Fresh Bloom in a Sweet Life

A blank canvas, a clean slate, a fresh bloom . . .a new year... how does each make you feel? I love them, one and all, for each represents HOPE filled with possibility. The canvas can be what whatever I want it to be - I need only choose and let my imagination direct my hand.

My family and I were chatting today, and I commented that I believe it is no coincidence that the birth of the Christ child, and the New Year fall together, as both, I believe, represent hope, and hope, light. 

Many have written in one form or another that we each come into life with a promise, a gift, a passion and a deep heartfelt desire. With the turn of the new year, as I reflect on what has passed (quite a lot of really difficult stuff both personally and professionally), what is (so, so much that is oh so good), and what is yet to come (the best is yet to come!), I have been giving thought to

1. my promise

2. my gift

3. my passion, and

4. my deep heartfelt desire

I think I have a pretty good sense of what each is . . . and I will share those with you in the days & weeks to come, as well as facilitate a better understanding of yours. If this interests you, please leave me a little comment and let me know - and by all means share with a friend.

For now,  I have a new journal card to share with you, to inspire, encourage, and hopefully nurture your sweet soul just a teeny tiny bit . . . (PRINT ON CARDSTOCK AND FOLD IN HALF - FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY)

This sentiment means oh so much to me - not just because I'm an an August baby, love the sun, & the color golden yellow, but I wholeheartedly believe we each come to the world with a beautiful light to shine. We will, of course, on occasion cross paths with someone who cannot tolerate the light we shine, they may try to altogether extinguish it, or stand directly in it for their own consumption and care. I am learning to not take such occasions personally (geez, that's a challenge isn't it?!) - the good news is when you have the strength & courage to stand firmly in your light, you will continue to shine regardless of what transpires in and around it. When you have garnered the wisdom that experience offers, you will radiate authentic love.

I have chosen to set my present focus on my promise, my gift, my passion and my deep heartfelt desires because as my light shines so to will yours. 

P.S. share this link with a friend today and brighten her day

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

From the heart & home of Terri Conrad Designs . . .

we wish you a Merry Christmas and

 

P.S. spread some joy today

The meaning of the color White . . .for me anyway

 The meaning of WHITE:

White projects purity, cleanliness, and neutrality.
Doctors don white coats, brides traditionally wear white gowns and a white picket fence surrounds a safe and happy home.

How does the color white affect us mentally and physically?

* aids mental clarity
* encourages us to clear clutter or obstacles
* evokes purification of thoughts or actions
* enables fresh beginnings

I have been yearning for a White Christmas which, given my profession as a pattern driven artist and designer, is a bit of a juxtaposition. As I consider my desire for white (which in reality is merely symbolic of what I desire) I consider all the ways I invest my time and the byproduct of those investments.

I am blessed with the opportunity to have a growing art licensing business supported by a wonderful team. As I contemplate the events of this past year, and look to reaching goals in the new, I yearn for

* mental clarity/focus
* clearing of clutter, obstacles & information overload
* clarity of thoughts, setting of goals & making choices
* fresh beginnings

                             W H I T E

 To do so, I feel the need to take a respit from regularly posting on my blog.

Because I so love connecting with each of you, this decision does not come lightly. I wish we could meet regularly, in person . . .sit & enjoy a copy of coffee and take care of each other’s soul . . .

There are so many beautiful & creative women
in our midst. I have included links to a very small sampling these women - I do hope you will make the time to visit them.

Seeds of progress have been planted, with my newest gift & home decor goods blossoming in January at the Atlanta market. I will certainly share photos as they come available.

I would love to hear from you, to learn more about why you visit certain blogs (mine included), what keeps you coming back, and what you would enjoy receiving from your visit to my blog in the new year. Your comments are genuinely valued.

To purchase from some of our current line of products please visit Terri Conrad Designs

Til we meet again -
sending you all the best to
Warm Your Heart & Home . . .

Happy Holidays!

Feather Your Nest this Holiday with Terri Conrad Designs

The lovely Jane Austen so eloquently said, "There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort." (but give me a ticket to Paris, and I think I just may be convinced to leave it temporarily)

I do love being at home tho - do you? I strive to create comfort in my home. I want (truth be told, need) home to be my sanctuary, filled with laughter, love & happiness, sprinkled with peace & security. I so value the message imparted in Proverbs 24:3-4 "With wisdom a house is built, through knowledge it is established, and with understanding all its rooms filled with rare and precious treasures"  Sage advice for anyone building a home and family, don't you think?

 Throughout the month of December we'll look at ways to feather our nest, creating comfort for ourselves, family & friends, and fabulous decorating ideas for the holiday season.

Personally, I am dreaming of a white Christmas! This collage of images I pulled together shines with sparkling inspiration. Does it appeal to your senses?

When your are looking for a special gift to warm both heart & home, and even to dress up your office, take a stroll through my newest product line for gift & decor, picture frames and more as well as a TCD exclusive, "My Print & Pattern" canvas decor

The pillows and tumbled stone coasters are, you guessed, from my Feather Your Nest collection.  

I know you have many, many options in who you visit, and with whom you "Feather Your Nest."  My heart-filled thanks, mes amies, for taking time out of your day to visit my creative world - and feathering your nest with my gifts & decor. It is truly a pleasure to be a part of your life and you a part of mine. I hope you know how much I value your visits, and your comments.

May blessings abound . . .

Scrapbook Trends - the storm is brewing - how will you save your ship?

scrapbook retailers

scrapbook manufacturers

stationery and gift retailers

scrapbook trends

As I opened and read my email this morning, I was pleasantly surprised to see my response to the sounding of the horn by Dennis Conforto, to his article "A Perfect Storm." Mr. Conforto is the Chairman & CEO, A-Z Media Group parent company of scrapbooking.com

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Response to A Perfect Storm, Last Week's Article
by Terri Conrad, Terri Conrad Designs

Dennis Conforto is one SMART fella! I am an artist and designer who seeks and needs successful (consumer product) manufacturers and retailers. In order to grow my licensing program, I cast my sights on trends, competition, and the broad-based commercial viability of my art. In order for my work to enable a manufacturer's success, I must keep my radio turned on and tuned in. I must be aware of what is going on in each industry where I have licensed product. It requires time to be prepared, but be prepared I'd rather be, than, like the "unsinkable" Titanic, go down with the crowd, when we hit a slippery slope of ice.

As a scrapbook retailer, have you considered, or do you already:
+ Attend the National Stationery Show in New York?
+ Diversify your product line?
+ Offer classes to women's and/or special interest groups in your community?
+ Consider co-operative marketing & advertising with community groups?

In 2008, the National Stationery Show®  launched a dedicated paper crafting seminar, in response to growing consumer demand for unique paper crafting products, scrapbooking supplies and handmade greetings. The seminars addressed how social stationery retailers can draw this new customer base to their stores and increase their bottom line.

As a scrapbook retailer, you can address how to draw social stationery customers into your store. All hands on deck! Retailers, manufacturers, artists, designers, and media - your ship's captain, Dennis Conforto has, (based on strong, irrefutable evidence) sounded the horn. Let's look at some possible solutions to each of these warnings: 

 Too much new product and not enough new consumers: New is not always better, nor profitable. A false belief has taken hold that the consumer demands this. It must stop on all levels. Find different and creative ways to package and merchandise the same product
 Too many trade shows and not enough revenue to support them all: Choose exhibiting and attending trade shows wisely, select based upon geographics and your forecasted business plans
 Too much dead inventory and not enough cash to pay for it: Manufacturers, develop a credit return policy with retailers, and donate returns to special interest groups. Retailers, think creatively in merchandising your product.
 Too much talk of competing and not enough talk on cooperating: Smaller manufacturers, develop cooperative liaisons with other smaller manufacturers creating a strong support base, exhibit next to each other, explore cross-market advertising.
 Too many manufacturers represented within a single store and not enough strong manufacturer/retailer partnership programs to promote brands: Retailers, call on the manufacturers you carry, ask for input and support to generate sales. Manufacturers, let the sale of your product be the beginning, not the end of your work with retailers
 Too much advertising spent on the converted and not enough spent to convert: Develop planned giving campaigns ˆ we all can participate in the BIG Give!
 Too much focus on the craft-only consumer and not enough focus on other non-traditional consumer groups: Partner with special interest groups

Take a close look at home décor and stationery trends, they are all incorporating scrapbooking concepts into their respective industries. Remain true to the focus and intent of scrapbook but educate yourself beyond the book. When we think creatively, we will be creative. The paper crafting and scrapbooking industry has had a far reaching impact on overall design application. Look beyond the bow of your own boat, and see (or shall I say "sea") the possibilities."

Scrapbook, gift and social stationery retailers are welcome to contact Terri for information on cross-merchandising her many product lines. Email her at sales@terriconraddesigns.com

Terri has two new collections of scrapbook product ("Sweet Life" and "Lovely") soon to be launched in partnership with K&Company.

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In January 2007 Terri Conrad emerged into the scrapbooking arena as a force commanding top sales for the upstart company Webster’s Pages, a division of Webster Fine Art. Terri’s creative vision and unique style of art launched her licensing program and Webster’s Pages into the scrapbooking industry and the market of home and wall decor crafting products. continue to learn more about Terri

< from Terri's Feather Your Nest collection

retail available here

view more and purchase wholesale here

Enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving!

All Good Things

must come to an end - our Blog Hop with the Artists' was so much fun - and now we each must announce who won! Ellen at closeyourears  guess what?

They say, winning isn't everything (but it sure is fun).

Ellen, I want to send you a complete collection of my Feather Your Nest scrapbooking/cardmaking/paper art creating papers along with this little sweet set of cachet pots also from my FYN collection. You can stash all your scissors, stamps, glue and colored pencils in each pot. (Please contact sales@terriconraddesigns.com with your shipping info)

The set may also be purchased at my webstore

I was visiting Amy over at Inspireco the other day

(such a cheerful place to visit!) and saw the sweetest collection of little turkeys, when I noticed a familiar looking pattern (from my Winter Wonderland collection). Amy, I hope you and your precious little fella enjoyed the creative journey.

Don't you just LOVE the stockings and ornaments along the side of her blog?

I have much to do today, and not a bit of it has to do with preparing for the BIG feast...but all to do with the administrative side of doing biz.

As we approach our day of giving thanks, there is oh so much for which I am thankful, including each of you you who encourage, nurture and inspire me. BIG squishy hugs to each of you, and may your blessings be bountiful.

 

votive candle (or flower) holder available for purchase here

The Road Less Traveled . . .

the long & winding road, each filled with promise & opportunity along the way - and I find such adventure and excitement in the possibility of what lies ahead, just around the corner both personally and professionally. How about you, do you journey through the road in your life with anticipation of what lies ahead?

This scrumptious photo was taken by the lovely & talented Sharyn Sowell on her recent travels to france.  She is our final stop on our Blog Hop with the Artisits' creative journey. Be sure to visit each artist, leave a comment and you could win something very special from the artist's product line. Each give-away will be announced on the 24th.

Nov 14 - Terri Conrad

Nov 15 - Brenda Pinnick

Nov 16 - Tori Higa

Nov 17 - Joyce Shelton

Nov 18 -   Phyllis Dobbs

Nov 19 - Cherish Fleider

Nov 20 - Joy Hall

Nov 21 - Barbara Johansen Newman

Nov 22- Sharyn Sowell

I haven't had the opportunity to travel to Europe, but how I'd love to taste the Heart of Provence

 

and Italy, & England - oh how magnificent this would be. Perhaps this new year such a visit awaits to unfold before me. I can taste its sweetness, touch its rich texture, see its depth of color . . .revel in its history.

What opportunity do you want to take (make) for yourself?

Giving thanks for what has been, what is, and what is to come -

Blessings to all

xoxo

La Cucina, The Kitchen, The Hub, Central Perk

We start our day there, kids often do their homework there (in spite of the fact they may have desks in the home office . . .hint, hint), we gather together there when friends and family visit, we may sit at the table with a cup of hot peppermint tea, or House Blend (Starbucks!) contemplating life . . .

THE KITCHEN

ain't she prettttttttteeeeeeeee

photos are compliments of

home by virginia

whom I found via my friend Charmaine

beautiful things to share

do pop in for a visit

i love them all

which is your favorite?

is your kitchen your "every-room?"

Here's a little something to cook up in there

 

Bon Appetite!

Another Day to Blog Hop with the Artists

Aren't these fabulous Christmas colors? I wish I knew where this is - the photo simply states "digs." Does anyone recognize this store?

Have you been visiting, commenting and blog hopping with the artists? There's still time to join the fun, and to pass along the word.

Visit each artsit's blog, leave a comment letting us know you stoped by, and post our "Blog hop with the artists" invitation on your blog (if you have one)

When you comment (on any of the artists' blog), your name will be entered into a random drawing for a prize.  The more comments you write on each blog, the better opportunity to win a gift from that artist's collection of products.

Nov 14 - Terri Conrad

Nov 15 - Brenda Pinnick

Nov 16 - Tori Higa

Nov 17 - Joyce Shelton

Nov 18 - Me!  Phyllis Dobbs

Nov 19 - Cherish Fleider

Nov 20 - Joy Hall

Nov 21 - Barbara Johansen Newman

Nov 22- Sharyn Sowell

 

I created these little pretties using my Winter Wonderland and Ting-a-Ling scrapbooking papers which are available to purchase in my webstore 

In January, and in partnership with one of our licensees, a Terri Conrad Designs Christmas line will be launched. 

Til we meet again . . .have your sweet self a magical day

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.

  ~Norman Vincent Peale

Blog Hop with The Artists - Day 2 & Something New by Terri Conrad

Good morning -

Today is the second day of our Blog Hop with the Artists featuring Brenda Pinnick (I think she may have used her sizzix dies creating this window card). Be sure to visit Brenda.

I was flipping thru some of my magazines and very much to my surprise, came across this:

 

 

maybe you'll give it a try - what a lovely hostess gift!

You can purchase my holiday paper here

Join the fun in our Blog Hop with the Artists - read our November 14th post for details on how you can post, play and win fabulous products from this community of creative artists.

Be sure to leave me a comment. I'm giving away one of my Feather Your Nest paper kits, including lots of fun goodies to inspire your creative spirit.

Lots of sweet love to you all!