Live Chat with Maggie Holmes - Transcript 01/13/2009

A special thanks to Maggie Holmes, guest designer for January's kit. We learned so much about her design process, photography, and a few hints on projects she has in the works.

Below is the full transcript:

lingannon: Hi Maggie!
April Foster: Questions anyone?
stephanie howell: oooh, meee.
lingannon: What was your favorite part of working with the SC kit?
brains32192: (no questions from me just yet, i'll just adore her from afar for now)
maggie holmes: hmmm... that is a hard one! I would have to say that I loved the studio calico patterned paper! they were all fantastic!!
brains32192 :)
lifelovepaper: Hi Maggie!
stephanie howell: okay. this is going to sound weird and random, but you use so many eclectic little pieces on your pages. i love how you mismatch all different types of things.
how do you prepare to do a page so that you don't get overwhelmed by all your "stuff"
do you put things together in kits ahead of time?
Caroline: oh good question
maggie holmes: thanks Stephanie!! i think that style has just evolved for me... i am like that with my house too. i just buy random things that i love and make it all work together!
stephanie howell: i don't know...i just have a hard time with that and knowing when to stop. and then i put things away and forget about them...
lingannon: Ooh! And how do you organize all of your "stuff"?
maggie holmes: thinking...
i always start with the photos
pick background first and then some patterned papers...
then i lay out the photos and the papers and title....
then i just start digging through my stuff to find those bits and pieces. i will add some buttons, brads, or whatever sparks in my mind
brains32192: well that sounds easy peasy, lol!
stephanie howell: that's my favorite part of your pages, the "tiny" things.
April Foster: i loved how you stapled the chipboard buttons on
maggie holmes: sometimes it is just a matter of sifting through things to find what will work with the layout!
stephanie howell: i forget about my tiny things.
Kelly Noel: maggie, i'm a huge fan of your photography...how did you get started and when did you decide to start a business taking photos?
April Foster: yes, stephanie, every time i've looked back at her gallery i've found something new
maggie holmes: i am a very organized person and i think that is the key... so if i want something metal i can go to my container that has little metal shapes... etc
lingannon: How do you know when you are finished with a LO? Do you take a picture to look at it first?
lifelovepaper: good question Kelly..I'm curious too.
maggie holmes: does that even make sense?
Caroline: me three
brains32192: yep!
stephanie howell: it absolutely does .thank you for answering my random questions. hehe.
jgj27: hi ladies! Maggie, like the others I love how you "finish off" your pages...just perfectly!
msmoonlite: How do you keep up with a love of photography and scrapbooking?
maggie holmes: thanks Kelly! I have always been "into" photography and so it just sort of evolved. friends and family started asking me to do shoots for them and then i got busy enough that i had to start charging and it became what it is today!
April Foster: did you teach yourself or did you have a mentor/class/etc?
maggie holmes: it is definitely a balancing act and it can get crazy at times but i am an over-achiever by nature so if i am not busy, i end up finding something to make me busy anyway! :)
lifelovepaper: I like a little background music when I scrap..do you listen to music or watch tv? if so, what are you listening/watching now?
jgj27: What and when was your big break into the scrapping world??
maggie holmes: i typically like silence... once in a while i turn on my iphone for some music but i think it actually distracts me. i often drive in complete silence too. i guess i like to just be with my thoughts! :)
lifelovepaper: that's cool
stephanie howell: what? i thought i was the only one that did that. my husband thinks i'm nuts, but music almost annoys me sometimes.
April Foster: maggie, i'm the exact same way....seriously
lifelovepaper: so you like a calm, organized space. :)
April Foster: that too
Caroline: wow, interesting
Scarlet: and i am the exact opposite! i can't stand silence
Caroline: me too!
brains32192: do you have a 'go-to' trick/item/thing if you get stuck?
April Foster: and silence with only me and my thoughts when i drive and work
Kelly Noel: ha. scarlet..me too!!!
lifelovepaper: I'm with Scarlet..music totally puts me in the mood
brains32192: i need tunes
Caroline: it perks me up and gives me energy
April Foster: i put 60k miles on my jeep last year and probably 50k was in silence
stephanie howell: i guess i just hear "mommymommymommymommySHE TOUCHED ME mommmymommy" too much.
i need silence.
brains32192: heeeee
lingannon: i must have music and noise.
maggie holmes: quite a few years back... when MM came out with those little mini books - remember those?? they had an ad in CK and said they would give away a certain number of albums if you wanted to create one and enter it into their contest. so i emailed and got the album (mostly just to get my hands on the album) and then on the last day i decided to go ahead and enter the contest.... and i ended up being one of the winners! i was completely shocked!! then they asked me to start designing for them!
stephanie howell: holy coolness...what a cool story.
Scarlet: maggie, i was visiting your blog earlier, and the newborn post on dec 2 really caught my eye. what did you use as a backdrop for the newborn photo? turquoise, yellow, and green is one of my fave color combos
April Foster: wow! that's a good breakthrough story
Caroline: how cool!
lifelovepaper: I do remember those...
stephanie howell: see, anything can happen!
jgj27: wow--how cool!
April Foster: you never know what's going to turn into
jgj27: true Stephanie! You never know I guess!
Kelly Noel: that's awesome!
moonlightgrrl: that's really cool!
April Foster: scarlet, i noticed the same pic and wondered the same thing
maggie holmes; my go to is probably strips of patterned paper... it seems that if i have a photo(s) and some strips of paper i can start playing around and come up with something that i like!
lifelovepaper: I <3 strips of paper
joy madison: i totally go to strips too, or quilt squares
jgj27: do you prefer to mix and match different pp lines or stick to the same line and embellish ?
brains32192: (me too)
maggie holmes: was it the flowery backdrop? if so, it is a vintage tablecloth that i think i got on etsy or ebay! it is my fave little thing! i used it on the table for my emily's 1st birthday too!
Scarlet: yes, that's it
April Foster: Yes, i think that's it maggie
maggie, i'm curious about your photography classes
stephanie howell: okay. so i haven't even thought of using my vintage tablecloths as backdrops...and i collect them. lightbulb moment!
lifelovepaper: What lens do you use?
April Foster: i noticed you offer workshops for people near you in arizona, but what about those of us in Kentucky?
lifelovepaper: perfect Steph!
April Foster: do you offer naything online?
brains32192: or Ohio?
Scarlet: it's gorgeous. i'm just a tad bit jealous. wouldn't that look perfect on my dining room table, april?
maggie holmes: i LOVE to mix and match! it is hard for me to just use one matching line... i feel like it is too "matchy" and that it needs something to break it up! not that it is wrong to match! lol! i guess that's just my style - eclectic!
April Foster: it really would, scarlet
lifelovepaper: or Alaska? hehe
Hoogly-Girl: or Alaska?
Tina great minds think alike
lifelovepaper: hey neighbor. :)
stephanie howell: seriously. i'm pretty sure there are no army posts in AZ, won't ever end up there.
Davinie: i think the girls want Maggie to go to Alaska. lol
Scarlet: let's all go to alaska
stephanie howell: ooh, there ARE army posts in alaska.
scraprascal: we were just looking at alaskan cruises...:)
Hoogly-Girl: Come on ladies!!!
lifelovepaper: I don't know if you'd like that Steph!
scraprascal: Maggie might freeze...
moonlightgrrl: isn't alaska too cold? can't we meet in California and Maggie can give us all a workshop here?
joy madison: are you planning to do any online classes or workshops?
maggie holmes: photography workshops -- i have done two so far - a beginner and advanced. actually had quite a few people fly in from out of state so that was cool! i am thinking about doing some more this year... maybe an online class?? depends on the demand i guess so email me if you are interested!
stephanie howell: tina, i got good training at fort drum (-35degrees)
Davinie: let's meet in the middle and do Oregon
NicoleS: i agree... too cold!
lifelovepaper: I like that Dav.
lingannon: Maggie, is there a time of year when you feel you are in a scrapping slump or high?
brains32192: Nic, don't you think she should see the East Coast?
Hoogly-Girl: CA sounds good.. Who know DH wants to move to TExas!!
maggie holmes: i might freeze!! i am not a cold weather person!!
just g: Another vote for OR here. :)
NicoleS: yep, nik!
lingannon: East coast girls are hip! :)
NicoleS: i would love an online photo class!
stephanie howell: maggie, i'd love the option of an online course. i need help!?!??!
lifelovepaper: well, I make an excellent babysitter Steph. :)
stephanie howell: tina =) =) =)
the girls would love you!!
Davinie: I vote for an online course too
lifelovepaper: I'm all for online classes
maggie holmes: i would love to travel -- to do shoots or workshops -- as long as i have enough people interested in one location, i would totally do it!! again, just email me if you are interested and we can figure it out!!
joy madison: west coast girls are HIPPER!!!
Davinie: I have hips.
joy madison: or was that hipp-y-er
NicoleS: LOL!
brains32192: haha Joy
April Foster: so maggie, change of subject
lingannon: Joy, weren't you JUST here? in VA?
just g: Both, Joy.
lifelovepaper: you're crazy joy.
but I agree.
April Foster: how did you first get started with CK?
moonlightgrrl: hey Greg
joy madison: parents live in VA (I grew up there) now I live in WA
stephanie howell: evening, greg!
g-man : howdy ladies!
just g: Two G's on the same board...I'm gonna be all kinds of confused. ;)
lifelovepaper: hi g-man
Hoogly-Girl: HI G man
moonlightgrrl: yes... CK... I'd loved to know how you got started with CK
joy madison: hey greggo
NicoleS: good question, april
maggie holmes: with CK, i started submitting a long time ago just to their general calls and they started picking up a few layouts here and there. then they called me out of the blue one day and asked me to be on the 2008 dream team! again i was shocked and totally excited! it has been a blast!
NicoleS: oh, that's fun!
brains32192: very cool!
moonlightgrrl: CK doesn't seem like the easiest company to get started with
stephanie howell: i'd agree, diana ;)
stephanie howell: it's a major major accomplishment for sure.
Hoogly-Girl: Steph..you don't need CK!! YOu are going places
NicoleS: what is the split between assignments that you do for CK and just pages that you complete for fun and they use?
April Foster: so, being in CK has brought "fans" wouldn't you say?
lifelovepaper: any advice for those who submit or haven't submitted yet?
maggie holmes: it was a shocker for sure!! thanks!! i still feel like there are a million others as good or better than me though!!
Hoogly-Girl: good question Tina! I have never submitted
jgj27: wow--what an honor to be called out of the blue! CK does seem impossible to break into!
tracyb: LOL! My one and only layout ever published was the 2004 CK Idea Annual. Is that not pathetic or what?
moonlightgrrl: do you have any tips for someone who would just like to have a project/layout or two published? or is it just a matter of submit like crazy?
lifelovepaper: me neither. it's my 2009 resolution
Davinie: maggie, how many kiddos do you have?
moonlightgrrl: yeah, tina... i just type too slow
Davinie: i'm just wondering on the boy/girl thing
April Foster: i was just going to ask Nicole Harper's question....she wants to know how you feel about crazy peeps who love your work....like her :) love ya nik!
lifelovepaper: that's not pathetic tracy!
brains32192: way to call a stalker out, April lol
tracyb: thanks tina.
April Foster: i'm sure she's flattered :)
maggie holmes: nicole - right now i scrap almost only by assignment. i typically have enough on my plate with MM and CK that I am scrapping the photos that I want to scrap and feel like I am getting a lot accomplished that will fill up my books and document our family lives. even though they are assignments i always make sure that i create layouts that are meaningful to me and that i will treasure and love once i get them back.
brains32192: (that would be me Maggie...)
Scarlet: i love that answer maggie :)
NicoleS: that works out well!
Davinie: sounds like the ideal situation to me.
*christiew*: so true maggie - love that you are true to your purpose, if that makes sense?!!?
stephanie howell: i love that maggie. i really believe in that too. honest, authentic layouts that you would like for your family.
maggie holmes: yes, just submit and keep submitting! stay in front of them! also, if you have a blog you should put lots of your work on there! you never know who is looking! :) I and the creative directors at MM have looked at many blogs in trying to find some fresh faces to help with idea books and such!
lifelovepaper: cool beans
Davinie: good tip!
April Foster: Yes, Maggie, I love your blog
maggie holmes: i have 4 kids - 3 boys and then a baby girl... that is the princess of my world! i love her (and the boys too!)
stephanie howell: what pen do you use for journaling? you are a girl after my own heart with the handwritten journaling and i love how yours looks.
*christiew*: what a lucky girl - 3 big brothers!!! haha
April Foster: how does it feel to have "fans"?
Davinie: do you think that makes a difference? i sometimes wonder if I have a little too much pink going on, lol.
Kelly Noel: do you find yourself scrapping more girly pages now that you have a girl to scrap?
NicoleS: awww, baby girls are so sweet!
Kelly Noel: i know i would! ;)
NicoleS: esp. after a few boys! lol
stephanie howell: your girlie pages are my favorite (i have 2 little girls)
Kelly Noel: i meant more than you do boy pages now
stephanie howell: kelly noel, i would love to see girlie pages from you =) =)
maggie holmes: i am actually quite taken back when people comment and/or email me and i really appreciate it! i 2nd guess myself a lot and so it really means a lot to me when people take the time to tell me they love my work! i don't think it is stalkerish at all!! i appreciate it!
moonlightgrrl: this may have been partially asked already, but i think i missed it... are there ever times you feel a lack of mojo? and what do you do in those times to give yourself a creative boost?
Kelly Noel: ha. send me some pics, steph! i'm done having babies! :)
stephanie howell: well i LOVED your harper page. i want to see you do pink.teeheee.
ahardy: HI HI HI HI!
maggie holmes: i use the ZIG writers a lot and then the American Crafts Slick Writers... love that handwriting is quick and easy and i do love the personal touch!
Davinie: Hi!
lifelovepaper: hey!
moonlightgrrl: (i love all harper pages (and sadie too) because those are 2 of the cutest girls i've ever seen)
ahardy: sorry i'm a bit late ... catching up :)
joy madison: i *heart* hand written journaling!
April Foster: I'll post a transcript at 11:00, so don't worry about trying to catch up
maggie holmes: i do scrap girl pages a lot now... because i finally get to! it is so fun! but i still definitely love to pull out the blues, greens, oranges, reds and yellows to do the boys' layouts!! it's great to have both options now!
stephanie howell: thanks for answering! i always have to have handwritten journaling somewhere on my pages as well. but holy cow your handwriting is amazing!
tracyb: i heart hand written journaling too :)
ahardy: thanks april!
April Foster: it'll be in the features>news section
jgj27: I've learned to embrace my handwriting more cause it does personalize your page a bit!
brains32192: i would love to have 'cool' handwriting...i seem to be drawn to similar styles from different people
NicoleS: who inspires you, maggie? scrappers or photographers?
scraprascal: yes! Share some of your inspirations!
lingannon: Oh How I would love to have cool handwriting!
lifelovepaper: good one Nicole
jgj27: Maggie--you should turn your handwriting into a font!! It rocks!
stephanie howell: nicole, your handwriting is perfect. and it is "yours"...and your family will treasure that!
brains32192: (thanks Steph)
Hoogly-Girl: I will have to read transcript...been on the phone
April Foster: ITA
scrappingirl79: I just got here...sorry i am late...did i miss anything
NicoleS: i meant both scrappers and photographers... not that you had to choose one or the other!
Caroline: oooh good question, nic
brains32192: Maggie, what supply do you think you could never get enough of?? (and adhesive doesn't count, lol)
ahardy: another GREAT question brains! :)
maggie holmes: to answer the mojo question - i guess i don't usually have the option of being stuck in a rut! i typically have a deadline so i have to just go for it and make it work! there are definitely times when it takes longer to get in the groove though and i just push through it! i like to just dive in and get going and then it seems to come together! i am at the point now where i don't over-analyze.... i will just pull some things are start creating!
scrappingirl79: How long does it take you to do a layout
Davinie: do you get to work during the day or do you have to wait until kids go to bed and work at night?
lingannon: Good question, Dav!
scrappingirl79: Do you think you buy more scrapbook supplies then you actually scrapbook....I am a huge collector...LOL
Caroline: is there something that you do to force yourself to be creative even though you're not really fereling it?
maggie holmes: inspiration - for me comes from everywhere!! ads, fashion, other scrappers and photographers! love tara whitney (as we all do)! i really get inspiration from so many places - typically i will just go blog surfing and end up on some random photographer/scrapper's site that i haven't even been on before and i am in awe!! there are too many to even keep up with!
Davinie: my problem is that I'd love to create all day long but i am home with the kiddos by myself during the day and they won't let the mojo flow, lol.
Caroline: i remember when you and robyn used to do those fashion challenges on 2ps. those were fun :)
Hoogly-Girl: I collect too, life has been busy
scrappingirl79: Huge collector and CHA is almost here
what is a girl going to do
April Foster: time to purge (ie. use) those collections, girls
Caroline: i have to pack to move and i have NO idea how i'm going to pack my scrapping stuff LOL
*christiew*: challenge yourself to use some certain products by the time CHA stuff comes out or get rid of it
scrappingirl79: that is a good idea christiew
*christiew*: that's what i had to do last year - luckily now i just use LOTS
Hoogly-Girl: I need to purge but I left almost everything in KY. I now rely on SC for almost everything
NicoleS: SC is great for my stash problem... i RARELY buy anything beyond the kits/add-ons anymore
Kelly Noel: me too jenn! i have way too much stuff
Scrapper Jenn: To make room for more SC each month! Hee!
Caroline: yeah me too now, nic
brains32192; me either, Nic.
*christiew*: same here nic
jgj27: I also am trying to use up my stash more...I'm so guuilty of buying more than I can use!!!!
Davinie: that's why I usually get the kit and all the add-ons! I rarely shop myself!
Kelly Noel: ditto nic :)
lifelovepaper: me too..my lss is wondering where I've been
ahardy: yo yo walesk!
maggie holmes: i mostly scrap during the day when emily naps, but if i am up against a deadline i will stay up late and work at night
jgj27: Hi Waleska!!!
scrappingirl79: I will say Maggie, your photos that you take are awesome...what kind of camera do you use
lifelovepaper: and lens? :)
April Foster: yes, great questions girls....we need to know
scrappingirl79: oh yeah..lens...thanks lifelovepaper :)
maggie holmes: yes, i have more supplies than i will ever use but sometimes there are things that i just can't pass up!! it is definitely an addiction!! lol! but i am better than i used to be!
lifelovepaper: oh and photo paper..what kind of photo paper do you use?
Scrapper Jenn: or do you get them printed somewhere?
NicoleS: and... another photog ques. I was just looking at your actions. I want to learn more about actions... do you use just those on your photos or do you edit them in other ways too?
April Foster: or, do you send your photos somewhere to print?
maggie holmes: i use a nikon d200, lenses: 50mm 1.4, 28-70mm 2.8, 70-200 2.8
scrappingirl79: Also do you find reading your manual over and over helpful...also any tips for newbies:
Nichoda: Hey W!
maggie holmes: 99% of the time i use my actions... i know what i like now and i like to stay pretty consistent with my output so that my pictures aren't all over the place as far as editing goes.
stephanie howell: see here is my problem. i'm a total complete photoshop idiot. i don't even know how to use an action.
Hoogly-Girl: I need to learn to use my camera and I desperately need a better zoom lens..
April Foster: i forgot about the actions...we were going to ask about that...glad you remembered nic
NicoleS: that's very encouraging! :) I thought maybe you did all sorts of editing too!
stephanie howell: hence the need for a class.
maggie holmes: i mostly print my pictures for my scrapbooks here at home on an hp with hp paper
NicoleS: I just love the color on your pics!
scrappingirl79: My problem too....photoshop and I are not a good match....
brains32192: me too Steph
April Foster: maggie, is is possible to make your actions for PSE....most of the girls here have PSE, not CS
brains32192: it just isn't intuitive for me, lol
Hoogly-Girl: I no nothing about Photoshop and have a very old version.
lifelovepaper: me too...so vibrant!
Caroline: love the color on your photos, too!
stephanie howell: i have photoshop 7 and don't even know how do do a single thing. eeks.
maggie holmes: actions are easy - they do the work for you! you just push play and then do a tiny bit of tweaking! its great! i am going to do some more detailed tutorials about my actions on my blog this year so watch for that!
joy madison: PS is not an intuitive program period
walesk: I have your actions and I love them! :)
scrappingirl79: Just got an XPS by Dell....I only have PSE no CS either...
lifelovepaper: yay!!!
NicoleS: oh, cool! i'll be watching for that!
vtpuggirl: wait, where can we get Maggie's actions?
NicoleS: not to sound creepy or stalkerish! LOL
stephanie howell: kelly purkey sold me on your actions, i just have to figure out how the heck to use photoshop.
walesk: on her blog
Hoogly-Girl: Will be checking in with your blog
April Foster: actions are easy....installing them can be a bit tricky depending on the version of software you have, though
jgj27: I'm so clueless when it comes to actions, PSE extras, etc...one day I'll figure it all out! I hope!
maggie holmes: i am looking into making them for PSE! i tried a while back and it just wasn't compatible, but i have heard that PSE 7 has more capabilities so i am going to buy that and see what i can come up with! keep checking for that too!
Davinie: that is very cool.
scrappingirl79: cool...then i can learn
lifelovepaper: oh cool...I was leaning towards pse7
maggie holmes: have i missed anything?? trying to keep up!!
Scrapper Jenn: wait, so what program do you use to edit with?
April Foster: her actions are available for purchase on the left column of her blog http://maggieholmes.typepad.com
jgj27: you're doing good!!!
NicoleS: you are doing a fabulous job! it has to be confusing!
Hoogly-Girl: Tina ...our costco has it for about $70
maggie holmes: i use photoshop CS2
lifelovepaper: I saw that!
jgj27: What is your favorite CHA sneal so far???
scrappingirl79: how much does photoshop cs2 usually run for...
stephanie howell: maggie, you are doing a fantastic job keeping up.
brains32192: (and are you attending CHA?)
Hoogly-Girl: I have been wanting to get new version but wasn't sure about PSE or CS2
maggie holmes: i haven't even seen any of the sneaks... except for the MM stuff that I have worked with! i guess i am behind! i do have to say that you will love the new MM stuff as usual! they are awesome!
Caroline: the newest is cs4 now i think
i can't wait to see the new mm :)
lifelovepaper: mm never disappoints
brains32192: you took the words out of my mouth Tina
stephanie howell: mm never disappoints. i love their new line, sabrina, at michaels.
jgj27: The sneaks of MM that I have seen seems to have a new look!
scrapally: So, we're talking photoshop and MM papers?
Hoogly-Girl: I want to go to CHA...heck I want to go anywhere
scrappingirl79: did you help design the new mm sabrina line and chloes closest
Kelly Noel: i just got some of the love notes line...beautiful stuff!
April Foster: kelly....mmmmmmmm :)
NicoleS: love that love notes line too, kelly!
kbscraps21: just jumping in
stephanie howell: oh, i got some of that line too!
maggie holmes: no, i don't help design any of their products. i just create layouts and projects with it!
Davinie: I just got some of that too!
Kelly Noel: did you see the little heart pins? so pretty!
kbscraps21: M...love your actions
scrappingirl79: it is by far 2 of my favorite lines
Davinie: why yes, kelly, yes i did
maggie holmes: thanks!
Caroline: yes!! love thos epins!
stephanie howell: what a weird coinkydink.
ahardy: is MM out at your LSS's already girls?
kbscraps21: just have upgrade to cs2 so I can use them
mlepitts: hi everyone. sneaking in for a bit while husband helps daughter w/ math :) i've been spending to much time scrapping according to the family :)
*christiew*: you girls are BAD BAD BAD
brains32192: i don't have an LSS anymore...
Davinie: i don't know if mm is at my lss or not
scrapally: oh Nik - that is sad
NicoleS: i have no lss. :(
stephanie howell: mine has it but i didn't buy any. what???
Davinie: cs2 and up is spendy spendy
scrapally: I didn't have one and now I do again!
vtpuggirl: Nik, me either, no Lss
scrappingirl79: it is at my local scrapbook store and also michaels (different lines though)
maggie holmes: LOVE the love notes line too!! isn't it great?
kbscraps21: M..long time ago you and Robyn did fashion challenge through your blog
Davinie: is it worth it to go there or should i make it work with pse7 ish?
brains32192: it's ok Ally...i'm covered with my SC kits!
kbscraps21: do you remember those challenges...
NicoleS: anything with red, pink and hearts is great in my book!
stephanie howell: i love sabrina, too. pink and black....sigh.
April Foster: Maggie, quick question about SC kits
kbscraps21: I do several of them...they were awesome
maggie holmes: yes, i remember them! they were fun!!
stephanie howell: plus sabrina makes me think of audrey hepburn, double sigh.
Hoogly-Girl: my lss closed :( Only Joanns now
April Foster: not sure if you've done much work with kits in the past, but what did you find challenging about it and what did you find inspiring?
maggie holmes: fashion is a great place to look for inspiration!!
jgj27: oh I saw some new MM at my M's this week...super cute!
scrappingirl79: yes i do agree stephanie
mlepitts: i remember being really excited about joanns at one point.
ahardy: MAN! what a bummer about all your LSS's ...
scrapally: Oooh - Joanns? they're almost worse than Michaels
kbscraps21: I looked forward to those...my blog is its all about me...do you remember me
NicoleS: good ques, April!
rachelmai: hi girls
ahardy: i have worked at mine for about 6 months, but they've been in business for going on 10 years now! I feel grateful.
Hoogly-Girl: Try Joanns in AK I can get basics. Thats it
kbscraps21: just wanted to say I love your layouts and they are great inspriation
maggie holmes: i really LOVE kits! i love that they are a mix of different products that are not too matchy matchy but that go together! i love that i can just pull out a kit and start scrapping without having to dig through all of my supplies!!
Hoogly-Girl; SC does a great job keeping me happy
stephanie howell: meee tooo. kits are GREAT for really tired mommies.
Davinie: word.
Kelly Noel: so true
scrappingirl79: love kits
maggie holmes: thanks! kb!
mlepitts: even not tired mommies :)
jgj27: I totally agree with kits being the way to go...they're such a fabulous idea!
Caroline: kits are awesome because i'm lazy :P
LOL
sophiarhiannon: maggie, the chip buttons on your layouts are gold and silver. did you use the maya road spray mists for those?
scrappingirl79: and the inspiration of all the design team members that work so hard
maggie holmes: i always love kits!! i also love that i don't have to go shopping but i can still get the latest and greatest delivered right to me!
jgj27: totally agree!
Davinie: that's exactly right
maggie holmes: no, i used the MM metal effects paint. i need to get the spray mists! are they awesome??
kbscraps21: love that about kits...
joy madison: we *heart* SC for all the latest and greatest!!!
ahardy: BINGO! i said it on the message boards, but it's worth repeating. Scarlet & April are the Rachel Zoe of scrapbooking!
sophiarhiannon: hmmm...i haven't seen those mm paints
Davinie: maggie, cs2+ or PSE7+? Aren't the CS's really expensive? Is it worth it?
Hoogly-Girl: Maggie, any tips for using our stash? Products that may be so last season. I see some people mix in old paper here and there and it looks great!
vtpuggirl: the mist looks cool, april has a thing on her blog
April Foster: maggie, we just started stocking the maya mists in our shop here and I love them, but i'm completely biased
jgj27: I have a Maya Road spray mist in orange that I just got and I love it!
Kelly Noel: dav, you can get a student or teacher discount on cs2 if you know someone
April Foster: jenni, the orange is the color i use the most
Kelly Noel: still pricey though
kbscraps21: Never seen a better kit club in my opinion...April and Scarlet...out do themselves every month
Davinie: i need to find me a teacher, lol.
Hoogly-Girl: April...not to worry; your video and layout makes me want mist in every color:)
maggie holmes: i store all of my paper by color so i don't even know what is old or new in there! i just grab what looks good to me at the moment! and i do love to use older stuff... whatever works with my layout i will use - old or new!
jgj27: I used it on a manilla tag and I love the effect it gives! I'm gonna have to get some more though!!!! Need some more colors to choose from!!
mlepitts: i love the mists on paper. it's so pretty and makes such a cool effect.
ahardy: love your "whatever works" mentality maggie!
kbscraps21: will any teacher work Kelly...I think my sons teacher would help me out..we are good friends
Davinie: that's why i'm wondering if it's worth it to go CS. I can get PSE 7.0 for $70. my hubby will think i'm wackadoodle if I want to spend $$$ on a photo editing program.
joy madison: do you have organizational tips?
April Foster: maggie, not sure if you saw the CS or PSE question. which would you choose?
Nichoda: Dav, teach a scrapbook class and you are considered a teacher.
Scarlet: sorry... i never left. just timed out. who is rachel zoe? is it bad that i don't know?
Kelly Noel: yeah i think you just need a school id or something equivalent
joy madison: there are some organizing challenges going on on this board
rachelmai: rachel zoe is a stylist
maggie holmes: yes, CS2+ is expensive. totally worth it for me because i am a photographer. i haven't tried PSE 7 so i can't say on that but lots of people love it! and like i said i am really going to try to make some actions for that! there are so many things in CS2 that i don't even use or know how to use! lol!
ahardy: she's a little zany scarlet ... but it's a TOTAL compliment. she's a fashion stylist to celebrities!
kbscraps21: I have to look into that ...thanks Kelly. By the way kelly Kim Bolyard here...I have met you at Ruban Rouge..I know Lisa
I work at K2 in Sarasota...we have met a few times
Davinie: i think pse is more for me then. I think you have found a need. actions for pse!
scrappingirl79: Kim love your new puppy..
Kelly Noel: oh hey kim...good to see you here :)
Nichoda: If you go to Adobe.com you can download a free trial of PSE7
April Foster: if you've never used photoshop before, i highly recommend getting elements first. you can try it and see how much you use it
kbscraps21: Kelly...so glad you are on the DT
scrapally: yes! Actions for PSE!
Kelly Noel: thanks:)
maggie holmes: Hi Kim! didn't know that was you!
kbscraps21: Kelly are you going to CHA
rachelmai: I am excited about the actions for PSE, maggie
scraprascal: I have an OT question..but it's seems to repeat on the mb every so often: what's your favorite "beauty" product?
Kelly Noel: nope, nobody to watch the boys this time
scrappingirl79: bare essentials
mlepitts: sad, no jackson's momma
Nichoda: Jenn...love that question. :o)
kbscraps21: Wait...did I read that right..Maggie is going to have actions for PSE
Davinie: she's going to work on it!
scrapally: I had no idea when I bought PSE that I couldn't use it with actions
Kelly Noel: lol. nope i have to be jackson's mama which is why i can't go. ha
scrapally: That was a very sad surprise.
mlepitts: ok maggie, i have a quick question for you. WHERE do you find your cool backgrounds for photos?
Davinie: lol Kelly
kbscraps21: Kelly...sorry you will have to miss it. It is tough with little ones. I will be working with Terri Gordon who sells the Krafter purse
maggie holmes: i am a basics girl on hair stuff and face wash! i buy what is cheap! (is that bad??) for makeup i do love Mac eye shadows though!! they are my guilty splurge! i can always find a new color that i just "have to have!"
vtpuggirl: good question em
scrapally: Hey Maggie - *I* have a question for you!
mlepitts: thank you danielle :)
April Foster: i think maggie is my triplet
scrapally: Remember when we were at that crop one night after one of the conventions here?
Nichoda: LOL April
April Foster: we both drive/scrap in silence and use mac eyeshadow
scrapally: and we were sitting with Kim Kesti...
Scarlet: i think we asked that earlier, em! are you referring to the baby backdrop?
mlepitts: no, the red barn thingie
maggie holmes: yes, i remember ally!
scrapally: and we each were given a page to create her daughter's senior mini album?
maggie holmes: nice april!! that is great!
April Foster: i didn't see a red barn....i need linkage :)
scrapally: Well, MY kid's a senior this year...
Scarlet: oh. we didn't ask about that ;)
mlepitts: the matthew page
scrapally: see where this is going? :)
maggie holmes: yes, i think i see!! lol!!
scrapally: and well, she needs a mini album for her senior year...
Davinie: lol
scrapally: so, uh - wanna make it?
scrapally: LOL
Davinie: i wonder what ally's getting at?
Kelly Noel: hard to tell
;)
jgj27: haha--sneaky!
kbscraps21: me too...scrapally...my daughter is also a senior.
Davinie: ally and her subtle hints
scrapally: we actually had so much fun that night.
Davinie: i never know what that girl's thinkin'.
April Foster: we're going to have to be kind and let Maggie sneak out at some point, but i'm curious about the barn backdrop
Hoogly-Girl: Thanks Maggie...it was fun
maggie holmes: to answer the backgrounds question - i love to find new and different places to shoot! my eyes are always looking around for good places to shoot - even when i am not thinking about it! lol! if only i had more guts... there are so many places i want to shoot at but i get chicken to go ask!
kimberly: Hi Maggie
scrapally: Kim just threw a bunch of stuff out on the table and we had to create with whatever was there
kimberly: here late...so sorry
scrapally: ok - sorry 'bout that!
kimberly: I had my time zone totally mixed up!
kbscraps21: I just did a senior shoot the other day at a barn with the girl and her horse
mlepitts: so what if you find what looks like an abandoned barn that looks cool, do you just hope the fence? i've always wanted to, but never dared.
April Foster: Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us. you've been so gracious and we are a hard bunch to keep up with
maggie holmes: the barn - was it a recent one? the shoot with the bike? it is a junkyard actually - totally awesome!
scrapally: Hey Kimberly - not as bad as I - I thought this was yesterday!
Caroline: yes, thanks maggie1
kbscraps21: I wish I could go back there again and again for shoots...perfect backdrops
jgj27: thanks for chatting with us tonight Maggie!! You seem like such a great down to earth girl and it's been so fun to pick your brain!
scrappingirl79: Thanks for the chat
mlepitts: on your matthew page
Davinie: Thank you so much, Maggie!
kimberly: I will be doing some catch up...sorry I missed you and thanks for coming Maggie
joy madison: thanks maggie!!!
Kelly Noel: thank you maggie!!!!
Hoogly-Girl: Im back ..trying to watch UK /UT game
mlepitts: thanks maggie!
vtpuggirl: Thanks maggie! You do beautiful work.
scraprascal: Thanks for chatting with us, Maggie!
brains32192: looking forward (as your resident SC stalker) to seeing your work Maggie...we need our fix, so keep them coming!
Hoogly-Girl: Thanks again
*christiew*: thanks maggie - so fun to read an insiders view!! LOL
NicoleS: Thanks for chatting, Maggie! :)
stephanie howell: thanks so much for taking time to answer our questions, maggie. and thank you so much for the inspiration you provide.
Scarlet: Thanks so much for coming, Maggie!
scrapally: Is Maggie leaving? Or is this just a lovefest moment?
Davinie: ha ha haha
scrapally: regardless, thanks for coming by!
Hoogly-Girl: OK ladies...bring on the sneaks!!!!
kbscraps21: thanks maggie
jgj27: hahah--the chat was only an hour so we're all thanking her for coming!!!
April Foster: well, her hour is up, but she's welcome to stay and count down to sneaks with us if she wants
maggie holmes: oh, on the matthew page - i believe that was in UT at Gardner village. they have all these cool little old houses/barn looking buildings that are all stores now. so it is a public place - awesome for shooting! i wish we had a place like that here in AZ!! if anyone local knows of good spots, let me know!1
April Foster: we're not going to kick her out......
scrapally: oooooh
Scarlet: she is welcome to stay if she wants to ;)
maggie holmes: lol ally!!
kbscraps21: Maggie...my daughter jus got in to ASU...my husband is from there and she is so excited
maggie holmes: my hubby just graduated from ASU!!
scrapally: Really Maggie? with what degree?
kbscraps21: really...scrapally...how cool. she is so excited...now I have worry about out of state tutiion
Hoogly-Girl: cool
maggie holmes: awesome!
jgj27: oh cool--congrats to him!
maggie holmes: political science - bachelors.
mlepitts: thanks maggie!
scrapally: Congrats to him Maggie!
kbscraps21: My daughter will majoring in journalism
maggie holmes: thanks!
April Foster: Maggie you've been wonderful! We really enjoyed getting to "know" you better and to pick your brain
maggie holmes: it was great chatting with everyone! feel free to email me or comment on my blog if you have other questions in the future! i love hearing from everyone!! sometimes i wonder if anyone is even reading that thing! lol!
Hoogly-Girl: I'm here don't worry
maggie holmes: thanks again!! goodnight!