The Crafty Scribe's Favourite Quotes - 16 and Project of the Day

Dear Scribblers

Are you drowning in a mess of to-do lists? Are you too busy to write to-do lists?

"We need time to dream, time to remember, and time to reach the infinite. Time to be."  Gladys Taber.

Project of the Day - Have a cup of tea, coffee, or your favourite relaxing drink. Go on! Make a drink, have a choc chip cookie and... BREATHE! You deserve it!

Happy Scribing!

iPad Envy!

Dear Scribblers

It's iPad day here in the UK, but unfortunately I'm not one of the luck ones. Sigh! I'm going to have to wait for mine.

How many of you out there have your fingertip pads gliding across the glassy iPad screen? I previously wrote a post called There's An App for That! http://thecraftyscribe.blogspot.com/2009/10/theres-app-for-that_03.html and I wondered what is your favourite app? iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. Even those of you with blackberry and android phones, I'm not restrictive!

Is there one crafty app that you just can't do without? Please share it on the comments, as I know I would love to hear all about it, and I'm such the other Scribblers would too.

Have a great day, especially those caressing your new iPads.

Happy Scribing!

The Crafty Scribe's Favourite Quotes - 15 and Project of the Day

Dear Scribblers

Are you the person you want to be? Are you the crafter you want to be?

"Undoubtedly, we become what we envisage."  Claude M Bristol.

Project of the Day - Write a diary entry, art journal or scrap page on the person you would like to become. Have you set goals? Do you have a time line? Does it involve work, home life or everything? Have fun with it, don't limit yourself. You may surprise yourself.

Happy Scribing!

The Crafty Scribe's Favourite Quotes - 14

Dear Scribblers

Here's a popular quote. It always makes me smile when I read it. Does it inspire you?

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you will land among the stars." Les Brown.

Happy Scribing!

Celebrity Chic and Project of the Day

Dear Scribblers


My friend is a journalist, and is presently working in Afghanistan. His claim to fame today is that he spent the day with David Beckham, and then interviewed him for television news.


This made me think...


Project of the Day - What or Who is YOUR Claim to Fame?


Have you met a famous person? Are you related to a celebrity? Are you famous in your own right?


How about journalling or scrapping about the time you met someone famous. Add a photo, if you have one, or any memorabilia you have of that time. Explain who the person is, why they are famous, why you were surprised or pleased to meet them, and how you felt about the meeting.


One of My Claims to Fame? I was 14, and went to the UK concerts of 'Kids from Fame'. At the end of the show, I ran to the front, and as I was quite small the security guard lifted me onto his shoulders so I could see. I called out "Carlo" (as in Carlo Imperato, who was the character Danny) and he can running over and kissed me on my hand! I was so overwhelmed, that when I got home, I washed my hand and bottled the water! I kept it for years, before I finally threw it away. Even though I have no photos, I could use pictures from the internet, and make the story the main focus of the page. 


Blush! I can't believe I shared that with you. LOL! 


What's your story?


Happy Scribing!

A Nature Question - Please Help! And a Project of the Day

Dear Scribblers


I know that you are an intelligent bunch out there, and I'm hoping some of you know a bit about nature. Here's a question - We have lots of little fluffy cotton-like wispy 'snow' drifting in the air. Does anyone know what it is?

I'm baffled, we've lived in the same house for 11 years, and this is the first time we've seen this. As I wrote in my poem on My Year as A Poet, it's like fairy snow - all soft and floaty, if you can catch a few and rub them together they look like cotton wool. My husband thinks that it is coming from a big tree we have near us, but it's never done this before. I just think the stuff is getting caught on the tree, and then blowing off it again on the next breeze.

Can anyone help me?

Project of the Day - Taking Time to Wonder at Nature and the Weather.

Here in the UK the seasons are turning. We are having a beautiful summer's day today. What is the weather like where you are? Take a snapshot to illustrate today, and add it to your journal or scrap-page. 

For a longer project, how about making a rule to take a photo of the same view on the same day every month or 3 months, (e.g. every 1st of the month, or the 15th of Jan, April, July and Oct?) and record the turning of the seasons. As soon as you have a full year make up a page/mini-book/art journal layout showing your world around you.

Happy Scribing!

The Crafty Scribe's Favourite Quotes - 13 and Project of the Day

Dear Scribblers

Today's quote is a beautiful, but simple one:

"Visions are road maps for the mind. They are the mark, the target towards which everything travels." Twyla Dell.

Project of the Day: Allow yourself to dream. What visions come into your mind? Journal, draw or scrap about it.

Happy Scribbing!

The Crafty Scribe's Favourite Quotes - 12 and Project of the Day

Dear Scribblers

When life takes over, and you find that your day has disappeared before you've finished all your tasks, and you wonder if you will ever get to do something for yourself, think on this quote, called The Song of the Partisan:

"If I’m not for myself; 

Who will be for me? 

If not this way, how? 

If not now, when?"

Life will always throw chores at you. There will always be someone wanting your time.

Your Project of the Day is to schedule time for yourself. Try to find at least 20 minutes a day to do something for yourself, and try and make that something fun and creative. Write your journal, begin planning that novel, get out your drawing pad and pencils, grab a mini book project or scrap page.

If you don't know how to begin, take the quote above, and create a plaque for you to hang up where you will see it to remind you.

Take time for yourself, even if you need to get up that bit earlier to find your quiet time, or stay up that little bit later. Taking 'Me' time is just as good as an extra 20 minutes in bed, and I'm sure you'll sleep better for it.

Happy Scribing!

The Crafty Scribe's Favourite Quotes - 11 and Project of The Day

Dear Scribblers

I believe in the little things that you can do for yourself, that can make a big difference.

"An affirmation is a strong, positive statement that something is already so."  Shaki Gawain.

Affirmations are short sentences written in the present to create a better attitude and focus in your life. It can be simple and wide-ranging such as "I am positive and happy" or it can relate to a specific goal, "I am a talent writer of spy novels."

The only rules are:

• To use positive language
• Write it as if it is already happening
• It relates to you personally
• Write it out, or read it every day

Project of the Day - Create an affirmations, or a set of affirmations for yourself following the rules above. Focus on the areas of life you would like to improve. It is the repetitive daily positive action which will help you make outstanding changes to your attitude and life.

How do I know? It's worked for me many, many times. I write out my affirmations every single day, and I see the difference it makes.

Happy Scribing!

Two Projects of the Day - That other form of poetic quotes... music lyrics

Dear Scribblers

Just a quick message today, as a thought passed through my brain. Well, actually, music lyrics are going through my brain, and apt ones at that!

I can't get the chorus from 'Where Do You Go To My Lovely' by Peter Sarstedt out of my head! You know the line:

"Where Do You Go To My Lovely/When Your Alone in Your Bed/Tell Me The Thoughts That Surround You/I Want To Look Inside Your Head."

I love the lyrics of the whole of the song, and of course, it got me thinking...

Project of the Day 1 - What song lyrics stick with you? Create a project based on the lyrics, and why they resonate with you. Create a list of favourite lyrics. Or use lyrics to create a title for your page about another subject.

Project of the Day 2 - I Want To Look Inside Your Head! What's going on inside your mind today? Make an impromptu page in your own style. Collage works well for this. See what pops up.

Happy Scribing!

Project of the Day - Thanking a VIP

Dear Scribblers

Today over on My Year as a Poet blog, I've written a poet saying thank you to someone who is no longer in my life. It made me think on Crafty ways to say thank you.

• Is there someone in your life today that you need to take a step back and thank?
• Is there someone no longer in your life that you wish you could say thank you to? Have they drifted away? Left in a blaze of glory? Or unfortunately passed away? 
• Is it a parent, lover, child, friend? Or even a pet?

Project of the Day - Be arty, 'writey' or crafty and create your own special scrapbook or journal page, thanking that person. Compose it in your own way - add photos, collage pictures, draw, or even write a letter to the person. Tell them how you feel about having them in your life. Why they are so important to you. How they changed you. Why you miss them.

I know that this might be a bit of a painful idea, but it might exercise a few demons you've held onto. Or it might open your eyes to how important someone is to you.

Don't worry about what you end up writing, you don't need to show anyone. You can give it to the person on the page, or keep it to yourself. Remember crafting doesn't have to be for other people. It's all about your own personal choice. YOU are the only one who can say what is the right thing to do, and only YOU knows what is in your heart and mind.

Happy Scribing!

The Crafty Scribe's Favourite Quotes - 10

Dear Scribblers

I don't know if you are like me, but sometimes I find it easy to get bogged down in the work, that you forget to enjoy what you are doing. It's just as much about the fun of creativity as it is about the end product, especially when you reach a point and think, "I wish I had a die-cutting machine, I'd get this done in half the time!", or "I just don't have the right papers/equipment." or "I wish that I had more time/space/energy/money. It would make my life so much easier."

At these moments, I like to think on this quote by Hugh Downs:

"A happy person is not a person with a certain set of circumstances but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes."

Add a smile, enjoy what you do and be happy!


Happy Scribing! 

The Crafty Scribe's Favourite Quotes - 9 and Project of the Day

Dear Scribblers

Have you ever begun a project, and then lost momentum? Remember that -

"Your resolution to succeed is more important than any other thing."  Abraham Lincoln

Stick to your goals, the feeling of accomplishment will be amazing. If you finish what you start, you'll be a major step ahead of the race.

Project of the Day - Pick up that unfinished project, and make the decision to finish. Enjoy the work, resolve to finish, and bask in the accomplishment.

Happy Scribing!

The Crafty Scribe Communiqué - I've Gotta Itch!

Communiqué - News Flash - Communiqué 

Dear Scribblers

Have you heard the saying: 'You scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours.' Apart from reminding me of Baloo the Bear from Jungle Book, it's a thought I've had to increase visits onto my blogs. I'm all for a bit of mutual publicity.

If you like my blog, can you please pass the web address http://thecraftyscribe.blogspot.com onto all your crafty pals. 

Also please pass along my other blog details: My Year as A Poet http://365poet2010.blogspot.com/ to your passionate poetry and lyrical loving friends.

If you would like to subscribe yourself, please go to the RSS feeds, Networked Blogs and Blogger, and also follow me via Twitter - @thecraftyscribe

So, here's the second part to the quote -

Once you have passed on my details, please let me know in the comments box below, and add your blog details or twitter feed, and I'll be pleased to join your internet profile. My only rule is that I won't link to anything negative, immoral, unethical, dishonest, obscene or rude and nasty. You get the picture! 

Happy Scribing!

Communiqué Ends - Communiqué Ends

© Disney

Project of the Day - Go Voting!

Dear Scribblers

It's Polling Day in the UK, we are voting to choose our new government. As this only happens once every five years, I thought what a great opportunity to get scrapping or journalling!

To all those in the world who aren't voting today, maybe you can store this away until your next vote, or look at those events that only occur rarely?

Project of the Day - Voting Day!
Are you voting today?
Is there someone in your family who is voting for the first time?
Is there a grandparent in your family who remember voting many many years ago?
Are you working at a polling station, or one of the busy counters who will be collating the votes tonight?
Have you canvassed for one of the parties?
Are you standing for election?

Here's a few ideas:

• Take a scan/photo of your voting card, or photograph people with their cards before they go to vote. 
• Maybe take a photo of them at the 'POLLING STATION' sign, please check though as some places may not let you take photos out your voting station, and please do not try to take photos inside. Instead, be creative, find different ways of showing today's special events. I'd love to hear about your own photography ideas.
• Take a photo of the television screen when the election shows begin tonight. 
• Get a copy of today's newspaper, and tomorrow's newspapers with the results. Look for the local papers, as well as the nationals.
• Keep all those campaigning leaflets that dropped onto your doorstep.
• Use all your photos and memorabilia to create a scrap page, mini-book or add to your daily journal entry.
• Write about the election from your own personal point of view. Add the views of your friends, and family. Of that first voter, or stories from voting in past years.

It's a serious subject, but you can create a fun and informative project from it. Remember, this is history in the making!

Happy Scribing!

The Crafty Scribe's Favourite Quotes - 8 and Project of the Day.

Dear Scribblers

Is there a project you want to begin today?

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step." Lao-tzu.

Project of the Day - Even if it's a HUGE project, such as a 12x12 album, or even a novel. Do something to begin your journey today. Could you gather the photos together, or choose the papers? Could you buy yourself a new notebook to write down your plot and character ideas? Could you begin a journal to make a note of your daily life?

Take that first step today.

Happy Scribing!

Happy Bank Holiday! And Project of The Day.

Dear Scribblers!

Happy Bank Holiday Monday to all of you in the UK.

So what are you doing with your extra day at home? Are you on holiday, or are you one of the unlucky ones working? Are you hopefully using it to do some extra scrapping?

Whatever you are doing, I hope it's not raining on you too much, and not spoiling your plans?

Project of the Day - Grab your craft  or writing supplies and a spare 30 minutes, and see what you can do in that short span of time.  Set a timer and work against the clock. You might be amazed what you achieve in the time frame.

On Your Marks... Get Set... Go Creative!

Happy Scribing!

The Crafty Scribe Communiqué - My Year as a Poet!

Communiqué - News Flash - Communiqué 

Dear Scribblers

We are now a third into the year.

That's 122 days and 122 poems at My Year as A Poet - by The Crafty Scribe 

I'm attempting to write a poem a day, and up to now I've been successful!

Thank you to everyone for browsing onto the blog to read the poems.

Please pass the address http://365poem2010.blogspot.com onto all your passionate poetry lyrical loving friends.

Only 243 to go!

Happy Scribing!

Communiqué Ends - Communiqué Ends

The Crafty Scribe's Favourite Quotes - 7, and a Project of the Day

Dear Scribblers

Here's another affirmation of articulation, and sentence of smarts, by Albert Einstein -

"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."

Has this happened to you? You look back on your life to assess a time of trouble to say, "Wow! If I didn't go through that - then this amazing thing wouldn't have happened." or "When I thought that I was at my lowest, this happened to help me." 

This links to that other popular saying -

"Everything happens for a reason."

Once you take a breath and a step back from a situation; a solution, or a way to alleviate the burdens, can often be found, producing events to ease and assist, or even create brand new opportunities you would have never ever considered. The difficulty can be an enormous life changing incident, or it can be something seemingly insignificant, which brings me to today's project.

Project of the Day - Do you have a scrapbook page, mini-book, art work, or piece of writing you are having difficulty with? Have you set it to one side, and think that you will never complete it?

If so, take it out now. Look at it with fresh eyes.

• Can you create a new opportunity out of it? 
• Can you see a way of fixing the problem to continue with your original idea, now that you haven't worried about it for a while?
• Or can you move away from that idea, and alter the project so that it becomes something entirely new?

I did exactly that with the project below. I had planned to create a little holiday mini-book using pub beer mats at the base. I started it, but found I wasn't particularly keen on this size of project for the photos I wanted to use. I needed to go larger.

However, I'd completed a couple of mats, so I quickly made another base, and joined them together to create a little hanging banner 'photo frame' for my study wall. I added papers to the backside of each mat, and added hidden journalling to each one. (It's photographed lying on a table, when it's on the wall it hangs in a curve.)

Go ahead! Salvage that difficult project, and create a new opportunity from it. Finish it today.

Happy Scribing!