The Best of 2013

Happy New Year!

2013 has been a year of learning new things for the Lower family. 

 We learned new hair styles for the girls. 

Designed and made our own hair barrettes. 

Made our own Valentines using Bell's Violin, a paper heart, and Moxley (Bell's pet lizard) as our props.

 Boy and I attempted to make our own version of lego cookies for his class on his birthday. 

Taught Boy to crochet dish cloths.

Celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary

Had fun doing a DIY Journaling workshop with a great bunch of ladies

 Spent time with family and splashed in a relative's pool

Bell went to art camp and helped paint this mural in the front of local church.

Dug for fossils 

Learned how to make jelly.

And... we made snow angels. 

2014 Here we come!!

Monograms

 Circle Monogram

 

 Square Monogram

 

Oval Monogram

 

 

I've added monograms to the shop. You can now choose a monogram to add to your custom book.

I'm really excited about this new add on. What do you think, want to monogram your next book?

 

 



The Weekend Crafter

So this past month has been a real whirl wind. It's also opened my eyes alot to the fact that I'm not wonder woman or super mom or any of those titles that us women who try to do everything label ourselves with. I'm glad in many ways that the winds of the storm came and turned our household upside down. It made me open my eyes and realize that I'm one person with a lot of responsibility.

But the two most important responsibilities lay within my family. The responsibility to my kids and the responsibility, more so, to my husband. I've taken on a lot of work in the past few months thinking I could handle it all with the kids at school in the mornings. I over did it just a little with everything I thought I could do.

With that being said, I'm slowing things down around here. I appreciate everyone whose been following this blog and staying connected over at the face book page.

Starting March 1st, there will be several changes happening. I'm hoping they're only temporary, but only God knows the plans he has for me at this point in my life.

So, starting tomorrow you'll be able to find daily posts from me Monday - Friday over at my author blog at susanlower.com. You'll find some arts and crafts over there and some book creations, I promise. Along with updates on my writing and tips on making your online business successful.

I'll pop in here once in a while and post custom orders created and other book art on the weekends as I used to do in the past. So, essentially, Saturday and Sunday's will be post days here on MrsChadT.

My etsy shop will remain open, but forgive me as I will not be accepting as many custom orders as before, and definitely not projects that have to be completed in less than two weeks from the time of contact. I may still be young, but burning the mid night oil is for tax preparers and those who work  third shift. I'm a mom, and I get grouchy when I spend all night making books and all day tending my family and keeping up with my day job. Yeah, I have one of those too.

I will, however, still be hanging out on facebook and twitter. Please continue to visit me, say hello, and tweet. I'll tweet back I promise. I'm not going anywhere, I'm just temporarily downsizing and refocusing on the areas of my life I feel are most important right now.

You know me. I love making books. I love the feel of them, the smell of them, and the process of creating them. Both with paper, fabric, and glue, and writing them.

I have a feeling it won't be much longer before I share with you news of publication of my first novel, and Bell and I have been working on a few projects together too. So please continue to stay in touch both here and over at susanlower.com.

Don't forget to check out Saturday's book creation, it's going to be a jungle around here!

Rose Scrapbook Journal

 I've had this fabric in my stash for a while, it wasn't until I had a vintage rose book cover request that I this fabric came to mind.  This vintage rose design is made of upholstry fabric.  I added two rose book marks -- one for him and one for her.

The inside signature pages are stamped with a burgandy rose, and in the back of this rose scrapbook journal are 20 double sided burgandy pages for pictures.

Pregnancy and Mommy Journals

I was quite impressed how yesterday's paperback book came out so well. I guess you could say I got carried away. My paper cutter is probably happy to have a breather after all the cutting and scoring I've done to create this last bunch of books.

I really like these 8 x 8 sized paperback journals. I've also been on a pink kick lately and have noticed that my shops are low on baby themed guest books.

I've always been one to journal, journal almost every day if I can. But I remember journaling through my pregnancies and even after my babies were born Chad bought me this "mommy journal". It was just a simple wire bound book with blank pages and it was divided into three sections on each page and each section had a place for a date. Inside this mommy journal you'd write things like miles stones, firsts (words, steps, etc...), and even funny things or just something your child did that day you wanted to remember.

I enjoy filling out that journal and alot of time I'd tape picture inside it too.

So when I created this last batch of paperback journals I decided to put photo pages in the back. I've officially named them "Journal Albums". 

With the sweet pink and nursery rhyme theme they'd make a wonderful mommy journal or even a pregnancy journal.  There's 100 pages for writing and between 14 and 20 pages for photos (each book varies due to book colors).

The photo above is the Strawberry covered Journal Album . It has pink writing pages and red photo pages.

Just like yesterday's paperback book, you could also use these journals as guest book. I left most of them blank, but stamped a few, like this floral one. I got carried away with flowers.

And I stamped this one with the cute little chic to match the little chic cover on the front

Can you imagine your little one reading this and looking at all the photos when they're ready to be parents?

And yes, for all you mothers of boys, I can create them with boy theme colors and prints too. :)

Journaling Your Story

Although it may have seemed like I've gone on hooky these past few weeks, I've been hard at work.  The 2011 Mood Organizer is coming along.  I'm crossing my fingers and praying for a October release date this year.

I've also been on the road alot this summer if couldn't tell by all the travel post over at susanlower.com.

People talk about having split personalities, well... that's me. writer, author, crafter, and mother extordinare. They say one is to select a niche' and stick with it. It's hard when my two favorite things are writing and crafting. Both of these, I share with my kids.

We're always creating some kind of book together. We make up stories, scrapbook photos from vacations, trips, and special occasions. And, I'm always journaling these memories - sometimes even the bad, so that why when we go back and read about them, the good ones to come after are so much sweeter.

This week I ran into a post by Katie at MAKING THIS HOME called 13 tips for journaling.

I really like her simplicity method of journaling. Just tell your story. You don't need fancy scrap booking supplies to put together a book about places you've gone, people you've met, and your hopes and dreams.

I encourage you to check out her blog post this week and start journaling your story, especially those about this summer,s adventures. Enjoy the summer heat, while it last!

Along Came Summer...

The past few weeks have been busy, and the next few weeks look to be even more hetic as the last.

Ah... Summer.. the time when - there is no time...lol..

I must first appologize as the June newletter will not be going out this month, nor shall the July or August.

Yes, I'm taking a summer break. Again I applogize. But I promise the newletter will resume in September 2010.

For the next three months I will be working on the 2011 edition of the MOOD Organizer, attending conferences, family vacations, and continueing to make wonder book creations and memories with my children.

You may see the blog start to dwindle during this months too, I hope you all can understand.

I will be however... busy like a bee.. for the launch of the new 2011 MOOD ORGANIZER and posting a ton of new journaling ideas.

Don't forget to take those pictures, write down those special moments, and stop by every once in a while to let me know what you're up to on here or on our facebook page.

By fall I'm hoping to have a new line of flip album guest books, brag books, and journals available. I'll be keeping the shop updated over the summer, so feel free to stop in and browse.

Enjoy the summer. For unlike memories, these days shall not last. :)

Journaling Idea #4 - A Memorial to Someone You Love

Memorial Day is all about remembering those who have died for our country. We celebrate it by gathering together as a family, honoring those currently in the military, and creating family traditions. However, throughout our lives there is always just that one special person who we'll never forget.

Today's Journal idea is to write a memorial in honor of that special person in your life.  For me it was woman named Joanne, a dear friend, mentor, and co-worker who passed away in 2000 a few months before she would have danced at my wedding. Now, she's dancing in heaven.

Who was that special person who impacted your life? Why? and on what day do you miss them the most?

Journaling Idea #3 - It's all about your day

This week's journal tip comes from Journalbuddies.com.

This site has a lot of innovate journal ideas for children. Which has inspired me to post not only adult journal ideas, but to add a weekly KIDS IDEA post to the blog too.  I've also added their link to the side bar of this blog if  you'd like to jump over and check it out. :)

Thank you journalbuddies.com for today's inspiration.

Everyday can be an ordinary day, a creative day, or a special day in our lives.  But today's journal idea challenges you to rethink your day and compose it in 20 words or less.

Yep, think about your day and in twenty words or less describe your day in your journal this week.

Get creative! Instead of saying my day was was "Fine" look up and learn new words through a thesaurus. That "fine" day just might turn out to be a "beautiful", "outstanding", "rare", "not to shabby" day.  When we are able to use specific words to describe how we are feeling, events, and situations, it helps us and others (if we choose to share) relate better to our world. (It's an old writer's technique to keep readers involved into a story.)

This journal idea and challenge is also recommended and can be a lot of fun with a child.  Who knows you and your child may want to exchange journals and see how your day compares to theirs!

Have fun!

Memoirs of Mom

This morning I got up and looked at my calendar, not only was it still on April, but when I flipped it - Mothers' day is only a few days away!!

Wow where has the time gone!  No wonder my mom has been calling me these last few days.lol... I haven't even started thinking about a gift yet (shh... don't tell my mom). :)

As I was sitting here thinking about my mom this morning it reminded me of the things that stood out most about her as I was growing up.  Things like how she always kept her kitchen neat and tidy, and still does. How we used to live in an old farm house while I was growing up.  My mom used to help milk the cows and send us off to school at the same time.

So I sat here making a list of all those things, that I remembered most about my mother. Then I composed them into a short little poem.

I'm thinking that poem would be perfect for the front pages of a blank journal, where my mom could open it up and read it, know how much I appreciate the things she's done for me over the years, and give her space to reflect, expand, and write the things that stand out most about raising me and my brothers and sisters that would create a memoir from our mother.

Today, that is my mission.  To compose this poem in its entirity, and craft a journal that is just for my mom.

I may have to throw a few pictures of the grandkids in there for good measure. :)  But I'm excited that mothers'day is soon here.

I'm looking forward to seeing why my own munchkins have in store for me in the days to come. 

What about you? What memories do you hold most dear of the things your mom has done for you?

March Madness Journal Challenge #30

Here we are, the last day of the March Madness Journal Challenge.

It's hard to believe the month is coming to an end already. :(

It's been fun, hasn't it?

Today's journal challenge is a self portrait. You can draw yourself, or paint a picture with words - it's up to you.

Then write a few lines about yourself at the beginning of the month when the challenge started, and about today. Have you grown any? changed? discovered anything?

And lastly, don't forget to make a comment on today's post when your finished for a chance to win in tomorrow's drawing for the free journal. :)

March Madness Journal Challenge #29

Wow, we're winding down with only one more challenge to go until we finish March!!

Yesterday afternoon I looked out in my backyard and cringed at the family of bunnies that have taken over my back yard. I looked at the gate of my garden and wondered if it hold to keep those critters out of my garden this summer, and remembered the lesson I teach my children most often about sharing....lol...

Today, take out your journals and think abou the last thing you shared with someone. How did it make you feel to share? Did you ever get the thing you shared back or was it a gift you'd rather they didn't return?

What else can you think of today that you could share with others, items, talents, encouragement?

Write it down in your journal.

March Madness Journal Challenge #28

Spring is in the air! This morning I awoke to the sweet sounds of birds singing and a squirels racing around in our back yard.

Today, carry your journal around with you and capture - whether in words or sketches this beautiful spring day.

March Madness Journal Challenge # 27

Our last challenge involved dreaming. Today's challenge goes upon the same theme.

Once upon a time you had a dream of where you were going and what out of life. Maybe you're still dreaming...

Today, write about your greatest passion. If you have a dream job what would it be? why or why not you've persued it...

What are you waiting for? Get going! lol...

Mach Madness Journal Challenge #25

Fairy Tales and Castles...

If you could be any fairy tale character who or what would it be?

What would you look like?

What is your happy-ever after ending?

Jot it all down in your journal, you're sure to have quite a tale to tell. :)

March Madness Journal Challenge #24

A few days ago official marked spring on our calanders. With warmer weather brings thoughts of outside pleasures - taking walks, gardening, landscaping, bike riding, and other types of outdoor activitiy.

Today, pull out your journal. Take a look at your back yard and write a list of a few things you'd like to try to accomplish by the end of summer. Like repositioning that swing set that never got put in the right place, or planting those shurbs you've been wanting.

Write a few little notes and make a plan. Spring is in the air! or at least where you're at I hope. :)

March Madness Journal Challenge #23

My husband, Chad, often tells people that he is my biggest fan and my biggest critic.

Over a course of time I've been accumulating other great fans amongst you all. Like my husband, I'm his biggest fan too, and a huge fan of each of my children - I'm always there to encourage them and cheer them on.

Today, pull out your journals, carry them with you, and make sure you have a pen in hand. Where ever you go, be a fan of someone else. Ask people to sign a page inside your journal, and see how many signatures you can collect.

Psst.. MOPS ladies, this is a great way to get the morning going with an icebreaker. :)

March Madness Journal Challenge #22

This past weekend we did a lot of traveling. We love going to grandma's house to visit. As a kid, I have found memories of my own grandmother, picking berries in the summer, making jam, and playing bingo on monday nights.

Hopefully, my own children are making their own fond memories that they will share someday with their children about their grandmas.

Today, take out your journal and record your own fond memories of one or both of your grandmothers.

March Madness Journal Challenge #21

I appologize, last evening Chad and I headed out to celebrate Valentine's day with a little bit of TobyMac and Skillet. It was a long night, but full of great music and lots of jumping up and down!!

As this evening ends take some time to go back and reflect on your most memorial Valentine's day. Write it down in your journal.

This may have well become mine.

March Madness Journal Challenge #19

Today, I'm heading over to my nephews house to lend a hand setting up a nursery. The floor needs finished, and the furniture arranged.

Sometimes we walk into the rooms of our own homes and realize that we're unhappy with the arrangment or daydream of updating and changing things.

Today, open your journal, pick one room in your house and draw a floor plan. Place your furniture, write side notes of wall colors, themes, and things you'd like to do with the room. You can even flip through magazines and paste a few pictures on the opposite page for future reference.