What I REALLY Enjoy About Scrapbooking

(Originally written in January 2006)

1. I really like accomplishing a great layout quickly.
2. I really enjoy using awesome embellishments. (I especially like eyelets!) Update: I really like incorporating paper or fabric flowers in my work now.)
3. I really enjoy creating one-of-a-kind handmade themed books!!
4. I really enjoy getting caught up on a project in one night!
5. I really love looking at my scrapbooks later or sharing with others.

I just can't seem to really stay in a place of satisfaction with the hobby. What does this mean? Should I call it quits? Always be behind, struggling to catch up? It's January - should I RESOLVE to start our Family Album, completing at least one page a month, and work on others if I have time? I know I have to decide something about this hobby. I do love it, but I won't be compelled to do it - it just takes away the very reason I started - to vent my creativity into something lasting and beneficial. I hope I can resolve it soon...

Update: Isn't this funny? I have a idea notebook I write in. I stumbled across this entry recently. I just got back from a scrapbooking retreat and I have to say scrapbooking is one of my favorite things to do.

Just had to share.

Blame it on Branson

We went to Branson over the weekend. Very crowded, tourist-y place. Thankfully, my uncle lives there so we had a place to relax (as much as someone can relax with 4 young children).

I was hanging out with my mom and SIL one day and we happened upon a scrapbook store. (I love going to scrapbook stores in other cities or states. It's always fun to see the different sort of stuff they have.) Anyway, I saw one of those new fangled ribbon organizers.

If you have a lot of craft ribbon too, you may have at one time contemplated the various solutions out there or come up with one of your own. I did. I made a really cute ribbon holder from a round dessert plate box. I loved how cute it was, all customized with patterned paper and buttons. Unfortunately, once I started adding the ribbon (the point of the whole thing) I quickly realized it wasn't gonna hold much. It was just too small! And as I looked at other options out there, I came to the same conclusion. Portability is also important to me, so a freestanding desktop contraption wouldn't work either.

But this organizer I saw on vacation, and I think I also saw it at the recent scrapbook convention I attended, looked like just what I needed! Turned it over, looked at the price and decided maybe I didn't need it THAT much! Put it out of my mind, went on with my day/vacation.

Fast forward to Wednesday night. I was at Target, perusing the Dollar Spot (love it!). Some of the bins are pretty empty, just a few summer items left - beach hats, jellies (can't believe I used to wear those!), vinyl tote bags, WAIT!!. Vinyl tote bags??? Instantly I see it in my mind. My future ribbon tote! Check it out! It cost me $2.50 and about 30 minutes to make. Wha-la, instant ribbon organizer, totally portable!