Bewitched Crafts with Tracy Miller

In this episode I am sharing twelve unique ideas for selfcare as we enter the busy holiday season.  Let's prioritize the things that mean the most by focusing on how we want to feel.  I'll be cultivating connection, celebrating traditions, and slowing down to enjoy everything from water color workbooks to holiday romance novels.

In 1988, I was a 15 year old American exploring the streets of Paris with a group of students.  I had my camera and the worst accent imaginable.  I also had the time of my life.  Watching my history books come alive in front of me in this incredibly vibrant city made my heart sing.  Now, many years later, as I plan my upcoming visit in Paris, I'm taking a break from the guide books and packing to look through my Paris scrapbook and relive the joy of my first trip.  

While this episode does not include the mention of any specific candidate, party, platform or ballot initiative, it is all about voting.  I'm thinking of creating a tutorial dedicated to including this election in your scrapbook.  Let's document the practical aspects of going to the polls as well as the values reflected in our ballot choices.  The tutorial will include patriotic images and colors, but it will not be political.  We'll create a two page spread and a space for hidden journaling while we capture this historic moment for generations to come.  If this sounds good to you, email me at [email protected]

This week I am applying the Lazy Genius principle Decide Once to my favorite paper crafting hobbies - cardmaking and scrapbooking.  This principle saves me time, frustration, and money!  Kendra Adachi has inspired me to be a genius about what matters to me, but this tip works even if you haven't figured that part out yet.  It's simple.  It's practical and I'm sharing ideas to make it work for you.

I've been seeing a lot of list challenges lately and i was inspired to create a list of 51 random things about myself at the age of 51.  I tried to keep it a list everyday things, things I like about myself, and things that I love.  i skipped all the goals and struggles for this list, but I did include a few things I am looking forward to and excited about for 52.

What's the last five star book you read?  I eagerly anticipated the newest release from Kendra Adache and devoured my copy of The Plan.  If you're familiar with Kendra's big sister style from her Lazy Genius book and podcast, you will love how well she builds on her 13 principles to change how we think about the seasons of our lives and how we manage our time.

I'm starting a brand new adventure!  This September the back to school energy hit hard.  plus I've been focused on preparing for my upcoming trip to Paris.  What could be more perfect than enrolling in a year long pastry course exploring desserts from the regions of France?

Have you ever felt like the things you want most have ended up on the bottom of your to do list?  Worse, have your obligations to others moved to the top of your list?  Lately, I've felt like the pace of my life has dramatically increased as I struggle to fit it all in.  Let's talk about micro moments of self care, adding the big three to your calendar, and reset days.  Plus, I am sharing the story of how my reset days were born!

Have you ever experienced crafter's block?  You've got the time to make cards and scrapbook pages but the ideas just don't flow?  I've got a new solution to help you make the most of your time at your craft table and to ramp up your creative energy.  It's prep work!  Let's talk about things you can do in advance to set your next project up for success and bust through crafter's block!

September's back to school energy has me eager to tackle new projects and organize all the things.  I'm working the Holiday Grand Plan, making dozens of Christmas cards, renovating my house, and traveling.  I even joined a pastry school!  I'm also sharing an idea in this episode to hold onto this energy well into the new Year.

Juggling all of this and making time for paper crafting is only possible with my trusty digital planner.  If you have ideas for the 2025 Paper Crafter's Planner, I would love to hear from you!