Poetry in Motion

Last year, I mentioned a fantastic website that provides fill-in-the-blank worksheets for developing your own poetry. It is called the ETTC Instant Poetry Forms site. With over 30 choices of topics, you can experiment with different genres and poetry forms. Fear about how your writing will sound should not come into play. Be sure to throw caution to the wind. Remember that it is okay to write and rewrite, finding the just right words.

Free expression like that involved with poetry can expand you as a scrapbooker and as a person. Not only will you get in touch with a different, wildly creative side of yourself, but you will feel a sense of pride when you are done. Poetry can spur ideas that you wouldn't have typically thought of and can lift you to a new level. Or, it can lead to simple fun.

In celebration of February, take the plunge into the poetry pool. When you are finished, give yourself a hand. Trust me, you'll be fine! You're a poet, and you didn't know it!

Each Day by Stacey Michaud

Supplies: Paper: Webster's Pages, Flower: Prima Marketing, Alphabet: Heidi Grace, American Crafts, Buttons: Making Memories, Bling: Kaisercraft.

Design Notes: I used a poetry fill-in the blank to help develop the journaling. I decided to write about a very personal and sad event, which helps me through the healing process. The poem perfectly sums up the emotion and feeling surrounding my memories.

Journaling: I don't understand why the gift of hope and promise were falsely given. Why these were suddenly and tragically wrenched away. Why a mother is asked to endure such pain. But most of all, why we never had the chance to know you. Why grief is handed down to some. Why a family is asked to endure such a loss. What I understand most is why we needed to connect, somehow smile & feel love to heal these wounds. Why I was meant to hold you that afternoon. Why we will never forget the profound impact of you.

Hold On by Lady Grace Belarmino

Supplies: Paper, Chipboard, Rub-Ons, Die-Cuts: Pink Paislee, Alphabet: Making Memories, Pink Paislee, Other: flower, ribbon, brad, metal frame.

Design Notes: I have always have a hard time writing my own poems that is why I rarely use it as my journaling, but with the instant poetry forms found online, it was as easy as 123. The HOLD ON poem form was my favorite.

Journaling: Hold on to your dreams, even if it feels impossible. Hold on to your hopes, even if the odds are all against you. Hold on to your values, even if the world is changing. Hold on to your love, even when others have given up on it. Hold on to YOU.

A Superman by Aymee Gandy

Supplies: Paper: Cosmo Cricket., Cardstock, Vellum, Brads: The Paper Studio, Ink: Ranger Industries, Alphabet: Cloud 9, Thread: Coates & Clark, Tools: Punch (Fiskars), Cuttlebug, Embossing Folders, Cricut (Provo Craft), Ribbon: Ribbon FX, Staples: Swingline.

Design Notes: I created this layout to honor my superhero, my Daddy. I found this poem online at Poemsource.com. This poem was written by Joanna Fuchs. I printed out the poem on vellum, crinkled it, and distressed it with ink. I attached the poem to the page with brads.

Journaling: Daddy, I want you to know....You are my hero, Dad. You're my secure foundation. When I think of you, I'm filled with love and fond appreciation. You make me feel protected; I'm sheltered by your care. You're always my true friend. When I need you, you're always there. You have a place of honor deep within my heart. You've been my superhero, Dad. Right from the very start!!! Love Always, Aymee