Welcome to Paper Pals!

“She created a life she loved.”
~ Donna Downey

Well friends, today I would like to introduce you to one of my new favorite places! It’s called Paper Pals, and it’s a local paper crafting supply store here in Pullman. The owner, Karen, is very friendly and knows a lot about the world of paper crafts. I’ve been hanging out there for the past couple of weeks working on projects.

See those big windows? That makes up one whole wall of the store, and right on the other side of them are six-foot-long tables that are available for public use. That’s where I’ve been working. She also offers classes on making cards, mixed media canvases, mini albums,and art journaling; she has a 14-hour crop once a month at the Quality Inn; she brings in someone to teach Intuitive collage; she hosts birthday parties; and she does custom wedding invitations! Oh my!



This week is a special one because Karen is celebrating the store’s 10th Anniversary with a big sale on Saturday! You can win this awesome tote full of great stuff, get 20% the entire store, and make a mini squash album or Cuttlebug card! Lots of fun and great deals! If you live here, or you’re visiting for the Lentil Festival, you should stop by between 10a and 5p – you get a raffle ticket just for showing up! (Plus an extra for every $10 you spend!)

I love hanging out there and working. I’ve been going in every day she’s open for the past two weeks! (Tuesday – Saturday from Noon-6p) During that time I’ve learned how to make mixed media canvases (photos available at Mixed Media Projects), create backgrounds for art journals, and make ATCs!

       

Oliver came with me today to help take some photos. On the left you can see some projects from the classes she offers, and on the right he’s sitting at her wedding invitation station. More photos of the store and products will be appearing each week here on my blog (under a new Paper Pals tab I’ll create tonight).

One of the most important things you should know about this store is that it’s not just a scrapbook store – it’s a paper crafting/mixed media project/art journal store. You can find supplies, ideas, and inspiration for just about any type of creation you’d like to make. Even if you’re not sure what you’re doing! Just come in and say, “Here’s what I need, and what I got,” and be open to suggestion. You’ll be surprised at the amazing things you’re able to create with just a little push!

   

This awesome paper is some of the new product she’s getting in a couple times a week. There are stickers and books that coordinate – and with the big tables and awesome view, you can buy everything you need then sit right down and get to work! And chances are you’ll be seeing Oliver and me working on something, too!

Check out Paper Pals on Facebook at Paper Pals and be sure to “like” them for great photos, newsletter information, and updates. You can also visit the blog at www.scrapatpaperpals.blogspot.com. And don’t forget to stop by this Saturday, August 18th, from 10a-5p for cupcakes, card making, and great deals!

Paper Pals Project

“Home is where the heart is.” ~ Gaius Plinius Secundas (known as Pliney the Elder, who was killed during the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius)



Today I took a class at my local scrapbook store, Paper Pals*. I made my very first mixed media canvas. It was so nice to be creative again! I’ve been waiting to really make anything until my craft space was all set up and organized, and it’s been driving me crazy!! Plus I’ve wanted to try a canvas project for ages.

For some artists, they work for the end, the final product. For me, it’s all about the process. Even though it was my first one, I’ve already learned several things about my personal preferences; there are some things I really liked, and a few I probably won’t do again. Overall it was a fun experience, and I recommend their classes to everyone! We went through it step by step, which is what I’ve needed, and the teacher shared tips and advice along the way.

This was a great first project, not only because it was relatively simple as far as design elements, but also because of what it represents:  home. This is a concept I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. What is home? This quote seems to say it all so simply:  it’s wherever you find the things you love the most. For me, that’s with friends and family, or any place where I can have the freedom to express myself in creative endeavors. (Which means I found a new home this week at Paper Pals!)

Here’s a fun rabbit trail:  the shirt I wore today! Of course, it wasn’t on purpose, I actually didn’t realize what it said until I was in my car.




*Check out Paper Pals on Facebook! Like them to get more photos and updates, and help them reach their goal of 1,000 likes by the end of August!

Arrangement of Parts

[This is the second post for today. At least two more will follow. I hate odd numbers, so I can’t stop at three. Although “one” is an odd number. But if I posted twice every day I’d overwhelm my followers, and right now I only have seven. I can’t afford to upset anyone! Although seven is an odd number, too…. Again, it’s (more than) a little longer than usual, so pace yourself. Sit back and let the random wash over you. Read it twice if you have to.]

I want to explain the structure I’m going to impose on my blog posts. I realize you probably don’t care, (and if we’re honest with ourselves, we’d know that some of you wouldn’t even have noticed), but as long as you read them regularly, it directly affects you. For those of you who know me well (probably almost everyone who reads this at this point), the idea of structure shouldn’t come as a surprise. I’m autistic and ADHD. I need it to survive. So stop arguing.

Since there are several structures already in place, I’m not going to invent one. I’m going to steal one. Rabbit trail:  Before I tell you about it, I’m reminded of a quote I heard once:  “Good poets borrow, great poets steal.” It’s been attributed to T.S. Eliot (however I recently discovered a blog post in which someone tracked it’s origins check it out at http://nancyprager.wordpress.com/2007/05/08/good-poets-borrow-great-poets-steal/). I’m a poet. Among other things. It applies.

Back to structure. Drum roll please:  [dramatic pause] I’m going to use week days. Starting right now (not including what I’ve already posted) I want to have something to write about every day. Before you freak out at the thought of so much to keep up with and stop following me, take a deep breath. Ok? Good.

This doesn’t mean I’ll be able to write every day, or that my thoughts will be limited to these topics. After all, this is “Random Rambles.” Truth is, to be able to write well, I have to work at it every day. This blog offers a small amount of accountability for doing that. For July I have a goal to write every day, telling you about something that happened “on this day in history,” or participate in (some silly, some serious) holiday celebrations. When July ends, I want to have some idea of where to go on those days when I need inspiration and my shower muse doesn’t want to get wet. And don't forget, if you want to follow a specific thread of posts, click on that label at the bottom of the page to bring them up.

Sunday will be “altar stones,” thoughts regarding my relationship with God. I’ll explain the title the first time I post one. Those will include thoughts on the sermon from that morning, insights I get from my own personal Bible study, and things I want to share about when and where I’ve seen God the week before.

Monday will be “word lust,” when I’ll share a word, it’s definition, and my thoughts. I may also update you on the progress of my novel “Coming Home.” Tuesday will be “technique Tuesdays,” exploring new art concepts I’m learning. I’ll try to have photos of projects I’ve completed as well.

Wednesday will be “local business,” in which I will either introduce to someone I want you to know, or share a piece of my world here in Pullman. If you or someone you know would like to be featured, leave a comment or shoot me an e-mail. I’m looking into making a habit of this, possibly charging a small fee.

Thursday will be “book review,” my thoughts on something I’ve finished reading (occasionally my preconceptions of something new I’m starting). I’m always open to suggestions (although I’ve promised myself not to buy any more books until I’ve read all the ones I own!) so please leave a comment about one. Also feel free to comment on a book I’ve reviewed if you’ve read it; I love hearing what other people think. I’d like to review one book a week. I know what you’re thinking – yes, I can read a book a week. However, I’ll also be telling you about some from my “Books I’ve Read” list.I started it about ten years ago, so there are plenty of options.

Friday will be “photographs,” so I can share some of my own, as well some that I’ve found inspiration from. One of these months I might try my own version of the 30-Day Photography Challenge. Finally, Saturday will be “wellness journey” posts (more on that in today’s next post). That’s it. Thoughts? Questions? Concerns?

Pictures Are 1000 Words but Memories are Priceless

“Everyone has a photographic memory, but not everyone has film.”
~ Steven Wright

Life is a series of moments, only a few of which become memories. Capturing those moments in photographs ensures those memories will outlive a lifetime. And while it may be truth that anyone with a camera can take a picture, it’s also truth that photographs aren’t taken; you must ask, quietly, to borrow them.

Today I want to introduce you to someone who, when we first met sixteen years ago, would not have been able to ask for anything quietly. She was exuberant and genuine, her passion for life exposing the film of my memory to the bright colors of laughter and friendship.

Today she is no less an exuberant, genuine, passionate person; in fact, she has found in herself a rare gift, as photographer, for capturing those many paradoxes and tiny con- tradictions that make life interesting. She is a wife, a mother, a sister, a daughter…. and still (I’m blessed to say) a friend: Sonya Kassen, owner of Wobble Monkey Photography.

Sonya officially started this business in February 2010, embracing the wisdom of Tony Benn who spoke an essential truth: “Most things in life are a moment of pleasure and a lifetime of embarrassment; photography is a moment of embarrassment and a lifetime of pleasure.” It is this pleasure that she hopes to capture in every shot.

“I believe in capturing lifelong memories in a manner that involves fun and laughter,” she writes on her company page. “My goal is to make the experience an enjoyable one.”

Sonya’s distinctive style and energy can be seen from every angle. She specializes in capturing the unique beauty and strength of individuals with disabilities, as well as real estate photos (a great advantage when listing your home for sale), and creating ads for local businesses. In addition, she has a great eye for the beauty of nature and animals, and the magic of life’s special occasions, such as weddings and graduations. She even brings new life to those Christmas card classic shots of families, infants, and children.

Ansel Adams, one of the world's greatest photographers, said that “You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, [and] the people you have loved.” I highly recommend that you call Wobble Monkey Photography, and let your most precious asset – those moments that combine to create your life – become a part of Sonya’s photography. Your life will bless, and be blessed, beyond measure.

(To learn more about Sonya and Wobble Monkey Photography, check out the tab "Familiar Faces" above. You'll find her contact information and a direct link to her website.)