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Pinterest: How Has It Affected Your Scrapbooking?

I came across this article “Why Pinterest Has NOT Reimagined Scrapbooking” and found it so interesting.

pinterest logo

I left my opinion in the comments (copied here):

I’m a purely paper scrapper and don’t have a Pinterest account (although images from my blog are often linked there and I look at the backlinks). But I’m a scrapbook blogger and see that many of us are on Pinterest. I don’t think it’s become “the new scrapbooking” for most (if any) scrapbookers. I do think it’s a way that many of them keep loads of inspiration in one place … lots and lots of eye candy and ideas. I also see scrapbookers using it to keep scrapbook organizational ideas (we scrappers can have lots of “stuff” and keeping it organized is half the fun, LOL).

One of the so-called downsides I see to Pinterest is the time-suck it’s become and I hear from many that it has cut into their actual scrapbooking time. The internet in general is full of free inspiration and it’s easy to get sucked in for hours … time that MAY have been spent at the scrap table in the past. Collecting inspiration, for some, may be replacing actually creating.

But there are other online influences – like Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and message boards – that have had the same effect. Have these mediums impacted the world of scrapbooking? Sure have. Have they made scrapbooking go away to any great extent? No, I don’t think so. It seems there have been recent declines in our hobby but I attribute them to other things, like the economy, the digital camera impact, changing trends, and over-saturation of the market in the early 2000’s.

One thing I wonder about Pinterest: Has it created new scrapbookers? The scrapbookers’ Pinterest boards I’ve looked at seem to also have pins for homeschooling, organization, “mommy blogs”, home decor, fashion, quilting, etc. So perhaps it’s led homeschoolers, organizational gurus, fashionistas, etc. to try scrapbooking once they see it around Pinterest? Hmmm…

Thanks for the article. Thought-provoking and well-written!

facebook logo

I keep hearing Facebook Timeline and Pinterest being called “the new scrapbook.” I guess for those who never scrapbooked before, sure. Now they create a digital “scrapbook” on Pinterest or Facebook. But for actual scrapbookers, I’m not seeing it. Are you? Maybe I’m totally off base.

What do you think? Has Pinterest “reimagined” (whatever the flock that means) scrapbooking for you? Has it affected your scrapbooking in any way, good or bad? Are you scrapping more with the inspiration, or less with the Time Suck that is Pinterest?

Scrapbook Room: Katie Tate

Check out the awesome scrapbook space of Katie Tate as posted to the create: blog HERE.

If I could build my perfect desk – with all the white cubes and huge workspace – that would be it. I love her cheerful rug, huge space, and how she says it’s often the center of “real life” activity.

What’s your favorite part of Katie’s space?

Changes @ Scrapbook Obsession Blog ;)

I wanted to let you know about some changes that will be going on around here in Scrapbook Obsession Land. To put in plainly:

– I am now allowing advertising and affiliate links on the Scrapbook Obsession Blog

If you’re just a Bullet Point Girl, you’re good. You can go read all your other blogs now. You’ve got the gist of it … bwahahaha! If you’re like me and have to know all the deets of new things and changes, then please get comfy and stick around for a little bit. Well, okay, a lotta’ bit … it’s LONG.

Let’s begin with some history. I started this blog (back before it was self-hosted, the address was www.scrapbookobsession.wordpress.com) in January 2007. I can’t believe it but that’s almost 5 1/2 years ago! On the ABOUT ME page, here is the explanation ~ written years ago and it still holds true ~ about why I love having this blog:

I am obsessed with scrapbooking and I know you are too! I think about it, talk about it, and do it any chance I get. I love to shop as much as I love to crop. My blog has: product reviews, show reviews, scrapbook organization, my shopping finds, and just general scrapbook topics. There are so many scrap blogs out there where the author journals about their life and shares their pages. I wanted my blog to be a little different. Hope you enjoy!

I started and have continued this blog all these years because I’m – you guessed it – scrapbook obsessed! I still love everything scrapbooking, talking about it, thinking about it, and writing about it. What has changed in recent years is, as you know, the economy. I’ve gone through some work changes over that time as well, from part-time to full-time to freelancing, from working from home to working in an office with a commute, etc.

Unfortunately, I’m not one of those lucky mommy bloggers who doesn’t have to work and can devote all the time I want to writing (even though I’d love to be, and am SO envious of those in that position). Disclaimer: Please don’t think I’m saying that being a full-time SAHM is easy ‘cuz I’m most certainly not. I run a home, cherish a marriage, raise kids, volunteer, AND work full-time. I know how hard it is, believe me! So basically it comes down to writing the blog or housework. I decided to let the housework go.

I’m also not one of those lucky ones with enough expendable income to pay others to design my blog and make it all purdy and interactive and slammin’ awesome. Sometimes when I make a little dough from my MEMORY WORKS consultant gig, I’ll put a little bit towards the maintenance or updating of this blog (e.g., paying for my own domain, buying premium themes, purchasing spam protection, etc.).

If you’re a longtime reader, you know that I’ve been posting a lot less than I used to. It’s not that I don’t want to write … I do! I still keep up with the industry, I know what new products are coming out, I hear the scrapbook gossip, and I have opinions, gurlll! I *want* to be able to write and share and laugh with you about it all.

But let’s get real: In this economy, the “fluff” parts of life have to take a back seat to the “real” parts a lot of the time. If I have a choice between booking a transcribing job or writing a blog post, guess which one I have to pick? I don’t like doing quickie posts for the most part, so I need at least an hour or two to sit down and do research, write a post, edit/download photos, include links, etc. Although in the interest of posting more often, I’m going to have to get over my long-post-itis and write shorter posts sometimes … hope ya’ don’t mind.

Anyway, writing a scrapbook blog takes longer than you’d think :) It’s a time commitment, for sure. {Okay, here’s a depressing thought: If I added up all the time I’ve spent over the last 5 years writing these 879 posts, I could’ve been running a Fortune 500 company by now – ha!}

As I’ve looked for ways to make money working from home (which I feel I’ve been called to do), I’ve been learning a lot about this idea of “monetizing your blog,”, which in my case would be making small amounts of money if you click on a scrapbook-related ad on my site or even more if you then make a purchase.

Anyway, it just seems like a logical next step for me. I’ve spent over 5 years writing for free – gratis – nada. I’ve linked up hundreds of companies and exposed customers to their products. I’ve enabled and help sell their items anyway (with not one word of thanks from any of them, btw). So if I can continue to write about the hobby-love of my life {{SCRAPBOOKING}} and make a little bit of money doing it, why shouldn’t I? And if it’s a successful thing, then scrapbook blogging just bumped up in my list of priorities right? I mean, if I can spend an hour blogging and it ends up having a better financial return than, say, an hour of cutting coupons than it’s a win-win, right?

And that’s all I’m hoping for – a few dollars here and there. I don’t have any delusions that I’ll get rich from this (even though I see so many bloggers of ALL kinds doing just that and it makes me SOOOO jealous! Srsly, there are people making 6 and 7 figures from this shizzle. LOL). But if putting some (what I hope are) not-annoying ads on this well-established blog can generate a little bit of income, I’m going to give it a try. I may fall flat on my face but I’m always one who likes to TRY so at least I can say I did, ya’ know?

Here’s what I need from you: Let me know what you think about the changes as they come along and be BRUTALLY honest, okay? {Okay, here is where I get mushy…}. In the 5+ years I’ve been writing this blog, I’ve been amazed, touched, and humbled that people like you actually take time out of your busy day to read it. I’m so very grateful for the support you’ve always given me by way of a Comment, a hit, a laugh, a link, a subscription – I love it all!

I’ve “met” so many wonderful scrapbookers because of this blog and I don’t want that to EVER stop. So one of my main goals with these changes is to *not* alienate you, piss you off, drive you away, make you hate me, or make you laugh at me (well, okay, feel free to laugh at me as you always have).

Here’s my fear: As this “monetizing your blog” trend has slowly made it’s way through Scrapbook World*, I’ve heard the comments on scrapbook message boards that go like this: “I used to love that blog and read it every day but now it just seems like one big ad” and “That used to be a wonderful blog but I’m tired of them always trying to sell me something.”

*Here are some examples of monetized scrapbook blogs that I personally read (not to bag on them, just to illustrate what I’m talking about): BECKY HIGGINS, ALI EDWARDS, HEIDI SWAPP, and LAIN EHMANN.

So bottom line: If these changes end up with me losing readers and friends, than they are so outta’ here. I’m not willing to trade a little dough for the friendship, loyalty, and fellowship you’ve given me for almost 5 years and I hope will continue to. So. Not. Worth it.

But if you do end up liking the changes {or at least not minding them awfully much}, then I will be in scrapblog heaven. My hope is that I pick products, classes, etc. that you actually want to hear about. I hope you find them helpful or at least provide some scrappy eye candy.

So stay in touch with me. Give me your feedback. Laugh at me, not with me, I don’t care :) If at any point, you’re throwing up your hands and walking away from me for good, leave me a nasty parting comment so I know what’s up in the hizzy. You can also e-mail me any ol’ time: scrapbookobsession(at)gmail(dot)com. If you don’t tell me, how will I know, ya’ know? I’m not a frickin’ mind reader.

Oh yeah, in case you’re wondering, the dripping sarcasm will continue ;)

I’m not gonna’ turn all corporate and proper on you. I’m going to continue being my brutally honest self and tell you what I really think about things. For instance, I could’ve just starting sneaking in affiliate links without explanation … but I gotta’ be real witchoo. My comments will be honest – good or bad. Always have, always will. That’s probably the totally wrong thing to do from a business perspective but whatever. Screw ’em.

And I won’t sell you down the river. I’ll be posting a Disclaimer and/or Affiliate page that explains all this, but basically I won’t lie just to sell something. If I think something’s crap, I’ll still tell you. And if I think it’s the best thing since sliced … erm, patterned paper … I’ll tell you that, too.

So that’s what’s going on as of now. There may be other changes – mostly to format, I hope, because honestly I don’t like the way this blog looks right now. But me learning how to fix things the way I want them is painfully slow … like watching Stickles dry. If you come to visit my blog and it looks all wonky, please forgive :) I’m about as talented a blog designer as Lady Gaga is shy. There WILL be hiccups and goofy shizzle. {For instance, I’ve been playing with the clickable 2peas links in my right sidebar recently to make sure they work}. But I’ll do my best to fix things and welcome (like you wouldn’t BELIEVE!) input and criticism.

Sooooo … clear as mud? GREAT! Thanks for reading and please tell me what you think!

Scrapbooking Podcast: Paperclipping Roundtable with Ali Edwards and Stacy Julian

No. Flippin’. Way. I just found this on one of my favorite sites, SCRAPBOOK UPDATE. They have made it soooo super easy to share the Paperclipping podcasts right from your own blog. Took a few tries but even computer-stoopid me figured it out. Woot woot!! And here you goooo…. give a listen to STACY JULIAN and ALI EDWARDS discuss- among other random scrappy things – the book, “IMAGINE: HOW CREATIVITY WORKS“.

And while you’re visiting Scrapbook Update, make sure to check out their CHA SUMMER 2012 SNEAK PEAKS page. They are one of my favorite resources for CHA sneaks. ‘Cuz I need to know as soon as scrappily possible which things to start drooling over, right?

I’ve been absent from the blog for awhile but I’m hoping this weekend to post a bunch and get ‘er rollin’ again. One thing I’m going to do is add a category for “Links to CHA Sneaks” that will be over there —> on the right so look out for it, mmm kay?

ETA 06/22/12: Okay, I added the links but they’re up top instead, under “CHA Sneak Peeks”.

Memory Works: Simple Stories “Mix and Match” Albums Back in Stock!

We had such a huge run on these when they were first released earlier this month, that they disappeared from our website too quickly … waaaahh!!

But the Simple Stories “Mix and Match” 6×8 albums are back in stock ~ yippee!

simple stories mix and match album

We are so excited to let everyone know that the Simple Stories Mix and Match albums are now back in stock! This 6×8 Kraft chipboard D-ring album is absolutely beautiful…and super strong and sturdy so you can load your memories inside! It features a wonderful linen spine with decorative book plate label on the spine, and ultra thick chipboard with a Kraft cardstock covering (no naked grey chipboard here), so you can leave as is for quick and easy crafting or decorate to your heart’s desire! It also includes tons of goodies inside so you can create a one-of-a-kind keepsake, including album pages, chipboard dividers and a variety of 6×8 divided page protectors! Be sure to place your order today!

~from Memory Works

We have all the varieties of PAGE PROTECTORS, MEMORABILIA POCKETS, ALBUM and PAGES to fill them with, like these cuties from the “SUMMER FRESH” line:

simple stories summer fresh

But I’m seriously serious … if you would like to order one {or more …. why not?} of these albums, they’re still very hot so I would do it soon. Many have been waiting for them to come back in stock and I imagine they won’t last long.

You can order from my website HERE. Just place your order like any other online shopping. I’ll send you a Paypal invoice and your order will ship straight to you from our home office in Utah within 1-2 business days. Couldn’t be easier :)

Please let me know if you have any questions ~ about Mix and Match or any of our other amazing items ~ at scrapbookobsession(at)gmail(dot)com.

Yay, My Blog is Back!!

I don’t think you could tell from your end, but I couldn’t get into my blog for about the last week. Woo Themes, where I get my blog’s theme “Canvas” from, was hacked. So they had to rebuild everything. Blah, blah, I don’t get all that computer talk nonsense so I won’t even ATTEMPT to explain what happened. What it meant for me was that I couldn’t log into my blog at all – couldn’t post, see comments, check stats – NUTHIN’.

I was going a bit kuh-razy, if you must know. Just imagine you’re standing outside an amazing scrapbook store, spying all the goodies through the big windows out front, and you can’t. get. in. For a week.

Yeah, it felt like that.

So I’m back now. I have to go do some updates of some sort. Blah, blah, blogity, blah. I’m so looking forward to it. NOT.

Wish me luck … I’m going in :P

Another Scrapbook Warehouse Box Sale! This Time It’s Bella Blvd

bella blvd warehouse sale scrapbook

HERE is a .pdf with all the details. HERE it is on the Bella blog. Order by 04-30-12 for $37.99; order from 05-01 through 05-04-12 for $43.99. {I notice that the .pdf mentions the early bird price, but the blog doesn’t give specifics on it … so I’d check that .pdf linked above if you’re going to order}.

The ad says there is $125 worth of stuff so that sounds like quite the deal! I didn’t realize until I looked at their BLOG and WEBSITE that they had so many lines out. Wowzers, cute stuff.

I’m not going to order … mainly because I’ve been on a bit of a spree lately (yeah, that’s putting it lightly) and I need to chill, yo. But also because I don’t own any Bella Blvd to this point (say what???) and don’t know if I like their products enough to chance this.

But if you are a Bella fan, I say “go forth and shop, my friend!” So …. are ya’ gonna’?

ETA 04-18-12: Shout out to the PEAS! A poster pointed out that the e-mail address on the BB blog (at least as of the time I’m writing this) is missing an “L”.

Memory Works: Simple Stories “Summer Fresh” … New Line Ships Late April 2012!

Wow, what a great way to start the day. Opened my e-mail and saw the consultant alert that Simple Stories (my favorite scrapbooking line EVER!) is releasing another new line soon … EEE! And not only that, it’s going to be another one of my favorites of all their lines so far (this release makes lucky 13).

Oh, what was that? Did you say “Quit jabbering and show us some pictures, mama”? Alright already! Here ya’ go …

Simple Stories Summer Fresh

*All images courtesy of the amazing and inspiring SIMPLE STORIES BLOG. Go there by 4/13/12 and leave a comment on THIS entry for a chance to win THE ENTIRE COLLECTION of Simple Stories “Summer Fresh.” None of that “Tweet, link, and Facebook us” nonsense. Just a straightforward “leave a comment and you might win.” Fabs.

As always, if you plan to purchase anything from this line, I would be honored if you’d do so through my Memory Works WEBSITE. If you subscribe to my blog (just enter your e-mail address there at the upper right), you’ll get an e-mail every time I post … including when I post that “Summer Fresh” is available ~ it’s expected later this month!

Then you can haul your tookie over to my website and place an order. Once payment has cleared, it will ship straight to you within 1-2 business days. And you’re gonna’ want this one right quick … summer is just around the corner :)

Scrapbooking Grab Box: Support a Great Cause and Maybe Even Win an iPad!

I heard about THIS on the 2peas General Scrappin’ board. Hayley is raising money for a humanitarian mission by selling boxes full of scrappy goodness for only $45 INCLUDING SHIPPING!

Yowser! I SO want to buy one (or nine) … but I can’t. I’ve been on somewhat of a spree lately (gulp) and need to pull back the reins on the scrappy spending horse. And OH how I would love to win an iPad. I think I’m the last person in America without one, LOL.

Since I can’t buy a box, I’ll do the next best thing and tell you about it … so you can buy one … and tell us about it when you receive it. See how that works? Share the love (donation to a good cause) and share the love (tell us what you get so we can live through you).

It’s a win-win … am I right?

Scrapbook Organization: Another Room I Want

I found THIS amazingly organized scrapbook room on one of my favorite manufacturer’s blogs, OCTOBER AFTERNOON.

The room belongs to Stacey and I just love it. She uses a lot of my favorite ways to organize including …

– 12×12 Sterlite-type drawers, which I love because they hold just the right amount, are easy to access, and easy to put things away in.

– Cropper Hopper vertical 12×12 paper holders which make your paper so easy to flip through. I use them to sort by manufacturer and put everything in there – 12×12 papers, letters, stickers, die cuts, ribbon, and all other embellishments. I like to scrap using things from the same line and sometimes mixing and matching from the same manufacturer (many use the same color families over and over, which I love!). So I love having everything from, say, CRATE PAPER or FANCY PANTS, all in one place.

– Ribbon in jars … not only can you see all the varieties you have so you know where to start diggin’ (LOL), but they’re so decorative too. Which leads me to another thing I love about Stacey’s room …

– Everything is organized by color, and in ROY G BIV order no less. It makes this anal retentive girl’s heart skip a beat! Srsly. I have my cardstock, ribbons, Stickles, brads/metal embellishments, and Making Memories paints all organized by color. I’ve toyed with the idea many times of organizing all of my embellishments that way – like EVERYTHING red in one holder, etc. – but I don’t think I’d like it. I can see it works well for her, though. It’s all in the way you personally scrap.

– Memorabilia organized by family member in accordion files. I would love to do this … but she must be WAY better at paring things down than I’ll ever be because I could never squeeze each family member into just one file, LOL.

So a big shout out to Stacey! She has, over all her years or scrapbooking and changing spaces, refined the systems that work for her. She’s super organized and has created a bright, functional space to create in.

What do you love about her room? What things would work for you and what wouldn’t? Do you use any of the same organizational systems of items she does?

52 Lists in 52 Weeks: List #7

Here is Kellie’s PROMPT. This is a fun and easy one. You should play along! {Warning: The links go to YouTube videos so have your volume ready}.

Music I Can’t Stop Listening To …

Adele
Journey (I get to see them in concert soon!)
Young the Giant
FUN. (that’s the band’s name … FUN.)
Zee Avi
Bruno Mars
Snow Patrol
Dashboard Confessional
Billy Holiday
Sarah Vaughan
Rascal Flatts {new album drops April 3rd!}
The Fray
Michael Buble’

Oh, I could go on and on. I listen to music all day and night while I’m working. I have different PANDORA channels going or my iTunes constantly. These were just the first ones that came to mind :)

How about you? What are you listening to these days? Did you love {or hate} any of the music I posted?

Scrapbooks, Etc. Magazine Ceasing Publication? Just a Bad Rumor … Phew!

I made it clear right in the title. Don’t want to cause any panty bunching or Diet Coke inhalation ;) I got yo’ back, homes.

Check out THIS THREAD on 2peas. Apparently, posters who had subscribed to Scrapbooks, Etc. through DiscountMags.com* recently got this e-mail.

Dear (Subscriber),

Your order for Scrapbooks ETC has been canceled (Order #——- on 02/15/2012).

Cancellation reason: The magazine has ceased publication.

Refund Amount: $10.00
Please allow 5 business days for refund to return to your account.

We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reply to this e-mail.

Sincerely,
Customer Care
Disc0unt Mags.c0m

* No, I’m not going to give them the privilege of a link because that is a reeeeeeealy bonehead move. Do *NOT* mess around about a scrapbooking magazine being shut down. We don’t take too kindly to that kind of thing. And we bear scissors. And cutters, trimmers, piercers, and punches. Yeah, I said PUNCHES. Be skerred. Be very skerred.

K, so … it turns out the e-mail was incorrect. If you scroll down on page 1 of the thread, you’ll see this:

Hey, Peas! Michelle Rubin from Scrapbooks etc. here. We are still in publication! In fact we’re busy working away on our June issue. We’re checking into this e-mail, though. So it’s business as usual. Please feel free to renew your subscription!

Michelle Rubin
Editor
Scrapbooks etc.

First of all, that’s what I love about 2peas message board. You have a scrapbooking question or concern, you post about it, and you get answers – often right from the source.

Secondly, SO glad SCRAPBOOKS ETC. isn’t ceasing publication, and that Michelle took the time to come and squelch the rumors. It sounds like she had a little convo with the discount maggers because further down in the thread, a Pea posted this:

I just received a follow up email with an apology for saying that Scrapbooks, Etc. was ceasing publication. It just said that they were not offering the publication through their service.

Duh. That’s a pretty major difference, Discount Magazine People. I mean, really??? So now my scrappy heart can start beating again. Since the beginning, I’ve gotten Scrapbooks Etc. {because I’m a SB magazine ho, and I don’t mind their change in format as much AS I THOUGHT I WOULD}.

Until recently, I bought it off the newsstand but then a cute kid with a magazine fundraiser wouldn’t leave me alone and I subscribed. {“Who are these little people and why do they keep calling me ‘mom’?”}.

Just today I was considering whether to re-up even though my subscription goes through August. But honestly (and kinda’ related to this), I decided not to because of all the scrapbook magazines that have stopped publishing … and I don’t want to be left holding the bag. Yeah, I have *that* much confidence in today’s scrapbook magazine industry. Color me jaded.

Anyway, glad to hear SBE is planning to continue. They and CREATING KEEPSAKES are the only scrapbook magazines I still buy. Isn’t it crazy how many there used to be and now there’s TWO? Times have sure changed :(

Oh! Gotta’ go! Someone is knocking at the door. Better not be one of those cute magazine fundraiser kids. I. will. not. cave. Wish me luck!

ETA later the same night: Well, shukes! I can’t even be righteously indignant toward the Discount Maggers that sent out the erroneous info. Check out this contrite e-mail they’re now sending their customers:

We are writing to you today, to apologize for incorrectly stating in a previous e-mail that Scrapbooks ETC will be ceasing publication. We are unable to fulfill your subscription because this magazine is no longer available through our website. A full refund back to your original payment method has already been promptly processed. In offering this deal, it was certainly our intention to complete all orders.

Clearly, we did not meet your, or our own, expectations for the excellent service you deserve from us. Please be assured that we will take this opportunity to conduct a comprehensive review of our entire process in offering this deal, so this situation does not happen again. We have enclosed a code for $5 off your next DiscountMags.com purchase, in the hopes you will shop with us again and see that we are committed to doing better.

Gift Certificate: (a big long number)

Again, please accept our most sincere apology.

Sincerely,

DiscountMags.com Customer Service Team

It’s not even fun to be mad when someone apologizes like that, huh? Good on ya’, Disc0untMags.c0m!

52 Lists in 52 Weeks: List #7

HERE is Kelli’s list prompt.

CURRENTLY …

listening: to Adele Live at Royal Albert Hall

adele live at royal albert hall

eating: nothing yet today … and it’s almost 11; I’d better get a Skinny Muffin and some coffee going
drinking: iced herbal tea
wearing: Old Navy black sweats and a long-sleeved red tee from Kohl’s
weather: cool and clear
wanting: some free time for a book, a fire, and a glass of wine (see my last list)
needing: to do some transcribing that’s due in the morning
thinking: I can’t wait for my family to get home
enjoying: blogging again … finally :)

What are you eating, drinking, wearing … these days? Would love to see your list! Link it in Comments :)

Memory Works: Simple Stories “Awesome, “Fabulous”, and “Documented” Available NOW!!!

Okay, so Bad News, Good News …

The Bad News is that I got busy and didn’t ever get organized to take pre-orders on the new SIMPLE STORIES releases from CHA like I said I would. {“BAD CONSULTANT!! Twenty lashes with a deco ruler and no late night scrapping for you!”}

But the Good News is that those lines are … JUST RELEASED AND AVAILABLE NOW!!
Woot, woot!

AWESOME

simple stories awesome

FABULOUS

simple stories fabulous

and

DOCUMENTED

simple stories documented

If you want to help a sista’ out and order it from me, HERE is where ya’ do it. It’s easy … just like any other online shopping. You put stuff in your cart, submit the order, I send you a Paypal invoice (or will take checks), and once payment is cleared, it ships straight to you from our Utah home office within 1-2 business days (although when they get busy with new releases, it can sometimes take an extra day).

See? Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

Simple Stories vs. Cosmo Cricket: Copycat or Coincidence?

On THIS POST about a new Memory Works line ~ Simple Stories “Fabulous” ~ a commenter stated this:

The paper “Sweet” is a total ripoff if not close to an exact copy of a Cosmo Cricket paper from Odds N Ends, Eclectic.

So let’s compare the two papers and see what ya’ll think.

COSMO CRICKET Odds & Ends** “Eclectic” paper

cosmo cricket odds and ends eclectic

SIMPLE STORIES Fabulous “Sweet” paper {Sorry, I can’t isolate just the “Sweet” paper; please scroll down a bit}.

memory works simple stories fabulous sweet

Here are my observations:

~ Both papers do have a similar overall design with with a circular doily-type pattern.

~ Both make use of softer or “shabby” color schemes.

~ Both are multi-colored, as opposed to one solid color (I’m referring just to the “A” sides)

~ Eclectic has 2 sizes of the “doilies” while Sweet uses multiple sizes (I count 6)

~ Eclectic is in a very set pattern while Sweet is more random.

Obviously, I’m biased because I’m a 5-year consultant with MEMORY WORKS who produces the Simple Stories lines. So my opinion doesn’t matter much … but I’ll give it to ya’ anyway ;)

I do think the 2 papers are alike and I can see why the similarity caught the commenter’s eye. If I had first seen the Cosmo Cricket paper and then saw the Simple Stories paper, I probably would’ve thought “Wow, ‘Sweet’ reminds me of a paper I’ve seen before.”

But overall I don’t see Sweet as a “ripoff” or “exact copy” of Eclectic. They are definitely similar … no denying that. But I don’t know how you would use a circular, doily-type design and not have it look similar to Eclectic. There are only so many ways you can arrange circles on a 12×12 canvas.

The colors are different enough to give a different overall feel; from Eclectic I get “shabby, vintage, warm” and from Sweet I get “girly, Spring, happy.” Besides, DOILIES ARE KINDA’ HOT right now ;)

So … what do you think: Copycat or coincidence?

**P.S.: I do find it pretty funny that the Cosmo Cricket line that Eclectic comes from is called “Odds N Ends” … because that’s very similar to the name of a NEW SIMPLE STORIES LINE … which is “Odds & Ends”. :) :)

simple stories odds n ends

I’m sure it’s just another coincidence ;)

Photo Booth and Scrapbook Services Rentals

Check out THIS article from ABOUT.COM called “Scrapbooking Trend Watch: Photo Booth and Scrapbook Services Rentals” and see what you think of this new thang.

I’ve seen ads on my local Craiglist jobs page looking to hire attendants for these portable photo booths. And they still have photo booths at our county fair each year. So I knew photo booths were still out there ~ that they are loads of fun and produce such “unique” photos, LOL. But I didn’t know until I read the above-linked article that scrapbooking had been incorporated into the mix.

Just to give you an idea of the modern take on photo booths, here are some examples of photo booth rental companies: The Portable Photo Booth, CapturePod, and My Portable Photo Booth.

portable photo booth

I think it sounds pretty clever and fun. I wish this set-up had been around when I got married. It’s another fun thing to add to the par-tay and at the end of the night, you end up with a scrapbook of photos and journaling from your beloved guests. And YOU the scrapper didn’t even have to do all the work ~ hollah!

An exciting thing about this trend is that it provides yet another way for scrapbookers to turn their hobby (aka obsession) into a business. If you love people, attending fun events, and scrapbooking, you should contact your local photo booth rental companies and see if they’d like to partner with you or hire you as a supplement to their parties. It would be a win-win. I think if potential customers knew that not only would they get the photo booth at their event AND would get a scrapbook to take home, these companies would book even more events.

Man, now I want to be invited to an event where there’s a photo booth and scrapbooking, LOL! All the sample pictures on the websites make it look like so much fun. Have you been to an event with one of these portable photo booths and if so, did they have the scrapbook option? If there was a photo booth at a wedding or party you attended, would you go in, act goofy, and have your photo taken? What do you think of this whole concept?

New Scrapbook Novel Launch Party … and some GREAT prizes!

Okay, this is a two-fer. Not only are you going to learn about a new scrapbook novel that’s coming out, but you’re going to enter for some amazing scrappy prizes.

HERE YOU GO.

You can thank me later =)

{Which, if you win, should take the form of sharing some of that booty, eh? Fer shizzle.}

PS: Make that a three-fer. Courtney is posting giveaways all week. Just keep checking HER BLOG. Good luck!

Memory Works: Simple Stories Reveal #3 …. It’s Totally “Awesome”

Over on the SIMPLE STORIES BLOG, they’ve revealed their third new line for CHA later this month!! It’s all all boy line called “AWESOME.”


Note: All images and projects are courtesy of the Simple Stories blog.

Again, they’ve got these “awesome” 6×8 pages that will fit into THIS new journal/scrapbook; it was introduced on Monday. You can mix and match all the new lines in it: so far, we’re talkin’ “FABULOUS” and “Awesome.” Maybe more later this week … I hope!

These are my favorite stamps – the license plates are classic!

Hey, I hope you’re entering the daily contests on the Simple Stories blog. You can win an entire set of a new collection just for entering a comment. Memory Works totally RAWKS. I’ve been a CONSULTANT with them for almost 5 years now. HERE is my website.

I’ll be taking pre-orders on all these new lines, which are due out in March. More details to follow on that … My understanding is they’re due out in March 2012 so we have a little time :)

After yesterday’s reveal of “Fabulous” ~ a more girly, feminine, spring, bright, pretty line ~ I was very glad to see this more boyish one. I love that it uses boy-friendly colors but it’s not the traditional primary blue/red/yellow. There are so many elements that can be used on other layouts, too. I’m picturing Fall, sports, travel, teen, etc. I can even see some toddler pages, with some of the fun sayings like “Are you looking for trouble?” I love their take on the banner flags, too.

What do you think of “Awesome,” Simple Stories’ new line for boys?

Memory Works: CHA Reveal #2

Well, YESTERDAY’S REVEAL was certainly a big hit. Everyone seems to love the new Simple Stories line of a 6×8 personalized scrapbooking/journal line, along with memorabilia pockets up to 12×12 size.

Now it’s time for Memory Works and Simple Stories big reveal #2 of CHA …. Introducing “Fabulous”!!!


NOTE: All images and projects are courtesy of the Simple Stories blog

The Simple Basics Designer Cardstock is one of my favorite elements of the “Fabulous” line. I love the pretty, simple prints AND the ledger sides, too. How will a girl choose???

These “Fabulous” Journal Pages will go with the 6×8 journal products revealed YESTERDAY. Is that cool or what? My mind is spinning with the creative possibilities of mixing and matching these journal pages from all the new Simple Stories lines into the 6×8 journals! Oh my gosh, talk about personalizing your journal/scrapbook!

Okay, that’s the whole line ~ what do you think? I’m loving the whole thing. Often “girl” lines are just pink-pink-pink, and it really limits what you can use the lines for. One thing I like about “Fabulous” is that it has a variety of colors and designs that can be used for other layouts – for instance, All About Me, spring, summer, swimming, birthday, etc.

On the message board for MEMORY WORKS consultants, we’ve gathered suggestions for future Simple Stories lines at least twice before. “Boy” and “girl” collections always come up, so I know many will be happy there’s now a girl line for Simple Stories.

I hope it means that a Boy line is next. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s reveal!!

Memory Works: Simple Stories CHA Reveals This Week!

It’s going to be an exciting week for Memory Works! I’ve been a CONSULTANT with this company for almost 4 years and love new Simple Stories releases. Every single line has been something that I’ve loved and I can tell this week will be no exception.

HERE IS REVEAL #1 !!!


NOTE: All images and projects are courtesy of the Simple Stories blog.

It’s a whole new system within the Simple Stories framework and design concept: 6×8 elements that you can make a personalized mini album with or use the elements in your 12×12 albums. It’s like a combination SMASH BOOK, PROJECT LIFE, and SIMPLE STORIES all put into one.

{Sorry the blog looks a bit wonky but I figured you’d want to see BIG pictures of it!}

Memory Works Simple Stories Documented

Memory Works Simple Stories Documented

Memory Works Simple Stories Documented

I love this whole concept and can’t wait to get my hot little hands on it! The stated release date is March 2012. If ya’ll let me know you’re interested, I’ll do pre-orders again. That way, when the items are released, you’ll already be paid in full and I can submit your order the minute everything goes on sale … which is a good thing, as the new Simple Stories have been known to sell out quickly on their initial run.

What are your thoughts so far? Are you curious what else Simple Stories by Memory Works has in store this week? If you see anything you want to pre-order, leave me some comments so I can get to planning :)

Happy “Simple” Monday to ya!

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