Merry Christmas, Creating Histories & New Year's Cleaning of the Brain

Dear Scribblers


Sometimes you wonder where the time goes. I can't believe it's Christmas week already!


There has been a major change here in the home of the Crafty Scribe. We have a new member of the furry family.

Welcome Merlin!

He's been helping with the Christmas decorations, wrapping and of course card making! I've made over 70 cards this year, and now they are all posted along with all the parcels winging their way around the country to family and friends.


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There is some Crafty Scribe news too! 


I will be starting a new series called Scrapbooking & Journalling Your Own History


Every person in the world has their own story to tell, and I feel that it is important for you to record your own personal history. You can include your own family tree and genealogy, or just begin with your own birth or any other significant point in your journey. It's up to you.


I'll be beginning with supplies you require, and work all the way through to recording your past, and setting goals for your future.


I'll hope you will join me.


If you would like to get a head start. Have a warm drink - or something stronger, if you are old enough and are sensible about it! ;-) - and a mince pie, put your feet up and dream. 


Think about what areas of your past life you would like to record for your future. Are you going to include past family? Present family and friends? Are you going to go from birth? From school? From adulthood? Will you include photos? Draw? Writing only? How much details would you like to go into, and how you would like to capture these memories? Are you going to scrapbook? Journal? Art book? Mini book? A4 folder? Sketch book? Canvas panels? Artist trading cards? Film? Let your mind wander, bring forward the images of your life. 


When you know what you want, you could begin to collect your crafty items together, ready to be off and running into the new year. Don't worry if you don't know yet, I'll be offering up further tips in the first lesson.


Project for Today: Here's my take on New Year's Resolutions. I like to summarise the past year like this, as I feel it clears the air between the ears and allows new positive beginnings and fresh ideas to enter. 


I call this New Year's Cleaning of the Brain.


Christmas Eve is a good day to do this. Once all your presents are wrapped, and all the cards sent, and the shopping is completed. Take a moment for yourself, and write down (or draw) in a notebook, all those things (people included) you are grateful for, and all those experiences in 2009 you've really enjoyed. Then write down any sad or difficult situations, next to it, jot down what you learnt from it. Knowing what you know now, would you have dealt with it differently? How would you have changed it? This is called reframing - take the negative and turn it positive.


Once you've done this, leave it for a while. Enjoy the holidays, and when you are ready come back to your notebook. If you want to journal, scrap or art about what you've listed. 


Then write in your notebook, all those goals and aspirations you have for the coming year. Don't just write down resolutions, create a personal list of your future dreams. Make it as positive as possible, and write in the present. For example, instead of writing, "I won't smoke anymore." Write, "I do not smoke - I am healthy and my lungs are clear." Or "I am open to my dream job - I enjoy every day I go to work." Make your list as precise and detailed as possible.


Then create the journal, scrap, art page about this. If you complete this every year, you can see what you have accomplished from your resolution page to your review page. You'll be surprised how much more you will achieve if you put pen to page.


I would love to hear how you feel after creating your own pages, or any further ideas you would like to share.

Merry Scribing Christmas

from The Crafty Scribe!

Part Three - Harnessing Your Alternative Computer Programmes for use in Journalling and Scrapbooking.

Part Three - Harnessing Your Alternative Computer Programmes for use in Journalling and Scrapbooking.

Using Your Regular Word Processing Software in New Ways.

Dear Scribblers

Most computer users will have some sort of word processing software on their PC or Mac. Be it a bought package like: Microsoft Word or Apple iWorks - Pages, or using an open source programme such as: Open Office, AbiWord, or NeoOffice.

Have you thought about how you can use it for your journalling, or scrapbooking?

Of course, there is the obvious, using your programme as your diary. Open up a new document and off you type. If you do this, you can import pictures, even links, sound and video clips (if you are not going to print the pages out). However, think about how you will organise it. Will you set up a file named, for example: ‘2010’ and then have additional files inside with named for each month, and then start a new document for each day, or each week? Or inside your ‘2010’ file will you have documents named; ‘January’, ‘February’... etc, and write a whole month in one place? It depends on how much you are going to write. It’s important to be organised from the get-go.

That’s okay for a regular diary, but what about scrapbooking? What else can you do with your word processing programme?

Here’s a few ideas:

Make Your Own Word Art. Does your programme have the facility of fancy lettering? If you have Microsoft Word, you are way ahead with Word Art. But even if you don’t, choose a font that suits your layout, change the size, colour, emphasis, even rotate it, fade it, add a shadow or border. Make it your own. You can write out a title, the whole journalling section, or write a phrase/poem/’gobble-de-gook’ around a whole sheet as an individual backing paper. Then add it to your digital layout/page, or print it out on your chosen paper type and stick it on. If you need to add to your fonts, try: Dafont, 1001 free fonts, or one of my favourites, Iconian Fonts.

Use Your Software as A Mini-Photo Editor. Import your photo, and drop a text box on it to add your journalling or title right onto it. Add a border to the photo. Increase the photo to page size, and reduce transparency to make your own background. Rotate the photo. Layer photos on photos. Use multiple photos on one page to make a grid-syle layout. Adjust the image, depending on the options available. I find I use my Pages programme, more than I use my photo editing software.

Create Your Own Matt and Layering Shapes. Many programmes contain shapes which you can resize, and re-colour. Or remove any colour to give an out-line, then print it out onto your chosen papers or card, ready for you to cut out and use. You can even add photos, then recreate all your matting and layering together. Or make your own journalling box, complete with your writing. 

Using Templates and Clip-art: Most word processing programmes have a selection of templates or clip-art/copyright-free photos available for use. Spend some time looking at your templates and pictures. Do they give you inspiration for a scrapbooking layout? Can you use them as a basis for your pages and diaries? To give you some idea of how you can work with them, take a glance at my blog header. This is made up of pieces from a number of templates in iWorks Pages.

Project of the Day: Open up your word processing software now, choose a template you’ve never used, and see how you can incorporate it into your layout, or diary page.

I hope this has you looking at your software with different eyes. I’m sure that you will be able to come up with other ideas too. If you have any hints or tips you would like to share, please add them to the comments.

Happy Scribing!

Confessions of The Crafty Scribe

Dear Scribblers

Sad confessions here from the Crafty Scribe. Ill health has lead to a drop in output. In other words, I haven’t been writing, or crafting, or even journalling for the last week.

I’m about 17,000 words down on NaNoWriMo! But am I going to give up? No way! Even if I don’t make the deadline on 30 November, I’ll carry on until the novel is complete, and I’ll let you know when I’ve finished.

I hope all you NaNoWriMo’ers are doing better than me. So tell me, please write in the comment on how many words you’ve reached. Have any of you finished yet? I’d love to hear your experiences.

So my project for today, is to get myself motivated again, and start writing, and here’s your Project of The Day: Unmotivated? Not written or crafted for a while? What do you do to focus? What gets your inspiration fizzing? Write a paragraph, or list, in your diary, or start a scrapbook layout based on your thoughts. You never know where it will lead.

Happy Scribing!

The Crafty Scribe Communiqué - Too Many Contests

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Dear Scribblers

I have a confession... I’ve not been writing every day for NaNoWriMo. I know. I know. I’m hanging my head in shame. Although, I am at a healthy 16909 words now, but at this point I should be nearer the 21,500 stage. I have some making up to do.

There has been a good reason for the lax in ‘novel word-smithing’. I made a last minute decision to enter Scrapbook Magazine’s Scrapbooker of the Year competition. Very last minute, the entries must arrive by Monday 16 November, and at the 11th hour, 3 scrapbooking layouts are now, hopefully, racing up to Cheshire.

The contest required that you completed 3 different layouts, based on any theme. There’s points for techniques, originality and overall appeal. The winner gets a bumper pack of crafty goodies, and become a member of the magazines design team. This is the first time I’ve ever entered a scrapping competition, so my hope aren’t high, but you can’t win it, unless you have a go. Wish me luck!

On a journalling note, I used a hand written tag on one page, a block of digital text on another, and just a quote on the last. Once the winners are announced, I’ll post photos of my entries here on my blog.

It’s been a crazy rush, but fun, and I feel I’ve accomplished something. Let’s hope I get the same feeling and finish my novel by 30 November! I should be back on track next week.

Project of the Day - Search your magazines or the web, and find a competition you can enter. Give it a go, you never know, you just might win!

Happy Scribing!

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The Crafty Scribe Communiqué - NaNoWriMo Day 5

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Dear Scribblers

NaNoWriMo word count - 9081! WooHoo!

Happy Scribing!

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The Crafty Scribe Communiqué - NaNoWriMo Day 4

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Dear Scribblers

NaNoWriMo word count - 7500 to date. Chipped away a little bit more at that goal of 50,000 words by 30 November.

Happy Scribing!

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The Crafty Scribe Communique - NaNoWriMo Updated Word Count

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Dear Scribblers

Keeping you updated with my NaNoWriMo word count keeps me honest, and makes sure I’m putting finger pads to keyboards.

So my total word count to date is: 5864! I’m on track.

It’s still not too late to join in. If you do, please let me know.

Happy Scribing!

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Coming Soon - Part Three of Harnessing Your Alternative Computer Programmes for use in Journalling and Scrapbooking - Using Your Regular Word Processing Software in New Ways.

The Crafty Scribe Communiqué - NaNoWriMo Begins!

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Dear Scribblers

NaNoWriMo has begun. First 3175 words written! See the earlier post for more information.

If you want to try your hand at writing a novel in November, it's not too late. Come and join us.

Happy Scribing!

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Sad Times

Dear Scribblers

It's sad times here in the home of The Crafty Scribe.

My furry companion for the last 16 years has gone to the kitty summerlands. She was the subject of many a scrapbook layout, or a journal page, and she will continue to be so.

Wysiwyg - we will never forget you.

Project of the Day - Write or scrap about a beloved pet - either one still here, or in remembrance of one passed. Never forget the unconditional love they give you. Remember them, and honour them.

Halloween, or Samhain as Wiccans call it, is also called Time of Remembrance in certain tribal cultures. So it is fitting to remember all those who have gone before us.

Happy Scribing - even at Sad Times. It helps you move forward with a heart full of memories.

The Crafty Scribe Communiqué - Scrap Time Video Podcasts

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Dear Scribblers

Do you want to watch one of the best crafting video podcasts on the web?

Then go to: Scrap Time http://www.scraptime.ca

The host, Christine Urias, takes you on a weekly journey through the world of craft. Showing products, techniques, tools and projects in a friendly, open and informative way.

My favourite podcasts are her altered art and mini book projects, which provides great inspiration for journalling and event diaries.

Now on episode 422, Christine has developed a definite slick style which is worth checking out. Subscribe via iTunes or RSS feed.

Happy Scribing!

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Coming Soon - Part Three of Harnessing Your Alternative Computer Programmes for use in Journalling and Scrapbooking - Using Your Regular Word Processing Software in New Ways.

The Crafty Scribe Communique - Smythson Diaries

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Dear Scribblers

It’s that time again, when you begin to think about Christmas (or the Winter festival you celebrate) and of course, New Year.

2010 - A brand new decade!

Why not treat yourself to a new diary? In my opinion, the top purveyor of fine leather diaries is: Smythson of Bond Street

I have been lucky enough to own their exquisite notebooks, stationery items and of course, for a couple of years, their diaries. There are many sizes, page formats and colours available. Even diaries for specialist subjects such as; travel, art and sports, or organiser pages for the methodical amongst you.

My favourite diaries are the Bijou Soho, Bijou Portobello and Fashion varieties - they all contain sizeable notes sections which are perfect for the out-and-about scribbler. I also love the personalisation - there’s nothing like a bound leather diary with your name on.

Try the Smythson Diary Selector which will match you to your perfect diary.

For further information, check them out! Their diaries range from £25 to £250+, but the quality is outstanding. Once you have a Smythson diary, you'll never want anything else.  I know that the red Bijou Soho diary with slide closure will, once again, be on the top of my Santa’s wish list this year.

Happy Scribing!

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Coming Soon - Part Three of Harnessing Your Alternative Computer Programmes for use in Journalling and Scrapbooking - Using Your Regular Word Processing Software in New Ways.

The Crafty Scribe Communiqué - NaNoWriMo

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Dear Scribblers

The Crafty Scribe will be writing a complete novel in November! Want to join in and have some fun? Want to try something new? Want support from other writers? Go to NaNoWriMo to find out more.

National Novel Writing Month is an exciting, supportive approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing a brand new 175 page (50,000 word) novel on 1st November, and must finish by midnight on 30th November.

I'll be blogging here to keep you informed of my woes and wins, worries, weeping and word count as I write my way through November.

Happy Scribing!

   

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Coming Soon - Part Three of Harnessing Your Alternative Computer Programmes for use in Journalling and Scrapbooking - Using Your Regular Word Processing Software in New Ways.

Crafty Scribe Communiqué - Make Journalling Easier

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Dear Scribblers

Do you often come to journal on your scrapbook layout, or write in your diary, and realise that you can’t remember the details?

Does someone say something funny, and you want to use it in your journalling or as your title, but by the time you get around to putting pen to paper, you’ve completely forgotten what was said?

If you answer yes to either of these questions, you need to carry a notebook.

Here’s some ideas to get you started:

1. Will your notebook be electronic or paper based? Are you a tactile pen type of a person? Or do you like to use screens?
   • Also are you happy to been seen sitting are writing pad and pencil style? Or would you prefer to disguise your writing by tapping away at keys?
2. How do you normally carry your ‘stuff’ around on a daily basis? In a handbag? In a briefcase? In your pockets? This will help decide on the size, and format?
3. Do you have space for a separate item, or will you utilise your existing products?
   • There are a number of items you probably already use daily which you can use to jot down your ideas.
   • Phone - Maybe your phone has a notes function; this is a pretty standard feature on most phones now. You could also send yourself a text message with the info. Or use your email account - that way your note will be sitting on your computer ready to use. You could even leave yourself a phone message with the information, and then write it down later when you have more time.
   • Diary - Write your note on the actual day as a way of recording events chronologically, or within the notes section. Maybe this will influence you when you buy your new 2010 diary.
   • Existing Notebooks - One place for all your thoughts and to-do’s.
   • MP3 Players - Some music players have a recording facility, ready to take your voice notes.
   • Laptops/Netbooks - Speak for themselves!
   • Dictaphone - There are many cheap and cheerful Dictaphones available, for you to slip into your pocket or handbag, out in the marketplace. Take a look, this may be the perfect way for you to keep notes.
   • Apps - iPhone & Google apps a-plenty to keep notes.
   • Internet or Specialist software - There are a number of sites which provide space to keep notes/voice messages/to-do lists - browse around and find out.

Or are you a traditionalist? Do you want to keep one notebook to use specifically for your journalling thoughts?

You can either buy a specific pad, such as; Creative Imaginations - Journaler’s Notebook (which I sometimes use) or Making Mermories - Spiral Journaling Notebook, part of their Noteworthy Collection.

Or create your own - take a blank notebook of your choice (think about binding, un/lined paper, size) and decorate it! Get crafty.


Communiqué Project for Today: Start to carry around your preferred method of keeping journalling notes, and teach yourself to write down whenever something useful comes your way. You’ll be surprised how quickly this will become a habit.

Happy Scribing!

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Next - Part Three of Harnessing Your Alternative Computer Programmes for use in Journalling and Scrapbooking - Using Your Regular Word Processing Software in New Ways.

Getting Graphic! - Make Your Own Comic Book

Part Two - Harnessing Your Alternative Computer Programmes for use in Journalling and Scrapbooking.

Dear Scribblers,

Once upon a time, a variety of Apple Macs came bundled with a fantastic programme from Freeverse called Comic Life.

Those times are gone, and if you want a copy of Comic Life you need to buy it. But the good news is, it’s now available from Plasq in a brand new deluxe version for both Windows and Mac. Result!

So, why am I so excited about this programme? Comic Life can add an extra fun dimension to your scrapbook pages.

For example: Have you been to a theme park over the summer? Have you been on holiday? Have you been to a birthday party? Did you take tons of photos, but want to use a number of them on one layout. Import them into Comic Life, add your titles, caption boxes and speech balloons.

Voila! You’ve turned a set of individual photos into a cohesive fun story - an imaginative way of adding journalling to your pages. Once you’ve created your comic, print it out and add it to your scrapbooking layout, or paste it into your journal.

There is also a feature within Comic Life which allows you to email your finished graphic novel directly to your friends, or upload it to your website.

The programme itself is easy to use, with great help support:

Copy of Mac version - from Freeverse  

Here’s a quick comic page I made for my recent project for Shimelle’s “Learn Something New Every Day” on-line course.

After finishing the comic page, I created an additional page for making the title and further journalling, printed them out and added it to my normal scrapbooking layout.

As well as Comic Life, there are a number of other comic creation programmes out there, such as; Comic Book Creator by Planetwide Games. Hit your browser, and take a look. Or you could even just try using your regular word processing or photo editing software. Get creative, and have a go!

Project of the Day - Have go at creating your own comic strip/page/book. Then add it to your layout, art diary or journal. Try something new today!

Happy Scribing!

Next in the series - Using Your Regular Word Processing Software in New Ways.

Crafty Scribe Communiqué 2 - The Finished Book "Learn Something New Every Day!"

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For those of you who have followed the previous posts; you'll know, that for the month of September, I signed onto Shimelle Laine's course, "Learn Something New Every Day."  I am happy to report, I have completed the project, and would like to share a few pages with you.

Title Page

Title printed on the bottom of the picture.

Hidden journalling on a pull-out card, the top of the card sticks out with the chip-out TODAY, and pre-printed saying.

Fairy Cake Friday!

Some hand written journalling and alphabet stickers.

(See the real cup cake case?)

I felt that the title, plus added support of the pre-printed saying, was enough without additional journalling.

An iWorks Pages project. I added the photo 3 times side-by-side underneath and reduced the opacity, before layering the focus photo on top. Then added the journalling over the faded photos. After printing, I rounded the corners to match the papers. A tip from Shimelle was to use the cut-off left over pieces of paper to recreate the page. I did this, layering the pieces onto each other, and inked the edges.

And here's the finished book! All 30 days competed.

The project was made using mainly Cosmo Cricket products.

I hope you like seeing some of the journey I took. I would definitely recommend Shimelle's courses to all you scrappers out there.

Happy Scribing!

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Regular Blogs Resume Soon!

Crafty Scribe Communiqué - Word Mini Books

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Do you love the look of the pre-made Word Books, but find they often don’t convey the meaning that you need? I’ve seen some great ones that say ‘Family’, ‘Love’, ‘Birthday’, ‘Holiday’ etc. But what about if you want something more personal, like someone’s name, or the place you went on holiday? What do you do then?

Go to Funky Hand - cardmaking and scrapbooking CDs and downloads, run by the fantastic Anice (I’m sure you’ll have seen her on the Ideal World and Create and Craft shopping channels.)

These super CDs provide you with the basic alphabet and number templates for you to print out and create your own word books.

There are a variety of different options for you to choose, including: Funky Word Book, 2 Christmas designer word books, and I Do! Wedding word book.

Check out Funky Hand for prices and further information.

Try a Word Book today!

Happy Scribing!

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Coming Soon -  Comic Life - part of the Harnessing Your Alternative Computer Programmes for use in Journalling and Scrapbooking series.

There's An App For That!

Part One - Harnessing Your Alternative Computer Programmes for use in Journalling and Scrapbooking.

Dear Scribblers,

Do you own an iPhone or iPod Touch? Have you seen all the great apps available which you can adapt to use on your layouts?

You’ll find that these apps are useful for adding a quick title to your photo, a cute embellishment, flourish or two, or for writing your complete journalling. I’m sure you’ll have great fun trying them out. With the cost of them ranging from free to £2.99, it won’t diminish the pennies too much in these credit crunch times.

Here are just a handful of my favourites which I use on a regular basis to enhance my pages.

PURIKURA

There are a number of apps available based on the Japanese trend of Purikura, which are photo booths found out on the streets and in shopping malls. (The photo is taken, then words and cartoon style pictures can be added before they are printed onto stickers.)  These two app versions are great!

Photo Sticker by Alterme Inc - 59p

Puri Lite 2.0 by Think Bulbs Ltd - free (full version also available £1.79)

You can take your photo using your iPhone (or upload a photo onto the iPhone/iPod), then play around with the borders, stamps, cartoons, slogans, or add your own words and drawings.

When you are happy, you can save it to your photos. Puri Lite also has the option of sending your finished art work straight to facebook, or your email account.

Here is an idea of what you can do with them.

Made with Puri Lite 2.0

POSTCARDS

I love the look and feel of postcards, and the following two apps work perfectly. Both are easy to use, with the ability to add titles and journalling in a variety of colours and fonts. Save the finished cards to your own photos, or post them on via email, or your social networking site.

Postman by Freeverse Inc - 59p

Postage by RogueSheep - £2.99

Postman has a more traditional postcard feel. I like the postage stamp, and also the ability to add the weather. Whereas, Postage, has more options, including some with just borders and no journalling features.

Made with Postman

POLAROIDS 

Another stand alone app is Polarize. Quick, easy, fun and free! Turn your photos into a retro-styled Polaroid photo. You can add one line of journalling up to 14 characters in only one choice of font.

Polarize by Christopher Comair - free

The designer has created a flickr group for you to share your mini works of art.

Made with Polarize

What I like about all these apps, is that once you’ve manipulated your photo in one programme, you can open it in another, causing a layering effect.

Made with Picture Sticker and Polarize

Made with Postage and Puri Lite 2.0

Once you’ve finished with your photo, download it, and print it out for use on a layout or in your journal, or embed it into your digital scrapbooking.

For further information on these apps and many more, check out the iTunes store now.

If you have a favourite app which you use to journal or scrapbook, please write in the comments. I’d love to hear how you are using your iPhone/Pod.

(All prices in GBP £ - correct at the time of posting)

Happy Scribing!

Next in the series - another Freeverse programme - Comic Life.

Coming Soon...

Harnessing Alternative Computer Programmes for use in Journalling and Scrapbooking.

Quick Tip Using Strips, Clips, Chips, Snippets and Stamps!

Hi Scribblers!

Do you not like using your own handwriting on your layouts?

Here's one page that uses 4 different ideas to add journalling quickly and easily:

1. Snippets!  Add a pre-printed saying. I've used 'Sugar & Spice and Completely Nice' as I felt the colours and phrase blended well to the tone.

2. Stripts!  Write your journalling in a word processor programme; such as Microsoft Word, Open Office, Apple iWorks Pages. Format your fonts to your liking, then print it out on the paper of your choice. I, then, cut my sentence into strips to make it fit and to add movement.

3. Clips and Chips!  Use pre-formed pre-printed alphabets to make up your words as with the 'pay-off' dominate word - BLISS! (Likewise, I also used a chipboard number for the date.)

4. Stamps! Use alphabet stamps to create your words - I used a tiny studio G set inked with Whispers watercolour pens for the 'SUN' day of the week.

The page is mainly created using Cosmo Cricket products (plus ice cream sticker from K&Co, silk flowers from an old fake Hawaiian lei) as part of my project for Shimelle's Learn Something New Every Day course.

Simple!

Happy Scribing!

p.s. The series "Harnessing your Computer Programmes for your Journalling and Scrapbooking' begins next blog!

Desiderata - plus up and coming blogs

Dear Scribblers

Over the next few blogs, I'll be discussing how to use computer programmes other than your usual photo editors, to add titles and journalling to your layouts. Maybe it will get you thinking out of the craft box!

Before I begin those posts, I wanted to share recent journalling I added to a page about now and living in the moment.

I added about 20 head shots of myself, from the age of 2 through the years to now entitled, "Experience The Heart Beats of My Life." (No, I haven't uploaded the page - I don't want you to run away screaming!)

I, then, hid the following journalling on a slide-out card behind the photos:

"It's unbelievable to think that all these photos are the same person - me! Time moves forward. We grow up. People come and go. Adventures are experienced. Life is lived - from the mundane to the fantastic. We encounter love, disgust, excitement, fear, sorrow, laughter, delight, passion, more emotions than we can name. Seasons pass, until now. Now. Now. NOW! Even the NOW of the present, has become the past.

Enjoy every moment, absorb yourself in the senses - see, feel, hear, taste, touch and go beyond, into the unseen. Experience the heart beats of your life.

" You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars, you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should." Extract from Desiderata - Max Ehrmann"

Have you ever read the Desiderata? It can inspire, even on the darkest days. If you search on-line, there are many sites where you can read the poem, including here - Desiderata

How about trying this? Read the Desiderata and pick out one line that calls to you. Then create a layout based on it.

Happy Scribing!

 

Adding Quotes to your page

Do you ever use quotes on your layouts? They can add extra gravitas to your own feelings.

I like to use Thinkexist.com to find quotes, and provide information. There is a great search facility. Just type in a word (e.g. boat - writing - bumble bees), whatever you need, and hit search. Before you know it, there's a host of quotes on screen. You can also search authors, keywords, topics and more. I'm sure you will find something to suit your page and your mood.

For my page for yesterday as part of Shimelle's Learn Something New Every Day course, I added a quote to support my own journalling, as I felt it summed up how I felt.

"Creativity is a Natural Extension of our Enthusiasm" - Earl Nightingale

Note: Whenever you use a quote, please remember to add the author's name, so you know who the saying is attributed to, and also it's only polite to credit them.

Try adding a quote to your next layout, and see if it inspires you. Or choose a quote at random, and see if you can make a page out of it.

Shimelle's 'Learn Something New Every Day'

I enrolled on the fabulous crafting supremo, Shimelle's 'Learn Something New Every Day'. So since 1 September, I have been creating a 8x6 page a-day, which will end up as a mini-album by the end of the month.

If you would like to find out more about Shimelle and her courses - click here!

For yesterday's page, we thought about regrets, and here's mine!

As I wanted to add a lot of writing to the page, I kept the photo simple - manipulating one I'd recently taken of the full moon. I think it evoked my mood as I wrote.

The journalling reads, "At 16 years old, I told my friends that I would live without regards. I even created a mantra to strengthen my convictions! But what do we actually know as teenagers?

At 40, I know there is nothing I have done which I regret, but there are things I regret not doing. So maybe my 16 year old self did know something!

I learned that it's truly time to: Live Life to the Full and Enjoy!"

So what did your 16 year old self tell you? Do you still believe the same now?

Welcome to The Craft Scribe scribbles!

Hi!

Welcome to my first every 'blog' entry, following my journey into journalling, scrapbooking and beyond. I plan to write about my experiences and ideas as I meander through the world of crafting and creative writing.

To me, I think that the words on a layout are just as important as the photo. Sometimes, it can be just a title, or a whole story. You can show your writing - warts and all - big and bold on the page, or hide it so it's for your eyes only. (There's a song in there somewhere!)

So I hope you will join me as I attempt new ideas, tell stories, make mistakes, and maybe inspire you along the way.

Happy Scribing To You All!