Cathy Zielske's Blog, page 217
October 25, 2011
Video blog: sharing the finished project for Me: the Abridged Version
To learn more about this album project, see my post from last week! Questions? Comments? Leave 'em here and I'll do my best to answer!
October 24, 2011
What's on your bucket list?
Today, I have a really cool thing that I get to give away to one of you, my fabulous, wonderful, blog readers.
How does $500 sound?
Let me explain:
Our friends at Just Ask want you to stay around for a good long while so you can cross activities and achievements off that bucket list of yours. That's why they've developed a test that could save your life—the BRACAnalysis test—by warning you about your chances of getting breast or ovarian cancer.
I want to be around for as long as I can too! Today, I'm going to share my bucket list with you. Now, if you share your list (see the link to TodaysMama.com below) you'll have a shot of winning a trip of a lifetime. The grand prizes are:
• A family vacation of a lifetime to Universal Orlando® Resort.
• A Las Olas Surf Camp Safari
• Ski Lessons and stay at Park City Mountain Resort
But those are just the grand prizes. If you leave a comment with me today and tell me one item on your list, I get to give that aforementioned $500 to one lucky reader and that just might help you cross one of them off!
To get the full details on how you can share your own bucket list and enter to win those Grand Prize vacation packages, head over to TodaysMama.com and they'll fill you on how you can blog your list and share it at their site.
Want to increase your chances of winning that $500? Like Just Ask on Facebook and be sure to come back and leave a comment letting me know you did. Without further adieu, I present my list…
My Bucket List
1. Go to a Broadway show.
2. Vacation in London and Paris, ideally in the same trip.
3. Take some totally cool cooking class, preferably for Indian or Thai cuisine.
4. Own a second pair of glasses. (I know, dream big, right?)
5. Complete a sprint triathlon, just for the bragging rights.
6. See Peter Gabriel in concert one more time in my life.
7. Return to Australia for a much, much longer stay.
8. Own a wider variety of shoes.
9. Perform in a play.
10. Spend a weekend in San Francisco.
11. See Italy.
12. Retire as early as humanly possible.
13. Have grandchildren (years from now, of course!)
14. Take a really long bike trip somewhere (as in, really long!)
15. Own a tiny cottage vacation home somewhere near where I grew up on the Puget Sound in Washington state.
And that, my friends, is my list today. Of course, it could change tomorrow. I think every list should have some very do-able items (think shoes and glasses!) Everyone likes a sense of accomplishment.
So, leave me a comment today and tell me one item from your list. Then, go Like Just Ask on Facebook, and come back and let me know you did. And finally, go ahead and take a shot at entering for the grand prizes by sharing your own bucket list. Just head over to TodaysMama.com for those details.
This contest closes on Saturday, November 12th at Noon MST. Winners of the grand prizes will be announced Monday, November 14th at Today's Mama. I will do a random drawing for the winner of the $500 chosen from the blog comments left here on November 13th. Good luck! And I look forward to hearing some of your Bucket List items!
This is a sponsored giveaway. Just Ask offers a breast and ovarian cancer screening and is encouraging people to share 15 things they want to enjoy in my lifetime as a reminder to be aware of their health.
October 23, 2011
And the giveaway winners are…
The winner of a spot in Cooking Up a Memory with Molly Newman is:
The winner of a spot in the Get Organized for the Holidays online workshop from simplify 101 is:
Ladies, contact me at czdesign at comcast dot net to claim your seats in class!
October 21, 2011
Sponsor Giveaway: a workshop from simplify 101
The holidays are coming! Are you ready? Thank goodness simplify 101 is offering their great Get Organized for the Holidays online workshop. Led by professional organizer Aby Garvey, this workshop will help you to organize the holidays from start to finish and take the stress out of the season. Plus you can exchange holiday decorating ideas, gift ideas, and recipes with the friendly and supportive simplify 101 workshop community all season long.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP: Get Organized for the Holidays begins Tuesday, November 1, 2011. Join simplify 101 to create a meaningful celebration filled with joy, happiness and an organizing plan you can use year after year. Make it simple and have more fun getting your holiday to-dos done!
Simplify 101 is offering my readers a free spot in this workshop! Here's how to enter:
Rules for entering the giveaway (up to four chances to win):
Leave a comment on this post telling me what you are most looking forward to this holiday season.
Head over to Facebook and "like" simplify 101. Come back and leave a comment letting me know you did.
Mention this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter, then leave a comment letting me know you did.
Sign up to receive the free Mini Guide for creating a command central binder, then leave a comment letting me know you did.
BONUS: simplify 101 is offering my readers 15% off enrollment! To take advantage of this offer, enter coupon code CZ15 during checkout . This coupon is good through October 27, 2011 and may not be combined with any other offers.
ABOUT SIMPLIFY 101: Founded by Aby Garvey, the co-author of The Organized and Inspired Scrapbooker, simplify 101's mission is to make getting organized fun! Get a taste of simplify 101—and the organized life—with their FREE, simple-to-follow guide How to Create a Command Central Binder. You'll put together a home reference binder that will help you get organized, save time, and minimize paper clutter and the stress that comes along with it!
Good luck!
Sponsor Giveaway: win a spot in a ReneePearson.com workshop
One blog reader will win a spot in Cooking Up a Memory with Molly Newman.
ABOUT THE CLASS: Maybe no barbecue is complete without your uncle's spicy chicken wings.
Or maybe your best friend's Cosmo punch is the highlight of every party. Whatever the occasion, special dishes are tied to special memories—and making foods that remind us of our loved ones is a delicious way to keep those recollections alive.
In this class, we'll start from scratch by gathering recipes from family and friends. Then, we'll spice up the project with in-depth food photography lessons that help you put your creations in their best light. We'll finish by creating an album that unites recipes, photos and stories in one appealing package—and then get ready to "serve it forth" to family and friends as a printed, ready-to-share book. Perfect for holiday gift-giving or keeping on your own cookbook shelf, this is one project you and your family will savor forever.
TO ENTER: Tell me what your favorite Fall meal is. You can even share a link if you're so inclined! I think this class sounds pretty cool. Good luck!
I'll choose a winner on Sunday evening. Have a great weekend and cook something yummy!
October 20, 2011
This crafty girl.
This is Aidan, and much to the delight of her scrapbookin', story-tellin', design-lovin' mama, she is a Crafty Girl.
Granted, she also loves math and science and psychology, so she is not just a Crafty Girl. She's many other kinds of girls, and all of them make me incredibly proud.
Recently, Aidan was able to take a class from the one and only Stacy Julian at last month's Creative Connection event. Stacy taught a very cool mini album workshop and Aidan decided to put her own themed twist on it, creating an album called "Aspirations and Inspirations."
Funny, but all I wrote about at 15 was boys and things I ought not to be doing.
Aidan took a bunch of photos of her album with the intent of sharing the finished results with Stacy, and she said I could share them here.
Thanks, Crafty Girl. You're something else.
Thanks for letting me share, Crafty Girl.
Love, Mom
October 19, 2011
20 years
It was a very cold and blustery day 20 years ago, the day I stood before man, woman, child and God and swore my love and fidelity to my handsome, loving and loyal partner in crime, Daniel Ezekiel Zielske.
The thing I recall the most? My lack of worry.
What we were doing that day was the right thing to do. There was no other action that made more sense. This man was my soul mate. He was The One. What we were about to do was as natural as breathing.
And we settled into a life together and the years started to roll by.
We bought a house. We had a baby. We had another baby. We worked, we loved, we fought, we marveled, we laughed, we connected, we disconnected and re-connected time and again.
We wondered why we seemed to have it so easy.
But a few years ago, the disconnection seemed to be more the norm than the exception. The arguments that never resolved themselves. The lingering sense that things weren't what we both really wanted them to be. The longing and hunger for something more in our relationship filled us both.
So we did something about it.
For the past two years, we've been working with a woman who has been helping us see that in order to create the life we both want to live, we've had to make a few personal changes—some big, some small and some a bit brutal, truth be told. We've spent the past few years looking at ourselves and seeing where each of us played a part in the disconnection and taking responsibility for our actions. We've been examining what reality looks like, and we've been adjusting our misconceptions and expectations that were leading us down a road of discontent.
We didn't want to be two people growing older and growing apart.
During the past few years, I've learned how my own attitude has slowly sown seeds of discontent and disconnection. It has been illuminating, sometimes painful, and very, very necessary.
Today, we are here. We have a house. We have a girl. We have a boy. We laugh. We cry. We work. We marvel. We connect, we disconnect, and we re-connect, but now we understand why.
We also know that we chose very, very wisely 20 years ago.
I just wanted to share this with you today in the celebration of truth and the idea that people can change and grow.
I believe that if things aren't going the way you'd like them to, you can take action to make changes and create understanding and a renewed sense of purpose in your life. I believe it with all of my heart.
Happy anniversary, babe. Here's to a redefining the next 20.
October 17, 2011
New at Designer Digitals: Me: the Abridged Version
Quick: what's your favorite album project of all time?
Got you thinking now, huh?
I will tell you what mine is, without hesitation: my volumes of Me: the Abridged Version.
For the past two years, I taught a workshop at Big Picture Classes called "Me: the Abridged Version" which a number of you joined in for. This year, I've retired the class and decided to release the project as part of my Designer Digitals collection.
The workshop was based on a CKU class of the same name, and that class was inspired by the wonderful memoir by the equally wonderful Amy Krouse Rosenthal called "Encylcopedia of an Ordinary Life." If you've never heard of this book, I would strongly suggest that any memory keeper check it out for a whole new take on documenting your life.
This approach is the basis for this album project. Write about your life in little, random chunks from A to Z, and sprinkle in a few photos for good measure. It is not an album that relies, however, on photos. It relies on you and your voice and the people, places and things you choose to include as you present an overall slice of your life right here, right now.
My first two volumes were hybrid creations, using papers, adhesives, Microsoft Word and Photoshop to build the final albums.
Here's a sample spread from my album in 2009:
In 2010, I decided to go all digital for my class sample album, recording my life in an 8 x 10 printed photo book from Blurb.
I want to share with you a PDF showing my entire album for 2010. Plus, it could serve as an inspiration to get some of your wheels turning:
I love this concept Why? It's simple and it's filled with random bits of my everyday life. For people who find journaling tedious, once you get going on a project like this, you'll be surprised by how many things start to pop up under each letter. And you'll be surprised how easy it can be to write about yourself, via all the people, places and things that make up your life.
This year, I decided to redesign my digital album and create another volume and that book is presently being printed at Inkubook. I chose Inkubook because they offer 8.5 x 11, which is the size of this project. Some of my students had great results with them last year, so I'm giving it a whirl. Here's a look at my newest volume:
Create your own Photobooks with Inkubook.com!
Create your own Photobooks with Inkubook.com!
I ordered a soft cover book this year. Each book has to be a minimum of 20-pages, so if you'll notice, I had to add some patterned paper and cardstock paper in strategic spots to fill out the book. (We call those fly sheets in the publishing biz.)
As you can see, photos are really just accents in this project. The focus in on what topics you choose to write about. You can write about as many things as you can fit into each space. I typically wrote about two things per letter. In some cases, just one thing. The project can be flexible.
I share all of this today because I'm really excited to announce three new products from Designer Digitals, all featuring the Me: the Abridged Version concept, with a few twists, namely, the ability to swap out the titles to create not just an album about you (though I'm a huge fan of that idea), but you can also create "Us: the Abridged Version" or "You: the Abridged Version." Both concepts have so many possibilities for scrapbooking about your family or your children.
Here's a look at the packages:
Me: the Abridged Version Vol. 1 Hybrid Album Project
This is for scrapbookers who want to build a traditional album using the enclosed printable elements. This is essentially what most of my students did in both 2009 and 2010.
This package includes files for both Photoshop Elements and Non-Photoshop Elements users. It includes Microsoft Word templates and printable PDFs for non-PSE users. The printable elements come in 10 different color options so you can find elements to match your favorite papers and cardstocks. Non-PSE users will create their alphabet blocks using cardstock and stickers or chipboard alphas. Included is a 17-page How To PDF, a complete guide to the project showing the basic album structure, tips on how to get the most out of your patterned paper, with complete step-by-step instructions for creating the various pieces in Photoshop Elements. Layered PSD files will help you to create your journaling blocks, title page elements and alpha blocks, as well as allow you to customize the colors yourself. All fonts and font colors are also customizable in this project.
This package also contains the printable elements for creating "You: the Abridged Version" and "Us: the Abridged Version."
In short, this package is like a class in a box with every imaginable piece needed (minus cardstock and patterned paper of course!) to build a complete hybrid album project.
Me: the Abridged Version Vol. 1 Digital Album Project
This is for digital scrapbookers who want to build a digital album using the enclosed layered PSD files. This is what I used for my 2010 album. There are just a few files in this package, and you will do a series of Save As commands to save all of your album letters. Typically, most digital scrapbookers in my workshop designed their A and B pages first, choosing their digital papers and cardstocks, then did a series of Save As commands so as not to re-invent the wheel each time.
This package also contains the layered logo files for creating "You: the Abridged Version" and "Us: the Abridged Version."
In short, this package is for digital scrapbookers who know their way around PSE.
Me: the Abridged Version Vol. 2 Digital Album Project
This is for digital scrapbookers who want to build a digital album using the enclosed layered PSD files. This album, however, has custom letters created using my favorite font, Archer, which is also used in the title options as well. You choose your own font for the page entries and journaling blurbs. This package also has the A to Z pages already created for you as layered PSD files. No Saving As is needed. Just build and go, letter by letter.
This package also contains the PNG files for creating "You: the Abridged Version" and "Us: the Abridged Version." It also contains PNG dates covering the next 10 years, so you could make future volumes.
In short, this package is for digital scrapbookers who know their way around PSE, but also like the added convenience of having the pages already set up for them.
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Each of the packages has different pricing because of the different number of files. Each of the packages, as new products at Designer Digitals, will be on sale through Tuesday at 6 a.m. EST.
Also, each of these packages has been designed in the 8.5 x 11 format. The main reason isn't just because that's my preferred size. The main reason behind this is that this design in 12 x 12 would create journaling blocks that are wider than I like to create. I have some personal rules of thumb when it comes to readability and journaling. I like my journaling colums to stay uner 5 inches wide. Plus, it makes for less required journaling, which can facilitate an easier completion process.
I really hope you'll consider creating an abridged version about yourself. This project always makes me reflct on my life, and my blessings, and focuses me on what really matters: family, life, love and all that goes along with it.
Whether you make an all digital album, or a cool hybrid project, this is a project that will truly serve as a time capsule of your life right here, right now.
I also think they'd make a fantastic gift for someone in your life. You could make an album about a child, or about your entire family for a wonderful and meaningful album gift for the holidays, and you've got plenty of time to create one!
If you have any questions about the packages or the projects, please don't hesitate to ask. Leave me a question in comments, and I'll be sure to get you an answer!
I also want to give you a free downloadble brainstorming PDF (included in the packages as well) where you can jot ideas for what you might want to write about in your album.
Here's to slices of life from A to Z. And, of course, scrapbooking them.
p.s. I know for some of you, the idea of doing an album all about yourself might seem a bit indulgent, but consider this: everything you choose to write about your life really is just a reflection of the people, the places and the things you love. I think every woman should explore this process. There is only one you. Document, save and enjoy the process of celebrating and recording your life.
People who love you will thank you.
October 16, 2011
And the giveaway winners are…
The winner of a spot in Katrina Kennedy's "Exposure" workshop is:
The winner of a spot in Scraphic Design: Core with Tiffany Tillman is:
The winner of a spot in Fabulous Felting, A Beginner's Guide to Wet Felting, taught by Emily Falconbridge and Nicole Lawrence is:
Ladies, email me at czdesign at comcast dot net to claim your class spots!
See you back here tomorrow on the blog!
October 14, 2011
Sponsor Giveaways: Katrina Kennedy, ReneePearson.com and Big Picture Classes
One blog read will win a spot in Katrina Kennedy's "Exposure" workshop offered at GetItScrapped. Do you want to learn how to get the most out of your dSLR camera and increase your skills? Read on!
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP: Katrina's passion is capturing every day ordinary moments, and not only does she know her way around a camera, she also has the knack of being able to teach you how to use one in a very clear and concise manner. She has helped thousands of students get the most out of their camera's through her classes and on-line workshops. She is also founder and owner of Capture Your 365 which promotes the value of taking a photo a day.
Her newest class, Exposure, is a 6-week online workshop where you can improve your understanding of manual mode, adopt a better understanding of light and fully grasp the art of exposure, from correct to creative. Katrina will teach you how to take beautiful photos in a variety of situations, both typical every day and in challenging lighting conditions. Class is best suited for those with a dSLR and some understanding of manual mode.
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One blog read will win a spot in Scraphic Design: Core with Tiffany Tillman.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP: The two-part Scraphic Design series began with the Foundations class, a 4 week journey into the design process that covers creative inspiration, sketching techniques, principles of design and how to build dynamic page structures.
Now, rejoin Tiffany Tillman for the second part of the series, Scraphic Design: Core. For an additional four weeks, add the complexities of layering, color usage, pattern alchemy, element addition, text work and realistic shadowing to the journey. Class concludes with a final critique on your finished class assignments.
If you haven't taken Scraphic Design: Foundations yet, there's a class going on right now!
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One blog reader will win a seat in Fabulous Felting, A Beginner's Guide to Wet Felting, taught by Emily Falconbridge and Nicole Lawrence.
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP: Have you ever felt like trying it? Felting that is! Felting is a hands-on, all ages, colorful, creative treat for the senses and Emily and Nicole are going to show you just how it is done! Wet felting is the art of taking soft, natural wool (often called roving), and combining it with water and agitation to form endless options of texture and shape.
In this three-week workshop you will learn all the basic skills to create various felt pieces. Get ready for your world to be rocked with felt-a-liciousness! Projects include felt beads, a scarf, layered felt flowers and a seamless pouch—wonderful handmade gifts for the upcoming season and a whole lot of skill to take your felting further!
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TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAYS: Leave me a comment and tell me what your favorite online class has been, or, if you've never taken one, let me know that too! I'll draw a winner on Sunday night. Thanks everyone. Have a lovely and restful weekend.
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