05/7/05 13:18:25 Transcripts from the Live Online Class With Stacy Julian (Founding Editor of Simple Scrapbooks Magazine)

Scrapbook.com Team: We want to extend a warm welcome to Stacy and to all of the Neighbors who have joined us today.
Scrapbook.com Team: We'll turn the time over to Stacy for her class
Stacy: I am glad you are here to hear in a virtual sort of way!
Stacy: I want to begin by giving you a little introduction ...
Stacy: There is always chatter about what the simple in Simple Scrapbooks really means – and this class today is the very best way I can think of explaining my “simple” to you. It’s really the idea that our memories reside within us – and that our pictures are not necessarily our memories. Think about this: You could scrapbook all of your pictures on beautifully design pages and not scrapbook your most important memories – you really could. You could go about documenting the people, places, events depicted in your pictures without really telling anyone of their true importance to you. Simple, to me is giving yourself permission to scrapbook what is most important to you first – to do what will really count in the end and then do whatever else you have time for. If you can do this, you will begin to feel the guilt slip away. The idea that you will never by “caught up” won’t really matter anymore. It’s that simple!
Stacy: In an effort to bring this whole concept home to a class several years ago, I came up with a little exercise to do with the class participants. I called it 2-minute memories. I asked these women to do what I will ask you to do today. I asked them to immerse themselves in the memory of someone they love. When you do this, it only takes a minute to understand what it is you really need to scrapbook. Then all you need to do is jot down the thoughts, feelings and emotions that you were able to connect with. The whole exercise takes just two minutes, and will do more for your scrapbooking than anything else – I guarantee it.
Stacy: The idea today is to do something meaningful for either your mother or your father, since Mother’s Day is tomorrow and Father’s Day is just around the corner. We will be using the 2-Minute Scrapbook Cards from Simple Scrapbooks – that were, you guessed it – based on my exercise. If you have pre-purchased one or both of the 2-Minutes Cards, open them up and get ready. If not, I hope you will still do the exercise along with the rest of us.
Stacy: I'm a little longwinded -- but I will try and not go too fast.
Stacy: First, I want you to quiet your mind -- forget for a second that it's National Scrapbook Day and that you are part of this super fun class -- and just sit back at your computer and close your eyes --
Stacy: Wait -- before you close your eyes, I guess you'd better finish reading this
Stacy: I'm going to give you one minute to think about either mom or dad -- try to be with them, think of the things they often say and the times you best remember living with them.
Stacy: What smells do you associate with mom? What about dad? If you were to go to a place that would remind you of your father or mother -- where would it be? What sort of music would be playing?  Is there a song that you hear and immediately think of mom or dad?
Stacy: You get the idea right?  When I say go ... close your eyes and just think about everything mom or everything dad.
Stacy: Ready?. .. go!

Stacy: OK ... time's up!
Stacy: Open your eyes and put pencil to paper and start writing as fast as you can -- make a list.  List words, phrases, thoughts -- emotions.  Don't worry about complete sentences -- just jot down key words.  If you have the 2-Minute card, there is a place for you to make this list -- if not, anywhere is fine!
Stacy: Don't try and prioritize your list -- just get all the memories out of your head onto paper in whatever order they come.
Stacy: As you write --you'll likely think of a few more things -- add those too.
Stacy: When you come up for air -- you'll likely have at least 5 or 6 items on your list -- right?
Stacy: I'm going to give you a few more seconds to just think about Mom or Dad and write down whatever comes to mind.

Stacy: You are going to have everything you need to create a very meaningful gift -- and we haven't even gotten to the creating yet!
Stacy: I completed a 2-Minute card for my Dad this week and my assistant MaryRuth Francks, created one for her mom.  All of the images are available in my new gallery [check it out] and after the exercise is over, I’ll walk you through some of the tips, tricks and solutions that we discovered along the way.
Stacy: Let's begin by me walking you through my scrapbook card.  We'll start with the cover!

Stacy: Each card is it's own unique color and has a window for you to personalize in some way.  Purple isn't necessarily a color I associate with my Dad -- but green is, so I dug around in my pattern paper drawer and came up with two sheets of KI Memories paper that expanded on the color purple to include other colors I wanted to work with!
Scrapbook.com Team: You can click on that link (if you have a pop-up blocker, you may need to hold down the "Ctrl" or "Shift" button)
Scrapbook.com Team: you can also copy the link and paste it into your browser... more links coming shortly...
Stacy: With your list of words in front of you -- start thinking of photos you know you have of either mom or dad. I remembered a photo that we took several years ago. One that is on a Thanksgiving page. I thought it would make a great photo to start with, so I scanned the page and turned it black and white -- printed it out on white cardstock and trimmed it down.
Stacy: One of the very first things that came to mind about my Dad -- was the fact that whenever he sees me he says "Hey dee dee -- how are you?"
Stacy: That was the first memory I wanted to share in my little album -- the idea that no matter how old I get -- I will always be his little girl and will always love my nickname.
Stacy: By limited by product to just two pieces of pattern paper -- I really simplified the whole design.

Stacy: On page two -- you'll notice that I list several childhood memories. Most of which I don't have a picture of

Stacy: It's OK! I did find a photo of me and my dad before one of our daddy-daughter dates -- I didn't want to use the original, so I made a quick color copy!
Stacy: Stop for a minute now and look at your list -- are there several items on your list that have the same theme?
Stacy: I mean by that -- things that you could group together. As I reviewed my list of dad memories, I realized that one of the things I most love about him is his "childlike" ways.
Stacy: He is very playful, and imaginative -- I get to see this when he interacts with my boys and it absolutely delights me.
Stacy: My dad talks to animals -- as if they could talk back [I've often wondered if they do talk back to him and I just can't understand] --
Stacy: My dad loves to be in nature -- when he comes to my house to visit, he will take each boy out on a separate hike -- every day. Sometimes they go around the block and sometimes they go to the top of the hill a mile away!
Stacy: I decided I needed to find a photo of my dad as a boy to use with these items on my list.

Stacy: I love that my father is a man of faith -- one of my most cherished memories is of him reading from the bible on Christmas Eve -- I find it interesting that he has 4 other brothers and Grandma always asks him to do the reading -- that says something about his spirit I think. I used a photo from a couple of years ago to illustrate this item.
Stacy: I hope you are noticing that I just used my own sloppy handwriting in this little book!
Stacy: The important thing is to get these memories down and not worry too much about how it all looks -- this is meant to be very authentic and no one has to think it is trendy or anything. Don't forget that -- ok?

Stacy: We're already on page five -- and see how much you know about me and my dad? Are you having fun?

Stacy: My dad really is a funny guy -- but the older he gets the harder it is for him to keep a straight face, so now whenever he is funny, or tries to be funny -- he gets this silly look on his face that cracks me up!
Stacy: I haven't silouhetted [spelling?] a photo for years -- but this snapshot had way too much going on in the backgroud -- so I cut it all out. I think it looks pretty good now.
Stacy: Notice how I just use little scraps of my pattern paper throughout the book to keep the design consistant -- easy to do!

Stacy: The role that my father plays now that is most important to me is that of grandfather -- I love that I live close enough to him that he can influence my boys. This page simply thanks him for the time he spends with us!
Stacy: I love how these little books let you go all over the place, from childhood to present and back again -- there really isn't an oder required and that is an concept I love.

Stacy: OK ... so the one thing that is most unique about my Dad is what I call his reverse psychology -- he says one thing and means just the opposite.
Stacy: On page seven I wanted to pay tribute to this part of his personality. When I was young and dad would drive us all to church he comment on all the people doing fun things like taking their boats out, or going fishing -- etc.
Stacy: He would say "Hey, look at those guys -- they out having fun and we have to go to church -- what a bummer. Maybe we should get a boat and have fun like them -- anyway, by the time we got to church we'd all be saying "Dad, we need to go to church because that is where we learn to be better people -- I'm fascinated now as a mother how his approach seemed to work. He still has five kids you take their families to church -- amazing.
Stacy: Dad has this funny little bear statue that he puts out on the front porch whenever we drive over to Seattle -- is says "Go-Away" and my boys love it -- they of course know that it means -- I'm so glad to see you!
Stacy: I'll let you read pages eight and nine on your own-- I hope you are getting an idea for how much you can share about a person and your relationship to them.

Stacy: I can't wait to give this little album to my Dad for Father's Day -- I honestly can't think of anything else I would rather give him. Sometimes I think as scrapbookers we think our scrapbooks have to be long or really decorative and they just don't! You have the time to create something that will communicate loud and clear how you feel about someone you love -- before it's too late. That' s is what scrapbooking is all about!
Stacy: One last comment about my Dad's book -- I love how these scrapbook cards encourage you to include a photo of yourself -- because they contain as much about you as they do the person you are tributing -- don't forget to put your photo in there too!

Stacy: As I did the 2-minute exercise for my dad -- I realized that there are certain things I do as part of my routine that really remind me of him -- I jotted three of these things down on the very last page. It amazes me how much we are influenced by our parents and extended family -- I hope you take the time to note these little things -- in the end, they are the big things.

Stacy: I salt my apples, and I promise my boys a milkshake when they do things well. Every single time I peel an orange -- the smell reminds me of my Dad. He should know how very often he comes to my mind and how very often I appreciate him!
Stacy: If you have time later, I hope you will browse MaryRuth's mom's album. She found she had a lot to say, so she used her computer and printed out journaling onto vellum. She took the liberty of covering up the journaling pages in the scrapbook card with pattern paper -- and then mounted her typewritten journaling over the top.
Stacy: I want you to use these little books however you best see fit. You can use the pocket at the end, you can pull it off. You can keep the quote we chose or you can use one that has more meaning to you -- the important thing is that you do this kind of scrapbooking as often as you can.
Scrapbook.com Team: Click below to see Stacy's entire gallery including MaryRuth Francks card. http://www.scrapbook.com/scrapbook_layouts/showgallery.php/cat/4967/password/0/page/2
Stacy: Oh .. one more idea. MaryRuth is actually purchasing two, 2-minute cards for members of her family this year. She will create one for each person on their birthday and at the same time, create one to keep for herself -- at the end of the year, she will have a basket of cute, colorful albums dedicated to the people she loves most -- how cool is that!?
Stacy: I've done all the talking -- now it's your turn. And .. let me just say how much I have appreciated you all being here today! Thanks so much.
Scrapbook.com Team: We want to thank Stacy for taking her time to come join us today.  We'll open up the chat room for a few comments and questions,  Feel free to join in... don't be shy.. :)
Scrapbook.com Team: SandieV: No question, just a comment.  Your books are wonderful! I am full of ideas now. Thank-you so much for teaching this class.
annewitty: Where do I purchase 2-minutes cards. Great class!
Stacy: You are most welcome -- just promise me you'll do something with these ideas --K?
mijet: Stacy, I enjoyed this very much..Thank you
gourdwomen: thank you Stacey for sharing your creative ideas as well as your family/father.
Jill: This is Jill Davis, Founder of Scrapbook.com. Thanks for sharing, Stacy; I'm a better scrapbooker today from your class.
tajicat: I loved it! I am new to scrapping, anyway to keep these ideas for later use? Thanks, M
anniet: I love it so much. It makes me cry! I will start do lots of these small albums for my hubby, 3 children and all of my nices and nephews. Thank you so much. Annie
Stacy: Thanks Jill -- I appreciate so much the invitation to be here!
BeckyLee: You have some great ideas. Thanks for sharing them with us!
Scrapbook.com Team: You can get the cards here http://store.scrapbook.com/sisc2mimescc.htmlor purchase them at your LSS.
BobbiJaye: Your books are so great! Usually I leave things like this feeling really untalented, but they seem so easy, I think even I can manage them lol. Thanks so much!
Mintgreen1981: looks like I missed a great class
Scrapbook.com Team: you can also get them at simplescrapbooks.com as well.
iLuv2Scrap2: Is there a way to get a copy of this class?
Stacy: Hey .. BobbiJaye -- you can do this. I'm so glad you feel like you can --that is very important to me.
Scrapbook.com Team: We will post a transcript of the class online ASAP (before tomorrow, for sure)... it will be archived here for those who didn't make it
Renee618: Thanks so much for sharing all of this with us....I can see that I will be making several of these in the near future!!! This was very special....thanks so much!!!
drex: Jill again. It was an amazing experience to go from writing memories on paper to bringing up feelings of love and gratitude for my parents. What an amazing process to go through; I'm so excited to give my Mom her book tomorrow.
Stacy: Again, you are all welcome --thanks for coming.
Abeginner: Thank you so much for taking the time to come and share with us. I caught the last half and wish I could have been here for all of it!
scrappy_chick: Thanks so very much Stacy for taking the time the chat and share your ideas with us! I love the book b/c it is SIMPLE yet meaningful...you have inspired me to try a few! Thanks again!
Stacy: Hey Abeginner -- we are all beginners really. I'm so glad you are here!
Scrapbook.com Team: Abeginner, we will be posting the transcript online this evening or tomorrow
Stacy: Does anyone have any questions -- about this class or another topic?
Jill: How long did it take you to complete the book?
Cheyenne48: I am a very new beginner and wanted to do something for my dad for Father's Day. Now I know exactly what to do, and how! Thanks SO, SO much! It was so much fun! Now I have REAL direction! Thanks again!
Stacy: Two hours on Tuesday night this week!
Jill: Stacy has ten more minutes...any other questions?????
Stacy: Of course -- two minutes at first and then two hourse to find the photos and create the little album.
eknur31: I too came into this on page 5 so forgive me if this was covered earlier . . .I'm wondering how you go about deciding on a color theme for something like this with so many different pictures and maybe a different idea on each page?
Scrapbook.com Team: OK... we've taken the "freeze function off... if you would like to chat freely, just log out and then log back in... you won't have the "1 comment" limit
Stacy: Good question -- I would start by finding some pattern paper that seems to communicate the personality of the person you are tributing. You can't pick the color of the scrapbook cards themselves -- so you have to get creative in making them work for you!
musicmom: I want to let you know how much I love your philosophy and emtion behind scrapbooking. I have just bought one of the DVD's Simple Scrapbooks has put out...I bought Simple Memories. Even though I have been scrapin' for quite a few years I really enjoyed the DVD. I hope to buy more soon.
Stacy: The beauty of these little albums though is the fact that they don't need much in the way of decorative accents -- they were designed by Cathy Zielske to be very clean and simple -- all you really need is your thoughts and photos!
Stacy: thanks musicmom -- they were really fun to make!
tajicat: I would love more of these for us beginners. It was great! Both my parents died 13 years ago, well adoptive, but I found my birth mom, and would love to do this. Are there books that would help with more ideas to do this for friends,teachers, etc?
ScrappinStaciLeigh: These are great! Your album is beautiful and I can't wait to try one.
Stacy: Yes, there are 12 in this first series -- we call it the relationship series. There is a generic scrapbook card Called "Ten things I love about You" -- this one can be used for anyone!
tajicat: Thanks so much!I love today!
Stacy: tajicat-- you bring up something I wanted to comment on -- if your parents are no longer here, you can [and I think should] make these little albums just to capture your love/appreciation and emotion for them and share them with siblings, children -- spouse whomever!
anniet: This is a great idea! My 6 yrs old daughter love to scrapbook with me. I can have her do one for her dad for Father's Day and one for her teacher and one for me, too. lol
tajicat: Oh yes thanks I am going to do that and for each of my sons!
GBSusan: Stacy, do you have a book with this series? Or are you planning one? I would love to get this and I don't normally "do" idea books! Thank you for your time today. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Scrapbook.com Team: Again, if you are getting the "1 comment limit" you can log out (by clicking the little blue door) and then log back in. The 1 comment limit will be removed when you log back in. Sorry for the inconvenience
Stacy: Each scrapbook card -- comes with directions for completing them, photo adhesive and a mailing envelope -- we don't have a book of specific ideas, but I bet you all here at scrapbook.com could post yours to share with others?!
anniet: Thanks Stacy and thanks Scrapbook.com for a wonderful day!
Jill: Any more questions?
Stacy: That's why I say -- thanks Jill and your whole team -- this has been really fun.
Scrapbook.com Team: OK... we've got Jill to log on here with her real name to help assist with questions...
TNscrappinmomma: Stacy, As a beginner I have to say that I "get" it!! The whole reason we scrapbook is to preserve memories..I have learned a great deal from you today. Often times I get caught up in the little doodads for decorations and forget what it's all about..Thank you for reminding me :)
tajicat: I hope you do more of these little classes.I love your site and all you have and all the ideas I see everywhere.
Stacy: You are welcome -- now don't forget it! I'm off to a soccer game to watch my boy and make some more memories -- I hope you all have a fantastic day -- thanks again for coming.
scrappy_chick: I enjoy using "trendy" things on my pages but when making something like this for my parents, I think clean-lined and simple is the way to go! Thanks again!
Jill: Let's all give Stacy a big hand!!                                                       Scrapbook.com Team: Thank you Stacy! It was wonderful!! We'll let you go run to the soccer game and we hope to see you in the neighborhood again soon :)
Stacy: See ya!
Jill: Bye
Jill: Hey everyone, we plan on having these classes on a monthly basis. Watch for more details. Happy National Scrapbooking Day!!!

Reminder: You can purchase the Two Minute Memory card system at Scrapbook.com:  click here!