The Next Step

Both Lucy and Bethany, co-authors, were kind enough to answer some questions about The Next Step blog. Join me in getting to know them better.

Lucy, why establish The Next Step blog?

I was often asked, "How did you do that?", so the theme was born for The Next Step, to share ideas to incorporate mixed media techniques into scrapbooking layouts. Also I had a lot of positive comments on my technique article that have been published in Sew Somerset. I really enjoy sharing idea and seeing other people bouncing off of an idea and taking it in their own direction.

Bethany, what is the overall purpose of this challenge blog?

The overall purpose of this challenge blog is to help women to take the next step in their art. We want to inspire artists to try new techniques and to push themselves out of their comfort zone. We also want to create a kind, supportive network for women. I think we've achieved both aims.

How do you determine your challenges?

Bethany: Before starting the blog we all brainstormed together and came up with a list of possible topics, but each month whoever is in charge picks what they are inspired to work on.

How have your personal scrapbooking styles or approaches changed since you started the blog?

Bethany: I know that since we've started the blog that I've gotten more daring. I'm not afraid to try new things anymore. I would say that The Next Step has given me more artistic confidence.

Lucy: Not so much, except to make sure I can explain how to do the technique, hopefully.

How do you encourage involvement from the scrapbooking community?

Bethany: We have a monthly slide show. We also give away 1 RAK per month for the most creative use of the technique. Most importantly, we make sure that at least one of us always comments on everyone's work. We feel that it is important that everyone who takes the time to play along with us is acknowledged and encouraged. We really want to create a loving, safe community of artists and by visiting blogs and getting to know our followers, we are able to do that. We know that everyone leads busy lives and we are honored that artists would participate in our challenges and would dedicate a piece of themselves to us. It may sound corny, but we feel a certain responsibility toward our followers. We are serious about being worthy of that responsibility.

Which challenge has generated the biggest buzz or a surprising response?

Bethany: I think that our first challenge surprised us the most. We didn't think that our little blog would generate as much interest as it has. We thought that we would have maybe 10 followers. We are totally floored and thrilled by all the support we've received.

Lucy: Painting over stamps was big for us. Also, the stitching ideas!

How is your challenge blog unique?

Bethany: We are unique because we are technique focused and each month we have at least 2 big tutorials. It is almost like taking 2 classes each month. It is a wealth of creative inspiration!

Lucy: We have 3 published Somerset style artists sharing their creative energies to create interest and energy in art. Also we show a step-by-step project each month. Mixed media is huge right now and so many scrappers are interested in added new techniques to the arsenal.

What can we expect from your blog in the future?

Bethany: We'd love to expand and possibly start a forum. We've also thought of putting together classes and books. Right now, though we are all very happy with how everything is going. It has really been a fun ride. Lucy: We have some great new themes planned - from the kitchen, altering flowers, etc. We are going to be bringing on new DT members over time and guest artists to show new and creative ideas. One reason we want to add to the DT is so we can focus on more mixed media projects, not just scrapbooking for those that are interested.

Take the next step yourself and head over to the blog! You will never look at the art section of the craft store the same way again. Go ahead and unleash your inner artist!

May 2009 Gum Mini Album by Bethany Kartchner

Supplies: Papers, Transparencies: My Little Shoebox, Paint: Delta, Adhesive: Mod Podge, Punch: Martha Stewart Crafts.

Design Notes: Since our theme is Tricks with Treats, I took a plastic container that previously housed 6 feet of bubble gum and transformed it into a mini album holder. Last May, I took the children to a special art exhibit at our local Botanical Museum. While we were there, I had each child pick his/her favorite sculpture and we took a picture of the two of us in front of it. I wanted to create a mini album to remember this special day. I decorated the outside of the gum container and made 8 little disks (about 2 inches in diameter) to fit inside. I have 5 children so on one side of 5 disks are pictures of each child with me. On the other side, I included the child's age and a list of his/her current obsessions. Two disks are pictures of sculptures and 1 disk is journaling. This was a very quick project that will be such a lovely keepsake for the years to come!

What being a part of this team means to you: This team is really a dream come true for me. I had wanted to start a teaching blog that was technique based and we finally have! I love working with Lucy and Gayle (and now Tricia). They are such sweet and talented women that it is really an honor to be associated with them.

Walker Loves Candy by Gayle Martin

Supplies: Papers: Webster's Pages, K & Company, Alphabet: American Crafts, Die-Cuts: EK Success, Paint: Delta, Ribbon: May Arts, Michael's, Other: bags, candy boxes.

Editor's Notes: The dimension on this layout is just amazing. I can see this in a frame, hanging in Walker's room!

Journaling: Walker spent the afternoon taking pictures with his cousins. When we finished, everybody ate candy and Walker loves candy.