I'm Back!

Some months have passed since I last posted. I have been very busy! In addition to my direct sales venture, I've decided to open my own home-based business designing custom scrapbooks and gifts for others. The Graceful Butterfly is up and (almost) running! My website is still under construction, but I hope to have it done within the next week. Two weekends ago, I had a booth set up at a local festival and got a lot of exposure. What fun that was!

As a result of the festival presence, I got my first custom job making beach-themed borders for a 12 x 12 layout that a lady was working on. I made three different borders for her to choose from, but when I tried to contact her, my calls weren't returned. Even though that was very disappointing, I'm not going to let one person get me down. The idea that I've worked so hard to start my own business still motivates me to keep at it and get my products out there for people to enjoy. I think I may sell the unclaimed borders on ebay...

This Thursday I will be at a multi-vendor event and I hope to gain a client or two there!

Above is a sample of a layout I did of my daughter, Stacia on her first day of school this year.

Had my first event!

I'm excited to announce that I had my first My Creative LifeTM event this past Saturday. Considering that I sent out over 50 flyers and posted them at my kids' school, I should have had a better turn out. There were nine people who stopped by. Having said that, the people who DID come had a great time and went home with some goodies! I had three make and take projects and I had a drawing for some great prizes. It feels good to know that I survived and everything went well. Hopefully this will be the springboard for a successful business.

You learn as you go and I figured out some things that I need to add so that next time will be even better!

Greetings!

I am a first-time blogger and have chosen to "blog" to promote my passion: scrapbooking!! Relatively new to the craft, I have quickly become addicted to this growing obsession, and have learned a few things along the way. If you've never tried it, I encourage you to do so. Yes, it can be extremely overwhelming, but here are a few tips:

1. Remember why you're scrapbooking. This is probably the most important advice I can give a beginner. Do it because you enjoy the craft, you want to preserve your memories, and/or you want to show posterity how you live your life and what is important to you.

2. Try not to spend a fortune. I had (okay, HAVE) this problem, but it's not necessary. Not at all. You need an album, cardstock, an archival quality pen, a paper trimmer, and pictures. That's it. Stickers, patterned paper, and other embellishments are great to add to your pages, and I use them, but the focus is on the memories, not the froo froo. Michael's, A.C. Moore, and JoAnn's put out coupons every week and always have something on sale in the scrapbook section.

3. Use the internet. The internet is an amazing resource for ideas. There are many, many talented people out there who are more than willing to share layout and project ideas. If you're into digital scrapbooking, you can find lots of freebies to download.

4. Relax. I often have to remind myself that I'm not trying to impress anyone. For me, scrapbooking is about the memories I want to preserve and share with my family, and the enjoyment of crafting.

That's my 2 cents. For today, anyway! Have a wonderful day!

Erin