Layout a Day: The Simple Scrapbooking Podcast

It don't mean a thing if you ain't got that swing! And scrapbooking ain't good for no one if you don't have some fun!Sorry, Duke. It's a holiday here in the US, so I'm getting a little goofy! In any case, we've got a great video for you today. (Remember you can also watch via iTunes and on my YouTube channel.) Today we're talking about how to regain that illusive mojo when your creativity has taken flight:Today's Sponsor: Gossamer Blue is a no risk monthly scrapbooking kit club. They offer two types of subscriptions at a discounted price. One is for traditional scrapbooking and one is for divided page or pocket page scrapbooking. Subscribers have many perks including the chance to earn a free album. Head over to their site for more details. 

We're back for more, and today we hit the question that has plagued scrapbookers for ages: "How do I organize my patterned paper?" I've got you covered! Remember, three ways to get your content this month:Here on the blog Via iTunes On the ScrapHappy YouTube channelResources mentioned in today's episode:Today's sponsor:About Simplify 101: Simplify 101's online classes make getting organized with a professional organizer affordable, fast and fun. You'll cut clutter and reduce stress, giving you more time for what matters most to you! We're having a 15% off sale through July 7. Details and coupon code are here.

Today's simple scrapbooking video talks about how to attach clear embellishments to your scrapbook pages. Watch, listen, learn! Remember, three ways to get your content this month:Here on the blog Via iTunes On the ScrapHappy YouTube channelResources in This Episode: Glue DotsCute PaperclipsTiny Tim (otherwise known as the Tiny Attacher!)Cute clear acrylic flowers Today's sponsor: About Simon Says Stamp:Simon Says Stamp, your ONE STOP SHOP!  I can personally attest that Simon Says Stamp cares about their customers and go the extra mile to make customers happy. "Offering quality products in our store is a priority.  Kelly Purkey’s new line is a testament to our high standards in design and in quality.  Kelly Purkey stamps, stickers, badges, stencils, and art parts are all made with love in the good old USA.  Our whole team is passionate about crafting and we want to share that passion with you by inspiring you!  Please visit our blog that is updated daily and you can play along our 2 weekly challenge blogs on Monday and Wednesday!  Have a “click” and stay awhile!" 

Today we kick off our second annual 31 Days of YOUR Scrapbooking Q&As! You have three ways to get your content:Here on the blog Via iTunes On the ScrapHappy YouTube channelToday, Bridgett has a question about photographing scrapbook layouts. I've got answers - and resources!Resources in this episode:Taking Awesome Project Photos, a class by Nichol Magouirk --> Use code "31DAYS" to save $5 through 7/31! How to scan and stitch your scrapbook layouts PicmonkeyOur sponsors:P.S. Submit your questions via email to lain@layoutaday.com or on Facebook.

Well, what do you know? Two podcasts in one week? Yes, you got it!Today I interview the awe-inspiring Layle Koncar, marketing director for Simple Stories. Simple Stories is dedicated to helping scrapbookers keep their memory-keeping simple and easy. Can you see why I love them? In this episode, you'll hear:How a trip to Disney turned into a simple scrapbooking movement What Layle is committing to do, starting July 1 How Simple Stories is contributing to the craftification of minors What personality disorder Layle and I share (Hint: It begins with "O" and ends with "D" with a "C" in the middle!)...And more! Links in this episode: Simple Stories websiteHuffington Post Article on Why Scrapbooking Isn't CoolScrapbook Improv on June 26Submit your question for July’s 31 Days of YOUR Scrapbooking Q&As (email support@layoutaday.com with the subject line “31 Days”)True Scrap Kids July 27 (Sponsored by Fiskars)True Stamp Indi Classes (only $7 each through the end of June!)Leave us a review and subscribe on iTunes! (73 five-star ratings and counting!)**I'm the guest designer on Simple Stories blog for Thursday, June 20! Check it out here.P.S. Remember... no podcast next Wednesday! I'll be sunning in sunny Califorsunia!

Got photos? Got a camera? Got a camera WITH photos? Well, let's get them OFF your phone or camera and into a format you can scrap with! In this, our 80th episode, we continue with our Project UFO (unfinished objects) challenge and get your photos in shape. We cover: -Tips for creating a habit of developing your photos, or getting them where you can scrap with them digitally or print them out yourself. -A super-cute promo for our upcoming True Scrap Kids event sponsored by Fiskars -Info on why developing habits can help your photo developing was well (get it? developing? Ha!) Links in this Episode: Layout a Day Facebook Page  

ET HAS INVADED THE LITTLE GREEN SCRAPBOOK ROOM! Just kidding. As usual. Nope. No ET. No Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Nothing but... UnFinished Objects! Over on the Layout a Day Facebook page, we're busting through our unfinished projects, pages, and unscrapped photos this month. I took a very (un)official survey and determined that the number-one source of UFOs is JOURNALING ON SCRAPBOOK PAGES. Apparently, there are scores of pages out there, just lying around and WAITING for someone to show 'em a little love and get them done and actually IN albums. Are you guilty? (I must admit, this isn't one of my sticking points... which is actually good because I can confidently tell you how to deal with this issue! Otherwise I'd feel like Oprah, touting yet ANOTHER "guaranteed, no-fail, permanent secret to weightloss and fitness." (Ha!) But I know of what I speak. So if you're one of the ones hiding your face right now, never fear! The Scrapbooking Superhero is here! In this episode, we talk about: -The three types of pages without journaling -A step-by-step approach for dealing with pages with no journaling -How to enlist others to help you break through your backlog -And how to keep the backlog from recurring! I also announce the winner of the Darien Gee "Avalon Ladies' Scrapbooking Society" review copy... so listen now! Links in this Episode: Layout a Day Facebook Page 6x6 Papers for 12x12 Pages

You're probably wondering about the title of this podcast... ...and once you realize I'm including an interview with author Darien Gee, you might be wondering if I'm making fun of her name... not at all! That's how she introduced herself to me when I asked how to pronounce her last name. And that's when I knew I was going to like this woman: Fiction writer, scrapbooker, risk-taker, and jewelry-hawker. We talk about her latest book, "The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society," and hit on a lot of other fun stuff, including: How letting passion lead the way results in a life with few regrets How to counter "those" looks when you tell people you scrapbook Why scrapbooking is a chameleon What made Darien and her husband choose to chuck everything to move to the Big Island of Hawaii when she was 7 months pregnant And more! Listen to hear her inspiring tale, as well as to learn how to win your own copy of "The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society." As a special treat, here are some of Darien's traditional scrapbook and Moleskine journal pages. She says, "A few pages from one of my rare 12 x 12 albums -- the cover has some stitching on it, which I love, and I added the vellum "Hawaii' sticker on the front." "The room card key holder for our hotel is on the left inside cover, and it expands to a full size map." "My Moleskine Smashbook/Journal (the lovely girl on the inside cover is my daughter). I journal almost every day, but also use it for notes, brainstorms, and inspiring quotes and images. The left page is usually a magazine image, the right whatever scribbles come to mind." "This album below was made for me for my novels Friendship Bread  and Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society. I add the photos and journal cards as I go (in this case, I have readers "sign" my scrapbook), and usually include flyers and notes from whatever book event I'm at." Links in this episode: Darien's website Darien's Facebook page The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society P.S. Here's a link to Dani Taylor's Insta-Living ebook.

What's oral history? If you are an everyday scrapbooker... A "Project Life-r..." A your story matters type... then you are documenting your oral history. I was first acquainted with the concept by one of my favorite mystery writers, Earlene Fowler. Earlene writes a captivating series about her protagonists, Benni Harper, who is a curator of a folk art museum on the California central coast. Yes, she solves mysteries -- but she also works to provide others with the opportunities and the encouragement to document their stories, whether it be through quilting, woodworking, or other handiwork. When I was re-reading one of my favorites in the series, Sunshine and Shadow, I realized that Earlene had the soul of a scrapbooker - so I reached out to see if she might be interested in an interview. To my surprise, she's a scrapbooker! (I shouldn't have been surprised... she has all the characteristics including a love of personal history and a great sense of humor!). In this in-depth interview, we talk about: The definition of oral history, and how we are all charged with the responsibility to capture our own pieces of history How Earlene's books serve as a scrapbook of sorts of her own life What quilting and scrapbooking have in common How Facebook just might be giving the world the wrong idea of what life is like in the 21st Century... ...and more! Resources and Links from this Episode: Earlene's Blog The first Benni Harper Book, Fool's Puzzle Sunshine and Shadow Boston Strong stamp Only $8 and Hero Arts is producing this stamp at no cost -- THANK YOU! Lain's Facebook page Thanks for listening! P.S. What book first got you thinking about the importance of history and documenting your story? I have to agree with Earlene - The "Little House" books had me at the Big Woods. :)  

Before I was a scrapbooker, I was a stamper. But once I had kids, I started down the scrapbooking path and left my rubbery past behind. I soon discovered, however, that scrapbooking and stamping aren't "either/or." In fact, combining the two can create magic! In keeping with this month's theme of Use It Up!, today's interview with Raisin Boat co-owners Bobbi Lemanski and Kim Ziehr will have you thinking about your stamps in a whole new way. Here are just a few of the hot topics in this week's podcast: How Raisin Boat's stamp rental program can revolutionize your crafting (can you say "Guilt-free?!") Why being dedicated scrapbookers and stampers has helped Kim and Bobbi stand out in their industry How the team conceptualizes and develops their unique, customer-pleasing themes Of course, we also cover upcoming calendar items you won't want to miss, such as: -Scrapbook Improv (tonight!) -June's Free Scrapinar: 6x6 Papers for 12x12 Pages with Lisa Echerd -True Scrap Kids on July 27! Links in this Episode: Raisin Boat Raisin Boat Blog Raisin Boat Facebook Page Layout a Day Email List Layout a Day Facebook Page   Hey! You can now get "Pages to Cards and Back Again," Bobbi and Kim's one-hour video class from True Stamp! (Psst... those of you who listened to the podcast also know the SECRET CODE to save $3!).

Are you a scrapbook hoarder? If you've ever watched A&E's hit show, "Hoarders," you may have felt like you had a little too much in common with some of the guests. Well, we go straight to the source in today's podcast with special guest and sweet friend of mine, Geralin Thomas! Geralin is not only an incredible lady, she is a regular on "Hoarders," helping people with the most severe hoarding issues tackle their problems. While chances are you don't have any pumpkins rotting away under your scrap paper, she's definitely got some tips to help you streamline your supplies. We discuss: How the "Mad Men" of advertising are devising plans to get us to buy more than we could ever use Why perfectionism is keeping us hog-tied and disorganized How time management plays into the problem of over-purchasing How a hula hoop (!) can help you organize your space How to get your kids involved in cleaning, organizing and decluttering (She also shares her own personal organizing challenge!) This episode is JAM-PACKED with ideas and suggestions. I know you're going to love it! Links in This Episode: Geralin's Website Hoarders on A&E "Predictably Irrational" by Dan Ariely (aff link) Geralin's "Declutter in a Jiffy" treasure hunt list Hoarding vs. Collecting Podcast Episode - Reawaken Your Brilliance (recorded 5/8/13) P.S. The Use It Up! Challenge is still in full swing. Check out past and future daily assignments on the Layout a Day Facebook page. P.P.S. If you want more information and guidance on organizing your space, I suggest you check out this video class from Aby Garvey: Get Organized to Make the Most of Your Scrapbook Space.  

It's Use It Up! month over on the Layout a Day Facebook page! We've been using up our good stuff, letting go of the not-so-good stuff, and learning new uses for some of our old favorites. Today's interview with the amazing Jennifer Gallacher. We discuss important topics like, How she decides which kid is her favorite Her secret love for e______s (you'll have to listen to find out!) Her challenges with regard to stash-busting ...and more! You can also win a free spot in her new mini-workshop, "Tool School," from Two Peas in a Bucket. It's jam-packed with over 120 minutes of video and 100-plus ideas for using your tools in new and fun ways. But you gotta listen to this episode to find out how to win! Links in today's podcast: Tool School from Two Peas and Jennifer Gallacher ScrapHappy Family Jen's Blog (a new video every Wednesday!) Washi Wahoo Too - May's Free Scrapinar from Monica Bradford Scrapbook Improv The Layout a Day email list P.S. The contest for a free spot in Jen's class ends Monday, May 13. Listen NOW to win!    

Welcome to National Scrapbooking Month! Do you have scrapbooking supplies? Do you have TOO MANY scrapbooking supplies? Do you have more scrapbooking supplies than you could ever use? Well, this episode is for YOU! We talk about seven reasons why we're not using our supplies and tools, and what you can do about it. And in another first-ever move, I livestreamed the recording of this podcast at Spreecast. Yes, Layout a Day: The Simple Scrapbooking Podcast WITH a live audience! We celebrated a birthday, we talked washi tape, and more. Resources in This Episode: Layout a Day (LOAD) 513 Use It Up! Challenge on Facebook Spreecast (watch AND listen!) Sign up for free monthly scrapinars here (May 17 is Washi Tape Wahoo Too!) P.S. After you listen, leave me a comment with the reason that resonated most with you.  

Mini album ideas. Scrapbook talk. The latest scrappy happenings on the internet. Let's hit it! In this episode of the Layout a Day podcast for simple scrapbookers (like you!) I talk through mini albums - how, why, and what to think about. We talk about: What kind of subjects make great mini albums. What the difference is between mini albums and traditional scrapbook small albums. My process for creating a mini album. And (of course...) much more! Links in this episode: The "Made for Mom" blog hop Scrapbook Improv My YouTube channel (over 150 videos!) Layout a Day (LOAD) 513 Layout a Day on Facebook After you listen to the podcast, watch the video! P.S. If you want to see how a master creates a mini album from one sheet of paper in under an hour, check out this class from Laura Denison of Following the Paper Trail. She taught at a recent True Scrap and her class will blow your socks off!

Are you on Facebook? Well, over a billion people are! Not only is it a great place to connect with old boyfriends (hehe) and raise virtual farm animals, it's also a great way to inspire and energize your scrapbooking. In this episode, let me count the ways! Links in this episode: LOAD513 (starts May 1) Scrapbook Improv (April 24) Crafting Your Business Step-by-Step ebook Post on "Boston: We Can Help" The Greg Hill Foundation Layout a Day on Facebook CHA on Facebook Traci Reed on Facebook Pam Donnis Odd on Facebook Gossamer Blue on Facebook P.S. Leave me a comment about how you use Facebook. And also let me know if you're interested in a virtual crop on National Scrapbook Day!