Ethnic Scrapbooking

Another media mention

Once again I'm flattered to me mentioned in the genealogy world by another examiner writer...see what he had to say about me here.

For my latest heritage pages, please pay a visit here

Making Ancestors Relevant

I am extremely flattered that someone recognized my parenting style...the heart of Ethnic Scrapbooking.

CHECK IT OUT!

Here's my latest ancestor find, Uncle Dock Mickens' portrait hanging at a relatives home  St. Croix, VI

Scrapbook Studio

It's been almost four years since we completed my scrapbook studio.  So I thought I'd share a few photos and words about my studio since Michelle Vocke mentioned my studio in her column June 15, 2009. (My studio is featured in a Bonus chapter in Ethnic Scrapbooking)

First, why is it called a studio?  Here's a couple of definitions of the word:

Studio:

1. the workroom or atelier of an artist, as a painter or sculptor.

2. a room or place for instruction or experimentation in one of the performing arts: a dance studio.

I've heard people make fun of scrapbookers who call where they work studios, but in reality it is a studio.  A studio is not just a term reserved for those who get paid for their work. "Studios" come in all shapes and forms, space used by those who are passionate enough about what they do to honor that activity with dedicated space. 

No other activity happens in my studio other than creating and experimenting, that's why I call it a studio.

 The secret to scrapbooking is centralizing your supplies and giving them a dedicated space so that you can create spontaneously.  I love my space, I am very relaxed in my space, I surround myself with items that are pleasing to me.  I'm not wed to any one style or piece of organizational tools, I change and shift things around until I'm comfortable.  Although I like cabinets, I find it hard to remember what's behind those doors.  One critical piece to my room is that I have recessed lights that illuminate daylight and my table is counter height...I like to stand and move about when working, although my kids find it cumbersome.

Cabinetry is standard sink cabinets from Lowe's as well as the countertop...standard 10' so no cutting was involved, not planned that way, just happened.

Counter height table from Value City Furniture, brand new, purchased specifically as a craft table so I don't get a crazy about glue, paint or nicks.

Shelving to the left (one of my creative ideas) is part of a bunkbed set found at a scratch and dent store (more on that in another post).

New Book Review

Check out what Michelle Vocke, the Paper Craft Examiner had to say about Ethnic Scrapbooking.  Please leave a comment at the bottom of the review to express your thoughts on her review and whether or not you are inspired to give Ethnic Scrapbooking a try!  CLICK HERE

Radio Interview - May 31, 2009 7 pm EST

Come on over to Blog Talk Radio and join me as I chat with the crafting hostesses over at Inspired at Home.  I look forward to your calls.

Scrapbooking Politics

Check me out in the Salt Lake Tribune today CLICK HERE.

Over on my blog I'm running a series of posts where I share how I am documenting this change in the Presidency.  Living in the Washington, DC Metro area, the national news is our local news so we have been hearing about the inauguration since the night of the elections.  Other locals are getting out of town for a few days, although I'm not brave enough to take my kids out into the massive crowds that will descend upon our town next weekend I am excited about what is about to take place.

Here's a challenge for you, write just one paragraph about how you feel about the change that is going to happen in this country on January 20, 2009.  Be honest, write from the heart, couple it with a photo of yourself, or a news clipping about the inauguration and seal it in an envelop.  Mark on it a date when it can be opened, say four years from now or if you might have said something you don't want somone to confront you about put 75 years from now, tuck it away in the important papers of your life and leave a little treasure for someone ( or yourself) to find in the future.

Connecting to the 2008 Presidential Election

The scrapbook layout below (found in Ethnic Scrapbooking) was a tribute to my father's dream of seeing an African-American fire fighter in our hometown in Southwestern Pennsylvania.  I'm pleased that my Dad got to witness the unthinkable, an African-American man elected President of the United States.

I encourage you to document your part, your thoughts and feelings on this historical moment even if you are not an American.

On the road again!

Check my updated schedule of where I will be in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area Fall 2008. 

CLICK HERE  I hope to see you soon.

Lisa

Book Review on Amazon

I found this review of my book on Amazon.

Lisa Sanford takes her love of scrapbooking, which is more than a hobby, and shares with readers how to incorporate their ethnic roots into the craft. Sanford informs readers that scrapbooking can contain elements of family traditions, cultural beliefs and their diverse family history. The colorful, glossy pages are eye-catching and the information helps one to think outside the box when creating memories to cherish.

Being one who has all my pictures stored in bags, boxes and crammed in photo albums, I am inspired to organize and display my experiences in a more meaningful and appealing manner. ETHNIC SCRAPBOOKING is an excellent book for beginners or advanced scrapbookers. The end results - a reflection of deep family traditions, history and culture - can be handed down from generation to generation. But, this book can be embraced by all, regardless of ethnicity.

Reviewed by Paula Henderson
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

Great American Scrapbook Convention Appearance

I was honored to offer an exclusive book signing to a local store...Scrappin by the Bay at their booth at a recent scrapbook convention in Chantilly.  It was fun meeting fans of my blog and hooking up lonely scrapbookers to groups and clubs in their area, and as always I love spending the night scrappin with my girls!