Here is a great story for the men in your life that do not understand your scrapbooking/cardmaking obsession. I think it was published many years ago in a scrapbook magazine…
Crack! “What was that?” screamed my wife, Kathy. I looked down to see the scrapbooking mess scattered all over the floor. Then I shook my head. Just my luck-out of all the places in the house, Kathy had decided to pile her things right in my
predetermined path. Didn’t she remember that I always head to the kitchen at night for a glass of milk? That I never turn on the light because I’ve walked that path so many times? Hmm. Kathy’s new “obstacle course” of scrap booking supplies has changed my life. Now I must turn on the light for survival.
Survival: The word may seem a little extreme, but so is my wife’s fury when I accidentally break one of her scrapbooking tools or set something on a page in process. I’ve learned through experience that adaptation is the key to survival when you have a scrapbooking spouse. Here’s how to live-and love- through the entire process.
BARGAIN- YOU’LL BOTH BENEFIT
Bargaining is a great way to show support. You simply allow your scrapbooker to purchase the supplies she says she needs. You make deals where both of you benefit. For example, Kathy and I have a deal that for every dollar she spends toward scrapbooking, I can put a dollar toward my hobby. I’ve already earned enough to buy a new hard drive for my computer! This technique creates a “win-win” situation and prevents confrontations about scrapbooking costs.
LEARN THE LINGO
If you want to impress your scrapbooker, learn the lingo. Here are a few basic definitions-worded with the non-scrapbooker in mind-to get you started:
- Acid: Bad, Bad, Bad (but actually refers to an abundance of hydrogen ions)
- Acrylic Stamps: Like Rubber Stamps except you can see through them
Archival: Lasts forever - Cardstock: A heavier weight paper used often for bases – usually solid colors
- Close to my Heart: the premier scrapbooking company (gift certificates available thru www.CreativelyCarol.com)
Creative lettering: Making letters fancy - Creatively Carol : The scrapbook lady who can help you pick things out for your wife. Carol@CreativelyCarol.com
Cropping: Cutting out unnecessary parts of pictures - Cricut: Not a bug, but a cutting machine to make stuff
- Rubber Stamps: Have images on red rubber, can see through, hard to get straight
- Silhouette: another cutting machine
- Journaling: Writing descriptions to go along with photos
By learning the lingo you move up the evolutionary scale. You become a more attractive and educated mate.
TRY IT YOURSELF
Ever wondered how your wife can spend so much time on a page? Try it yourself. Create a page or two (see Figure 1), but be prepared for a dose of humility. Scrapbooking is a difficult task that takes time and talent. You’ll be much
more inclined to give lots of praise.
PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE
When your wife finishes a scrapbook page, praise specific things about it. This shows that you are actually looking at the page and noticing details. This is also a great time to practice the lingo
Warning
It is best NOT to ask why the page or card too so long to make…
Ladies, this is a great time of year to send this to your husbands. Start your wish list, and give him my information so I can call him and help him with your Christmas Gifts!