We Wish You a Merry Christmas

From the heart & home of Terri Conrad Designs . . .

we wish you a Merry Christmas and

 

P.S. spread some joy today

The meaning of the color White . . .for me anyway

 The meaning of WHITE:

White projects purity, cleanliness, and neutrality.
Doctors don white coats, brides traditionally wear white gowns and a white picket fence surrounds a safe and happy home.

How does the color white affect us mentally and physically?

* aids mental clarity
* encourages us to clear clutter or obstacles
* evokes purification of thoughts or actions
* enables fresh beginnings

I have been yearning for a White Christmas which, given my profession as a pattern driven artist and designer, is a bit of a juxtaposition. As I consider my desire for white (which in reality is merely symbolic of what I desire) I consider all the ways I invest my time and the byproduct of those investments.

I am blessed with the opportunity to have a growing art licensing business supported by a wonderful team. As I contemplate the events of this past year, and look to reaching goals in the new, I yearn for

* mental clarity/focus
* clearing of clutter, obstacles & information overload
* clarity of thoughts, setting of goals & making choices
* fresh beginnings

                             W H I T E

 To do so, I feel the need to take a respit from regularly posting on my blog.

Because I so love connecting with each of you, this decision does not come lightly. I wish we could meet regularly, in person . . .sit & enjoy a copy of coffee and take care of each other’s soul . . .

There are so many beautiful & creative women
in our midst. I have included links to a very small sampling these women - I do hope you will make the time to visit them.

Seeds of progress have been planted, with my newest gift & home decor goods blossoming in January at the Atlanta market. I will certainly share photos as they come available.

I would love to hear from you, to learn more about why you visit certain blogs (mine included), what keeps you coming back, and what you would enjoy receiving from your visit to my blog in the new year. Your comments are genuinely valued.

To purchase from some of our current line of products please visit Terri Conrad Designs

Til we meet again -
sending you all the best to
Warm Your Heart & Home . . .

Happy Holidays!

Feather Your Nest this Holiday with Terri Conrad Designs

The lovely Jane Austen so eloquently said, "There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort." (but give me a ticket to Paris, and I think I just may be convinced to leave it temporarily)

I do love being at home tho - do you? I strive to create comfort in my home. I want (truth be told, need) home to be my sanctuary, filled with laughter, love & happiness, sprinkled with peace & security. I so value the message imparted in Proverbs 24:3-4 "With wisdom a house is built, through knowledge it is established, and with understanding all its rooms filled with rare and precious treasures"  Sage advice for anyone building a home and family, don't you think?

 Throughout the month of December we'll look at ways to feather our nest, creating comfort for ourselves, family & friends, and fabulous decorating ideas for the holiday season.

Personally, I am dreaming of a white Christmas! This collage of images I pulled together shines with sparkling inspiration. Does it appeal to your senses?

When your are looking for a special gift to warm both heart & home, and even to dress up your office, take a stroll through my newest product line for gift & decor, picture frames and more as well as a TCD exclusive, "My Print & Pattern" canvas decor

The pillows and tumbled stone coasters are, you guessed, from my Feather Your Nest collection.  

I know you have many, many options in who you visit, and with whom you "Feather Your Nest."  My heart-filled thanks, mes amies, for taking time out of your day to visit my creative world - and feathering your nest with my gifts & decor. It is truly a pleasure to be a part of your life and you a part of mine. I hope you know how much I value your visits, and your comments.

May blessings abound . . .

Scrapbook Trends - the storm is brewing - how will you save your ship?

scrapbook retailers

scrapbook manufacturers

stationery and gift retailers

scrapbook trends

As I opened and read my email this morning, I was pleasantly surprised to see my response to the sounding of the horn by Dennis Conforto, to his article "A Perfect Storm." Mr. Conforto is the Chairman & CEO, A-Z Media Group parent company of scrapbooking.com

************************

Response to A Perfect Storm, Last Week's Article
by Terri Conrad, Terri Conrad Designs

Dennis Conforto is one SMART fella! I am an artist and designer who seeks and needs successful (consumer product) manufacturers and retailers. In order to grow my licensing program, I cast my sights on trends, competition, and the broad-based commercial viability of my art. In order for my work to enable a manufacturer's success, I must keep my radio turned on and tuned in. I must be aware of what is going on in each industry where I have licensed product. It requires time to be prepared, but be prepared I'd rather be, than, like the "unsinkable" Titanic, go down with the crowd, when we hit a slippery slope of ice.

As a scrapbook retailer, have you considered, or do you already:
+ Attend the National Stationery Show in New York?
+ Diversify your product line?
+ Offer classes to women's and/or special interest groups in your community?
+ Consider co-operative marketing & advertising with community groups?

In 2008, the National Stationery Show®  launched a dedicated paper crafting seminar, in response to growing consumer demand for unique paper crafting products, scrapbooking supplies and handmade greetings. The seminars addressed how social stationery retailers can draw this new customer base to their stores and increase their bottom line.

As a scrapbook retailer, you can address how to draw social stationery customers into your store. All hands on deck! Retailers, manufacturers, artists, designers, and media - your ship's captain, Dennis Conforto has, (based on strong, irrefutable evidence) sounded the horn. Let's look at some possible solutions to each of these warnings: 

 Too much new product and not enough new consumers: New is not always better, nor profitable. A false belief has taken hold that the consumer demands this. It must stop on all levels. Find different and creative ways to package and merchandise the same product
 Too many trade shows and not enough revenue to support them all: Choose exhibiting and attending trade shows wisely, select based upon geographics and your forecasted business plans
 Too much dead inventory and not enough cash to pay for it: Manufacturers, develop a credit return policy with retailers, and donate returns to special interest groups. Retailers, think creatively in merchandising your product.
 Too much talk of competing and not enough talk on cooperating: Smaller manufacturers, develop cooperative liaisons with other smaller manufacturers creating a strong support base, exhibit next to each other, explore cross-market advertising.
 Too many manufacturers represented within a single store and not enough strong manufacturer/retailer partnership programs to promote brands: Retailers, call on the manufacturers you carry, ask for input and support to generate sales. Manufacturers, let the sale of your product be the beginning, not the end of your work with retailers
 Too much advertising spent on the converted and not enough spent to convert: Develop planned giving campaigns ˆ we all can participate in the BIG Give!
 Too much focus on the craft-only consumer and not enough focus on other non-traditional consumer groups: Partner with special interest groups

Take a close look at home décor and stationery trends, they are all incorporating scrapbooking concepts into their respective industries. Remain true to the focus and intent of scrapbook but educate yourself beyond the book. When we think creatively, we will be creative. The paper crafting and scrapbooking industry has had a far reaching impact on overall design application. Look beyond the bow of your own boat, and see (or shall I say "sea") the possibilities."

Scrapbook, gift and social stationery retailers are welcome to contact Terri for information on cross-merchandising her many product lines. Email her at sales@terriconraddesigns.com

Terri has two new collections of scrapbook product ("Sweet Life" and "Lovely") soon to be launched in partnership with K&Company.

************************
In January 2007 Terri Conrad emerged into the scrapbooking arena as a force commanding top sales for the upstart company Webster’s Pages, a division of Webster Fine Art. Terri’s creative vision and unique style of art launched her licensing program and Webster’s Pages into the scrapbooking industry and the market of home and wall decor crafting products. continue to learn more about Terri

< from Terri's Feather Your Nest collection

retail available here

view more and purchase wholesale here

Enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving!

All Good Things

must come to an end - our Blog Hop with the Artists' was so much fun - and now we each must announce who won! Ellen at closeyourears  guess what?

They say, winning isn't everything (but it sure is fun).

Ellen, I want to send you a complete collection of my Feather Your Nest scrapbooking/cardmaking/paper art creating papers along with this little sweet set of cachet pots also from my FYN collection. You can stash all your scissors, stamps, glue and colored pencils in each pot. (Please contact sales@terriconraddesigns.com with your shipping info)

The set may also be purchased at my webstore

I was visiting Amy over at Inspireco the other day

(such a cheerful place to visit!) and saw the sweetest collection of little turkeys, when I noticed a familiar looking pattern (from my Winter Wonderland collection). Amy, I hope you and your precious little fella enjoyed the creative journey.

Don't you just LOVE the stockings and ornaments along the side of her blog?

I have much to do today, and not a bit of it has to do with preparing for the BIG feast...but all to do with the administrative side of doing biz.

As we approach our day of giving thanks, there is oh so much for which I am thankful, including each of you you who encourage, nurture and inspire me. BIG squishy hugs to each of you, and may your blessings be bountiful.

 

votive candle (or flower) holder available for purchase here

The Road Less Traveled . . .

the long & winding road, each filled with promise & opportunity along the way - and I find such adventure and excitement in the possibility of what lies ahead, just around the corner both personally and professionally. How about you, do you journey through the road in your life with anticipation of what lies ahead?

This scrumptious photo was taken by the lovely & talented Sharyn Sowell on her recent travels to france.  She is our final stop on our Blog Hop with the Artisits' creative journey. Be sure to visit each artist, leave a comment and you could win something very special from the artist's product line. Each give-away will be announced on the 24th.

Nov 14 - Terri Conrad

Nov 15 - Brenda Pinnick

Nov 16 - Tori Higa

Nov 17 - Joyce Shelton

Nov 18 -   Phyllis Dobbs

Nov 19 - Cherish Fleider

Nov 20 - Joy Hall

Nov 21 - Barbara Johansen Newman

Nov 22- Sharyn Sowell

I haven't had the opportunity to travel to Europe, but how I'd love to taste the Heart of Provence

 

and Italy, & England - oh how magnificent this would be. Perhaps this new year such a visit awaits to unfold before me. I can taste its sweetness, touch its rich texture, see its depth of color . . .revel in its history.

What opportunity do you want to take (make) for yourself?

Giving thanks for what has been, what is, and what is to come -

Blessings to all

xoxo

La Cucina, The Kitchen, The Hub, Central Perk

We start our day there, kids often do their homework there (in spite of the fact they may have desks in the home office . . .hint, hint), we gather together there when friends and family visit, we may sit at the table with a cup of hot peppermint tea, or House Blend (Starbucks!) contemplating life . . .

THE KITCHEN

ain't she prettttttttteeeeeeeee

photos are compliments of

home by virginia

whom I found via my friend Charmaine

beautiful things to share

do pop in for a visit

i love them all

which is your favorite?

is your kitchen your "every-room?"

Here's a little something to cook up in there

 

Bon Appetite!

Another Day to Blog Hop with the Artists

Aren't these fabulous Christmas colors? I wish I knew where this is - the photo simply states "digs." Does anyone recognize this store?

Have you been visiting, commenting and blog hopping with the artists? There's still time to join the fun, and to pass along the word.

Visit each artsit's blog, leave a comment letting us know you stoped by, and post our "Blog hop with the artists" invitation on your blog (if you have one)

When you comment (on any of the artists' blog), your name will be entered into a random drawing for a prize.  The more comments you write on each blog, the better opportunity to win a gift from that artist's collection of products.

Nov 14 - Terri Conrad

Nov 15 - Brenda Pinnick

Nov 16 - Tori Higa

Nov 17 - Joyce Shelton

Nov 18 - Me!  Phyllis Dobbs

Nov 19 - Cherish Fleider

Nov 20 - Joy Hall

Nov 21 - Barbara Johansen Newman

Nov 22- Sharyn Sowell

 

I created these little pretties using my Winter Wonderland and Ting-a-Ling scrapbooking papers which are available to purchase in my webstore 

In January, and in partnership with one of our licensees, a Terri Conrad Designs Christmas line will be launched. 

Til we meet again . . .have your sweet self a magical day

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.

  ~Norman Vincent Peale

Blog Hop with The Artists - Day 2 & Something New by Terri Conrad

Good morning -

Today is the second day of our Blog Hop with the Artists featuring Brenda Pinnick (I think she may have used her sizzix dies creating this window card). Be sure to visit Brenda.

I was flipping thru some of my magazines and very much to my surprise, came across this:

 

 

maybe you'll give it a try - what a lovely hostess gift!

You can purchase my holiday paper here

Join the fun in our Blog Hop with the Artists - read our November 14th post for details on how you can post, play and win fabulous products from this community of creative artists.

Be sure to leave me a comment. I'm giving away one of my Feather Your Nest paper kits, including lots of fun goodies to inspire your creative spirit.

Lots of sweet love to you all!

On Terri, on Brenda, on Tori, Joyce and many more . . .Blog Hop with the Artists

Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the hall & the genial flame of charity in the heart.

What do a Happy Holiday Season for 2009, Hospitality and (blog) hopping each have in common? A community of creative women, each of whom license the art we each create for products we all love - everything from stationery, to tabletop, to gift & wall decor & more.

With your first hop here, let me first welcome each of you to my creative world - and express my heartfelt gratitude for your visit.

Upon your visit to each artist's blog, you will learn how to create something fun & festive, cultivate new friendships (this is a fabulous bunch of women!), and communicate with each of us.

These ladies have some fabulous products in the marketplace, and we each want to give our guests an early Christmas present! 

Here's how to Play, Post & Win:

(1) Between today and the 22nd visit each artist's blog

(2) Leave a comment, letting each of us know you stopped by for a visit

(3) Post our "Blog Hop With the Artists" invitation on your blog with the links below, sharing the joy with your readers

4. On November 24th, (just in time to give thanks) each artist will randomly select a winner from those comments on her blog (including mine) and your very special gift will be on its way to you.

Feel free to visit and comment on each artist's blog - the more the merrier!

Terri Conrad Designs                 November 14th

Brenda Pinnick                          November 15th

Tori Higa                                    November 16th

Joyce Shelton                           November 17th

Phyllis Dobbs                            November 18th            

Cherish Flieder                          November 19th

Joy Hall                                     November 20th

Barbara Johansen Newman     November 21st

Sharyn Sowell                          November 22nd

Tis the holiday season for gathering together with friends, colleagues & family - when you're invited to a party, come with a small gift in hand - a sweet expression of gratitude. I am in LOVE with the whole french nordic style, its simplicity, sense of age, texture & softness, its rich, warm & inviting. If you find yourself running behind schedule, short on all the fancy tools, bells & whistles BUT still want to make something pretty, you'll love this . . .and it just so happens to go beautifully with my dream Bella Notte bedroom in this post.

Instructions on how to make this little lovely are below (the second of the two is from my Joy to the World collection - we need a little of that don't we all?):

Now, we all agreed to share a few fun tidbits about ourselves with each of you, so here goes:

5 things we might not know about you that you'd like to share

1. I once wanted to be an actress (psst...you can see me in Jerry Maguire)
2. My favorite feel good food is a peanut butter and brown sugar sandwhich with a tall glass of ice cold milk
3. I cry when I feel overwhelmed or too stressed
4. I dream of living at the beach again
5. I need connection with people

*5 things going on in your creative world*

1. I just completed Belle Maison, a black & creme collection
            2. I just completed a vintage wine collection
3. I'm learning illustrator, but I still love drawing traditionally

4. I have some fabulous vintage fruit & floral table top, kitchen, and holiday & everyday decor launching in January
5. I have two new paper collections being released soon for K&Co.

*5 things that really inspire you*

1. anything vintage, can't get enough of it - why is that?
2. LOVE, PASSION, COMPASSION
3. my little ladybugs (Jess & Katelyn)
4. You
5. my desire to inspire, encourage and nurture the unique beauty, beloved spirit & unlimited possibilities in the female spirit.

That's me in 15 little nuggets. Okay, mes amies, leave your comments here, then post, play and on November 24th one lucky person will win a complete collection of my Feather Your Nest paper products, including paper plates, napkins, cups, scrapbooking supplies, coffee mugs and note cards, all beautifully packaged in one of my Feather Your Nest boxes.

Remember to visit each of the artists,  comment on their blogs, and to post our invitation with our links on your blog if you have one.

For more ways to feather your nest this holiday season visit my webstore

I am off to share my wares at a local boutique today - hope your day is filled with joy.