Scrap Happens

Alone

 
For the first time in twelve years, I find myself alone on a holiday weekend. There have been a conundrum of feelings from sad, to bittersweet, lonely and yet relieved. This time has been one of needed reflection and an opportunity to reset some positive momentum.

While I was resting outside on my patio the silence was deafening. Signs of my girls were very apparent, yet the typical sounds that accompany a sunny day were absent. I sensed this also in the images I captured on my camera. This is one such photo that I will eventually add to a scrapbook to chronicle this transitionary period.

Alone. Not always a bad thing. Sometimes very necessary.  

Pricing

 
Getting back on track after my little hiatus has been a bit of a challenge. Recently asked for a price list and how this whole process works, I found myself looking at some outdated information. So after some market analysis this week, I have updated my price list. It is as follows, along with information on how to get started:

Customized albums are handcrafted, unique designs made with your photographs and memories. A variety of moods can be created in this personalized album, from whimsical to contemporary. Sizes included are:11 x 8.5, or 12 x 12. These albums are an awesome way for you to chronicle your special memories, without doing all the labor!

How does it work?

1. Gather your photographs and memories; organize in chronological order.
2. Using a file folder or envelopes, separate your memories in the order you want pages created.
3. Send memorabilia (ticket stubs, programs, plane tickets, etc.) also in the order you want in your finished product.
4. Type up any captions you would like included. Use of Post It notes is also acceptable; placed in the envelope of the same event.
5. Send me your stuff! In about 2-3 weeks, you’ll be looking at a wonderful keepsake; filled with your memories!

Prior to completing the above tasks, I do prefer to talk or email about the specifics of your project. Each album is completed with originality, based on your life events. Please contact me for more information.

*If you reside in the Bozeman, Montana area, I will arrange to meet with you personally.

Deluxe Pages

A Deluxe page is constructed using patterned paper, cardstock, stickers and/or die cuts and occasionally specialty papers. It may also include the use of brads, grommets, chalk, buttons, fibers, etc. Each page is designed to coordinate with your photos and memorabilia.

Basic

The Basic page layout is constructed using cardstock and/or patterned paper. This layout does not include enhancements. Each page is designed to coordinate and with your photos and memorabilia.

Custom Memory Album Price Structure

12x12 Album

Deluxe Design

$16 per one-sided page, 30 pages or less

$13 per one-sided page, over 30 pages

 Basic Design

$14 per one-sided pages, 30 pages or less

$11 per one-sided page, over 30 pages 

11 x 8.5 Album

Deluxe Design

$14 per one-sided page, 30 pages or less

$11 per one-sided page, over 30 pages

Basic Design

$12 per one-sided page, 30 pages or less

$9 per one-sided page, over 30 pages 

Pricing includes supplies and labor. Also included is computer journaling or a blank journaling box, to add your own words.

Prices do not include the cost of the album.

Shipping is free with orders over $500.00 (u.s. currency)

A 50% deposit is required on all projects; balance due when project is complete.

 

Pic Tip of the Day - Investment

The plentitude of pictures in our lives, in this day and age of digital, allows us to disregard the true emotional depth of a photograph. Simple moments captured on "film" can evoke a truly sentimental moment years down the road. But if not properly stored, those memories will fade and deteriorate. They are truly delicate objects that can easily be damaged by improper storage, careless handling, and exposure to the environment. We spend an abundant amount of money on cameras, software programs, printers, and processing...take your investment one step further and consider using a better storage system for your precious memories.

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Finally....Spring!

The skies may be gray today, but there are still some obvious signs of spring. My cherry tree is getting it's beautiful pink blossoms, and the bees are already hard at work. I also went to the nursery to get my baskets, I love my porch this time of year! God willing, I won't have to pull my flowers into the garage, due to more strange Montana weather. I think we're done with winter, aren't we....really, aren't we?

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Funny...each year I think we are almost done with winter, yet question if we really are! Today again, I was soaking up the sun realizing that there will be more snow.

Springtime Storybook

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Funny....a year ago I was not happy with the weather and found a means of escape. This album is still available. Contact me for more information.

Free Time

It's amazing how long I have waited for more free time, alone time, time to myself...whatever. Seven years, give or take a month or two. Now, with both kids in school, nearly all day...almost everyday, the time just slips away. However, I am really good at wasting it too. My newfound interest...wandering. I just love to wander while alone. Stores, streetfronts, my living room...it doesn't really matter much. The quiet time is awesome. Did I mention that while the minutes of my day diminish, my laundry pile grows grander. The dust spreads like ash upon the tops of my buffets and hutches. And the beds may or may not be made.

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Looking back five years to see where my blog began, and my...how life has changed!

Testimonial....hmmm?

Ok, so earlier today I was working on beefing up my Linkedin.com profile. I sent out various requests for testimonials from people I have worked for through the years. Be it the brewing company, casino, scrapbooking, or most recently real estate. Yes, this is a diverse resume.

Tonight I received the most HILARIOUS endorsement, as he put it so eloquently. This man has known me for over 30 years, as he use to have to cart me around with my older sister. We have been friends now as adults, as he also remains very close to Stacie. Anyhow, he had no idea how much I needed to laugh out loud tonight...but this did it! Those of you who don't know me well, won't get it.

And those that do, will get a chuckle out of his life-long observations of this girl, now woman that he had to put up with for years.

Thanks, Tim!

Kellie is a very nice person who lives in an unreasonable climate.  She is the only woman that ever sent me flowers... It wasn't even my funeral, but I've never forgotten it.  She has 2 children that look like her clones. She has to put up with the fact that her big sister lives across the street and undoubtedly comes over to mooch meals and smooches from the kiddies.  Her big sister had to take her everywhere when she was 10.  They both resented it at the time, but it built character. She had really big Hair in the 80s and could have been in a hair band or at least an mtv video had she applied her hair in the proper fashion.  Now she sometimes puts cheese on her head or rubber hair.  She is from Wacousta but that doesn't explain it completely.  I've heard that she can stand on one leg for up to a minute (if she hasn't had too much wine and she is holding onto a table.) She once lived in Salt Lake City, but was only married to one man so she had to move.  Plus she had lived in Las Vegas before that, so that was no good either.  Plus she worked for a Brewery and a Casino - I'm surprised Salt Lake let her across the city limits.  she had a blog once, but some guy from Michigan started writing his opinions in the input section so she had to stop it. Now she lives in Montana and probably puts carrots out in the snow for the Rabbits. Mostly now she sits around and cuts out letters and pictures of people and puts them in books much the same way that the unibomber or some serial killer would during their stalking phase.  Only people pay for her to make  her pages and they are more tasteful and she has never sent a mail bomb to anyone.  One day some pictures of our child showed up in a book at our house.  We sent her money.  then some pictures of some of our dogs showed up.  We sent her more money.  We are happy about the pictures and the money and don't want the fbi to investigate.  We haven't gotten any more pictures recently and haven't sent any more money.

  

Evolution of a Bedroom - Innocence, Independence, Tranquility

The other day while cleaning up my youngest daughter's bedroom, I realized how much I like being in it. The walls are painted a pretty lilac color, and the sun was bringing a cozy amount of warmth into the room. What I really love about this space, is the little girl element. Still full of very pre-teen items like pretty ponies, Bratz, a plethora of stuffies, and volumes upon volumes of books! This haven for her is one of innocence, that will be dissipating all too soon.

My next stop was in the bedroom of my emerging teenager. While also cozy and warm, there is a new element of independence. Posters of teen werewolves and vampires, backpacks stuffed with textbooks, the beginnings of cosmetics and hair appliances, and finally her beading projects. She has her room just the way SHE wants it. It has evolved from that innocence I spoke of, to a space where you can observe her emerging voice as a teen.

Ahhh...my own room. The contrast is quite apparent. This is one space in the house with no chaos, no clutter, no noise. I keep it this way as a means of escape; that of solitude and a place where I search for intuition and my inner voice. My tranquil sanctuary.

 

 

Etsy Sale!

In my ongoing efforts to streamline the nuisance know as clutter, I have taken $25 off the original prices of all albums at My Esty Shop! Check out the merchandise and let me know if you want to see any additional pictures of these scrapbooks. This is really a great deal!

Bring on the BLING! And some....ch, ch, ch, CHANGES!

Happy New Year (an few hours in advance)! I am feeling very blessed this afternoon as I reflect upon the pivotal moments of 2010. There has been fear, anger, bliss, pride...and through it all I sit here today with a feeling of accomplishment. For every emotion, every doubt, every single moment of darkness has led me to this final day of 2010, a much stronger woman. I have shed, rebuilt, reorganized, and digging deep...continue this metamorphosis into a new realm in my life.

All that said, I am having a damn blast with my new venture in selling jewelry! I have seen transformations in women who had tried convinced me and themselves, that they do not like to wear jewelry. I have seen the most genuine joy on these beautiful faces as they try on the baubles I sell. Confidence not only in how stunning they look, but also new attitudes! I LOVE THIS!

So for 2011 I see myself finally catching up on my OWN scrapbooks....while pursuing more happiness in new Jewels by Park Lane clientele!

 

Grocery Store Match Mishaps

Ok, so here's a little footnote to the Match.com experience.

Probably and most likely this virtual dating concept is super productive in a BIG city. However, when I find myself in the dairy section at our local grocer, picking out the one carton of unbroken eggs and realize someone is staring at me...I ponder, hmmmm what is he looking at? But at the same time I understand that he also looks familiar (in an oddly unfamiliar way). Anyhow, a few hours go by and  I get an email from this very person...claiming "I won't be disappointed and can we meet for coffee". Sorry, but no.

And, that is not the only grocery store incident.

My point? My town is too small to be on a dating site. See ya, Match. It was fun while it lasted, but I believe a smile and maybe a more human introduction might just be the trick.

Thanks for the good times!

Good Buddy

R.I.P. Faithful Friend

Irven Ideson

11/1996 - 8/2010

His loss is still affecting us as my daughter can't sleep in her room where he died. Sunday night she asked if we could trade bedrooms, which is actually a good plan since she is in the master now which I need to move back into so it looks "normal" and more sellable come spring. But she felt so bad admitting that she was scared to be in a room where something died, no matter how much she loved her kitty.

 

Unpolluted

This quote is from a book I just finished while home with my kids this week. The title is "The Year of Pleasures", by Elizabeth Berg. The main character, Betta had a cool perspective on keeping a scrapbook. While hers was filled with newspaper clippings, photos of random objects and unsuspecting strangers of different cultures.

"It became my habit to sit sometimes in the afternoon with a cup of tea, making up stories to fit the pictures. It was a different kind of writing, in a way; nothing I had to  put to paper or turn over to a publisher or anyone else. It was imagination back to its purest and best form, unpolluted by thoughts of deadlines and reviews and sales figures and book tours. I liked the way the stories changed each time I flipped through the pages. I liked the way bits of dialogue would come into my head, strains of music, and I liked the way the pictures would sometimes expand in my mind"...

Love it.

 

 

Inventory

So I guess this is an odd observation, bittersweet dichotomy (of sorts) or just the fact that I have been looking at inventory in real estate for too long. But here it is...

....tonight I was playing around on Match.com and it suddenly struck me how building a profile on one of these dating sites is much like the data entry I do each time I add a new listing to Realtor.com or otherwise. All the vitals are needed,  photos are required (or at the very least, suggested), and there is a certain "spin" required to induce more interest. And I really do believe most people "stage" their listing before hitting the "submit" button!

And now, about the leads I get. This is where it differs, in real estate you want to aggressively pursue each inquiry. My friends...this is NOT the case on these social dating sites or whatever they are dubbed. I can pick and choose and decline. This...I LOVE!

But still, my jury is out on "dating" virtually. Do I want to feel like inventory on a website? Nah...I don't think so. Short of an MLS#  that is about all that is missing.

Just sayin'...

And here are my listing photos, both staged...and unstaged.

 
 
 
 
 

Thoughts from 1976

Since I am on a mission to purge the visual chaos from my humble abode, I decided to weed through my books a few weeks ago. Twenty years worth, each bound tale telling it's own story of my life at any given time. Horror, a big favorite until suffering through a major depression...glad I enjoyed it while I did, as I have no need for the negative images anymore. The scary stuff gave way to relationship and parenting books, some still with a bookmark where I left off. Life is like that, as I digress for a moment, sometimes we take a break in the story and come back to it when things are less chaotic. Anyhow, then the self help. The Spiritual. And the ever intriguing...History.

But behind all of these tomes, was a bitty diary of mine from 1976. The sweetest little Hallmark book where I could write my random 10 year old thoughts. It was a one year diary, that actually spanned seven in a very sporadic fashion.

Here are a couple of the initial entries. My own daughter, now of the same age, is loving these similar though vintage words of mine.

Progressive Stability

My days have changed in recent weeks. Focus and clarity are becoming a welcome reality, as fear and insecurity diverge on a new path... far, far away from my psyche. Good riddance to the negative self-dialog.

With this comes renewed interest in my old hobby, one I have not enjoyed in recent months. I found myself digging through old supplies this evening, some that I plan to give to the Boys and Girls Club for their scrapbook entry into the county fair. I offered to help or teach a class but Jeanne, realizing what is on my plate now assured me the donated supplies are enough.

So bottom line is, I think I am getting some of my creative groove back...and I like it.

My Own Memories

So there are days prior to starting my new job, across the parking lot from my old job, that I would walk from the east wing to the west wing to gather a fax or mail. At times I would get to my destination and as I entered the door I would question "Why am I over here?" "What was I supposed to be getting?" To the point that I would need to retrace my steps to the east wing until I remembered! Holy cow...only 42 and dementia is already setting in? Dad teases me that if I am bad now, how will I be in another 20 years. Glad he finds the humor in it. I argue that my kids took most of my brain power, as it all started with "Mommy Brain" while I was pregnant. Back then I was executive assistant to two busy men and had to literally write down every detail of my day. While I am not in that same state of hormonal trauma, I do feel forgetful on most days and realize the culprit is time. Time that is moving too fast. The universe seems to be swirling around us, with no pause.

The other day Emma asked me why I haven't scrapped our own photos lately. When I pondered on the word "lately" I realized it has been almost four years since I have done anything with my own family albums! I have over 12,000 photos sitting in my computer. Obviously, my camera obsession is a completely separate issue. Anyhow, she brought this concern to the forefront of my thought process and made me own up to the fact that I really am missing putting together my own stories; of my life. I use to find such joy in creating pages after a very moving event in the family, or even something as simple as the first time the kids tasted a lemon. This very therapeutic activity has been missing for me in times lately of much turmoil and transition. I need it back. It is a way I cope with diversity in my day, my mechanism of escape.

So with much thought and excavation of my psyche I have decided to stop putting so much energy into my "Keepsakes by Kellie" business. It has been so amazing, this journey of the past eight years. Weaving tales for my faithful clients and putting together heirlooms. While I will continue to work on an "as requested" basis, I am just not going to expend as much energy into the marketing and networking for new clientele. For now, I am going into a mini-retirement to recreate the years that are passing all too quickly within my own four walls.

The pages of my blog will still contain images and thoughts related to scrapbooking, as I really am a bit obsessed. But interspersed will be stories of life in general, opinions that may or may not interest the reader, and just overall insight into my world.

I can't wait to again breathe my creativity onto my own pages, blank slates that will tell the story of life as I know it...one that is evolving into the future before my eyes.

Where Oh Where Has My Little Toddler Gone...

....oh where oh where can she be?

I found these pictures a few days ago as I was reworking the organization (or lack of) in my studio. This cute little pumpkin, bending only a few inches to gather leaves, is now ten years old. She has her last concert as a fifth grader tomorrow and is giving me pre-teen (tween) attitude on a daily basis. These pictures were among those that her Dad chose to use when I requested that he be my test pupil as I started to sell Creative Memories. He agreed to put together a scrapbook page, under my direction. It was the cutest page and the only one I have seen a Dad put together (in my experience). Anyhow, I am thankful for Phil's vision of this day, and of my own....this is actually one occasion that I have in an album. I am about four years behind on my books, while creating keepsakes for my beloved clients!

 

ABC's...the reaction.

My Dad's reaction upon opening his book; priceless.

 

 

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ABC'S of Life

A couple of years ago I had an opportunity to put together albums from me and my siblings, for our parent's on their 70th birthdays. I chose an ABC theme, it was such a blast to put together! The three of us came up with words for each letter of the alphabet that reminded us of our Mom and Dad. We used goofy saying of theirs, treasured hobbies, past careers, and names of loved ones. The books were a major hit with both parents...

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Just decided to reblog this post today to share with a friend seeking ideas for her mother's 65th birthday, this project was so meaningful. Both for me and my parents!

Personalized Keepsakes for Loved Ones Lost

Over the years, while building my business, I thought I had been creative in finding new ways to help my clients preserve their memories. Be it an album for a new baby, retirement, anniversary, beloved pet or favorite trip, I really thought I had my bases covered as to what I had to offer. I was forgetting one very momentous event.

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Random

Ok, I am in a random mood, somewhat like this random weather in Montana. I had two days of spectacular sun, sitting in my hot pink chair with one (or two) nice cold beverages. As I sat contemplating Capri pants and flip-flops, snow really was the farthest thing from my mind. Yet, two days later as I opened my garage door to take the kids to school, I was beyond freaked out. I didn't bother to park my car INSIDE the garage because after all, it is the end of April. I am not even remotely kidding when I say there had to be two feet of snow on my car. And, as I was trying to leave peacefully with my two fighting children, I realize my car doors are frozen shut. And hey, in a vain moment  I have to admit...this was a really good hair day, and now I stand beneath snowflakes the size of silver dollars thinking all that flat ironing was for nothing! But back to my point, if I actually have one this evening...I am posting some random pages in tradition of the random elements of Montana seasons.

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Check out my Slide Show!

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Photo Preservation vs. Deterioration

One, because I find it extremely rewarding to create a beautiful place to showcase family photos and memorabilia. Most often times I am not present when my client or the recipient of their gift, opens one of my albums...and that bums me out, I love their reactions!

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My Etsy Shop

Please feel free to check out my Etsy shop and pass the link along to anyone else you think might enjoy my albums. Thanks!

Etsy

Retro Memories

So, I just came across my old childhood scrapbooks today. I remember vividly how much I enjoyed going through these pages looking at certificates, Valentines, birthday cards, programs, and frequent postcards from my Grandparents' travels. Back then, the pages were not so brittle and yellowed. The contents were still actually adhered to the pages with "Scotch" tape. And the articles attached to the pages were still of an original white or cream hue.

These books of mine are a reminder, and bittersweet reality of what can happen if we don't preserve our memories with care in archival quality albums, and yes...with a bit of an investment.

Speaking of the monetary element, I am in the process of streamlining my price structure. I want to make it more client friendly, removing the guesswork of a final bill.

Stay tuned....

 

WORDS

Semantic. Rhetoric. Diction. Euphemism. Expletive. Catchphrase. Verbatim.

I like words.

Always have.

I remember as a child I would sit by a favorite window in my family room and see how many times I could write the same word....over and over. I think I once achieved a repetition of nearly 200.

I wish I could recall that word now.

Words for me have always been a form of therapy. Helping me decipher any recent malady by getting them down on paper. And, I like to actually "write" when in a therapeutic moment, rather than strike keys. Just last week I revisited the words I used to express my fear in a very dark time in my life and I found new meaning that will facilitate me as I again thrust myself into uncharted territory on this journey.

 In high school my words were shared through my journalism class. The studies of thoughts and opinions shared in paper were much preferred, for me, to that of numbers. My own column, "Kellie's Korner" was a personal place for me to share my adolescent ideologies. Sharing opinions with classmates that may or may not have cared what "Kellie" had to say on any given day. This expression on paper was at times bolder than I actually was. Words gave me confidence that I often lacked with my peers.

When creating pages for my clients, and myself, I would be lost without the use of words. For there is no better way to express a moment in time with that "just right" word. I sift through bins and shelves when I shop for supplies, seeking more.

Though to be honest, I have plenty at home.

But just to be safe...

....I always buy more.

 

The Drama

The house. The kids. The work. The drama. Last year I found this great sign at a local store. I immediately knew what I would spend my birthday gift certificate on. This currently resides on my mantle. And will...for the next 17 years or so.

But without the drama, I think I might be dead. For this is life at the moment, and I embrace the drama along with the gifts.

Angelic Gifts

Before I became hopelessly obsessed with scrapbooking, to the point where I continuously tell stories for my clients, I tried my hand at some other crafts.

I made these adorable angels for all of the Grandparents in our lives. I took photographs of the girls and picked the best. I then scanned it and enlarged it. Did a little cutting and pasting and crafted little outfits out of remnants of fabric.

Needless to say, the grand-rents LOVED them! And I was happy to preserve such innocence.

Outside the Box

So I was up for the challenge today, to create a baby girl album. A challenge because instead of the standard pink hues, I was asked to use black, white, and lavender....and lots of polka dots! Very fun to create, and I am pretty pleased with the results. Here are a few pages of the twenty page album...

 

 
 

 
 

Tank!

The new addition to our family, Tank Dozer Ideson! He is way too cute...more commentary and pictures to follow...

Nosh on Pics!

Take the time to be creative with your Thanksgiving photos this year. Don't just get the kids ala' parade mode. Or Dad via recliner football mode. Focus some time on your table, treats, and time. Get pics of your prep work and the mess. Zoom in on a favorite decor item, an heriloom that will be or has been passed through the generations. Think outside the box...here are a few of my own that, gee...I still need to scrap. Anyone know a good scrapper-for-hire?

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Rescued Kitty

I rescued this beautiful cat last week. She had been living under the sidewalk at my office, for a least a month. It took me three days of feeding her and building her trust, finally I got her in a carrier and home to her foster mom, my sister Stacie. She is really a very sweet cat, but neither of us can keep her. If you are in Montana while you read this post, please consider adopting her. My kids would LOVE to keep her, but the cat I already have is plenty of work. I just couldn't bear to let her be outside all winter, fending for herself.

Lil' Tree of Gift Card Holders

I just put the finishing touches on this order of 15 gift card holders for a client. She is going to insert gift cards from various retailers into these fancy little frames, as presents to family and friends. This was truly a fun project, as I challenged myself to make each one just a tad different, and I used up scraps of paper from Christmas projects gone by. These are $15 each, there is still time to order yours!

 
 

Old Me, New Album

I really hope after the first of the year I can start a book about me, to pass on to my kids. I just found these great old photos from a photo shoot that took place around 1992. I did hair and make up for all of the models, and had my photos taken for free. I never did anything with them...but they are fun to look back on just the same.

 

Best Friend

I made this little birthday card for my best friend Claire. Not only is it totally adorable, but it may just entice her to get the rest of her wedding photos to me so I can get her big album done...my gift to them for their wedding.

 
 

Afternoon Hike

Another reason why I love where I live, solace on the trails and beauty within view...

 

 
 

Passin' the Torch

My daughter was home with the flu most of this week. Finally bored to tears from watching movies, she came upstairs and begged for something to do. Why of course, I suggested scrapbooking...duh! So she sat down at her craft table with supplies she received as a gift last Christmas and created some adorable pages! This is the first time I didn't assist her, giving her complete creative freedom...she ran with it and proves to be a talented young lady!

 
 

Over the Hill Gift

Using Halloween photos from a prior year, I created this special card for a good friend's 30th birthday.

 
 

BOO!

Let the festivities begin! I took a day off work to go to the kids' school. They have a parade, dancing, and parties! I love Halloween, and this kick-off to the holiday season. My costume was KISS inspired...however these younger generations just thought I was goth...perhaps we can consider KISS the original goth icons?