Library's Scrapbooking Class Gives Patrons A Chance To Socialize, Mingle

The Thibodaux Branch Library is taking registrations for its new scrapbooking group which began June 8.

“This is a good program because it gives our patrons an opportunity to show their creativity and to be social with others from our community, while enjoying the library,” said Allison Reed, circulation manager for the library.

The scrapbooking program is targeted toward adults 18 and older, and officials with the Lafourche Parish Public Library decided to give it a try because they thought it would be fun and simple to stage.

“We held our first session on June 8 to a turnout of about six people, but we hope to see the numbers increase as word of mouth spreads,” Reed said.

The scrapbooking group, which meets at the Thibodaux Branch Library, 314 St. Mary St., held its second meeting June 22. The next dates for the program are July 6 and 20. The scrapbooking group meets from 5 to 6 p.m. and the program is free, but registration is required.

Read complete article in HoumaToday.com

Bed & Breakfast Adds Scrapbooking Sessions And More

CHESANING - If you've driven past The Stone House Bed & Breakfast recently, you probably noticed the construction crew working on the outside. But what you may not be aware of is the transformation, taking place in the basement of the historic 100-year-old structure.

Bob and Julie Bloom, who have owned The Stone House for 15 years, introduced Shawna Davidson and Tanya Blehm, who have big ideas for new additions to The Stone House Bed & Breakfast.

"We're trying to make it something for locals to use, as well as bed and breakfast patrons," explained Tanya.

The scrapbooking workshop has new walls, enhanced lighting, specialized crafting tables, adjustable chairs, as well as the latest and greatest tools for scrapbooking. There's room for up to 16 scrapbookers to work comfortably depending upon the size of their projects. While it's designed for scrapbooking, Shawna and Tanya plan to offer other classes, such as interior design, cooking and blogging.

"We're going to have a variety of classes, working with local professionals," Tanya commented. Tanya also talked about making the space available for open scrapbooking as well as scrapbooking retreats that include food and lodging at the bed & breakfast.

The new scrapbooking area will be open for business on July 1. Tanya and Shawna hope to add a scrapbooking boutique adjacent to the work area by the end of the summer. It will be open to the public, whether you're taking classes there or not.

When asked about the inspiration for the scrapbooking shop, Shawna talked about how local scrapbooking classes are so popular, but found classes filled up until 2011. "I think we'll enhance what they've got going on; all of us working together," Shawna said.

Read complete article in TriCountyCitizen.com

Cancer Survivor Inspires Scrapbooking Fundraiser

By Janna Odenthal, Post-Tribune correspondent

CHESTERTON -- The diagnosis of cancer often shatters a family's world. Recently, a group met at the Chesterton Moose Lodge to reassemble these pieces into colorful mosaics on scrapbook pages.

The Scrapbooking for a Cure event was hosted by Karen Gengnagel, mother of a cancer survivor. Proceeds benefited the American Cancer Society's Duneland Relay for Life in honor of Gengnagel's 12-year-old son, Tyler, who is currently in remission.

Theresa Connolly traveled from New Lenox, Ill., to attend the event that day. She said her husband, Richard, is a cancer survivor.

"It's a good reason to donate my money," Connolly said. "I'm a kindergarten teacher, so children are important to me. I don't even know (Tyler), but this is what I love to do."

Candles containing the words "celebrate, believe and inspire" glowed upon a table. These words reflected the spirit of hope shared among individuals as they arranged photos in their albums.

Each participant was given a cup full of goodies, including licorice sticks, socks, stickers, cookies, magnets and more. Music played in the background as individuals pored over photos and discussed the memories that they triggered.

While some made decorative pages and layouts of family members and friends, others turned everyday objects, such as clipboards and paint cans, into creative works of art to honor their loved ones.

Steak knives, wine baskets, chocolate candy, designer pens and other items were raffled that day. Lunch and dinner was provided. Meatballs, soups, fruit, desserts, various drinks and more were available for the hungry artists.

Read complete article in Post-Trib.com

Virtual Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking enthusiasts are notorious for collecting the tools of the trade — colored paper, stencils, stickers, glitter — then failing to put them to use.

"Now, not only are they overwhelmed with their pictures, they are overwhelmed with stuff. They're overwhelmed by the whole hobby," said Paula Wessells, the Vancouver-based CEO of Big Picture Scrapbooking, "What really sets us apart is that we are about the process. We're not about the end product."

That business strategy of helping people connect with what's meaningful in their lives, along with classes priced as low as $10, has enabled Big Picture Scrapbooking to thrive, even in the economic downturn.

The privately held company does not disclose financial information. But Wessells said other than a dip in sales in February, the company's revenue has held steady.

Big Picture Scrapbooking, founded in 2005, was first to offer online classes. Now 31,000 students download classes.

Wessells first met company founder Stacy Julian, a Spokane resident, at a Portland scrapbooking store. She was founding editor of Simple Scrapbooks magazine.

"A year later, she called with a wild business idea," Wessells said. "She wanted to spread her passion for documenting life."

Julian had already been teaching live, in-person classes, which gave the students 90 minutes of inspiration.

"We had to come up with a way — a new delivery method — to continually inspire women," Wessells said. The Web provided that new method.

Julian is the business' creative force. A third partner, Kayce Rehn, also of Spokane, keeps the Web site running smoothly. That's leaves Wessells to handle the business side from her office in the Vancouver home she shares with her husband and three miniature dachshunds.

In addition, the company employs four people — all stay-at-home moms, Wessells said. The company's 58 contract teachers are scattered around the country.

Read complete article in Columbian.com

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