I discovered scrapbooking when I was looking for a unique way to present my education portfolio.  I started off with a few school related papers and stickers, but that quickly changed when I attended my first scrapbook convention.  Much to my former husband’s dismay, I quickly burned through my convention budget and had to pick up extra shifts at work to make up the difference.  I wish I could say I was better about sticking to a crafting budget, but that would be a lie. I just can’t control myself around the perfectly coordinated sets of paper, embellishments, and Washi tape!   

For twenty years, I worked as a full-time educator and part-time crafter. Although I enjoyed working with the kids, my career was the one aspect of life that I wasn’t passionate about.  I longed to leave education and pursue scrapbooking and paper crafting full-time. I spent several years chasing my dream, half-heartedly. I taught scrapbook classes at local scrapbook stores and made custom scrapbooks, mini-albums, and other photo related gifts for family and friends.  After years of talking about my dream, I finally took the leap of faith. In June of 2018, with my husband’s blessing and support, I resigned from my job as a middle-school librarian and opened an online business.  

Over the last couple of years, I have gone through ups and downs with my creative business.  I chased the wrong goals and experienced  a lot of failure with very little success.  I stopped crafting for a while when I had to return to work full-time.  It didn’t take long for me to realize I was dying inside. I just couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t being true to myself and my purpose.  I started crafting again, and even though I was super busy, I felt lighter, happier.   

For me, and I bet for you too, I’m just not myself unless I am using my creative gifts.  Crafting feeds my soul and connects me to my essential self.  I believe that all of us were made to create.  Perhaps you lost your passion or just feel like something is missing in your life.  I believe that connecting to your creative self will bring joy and fulfillment to your life.    

Bookish Designer is a host for the creative community.  I am committed to inspiring women to discover their creative passions and live their best life.  I hope you will join me for inspiration, resources, and lots of color.