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!
Sometimes it’s just hard to know where to begin. I would just say to start simple and CASE ideas that you like from your favorite crafters (ie: color schemes, sketches, etc.). It’s just like anything else – the more you “practice” the easier it becomes. Soon you’ll have your own original ideas flowing out of you!
my advice…..create for yourself!
don’t worry about impressing your friends & family.
this is my therapy, so it’s all for me haha. seriously, if they like it that’s great. if you like it, that’s SUPER!
My advice for a new paper crafter is: Start with a small project that you will complete and not feel overwelmed. Have fun.
My advice to a new paper crafter would be to enjoy the journey, even if you put out a few duds! Some of my earlier cards approach hideous status, but I have grown over time and look back now to see how far I’ve come. Making cards is about showing you care, so take time to just enjoy what you’re doing!
My advice for a new paper crafter is: Start with a small project that you will complete and not feel overwelmed. Also templates help to organize your card
my advice for a new paper crafter is- TRAST YOUR SELF.
start wish the basic (basic tools ans basic papers) and start creating. don’t say – wow i’ll will never be as good as… couse you can’t comper your self to some one how does it for years. so just try, and learn on going.
hope it will help some one…
inbar
Everyone’s advice is perfect for a beginner. I’m not much past that myself, but I’d add taking some classes in scrapbook/card making/paper crafting at a local store. They’ll have everything you need to make some projects. Little by little, you’ll find what you like and what fits your style and budget. BTW: love the new hairdo!
I would say to start with the basics: good scissors and a good paper trimmer. Then add on from there things that catch your eye and make you happy!
My advice to a new apercrafter would be:-
Even though there are so many products out there, try to make the most out of the ones you have and try to substitute for products (for eg. a big bg stamp for adding elements too) so you have more to invest in products you really need.
Don’t buy too much stuff! I’ve heard from so many scrappers that they bought lots and lots of stuff and after they had started scrapping and found their style part of all that stuff wasn’t as appealing to them anymore (yeah, I’m one of them
). Just buy a few cool things (thickers or another alphabet, a few patterned papers) and some basics like cardstock in basic colours you really like. If you were already a crafter in another field chances are you already have stuff you can use for making embellishments. Once you’ve made a few pages you get a better idea on what you like to use.
and most important: it’s about scrapping your stories (or those of your family) and making pages you love, so do what YOU like, and you do it right!
My advice to new scrappers is to start out slow and simple!! One can get very confused with everything that is out there. Don’t try to do everything at once. Do what comes naturally for you – if you like the look of ribbons, use that emblishment, if you like clean and simple designs keep to that style. You can always try new things down the road!
My advice? Not to stress when you’ve stamped an image/card that isn’t good enough for you use/keep and you just want to throw it out and start over. Just do it….IT’S ONLY A PIECE OF PAPER! Don’t feel guilty! Practice counts towards a better effort next time
Kim Marie
Don’t worry about other people’s opinion. If you like your page, then it’s perfect!
I would tell them to enjoy the creative process, and not worry so much about the outcome. It’s about documenting your story.
I would tell a new paper crafter the one thing that makes a difference when starting out is to go with a stamp co that offers products that match, for example, the ink matches the paper, the paper matches the ribbon, the ribbon matches the markers… etc. When I started stamping nothing I had purchased matched and I was unhappy with my creations. Finally, when everything matched, it made all the difference in the world!
Char in So Cal
{scrampaddict}{at} {cox} {dot} {net}
It’s an expensive hobby to get into, but once you start you will absolutely fall in LOVE!! Also once you have the basic supplies you can make things for next to nothing which is worth every penny you will EVER spend on papercrafting!!!!
Hi, I’m pretty new crafter, but I can say to a begginer don’t be cheap with the materials you have! When I started it was really hard for me to cut papers and use stickers, ribbons and other embellishments, I was afraid to “waste” them… But their meaning is to be in album pages and cards!!! And the works look better when you use them = I feel better
Apart from this, I join the advice of not buying too much and/or too fast, and do what you like!
Blessings from Israel,
Adi
I would say…start small, don’t go crazy buying “stuff” all at once. You will learn as you go and decide what you like better than others. I can tell you, my style and inspiration had changed SSSOOOO much since I first started scrapbooking! I think its better to collect as time goes on…if you see something special you really like, then get it…and keep it for that special project that you do…whether its a week later or a year later.
I would tell a new paper crafter that they don’t need to buy every tool and gizmo out there. Start with the basics: papers, adhesizes, scizzors, paper trimmer, etc. Then decide from there. Your style and likes are not going to be what the newest and latest trends are. Sometimes you’ll love them and sometimes you won’t. Spend some times figuring that out, you defintly don’t need it all at once!
My advice: don’t get overwhelmed by all the beautifull things other people have made. And most important: NEVER think you can’t ever made stuff like they do… You CAN make beautifull cards/ lay-outs/ paper projects yourselff, and even if they don’t look like the magazine pictures at all, their still YOUR special projects and so they are really special and beautifull! Further on: practice makes the master, so do make a lott of projects. And if you do a discoverytrip around the house before you went for buying supplies for your new to start hobby, i’m sure you’ll find a lot of usefull stuff so you don’t have to buy a lot at all!!!!
Before you invest on any specialist tools and embellishments: try them first! A lot of craftstores have croprooms, with tools you can try before you buy. If you ask them, they will be happy to demonstrate you and be sure to handle the tool yourself before you actually buy it. The storepeople can demonstrate their hart out and make the most perfect things, but if you’re hands can’t make the handles move, your tool will be a nice shellffiller for years…
If you start a new papercrafthobby, make sure that you tell all family and friends you are in the papercraftbusiness. They can donate you stuff they’re otherwise trow away like ribbons etc. . You may be overloaded with stuff you don’t like, but hey, they would get rid of it already, so when you decide to trow it away, so be it!!! I’m sure there will be plenty of things you can use, and its for free!!!
Beginners: take some free classes, with a demonstrator or park district or senior center, there’s surprisingly many options!
And buy a starter kit with coordinating materials, find what you like then you can buy lots more of that!
My advice is be easy on yourself; you cannot expect perfection. Personally, I was super hesitant to start creating because I was so afraid it wouldn’t look like the projects featured in the magazines. Once I finally started creating in ’08 my work has improved so much. Just make sure you have fun!
My suggestion for new paper crafters is to select a couple of techniques that caught your interest and build confidence in those skills and then branch out to others.
Hmmmm, I’d tell someone to buy a good paper trimmer, some quality paper and a magazine that interests them—then add a few supplies based on their style—stamps and inks, or punches and pens. One thing is, don’t buy everything on your first trip to the craft store—you will inevitably change your style and end up with things you’ll never use!
I think a good paper cutter is essential.
Start small….choose one photo or event to scrap. Once you get started you’ll learn & improve.
Then use your LSS, magazines, or online resouces for ideas. I think using the colors from photos to choose papers is an easy way to start. It’s your style, make it what you like!
Create-
While I don’t consider myself “experienced” in ANY way, I would tell a new card maker to try tools before you buy them. Most paper crafts stores have demo tools that you can try out, and most have make and take days to try new products. I just went to one yesterday, in fact!
For papercrafts….a good Cutting tool, my scor-pal (i use it on every card or box I make!), good quality paper and some ink! You’ve got it…the basics!!! Don’t start buying “stuff”…it can overwhelm you and your space…until you know what you’re going to make.
Can’t wait to see the new website and I’m anxiously awaiting my first issue to be delivered, my treat to me…a subscription!
stock up paper, paper, and more paper – you can use it for everything – your lettering, embellishments, etc
I just had to say how AWESOME this site is! I’ve been browsing through it all weekend & did some shopping. (The new kit looks AWESOME!!!) The videos are so fresh and FUN! I just can’t believe I haven’t seen it before. I read through the PC interview & wish I could have been there. THE best site I’ve been to. Period.
I agree start simple, otherwise it gets so intimidating and frustrating!
Thanks for sharing and I have been trying to find gaggers tape. Where can I buy it?
ha ha ha ha I meant gaffers tape
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