I would love to share a bit more behind-the-scenes about my Masters journey. Being named as a Scrapbooking Memories Master is such an honour for me. I love this craft and industry so much.
Warning: Text heavy post!
It sounds so cliche but I really did pour my heart and soul into my entry. I kept them very true to my style and what I love. The single layout you see above was the first layout I created and I think it's my favourite! There is so much texture and dimension on there that just doesn't show up in photos!
Each project took me hours to complete. The hardest one ended up being the double page spread as it had been so long since I've created a double! That one took me days. Seriously. In the end I had to tell myself to leave it, send it and stop agonising over it!
I thought the canvas would be the hardest for me as I don't really do mixed media projects. But once I had the idea, it just came together and it now is on my bedroom wall and looks fabulous!
Once the projects were done and sent (express post of course as I took right up until the last minute to complete them!) the waiting game was on. I was literally counting down until the day the calls would be made, so I would know one way or another!
Here's some journaling I noted from that day: "I had the day marked on my phone. I knew the calls were going out in the morning and I desperately wanted to receive one. I tried to distract myself and not stare at the phone, willing it to ring but I was an anxious mess. I sat at my desk, opened my computer and started editing photos. My phone rang. It was a Sydney number. I answered. It was Cassie from Scrapbooking Memories. I knew why she was calling. She congratulated me. I don't really remember what I said but I think I was basically speechless. The call was over quickly. I got up and went into the kitchen where Thomas was and said "I won". Then I started bawling as he hugged me. What an emotional month it's been."
Just 17 days earlier, my husband had an accident and was in hospital for two weeks with a brain injury. He only came home a few days before the phone call so it was a very emotional time. That little bit of good news really meant the world to me!
I had entered this competition two times previously and received honourable mentions. So the moral is to keep on trying, stay true to your style and everything happens for a reason! I truly believe this!
In the weeks that followed, I came to know my Australia Post delivery driver very well as the prizes and challenge packs trickled in. As I worked on challenges and an article for the magazine, it was sooooo hard to not tell anyone! I had to keep it a secret for nearly three months!
Each month this year in Scrapbooking Memories magazine, you will see my, and the other Masters' work. What a great year it will be!
And it was made even sweeter when I found out how talented my fellow Masters are and it included my good friend Kerryn Lawson! Here is the list of Masters with links to their blogs. I can highly recommend visiting them if you're ever after inspiration!
Thanks so much for allowing me to share this journey with you!
