In the Moment: Then and Now Challenge and SALE

When we celebrated NSD a couple of weeks ago, it happened to be my birthday too!

I created this to explore what I had learned in the previous year, taking stock as we often do on milestone days.

May Kit: In the Moment Challenge #2: What do you know now that you wish you knew way back when, but couldn't have known without the passage of time? How has the turning of the calendar page made you more aware or alive? For a design twist, try using a unique calendar image in your art.

Let's see what you create!

Now how about a special offer for our blog followers?

Start a subscription with the In the Moment kit and your $35 kit is just $25 for the first month. Whaa? Plus add a prior sale kit (find them on our previous kits page) for just $20 instead of $25.

Place your order and we'll refund you the discount! Offer valid until Sunday 5-17-15 at 11:59 pm PDT!

Wishing you a creative and meaningful weekend...

Welcome to Your LUCKY Day! Our Newest Kit is Live!

Warm, autumnal color and shimmery, glimmery design fill this kit with a radiance you won't be able to resist...

I'm thanking my LUCKY stars for being able to be part of your creative journey. You'll see some art from ME on that for certain this month!

Beautiful paper and embellishments from Fancy Pants Designs, We R Memory Keepers, American Crafts, Jenni Bowlin and more.

Most of all, a chance to explore what makes you lucky, whether you're lucky or blessed (or both...or neither), how much hard work is associated with what we call 'luck', and in what ways fortune has smiled on you in your life.

You'll learn from your past and discover where YOUR lucky star is, and what wishes YOUR want to make to take your life to the next level.

Click HERE to learn more and reserve your limited edition kit now.

Take charge of your future the fun and meaningful way!

Weekend Warmup: Let Me Ask You a Question

One of the key elements of the type of scrapbooking/art journaling/creative expression we foster at SFTIO is THE QUESTION. 

Think of it this way...if I told you we were going to spend the month making art about CURIOSITY, would you know where to start? It's hard to jump in and get going. Even asking yourself the question, "what am I curious about" might leave you with more confusion than crafting. It's too open ended.

In comes THE QUESTION.

Some call them prompts. Or journaling starters. Or challenges. I call them the place where the rubber meets the road. 

Every month I prepare a list of questions that I'd like to answer - things that are on my mind. Hmmm...maybe that's not exactly right. They're the questions I want to answer and the ones I fear answering. That's where the good stuff is...

'The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek' - Joseph Campbell

Here's a prompt from this month's CURIOSITY Inspiration Page that's especially touchy for me...which is why I NEED to answer it.

I don't want to know: Are there things that you'd rather stay in the dark about - where you might be curious but are afraid of what you might learn? Did curiosity really kill the cat...can you (or have you been) too curious and gotten in trouble? Perhaps a little internet snooping...anyone? Be honest...

There are some people in my life, past and present, about whom it would be better for me to avoid 'studying'. I'm not proud of it, but I've been guilty of making my own life more difficult by prying into areas where I'd really do better with less information.

In our Facebook/Twitter/Google/Instagram world it's WAY TOO easy to learn things that should be private...and that in the end do nothing but cause us to relive past wounds, feel bad about ourselves or create unflattering comparisons that injure us.

So why have I done those things? Have you? I bet...I've yet to meet someone who hasn't looked up an old flame, or a nemesis. 

Perhaps if I spend some time creating a LO about exactly WHY I have let myself get pulled into old stories and what-ifs, I'll be less inclined to do it in the future. Perhaps I can anchor the idea that my life, as it is, is exactly as it should be. Perhaps. No promises. :)

Want to join me on my quest for honest expression? It's my mission in life to inspire you to do so, and in doing so, to free you to be the most authentic YOU. 

Do it on your own, with us on our Message Board or best of all, with our CURIOSITY kit. We've just got a couple left...and this kit (featuring Allison Kreft's Composition and Color line for Webster's Pages and Cosmo Cricket's Sweet Disposition among other fresh and fabulous finds) will give you the perfect color, design and symbolism to tell your story. Grab it HERE.

There are 4 more deep questions to answer on the CURIOSITY Inspiration Page...and many more in your heart that I haven't thought of. Share them with us here on the blog or on our boards, and I hope you spend some time this weekend exploring what you're most CURIOUS about.

Warmly, 

Feeling Lucky? The FORTUNE Kit is LIVE!

Fresh, new and full of light, bright elements, get lucky with us and the FORTUNE kit.

Dear Lizzy's Lucky Charm, Crate Paper Maggie Holmes and Fancy Pants Trendsetter bring you a stylish mix of navy, berry red, pink and green.There's an extra bonus paper in every kit because we just loved it too much to let it pass us by!

Charm bracelet icons, Jenni Bowlin dominoes and Webster's Pages sequin coins join trend-forward die cut cards, fabric polaroid style frames, patterned cash envelopes for your journaling, numbers and chunky glitter Thickers blend beautifully to help you express what you value most.

This month's BONUS with your subscription. Supplies are limited!

CLICK HERE to buy your kit now...and become part of a community of women striving for self-awareness and growth using our amazing craft!

I can't wait to welcome you.

11 Sheets Double Sided Patterned Paper

American Crafts Dear Lizzy Lucky Charm Wild Hearts     
American Crafts Dear Lizzy Lucky Charm Noteworthy      
American Crafts Dear Lizzy Lucky Charm Raindrops       
American Crafts Dear Lizzy Lucky Charm Rainbows        
American Crafts Dear Lizzy Lucky Charm Dreamcatcher     
Crate Paper Maggie Holmes Dreamy             
Crate Paper Maggie Holmes Happy Day           
Crate Paper Maggie Holmes Remember This         
Fancy Pants Trendsetter Digits
Fancy Pants Trendsetter Star          
Fancy Pants Trendsetter Vogue      

Embellishments

American Crafts Thickers Treasure-Spearmint      
Basic Grey Basics Micromono- White Cap       
American Crafts Dear Lizzy Lucky Charm Bits Die Cut Shapes, 6 pcs
Crate Paper DIY Shop Washi Paper, 1/2 sheet
Crate Paper Maggie Holmes Ephemera Pack, 11-12 pcs
Fancy Pants Artist Edition Quote Stencil- Live For Today, 1 pc
American Crafts Dear Lizzy Lucky Charm Thickers Accents, 1 sheet
Jenni Bowlin Chipboard Dominoes, 4-5 pcs
American Crafts Dear Lizzy Lucky Charm Die Cut Cards, 2-3 pcs
Fancy Pants Trendsetter Envelopes, 3 pcs
Crate Paper Maggie Holmes Fabric Frames, 3 pcs
Websters Bulk Green Polkadot, 2 pcs

Color

Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Paint Spun Sugar      

Technique

Crafter's Workshop Julie Balzer Life Months 6x6 Template      

Cardstock

American Crafts Vanilla              
American Crafts Surf
American Crafts Fireberry       
American Crafts Oatmeal       
American Crafts Stargaze         

The MINDFULNESS Kit

The November Kit: Mindfulness

Who among us isn’t looking for calm, contentment and inner peace? So many ways to look – meditation, prayer, therapy, self-help books, quiet contemplation, talking to a friend…but have you thought about using our wonderful craft to find your way to your core?

Mindfulness sounds esoteric, but it’s really just a psychological or spiritual way of defining being attentive, aware and thoughtful. This theme brings to mind how we find our center, explore our motivation and expand our consciousness.

 

BUY NOW

Looking for peace, contentment and focus? The Mindfulness kit will help you find your center, explore your motivation and expand your consciousness. Soft aqua, deep coral and soothing vanilla act as a platform for your deepest emotional journeys yet.
 
Ground your art with Maya Road's burlap flowers, trim and a secret pouch, enlighten your mind with mistable feathers and Prima light bulbs, and create connections with chevron washi tape from Glitz.

What matters most as this year comes to a close? What growth has benefited your mind, heart and soul? Find out with MINDFULNESS.

Sneaks of BEAUTIFUL layouts here...come on over to our inspiration page to see it all!

Patterned Paper

Cosmo Cricket Art Angel Charity    
Cosmo Cricket Art Angel Faith        
Cosmo Cricket Art Angel Hope       
Cosmo Cricket Art Angel Kindness 
Cosmo Cricket Art Angel Love        
Cosmo Cricket Art Angel Virtue      
Teresa Collins Tell Your Story Damask        
Teresa Collins  Tell Your Story Frames         
Teresa Collins Tell Your Story Flowers        
Teresa Collins Tell Your Story Pennants

Embellishments

American Crafts Thickers Ali Printed Chipboard Aqua       
Glitz Hello Friend Teeny Alphas Tan
Cosmo Cricket Art Angel Element Deck     
Glitz Hello Friend Coral Chevron Tape   
Maya Road Burlap and Linen Sunset Burlap Trim   
Maya Road Burlap and Linen Treasure Bags - Cream          
Maya Road Burlap Trim Sunset Burlap Flower       
Pink Paislee Artisan Collection Resistable Paper     
Prima Metal Trinkets Typo Bulbs 2 
Studio Calico Mistables Thicker Shapes Feather      
Teresa Collins Tell Your Story Flashcards   
Teresa Collins Tell Your Story Accessory Sheet      
Teresa Collins Tell Your Story Large Journal Cards

Cardstock

American Crafts Cardstock Brown Sugar    
American Crafts Cardstock Parfait  
American Crafts Cardstock Oatmeal
American Crafts Cardstock Peach    
American Crafts Cardstock Straw    

Color

Ranger Adirondack Color Wash - Espresso  


Bonus for new and renewing subscribers...

One of my all time favorites...

 

Brand New Kit: ESCAPE on Sale Now!

The Escape kit will let your dreams take flight. Where do you go to get away from it all, in your mind or in real life? Running away from home, getting out of a messy situation, finding a dream spot...they're all a form of escape. What stories do you want to tell?

Great symbolism includes doors to walk through, tickets to anywhere, peacock feathers for an exotic touch, clouds, banners and hot air balloons.

Paper from the American Crafts Dear Lizzy Neapolitan, Pink Paislee Prarie Hill, Cosmo Cricket Twenty-Three lines add trendy chevrons, polaroid images and kites and beautiful color in tones of pink, coral, yellow, cement, blue and orange.

Join us and ESCAPE...

Kit Details:

Patterned Paper

American Crafts Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Warm Memories                   
American Crafts Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Silver Lining (Vellum)                     
American Crafts Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Sunny Skip               
American Crafts Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Hazy Horizon           
American Crafts Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Dreamy Days           
Cosmo Cricket Twenty Three Paperback                 
Cosmo Cricket Twenty Three Postcards                  
Cosmo Cricket Twenty Three Photo Booth             
Cosmo Cricket Twenty Three Foxtrot                     
Hambly Chevron Mashup White on Silver                    
Pink Paislee Prarie Hill Flight Pattern           
Pink Paislee Prarie Hill Kite Strings              

Cardstock

American Crafts Butter                       
American Crafts Geyser          
American Crafts Concrete                   
American Crafts Parfait

Embellishments

Pink Paislee Prarie Hill Bitty Blocks Alphas            
Prima Fairy Belle Typography Alphas
American Crafts Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Flutterbys Paper Garland Hey Chance Pennant, 1/4 sheet
Pink Paislee Prarie Hill Element Stickers                  
American Crafts Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Wood Buttons and Epoxy Accents, 4 buttons
Bella Blvd Button Market Fruit Punch             
Maya Road Chipboard Doorways, 4 pcs
American Crafts Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Large Decorative Tags, 3 pcs
Hambly Clear Journal Cards Teal Hot Air Balloons, 1/2 sheet
American Crafts Dear Lizzy Neapolitan Ephemera Flowers, 1 pc
Prima Tasha Teal, 3 pcs

Technique

Crafters Workshop Balzer Designs Peacock Feathers, 6"     

Color

Ranger Perfet Pearls - Pink Gumball (with brush)

The COMMUNICATION Kit. Wanna Chat? Plus Layouts from our New Designers.

The July kit from SFTIO, COMMUNICATION, is a kitchy and stylish mix of fun paper and embellishments to help you explore and express how you connect with the world around you.

In the era of quick and easy ways to touch base, how much time do you make to connect on a deeper level? Is your life enhanced by social networking or hindered by it? Do you walk your talk? Are you a good listener? Are there topics that are off limits?

Paper from October Afternoon, Echo Park, Nikki Sivils and Jillibean Soup provides the perfect symbolism with everything from vintage phones and paper airplanes to notepads, typewriters, cameras and viewfinder reels. Embellishments include a custom chipboard polaroid frame, perfect for using as a stencil, mask or as a page element, kraft paper circle garland, epoxy woodgrain buttons, flags and banners and lots and lots of journaling stickers and cards. You'll also get a great stamp from Lawn Fawn and a long awaited Tim Holtz Distress Marker.

There's no shortage of ways to tell your story - join us and let's talk all about it!

Get your kit HERE; start or extend your six month subscription and you also get this from Seven Gypsies for all those secret love letters and communiques!:

And we're welcoming three new DT members! You'll love their deep and meaningful work.

 

 Here's just a taste of what they created on the topic of COMMUNICATION:

So what do you have to say?

On Sale Now - The TRUTH Kit and our FIRST June Giveaway

No one is YOU-er than YOU!

Are you ready to tell the truth? This month, we're exploring our innermost secrets, confronting the lies we tell ourselves, and looking for the honesty in our world with the TRUTH kit.

A perfectly eclectic mix of FIVE paper lines creates harmony with the meaningful artfulness of Rhonna Farrer's Follow Your Heart from My Mind's Eye, the tried and true texture of Authentique's Genuine, Lilybee's pretty and pure Buttercup, Pink Paislee's denim inspired Indigo Bleu and Teresa Collins' Everyday Moments with its pale, clear butter yellow and rich navy.

AC Amy Tangerine Muse woodgrain alphas bring in movement, and Authentique's tiny alphas, words and phrases join to provide endless opportunities to share your truth in language.

Journaling has never been more important - and you'll have lots of room with the included Lily Bee Index Cards and a handful of glittery, fun callout 'chat clouds' from Pink Paislee. Add in gorgeous rimmed brads and dimensional chipboard from Teresa Collins, a 12x12 sheet of Genuine elements from Authentique and burlap, denim and woven soft embellishments and you've got so many ways to tell your story.

We've also included Julie Fei-Fan Balzer's poppies 6" stencil that includes the wonderful phrase, 'be true to you' and a regular size bottle of a brand new color of glimmer glam from Tattered Angels.

Contents:

12 Sheets Patterned Paper:

Authentique Genuine True   

Authentique Genuine Friendship      

Lily Bee Buttercup Blossom    

Lily Bee Buttercup Puddles     

My Mind's Eye Follow Your Heart - Be Amazing Kraft Unique            

My Mind's Eye Follow Your Heart - Be Amazing Honey Blue  

My Mind's Eye Follow Your Heart - Be Amazing Societe        

My Mind's Eye ollow Your Heart - Be Amazing Soulful           

Pink Paislee Indigo Bleu Burlap

Pink Paislee Indigo Bleu Calico

Teresa Collins Everyday Moments Flying Bees           

Teresa Collins Everyday Moments Yellow Flowers      

Embellishments:

American Crafts Thickers Muse White Woodgrain     

Authentique Genuine Elements - Alphas and Words 

Authentique Genuine Details Stickers

Teresa Collins Everyday Moments Chipboard Elements

Teresa Collins Everyday Moments Brads, 1/4 sheet

Lily Bee Buttercup Index Journaling Cards, 3

Pink Paislee Indigo Bleu Chat Clouds, approx 8-10 pcs

Prima Primmers White Cotton Flowers, 2 

Maya Road Burlap Trim, 1/2 yd   

Maya Road Denim Frayed Edge Trim, 1/2 yd

Technique:

Crafters Workshop/Julie Balzer Poppies - 6 inch Stencil

Color:

Tattered Angels Glimmer Glaze - Forget Me Not

Cardstock:

American Crafts White

American Crafts Dandelion

American Crafts Dark Kraft

American Crafts Denim

Want to see what YOU can do with TRUTH? Click here to go to our website's INSPIRATION PAGE and see our Design Team's great LOs.

Much more to come...including our monthly challenges, prizes, and deep and meaningful chat on our Message Board.

And make sure you check out my article on the Creating Keepsakes Magazine Editor's Blog today. There's a chance to win!

Happy June everyone!

The BALANCE Kit is Here!

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!

The November Kit: Acceptance.

Sometimes it's hard to love ourselves for exactly who we are and to embrace life as it is happening. We'll be sharing, creating and growing together in that direction with our November 2010 kit, ACCEPTANCE.



Buy now at our site.

This meaningful, stylish kit filled with warm autumn color features all the latest products you've been coveting from Crate Paper, My Mind's Eye, Basic Grey, American Crafts and much more. The variety of embellishments will blow you away – two different types of Prima flowers and a mask, die-cuts galore, Jillibean Soup and Melissa Frances journaling cards, blingy rub-ons, wood shapes, Sassafras layered paper blossoms, Webster’s Pages vintage-look buttons, pleated ribbon from Maya Road, chocolate cabochons, tiny glacier pearls and gold Shimmer Spray ink.

If you've been waiting for the perfect time to get a six month subscription, scroll down to check out this month's bonuses – even more Prima and rich adhesive felt flourishes. Last month’s bonuses sold out!

What balance in life will you strike between accepting things as they are and striving for change? Between surrender and empowerment? Join us and find out with ACCEPTANCE.

10 Sheets Double Sided Patterned Paper:
* Basic Grey Pyrus Pomaceous * Basic Grey Pyrus Pyrinae * Basic Grey Pyrus Snow Pear * Crate Paper Restoration Doilies * Crate Paper Restoration Flea Market * Harmonie Bella Bohemia Petits Fleurs * My Minds Eye So Sophie - Graceful, Happy For You - Precious Stripe * My Minds Eye So Sophie - Graceful, Open Your Heart - Berry Stem * My Minds Eye So Sophie - Graceful, Sisters - Peaceful Plum * My Minds Eye So Sophie - Graceful, Sweet Chic - Focused

2 Sheets Specialty Paper:
* Basic Grey Pyrus Doilies - Tea Towel (die cut) * Harmonie Bella Bohemia Bouquet (die-cut)

Embellishments:
*American Crafts Dear Lizzy Enchanted Thickers: Fantastic - Wine (foam) * Basic Grey Pyrus Alpha Sticker - Micro Monograms * Mark Richards Mint Pearls, 25 * Mark Richards Cabochons, Iridescent Brown, 1/2 sheet * MME So Sophie – Graceful Happy for You Accessories Card * MME So Sophie – Graceful Open Your Heart - Title * Seven Gypsies Mini Ephemera Gypsy, 5 pcs * Harmonie Precut Shapes Wood Flower * Sassafras Entwined Blossoms Turkish Turquoise, 3 pcs * Websters Vintage Sparklers Plum, 3 pcs * Basic Grey Pyrus Die-Cut Shapes – Pieces, 1/4 package * Jillibean Soup Kraft Shipping Tags: Repair Tag * Melissa Frances Mini Envelopes and Tags, 2 * Basic Grey Pyrus Sparkling Rubs , full package * Prima Bronte Blooms - Bisque, 3 pcs * Prima Roosevelt - Delano, 3 pcs * Creative Impressions Twill Trim, Caramel, 1/2 yd * Maya Road Pleat Ribbons, Cream, 1/2 yd

Cardstock:
* American Crafts Wine* American Crafts Mustard *American Crafts Kraft *American Crafts Geyser

Technique:
* Prima Masks, Patterns, 1 pc

Color:
* Tsukineko Psst! Shimmer Spritz, Gold

Contents may vary slightly.

Let Yourself Feel Weak

Is it OK to be weak? I keep hearing that we’re past the time of the 'superwoman', but based on my unscientific research, we're expected more than ever to do it all - be wives, mothers, work outside and inside the home, and be creative geniuses.



I know that’s hard for me. I want so much to make a difference and make the world better that I tend to push myself past the point of sensible effort. I’m working on it…



At least once in a while, it’s nice to let other people be in charge and allow ourselves to be weak. Do you ask for help when you need it? Do you find that you rely more on others, or that others rely more on you? Is weakness a fault to you? Was someone in your past a weak figure, and if so, how did that impact your view of weakness today? Are there times that you become drained – and what do you do to remedy that, or do you surrender?



For our third LO challenge for the STRENGTH kit, please join us and create a LO about the ways in which you feel weak at times, and how you deal with that. Do you let yourself rest, or do you fight it? What makes you weak?

For the design twist, please 'fade' something on your page - your photo, the paper by distressing, or something different!

Need a STRENGTH kit? Lookie!



CLICK HERE to grab yours, and also check out our past kits, being clearanced out at 30% off!


Love,

Rachel

Getting Ready for Our Anniversary - Big Sale at Inside Out

We're getting ready for our big FIRST ANNIVERSARY at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out and as our first celebratory experience, we're clearing out our remaining previous kits for $34.95 each - that's a whopping 30% off!

Here are the gorgeous goodies you can get your hands on at a fabulous discount. If you've been waiting to explore your inner world with us, this is the perfect time. If you've missed a few kits but love the themes, you're in luck!

Email me at rachinla@aol.com for more information, detailed contents lists, and more! You can always have access to our unique Inspiration pages - just search the blog for the name of the kit!

To buy, click here to go directly to the BUY page!

Hope:



Clarity:



Spirit:



Compassion:



Patience:



Regret:



Gratitude:



Joy: