Lessons from the Scrapbook Page

Somerset Memories

Just received an exciting email from Somerset Memories Magazine Managing Editor Jana Holstein. Jana and I met at CHA Anaheim in January. Their booth was right across from ours so we got to see each other quite a bit throughout the expo.

Jana emailed to share the happy news that she reviewed Real Women Scrap in the Memorable Titles section of their June/July 2007 issue. Then, I received a copy of the magazine in the mail so I could see for myself.

Here's what she wrote:

Real Women Scrap by Tasra Dawson is a delightful little book that helps you create the life and layouts you've always wanted. In a straight forward and often humorous style, Tasra, an award-winning scrapbooker, author, personal discovery coach, and speaker, encourages women to keep it simple and find their focus. Real Women Scrap teaches both novice and "seasoned scrappers" practical tools for creating beautiful layouts while inspiring life changes. A refreshing blend of girlfriend, scrap coach and mentor, readers are guaranteed to find great ideas for layouts as they continue their life journey and realize that sometimes mistakes can move your forward. Chapters run the gamut from planning, preserving, cropping, borders, and embellishments to a great section on altered projects using paint cans, clipboards, candy tins, and more!

Thanks Jana and Somerset Memories! Keep writing great articles and making amazing projects.

If you haven't picked up your copy of the magazine this month, you're missing out. Somerset Memories has some of the most original artwork and creative ideas around. And if you haven't ordered your copy of Real Women Scrap yet, what are you waiting for?!? Order Now. It could change your life!

technorati tags: somerset_memories, magazine, jana_holstein, managing_editor, real_women_scrap, tasra_dawson, book_review

I Didn't Even Know It Was There!

Last month I blogged about my media experience at Deeper Living with Rebeca Seitz. I was told the show would be live in June so I started looking for the episode this week. Much to my surprise, I found that the show has been live on their website since mid-March! I didn't even know it was there.

You can watch the entire show here. It's an interview with Rebeca Seitz and myself about scrapbooking and the average woman. We talk about the how and why of scrapbooking. As a bonus, we created an altered scrapbook project during the segment. Even the host joined us in creating her own journal. Watch now!

technorati tags: Deeper+Living, Rebeca+Seitz, Merridee+Book, Prints+Charming, Real+Women+Scrap, Tasra+Dawson

Thumbs Up From Scrap & Stamp Arts

Last week I was shopping at Beverly's looking for new things to add to the set of Real Women Scrap TV and I picked up the latest copy of Scrap & Stamp Arts Magazine. The cover was so colorful and bright, it reminded me of summer.

And then I had a delightful surprise when I found a wonderful review of Real Women Scrap! It's in their Inkwell section with the latest and greatest books in the industry! Stop by your local scrapbook store or hobby store and check it out! I'll also be writing an article for their magazine on Altered Projects. I'll let you know when it's been published.

For now, click the image to the right to read the review!

Scrap&StampArts, Magazine, Scrapbooking, Book, Review, Real+Women+Scrap, Tasra_Dawson

The Biggest Craze to Hit Today's Modern Woman

That's what Kelly Morgan from Harvest TV said about scrapbooking on the live show yesterday. And the biggest craze is...scrapbooking! If you ever wanted to know how to tackle your memories and have some quality girlfriend time at the same time, we show you how on The Harvest Show.

Click the image to watch now!
(Our segment is 17 minutes into the program.)

So, tell me what you think—I hope you enjoyed it. The time always flies by so quickly during the show and we never had a chance to put together the scrapbooking on a wall project we had planned. Maybe next time.

What's In a Name
If you checked out their home page, you may have noticed that my first name was misspelled...what can you do? That's what I get for having a name that my parents made up! It was torture in junior high when I just wanted to fit in, but now I like having a name that is creative...fits right in with my passion.

Miss America, Emmy Awards, and Hot Artists
The Harvest Show has an amazing set and the hosts were so friendly. Debra Maffett was actually Miss America 1983 and was nominated for an Emmy! I had the opportunity to stay at the Inn at Saint Mary's...gorgeous. The concierge was delightful, the shuttle driver gave me a personal tour through Notre Dame and St. Mary's College, and they had a delicious breakfast. I'll be posting pictures from Notre Dame and St. Mary's, as well as some cool behind-the-scenes shots from Harvest TV...with a picture of myself with John Waller (musical artist)! You can listen to his CD title song by visiting his site...click the image below.

Free TV for Busy Women
If you'd like to watch more episodes on how to get organized and get started in scrapbooking, check out Real Women Scrap TV...free TV for busy women! New episodes every week and they're always online and always free. Sign up for our monthly newsletter and you'll get updates on new episodes, upcoming events, sales and contests.

JOIN NOW!

Name
Email

technorati tags: scrapbooking, Harvest_TV, Harvest_Show, Kelly_Morgan, Debra_Maffett, Tasra_Dawson, Rebeca_Seitz, Real_Women_Scrap, Prints_Charming, Scrapbook_TV

A Visit With Hercules

Tuesday evening after returning from my trip to Memories Scrapbooking Expo, I had the pleasure of visiting the quaint little town of Hercules, California as part of their Author Lecture Series.

One of the attendees, JoJo Soriano, wrote an article for their city website the next day. How's that for being on the ball? You can read his take on the event below or by visiting the Living in Hercules website. Thanks JoJo!

Hercules Public Library Author Lecture Series:
"Real Women Scrap" by Tasra Dawson

Hercules, CA -- April 17th, 2007 I attended my very first Hercules Public Library Author Series this week with a friend of mine that told me about it, Pamela Kimmel. She had seen the flier at her sister's home entitled "Real Women Scrap," and even though the title seem to focus on women scrapbooking, the idea intrigued me as a man, mostly as it involves the concept of creativity, story-telling, and doing something to provide a very personal and memorable experience to anyone viewing a finished scrapbooking project. The guest author is Tasra Dawson, and her book "Real Women Scrap" and "Lessons from the Scrapbook Page." Tasra is a full time author, personal discovery coach, speaker, and mother.

As she shared about her story and her work, I came to appreciate the message that she came to share with us in the Taraya Conference room: "slow down and smell the roses." Scrapbooking is one experience that is creative and allows us to spend time with ourselves, in total serenity, reflection, and gratitude. Gratitude in the experiences we share with our friends and loved ones that we scrapbook with - and gratitude as we layout the photos and memories of those who are dear to us. I wonder sometimes, what would the page look like as we layout the photos and memories of the ones who had inflicted pain, or had broken our hearts, or had challenged us in life - would it look as interesting, as colorful, as pretty? Perhaps not. I do hope that anyone who wish to challenge oneself to scrapbook a challenging or painful memory - would come away with the gratitude for the lessons and the teachings that such experience has given her or him. "Thank you for the gift," I say - to all our memories, good and bad, happy and sad - for they make us who we are today!

And thank you Tasra, for your message, a reminder to each of us all, to slow down, spend time with our loved ones, and take each moment with gratitude. Thank you Hercules Public Library, for giving our community a wonderful program. -- written by Jojo Soriano

technorati tags: Hercules_Public_Library, Hercules, Library, Author_Lecture_Series, Special_Events, JoJo_Soriano

Scrapbook Ideas

If you're an avid scrapper, you've probably dreamed about or imagined having a scrappin' job...a job that falls in line with your interests and passions. Well, Jessica Gordon is one such person who has combined her passion for scrapbooking with her job in a new blog called Scrapbook Ideas. About her blog she says, "Whether you’ve been a scrapbooker for many years or you have just begun your scrapbooking journey, I hope this will be a place you will want to visit again and again for fresh ideas and inspiration!"

Recently, Jessica contacted me to do an interview for her Scrappin' Jobs section. She wanted to give other scrapbookers an idea of how to break into the scrapbooking business and begin doing what they love on a more frequent and permanent basis. I was happy to oblige as I'm all for pursuing our passions and following our dreams.

You can read the interview online now. Even if you're not a scrapbooker, it may give you some ideas and inspiration for your specific area of interest. Maybe a kick in the pants to stop hesitating and start acting on those things that you've been dreaming about.

What is your dream job? Are you working toward it now? What one step could you take today to move you closer to that goal? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section! Until next time, dream big!

technorati tags: Scrapbooking, Scrapbook_Ideas, Jessica_Gordon, Scrapbooking_Jobs, Layouts

Are YOU part of the Club?

The ScrapBook Club, that is. This is THE club to join if you're a scrapper and a book lover...of which I am both.

For that reason, it was thrilling for me to see Real Women Scrap featured in this month's Club Bulletin. We were chosen as one of Nicole's Product Pick! What an honor. And as an added bonus, we're on the same page as two very dear friends of mine: Wendy Bagley (Scraps: Adventures in Scrapbooking) and Angie Pedersen (contributor to Chicken Soup for the Scrapbooker's Soul). You can get all these books through The ScrapBook Club!

To add to the fun, when you join The ScrapBook Club, you get to choose some free books and learn about the latest trends in the industry from their monthly Bulletin.

Thanks to Nicole and The ScrapBook Club for a fabulous feature!

technorati tags: ScrapBook_Club, scrapbooking, books

Real Women Reconnect With Their Roots Through Scrapbooking (CHA, Anaheim, CA)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Real Women Scrap to Launch with High Acclaim at CHA
New Book by Tasra Dawson Named Creative Excellence Awards Finalist

January 22, 2007 – Santa Rosa, California – Craftrends Magazine announced the 15th annual Awards of Creative Excellence Finalists in their January issue on newsstands now. Tasra Dawson’s new release, Real Women Scrap: Create the Life and Layouts You’ve Always Wanted has been named a Finalist in the Papercrafts Book category. Each year Craftrends Magazine recognizes books for market innovation, value for money, and creative excellence. Entries are judged on seven points: Overall Quality/Ease of Use, Meets Consumer Need, Originality/ Innovation, Attractiveness, Clarity of Instructions, Retail Support, and Advertising/Marketing. Real Women Scrap officially released Jan. 2007 by Dare Dreamer Press.

Winners will be announced at a Gala Event at the annual Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) Winter Trade Show in Anaheim, January 2007, as well as in the April issue of Craftrends. CHA draws nearly 20,000 exhibitors and attendees from 46 nations, including some of the biggest names in scrapbook magazines like Memory Makers, Creating Keepsakes, Better Homes and Gardens Scrapbooks, and manufacturers like Basic Grey, Bazzill, Chatterbox, and Xyron.

Dare Dreamer Press will be exhibiting Real Women Scrap in conjunction with UHU, the U.S. distributor for Germany's UHU brand of premium glues and adhesives, preferred by professional artisans, crafters and everyday people (CHA Booth #3983). Dawson will be present to sign books and spread the message of real women, real stories, and real scrapbooking.

Tasra Dawson is an award-winning author, speaker, and scrapbook artist based in Northern California. Real Women Scrap is the first book of its kind to share more than just tips and techniques—it offers new insight into the way women lead their lives. The book also includes stories of real women whose lives have been transformed through the lessons learned from the scrapbook page. Real women’s stories are followed by practical strategies intended to cultivate hope and produce change. From layout ideas to candid advice, Tasra Dawson provides a whole different perspective on the scrapbooking world.

About Real Women Scrap: Real Women Scrap offers busy women ways to keep life simple by transforming her love for scrapbooking into a metaphor of how to live life to the fullest.  Each chapter offers scrap lessons, real stories, and life lessons. Packed full of useful information, constructive solutions, and inspiring stories. Real Women Scrap is the book women cannot afford to leave on the bookshelves.

About Tasra Dawson: As an entrepreneur, wife, and mother, Tasra understands the demands on time and energy faced by career women and busy moms and is passionate about transforming layouts and lives through creativity. A former consultant for a popular scrapbook company, “Diva Idol” contest winner, and an artist with more than a decade of scrapbook experience, Tasra Dawson brings personal and professional insight to the craft. Today a full-time freelance author and speaker, Tasra has multiple publications to her credit, including articles, stories and a national column.

#    #     # REAL WOMEN SCRAP
Dare Dreamer Press; January 2007; $14.95
ISBN: 978-0-9740456-3-4
●Visit the site at www.realwomenscrap.com●
Contact: Dare Dreamer Press, (707) 237-5138, press@daredreamerpress.com

technorati tags: Craftrends, Awards, CHA, Craft_and_Hobby_Association, Memory_Makers, Creating_Keepsakes, Better_Homes_and_Gardens_Scrapbooks, Basic_Grey, Bazzill, Chatterbox, Xyron, UHU, Real_Women_Scrap, Tasra_Dawson

How to Make the Best Scrapbooks: ABC7 Segment

So how did I do explaining why someone should scrapbook and how to get started? Click here or on the image to view the video from View From the Bay.

Screenshot of me (far right) with co-hosts
Janelle Wang (middle) and Spencer Christian (far left).
They really were amazingly kind and gracious hosts...and FUN! I had such a great time working with them and the staff at ABC7. I also met Lisa Quinn, their "House Doctor" who is a scrapper too! It was an incredible opportunity to share this passion of scrapbooking with those thinking about getting started or who have been overwhelmed by all the options. I'd love to get your feedback! (And if anyone happened to tape the show, please let me know. We set the VCR to tape, but it didn't work! I would love to have a copy of my own because the one online will only be up for a  limited time!)

Here's the page I created for the show with photos of the hosts. They LOVED it! I even was able to get them to sign it. This is certainly going in my album!

technorati tags: View_From_The_Bay, Scrapbooking, Janelle_Wang, Spencer_Christian, Lisa_Quinn, ABC7

Scrapbooking in the Media...Again!

I am thrilled to announce that I am going to be a guest on ABC's afternoon local talk show, View From the Bay (right before Oprah!).

This Thursday, 1/18 at 3 pm PST.

It's a 5 - 7 minute segment about how to keep it simple, in life and in scrapbooking. We've specifically set it up to connect with busy women wondering what to do with all their photos, wanting to find strategies for getting organized so they can stop feeling guilty, and start making time for themselves and a little bit of creativity. You won't want to miss it!

And here's even better news... even if you don't live in the San Francisco Bay Area, you can watch live online! ABC 7 News has a page with a Watch Live link to view the show as it happens. So tune in Thursday at 3 pm PST and cheer me on as I spread the message about real women, real lives, and real scrapbooking. For those of you living in the greater SF Bay Area, you'll be able to watch live on your TV as well...set those TIVO's!

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. As I've said before, this former introvert has a lot to learn about media appearances, but I'll represent real women the best that I can!

If the live link above isn't working, visit ABC7News.com and search for The View From the Bay. They have a link on their front page to Watch Live.

technorati tags: ABC7News, View_From_The_Bay, Media, TIVO, Bay_Area