Scrapbooking From The Inside Out

Sketch It Saturday

2012-01-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! I am on my way to CHA and can not WAIT to share all of the fun from there... keep an eye out on the facebook page and on the blog for all the newest products and for all of the exciting new products you will find here at SFTIO!

As it is Sketch It Saturday.... I thought today we could share some of the best places on the web where you can FIND scrapbook sketches.

One of the BEST places is just to

GOOGLE

SCRAPBOOK SKETCHES

be sure to hit IMAGES..

and WOW!

Here are some links to some of the other great resources available to you:

http://www.scrapbooksetc.com/printables/sketches/

http://www.pencillines.com/

http://gotsketch.blogspot.com/

http://www.pagemaps.com/pdfsketches.htm

You might even notice our own Jen Matott here!!

http://www.pencillines.com/2011/11/sketch-258.html

Do you use sketches? For only single pages? or double? Do you make sketches of your pages to share with others? What are some of your favorite sites? I would love to hear from you! And.. I would LOVE to see some pages you have made from sketches using SFTIO kits...

Until next time!

Fitting In or Standing Out...

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

"I think everybody's weird. We should all celebrate our individuality and not be embarrassed or ashamed of it."
Johnny Depp

How about another Individuality challenge to inspire you and get your scrapbooking mojo flowing? Here's one posted over at our community:

Fitting in: Would you rather fit in? Or stand out? Is weird a good word to you? Or one that makes you cringe? What about being different? Were you part of a crowd growing up? Would you rather follow? Or lead?

What is really strange about you and how good are you at embracing your strangeness?

Is your interest piqued? If so, please join us! Come on over to the message boards and log in (it's free to register) to see the design twist for this challenge. Play along. Show us your layout in our challenge gallery and you could WIN some fun product to use on your future layouts.

I really hope to see you there!

Winner of the Individuality Kit and a Sneak Peek of DREAM

2012-01-25T13:11:00.000-08:00

Just a quick drop-in to announce the winner of the Individuality kit...Random.org picked #9...

Barb S said...
This year my word is FLOURISH and it has several meanings for me. But mostly because I am a grandmother who has decided that it is never too late to flourish in a new way. I would love to see a kit designed around that theme. Two other important words for me are FOCUS and BELIEVE, and I want to explore all three of these in my scrapbooking this year. Thanks for your encouragement and telling us about the creative process you go through in developing the kits!

8:10 PM, January 19, 2012

Congrats Barb! Please email me at rachinla@aol.com with your snail mail address...

And as it's the 25th, here's a sneak peek of our next kit...

DREAM

Are you ready to delve into your innermost thoughts, closely held fantasies, nighttime wanderings and daytime musings?

Gorgeous, ethereal DREAM will be available Feb 1.

We'll be counting down to the kit reveal with giveaways and lots of fun...come on back and see!

And stay tuned for our updates from CHA next week...

Dreamily yours,

Flashback to Patience

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

We'll be back to Individuality tomorrow, but I wanted to jump back in time to see what we have delved into in the past. In January 2009, Inside Out was exploring Patience. It's nice to go back and look at some of the inspiration from then. You never know when you might want to create another project with Patience as its theme. Check out these layouts exploring Patience:

Layout by Anam Stubbington

Layout by Andrea Davenport

Layout by Laura Croft

Layout by Nancy Doren

I think one of the biggest challenges that comes about in January is having patience with the weather and patience with myself. First, I love winter, don't get me wrong... but the weather is so unpredictable and the drivers who can't drive in snow are so frustrating. It's a BIG lesson in patience! In addition, I get started with the new year with gusto, but soon find my enthusiasm petering off. I need to find patience in myself and to keep pushing myself forward in my goals and aspirations that I've dreamed up over the holidays.

How about you? What do you find the most challenging requiring you to have patience? Does the time of year affect it? Give me some tips...what do you do to gain patience during a difficult moment in time?

The Negative Can be Positive

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

Did you know that about every five days, our fabulous design team members share exclusive tips and tricks utilizing our beautiful and meaningful kits? Our brand new team has been doing an awesome job with their debut kits and I'm here to share with you just a little taste of what is going on at the message board. (That's where we share our Exclusive Content.)

Oh.. and did I mention it's free? ;)

First off, I'd like you to all help me welcome Jen Matott to our team and then take a read and see what she has to share about using negative space in creative ways.

The Negative can be Positive

By Jen Matott

Using negative space in an artwork or layout creates an exciting accent and uses your supplies in a new way! We all have either punches or die cutters (or both) that create fun shapes. I love using mine to create pops of color or design in layouts. Here are a few ways that you can use the negative space (or left over punched out area) to your advantage:

1. Back the cut out area with patterned paper for a fun shape with extra POW!

I punched circles and added scraps of patterned papers to the back before adhering it down. Here is the finished page:

This page is about my need to find my style and how in the past, I struggled with fitting into the popular crowd and being the same as the people I thought were better than me. I felt a bit empty when I tried to fit in and not be true to my own style and self.

2. Using the negative space as a frame. You can frame items that you want to use as a focus... photos, special items, journaling. I use this is several of my layouts this month. Here are a few ways I used negative space as a frame.

3. Use negative space as a mask or stencil for a shape to be painted or sprayed on. I love to do this with many of my left over cut outs. I use a die cutter or punch and then use the remaining cut out to mask an area on my page with sprays.

I often do this in my visual journal as above. These are 3 ways that you can use the left over cut out papers that your die cuts or punches leave behind. I hope I have inspired you to use your scraps in a different way!

Thank you so much Jen for sharing these tips! Make sure to come by our forum for more ideas and discussion about our January kit - INDIVIDUALITY!

Stand Tall and Be You

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all... what fabulous suggestions we received on future topics and colors. Way to go! Rachel will be back soon to announce the winner of the Individuality Kit. In the meantime, let's look at what some of the design team has done with the kit.

Part of exploring individuality is about recognizing who you were and how that influenced who you are now. It's knowing what makes you, you. It's realizing that all the little things make up the whole that is You. Check out some of these layouts on "being me (you)".

Bonita Rose

Jennifer Matott

Kai Baldwin (guest designer)

Melissa Elsner

Nicole Martel

Whew! What amazing layouts... such heartfelt journaling... just blow away at the strength in all of them. Please stop by our gallery to see more!

I'll be back soon to share another Individuality challenge. Get your thinkin' cap on... I want to hear some interpretations!

Rachel's Ramblings...On Individuality and How to Source Kits that Matter

2012-01-18T17:45:00.000-08:00

Each year as we get ready for the Craft and Hobby Association winter show, also known as CHA, we start thinking about themes and concepts to share with our members in the coming months. For those of you new to the scrapbook world, CHA is the for-the-trade only show where manufacturers display their upcoming products and buyers (like us) make their decisions about what to bring to market as retailers.

For our SFTIO team in particular, ordering is not a matter of simply finding the prettiest and most innovative materials, but ones that tell a story in a cohesive way. We don't make definitive buying decisions at the show itself; we meet as a team after the show for three to four days and analyze our choices based on paper lines that caught our eye. We then look at the paper lines with an emotional bent - what paper lines fit together in color and mood? What do we feel when we see those papers? What can we imagine scrapbooking about with those supplies? Afterwards, we seek out brand new embellishments - alphas, unique media, great color, and of course, icons and symbols that evoke expression and truth.

I'm always amazed that we never seem to run out of ideas...we typically end the week of CHA with more themes than we can handle - and then need to narrow down from 9 or 10 potential themes to 6...always difficult as we get so attached to the ideas we've generated! They often find a home in the following six months.

So why am I rambling on about all this? It's because I am uber-proud of the amazing women who support me and help find you not just the best of the best, but the most meaningful. There are other good kits out there...but too often I find them looking the same month after month, with those retailers sticking to an aesthetic rather than going for something deeper.

I love what we stand for...and how each of our kits contains only the latest releases, matched with an artist's eye and a poet's heart.

Does it make sourcing kits harder? Yes! We can't just pick out our favorite lovelies and mix and match 'em whenever they arrive. But I'd never trade the fun, the discussion, the variety that makes each kit a unique creation that doesn't mirror the previous months' kit. Each one stands alone as a testament to INDIVIDUALITY! We promise to keep bringing you the best kits and the most meaning...never looking for the easy route, but the one that will help YOU create layouts that speak to your soul and leave you feeling fully expressed and free to create the future you wish for.

What emotions would you love to see in upcoming kits? Let us know here in comments and we'll pick a winner who will receive our current kit, INDIVIDUALITY...we'll have our giveaway open until Sunday 1-22 at noon Pacific.

Stick with us...we've got SO much more to share! Thanks for your business and support. Stand out...be you...don't be one of the crowd, express your INDIVIDUALITY and be a part of SFTIO!

Love,

Wham Bam POW!

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

Do you like sparkle and glitter? Our current kit INDIVIDUALITY will be perfect for you if you said yes.
I like sparkle too but I'm not a glitter fan. Why? Because it gets everywhere. No matter how careful I am to pour on a tray or sprinkle in just one little area, it ends up everywhere. All over the project, on the floor, on my hair, on my nose. Not. A. Fan.

Enter something fabulous...

The new Pow paper from American Crafts. It is glitter paper but it is embedded meaning it doesn't flake off. It's almost smooth to the touch but when you look at it, it gives the illusion that it will flake off any minute. The sparkle is amazing. Finally... a kind of glitter I can love! And guess what? It's in this month's kit! Yep, we've got a fabulous shade of pink for you to play with as you let your individuality sparkle and shine.

I thought I would share a technique I used on one of my layouts. Sometimes a large sheet of glitter paper can be overwhelming. So I say cut it up into smaller bits. Create embellishments and accents to minimize the glorious sparkle.

This paper is fine enough (but not too fine... definitely is still a thick cardstock) to use in an electronic cutting machine like the Silhouette Cameo. There is a wonderful rolled flower shape in the Silhouette Library and I had to try it out on this paper. If my machine could cut this paper, then I would be a forever fan and it WORKED!

Here is the layout...

It gave my layout the perfect amount of spunk to go with the theme I wanted to convey.

Come on over to the forum where I share a couple more ideas on using this fab paper.

Did you know that the Design Team shares monthly tips, tricks and ideas using the kits in our forum? It's all free and a wonderful source of inspiration for you as you create... from the inside out!

Ready to get started with your first kit? Click here!

Sketch It Saturday

2012-01-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Just catching up on some of the wonderful sketches that our previous design team was able to create for us all to use! Jamie always made them so easy to follow and had such great layouts to match! This is from our December kit Uncertainty.

Here are 2 other sketches.. what can you create with Individuality with them? I would LOVE to see them.

Please feel free to post them in our online community and leave a comment here! Looking forward to seeing all that creativity!

No Fear in being you...

2012-01-13T08:01:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Happy Friday! I am so thrilled to be able to spend time with you today. As this being my FIRST blog post here at SFTIO what a better way to get this "relationship" started than with a bit of a flashback and also a great way to talk about NO FEAR in scrapbooking!

I wanted to share a layout I created with the AMAZING kit from this month.

INDIVIDUALITY

I took some time and really thought about what Individuality (try typing that a few times!) meant to me and realized it truly was about WHO I was... so many layouts are swimming around in my head... one of all of the things that make up me.. (think of all the things people know YOU for)... What are the things that I am the MOST proud of.. what are the things that I wish I could change.. but none the less are a part of ME. It made me start to think about all of the pictures of me over the years... and all of the memories that go along with them. As I started to pull them out, I realized what a GREAT smile I had in all of them. Alas, I am not picture shy. Which, I am grateful for. But, I also started to realize, I remember almost exactly what I was wearing in each picture. Who was with me, where I was, what the occasion was. Those are the memories that I can not wait to share with my 2 girls. That is what ME is all about.

Now here is the NO FEAR part... don't be afraid... I don't measure... and honestly.. I did not even really plan this out... If you look close you will see my mattes around the pictures are not all 100% the same sizes... (GASP!).... my journaling did not fit all on one side of the pretty card with the roses... so I just flipped the card and kept going! The strips at the bottom.. I just free cut them.. until the looked pretty. And when all is said and done.. you don't even really get to see them that much! And... here is the being ME part.. I wanted to keep adding MORE... I just felt like it was not quite done.. or not quite enough.. or not quite special enough... but when I woke up this morning I realized.. it captures EXACTLY what I wanted.. my smile! Could I have added more bling.. and more.. and more... and a new technique.. sure.. but then.. I just wanted to be me... so with no fear.. here is me.. and all my smiles.. with my crooked mattes.. and I love it!

The little picture with the floral shirt is my college portrait. This is a shirt that I had made for one of the fashion shows. (I have a degree in fashion design!) The pigtail picture is one of a group where my sister has on the same outfit as me (OH MOM!) The top picture was taken at my first Inspiration Unlimited in Las Vegas. This was a Teresa Collins class. I attended with my sister in Sept of '10. (yes, the same one that had the said matching outfit!) And.. you can barely see it.. but that picture of me (and you can see the bottom part of it in the last picture) is me about 10. My Gram had bought for me a ballet outfit. My dream as a little girl was to be a ballerina. This was my birthday party.

The picture in the corner is probably one of my favorites. I think I am just about 5. I was sitting on a stool in the kitchen. One time had someone proclaim "how is it I never saw that picture of Allie before" (that is my daughter) and I had to say that is because it is me!! In the "model" shot I was just about 13. The Graduation picture is from High School. Big Hair can not be appreciated in this picture. The picture above it was taken in 2000 on the way to a black tie wedding.

See.. even my "the" is not on par with "many"! LOVE these foam alphas though! so much fun. How cute was I in that picture with the pumpkin color bow?? Come on!

Here is the journaling...

"so many smiles - so many memories - all me. I have never been camera shy and thank goodness - I cherish each picture and what stories go along with them. I can not wait to share these with my girls when they get older"

Hope you have a great weekend and see you tomorrow for Sketch It Saturday!!!

A Challenge to Have No Fear!

2012-01-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

Layout by Melissa Elsner

It’s challenge time here at Inside Out. Our first challenge for Individuality has been posted in our community. Would you like to play along? It’s thought-provoking, challenging, sometimes a little nerve-wracking but ALWAYS so much fun! This first challenge is about showing or hiding your true self. And it has a doozy of a design twist!

Consider this:

No Fear: When we show people we have nothing to hide and what you see is what you get we show our true individuality. Does this scare you? Do you show your true self to all in your life? Why or why not?

I have to admit, I hide. I’m a good hider. That’s probably not something to be proud of, but it is the truth. I am afraid to share my full and true self to all in my life because I have an even bigger fear of ridicule and rejection. But growing inside of me over the past few years is an increasing desire to be fully me, to show fully who I am and not hide what I believe in. That desire will eventually overcome my fear of rejection (probably when I’m, like, 88 years old) and then I will be FREE to express myself one-hundred percent.

Are you different? Are you already there, being 100% authentic? Oh, how I envy you. Or are you like me, hiding bits and pieces because you wish to be accepted, even if it means you’re not technically accepted completely?

It’s a pretty deep thought. The layout I’d like to create is already forming in my mind. Now… to embrace the design challenge:

Please create a LO about whether you show your true self or hide something. Please be BRAVE and use a pic of yourself that isn't a favorite - but one that shows a side of you others may not see...are you being silly? playful? angry?

There’s a big step for me. A photo that isn’t my favorite? Well, I certainly have plenty to choose from!

So… will you join me, please? At least share your thoughts on the No Fear journaling prompt in the comments below. I oh-so hope, though, that you will join us to do the entire challenge. Stop in over at the community and see interpretations by other brave challenge-takers. Post your layout in our challenge gallery and watch all of the wonderful supportive comments appear. And who knows, for your effort and your display of amazing individuality, you might win the challenge prize!

Please join us!

Who Are You?

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

This month has me all revved up. I'm having such a great time perusing all of the inspiration over at Inside Out and scrappin' about me in the simplest of terms: who am I? What makes me, me? Because it's all about Individuality this month! Let me give you a taste of the inspiration that has me fired up starting with my absolute favorite quote of late:

And another:

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
Dr. Seuss

Some music to pep you up:

And a fabulous message from one of the members of our Design Team:

layout by Bonita Rose

Please... I invite you over for more Individuality inspiration. Take some time to get inspired at this month's inspiration page, or join the community to view the galleries and get involved with the conversation about individuality!

I hope to see you there!

Taking Time for Me

2012-01-07T17:38:00.000-08:00

About 10 years ago (ish) was when I dipped my toes into scrapbooking. Then I found I loved card making even more and really got into that. Took some classes, refined some skills, learned new techniques, etc., etc. In the midst of that, I would create an occasional layout and.... hate it.

So I hid.

I hid from scrapbook layouts. LOL But I did love it and just needed to practice is all. Not sure why I was so afraid to keep trying but, eventually, I would try again. Then something else happened.

I ran out of things to scrap about. I have no children. I have no significant other. I take trips but I got tired of trying to figure out different ways to scrap the same old photo. Blah. At the same time I was going through some therapy. My counselor told me to journal. But I hated journaling and keeping a diary. I never kept it up. Maybe the first few pages and then I'd stop. Why? It was boring. It didn't free me from anything. I just hated writing. So we explored some options. Should I type it? Nope. Should I make myself do it anyway? Nope. Hey... I like to scrapbook... why not combine the two? And my friends, a new and wonderful thing happened. I decided to use my love of scrapbooking and combine it with my need to journal. Let it all out, if you will.

This brief little back story is to share how much I love and appreciate the philosophy of SFTIO. I'm a firm believer in combing something you love as your means to creatively express and "let it all out".

To see the full layout and more amazing layouts from our design team, click here.

So what's your story?

Come share with us on the forum!

May I Challenge You?

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hi All!We're going to take a little break from the Individuality topic and talk again about the other challenges we play with over at the Inside Out community. Lately, we have been having a blast with one in particular: our Iron Scrapper challenge. I've brought a little peek of our newest challenge to you today:

Of course, we'd love for you to play along! You'll have to sign up to our community to see the whole challenge, but it's free to do so! Come play along with us... there's an opportunity to win a little fun from Inside Out!

This Iron Scrapper is especially special...it's got a special twist: three different ways to perform the challenge! THREE! But you'll have to head on over and join us to see the full photo and challenge.

I hope you do. C'mon, it'll be fun! See you over there!

Exploring Individuality

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

It's a big word: Individuality. Lots of syllables. Let's sound it out: in-duh-vij-oo-al-i-tee. That's fun! In-duh-vij-oo-al-i-tee. Say it with me:

duh

vij

tee

Yes, I'm a nut and entertained easily. But it is fun. And quite a break-down of such a big word. A big word that describes you as only you can be.

Have you ever really sat down and thought about individuality? What makes you, you? What makes him, him? What makes her, her? How is there sameness? Differences? It's an amazing, profound concept.

Let's have some fun with some Individuality synonyms:

Thank you Wordle - click image to enlarge.

Do any of those speak to you? Any synonyms in there that yell out, "that's me!"?

Share your favorite five Individuality terms in a comment below... we'd love to see what individual favorites are out there!

New Year - Express Yourself!

2012-01-01T19:52:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Our new kit, Individuality, has launched. What a spectacular kit! I have already had my hands on this and it's full of just plain 'ol GORGEOUS! Just like YOU. It is a perfect time to explore yourself. The New Year brings with it a New You. A Fresh Start. Time to dig deep (or just a little) and explore your Individuality.

What makes you, YOU? How do you express yourself? What speaks to you, sings to you, entices you? Embrace and celebrate your uniqueness. Share your quirks. Open up and let your soul shine!

We want you to do it with us. Join us. Watch what's coming up here and share with us, or hop on over to our community to see all that's going on right now, or join in on our challenges and ...

EXPRESS YOURSELF!

It's going to be a great year!

Individuality

2011-12-25T20:53:00.000-08:00

From everyone at SFTIO we hope you have had an amazing holiday season. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and may this time of year have been spent with those you love creating memories that will last for years to come.

We are so excited to start 2012!!! Our first kit is just GORGEOUS!!! Here is a sneak peek....

Absolutely gorgeous papers from Basic Grey, Webster's Pages and Crate Paper. You will find lots of trims, lots of bling and we KNOW you will find LOTS of inspiration to make this one of the most fun kits to work with.

Keep an eye out for the first peek of the kit RIGHT HERE! Then for the day when the big reveal happens. We know you are going to be thrilled.

Borrowed from Daily Om...Being Real in the Face of Uncertainty

2011-12-18T23:50:00.000-08:00

I read this recently and it put me in mind of how we can all be more authentic. When we aren't, we are giving in to the uncertainty we feel about whether we are ok being ourselves and will be accepted for being real...and all of who we are.

More on this from me soon...

Taking the Risk
Permission to Be Real

People who keep it real present themselves as they truly are, the good parts and the parts most of us would rather hide.

Most of us are familiar with the idea of keeping it real and have an intuitive sense about what that means. People who keep it real don’t hide behind a mask to keep themselves safe from their fear of how they might be perceived. They don’t present a false self in order to appear more perfect, more powerful, or more independent. People who keep it real present themselves as they truly are, the good parts and the parts most of us would rather hide, sharing their full selves with the people who are lucky enough to know them.

Being real in this way is not an easy thing to do as we live in a culture that often shows us images of physical and material perfection. As a result, we all want to look younger, thinner, wealthier, and more successful. We are rewarded externally when we succeed at this masquerade, but people who are real remind us that, internally, we suffer. Whenever we feel that who we are is not enough and that we need to be bigger, better, or more exciting, we send a message to ourselves that we are not enough. Meanwhile, people who are not trying to be something more than they are walk into a room and bring a feeling of ease, humor, and warmth with them. They acknowledge their wrinkles and laugh at their personal eccentricities without putting themselves down.

People like this inspire us to let go of our own defenses and relax for amoment in the truth of who we really are. In their presence, we feel safe enough to take off our masks and experience the freedom of not hiding behind a barrier. Those of us who were lucky enough to have a parent who was able to keep it real may find it easier to be that way ourselves. The rest of us may have to work a little harder to let go of our pretenses and share the beauty and humor of our real selves. Our reward for taking such a risk is that as we do, we will attract and inspire others, giving them the permission to be real too.

Uncertain Inspiration

2011-12-12T14:54:00.000-08:00

With all of the things going on this month, I was uncertain about scrapbooking this month's topic. Thankfully, that's the topic: Uncertainty! (I think I heard groaning. :) ) So, I'm right on task. As I was contemplating some of my personal "takes" on the topic, I thought about sharing some of the inspiration I was finding on our Inspiration page with you.

Check out some of these quotes for Uncertainty:

So what do we do? Anything. Something. So long as we just don't sit there. If we screw it up, start over. Try something else. If we wait until we've satisfied all the uncertainties, it may be too late.
Lee Iacocca

Uncertainty and mystery are energies of life. Don't let them scare you unduly, for they keep boredom at bay and spark creativity.
R. I. Fitzhenry

Maturity is the capacity to endure uncertainty.
John Huston Finley

What do you think?

I'll be back soon with more inspiration: music, pictures and some of our Design Team layouts!

And We Have a Winner...

2011-12-07T10:41:00.001-08:00

Last month we invited you to take part in our Iron Scrapper challenge. Inspired by that reality TV show involving food, we provide you with a "secret ingredient" (scrappy related, not foodstuff). Those who accept the challenge incorporate that secret ingredient into a layout. We teased you with a partial view of our secret ingredient last month, inviting you to visit our community for the full detail and to play along. Here's what we teased you with:

Well, the full picture was a beautiful white peacock:

We had wonderful participation in this Iron Scrapper challenge, all with different perspectives and heart-felt designs inspired by the above photo. Truly amazing, heartfelt layouts. For the Peacock Iron Scrapper challenge, Miss Jaime was our winner. Would you like to see her winning layout? Of course you would! Here it is:

Jaime's hidden journaling reads:
The peacock is a symbol of renewal. Since joining SFTIO in April of this year, I have undergone a personal renewal. I hadn't been able to scrapbook for over a year. I found no joy in it. I couldn't bring myself to create anything. Grief had taken over my life. It took away my desire to do anything that brings me comfort. I knew I needed my creative outlet back. I happened upon SFTIO. I`m so glad I stayed! Being able to scrapbook about myself has renewed me and given me more clarity about myself. I have a better sense of who I am and what I am all about.
Jaime will be receiving some scrappy goodies for her fantastic layered layout. We are so very glad to have her as part of our community and, if you're not already there, we would love for you to please come join us!

Still UNCERTAIN? Well, then this is the most opportune time to join us since that's the emotion we are exploring Right Now! As always, inspiration is at your fingertips on our site. Buy the Uncertainty kit and be even more inspired with the gorgeous papers and embellishments within.

Need more incentive? How about joining us for the next IRON SCRAPPER CHALLENGE? It's already posted in our community boards.

See you there!

The UNCERTAINTY kit. Make it Your Own!

2011-12-01T22:07:00.001-08:00

Our December kit, UNCERTAINTY, will give you the special opportunity to explore what you don’t know…yet. Life is full of mystery…some of it is unknown, and some is unknowable. How do you handle the ambiguity, confusion and unpredictability that is a natural part of the complicated lives we lead.

The symbolism in this kit is unique to you…go on and make it yours!Tell your secret stories with a great mixture of beautiful paper and embellishments from Basic Grey’s Little Black Dress, My Mind’s Eye Lost and Found 2, and Jenni Bowlin’s Haven.

Black, Cream, Oatmeal and Nude let you customize your layouts your way. We’ve added in a sweet array of naked embellishments in all different materials – a chipboard signpost to determine your direction, Pink Paislee mistables die-cut tags, fabric flowers and trim. Alterable alphas and two custom mini bottles of Tattered Angels glimmer mists!

Your life is what you make it – complex, rich, and imbued with the color YOU decide. Join us!

CLICK HERE to buy your kit now!

PATTERNED PAPER:
Basic Grey Little Black Dress Swanky Grand
Basic Grey Little Black Dress Charisma
Basic Grey Little Black Dress Tuxedo
Basic Grey Little Black Dress Foxy Posh
Basic Grey Little Black Dress Drama Mod
Basic Grey Little Black Dress Modern Vogue
Basic Grey Little Black Dress Dashing
Jenni Bowlin Haven Peeling paper
Jenni Bowlin Haven Cherries Ripe
MME Lost and Found 2 Sunshine Lovely Sewing
MME Lost and Found 2 Sunshine Lovely Plaid
MME Lost and Found 2 Sunshine Memories Sweet

EMBELLISHMENTS:
Basic Grey Little Black Dress Elements Stickers, 1 sheet
Creative Impressions Trim, Oatmeal Giant RicRac, ½ yd.
Maya Road Kraft Time Flies Clocks, 5-6
Maya Road Kraft Notecards and Envelopes, 2
Pink Paislee Mistables Fabric Journal Tag, 2 pcs
Pink Paislee Mistables Fabric Flowers,1 pc
Pink Paislee Mistables Fabric Pleat Strips, 1 pc
Prima Typography Romantique Alphas
Prima Fleur De Lys Chorale, 1 pc
Sassafras Mini Alphas Blue Graph
ScrapFX Signpost

COLOR:
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist Trunk Bay, 1oz
Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist Mel's Diner, 1oz

CARDSTOCK:
American Crafts Pomegranate
American Crafts Slate
American Crafts Fountain

Thanks to our outgoing DT gals, Laura Croft, Mette Kallander and Jamie Long for their amazing work on this final kit for them...they have shared so much of their hearts and souls with us and I am grateful. Stay tuned all month to see their layouts (and those of ongoing DT Coordinator Melissa Elsner) here on the blog, or come on over to the website now to view the Design Team gallery on our Inspiration Page and leave them some love in the Message Board gallery! They sure deserve it...

Love,

Rachel

Design Team Announcement!

2011-11-30T20:41:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone!

I am so thrilled to announce the new ladies joining our Design Team for the January - June 2012 term. There were so many amazing applications that came through and, as always, it becomes an arduous task to scale them down to who will be on the team. It is NOT easy because you all blew us away.

Without further ado, please help me congratulate and welcome this fabulous team of ladies:

Melissa Elsner - DT Coordinator

Jen Matott

Bonita Rose

Nicole Martel

Each of these ladies have their own distinct style and approach to what SFTIO is all about. I know you will love them all as much as we do! Welcome ladies! I'm thrilled to work with you this next term.

And a huge thank you to our exiting team: Laura Croft, Jamie Long and Mette Kallander. Thank you for putting your heart and soul out there for the world to see and being such an integral part of our team the past six months! Make sure you visit our website tomorrow for the gorgeous new Uncertainty kit which will feature the beautiful and thoughtful work of these three ladies.

hugs,

Melissa

Design Team Coordinator

Thankful for Connections...

2011-11-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

Just taking a quick moment to share our thanks on Thanksgiving here in the USA.

We absolutely love all of the Connections we have made here on the blog and over at the Inside Out community. We are thankful YOU are in our lives. As we go forward into the busy holiday season, we hope you take some time to sit back, reflect and maybe do a layout about what's going on inside of you. Happy or sad, peaceful or mad... it all deserves to be let "out". Take some time to connect with your inner you or with friends and family around you right now.

Here's some quotes, pictures and music to help inspire you:

"When we seek for connection, we restore the world to wholeness. Our seemingly separate lives become meaningful as we discover how truly necessary we are to each other. "
Margaret Wheatley

"Fate chooses your relations, you choose your friends."
Jacques Delille

"You do not need to be loved, not at the cost of yourself. The single relationship that is truly central and crucial in a life is the relationship to the self. Of all the people you will know in a lifetime, you are the only one you will never lose."
Jo Coudert

"Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city."
George Burns

We are so thankful for you. Have a wonderful, very Happy Thanksgiving!

Sketch It Saturday!

2011-11-19T08:01:00.001-08:00

Just popping by to share some of our sketches with you. Compliments of Jamie Long, here they are, along with one or two samples of what she did with them...

I love how Jamie substituted the butterflies for the feathers in her layout!

For more of Jamie's interpretations of her sketches, come visit our Gallery. Are you inspired? Let us see what you create!

Disconnected...

2011-11-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

I was browsing through the gallery last night and was really interested to see some layouts in there about the opposite of Connection. Disconnect. To be disconnected. To separate yourself from something, intentionally or unintentionally. To be unable to connect to something. It was really amazing to me, the different aspects of disconnect. I wanted to share them with you...

Disconnected by Laura Croft

Future by Mette Kallander

Let Go & Let's Go by Melissa Elsner

My Dad by Jamie Long

Truer Words by guest designer Lisa VanderVeen

Truer Words by Lisa was like a smack to my forehead. I really do have to agree that I share the same disconnect... saying what I think people want to hear instead of saying what I need to say. I love this layout inside and out (no pun intended). My Dad by Jamie was a major "Wow!" to me. The very short-and-sweet journaling just strike the message home. Amazing.

Melissa's layout tells me about purposeful disconnect. I would love to embrace that... and maybe her layout title will be come one of my new mantras. Mette's layout certainly speaks to how disconnected we are from the future, simply because it hasn't happened yet. No matter how much we might like to plan for the future, or guess what will happen, or hope... there is no way to truly connect to the future.

And then there's Laura's deep and heartfelt journaling regarding her disconnection with her sister. Another "Wow!"

I would have to say all of these layouts speak to me on a personal level. I think it's fantastic that I can go into the gallery and see these layouts and just... connect! I don't mean to push that word, but what's a better one? Nearly all of these layouts could be interpreted into my own world, in one way or another. What a great feeling to know that there are others out there with similar issues...similar disconnections.

How about you? What would your topic for a layout be, if you were to explore disconnection? Share it with us!

Digging Deep at Our Cybercrop!

2011-11-13T15:16:00.001-08:00

Wow, what a great weekend! We are having a blast over on our community boards while our first CRAFT retreat is winding down in Santa Monica. It's not too late to take part, though! We've got many challenges in our online crop, mirroring what was being done at CRAFT. Come join us and dig deep. Here's a peek at what some of the wonderful women have been coming up with in response to our challenge to delve into your inner world...

Connected by Suzanna

Letting Go by Martine

Dear Renee by Nicole

This Moment by iscrap

Be Creative by Diana

It's not too late if you'd like to join us! Our challenges for our online crop are open for response until Wednesday! Please come on over and join us - it's so much fun, and SO rewarding. Plus, if you like it, maybe you'll stick around and continue to scrap our monthly challenges. Connect with us!

CRAFT Beach Retreat Online Crop

2011-11-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hey Y'all!

(Did you hear that? My best Paula Deen imitation ever!)

If you are not one of the fortunate who are heading out to beautiful Santa Monica this weekend for our CRAFT Retreat, but you still want to take part, JOIN US over at the Inside Out message boards for our Online Crop.

I can't share here all of the details of what's going to happen at our online crop, but I can tell you there will be plenty of fun to go 'round. There will be challenges, along the lines of our CRAFT retreat... there will be games... there will be sharing and caring... and the best part? It starts TODAY!

Our CRAFT Beach Retreat Online Crop starts today and will go through next WEDNESDAY so you have plenty of opportunity and time to join us. Our first game is already up... hurry on over and sign up to play before 10am PT today. If you don't make it in time for this game, don't worry, our Crop Hostess Melissa has more fun in store - check out her schedule of events on the boards, if you don't believe me.

So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to our message boards and sign up (it's free) if you haven't already. Then head on down to our "It's All Fun and Games" section to see our CRAFT Beach Retreat Online Crop forum. Hop on in and start delving deep!

I really hope to see you there. While Rachel is actually at CRAFT, we're going to play... you know what the old saying is... "when the cat's away..."

*grin*

Hope to see you there!

Giveaway Winner!

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

Thank you everyone who participated in our Kit Launch giveaway this month! Congratulations to Sugar, AKA Witchymama over in our community. All she had to do to win was to share what is her favorite item from the Connection kit. Here's what she said:

"The little spools are my fav! and all the rich colors! actually... the whole thing is perfect!"

Thanks for sharing your fav item(s) (and yea, we think the whole thing is perfect, too)! For sharing you win a full set of the papers from this kit - 12 double sided patterned papers in all, plus 4 sheets of coordinating American Crafts cardstock. And they are ah-maze-ing, let me tell you!

Please make sure you go to the message boards and send Rachel a private message with your shipping details so you can get your goodies but quick.

Want another chance to win some fun scrappin' stash? Join us in our Iron Scrapper challenge. Keep reading, there will be more chances to win... I promise!

Let's Connect!

2011-11-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

I had a lousy day. It wasn't as if everything went wrong, or I had a bad hair day, or I spilled hot tea in my lap five minutes before an important presentation in front of the top three executives in my company. No, none of that happened. It was more of a "I got out on the wrong side of the bed" type of morning. It was one of those days.

So, I was quite worked up into a very well-attended, self-pity party when I decided last minute to go and BE with people. Actually, it was a bunch of people working out at a boot camp. Sounds crazy, right? But I chose that somewhat tortuous physical activity that rather than go home with a pint of ice cream and drown my pseudo-misery while lounging in bed. You know what happened?

I connected.

It felt good to be with people. It felt good to get my heart pumping. And the best part was one gal, who knew about my day, took a moment out to give me a snug. Connection. People reaching out and touching people, physically and emotionally. It's really awesome.

Want to know the best part? When I got home, still fighting the lingering party-goers at my self-pity-party, guess what was on the table waiting for me? This:

My Connection kit! I was excited as I opened it and fanned out all of the lovely papers and goodies. As I handled each item, my mind started spinning. All the directions you could go with this topic...

Connection to your life partner
Connection to your children
Connection to your pets
Connecting with a total stranger
Connecting the "dots" between some thoughts, or goals, or a-ha moment
Past connections with long-lost friends
Connecting with your spiritual side
That book that just made a connection within
How you stay connected with those important to you
How does your job connect you to the world?
Connections across the country/world.
Connect Four!

Whoops, sorry about that last one. Love that game, though.

How about a look at a few photos that are on our site ready to inspire you?

Take one of these (or any of your own photos) and use it as your starting point for a layout about Connection. Finish and then connect with us... let us see it, either on your blog or in our community.

C'mon and let's connect! Play with us!

Another Giveaway? Oh, Yeah...

2011-11-05T06:35:00.000-07:00

We've got one giveaway just ended yesterday so I'm back to see if you want to play some more! Over in our community, we provide challenges each month that go along with the topic, and challenges for Connection will soon be forthcoming! In the meantime, I'm here to get you started with the...

(cue introductory music and drumroll, please)

IRON SCRAPPER CHALLENGE

We do one of these every month. Would you like to play along? It's pretty easy to get started. We post a photo or a quote or some other element that is your "secret ingredient". Then, YOU get to flex your creative muscles and decide how and why you use your secret ingredient on your layout. Sometimes the secret ingredient is a photo, sometimes a quote... sometimes... well... play along and find out.

This month it's a photo. And because you need to go over to our community site to see the whole shebang, I'm just going to sneak a peek over here for you:

Remember, this is not the full photo... go to our community boards to see the full challenge!

Now, aren't you intrigued? I am... not only for the whole challenge, but I can't wait to see what people decide to do with this photo. C'mon over and play with us and ...

(here's the giveaway part)

... you could WIN some scrappin' goodies! I'd even bet there are some PRIMA flowers involved.

What are you waiting for?

Ready?

Set.

(cue starter gun shot)

SCRAP!

Making a Connection with People

2011-11-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

This month's topic, Connection, has me all in a tizzy. There are SO many directions from which you could attack the topic. Often, we start discussing the month's topic by delving into synonyms and antonyms. Just for fun, here are just a smattering of synonyms:

Main Entry: connection
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: person who aids another in achieving goal
Synonyms: acquaintance, agent, ally, associate, association, contact, friend, go-between, intermediary, kin, kindred, kinship, mentor, messenger, network, reciprocity, relation, relative, sponsor

Main Entry: connection
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: something that communicates, relates
Synonyms: affinity, application, association, bearing, bond, commerce, communication, correlation, correspondence, intercourse, interrelation, kinship, link, marriage, nexus, partnership, reciprocity, relation, relationship, relevance, tie-in, togetherness

Seriously, there is SO much to play with there, and like I said, that's just a bitty bit that available. Visit our community boards for more words to inspire and play with.

In the meantime, how do you connect with people? I've been trying to step outside of myself and observe how I interact with people at my workplace. I can guarantee you I don't like all of them, but I can connect with each one. I may not like their personality, their ongoing illnesses, their negativity, their humor... but I can connect with each person on a different commonality.

I wonder, is this true with everyone? I highly doubt it, but... BUT... given enough time with a person, given enough chance to interact, perhaps there is a way to connect with anyone I would have he opportunity to meet. When I can open up my mind - and my heart - to that possibility, it makes me feel so amazingly free and full of wonder at what could happen with the very next new person I meet and interact with.

On Monday, I was walking into my office and another gal was walking in at the same time. She was in costume, in celebration of Halloween. I said, "I like your costume." She replied, "Thanks. I like your bag." Now, I don't know this woman from Eve, but the bag (made by a specific company who has their headquarters here) opened a connection for us. I said, "My husband works there." She sounded startled when she stopped and said, "Mine does too!" We shared information about them and. smiling, walked away.

I don't know that I'll ever stop and chat with her again. She works for a different company in the same building. Typically, I find people in that company to be less than friendly. Heck, she was in costume and I have no idea if I'd recognize her again. But that costume, and a bag, helped two total strangers to make a Connection - a brief bond and communication (check out those synonyms) - on a dreary, rainy Monday. And that put a little bounce in my step for most of the morning!

How do you make connections with people? Are you aware of all the connections you make? I mean, just stop and think about it for a few minutes... what connections did you make yesterday?

And then, just smile.

Connection is LIVE! Don't Miss Your Chance to Win!

2011-11-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

We've just launched Connection, today and we're ready for you to jump on in and join us for another fantastic month at Inside Out. If you missed yesterday's post, there's also a chance for a GIVEAWAY!

Quick like a bunny, hop on over to the community at Inside Out (you can join for FREE). Leave a comment on the post called "The Kit is Live" for your chance to win! You can find it in the section marked "It's All About the Kits" under this month's topic: Connection.

You'll be entered to win a full set of the papers from this kit - 12 double sided patterned papers in all, plus 4 sheets of coordinating American Crafts cardstock. In your comment, make sure to let us know what your favorite thing in the kit is You have until November 4 at Noon Pacific time to enter your comment to win.

Want to buy a complete kit now? Click the image below...

C'mon back again soon... we have lots of great fun planned for this month. And we want to Connect with you!

A One Day Countdown to CONNECTION - and a Giveaway!

2011-10-31T15:32:00.000-07:00

OK, so one day isn't much of a countdown. But we're still super excited to share our new kit, CONNECTION tonight at Midnight!

This kit is such a great mixture of paper from American Crafts' Amy Tangerine Line, Jillibean Soup's Sweet and Sour and Homemade Six Bean Collection and Crate Farmhouse.

The idea? How do you stitch together a life you love? Where are the missing patches in your quilt? If you drop a stitch, does your fabric unravel or can you weave it anew?

And like a quilt, this beautiful, homey, comfortable kit has an incredible array of color that fits together just right. Mix and match patterns, tiny spools, vintage look journaling cards and kraft bits, zipper trim, stitched paper...there's so much to love!

And if you start or renew your six month subscription, you'll get these great bonuses (not to scale):

Prima's brand new Tiny Treasures Hearts Package
- one locket (imagine the possibilities) and one flat embellishment in a lovely antique finish

The hard to find and easy to love 'You're Golden' stitched fabric paper from Amy Tangerine.

And how about a chance to win?

Come to our website after midnight Pacific Time tonight and leave a comment on the forum post called 'the kit is live' on our message board. You'll be entered to win a full set of the papers from this kit - 12 double sided patterned papers in all, plus 4 sheets of coordinating American Crafts cardstock. In your comment, make sure to let us know what your favorite thing in the kit is. You have until November 4 and noon Pacific to enter to win.

It's a great way to try out what we do best for free! Make sure you wait until the kit goes live at Midnight.

See you then ~

Love,

CONNECTION - November Sneak Peek and a GIVEAWAY

2011-10-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

All about the crazy quilt that makes up your beautiful, complex and meaningful life. Who matters most, what are the ties that bind, what keeps you safe and attached, and what bonds have been broken?

Features Amy Tangerine for American Crafts, Crate Farmhouse, & Jillibean Soup...Sassafras, Authentique, Maya Road and more.

Join us November 1 for CONNECTION.

In the meantime, we're spreading the word about new ways to participate in our CRAFT: Creating Reflective Art for Transformation retreat coming up in just a few weeks. The lovely Donna Downey posted about our art and soul retreat today, and as part of the post we're giving away the ACHIEVEMENT kit.

You'll need to do 3 quick things...

1. Go over to Donna's post and read all about it.
2. Click on the link in her post to the CRAFT blog and sign up on the CRAFT mailing list.
3. Go back to Donna's blog and let her know you joined the CRAFT mailing list in the comments.

And Voila! you'll be entered to win the kit AND will be up to date on all the news about this November's retreat and other in-person events, online classes and more.

Hope to see you soon, online or in person!

Love,

Failure/Chasing Pavements - Lay It Out!

2011-10-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

Whew! Where did October go?! Kai, here, zooming on by to toss out one of our challenges to anyone out there willing to take it on. How about laying it out for Achievement, or ... rather... lack of achievement? Here's what we're tossing out, throwing the gauntlet down, so to speak...

Failure: Is there such a thing as failing, or are you a believer that every failure is just a step on your path to a different success? Is failure a sign that you’ve actually tried difficult things? Are you quick to rebound after a failure or are you slower to recover. Has there ever been a time when you’ve closed your ears to the voices of others telling you that your failures meant it was time to stop trying? Have you ever looked back at a past failure and seen the meaning in it from the long view? What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

Please create a layout about a past failure that taught you an important lesson - either about your limits or perseverance.

For the design twist, let's explore the song by Adele: Chasing Pavements. Use anything from the song OR song imagery in your LO:

http://youtu.be/Wdtz0GRqKng

I've made up my mind, don't need to think it over
If I'm wrong I am right, don't need to look no further
This ain't lust, I know this is love

But if I tell the world, I'll never say enough
'Cause it was not said to you
And that's exactly what I need to do if I'd end up with you

Should I give up or should I just keep chasing pavements
Even if it leads nowhere?
Or would it be a waste even if I knew my place
Should I leave it there?
Should I give up or should I just keep chasing pavements
Even if it leads nowhere?

I build myself up and fly around in circles
Wait then as my heart drops and my back begins to tingle
Finally could this be it?

Should I give up or should I just keep chasing pavements
Even if it leads nowhere?
Or would it be a waste even if I knew my place
Should I leave it there?
Should I give up or should I just keep chasing pavements
Even if it leads nowhere?

Should I give up or should I just keep chasing pavements
Even if it leads nowhere?
Or would it be a waste even if I knew my place
Should I leave it there?
Should I give up or should I just keep on chasing pavements
Should I just keep on chasing pavements?

Should I give up or should I just keep chasing pavements
Even if it leads nowhere?
Or would it be a waste even if I knew my place
Should I leave it there?
Should I give up or should I just keep chasing pavements
Even if it leads nowhere?

Are you willing to take up this challenge? If so, let's see your result! Post it in our challenges gallery. While you're over there, check out our other challenges and see what tickles your creative bones. Hey, you might even win some goodies for your effort!

Monday Motivation - Telling the Truth

2011-10-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

Hi smart and crafty gals! Just before we sneak the next kit (WOW, where did October go) here's a little bit of what we do at SFTIO that's so very special...our online multimedia inspiration! Every month, we provide a ton of content - using music, stock photos, quotations, pinterest (not just pinning pretty things, but meaningful ones!) and our exclusive prompts and challenges that help you dig deep.

Here's a taste...but to get it all, you'll need to come over to the site. All our inspiration is FREE...all you need to do is click over and see us. I also urge you to sign up on our message board (just takes minutes) and you'll be ready to chat with women all over the world, who, just like you, struggle, triumph, ask questions, wonder, worry and celebrate...and you'll come away with more freedom, more honesty and more courage than you thought was possible.

What's our secret? It's not a bunch of phony 'happy thoughts' or transient states of bliss. It's telling your truth, no matter how scary or ugly it may look. Self-expression can't fix all your problems, but it makes you freer and more resilient. Here's a LO I did with last month's kit, BALANCE to show you what I mean:

This was my response to a challenge (from me :)) to our members to scrap about a major shift in their worlds and what the 'new normal' looked like.

Those of you who have been reading for a while (or have glanced at the sidebar) know that I lost my precious Bart last December. This is actually the very first page I've been able to do about him...that's right, me, the purveyor and enabler of emotion-based scrapbooking. But I finally got to the point where I could no longer ask you all to share without sharing more of what was difficult for me - sharing the thing that is MOST difficult for me. And if you read it, you'll see, the journaling is not a peaceful acceptance of the loss. I'm not there yet.

And here's my (not so) secret - I don't have to be. And neither do you.

Being right where you are, accepting yourself now, including your anger, resentments, fears, worries and resistance to change is CRITICAL to your well-being and your growth. Fighting it won't make it disappear - but being with the present moment and letting your emotions flow will make every future moment a tiny bit easier.

Here's a little sampling of what the ACHIEVEMENT Inspiration Page has to offer:

Prompt:

Failure: Is there such a thing as failing, or are you a believer that every failure is just a step on your path to a different success? Is failure a sign that you’ve actually tried difficult things? Are you quick to rebound after a failure or are you slower to recover. Has there ever been a time when you’ve closed your ears to the voices of others telling you that your failures meant it was time to stop trying? Have you ever looked back at a past failure and seen the meaning in it from the long view? What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

Pinterest:

Music:

Defying Gravity by Idina Menzel

Quote:

Periods of tranquility are seldom prolific of creative achievement. Mankind has to be stirred up. Alfred North Whitehead

Photo:

For more music (a streaming playlist), quotes, prompts, photos and pins, come visit the Inspiration Page.

I hope you use it to tell your truth.

Love,

Weekend Layout Inspiration - Back to School

2011-10-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! It's a lovely day here in Santa Monica, a perfect 70 degrees, but there are signs of autumn. Nippy nights where you snuggle under the blankets are upon us and I'm feeling moved to break out the down comforter that's been in storage all summer. And maybe a new duvet?

This is on sale at West Elm and I'm thinking this would work beautifully - time for a little renewal...

Even though our bed has a chocolate finish, the modern lines and green wall should meld nicely. This is a stock photo, but you get the idea.

This is the paint color - still love it after 10 years! It's a bit darker in person.

I do tend to use a lot of the same colors in my favorite layouts...do you? These home decor color appear in our latest kit, ACHIEVEMENT.

And yes, leaves do fall in Southern California. Proof:

Bigleaf Maple is native to the Pacific coast from SoCal to the Pacific NW. This is on my street! Right next to a lot of California Fan Palms.

Just makes me feel like all the best memories of fall. I remember the excitement of new clothes for back-to-school, the sound of crunching leaves under my feet, and all the possibility that was ahead.

So many more layouts, and three new ACHIEVEMENT challenges are up on our gorgeous brand new website...come see! Scrap about what you've already achieved and what is in your plans.

Enjoy this beautiful fall weekend and all there is to achieve in your future.

Love,

My Bartie-Boy as a baby - he loved fall too!

Rachel's Ramblings...CRAFT Updates and Seeking our next Design Team!

2011-10-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

Hi there! Hope everyone's week is off to a good start. I had a delightful opportunity to meditate this afternoon at the fantastic Insight LA here in Santa Monica. I'm finding that just half an hour of focusing on my breathing, and especially NOT judging my thoughts really helps me with my day.

We're busy here at SFTIO this week planning the final delightful details of our upcoming CRAFT Beach Retreat, just weeks away. If you've been thinking about joining us, there's still room...just email us at craftbeachretreat@gmail.com and you could be wiggling your toes in the sand in between renewing and transforming your inner world...

Here are the class descriptions and some juicy pics of what's arriving...

What Matters Most Workshop

Amy Tan’s workshop will have youthinking about what matters most in your life, and how to keep those things infocus and balance. She’ll empower you with her
effortless approach to creating from your gut.

Free Your Heart Workshop

Ly T. Le’s mixed media project will give you the opportunity tocreate a piece of highly dimensional art that will explore what makes you feelfree,
and how to access more of that feeling.

Double Agent Workshop

This innovative folder project - a file of thoughts, ideas, hopes,and wishes - with Linda Barber will let you explore the faces you show theworld, and the ones you don't. Who are you now and who would you like to be? Andhow do the two coincide?

3D Vision Workshop

Paige Evans’ workshop will help youprocess an important life experience by looking at it from the vantage pointsof before it occurred, while it was happening, and after it was over.
You’ll gain clarity, perspective and inner vision in this most enjoyableworkshop.

Bridging the Gap Workshop

Stacy Cohen’s project will prompt you to look at a pastaccomplishment and apply the skills you developed in reaching your goal to afuture dream, bridging the gap from past to future.

And then there's the future...oooh. It's Design Team time!

Here's the call!

Scrapbooking from the InsideOut is a monthly kit club, inspiration source and online community. We areholding a Design Team search. Inside Out is a different kind of kit club – weuse scrapbooking as a form of self-exploration, self-expression and self-discovery.Our goal is to encourage the use of scrapbooking as a way for us to tap intoour deep inner worlds in the midst of our very busy lives. Every monthScrapbooking from the Inside Out creates a kit that uses the freshest suppliesalong with symbolism that helps scrappers tell their real story. Ourindustry-exclusive FREE Inspiration Pageeach month provides a multimedia support system - including deep journaling prompts, a music playlist, quotes, photos andevocative challenges to make tender hearts and creative minds and handsflow.

We will be takingsubmissions from now through November 11, 2011. Announcements will be made onor before November 18, 2011.

We are seeking talenteddesigners (US and Canadaonly, sorry!) who are passionate about scrapbooking and personal growth toshare in this journey, to add to our team. As a Design Team member, you willserve a critical role in promoting the kits and the website on message boards,the blog, and representing the company where ever you can. We ask that ourdesigners not hold design team positions with any other kit club or onlinescrapbooking retailer. Manufacturer design team appointments and teaching atyour LSS are fine.

As a member of our DesignTeam, you will be asked to:

create 5 self-focused layouts using 80% materials from our kit each month and relating to the theme of the month
contribute one monthly article for special content (tips or techniques with step by step photos )
participate on our message boards at least 5 days per week
design for Inside Out for a 6-month term, beginning on December 1, 2011 (starting with the January 2012 Kit)
post your Inside Out LOs as requested by us at scrapbook community sites
submit your LOs for publication as requested

All projects made with thekit are yours to keep, and when used in the newsletter or on the website, youwill be given full credit. As our designer, you can also submit your own workfor publication as long as you give Inside Out proper credit in the contentslist.

Your compensation will be:

Free monthly kit, including shipping, for kit release months January – June 2012.
Paid admission to CHA-Winter in Anaheim (travel and hotel NOT included).
Recognition on our website with a link to your blog.
Publishing opportunities and featured blog opportunities based on SFTIO partnerships with manufacturers and celebrities.
Incredible friendships, publishing opportunities and creative insight into your heart!

To apply, please email thefollowing to scrapbookdesign@aol.com (subject – Design Team):

photos of 4 layouts of any size. All 4 projects should be about YOU and your inner world – your thoughts, feelings, dreams, fears
links to your online gallery, blog and/or resume, if available
your full contact information: name, phone number, email address, and mailing address
a short paragraph or two about why you want to be one of our designers – why this concept matters to you
a list of your current scrapbooking commitments – other DT work, etc.

We’re a passionate andcreative team looking for like-minded people who love to share their thoughtsand feelings using our craft and foster a supportive and welcoming community.We look forward to getting to know you!

So are you all in? Let me know!

Love,

Love you too, Donna!

2011-10-15T10:25:00.001-07:00

We love Donna Downey! Go on over to her blog today and meet her other sponsors...she's kindly featuring her blogvertisers (is that a word) today...click here...And Sunday, a great giveaway's coming. Stay tuned!

Lay It Out! - Fulfillment/Distance

2011-10-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

Ready for another challenge? Let's swing on back to the topic of the month: Achievement. Join us with this first challenge. Scrap your thoughts, use a self-portrait or a stock photo (or no photo!), incorporate the design twist and then post it in the community gallery at Inside Out for a chance to win some goodies!

Ready? Here's your first Achievement challenge:

Fulfillment: What makes you feel fulfilled in your life? Do you create goals to achieve that are different in your personal life and your life outside the home? Do the two conflict with each other or are they symbiotic? Are you someone who longs for something different than what you already have? Does fulfillment in your life depend on acquiring something or someone, or are you at peace with what you have?

For our first challenge -

Please create a LO about your level of fulfillment. Are you in possession of that which you need to be fulfilled, or is it far from you?

For the design twist, please surround yourself with your fulfillment or separate yourself from it.

I sure hope you play with us. Sign up (it's free) to our message boards to gain access to the gallery and show us your interpretation... just lay it out!

Flashback to Passion

2011-10-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

Those who control their passions do so
because their passions are weak enough to be controlled.
William Blake

This month's emotion is Achievement, and we'll certainly be exploring that over the next few weeks. However, Inside Out has been around for quite some time, and I wanted to jump backwards to another time and another emotion, just for fun: Passion!

Passion was originally explored in February 2010. I loved this kit, I loved the inspiration and I loved making a layout of one of my first passionate crushes, back in the good ol' days of high school. He was my "rebel" boyfriend (the kind you really don't want to take home to ma and pa) and I experienced many forms of passion with him, one of which I'm embarrassed to say, was somewhat stalker-ish. Uhm, on my part, not his. Poor guy.

Anyway, please join us for this flashback challenge. Create a layout and post it in our gallery (view our message boards too and let us know you're posting for the flashback challenge) and who knows? There might be some goodies involved. C'mon over and play with us!!

........................................................................................................................................................

Hi all, Rachel here hijacking the post to add one of my recent PASSION layouts - it's never too late to use one of our themes to explore you...

Here's a sneak - you'll have to come join us on the website to see more!

Our regular reader may remember that I am James Taylor's BIGGEST fan. So I wanted to capture some of why I love him and what he stands for, how he inspires me.So what are you passionate about? Like Kai said, come tell us and you could win a great prize!

XO,

Goal Setting in your Layouts - and a Chance to Win ACHIEVEMENT

2011-10-07T09:44:00.000-07:00

As your week draws to a close, do you feel that you accomplished everything you set out to do in the past seven days? How about the past month, or year? We all set goals for ourselves in different areas of our lives. And if you’re like me, you struggle with reaching all your goals because there are so many great things to create, so much you can become, and so little time.

My new blog post is up over at the Creating Keepsakes Blog today. It's about goals reached and opportunities missed...and how to be gentle with yourself about where you are in relation to your goals and dreams, loving yourself as you are right now.

Her are some sneaks of the LOs you'll see. Make sure to head over to the CK blog for your chance to win the ACHIEVEMENT kit.

For more ways to win, come over to our beautiful new site and go the Community drop down to sign up on the Message Board. We've got meaningful, thought-provoking challenges all month with more chances to win great scrappy prizes.

What are your cherished goals?

Love,

Use Your Words

2011-10-05T07:00:00.000-07:00

What's your favorite definition, synonym or antonym for this month's theme, ACHIEVEMENT?

I love actualization, fulfillment and mastery.

Share your favorite in the comments. Did we miss your fave? What does the word ACHIEVEMENT mean to you? Stay tuned for our Achievement challenges and PRIZES!

Main Entry: Achievement

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: somethingcompleted successfully; goal reached

Synonyms: accomplishment, acquirement, acquisition, act, actualization,

attainment, completion, conquest, consummation, contrivance,creation, deed,

effectuation, effort, enactment, encompassment, execution,exploit, feat,

Fulfillment, hit, masterpiece, performance, production,realization, stroke,

success, tour de force, triumph, victory

Antonyms: defeat, failure, forfeit, injury, miscue, misfortune, neglect,

negligence

Main Entry: acquisition

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: obtainingor receiving

Synonyms: accretion,achievement , acquirement, acquiring, addition, attainment,

buy, gain, gaining, learning, obtainment, possession, prize,procuration,

procurement, procuring, property, purchase, pursuit,recovery, redemption,

retrieval, salvage, winning

Notes: acquisition is a material possession while anacquirement is a personal

skill or knowledge that one gains

Antonyms: dearth, lack, loss, need, want

Main Entry: act

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: somethingdone

Synonyms: accomplishment,achievement , action, deed, doing, execution, exploit,

feat, move, operation, performance, step, thing, undertaking

Antonyms: cessation, idleness, inactivity, inertia, quiet, quiet, repose, rest,

stoppage, suspension

Main Entry: action

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: individualdeed

Synonyms: accomplishment,achievement , act, blow, commission, dealings, doing,

effort, enterprise, execution, exercise, exertion, exploit,feat, handiwork,

maneuver, manipulation, move, operation, performance,procedure, step, stroke,

thrust, transaction, undertaking

Main Entry: actuality

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: somethingthat truly exists, is real

Synonyms: achievement , actualization, attainment, brass tacks, fact,

materiality, materialization, real world, reality, straightstuff, substance,

substantiality, truth, what it is

Main Entry: completion

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: accomplishment,finishing

Synonyms: achievement , attainment, close, conclusion, consummation,

culmination, curtains, dispatch, end, expiration,finalization, finis, finish,

fruition, fulfillment, hips, integration, perfection,realization, swan song,

windup, wrap-up

Antonyms: anticlimax,imperfection

Main Entry: creation

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: invention,concoction

Synonyms: achievement, brainchild, chef-d'oeuvre, concept, handiwork, magnum

opus, opus, piece, pièce de résistance, production, work,work of genius

Main Entry: discharge

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: carryingout of responsibility

Synonyms: accomplishment,achievement , execution, fulfillment, observance,

performance

Main Entry: effort

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: work,exertion

Synonyms: accomplishment, achievement, act, aim, application, aspiration,

attempt, battle, crack*, creation, deed, discipline, drill,elbow grease,

endeavor, energy, enterprise, essay, exercise, feat, fling*,force, go*,

industry, intention, job, labor, old college try, pains,power, product,

production, pull, purpose, push, resolution, shot*, spurt,stab*, strain,

stress, stretch, strife, striving, struggle, sweat, tension,toil, training,

travail, trial, trouble, try, tug, undertaking, venture,whack

Antonyms: hesitation, idleness, inactivity, laziness, passivity

* = informal/non-formal usage

Main Entry: end

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: completion,stop

Synonyms: accomplishment,achievement , adjournment, attainment, bottom line,

cease, cessation, close, closing, closure, conclusion,consequence,

consummation, culmination, curtain, denouement, desistance,desuetude,

determination, discontinuance, execution, expiration,expiry, finale, finis,

finish, fulfillment, issue, last word, omega, outcome,payoff, perfection,

realization, resolution, result, retirement, sign-off,target, termination,

terminus, upshot, windup, wrap-up

Antonyms: beginning, commencement, opening, start

Main Entry: execution

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: carryingout of a task

Synonyms: accomplishment,achievement , administration, completion,

consummation, delivery, discharge, doing, effect, enactment,enforcement,

fulfilling, implementation, nuts and bolts, operation,performance, prosecution,

realization, rendering, style

Antonyms: abandoning,disregard, failure, forgetting, ignorance, leaving,

neglect

Main Entry: finish

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: conclusion;completion

Synonyms: accomplishment,achievement , acquirement, acquisition, annihilation,

attainment, cease, cessation, close, closing, culmination,curtain, curtains,

death, defeat, denouement, desistance, end, end of the line,end of the road,

ending, finale, finis, last, last stage, ruin, stop,termination, terminus,

wind-up, winding-up, wrap, wrap-up

Antonyms: beginning,commencement, initiation, introduction, start

Main Entry: fulfillment

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: accomplishment,completion

Synonyms: achievement , attainment, carrying out, carrying through,

consummation, contentedness, contentment, crowning,discharge, discharging,

effecting, end, gratification, implementation, just theticket, kick*, kicks

observance, perfection, realization, you got it

Antonyms: disappointment, dissatisfaction, failure, frustration, unfulfillment

* = informal/non-formal usage

Main Entry: gain

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: acquisition,winnings

Synonyms: accretion,accrual, accumulation, achievement , addition, advance,

advancement, advantage, attainment, benefit, boost, buildup,cut, dividend,

earnings, emolument, gravy, growth, headway, hike,improvement, income,

increase, increment, lucre, payoff, proceeds, produce,profit, progress,

receipts, return, rise, share, take, up*, upping, velvet*,yield

Antonyms: expenditure, forfeit, forfeiture, loss, waste

* = informal/non-formal usage

Main Entry: hope

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: longing;dream

Synonyms: Utopia,achievement , ambition, anticipation, aspiration, assumption,

belief, bright side, buoyancy, castles in air, concern,confidence, daydream,

dependence, desire, endurance, expectancy, expectation,faith, fancy, fool's

paradise, fortune, gain, goal, greedy glutton, hopefulness,light at end of

tunnel, optimism, pipe dream, promise, promised land,prospect, reliance,

reverie, reward, rosiness, sanguineness, security, stock,thing with feathers,

wish

Antonyms: despair, disbelief, discouragement, hopelessness, pessimism

Main Entry: satisfaction

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: givingor enjoying a state of comfort, content

Synonyms: achievement , amends, amusement, atonement, bliss, cheerfulness,

comfort, compensation, complacency, conciliation,contentedness, contentment,

delight, ease, enjoyment, fulfillment, gladness, goodfortune, gratification,

happiness, indemnification, indulgence, joy, justice, peaceof mind, pleasure,

pride, propitiation, recompense, redress, refreshment,reimbursement, relief,

reparation, repletion, resolution, reward, satiety,serenity, settlement,

vindication, well-being

Antonyms: discontent, dissatisfaction, need, unhappiness, want

Main Entry: success

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: favorableoutcome

Synonyms: EasyStreet, accomplishment, achievement , advance, arrival,

ascendancy, attainment, bed of roses, benefit, big hit,boom*, clover,

consummation, do well, eminence, fame, flying colors,fortune, fruition, gain,

good luck*, good times, grand slam, gravy train, happiness,happy days, hit,

killing, lap of luxury, laugher, maturation, profit,progress, prosperity,

realization, reward, savvy, sensation, snap, strike,successfulness, triumph,

victory, walkaway, walkover, win, éclat

Antonyms: failure,loss

* = informal/non-formal usage

Main Entry: tourde force

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: spectacularachievement

Synonyms: accomplishment,achievement , attainment, chef-d'oeuvre, conquest,

deed, exploit, feat, feat of strength, grand achievement,great achievement,

magnum opus, master stroke, masterpiece, masterwork,performance, piece de

resistance, stroke of genius, success, triumph, victory

Main Entry: victory

Part of Speech: noun

Definition: win,success

Synonyms: achievement , advantage, ascendancy, bull's-eye, clean sweep,

conquest, control, defeat, defeating, destruction, dominion,feather in cap,

gain, grand slam, hit, hole in one, killing*, laurels,mission accomplished,

overthrow, prize, subjugation, superiority, supremacy,sweep, the gold, triumph,

upper hand, upset, winning

Antonyms: defeat,failure, forfeit, loss

Make sure to come by to our FABULOUS new site and join us on our message board for inspiring challenges, fun, meaning and camaraderie! Just takes a few minutes to sign up and you'll be exploring your inner world with us!

Love,

Iron Scrapper - Join Us for a Chance to Win!

2011-10-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Unless you're already a member of the message boards/community over at Inside Out, you may not know about this ... but happy day, I'm here to share with you again! When Rachel first started this amazing and inspirational kit club and community, she included "games" and other challenges to keep the community growing, stretching our minds and creativity. One of those challenges is the Iron Scrapper challenge.

I'm here, today, to share with you this month's Iron Scrapper challenge. It's a lot of fun... but I'm not going to share all of the details here. Instead, I hope to intrigue you...

The Iron Scrapper challenge is different than our other challenges. It doesn't have anything to do, typically, with the monthly topic we choose to explore. It takes one element and pushes it out to anyone willing to take up the challenge. For those who do pick up the gauntlet, and share with us, we get to enjoy how our different styles and our different lives impact our scrapbooking and our views, perceptions and interpretations of various thoughts and pictures.

For example, in a previous Iron Scrapper, we challenged people to scrapbook a photo of a pregnancy test indicator (indicating pregnant) and what it meant to them. Wow! What amazing, heartfelt responses!

Okay, so for more details on the "rules" please visit our Iron Scrapper section on our message boards.

I will leave you with the most recent challenge posted. It came from seeing a Tim Holtz stamp, although I'm pretty sure he's not the originator of the thought... but it's something that resonates in me. And perhaps you? So... I challenge you to scrap this quote, or the thought behind the quote:

What if your FEARS and DREAMS existed in the same place,

would you still go there?

I do hope you will participate. If you're not already a member in our community, please come over and join. It's free! So much inspiration and open-hearted friendships and support over there (AND a beautiful all-new design, look and feel). Even better, if you join us and post your Iron Scrapper layout, there is a chance you could win a PRIZE! Who could ignore that?

For your chance to win, check out the rules, then scrap what comes to mind when you think of the quote posted, share your layout with us, mention on the boards that your layout is online in the gallery and then sit back and watch what others come up with as well. Post your layout no later than October 18th, midnight Pacific time.

Are you up for the challenge? C'mon! I double-dog dare ya!

The ACHIEVEMENT Kit is LIVE

2011-10-02T00:23:00.000-07:00

(in case you're wondering where the monthly post is with last month's content...it's not here...it's on our BRAND NEW SITE! Click here to access what you need to keep working on BALANCE...and shortly, all our previous themes will be there. Stay tuned!)

And now...

Welcome to October and ACHIEVEMENT!

Our October kit, ACHIEVEMENT, is all about reaching for the stars, becoming who you are meant to be and working hard to have all you dream of. How do you measure success? Is it internal or defined by external approval? What are your proudest accomplishments, what defeats have you overcome and what would you like to master?

This kit has a great back-to-school vibe that's modern, symbolic and fun. Explore your childhood, those slumber party memories, late night study sessions and more. Plan for your future and set up steps toward your cherished goals.

We’ve included paper from Basic Grey’s Oxford line, filled with autumnal and fashionable plaids with a whimsical touch of nerdy fun and My Mind’s Eye’s quirky Lime Twist. You’ll fall for the warm, cozy color palette of burgundy, sage, oatmeal and brown.

Embellishments galore bring in rich florals, stitching and metal. Wide ribbon trim, a regal wax seal and a layered bow tie are fun ways to go back in time while staying current! Lily Bee’s sought after Memorandum journaling cards, lots of buttons, fabric brads, label stickers and titles let you express yourself with honesty.

Go for the gold, attain your desires and believe in what you can become.

Join us and Explore Your Inner World.

Click here to go to our BRAND NEW easy to use Buy Page. Our subscriptions start at $39.99 for a perfect kit, no sneaky add-ons needed, and fabulous free gifts with your order.

10 Sheets Double Sided Patterned Paper:

My Mind’s Eye Lime Twist Out Of The Blue Boy Spots
My Mind’s Eye Lime Twist Out Of The Blue Playful Number
My Mind’s Eye Lime Twist Out Of The Blue Remember Argyle
Basic Grey Oxford Ivy League
Basic Grey Oxford Rowing
Basic Grey Oxford Fencing
Basic Grey Oxford Deans List
Basic Grey Oxford Study Hall
Basic Grey Oxford Preppie Plaid
Basic Grey Oxford Debate Team

2 Sheets Specialty Paper:

American Crafts Nightfall Night Owl (Chalkboard Finish)
My Mind’s Eye Lime Twist Out Of The Blue Remember Dots (Die-Cut)

Embellishments:

American Crafts Thickers Maple Chocolate
Basic Grey Oxford Alpha Stickers
My Mind’s Eye Lime Twist Out Of The Blue Remember Title
My Mind’s Eye Lime Twist Out Of The Blue Smile
Basic Grey Oxford Buttons, 10-11 Pcs
Basic Grey Oxford Stitched Brads, 1/3 Package
Basic Grey Oxford Small Details, 1/3 Package
My Mind’s Eye Lost & Found 2 Rosy Ordinary Label Stickers
Lily Bee Memorandum Index Journal Cards, 3 Cards
American Crafts Basic Ribbon Spools Stitched Grosgrain Green 1/2", ½ Yd
American Crafts Basic Ribbon Spools Stitched Grosgrain Brown 1", ½ Yd
Prima Flaxence Flower, Oasis, 1 Flower
Prima Carlotta Flower, Parrot, 1 Flower
Prima Vermont Felt Leaf, 2 Leaves
Global Solutions Wax Seal, Fleur De Lys 3/4 Round, Harvest Gold
Basic Grey Oxford Bowties, 1 Bowtie

Cardstock:

American Crafts Pomegranate
American Crafts Vanilla
American Crafts Olive
American Crafts Truffle

Color:

American Crafts Metallic Blue Medium Marker

Make sure to come by and join us on our message board for inspiring challenges, fun and camaraderie!

Love,

The Brand New SFTIO!

2011-09-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

I could not be more proud to celebrate the launch of our fantastic, beautiful and easily navigable new site!

Our New Site

There's so much more excitement to share soon...including the reveal of our October kit:

Achievement

Come on by and say hello!

Much love,

Rachel

Creative Balance

2011-09-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Oooh, I've been absent lately, shame on me. To my credit, I did go on a scrapbooking retreat and Rachel did have a super fun blog hop going on - congratulations to the WINNERS - so I'm sure you didn't miss me too much. If you did, though... I'm here to make up for it!

I have lots more layouts to share with you from our amazing design team, exploring this month's theme: Balance. Check them out below and leave me a comment on which one speaks to you most, and why...

Night and Day by Jamie Long

Now That Takes the Cake by Laura Croft

Let Go! by Melissa Elsner

Good Things... by Mette Kallander

Hmmm... if you had to ask me what spoke to me most, I would say that due to my ongoing fitness journey and battle with balancing nutrition with treats, Laura's "Take Note" layout is screaming at me!

What's yelling out for Balance to you?

CRAFT Winners!

2011-09-17T14:40:00.001-07:00

We have our winners! Thanks everyone for joining us for the CRAFT blog hop. It was fun to finally be able to share some sneaks of the meaningful and fresh projects we'll be doing at CRAFT.
We have six winners of kits...
Each of our hop stops pulled a random winner using the Random.org number generator. We then took those 14 numbers, and used Random.org again to choose six numbers...and based on that, here are our winners!
Mari mari said...I can't Wait! I would explore acceptance, enough and gratefulness. Glad to see a new post. Keep it up my friend!September 13, 2011 9:02 PM
Meredemaison meredemaison said...Sunshine is definitely a blessing and I'm interested in documenting all those things that I am grateful for in my life (the more I write it on this hop, the more I want to make it happen!)September 13, 2011 10:47 PM
Claudia (Lake Gaston Virtual Assistant)Lake Gaston Virtual Office Assistant said...The emotion I need to explore is acceptance.September 13, 2011 1:23 PM
Michelle HLove your LO!!Love the clusters!!This sounds like a fun retreat!!I will have to hop on over for the blog hop!!TFS!!Tue Sep 13, 08:13:00 PM CDT
Vicki Vicki said...Wish I could go. Sounds wonderful.September 14, 2011 11:05 AM
Annette Annette said...Mine is confidence... Thanks for the chance to win..September 13, 2011 6:44 PM
Congrats ladies! Please email me at rachinla@aol.com with your snail mail address and which of our last six kits you'd like. You can see them here.
More to come about CRAFT...and we still have some spaces available.
Please email us for more info at craftbeachretreat@gmail.com.
Love,
Rachel

Blog Hop and Giveaway…Join Us and Create Your Future at CRAFT!

2011-09-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the First Stop on the
CRAFT: Creating Reflective Art for Transformation
Blog Hop!

This event is brought to you by our team at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out, the premier source for inspiration to explore your inner world. Six talented and well-known instructors will be leading creative and meaningful workshops using our generous sponsors’ latest and greatest products at this intimate, boutique event right on the beach in beautiful

Santa Monica, CA, November 11-13, 2011.

(We've had a couple of technical glitches in the hop...please scroll to the bottom of this post to make sure you grab all the links!)

You’ll spend a magical weekend focused on embracing who you truly are and gaining the skills, techniques and tools to use our craft to understand yourself more deeply on an ongoing basis.

Are you just beginning at this blog? Make sure you stop at all the blogs on the list so you don't miss all the project, venue and special event sneak peeks
and your chance to win one of six kits!

If you get lost, a list of all the stops on the hop is at the end of this post.

CRAFT:

Three full days of crafting, creativity and camaraderie for only $450

(three consecutive monthly payments of $150 each.)

Spots are still available for this unique, pampering and heart-expanding getaway.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• 6 emotion-focused, technique-teaching personal workshops ~ All CRAFTers participate in every class. No need to choose ~ they're ALL yours in CRAFT’s ocean-view,

beautifully styled, creative space

• 4 special Art and Soul experiences

• Scrumptious breakfasts and lunches from Hollywood hot spot Urth Caffe

~ Friday, Saturday and Sunday

• Sweets, treats and beverages all day long

• Transportation from The Ambrose to and from the Annenberg Beach House for all workshops and activities via the CRAFTy Cab

• Oodles of workshop supplies (you’ll just need to bring your basic tool kit – checklist to be provided later)

• A fabulous welcome gift, a CRAFTy tote filled with goodies,

valuable giveaways and fun prizes!

*Lots more details on girls’ night out dinners, airport transportation, location, hotel and event venue and more are available HERE.

For questions, comments and special requests, please email event coordinator

Paige Ramos here.

The Dates:

November 11-13, 2011

The Times:

Workshops from 9-5 each day, broken into two sessions.

WHY SHOULD YOU COME TO CRAFT?

What really sets CRAFT apart is unique mission of Scrapbooking from the Inside Out, kit club, inspiration source and online community. Thousands of participants all over the world have used SFTIO’s resources to explore their deepest emotions. They’ve lifted themselves and each other exploring Freedom, Gratitude, Anticipation and Wonder. They’ve faced their inner doubts and fears delving into Regret, Yearning, Loss and Vulnerability.

SFTIO’s trademarked and industry-exclusive approach to artistic motivation is the heart and soul of what makes us unique. Our monthly inspiration page with hand-selected music, stock photography, quotations and deep journaling prompts elevates scrapbooking to an expressive art form where members are guided to truly explore their inner worlds.
Click here for links to past Inspiration Pages to see more.

SFTIO raises the bar even more by providing challenges using the prompts that add a design twist, teaching members to use ‘visual journaling’ – powerful symbolism – to combine right and left brain expression. The result? Meaningful, rich, pages and projects that reflect all of who you are, Inside and Out.

CRAFT workshops will incorporate a variety of tested, proven multimedia inspiration tools combined with the special talents and techniques of a stellar teaching staff, supported by Art Therapist Rita Coufal, PhD and Artist/Therapist Joy Mauldin, PhD.

Growth is a journey…not a destination. And it’s a most personal one…only you know what you need out of this experience. In the intimate, supportive setting we've created for you, you’ll have the opportunity to practice being more and more yourself.

Our take on scrapbooking and creativity isn’t about a quick fix, or a set of ‘positive thinking’ reminders. It’s about a deeper approach, telling your truth – pretty or not, looking at both sides of the coin, and leaving our weekend together with the
creative skills and tools to be more fully expressed in your life.

THE INSTRUCTORS:

While you’ll be learning amazing techniques, styles, tips and techniques in every workshop, these are not cookie-cutter sessions – you’ll be challenged to dig deep, learn about yourself and personalize your project to reflect who you are and who you want to be.

American Crafts Design Team and Product Designer
Hambly Screen Prints Design Team

Mixed Media Designer
Copic Certified Designer

Creating Keepsakes Dream Team 2011
Lily Bee Design Team
Jillibean Soup Design Team

Copy/Creative Editor for Northridge Publishing
American Crafts Blog Hostess/Design Team

Founder and President,
Scrapbooking from the Inside Out

Creating Keepsakes Dream Team
2011Prima Design Team

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? REGISTER NOW.

And now for a giveaway!

In celebration of CRAFT, SFTIO is giving away FIVE kits to FIVE lucky readers…make sure to leave a comment (before Noon Pacific Time on 9-15) on each blog you visit in the hop to increase your chances of winning. Tell us please, in your comment, what emotion you’d love to explore in your scrapbooking! Winners will be chosen from all blog comment entries and will be announced on 9-16 on the SFTIO blog.

For your next stop, make sure to check out Stacy Cohen's blog. Good luck and we hope to see you at CRAFT!

Hop List:

SFTIO: http://scrapbookingfromtheinsideout.blogspot.com
Stacy Cohen: http://stacycohen.blogspot.com/
Linda Barber: http://milesofpaper.blogspot.com/
Paige Ramos: http://thebumpyride.blogspot.com
Amy Tan: http://amytangerine.blogspot.com/
Paige Evans: http://chrisandpaige.blogspot.com/
Tammy Onderdonk Klass: http://createdreamlive.blogspot.com/
Seven Gypsies: http://www.sevengypsies.blogspot.com/
Ly T. Le: http://www.lytlescrapper.com/
Melissa Elsner: http://theprofoundbrunette.blogspot.com
Jillibean Soup: http://www.jillibeansoup.typepad.com/
Rita Barakat: http://letsembellish.blogspot.com/
Kai Baldwin: http://www.enjoytheridetoday.blogspot.com/
CRAFT Blog: http://craftbeachretreat.blogspot.com/

You've Been Framed! And a Giveaway...

2011-09-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hi-de-ho Friends! Here I am, back with a super idea from our very own Melissa. She's been pretty creative with some of the supplies in this month's kit: Balance. Check this little ditty out:

You've Been Framed!
by Melissa Elsner

Hi everyone!

This month my exclusive content was going to be video but had to change that because I got information wrong on a manufacturer. Oh well!

So maybe I'll attempt that next month.

Okay so for my focus I thought I would show you two of my layouts using elements from the kit that provide unique framing opportunities for your layouts.

The first are the Hambly rub-ons that are part of the Subscriber Bonus for new kit subscribers this month. They are the ever popular cameo's and silhouettes but they also come with some cool frames. I cut out the center and then used one of them to frame myself in this layout:

From a design perspective I wanted to play with the skyscrapers and big city feel of my photos and then draw your eye to little ole me. Don't be afraid to put that frame right onto your photo. I'll admit I was a bit nervous but extremely pleased with the results.

The other cool opportunity for framing in our kit comes with the lovely chipboard by Crate Paper. There was a layered frame set with the letter W in the middle. I knew I wanted to use the letter and as I created my layout, I felt there needed to be something more. It seemed a little lopsided to me and I realized it was because of the depth difference in my photos.

So I took one of the chipboard frames and put it around the photo of me that was taken farther away. (Or not zoomed in.)

Here is the result:

Now it feels right!

What I hope you take away from this tutorial is that you can look at framing your photos differently. It doesn't have to be the typical matting or a perfect frame. Look at your image and overall composition and use your frames to help give balance, interest and texture.

And have fun!

And here I thought I was going to have to get a lawyer. I like this kind of "framed". I'm off to play. How about you?

BREAKING NEWS!

Hi there, Rachel here adding a little fun news...more from Melissa!

I am pleased to share with you a wonderful blog post today over at Scrapstreet Magazine written by our own lovely and talented DT coordinator, Melissa Elsner. Melissa shares some of our DT layouts that focus on the subject of life's balancing acts...home, work, play...how do you approach creating a balanced existence?

Scrapstreet

Go check it out, comment on how you'd approach her prompt, or create a LO...either way you'll get a chance to win the gorgeous Balance kit!

Stuck in the Middle with You...

2011-09-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!

As is typical at the beginning of the month of a new topic over at Inside Out, I spend some time browsing around the Inspiration page. And, as usual, I have found some things I'd like to share with you. Perhaps I'm dating myself, but the song I chose, also the title of this post, is a ditty that never fails to perk me up and get me singing (by myself, in the safety of my car, with the windows rolled up). When we think of Balance, often I think of the "middle", like the middle of a teeter-totter or see-saw. If you can get the weights at each end the same, then you can balance it from the middle. Listen to the song and let me know if you think it inspires balance, just by being "stuck in the middle with you".

Click the image to listen...

If that doesn't inspire you to sing along (at least) and get scrappin' about Balance, how about this?

Talk about BALANCE! That photo just gives me shivers. But seriously, what could you do with this photo on a layout? How does this speak to you, in your world? Maybe you're not literally balancing on stacked furniture at the top of a skyscraper, but have you ever felt that way before? How did you balance that situation, those emotions, your world?

Okay, one more piece of inspiration for you. This quote really spoke to me...

"Women need real moments of solitude and self-reflection to balance out how much of ourselves we give away."

Barbara De Angelis

...what does it say to you?

I'll be back tomorrow with more Balance. If you can't wait, visit our Inspiration page or community for more Balance galore!

Balance as Interpreted by Our Design Team...

2011-09-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

I was just wandering around our gallery and had to come on over here and share a few of the layouts by our design team. As you can see just by the synonyms and antonyms from yesterday, there are so, so many ways you can explore and interpret Balance. Here are four different interpretations by some very talented and open ladies:

GREAT inspiration, don't you think?

So... have you begun to explore Balance in your inner world? Please, do share... join our community for more inspiration, and upload your images to our gallery. OR, just leave a comment and a link here... we'd love to see!

Balance - Let's Explore!

2011-09-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

We're exploring Balance this month. What better way to get our inspirational juices flowing than exploring the synonyms and antonyms of this topic? Check 'em out!

Main Entry: balance
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: equilibrium
Synonyms: antithesis, correspondence, counterbalance, equity, equivalence, even-steven, evenness, hang, harmony, parity, proportion, stasis, symmetry, tension
Antonyms: disproportion, imbalance, instability

Main Entry: balance
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: composure
Synonyms: equanimity, poise, self-control, self-possession, stability, steadfastness
Antonyms: imbalance, noncomposure

Main Entry: balance
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: money remaining in account
Synonyms: difference, dividend, excess, profit, remainder, residue, rest, surplus

Main Entry: balance
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: make equal; cause to have equilibrium
Synonyms: accord, adjust, attune, cancel, collate, come out, come out even, compensate, correspond, counteract, counterbalance, equalize, equate, even, harmonize, level, make up for, match, neutralize, nullify, offset, oppose, pair off, parallel, poise, readjust, redeem, set, square, stabilize, steady, tie, weigh
Antonyms: disproportion, overbalance, unbalance

Main Entry: balance
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: compare
Synonyms: assess, consider, deliberate, estimate, evaluate, weigh
Antonyms: unbalance

Main Entry: balance
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: make equal numerically
Synonyms: adjust, audit, calculate, compute, count, enumerate, equate, estimate, figure, settle, square, sum up, tally, total
Antonyms: unbalance

Main Entry: account
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: record of finances, fees, or charges
Synonyms: IOU, bad news, balance, bill, book, books, charge, check, computation, cuff, grunt*, inventory, invoice, ledger, reckoning, record, register, report, score, statement, tab, tally
* = informal/non-formal usage

Main Entry: adjust
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: mechanically alter, especially to
Synonyms: align, balance , bring into line, calibrate, connect, correct, fine-tune, fit, fix, focus, grind, improve, improve accommodate, mend, overhaul, polish, put in working order, readjust, rectify, regulate, renovate, repair, service, set, sharpen, square, tighten, troubleshoot, tune up
Antonyms: derange, disarrange, unsuit

Main Entry: atone
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: compensate; make amends for former misdoing
Synonyms: absolve, answer, apologize, appease, balance , correct, counterbalance, do penance, expiate, make amends, make redress, make reparation, make up for, offset, outweigh, pay, pay one's dues, propitiate, recompense, reconcile, redeem, redress, repair, set off, square, take one's medicine

Main Entry: attune
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: adjust
Synonyms: acclimatize, accommodate, accord, accustom, adapt, balance , compensate, conform, coordinate, counterbalance, familiarize, harmonize, integrate, make agree, proportion, reconcile, regulate, tune

Main Entry: audit
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: inspect financial records
Synonyms: analyze, balance, check, examine, go over, go through, investigate, report, review, scrutinize, sit in, survey, verify

Main Entry: average
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: obtain numerical mean
Synonyms: balance , equate, even out

Main Entry: ballast
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: something giving balance
Synonyms: balance , brace, bracket, counterbalance, counterweight, equilibrium, sandbag, stability, stabilizer, support, weight

Main Entry: classicism
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: simple style; regularity, restraint
Synonyms: Atticism, Ciceronianism, Hellenism, aesthetic principle, balance , clarity, class, classicalism, conventional formality, dignity, elegance, excellence, finish, formal style, formality, grand style, grandeur, high art, lucidity, majesty, neoclassicism, nobility, objectivity, polish, proportion, propriety, pure taste, purity, rationalism, refinement, rhythm, severity, simplicity, sobriety, sublimity, symmetry

Main Entry: compare
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: examine in contrast
Synonyms: analyze, approach, balance , bracket, collate, confront, consider, contemplate, contrast, correlate, divide, equal, examine, hang, hold a candle to, inspect, juxtapose, match, match up, measure, observe, oppose, parallel, place in juxtaposition, ponder, rival, scan, scrutinize, segregate, separate, set against, set side by side, size up, stack up against, study, touch, weigh, weigh against another
Notes: compare emphasizes the similarities between or among things, though not losing sight of the differences; contrast emphasizes the differences

Main Entry: compare
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: liken, equate
Synonyms: allegorize, approach, approximate to, assimilate, balance , be in the same class as, be on a par with, bear comparison, bring near, come up to, compete with, connect, correlate, distinguish between, draw parallel, equal, equate, hold a candle to, identify with, link, make like, match, notice similarities, parallel, put alongside, relate, resemble, show correspondence, stack up with, standardize, tie up, vie

Main Entry: compensate
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: offset, make up for
Synonyms: abrogate, annul, atone for, balance , better, cancel out, counteract, counterbalance, counterpoise, countervail, fix, improve, invalidate, make amends, negate, negative, neutralize, nullify, outweigh, redress, repair, set off
Antonyms: damage, deprive, penalize

Main Entry: complement
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: companion, counterpart
Synonyms: accompaniment, addition, aggregate, augmentation, balance , capacity, completion, consummation, correlate, correlative, counterpart, enhancement, enrichment, entirety, filler, finishing touch, makeweight, pendant, quota, remainder, rest, rounding-off, supplement, total, totality

Main Entry: composition
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: structure, arrangement
Synonyms: agreement, architecture, balance , beauty, combination, concord, configuration, consonance, constitution, content, design, distribution, form, formation, harmony, layout, make-up, placing, proportion, relation, rhythm, spacing, style, symmetry, weave

Main Entry: composure
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: calmness, collectedness
Synonyms: accord, aplomb, assurance, balance , calm, contentment, control, cool head, cool*, coolheadedness, coolness, dignity, dispassion, ease, equanimity, equilibrium, even temper, evenness, fortitude, harmony, imperturbability, inexcitability, levelheadedness, moderation, nonchalance, peace of mind, placidity, poise, polish, presence of mind, quiet, quietude, repose, sang-froid, sedateness, self-assurance, self-control, self-possession, serenity, sobriety, stability, tranquility
Antonyms: agitation, arousal, discomposure, excitement, perturbedness, upset

Main Entry: contrast
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: compare, differ
Synonyms: balance, be a foil to, be contrary to, be dissimilar, be diverse, be unlike, be variable, bracket, collate, conflict, contradict, depart, deviate, differentiate, disagree, distinguish, diverge, hang, hold a candle to, match up, mismatch, oppose, separate, set in opposition, set off, stack up against, stand out, vary, weigh
Antonyms: accord, agree, be alike, be equal, be similar, coincide, concur, conform

Main Entry: counterbalance
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: offset an action
Synonyms: amend, atone for, balance , cancel, compensate, correct, counteract, counterpoise, countervail, equalize, make up for, outweigh, rectify, redeem, set off

Main Entry: cover
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: fill in for, compensate
Synonyms: balance , counterbalance, double for, insure, make good, make up for, offset, relieve, stand in for, substitute, take over, take the rap for

Main Entry: credit
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: deferred payment arrangement; assets
Synonyms: balance , bond, capital outlay, continuance, debenture, extension, installment buying, installment plan, lien, loan, mortgage, on account, on the arm, on the cuff, plastic, respite, securities, stock, surplus cash, tab, trust, wealth
Antonyms: cash
Explore balance in the Visual Thesaurus »

Main Entry: earnings
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: money for work performed
Synonyms: balance , bottom line, emolument, gain, gate, groceries, in the black, income, lucre, net, pay, payoff, piece of the pie, proceeds, profit, receipts, remuneration, return, revenue, reward, salary, salt, stipend, take-home, takings, wages
Antonyms: bills, debt, losses, payout

Main Entry: equal
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: make even, be even with
Synonyms: agree, amount to, approach, balance , be commensurate, be identical, be level, be tantamount, break even, come up to, compare, comprise, consist of, coordinate, correspond, emulate, equalize, equate, equipoise, equiponderate, keep pace with, level, live up to, match, measure up, meet, parallel, partake of, rank with, reach, rise to, rival, run abreast, square with, tally, tie, touch
Antonyms: disproportion, imbalance, unmatch, vary

Main Entry: excess
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: overabundance of something
Synonyms: balance , by-product, enough, exorbitance, exuberance, fat, fulsomeness, glut, inundation, lavishness, leavings, leftover, luxuriance, nimiety, overdose, overflow, overkill, overload, overmuch, overrun, oversupply, overweight, plenty, plethora, profusion, recrement, redundance, redundancy, refuse, remainder, residue, rest, spare, superabundance, supererogation, superfluity, surfeit, surplus, the limit, too much of a good thing, too much*, waste, wastefulness
Antonyms: dearth, deficiency, insufficiency, lack, need, poverty, shortcoming, want
* = informal/non-formal usage

Main Entry: grace
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: charm, loveliness
Synonyms: address, adroitness, agility, allure, attractiveness, balance , beauty, breeding, comeliness, consideration, cultivation, decency, decorum, dexterity, dignity, ease, elegance, etiquette, finesse, finish, form, gracefulness, lissomeness, lithesomeness, mannerliness, manners, nimbleness, pleasantness, pliancy, poise, polish, propriety, refinement, shapeliness, smoothness, style, suppleness, symmetry, tact, tastefulness
Antonyms: clumsiness, ineptness, tactlessness

Main Entry: hesitate
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: wait; be uncertain
Synonyms: alternate, balance , balk, be irresolute, be reluctant, be unwilling, blow hot and cold, dally, debate, defer, delay, demur, dillydally, dither, doubt, equivocate, falter, flounder, fluctuate, fumble, hang back, hang*, hedge, hem and haw, hold back, hold off, hover, linger, oscillate, pause, ponder, pull back, pussyfoot, scruple, seesaw, shift, shrink, shy away, sit on fence, stammer, stop, straddle, stumble, stutter, swerve, tergiversate, think about, think twice, vacillate, waffle, waver, weigh
Antonyms: attack, carry on, continue, go, go ahead, persevere, resolve
* = informal/non-formal usage

Main Entry: keep up
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: maintain, sustain
Synonyms: balance , compete, contend, continue, emulate, go on, hold on, keep pace, keep step, match, pace, persevere, preserve, rival, run with, vie
Antonyms: let go, neglect

Main Entry: moderation
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: temperance
Synonyms: balance , calmness, composure, constraint, coolness, dispassionateness, equanimity, fairness, forbearance, golden mean, judiciousness, justice, justness, lenity, measure, mildness, moderateness, patience, poise, quiet, reasonableness, restraint, sedateness, sedation, sobriety, steadiness, toleration
Antonyms: extreme, indulgence, intemperance, intensity, outrageousness, severity, unlimitedness, violence, wildness

Main Entry: outweigh
Part of Speech: verb
Definition: override, dominate
Synonyms: atone for, balance , cancel out, compensate, counterbalance, counterpoise, countervail, eclipse, exceed, excel, make up for, offset, outbalance, outrival, outrun, overcome, overshadow, predominate, preponderate, prevail, set off, surpass, take precedence, tip the scales

What do you think? What's your favorite? What speaks to you?

The BALANCE Kit is Here!

2011-09-01T18:21:00.000-07:00

Is your life in harmony, peaceful and serene? Are you able to juggle the challenges and responsibilities that come your way with ease, or do you struggle to find your footing? Explore this and more with our newest kit, BALANCE!Click here to buy now!

How do you keep your composure and your equilibrium in this complicated and mysterious world? What brings you a feeling of tranquility?
How does the natural yin and yang of life, intimate connections and the work/home relationship impact you?

The BALANCE kit merges mid-century modern imagery with a nod to simpler times. Strong color, presence and strength blend seamlessly with delicate details.

We’ve combined the perfect yet delightfully unexpected Cosmo Cricket’s ‘Mad Men’ styled Social Club with Crate Paper’s simply elegant Portrait and Echo Park’s For the Record. A fantastic and versatile color palette of mustard, spearmint, clear red and more create a unique platform for exploring polarity, difference and equanimity. You’ll enjoy mixing grace
and poise with whimsy and irreverent fun!

We've included an amazing array of embellishments too - you don't need to spring for add-ons! Tons of chunky chipboard, multiple mixable alphas in Thicker and sticker form, loads of journaling cards in cardstock and transparency, tiny resin lotus blossoms, diamond bling, Webster’s lace doilies and much more!

Center yourself. Join us and Explore Your Inner World. .

PLEASE NOTE:

Non-US Subscribers who select an individual kit will receive a Paypal invoice for shipping after completing their order.

Your order constitutes your acceptance of our terms and conditions as printed on our FAQ page.

12 Sheets Double Sided Patterned Paper:

* Cosmo Cricket Social Club Blue Eyes * Cosmo Cricket Social Club Jazz * Cosmo Cricket Social Club Martini * Cosmo Cricket Social Club Cocktail * Cosmo Cricket Social Club Manhattan * Crate Paper Portrait Traditions * Crate Paper Portrait Honeymoon *Crate Paper Portrait Bouquet * Crate Paper Portrait Something Blue * Echo Park For the Record Tablecloth * Echo Park For the Record Fabric Store * Echo Park For the Record Borders

Embellishments:
* American Crafts Serenade Puffy Thickers - Spearmint * Echo Park For the Record Alpha Sticker
* Mark Richards Shaped Elements - Clear Square, ½ pkg * 7Gypsies Affirmations Tag Kit, 2 cards
* Crate Paper Portrait Border Stickers, 1/3 sheet * Echo Park For the Record Elements Stickers
* Crate Paper Portrait Chipboard Accents, 8-10 pcs * Crate Paper Portrait Eclectic Buttons, 4-5 pcs
* Webster’s Pages Whimsies Lotus Blooms – Cream, 4 pcs * Cosmo Cricket Social Club Elements Journaling Page * Maya Road Transpencies Ledger – White,4 pcs * Webster’s Pages Designer Threads Doilies, 1-2 pcs * Harmonie Rococo Black Lace Ribbon on Acrylic Holder

Cardstock:
* American Crafts Ladybug * American Crafts Sunflower
* American Crafts Leaf * American Crafts Spearmint

Color:
* Ranger Stickles - Mystic Green

Technique:
* Maya Road - Vintage Scale Singletons Stamp

Contents may vary slightly.
Members who begin a six month subscription with the Balance kit will get two fantastic bonuses:Cosmo Cricket Social Club Ready Set Chip and Hambly Family Portrait – Black Rubons!See you online soon!

Growth Kit Inspiration

2011-08-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

Still digging deep on the topi of GROWTH (sorry...couldn't help it.)

Design Team Creations

For more from the Design Team, and detailed close-ups, check out the GALLERY.

Journaling Prompts

Growing Older - How do you feel about the unstoppable march of time? Did you worry about growing older when you were younger? Do you worry about it now? As you watched your parents or older siblings age, how did it impact you? Do you fear or anticipate mental or physical infirmities? Is having someone to grow old with, or people to care for you a concern or an expectation?

Breaking Through and Change - Can you recall a true breakthrough where you had a change of heart or change of mind? Was there ever, or is there now, a part of your life where you see a barrier that seems impenetrable? what did you need to change in order to break through the wall. Once you got through, did ou find out that the wall wasreal, or in your mind? Have you experienced what first felt like a breakdown but ended up being a breakthrough? Has an obstacle ever become an opportunity, by your hand or by another?

Outgrowing - How do you know if you've outgrown a friend or a relationship? Is outgrowing about growing beyond or growing apart? How did you handle the separation? Have you been able to separate amicably, or with rancor? Has someone ended a relationship with you because they believed they had outgrown you? what about moving beyond or outgrowing family members? What part of separating from family is, for you, a natural or normal part of the maturation process?

Towards the Sun - Plants turn toward the sun as one of their main sources of life. What is your greatest source of life-giving light and heat? What part of you is like a seed, and what parts are like the branches and leaves? Has the 'sun' ever been taken away and stunted your growth? Has the 'sun' ever been too bright for the pace of your growth?

Growth Chart - How do you measure your own growth and progress in different areas? Do you measure yourself against others or against your own past level of accomplishment? If you could create a chart to map your progress in an important area in which you want to gow, wha would the markers be? How would you know if you reached the top of your chart? Is there a top? Does the top of the chart move because of your changing expectations or self-criticism?

Work in Progress - How comfortable are you with being a work in progress? Are you gentle with yourself or a tough critic? Can you identify a place where you are not where you'd like to be yet, but can be peaceful about where you are? Is anyone else in your life critical about your progress in any areas? Does that change how you feel about yourself, or are you more self-contained?

Growing Pains - Growth can be painful and difficult. Have you struggled with accepting the necessary difficulty sometimes involved in growing and changing? what has been your most painful growth experience to date? Have you had to let go of old beliefs, safety or comfort to make a real change in the quality of your life? What kind of pain have you had to suffer to move your life forward?

Pinterest Board

Click here to see our DT GROWTH Board and repin to inspire yourself!

Music

Quotes

Growth itself contains the germ of
happiness. Pearl S. Buck

Growth, in some curious way, I suspect,
depends on being always in motion just a little bit, one way or another. Norman Mailer

The joy of life consists in the exercise of
one's energies, continual growth, constant change, the enjoyment of every new
experience. To stop means simply to die. The eternal mistake of mankind is to
set up an attainable ideal. Aleister Crowley

Life is growth. If we stop growing,
technically and spiritually, we are as good as dead. Morihei Ueshiba

The purpose of learning is growth, and our
minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live. Mortimer Adler

And when native man left off this form of
development, his humanization was retarded in growth. Standing Bear

Growth is the only evidence of life. John Henry Newman

All change is not growth, as all movement
is not forward. Ellen Glasgow

For my own personal growth I had to set out
on my own. Frank Press

Where there is age there is evolution,
where there is life there is growth. Anjelica Huston

The growth and development of people is the
highest calling of leadership. Harvey S. Firestone

Growth is a painful process. Wilma Mankiller

Those who improve with age embrace the
power of personal growth and personal achievement and begin to replace youth
with wisdom, innocence with understanding, and lack of purpose with
self-actualization. Bo Bennett

We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need
8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth. Virginia Satir

It's hard to find a way forward. When
you're 18 it happens in huge chunks every day, but after 20 years, growth is
much more costly. James Taylor

I'm really looking forward to, not more of
the same, but a continual growth. Ben Harper

I think that growth and spiritual awareness
come in slow increments. Sometimes you don't know it's happening. Mariel Hemingway

We find comfort among those who agree with
us - growth among those who don't. Frank Howard Clark

We are not born all at once, but by bits.
The body first, and the spirit later; and the birth and growth of the spirit,
in those who are attentive to their own inner life, are slow and exceedingly
painful. Mary Antin

Close friends contribute to our personal
growth. They also contribute to our personal pleasure, making the music sound
sweeter, the wine taste richer, the laughter ring louder because they are
there. Judith Viorst

Growth demands a temporary surrender of
security. Gail Sheehy

People desire to separate their worlds into
polarities of dark and light, ugly and beautiful, good and evil, right and
wrong, inside and outside. Polarities serve us in our learning and growth, but
as souls we are all. Joy Page

Happiness, contentment, the health and growth
of the soul, depend, as men have proved over and over again, upon some simple
issue, some single turning of the soul. George A. Smith

I think that one's art is a growth inside
one. I do not think one can explain growth. It is silent and subtle. One does
not keep digging up a plant to see how it grows. Emily Carr

A good marriage is one which allows for
change and growth in the individuals and in the way they express their love. Pearl S. Buck

Love dies only when growth stops. Pearl S. Buck

Intellectual growth should commence at
birth and cease only at death. Albert Einstein

Intolerance is itself a form of violence
and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit. Mohandas Gandhi

Increase of material comforts, it may be
generally laid down, does not in any way whatsoever conduce to moral growth. Mohandas Gandhi

Without continual growth and progress, such
words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning. Benjamin Franklin

Ambition is the germ from which all growth
of nobleness proceeds. Oscar Wilde

Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the
enemy of growth. John F. Kennedy

Between stimulus and response there is a
space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies
our growth and our freedom. Viktor E. Frankl

A man's growth is seen in the successive
choirs of his friends. Ralph Waldo Emerson

People are like dirt. They can either
nourish you and help you grow as a person or they can stunt your growth and
make you wilt and die. Plato

The key to growth is the introduction of
higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness. Lao Tzu

True friendship is a plant of slow growth,
and must undergo and withstand the shocks of adversity, before it is entitled
to the appellation. George Washington

Ever since I was a child I have had this
instinctive urge for expansion and growth. To me, the function and duty of a
quality human being is the sincere and honest development of one's potential. Bruce Lee

Strength and growth come only through
continuous effort and struggle. Napoleon Hill

Happiness is neither virtue nor pleasure
nor this thing nor that but simply growth, We are happy when we are growing. William Butler Yeats

Nature shows that with the growth of
intelligence comes increased capacity for pain, and it is only with the highest
degree of intelligence that suffering reaches its supreme point. Arthur Schopenhauer

The strongest principle of growth lies in
the human choice. George Eliot

It is not all bad, this getting old,
ripening. After the fruit has got its growth it should juice up and mellow. God
forbid I should live long enough to ferment and rot and fall to the ground in a
squash. Josh Billings

The fatal metaphor of progress, which means
leaving things behind us, has utterly obscured the real idea of growth, which
means leaving things inside us. Gilbert K. Chesterton

All growth is a leap in the dark, a
spontaneous unpremeditated act without benefit of experience. Henry Miller

I have always looked upon decay as being
just as wonderful and rich an expression of life as growth. Henry Miller

All the evidence that we have indicates
that it is reasonable to assume in practically every human being, and certainly
in almost every newborn baby, that there is an active will toward health, an
impulse towards growth, or towards the actualization. Abraham Maslow

In our work and in our living, we must
recognize that difference is a reason for celebration and growth, rather than a
reason for destruction. Audre Lorde

Men are but children of a larger growth,
Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as
vain. Diane Arbus

Photos

Catch It, Before it Grows Away...

2011-08-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends!

Can you believe it? It's the last day of our Growth month! September is TOMORROW! But, before we move forward to seek some Balance, take a look at these fabulous Growth layouts by our amazing design team!


Mette Kallander

For more, make sure you become a member of our community and visit us on the boards and in our gallery! And quick... go get yourself a Growth kit, before it's all gone!

Sneak Peek of BALANCE and a Giveaway at CK

2011-08-26T14:25:00.000-07:00

Sneak Peek of the September kit: BALANCE

Our September kit is about how your life feels - in harmony, filled with peace...or not? How do you keep your composure and your equilibrium in this complicated and mysterious world?

Mid-century modern imagery mixed with a nod to simpler times. Strong color, presence and strength mix with delicate details.

Come and join us September 1 and get your life in BALANCE.

Creating Keepsakes Blog Post and How-to on Visual Journaling

My newest post is up on the CK Blog here with tips and tricks on how to deepen your layouts by adding visual symbolism.

Some peeks:

Come learn more, share your insights, and you'll have a chance to win the GROWTH kit before they're all gone!

Click here - and we still have these subscriber bonuses left with your six month subscription or renewal...

Have a beautiful weekend, and if you're on the east coast, stay safe, stay dry and stay home!

Love,
Rachel

PS - Don't forget that voting for the CK Teen Talent Search is unlimited...so vote as many times as you can! Click the widget at the top right of the sidebar. And thanks!

Support Teen Scrapbookers with Soul!

2011-08-25T23:35:00.000-07:00

My sweet friend and local Santa Monica girl Sofia Ehrich has been selected, from hundreds of entrants, as one of 11 nationwide finalists in the 2011 Creating Keepsakes Magazine Teen Talent Search contest! I've watched Sofia grow up, watched her art develop, and am always blown away by her maturity, her poise and her creativity. She truly embodies the spirit of art+heart, and the inner core of what we do everyday at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out.

The page, independently selected by the editors at CK, is about the nature of time...Sofia lost her cat, Garcia, about a month before she created this LO. She wanted to capture the idea that her precious companion, who was as old as she is, spent his whole life with her, and to her that time went by as if it was an hour. She used the clock image and butterflies so meaningfully...and please do click on the photo to read her journaling...

Voting begins at midnight tonight (Thursday 8-24 into Friday 8-25) and runs through Labor Day, September 5. Voting is unlimited, so people may vote as many time as they'd like while the contest is open - so if I remind you more than once, bear with me! The entry which receives the most votes wins, so anything you can do - posting this to your Facebook, tweeting the link, blogging about it, and forwarding this email to your contact lists will be most appreciated.

You can vote at http://www.creatingkeepsakes.com/contests/teen-talent-search-2011.html

Her layout is #11 in the slideshow, so all you need to do is click 'last' at the top right of the choices and you'll be able to cast your vote(s) there.

Please join me in supporting Sofia's artistic dreams, and her emotional expression. It's not often that I come across someone so young who can express such deep feeling in her writing and her art and use it to help soften one of life's most difficult and early losses.

Please vote early and vote often! Thank you in advance for taking the time to help this amazing 16 year old achieve one of her most cherished goals.

Warmly,
Rachel

Lay It Out: Breakthrough and Change!

2011-08-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Can you recall a true breakthrough where you had a change of heart or change of mind? Was there ever, or is there now, a part of your life where you see a barrier that seems impenetrable?

What did you need to change in order to break through the wall? Once you got through, did you find out that the wall was real, or in your mind? Have you experienced what first felt like a breakdown but ended up being a breakthrough? Has an obstacle ever become an opportunity, by your hand or by another?

Create a layout about a breakthrough you created or experienced, or one you'd like to make happen.

For the design twist, please create a unique wall that separates you from where you are to where you eventually got to, or would to be.

C'mon, Lay It Out with us! Try this challenge on for size! Please come back and share it with us on your blog (link us up in the comments) or at our gallery. Visit our community for more challenges on Growth.

Giveaway Alarm - Growth Layout Challenge!

2011-08-18T16:02:00.001-07:00

We're hosting a 2 hour challenge and giveaway over at Club CK! Go check it out and explore this month's theme, GROWTH, with us!

You could win this:

There are two ways to win - create your LO based on the prompt over at Club CK and link it up in the comments on the Club CK Blog post before 7 PM MDT, or spend a little more time with your process and post your LO there by Monday at 9 AM MDT.

You'll see these layouts and learn about how growing pains impact our lives:

Go on over and scrap about your growing pains...what have you dealt with to get to who you are today?

We still have a few of these yummy, lush kits...click here to see the full contents list and get yours!

Lay It Out - Charting Growth/Measuring Tool

2011-08-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Ooooh, we've looked at a lot of inspiration the last few days, let's do another lay it out challenge! C'mon... let's put our creative hats on and Lay It Out! Here's your prompt:

Growth Chart - How do you measure your own growth and progress in different areas? Do you measure yourself against others or against your own past level of accomplishment? If you could create a chart to map your progress in an important area in which you want to grow, what would the markers be? How would you know if you reached the top of your chart? Is there a top? Does the top of the chart move because of your changing expectations or self-criticism?

"All the evidence that we have indicates that it is reasonable to assume in practically every human being, and certainly in almost every newborn baby, that there is an active will toward health, an impulse towards growth, or towards the actualization." ~Abraham Maslow

Okay, now I challenge you to Lay It Out! How do you map or measure your growth? What are the markers?

For the design twist, please use a ruler, a map, a chart or some other measurement tool...

When you've finished, please share with us by linking it up here or join our community and post it in our gallery! I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Texture and Growth

2011-08-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Our tutorial is brought to you today by the letter M (for Melissa) and the T (for texture). Sorry, I just flashed back to my Sesame Street days. Hey, that was a big part of my youth...it was a huge part of my Growth as a child! Okay, okay, before I start singing "B is for Bubble", check this out from our very own Melissa:

Add Some Texture Using Our Kits
by Melissa Elsner

Hi everyone!

This months kit has plenty of opportunity to add some awesome texture to your layout. One of the products, in particular, is a fabulous way to add some organic texture. And that is the flocked rub-ons from Prima. When you first get your package, you might be a bit perplexed by the look. At least I was. Actually, I think the whole team was kind of questioning exactly how they would use it on their layouts. But that's why we are here. To do all the testing for you so that it's easy to put together your beautiful layouts.

The flocked rub-ons are to be used like any other rub on with a couple of differences. There is, obviously, a flocked side and when you turn it over there will be more flock but you'll be able to see the images and words. They will be a smoother, almost gold color. Keep in mind it will all be backwards since it's the bottom of the rub-on.

You can cut through the packaging and the rub on to take out what you like. (I'm so sorry I don't have a visual for all this! I'm kicking myself right now for not doing something...)

Place the smooth, gold side down on your surface and rub. It will feel lumpy and weird. But just rub. Then, when you are ready to see if it stuck, slowly peel back the top. But do so with the top flat and you might have to help press down the rub on a bit. Once it's down, it's down though. So no worrying of it lifting off.

We also have the lovely Adirondack Color Wash which is lovely way to add some texture without adding bulk to your layout.

Here is my 'One to Grow On' layout with a closeup to show you the luscious texture you can have...

As you dig in, feel free to ask questions! So many fun techniques to try out as you GROW with your 'inside out' scrapbooking.

Yes, come on over and join us... ask questions or share your textured layouts... we'd love to have you!

Growth and Movement

2011-08-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

I was perusing Inside Out's Inspiration page today and came across the following quote:

Growth, in some curious way, I suspect, depends on being always in motion just a little bit, one way or another.

~Norman Mailer

What do you think? Can you sit perfectly still, with no motion, and still grow? It's an interesting thought. I've seen time-lapse photography of a plant growing from a seed... once it begins to grow, it seems to always be in motion, and yet it is so slow, we don't perceive the movement with our eyes. But it's there...

Not just growth as in growing "up" or aging... but how about just growing in our own personalities our own minds? If we never moved out of our house, we would never experience some of the great adventures that help us to grow... whether that be love, friendship, trusting, heartbreak, hurt. All of that helps us to grow into our own personalities, evolving and changing to become the best we can be...

click to listen

What do you think? Can you grow without movement?

Growing With Others...

2011-08-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd stop in this weekend and share more of our Design Team's "take" on this month's topic: Growth. These layouts all show how the people around us can influence or help or cause us to grow. We need other people to learn from, love, help, heal and share. All of those experiences cause us to grow. Check out these fantastic layouts:

All I can say is "Wow!" As usual... there's plenty more of this over at Inside Out. Come play with us!

Lay It Out - Outgrowing

2011-08-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever outgrown something? I'm not talking about those jeans that are too-tight because you just ate a half of a pint of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream (oops, that was me!), but suddenly (or not so suddenly) realized that you are no longer "within" something that once was important to you? Or perhaps still is important, but it just doesn't fit anymore? Like the goldfish in the picture above... he's outgrown his home, possibly the only home he's ever known. I wonder what he's thinking... feeling.

Have you experienced something like that? Or is it just me? I'll bet you've experienced outgrowing something. Let's look at this a little more closely. Here are some questions and thoughts for you about outgrowing:

Outgrowing - how do you know if you've outgrown a friend or a relationship? Is outgrowing about growing beyond or growing apart? How did you handle the separation? Have you been able to separate amicably, or with rancor? Has someone ended a relationship with you because they believed they had outgrown you? what about moving beyond or outgrowing family members? What part of separating from family is, for you, a natural or normal part of the maturation process? Create a LO about outgrowing a friend or family member, or a love interest.

What do you say? Let's Lay It Out!

I had a very close friend when I was young. We were BFF's before BFF was a popular "term". We began outgrowing each other in 7th and 8th grade. I denied it for a long time... ignored it... cried. It was complete when we entered high school and finally went our separate ways. I was very bitter for a very long time. You can bet I'm going to lay this out... it's time to let it free.

How about you?

Oh! While you're working on laying it out, here's a design twist to challenge you:

Use floral or vine images to demonstrate a connection that veers away and separates.

C'mon, get crafty! Then come on over to the Inside Out gallery and share your layout with us. That's where mine will be when it's done!

A Road Map (or 5) to Growth...

2011-08-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends! I'm back with another tutorial that I'd like to share. Well... this isn't actually a tutorial but rather a post FILLED with fun and inspiring starting points to get you scrappin'. Pamela has shared with us her love of scrap graphs (aka sketches) and not only provided us with some to use, but also had our design team members join in to create a layout using the Growth kit for even more ideas and inspiration! Let's check it out, shall we?

SCRAP GRAPHS
by Pamela Palmarini

This month, I decided to share something I find very inspirational, especially when I am stuck... SCRAP GRAPHS (aka “page maps" or "sketches"). I love making SCRAP GRAPHS! And, I love using them to create my pages. I turn them on their sides, upside-down, and even switch things out, but I love having a place to start.

Come to think of it, it really is like using a road map. Imagine going on a journey to a new city, and not even knowing if you should head east or west when you start out. A map gives you your bearings, your plan. That way, once you get headed in the right direction, you can then feel confident to veer off the beaten path, or even take a side-trip, on your way to your destination.

This is a lesson I emphasize with my art students. I give them the basic directions for a project, which allows them to confidently get started, but it also allows them to be creative with their outcome... to surprise themselves...and me too!

Take a look at the SCRAP GRAPHS I created below. Perhaps you might find them helpful to start you on your journey through using the new Growth kit. (Hint... Hint... Hint...Once you have it in hand, dig right in... No excuses! Don’t have one yet? Go buy one now!)

In addition to the SCRAP GRAPHS, for even more inspiration, I’m sharing with you some layouts that I created from this month's Growth kit using the featured scrap graphs:

Scrap Graph #1

Scrap Graph #2

Scrap Graph #3

Scrap Graph #4

Scrap Graph #5

My challenge to you is to be open to the creative opportunities that graphs offer, and to get a jump on creating "about yourself" with your SFTIO kits, whether it be Growth, or any of the other beautiful SFTIO kits you have waiting for you in your art space.

If you want more inspirational SCRAP GRAPHS, visit my blog. I have added a slide show of the past SCRAP GRAPHS that I have created.

P.S... Please share your graph interpretations on your blog and then link us up from here, or in the Inside Out gallery, so we may all revel in your genius!

Yes, yes... please do share if you decide to use one of these Scrap Graphs. These are awesome Pamela, thanks so much. I know where to go when I need a launching point... right here!

Three to Grow On...

2011-08-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends!

Are you ready to delve into some inspiration for Growth?

Let's start with a quote...

Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.
~ Benjamin Franklin

How about this photo...

And last but not least, just click to listen...

Talk to me... what speaks to you about growth? Are you moving toward a taller... stronger... successful... you? Please share with us!