Scrapbooking Pictures Dos & Don’ts

Being a novice photographer, I am always looking to learn new techniques to
taking better pictures. With National Scrapbooking Month next month, I
thought I would share a video of one of my mentors with you. In this blog
post, Erin Manning shares her to 10 photo dos and don’ts with you.

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A Healthy Habit

Right now, everyone is looking for ways to get more value from the all-mighty dollar. Sometimes people are sacrificing their health in the process. Worry and stress over what to do and what not to do, can wear on people’s health. Are you in this situation? We all need ways to relax and unwind. When you feel good, others around you will notice. Feeling good is contagious. Finding a way to relax and express yourself helps you and those around you. You must be willing to invest in yourself.

Many therapists would agree self-expression in the form of art is a healthy habit. Many even use some form of art in their own therapy practices. The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) believes making art is a life enhancement and a form of healing. It is a form of self-expression which allows us to get our feelings and emotions out. When we make art we are sharing ourselves with others.

So what’s a girl to do? Rubber stamping is a versatile and healthy creative outlet because stamping is a relaxing activity, particularly with friends. Stamping doesn’t require any artistic abilities because rubber stamping is applying art onto the paper for you, like a coloring book. It is giving you the framework to express yourself. There are so many creative ways to color in the art. The end results are truly spectacular and uniquely your own. I would love to show you some samples.

When you feel inspired, you feel better about yourself in general. Self esteem is something difficult to come by in these times. Starting a creative habit, such as stamping or scrapbooking, in your home or with friends, will help your develop positive self esteem and self image in various ways. The first time I created a handmade card and gave it to my friend, she just thought I was the most creative person in the world. I still remember the big smile on her face and the affectionate hug. That’s how I got started in sharing what I know and love about rubber stamping.

Almost everyone loves a good routine, so having a weekly stamping night is very important. You could create cards for the troops, a local nursing home, a children’s hospital or start your holiday gift making. Many groups get together rotate inspiration duties. This is where one person each week or month will bring ideas to try. Once you get stamping ideas of all sorts will appear. The evening will end before you know it. Your group could specialize in cards, scrapbooking, holiday cards or gift giving. It’s never too early to start making holiday cards. Wouldn’t that be a healthy relief to know your holiday shopping is done before December? If you need some ideas for the group, I’ll be happy to help.

I know of some women who take the gorgeous works of arts they create and carefully pack them into envelopes and mail to friends as a RAK, a random act of kindness. They know there is nothing which will brighten the day of someone more than opening their mail and finding this card or gift in amongst the junk mail and bills. They do this as a way to give back to others what the stamping has done for them.

Stamping is creating art. It is a healthy habit. It is a habit that is affordable. As a stamper, you are finding a creative outlet. You are helping yourself. You are also helping others. Think of the joy you have received when you have found cards in your mail. One stamp can equal a whole lot of creative therapy and joy for others.

Inspiration Club for April

A Calendar to Track Your Monthly Tasks

I used the Baroque Motifs Stamp Set (113490) Artwork Stampin' Up! © 2009

Throughout the course of history, mankind has sought to develop new ways to record, track and make better use of time. The need to responsibly understand and manage time has been a concern and a challenge to demonstrators, both in their professional and personal lives.

Why not make a planner that is effective, pretty and something you can be proud to display in your home? Here’s my version of the Monthly Calendar. Monthly tasks can be easily missed without using some kind of time tracking. The calendar here is created to track monthly tasks that happen on a certain date each month.

For instance:
Run Monthly Downline Reports on the 10th
Update class offering on DBWS on the 11th
Pay Bills on the 20th

This beautiful clipboard is created with rich tones on a 9″ x 9″ clipboard but can easily be converted to 13″ x 7-1/2″ or 4-1/2″ x 9″ clipboards. The Baroque Motifs stamp set is used with Bravo Burgundy craft ink to create the patterned clipboard and coordinating accessories. Paperclips are created with the exclusive Stampin’ Up! Birds & Blooms Sizzix Sizzlits dies.

Click Here for Larger Picture

On Board 13X7-1/2 Clipboard Regular Price: $17.72 Preferred Price: $15.95

On Board 4-1/2X9 Clipboard Regular Price: $7.22 Preferred Price: $6.50

Masculine Mix n’ Match Card & Box Set!

This is my latest class offering – Masculine Mix n’ Match Card & Box Set!

In this class you will make:

In this class, you will make:

• One box to hold cards

• One bag with eight greeting tags

• Four coordinating cards with envelopes

This handy card set combines great masculine cards with ready-to-add mix n’ match greetings all stored in a handsome box! Have a great time creating this set and you will be prepared with those ever elusive masculine cards perfect for any occasion! Enjoy!

This class will be sent to you soon after purchase via email in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF). No supplies are included unless ordered. When you order $20 of supplies you get the class for free. 20-Page Tutorial only $7.00.

Please note these classes are not available to Stampin’ Up! demonstrators. If you are a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator please contact me for more information.

Price: $7.00

Inspiration Club Discount $2.00

To The Nines Specialty Designer Series Paper 114038

April Color Combinations

Stampin' Up! © 2009

April Online News

Copyright © 2009 Stampin' Up!