Mar 2 2009
"Scrapbooker of the Month" is a way to honor a scrapbooker who is a member of the About.com Scrapbooking Forum. The SOTM is someone who regularly provides inspiration for other scrapbookers by participating in discussions, sharing scrapbook page layouts, and both participating in and creating challenges.The SOTM for March 2009 is Sherri Priest. Sherri is a long time member of the About.com Scrapbooking forum. We asked her to tell us a little about herself and answer a few questions about her love of scrapbooking.
To see some of Sherri's scrapbook pages visit the March 2009 SOTM Gallery.
From Sherri: A little about me - I have been married to a great guy for over half my life (28 years) and have two almost grown sons, ages 17 and 20. I am extremely active and hate to be idle. I exercise everyday either at the gym lifting weights, doing my pilates tape, biking or running. I take my puppy on a daily walk every morning to burn off some of his excess energy and this is my time to commune with God. I love to make quilts and blankets (most I donate to Project Linus) and sew and of course, scrapbook and make cards. I also have run two half marathons and done one sprint triathalon. I volunteer at the local civic theater, usually behind the scenes as stage manager or something like that. I’m doing Project 365, taking a photo a day and that has been fun and challenging!
How long have you been a scrapper? About 9 years
What started your journey into scrapbooking? I made my first scrapbook for my nephew in 2001 as his graduation present with pictures from his whole life. Then, I did one for my good friend’s daughter (like my own daughter) as a graduation gift that same year. After that, I began to scrap for my family and my pictures.
What is generally the main focal point your pages? The photos! I want to see the photos when I see a scrapbook page. I’m trying to add journaling as a focal point as well.
What kind of camera do you use? I have a Sony DSC-H7 which was a great compromise over the more expensive digitals. I love it! It suits my needs since it has a great zoom and features that allow me to do what I want like take great sports and action shots that I could never get before.
Where & When do you scrap? I scrap at home at random times but I also love to go to scrapbook weekend get-togethers with friends. Always so much fun and great girl time. In a house of all guys, this is such a blessing to me.
How much time do you devote to scrapbooking? Now, this is hard to say. Not as much as I used to. I was a bit obsessed for a while when I was getting ‘caught up’ on photos, ignoring chores and everyone else. I’m not as bad anymore. Now it may be not at all for a week or so if I’m really busy with other stuff. Other times I may try to do a little bit every night or all day long on a Saturday if the inspiration strikes.
What/Who inspires you? I am inspired by challenges. I love a great challenge that will get me going especially if there is a chance at a prize. Also, online galleries and other folk’s layouts and sketches.
What types of layouts do you do most? (events, heartfelt, chronological?) I mostly do event scrapbooking. I have numerous albums just for my boy’s scouts, acting, sports and birthday and then trip albums. But, I’m trying to add in more everyday type photos in my yearly scrapbook.
What is your favorite part of scrapbooking? Looking through my scrapbooks and reliving the memories and all the friends I have made because of this hobby. The escape and relaxation from it and the creative outlet.
What are your 3 scrapping essentials? Patterned paper, a good trimmer and my little ‘pokey’ tool (weapon!) that I used to make holes for brads and such. I couldn’t scrap without it! (oh and peanut M&M’s – well that’s 4!)
Do you have a color preference? I love purple. It’s my favorite color but for scrapping I mostly use browns and blues for all the outdoor boy layouts I do.
What are your favorite scrapbook products? Patterned papers (Basic Grey!) and fonts and ribbons – oh the list goes on.
What was your latest scrappy purchase? A couple of fun past kits from Coordinates Collections which have great girly colors. Fun, fun. I will be using for a friend’s gift album.
Do you have any other hobbies? Sewing, quilting, hiking, running, cardmaking.
Is there anything you do differently now, from when you first started scrapbooking? I take pictures differently and hopefully better and different types of photos. Partly from scrapbooking and partly because I have the digitial camera now. You can crop and change things up. So much more freedom in it. I also journal much better than I used to. It was always just the when, where, etc before. Now I try to add to that. Not always and not super gushy but a little more feeling in it.
