Organizing things

It has been hot here on Maui, the perfect summer beach weather to enjoy some sun, sand and friends. But since my son broke his toe two weeks ago, the beach and pool have been pre-empted by book, movies and anything we can play at home. At least the ac is keeping us cool.

This has really allowed me time to organize photos and embellishments and gather design ideas for layouts. I have so many found objects that I want to add to pages for him. Things from Boy Scouts, movie stubs, clippings, articles, even junk mail and cards...

I'm really getting into recycling these objects into the art concept of the layout.

I'm also really interested in recycling old paper to make paper for my scrapbook. (More on that later).

For organizing, I have purchased many 12x12 craft boxes (Creative Options makes nice ones) and I've found other brands on sale at Ben Franklin to store my current projects until I can work on them. The clear ones make it easy to identify what is inside and it keeps the dust off things (in case you can't get to it right away). I've chosen not to label them on the outside but you could easily do so with an electronic labeler. I got them on special for $2 for $10...and the mall offered a coupon after the store sale was over...so keep your eyes open for deals and then stock up.


I've also had my husband install some cabinets from Lowes to put all of my scrapbook supplies and storage boxes in. They have 4 shelves and doors so when I'm done crafting - away it all goes. (Estate series by RSI).

Organizing things has really allowed me to make more room to buy more supplies, organize items for sale and keep down the clutter for friends and family to enjoy the space as well.

Politics

Stayed up late watching the news and listing new items for sale. Now my back hurts...need to stretch and maybe go for a bike ride. I'm a little off task because my son broke his toe and the kids are staying home with me. I'll get them to scrap with me...that will be fun.

My husband purchased several new cabinets for me to help organize and protect my scrapbook items at home. It's awesome to have a dedicated space for a hobby. But I am still looking for the perfect spot to lease for my retail shop.

However, I'm a bit dismayed about the news on tv....Cap and Trade, Health Care Reform...taxes...this is not good at all for small business, I also don't think it is what our fore fathers envisioned either. I am not for the change Obama is creating...in fact it scares me. I've never been much into politics, but everyone should be paying attention now.

I've been watching Glenn Beck...you should check him out, he has a website, radio and tv shows... after listening to him you have to wonder why primetime isn't reporting this stuff.... I agree with him - it's all misdirection... but check out for yourself what the government is doing.

If you love America, join a T.E.A. party and say no to all these new taxes and protect your freedoms!

I think I'm going to have to find some patriotic scrapbook supplies.

EBAY

Wow, listed tons of new scrapbook items on ebay and my new website (www.scrapshackmaui.com), including Disney pins, and the Disney pins are selling really well - better than the scrapbook items. I wonder why?

I've found some fun Asian inspired papers from Kodome...they also make coordinating rubber stamps. I've got Die Cut with a View (DCWV) stacks and embellishments and Paper House Productions travel line - France, Paris, Rome, Italy, Spain, Ireland, Scotland, England, London, Australia, New York, Florida and so much more.

I love the chipboard, die cuts / cut outs, stickers!

Tonight I'll be uploading all the EK success, Jolee's, and KandCompany brand stickers and make and take projects.

I am having so much fun working with the new items...I'll post some pictures of what I'm creating and I hope it inspires you too.

Happy shopping and scrapping!

The first step

Aloha again. It has been a bumpy road to get through the end of the school year and to summer vacation but there is exciting news and change ahead!

I have left the school and the safety net of a full time job to work on my love of scrapbooking and open my business.

While the kids are at soccer camp this week, I am busy getting all of the licenses and paperwork in order to open my scrapbook store.

I am enjoying looking at all of the beautiful new products and making samples. I am also selling on ebay in my new ebay store - scrapshackmaui.

It is overwhelming at times and I'm taking deep breaths and remembering that family comes first....so I'm off the computer in the afternoons and evenings so that I can be with my kids. They are really my inspiration and my joy. Although I am working so hard to get to my goal, the point is to have more quality time with my family.

Here are some of my ideas for the business:

I plan on having a booth at the Maui County Fair in October to advertise the business. I want to hold classes once or twice a month for locals and tourists and offer camps for kids during school breaks. I may also have conceirge arranged special corporate events at the hotels for tourists and spouses of convention goers.

In the brick and mortar store and on my webstore I plan to offer Hawaiian/tropical themed paper products, as well as, the most popular name brands like DCWV, Jolee's, EK success, K&Company. I've also really enjoyed papers from Paper House Productions and some Asian papers that are to die for.

I've seen some nice storage products and even scrapbook themed clothing that may be nice to have in the store. I'll definetly survey the cutomers to see what they'd like to have in the store.

The economy is bad and there is nothing but doom and gloom in the news...but I really have faith that this is what I am supposed to be doing right now and that there is no better time to do it.

But I think the success will be in diversifying. Maybe I can offer genealogy services, custom books/pages, and make my own papers!

It seems the opportunities are limitless.

Keep me in your prayers!