Bewitched Crafts with Tracy Miller

Mid Year Book Freak Out

It's time for bookish enthusiasm!  Let's talk books and the reading life.  I'm answering the prompts to the Mid Year Book Freak Out tag, making recommendations, and spilling the tea on the 35 books I've read so far.

Something Different

My efforts are starting to pay off!  I've got my first tomato harvest.  I've reconnected with a friend.  I've survived 300 pages of War and Peace.  I'm trying a few things differently and I'm surprised by my progress.  For example, the last two weeks my newsletter card projects have used products and techniques I rarely use and I couldn't be happier with the results. 

Behind the Scenes Challenge

I've got a challenge for you!  In the interest of authenticity, create a scrapbook layout with photos of the finished product of something you've accomplished such as creating a garden (maybe even a tomato patch) and then use your journaling to tell the behind the scenes story of the blood, sweat, and tears that went into the making of those photos (maybe even the mosquito bites, the heat, and the humidity).  This episode shares more about the challenge, June's Big Three, and ideas for small...

The Numbers Game

Inspiration can come from all sorts of places!  This week, I'm inspired to create a whole bunch of layouts for my Book of Me by the numbers...50 photos from my 50th birthday, 100 things I like about me, 23 photos of 2023, and more.  Plus, I need a theme for summer and an idea for a 100 Days Project.  

A Ton of Fun

I've got some new ideas on how to spend more time at our craft tables and I stole most of them from author Laura Vanderkam!

More Time At Your Craft Table

In this epsiode, I am revealing my top three secrets for making the most of the time you have for paper crafting.  These simple ideas will keep you organized and help you to finish more projects in less time.

May Planning and Illusion Cards

I'm making the most of May!  It's time to get the good stuff on the calendar with both the Big Three and this month's list of unque celebrations.  Plus, you've got to check out my newest card background technique obsession.  I can't wait for you to see a Magic Square Illusion background!  Check it out here: https://fb.watch/kpjHqP8ztX/

What's In A Name?

Remember when Juliet questioned what would be so different about Romeo if his name was anything but Montague?  "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet..."  Today I'm exploring names and associations as the Cosette pattern paper pack transports me to the Paris of another time in more ways than one.  

23 in 2023 Update

Did you take on a 23 in 2023 list?  My list is filled with experiences I am planning for this year and now that we are 1/3 of the way through, it's time to take stock of both my accomplishments and what's not working.  I'm talking planners, books, gardening, travel and more!  Look for photos at Facebook.com/BewitchedCrafts

Unique Celebrations

Last month I was inspired by a listener to find small, unique celebrations to my calendar.  I had so much fun with it (who doesn't love Pi day?) that I decided to keep going with it!  Let's talk about Perfume Fridays, Waffle Frolics, and the traditions that light us up.

Balancing Act

Let's talk about using our planners and paper crafting tools to maintain a balance and make time for the people, activities, and things we love most.

Spring Crafting Mojo

What sparks your creative energy?  I just spent four days traveling, visiting both family of choice and an incredible museum.  Now I'm excited to make cards and send them out to connect with my loved ones.

Aprils Big Three

Lots to share in this episode!  If you're new to the monthly Big Three, it's a simple process I use to put my crafty talents and my planner to use helping me meet my goals and live a bigger life.  Today I'm sharing a progress report on March and the exciting Big Three for April that I almost talked myself out of.  I hope you'll be encouraged by this episode and that you'll share your Big Three over on our Facebook page!

Digital Photo Tips

In this episode, I'm sharing ideas for organizing and printing the photos on your phone, plus I'll tell you how I use my digital planner to capture my journaling and prep my scrapbook layouts.

Here Comes the Bride

I'm spilling the tea on an upcoming collection and a must see stamp set perfect for a bride.  What's got weddings on my mind?  My goddaughter is getting married and I'm heading to New England for the celebration.  I'm adding an extra day to my trip to visit one of my favorite places, New York City!  I'll spend time at the Met and then I'm treating myself to some perfume shopping.  Share your tips with me for paper crafting bridal keepsakes and travel photos.

Stamptacular

Let's talk about deals and how I get the most bang for my buck with my paper crafting budget.  Believe it or not it all comes down to a formula.  How many different projects can I make with a stamp set?  Check out the Close To My Heart Stamptacular sale and let me know if any of the stamp sets fit your formula!

March Planner Set Up

In this episode, I'm sharing more about how I set up my digital planner with the monthly Big Three, a theme, a habit, and a focus area.  Plus, a listener has helped me develop a new way to use my planner to be sure I always have handmade cards on hand for upcoming occasions!

Mardi Gras Fun and Unqiue Everyday Moment Layouts

Mardi Gras always makes me think of one of my favorite places, New Orleans.  I'm sharing some of my favorite memories of the city plus a couple of fun ways to celebrate and let the good times roll.  Hop over to the Bewitched Crafts Facebook page for your free playlist and a game of Never Have I Ever!  Plus, in this episode, I'm working on a list of unique everyday moments I want to capture in my albums.  I'm talking everything from man flu to laundry.  

More Important Than How It Looks

"How your life feels is more important than how it looks."  I found this quote this weekend and it reminded me to keep things real and to keep at my journaling.  I'm starting to feel the momentum of Spring's approach and move out of hibernation.  Let's talk about micromovement, Sketch Club, and crossing things off various to do lists.

February Big Three

Let's make plans for a terrific month ahead!  This month's Big Three brings together manatees, tomatoes, and Disney.  As usual we're talking about habits, routines, and how to be our best selves.  Plus, I've included a bit about my recent Facebook live event.  Be sure to check it out!

The Best of January

Have you been making the most of wintering?  I've been savoring everything from hot tea and scented candles to brisk walks and coloring books.  The new Now & Forever papers and the Eat Chocolate stamp set have been fueling my creativity and my cravings!

Let's Connect

I just finished making a card for my goddaughter's bridal shower and it got me thinking about using handmade cards to connect.  While I have high hopes that she holds on to the card as a keepsake, I also value being able to text a photo of the card to her mother and connecting over our love of paper crafting!  I've got an opportunity for us to connect too.  Listen in for information on Friday Night Fun coming to Facebook Live on February 3rd at 8pm (EST).

Staying Focused on My 23 List

Last week I spoke about my vision for 2023 and 23 accomplishments and experiences I am planning for my year.  How will I emain focused on getting these things done?  My tools are routine reviews, weekly planning sessions, and paper crafting!  Let's use our favorite hobby to build excitement and momentum for our goals and dreams.

23 in 2023

Once again I've been inspired by Gretchen Rubin.  This list is more than a bit ambitious but it makes me happy and it can't help to keep me focused.  Let's make plans for a crazy good new year!

Word of the Year 2023

I'm a planner addict so New Year's with its focus on goals and resolutions is one of my favorite times of the year.  I love a fresh start!  I'm taking my time this year, deciding on the habits I want to work on and enjoying the delights of wintering tucked up under a blanket, savoring a little time off.  I did manage to settle on my word of the year and the January "Big Three" and I'll tell you all about them in this episode!

Lifes A Banquet

With a wealth of offerings for the New Year, it feels like a banquet of learning opportunities and a feast of resolutions have been set before me.  Do I want to learn cake decorating or ballet in 2023?  Should I take a productivity course or join a new book club?  Can I make time for it all?  This last week in December, I'm giving some of these desires a dry run to see what sticks, what clicks, and what energizes me.  Plus I'm asking you for feedback on a new idea for our crafty community.  ...

Dreaming of a White Christmas

We've had some cold, dark days here and it's got me longing for a calm, quiet Christmas filled with cozy moments and time for reflection.  As I look back over the past year,  I turn the pages of my Smash book, reading my journaling and sitting with the emotions.  Some pages are filled with accomplishments, others with grief and heartbreak.  But I'm proud of all of them.

Just Enough Christmas Magic

Can our crafting hobby help when our best laid plans for a magical holiday fall apart?  If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, dealing with illness, or facing a lonely or stressful holiday season, this episode offers ideas for turning things around so you can enjoy a satisfying holiday season.

Dry Run December

This week I am revealing the December Big Three and reviewing the concept of Dry Run December.  Let's use our favorite paper crafting hobby to support our goals, the creation of new habits, and even to nurture our relations.  Set yourself up for success in 2023!

That Holiday Feeling

How do you want to feel this holiday season?  Let's talk about using our paper crafting hobby to both design our holiday and to document it!  Create magic, experience awe, enjoy the stillness.  Capture silly stories and legendary recipes.  Let's get crafty.

Black Friday 2022

It's Thanksgiving and I've been reflecting on the blessings of having a circle of crafty friends.  I often hear from listeners and subscribers looking for a place to start and I've always said there's a place for you at my table.  This year I've created something extra special to help you get started, build momentum, and create cards you'll love quicklky and easily with items from your craft stash.  It's called Sketch Club and I made it just for you!  Even better, I'm putting it on sale for ...

Crafting During the Hectic Holiday Season

In this episode we're exploring ideas for fitting in the things that brings us joy, crafting, and holiday activities.   Links mentioned: Seas & Greetings https://bewitchedcrafts.closetomyheart.com/ctmh/promotions/2211-seas-and-greetings.aspx Newsletter sign up www.bewitchedcrafts.com or www.Facebook.com/BewitchedCrafts just click the Sign Up button!

My Dentist and the Big 3

I'm planning the Big Three committments that fill my cup and light me up.  I've got a river cruise to tell you about and a story for those of you who get anxious at the dentist office.  Let's share and inspire!

Evidence of My Love

I have a heartfelt message for you on why I paper craft, make cards, and scrapbook.  I've had two incredible experiences where I was able to see my cards treasured and cherished that I want to share with you.  I hope my stories will inspire you to paper craft and to share your projects with your family and friends.

My 50th Birthday

My friends treated me to an incredible birthday celebration!  I'm sharing about my day and hoping it will inspire you to try something new and get in front of the camera.

Fall Bucket List

We finally have a few days of sweater weather and I'm inspired to really celebrate the delights of Autumn.  Let's talk about savoring the season, creating memorable moments, and all the joys of Fall.

Ten Out of Ten

It's 10/10/22 as I record this.  Gretchen Rubin says October 10th is on her Calendar of Catalysts.  It's the perfect day to focus on what's going well in your life!  In fact, I challenge you to create a layout about 10 wins - big or small - and share them with our crafty community at facebook.com/Bewitchedcrafts

Mastermind Excitement

Join me for a chat about the things I am most looking forward to in October including a two day stamping business owners mastermind.  I am so excited about this commitment and the support it provides me.  Plus I've got two more items on this month's Big Three to share.

Best Crafting Tip Ever

I am sharing my all time favorite tip for paper crafters in this episode.  It works for art journalers, card makers, stampers, scrapbookers, and more.  I failed to heed this advice the other day at my craft table and ended up with a smear of black glaze and a few tears.  Don't miss this episode!  And be sure to head over to Facebook.com/BewitchedCrafts to share your tips with our community of crafty friends.

Documenting Current Events

Let's talk about including the every day and even the mundane in our albums.  Today we are witnesses to history as momentous as the funeral of the Queen of England and as profound as the invention of the cell phone.  We advance beyond so many things from phone booths to wash tubs, but how we lived is fascinating.

Change of Plans

I admit I am a creature of habit and I love routines.  I really enjoy setting up my schedules in my digital planner.  I track habits and progress on my goals, create a monthly vision board, and more.  I love a plan!  But this weekend, I got an invitation that had me throwing my carefully prepared to do list right out the window.  Let's talk about change, resistance, and making memories.

Back to my Planner

I'm feeling out of balance and it's a sure indicator I've been ignoring my planner.  It's time to dive into September and get consistent.  Staying on track is like keeping a promise to myself.  I'm looking at deliberate design and the things I accumulate.  What was the experience I was craving when I bought those things?  With craft supplies the answers include connection, creative expression, and basic me time.  Turns out my planner is the answer to giving myself the experience!

Myth of the Fancy Card

It's not quite a rant, but I had to share how I feel about expectations for cards that cost crazy money to make or take an hour a piece.  Friends, when you put your time, talent, and energy into creating a handmade card you are sending love!  Quick cards can be gorgeous and they'll send that most important message - that you cared enough to make something especially for the recipient. Sign up for the newsletter to see the quick cards mentioned in this episode!  Click the sign up button Fac...

You Made My Day

It was one of those manic Mondays.  My boss called me in early.  Technology hated me. Nothing was going quite right.  I checked my email expecting a bunch of spam and maybe a bill, but no!  Two listeners took the time to reach out and make my day :) You can reach me at [email protected] or get on my email list to receive your free card tutorial by signing up at www.bewitchedcrafts.com or click the sign up button on my Facebook page www.facebook.com/bewitchedcrafts  

Off the Wagon

Have you ever stared at a stamp set you love and wondered what the heck you were going to make with it?  Have you ever fallen out of the habit of paper crafting?  I've got a couple of quick tips to help you make a fresh start and get back to what you love. Don't forget to get your free card tutorial!  Sign up for my newsletter at www.bewitchedcrafts.com

Hopelessly Devoted to You

Do you remember the first time you heard Danny and Sandy singing about those hot summer nights?  Did you cruise around the roller rink to "Xanadu"?  More than once, Olivia Newton John provided the soundtrack to seasons of my life.  I was sad to hear of her passing and inspired to listen to some of my favorite tracks from "Please Mister Please" to "Physical".  Now I'm planning to include her songs in my scrapbook, telling my story, complete with musical soundtrack.

Savoring Summer

It's the last full month of summer.  Let's reflect on the joys of the season and putting your favorite summer treats on your August calendar. Don't forget to sign up for my newsletter www.bewitchedcrafts.com  Got an idea for me?  Interested in a new Plan With Me feature?  Let me know!  [email protected]

100 Days Project1

I Hate My Card

Have you ever been disappointed by one of your card creations?  Sometimes our best plans turn out to be cards that look unfinished, plain, or somehow off.  Let's talk about one simple trick I use when this happens to me. Want to see the card I'm talking about?  Be sure you're signed up for my newsletter!  Join my mailing list at www.bewitchedcrafts.com

Christmas Cards in July

I can't believe I'm talking about Christmas cards while it's over 90 degrees outside!  I'm making about 3 dozen cards this year plus another 5 dozen gift tags (I'm giving most of the tags away to the ladies in my office) and I've decided to get started right away.  This no pressure approach leaves me roughly 16 weeks to make everything and means everything will be done before the holiday rush.  Listen in to hear more.