I love reading poetry. There is nothing quite like the soul of a poet. Delicate and all consuming and it always shines through the words that are always chosen so carefully.
When I recently revisited the words of E. E. Cummings’s poem I couldn’t help but think about my big sister.
My sister’s first born was different than all the other children. By the time he was a year and a half he could already solve simple math problems and by the time he was two, he had stopped speaking altogether. He didn’t point and didn’t sit still but had – and still has – the purest heart I have ever seen.
It is easy to focus on my nephew’s angelic eyes and heart of gold, but when I read the lyrics of Cummings’s poem I thought about the emotional struggles my sister is going through.
She laughs her son’s joy and cries his grief and frustration. But most of all – ANYONE’S ANY IS ALL TO HER!
I can still remember how when he was 4 years old my sister suddenly burst into tears. I had no idea what had made her cry and then she said “He will never say ‘I love you mom'”. I was so overwhelmed by her simple but so profound concern and took it upon myself to teach him these words. I know he loves her dearly, he is a loving person, so I didn’t mind how mechanical these words sound when they came out of his little mouth, and she didn’t mind either. I hope.
It is difficult to understand how difficult it is for a mother of an 11 years old son to be thrilled when he types a full sentence on the computer. It is not easily understandable how an initiation of a simple conversation can yield such immense joy in a mother’s heart. Thus I find that these words “anyone’s any was all to her” depicts so well my sister’s trials and turbulence.
I adore my sister’s strength and endless capacity to love and understand.
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What poem or line of a poem to you find inspiring and reminding you of a person who is dear to you? Please share by leaving a comment.
Check out Creativity Prompt’s new and unique self paced workshop: “Welcome Little One”. This workshop will provide you with everything you need, and then some, to make a fabulous handmade mini album to record the first moments of a new born baby.
At the Exploratorium in San Francisco I learned that nothing can be judged at first glance and often a second glance will not suffice either.
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Would you drink out of a toilette bowl if you knew it is clean, fresh water?
Check out Creativity Prompt’s new and unique self paced workshop: “Welcome Little One”. This workshop will provide you with everything you need, and then some, to make a fabulous handmade mini album to record the first moments of a new born baby.
To download it simply click on the image (or the link) and if it doesn’t work try to right-click on it and opt for the “save target as…†option (it may be phrased a bit differently on different operating systems – but do NOT opt for the “save image as†option, as you will get the low resolution tiny preview image).
I hope you like it and have lots and lots and lots of fun with it.
Make sure you didn’t miss the rest of the free printables on Creativity Prompt.
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What are you going to use these labels for? Leave a comment.
Check out Creativity Prompt’s new and unique self paced workshop: “Welcome Little One”. This workshop will provide you with everything you need, and then some, to make a fabulous handmade mini album to record the first moments of a new born baby.
A few months ago I suggested that you chronicle an unexpected conversation in a layout and put up this layout as an example of an extremely unexpected conversation between my husband and I. Eva Engvall, the Editor in Chief for a Swedish scrapbooking magazine, Scrapbooking m.m., has contacted me and asked if this layout can be featured on her magazine.
Needless to say I was ecstatic.
The layout was published in the July/August issue of the magazine and I also got a copy. After receiving the copy I was even more excited and giddy about it than before, because the issue was packed with gorgeous layouts and mini albums and general fabulousness by the most talented gals. I couldn’t believe my humble layout laid amongst them. I’m so honored and grateful to Eva for the opportunity.
It is actually the second time I’m published… However my first publication took a different note, as it was an article in a business journal about a case I participated in as a lawyer and won against the tax authorities.
You bet I was much more excited about my second publication than the first one…
I have been accumulating tape runners for a while, trying to find the best one for me.
Now that I have used the three major “actors” in the adhesive arena, I wanted to make a short review for your benefit.
In this review I will go through the ease of use and the environmental footprint of each tape runner. You will also be able to appreciate the difference in size of each tape runner. In general all three are very good adhesives, but the above points varies amongst them.
I have paid for all the adhesives myself and was not asked to make this review by any company, this is my honest opinion based on my own experience.
Video Review
[Go here to watch on YouTube and while there, please rate, comment and subscribe.]
Recap
Tombow Tape Runners
Pros: Easy to use, adheres well, smooth application. Cons: Shorter refill (39 feet), not environmentally friendly due to many disposed plastic parts. Get it:
Pros: Adheres well, smooth application and a larger refill (60 feet). Cons: Not environmentally friendly due to many disposed plastic parts. Get it:Scrapbook.com
Scotch Advanced Tape Glider (ATG)
Pros: Easy to use, adheres well, smooth application and the largest refill (36 yards or 108 feet – comes in a package of two which totals in 72 yards or 216 feet) and most environmentally friendly because it has the smallest plastic waste. Cons: More difficult to replace refills (though it takes a minute instead of a second) and it is more expensive to get the dispenser, though the refills are cheaper in the long run. Get it:Scrapbook.com
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Did you find this review helpful? What other products would you like me to review?
Check out Creativity Prompt’s new and unique self paced workshop: “Welcome Little One”. This workshop will provide you with everything you need, and then some, to make a fabulous handmade mini album to record the first moments of a new born baby.
You know how much I love recycling and turning my trash into treasure so it’s no surprise that I came up with this project after my bathroom got filled with empty boxes of soap.
When Amy from Mod Podge Rocks e-mailed me and asked if I wanted to use some of the Plaid products on my future projects I knew this mini book idea would be perfect for the test run. The funny thing is that just before Amy e-mailed me, I already bought a huge bottle of Mod Podge Gloss for paper just the week before so I had a chance to try out 2 other products that got sent to me by the company: Mod Podge Hard Coat and Mod Podge Sparkle.
I really, really, really loved the Mod Podge Hard Coat. I initially chose it for another project. I accidentally ruined a set of coasters I had and thought the Hard Coat formula will be perfect to restore them. However I used this as a top coat for the mini book and it is amazing. It is a bit thicker than the original formula and it dries clear into a hard coat (just as its name suggests…) that seals the cover and secure the binding of the book. I really recommend this for book makers.
The Sparkle formula has fine glitter in it and it adds a fun glittery top coat to any surface. What i like about it is that it adds the glitter without the mess that usually goes with it… You just need to apply it with a foam brush and the glittery particles doesn’t rub off of it after it dries up.
The recycled mini book can be made out of any box, of any size, so I purposefully left out exact measurement, so you can use the same technique on any empty box that comes your way.
So if you feel like playing along and learn how to make this recycled mini book, keep on reading.
Tools and Supply
This project uses MINIMAL supply, as it’s mostly recycled.
Empty cardstock or chipboard box.
Scraps of paper for the signatures (each insert much be double the width of the cover and the same height)
[Go here to watch on YouTube and while there, please rate, comment and subscribe.]
Step by Step Instructions
Flatten the box by carefully disconnecting the connecting flaps at the bottom and inside the box. You may also use a craft knife for that.
Use your scissors to cut off the flaps, as well as the inner flap and the short edge attached to it, so you are left with 3 sections: 2 cover sections and a spine, already creased for you…
Measure the width and height of the cover sections and the spine and cut pieces of patterned paper at the same size for the cover. If you want to conceal the binding you will need one piece the size of the cover section and the other size larger by the width of the spine plus an additional inch. If you choose to conceal the binding, adhere the outer cover papers at the end.
Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the cover section and the spine, lay the pattern paper on top of it and apply an additional layer of Mod Podge on top to seal it off. Put it aside to dry.
Take a plain copier paper, the same width and height of the spine and mark 3 horizontal lines on it – one at the center and two additional ones, about an inch apart. If you work on a larger box, you may want to add more lines, equally separated from each other.
Next mark equally separated vertical line, each line stands for one signature. I used 5 signatures, so I drew 5 vertical lines, one at the center and the rest in ¼” intervals.
Cut your signature inserts to double the width of the cover section and the same height and fold each signature of paper inserts in half.
Line up the paper guide with the inner crease of the signature and poke holes on the crease next to each of the 3 horizontal lines. these holes will help later with the binding process.
After the inner cover is layered with paper with a base and top coat of Mod Podge and completely dry, line up the paper guide with the inner spine and poke a hole at each of the intersections of the horizontal lines with the vertical lines.
Start binding the signatures together. Take the first one, insert the needle through the center hole and into the center hole of the signature, than to the upper hole and back from the bottom hole, into the center hole to the outer cover – repeat on all the signatures.
Once you finish binding all the signatures together, weave the thread through the center line of threads until it meets the initial loose end and tie them together in a tight knot. Cut the excess thread and tidy up the knot to look as smooth and straight as possible.
Lastly, apply a layer of Mod Podge Top Coat on top of the outer cover and the spine, it will secure the binding as well. You may also apply an additional layer of Sparkle Mod Podge if you want a fun glittery finish to your mini book.
Enjoy!!!
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If you have any question, suggestion or remark – don’t hesitate to contact me – either leave a comment here, use the contact form or start a new thread on the Creativity Prompt Flickr Group!!!
I would also be very happy to see your own creations, so don’t be shy and share 🙂
Check out Creativity Prompt’s new and unique self paced workshop: “Make Your Own Planner”. This workshop will show you how to make a beautiful handmade planner for the year 2012. Not only are you going to get the entire meticulously designed planner kit for instant download, but you will also get a high resolution video tutorial as well as step-by-step instructions to guide you on each step of the way. Either treat yourself with a fresh and creative start for the coming new year, or get it to create wonderful gifts for your family and friends. Join now
Check out Creativity Prompt’s self paced workshop: “Capture Your Dream”. In this workshop you will capture, follow and make your dream come true as well as document your journey in a fabulous mixed media mini album.
This week I am sharing a set of FREE basic labels with you (for personal use only).
To download it simply click on the image (or the link) and if it doesn’t work try to right-click on it and opt for the “save target as…†option (it may be phrased a bit differently on different operating systems – but do NOT opt for the “save image as†option, as you will get the low resolution tiny preview image).
I hope you like it and have lots and lots and lots of fun with it. I really packed the labels on this time, hopefully it’ll save some trees…
Make sure you didn’t miss the rest of the free printables on Creativity Prompt.
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What are you going to use these labels for? Leave a comment.
Check out Creativity Prompt’s new and unique self paced workshop: “Welcome Little One”. This workshop will provide you with everything you need, and then some, to make a fabulous handmade mini album to record the first moments of a new born baby.
[Font: KD Everyday; Digital Kits:KD Rousti, KD Digi Essentials #2, KD Digi Essentials #5, KD Crush, KD Fly Girl – all font and kits by Karla Dudley. I made the polaroid frames myself.]
Free Download
You can get the polaroid template here. Either click on the link and unzip the file or right-click on it and opt for the “save file as” option.
(The template is for personal use only.)
The Story
These photos were taken with my husband’s Nexus 1 phone a couple weeks ago.
It was the last day trip we took with my parents before they came back home. We went to San Francisco and enjoyed the beautiful urban landscape and great cuisine.
At the end of the day, as the last rays of sun shone above us we went to Twin Peaks for a marvelous bird eye view. As we climbed higher and higher the wind became almost violent and blew in gusts tight through us but the view became even more amazing.
I am so glad my father had the opportunity to join us for the short climb and enjoyed the extraordinary view of the city. The look on his face was so precious that I still remember and cherish it.
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What is your last cherished memory? Please share it with me by leaving a comment on this post.
Check out Creativity Prompt’s new and unique self paced workshop: “Welcome Little One”. This workshop will provide you with everything you need, and then some, to make a fabulous handmade mini album to record the first moments of a new born baby.
Check out Creativity Prompt’s self paced workshop: “Capture Your Dream”. In this workshop you will capture, follow and make your dream come true as well as document your journey in a fabulous mixed media mini album.
My beautiful, wonderful, perfect husband has joined the thirty something group and I will join him in October.
I wanted to make a book telling him how awesome he is while incorporating photos from the last year in our life (and one from 29 years ago…)
The easiest way for me to go about it was to make a hybrid mini album.
A hybrid is an album created partly digitally on the computer and partly traditionally with papers, adhesive and other scrapbooking goodies.
I created all the photo collages and titles for the album with Adobe’s Photoshop Elements 8.0 and the rest by hand, here is how I went about it:
Supply
In this album I was using a ton of different products I have had piled up in my office, so I will not tire you with the complete list. I will only highlight some of the main products I was using and loving.
Use the rectangle shape tool to draw a 6 by 6 square in the middle of your page – that will be your page base. Choose a very faint color for the square, to save ink later…
Create your design only on the 6″ by 6″ area. (I only used fonts, “Impact” in particular.)
To print your design, click on the eye icon next to the layers with your page design, that will conceal everything but the 6 by 6 square.
Print your page on plain copy paper. It will be used as your positioning guide later.
Now conceal the square by clicking on the eye icon and reveal your design again.
Adhere a 6″ by 6″ piece of cardstock to the printed rectangle on your copy paper. Use temporary adhesive to make its removal easier.
Put your copy paper through your printer again, with the cardstock attached to it.
Print your page design.
Repeat. (You don’t have to print the positioning guide again if you don’t move the square on your screen.)
For the photos I just cropped each photo individually to the size I wanted it and layered all the photos on a letter size document I then printed on photo paper.
Traditional Part
Crop all your photos.
Design your pages, add letter stickers to add texture to the rather flat printed titles.
You may also use the free journaling tags you can find here, on Creativity Prompt. They will help you add your journaling in an easy and polished way.
After you finished all the pages design, gather all the pages in the order you want them to be and make sure no page is rotated.
I also added two 6″ by 6″ acetate pages to protect the front and back cover pages.
Use the crop-a-dile to punch holes for the book rings. Punch them at 1″, 3″ and 5″, about ½” from the edge.
Photos of the Finished Mini Album
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Do you use the computer to add titles or other elements to your scrapbook pages? Please share by leaving a comment here.
Check out Creativity Prompt’s new and unique self paced workshop: “Welcome Little One”. This workshop will provide you with everything you need, and then some, to make a fabulous handmade mini album to record the first moments of a new born baby.
As a bonus for the Labor-Day weekend I am sharing another set of FREE journaling tags with you guys (for personal use only).
To download it simply click on the image (or the link) and if it doesn’t work try to right-click on it and opt for the “save target as…†option (it may be phrased a bit differently on different operating systems – but do NOT opt for the “save image as†option, as you will get the low resolution tiny preview image).
I hope you like it and have lots and lots and lots of fun with it.
Make sure you didn’t miss the rest of the free printables on Creativity Prompt.
Share
What are you going to use these labels for? Leave a comment.
Check out Creativity Prompt’s new and unique self paced workshop: “Welcome Little One”. This workshop will provide you with everything you need, and then some, to make a fabulous handmade mini album to record the first moments of a new born baby.
Check out Creativity Prompt’s self paced workshop: “Capture Your Dream”. In this workshop you will capture, follow and make your dream come true as well as document your journey in a fabulous mixed media mini album.
