Positivity/Affirmations/Love Yourself CJ *HOST CHANTAL*

[Lily_My_Lovely]

The Positivity / Affirmations / Love Yourself CJ

Organizers Name Chantal (http://www.ukscrappers.co.uk/boards/private.php?do=newpm&userid=2407)

Signup: Open
Status: Running
Sign Up By: 1st January 2006

Posting Frequency: Every Two Weeks

Completion By: 28th May 2006 (May change depending on participants)

Posting Schedule:
1st posting: 21st January 2006
2nd posting: 14th February
3rd posting: 7th March
5th posting: 28th March
6th posting: 21st April
7th posting: 7th May
8th posting: 28th May

with additional dates dependent on participants

Rules for Mailing:
Posting of CJ in a heavy-duty, bubble padded envelope, which will take the reuse and abuse by Royal Mail
It is recommended CJ is placed in a sandwich/Ziploc bag to protect it from the elements.
Posting should be Recorded 1st Class on the dates listed above

Details
{By Chantal}
Following various events in my life I have been told I lack self-esteem/am too self critical etc etc, and I suspect many other women are the same. This journal is to focus on the positive things about the wonderful women we all are! Each member will complete a page on each of the following themes, saying positive things about themselves! You are not allowed to say anything negative-for e.g. "I Love my legs, but have a big bum" is not allowed!! It will be I love my legs because they are long and tanned, or I love my taste in clothes/books, because I know what suits me/what will take me away to a new world etc etc

So the themes would be basically what you like about/what you are good at with regard to ...

My Body (your body, not mine!)
My Head (hair/face/eyes etc)
My Talents (e.g. dancing, singing, running, baking, science or whatever
My Relationships (with family/friends/partner etc)
My Job (e.g. what are you good at in your job, be it a homemaker, voluntary work, paid work etc)
My Personality (e.g. optimistic, chatty, friendly, sense of humour etc)
My Taste (e.g. clothes/books/art)
My Knowlege (everyone has something they know loads about!)
My Creativity (scrapbooking!!!)

If I or any one else can think of more..let me know! The team can consist of up to 12 members. And the way it works is...In CJ 1 you will complete the first theme (e.g. My Body), in CJ 2 the second (e.g. My Head) etc... so by the end you have done one LO on each theme, and everyones CJ has a LO on each theme in their book by the time it "goes home" and can learn more about themselves and their fellow UKS members, and maybe we can all teach each other something!

Think Postive.... and sign up!


**Please leave the first message below this for the host to post!**

[Chantal]

THIS CJ IS NOW FULL

Please find more info on the attachment that Ching made at the end of this post

revised posting dates as they were wrong and to extend in light of number people in CJ. These are on the attached doc

Amended to show posting order
Chantal
Ching
Kelly (Kel_eh)
Tracy (Tracyteabag)
Hils (Hils)
Karyn (Matiepeeps)
sweetlilsarah
Tracy (winterbaby)
Pauline (PMK)
Jody(Litany)
Nickibee
Ali (Aliblack)

themes

1. face
2. body
3. job
4. relationship
5. personality
6. talent/skill
7. creativity
8. my taste(could be a colour)/individuality/style
9. knowlege-as said could be about anything that you know about (incl Take That )
10. My proudest moment/greatest achievement (this was TracyTeabag's idea and I think it is a good one!)
11. This final one is "my favourite positive phrase-which was Hils's idea-and another one I like! Maybe it could be explored further with a description of how it makes you feel more positive...I think this could also link with the suggestion of "my outlook on life" as we are all likely to choose phrases which closely link with this and reflect our view of life

and finally...12. what have I learnt about doing this CJ? (whihc I think was another of Tracyteabag's ideas).

[TracyTeaBag]

me please!!! is there a limit to the number of cjs you can join. I am currently in one that finishes in two weeks and have signed up for another new one - could I join this one too??

Thanks

[Hils]

Sounds like a brilliant idea. I've not done a CJ before but would love to - can I join in please? :)

[Chantal]

Great! You are both added along wiht Karyn

Cxx

[pmk]

Hi, just signing into the thread!

[winterbaby]

I would like to sign up for this Chantal, I could do with looking at myself and my capabilities as a person as I can be awful negative about myself at times and this would be really good for me. Let me know please.
Thank you.

[TracyTeaBag]

Hi fellow positive people, really looking forward to this CJ, quite excited and a bit nervous!

[Chantal]

Scrapbookmad/Tracy I have pm'd you!

I reckon this will be very interesting and abit scary at times! I have a tendency to focus on teh negative and am hoping this will encourage me to think about the good things I can do and have in my life rather than the grotty bits! Is everyone happy with the ideas I have had for the things to think about and include in the CJs?

My Body (your body, not mine!)
My Head (hair/face/eyes etc)
My Talents (e.g. dancing, singing, running, baking, science or whatever
My Relationships (with family/friends/partner etc)
My Job (e.g. what are you good at in your job, be it a homemaker, voluntary work, paid work etc)
My Personality (e.g. optimistic, chatty, friendly, sense of humour etc)
My Taste (e.g. clothes/books/art)
My Knowlege (everyone has something they know loads about!)
My Creativity (scrapbooking!!!)


There are only 9 and we will need enough for as many members as we have in the group. Do you want to replace any or add any?

Chantal xx

[TracyTeaBag]

how about my greatest achievement/proudest moment?
my future? - not sure if that fits in, but something like that might be good for the final page

[Chantal]

how about my greatest achievement/proudest moment?
my future? - not sure if that fits in, but something like that might be good for the final page


Oooh I like the idea of the future one...what about making the last one "what I have learnt about myself from doing this CJ?" or is that abit to difficult? that way it brings in the future, and focuses the mind on summarising how great we all are!

Cx

[Kel_eh]

Me please! I have been looking at everyone's galleries and am excited about what we could create together. It is such a great theme, Chantal, and one I could really benefit from! I would like to add (if you accept me!) that I love that idea about what I have learned from doing this CJ.

Kel x

[Chantal]

Welcome Kel-you are in!

[Kihaku]

hello all..

are we ding this isnt he same order.. ie entry 1 is x, entry 2 is x so we all do different ones in eahc person journal but everyone ends uyp with the same topics at the end etc? or is it pick your own topic?

[Hils]

Scrapbookmad/Tracy I have pm'd you!

I reckon this will be very interesting and abit scary at times! I have a tendency to focus on teh negative and am hoping this will encourage me to think about the good things I can do and have in my life rather than the grotty bits! Is everyone happy with the ideas I have had for the things to think about and include in the CJs?

My Body (your body, not mine!)
My Head (hair/face/eyes etc)
My Talents (e.g. dancing, singing, running, baking, science or whatever
My Relationships (with family/friends/partner etc)
My Job (e.g. what are you good at in your job, be it a homemaker, voluntary work, paid work etc)
My Personality (e.g. optimistic, chatty, friendly, sense of humour etc)
My Taste (e.g. clothes/books/art)
My Knowlege (everyone has something they know loads about!)
My Creativity (scrapbooking!!!)


There are only 9 and we will need enough for as many members as we have in the group. Do you want to replace any or add any?

Chantal xx

Don't know if you feel this fits in, but what about My favourite positive phrase? This would be something that you say to yourself when you did to boost yourself up a bit, iyswim. I have a few - most courtesy of Susan Jeffers - that I find helpful :)

[Kel_eh]

Anam, I think it seems to be the second option, at least that is the way I understood it.
Chantal - yay! Thank you.

Kel x


from Chantal:
If I or any one else can think of more..let me know! The team can consist of up to 12 members. And the way it works is...In CJ 1 you will complete the first theme (e.g. My Body), in CJ 2 the second (e.g. My Head) etc... so by the end you have done one LO on each theme, and everyones CJ has a LO on each theme in their book by the time it "goes home" and can learn more about themselves and their fellow UKS members, and maybe we can all teach each other something!

Think Postive.... and sign up!

[Chantal]

The way I had imagined would be that everyone does one page on each theme, so in my journal I do my face, in the next I do my body, in the next I do my job and so forth, so that when your CJ makes it home, you know about one positive bit of me, a positive different thing about each other member, and every participant has had to think about each element of themself-I wanted to try and think of something positive to say about all the elements of myself-but if you want it to be something different I am happy to do what the majority want. We could all have different themes or whatever. Let me know what you all think and we can go from there

Cx

[Hils]

I like your idea Chantal - more thought provoking :)

[TracyTeaBag]

sounds fine to me - I think I will photograph all my LOs and then print them off for and use them in my BOM

[winterbaby]

I love your idea to include *What I have learnt about myself from doing this cj* I think that it would be good to include a look back on ourselves and it would probably surprise us as you know we'd never think of ourselves as anything more than we are. I would love to include a layout of this :)

Chantal I would love to work on you theme instead of think up a theme, as it is thought prevoking and will deffinetly help me to focus and be more positive about myself.

[Kel_eh]

I like the idea of doing it the way you have suggested, because it will force us all to be consider all these different aspects of our lives/ourselves and find something positive in it. Plus we will all be travelling the same journey, so we will be able to support each other when we hit the question that is most tricky/emotional for us. Plus I like that it is a little different, having just finished a CJ and being in another one where all the themes are different.

Kel x

[winterbaby]

:) Totally Kelly

[AliBlack]

Have PM'd you Chantal, this would be ideal for me, I'm doing a self esteem course at the moment! Hope there's enough space for me :)

[Chantal]

Ali-you are on the list! Welcome

C xxx

[Matiepeeps]

Hi everyone! Just checking in... Thanks for letting me join Chantel. Im really looking forward to starting this CJ especially since it will be in the new year after I've totally fallen off my diet over Christmas and New Year. I love the idea of doing a different aspect in each CJ and I agree that it will definitely make me think a bit more about myself.

[AliBlack]

Thanks for letting me join Chantal :) This one is so perfect for me, I always find it hard to see my good points :blink: Great idea for a CJ and couldn't have come at a better time for me!
Hi everyone!

[Kel_eh]

A question, the posting dates are every three weeks, which I like. But the instructions say every two weeks. Please tell me it is three...

Kel x

[Hils]

Hi Ali (waves) :)

[Chantal]

-three weeks! I sometimes struggle with the 2 weekly ones as if you get it late, you then only have one weekend and I often have to work weekends so 3 weeks seems best to me!

Cxx

[Kel_eh]

Phew! :)
Another sign that this is the CJ for me...

[Hils]

:lol: ....and me!

[nickibee]

I'm in too. i am really looking freard to this Cj

[Santa's Helper]

Hi Hils! *waves back* ! :)

Hi Ali (waves) :)

[AliBlack]

oops! I mean Hi Hils *waves*
I don't know who I am anymore :wacko:


Hi Hils! *waves back* ! :)

[TracyTeaBag]

oh good, i am really pleased it is 3 weeks! no good at blinkies I am afraid, wouldn't have a clue where to begin!

[Kel_eh]

A positive thing about me is... I can do blinkies. Do we want a blinkie? I did one for the Inky Fingers team and helped the Kitty Tag Swap with theirs. If we want one I have some ideas - equally I wouldn't want to step on anybody's toes if they want to do one...

Kel x

[Matiepeeps]

Oooh I must admit I do like the blinkies. I've only just started using them in my signature but wouldn't have a clue how to do them. Id love to learn though so I could do them when I host something. Are there any hints and tips you could pass on Kel?

[Hils]

Kelly, that is a VERY positive thing, especially on UKS! ;) :lol:
I'd love this CJ to have one and personally wouldn't have any problem if you wanted to put one together for us :)
And like Karyn, I'd love it if you could let us in on the secret of how to do them too if possible :) :) :)

[Chantal]

oooh, yes a blinkie sounds lovely-woudl not know where to start making one though so would be great if someone else made it

Cx

[nickibee]

OOh a new blnkie lovely!

[Litany]

Hi Chantal, if there's still any room, I'd love to sign up for this CJ too please! I should say I'm highly likely to be moving to Ireland during the course of the CJ though, so I don't know if this would be a problem for anyone to post to me there?

Thanks!
Jody

[winterbaby]

Why don't you go ahead and make us a blinkie Kelly, I like blinkies a lot but have no idea how to do them ;) :)

[TracyTeaBag]

go Kelly, go!!! :lol: :blink:

[Chantal]

Hi Litany-that should not be a problem-as I live near Kelly and will prob pass the CJ to her direct, thus saving money on postage, can pay the additional postage to Ireland to whoever is posting to you after you move. Alternatively, if everyone sends you the dimensions of their CJs you could just post your layouts over to the person next on the list and htey could attach them to the CJ-i am sure we can "think positive" and sort something out! Anyone have any ideas?

cxxx

[TracyTeaBag]

If it's Northern Ireland, the postage is the same as UK anyway, so it may not be a problem

do we just need one more member now?

[Chantal]

if we can get one, if not I think 11 is fine...shall we see if anyone comes forward over the next week or so, and go from there? Does anyone know anyone who may be interested?

Cx

[TracyTeaBag]

I did post on our team thread, but no takers I am afraid!

[Kel_eh]

Hi all, thanks for the enthusiasm. I'll try and put one together for us this week. I have a digiCJ entry outstanding and school reports to write (spending today at a crop though :)) then I'll have a play. I have some ideas already though.
I don't mind posting to Ireland either. I am hoping to find a journal for my CJ at Scrapmagic today, although I do have a little pink pig book I could use.
Kel x

[nickibee]

I thought that I would bump us up a bit.
Anyone made a start on their books yet?

[Kihaku]

i am really sorry everyone but I am going to have to drop out of this CJ.. to many things going on right now and we're moving house in the sprin time so I am manic... I wish you all the best. *hugs*

[Hils]

Sorry you've got to drop out Anam but all the best with the move.

No, not started on mine at all. Is there a particular size we're supposed to use - think I read somewhere A5??? Sorry - I'm a CJ newbie so you might get the odd daft question from me :unsure:

[AliBlack]

Hi everyone :)
Hils, I think any size up to 8x8" is ok for CJ's, that sound about right Chantal?
Does anyone object to mine being 8x8 Pink Pig? If you'd prefer we did smaller I can use 5x7 or 6x6 Pink Pig.
I haven't made a start yet, want to buy some nice embellies for it but skint at the moment, so might not start for a little while!

[TracyTeaBag]

Hi everyone :)
Hils, I think any size up to 8x8" is ok for CJ's, that sound about right Chantal?
Does anyone object to mine being 8x8 Pink Pig? If you'd prefer we did smaller I can use 5x7 or 6x6 Pink Pig.
I haven't made a start yet, want to buy some nice embellies for it but skint at the moment, so might not start for a little while!

what is a Pink Pig??

size isn't too much of a problem, for me, but obviously the bigger it is, the more it will cost to post

[Litany]

I haven't started yet - I'm still trying to decide between using a Basic Grey 6x6 Gatefold Album or an 8x8 AMM Urban Chic album. Think I'll go for the Basic Grey as it's much smaller and lighter so will be far less expensive to post.

Can I ask a silly question? Are we all going to choose which of the subject themes we want each of CJs to be on?

Thanks!
Jody

[winterbaby]

I belive we all have to do one of each theme in each of the cj's that we get, like in our cj's we will do our bodies and in the next cj we will do our heads and so on. Did I get that right Chantal?? :D

[nickibee]

that's how I read it too. I do not mind what size they are although I will prob go for 5x7ish

[winterbaby]

I think I may do either 6x6 or 8x8 for mine, not sure yet.

[Kel_eh]

That's the way I read it too. We all do the same theme in our CJ, then we get the next one and we all do the same theme in the one we received, then we get the next one and do the next theme.
Maybe we need a master list, along the lines of:
date 1 - Why I need to be positive
date 2 - My face
etc.

My CJ will most likely be one I have the makings for - I think it is bigger than 6 x 6, but smaller than 8 x 8. In other CJs I have seen different sizes, but nothing as big as A4. I know some people find 6x6 a little small to work in.

Kel x

[AliBlack]

Hi Tracey, Pink Pig journals, they are perfect for CJ's, you can take the pages in and out easily and keep it all together with book rings. I don't know which sponsors sell them, I got mine online but not from a sponsor, pm me if you are interested :)

what is a Pink Pig??

size isn't too much of a problem, for me, but obviously the bigger it is, the more it will cost to post

[AliBlack]

I'll probably go for 8x8 if some of you are going for that size too. Wish there was a 7x7!

[Chantal]

lots of questions-not fussed what size you choose! If you are choosing to use an actual scrapbook, what some CJ owners have previously done is just send the page protectors held together with string rather than sending the whol scrapbook but that is up to you.

I will sort out a master list of dates and topics-as Anam has sadly had to leave us, we are now 10. Shall we stick with 10?

Cx

[TracyTeaBag]

do we have more than 10 ideas for a LO?

[Kel_eh]

I vote we stick with 10, more intimate and a timeline that I can imagine! Then if we are all up for it, we can come up with more ideas and go around again - which would work if some people wanted to leave after the 10 and some more people wanted to join iyswim.

Kel x

[AliBlack]

I vote for 10 :)

[Matiepeeps]

10 works for me too.

[Hils]

And me :)

[Chantal]

Cool-I have 10 ideas for themes so will sort that out later and let you know, with dates etc. I will ask you to agree the majority are happy with the 10, and if possibly suggest a couple of others and you can maybe vote for which we should miss out....leave it with me while I have a ponder.............

[nickibee]

10's good and I am happy with what is already there.

[winterbaby]

Hi Chantal I thought I would let you know that my username has changed from scrapbookmad to winterbaby. I requsted a change earlyer on today and never expected it to change so quickly, but it's still me ok ;) :)

[Litany]

I'm happy with 10 too, a nice round number!

What I meant by my question was I realise we will each do 1 LO on each of the 10 subjects, but do we get to choose which CJ contains which subject? For example, if I was particuarly inspired by "My Body" - can my CJ be the one that everybody does their "My Body" layouts in so that's the one I get to keep at the end of it?

Hope that makes more sense! :)

[winterbaby]

Ooooooh I see now, sorry Litany I didn't know you ment it like that and now it has me thinking are we picking one from the ten as are theme or are we doing one each from the ten?

[AliBlack]

Hi! As I understand it; our own CJ, when we get it back, will have one of each theme in it, so each person does a different theme in your book, so all 10 themes will be in your finished book :)

I'm happy with 10 too, a nice round number!

What I meant by my question was I realise we will each do 1 LO on each of the 10 subjects, but do we get to choose which CJ contains which subject? For example, if I was particuarly inspired by "My Body" - can my CJ be the one that everybody does their "My Body" layouts in so that's the one I get to keep at the end of it?

Hope that makes more sense! :)

[Chantal]

ok-I think my rubbish instructions have confused everyone!

basically I will make my CJ and complete the pages on "my body" at the next time as eveyrone else is making thier CJS and making their pages about their bodies. We will then all post them and all do a page int eh next CJ abotu our heads, we will then all post them and do a page int he next CJ about our jobs (or whatever the theme is). that way, we will all explore our own stuff, and each CJ will have a page in it about each area of the body/our lives. These 10 themes ahve not been finalised as I want you all to play a part in identifyng them-I will try and sort these out this week.

My idea was based aroudn the belief that you have something positive in every area of your life and need to examine them all, and focus in abit more. By completing the same themes at the same time as one another, hopefully we can chat about it on the thread and use it as a kind of cathartic experience!

Anyway, do let me know if you would prefer this to work differently and we can talk about it and work somethign out

C

[Hils]

Chantal this sounds great to me :)

[Kel_eh]

Me too, Chantal, that is what I loved about it and why I joined!

Kel x

[Matiepeeps]

Me too! I think it would be helpful for me to find something positive about a lot of different things. Makes the experience richer I think.

[sweetlilsarah]

Hi, Dont think any of you know me so i thought i would introduce myself.
I'm Sarah im 17 and ive been scrapping for ermm well about a month.

ive ordered so many pretty things which to be honest im scared to use lol. So i have decided to keep them for this CJ and try and make my designs the best ever.

I'm sorry i dont have anything in the gallery, where decorating so everything has went in boxes and i cant find my digi cam, but hopefully ill find it soon so you can all have a look.

i have decided to do a 6"x6" paper bag book, ive just baught 2 kits, one to mess around a bit with to get the hang of it, and the other to actually start the project for this CJ.

This is my first CJ, and my first attempt at making a paper bag book, so i hope you dont get to annoyed when i start asking stupid questions lol.

[TracyTeaBag]

Hi Sarah

you are brave, I had been scrapping for a couple of years before I took the leap into a CJ.

[Matiepeeps]

Welcome Sarah! Glad to have you on board. I think a paper bag book sounds lovely! Don't worry, the fear of using your pretty things will pass if only to use the excuse that you have to buy more! :rolleyes:

Feel free to ask any questions. I dont think anyone would think them stupid. We were all beginners once. I look forward to completing an entry in your CJ! :)

[sweetlilsarah]

Hi Sarah

you are brave, I had been scrapping for a couple of years before I took the leap into a CJ.

thought it would be a good way to get to know people :)

Don't worry, the fear of using your pretty things will pass if only to use the excuse that you have to buy more!

lol very true never thought of it that way, thanks.

[winterbaby]

Hi Sarah (((BIG WAVE))) from Amble. Welcome I hope you enjoy taking part, really kind of makes you think about the positive side of yourself doesn't it girls as it's so easy to focus in on being negative isn't it. I am ok with us being 11 instead of 10 Chantal ;) :)

[Kel_eh]

Welcome, Sarah!
The paperbag book should be lovely - I have never seen one big enough for 11+ DLOs before - would you like us to stick to a SLO in yours?
And as far as questions go, ask away :) We have all been there, I am sure we won't think your questions are stupid.

Kel x

[sweetlilsarah]

Hi Sarah (((BIG WAVE))) from Amble. Welcome I hope you enjoy taking part,
fankoo im sure i will

The paperbag book should be lovely - I have never seen one big enough for 11+ DLOs before - would you like us to stick to a SLO in yours?

im not 100% sure it will be a paperbag book yet, but if it is, a SLO would be much less of a bulky book lol

[Hils]

Hi Sarah
Definitely brave - I've been scrapping almost a year now and this is my first CJ.... I'm not going to worry about it tho cos that's not being positive...! I've never done a paper bag book either..... :rolleyes:

[sweetlilsarah]

Hi Sarah
Definitely brave - I've been scrapping almost a year now and this is my first CJ.... I'm not going to worry about it tho cos that's not being positive...! I've never done a paper bag book either..... :rolleyes:

ive never done one either, lol, but as im buyin it in a kit, im hoping i cant go wrong :unsure:

[nickibee]

Hiya Sarah! Well done you for joining in the fun.
I am really looking forward to this Cj, I think that I always look at myself negativly and this will be a fab opportunity to focus on the good points.

[AliBlack]

Hi Sarah, nice to meet you *waves*
I've not made a paper bag book before so that would be interesting :lol:
Like everyone else has said don't be afraid to ask questions :)

[winterbaby]

How's our avatar coming along Kelly, unless someone else is doing our cj avavtar? I've not posted on here a lot, been away most of the time. Has anyone made there cj's yet? I'm gonna do 8x8 and I bought some scrummy bits and pieces from Harrogate yestarday that I'm going to use quite positively to decorate my cj with.

[Kel_eh]

I think I have the basic image, just need to animate it...

Haven't made my CJ yet, haven't worked out what I am going to use for pages (I mean paper, obviously but...)

Kel x

[Hils]

Suppose I'd better get my act together and find a CJ book..... Going to a scrap shop on Monday so perhaps I'll find one there... If not I'll be looking to you guys for hints and tips on where to get them. :)

[Kel_eh]

I've got a 6x6 pink pig book if anyone wants it - everyone in my last CJ used them.

Kel x

[Hils]

Oh yes please! I'll PM you...

[sweetlilsarah]

mine will be green and pink, my too fav colours. just have to wait till monday to get my hands on it and get the pages all sorted out. cant wait.

[Chantal]

Hello everyone...hope you are all well! I have added abit to the front page to say that the CJ is full (although I have sent you all a pm about a possible 12th member!). Hopefully this means I will stop pm-ing you to ask your permission to do things!

Anyway...cannto believe everyone is so organised planning their CJs!!! I have vaguely thought about mine and think I will make one-I have some chipboard that came with a scrapgoods kit so will use that-I have never made a CJ before-always used Pink Pig books in the past so it will be an interesting experiment!

Cxxx

[Hils]

I've not given mine much thought at all - too busy doing Christmas stuff... will prob give it some serious thought over the Christmas hols when I've caught up with myself!

[Chantal]

I just want to welcome Ching as our 12th and final member of the CJ!

Cxx

[nickibee]

Hiya Ching great to have you onboard

[AliBlack]

Hi Ching, good to have you here :)

[Matiepeeps]

Welcome Ching! Glad to have you in our CJ! :)

[Kel_eh]

Very happy to have you, Ching - I just love your gallery.
Kel x

[Hils]

Hi Ching (waves) - this CJ is going to be quite an international one! Think how far our cjs will have travelled by the time they come back to us... :blink:

[TracyTeaBag]

HI Ching :) :)

[winterbaby]

Hi there Ching, I've seen you on UKS a lot and you have some gorgeous work in your gallery I especially like your altered art swaps ;) :) Welcome to our group :)

[sweetlilsarah]

Hiya Ching

[Litany]

Ah Ching, so I finally get some of your work in my CJ! ;) So glad you've decided to join in!

Jody
xxx

[Chantal]

Ok-I have had a think about the 12 themes. For each one you basically have to say something positive about it or something you like about it....How do these sound....

1. face
2. body
3. job
4. relationship
5. personality
6. talent/skill
7. creativity
8. my taste (now I am not too sure about this one-does anyone have a view or a better idea)
9. knowlege (again not sure about this one....)
10. My proudest moment/greatest achievement (this was TracyTeabag's idea and I think it is a good one!)
11. This final one is "my favourite positive phrase-which was Hils's idea-and another one I like! Maybe it could be explored further with a description of how it makes you feel more positive...

and finally...12. what have I learnt about doing this CJ? (whihc I think was another of Tracyteabag's ideas).

Does anyone have any themes they would prefer to use instead? are there any that you hate the idea of...let me know

Cxxx

[Hils]

They sound great - thanks Chantal :)

[TracyTeaBag]

they sound great, although I am not sure if I can be positive about my taste - don't even know what my taste is!!

[Chantal]

they sound great, although I am not sure if I can be positive about my taste - don't even know what my taste is!!

I think that is maybe why I am struggling with it. The kinds of things I am thinking are...

is there something you like that everyone you know, or someone significant hates (with me it is my desire to have a boudoir style bedroom that DH hates-but I am confident I could do it tastefully-well to my taste anyway :lol: )

Or perhaps something about your taste that you adore-have you made a fantastic purchase which everyone teased you for, but which has been very successful (in our house it would be the easi-yo youghurt maker, rather than the sofa which was a disaster)

Or perhaps someone can think of a better idea instead of taste!!! I am struggling with it abit!

Cx

[Hils]

Taste sounds good to me - it is such a personal thing and sometimes you do wonder if you're the one with bad taste or if it's someone else!
You could do things like pop stars or books - eg you might really like trashy literature or boy bands, things that people often laugh at but you enjoy...?

[Matiepeeps]

They do sound great Chantel! I understand what you mean by taste but I think I would have stuggled without the description. From the examples another suggestion could be "my individuality" - something that makes you you! Not sure though.

[nickibee]

i like the sound of them Chantal.

[TracyTeaBag]

still not sure! How about 'if I had my time again'

sorry to be such a pain, but have looked at the list again and could you define the 'knowlege' one :P

[Chantal]

the knowlege one is to focus on what you know-I think most people know lots abotu something-are you amazing at pub quizzes....do you know far too much about Take That/Boyzone.....what subject did you excel in at school...can you list all Agatha Christe's books ever...that kind of thing-I know I think I am pretty dim or stupid sometimes so this is to remind you that you are not.

Hmm-this taste one is going to be tricky... not sure about "if I had my time again" as that could be regarded as implyng that something did not go right or to plan first time round which is not very positive.

I think that if most peole do not like the idea of my taste we could do my individuality, as that way thsoe who like the taste idea could go at it from that angle and the others could adopt a different angle....

[nickibee]

what about " my outlook on life"?
I agree having read through them again that Taste could be tricky.
What about "my style"?
"my good points"?

[Chantal]

ok-what we could do is agree a list of all the possible ones, and then have a poll about which you would prefer, and the top 12 of all the choices are the ones we do? I like the ideas of "my style" and "my outlook on life" (although could possible combine this with my favourite positve phrase.

What do you all think about some kind of poll? If we had 14 options (or however many we come up with), you could all pm me with the 2 you hate the idea of, and which ever 2 are most hated we will not do?

Cxx

[Hils]

Certainly can Chantal :)

[AliBlack]

I'd probably prefer "my individuality" or "the things which make me unique"
to "my taste", but I'm happy to go with what the majority would like :)
Unless some do one and the rest do the other, at the same time, if you see what I mean!! One about my uniqueness/individuality really appeals to me.

They do sound great Chantel! I understand what you mean by taste but I think I would have stuggled without the description. From the examples another suggestion could be "my individuality" - something that makes you you! Not sure though.

[winterbaby]

I like all the themes :)

[nickibee]

I am gonna go with whatever is decided chantal! It is your CJ and should ultimately be your decision and it will be a nightmare for you for use to keep going back and forth.
I think you should go with the ones that you like hun! Afterall you are doing all the hard work in organising this for us.

[Chantal]

I know, but I want it ot be a CJ where you all feel involved and happy with what we are doing! I will have another think about it

[Kel_eh]

I think we are all pretty happy with the list, especially if we make taste... taste/style/individuality, because in my mind they are all related very closely anyway.

Knowledge could be how you struggled for years to earn a degree, how you know more about Take That than anyone should (and I mean you, Chantal :)), you can't cook, but you know how to make the best chocolate chip muffins anyone has ever tried.

Otherwise, I think we should just jump in - maybe the ones we are less keen on now will be the ones that really challenge us to dig a little deeper. Whatcha think?

Kel x

[nickibee]

I am with you Kel

[pmk]

Hi, sorry I haven't been around much - the cj I'm hosting finishes next Monday and I've just found out that someone's cj isn't where it should be! Anyway, I'll be positive and say IT WILL be found! I'm happy with the list... don't get stressed Chantal!! Speak to you all soon,
Pauline
x

[Matiepeeps]

Im happy with the list. Im pretty easy going so I'll go with the flow. Sorry I haven't been around my internet service is playing up and I haven't been able to check my messages for ages! :angry:

[sweetlilsarah]

how about a colour that makes you feel good?

[Hils]

I agree with Kel :)

[Chantal]

thanks for your feedback ladies-have decided to go wiht Kelly's suggestion

so the final list is...

1. face
2. body
3. job
4. relationship
5. personality
6. talent/skill
7. creativity
8. my taste(could be a colour)/individuality/style
9. knowlege-as said could be about anything that you know about (incl Take That :love: )
10. My proudest moment/greatest achievement (this was TracyTeabag's idea and I think it is a good one!)
11. This final one is "my favourite positive phrase-which was Hils's idea-and another one I like! Maybe it could be explored further with a description of how it makes you feel more positive...I think this could also link with the suggestion of "my outlook on life" as we are all likely to choose phrases which closely link with this and reflect our view of life

and finally...12. what have I learnt about doing this CJ? (whihc I think was another of Tracyteabag's ideas).

[TracyTeaBag]

Sounds great Chantel - can't wait to get started now

[Litany]

That all sounds good Chantal, as soon as Christmas is over, I shall get cracking!

I wondered if I could make a suggestion - I don't "know" anybody on here and would really like to get to know you all a bit better, especially if we're all going to be putting our innermost thoughts and feelings in our CJs soon! :) So how would everyone feel about just posting a few lines about themselves for those of us strangers in the group?

I was just thinking of things like name, age, married/single, kids, job, and maybe a couple of things you like (in addition to scrapbooking of course!) ... just so we know who we all are!

[sweetlilsarah]

I'm Sarah, I'm 17, I am currently in a relationship with Alan, who has been my boyfriend for almost a year (my longest relationship and still going strong). I like taking pictures and making the odd card for birthdays, oh yeh and making websites for people, and doing my own.

[winterbaby]

I'm Tracy, 34, 35 on the 13th, married to Brian, have a pet pooch called TJ, no children as yet, but trying though, love scrapbooking, taking photos and taking part in cj's. I like coffee and mince pie's, Merry Christmas btw, and that's all I can think of at the moment, just finished work so am a little bit tired. Catch up with you all later ;) :)

[Hils]

Great idea :) I'm Hils on UKS and to a few close friends - Hilary to everyone else! I'm 40, married to Alex, with two kids Will, 11, who has ADD and is consequently quite often a challenge; and Caitie, 8, who fortunately doesn't have ADD cos if she did I'd probably have been taken away by the men in white coats by now.....
I work for a company which helps dentists across the UK to market their practices and services, so I know an awful lot about teeth!
My main hobbies are scrapping and loitering on UKS, but I also enjoy taking holidays in lovely places whenever I get the chance (not often, but I can dream!), reading (mostly crime novels), music (pop/rock), wasting time playing silly computer games and karaoke (spare a thought for my poor neighbours :lol: )

[Chantal]

great idea! My name is Chantal, I am 32, married to Jamie (will be our 6 month anniversary tomorrow). I am a senior manager at a housing association in east london, and live in south wesst london. Originally from Portsmouth on the south coast.

I enjoy scrapping, make a few cards and reading, most types of music (but lean towards dodgy rock and indie with some cheesy pop thrown in!). Love going on holiday, and going out with DH on his motorbike......cannot think of much else to add to that lot really

C xxx

[TracyTeaBag]

Hi I am Tracy, 37, married over 16 years and have 2 children Emma who is 14 (and don't I know it :P) and Ollie who is 11. We live just outside of Southampton and have lived in the same street for the last 15 years (in two different houses!). I am self-employed and work from home selling Usborne Children's books - I really love it and I am really good at it (but I will tell you more in the CJ!)

I have been scrapping for about 21/2 years and this will be my 3rd CJ, I am getting a taste for them, especially as I am suffering a bit from scrappers block where photos are concerned.

I also talk alot, as you may have gathered from this post :lol:

anyway, that's me

[Kel_eh]

I am Kel to close friends and family, so it feels like my true and secret name, so a good one to use for creative pursuits. The Kel_eh is a bit of a in-joke because:
1) I am Canadian, and we have a tendency to say 'eh?' at the end of things like "Terrible weather today, eh?"
2) say it fast it sounds like Kelly in a strange accent
3) my initials are K E H

I am 33. I teach reception in a private school. I live in SW London. I have been married for 13 years. I have no children yet. I love reading all manner of things (see my blog for the most recent). I love music - how did Chantal put it? dodgy rock and indie - that sounds like me, an Xfm girl through and through. Creatively, I make... quilts, cards, scrapbooks, and keep an art journal. I live with a gorgeous black cat called Cobweb. I love technology, I do websites, blinkies (ours is coming I promise :) ), waste good scrapping time on Xbox, photoediting and genealogy.

That's everything, me in a box!

Kel x

[Chantal]

an Xfm girl through and through.

me too!

Cxx

[winterbaby]

You make website for people Kel? what does it cost to set up a website and are they easy to set up? as I'd like to set one up for myself but not sure how to go about it you see :)

[Kel_eh]

Chantal - LOL - I was guessing that you were too :)

Tracy - it depends what you want it for. Is it for personal use, like a blog, somewhere to display LOs and photos etc. or for business?

Kel x

[winterbaby]

Well I supose a bit of both really, not sure though, I should imagine I would start off with a Blog and then see how I get a long with that first. Is there a website that I would have to join to make up a Blog for myself?

[Kel_eh]

There are lots of blog hosting companies around. I use Typepad. I think they have a free service, but I pay a bit monthly for mine. I know other people use blogger and blogspot. There is a great long thread on here somewhere List Your Blog I think it is called. Everyone's blog is listed so you could look around and see the different styles. There are also some comments and technical questions and answers. I am happy to help anyway I can.

Kel x

[Matiepeeps]

I think this is a great idea! My name's Karyn, married to Darren (never even crossed my mind that our names rhyme and now find it really embarrassing! :lol:). We have a son, Ethan whose just turned three. Its a challenge but we love being parents! :wub:

I run The Dapper Scrapper and look after my little man during the day and work evenings at Tesco. I love all things crafty and have been crafting most of my life. Im originally from the middle of the desert in Australia and came over here eight years ago to marry Darren.

I always find myself too busy and never have enough time to relax which is why I sign up for CJs as it provides a creative outlet while making it look like Im working! :lol: Just call me ultra efficient!

[winterbaby]

Thanks Kel, I've just bookmarked Typepad to my fav's so I can have a proper look around tomorrow ;) :)

[Kel_eh]

I'm around this weekend, so pm me if you want any help, have any questions, etc. Especially with typepad, which I know better than other blog sites.

Kel x

[Ching]

Hellooooo Girls!! I’m sorry it took so long for me to finally post in this thread. I have subscribed to it now so I will not miss a thing going forward.

Thank you all for letting me join, as I’m in the US, this will complicate things a bit especially with regards to timing and postage expenses. I am in 2 other CJ and would like to propose the following so that my participation is not imposing on anyone:

A) Managing Postage Fees
I’m going to make up ficticious names for my proposal:
1. Rochelle
2. Ching
3. Noreen

I will mail my own CJ to Noreen, the person assigned after me. This CJ will be passed to everyone else like normal. The last person who completes my CJ will be Rochelle, and thus will mail ONLY my completed CJ back to me in the US but will mail everyone else’s CJ’s directly to Noreen thereby skipping me. Does that make sense? This will help to decrease costs for the person in the UK who has to mail to me, and for me who is mailing to the UK.

That means I will be mailing my CJ entry pages each month to “Noreen,” the person after me on the list, to attach into the journal before sending it on to the next person. I will include adhesives on the back that "Noreen” just has to peel off and adhere. In essence, I will not be seeing anyone’s actual albums and pages in progress done by the group. For me, I usually scan my work and post it in the UKS and 2peas galleries, even for CJ’s. :P

B ) Your measurements please?
In my other 2 CJ rounds I’m participating in, I’ve learned that I would prefer to have all page measurements from each person’s CJ in the beginning. Else, I don’t want to be delayed or cause any delay for the group.

How does my proposal sound?? If you are in agreement, would someone mind being “Rochelle” (the person who will incur the big expense of posting my finished CJ album to me at the finish. Don’t worry, I will choose a very small and lightweight album) and “Noreen” who would be willing to receive my parcels and adhering my pages into the books before posting onto next person?? OR will the order of posting be the order of sign ups as Chantal has right now? I'm good with which ever way.

[Ching]

That all sounds good Chantal, as soon as Christmas is over, I shall get cracking!

I wondered if I could make a suggestion - I don't "know" anybody on here and would really like to get to know you all a bit better, especially if we're all going to be putting our innermost thoughts and feelings in our CJs soon! :) So how would everyone feel about just posting a few lines about themselves for those of us strangers in the group?

I was just thinking of things like name, age, married/single, kids, job, and maybe a couple of things you like (in addition to scrapbooking of course!) ... just so we know who we all are!

Great idea Kel…..

I’m familiar with some of you and others, you are brand new to me. Kel and Litany, I’m a huge fan of both of your work, so I’m really glad to be getting some of your stuff in my CJ. :P You two certainly will keep me on my toes for the work I submit to this group.

I’m newly 33, newly single, no children, and yes, I’m an American. I’m ethnically Chinese, but was born and raised here in the US. I live in the suburbs of Los Angeles and work in Santa Monica. I have been scrapbooking since 1998 I think and stamping since 2000. I should revise that to “shopping” instead of scrapping and stamping. Since April, I have taken on a 2nd job which is why I haven’t been online as much as I used to. The 2nd job was to help me pay off my current debts prior to move planned move to France. During the day, I’m a Human Resources Generalist. Night/Weekend job, I’m picking up extra money working in one of the major department stores (like your Harrods.) Because we are nearing the holiday season, I’m working til 12 midnight now. I don’t really mind working so much right now in my current emotional state.

Now, this brings me to why an American is here at UKS regularly. I was in a long distance relationship with a frenchman for the last 2 years which has gone awry the latter part of this year. So I was here at UKS to learn about all things European scrap shopping wise and to make some new friends across the pond. The 2nd job has been a god send in this regard because its prevented me from moping at home making the depression worse.

The last 6 months have been really tough for me emotionally and so when I saw the title of this CJ, I knew I had to join because I’m in that healing stage right now. This would really help. It looks as though there is a strong glimmer of hope that my boyfriend and I will reconcile, but for now, I’m not capable of that kind of faith right now.

Sorry for the book, but since we are putting in some really personal stuff in this CJ round, I figure I might as well give it a go from the start.

[Ching]

I've decided that I'm going to use this Floral Stripe - Mini Book from K & Company I just got a few weeks ago from K&Co's new meadow line. There are 6 tabs so there are enough pages for one side per person. It measures 5.5"x9" and includes pre-printed pages with tabs.

Its thin, compact and thus light to post. :P

[Chantal]

I am happy to be Rochelle as Kel and I are going to meet to pass the CJ between us so that will save money that I can then spend on posting to America. I guess this suggests that Kel will be Noreen-is that ok Kel?

I was going to rejig the posting list anyway as I am not sure the sign up list is the most logical progression. I may try and do it geographically so that the CJs do not have too far to travel between members

C

[nickibee]

Hiya I am nicki and am married to Leigh for 9 years now. We have 3 kiddies caitlin 8, Lucas 6 adn tegan 2. I run a scrapaholic class locally and also make and sell cards.My 2 year old is disabled and keeps me on the go all day so scrapping is a huge release for me. I am so looking foraard to this Cj as i spend a lot of time beating myself up about body issues, child raising issues and ongoing battles to get things for my DD. i just jumped at the chance to focus on the positves for a change.

[Kel_eh]

I hope you all like it!

The idea came from 2 places:
1) superficially, when we want to relax, refresh and spoil ourselves we often light candles, whether at dinner, the bedroom, or by the bath.
2) when we aren't loving ourselves, when we are down on ourselves and negative, we are in a very dark place. The blinkie shows how with each entry we do, as we find more and more positive things about ourselves we will let the light in.

If you want it in your signature, copy and paste the following (remove the 3 asterisks!!!)
[img*]http://kelspace.typepad.com/*photos/blinkies/positivity.gif[/*img]

Hope everyone had a good weekend.

Kel x

[Hils]

Lovely to "meet" you all :)
What a fab blinkie Kel - thank you for making it. I'm going to add it to my siggie right now :)

[Kel_eh]

LOL Hils :D That is more siggie than post! :D
Glad you like it :)

Kel x

[Kel_eh]

I am happy to be Rochelle as Kel and I are going to meet to pass the CJ between us so that will save money that I can then spend on posting to America. I guess this suggests that Kel will be Noreen-is that ok Kel?

I was going to rejig the posting list anyway as I am not sure the sign up list is the most logical progression. I may try and do it geographically so that the CJs do not have too far to travel between members

C

Bizarrely enough I was going to offer to be Noreen anyway (there's a sentence I never thought I would say in my life!).

Ching - thank you for saying such a sweet thing about my work - I have admired yours for ages, so it means alot! I had picked up bits and pieces about your break-up, so was glad to hear the full story - but sorry that you have had to go through it.

Kel x

[Chantal]

The blinkie is great! thanks Kel-or should I say Noreen.....

Cxx

[AliBlack]

I'm Alison, 39, have lived with OH for 14 years, I rehabilitate orphaned, sick and injured wild birds (treat and care for them until they're fit/old enough to be released). Apart from birds and scrapping I love belly dancing, nature, long walks, vegetarian food :)

Great to meet you all and thanks for the blinkie Kel!

[Kel_eh]

I am enjoying reading all your bios so much!

Noreen, erm, Kel x

[TracyTeaBag]

What a brilliant blinkie Kelly, that you so much for creating it - what an inspired idea

[Chantal]

I'm Alison, 39, have lived with OH for 14 years, I rehabilitate orphaned, sick and injured wild birds (treat and care for them until they're fit/old enough to be released). Apart from birds and scrapping I love belly dancing, nature, long walks, vegetarian food :)

Great to meet you all and thanks for the blinkie Kel!

Belly dancing-I have always fancied that but would probably be responsible for causign small earthquakes if I ever tried....

[winterbaby]

Thank you Kelly, really fabby blinkie :D I love it ;) :D Now now Chantal, be positive mdear :D

[Matiepeeps]

I must admit I've loved reading everyone's bio too. Ching I was so sad to read your story and I hope you feel on the up soon. Im sure this CJ will help. I think many of us have had a tough/challenging year which is why we're drawn to this CJ. I think your K&Co binder looks gorgeous! I can't wait to do my entry.

Thanks for the blinkie Kel! I think its great! A blinkie with hidden meaning! How cool is that! Thanks again!

[Hils]

The thread's gone very quiet - no need for chat till after Christmas now I suppose :) Just wanted to say thank you to Kel cos my Pink Pig journal came today - thanks Kel! :) :) :)

[Litany]

Haven't checked this thread for ages!
Ching, I love your K & Co book; I ordered half of that new Studio K range for myself - I really like their new 11x8.5 landscape album. I hadn't realised you had split up with your man in France, I'm really sorry to hear that and hope you manage to have a happy Christmas anyway. *Hugs*
Jody

[Litany]

Oops, also just realised after asking everyone to write their bios, I haven't done one myself... so here goes ...

I'm Jody, aged 30, redhead, married for 4 years to Patrick, who is Irish. We've just sold our house and, touch wood, will be moving to south-west Ireland at the end of January. I work as a software developer full-time and also run Scrapbook Central part-time. Plus I teach Step & aerobics classes part-time too (which I do out of love, not for money!)
I'm a vegetarian and animal welfare campaigner (but not a lefty tree-hugger type I must add!), plus am involved in politics and run for election to the local council each year. My favourite hobby is collecting Barbies and I have approx 400 at the moment - they have their own room in my house! :)

I think I'm having a bit of a mid-life crisis since I turned 30 this year so I'm hoping this CJ will help me sort myself out!!! :D
Jody

[Ching]

lol!! thank you "noreen" and "Rochelle." (lol...I have to confess that these are actual names of my liasions for the software transition project I am involved in. LOL...when I wrote my post, I was suffering from low brain cells, so looked at my post it note on my pc, and voila!....so I can't help but chuckle at this.)

awww thanks Karyn and Jody. Its ok, I'm feeling much better now. The last few weeks have been really emotional as my man and I have resumed again and are planning an actual in person meeting to spend some much needed time together to re-bond (?) and to talk. So who knows what will happen! This definitely doesn't erase the emotional rollercoaster I've been on....so I'm certainly looking forward to this CJ.

[Chantal]

Wow Ching! I hope you manage to sort things out for the best with your fella

Jody-I am a veggie too...and just realised that I ordered some stuff from your shop this week without even realising it was you! (it is my christmas present from DH, I ordered and and got it sent to him so I know I get what I want!)

[winterbaby]

Hi all :) Sorry I've not been on here much, I've been sorting out swaps and Christmas shopping, I'm nearly done on the Christmas shopping front just waiting for a few more bit's and pices to arrive in the post and then I have to post a parcel to my Brother before Friday as I think the last posting date for parcels is the 16th, I think, not sure though.
(((((((((((((((REALLY REALLY BIG HUGS TO YOU ALL)))))))))))))))))))))) It's not good to feel down specially at this time of year, but emotions being what they are, we have them and they are bound to surface, no matter what emotion any of us feel at the time, always remember your not alone ;) :)

[Litany]

Chantal, it's lovey to find a fellow-veggie in the CJ! :D Have you been watching the "Kill or Cure" programs on More4 this week? I'm dying to find someone who has, but I'm the only one so far!
I hadn't realised that was you ordering from the shop (you've been posted by the way!) That's a great plan to make sure you get what you want for Christmas though - I've done exactly the same with my DH too :)

[AliBlack]

I'm veggie too :) I was vegan for 11 years but succumbed to milk chocolate last year :unsure: I use/drink soya milk rather than cow's milk though. I was going to watch the More4 progs but wasn't sure I could face them, when I watch stuff like that it makes me feel so frustrated and find it unbearable :(
Especially if there are beagles, as we used to have a beagle.
I will see if there are any more of the progs though.
I'm thinking about what to cook for Xmas day, not sure yet! What will you be doing?

Chantal, it's lovey to find a fellow-veggie in the CJ! :D Have you been watching the "Kill or Cure" programs on More4 this week? I'm dying to find someone who has, but I'm the only one so far!
I hadn't realised that was you ordering from the shop (you've been posted by the way!) That's a great plan to make sure you get what you want for Christmas though - I've done exactly the same with my DH too :)

[TracyTeaBag]

Hi all

sorry I have been a bit quiet, busy time at work for me, however have now more or less finished, so will have plenty more time to chat with you all!!!

Have just heard that I have qualified in the top 10 in our company and therefore will be joining the remaining 9 at a conference in Venice in February - soooooo excited!! Last year we went to Geneva and it was one of the best things I have ever done!! can't wait!

[Hils]

Wow! Well done Tracy! :)

[sweetlilsarah]

Ive been working on the paperbag album for the cj but ive been thinking about it and its to small, especially with the fact that there is only one page each.
Can anyone recommend any books that i could customise?
thanks
Sarah

[TracyTeaBag]

I just made an album out of heavy paper (I 'borrowed' it from my DDs watercolour pad) and used cardboard to make the covers, once it is all decorated you'd never know!! (well, except I just told you :lol: )

[winterbaby]

Thats what I would use too, cept this time I'm using plain 160gm waight for my cj pages and I'm definetly using really thick card for the covers :)

[sweetlilsarah]

I just made an album out of heavy paper (I 'borrowed' it from my DDs watercolour pad) and used cardboard to make the covers, once it is all decorated you'd never know!! (well, except I just told you :lol: )

lol i might just take some pages out of my water colour pad, nd keep customise the covers, didnt think of that thanks.

[Chantal]

I'm veggie too :) I was vegan for 11 years but succumbed to milk chocolate last year :unsure: I use/drink soya milk rather than cow's milk though. I was going to watch the More4 progs but wasn't sure I could face them, when I watch stuff like that it makes me feel so frustrated and find it unbearable :(
Especially if there are beagles, as we used to have a beagle.
I will see if there are any more of the progs though.
I'm thinking about what to cook for Xmas day, not sure yet! What will you be doing?

Have not watched the More4 progs-find it quite difficult to watch sthings like that without getting upset. I have been veggie for about 20 years and flirted with veganism in my late teens/twenties but could never give up chocolate or cheese.

Am about to have a look on internet tonight for some nut loaf recipes for christmas! will let you know what I find!

C xx

[Matiepeeps]

Hi all! Just checking in. Internet connection is still playing up :angry: but I have started on my CJ and am doing the same as a lot of you all in that my watercolour pad is being used for the pages and strong cardboard for the covers. It's coming along but still have a lot of work to do on it before Im happy with it. :rolleyes:

[Hils]

Hi all
Well, I've nearly finished all my presents for various members of the family, so will be able to start work on my CJ soon. A bit nervous cos I haven't done one before, but if I let that stop me I'd never do anything!

[AliBlack]

My pink pig journal arrived the other day, so I'll be making a start soon.

Have a great Christmas everyone :)

[pmk]

Hi everyone, sorry I have neglected this thread - have been lurking but not posting cos things have been frantic in the run up to Christmas. I haven't done my little 'intro' bit yet but will do soon....well, after I've had tea (takeaway has just been delivered!)
Back later

[pmk]

Am back!
Okay, I'm Pauline, 28 (29 on the 25th of this month) and I am married to Bryan. We live in a village in Lanarkshire, Scotland, where dh is the minister of the local church. We have 2 girls aged 3 and a half and nearly 2, and we have a menagerie of animals sharing the house with us... 2 dogs, a tropical fish tank, a hamster and 4 rabbits. There's also mice quite often, but that's not a choice on our part! I am a stay at home mum and have been scrapping for a few years now. Mostly end up scrapping in various shades of pink which dd1 is a fan of (she even wants a pink car when she is older apparently. Mind you, for my next car she would really like me to get a pink one...dh says absolutely not!) Won't go into my life history, but have issues over self esteem, and am currently getting treatment for depression which is why this cj caught my eye. Hope that's enough for now... now I'm off to do some scrapping!

[AliBlack]

Hi Pauline, hi everyone else! Hope you all had a good crimbo?

Chantal, is the first theme the one about positive things we like about our body? Is it posible to put a list of all the themes on message 2, I know there's one there with about 8 themes, but not sure of the final list and what order?
Hope you enjoyed your veggie Xmas meal? I made a cashew and pecan roast with a tomato sauce, it was really nice :)

[Hils]

That would be useful :) Stupid question time then - do we do the first DLO in our book ourselves as well as all the decorating/sign in/intro bits before sending it off?
And another question - are we leaving any heavy/fragile embellies off the outside of the book till its finished? I'm assuming so but wanted to check :unsure:
At least I've decided what to do with mine now tho - up till yesterday I hadn't a clue! :lol:

[AliBlack]

Hi Hils, looks like Chantal's not around at the moment, what normally happens is you decorate the cover and do your intro and sign in pages, I normally do 2 sign in pages at the back, but they can be at the front, or you can just get people to decorate a tag with their name, date, and a photo if poss (tho' not everyone wants to include a pic of themselves) and attach it to the book spring/book ring in their page, plus your own DLO before sending off, although some people do their own DLO when it gets back, but I always think it's nice to see everyone's LO's in their own CJ gives you a feel for their CJ too. Might be best to leave fragile embellies off the cover until you get it back.
I haven't made a start yet, probably will at the weekend though.
So looks like the first theme is our body, unless Chantal is going to change the order they're in, and we do this in our own CJ. This is the theme I will struggle most with I think! :unsure:

That would be useful :) Stupid question time then - do we do the first DLO in our book ourselves as well as all the decorating/sign in/intro bits before sending it off?
And another question - are we leaving any heavy/fragile embellies off the outside of the book till its finished? I'm assuming so but wanted to check :unsure:
At least I've decided what to do with mine now tho - up till yesterday I hadn't a clue! :lol:

[nickibee]

Hi everyone I hope you all had good crimbo's.
I am raring to get started on this one! I have decided that 2006 is gonna be my year.
I am going to lose that weight get a grip on that career etc.
This is going to help loads as every 6 weeks or so I will have to document a positive, what a great incentive.

[Hils]

Thanks Ali :) Nicki, sounds like a good resolution to me :) Your're right, a good bit of positive thinking every 6 weeks is a great way of keeping us all motivated and positive :)

[winterbaby]

Hi all, and yes we do our intro,dlo,and sign in pages before we send them out and you can add heavyer embellies till you get your cj's back at the end if you wish but please do decorate front, and back if you wish to, as well hth :) I thought we were starting with the Body first? no dout Chantal will let us know the final list for us to work of :)

[Litany]

Can I ask whether you're all planning to use photos on these layouts as you would normally or are they going to be mostly journalling and decoration? I quite like the idea of using one for the "My Body" LO but don't want to be the only one!!!

[Hils]

Blimey that's a scary thought! I'll have to think about that one.... :)

[nickibee]

Litany I am gonna be brave and use a photo as this is supposed to be me thinking positivly about it eekk!!

[Chantal]

I think i will be using photos for at least soem of the pages.....

Cxxx

[nickibee]

Are the subjects finalised Chantal?

[AliBlack]

I will use photos as well as decoration/journalling :)

Can I ask whether you're all planning to use photos on these layouts as you would normally or are they going to be mostly journalling and decoration? I quite like the idea of using one for the "My Body" LO but don't want to be the only one!!!

[Chantal]

Sorry-just properly caught up with the thread as we have been away for a few days and when I logged on early I just had a quick look at the thread. I think the questions asked have all be answered now-I have added what I think is the most up to date list of themes on the 2nd posting of the thread-if it is not the most recent can someone let me know?

I will sort out hte posting order this week as well.

If any of you are not clear on anything do shout!

Cxx

[Hils]

Thanks for that Chantal - a photo of my face I can cope with, just wasn't sure about exposing you all to my stretch marks :lol: - tho of course they are a very positive thing because of all the obvious links with pregnancy and my kids ;)

[nickibee]

Thanks for that Chantal - a photo of my face I can cope with, just wasn't sure about exposing you all to my stretch marks :lol: - tho of course they are a very positive thing because of all the obvious links with pregnancy and my kids ;)
I wasn't planning on stripping for mine Hils :lol: :P

[Chantal]

Thanks for that Chantal - a photo of my face I can cope with, just wasn't sure about exposing you all to my stretch marks :lol: - tho of course they are a very positive thing because of all the obvious links with pregnancy and my kids ;)

.....if you are getting photo of my body it will just be my freckly shoulders or something like that! There is no way anyone is seeing any of my wobbly bits :nono: :D

Cxxx

[Chantal]

Hope you enjoyed your veggie Xmas meal? I made a cashew and pecan roast with a tomato sauce, it was really nice :)

Am afraid I was very lazy and bought a cashew nut roast mix and added other things to it to tart it up abit...not very impressive-but I did do loads of veggies to make up for it!

Cx

[Hils]

I wouldn't dream of showing mine off either - got you going for a minute tho didn't it?!? :lol: :lol: :lol: Think if I do any pix for my body I will be very definitely fully clothed! :D

[nickibee]

Have you decided how to do your jouranl yet? I really fancy doing something that looks really indulging and decadent. i can tell i won't sleep tonight for thinking about it:loL:

[Matiepeeps]

Im so glad everyone is just going to be doing obvious parts of the body. I too dont think the world is quite ready to see my wobbly bits either :lol: :lol:

I will be including photos though since that's the way I normally scrap anyway and like to make a collage type layout.

[Hils]

Have you decided how to do your jouranl yet? I really fancy doing something that looks really indulging and decadent. i can tell i won't sleep tonight for thinking about it:loL:
Yep, I decided two days ago! Much easier to think about it now Christmas is out of the way!

[winterbaby]

Happy New Year Everyone ;) :)

[Hils]

Happy New Year! Spending my day trying to think of something to say about my face and decorating my CJ ;)

[pmk]

Hi everyone I hope you all had good crimbo's.
I am raring to get started on this one! I have decided that 2006 is gonna be my year.
I am going to lose that weight get a grip on that career etc.
This is going to help loads as every 6 weeks or so I will have to document a positive, what a great incentive.

Me too! I am trying to lose 2 stones at least this year and kick myself into order! I soooo need to get organised with everything!! Haven't done anything for the cj but will be looking at it tonight... off to look at the themes and posting dates etc. As for photos...... not sure on that one, but that's how I usually scrap so I suppose I should!!
ta ta for now!

[sweetlilsarah]

:( my email stopped sending me the reminder that the post has been updated, i thought everyone was just busy around xmas, nevermind, just to let you all know i havent ran away lol im here.

I am in such a good mood, i didnt think there was any local shops for papers and things around me, but i found a shop today while in the metro centre, so i went all out and baught loads of stuff for the cj, i was running around the shop like a mad person, i had to go to the till 3 times because i kept seeing stuff as i was walking out, in the end my mam got inpatient and told the woman not to serve me again if i came back with anything else. :s lol nevermind.

oh and i sorted out my problem with the book i was going to use, paper bag book.. to small especially with only one page each, and my watercolour notebook didnt have ebought pages so i baught a pink pig book today, perfect i think. :)

phew glad i got all that of my chest. :)

[Kel_eh]

Sarah - glad to see you - I was worried I wasn't being a good foster Mum! Then I saw you hadn't posted for awhile, so I was hoping you were well and happy and still up for it. I can just imagine you in the shop. I am in mourning as my favourite, make that only, scrapbook store has changed to online only.

Kel x

[winterbaby]

Do we have a definet list of positive things to work from yet Cantal? I'm panicking about making incorrect entries in everyone elses cj's you see and just wondered. Thanking you in advance :)

[sweetlilsarah]

Sarah - glad to see you - I was worried I wasn't being a good foster Mum! Then I saw you hadn't posted for awhile, so I was hoping you were well and happy and still up for it. I can just imagine you in the shop. I am in mourning as my favourite, make that only, scrapbook store has changed to online only.

Kel x

hehe i even got a job aplication form for the shop, staff discount :P fingers crossed lol

[Hils]

Hi everyone! Tracy, the definitive list is on the first page of the thread now - Chantal put it there a week or so ago I think :) First one is My Face....
Sarah, sounds like you had fun in that shop! Good luck with the job application, but even with staff discount you still could end up spending more than you earn! :lol:
I am extremely pleased - and positive of course! - to report that my CJ is almost ready for posting - just need to finish the sign in pages - yippee! :) Its nearly ready cos I hate leaving things till the last minute, just in case. In case of what, I really don't know, but just in case! :lol:
How's everyone else getting on? :)

[Chantal]

Hello everyone Happy New Year! Hope you are all well.

I have made the covers for my CJ, so it is well underway! Can everyone pm me their addresses and phone numbers so I can sort out the circulation list-I will try and do it so people who live near each other are posting to each other to reduce the miles the CJs have to travel. I will then send you all teh adress for the person below you on the list

thanks

Cx

[winterbaby]

Thanks Hils :) Have PM'd you Chantal ;) :)

[AliBlack]

Not started yet :unsure: been gathering bits for it, been busy working on my other CJ but almost finished that now and can start on this one at the weekend. I don't know how anyone copes with doing more than 2 CJ's!! Takes me ages doing my pages!!


Hi everyone! Tracy, the definitive list is on the first page of the thread now - Chantal put it there a week or so ago I think :) First one is My Face....
Sarah, sounds like you had fun in that shop! Good luck with the job application, but even with staff discount you still could end up spending more than you earn! :lol:
I am extremely pleased - and positive of course! - to report that my CJ is almost ready for posting - just need to finish the sign in pages - yippee! :) Its nearly ready cos I hate leaving things till the last minute, just in case. In case of what, I really don't know, but just in case! :lol:
How's everyone else getting on? :)

[Ching]

just sent you a pm chantal

[sweetlilsarah]

help i dont know what to do to the back and front of my pink pig book, i cant leave it plain but i dont want to spoil it either, any ideas?

[Hils]

I've covered mine in mulberry paper and embellished it. At least then if you get something wrong you can tear the paper off and start again! :rolleyes: ;)
If you are careful, you'll find you can take the front and back off the spiral without the whole book coming apart. I covered the outside of each piece first, and punched holes thru the paper from the inside so they matched. Then did the inside and punched thru from the outside, iyswim. Haven't done that with the normal inside pages tho - just put paper as close to the holey bit as I could...
Hope that helps a bit :)

[sweetlilsarah]

oh i didnt think about taking it appart, ill go have a try, wish me look or it will be another trip to the metrocenter to replace a broken book lol

[Hils]

If I can do it (and get it back together again!) then I'm sure anyone else can! ;) :lol:

[winterbaby]

I'll be uploading Pictures of my front cover, intro pages, layout pages and sign in pages soon. I normally leave my back cover as it is and maybe decorate it when I get it back at the end of the round.

[sweetlilsarah]

first 2 pages are up in my gallery feel free to have a look

[Hils]

Wow that was quick! I'll upload mine tomorrow - already uploaded 2 pix today ;)

[winterbaby]

Gorgeous cj Sarah ;) :)

[sweetlilsarah]

first 2 pages are up in my gallery feel free to have a look

[Hils]

Posted mine on here today too :)

[winterbaby]

Gorgeous Hils ;) :)

[AliBlack]

Hils, they're lovely pages :) I'm a bit worried though as I don't know how I would incorporate the sea into my pages about my body, personality, my talent/skills (which would mostly be about bird care) etc :unsure: I'm probably being dense here!
I've finished my intro and sign in pages but finding the layouts about my face difficult!!
How's everyone else doing?
Chantal I've asked if everyone could do 2 layouts/DLO but just saw you mentioned doing just one page? Or are you leaving it up to us?

Posted mine on here today too :)

[Hils]

Ali, I don't want you to worry..... I started to wonder myself when it came to doing the pages on my face! The theme is sea and/or water, which may make it slightly easier. In the end I used a piccie of me taken by the lake, with a green background (a watery colour) and some blue ric rac along the bottom (another watery colour and looked like waves :) ) I thought if nothing else you could use blues or greens, but am looking forward to seeing how other people interpret the idea :) Perhaps there is a particular sea bird that you have cared or would like to care for? Hopefully my intro might give you a few ideas. Absolutely no worrying tho - this is a positivity journal ;) :)

[Chantal]

Hils, they're lovely pages :) I'm a bit worried though as I don't know how I would incorporate the sea into my pages about my body, personality, my talent/skills (which would mostly be about bird care) etc :unsure: I'm probably being dense here!
I've finished my intro and sign in pages but finding the layouts about my face difficult!!
How's everyone else doing?
Chantal I've asked if everyone could do 2 layouts/DLO but just saw you mentioned doing just one page? Or are you leaving it up to us?

It is entirely up to you how many pages you want everyone to do-I will probably ask everyone to do DLOs as well!

not sure about the sea question? I do not understand!

I am plotting my face pages at the moment. I think I am going to print a pic of my face and do little arrows saying what I like about, but still not totally decided! My CJ is covered now, and DH is away this week so I ahve loads of time to play in the evenings.

Has anyone seen Litany about recently-I am trying to get her address details etc and cannot contact her?

C xxx

[Chantal]

have just looked in the gallery-gorgeous CJs!!! and I know understand the sea question!

Hils-just quick question..you may be aware of it, but your address is on the CJ inside cover in your gallery for all to see-not sure if this is intentional or not...
Cxx

[Hils]

Ahhh no it's not :rolleyes: - thanks Chantal. I'll replace the piccie with a diff one with the addie blurred out :)

[nickibee]

Lovely CJ's gals. i have not even started, I have ordered a journal that should be here by Tuesday but will start on the paged tonight so that I only have to decorate it and stick the pages in when it comes.

[Kel_eh]

I've covered my CJ, but haven't done the intro or sign-in pages yet. Not to mention my face! Oh well, catching up with various things this weekend, so should leave the week free to fit in a bit of creativity and positivity!

Kel x

[pmk]

Hope it's getting left to us cos I've said 2 pages too!

[nickibee]

I am now officially struggling wiht this:lol:
I never realised how critical of myself I have become. i keep looking at my face and seeing spots and eyebrows that need plucking that sort of thing:lol:
Anyone else having this trouble?

[Kel_eh]

Not yet, but I am sure that is why I am putting it off. Try and focus on the things you can't beat yourself up about. We blame ourselves for spots/not looking after your skin/healthy diet/whatever and for not plucking eyebrows. Why not focus on something that you can take neither credit nor blame for, like the shape of your nose, the colour of your eyes, the curve of your jaw. Or something that you CAN take credit for like how your face is so expressive, your great smile, the way you have mastered that smoky eyeshadow trick you like. Or, if you just can't think positive, let others do the work. Mention the fact that DH loves your eyes (even if you can't see it yourself!) or that your sister has always been jealous of your nose.
Think positive! Love yourself!
Kel x

[pmk]

I would agree with Kel - try to find a positive somewhere that you've not been able to blame yourself about... must confess I'm struggling a bit with what to say although I#ve decided on my topic and how I'm doing the layout!

[nickibee]

You are both right of course. I am working on it now.

[AliBlack]

Totally!! I deliberately took some pics of myself for the CJ, hate pics of myself usually!! What I found hard was accepting that I am looking older now, I used to like pics of me in my teens and 20's but now I'm nearly 40 :unsure: negative things kept creeping in but I turned it around and could see some nice things about my face, got there in the end :lol: it was actually good for me to think about it.
Good luck with yours :)

I am now officially struggling wiht this:lol:
I never realised how critical of myself I have become. i keep looking at my face and seeing spots and eyebrows that need plucking that sort of thing:lol:
Anyone else having this trouble?

[winterbaby]

Hi all :) just checking in ;) :)

[Hils]

Yep - think positive :) I've focussed on my smile - not that it looks great but simply that it is a big part of who I am :)
As for looking older - there are some great quotes around about how wrinkles aren't a sign of age but of experience, how there's a story worth telling behind each one, etc.

[TracyTeaBag]

Hi all

just popping on to say hi! have almost made my album, but have not even started to think about the first entry - as usual will be cutting and sticking right up to the deadline - am having a crop here with mates on Saturday, so if the worst happens I will finish it then and post Monday (plan B)

love the uploaded entries so far

[Chantal]

Hi Everyone! Great advice Kel-must admit I know what I am going to do in terms of the page, but have not quite got the what I like about my face in my head! One of the things I hoep that will happen wiht this CJ is exactly what has happened in that we can "talk" about these things and realise that we do have lovely faces, even if we are not Cindy Crawford or whoever. I think I will focus on my eyes, smile and freckles. DH says he likes my nose, but that is because he is strange, so I will nto be including that!

I now have everyone's addresses adn will be sending them out. Litany is moving to Ireland fairly soon. Does anyone particuarly want to post to Ireland?

I am happy to cover the additional postage costs of posting ot Ireland as opposed to the UK as I reckon that by meeting Kel and posting to Ching in USA in one lot,l I will save money overall...

Let me know

Cxx

[pmk]

I don't have a problem with posting anywhere, so feel free to put me as posting to Litany (unless you've got othre offers of course!)

[Chantal]

thanks Pauline!

[Chantal]

Hi all-I have pm'd everyone with an address to post the CJ to and will update the front page with the posting schedule (who posts to who). Will also attach a table showing who is doing what in each CJ

C xx

[Ching]

thanks Chantal for being so organised!! I will be mailing Kel my album on Saturday, Jan 21st via global priority so it should arrive within 3-4 days at maximum.

I've been inspired by they lyrics to Christina Aguilera's song "Beautiful" so I'm trying to make my ideas work with the K&Co album I originally intended to use. Might need to scrap it and use something else because I want an edgier look.

Can everyone email me the page sizes of your albums please? Remember, your actual albums will not be mailed to me to save Chantal posting expenses. I will be mailing my page entries to Kel so she can adhere into your albums. I will provide adhesives with peel off backing for Kel. Thanks!

[Chantal]

To take account of the spine type bit, I would say make the pages for my CJ absolutely no wider than 13 cm wide x15 cm tall.

Cxx

[Hils]

To take account of the spine type bit, I would say make pages which are absolutely no wider than 13 cm wide x15 cm tall.

Cxx

Same for me please Ching cos I'm using a 6x6 pink pig book :)

Thanks for organising us all Chantal :)

[Ching]

thanks hils and Chantal...I'm copying all this information into my MS Word file that I keep on my computer. :P

[Kel_eh]

I am excited for all of this to start now! Not that I have actually finished my bits in my CJ of course - but I will soon. Chantal, thanks for the addy and the chart to show what theme we are doing and when we post to the next person etc. will be a big help. Ching, I'll measure my pages a little later and post the size.

Kel x

[pmk]

Got my pm - Litany in case you read this before I pm, I will pm you to chat about posting/moving etc etc!! Ching, will email you sizes tonight too.