Hurry Up!

You may remember me announcing the MLS/2Peas contest a few weeks ago. Well...the deadline is May 31st and I've heard that there aren't tons of entries.

If you have time, you may want to enter because these are the prizes!

I know! Wouldn't that be wonderful coming to your front door?

To find out more go here.

Good luck!

Somerset Memories Spring Issue

I didn't realize that I neglected to post my exciting news about appearing not just once but five whole times in the latest Somerset Memories issue! It was absolutely thrilling. Especially because I shared a few pages with good friends like Lucy Edson and Gayle Martin (fellow Next Step designers.)

Cameron was especially thrilled because this was his first time appearing in a magazine.

What a wonderful feeling!

Fun Cards

I recently completed a few cards that I thought were fun.

The first two are for MLS.

On the home one, I used their overlays on a painted and Shimmerz spritzed background. I sewed around the edges to add more texture.

I also sewed on the second MLS card to give the illusion of a pieced background. I'm so tricky....

The raised hedgehog adds just enough balance to the bling cherries while bringing the eye down to the sentiment at the bottom. (SRM Stickers)

My third card was made using Nikki Sivils papers. When I made this card, I thought I was just the cleverest girl in the world. (giggle)

Have a great day!

xoxo
Bethany

On Processing Criticism

I grew up in a very loving home where my mother and father supported, pushed just enough and were my biggest cheerleaders. My grandparents were equally supportive as were most of the adults in my life. As I child, I don't remember many incidents where I felt attacked by a critical remark.

When I use the word criticism, I don't mean gentle suggestions or kind pushes toward a better path. I am speaking of judgemental remarks that although may contain a nugget of truth, contain nastiness or bitterness. These comments are intended to belittle, not to uplift and encourage.

I was introduced into the world of criticism when I hit high school sports. I had a few coaches (as we all do, in life) who felt it necessary to use criticism as a means of motivation. Unfortunately, I was unable to process this type of remark (could it have been a result of my lack of experience?) and the motivational factor was completely lost on me. In fact, the games when I received a critical motivating comment, were the games that I completely bombed. I processed the comment repeatedly, unable to focus on anything else. It took me weeks to overcome such an exchange. It was awful.

Yet, with more age and experience, I am able to better understand and process criticism. I think that becoming a designer has helped immensely with that. I also think that blogging has helped. Putting myself out in public has been a great learning experience. Yes, I've been hurt. I've been criticized. I've even failed. I've been told that I'm not good enough. But, each time, I've dusted off my pants and gotten right back on the horse. And each time, I've learned a lot.

Now, when I receive criticism, I ask myself...

Is there an element of truth in this remark?

If I decide that there isn't, I try not to let it poison my spirit. It isn't easy, but it is possible. I refuse to own the statement. I refuse to let it into my life. As Eleanor Roosevelt stated so wisely,  

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

If I decide that there is an element of truth, I try to separate the hurtfulness of the comment from that truth and use the truth to my advantage. To improve myself.

And sometimes when I'm in a really good mood, I am able to giggle about it. For example, last week I received a comment on one of my videos that critiqued my speech patterns. In fact, this viewer was so bothered by my speech that she actually suffered cranial damage by watching one of my videos! Poor woman!

At first, I was horrified. How could I possibly do another video? Did every viewer suffer such damage? Was I doing the world a disservice by producing amateur craft videos? After the initial shock, I agreed with her assessment. My speech patterns do need to be improved upon. I hadn't realized how many times I use filler sounds like "ahhh" or "ummm" to gather my thoughts. Yet, the very idea of my video causing this sensitive individual damage made me laugh out loud. I considered emailing her and asking her if I could please send her a few Tylenols for her pain. I also considered including a warning on each video that one should either take medicine before viewing or have some available post-view in order to avoid the painful aftereffects.

So...please consider this a warning...watching my videos may cause head trauma in certain sensitive individuals. Please take all necessary precautions. (giggle...)

And remember, when you are the recipient of a critical remark, (because we all are) this quote by Theodore Roosevelt...

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

 

Here's to putting yourself out there...may we all know the great enthusiasm and in the end triumph of high achievement.

The Girlie Girl Album

Can I tell you how excited I am to show you the sample album for my June 5th class at Scrapbooks Etc.? I didn't think I could fully convey my excitement via typing. Sooo....I did a little video for you.

I hope that you enjoy it!



If you are interested in signing up for this class, I suggest doing so quickly. Space is limited and I'd hate for you to miss out! (You can find Scrapbooks Etc. contact information on my sidebar.)

By the way...the class is only $35.00. I know, it is a steal of a deal for so much fun!

Can't wait to see you on June 5th at 2 PM!

Doodle Cards -- Video Tutorial

Are you looking for a quick and easy project? Look no further! In my video tutorial, I demonstrate how to make Doodle Cards using text paper, cardstock, machine stitching (optional) and the newest Shimmerz Pearlz.

Here is the doodle flower card that I complete on the video.

I hope that you enjoy my tutorial!



If you are dying to get your hands on those beautiful Pearlz, you can purchase them right here.

Here are pictures of my other cards. I'm telling you...you won't be able to stop at just one!

Happy Creating! Oh, and if you make a card, let me know. I'd love to see it.

xoxo
Bethany Kartchner

My Studio

I have a quote journal and while I was searching for quotes for a mini-book project, I found this one that I wanted to share with you today.

Art expresses all that is best in us: our hopes, our desires, our truth. And so art changes, but it doesn't get better.  --Sister Wendy Beckett

On that vein, here is a layout that I recently finished for My Little Shoebox using a picture of my studio: where I do art. It is always very very messy. Almost embarrassingly messy. It certainly would not grace the pages of Where Women Create, but great things happen here. And I like it. A lot.

I have very fond memories of this particular day when every one of my sweeties worked alongside me in my studio. I remember thinking that heaven couldn't be any better than this.

What a great day.

New Pearlz Release

I'm so pleased to announce that Shimmerz has just released 11 new Pearlz colors! They are gorgeous. Check out this video to see some cool projects. They are funky and fun. Your going to love them!

I'm furiously working on a new video for you using the new Pearlz. Hoping to have it done for next week. Fingers crossed!

xoxo
Bethany

Happy Mother's Day

I'd like to wish every woman a very Happy Mother's Day!

Whether or not you have children of your own, you are still a great source of strength and knowledge to the children surrounding you. So in honor of women everywhere. Happy Day!

I'd love to give each of you a garden of flowers, but you'll just have to settle on a virtual one today.

I love you all.

xoxo
Bethany

Juggling

The men in my family have a wonderful gift for juggling. I remember as a young child, my father frequently picking up 3 pieces of fruit and juggling them. (Much to our delight!) Now, my brothers have inherited that fun trait and they too will pick up fruit (always fruit) and juggle for my babies. Unfortunately, I didn't inherit that cool trick. Bummer.

My friend, Sara Jarvie, took this shot during an impromptu family talent show. (Things like that happen a lot around here.)

Materials: Patterned paper (MLS); Shimmerz Spritz; letters (MLS); Misc: pens, ink, sewing, edge distresser

On this layout, I experimented with adding a banner. (Something that I've never done before even though I love how it looks). I like it. It's a great way to use up little scraps and create an interesting spot on a project.

I've been using Love My Tapes adhesive on my layouts lately and really like them! They sent a bunch of adhesive to the MLS DT and I'm so grateful. Thank you!

Have a great day!

xoxo

Bethany

Cool Cats

A few years ago, I happened upon a little elf stealing food from the pantry, I couldn't figure out the identity of this elf because she was wearing shades...

Materials: Patterned paper (MLS); pens (Sakura); flowers (Petaloo); Vibez, Spritz and Shimmerz (Shimmerz Paints); Misc: ribbon, mask, seed beads, colored pencils

I've been waiting a long time to scrap these pictures and finally, the Lil' Critters line from My Little Shoebox inspired me. Along with a few Petaloo flowers that I painted with Shimmerz in Magenta then sprayed with Grape Escape Vibez to get the right color.

I was inspired to use purple on this layout (a color that I NEVER use) because of something that my momma told me. She said that she read about an artist who purposely incorporated a color that she didn't like into her work so that she could be more neutral in her assessment of her design. By incorporating a color that she doesn't like, she automatically became less personally involved in her work and she can become a better critic of her own project. Interesting idea, no?

So I did just that. I put some purple in. What is unexpectedly funny is that I ended up enjoying my purple. In fact, I really like it. Somehow in the addition of purple flowers, I made peace with that color. I'm not sure how.

Which brings me to my challenge to you...incorporate a color that you don't normally use in your next project. I'd love to hear your thoughts on how this addition changed your work. Make sure you leave me a comment with a link so I can visit.

By the way...I'd like to thank Sakura for sending me the gel pens that I used to make my title. I love Sakura pens! Thank you!

Happy Creating!

xoxo
Bethany

Lil' Robots

My newest review of My Mind's Eye Lil' Robots is up at The Scrap Review. Here are my cute projects.

These came together so quickly that I was amazed. (A sign of a good paper line, I'd say.)

The first one is Smile with your Eyes Shut and for the background I first did a quick swipe of gesso, then I used a The Crafter's Workshop template with Shimmerz Vibez in denim. Next. I layered patterned papers until I was happy. I finished with a quick swipe of black paint to give it a border.

Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill Basics); patterned paper (My Mind's Eye); brads (My Mind's Eye); ribbon (My Mind's Eye); chipboard letters: (American Crafts); Misc: The Crafter's Workshop Template, Shimmerz Vibez (denim); gesso, acrylic paint, black pen, adhesive 

 

My next layout, Cute Visor, is my favorite because of all the die cuts that I used. I love how it appears that I layered billions of bolts. My momma took these pictures around the time I was having knee surgery last year. I can't believe how much my baby has grown. (Don't we all say that? All the time?)

Materials: Patterned Paper (My Mind's Eye); brads (My Mind's Eye); ribbon (My Mind's Eye); chipboard letters (American Crafts); Misc: acrylic paint, pen, adhesive

 

 

 

And finally, my card. I wouldn't consider myself a great card-maker, but this one came together quickly and painlessly.

Materials: Cardstock (Bazzill Basics); patterned paper (My Mind's Eye); brads (My Mind's Eye); sticker (SRM Stickers); Misc: pen, ink

 

You can read my entire review here. Plus, leave a comment and you'll be entered for a giveaway for the entire line. (Trust me, if you have little boys, it is a must have.) Hurry over!

Have a great Monday!

xoxo

Bethany

Giveaway Winner!

Thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway with CSN stores! Via random.org, the winner is comment #4! (I would put up the picture, but I don't know how to do such cool things... Bummer.)

Congratulations Kendra@MyInsanity!

Please email me with your addy by Tuesday.

Have a great day!

xoxo
Bethany

2Peas and MLS Contest

Hello! 2Peas and MLS have gotten together to sponsor a layout contest!

Here's all the dirt...

my little shoebox + two peas in a bucket are teaming up to host a layout challenge just for you starting nsd weekend and running through the end of may our two peas community members + my little shoebox fans! entering couldn't be easier - here's what you'll need to do :

*Create a layout of any theme and size using 85% My Little Shoebox Product.

*Upload your project to the gallery - don't forget to check the "my little shoebox + two peas layout contest" box under member challenges to be included in the challenge!

*Your layout should have at least FIVE tags associated with it.

*Your layout should have at least THREE related products associated with it. Please note that to associate a product to your project, it must be available in the Two Peas store.

*Projects must be uploaded by 11:59 p.m. CST May 31, 2010 to be entered into the challenge.

*two peas + my little shoebox will select two winners who will each receive a package from my little shoebox valued at $100.