frame your art
Most of you that read my blog are scrapbook artists (or as my friend, Ali Edwards, calls it ... LIFE ARTISTS. Love that.) Let me ask you something: Are all of your works of art hidden in albums? Have you displayed your art in your home? Just in case you haven't yet, here's something simple you can do:
Choose any frame, any size, and decorate a page with a family picture or something. I made this for my friend, Jen. I mentioned earlier that I've been doing some other home decor projects and I'll be sharing those in the coming days.
Speaking of Ali, I got a sneak peak at her new book, Life Artist: Scrapbooking Life's Journey. Excellent. Just what we all expect from Ali, and what we love about her. So proud of her on another fabulous project. I'm totally inspired. Alright - enough gushing.
I feel like I've got a little catching up to do with some of your questions:
[ teaching ]
Some of you have asked about when & where I'm teaching at various events. Part of the reason why I keep this blog is to keep those who are interested totally informed about anything and everything "work-related" that I'm involved in. So I promise you, if I've got a new project, product, or book - you'll know. If I'm showing up at a scrapbook store or teaching at a convention - you'll know. My last 2 scheduled events for the year are CKU-Orlando (Oct. 11-13) and CKC-Kansas City (Oct. 19-20).
[ good photos ]
chance1 asked about photographing projects. She said her flash is always "shining in the pics". The trick is this: Natural, indirect light (NOT direct sunlight) and turn OFF the flash. You can manually turn the flash off on your camera. If you don't know how, read that part of your manual. For most cameras, you just need to press the lightening bolt icon until you can see that the flash is off (because the lightening bolt is in a circle with a diagonal line going through it.
[ clarification ]
A few of you have asked about the contents of my new Sketches book. ALL of the sketches in this book are collected from all of my published sketches from the past 5 years. This includes my "Becky's Sketch" column in Creating Keepsakes magazine, Sketches 1 and 2 books, online bonus material, etc. But every SINGLE layout that I did for this book (nearly 200) is BRAND NEW. It took me roughly 5 months to pull that off.
[ because i love you ]
It only feels natural to give a couple books away, right? Absolutely! No trivia. Just post a comment with your name & one of the SPECIFIC blessings that you are enjoying today. I believe that the very act of writing down your blessings makes you more aware of those blessings.
I'll choose a couple names at random and I'll do this on Tuesday, 9/25. So you have until Monday night.
[ ps ]
Congratulations to Elizabeth Kartchner, our newly named Scrapbooker of the Year!
Choose any frame, any size, and decorate a page with a family picture or something. I made this for my friend, Jen. I mentioned earlier that I've been doing some other home decor projects and I'll be sharing those in the coming days.
Speaking of Ali, I got a sneak peak at her new book, Life Artist: Scrapbooking Life's Journey. Excellent. Just what we all expect from Ali, and what we love about her. So proud of her on another fabulous project. I'm totally inspired. Alright - enough gushing.
I feel like I've got a little catching up to do with some of your questions:
[ teaching ]
Some of you have asked about when & where I'm teaching at various events. Part of the reason why I keep this blog is to keep those who are interested totally informed about anything and everything "work-related" that I'm involved in. So I promise you, if I've got a new project, product, or book - you'll know. If I'm showing up at a scrapbook store or teaching at a convention - you'll know. My last 2 scheduled events for the year are CKU-Orlando (Oct. 11-13) and CKC-Kansas City (Oct. 19-20).
[ good photos ]
chance1 asked about photographing projects. She said her flash is always "shining in the pics". The trick is this: Natural, indirect light (NOT direct sunlight) and turn OFF the flash. You can manually turn the flash off on your camera. If you don't know how, read that part of your manual. For most cameras, you just need to press the lightening bolt icon until you can see that the flash is off (because the lightening bolt is in a circle with a diagonal line going through it.
[ clarification ]
A few of you have asked about the contents of my new Sketches book. ALL of the sketches in this book are collected from all of my published sketches from the past 5 years. This includes my "Becky's Sketch" column in Creating Keepsakes magazine, Sketches 1 and 2 books, online bonus material, etc. But every SINGLE layout that I did for this book (nearly 200) is BRAND NEW. It took me roughly 5 months to pull that off.
[ because i love you ]
It only feels natural to give a couple books away, right? Absolutely! No trivia. Just post a comment with your name & one of the SPECIFIC blessings that you are enjoying today. I believe that the very act of writing down your blessings makes you more aware of those blessings.
I'll choose a couple names at random and I'll do this on Tuesday, 9/25. So you have until Monday night.
[ ps ]
Congratulations to Elizabeth Kartchner, our newly named Scrapbooker of the Year!
at
9:32 AM
366 Comments:
Commenter 1 hardly ever gets picked, right? ;O) I'm thankful that my geraniums still look so good. I love opening my kitchen door to the crisp autumn air and seeing my bright fuschia geraniums in their pots on my side porch.
Here in South Africa, the school's have just broken up for a weeks vacation, the dams are full (we get winter rain and a hot dry summer)and my middlest has a sprinkling of freckles proving spring really is here. Stefanie Semple
My boys ---
I'm a single mom of 2 boys. When I get overwhelmed with my situation (work full-time, Primary president, not living close to family or ex) my boys are always there to be helpful & extremely patient with me. They remind me of what is good in this life & what is most important. I'm blessed to be their mother.
I'm thankful that my son didn't come home from school with another note!!! He came home from school with one on Wednesday (he's 4 in preschool 3 days a week). And because he didn't get a note, we are going to do some fun art this afternoon:) Finger paints here we come.
I'm thankful that I get to stay at home with my 4 kids and not have to worry too much about money.
Seeing my daughter fall in love (expecting a proposal very soon)!
I'm thankful that I get to watch "Island Princess" with my cousin Kathryne tonight. I gave it to her for her birthday and the look on her face when she got it was amazing!
Hi Becky!
My specific blessing(s) for today is that the tempature has broke here (which I'm sure you are thankful for also, fellow Arizonian) and that I can once again take the boys out to play. I'm thankful that we are probally going to be putting a pool in, which will be so nice for next summer. And, 1 final one, I am so very grateful that my son is belonging, since he started kindergarten!
Michelle Adams
I'm grateful that it's Friday, the house is clean and I'll be going out to dinner with my husband and our daughter tonight.
:)
I am blessed and very thankful that I am at home with my daughter; who turned 16 months old today!
Hey Becky!! I'm jealous - my mom took one of your classes at Memory Trends and said you are a terrific teacher!! Wish I could have been there!!
I am thankful that I got to have a family picnic (although indoors beacuse of rain) at my son's school today with my husband, son and daughter!
I am SO thankful that I am a stay at home mom to my son (18 months old) this year. I am also thankful that he has just recently started saying "I love you" ("I lalala") after I say it to him when he lays down for nap. I know, sappy, but it is music to my ears!! I am so blessed to have 2 wonderful children who light up my world and a wonderful husband I can joke around with!
Thanks for all your inspiration Becky!
Right now as I am listening to my 4 year old son sing me one of his favorite songs from Sunday School I am thinking to myself how truly lucky I am a) to have him~ we almost didn't and b) how truly blessed I am that my husband works as hard as he does so I can stay home with my son and listen to his sweet little voice singing!
I am happy to know that my family and friends are going to be there to help Mum with her yard sale today. We will be selling a lot of my dear Dad's tools and clothes. (miss you Dad R.I.P).
Raewyn
I'm thankful for changing seasons! I love FALL! Thanks for your inspiration and beautiful work!
I have so many things to be grateful for..and today one of them is that I get to spend time with this evening with a group of true friends--they are wonderful!
I'm thankful for good friends that have blessed my life so much for so many years. I love girls night!
My specific blessing for today is that my husband took the day of work just to have a day off(days off for him are few and far between, it seems). It's so nice just to be together, relax, and have a day where we aren't rushing around trying to do a million things.
ocmath@yahoo.com
I am a newly single mom, divorced from an abusive man, and grateful for SO many things. To be away from my ex, to have my son with me - I am SO blessed just to be his mother.
I've been stressing about how to pay for my son's preschool lately, getting him enrolled is rather expensive. (Those upfront costs, and of course no child support or help from Dad...!) At the same time, the car broke down, and I was quoted about $500 to fix it. HUGE :(. The car place just called me and told me that it wasn't the part they originally thought it was, but something else, and it's going to be much less to fix it, meaning that I can get my son into preschool. I am SO confident that God blesses me every day, and as soon as I got off the phone with the car place I burst into tears thanking God for watching out for me! This just happened about 20 minutes ago... what timing of this post, asking for blessings! Another GodBreeze!
I am thankful for my beautiful daughter. After being told I would never have kids, each day with her seems like a miracle to my hubby and myself.
I'm thankful that I just had a very fun morning with my two kids and a bunch of friends at the Philadelphia Zoo. Beautiful weather here. I'm so thankful for my family and the fun we have together.
Becky--I am just going to add that tomorrow (the 22nd) is my daughter's 7th birthday. I feel so lucky and BLESSED to have her (and my 3 year old son) in my life...I have Type 1 diabetes and the doctors told me I would never have kids!
So, I have to say, I am counting my blessings--and tomorrow I can count her for 7 years worth! :)
Sara
Oops sorry forgot my email address!
brookesummer@gmail.com
Happy Friday everyone!
I am so thankful that my 6 year old son had a good week at school. And I am also thankful that my 9 year old daughter continues to do well in school. But most of all, I am blessed with a great family!
I am so thankful for a loving husband who works so hard to allow me to stay at home with my little girls.
Karol
I am enjoying the blessing of spending time with my daughter who is asking how to spell words like "whoa" & "eww." She makes me smile :)
Becky- This is cheesy, but I am thankful for visiting teachers!!!! Last night we had a visit scheduled for a woman and she didn't end up being home, so my companion and I had an hour to kill until the next visit! We decided to go to the scrapbook store so I could finally buy YOUR BOOK, and they were gone! I finally didn't have my four kids with me (all five and under!!!), I finally got to go to a scrapbook store in peace and the book was gone! I was so disappointed...Well, we went to our next visit, and low and behold she had the book for me!! It was her copy (brand new) but she knew how bad I wanted it and picked it up earlier in the day. She just gave it to me! It made my night! I would love to win a copy (oh and if it were autogrpahed!!!) to give one back to her for being so selfless. Aren't I suppossed to be the one helping the ladies I visit teach? It is truly a benefit to have visiting teachers AND to be one as I found out.
By the way, your book is absolutely incredible. You have done so many awesome layouts. Kudos to you and your hard work. Because of you I also know how to scrapbook four years of med. school (my husband is a 4th year at Ohio State) and residency when we start next fall. Thank you!! I was wondering how to culminate four years into a layout! Thanks again!!!
I'm thankful that i have three healthy children that make me smile everytime i look at them...even when they are driving me crazy like today!
I feel blessed for having some of the best friends at work. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't bust a gut laughing. I love my job because of them!
I am thankful for my husband arriving home safely and being able to take Friday off to spend family time with me and our daughter. I am thankful for a date night too. My blessings are abundant.
Today I am thankful for good health. My family has gone through icky illness for a couple weeks and right now we are all HEALTHY!
Jennifer
So grateful for my family of 3 - soon to be 4 in the spring! :)
I am so blessed by the friends God has put in my life and the wonderful time we spent together today (at Whole Foods - yum!).
Can't wait to see your home decor ideas!
I feel so blessed today that I am almost 7 weeks pregnant with our second child. (Although I am NOT feeling blessed with this all day morning sickness! Yuck!)
I am thankful for art time at our local library.
Shannon
I am thankful for everyone in my life....they mean so much!
Emily J.
eminick77@yahoo.com
We feel especially blessed today to simply have our home....as we just saw neighbors lose their home due to a foreclosure. You hear about it, but it is so much more real when you are helping your friends quickly move their belongings out of their home before it is locked up.
Thanks for sharing all of your tips on your blog! :)
Hi Becky...so excited to see your book!!
What I am grateful for today...my husband watching our three kids this evening so I can get out and go to a crop with my friends - I've been looking forward to it all month :)
I'm grateful for the new James Blunt CD!
karina
I feel blessed everyday with the thought that I was able to spend quality time with my Mother before she died 2 years ago the day before my birthday. Although it was at a difficult time for my marriage going through a seperation, I am grateful that it happened and allowed me to be close to her when she needed me and I needed her. Thank you Mom for making me a stronger person during that time.
Recently, my son did an essay on an inspriational female character and he chose me. I am proud that he is still young enough to be "in love" with his Mother but old enough to express it hismelf.
I feel totally blessed for being pregnant with another little boy (an unexpected 3rd baby). I couldn't be happier to feel this little guy kicking around inside, poking and prodding me, and making me sick (STILL) almost every day. I'm lucky and I'm thankful.
Hi Becky! It was fun seeing you at CE a few weeks ago.
My specific blessing for today is listening to my 2-year-old son talk. He likes to add syllables to words (like saying "turn-deen" for turn or "mooken" for milk) I laugh every time. I'm reminding myself of the blessing of hearing his cute little voice speak since he's so grumpy today! :)
Rorie Boss
I am enjoying the time with my son today while he is off-track. I don't get too many days anymore where we can spend time together doing fun things just the two of us.
Girlfriend...
Tomato Plants! Our four cherry tomato plants were the only plants to survive out of our garden this year! It's the fact that all 400 million cherry tomatoes decided to bloom at once teaching us the value of work, responsibility, service and enjoyement when you can eat them fresh off the vine!!! Fantastic!!
Kate
PS...how can a gal NOT be thankful for the specific blessings of lipgloss and eye concealer though!! Honorable Mentions! Have a great weekend everyone!!
I woke up this morning on the first day of school holidays here to a beautiful blue sky, and the boys (so far) behaving well!!! You gotta be happy with that :o)
I am so grateful for our health insurance to help cover our ever growing family.
Alisa
The weather today, on a perfect Friday afternoon, is such a blessing. The perfect fall weekend - one of my very favorite things. :)
I am thankful that I have great students this year (I teach high school English), but I am even more thankful that today's Friday so I'll have some extra time to hang out with my family and maybe even scrapbook!
I am so blessed to have a husband that spoils me. If there is anything that I ever want he will get it for me. He listens to things I say and he knows exactly want to get for every holiday. I sometimes feel like I take him for granted. But I do love him dearly.
Thanks for all your great insipiration.
Maria
I am blessed to be just me! It was not for me than I could not be a GREAT mom, wife, sister and friend. Life has many ups and downs but you still have to beleive in yourself and what GOD has given me to be on this earth.
WE ARE ALL BLESSED!
Thanks,
JANE
CORONA, CA
I just came from a staff appreciation luncheon. It is such a blessing to have the opportunity to work with such wonderful positive colleagues.
Mary
I am blessed to have such a fantastic husband...he really is my rock, and I love how strong and supportive he is.
Erin Taylor
http:/erintaylor718.blogspot.com
Hi Becky, This week I was able to spend more time feathering the nest. As I clean up and arrange the fall decorations, I cant help but feel blessed to have such a wonderful family to share the season with. I LOVE fall!! it is a time when we all draw closer to home... the days are getting shorter and a bit cooler..( in south Texas It is about 5 degrees cooler, but ya gotta look on the positvie side) Love your blog!!
I am blessed to have spent my Friday morning with my local MOPS (Moms of Pre-schoolers - www.mops.com) group. Getting together with other moms who are going through the same challenges and rewarding experiences as I am is so refreshing!
Denise Schulz
dlynneschulz@comcast.net
I feel blessed that the sun is shining today, my family is healthy, and my mom is coming for a visit.
I feel specifically blessed today because I found out I no longer have to take tamoxifin for my breast cancer. Really happy about that!
Becky, hi, Iam so grateful for my health, as so many don't have that previldge. Paola Norman
I feel blessed because I am so excited because my oldest daughter (17) has a date for homecoming tomorrow night. This is her first date and hope she has a good time. Thanks for the fun contest!
Linda
I am blessed because I heard from my dad today who is in Iraq and he is doing well :) He emailed me some pictures and I think I am going to frame them like the picture in your blog :)
As I walked into my 8 year old daughter's room and thought "I can't believe she didn't pick up her clothes, towel on bathroom floor, etc..." I literally stopped, stood still and thought "Somewhere there is a Mom whose child has died and she just wishes that she could come home and see clothes, towels and books all over the room just one more time." I felt blessed and thankful the whole day that my daughter is healthy, funny and sweet and that I have her with me!
Susanne
Plano, Texas
I feel blessed that I am able to stop studying for my class to look on a wonderful blog and get a good idea for a creative way to frame pictures.
I am also blessed to be able to have a brain that allows me to take college classes.
Hi Becky! Happy weekend to you!
I am blessed with girlfriends today... I've moved 400 miles away from "home" and have been missing them terribly. Specifically, I am blessed with one friend who is meeting me in Atlanta for a Braves game tomorrow. Such fun!!! :)
I am also BLESSED to have the opportunity (albeit a small chance) to win the latest book of my all-time scrapbooking hero, just because she is cool enough to give a few away. Thanks for that.
Rebecca
Nashville, TN
Just one thing? I am thankful for life :0) R
Becky, I love that frame, I am going to get some home decor things made!!! So, I am specifically enjoying the sunshine today, it has been overcast and cold, and today it is just beautiful! I love warm fall days!
Thanks for the chance to win your awesome new book!
Sabrina S
It truly has been a blessing to have my husband home for three weeks to help with our newborn and three other children. The baby is having some colic so having my husband home has allowed me to sleep and keep my sanity :0)
Becky, Love the frame!!
Ok, today I am blessed by friendship and my family. I have not spoken to a close friend of mine much in the past couple of weeks, and we went to lunch today. I missed her...
Kelly B
I came out of a meeting at work today and had a headache so I went straight to the coke machine and put my 3 little quarters in. Let me just say, as I was chugging the first few swallows of a much needed diet coke... I was feeling very blessed!
Jodi
jodi_memmott@hotmail.com
My blessing today - TWO NAPPING TODDLERS! Yes!!!
I am so blessed in so many ways, but today I am most thankful for my sister who is my best friend and about to become a mom for the fourth time any minute now. Can't wait to meet little Vinnie! Thanks Becky for all you do.
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I am blessed that my school let me and another wonderful math teacher job share this year. Not only do I get to be home with my son more, but I am becoming a better math teacher by collaborating with her!
Amy
Hi Becky
I am blessed with having the opportunity to work temporarily with 8 special need children who are moderately to mildly impaired! It has been extremely exhausting - but such a huge growth experience!!!! I am blessed to get to know these neat kids!
Cindy
Hi Becky,
I feel blessed again today to be a mom because of my 6 year old daughter. She is the most sweetest and kindest little girl. She came up for no reason today hugged me and kissed me and told me I was her "most favorite Mommy and she loves me". I love and cherish those unexpected moments.
Stephanie G.
Scrapbug421@yahoo.com
My husband came home early.
I am blessed to have my younger sister, my daughter and her friend, spend the weekend with me to simply scrap. And spend quality quality family + loving time together!
Patrice Mills.
I'm blessed with a husband who makes me laugh everyday.
I am blessed to have such a SUPER sister-in-law!! :) Just thought I'd comment... thanks again for your book-- love it! I can tell you put a LOT of hard work and heart into it. I love my layouts, too. I always appreciate you sharing your gifts and talents with me.
After school, my children are playing at a neighbors house. I'm so thankful we have wonderful neighbors whom we trust and that have children ours get along with famously! Yeah for the O'Reilly family in Arlington VA!
Lots to be thankful for at my house this week. We had a scare on Wednesday because my husband had severe chest pains and they found a couple of abnormalities on his EKG. After an afternoon in the ER and lots of tests, it turned out to be nothing. Nothing like that to make you realize how short life is and how many blessings you have!
Brek
So excited about the book...today I am grateful for my new nephew who is in town for a visit---yeah!
Betsy Partridge
Hi Becky! Right now I'm feeling grateful for a new friend I've found...Sarah (she's the best!).
My most favorite page that I've ever done was inspired by one of your sketches! I'm so thankful for a supportive husband who cleaned my house for me top to bottom and took care of our 4 kiddos so I could finish a lesson I was working on- but I'm truly blessed everyday!
Bridget Baxter
thanks so much Becky!
i'd love to have your book...i've tried 2 places and both sold out before i got there! congrats to you on it being so popular!
i'm thankful today for my 5 yr old loving school and being able to pick him up each day and see the joy on his face!
thanks again!
angie g.
I got to take a nap today.
Natasha s.
I'm thankful for beautiful September weather and a great sister in laws to make salsa with -over 200 jars this week! Thanks for the chance to win something but I'll be buying your new book no matter what. I love the other two sketches books and use them constantly.
Nancy
koetsierfamily@sympatico.ca
i'm thanking for being back home with my husband after a week-long business trip. there's nothing like coming home!
Becky - I already have your book but would love to have an extra copy to give to one of my friends - that's why I'm "entering". The book, by the way, is FABULOUS!!!! It is so wonderful having examples of your work to use as a starting point. Thank you for taking the time to do this. I'll be coming to both of your classes in October in Kansas City - I can't wait!
I am so blessed to have my son. I've had two miscarriages this year and am at least grateful to have him in my life (since I know there are so many people that can't have children at all!). Although it's been so hard to deal with it's also helped me to put things into perspective and to appreciate the little things in life. I think it has also made me a better "life artist".
Thanks again for all that you do! You're such an inspiration and an artist. I can't wait to see you at CKC - KC!
Natalie
Overland Park, KS
My blessing for the day is health. I just got back from a ride to chemotherapy with my 33 year old galpal who is fighting colon cancer right now. Just puts in perspective, that even though I'm a little overweight, I certainly have nothing to complain about. And, hopefully the support of friends with positive attitudes is really helping my friend right now. Go Girlfriend Power!!! Thanks for the opportunity for fresh perspective. Wendy C.
Ok, well, here I am sitiing at my computer, thinking of a specific blessing for today. My twelve year old son Quinn, just this moment, walks up to me and says "Mom I need a hug" for no specific reason at all, and then out the door he goes to play. WOW, there it is, that is why I feel extremely blessed today!!!!!!!!!!!!
Peg
Very excited about your new book. I am very grateful that my now 10year old enjoyed his party yesterday and that we have fine weather for the first day of the school holidays.
Seemingly small, but two days ago, when I returned home from CKC-Phoenix, I discovered my favorite lotion had exploded all over my hair care products. Luckily they were all in a large ziplock bag, but still---just the sight of all the mess overwhelmed me.
So I left it in a corner on our vanity counter and forgot all about it. There were more urgent matters, like 3 hungry boys and lots of laundry to address.
When I went looking for the baggie today, I discovered all the bottles sitting on the counter, perfectly clean and no baggie in sight.
More than any jewelry or gift, that little act of my husband's made me feel so grateful!
Love your work and all your books! Thanks for the chance to win a book!
I feel blessed today because tonight I get to go spend 3 hours with my friends at our monthly scrapbook bible study! We are scrapping about the Fruit of the Spirit! Fun!
Lynn
My blessing today came when I sang out loud (I can't carry a tune!) to the Wicked Musical soundtrack and it brought such a smile on my face! Love the blessings music gives us.
Cori Gubler
My healthy kids.
Kami O
The blessing(s) I am enjoying right now are my kids! My ds is almost 18 and a senior in high school. He will be off at college next year at this time. I am trying to savor every moment left at home with him!
Blessings.. hmm ..kind of an ironic topic for me today. There was a horriffic accident in front of our local high school yesterday 2 students were hit by a car driven by another student. One of the kids passed away and the other may be paralyzed. So today I am counting my blessings, my health, my family, my friends and the wonderful life that I have. Hug your kids, family memebers and friends tight for you never know what is around the next bend.
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I am so grateful to have an amazing friend named BH she is the best. I miss her, we have so much fun together. Great friends to me are such a blessing.
There is my shout out.
Do I count?
PS Darling family in the framed picture.
My blessing is homemade oatmeal!
Katie