October 27, 2010

Sophisticated scrapbooking? Not quite yet, but on its way ...

On November 4, 2009, I posted my first blog. Here’s how I illustrated it:

I had high hopes of bringing a fresh look to digital scrapbooking. I used the word “modern” but in my heart I was also thinking “sophisticated,” as in little black dresses, Jackie O sunglasses and Kate Spade handbags (that’s one in the photo; I used it to show how to add a splash of red to a layout).

I bravely went where I thought no woman had gone before—to create digital products for people with modern tastes, who didn’t even WANT a lot of creative choices, but wanted to create quickly and easily and get on with it … Choosing layouts and products would be sort of like walking into a trendy boutique and being able to find an outfit you love right off the bat, instead of spending the day at the mall going from store to store.

And I admit I was a bit snarky about the pink silk flowers, fake staples and overuse of the word “sweet” in shabby chic layouts (although I respected the wonderful women who spent hours creating such things).

So in the last year, have I brought sophistication to scrapbooking?

Not quite … But I’m forging ahead, so stay tuned.

Over the last year, I’ve learned a lot.

* I've learned there ARE clean and simple alternatives to drop-shadowed silk flowers. Cases in point: Cathy Zielske and Stacy Julian (Stacy's big on color and whimsy, which can also be sophisticated).

* I’ve learned to appreciate some of those over-the-top embellished layouts when they’re done right. There is a certain warmth and charm to a busy layout. Sort of like a sofa with a ton of puffy throw pillows you just want to snuggle on.

* In fact, since this is personal art, there really is no “right.” Does the designer love it? Then it’s right. I’ve jumped off my high horse.

* I’ve learned that the scrapbooking industry is full of wonderful men and women who make the world a better place in large and small ways.

* I’ve added polka dots, stitched ribbons—and yes, daisies—to my patterns and loved them.

* I’ve learned that the right patterns are important, and I need my own “Kate Spades.” I now have six diverse pattern designers helping me with weekly releases. Here’s a sample of a geometric kit (name TBA) releasing tomorrow. NOW we’re talkin’!

And now, I need to reach women who would love to live better with their photos but don’t identify themselves as “scrapbookers.” They just need a little time and learning to create simple projects that could really enrich their lives. I’ve got a few big ideas for getting the word out that should bear fruit over the coming weeks.

So when I look back at that first blog, I see high hopes and a bit of an unrealistic expectation that I’d change the world … but that’s okay. If people knew at the beginning of a journey how challenging it would be, would they even take that first step?

I took the first step a year ago, and I’ll keep walking and loving every minute of it. And someday, I'll have Kate Spade luggage to carry my stuff!