Scrapburbia

Inspiration folders...

Isn't it incredible how the internet has changed our lives? You can find out just about anything in no time flat right in the comfort of your own home... or Starbucks, McDonalds, Hotels... and even some most phones for crying out loud. My kids think it's hilarious that not only did we not have internet till I was a teenager, but we didn't even have a computer till I was probably ten or so. It was an Apple IIe... my dad bought a magazine with computer game codes that we typed in hour after hour just to be able to play a game (which we never did get working) until we finally got an Atari and played Frogger and Pac Man ALL-DAY-LONG.

Certainly my life wouldn't be the same without my computer... I don't consider myself a traditional artist, I am a digital artist, and without my computer and some really bind-boggling software... I could never have realized my creative potential. I know that sounds a little dramatic... but just think of all the art you have seen, music you've heard and knowledge you have gained just sitting at your desk... that you NEVER could have seen any other way...CRAZY.

The reason I bring this up at all is because over the years I have collected ideas, art, music and whatever else strikes my fancy into "Inspiration Folders." They are kind of like my personal gallery of things that speak to me for any number of reasons... and when they quit speaking... they go in the recycle bin. There are endless things to discover all over the world and in these amazing times we have access to more than we'll ever be able to lay eyes on. 

I opened up one folder today and was reminded of things I'd forgotten, and some that I can't quite figure out why I saved in the first place... here are just a few.

Marta Writes 

Heaven Knows I could go on and on... but I'll spare you. Afterall these are things that speak to me.

I just finished a layout for which I found the inspiration on a blog I read called Designer Jots... there is so much that translates to great scrapbooking ideas there. I'll share the layout and the inspiration piece soon! 

Where do you turn for eye candy and inspiration? I can't wait to see what kinds of things fill up your inspiration folders...I'll post links if you'd like to share!    

Drum roll please...

Jim helped me make this chart because if it isn't in photoshop I'm pretty much computer challenged. (I do have to admit, It really was easy...) It is the results of the "Just wondering..." post regarding paper trimmers... the original question is here.

Ta-DA!!!

Charting this did have it's challenges, and obviously it isn't a scientific result... there are a few things I want to mention.

1. Fiskars has such a wide variety of trimmers that though it is a popular brand, it may be hard to know which one is best, the "New trimmer with a 6" deck" was mentioned most often as a great trimmer within the Fiskars brand.

2. Everyone that mentioned the Genesis trimmer LOVES it and says it has been their best purchase EVER! (It does however cost almost $500, a bit out of my budget)

3. The fact that the Making Memories trimmer ranked so well surprised me... I think I may try it. 

I had no idea there were so many paper trimmers and it really depends on what your scrap-habits are. Do you have space for something bigger? Does it need to be portable? What's your budget?

Scrapbook.com includes reviews with each product that may help with making a choice. 

As I mentioned before I've primarily only used Fiskars... the most basic trimmer has always worked for me. I've got one more replacement blade to get through then I think I'll be getting something new...

Good luck!

Sarah

Just wondering...

Here is Ann's response to last weeks "just Wondering..."which was,  If you could buy every scrapbooker one, single, must have item... what would it be? 

"A really GREAT paper trimmer. . .which I have yet to find. I've used some really good ones, but none that are great. I'm currently using a Provocraft lime-green & pink trimmer, which works pretty good, but I'm not 100% happy with it. I would love to know what trimmer people love and why."

I would love to know that also... my trimmer(s) a grey and pink very basic Fiskars trimmers, are getting quite old and the track that the blade runs through is a bit mangled... I'd go for the same kind all over again but A) I'm not sure they still make that model, and B) I'd love to know if there is something better out there!

Any suggestions for Ann and I?

Just wondering...

Sometimes you just "Don't know what you don't know" -if you know what I mean... you'd never have know about that one website, or a sale at your favorite store or maybe the best new brand of scrapbook supplies if your friend didn't tell you... maybe you read about it online somewhere? 

Those golden nuggets of info can be priceless.... agreed?

So I'd like to pose a question and just let the answers fly... if you've got answers, we want to hear about it. Go ahead and include any links that might be helpful too. If you've got a question you're "Just Wondering" about, either post it in the comments or e-mail me and we'll get it out there... I'm looking forward to your questions... and cannot wait to see the answers!

What's your drink at Starbucks? What's your favorite online store? Who make the best "boy" products and where the heck can you find them? Got it?

Alright, so... Hmmm.... my first question is gonna be... let's see....

Okay, If you could buy every scrapbooker one, single, must have item... what would it be?