Bewitched Crafts with Tracy Miller

In 1988, I was a 15 year old American exploring the streets of Paris with a group of students.  I had my camera and the worst accent imaginable.  I also had the time of my life.  Watching my history books come alive in front of me in this incredibly vibrant city made my heart sing.  Now, many years later, as I plan my upcoming visit in Paris, I'm taking a break from the guide books and packing to look through my Paris scrapbook and relive the joy of my first trip.  

While this episode does not include the mention of any specific candidate, party, platform or ballot initiative, it is all about voting.  I'm thinking of creating a tutorial dedicated to including this election in your scrapbook.  Let's document the practical aspects of going to the polls as well as the values reflected in our ballot choices.  The tutorial will include patriotic images and colors, but it will not be political.  We'll create a two page spread and a space for hidden journaling while we capture this historic moment for generations to come.  If this sounds good to you, email me at tracy@bewitchedcrafts.com

This week I am applying the Lazy Genius principle Decide Once to my favorite paper crafting hobbies - cardmaking and scrapbooking.  This principle saves me time, frustration, and money!  Kendra Adachi has inspired me to be a genius about what matters to me, but this tip works even if you haven't figured that part out yet.  It's simple.  It's practical and I'm sharing ideas to make it work for you.

I've been seeing a lot of list challenges lately and i was inspired to create a list of 51 random things about myself at the age of 51.  I tried to keep it a list everyday things, things I like about myself, and things that I love.  i skipped all the goals and struggles for this list, but I did include a few things I am looking forward to and excited about for 52.

What's the last five star book you read?  I eagerly anticipated the newest release from Kendra Adache and devoured my copy of The Plan.  If you're familiar with Kendra's big sister style from her Lazy Genius book and podcast, you will love how well she builds on her 13 principles to change how we think about the seasons of our lives and how we manage our time.

I'm starting a brand new adventure!  This September the back to school energy hit hard.  plus I've been focused on preparing for my upcoming trip to Paris.  What could be more perfect than enrolling in a year long pastry course exploring desserts from the regions of France?

Have you ever felt like the things you want most have ended up on the bottom of your to do list?  Worse, have your obligations to others moved to the top of your list?  Lately, I've felt like the pace of my life has dramatically increased as I struggle to fit it all in.  Let's talk about micro moments of self care, adding the big three to your calendar, and reset days.  Plus, I am sharing the story of how my reset days were born!

Have you ever experienced crafter's block?  You've got the time to make cards and scrapbook pages but the ideas just don't flow?  I've got a new solution to help you make the most of your time at your craft table and to ramp up your creative energy.  It's prep work!  Let's talk about things you can do in advance to set your next project up for success and bust through crafter's block!

September's back to school energy has me eager to tackle new projects and organize all the things.  I'm working the Holiday Grand Plan, making dozens of Christmas cards, renovating my house, and traveling.  I even joined a pastry school!  I'm also sharing an idea in this episode to hold onto this energy well into the new Year. Juggling all of this and making time for paper crafting is only possible with my trusty digital planner.  If you have ideas for the 2025 Paper Crafter's Planner, I would love to hear from you!  

What happens when you find a stamp set themed around one of your favorite things?  I am passionate about reading and I'm known for my bookish enthusiasm, so the new Woodland Library set has me crazy excited.  Let's talk about crafting bookmarks, little free libraries, and flow states where crafting projects seem to progress with joy.

It doesn't feel like Fall in Florida.  While I am holding on to the last weeks of summer, I am also considering the elements of Autumn I most want to enjoy this month.  It's not all pumkin spice and Gilmore Girls!  Let's talk Fall favorites plus the Holiday Grand Plan with a paper crafting twist.

I'm hanging on to this last days of summer, but the back to school energy is building.  I am craving notebooks, stickers, and markers.  September is all about systems and organizing here.  Grab your planner and join me as I plan the three experiences I will gift myself in September.

What do you do when you're feeling stuck?  If you're like me you sometimes draw a crafty blank.  Here's how I've been shifting gears when I am feeling stuck in neutral.

When you turn your hobby into a business, it can be hard to remember that it's meant to be fun.  Sometimes I just take it too seriously or focus too much on the deadlines.  Today I'm identifying my fun factors and the challenges must likely to steal my joy so I can set up the right environment for maxiumum enjoyment.

So many good things are on the horizon.  I am doubling down on using my love for paper crafting to reinforce my motivation and get things done including planning my dream trip to Paris!

Lee Kiefer took the gold medal in women's foil this weekend in Paris.  I was on the edge of my seat cheering her on and screaming at my tv.  I knew I wanted to fence by the  time I was about 13 years old, but I didn't get the chance until I was in my 30s.  Today I'm sharing a bit of my passion for fencing with you.

Home is where our stories begin.  It's where we create memories, find comfort, and build our lives.  Designing these spaces to be a reflection of oursleves is a journey worth documenting.  I'm in the process of upgrading my surroundings and I can't wait to include this process in my scrapbook.                            

Have you ever heard a theory about what makes an awesome feel good song?  Turns out there's a formula (150 beats per minute, major keys, and great lyrics)!  Let's create and share a list of mood enhancnig songs perfect for fun summer memories and crafternoons.  What song do you want to hear on our summer playlist?  Let me know at tracy@bewitchedcrafts.com

I'm passionate about crafting cards from design sketches.  I love the results I get!  Working from sketches saves me time and money; I get the most out of the supplies I have on hand.  Best of all, I have the perfect tool for busting through crafter's block. Doors are only open for three days.  Get all the details here: https://bewitchedcrafts.convertri.com/sketchclub24

2024 is half over and I thought it would be a great time to look back over the last six months to review the changes in my crafting tools, supplies, and projects.