P. Kelly Smith
Welcome to another Freebie Friday! Today we’re pleased to have with us Jeanette Herdman, founder of Scrap In Style. She’s going to dish about her growing (and immensely popular) online community, her favorite SIS product and tell us why she has the ultimate dream job.
For today’s giveaway, Jeanette’s agreed to donate four SIStv online class tuitions (see descriptions below), as well as two $15 gift certificates to the SIStv Boutique!
Are you ready to learn more about Jeanette and Scrap In Style? Here we go!
Jeanette Herdman
What exactly is SIStv?
SIStv is “Scrap In Style TV,” a magazine style web TV show that my husband and I created and produce that is centered around memory keeping and the paper arts. ScrapinStyletv.com is the web site that we developed to help build our viewership as well as the brand Scrap In Style.
How did you come up with the idea of SIStv?
Creating the show was actually my husband’s idea several years ago. He has been in the entertainment industry since the early 90′s and thought producing a cutting edge show that featured scrapbooking would be a great niche. It took some time for me to catch his vision. Once I got on board, I dove in head first and found out that producing and hosting a show about my favorite hobby was like my dream job.
What do you want our readers to know about your growing online community?
The most important thing I want people to know about our online community is that it’s a place where scrappers and paper crafters of all levels can really engage in the process of becoming better at what they love to do. The idea of “community” is that everyone has something to offer that will benefit the other members. And when a person joins the Scrap In Style community, I sincerely believe that they will learn, become inspired, interact with people all over the world, and (hopefully) give back. In the end everyone grows. Okay, I’m feeling the need for a disclaimer: I’m talking about paper and glue here people…
One of your big pushes on the site is education. You actually offer a lot of online classes on paper crafting, photography, sewing, blogging, etc. How have these been going?
Our classes have been going really well. I think we’ve really started to hit our groove with what we’re offering in the way of content and classroom environment. I love that people always seem to have that hunger to learn new things, and it only seems to grow as we get older. I tell ya, education is wasted on the young… what I wouldn’t give to go back to the 5th grade!
Tell us a little bit about your two classes Scrap In Style Home: Decorating On A Budget (A six-week course beginning April 13) and Bling Out Your Blog 2.0 (April 20-May 1). By the way, thanks so much for donating these classes to our readers!
These two classes are especially exciting to me because they are both incredibly relevant. We came up with Scrap In Style Home: Decorating On A Budget because I believe crafting and home decorating really go hand in hand. I don’t think it’s a stretch at all for a scrapbooking web site to be offering a class on home décor. Crafters are especially good with repurposing, whether it’s an old clock or their scrapbooking supplies. Most people in today’s economy have had to cut back in some area, and where a lot of people wouldn’t dream of redecorating at a time like this, we’re showing people that it’s the absolute BEST time to do it because you really get to use your creative “chops”!
Bling Out Your Blog 2.0 is another class that will be of tremendous help to people. Writing and reading blogs has become one of the world’s favorite pasttimes. It’s like the ultimate in Internet Grass Roots Marketing (is that an oxymoron?). People are starting to really utilize their blogs in a variety of ways, many of which go well beyond the idea of keeping family and friends up to date on who they’re dating or on Little Jimmy’s first steps. In order for a blog to stand out in the crowd, it requires top form and function in its design and content. When people get done with this class, they will be able to create top notch blogs that will keep their readers coming back day after day.
SIStv actually has its own product line. What’s your favorite?
My two favorite products that Scrap In Style manufactures are our MODsheetsTM and our gaffer tape.
MODsheetsTM (short for Multi Optional Design Sheets) are papers that offer classic style but with versatility and value. Each sheet is modular in design (get it, “MODsheets”… ah, so clever are we!). Various patterns are included on each sheet in standardized sizes that are perfect for paper crafters. Each color coordinated line has three sheets and each sheet has between two and five patterns, in sizes ranging from 8″ x 12″ down to 2″ x 3″. You can use the sheet whole if you like as a background for your layout, knowing that the proportions of each pattern create “safe” design elements, or you can cut each pattern out and use it in a variety of ways, which is great for card makers. Over the last couple of years in the “paper biz” I have noticed that people really gravitate toward those classic patterns: houndstooth, polka dots, brocade, plaid, etc. because they want their projects to have a timeless look to them. Don’t get me wrong–I love an owl motif as much as the next guy–but ten years from now, nothing will say “2007″ more to me than layouts made with owl paper. And that’s totally okay for some of your stuff, but you don’t want everything to look dated. It’s like with clothing… each season you want to get a few items that are really on-trend but for the most part it’s best to buy stuff that will really last you, items that you will be able to use with those trendy pieces a year from now. I just believe that offering customers variety and value… you know really give them some bang for their buck is where it’s at right now.
SIStv MODsheets - Rebel
The gaffer tape is incredibly utilitarian and aesthetically pleasing all at the same time. It’s one color and features a classic pattern. It’s the most fantastic stuff. It’s low-tac, somewhere between masking tape and duct tape, so it doesn’t ruin something you’ve put it on when you pull it off. Also, it’s super easy to tear through, which is really nice. I use it for everything – file folders, labels, my kids’ school projects… I’m seriously addicted to it. I wish I had it in every color and pattern… hmm… maybe someday I will!
Scrap In Style TV - Gaffer Tape - Red and White Houndstooth
What’s seems to be the most popular section of your web site?
Hmm… I would definitely have to say the SIStv Webisodes or the SISter’s Portfolio, which is our main gallery. We just started season two of Scrap In Style TV, and the response has been great so far. We had been in “reruns” since August because my husband who does all of our video production was diagnosed with a stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil in July (did I spell all of that correctly? Those are real long cancer-y words… I’m pretty sure I got “cell” right). He just got a clean bill of health about three weeks ago, so we’re getting back to normal… well, if you consider having two belly buttons normal (he has a pretty deep scar from where his feeding tube was).
The SISter’s Portfolio has lots and lots of eye candy, and great ideas are uploaded there every day. It’s hard to keep up with it sometimes, so we have a feature called “Favorite SISters” where you can put another member on your “Favorite SISter” list and on your profile when you sign in, you will see links to their latest layouts. It’s really cool because the main gallery moves really fast.
Now that you have a loyal following, how do you keep people coming back for more?
That is something that can be really challenging to be honest, but we have a really loyal following. In fact, I think it’s something like more than 50% of the visitors we had in 2008 have visited the site more than 100 times since we launched in May of 2007. The numbers are pretty incredible, but I know that we must continually improve the site content and its features if we want to stay in the game. I don’t want to go down in Internet history as some flash in the pan web site.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The absolute most rewarding thing is when I hear someone say that SIS has changed their life. (And yes, I have heard that on more than one occasion.) It’s completely humbling. Not that I was a direct part of it, but knowing that something that I had a hand in creating was a part of something big in a person’s life is amazing.
What piece of advice would you give to someone who’s just getting started in paper crafting/scrapbooking?
Simple… don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. It’s not an all-or-nothing hobby. You can invest as little or as much time and money as you want, and it will be rewarding either way. Find someone (or somewhere, like a web site, cough cough www.scrapinstyletv.com cough) that will help you get started by easing into it… none of this “spending $200 to get you started” business, okay? Promise me! Promise!
Jeanette, thanks so much for being with us today! Like we mentioned before, Jeanette has graciously donated two tuitions to her Scrap In Style Home: Decorating On A Budget class and two tuitions to her Bling Out Your Blog 2.0 class. In addition, two lucky winners will each receive a $15 gift certificate to the SIStv Boutique. Leave a comment telling me what advice you would give a brand new paper crafter. All comments must be received by midnight on Sunday, March 29. I’ll announce the six winners on Monday, March 30.
P.S. Our fabulous editors Brandy Jesperson and Susan Opel participated in a live chat with SIStv members last week. Along with a few Creating Keepsakes editors, they answered questions on how to get projects published. If you’d like to read the complete transcript, click here!
My advice to a new paper crafter–don’t get caught up in “all the stuff”–there is lots of beautiful product out there and shopping for it is sooo much fun! Decide on where you want to start–card making, stamping, scrapping and get a few basic tools–paper cutter, good scissors, good ruler and whatever tools are specific to the art form. Do a couple of easy projects to get started, don’t get too overwhelmed and decide if you like it before you invest too much time and money. Before purchasing that “gotta have it-love it” product, try to come up with specific ways you’ll use it. Cardstock in multiple colors is a good investment, especially good quality that you can keep on hand for lots of different projects. Paper crafting is very fun and is great for gifts, home decor and scrapbooking, there are many ways to approach it.
Great question and answer topic!
I would tell new paper crafters to begin with paper sets so to not feel overwhelmed in trying to match things together. After a while it will become easier to select various product lines and feel comfortable with it!
i think that the best thing a new paper crafter could get use are some layout sketches, sample layouts with the sketch, some templates for boxes, bags, etc…, and a card kit.
I would tell a new paper crafter that they do not have to buy every product and gadget out there. It is amazing how much you can do with just paper, pens and scissors!
Start with the basics. Good scissors/trimmer, adhesive and then buy what makes you happy. Whatever cardstock, stamps, patterns, ribbon and embellishments attract you. Get online or find a great book/magazine that inspires you and go for it. It all takes time, but if you invest in good tools you can do just about anything.
I would advise a new paper crafter to start simple by gathering a few basic supplies, find the style they are comfortable with by browsing magazines and online galleries so that they don’t over-buy product that they don’t really love, get going and HAVE FUN! I think in the past I have gotten too stressed out by wanting my work to look just like the “pros” and thinking that my creations weren’t “good enough” to share. Phooey!! My work is an expression of me and that’s all that is important. If I like it, then it is perfect.
The important thing is to remember is that it is your project, your photos and your memories and you should create with them however you want to and whatever your style is. You are not competing with anybody. The important thing is to save your memories and create projects that make you and your family happy and enjoy the journey.
My best advice would be to buy a good paper cutter and a scor-pal. I turn to those 2 items over and over again, and they made my life much easier. I can spend time on expressing my creativity instead of wasting paper on miscuts and/or crooked cards.
Thank you for the chance to win!
My advice to a new scrapper would be…don’t be intimidated! I have a lot of friends who wanted to try it but it all seemed overwhelming to them. ANYONE can scrap! The idea is to get your ideas, memories, and creativity on paper to preserve for your family. Those are the ONLY requirements. There are several styles of scrappers. Some are more simple, some really slap it all on a page, some use muted colors, others prefer BRIGHTS!
There’s no right or wrong way. :]
just be archival safe, and be true to your craft. <3
Your life will be much easier if you buy yourself a good, sturdy guillotine paper cutter from the get go. I have lots and lots of gadgets but it is my trusty paper cutter that I use every day.
Once you have the basics, a paper cutter, good detail scissors, and adhesive; make a small investment in a good soft bound instruction booklet with beautiful photos and lots of “how to” directions. Many have great basic, need to know instructions AND fantastic inspiration for finding your own style of scrapping and “page maps”. I’ve enjoyed countless hours looking through books and magazines getting ideas. Once you’ve created something find a website to post your work. You’ll find the scrapbooking community to be enthusiastic and supportive. Two things we all need!
That less is more!!!
I would tell a newcomer to start simple. Just buy the bare items you need, Paper, cutting tool, and glue stick. That is what I started out with and I love my old pages. Go online and look at a few blogs. Remember most blogs have people who have been doing this for a long time so do not campare with them.
The most important thing to remember is you want to put you and your feelings on the card or scrapbook page. Use your handwriting.
debbie peysen
Keep it basic – cardstock, paper cutter, adhesive scissors, black pens, and a few patterned papers that you love. You can always build from there, but those basics you will always use. Buy quality basics – they DO make a difference! Then look at the web – blogs, SiS, web pages, company product sites all have great ideas, and they are free!
I would advise a new papercrafter to spend some time on the internet looking at projects and assessing which ones appeal to them. There are so many styles and so much stuff. It helps to have a sense of what you like so you can choose wisely. I love vi.sualize.us which allows me to save the images I find online in my own “gallery” of ideas. I use it constantly.
It’s amazing what we can do with just a piece of paper, maybe some pencil crayons, a pair of scissors and glue… old fashion white school glue even! Seriously, even with all the stuff I have, I can find creativity flowing while sitting down with my 4 year old daughter and her craft stuff: construction paper, scissors, glue or maybe even just with her coloring book. It’s so fun. I also love recycling and reusing “stuff” around the house. The possibilities are endless! Then of course browse, blogs, websites, magazines etc for lots of creative inspirations. The internet is great!
My advise to a new paper crafter is:
Start by using some thing around the house, be creative,and use your imagination!! The results are endless!!
I’m a newbie myself. My advice would be to scour the internet blogs for ideas to help you. I know they’ve been very helpful for me!
I would say you don’t have to be “in the know” to have fun at scrapbooking. We all started somewhere and we all have pages that didn’t quite turn out right when we first started, and it’s actually fun to look back on those so so pages later on. Start with the basics, paper, scissors, rock (er no that’s something else) glue and pictures. From there you can experiment with different techniques that you can learn all about online. The only other piece of advice is to NEVER scrapbook with your original one of a kind photos, even if you think it will be okay, even if you don’t have time or money to get reprints or copies made, NEVER do it. You will be sorry later. Many times when I was first starting out (12+ years ago) I used originals and now I would like to remake a few of those pages, only the originals are permanently adhered to the pages. Guess they are that way forever. Anyway, have fun, tell your stories. You don’t have to have a complete album overnight, take your time, somebody down the road is going to appreciate your time and effort and stories in you own words. Happy Scrapping!
To beginning papercrafters, I would say don’t be afraid to try. When I was introducing my mom to papercrafting she just couldn’t stand to do something and “mess-up.” Practice makes purpose, and consumable supplies are made to be used not stored!
Thanks for the chance to win!
My advice would be: get a really comfortable chair…
and:
practice makes perfect, love the imperfect – it has a beauty of its own.
thanks,
Galore.
I’d love to win. Thanks for the chance. Advice for a newbie? Dont get caught up in the thinking that you have to buy everything all at once. Try out new things at classes, for example, where you get to see if you like them or not. Buy those things that you like and will use.
Best advice: start with TODAY. Things are fresh, making it so much easier to capture all of the relevant details of the memory you want to preserve. After that, take it one layout at a time. If I sat around thinking about all of the things I HAVEN’T scrapped, I would throw up my hands in defeat!
Products come & go… paper & supplies are trendy… & it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with so mancy choices out there. I personally think THE most important part about scrapbooking is your journaling… telling the story. 50 years from now, your family isn’t going to care whether or not you had the latest & greatest embellishment on your page, but they will care that you took the time to tell the story that went with that photo & memory. Even better… if it’s in your own hand-writing… priceless memory!
I would say instead of buying anything and everything that looks cool and nice, pick a project to try first and buy for that. Otherwise it can start to get out of control fast!
I would tell them to start slow, do not do as I did and run out and buy everything and anything ..as you then become buried in products ….find a small project say a card, try it, experiment to see what glue you like, what paper you like…then slowly build up your stash…Challenge blogs and sketches are awesome to get the mojo flowing!
My advice to a new paper crafter is to only buy paper for a project you are actually going to use. I have so many paper packs and then when it comes time to create a page it seems like what I need is what I DON’T already have. So now I have stash galore of paper packs and have to find stuff to use them on so I don’t feel bad for buying them. Paper crafting quickly becomes just paper collecting…beware!
i would tell them to use sketch sites and learn from technique videos on how to do stuff. also just to buy the essentials when starting like paper cutter and adhesive, etc.
The best advice would be to do your own thing, using as many or as few products as you are comfortable with. The addiction seems to feed itself after awhile!!! LOL!
My advice would to just have fun. Don’t think it over to hard. Get your basic supplies. Like scissors, double side tape, ribbon, pencil, ruler, paper just to name a few. Invest in some magazines that help get you started with some ideas. You can also research on the internet to get inspiration for you paper crafts. Just a for warning it may be addicting:) It is very fun, rewarding, and enjoyable.
The best advice I got was borrowed from a Nike slogan: JUST DO IT!
There’s so much that keeps us busy…and many people feel so “behind” and are always trying to get “caught up.” I decided long ago to heed that advice and work on whatever I felt creatively driven to, whether it was sewing, creating patterns, scrapping pictures from 5 years or 5 minutes ago. JUST DO IT!
Great interview…I have fallen in love with SISTv and am so exciting about their upcoming classes…especially the Bling out your Blog!
Thanks for featuring Jeanette today…I have actually not heard of SIStv before but am definitely going to check it out now! My advice for new paper crafters is just to not be too critical of your work and keep trying new techniques and products to help discover your style.
My biggest advice is to figure out how you organize your life and how you can use that same organization technique with your paper crafts. You must be able to locate that pretty piece of scrap paper that you used two months ago…know where you put things so you don’t get flustered and give up on a beautiful piece of artwork.
I would tell them ” don’t try and fit into what you think is right” Does that make sense…. when i tried to be like the girls in the mags I got easily frustrated, and discouraged.. but then I found SIS and found a place I can be me. Im one of those girls that SIS changed my life.. or at least my creative life…. People always hated my pages, cuz they didnt fit into the “mold” But now I know that Scrapbooking and papercrafting isnt about that.. its about creating to keep YOUR memories.. Your way.. and thats what I love about it.
So thats the advice I would give.
And thanks for the interview JJ… Love to hear the inside scoops
I would advise a new paper crafter to buy a monthly kit (like one of SIStv’s collections, for example…plug plug!!). All the thinking is done for you in terms of matching products up, and you’ll have more than enough supplies in there for loads of projects.
My advice for beginners, and I’m one myself, is to start out with page kits or coordinating collections. They make it so much easier to create pages that coordinate and look great!
I would tell someone new to papercrafting not to get caught up in making it look perfect or just-out-of a magazine. It’s your scrapbook page, so the photos and design elements should be meaningful to YOU, and be a reflection of YOU, not some trend or product!
My advice to those new to the hobby is to start slowly as almost everyone has advised. The worst thing you can do is get caught up in the “latest and greatest” trap. Get your feet wet with a few cards (using good cardstock) and a couple of simple layouts. In scrapbooking if you focus on the story you want to tell and add pictures and an embellishment or two you will have accomplished a great deal. As in other aspects of life, trends come and go. But your story told simply will endure for those you wish to share it with. As mentioned a few basic tools are necessary to move things along and prevent frustration – such as a good paper cutter, a bone folder or scorer for card folding accuracy, and good cardstock for layouts and cards. Slowly add a few lines of paper that include coordinating pieces so you don’t have to get too frustrated with trying to figure out what patterns go together. Most of all remember that if your creations make you happy that is all that matters. Create from that perspective rather than what others may think or with the possibility of being published in mind. That way you can avoid feeling pressured to meet the standards set by others. ENJOY your hobby!
I would say to sit back and see what you really like- don’t just buy everything you see. And don’t be hard on yourself if your projects aren’t cookie cutter perfect-they’re yours, and that’s what matters.
My advice would be to start with sketches – they are easy to work with and have great composition. Also a good paper cutter is essential.
Other than that – go to a friend-crafter home, work with her and see what you think you would like to buy.
And the best one – find a better paying job- this hobby is going to cost you
Being a newbie myself, I think that the best thing I own is a paper trimmer and a cutting mat. I wouldn’t do without them, so my advice to the a beginner would be to buy a good paper trimmer and then starting out with some layouts!
My advice to a beginner is to just start with the basics …you don’t need to buy it all at once! There are always new products being released and the trends change with every season!
I’m still somewhat of a newbie, but I’d say not to buy everything out there on the market. Most of it isn’t needed. I’d also say to stay away from paper pads unless you KNOW you love every single sheet! Stick with single sheets you love!
Pare packs and stamp sets help take the frustration of trying to coordinate your elements. Also card “receipes” or templates help to organize your card front and help jump start your creativity. Jill S
I would say pace yourself. You will want to have it all at once, but set a budget, look at everything, and pace yourself. Take classes, blog stalk everyone, go to lots of websites, go to crops. It will take some time to develope your style and you will go through a lot of supplies before that time!
Don’t be afraid to try different styles and play. It doesn’t have to be expensive – for example, iris folding and tea bag folding only require some paper, and even in stamping you’ll get a long way with just waterproof black ink, a couple of stamps and something for colouring in your stamped images.
My advice is this: Buy a couple of sheets of coordinating paper and a set of clear stamps, some ink, and have fun with them! Practice on scrap paper if you’re afraid of messing up. (Better than that–learn either WITH or FROM a friend! Two is ALWAYS more fun!)
Also, look at stamping galleries or stampers’ websites for lots of inspiration. You’ll be hooked before you know it!
Such an interesting article. My tips for a new paper crafter would be to HAVE FUN & not to get overwhelmed by all the “stuff” out there. Start with the basics (paper trimmer & SCOR-PAL a must), check out magazines & sketches for ideas that please you & Go For It. You will surprise yourself with your creations.
I would say just buy the basics and go at it. When I first started I was a shopping fiend and I ended up with a lot of stuff I never needed or used. I am a much smarter shopper now, but it takes doing it for a while to know what you are really going to use.
I am a Scrap in Style member & LOVE it.
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My advice to a new paper crafter would be to always try tools & research alternate product options before purchasing.