Questions and Answers, Round 2!

I’m ready to tackle a few more of your great questions, from the personal to the professional. Here goes, and remember—if there’s a question that’s been tickling you about Close To My Heart, scrapbooking, stamping, or even ME—feel free to ask and I’ll do my best to answer in an upcoming post.

Jolene and Nicole both asked questions about scrapbook trends—how do we “predict” them and how to we keep them a secret once we’ve transformed trends into upcoming products. First of all, working with trends is both an art and a science, and not just limited to crafting. For inspiration, our great graphic designers, crafting artists, and product development and marketing teams look to color trends, fabric and textiles, home décor, and even fashion (which often leads out by a good 6-8 months). We look at what’s happening in these industries and then bring in raw ideas, scramble them up and research our own media and options. We always like to make a trend “our own,” since there is definitely a Close To My Heart style we like to stay true to.

Because we’re always working about one year ahead (the Autumn/Winter 2011 products are complete and so fresh and fun, and we’re already at work on Spring/Summer 2012), that keeping mum can be a trick. Frankly, it’s often hard to remember what’s in a current catalog vs. what’s in an upcoming catalog—there is so much overlap! It’s never a temptation for me to “leak” a product, but it can be tricky trying to remember what will be released and when! One of my favorite occurrences is when a Consultant suggests a new product idea and I know it’s already well in our pipeline—but even then, don’t expect me to spill our secrets; whether a product is coming or not, I’ll just smile in response to the question!

On a similar note, Amy wished and wondered about whether Close To My Heart is planning to address die-cutting. Amy, see the answer above. Smile!

Sonya asked me to describe a typical day. Sonya, here’s the great thing about my life and the answer to your question: I don’t have a “typical” day! Although each day has certain beginning and ending elements (exercise, prayer and scriptures in the morning, family time and prayer in the evenings) what falls between is different every day. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I meet for an in-depth review with our executive team (me and our Vice Presidents) and often these meetings can run for 5-6 hours. They are power packed, covering everything from product development to financial reviews. Other days may be reserved for off-site business and personal meetings, reviewing artwork, answering e-mails, creative work or product “testing/play,” church service, and helping my two highschoolers with homework and their busy social calendars. Whenever possible, David and I try to take a break together at the office for lunch (something simple, like a quick trip to Jimmy John’s sandwich shop or Thai, one of David’s favorites). I love the variety of my life!

Similarly, Sandy asked me what are the top three things on my “bucket list.” Just like I don’t have a typical day, I really don’t have a typical “bucket list,” which many people consider a personal to-do list of great adventures before they die. My whole life has been an adventure, and I am absolutely, completely living the life I’d always hoped. But there are always things I’d like to experience or do BETTER.

For example, although I speak Spanish, I love languages and want to improve my Spanish and add French, German, Italian and Latin to the list. As a youth, I was very involved in musical performance and opera, and these romance languages are truly the language of opera. I still love attending opera and listening to its beautiful music; I’d like to embrace the lyrics through improved fluency in these beautiful languages. Additionally, I’d love to improve my cooking. When I told this to a friend, she replied, “But you’re already a great cook!” With thanks for the compliment, I’ll say that I’m an “FSE Cook,” or a faster, simpler, easier cook. I know how to whip together family-friendly meals quickly, but my dream is to learn the art of gourmet and authentic international cuisine, specifically Italian and Chinese dishes. And finally, a quick wish: I recently purchased a Yamaha grand piano. It is beautiful! All my life I’ve found solace and invigoration from great music and I’m so excited to welcome this piano into my home. My bucket list item: learn to play it myself!

Jaime Llewellyn asked how much time I spend each week scrapbooking and stamping. I think every passionate scrapbooker shares my answer about time spent in our favorite craft: not enough! When I’m really engaged in a project, I can happily lose track of time. But my life is also so busy and committed, that I don’t get nearly as much time in my art studio as I wish!

“Miss Mary” said she had heard I’d been scrapbooking since I was a teenager and she wondered whether I still have those books. Do I ever! Mary, these are among my greatest treasures. In fact, the patterns I used for my earliest layouts formed the basis my ABC pattern program, which ultimately evolved to the Reflections scrapbooking program. Although some of my photos have faded (it was way before acid-free products, I’m afraid!), the memories are still as vibrant as the day the events occurred, and I cherish those sweet, sweet books. It’s why I’m so passionate that everyone keep scrapbooks of their own.