Only three days left to get in on my 99 cent Labor Day weekend book sale!
A Girl Named Cord is only on sale through Monday, and after that, the price returns to $2.99 so hurry before this offer ends!
Archive | August 2013
Sale starts now!
A Girl Named Cord is now on sale!!!
The sale only lasts until Labor Day (9-2-2013) so get your copy for 99 cents while you can!!!
“A heartwarming story of a young woman trying to survive in the west of the late 1800’s. Briana Vested does a wonderful job of telling this dusty tale filled with action, drama, and romance, not necessarily in that order. This doesn’t happen often to me, but once I got to know Cord and the rest of her great cast of characters, I had a hard time putting this book down.”
SALE!!!
Beginning Friday night through the Labor Day weekend, A Girl Named Cord will be on sale for 99cents!
It has been recently re-edited and will only be on sale until Monday night. Mark it down on your calendars! If you don’t already have it, this is a perfect time to get a copy of my new western book!
blogger spotlight
The blogger I’m spotlighting today is the very talented poet, Dom DiFrancesco from over at http://blackandwrite.wordpress.com/
Here’s a few examples of his awesome, inspirational work. Stop by and follow his blog if you haven’t already!
http://blackandwrite.wordpress.com/2013/08/22/tired-eyes-a-tanka/
http://blackandwrite.wordpress.com/2013/08/21/sitting-in-judgement-a-tanka/
http://blackandwrite.wordpress.com/2013/08/18/storms-stage-a-haiku/
The Billy the Kid and D Files, Part 3
They were found on a roadside, deep in the Nevada desert. Part of a cache of documents obviously intended for a secure location, the files have been kept secret until today. Their earth-shattering contents will amaze, possibly frighten and answer the question: what happens when an infamous Old West gunslinger and a centuries-old time-travelling Druid meet up?
Chaos. Card games. Drinking. And chaos.
Part 3: Cheers
D: Greetings on this lovely day! How is everyone!
Billy: D! Good to see you, pal! Goin’ great here! How in the heck are you?
D: Just grand, Billy. For once, I can say there is nothing wrong in my world (even A is behaving herself)!
Billy: This calls for a celebration! I don’t usually drink, but when the occasion calls for it…
Angel: Billy?
Billy: Yes?
Angel: Keep in mind that you’re talking to a real Irishman. He’d drink you under the table.
D: Ma’am, I am a Druid – I only drink when the rituals of my people call for it . . . of if my clan is celebrating a feast day. . . or if we’ve just won a great battle and are mourning the loss of our friends. . . or. . . Well, it’s been a while, Angel. I’m fairly certain Billy and I are evenly matched!!
Angel: In that case, I’ll go get the whiskey.
D: Billy – she’s a right keeper, that woman is! Angel in name and deed!
Billy: Yessir! Never met better. And beautiful to boot!
D: That’s a splendid combination! Will you lead us in the toast, Billy?
Billy: It would be my pleasure! Here’s to true friendship and never ending love! And my new best pal, D. Cheers!
Angel: Cheers!
D: Cheers – Sláinte . To your health, Billy and to your beauty, Angel!
Billy: Thanks D! Have another round! Sláinte !
Angel: You are really too kind, D. And no more for me, Billy.
D: Indeed – Cheers – to the wild men of the west, may they live on forever!
Billy: And to the free druids! May they be reunited with their lost loves and forever be victorious in battle!
D: Sláinte – Thank you, Billy! What do you say to that game we talked about earlier? Want to play a hand or two?
Billy: I’m in!
Angel: Oh no, now he’s going to be drunk and dirt poor. Billy, do remember that you’re playing against a friend. Give me your pistol.
D: Ma’am, it’s likely we’ll both be drunk and poor! And Billy, i haven’t a pistol, but I gladly surrender my long sword and the ceremonial dagger at my belt.
Angel: At least then it will be fair. And you can keep your sword and knife. Later I’ll call you out and see how good you are with that knife.
D: Trained with it since I was a lad of 3, ma’am. My father’s cousin was the clan man-at-arms and trained us all in the arts of war.
Angel: Then you are far too skilled for me. Richard started teaching me when I was eighteen, but before he died, he told me I was very good.
D: Oooh,I sense a story here – who is Richard? I have no doubt that you are very skilled. And in the state Billy and I could be in, you’d probably take me down easily!
Angel: Richard was my friend. He worked for the same man as Billy and I did. He became the closest thing to a brother I ever had. But then the war came and our boss was murdered. Richard led us into battle against those bad men. Then one day, he was gunned down. I was there with him as he took his last breath. I still have his knife. It is my most treasured possession.
D: Miss Angel, you give me the shivers. I’m sorry for your loss – it’s hard to lay to rest a man such as that. His memory lives on in you, and I think you do him proud.
Angel: The hardest part was, I didn’t even get to be there at his funeral. His killer wanted me dead, and Billy made me run away.
Billy: it was for the best, love.
D: I would have to agree. Sometimes we have to run in order to live and fight another day. I’ve run in my time. I’m not proud of it, but I’ve always ended up stronger for the fight to come.
Angel: I appreciate your kind words, D. You make me feel like what I did was not wrong. Thank you. Okay, now I think I need another drink.
Billy: Thanks D. I’ve been trying to tell her that for years.
D: We’ll raise a toast to you, Angel – a toast to living – to honoring those who have fallen.
Sometimes we just need to hear it from someone who isn’t as close to it as we are! I’m sure there is many a thing I’ve only come to understand now that my elders and friends tried to teach me long ago!
Angel: Sláinte ! Thank you, my friend.
Billy: Sláinte ! Say, D? I’m not sure if I can play cards anymore. I might have had a little too much……..
Angel: Billy? Hahahah! He passed out! I told him you’d drink him under the table, D!
D: Sláinte – whoa, missed the chair! Hey Billy. . . what are you doing on the floor buddy. . . ?
Um . . . it looks nice and cool down there, Angel. . . I think I might. . . zzzzzzzzzzzzz……..
Angel: A? Briana? Little help? Please?
A: Oh boy. . . God, he had to be a big hulking Scot, didn’t he? Oof. . . he’s heavy. D! Yo! D! Wake up!
D: (Slurring) I’s a Pict, lady. . .
Brian: Billy! Come on! Get up! Rise and shine! Anyone have any ice water around?
A: Oh, please, Angel. Say you do. I will pay you to have ice water around.
Angel: It will be my pleasure, A. No money required. I’ve wanted to do this for years! But he always wore his gun and I didn’t want to get it wet…
A: Angel, you’re a life saver!! I can understand your restraint, but splash away, please!
Angel: Lovely. Watch out ladies!
Billy: Jiminy Christmas! What in the-?
D: Oh by the gods, that’s cold! Oh, A – Angel – Briana – how could you?! *shiver* Gods…
Billy, I don’t care what they say – women are most certainly tougher than men – meaner too. I think I have an ice cube lodged in my robe…
Billy: Darn womenfolk! Can’t live with ‘em and can’t live without ‘em! Come on D, let’s go find a towel or something!
D: Too right, Billy. I’m with you – see you, “ladies.”
Angel: Ta Ta.
Briana: Bye, guys.
A: Cheers, D. Bye Billy.
Billy: *frown* I guess that’s just tough love, D.
D: I suppose. I just wish they’d wipe those smiles from their faces!
Billy: If they smile any bigger, their jaws are going to dislocate theirselves.
D: Bloody harpies . . . no disrespect to Angel, of course. It’s just the glee. . . that’s what really gets to me.
Billy: Naw, look at her! Angel planned this! She’s laughing the hardest! Look, she’s crying!
Briana: You deserved it, Billy. She warned you.
Billy: I thought you said you’d let us men talk!
Briana: Angel needed help.
A: And you always deserve it, D. I was just happy to help!
Billy: Angel can take care of herself! Who put her up to the ice water?
Eh? She thought of it on her own, didn’t she?
A: *whistles* Um I’m pretty sure it was all of us… Sure. All of us.
D: Bloody woman.
Briana: Actually, I suggested it, but A was already thinking it. Angel just happened to have the ice on hand.
Billy: I give up. Let’s go find something to eat. Know of any diners that sell steak, baked potatoes, beans, and coffee at this hour? Apple pie would be good, too.
D: Collaborators. *Sigh* I think I know of a place. That child A purports to have raised eats well enough. Come with me. I’ll take you to a diner called Gus’ Drive-In. You like cars?
Billy: Cars? What’s that? Like horses?
Briana: More or less…
Billy: I’m not talking to you right now, Briana!
Briana: Actually, you just talked to me.
Billy: Confound it all! Let’s go, D!
D: Fancy horses, Billy – they’re the most marvelous things! See ya, ladies!
Billy: Sounds good! I had a real nice racehorse, once. Adios, girls!
Read more about D and A on their blog, http://dadialogues.wordpress.com/
Read Part 1 of the Billy the Kid and D Files.
Read Part 2 of the Billy the Kid and D Files.
Wondering how D and Billy met? It all started when A decided to go on hiatus…
Squirrels: This Time It’s Personal (part 14)
This is the next installment from the epic Community Storyboard’s Chain Story Event!!!
Continued from Linda, thank you ma’am!
While Aragorn headed for the powder room, Pantene in hand, Gandalf took up his cellular phone and speed-dialed the last person he ever wanted to see again.
“Hello?” Answered the sing-songy voice.
“Edwina, I’m going to need your help.” Gandalf spit out the words, cursing himself the whole while.
“Be right over, Sweetums.” Edwina chirped.
“Just great…” Gandalf sighed as he powered off the phone. He’d vowed never to speak to that woman again, much less ask her for help. But, drastic times call for drastic measures. She was just the thing, er, person, for the job.
Not ten minutes had passed before the slender blond dressed all in pink, wearing a ten gallon hat on her head and a bedazzled belt around her waist, appeared in the entryway. “Hello, Ganny dear.” She cooed.
“Hello, Edwina.”
“To what do I own the pleasure of your call? I vaguely remember you saying you’d rather die than speak to me again.”
Gandalf struggled to keep from shouting. “I need help.”
“You always have. I still think a psychiatric ward is in order, but as I no longer have power of attorney…”
Face turning red to purple from the withheld rage, Gandalf eyes bulged slightly as he struggled to continue. “Seems your old buddy McAdams went and got herself killed. That sapheaded partner of hers is dead, too, but it seems as though our dear king-to-be gave him a secret mission-”
“Aragorn is here? I thought I heard singing.” Edwina took a few steps further into the house, studying the mess around her. “Lovely. You need a house keeper. This bloody place is in shambles.”
“Enough! That’s it! I called on you because I have no other options. I’m at the end of my rope! Those blasted goddess-serving squirrels are going to take over the world if we can’t find that waitress! Aragorn and myself have decided to venture into Fangorn Forest to see if we can’t rescue the poor girl. But we need McAdams.”
“I’m hurt, Ganny. All you ever do is send me on suicide missions.” Edwina stuck out her bottom lip and crossed her arms in a pouty fashion, tapping her toe impatiently.
“This is no suicide mission! And that trip to Cairo would have been either, if you hadn’t dropped by that tea house! I told you to–never mind. We need her shoe.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“McAdams was vaporized, and the only hope of bringing her back is if we get her shoe. One was vaporized along with her, but one of her heels must be around somewhere. Heaven’s knows its about time those gaudy shoes came in handy for something. So, can you or can you not find it?”
“If you must ask, you don’t know me very well.” Edwina smirked, taking off her hat and laying it on the sofa. “Take care of that. I’ll be back for it.” She says as she slips off her belt and coils it beside the Stetson.
Edwina steps out the door, smiling over her shoulder, “Wish me luck.”
“Never.” Gandalf mumbles.
“I can smell that high-heel already! Caught in a gutter, right out side the smoke easy, I believe. Stupid girl, I’ll have to teach her about proper foot attire…” Shaking with suppressed laughter, Edwina begins to transform. Her ears become pointier, her nose longer, her teeth larger, until her head no longer looks human, but like that of a wolf. Her body twists and arches on the ground as her limbs change size and shape. When the transformation is at least compete, Werewolf-ish Edwina winks at Gandolf and bounds away, just as Aragorn emerges from the powder room.
“Well my boy, don’t stand about staring into space! We must be going!” He chirps merrily, running his fingers through his long, chestnut hair.
Gandolf sighs and turned to walk out the door. But he stops mid-step, turns back around and snatches up Edwina’s hat, tossing it carelessly into the fireplace. “That’s for siding with that goddess sister of yours last time…” he mumbles before striding out into the night.
And this story shall be continued by….Rarasaur!
The Cowboy Crew
Aboard a ship set for the sea,
A crew of cowboys were shanghaied.
Taken away from their ponies, their loves, and from all land to see.
No easy spirit to tame, the cowboys did not bend.
To whip and chain were they submitted.
Finally to the plank, did the captain send.
Never to waver, brave and strong,
the cowboy crew lined up on deck.
Willingly, they did leap, and met their death during the mermaid’s last song.
The Billy the Kid and D Files, Part 2
They were found on a roadside, deep in the Nevada desert. Part of a cache of documents obviously intended for a secure location, the files have been kept secret until today. Their earth-shattering contents will amaze, possibly frighten and answer the question: what happens when an infamous Old West gunslinger and a centuries-old time-travelling Druid meet up?
Chaos. Card games. Drinking. And chaos.
Part 2: Lover’s Walk
D: Miss Angel, Billy, it’s great to see you again!
Angel: Just call me Angel. I’ve always just been Angel. You’ll spoil me with formalities.
D: A good lady deserves to be spoiled, Mi–Angel. Now, Billy, you said you’d tell me more about your adventures with Pat Garrett and Angel here! You must begin, friend – I can’t wait any longer.
Photo Courtesy: Flickr Commons
Billy: It was the adventure of a lifetime. Anyway, it was for my Angel. I was a fool and thought she was dead. Of course, how could I have known otherwise? She’d been shot multiple times.
D: Wait, shot?! Gods, that’s horrible! Who would shoot a woman?!
Billy: Patrick F. Garrett.
D: Sounds like a dastardly fellow. I’ve known a few Pats… they’ve never ended well. Tell me he got his comeuppance!
Billy: The foolish rat! He was the only one who’d dare shoot the love of my life.
Angel: Just breathe, Billy. And thank you D! You are so sweet!
D: I do try, really I do. You sound like a brave woman, Angel. Billy is lucky to have you at his side.
Billy: I surely am! I’d have died long ago if she’d been taken from me!
Angel: You are such a darling, D! Thank you, but really, I merely followed my brave leader.
D: I know how you feel. Well, Angel, he’s lucky to have you by his side – willing to follow him into danger and brave what the fates will throw at him. Makes a man a stronger fighter, I think.
Billy: Do you have a girl out there somewhere, my friend?
D: I do and I don’t . . . she lived long ago but had to make a choice between saving our clans and our way of life, and her heart. I think fate may have given us a second chance but we’re both going to have to wait a few lifetimes in order to see if fate is truly kind.
Briana: How did this turn into a love story? I thought it was just going to be Billy and D telling tall tales and making jokes! Perhaps inviting Angel wasn’t such a good idea.
A: I know, right? It’s always a love story. D doesn’t talk about Mairead very often, but he does love a good old fashioned love story.
D: Do not. I just appreciate a good woman who fights with her man. They’re in short supply!
Billy: Well I’ll be! Briana, please do give us a moment, will you? Being a woman, I am sure it is hard for you to see how us menfolk love and appreciate our true loves. Angel and Mairead are both one-of-a-kind and it brings us great joy to speak about them. But for me, I get to hold my Angel’s hand and tell her how much she means to me. I am so very sorry for your loss, D. Your Mairead sounds like one wonderful gal. I hope fate is kind to you and you will see her again.
Briana: Um, well, I suppose it won’t hurt for me to step out for a moment. What do you think, A? Is it safe to leave these two alone to talk for awhile? I can only imagine the chaos it could cause…
A: I think it’s … well, not safe per say, but I think I can manage to step away and let the boys have their chat!
Briana: Okay, if you can do it, then I guess I can, too!
Billy: Yippie! D! We’re free!!!
D: Huzzah! . . . Wait, I’m not sure what to do with this freedom! What do we do, Billy? Is there a train to rob?
Billy: I honestly don’t know, D. I think I’m a bit rusty at the outlaw stuff. Besides, I was never much of a locksmith, and I hear that nowadays, there are some pretty snazzy ones when money is concerned.
D: So I’m told – I’m rather used to the barter system myself. What do you do for fun nowadays, Billy?
Billy: Well, I’m hardly ever let out of Briana’s imagination, so I’m a little lost right now. Not hearing her voice is something of a mystery to me….Anyhow, I’m not going to spoil my one glorious chance at complete freedom! For fun? Well, I am sort of addicted to poker. How are you with cards, D?
D: Truly, I wish A would let me play for her when she finds herself in front of a hand. I spent some time with some RAF pilots back in WWII. I love the cards!
Billy: I can’t say I’m a professional gambler, but I’m no cheat, either! What do you say? Up for a little game?
D: Certainly! I have a deck of cards here … how shall we go about doing this?
Billy: You pick the game, my friend. I’ll bring the gold nuggets!
The transcript ends here in a mess of unreadable squiggles. Considering what happened later, we’re fairly certain they were off-their-heads drunk by the time the night ended.
Read more about Katie and her druid, D, on their blog: http://dadialogues.wordpress.com/
Read Part 1 of the Billy the Kid and D Files.
Wondering how D and Billy met? It all started when A decided to go on hiatus…
The Billy the Kid and D Files
They were found on a roadside, deep in the Nevada desert. Part of a cache of documents obviously intended for a secure location, the files have been kept secret until today. Their earth-shattering contents will amaze, possibly frighten and answer the question: what happens when an infamous Old West gunslinger and a centuries-old time-travelling Druid meet up?
Chaos. Card games. Drinking. And chaos.
Part 1: Introductions
Billy: D! D? Where are you, Partner?
D: I am… trying to angle myself around herself over here as she eats and types. And the Romans considered my people to be barbarians.
Billy: I know my Ma never used to let me eat and talk. I’d be backhanded for sure! Or bonked on the head with her old wooden spoon!
D: You are speaking my language, Billy. These (what do you call it A? A: First world? D: That’s it.) These First World Europeans and their American cousins don’t know what life is truly like. Plus, they have no manners.
Billy: I know exactly what you mean. Anyway, I think I do. I don’t know a lot about history, but I do love to read. Maybe one day you’ll loan me a book from your time. Well, I’m assumin’ that you’re from a different time than I am, anyway. Earlier than the 1800s, I’d bet.
D: I am – I was born in 667 AD … a good 1100 years before you, Billy! But your world and my world really aren’t that different. That’s why I love the Old West. It was the last time men did battle with the elements, rode on horseback and counted their livelihood through cattle. I never did get a chance to spend much time in the American west during my travels through time, but when I read about it… well, it reminds me of home. We counted our fortunes in the number of cattle we had. And my family – my clan – was wealthy in land and cattle. Never did get to lasso one, though – Sigh.
Oh, and I’ll hunt up a scroll for you – my people didn’t write much – no written language (Except for my mother, but that’s a whole other story!), but other cultures wrote about us. We scared the Romans and the Vikings fled before us, for a time, anyway! What about you, Billy – I’ve heard all sorts of tales about you – sometimes written by people who weren’t always too kind in their words!
Billy: Thanks D, I’m not sure what a scroll is, but thanks! You sound like you come from a great place. The forefathers of cowboys and outlaws. That makes it an honor for me to know you, partner. And about me, well, there’s some who love me and some who hate me. Some look at me as an old west Robin Hood. But others have argued that I was nothing more than a bloodthirsty monster. I cannot say I have a heart of gold, but I didn’t kill for fun. Yes, I stole more than my share of money and cattle, and even some right nice horse flesh. But I never took anything from people who couldn’t live without it. I just couldn’t steal from the mouths of motherless youngsters, or take the only means of transportation from a lonely widow woman. Some say I had a streak of meanness a mile wide in me, but I don’t. That’s not to say I won’t fight for what’s mine and protect those that I love.
D: I think that goes a long with living a full life and having your name remembered well past your death, Billy. I think those that call you infamous are just jealous! Tell me, do you have a favorite heist? One that really sticks in your memory? And how does Briana feel about your adventures? A never tires giving her opinion when she’s writing mine.
Billy: I suppose you’re right. But I must say, I’ve always liked having and ‘infamous reputation’. It has a nice ring to it. And I have a memory that comes to mind right away. It wasn’t a heist, but an escape. It’s the greatest escape I ever made. I’d been sentenced to die, and only two weeks before I was to make my last walk through freedom and end at the gallows, I made the most glorious escape in all my history. But even that memory has a sour note. I had to kill a man who I thought of as my friend. He was the kindest lawman I’d even known. *sigh*
Briana: I love Billy. Really I do. If I’d lived during his time, I’d have hunted him down and–
A: Oooh!
D:A, get your mind out of the gutter!
Billy: Briana, please. I am trying to talk to my friend. You hardly ever let me out of this place and I do still like to have fun. My land! D! Can you believe these women???
D: They’re terrible! I’m all for equal rights (you’ve never seen terror until you’ve seen Celtic women fighting beside their men in battle), but these two are beyond decency.
I like your infamous reputation too, Billy – but I’ll fight any man who says you have a meanness. *You* didn’t make fun of my spurs. I’m sorry about your friend, though. Those are tough choices to have to make. I’ve watched men – friends – die. Sometimes I was the cause, and others – well, they were bloody and lawless times too. Who do you consider the biggest outlaw of your time? Who were your biggest rivals?
Billy: D, I won’t lie to you. I thought you looked just dandy! And your spurs were the best part! I had me a pair like those, back when I lived in Texas. They were about the niftiest gadgets ever invented. And actually, I don’t mean to sound vain, between the years of 1878 and 1881, I was the biggest outlaw out there. Everyone wanted me dead. And of course, Sheriff Pat Garrett was my worst rival. He would lead to my undoing, one way or another. And ah yes. It is the loveliest of all visions when the woman you love fights by your side. Speaking of, it is a good thing I brought a friend with me. D, I’d like you to meet my girl. This is Angel. Angel, this is my pal D.
Angel: Howdy. Nice hat you have there, Cowboy.
D: Did you hear that, A – he called me his pal and said the spurs were fine.
A: D . . . focus, D. There’s a pretty girl – kiss her hand or do something druidy…
D: Druidy?
A: You know what I mean.
D: *blushes* Why thank you, Ms. Angel. It’s a pleasure to meet you.
Angel: The pleasure is all mine, Good Sir. Billy has told me ever so much about you. All very good things, of course.
Billy: *chuckles* This is the girl Pat Garrett tried to take from me.
D: Thank you, Ms. Angel – Billy! She’s divine. I can see why the Sheriff was keen to steal her from you! Tell me, was it a rousing adventure? How did you get away?!
Billy: I’m afraid that is a tale for another day, D. Briana’s telling me we have to step aside now. Care to continue this later, partner?
D: Do I ever, Billy! I’ll see you soon.
Find out more about D and A on their blog, The D/A Dialogs http://dadialogues.wordpress.com/
A Scrapbooking Party!
Anyone out there curious about scrapbooking? Come and join my virtual party, and all your questions shall be answered!
So, what is “scrapbooking”?
Simply put, scrapbooking is putting beautiful, fun paper, photos, and memorabilia together to tell a story.Think of it as enhancing your photos. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. What if you don’t know what those words are. Scrapbooking allows you to remember all the stories, jokes, heartfelt moments, and everyday life, and share the memories with family and friends. Imagine looking at a photo from someone else’s life. The photo by itself may give you some hints. Now if the photo were scrapbooked, the story behind the photo would also become clear. Scrapbooking is a fun way to share and remember your story for years to come.
And what in the world is Memory Works?
I like to call Memory Works the Mary Kay of the scrapbooking world. Memory Works carries scrapbooking products from all the big names (Fancy Pants, Pink Paislee and BoBunny, to name a few), as well as their own line called Simple Stories. Memory Works also offers a monthly kit subscription for $29.95 (plus shipping, handling, and sales tax). Each themed kit is packed with coordinated papers and embellishments from different brand name companies.
In addition, Memory Works offers a Hostess Incentive. This is a free gift to the party hostess can earn if the party results in an order of $150.00 (before tax). I like to offer this as well if there is either a single order from a customer of $150, or if there is a group of customers, though not necessarily at a party, that order enough supplies to meet to required minimum. The incentive changes every month and can be anything scrapbooking related, from a collection of patterned papers to a stamp set to a few specific items from a brand name collection.
Is scrapbooking hard to do?
Scrapbooking should be fun, so no, it’s not hard to do. If you find you’re having difficulty, take a step back. See where you’re getting stuck. Are you trying to re-create a technique or layout and it’s not coming together? Do you not understand the terminology? Take me for example. I know thismuch about knitting and crocheting. Now I know the terms knit and perl. Did I spell them right? No idea. Can I tell you what they mean? Nope, sorry. I learned a lot of the terms from magazines and websites. And for me, it clicked. I kept wanting more and more. So it shouldn’t be hard. Again, if you’re running into trouble, try to pinpoint what exactly is giving you pause. Sometimes you need clarification, or to just tell yourself there are no mistakes. I really enjoy it and I’m always learning something new, so there’s no limit to what you can create. I’ve found if you love it, you stick with it and your style evolves from there.
Do you have some examples of what scrapbooking is?
Absolutely. These are some recent layouts (a layout is 1-2 scrapbook pages). I have lots more on my blog with close up detail photos and info on supplies and techniques I used.
Can someone teach me how to scrapbook?
Absolutely, there’s lots of options. Now, I must confess, I learned by doing. I never took a class, nor did I know anyone else who scrapbooked. Heck, I had just learned about it myself. So I went to my nearest bookstore and bought some scrapbooking magazines. Then after reading them and devouring them (figuratively speaking, of course), I went to my local craft store and bought some supplies (careful, this hobby is addicting! in a good way :D). And I started scrapping!.
However, if my journey sounds scary, you can take a class. These can be offered anywhere from a religious/spiritual center, your local craft store (big box and small business), library, school, historical society. If you know someone who is a scrapbooker (the majority of which are women, but there are some VERY talented men out there), you can ask them to teach a class, or just teach you! There are also numerous blogs online whose author post videos for certain techniques, etc. And, being in the age of YouTube, there are blogs, magazines, and individual people who have a channel which you can view and/or subscribe to. One benefit to individual scrapbookers is that they teach techniques that you may not otherwise comes across. And they give you lots of inspiration and ideas.
Where can I get scrapbooking supplies?
In a sense, anywhere. However, just because you CAN get it anywhere doesn’t mean you SHOULD. Office supplies, arts and crafts stores, big chain stores, and local scrapbooking/stamping stores; all of them carry supplies. I’ve actually found that the big box crafts stores by me do carry some of what I need, but not most of what I’m looking for. You can also go the online route, which opens up the possibilities tremendously.
Big box general retailers are limited in what they carry because they’re general retailers. So, see what they carry, check the prices, and think if you’ll actually use it. Don’t get lured by the clearance sticker of half off and pay $5 for a border punch that you’ll never use. This is why if you can, purchase your supplies from a crafts store, a scrapbooking store if possible. If you live out in the middle of nowhere, so to speak, your best options are probably online shopping or a consultant for a scrapbooking supplies company (yes, shameless self-promotion, I had to do a little :P)
I live in the United States, do you know anyone who I could send my pictures to for them to design a scrapbook for me, because I’m just to busy to do it myself right now.
Why, yes I do *wink, wink.* I am happy to design a scrapbook, mini album, etc. for you. My prices are simple and really reasonable. I do not want any screaming wallets, thank you 😛 You can look at my blog, myscrapmuseis.wordpress.com, to check out my prices, and e-mail me at tracy . carrig @ gmail . com to get the whole party started (just delete the spaces before hitting send)!
What is your favorite thing to make?
So far, layouts, either one or two pages. I just finished a two-page layout for my little person’s first birthday. I’ve start making cards, which I sell on my Etsy shop, called ScrapMusings. And I’m starting to get into altered art, mixed media, and mini albums. I’m loving getting messy, and I love layers.
I want to find out more about this art called scrapbooking! Show me more! Are you online? Twitter? Facebook? Pinterest? Got a blog?
Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes. Here’s my stuff:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ScrapMuse (ScrapMuse)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Scrap-Musings/141917992518574 (or search for Tracy Carrig (you should see a pic of me and my munchkin))
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ScrapbookMuse (or look up Tracy Carrig / ScrapbookMuse, or you can just find me from Briana’s page ;P)
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ScrapMusings (shop name: ScrapMusings)
Thanks to Briana for setting this up and hosting my interview. And thank you to everyone else who hosts and/or reads my interview. I hope to see and talk to you all soon! Happy scrapping!
When I Became an Author 
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