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anna-marie still said...
I'd love to hear more about the process of your book. What's it like to work on a book, (i.e deadlines, etc) and how does it come together working with other artists? Did you select the artists or did CK? Were they assigned specific challenges to work on? How many layouts didn't make it into the book? Start to finish, (getting the deal to publication) how long did the whole process take? I'd love to know more!
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This is a fun little topic to talk about because it was a great experience and something I will never forget!
In August of 2005 I went to Utah to have a little lunch meeting with the CK editors. That was when they asked me to do a book. I was totally thrilled! Writing books has always been one of my *biggest* goals and this would be my first published book ever! This was also when I met my sweet friend, Ali, who was a huge help and inspiration to me because she had already been through the process... She is always full of wisdom. Love that girl. So I got started in August and I had to have 100 pages done by January and it came out in July of 2006. So, all in all, I spent about a year on the book. It was a very cool journey. The CK editors are super sweet and cool to work with! :)
Creating the layouts was the first part of the process. They advised me to just do what I was inspired to do and create for the first 50 or so pages.... It was a very happy time in my life that fall of '05 scrapping sometimes all day long! :) I remember worrying that I almost didn't have enough photos and ideas, but then more just kept coming and coming and it was SO fun to see how far I could stretch and challenge myself. That is when I really learned that in scrapbooking you can NEVER run out of ideas, topics and stories to tell! Life is so full and interesting. There are SO many things to explore and capture! I am not sure how many layouts got cut in the end.. I would guess somewhere around 20-30 out of close to 200... But honestly, I have no idea. I never counted.
The artists in my book were great to work with and a lot of fun! I am still SO inspired by certain layouts they created even though I have looked at them time and time again! :) I felt really lucky to work with such creative and talented women! I handpicked the artists for my book along with the editors (Rachel and Leslie). I wanted a big range of styles to be represented in the book. Originally, when I started on the book, I wanted to book to be about finding your own style. The challenge theme developed over time and I am so glad it did b.c I think it is a fun concept. I personally love challenges. I work better under a little bit of pressure (not crazy pressure, lol, just a little bit!) and a challenge or goal. I absolutely LOVE the idea of finding new ways to use products and using stuff you already have around the house. I only run to my LSS maybe once a month, I am not that into shopping anymore.. I prefer to just use what I have and go for it! Makes it more fun for me... a little bit of the whole d.i.y. vibe, i guess? :) Oh.. also... when I first started my book I could still fit all my scrapbooking supplies in a suitcase... that changed pretty quickly, but I do still love my little suitcase and the fact that I know it is totally possible to scrapbook on a budget. I think that is great. Good memories.
The first time I saw the book and flipped through it I was really giddy and excited.... ok, I was freaking out! ;) It was amazing and even more cool was seeing my family look through it and seeing how happy and thrilled they were to be a part of it.
I think the most meaningful thing that I learned throughout the book writing process was that no matter what I do in the scrapbooking world the most fulfilling part for me will always be just sitting on the floor and scrapbooking my family photos... nothing will ever beat that! I love it!
I love getting e-mail from people doing the challenges and seeing them on 2peas! That is SO much fun!
If you have never seen my book, here is a link! :) Have a great day! Elsie
ps.. just wanted to mention that I know more than one person asked this questions (and most of the questions) just choosing them at *random*! :)
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mark and kels said...
Since music seems to be one of your passions, what 10 songs would be on the soundtrack of your life?
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Hi! :) Fun question. This will be the last question I answer on the music topic (since i have already done 2 out of 4, LOL!) I can't help it, I love to talk about music!! :)
I added links with clips of songs and/or videos... enjoy!
Cat Stevens/ Wild World....this song reminds me of my dad b.c he played it a lot when i was a child. i love it. really really good memories here.
Love this line... "I'll always remember you like a child, girl"
Lovefool/ The Cardigans... my favorite song from Jr. High... I still love it. So fun and happy. and this video... OMG.. one of my favorites ever..
SixPence None The Richer/Kiss Me... My favorite song in High School. Emma and I saw them play at Cornerstone in 1999 (i think) It was such an amazing outdoor show. We were dancing with no shoes... this one is such a classic in my book... :)video here.
Joy Electric/A girl from Rosewood Lane (the Unelectric version)...This is the only song I couldn't find a clip for... this is the song I walked down the aisle to on our wedding day (just on piano). It was amazing.
Ben Folds/ The Luckiest... I actually had never bought any Ben Fold's music until I was shooting a wedding about a year ago.. they played this song and I was totally trying not to cry. It is so simple, sweet and true. This song inspires me. I want our life to look like this. So much love.
Iron&Wine/ Such Great Heights...Love this song. So true. Reminds me of love, TJ and our life together. Plus I love his style... so raw and honest.
U2/Original of the Species... My favorite U2 song. It makes me feel more brave and full of hope. :)
Weezer/Photograph...
"If you want it, you can have it
But you've got to learn to reach out there and grab it"
So true.. love it!
That Time/Regina Spektor... T.J. says this song is just like me. I do tend to start sentances with "hey, remember that time..." and the randomness... I can relate to that for sure! ha!
No Doubt/Running....this one makes me think about the future... really inspiring and cool.great video too... all the memories.
wish i could put more...that was NOT EASY! :)
This would make a rad scrapbook! I am totally inspired! Thank you *mark and kels* for your question! :) e-mail me.
today is crazy busy... i will try to get back on the Q&A train tonight! :) a little photo lovin' for now....
(digi frame i used here is from jinkyart.com)
just wanted to give a little *shout out* to the coolest, cutest and funniest grandpa in the world! I LOVE YOU!
while TJ was doing his homework, I was scrappin' it up! it's a mini book that i have affectionately named "fatty" b.c she is SO thick! :) It is for a new challenge that will be on the KI Blog on monday...
Ok.. gotta go to art walk! :) Have a happy friday night! E
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jana said...
Hi Elsie! Because of the Oscars tomorrow night, I'd love to hear what your TOP 5 MOVIES OF ALL-TIME are and do you feel these movies influence your art at all?
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Fun question! :) There are TONS of movies that TJ and I love for one reason or another, but I am gonna share with you my faves for getting inspired! :)
1. Big Fish
This is my very favorite Tim Burton film. Some amazing, beautiful shots. My favorite actor, Ewan McGregor. And it is SO emotional. It is really reflective, which makes me reflect... lovelovelove this one! It is quirky, pretty and gives me a happy feeling!
2. Amelie
This is a french movie. This one has the most wickedly brilliant use of color I have ever seen in my life. Un*real! It is so inspiring!
3. Clueless
My favorite movie from Jr. High. I still watch it often (especially late at night when I am working in my studio). Super silly and surprisingly clever, this one always gets me inspired b.c of the *extreme* fashion styles! :)
4. The Science of Sleep
I totally adore anything that Michel Gondry has worked his magic on! He inspires me SO much! This movie makes me happy b.c there is so much texture and handmade goodness... total eye candy!
5. Down With Love
This movie stole my heart for sure. So much oldschool style, such amazing colors...oh, and my favorite actor, Ewan McGregor! :) If you haven't seen this one, it will totally put you in the mood to make art. It is so brilliant and unique.
Thank you Jana for your question! :) E-mail me with your address, ok?
Hope you all find a movie in this list that you haven't seen before! I am always up for cool movie suggestions too! :)
Have a great day! It's friday! If you live in my area I will see you tonight at the first friday artwalk downtown! :) Hugs! Elsie
ps. thank you to everyone who joined me for the chat this morning! :) That was f
