Five Pass The Book Confessions ..

...and an adopter.

As I get ready to hand over to Melissa, I thought it was time to confess:

1. I didn't know if it would work at all. Your enthusiasm has delighted me.

2. I didn't even know how to make a blog badge when I started. But I worked it out and it has given me a lot of pleasure to see it pop up in blog world.

3. My favourite will always be the first one, Where Women Create, which Cheri has promised will land back here soon. I'm looking forward to it.

4. I'm really hoping there will be a message or two inside for me to read.

5. This is the big one. Ssh! Don't tell. I don't actually like wrapping parcels. I'm happy to pass the books, but I can definitely pass on the the parcelling! I can never make it as neat as I'd like.

Which leaves me with July's adopter of Art Saves to announce. Before I do that I'd like to thank everyone who has joined in. Keep on passing those books round! Each one will stay out for twelve months. And I'd like to take this chance to thank Alison of Life In The Slow Lane for sending me a blog award recently.

Thanks Alison! I'd like to offer my confessions as my part of the deal and I'd love to offer the award to everyone who has received a book. How's that?

So of course that includes today's adopter of Art Saves and that is....Julie from Notes on Paper. Julie, I'll get that in the post just as soon as I can.

Stortelling Sunday tomorrow. See you there?



Pass The Book: My Last (But Not The End)

Just sneaking in before the very end of the month, today I'd like to bring you my last Pass The Book. I'm going to be quick, because you have heard quite enough from me lately, but, please, do join in this one last time. July's book is:

the brand new, just published Art Saves by Jenny Doh. Stories, inspiration and prompts sharing the power of art is how it's subtitled; and that works for me. It's a beautiful book, just full of gorgeous pictures and nuggets to dip into. Perfect for coffee time, or five minutes before you fall asleep.

I bet I don't need to tell you the rules by now (but you can always check the page here). Leave a comment if you'd like to be in the draw. I'll post the winner next Saturday.  But I do need to tell you that, from next month, super book-fan Melissa from Daily Life Bits and Pieces will be taking over. And I'm delighted! Do look out for her first selection in August. I'm looking forward to it already.

One last peek at Art Saves :

"Combine your efforts with the efforts of other like minded people, and you'll be able to achieve things that are greater than what any one person could accomplish alone"

- which reminds me to note: it's Storytelling Sunday next week! I know some of you are already thinking about your post. I am too. A holiday themed one, I reckon. Just need some photos...

Pass The Book: June's Adopter And a Layout

I'll admit it. My courage nearly failed me this time round. When I posted about Painted Pages last week I hadn't had a chance to really enjoy it. Well, now I have. And I did think (just for a minute) that maybe you wouldn't notice if I moved quietly on without drawing a name...

..but just for a minute. Once I got really into it I started to see how Sarah Ahearn Bellemare (her blog is here) has been influenced by the sea and by her life on Cape Cod. I spent a happy summer holiday there once and I'd love to go back, so I thought maybe a page about that might pop into my head. But instead my inspiration from this month's book led me to make a page about plans for this summer. In a seaside-y way.

So here it is. I can't wait to see now how the same book influences its next reader. And that reader will be...

....Sandie of Itchifingers. Sandie, let me know your address and I'll get it off to you as soon as I can!

But wait, there's more Pass The Book news - if you would like to be in the drawing for Good Mail Day, hop over to Jacky's and place a comment here. And if you would like to read Where Women Create (last chance on this one!) make your way to Brenda's place and place a comment here. Give it a go. Go on..

Pass The Book: The Tenth

It's Pass The Book day today. I have a brand new, just published one for you and I love it:

Just look at the inside:

It's Painted Pages by Sarah Ahearn Bellemare and anyone with even a passing interest in creating a sketchbook or a mixed media journal will find something to enjoy in here. My favourite chapter was "Write it Out" - a guide to using dictionary pages, poems, the written word, as a starting point for journal pages. But there is something to catch your eye on every page, really.

So, same as always. Leave a comment if you would like to be included in the draw for this one; and remember that you can always check its progress on the information page here if it doesn't come to you this time. A quick look there today, for example, would reveal that Beverly from BE Glorious is currently passing on Molly Wizenberg's A Homemade Life. So take a look here to put your name down for that one. It's worth a read too.

And, finally, last but definitely not least for today - I am delighted to be able to tell you that after July, when Pass The Book will be a year old, the brilliant, book-loving Melissa from Daily Life - Bits and Pieces will be taking over. She volunteered and I said yes, please! I can't wait to see what she comes up with. That will be from August, but you could jump over there and say hello now. She would be delighted to meet you!

Post, More Post and Passing the Book

When I started passing out books in August last year, I had a plan. Alright then, two plans:

• I thought I could justify more crafty book buying if I shared
• I thought it would develop and deepen our blog connections

But I had no idea what fun it would be seeing my plans unfold! I have loved seeing the inspiration you have created with the books you have received: layouts and photos and stories. And now Ginger's Mail Art Exchange, which she came up with after getting hold of Good Mail Day (the book that got lost in the post - how ironic is that?). Ginger took the connection thing a step further still and created a list of creative bloggers happy to swap examples of their own Mail Art.

I've been saving the grey box for something special. Now I know what I'll be keeping in it.

I was thrilled when the postman handed me this one from Ginger herself. Isn't it a beauty? Thank you Ginger!

But then I got another surprise when these arrived from Cheri and Deb:

Card from Deb and bookmark from Cheri

Thank you too! An unexpected pleasure indeed. It's a privilege to be blogging alongside all of you.

So I guess today that leaves me with the task of passing out May's book - the Cardmakers Sketch Book -

which will be going to Amanda. I'll get that in the post just as soon as I can Amanda. I hope you enjoy it!

Pass the Book: The Ninth

It's time for Pass The Book again. Again! Where did April go? This month there was only one kind of book I was looking for. It had to be..

a book of card making sketches. Maybe you are already a diehard card maker with a blog list of sketch and challenge sites (anything you'd recommend?). Maybe, like me, you are only venturing into cardmaking after years of scrapbooking. I think this would suit anyone. In fact,  I bet you'll find half a dozen sketches to put in your notebook before you pass it on. The usual rules apply and newcomers are welcome. Simply leave a comment if you'd like a chance to read Cardmakers sketchbook . I'll draw a name in a week's time and you will find more information here

It has certainly given me a few more ideas for my Captured in a Card series. You've been asking me questions about the cards - here's what I think:

• Would I show the inside of a card?  So far the insides are completely plain and simply include my handwritten message with no journaling stamp or added decoration. But I'd love to learn how to improve my handwriting and this might be the push I need.
• Would it work with famous quotes I love?  Definitely! The other night I heard Richard Branson on TV saying "You don't make anything if you don't make mistakes." I thought that was worth writing down and remembering, so it might end up in a card.
• What's the story behind the "chicken" quote in your second card?  Truthfully, there isn't one. The Small One made a passing, random remark which I thought was funny enough to write down. That's the thing with the cards - you don't have room for lots of text, so you can make the most of a quick story or saying.
• How are you storing them?  At the minute in a divided page protector at the front of my latest album. Paperchase has great photo albums for a collection (Lizzie suggested making gift albums). Clair suggested library drawers like the 7Gypsies ones (love this idea) and I have a little plastic Photobox mailer which might work too. Or what about an index card holder?
• Finally, have a look at how Rinda has made the plan work for her. Her heritage stories are wonderful.

So, there you go. Leave a comment for the card sketch book, have a think about making a card or two and I'll have another Captured in a Card ready for next week.

Paper, Polls and Passing The Book(s)

It's Results Day here at High In The Sky. Let's start with that poll, shall we? On Tuesday I asked you to choose one thing you might like to see more of and our survey said? 37% of you wanted more scrapbooking, and 28% said more storytelling. Interesting! Thank you for taking the time to vote and leave a comment. And if you haven't yet, then you are still welcome right here.

With my two favourites top of the poll, I'm happy to get to it straight away, so I'd like to show you  my "inspiration page " from last week's Pass The Book:

As soon as I saw that Romancing The Ordinary was arranged by months, I remembered one of my favourite childhood birthday presents. A fat pink Puffin book given to me by an aunt who has a talent for good gift giving. It's still on my shelf today, battered and worn. Well loved, you could call it. It, too, has a chapter for every month of the year with hearty old fashioned suggestions for "something to do", usually involving old matchboxes or balsa wood. I never did find any spare balsa wood lying round our kitchen, which is probably a good thing, but this book sat beside my bed for years. Thanks Auntie B!

Which brings me to the adopter of Romancing The Ordinary. It's....Helena this month. Helena, I hope you enjoy it. Drop me an email with your address and I'll get it in the post.

But, wait. This month I was also choosing a new adopter for Creative Wildfire. And it turns out to be FurryPig. I think you are going to like this one!

Now I'm off to do some more scrapbooking. Or maybe write another story. Mmm..which to choose? Maybe a coffee will help me decide...

ETA: I've made my photo bigger today. What do you think? Please let me know!

Pass The Book: The Eighth

It's time for Pass The Book again! I have an interesting one for you this month. I found it through one of Amazon's "we have recommendations for you" emails, and I thought it sounded intriguing:

Romancing the Ordinary by Sarah Ban Breathnach

It is organised month by month, with suggestions for things to think about, things to treat yourself with, things to make each month seem different from the last. It does have a spiritual aspect, which I hadn't been expecting, but which, I think, is worth a read. I found myself noting down lots of quotes and thoughts which could easily become titles for layouts or blog posts. There are seasonal recipes and craft ideas too. A real mixture. If you are a Brene Brown I think you might like this one.

So, same rules as always (you can find them here). BUT WAIT, this month there is more -

Back in October I sent out Creative Wildfire:

It has been with Nicky of Creative Flourishes and she has asked me if I would choose the next adopter. I said I'd be delighted - so what I'll do is include everyone who commented on the original post here AND any new commenters who would like a chance at this one. So, that's two chances this month. All newcomers welcome and I'll draw the names in a week's time. There is nothing to stop you trying for both books, so Good Luck and Happy Thursday!

Pass The Book: March Adopter And More

Wow, it's not much of a day here. It's bleak and dull. Exactly the kind of weather for staying in with  for books and blogging!

If you have landed here from Blogging For Scrapbookers - hello and welcome! Come on in and make yourself at home. Actually, make yourself known - I'd love to get to know you and return the visit.

It's Pass The Book day today - all the information is here if it's new to you. I'm going to be sorry (sort of) to see this month's Expressive Photography head off on its journey. There is still so much to learn! It has inspired me in a different kind of way than I expected. As soon as I started to read, I remembered a clipping I had which I'd meant to share with you before now. It's on tips for portraits with camera phones.

Yes, I'm going back to basics! With the help of my delightful assistant (who felt her maths homework could wait) I bring you our iphone portraits.







The BEFORE shot. Inside and without any thought or plan. Can we do better?



TIP ONE: Get the light right. A cloudier day gives a softer, more flattering light and stops squinting into the sun. If you are at a party - try beside a lamp which will light you side on



TIP TWO: With no variable focus you get no depth of field. As simple a background as you can find, then



OR get in nice and close (because iphone photos don't enlarge well anyway). Which brings us to TIP THREE - a bit of makeup! "I should be so lucky," said The Small One. So, moving right along:.



According to Cindy Crawford, you need big hair! - hair looks better bigger on camera, she says, so flip your hair over and ruffle it up a bit before you pose. I think I see what she means



Or, finally, failing all else, dress your shot up with an app. This is good old Hipstamatic once again.





So, what do you think? We have our favourite already picked out...



Which brings us back to the book. I've picked out the adopter for this month (I'm going to have to learn how to use a random number generator. I've just chased all the little bits of paper round the kitchen) and it's...



Deb from Paper Turtle. Deb, I'm glad it's your turn - I'll get it out to you just as soon as I can. In the meantime, lets take phone photos. Lots of them.



Pass The Book: The Seventh

It's the middle of March, there's a hint of Spring in the air and I'm looking outside, wondering if the daffodils need their photo taken.

Yes, I have a photography boook for you this month. It's a beauty:

Expressive Photography: The Shutter Sisters' Guide to Shooting from the Heart. If you are already a Shutter Sisters fan, this one really need no explanation. If they are new to you, then head over to the blog and prepare to be completely inspired.

Then come back and cross your fingers! I loved this book: it's definitely one I would love to see landing back on my mat when everyone is finished with it. I've been through it once, and I'm hoping for another read this week before I make the draw.

Same rules as always - it's all here. Newcomers are welcome. Oldtimers please continue to keep me updated when you send or receive a book. That way we can all track the ones we are interested in. So, it's over to you: leave a comment if you would like to be involved..

Pass The Book: February's Adopter And Some Photos

I have finished up Molly Wizenberg's beautiful Homemade Life and I'm ready to send it on its way. When I first bought it I wondered if it would inspire me to new cooking efforts, and I've certainly taken note of some of the recipes

But, really, it has got me thinking about kitchens: about the time we spend in there, the people we gather round us, the way we use our kitchens as a reflection of where we are in our lives. And what it comes down to in the end for me is this: You grow up, you get more gadgets.

Our first little kitchen, nearly finished. With the cooker we found when we moved in and our wedding present matching kettle and toaster

The kitchen I'll always love the most is the one in our first little house. My new husband designed it and ordered it and flat-packed it himself and it made me very happy. Probably more happy than the big, grown-up kitchen I have now. Because we did it all ourselves. Coffee machines and warming drawers and big larder cupboards are nice - but, you know what I think? They take a lot of cleaning and they mean nothing at all if you aren't still serving up the food you enjoy to the faces you love. This lovely little book reminded me of that; and I'm glad of it.



Our kitchen now - mess and all



So I'll be interested to see what direction it takes this month's adopter in....and that adopter is Melissa of Daily Life - Bits And Pieces. Melissa, drop me a note with your address and I'll get it in the post to you.

A couple of you have been asking how long Pass The Book is going to run for, so here's what I'm thinking. Let's keep each book out there until it has been circulating for 12 months, then I'll see if it will come back to me (I would love to see the messages inside - you are writing a message, aren't you?). That should give everyone who is interested a chance for a look. And I'll keep Passing The Books out until August - that'll be a years worth of reading. After that, we'll see how it goes. Sound like a plan?

Pass The Book: The Sixth

Welcome to February's Pass The Book:

A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg has been, the front cover tells me, a New York Times bestseller. So it's just possible that some of you have already read it. But if it's as new to you as it was to me, then you are in for a treat!

Before the book Molly created the Orangette blog - a feast of writing and recipes still very much worth a browse. A Homemade Life draws out her writing and collects together her recipes beautifully.

As I read, I confess, I began to feel a little envious of her enthusiasm - no, her family's, enthusiasm for food and for cooking it. It was never really a big thing in my family: we have always been makers rather than bakers. But if ever I were to write a memoir, I'd like it to turn out a lot like this. But with more pins, and probably a zipper foot for good measure.

Check out her blog, then put your name down for a chance to read her book. I think you'll like it. The usual rules apply - it's all on the Pass The Book page (together with as much up to date information about the other books as I can gather). Internationals are welcome - and so are newcomers! Simply leave a comment if you are interested and I'll draw a name in a week's time.

Before I go today I'd like to thank both Deb and Rinda for their lovely Thank You cards. The miles disappear when the post brings a note from a friend. Thank you!

Pass The Book: January's Adopter and a Photo

Thursday again already? We'll be half way through the new year before we know it! It's been a fast week for me because I've been grabbing every spare minute to spend with this month's book. I've even taken some notes.

I've loved it! I've enjoyed all the books so far, and I've been having a lot of fun Passing The Book. I'm happy to keep going (I'm not out of ideas yet) but I do want to make sure that we stick to the original spirit of the plan. This is all about inspiration. It's about trying something new to you and about saying hello to the other bloggers you meet on the way. It was never meant to be about heavy reviewing.

See, I've been thinking. If I had launched the first book with a heavy review, with a mmm I'm not sure - it might all have fizzled out before it got started. You might not have been interested at all. I honestly believe that any book can provide inspiration, whether or not it's the kind of thing you would normally choose. remember way back at the beginning? I loved the idea of layouts or photos or quotes or anything inspired by the books? They are chosen to get us all thinking.

So, please don't feel you have to review. If you receive a book and discover it's not really for you, have a think about who it would appeal to and write your post with them in mind. Pick out the good points, make it sound appealing - you are selling it so that lots of your readers pitch in and ask for a go too. Know what I mean?

So, with that in mind, I'd like to show you the photo I was moved to take after reading Inner Excavation. It's about where I am now, what I do, who I am:

And then I'd love to announce the first adopter. It's....Debs14. Come in, Debs14, your number is up!

Please don't forget - you can continue to follow the progress of all the books on the Pass The Book page. Please check there for the latest draw information because Where Women Create and Still Missing are also looking for new homes this week. Best of luck!

Pass The Book: The Fifth

It's Thursday, it's time for Pass The Book, and I have a confession. I'm going to find it very hard to pass this one on.

Inner Excavation by Liz Lamoreux

It only slid through my letterbox yesterday (though I ordered it way back in December) - and it is so full of good things I can't put it down. I'm flipping through it right now because it's a difficult one to describe. It's certainly beautiful to look at (so that ticks the first box) - full of gorgeous photographs and project examples - and it's definitely a fascinating read. First of all I started dipping into it, then I decided I need to enjoy every word, front to back, as soon as possible. I think another photo will let you see what I mean.

By a happy coincidence, the very hour it arrived with me I clicked onto Ali Edwards post for the day - and discovered she had included a recording of Liz Lamoreux reading aloud some of the One Little Word choices. So I read and I listened at exactly the same time. And then I hunted out Liz's blog.

So, if you fancy a chance at delving into Inner Excavation (explore yourself through photography, poetry and mixed media) by Liz Lamoreux (but you do have to let go of it when you are finished!), leave a comment and, as usual, I'll draw a name in a week's time. All the Pass The Book information is here or please feel free to email me if you have any questions.

And, finally, Today I'm Loving...a project inpired by one of the Pass The Book choices, November's Good Mail Day. A postcard a week? I'll be looking out for them!

Pass The Book: November's Adopter And More

It was lovely to see some new names in the draw for Pass The Book this time round - thank you for joining us! I really enjoy setting this up every month. I'm only sorry that it's one name out of the hat at a time. But if the books keep on doing the rounds, everyones turn will arrive eventually. And we might even find some new blogs along the way.

November's Good Mail Day got me thinking about all the letters I've sent and received over the years. It was biting cold here yesterday, bitter and raw, so I stayed inside and pulled out my tin box of treasures.

Inside I found:

letters from my Grandpa, sent to little me in the 70's

"My Dear Little Angels (oh dear, Grandpa forgets how to spell Horrors.."

picture letters form my brother, sent in the 80's when he was at school and I was a university fresher:

"First, here is a picture of me very shortly (not meaning that I'm short. I'm not. I'm a Growing Boy.."

and from the 90's, a letter from a friend travelling in Kazakstan (mail from Siberia? That's a keeper!)

"My writing is not usually this bad, but we are celebrating the end of a successful expedition and I don't think anyone has been sober for about two days.."

and the tissue thin airmail sent from Taiwan by my brother when he was studying there. I hope he knows what a bright spot they were in the days when my life was spent toddler taming



"the landlord swears the shower and the toilet will be back by Saturday but I don't believe him. It would be great if he put a few of the windows back as well. "



I haven't reached the bottom of the box yet. This is one I'd love to come back to, if that's alright? Maybe by then I'll have time to make a page. For today I'll leave you with the name of the first adopter. It's..

..Rinda from Gallo Organico. Rinda..you've got mail!

Pass The Book: The Fourth

Maybe it's the first sightings of Christmas cards in the shops, maybe it's simply because I love getting post; but when I spotted a review of this book:

I just knew I had to include it in Pass The Book. We all like to write and we all enjoy those parcels which seem to fly backwards and forwards through blogland, so I thought some of you would love the ideas in this as much as I did. If you are already making art and sending it off to friends, maybe this one will really encourage you to push the envelope. (See what I did there?) because, of course, to get a letter, you have to send one first!

The usual rules apply. Leave a comment and I'll draw a name for the first adopter in a week's time. And don't forget that you can catch up with all the other books by checking here to see where they are.

Of course, if your name comes up, you know what I'm going to say don't you?...

...you've got mail!

Across The River

On a crisp Autumn morning when I have the time, there is nothing I like better than a trip across the river to the huddled terraced houses where my grandparents used to live. They're long gone now, but many of the shops they knew are still there. Not Artie the Butchers, with the sawdust floor, nor the Post Office with its teasing rack of paper dolls; but the factory fabric shop, and the knitting one, remain. And of course that's where I'm usually headed.

I can still picture Grandma coming down the road to meet me in her tifty patent shoes, sometimes a hat, always a brooch. The first time I took The Accountant to see her she was out and about. we caught up with her at The Coop and ambled home. He stood on her freshly cemented step and left a footprint (which was bad). But he asked for a trowel and fixed it (which was good). Even better - "he's got a look of your Grandpa about him," she whispered as she ushered us inside for a cup of coffee and an almond slice. .

That was twenty five years ago - any day now. I always did like October.

And here is the paper applique page I made, with room at the bottom for the journaling:

It's paper piecing by another name really, but then I think it's due for a revival. And no photo because I don't think it needs one. Anyone else make layouts without photos? I'm working on another one right now - and it's definitely all about the story. I hope it'll be ready soon, when I've found the right story to fill it.

Today I'm Loving...Amy at Over At Our Place now has her draw up and running for Septembers Pass The Book. Do check it out to see the page it inspired and leave your name in the hat for Beth Gutcheon's Still Missing

Pass The Book: October's Adopter and a Layout

So, today's the day I make the draw for the first adopter of October's book Creative Wildfire by L. K Ludwig. While I'm off doing that, here's something I made earlier:

My layout inspired by the book. I had set out my paints, ready to try an art journal page, when this photo pinged into my inbox. Just as I had run out of small boy pictures. I put some paint on a page, tried some doodling around the edge and hand cut some letters. But that wasn't enough, I still wasn't feeling the "creative wildfire"..until I looked at his hat, thought about the leftover wool and thought - I'll try knitting some bunting.

It was really quick to do, and it's a bit of added colour and fun (it could look completely different though - what about cream for a soft and sweet baby page?). I used 4ply on 2.25mm needles.

• Cast on 1 stitch
• Row 1: Inc (2 stitches)
• Row 2 Purl
• Row 3 Inc into both stitches (4 stitches)
• Row 4 Purl
• Row 5 Inc, K2, inc (6 stitches)
• Row 6 Purl
• Row 7 Inc, K4, inc (8 stitches)
• Row 8 Purl
• Row 9 Knit
• Cast off

And that's it. Oh, wait there is more. I've made the draw and the first adopter is...

...Carmen from Whoopidooings. Drop me an email with your address Carmen and I'll get the book off to you as soon as I can. I hope you enjoy it!

And, finally. I can't leave today without mentioning the 10th of the 10th 2010. Are you scrapbooking it?

Pass The Book: The Third

A new month, a new chance. It's time for October's Pass The Book! And this one is a beauty:

Creative Wildfire (An introduction to Art Journaling - basics and beyond) by L.K. Ludwig. It's been in my mind to do an art journaling book for a while, so I searched out one which I hope will appeal to complete beginners (like me) and seasoned journalers (like some of you). Yes, it has some starting out basics, but it also has interviews with artists and, of course, lots and lots of gorgeous, rich, inspiring photos.

I bet you know the rules by now (if not - and a big hello if you are a first timer - check out the Pass The Book Page at the green button to your right). Leave a comment if you'd like a chance to take part. everyone welcome, including internationals (last month's book went to Australia), and I'll draw a name this time next week.

But I'll see you again before that I hope. Happy Sunday!

Pass The Book: September's Adopter And A Layout

I've done the draw, I'm going to name the name..but first I'd love to show you the page I made inspired by this month's book:

Still Missing is about a little boy who disappears. His mother calls the police and, when the detective arrives, of course the first thing he does is ask for a description: Tell me a little more about him Mrs Selky.

And that's where my title comes from. How, Susan Selky wonders, Can you tell a little about your whole child? I used it as a way of bringing together lots of little left over snaps and I couldn't resist photographing it on that small boy's present day teenage desk. (He doesn't know about that bit, but he has spent some time wondering why he looks so deeply depressed in all his baby pictures). Anyway, back to the main event...

The first adopter for September's book is....Amy which means Still Missing will be making its way to Australia. I hope she enjoys it! Don't forget that if you would like an opportunity to be next, keep an eye on Amy's blog for the next chance. And if you are still interested in August's offering, Sandi's draw is still open here. There'll be a new book in October, remember, and suggestions are always welcome. What do you think?