Month: April 2012

Spring Workshop [PDF available]

Last weekend I had a great time teaching my spring workshop down at Scrapbook Island in San Jose, CA – here’s a picture of the classroom as students just began coming in and picking seats. And here’s my play table all set up and ready for mess making…

In class we made tags and layouts (didn’t have time for our card!) and some students took ideas and created mini books and other projects too. I always love to see what people will do and make! When I teach a class, generally speaking you will not see those projects posted openly on-line. They are meant for the students of that class – and kept if not exclusive, at least only seen in other classes. That being said, I’ve been asked if I’d consider making a PDF file available for purchase and delivered via email from my classes that I teach at local stores, for those who could not attend.

As it happens, I do make PDF files for my in-person workshops most of the time. Photos of the projects, some measurements, tips, general ideas and reminders of how I did certain things. It takes the stress off of students to make note of every single thing, or any need to keep up with me. This handout also serves as my teaching guide to remind me of points I don’t want to miss.

This turned out to be a sold-out class! So no, I don’t have class kits. However I do have a handout for this class- it features 6 exclusive class projects (3 layouts, 2 tags, 1 card), as well as images of 2 additional class inspired layouts. There are not detailed step-by-step style instructions, but general direction, detail shots, and tips are included. It is 13 pages long and also includes thoughts on spring 2012 scrapbooking trends, and how I like to incorporate them.

If you would like this PDF file, it is available for $5. I will email the PDF to you after payment is processed. Just click the paypal ‘buy’ button below to complete transaction.

 note: once I recieve your info from paypal, the PDF will be emailed to you. If you do not hear from me within 8hrs, please email me mflaum@comcast.net.

Just a note – some of the products that are featured in the projects in this class include:

layout | luau featuring Tim Holtz products

Here’s a layout (first seen at CHA) featuring Tim Holtz products…

I love how many ways I can combine my color mediums (inks, paints, etc) with Tim’s line of (mostly metallic or neutral) products. It makes things so fun – and I have another Hawaii trip page to share today:

Making banners, adding my own twist on things, lots of painting (I painted or inked the die cut flowers and leaves)… such a fun page to make.

for the “no.1” I used the paper left over (from no.1 die cut) to make a stencil (I know, stencil from a stencil style die!) and used yellow paint on that.

Pink + dark blues are really working for me these days. LOVE that combo! Here’s a close up of my title…

 

links to supplies used:

100% guaranteed scrapbooking happiness.

Did the title of today’s post get your attention? Do you want to know that secret to guarenteed success and happiness?

Ok…

here it is…

the secret is that you have to embrace imperfection.

It’s really that simple. Embrace that not all projects are going to turn out how you envisioned, that some are going to not measure up, that some aren’t going to make everyone jump up and cheer. Be ok with that, expect it. Know that not all techniques, colors, or products are going to come easily and some may never work for you either.

That’s the big secret.

Some find their area of excellence and stay put. Don’t venture out, therefore rarely failing because they stay snug within the parameters of what they can do. Others jump all over the map wildly either unafraid or simply too interested in crafting in general to be concerned with staying put in one box. Most fall somewhere in the middle – it all comes down to what you like.

What brings this up today is just that I had someone ask if I love every project, how to get where I am where there is no messing up. I had a good belly laugh.

You know what is the most interesting to me?

Some of my least favorite projects, some of the ones I’d deemed a semi-fail or just didn’t like?

Sometimes those are ones other people love the most!

So go figure. I don’t let the opinions of other crafters influence my style, dictate what I do or don’t do. When I craft, I do ‘judge’ myself but it’s to be expected. I’m not harsh on myself – but I do ask things like if I’m in a rut, or if I did something I am particularly happy with. I suppose evaluate is a better word. I try to be aware of what I’m doing, why, and where I think I’m heading.

That random deep thoughts session aside, hows about a layout share? I’ve been so crafty around here – lots of projects happening. this is a layout I just completed featuring the new Anthologie line from We R Memory Keepers:

funny thing: I noticed as I was uploading photos that I didn’t finish the journaling. WHOOPS! I’ll have to get on that. I do love the soft aquas of this line. Really nice for photos that are random in color (like mine!)

supplies:

Actually, today’s post goes great with a card I just made (using left-overs from the layout above):

You see making cards is something I’ve been doing to stretch my creative muscles. I’m NOT good at it, I have a very hard time making cards I like. I would say 1 in 20 come out in a way that I go “yay! love this one!” The solution? Well literally rubbing the shoulder of one of my card making idols (Kristina Werner) this winter might have helped a tiny bit… but really the only answer is to keep at it! And so I will…

Have a crafty weekend!

Announcing: Camp Scrap 2012

What does my crafting have to do with the tradition of Summer Blockbuster movies? Well… I’ve got some epic craftiness coming your way – check it out!

digital elements used in above image from www.designerdigitals.com by Katie Pertiet.

< It’s time to announce that Camp Scrap is coming back in 2012!

Originally dreamed up as a 4-week online course that I taught at Big Picture Classes back in June 2010, I get requests to do it again almost every week! Yes, it was one of my most popular classes and today I’m VERY happy to announce there will be a sequel this summer. Students loved the relaxed atmosphere, the plentiful inspiration, and the pure creative FUN of Camp Scrap. I’m bringing all of that back – and more – with a few twists.

First of all, Camp Scrap is being extended to run from June 11 – July 27th – nearly double the length of the original.

Secondly, Camp Scrap is the perfect price for any budget: FREE.

That’s right, I will be posting new projects, tutorials, and videos every Monday >; Friday right here at www.mayflaum.com! You can get all of the content through your rss reader (google reader, etc), through subscribing to my blog via email, or just visiting my blog directly.

I also want to tell you that we will have some outstanding sponsors for this event – including Big Picture Classes. They are creating a gallery + message board for all participants interested – FREE.

I will share more information about that, a blinkie for Camp Scrap for those interested, and a lot more at the end of next month.

I just couldn’t keep this a secret any longer and HAD to let you know about it! Students in my Field Guide class (which is just finishing up – and such a fun group!) had the heads up – and the feedback I’m getting already is VERY exciting.

If you have questions, thoughts, or just want to shout out your excitement with me please feel free!!! I’ve got a notebook chalk full of ideas, and I’m already preparing for this epic summer event…

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If you have a etsy shop, on-line shop, company, or blog you’d like to promote, I do have a select few sponsorship opportunities available. If you are interested in being a sponsor of Camp Scrap email mflaum@comcast.net for full information.

thoughts on creative happiness.

I create because I love it. This is something I believe very strongly in. It might not always be the popular path, or the most lucrative financial path… but I do my best to live, and work, in a happy place.

I often get questions about how I got where I am or how someone can do what I do… and the thing is that’s the wrong question. The question should be of yourself: what path do you want to try? What risks are you willing to take? Where is your heart, what is it you do best?

It has been a while now, but I’ve not applied for nor am I currently on any design teams, any work I do with any manufacturer at this point is freelance and pretty random. Sometimes I panic – I’m not part of a team – can I even do that?! 7 years ago if you’d told me that I would be choosing to not apply for teams, that I’d choose to step down from teams and just go solo I would have told you that is madness! No way!

Way.

I’m not saying “never” to the idea of being back on a team – if the situation was right I would get back into it for sure. For now I’m just enjoying this path. It’s scary actually. In a good “I think I’m doing something right here and this is a good idea…” way. To not report to anyone, to not have assignments, to just do my own thing. There’s a kind of security in being a part of a team, to work for a company.

One thing? I’m totally free creatively. I support the manufacturers I love, I create and mix and match as I please, and I share my findings and crafty ideas here on my blog and through classes. I don’t ever feel obligated to give more attention to anyone, to be loyal to any company for any work related reason – anything I’m promoting I’m doing so because i love it pure and simple.

Simple. Yes, I like simple.

As a part of my creative simplification I stopped writing for www.scrapbookupdate.com last month. All of my writing, projects, any random reviews, thoughts on trends, etc… it’s all going to be right here at my blog now. You may have noticed the increase in projects and regularity of my postings here – I just found that at this point I was handling one spot for my writing much easier than two, and my blog is a much more casual place for me to write as myself (vs impartial scrapbook reporter). I’m able to put more energy into my blog now, and try some big new things that I’ll tell you more about soon.

Will my creative situation change again? Probably. If there’s one thing I’ve learned it is that my style is always evolving, my work always adjusting, my situation both personal and professional always in a state of change. I’ll roll with it. There are some companies I’d love to work with more in the future for sure.

For now, I remain actively creating, sharing, teaching, and enjoying every minute of every day that I get to spend crafting.