NEWSLETTER
INSPIRATION
DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING2011 BLOG Schedule and more…
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Hi :o) This is SP…here to update you on our new-ish blog schedule…coming features, changes, my design plans and more (probably too much), lol!
As is often the scenario…changes tend to come with a new year. We have certainly had our share of changes here at the Shoppe…all around :o) We have had a couple of team members make the decision to move on (either to other projects…or just take a step back from the ‘scrapping world’), and as a result, I have wrestled with the decision of 1) having a call right now to add new members to the team, 2) shutting down the blog, 3) scaling down posts to maintain the blog with our current team members, or 4) all of the above (lol)! I really have put a lot of time and energy and thought and consideration (and prayer) into this decision. The truth is that I do not have time to have an open team call right now (even with help, it is a HUGE undertaking)…and I really do not want to shut down the blog as I enjoy it so much myself, lol! It is a LOT of work to maintain and manage…but I believe it is a worthwhile effort, so there are no plans to close it at this time (I’m happy to say) :o)
So, that really leaves me with the option of scaling back our blog posts (which are generally DAILY, excluding weekends) at this time…and enjoying our current team! I feel really good about this decision…and I hope you will, too :o) With that said, we will likely still have an open call in the future (possibly even near future), when I have more time to devote to it. The team is super special and important to me…and when we add to it – I like to really spend a lot of time considering each submission and how the scrapper would mesh with our team and all of the responsibilities, etc. It’s not something I like to do in a hurry or when I can’t give it my full attention, kwim?
What does this mean? Really…I do not think you will notice much of a change :o) Yes, we will be scaling back a bit, and NOT posting DAILY…but very close! Our ultimate goal is to inspire you and to have FUN! In general…there will be at least three posts per week…often more! We will continue to feature the LAYOUT OF THE WEEK posts each and every Monday…will still have the monthly templates challenges…product spotlights (every other week instead of weekly)…you get the point, lol! I can’t think of anything we are actually taking away from the blog…with the exception of the frequency of these posts. Let’s not forget the new ‘scrap 2011′ project that is coming up (debuting tomorrow here on the blog) and more! Of course, we also have lots of ideas for NEW content, too – and are looking forward to bringing you PLENTY of inspiring and exciting posts, as always :o)
One of my hopes is to provide you guys with a monthly calendar (linked on the blog) laying out the basic schedule for that month (always apt to change…but it would give you a general idea). That way – you know what to expect…at least until we all settle in with the new schedule.
Alright – that’s that…I really just wanted to bring everyone up-to-date so you aren’t wondering why there isn’t a new post every single day :o)
Moving on…lots of you have emailed asking WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO RELEASE A NEW KIT?! lol…the honest answer is that I HOPE to release one (or two) in the next month or so. I will tell you that I do not plan to keep up the super busy work schedule that I have maintained for the past few years. I know some of you are thinking, HUH? SHE DOESN’T RELEASE MUCH, lol! Truth is that there is SO MUCH work that you never see (or could even imagine, lol)…and I find that I spend the vast majority of my time answering emails (this is a BIG one), working on the blog, maintaining the sites and other ADMIN stuff. Sadly, it really does not leave much time for designing and being creative. I hope to change that a little this year…but mostly, I just want to make sure that I am not constantly stressing about the next release! That does NOT mean that I will not be designing and working, lol…quite the opposite…I hope to work quite a bit (when I have the time and am inspired)…but wish to spend my available work hours designing instead of answering emails, etc. We’ll see how it goes…wish me luck, lol!
As many of you know…at this time last year – I was in the hospital for a decent bit of time (all worked out and thank Goodness, I am just fine now) :o) That really puts things into perspective for you though…and quick (at least it did for me…or so I thought, lol). When I finally got back to work…I felt so stressed about trying to ‘catch-up’ and really continued that momentum and ‘feeling’ throughout the year. I don’t want to do that again :o) So, I plan to keep the Shoppe at a nice and FUN pace this year and I hope you guys will enjoy it along with me! First and foremost (like many of you), I am a MOM and a WIFE and I love both of those roles dearly. I am also SP and I have to tell you – I love that role immensely, too! But sometimes, balancing the three (as well as the many other hats I wear…like all of you) is not easy :o) This year…SP is going to have to move down the list a little bit! She wants to ENJOY 2011 and scrap it along with you guys (smiles)! I guess I really want to be more of a scrapper than a designer for a year, lol!
Along those same lines, I thought I’d mention that Nicole (our in-house product designer) will be taking most of 2011 off. Nicole designs most of our piece-a-cake albums, lots of our hybrid products…and our calendars. I’m sure you will notice a decrease in these kinds of products this year…but we hope to make it up to you next year :o) Again, this is just all the more reason to take things a little slower this year…it just makes sense!
I realize this post is LONG and has been all over the place, lol! Thank you so much for indulging me and all of my rambling :o) You all mean so much to me…I feel that I have come to know so many of you so well and truly consider you FRIENDS! Thanks for being part of my world :o)
That’s it for today…I’m so excited to bring you our new PROJECT post tomorrow (which I need to get back to working on, lol)! xoxo –SP
Jan 21, 2011 @ 14:37:21
Congrats on your decision. I’d say it was a wise one. Being a wife and mother should always come first. I also think that your new monthly scapbook project is perfect and I can’t wait to do it!! Thank you again for all the hard work you do.
Jan 18, 2011 @ 01:06:53
So glad to hear you’re not shutting the blog down but even more glad to hear that you’re taking the pressure off and taking some more time for you and your family this year. And I just love the new project scrap, I’ll definitely be doing it. Thanks for all your hard work and beautiful designs!
Jan 14, 2011 @ 00:26:05
I just want to say “Hooray” for not stopping the blog!! I’m a total blog stalker and get so much out of it – I just had to comment and let you know. You’re site is why I started digiscrapping a few years ago and your designs are my favorites! Thank you so much for all the beautiful and creative work! Can’t wait to see more whenever it comes out – I’ll patiently wait ;)
Jan 15, 2011 @ 17:55:22
blog stalker… YES, that is the term i was looking for! <3
Jan 13, 2011 @ 10:58:32
I’m so glad you’re keeping the blog alive! I always look forward to looking at the blog and the inspiration gallery as they’ve both helped me tremendously with my scrapping! Thanks for all you and the team do for us scrappers!
Jan 13, 2011 @ 06:25:16
I’m so relieved you’re not shutting down the SP blog – although I’m new to it, it has brought me tremendous pleasure. But I also understand how you might feel torn between your roles. Go with your gut, and we will support you in any decision you and your team choose!
Jan 12, 2011 @ 19:45:14
Well krzymnky said it best! I love this blog, I have always scrapped using mostly EVERYTHING I can from your store, and I love the gallery. I love that more ppl are posting to the gallery, it’s fun to see new inspirations and I have learned a lot from the blog. THANK YOU for it, I feel like I”m learning lots and keeping up better. Good luck to you for that as well! THANKS SP and everyone else!!
Jan 12, 2011 @ 18:50:34
So glad you’re keeping up the blog…we can handle a few less posts (I guess!). Being with family and keeping some inner peace is so important and we all know that and support you guys fully! Can’t wait to see the new kit(s) when the come out! I’ll be waiting with bated breath!
Jan 12, 2011 @ 18:21:04
Thank you for keeping the blog and the shoppe open. I support your decision 100% and I think we will all just enjoy those amazing kits all the more when they come out. Since I became a mamma 4 years ago I had to put a lot of my “loves” on the backburner but you know what; it’s just a season and I don’t ever want to regret missing out on my husband and kids. You take care of your self and may the Lord continue to bless you.
Jan 12, 2011 @ 17:17:19
I hope you have a VERY happy 2011! I will always look forward to your new kits and try to never email you, even though I miss you bunches. :)
Jan 12, 2011 @ 15:05:55
Family and self should come first! We will enjoy what you do, when you decide to do it :)
I think all scrappers can relate with being behind or life being too busy for creativity to flow (or just have time for it in general)…so no worries!
Jan 12, 2011 @ 14:44:54
Whew! I’m so relieved that you won’t be shutting down the blog. I get such enjoyment out of reading the posts and checking the gallery. I have learned so much about scrapping and photography from reading the posts and have gained much inspiration from the gallery. I thank you and the team for your commitment and I understand and respect the need to scale down. This is, without a doubt, the BEST scrapbooking blog that I’ve found, and I’ll continue to “visit” regardless of the number of posts — it’s all about quality, not quantity. Thank you, SP!
Jan 12, 2011 @ 12:43:19
Shew – I’m glad the blog lives on, it inspires me to get my butt in gear and scrap (I’m about four years behind on my daughter’s scrapped life and well, she’s four…oops!).
It’s the prettiest blog around no doubt! Thanks for all you do!
Jan 12, 2011 @ 12:07:13
I’m so happy you are taking time for yourself this year! I always worry about you. I would much rather you slow down the pace than completely quit. You are so talented at what you do, and I hope that you are able to find more joy and less stress with scrapbooking this year. Thank you for all you do! You really are fabulous!!
Jan 12, 2011 @ 10:53:14
I support you 100% in all of these hard decisions! Thanks for all the work you do to make my day brighter. I am excited to keep scrapping with ShabbyPrincess in 2011:) Good luck with EVERYTHING! Thanks again!
Jan 12, 2011 @ 10:29:04
I have so LOVED the blog and have felt like it not only improved my scrapping but my photography, my cooking and my day! I am glad you are not giving up on it as I would so miss it! Enjoy your time with Family I think it is a priority we all should have. We will be excited for new products whenever they arrive, you have created a warm special nook in the internet and scrapping community, cutting back is great just don’t give up on it I would be very sad to hear that!
Jan 12, 2011 @ 09:44:29
Okay, pretty much what krzymnky said ;) – couldn’t have said it better! I too say thank you to the shabby team for their time, their efforts and the inspiration they all give to us. Thank you thank you thank you. Thank you for the update, and know we all understand how many roles women take on and the struggle it is to balance them. Much love and hugs to you SP! Wishing SP and the team a happy 2011!
Jan 12, 2011 @ 08:26:19
Thanks for the update–it all sounds great. To you I share one of my favorite sayings “No pressure, no problem!” Technology and the internet are great, but they can be tremendous stress producers, especially when running a business. Whatever and whenever you can share your creative vision and wisdom, I’ll be here appreciating it all! Best to you and happy new year!
Jan 12, 2011 @ 08:05:39
first off, let me start by saying thank you to the entire shabby princess team for everything thing you do and all the time you commit! if not for your kits, inspiration and blog, i may have fizzled out on my scrapping a LONG time ago. i would say that probably 85% of what i scrap with is SP and that a lot of my inspiration comes from your staff members as well as all of the gallery members. i still consider myself a novice but find direction in so much of what i find in the galleries and on the blog… thank you for that also! i think i speak for everyone when i say, we all understand the pull of doing what you love vs. well, doing what you love. time is precious and very limited, feel no guilt for spending it with the important people, family is and should always be number one! thank you SP for all of the beautiful products & inspiration and thank you SP team for all of the blogging & support! here’s to a scrappy 2011! <3