Tawnie single-handedly brings scrapbooking to Mexico

Since I last updated my faithful readers on the goings on of Scrapbook Fairy, I have successfully led my first scrapbooking class. And in Spanish, no less! One of my friends invited me to give a class at her church's women's group in Tijuana. The class went very well; everyone was super enthusiastic and loved the supplies I brought. The class expanded beyond the normal womens' group and we even got a few men to participate. I was so thrilled that everyone had a good time. Below are some pics from the class.

Paper frenzy!

Providing consultations on color combinations.

Teaching people how to use a paper guillotine without cutting off my own fingers.

My favorite - a student puts her husband to work!

Professional photography is amazing!

In my last post I mentioned that one of my friends' husband, Danny La, is a professional photographer. He took some pictures of my scrapbook pages for me to use on my website. I've seen some of Danny's work in my friend's house, and its absolutely amazing. His fine art photography is stunning. I took a look at his website, www.dannylaphoto.com, and I was totally impressed not only with his fine art, but also with his photo journalism and professional credentials. Danny has won many awards and accolades for his work. He has also been featured in various local and national publications.

If you ever have the need for a professional photographer, I highly recommend Danny La. He can be reached at dannyla@gmail.com.

New galleries on my website

I'm really excited about some new photos that I posted on my website. A friend's husband is a professional photographer and he was kind enough to take some wonderful pictures of my scrapbook pages. I was amazed at the high quality of the photos and the detail that they allowed me to show on the website. Take a look at the galleries for new images! www.scrapbookfairy.net/Gallery/html

oooohhhh, ahhhhhh!

I feel as though I have just made a revolutionary discovery. This weekend I purchased a "Crop-a-dile." I know, dumb name. But this is the coolest invention ever. It sets eyelets, and snaps, and all manner of other things. Now I can stop ruining my eyelets by smashing them too hard with a hammer. What are eyelets you ask. Eyelets are like grommets, the metal holes that your shoelaces go through. They look really cool on scrapbook pages. You can add them alone or run ribbon through them (see the example to the left). Anyway, I feel that I must go add eyelets to every page I have ever made now. Gotta get back to work!

Allow me to introduce two amazing women

Two very good friends of mine are also owners of their own businesses. In fact, they inspired me to start up Scrapbook Fairy. They are Rebecca Jew and Neda Brown.

I have known Rebecca Jew, owner of Jewel Couture, www.jewelcouture.net, for at least 15 years (we used to walk home from junior high together, but I digress). Rebecca designs and creates unique and stunning bridal fashions. Photos of her work are available on her website. Rebecca is dedicated to pleasing her customers, sometimes to the detriment of her friends. We want her to come out and play, but she spends a lot of time working. Her focus is impressive and I know that any bride, bridesmaid, or flower girl who has a dress made by Rebecca can't help but fall in love with it.

Neda Brown, co-owner of Brownskin Clothing Company, www.ilovemybrownskin.com, and I have been friends for almost 5 years. Neda's company, co-owned with her brother and sister, inspires us all to love ourselves a little more each day. Her unique t-shirt designs feature uplifting messages about pride in our brownness. Neda makes casual, chic clothing for women, men, and kids. Please check out her site and wear her shirts proudly. I know I love my brown skin!

email advertising - the best idea ever!

I'm so excited with myself. Not only did I figure out how to create an eFlyer, I actually sent it and got feedback. I got my very first lead about a project! I'm riding high on a waive of scrapbooking euphoria. Of course now I just have to land the client and deliver the project. But those are minor details, right? I'm so inspired that I am still awake at 10:30 pm looking at my site and my blog, trying to make sure I don't have any glaring errors. 10:30 might not sound late to you, but after working a full day (which includes interviewing about 150 people) and then going to yoga, I'm pretty tired. Yesterday I fell asleep on my couch at 7:30, so today I'm pretty proud of myself that i have stayed up so late. OK, time to get serious. I'm off to do more work.

New project

Last year I made myself a calendar using a spiral bound 6" X 8" scrapbook. One of my co-workers liked it so much that she asked me to make one for her and for her daughter. For 2008 I made one for her, her daughter, and her two nieces. Here are some pics of what I've been working on.