happy (scrappy) sunday, y'all! today i have an older random layout to share, plus some more scrap-related Q&A.
this layout is one i've never shared. i made it about 2 1/2 years ago for a memory makers book i was asked to be a part of. the layout somehow was lost and never made it into the book...
and oh how i love this layout.
i hear people talk lots about "using new product" and having to buy new things...but i love timeless beautiful papers and products. like these below. i just feel there's nothing trendy or dated about it.
i actually really love the design of this one and will have to scraplift myself soon. wish i had this still. :(
patterned papers: basicgrey, october afternoon
bingo card: JBS
alphas: american crafts
buttons: autumn leaves
stickers: basicgrey
journaling card: october afternoon
these photos were the day jimmy left for his afghanistan year long deployment. i can't look at them without getting a lump in my throat.
how much we've changed, grown, and experienced since then.
now...on to the questions!
How about what albums do you use? Do you use the sames ones all the time or change out depending on your mood!
As I said last week, I use American Crafts 12x12 D ring albums. I also have a few Making Memories 3 ring albums. They do NOT all match...I have all sorts of colors and even patterns!
I'm wondering what your scrapbooking process is? I would love an insight into how one of our pages comes together as I know you are a fast scrapper! Do you have an idea of how your page will turn out before you start? Or do you just play and see what happens along the way? And do you do the journaling last? Do you free style the journaling or pre-plan it? Thanks! Have a great day!
Okay. This is a tough one for me and I never know quite how to answer it. I get this question often. It's tough for me, because I often describe myself as a "fly by the seat of my pants scrapper".I rarely (if ever) plan a page before I start it.
And I never ever plan journaling. How have I not messed up or run out of room yet? I have no idea. HA! I suppose it's only a matter of time.
Let me think on this one some more and perhaps I can do an entire blog post on it. :)
I was wondering how you keep track of 'inspiration'. Story ideas, layout ideas, things you see that you like, etc. I see you are on Pinterest but that is pretty new (I'm following you) so I know you might have other strategies too. I am always, always struggling with this. I store the ideas (in too many places I'm sure) but never really have a good mechanism for accessing/applying them unless I do it immediately.
I am solely using Pinterest these days. To be honest, this is the first time I've ever compiled inspiration anywhere! I've never had a notebook, or a journal, or anything of the sort. I guess I've just subconsciously filed away ideas in my brain.
Pinterest has been a creative life-saver for me. And best of all, I actually USE the ideas I find there. I've used so many of them already!
I was wondering if you make greeting cards of do you buy them?
Buy them. Always. I used to make them, but I couldn't bear the thought of them not being appreciated and simply being thrown directly in the trash. Cards are HARD for me to make!!
How do you organize your photos?
iPhoto. By month.
You always have the best titles for your scrap pages, how do you come up with them?
Why thank you! Lots of times i use a word (or short phrase) from my journaling.
I've wondered if people recognize you when you are in public?
Ha!! Oh my goodness, no. Hahahaha! One of my readers said she saw me at Target here in Savannah, though! So cool, wish she would have said hi.
How do you blog your hipstamic/instagram pics?
I plug in my phone and upload them into iPhoto. I then resize them and upload them to my blog.
What are your favorite iphone apps?
twitter (echofon)
angry birds (oh how i wished i never would have tried this one...it's like crack!)
goodreads
around me
living social
groupon
urbanspoon
kindle
shazam
pandora
post
kids: make a princess, balloons, peekaboo barn,animatch,toddler teasers games, anything by duck duck moose
Do you scrapbook with just kits?
absolutely not! i depend lots on studio calico these days, as my time is limited and it's so easy to have everything already coordinated and put together! but i use lots of "non kit" stuff, too.
Have the girls attempted their own LO's so they can be like Mommy?
they have! they love scrapbooking with me! i give them letter stickers,jewels, photos, and glue sticks and they go to town. i'll have to share a layout. they are so cute.
What do you use for your scrapbook room?
the office room in our house. i know this won't always be the case, but i've been blessed enough to have a dedicated scrap room our past few houses. jimmy has his "office" at work (which he never really leaves anyway, HA!) and he knows how happy crafting makes me.
I was wondering how you store your paper. Not only what you store it IN, but how you put the paper in order so that you can find something when you are looking for it.
I store it in vertical Cropper Hopper boxes. Right now there is no organization within the boxes. I used to do it by manufacturer, but i'm thinking now i want to change to color.
And when do you scrap? Do you do it after everyone is in bed and sacrifice sleep or do you manage to do it during naps?
Wednesdays, both bigs are in school for a few hours. The morning is also when the babies take their long naps. This is my get it done block of time!
Also, I tend to get up before everyone.
Weekends, J takes the bigs on dates. When he's gone, evenings.
what is your favorite adhesive?
3L Scrapbook Adhesives EZ tape runners- which i've heard are going to become refillable. YAY!
Do you do many 2-page LOs? If not, how do you arrange your single page LOs in your albums? Do you worry about the style or the colours in the single LOs you put side-by-side in your albums?
Not many, but I do do them. I do not worry about style or colors with side by side layouts!
Do you ever display your LOs outside of your albums, hang on the wall as art or display in frames?
I do! I display them on plate hangers, a crib bed spring, a pew bible rack, etc.
What is your favourite colour or colour scheme to scrapbook with?
i love using yellow and teal. i don't have a favorite color combination to use on pages, though.
Do you ever make mini-albums?
I think I've only done 3 or so. I love the look of them, but making them stresses me out.
Do you do many multi-picture LOs or do you prefer the single-picture LO?
More often than not, I tend to use 2 or more photos on my layouts (i use lots of 4x6). But since I don't take a zillion photos, I also do many one photo layouts.
Have you scrapbooked your wedding pictures?
No I have not. We barely have any. We married quickly, as J was deploying...and my photographer was not very good. Think staged photos/backdrops. but hey, it is what it is, and i'm lucky i got one at all on such short notice. the photos are in an album.
Does anyone else in your family also scrapbook? I know you have mentioned that your mother is very artistic. Does she scrapbook as well? Or was it something you just discovered on your own?
No one in my family scrapbooks, no. My mom does lots of mixed-media, vintage sorts of projects. I just stumbled upon SBing and fell in love.
Have you ever designed scrapbooking kits based on your pages?
I have! I used to do this (along with directions) for a scrapbooking store. I loved doing it and would totally be open to doing it again, if there was enough interest.
Have you ever taught scrapbooking classes? Would you ever consider offering online classes?
I taught several classes in Waco and one in Columbus. I LOVED it. I totally want to teach more.
Have you ever considered designing your own line of scrapbook paper & embellishments?
No, I haven't...but that sounds really fun!
How do achieve the gorgeous effect on so many of your blog photos, such as the one above of the bigs? Is it an iPhone app?
Instagram!
Okay, this is officially the L O N G E S T blog post ever. I'd be shocked if anyone actually reads it. teehee.
There are still lots of non-crafty questions that need answering, don't think i forgot about you!
xoxo
s
TFS! I really enjoyed your post!
Posted by: Alyssa | 03/27/2011 at 05:49 AM
fyi, I still have the card (and the envelope, actually) that you sent me a few years ago. I have it in an antique card holder hanging in MY scrap room. It makes me smile.
Posted by: Pam Bennett | 03/27/2011 at 05:51 AM
oh pam..you are the best. and i LOVE the one you sent with the gorgeous outfits. you are such a good friend! xoxo
Posted by: Stephanie Howell | 03/27/2011 at 06:02 AM
You crack me up. My wedding photos sucked. Our photographer was awful and more interested in eating HIS meal than actually working. I'm still bitter. Happy beautiful Sunday!
Posted by: kristin | 03/27/2011 at 07:26 AM
Oh, this was FUN! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Melissa | 03/27/2011 at 08:03 AM
Thank you for all the tips on how you do things! Your blog has quickly become one of my favorites and I adore your style. You are a great source of inspiration!
Posted by: Jill | 03/27/2011 at 08:20 AM
I've tried to get an invite to Pintrest but I haven't received one and I think I've tried like 3 times! Grr. How were you able to get one?
Posted by: Krystle | 03/27/2011 at 09:06 AM
sent you one!
Posted by: Stephanie Howell | 03/27/2011 at 09:10 AM
I read the whole thing! :) I hope you are still pondering a class to do...maybe a prompt class for inspiration for capturing your kids? Hmm... BTW, I just listened to an old Paperclipping Round Table from last Feb or March, and you were on it. You were great! Loved listening to you talk SB'ing with them.
Posted by: Debbie Servantez | 03/27/2011 at 10:31 AM
great post, sorry you lost that gorgeous LO but at least you had the presence of mind to photograph it. Maybe you could get it printed out as a 12x12 photo and just layer it onto cardstock?
your blog is keeping me sane at the moment, love your positive outlook.
Posted by: caroline | 03/27/2011 at 10:35 AM
I read it all :) Thinking that you should try and offer an online class- I'd take it! Or create some kits and sell them on your blog- I'd buy it! Your life is crazy full right now, but just know it won't always be that way.
Lovely lay-out above. As a mom of a Marine, I got the lump just reading about your lump...blessings on your day!
Posted by: Sharon Osborn | 03/27/2011 at 10:46 AM
oh yeah, and Pinterest is totally addicting-AUGHGHGHGH!
Posted by: Sharon Osborn | 03/27/2011 at 10:48 AM
I really like the idea of you creating your own scrapbook kit. I would totally buy it! And I would definitely take any class you offer. I can't think of any specific ideas for class topics-- I would take it regardless! ha!
Posted by: EvelynB | 03/27/2011 at 10:50 AM
Thanks for the answers! It's interesting to know more about about how you scrapbook. I love your ideas for displaying LOs outside of albums!
Posted by: Heather V | 03/27/2011 at 11:07 AM
I feel the EXACT same way about cards! I never make my own, but I do recycle cute cards that others give me sometimes. I'd love to take a class from you online. Maybe you could teach something at Big Picture Classes! What fun! BTW, loved the pics of the girls on yesterday's post. They look so much alike now! so sweet!
Posted by: 9isfine | 03/27/2011 at 11:19 AM
Thank you! I'm so glad you are finding time!
Posted by: Candy | 03/27/2011 at 11:38 AM
Loved your post! Read every. single. word. Thanks for taking the time to share!
Posted by: Pat | 03/27/2011 at 12:15 PM
Ditto for me. I read every. single. word. every. time. I follow a LOT of blogs but I have to say I really look forward to yours. Thanks for the instagram tip!
Posted by: Sonya R | 03/27/2011 at 12:25 PM
I loved reading this post! I've now downloaded Post...its very cool :)
Posted by: Michelle | 03/27/2011 at 12:52 PM
I read the WHOLE thing! :)
Posted by: Pidgen | 03/27/2011 at 01:10 PM
I read the whole thing! I love this post. :)
And I also love that October Afternoon paper you used on that layout. I am an OA hoarder and I've noticed that most of their paper is timeless! :)
Posted by: JennV | 03/27/2011 at 01:30 PM
Thanks, Stephanie, for answering my questions. And I always read right to the end. I love your positive - but always real - point of view.
And now I am an addicted Pinterest follower of yours. Any chance of an invite, too?
Posted by: diana | 03/27/2011 at 01:37 PM
Haha, I read the whole thing!
It really wasn't so long after all. :)
Posted by: Lindsey | 03/27/2011 at 02:38 PM
I don't send many handmade cards to people either for the same reason! I do make more cards now because of DT assignments, but also find them hard! They are piling up in my scrap room. I do keep all the handmade ones I have been sent. I have every single one.
This was fun to read. It would be fun bumping into you and saying hi!! I always enjoy reading your posts... long or short. :)
Posted by: Michelle | 03/27/2011 at 02:55 PM
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer the questions, I would LOVE it if you did a post on your process. You are my scrap-idol :)
Posted by: Alexa | 03/27/2011 at 03:56 PM
What a beautiful layout. How sad that you don't have it in your album. Just wondering, would you ever go back and scrap those pictures again so that you preserve that moment in your family history? Also, I would love to see H & S' scrapbook pages! Thanks for a wonderful read -- and yes, I read the entire post. Always do!
Posted by: Linda E | 03/27/2011 at 05:35 PM
I really appreciated all that you shared!
Posted by: celeste | 03/27/2011 at 05:43 PM
Read every word of it.. :)
Posted by: Michelle | 03/27/2011 at 06:42 PM
Loved the post! It was worth the wait for you to answer our questions! Thanks for giving us a peek into your world.
Posted by: Sara Rossi | 03/27/2011 at 06:58 PM
Hope you're shocked... read it all! Enjoyed it too. So, do it MORE!
Posted by: Carrielyn | 03/27/2011 at 08:36 PM
LOVE your posts!! Thanks for answering all those questions! It's so fun to read all you have to share! Can't get enough! :)
Posted by: Angie F | 03/27/2011 at 08:43 PM
I love your posts! That was great of you to answer all those questions. Fun to read.
Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Natalie | 03/27/2011 at 09:12 PM
Read it all, loved it all and thanks for answering my question!
Posted by: Peg | 03/27/2011 at 11:01 PM
Angry Birds is totally like crack. Did you know you can get it for your computer? Ya I have it on my laptop and my iPhone. I need an intervention.
I've never heard of this Pinterest thing. I must go check it out. I need a place to store my inspiration rather than several journals, bits of paper, voice memos on my cell (when i think of something while I'm driving).
P.S. I made it all the way to the end of the post. Do I get a cookie? ;)
Posted by: April C | 03/27/2011 at 11:14 PM
great post! i made it to the end and i thought it was short. lol. it would be so cool to get kits by you as a subscription thing. i have trouble putting things together (my husband often picks out my clothing) but i know what i like when i see it. your pages are always my all time favorite pages ever.
Posted by: ScrappinA | 03/27/2011 at 11:28 PM
hey Steph-I read your whole blog most of the days too. I am so guilty of looking at photos on others and seem to have really loved your writing voice.
My DH has a possible transfer to Jacksonville, FL. I was talking to my parents about it and my dad mentioned that Savannah is about 50 miles from there. The 1st thing I thought was---OMG that is where Steph is. I know, I am in therapy now..hehehe.
Posted by: Linda | 03/28/2011 at 01:09 AM
Thanks for sharing with us! And yes, I read the whole thing, it wasn't that long :)
Posted by: Lara | 03/28/2011 at 07:22 AM
Ha! I suspect all your blog readers love getting a long blog post - I certainly do anyway!
What is it about those Angry Birds?? It really is addictive! My ipod is docked at the side of the bed and so that's when it get played! Love trying to get 3 stars in everything and all the golden eggs but sometimes it's so frustrating!
Thank you for all your SB answers and for sharing about instagram - that's a new one to try (actually there are a few apps you've mentioned that I'll be checking out). LOVE your blog. x
Posted by: Valerie | 03/28/2011 at 07:42 AM
Its nice to hear from someone else that has a good marriage/still together that had a quick wedding, We where in the same situation as you and just decided one day to get married, I think we have about 4 pictures.
All my family say it wont last, simply because of that, 2 years later we are still Very much in love!
Posted by: Cornelia Kennedy | 03/28/2011 at 08:47 AM
I LOVE Goodreads!! I use the app more than the site, ha!
Posted by: Kristy | 03/28/2011 at 01:07 PM
Just wanted to say thanks for spending the time that you do on your posts, it really comes through and you're such a joy to read. And I couldn't agree more about the "be nice" sentiment, I know niceness--especially in adults--would make everyone a whole bunch happier over here :)
Thanks again.
Posted by: Kristin | 03/28/2011 at 04:12 PM
Thanks for the info, I really enjoyed reading it (all of it, right down to the bottom - hehe). I have also been requesting an invite to Pinterest but haven't had a reply. How do you get in? I have been totally addicted to looking at it lately.
Posted by: Natasha | 03/28/2011 at 07:05 PM
Hi!
The best app ever for little girls is "cookie Doodle". My girls 4 & 9 love it and I have fun with it too. You have to do the make the dough feature. So fun!
Have a great day!
Posted by: Kate405 | 03/29/2011 at 01:19 PM
This post did not seem long at all!!! It is all so interesting that It is a quick read!!! My fav layout is "above all". I am amazed that you are able to amke a layout in such a short time. They look like you spend hours and hours on them. Good thing you are a quick scrapper since you are a busy mother of 4 beautiful girls and the wife of a hero of a husband!!
Posted by: Jersey Girl Anne | 03/29/2011 at 08:18 PM
Ok...so I haven't checked the computer for several days...life...anyway, the video of the girls'jogging' while watching the mobile is adorable! All the photos are! And of course our layouts are amazing as well! So glad you are enjoying this precious time...I remember when you blogged about how you were going to get this all done and love and care for 2 new babies and still give the olders their time...well, my hat is off to you because it appears that everyone is so loved by the two of you and i can't even figure how you still manage to scrap in the middle of all of it! Thanks so much for sharing real life with us! You and your family are precious! Blessings!
Posted by: tammy graves | 03/29/2011 at 11:08 PM