Terri Conrad Designs

Heart & Hand Crafted from mine to yours

Have you heard the news: I've just released a limited number of heart & hand crafted designs. I am so excited to be crafting again! I've been so busy creating art, that I've had little to no time to actually design with my papers. It feels sooo, sooo good to get in my studio, make an absolute mess of everything (do you want to see a picture of what it looks like in "working order" - I wonder if I should dare show you!). 

Some pieces will be duplicable while others will either be a limited edition offering, and/or one of a kind creations like these little beauties available for purchase on my my web site, - emm, have I got your curiosity piqued? That pretty brown floral paper in the pic lines the shelves of an antique cabinet in my studio.  Guess what, I also lined my kitchen drawers, and shelves with my paper.  I feel so happy when I open the drawer (even b4 my first cup of Starbuck's in the very early a.m.) and see these pretty papers looking at me.  It just really starts the morning off in an unexpetedly pleasant way.  Try it - shop Webster's Pages or your local paper crafting store.

Speaking (okay, writing) of Starbuck's, I just love Starbuck's Merchandise and the art displayed in their stores. And, oh - the packaging!  Ingenious!  I want to license my art to them for their merchandise - do you hear me Mr. Brad Lewis, the venti marketing exec of Starbuck's? Their product is so prolific they're now centerstage in the Chicago Mart. 

Next time you slip inside to order your venti percent wet cap, take a look at the little lovelies on the shelf, and tell me - wouldn't you just love drinking a cup of freshly brewed joe with my art wrapped around the cup?

Keep a watch on heart & hand crafted designs - I have lot's of ting-a-ling, bling and savory sweets for the holidays - with triple digit temps here in LA I just can't bear  (did I use the right "bear?") to post them yet.

Squishy hugs to all - go hug someone now!

Terri

Can you come out and play? "Just Be Connected"

I need connection with people - like minded people - real, warm, caring, compassionate, creative, intellectual, spiritual, people - women.  How about you?

It's not always easy working from a home studio, rushing out to drop kids at school, with no time to spare to stop and leisurely chat with others.  I have friends in my neighborhood I try to get together with on a weekly basis for our Starbuck's, and good old fashioned girl talk - and I love them dearly and our opportunities to get together.  What I find I am needing, in addition to those friendships, now more than ever, is connection with creative women; women who are trying to make a business out of being creative.  What a blessed gift to be able to do so.

Last night, while looking at Memory Makers new web site, I read an editor's blog that led me to Alicia Paulsen's Rosy Little Things. Well, what a delight it was to enter her beautiful world. . . from there my eye caught the words "just be connected".  "That's what I want!" I said outloud.  So, I raced over - and I urge you to also visit.  I'm giddy with excitement at the possibilities . . .I'm reminded of when I was a little girl - forever the new kid on the block b/c we moved nearly every year - so there I was a little 5 year old knocking on the doors in my new neighborhood, "Hi, do you have a kid I can play with?"  Seriously!

I want to visit each and every site noted on Melba's   "just be connected", knock on the proverbial door and ask, "Do you want to play?"

I have such a heart for women and children, and I genuinely believe when we are transparent and honest with ourselves, that child is alive and well deep inside - let's bring her out to play - let's hold hands, just like the little angels (that we are!) and that are in Melba's logo, jump and frolic and play.  I just may even pick a flower for you to put in your hair.

Have my heartfelt thoughts touched a chord in you?  Do you want connection, do you want to play?  I invite you to share your thoughts with me . . .can't wait to hear from you - til then . . .

my family and I are off to Ventura to go antiquing for the day - happy, happy Sunday girls!

xoxo

Terri

Dare to Dream

Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself.
Go forward and make your dreams come true. Ralph Waldo Emerson   

I love quotes.  I love words.  I love expressing myself.  I love hearing and seeing others express themselves.  I love to dream, and dream BIG!

There was a time, that while I felt creative, I had not yet tapped in to my "artistic" talent.  It was at that time I dreamed of being an actress - and I was for about 5 or 6 years.  I had the wonderful experience of working in live dinner theater - a comedy murder mystery, as well as Jerry Maguire - yes, the Tom Cruise movie.  Auditions, however, were excrutiating for me. Thus, I gave up acting for another dream - to be a mother.

I am so blessed and privileged to be called mommy by my two precious little ladybugs. For the longest time I referred to my first born as Snickerdoodle - it just seemd to fit.  Then along came my second, and I affectionately called her Sweet Pea.  One evening at the dinner table when Jessica (my oldest) was about 3, her baby sister was sitting the high chair and I made some passing comment to Sweet Pea (Katelyn, my youngest) when Jessica began to softly cry.  When I asked her what was wrong she said, "Am I not sweet mommy? I want to be sweet too." 

Never did it occur to me that Jessica, my snickerdoodle, would entertain the thought that I believed she wasn't sweet because I called her little sister Sweet Pea.  Well, you can imagine, I scooped her up and held her in my arms, assuring her how much I love her, and that she too is sweet, very sweet.

Seven years have passed since that evening and she's now in 5th grade, and Katelyn in 2nd grade.  School resumed this week and all is well, so far.  They both report that they like their teachers - a lot!  Whew!  But, getting up with the alarm is not fun - I second that.

I'm living another dream right now - the privilege of exploring my artistic talent (my husband has been my greatest supporter and fan!).  I LOVE that I get to be home, raising my children, and nurturing my passion to create.  It's not always easy integrating all aspects of my life - but I don't for a second complain, because I wouldn't change anything. 

I've been working hard helping Webster's Pages develop its brand and the industry's response to our product is so very exciting.  Thank you to each and every one who has shared in our enthusiasm. 

Some designers have sent images of their designs with my paper and I just love seeing them.  If you've designed something, please feel free to send a pic over; I've created a special page, Creative Expressions, specifically to show off stuff we create.

What's your dream?  If you were you to make it tangible, what would it look like?  What would you use to create it with?  Is there a paper, or paper collection that reflects your dream?  Create it and show me - then go out and make it come true!

Blessings to you

"Heroes in the Hood - Sisterhood"

Have you ever been inspired with an idea, and it seems which ever way you turn, your thoughts are affirmed by conversations and experiences? 

Our job then is to take action and begin to breath life into our inspirations.

Pure Serendipity!

Pure Joy!

Personally, I am inspired by the many, many women who have a story of courage, or a story of heroism to share. For some time, I have wanted the means with which to share these stories - it is with heartfelt gratitude that I have the privilege to bring these women and their stories to you, here, each Monday.

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possible, not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world in born."  Anais Nin

Please join me today in welcoming my new friend, a Sister, into the hood - Amy Westerman and her "... tribute to my mom, my "she-roe".

Amy's shares these heartfelt thoughts in her journaling:(post edited to add the following:)

My Mom is my “She” Roe

Mom, you are such an inspiration to me!  Being your daughter is something I am so proud of.  You’re a kind, caring, and loving woman--I can only hope and pray I’m half as wonderful as you when I’m your age!

You’re a loving Mother and an adoring Grandma!

You’re there when I need someone to wipe away my tears.

And you’re there to love me even when I might not be so lovable….

I thank God I was born to a Mother like you, Mom!

and to me, Amy writes, "Thank you for this opportunity to 1. Brag about my Mom! and #2. Scrapbook again.  It really felt good to put words to paper and journal exactly why my Mom means so much to me and WHY I think she's a HERO!"

Thank you Amy for allowing us to feature your mom, and your beautiful expression of your love for her. We sing praises to your mom.

You too may sing praises to Amy's mom (just imagine how tickled she'll feel when Amy shares them with her) and see more of Amy's classy and creative Heartfelt Greetings on her blog.

Learn more about "Heroes in the Hood - Sisterhood" and how you and your story of courage, or story of heroism may be featured here next Monday, or the Monday after that.

"Call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family.  Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one."  Jane Howard  (as do I) Here, we call it "Heroes in the Hood - Sisterhood"

If you are a manufacturer or media interested in learning how you may become involved in supporting the growth of Heroes in the Hood - Sisterhood, you are invited to contact Terri Conrad

Blessings to each of you

xoxo

Terri

On Being Real and "Heroes in the Hood - Sisterhood"

"Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby.  But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.  Margery Williams, “The Velveteen Rabbit.”

I just love this quote. The precious little LuLu Bunny belongs to my daughter Jessica, and she's named for the giver - my dear friend Lori, whom I've endeard with the name LuLu.  As you can see, LuLu has truly been loved by Jessica - I can even feel the life in her when I hold her.

Being real is important to me.  It's difficult to be real tho - not everyone we come into contact with is ready for real.  I just had my 45th birthday yesterday, and I've worked very hard to learn what being real means to me . . .I've been humbled many a time to the point of tears, and sometimes sobs, only to realize that the awareness that comes with such humility brings change, good change in the form of growth. 

I wasn't allowed to be real when I was a little girl, so I learned to be what was demanded of me.  But secretly, I held onto the real parts, deep inside - and when I could - as an adult, and with the very real love of my husband, I learned how to bring those very real parts of me to light. 

Yesterday my daughter asked me if happy and content were the same thing.  "No," I said.  She asked, "Are satisfied and content the same thing?"  "No," I said, and addeded, "at one point in my life I would have said I would prefer to be happy over satisfied because I believed 'satisfied' was settling"  She asked, "Are you happy?"  "Yes,"  I said, "because now I know what feeling content feels like. I'm satisfied with being content, and that makes me happy!"  She's 7 by the way.

What are your thoughts on being real, on being content, satisfied and happy?

I want to invite you to a new page, "Heroes in the Hood - Sisterhood." I would include the link but I haven't figured this darn thing out yet.  Just click on the Heroes in the Hood page in the right column here.  Get yourself a fresh cup of coffe and take a moment to read what it's about.

Simply, I believe women need a place to share their stories of courage, and stories of heroism, so as a creator, I've created a neighborhood for sisters to share their stories. You'll find all the details when you click over to the page.  I hope you're moved, inspired, and compelled to participate.  Please, pass the news on to others, and let's build a neighborhood like no other - Wisteria Lane it will not be - hmm, we'll have to think of a name for this lovely tree lined land . . .I'm open to ideas :o)

squishy hugs

Reader's Choice - Webster's Pages

It's that time again - Terri Conrad Designs' art manufactured by Webster's Pages has been nominated for Creating Keepsakes '08 Reader's Choice Award .  Now it's YOUR TURN to click on over and vote, vote vote for favorite "paper" and favorite "stickers and/or rub ons" (for Webster's Pages of course).  Merci, merci.

Look Who's Loving Terri Conrad Designs at Webster's Pages!

Whoo-hoo, yee-woo, look-who is loving Terri Conrad Designs at Webster's Pages - and we're loving Trudee Sauer too! Take a look: Link: Follow Your Bliss… » Friday Favorites!.

"Today’s favorite is a newfound gem from CHA! While browsing through the booths, I stopped dead in my tracks in front of Webster’s Pages booth. The booth was so warm and inviting, and the paper! Oh my goodness the paper! I was seriously in love......We were fortunate enough to meet the designer Terri Conrad. She is an absolute DOLL! We chatted for awhile, and I just gushed over her amazing designs. Terri is a very talented designer, and her warm personality shines through in her designs. Webster’s Pages is here in North Carolina, the Raleigh area. "

Let us know where you've seen our paper and products, as well as where you want to see them so you can begin creating lot's o' goodies!

I'm working with Angie Pederson and she's doing a marvelous job giving me all kind of insight to find my way thru this hundred acre wood - I have so much that I am so very eager to share with all of you, yet, still need to learn my way around (quite a bit) before I am able to add the information here.  Thank goodness I'm a fast learner (at least I think I am) and

I have an awesome husband who's willing to vaccuum the house, and take our little ladybugs out to lunch, while I tend to biz.  I love him so (boy oh boy there's a story to share on this one).  That will be revealed on our anniversary - in September.

What do you love about your husband?  I want to know, and I bet he does too.