Terri Conrad Designs

Pulling Focus

Why is it sooooooooo difficult as a creative person to do so?  In the film industry the Cinematographer has the "persistence of vision" of the motion picture; he has the unique ability and responsibility to assure that the beginning, the middle, and the end reflect what was written by the screen writer.  The cameraman, however, captures, or records the picture, and the focus puller assures that the cameraman "hits the mark."

In life then, I suppose we could say that God is the cinematographer.  He writes the scripts, and holds the persistent perspctive of the Big Picture.  He sees what we cannot and do not see. The artist is the cameraman/woman, recording her imagination (the pictures God has placed within her). Ahh, but who then, in life, is the artist's focus puller - the individual who continually assists the artist is hitting the mark (the place you are supposed to be)?  A business manager?

As a highly imaginative woman, with a manic supply of ideas and concepts - most of which are commercially viable - I stuggle, daily with pulling focus, and hitting my mark.

In Real Women Scrap, Tasra tells me "The world needs what you have to offer.  You are uniquely qualified to offer the gifts and talents that God has given you."  "Yes! YES!" I think. "Let God help you encourage others through [what] you create" she goes on to say.  "I'm tracking with you, girl, okay, what else?" I ask, as I read on with curious anticipation.  But, she says, "Artists don't plan, they create."  Don't I know it!  Hey, I just wrote about that in my Sept 12 post (below) - and guess what, I was saying, "I am not a planner."  Now I'm thinking, has Tasra been running around inside my head? I am then assured that there is not only help, but hope for my seemingly hopeless condition - it's a word called B.O.U.N.D.A.R.I.E.S!

Immediately, the song, Don't Fence Me In, plays in my head (I told you it's a manic place in there).  I know Boundaries, in fact, I know who wrote the book - John Townsend, Ph.D.  For it is this man, who singlehandedly walked me into a life of faith putting me on to the path I walk today - for which I am deeply grateful).   Okay, so in John's words, Tasra quotes, "It takes wisdom to know what we should be doing and what we shouldn't.  We can't do everything.  Boundaries define us."  "But, wait," I say to myself, "I want to do everyting.  I have so much time to make up for.  I'm a late bloomer."  Rather grandious to think that I can do everything, and do it well...Mother, wife, me, home, work, friend, save the world, walk the dog, exercise (harder and longer b/c I'm 45!).  "Wait! Stop the merry-go-round, I want off."

Tasra then gently tells me, "Keep it simple, sweetheart."  She just reaches right into my heart and touches the child within me, assuring me it's all good, in His timing, encouraging and reminding me that "this is not a competition. Everyone needs to start somewhere!" And I say to myself, "pace yourself, breath - okay, you gotta remember to exhale . . ."

And then Tasra offers the piece de resistance, the focus puller . . ."(1) Seek advice and counsel...;" (2) Set a [regular] meeting time to share your goals and ask for feedback and suggestions..;" (3) Be as specific as possible about the boundaries you would like to establish;" and asks the critical question, "What would you like to see happen in your life?"  Finally, "(4) Create an action plan."  Heavy sigh, 'plan,'

I am accutely aware of my strengths and weaknesses.  And, I am infinately more interested in pulling focus on my strengths, creating, generating ideas, encouraging, nurturing, and inspiring, than on my weaknesses, planning, managing, forecasting, executing.  Clearly I need a yin to my yang, I need a business manager, a focus puller, so I may fully flourish in my creativity and bring forth from me to you the very best of my "uniquely qualified gifts and talents" - thereby assisting you to express your "uniquely qualified gifts and talents."

I am continually fascinated at the magnificent, glorious orchestra God has created, and the fact that I, a girl who fights and struggles to pull focus to fulfill His purpose, is chosen to play just one instrument in making this joyful sound we call life. And when I can't or don't hit the note, He gently, persistently reveals just enough of the Big Picture allowing me to record, to create what He sees.

I have some work ahead of me, but work in the good sense that once done, will allow me to play more freely, to focus on what I do best.  I have untied the ribbons to my imagination, and it's overwhelmingly in full technicolor right now having decided to move forward with Heroes in the Hood - Sisterhood, among other endeavors.  This is a good thing tho, I simply need to heed Tasra's sage words enabling me to pull focus and pace myself.

So, in closing, I pray for a business partner/manager.  I know God has this person and his or her very unique gifts and talents already selected.  I think, too, He's just been waiting for me to realize I need help, ("HELP!") and, that I must ask for it when I need help.  Hmm, there's a little whisper of wisdom for you.  We all must ask for help once in a while and that's okay, that's a health step.

With that, I would like your help with this campaign.  You may do so by (1) purchasing your Limited Edition "Pieces of my Heart" Kit from my web site Boutique; (2) click over to my  News Room to read the current Press Release; and (3) spread the word.  Please feel free to call on me with any questions. Thank you.

A very gracious thank you to Tasra also.  You simply must get your hands on her book, Real Women Scrap.  She will certainly speak directly to you as she is to me.

Who is your cinematographer? 

What are you recording? How?

And, finally, who is helping you pull focus?

A day (or two) late . . .

but worth the wait (I hope!).  It's here, it's here, it's here, my first teaching kit, and it's one of my favorite designs, "Pieces of my Heart."

I've designed this especially for Heroes in the Hood - Sisterhood to reflect the heart and soul of so many truly amazing people. 

Long ago I came up with these little words of encouragement, "Weave a ladder of dreams, have faith, be courageous, aspire."  They have become the cornerstone of my life, and my life's work.  I've created canvas tags with these words, along with a wonderful quote by Christopher Reeve.  Words alone cannot express his and Dana's faith, hope, courage and love.  I believe they're in heaven dancing with each other.                                           

This piece is designed to look beautiful, and impart words of encouragement and hope whether you are coming or going.  You will find all the details and can purchase yours on my web site  in the Boutique    Once there click on the Heart & Hand Crafted in the category box.  This is a limited edition kit including 3 of my brand new double sided Classical Garden papers along with lots of other goodies.  If you haven't already visited Webster's Pages  please be sure to visit there now where you can view all of my designer paperie and decor. 

I just love the "rustic romance" of this piece, the juxtoposition of the refined feel of the bauble, paper and velvet with the real twig gathered on my morning walks and curled wire hanger.

If you are in the LA, OC, Ventura, or Santa Barbara area and wish to schedule a class please email me for details.  My teaching time is limited and dates are already booking up. 

Thank you everyone for your enthusiasm, excitement and encouragement.  I am so excited to be sharing just a small part of your life and your creativity.  Yesterday, I ran into a Keri at our local paper store Remember When and she said over my shoulder as I was die cutting, "aren't you the one who designed those papers?" We had previously met at JoAnne's and she commented on the project I had in my hands then, we chatted and I gave her my card and invited her to email me, and to check out my paper at Remember When. 

In teaching, I'm going to have the most fun talking and getting to know all of you.

 

Must go feed children now - imagine!   :o)

P.S.  it just occurred to me, I'm posting this blog before the kit is uploaded into my website - go visit anyway, see if there's something else you simply must have . . . I promise it will be loaded by night's end.

Blessings to all!

Terri

                                    

Is it too late? Never, ever, ever!!!

It is never too late to become what you might have been. George Elliott Have you ever felt like it's too late?  I've often wondered about this . . .We come into this world, beautiful little babies, with with God's purpose and plan lovingly folded into our heart. Alas, (yes, I really use this word!) we digress from it because of the choices we make (living life according to our purpose and plan).  Hmm, perhaps I ought to write in first person - I am after all referring to myself, hoping, as I write in third person, I am not alone in this. Fortunately, as I tell my daughters, "tomorrow is a new day, with new opportunities, and the chance to make better choices."

In the early days of my blog I commented that I would, as my wedding anniverary approached, share with you a piece of my story.  Tomorrow, September 23rd, my husband and I will celebrate our 12th anniversary of our first marriage.  As you read Download the_signal_weaving_a_ladder_of_dreams_print_view.htm you will see we have been through the fire, literally.  Although a tragic and profoundly painful experience on so many levels, for so many reasons, we found our way back to each other, and made our family whole again. 

As soon as we found a place to call home, and moved everything from storage to our new home, I immediately began to get back to work making up for lost time, bad choices, what ever you want to call it.  Three months later I connected with Brandin O'Neill, the owner of Webster's and found myself back on track to fulfilling God's promise, God's plan fo me, and for my family.  It will take many years to rebuild our lives as these events took a tremendous financial and emotional toll - today, we are together tho, we are better people, we are stronger, and we are moving forward as a family.

As I write, a new friend, Amy, comes to mind.  She and her family are experiencing some very real challenges of thier own today.  The "why," although human nature to wonder, isn't as important as the "how"          . . .how do we grow thru this experience as opposed to go thru it.  It is these stories of courage thru adversity, heroic stories that inspired me to develop Heroes in the Hood - Sisterhood.  Beginning Monday, I will offer a kit specifically designed to share your story of courage thru adversity, and/or your story of heroism.  As Annie Danielson eloquently says, "Your story begins at home"  Heroes in the Hood - Sisterhood gives you the opportunity to express and share your story thru the use of mixed media art. 

Do you have a story of courage or heroism to share, have you wondered, "is it too late?" and realized "NO, it's not!" then I want to hear from you.  My hope, is to eventually pull these stories together, then to develop and publish a book.  I want your story to be featured here, on my  Heroes in the Hood - Sisterhood page and eventually in a book. Please visit my my web site Boutique on Monday to purchase your kit. What's your story?

I love you Clark, you are my Superman! Happy happy happy anniversary!

Oh to create!

As you think, so you are. As you dream, so you become. As you create your wishes, so they create you.  Wendy Garrett  This message has been expressed by many a poet and prophet thru the ages of time.  I, for one, believe it is true.  I just wish I could "think" and therefore "create" a bank account sufficient to finance all my creative, personal, and philanthropic dreams!  (tapping finger to temple, "think, think, think!")

Until such time as my thoughts manifest the above, I share with you today's project, "My Friend."                                                                                                            Long ago, I auditioned (for the same role) with a very pretty, very sweet, very accomplished girl.  We were both cast in the play, and the rest is history.  Since then, we've lived with each other, laughed with each other, cried (okay, totally sobbed) with each other, been angry with each other, loved each other, and have been shelter to one another thru sunshine and shade!  Lori is my true compass and I wanted to create something very meaningful for her.  This keepsake box is hand painted, and the lovely piece of art is tucked inside the box.  I even collected small twigs on my morning walk to add a bit of nature paying homage to her deep desire to be proactive in living a "green" life.  Happy birthday Lori!

It is indeed a gift to be able to create.  I live to create.  I must create and when I do, my pretty little vintage tea cup runneth over.

My seven year old daughter, Katelyn wanted to create a birthday card for her teacher.  I let her go into my studio to select some goodies, and she went to work doing her thing.  After I put my girls to bed, I came back down stairs, and looked at her shimmery glistening card drying, picked it up, held it and admired her sense of creativity.  She's got the gift - my job then, I suppose, is to give her lot's of opportunity to untie the ribbons.

I will take a picture of her card and post it next time so you all can see her beautiful work.

To see more pieces like "My Friend" visit my web site's Boutique.  I'm developing a complete line of keepsake gifts for baby, bouncing, beautiful babies. 

Dare to think the best possible thoughts.  Dare to dream the biggest possible dreams. Dare to be the best possible you.

Blessings,

Terri

Stepping out in Faith

Imagine what a harmonious world it could be if every single person, both young and old, shared a little of what he is good at doing. ~ Quincy Jones

I have, for some time, been contemplating teaching classes.  I've been asked, "Do you teach?" It's been suggested that I consider teaching & I've recently been invited to teach at our local community college - which I graciously accepted.  I'm excited, and a bit nervous about this new venture of mine.  Silly, hah? The nervous part.  The thing is, I just LOVE reasons (any) reason to bring women together to share, to talk, to explore, and to create.  And, so it shall be.

I may begin by offering a class on cooking up a delicious design such as this yummy cook book.  What do you think?  Whether you're a retailer, or a creative spirit wanting a reason to gather your gal pals together I want to hear from you. 

I will begin to put together a variety of class options from which to choose - and then, I get to go shopping and begin sourcing ribbons, charms, flowers, and other lovely little pretties that blend harmoneously with my papers.  Now, I'm wishing I were at the Memory Trends show in Vegas this week getting a sneak peak at the all the goodies.

Lot's to prepare - I'm sooooooooo excited! I will have more definitive information, schedules, and class options & class kits available for all to look at later this week.

In the mean time, feel free to email me with any inquiry and to place your name and/or store name on an interest list.

Squishy Hugs!

Terri

Bella, Bellisima!

Bella, bellisima, beautiful!  He has made everything beautiful (Eccl. 3:11) This is my precious daughter, Jessica, and Shayna, our English Creme Golden Retriever enjoying last Fall's crimson & golden leaves.  I am sooooo eager to experience Fall.  While Spring is my favorite season, I really do enjoy Fall. I'm such a homebody, and I think, by nature, (no pun inteneded) we're encouraged to cozy up this time of year.

In this layout - and yes, I design all my pages digitally for the simple fact that I create the art for the paper (Webster's Pages), so everything is already on my computer - it's just quicker for me. Here, I used Southern Comfort, Wicker and Picnic from my Parlor Collection.  The tag is from the same collection. 

While I enjoy creating my pages digitally, I REALLY enjoy creating decor and gifts. I started out in this business doing just that, designing home decor and gifts - this was long before I knew artists and designers were such a driving force in the scrapbooking and paper crafting industry.

Recently, I felt compelled to return to my roots of designing.  Only, now I have the opportunity to use the paper I designed in my design concepts. For this warm & spicy trio I used my new Classical Garden Collection.  The pumpkin is a little bare wood piece purchased from Michael's - come to think of it, so is the little crate and pot pouriee.  I just repurposed the crate, adding my own designs to it.  I finished the pumpkin on both sides, adding my Tranquility paper to the other side, and a string of small glass beads so I can also hang it from the skeleton key tucked in our armoir in our entryway. 

I am eager to begin hearing from retailers who are carrying Terri Conrad Designs' paper by Webster's Pages.  Whether you're a designer, a consumer, or a retailer, you will find plenty of inspiration in Heart & Hand Crafted here in my blog, and select designs available for purchase in my web site Boutique.  Feel free to let me know if you have any questions.

I hope you're inspired to get creatve - I would LOVE to see what you come up with.  Be sure to take a pic and show me the creativity!

Warm hugs -

Terri

Express Your Sweet Self!

"There is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost."
Graham, Martha

When I sit down to write a post, rarely do I have a pre-determined idea in mind.  I let the white screen and my heart speak to me.  It is the same when I enter my studio to work.  I may have elements before me, but no concrete plan.  I let the elements speak to me and just begin.  It's really an awesome experience to free oneself up to just be present and begin to express youself creatively.  Are you a planner or a free spirit?

My friend Deena and I have "planned" to get together each Wednesday to learn Illustrator.  We've met once.  My bad!  She's lol if she's reading this.  I just don't do well with planning.  While I am certain there is value in planning, I am an avid proponant of the free spirt.

That's my "Carefree" Kate enjoying last year's bed of fall leaves in our front yard.  She is a wonderful study of the epitomy of being free...how I hope she retains this beautiful quality as she grows. (the paper is from my Coco Collection - buy yours here). 

I hope you will give yourself permission to freely express yourself, to express yourself creatively, without plans - think of it as playtime.  Invite your kids in on the action, set out some paper, water color pencils, brushes, glue, all the little goodies and simply begin to explore playing with the media.  Do you need a little starter: 

(1)  group pictures (photos or pics from magazines) that show relationship to one another, journal the relationship (i.e. flowers, a watering can, gardening tools);

(2)  mood:  select papers that represent a mood you want to convey, include die cut shapes that may speak to that mood

(3)  repurpose something (one of my favs)

Okay, now go play!

Hugs to you all :o)

P.S.  I just received an email from lori gentile.  Pop in an take a look at how she's playing with my paper.

Great Minds Think Alike

I am only one, but I am still one.

I cannot do everything, but I can do something.

And because I cannot do everything,

I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.

Helen Keller

Helen Keller's quote carries so much meaning for me - it serves as (a) a continual reminder that I have the ability to do some thing; (b) a source of encouragement to have faith; (c) to be courageous in stepping out to fulfill my purpose; and (d) to continue to reach for my dreams in spite of my circumstances - what ever they may be - and they (our circumstances) do have the unpleasant ability to change with the wind.

Yesterday, late afternoon I picked up a copy of Creating Keepsakes, and with my heart racing at a pace faster than I could keep track of, I read Ali Edwards' article, stories of HOPE. In her article, she encourages readers to tell the story of someone who has "challenged adversity with courage," and to "take a deeper look at the people you admire and why you admire them." 

I have never met Ali, nor have I (with all due respect to my fellow sister and artist) followed her career - frankly, I've had my blinders on integrating my own into my already full everday life - we are,however, for reasons unknown to me at present, on the same path (i.e. Heroes in the Hood - Sisterhood.

There are no coincidences, just God's divine hand twisting and turning the paths of our lives so they intersect, cross, and travel parallell at times.  I have experienced 24 hours of thought filled with some very raw emotion, sadness and frustration (with my limited resources). I considered the possibility that because Ali and CK have published this article and call for design with such similar nuances as Heroes in the Hood - Sisterhood   my efforts mat be greatly foreshadowed, lost in the dust of their high profile. 

I had choices to make . . . let this amazing coincidence disable my effort, or empower me; feel small and invaluable, or encourage me that GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE.

I choose to be empowered and encouraged.  Thank you Ali Edwards, and CK MEDIA. I am reassured that my BIG idea is also in your hearts and on the pages of Creating Keepsakes, that our minds are thinking alike.

I choose to remind myself that

I am only one, but I am still one.

I cannot do everything, but I can do something.

And because I cannot do everything,

I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.

Helen Keller

I for one look forward to seeing what comes of Ali's article, and "Heroes in the Hood - Sisterhood."  I hope you'll visit Ali's Stories of Hope as well as Heroes in the Hood - Sisterhood. 

I believe today, we need real heroes in the form of real people, right from our own neighborhood, we need courage to transcend present circumstances, faith that tomorrow is a new day holding new possibility, and we need the ability to aspire to actualize BIG dreams, one tiny step at a time - hopefully making a positive difference each step of the way.

Have a listen to this awesome song I "coincidentally" found while writing this post:

By Steve Angrisano & Tom Tomaszek's  Go Make a Difference

For you fellow creatives, you may also like this other site I stumbled upon:

http://www.directedcreativity.com/pages/WPModels.html

It's Friday - I will not work this week end, I will not work this week end, I will not work this week end...but, when you are blessed to use your gifts to make a difference, and actually derive a little income from doing so, it is never work.

Blessings to all

Terri

Giving - a little bit for a BIG cumulative effect!

What a day it's been . . .of all the details that I could share about my day, I am, in retrospect, selecting to share this one small, but very significant part that has made up the whole of my day today:

I received an email from Alane Davis, the Chair of Young Survival Coalition - Duluth CVG www.youngsurvival.org.  We met at the July CHA show.  There, she shared with me that as a young cancer survivor, she is working with Elena Etcheverry of www.ScrapbookRoyalty.com hosting a Crop for a Cure on October 13th.  Alane was seeking manufacturer donations for this special event.  I saw her Scrapbook Royalty pin on her lapel, and immediately knew that I had something special to give; something that she could auction off at her event that (1) could potentially touch someone's life, and (2) have a positive impact on her cause.     I'm aware that is just what I want to do: (1) touch people's lives, and (2) have a positive impact, for the cause(s) that I choose to support, and those of others that I am able to, in any manner, support. 

I watched, with engaged interest, Bill Clinton's interview with Oprah as they discussed his new book, Giving. I even asked my girls to watch with me.  While I may not have money to give, I do have gifts to share, I have ideas, and I have resources to share.  Each hold its own value, no less, no greater than the other - each makes a difference, each touches someone's life for the better, and each supports a cause for the greater good of people, and of our society as a whole.

I encourage, I challenge you, to live today with your eyes wide open, to see what you are able to give . . .a hand to hold a door open, a kind word, a genuine compliment, a piece of your heart, money, your gifts, your talent, your time.  I feel fairly confident that there is something unique only to you, that only you can give to make that little bit of difference that will have a cumulative big effect.

Blessings to each of you today -

                                                                                        

What shall I share today

It's been soooooooooo HOT here in L.A. - with temps rising above 110 all week, we've been sequestered in our air conditioned homes - and I think we're all becoming just a bit antsy!  I keep reading on other's blogs about fall being in the air, and confess I'm a bit jealous.  I am longing for a change in season.  I am, at least vicariously, able to experience a taste of fall by visiting friends like Amy at heartfelt greetings - who, btw, gets an "atta girl" for her happy news.  I told Amy I just couldn't bring myself to change my banner to reflect fall yet (as much as I want to) due to this heat wave...maybe, if I do so, Mother Earth, will be kind and turn the seasons for us.

  Hey friends, if you haven't had an opportunity yet to read about "Heroes in the Hood - Sisterhood" you simply must!

I was reading Lisa Johnson's blog, Poppy Paperie, and saw this absolutely gorgeous gratitude journal she made for someone special who is, as I write, experiencing her very own story of courage, AND story of heroism.  This is EXACTLY what Heroes in the Hood - Sisterhood is all about . . . using mixed media art to share these stories; to feature these women; and to encourage, inspire, and nurture the unique beauty, beloved spirit and unlimited possibilities in each other. 

I really believe we must be reminded, daily, (at least I do) that we are beloved by the finest of all creators - God - that He loves us, unconditionally, He knows the plans He has for us, and it is in and thru Him we gain the strength, courage, and hope to live, and to say amidst any circumstance, "it is well with my soul."

Sharing a glimpse inside my heart, and my thoughts, I am personally having to, moment by moment, look to Him, and His plans (not mine) to determine what shall come to pass and just how much I am to invest of myself, my family, and our finances in my hopes and dreams.  I've been working so, so hard to further develop my business, and have been feeling a bit like I'm working too hard at it - does that make sense?  Right now, at this moment, I am hearing that still small voice say, "Be still and know that I am God."  Why is it so challenging to do just that?

It's a 3 day weekend - of which I would typically work b/c I have such passion for what I am privileged to do for work, gratitude that I have a voice to express mtself, and deep desire to encourage, inspire and nurture each of you, and your unique beauty, beloved spirit, and unlimited possibilities. 

I think instead, I will play.  I will take this 3-day weekend to be still, and let God encourage, inspire and nurture me - because I need Him to.