a fun-filled trip through unscaled mountains and picturesque meadows that is sure to change your perspective on album-keeping, climb aboard - because this soulful train is pulling out.

Paper Passion Shared

Paper and adhesive strewn all over my studio desk, I am preparing for the roll-out of the new SDU color and design theory class as it pertains to scrapbooking. All new in my county, I conducted a demonstration on Saturday at my local JoAnn's (Fabric and Craft Store) in order to generate interest and comment. Sitting at the demonstration table, EK Success products carefully arranged and displayed, I watched as people entered the store. Many dressed in traditional red, white, and blue attire, they scurried this way and that to pick up that last minute embellishment for their Fourth of July extravaganza. But wait, I soon saw women making their way to the scrapbook aisles! Within minutes, I shared with several customers, showing them the nesting, flower-shaped Paper Shapers by EK Success and demonstrating the ergonomic ease with which they punch even heavier cardstock. Interest piqued in the tools and paper, I moved on to the well-written four session class that will be available in September. Soon, my interest sheet was filling up and I knew people would enjoy this informative opportunity to increase their scrapbooking awareness and expertise. Now back at home, I look forward to sharing with others one facet of my paper passion - recording memories through scrapbook design.