falling in love...with scrapbooking???

i decided to push the next class giveaway to tomorrow. make sure to come back to enter, it's FABULOUS.

two hints:

1. it is the brainchild of the super creative Shimelle!

2. i contributed to the class, here's a peek!

 

do you like my new blog design? if you are reading through google reader or another subscription service, click on over to my blog and hit refresh. let me know what you think...i'm pretty happy with it. can you tell i'm ready for spring?

i made the banner using a calendar paper from karla dudley at digichick.

okay. now onto the true topic today.

falling in love with scrapbooking. the true meaning of scrapbooking.

first, i have to talk about cathy zielske.

i know that almost all of you are so very familiar with her amazingness. if for some reason you aren't, go to her blog immediately and read up. she rocks.

cathy is one of the main reasons that i truly fell in love with scrapbooking. you see, years ago, i purchased both of her clean&simple books.

i had them spiral bound and i read them voraciously. ask jimmy. i truly devoured them. over and over.

i had scrapbooked in high school. and in college i made a scrapbook for Jimmy. By this, I mean a true "scrap"book. painting, photos, memorabilia, magazine clippings, love letters.

i had never ventured into the "modern" version of scrapbooking.

i'll be honest. i didn't know anything about it. i thought it was cheesy. frou-frou. sticker sneeze, i hope you dance, etc. NOT that there is anything wrong with that. but i wasn't drawn to that.

cathy's books taught me what scrapbooking can be about.

i had her books at the hospital with me when i went into labor with harper. i read them through labor, and then after. the first night of harper's life.

i was in a dim room. jimmy was sleeping, harper was sleeping...but i simply couldn't. i was too keyed up, too in awe of what had happened that day. of her.

so i lay in the dim light, reading cathy's books. and i looked at harper, and at jimmy, and decided i truly wanted to scrapbook. i fell in love with what scrapbooking could be about.

This post by Cathy the other day reminded me of that. That layout? Made my cry. How awesome is that idea? How much will her daughter treasure that page?

I love scrapbooking. I do. People may look at me like I'm crazy when I say that. Not many people "In real life" get that. They probably think I'm a dork.

Or, as several people here have told me, that I must have a lot of time on my hands.

How about this? It's my sanity. My therapy. The only thing I have for "myself".

I love making things for my family, but I also love the way the process makes ME feel.

I do worry that some people lose sight of what this hobby (yes, it's my hobby) is about. It's not about competition. Or being well known. Or backstabbing. Or jealousy. Or popularity. Or using the latest and greatest.

20 years down the line, will anyone care that I used the same butterfly punch or paper over and over? No. Will they care that I don't have a "style"? no. Will they care if it got picked up for publication? No.

It's about getting photos and memories down on paper. Recording moments to be treasured. To me that's what it's about.

I don't know...maybe my girls won't want my albums. Maybe they will. Maybe they will throw them in the basement and I'll have a granddaughter, or grandson who will want them.

I still love scrapbooking so much. I won't burn out or quit. Some people do..and that makes me sad. I wish everyone would keep sight of what it should be about.If I didn't have this hobby, I might go nuts!!

I refuse to make things that aren't authentic or meaningful to me. Even when I'm doing "assignments" I make pages that I want for my books.

It's like putting my heart down on paper. Sometimes i just NEED to do it. Like this page.

 

I made this hours after J left. I swear I did it in like 20 minutes, shaking the entire time. You know when you can't keep something you want to say inside? and you blurt it out? that's how this page was for me. and after i made it, i felt better.

or this one:

 

i was keeping those feelings inside and getting them out helped.

and finally this one:

 

gosh, i still remember how good it felt to make this page. another one i just "blurted out". i know i've shown this page a few times over the years, but it's truly the epitome of why i do this.

so there you have it. a somewhat rambling, nonsensical look at why i love this hobby.

do i have "too much time on my hands"- maybe. doubtful though. am i a nerd? definitely. :)

cathy...thanks for teaching me in the first place, and reminding me again the other day. i'm grateful.

happy thursday everyone, have a beautiful day!

xo

Comments

[Kami]

I too at times forget about why I even started scrapbooking in the first place. I started after my first son was born, to cherish and preserve all those precious moments. I started digital scrapbooking after my twins were born, I needed that hobby to keep my sanity and still do!!! I would be completely lost without it and it is my world that makes me feel good! Thankfully my husband appreciates what I am doing for the kids and he understands how important it is to me. Thank YOU for reminding ME why I do this!! Ok, I feel like scrapping now!! hehehe Oh and there is that fabulous handwriting of yours again on your pages. Love that!!!

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=555336753]

Good morning, Stephanie!

I love your post this morning. It's very moving that something you love doing comforts you and makes you stronger. I love that. Not many people have that gift.

I know that your daughters will love keeping your scrapbooks when they get older. They are so precious! I've seen scrapbooks of all kinds (my aunt actually does them A LOT as well), but yours are very unique in my opinion. Some people just put down whatever they have from the day, but you put meaningful memories in yours. Not to mention, you're very good at it!

Keep doing what you love! I'm glad I found you on here. You're honestly a very inspiring woman!

You have a beautiful day!
-Cary

[tara pakosta]

I truly LOVE scrapbooking too stephanie!
The way it makes me feel, the things I can
say to my girls that they can look back on later.
I stopped submitting because it's just a hassle.
I scrapbook because I LOVE IT and it makes me soooooooo very sad that tons of my "online" friends quit because of this industry. It breaks my heart. I want to keep true to the real reason that I scrapbook. 1. for my girls. 2. for myself, I truly LOVE IT!
You are one of the few people, like me, who has a true love for it! I can see that through your pages and it makes me smile!

Lots of Love!
tara

[tara pakosta]

p.s. LOVE your new look on the blog!

[Danielle]

You are so right, it's not about getting published, or using the "in" product, it's telling your life story. Thank you so much for this post!

[Kristyn G]

Thanks for the reminder about why I started scrapbooking. I have stopped allocating time this hobby and I miss it. It's time to get back to the basics of telling our stories.

love the new look of the blog!

[Lori Borntreger]

Great post Stephanie!! I hate that I'm always asked, how do you find the time, you must have too much time on your hands......no, I really don't have much spare time, but I do it because I love too, and because it's my me time (we just don't get enough of that, do we?), I do it not only because I want my daughter to have her story, but because I also love to relive those memories!! Your can always tell from your work, how much you truly love to scrapbook!!!

[Ginny C.]

I love scrapbooking, too. It's really more than a hobby - it's something I need to do. I've dabbled in lots of crafts in the past & scrapbooking lets me do all of them. I began scrapbooking a about 15 years ago, I was seriously ill & afraid I wasn't going to survive. I needed a way to show my daughters & granddaughter how much I loved them. I wanted something they could hold, touch, & just know they were the center of my life even if I wasn't there to tell them. Today, I am well & still scrapbooking. I've been digging out old pictures of my girls & working on pages when they were small. My husband says if I don't tell the stories, no one will. I love your style & that you journal from the heart. Your girls will always treasure your albums & know you love them.

[kate nazif]

I love this post. Lately I have been dealing with organizing all of my photos and finally putting together the baby books from all the scraps of paper where i wrote down milestones over the years. anyhoo... it occurred to me this morning, as i was driving, like a lightbulb... "would i enjoy scrapbooking?" I thought "no, no no! It can't be". but maybe the answer is yes... I just don't really know where to start. I can get over the dorkiness of it, b/c i agree it seems therapeutic, artistic & meaningful.

[Account Deleted]

Oh my Gosh, Stephanie. I'm at a loss for words, and i think as you know, not an everyday occurrence.

xoxo

[Stephanie Howell]

k- you can do it. ive known you long enough to know you are super creative. dont worry about getting caught up. just get down the most important things (to you). and have fun with it!!
so glad we are reconnected. xoxo

[Lee Currie]

As always, wonderful. I love your authentic posts. Don't worry about the judgments of others, you're such and inspiration to so many :) Have a great rest of your week. (The new look is so fresh, bring on Spring!)

[Amy Z]

God I just love you. :)

[Kensi]

Love, love, love this post. Thanks for this. And the new blog look... I love it!

[Jody]

Beautiful post today, Steph.
Cathy Z. inspired so many of us,
I too mentioned her on my blog today.
I think you're both the bee's knees ;)

[Michelle Unruh]

Oh gosh, Steph!! Just love what you had to say. I too love scrapbooking. It is my sanity as well. I love being able to preserve everything. I want my kids to remember how much they are loved. You are right, people in real life don't get it. They think I am so, I don't know. But, I get the comments and strange looks. I don't spend all day everyday scrapping. I steal moments of time. I am so grateful for this, your blog, others blog, to connect with people who love it as much as I do. I am grateful that my husband gets it as well. While being published is not important.. a design team would be nice! ;) My husband would appreciate the free supplies!! LOL I only wish I could be more open with my journaling. I have a hard time with that.

[Michelle Unruh]

Forgot to add that I love the new blog look!! :) Hope your day is off to a great start! I have a crabby 3 yr. old.. gonna be a fun day!

[Lonely Scrapbooker]

Wow this is a great post. I'm so glad you wrote this. I totally feel the same way. Scrapbooking, this "silly hobby" is so very important to me, as therapy, as creative release, as a way of expressing my love for my family... and CZ was also crucial in the beginning of my journey. I totally relate!
I'm so glad you're not worried about getting burnt out. I often wonder when there are talented ladies like you doing so many LOs for publication, design teams, etc., that you might get burnt out. I think I would, if I "had to" scrap.

[Stephanie Howell]

i wouldnt do it if it wasnt fun. :) Simple as that....and all my layouts in the end are for us...whether or not they are assignment based. thanks so much for your comment, have a beautiful day!

[kari]

I really needed to read this today. Thank you.

[Jenni Hufford]

what a joy to read this first thing this morning- ahh such a breath of fresh air! Thank you so much! xoxo

[Andi Sexton]

Excellent share day!!!! Love every single word. Yes, that is why I scrapbook, too!! And journal, etc.

BTW, love the 'hope you dance' comment:)

And love Cathy Z.... she does rock...

[krys72599]

So happy to read this post, and I promise I'm not a stalker!
Why would I say that, you ask?
'Cause I TOTALLY wish we lived near each other so we could be friends "in real life," not just "online friends."
And I totally feel like you, and Cathy, and all the thousands of wonderful women who create these beautiful pages are my friends! That's ANOTHER gift this "silly hobby" brings us - friends!!! Friends who understand just why we do what we do!

[Jennifer S.]

Amen, Steph. :) And that's one of the reasons I stopped design teams and submitting all the time. It actually wasn't that I was feeling pressure, but that I didn't like seeing the "behind the scenes." It makes me sad how competitive it gets and how the latest and greatest is such a goal. I'm glad to see you sharing the non-importance of it all. Thank you, Steph.

And LOL....I laughed out loud at "I Hope You Dance." Can I tell you how much I've laughed at that title over the years? At a crop once we cried laughing over making up similar titles..."I Hope You Break This FEVER so I can get some sleep!" or "I Hope You Don't have a blow out poop diaper in Target today!" haha

And Cathy Z. is a crafty hero of mine. :)

[Stephanie Howell]

OH MY GOSH...I hope you dont have a blow out poopie diaper? GENIUS. totally using that one. teeeheee!

[pidgen]

wow -- that first full layout just made me burst out crying. even just j's picture ... but then your journalling! it was such a beautiful reminder to use pictures that show your feeling and then journal like crazy.

1. i saw the layout peek on shemelle's site -- 10 points i knew it was you!! (the bow!)
2. your blog is so calming.
3. i think that you, cathy and ali just make this incredible triangle of scrapbook amazingness!! i learn so much from all you ladies -- more about life than scrapbooking. (and then i get the bonus of learning how to scrapbook this life we are given!)

Thank you for all you do.

[Ana F.]

Stephanie, you made me cry twice this morning. First, by reading Cathy's post and then your layout (on your mind). Very touching. Thank you for always sharing not only your "hobby" but your feelings. Oh, and I love the new Spring look!

[May]

What a beautiful post - and I LOVE the new look too. *Big Hugs*

[Leslie]

Love the post today. So much of what you love about scrapbooking is true for me too. I just need to get better at finding my voice on my pages. It's intimidating to be so out there. Thanks for the inspiration!!
Also, I know people think I'm a geek for scrapbooking too and I don't care. :) They just don't get it.

[Riggsfam]

The number one reason why I love your blog and your scrapbook pages is because they are honest. You speak from your heart and tell the stories that really matter. I love to journal too but I feel like I have a lot I could learn from you.

I just have to say that it's funny that you had Cathy's books with your when you had Harper. Her second book came out shortly before I had my 2nd son and I had to buy it and I saved it for the hospital. After everyone had left for the night, I stayed up reading her book. So you're not the only one who loves Cathy Z!

[Jonnelle]

I loved reading that post, so beautiful and straight from your heart! I love scrapbooking too and when a friend got rid of ALL her scrapbooking supplies because she wasn't going to do it anymore, it made me cry! I am a nerd, I know, but she created the most gorgeous layouts - she had two boys and was the one who inspired me to start using flowers on Alex's layouts. She had tried out for several "big" design teams and not making them, she felt "done". So sad. I cannot imagine being done with scrapbooking, I feel like I will never be caught up, let alone "done" but that's SO wonderful because that means that Alex & I are creating wonderful memories that need to be scrapbooked so we can always remember!
{hugs} thanks for your post, it really made me remember why I scrapbook and love it so!

[Alison]

Oh Stephanie... I love this. You got me totally inspired again. I started "scrap" booking in college when I met my future husband. It was the story of how we met and our first few years together (more of a book of mementoes). Then I had my son and I started again. Like you said, I didn't want stickers and glitter glue. I wanted pictures from those everyday moments that mean so much. I wanted my pictures to tell a story. YOU have reminded me of that and I am SO glad that you did! I got out of the habit of inluding my thoughts because I didn't like the way my writing looked. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 31 when my son was only 10 months old. Luckily, that was 6 years ago and now I know if nothing else, my kids would have something to let them know how I felt and what they meant to me, whether I was here to tell them or not and that is truely a gift and I thank you for that! :)

[Mary Jo]

So much truth to this post. It's so how I feel about scrapbooking. There are so many things I want my children to know about me, their daddy, them and our lives together. So many things I wish I knew about my grandparents and even parents!
Thanks for sharing :0)

[Angela W]

Wonderful post, Steph! I am glad you will keep scrapbooking, that it helps you, and that you enjoy it so much! You always have some great layouts! I love your "style" and you help me in my scrapbooking. I love the layout of you and H and the journaling. I am trying to journal more on mine! It's awesome that you have someone who inspires you in your scrapbooking, you do that for me!

[Carol]

thanks for that! i truly love scrapbooking too, for ALL the reasons you wrote. I've been doing it for nearly 13 years, so I think it's safe to say I won't ever get over it either. It is my sanity, my alone time with my thoughts, and it feels good. And if some people think we have too much time on our hands, that's not it, we MAKE time for it..for our sanity :)

Thanks as always for your lovely inspiration and the time you take to share it with all of us. You are a beautiful person!

[~kellyann~]

It's great when someone else gets what you do, right?
I simply NEED to make time for scrapbooking/picture taking and creating.
Maybe that's how some feel about exercising or playing golf or collecting baseball cards?? But this is what makes me happy and involved and free......
Love that you share all of this with us. *Always inspiring to see what you've got going on in your beautiful little family!*

[Amy Cannon]

Stephanie-you have the biggest heart and you kids will cherish your albums forever! Thank you for sharing with us! I hope more moms gain strength and inspiration from you!!

[Jill]

Stephanie, this is a beautifully written blog. But. . .there is nothing here we didn't already 'know'. We who follow your blog and therefore see your most meaningful layouts already know how much this 'hobby' means to you--and how much your beautiful family means to you. You are an inspiration to me to say more and leave more meaningful thoughts for my family through my craft.

[allison Gottlieb]

thank you. and you read my mind. i feel exactly the same way. this is not just a hobby for me, it's my release, my art, my expression. everyone is entitled to feel however they want about it, but it does really bug me when people think scrapbooking is a chore...to them I say, then don't bother. If your heart is not in it, it's not really worth all the time.

[Stephanie]

Do you know? I'm falling in love with YOUR scrapbook and your fabulous family!!!!! You are so nice! The girls are so cute! And I think your blog is the best. Really. My hope: a book with all your pages, your photos, you, you, you and you of course!

[Laurie Ann]

Wow! You are so wonderful at this! Such an inspiration to get my memories down! :)

[Barb]

Aaaah, Steph... you are one of the most genuine scrapbookers I know. I love this post. Thank you for sharing your insight. xoxo

[young c-m]

very sweet post. :)

[C. Rayevich]

AHHH steph!!! you are so awesome! and you hit the nail on the head with this post. so many people don't "get" scrappin' so many think its a waste of time etc... i feel sorry for them because their future fam is going to miss out on their history. Maybe we all are dorks but I'm glad that i am and i hope my future fam will be too =) I'm glad I'm a dork with you Steph ;D
xo
happy thursday!!

[Marlene]

I actually stopped scrapping for a while just because I felt I was spending too much time documenting and not enough time enjoying those little things we forget so quickly. I just make sure to blog and journal, write down the little tidbits, take videos and photos etc, so when I have the rare 'alone time' I can scrap them with the memory still fresh :)

[Nirupama Kumar]

Thanks Steph, your posts always hit the mark. Your crafting is so unique and full of heart - YOU are an inspiration to me!
I am so crazed at work and have a big exam coming up that I have taken the past few months 'off' from scrapbooking. It is causing me to slowly lose my mind. Scrapbooking is such a wonderful emotional release and a great way to hold to all those wonderful, otherwise fleeting, memories. Thanks again for the affirmation! My husband reads your blog too and hopefully this will inspire him to do some more journaling again!

[celeste]

Wow Stephanie, I think you have spoken for all of us! As I read your post I kept agreeing with EACH line. I purchased CZ first book and it changed my WHOLE outlook on scrapbooking, just like you. I finally saw it was more than just "cute bunny and flower stickers" stuck on a page. I never wanted to even dabble in the hobby for fear I would be labeled a scrapbooker. I finally got my feet wet and can't get enough of it now. THANK YOU for a wonder post, beautiful layouts and the most transparent and lovely heart I know!

[Katie]

Your layouts are so beautiful because they mean so much, and Im sure your daughters will appreciate it!
I recently did a post about memories too, I have to use a smaller book for my personal scrapbooking, with things that really mean alot to me and that i dont have to worry about what it looks like. I find it difficult to 'relax' with my 12x12 book, it seems so formal. I love your layouts because of the amount of love that goes in to them and the way you journal and your work is a huge inspiration! Thankyou :) xox

[Kim FAucher]

Such true words... It really has become a family amongst those of us that share these beliefs and our "hobbies" lol some people call it my obsession but In everything I do, I want to express myself, tell my story and share with others BECAUSE of this great thing called scrapbooking. It truly has made me a better person and I have been fortunate to meet so many soul sisters who share the same ideas and devotion of love of crafts, art and family.. where else in the world could we have that!
Thanks for this wonderful positive post to start off my day
Peace,
Kim

[Diana Albright]

Great post, Steph! the fact that you care so much about recording the moments always comes across in your pages. your description of the night harper was born... it reminds me of when ezri was born. i was so keyed up. there was no way i could sleep. and i just spent that night staring at her and her daddy. and this post reminded me, i NEED to get that down on paper. i NEED to tell her how much i was in awe of her the moment she arrived. thanks for sharing these pieces of you, steph!
btw... the blog redesign looks fabulous!

[Stephanie Eaken]

Wow-what a powerful post! Love the message & it contains such truth!! I know that I for one am guilty of getting caught up in the "latest & greatest" but when all is said & done, I feel the same as you. I do this to preserve the everyday moments & for my children to hopefully enjoy later in life. But, above all, it is my escape. I feel better about myself, about everything really, when I am scrapping. It is truly theraputic & energizing. I am so happy that I have found such a wonderful hobby!! And thank you for sharing!

[Steph H]

the three layouts you shared are among my very favorites of yours, especially the first one. I love that you share real feelings and that someday your grandkids will read those thoughts and know so much more about you and who you were at this point in your life!

[Mary Patterson-Ezzell]

stephanie - simply a beautiful post. thank you so much for sharing this part of you today. you are an amazing woman and such an inspiration. smiles, m-

ps - lovin' your new spring time blog design!

[Kirsten]

Oh gosh, you choked me up there - very well said :)

[Andrea]

Wow, your honesty amazes me, thank you for sharing. I also LOVE to scrapbook, when I have the time. Scrapbooking is what makes me remember that I love my children, especially after a rough day. It helps to remember the fun times, the happy times, the silly times and it always brings a smile to my face. I really enjoy your blog, thanks again!!!

[Melissa MK]

Thank you for reminding me the true purpose of our hobby. I, too, find the process of creating and scrapbooking so therapeutic. However, with the hustle and bustle of daily life, I always put my hobby to the side to take care of everyone else and everything else. After I read your words today, and the tears stopped, I decided tonight I will scrap again, for me, for my kids, so that one day they will always have a memory of the feelings I have about them and our lives together. Thank you!

[Keshet]

I love love love this psst! It can be easy to get caught up in the publishing/DT side of things--I've been struggling with walking that line myself. But I can't ever imagine giving up scrapbooking for any reason, and am always so sad and surprised when people quit. I love the process of scrapping, the rush of turning a germ of an idea into image and words. Just pure love! But people who don't scrap never get how I can just be so in love with it.

[Jacqueline]

stepanie...as i read this i am teary eyed. recently, i have stopped scrapbooking. i don't know why...i just did. i have 64 albums (i have 5 girls)...and they are about my family (extended & immediate), family trips, family reunions, holidays and birthdays. i signed up for a crop night tomorrow night...and i am going back to my love for scrapbooking. because like you said...it is not about competition...it is about capturing the everyday moments. thank you for this post. i am going to grab my camera and take some pics too. thanks stephanie!

[Leslie Ashe]

adore your post today!! dear perspective...thank you for your appearance. ;D I too have this going through my noggin. I love pages like this. I have many. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I love scrapbooking like you do. Love it. LOVE it. For all the same reasons.
Love the new blog look too!

[Jen]

It is my therapy as well :) I would be crazy(insitutionalized) if I didn't have something for me. I have two little boys....almost 3 and 9 months. This Sunday I am going out to crop for 4 hours and I'm nervous to leave my youngest for the first time. But I know I need some me time. Time to get my feeling down about them. And I say to myself everyday that it may not be them that wants these memories, but I bet their wives will one day want to know where they came from, or maybe even their children. I never knew my Dad and I have only ever scrapped one page about him because I have minimal pictures. And that makes me sad and THAT is why I scrap.

Anyways that was a bit of a rant....It is always nice to read your blog and know that people often feel the same.

Happy Thursday!

[Jen]

I meant to say never knew much about my Dad's life...oops....I knew him, and well but he kept alot in and never shared his childhood....anyways I just wanted to clarify.

[Pam K]

The genuineness (is that a word?) of your scrapbooking is what has made it a lasting "hobby" for you. Funny, I don't think anyone would call journaling or taking pictures of your kids a hobby. You are recording your life in a meaningful and beautiful manner. I scrapbook also so they will remember and I will never forget. When you are able to conjour up the same emotions each time you see one of your layouts, then you know you have captured the memory not just a snapshot. You know you're doing something great when others say "you must have too much time on your hands" because it really means "I wish I could do that and I feel bad that I don't". Great post!

[Colleen Sheehy]

Stephanie - I got teary eye when I read all three of the layouts you posted. You are such a strong woman. And I love that you really focus on the FUN in scrapping. That is why we all started this in the first place, right? I needed that friendly reminder.

I know I am a fairly new reader of yours, but wanted to let you know I really look forward to reading your blog everyday. You give me so much inspiration to craft and for some reason you make me feel better as a Mommy too. It's nice to know other people do things similarly to myself. I guess what I'm saying here... is... THANK YOU. I enjoy all of your posts. :)

[Linda J]

Wonderful post! I too am a fan of Cathy's - I look at her books over and over again. Your work always has such "heart" Stephanie. Love the way you journal, all of it meaningful. Today I was looking at the first few pages I did several years ago realizing that they were really bad as far as "design" - then I read the journaling, and remembered how much fun I had putting them together -and realized they were all good. That is what it is about for me. My pages are about my grandchildren - they seem to be growing up quicker then my children did. They all live out of state now. My prayer is that one day they will have some inkling of how very much I love them and enjoy knowing every bit of their lives - and even though we aren't always close in location, they are always held closely in my heart and mind. My pushing fun paper around is one special way that I try to show them this.:)

[Angie F]

LOVE this post! Thanks for all you share! WOW!! I could read your blog all day everyday! :) I agree Cathy Z does ROCK!!

[Melissa]

Amen to all of this. I feel like you just put MY heart down on paper. Everything you stated about scrapbooking is everything I feel...thanks for putting it into words. And for the reminders that I really needed to hear today.

[Holly S]

Great, loving true post-thank you!

[Katherine]

Totally with you on this post. Scrapping is my sanity, my therapy, my escapism. I am not good saying the words I want to the ones I love, but I can write them on my pages and I know that they will be read. I could never fall out of love with my hobby, it has opened my eyes to the little details of life with my boys that I know would have been lost otherwise. I proudly talk about my hobby and have helped friends get into it too! K xx

[Lynn]

Great post. That's why I love scrapbooking so much. My albums are like visual journals filled with little pieces of my life. I don't have childen yet but one day they'll be able to see the things that were important to me when I was young.

Love the new look, that shade of blue is perfect for spring :)

[Svala, Iceland]

How true, every single word makes sense. We don't do this for fame or money but cause we simply love scrapbooking! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[Haidee]

Happy Thursday!! I agree. Scrapbooking is who you are as a creative person. We all have our style & satisfaction in different ways. But at the end we Love to scrapbook and that feeling is mutual for all.

[Katie Burnett]

Awesome post. I know how you feel. I don't know what I'd do without scrapbooking.

[jenney]

I could do a very long comment about this but I'll just leave it at "amen!"

[Becca Sutton]

I LOVE that you called it your therapy.
That's brilliant!
And it's so so true.

Thank you for this.
xoxo.

[Tammy Graves]

Wow. My sentiments EXACTLY. I do it for me. I'm not even sure my family 'gets it'. I feel a little deflated when I show them something I've made and they say, 'Oh, that's nice.' I just have to know in my heart that one day, the important things I had to say to them will matter. It would be nice if it were while i was here, but oh well...I have to be just satisfied that I did it for me. I love the process. I love documenting. I love the art part. I always know when I read your journaling that this 'hobby' hits you in the heart like it does me. I have a scrappy friend who will comment, oh that's an old piece of paper! I loved it then, I love that paper now...I'm using it. That's not the point. The point is documenting their lives. And hopefully one day these kids will be able to pull these books out and see the love that was poured over them in the pages we have created for them. Maybe I am sheltered, but I had no idea that some scrappers have quit because of the industry...that IS so sad. Perhaps their purpose in the first place was not truly the memories but the 'fame' that can come along with the industry. That is really sad. Hope they can get back to the root and really know what it is all about. For now, I will create for my family...record the thoughts and memories. And hopefully it WILL matter to them. Thanks for your heart-felt post...glad to know I have a kindred spirit out there!

[Lisa Kisch]

Love this post, Steph. I totally agree. I love scrapbooking, too. There was a time a few months ago where I started to feel that the pages I was creating weren't always as meaningful as they could be because I was getting caught up in "the assignment". I adjusted gears, and now I feel so great about all my pages. I look at assignments as motivation to tell MORE stories and get MORE photos scrapped!

It's funny, because when I scrapbook with friends they are always "afraid" to stick things down, that the products or design aren't right. I say the same thing-- your kids aren't going to care if you were using the latest technique or the trendiest product. They're going to care that they know the story.

XO Lisa

[Jacqueline yeo]

Thanks for bringing up something that is incredibly sensitive in this circle. It is very heartwarming to hear so many comments about the merits of scrapbooking. I would also like to add my own sentiments as well about blogging and scrapping. I too don't care much for the latest products and the 'coolest' style, the whole craziness and madness that happens in such a small community (at least on this side of the world), about who is great and good and who is last month's flavor. Ykwim? It isn't about a political popularity contest, it should be more about the love of creating art. It should't be about who buys the best and most desirable products, but about how each piece is used in it's
most creative way. I have been a receipient of many unkind remarks through this hobby, so much so that I had almost stopped
it altogether. I'm glad I did not let what other people say get to me, because at the end of the day, I do this for the memories. For my girls and my husband, for people whom I love dearly. And who doesn't really care if the products are the latest or the most 'stylistic'. They just know that it has been made with the most love and thought. That is really what this is about.
Same with blogging! And I'm so glad to have found yr blog. :) thank you!
Jacqueline

[Shannon Lowe]

Perfectly said Stephanie. I couldn't agree more!

[Pip Prosser]

Y I P P E E! So very wonderful that someone who designs for design teams and has her work published is scrapbooking more than a single overedited photo of perfect children in cute clothes and using the most amount of the latest and greatest scrapbooking product available ... love, love, love that you scrapbook the good, the bad and the ugly and all because it is important to you ... so pleased that you blogged about this even if you are a "NERD!"

[Vanessa M Santamaria]

Stephanie, I LOVE your blog, your style, your words, your family! I feel like we're friends!!! Now if only we could hang out together!!! LOL! I guess I'm a nerd, too! I can so relate to this post, as I also became a real fan of "modern" scrapbooking after picking up Cathy Zielske's Clean & Simple book a few years ago in Atlanta. It totally spoke to me and I have ventured out much more after reading her book! Thanks for reminding me why I love this hobby so much. Thanks for your inspiration. Thanks for being YOU.

[Lisa]

What a great post! Thanks for putting into words what I feel.

[Jennifer B]

Stephanie, I have 2 words in response.. "exactly" and
"Amen"...you have it all right! :)

[Michelle*Gauthier]

Yeah....what they said! This is a great post and a wonderful reminder of why we love this hobby. And Cathy is an amazing inspiration!

[Claudia]

Stephanie, I'm completely facinated by scrapbooking and have yet to do my first page. My ideas just don't seem to come together.......or I'm too intimidated to start, not sure why. I absolutely love reading your blog and looking at your creations. You often make me cry, but it's a good cry. Thank you so much for sharing! God bless you and your family.

[mel brewin]

Steph thanks so much for reminding me. It is all about balance. Thanks for making me feel better about being a nerd!!! I am finally admitting that I love it & it is MY thing!! Love the photos & your post.

Me xxx

[Tracy Blanton]

I love Cathy Z too and am currently taking her Design Your Life class. I love her approach to it all, and she is the one that freed me from doing matchy-matchy 12 x 12 pages. And to try 8 1/2 x 11...and to not scrap every photo. And that if you get crummy photos of Halloween, you don't HAVE to scrap them. Just opened up my world. And she is such a funny gal...Love Ali Edwards, too. I've been following these girls forever :)

[Janelle]

Stephanie - thank you so much for this post. I know most of the people who read that can identify with you because of their same love and passion for the craft, but I'm commenting because you touched me in a different way. I'm sure I'm in the minority here and I'm going to stick out like a sore thumb, but I'm not a scrapper and have always wondered what it was about scrapbooking that people loved so much.

I've been struggling for a few months with my need to do something creative and incorporate some creative outlet into my life. I was reading all of the "big" scrapbooking blogs, but nothing was really clicking. Then I finally realized that instead of shrugging off the thought of scrapbooking, to actually look at it in a different way and see that it's really a culmination of everything that I love to do and am somewhat good at. I tend to be a very stressed out person and honestly NEED to do something creative to keep me from going over the edge. I think I've finally found it, and while I have yet to make a single page, your post really, truly inspired me and made me realize that scrapbooking is the answer I've been looking for.

Sorry for such a long post, but I want you to know that you really touched me and gave me some hope and I'm looking forward to coming to you for inspiration as I begin my scrapbooking journey.

-Janelle

[Beth Moore]

I love the new look of your blog... I think it really ... it matches you so well!

[Tracy Blanton]

Janelle
There is so much hype about perfect product + perfect photos with lots of big sites.

The best thing to do is look through some photos. Find one that speaks to you, that really inspires you to tell as story. Write it out, put your picture down and maybe add a little something. The story and the words will mean so much to those who read it in they years to come...and that's what really matters.

[Layle Koncar]

So well said, Steph! I think there are a lot of us out there that feel the same way.

Thinking of copying and pasting your blog post into mine ;)

[Jacque]

Just a heartfelt post that I just so enjoyed. YES - I love your new blog design - just awesome. And your layouts just touched my heart! They are AMAZING!!!! Please don;t hold back keep it up!

[Stephanie Howell]

go for it, girl. its so nice to see you!! xoxo

[Stephanie Howell]

Janelle-
what a lovely comment.  i say go for it! no rules, just do what makes you purely happy. and share with me when you do, okay? xoxo

[Tilda]

The new look is very springy! Love it. I so get what your saying here! I started scrapping 17 years into our marriage (just turned 22 years) and I feel it is very important to my family...no one else, just us! Totally get it girl!!! I'm there with ya!

[Alexa]

I've been falling in love with scrapbooking again lately. Last year was a toughie for me so I didn't always feel like scrapping. But this year I'm determined to keep a positive attitude and it makes me so happy to record my memories in this medium. It's just the best looking over old pages :)

[Laura H.]

Thank you for your "from the heart" post. I love scrapbooking as well, but my problem is that I don't have as much time to play as I need. I've had a very stressful week and could really use some ME time this weekend. I am hoping to get back into the swing of things and get some pages done. I love your pages and I love your stories. I am sure your girls will really appreciate all the time you've spent on your family's albums when they are older. They will have so many stories to look back on. You're such a good momma.

[Janelle]

Tracy and Stephanie -

Thank you so much for the kind responses! Definitely the motivation I've been looking for to get started. I've got so many thoughts and feelings that I'd love to document, and will just go ahead and jump in this weekend. I'll definitely let you know how it goes!! Thank you again!

[steffogal1]

Steph - this post is why I read your blog.
honest, pure and filled with beauty.
Thank you!
with a grateful grin,
steffogal1

[Vickey R.]

Love your journaling and this post. That is why we scrapbook -- to keep the memories and pass them on. Life goes by so fast...Thanks for the inspirations.

[Cass]

Thank you. When I read this post yesterday morning I was sitting here with a heaviness on my heart. So I scrapbooked it. And the feelings were released. Thanks Steph. I needed that reminder of why I love scrapbooking so much. *hugs*