Open Road

Stacey Michaud

Reflections of You

Self-reflection is essential at any time, but seems particularly important during the month of January.   The first of the year is known as a time for new beginnings as you ring in the New Year and make your resolutions.  A part of establishing goals involves looking back at who you are and where you have been.  Can scrapbooking help play a part in this process?  I say yes and hopefully you will too as we kick off 2009!  Start by looking in the mirror and thinking about the person staring back at you.  Is that person strong, afraid, beautiful, worried, grateful, or a combination of all these things?  After some soul-searching, decide how to express yourself by considering the possibility of scrapping about you.  Explore your hopes, fears and innermost thoughts by creating “All About Me” layouts, complete with journaling!  Think of it as a diary on a 12x12 or 8.5x11 piece of paper.

Now, I realize that some people are uncomfortable with the thought of creating a layout about themselves.  If you are one of those people, what is the barrier?  Maybe you don’t like your photograph, don’t feel like your life story is important enough, or simply don’t know what to say.  There are ways that we can get around these obstacles and jump into “All About Me” layouts.  First, become a believer!  Many of us are good at recording details about our friends, family or even our pets.   Think about the power of also documenting information about you.  By doing so, you are leaving an amazing gift to your family members, both present and future generations, allowing your children and grandchildren to get to know you better.  Even more powerful, you are engaging in the act of loving and cherishing yourself.  Something that could go miles in helping you stay centered and remain focused. 

No ones know you better than you.  Think right now about how you would describe yourself.  Develop a list or draft a simple note.  Just start somewhere.  The women below spent time thinking about who they are and what makes them tick, creating lovely tributes to themselves along the way.

Design note: The Magistical Memories chipboard accents were easily embossed with Cuttlebug dies to give multiple layers. I added glue to the raised edges, leaving embossed lower edges without glue. When I cleared excess glue, the multi-colored edging of glitter was left behind. This created a very pretty detailed effect.  The dimensional ribbon effect was created by folding lace as it was sent through the machine. I sewed right on top of the tissue paper to keep it stationary. 

Design note:

I don't scrap or take pictures of myself much but one day while waiting for my son at school I took some self portraits. When I saw this picture the first thing that came to mind what how 'simple' I am; how I don't spend time on my hair or make-up, how I got those sunglasses at the grocery store, how I drive an oldish car (not an SUV or fancy van like most other moms there), etc. So I decided it was time to make a page about me and let others know how I see myself.

Journaling: A tired but very happy mama, perfectly content in my own world, a not-so-great but good enough housewife, I'm a simple girl, loving my simple life 10/08

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