enJOY it

an archived personal and craft blog from Elise Blaha Cripe.

you give ideas, i give prints! – winners below.

March 31, 2011

hi folks!

Next month is shaping up to be crazy with the blog workshop and prep work for the craft fair I will be participating in.

Of course, it is also a big priority that this blog stays active and so I'm asking – do you have any suggestions for blog topics? I've got 20 days to fill and not a ton of time to be thinking up blog ideas.

If you'd like me to write about something, please leave a request in the comments. And to sweeten the pot – I am giving away 5×7 digital prints (your choice) to three randomly chosen commenters. Suggestions are always welcome, but this giveaway will close tomorrow (Friday) morning. And the winners will then be announced in this post.

WINNERS : Dawn S, Andrea Miller & Erica. Please email me with the print of your choice and I'll send it out! Thank you!!

Posted in Uncategorized

164 responses to “you give ideas, i give prints! – winners below.”

Jessica C

March 31, 2011

are you still considering writing a book, or two or three? You’ve got lots of options…bread baking, home decor projects, mini books,and blog developer!

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lisa

March 31, 2011

I’d love to know what you are reading these days. I think it’s been awhile since you did a book post.
Also, how about going back to some random past post and writing your current thoughts about said post/topic/event/photo. How things have changed or not, etc.

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elizabeth

March 31, 2011

so many great suggestions so far! i’d actually love to see all of them… other ideas, maybe how to know whether an idea for something to sell on etsy is original enough to fly on its own? or just something for people who know they have good ideas but are stuck on the fact that the ideas aren’t original/different/special enough to actually work.
also, i know you’re more into sewing/quilting, but i do always love seeing your minibooks!

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Virginia

March 31, 2011

I’m very new to crafting and would love to read a post (or even a series of posts) on your favorite tools and how to use them. I know you’ve mentioned tape runners and paper cutters and that all sounds so mysterious and fascinating to me. I’d like to do more paper crafts (as a hobby, not a business) and I’m a little intimidated because it seems like it would be all too easy to throw down a ton of money on materials and then realize they aren’t really what I needed.

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Carole

March 31, 2011

I love your creativity… but I really admire how intentional you are with your time, goals, and follow-through. I would sure appreciate learning more about how you schedule your time and how you stay so disciplined with it. Do you ever lack motivation? What tricks do you use “in the moment” to keep focus?

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Trish

March 31, 2011

You constantly amaze me with how much you accomplish. I would like to read any tips you have about time management/prioritizing or other info. concerning how you arrange your tasks and how you operate so efficiently!

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Jess Lonett

March 31, 2011

you should do a post on something you would do if you knew you couldn’t fail. i’m a sucker for fun ice breaker-type questions 🙂

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elise blaha

March 31, 2011

hi Carole, Here is a post I wrote fairly recently about motivation – hope it helps! http://eliseblaha.typepad.com/golden/2010/11/on-motivation.html

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elise blaha

March 31, 2011

hi Trish, this post might be helpful…it talks about how I get through my lists and days : http://eliseblaha.typepad.com/golden/2010/11/on-motivation.html

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Melissa R.

March 31, 2011

It would be fun to see some older projects that you loved or maybe haven’t shared yet. I always love looking at your mini books to get ideas.

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Nessa

March 31, 2011

As someone who wants to bake and is terrified and clueless – a post on how you started. I know that you don’t have a huge kitchen, budget, tons of time… so just some “must haves” “dont’ waste you time” and some simple tips on how you get organized in the kitchen.
Oh and I love the idea of a Paul post.

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Amy

March 31, 2011

I would like to hear about what happens to all your homemade decorations after the season ends.
You seem to have new ideas and new color palates for each holiday. Will you reuse your holiday decorations? Do you toss them so you can make new ones next year? Do you store them in case you want to reuse them?
Also, I think you should interview Paul about you (i.e. what is Elise’s favorite thing to do? Guilty pleasure? If Elise was stuck on a desert island…things like that.)

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Alexandra

March 31, 2011

I think it’s been suggested before, but hearing more about your “indie business” journey, and some tips you have for going at it “on your own.”
How do you stay organized and motivated? Do you miss the “social interaction” that came with going to work outside of your home? How do you keep from going crazy, all by yourself all day?

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elise blaha

March 31, 2011

in theory – I am. I would love to write a cookbook with Paul. And like 8 craft books. But I think those are a few years away still.

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helena

March 31, 2011

Loved your posts so far about prep for the craft fair and the things you need think about for it so would like more of them
Would love to a hear a ‘looking back at the wedding’ – what detail stand out in looking back more than expected? was there something you worried about or put lot of effort into which looking back you needn’t have worried about. when someone says wedding – which image comes to your mind?

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melissa y

March 31, 2011

how about a post about favourites
top 5 fave movies
top 5 fave books
top 5 fave bands/albums
etc.
could even be a series of post, a different top 5 each day for a week or something?

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Amanda

March 31, 2011

I don’t know the age-group of your readers, but I’m 21. Right now in my life and the lives of my friends, we’re going through some big changes and questioning the direction of our lives. This past year I went back and read all of your archives. I especially enjoyed the posts from your college days, especially your senior year, because that’s where I’m at now.
My friends and I worry about balancing school/work/fun, finding a job or another study program, where to live, if we’ll find a boyfriend/husband, etc. A lot of times, I find myself sharing words of inspiration and wisdom that I gained from you! I find myself saying, “Well, Elise wrote…”
I would love to see a post offering advice to ladies our age because I feel that you have a lot of wisdom and inspiration to share! And it would be interesting to see how your perspective has changed since your Senior year.

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melissa y

March 31, 2011

how about posts about favourites
top 5 movies, books, bands, albums etc.
could even post a different topic of favourites every day for a week or something?

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Ashley Marie

March 31, 2011

So many awesome ideas already! I hadn’t thought of it prior to reading some of the other suggestions, but I think a video post of Paul’s perspective would be fun. My fiance is a huge supporter of my ventures so it would be interesting to hear the view of another crafter’s spouse.
Your life and business always seem so together and flow seamlessly. Do you ever have days where everything is out of sorts and/or business related creative roadblocks? Days where you question if self employment and crafting as a business were the right choice for you? If so, how do you get around/over it?

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jen

March 31, 2011

how about advice to a newly married couple? I’m getting married in June, and love hearing advice from others … whether they’ve been married for 1 year or 50.

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Tamara

March 31, 2011

A few thoughts…
1. I know you use typepad but I have been trying to figure out how to post pictures on blogger without having a white border. So, if you know what the solution is that would be a helpful posts for readers.
2. Travels. You have traveled to several places so what place was your favorite and why. (we are going to Rome/Paris and trying to find tips wherever I can get them.
3. How to start a printing business or just feature a few favorite useful tools that help you create (printer, packaging, scissors, etc.)
4. Starting a blog and/or why you use typepad and what is helpful about typepad versa blogger.
5.the life of Elise. Just more about you as a person outside of blogging.

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Andrea Miller

March 31, 2011

FLOWERS!!!! I love the pictures you take of the flowers you find at the Farmer’s Market!

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Libbi M.

March 31, 2011

would definitely love to see links to your favorite blogs (personal/creative).

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faye

March 31, 2011

An ‘I Spy’ post.
Wordless Wednesday (just a picture).
Pick a random time of day and post what was happening (5:45 pm — Untangling yarn for a new knitting project,
Wishing away these gloomy skies…).
Challenge yourself to do a 5 minute craft project only using supplies that you have and without doing any pre-planning.
Take a series of color-themed photos around your town. Monday could be pink, Tuesday could be orange, Wednesday could be blue.
Post about your 4 favorite yoga poses.
A ‘What’s on my iPod’ post.
Post about the tiny luxuries that you love in life (a really nice lip balm, a pair of scissors that cut really well, a cleaning product with an awesome smell).
Imagine that you have a full tank of gas and 24 hours to take a mini day trip. Where would you go? What would you do?
Have your readers set up a photo scavenger hunt for you, or you could assign a photo scavenger hunt for us and post some of your favorite photos.
Tackle that one project that you keep putting off and post about it.
Do a ‘What’s in my purse’ post. I love those.
Um, that’s all I can think of! Maybe I should follow my own advise and use these on my blog!

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Desiree

March 31, 2011

Maybe a favorites post…. favorite blogs, favorite papers/crafts, favorite stores, favorite date with paul, favorite restaurant…etc. 🙂

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elise blaha

March 31, 2011

GREAT topics!

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elise blaha

March 31, 2011

Will be doing some of this for sure – our one year anniversary is April 24. 🙂

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elise blaha

March 31, 2011

LOVE THIS IDEA. will do a college advice/thoughts post for sure.

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elise blaha

March 31, 2011

I will do a post about my travel plans. We are STILL waiting for Pauls orders and deployment schedule. Once we have that, I am excited to share more / make final plans.

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elise blaha

March 31, 2011

YES, a running post is on the way. Thanks for your interest. 🙂

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christen krumm

March 31, 2011

I really enjoy the “day in the life” and whatever “scrapbooking” projects you’re working on (or mini books)
xo,
Christen

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elise blaha

March 31, 2011

hi Kim, thank you so much! I dont mean to sound like a salesman, but my minibook class talks in depth about my minibook process and gives hints for how to make your own. If you are interested, the PDFs can be purchased here : http://eliseblaha.typepad.com/golden/2011/01/pdfs-for-past-online-workshops-now-available.html. I will not be doing a blog post about this because it is unique to the class. 🙂 Thank you again.

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eliza

March 31, 2011

More minibooks! A minibook retrospective! Elise’s minibook philosophy! I love your minibooks, even if they’re not freshly made. How often do you look through your old books? Do you have any favorite books or specific pages or new techniques that you used in a book? When you look through an old book, do you think “Man, I did such a great job”? Or do you feel like your process has changed so much between each one that you just feel indifferent? Is your process for making a “24 Things”-type book different than, say, a themed one-shot, or is it the same thing drawn out over a longer period of time? Basically, I want anything on minibooks.

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Joanna

March 31, 2011

Hi Elise,
Two ideas: 1.) Favorite haunts around San Diego 2.) A week in your life from a food perspective i.e. what you all eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Reading through the comments I’m super excited for all of the stuff people have suggested!

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Ana

March 31, 2011

I’d be curious to hear more about the blogging aspect of your business. How have blog topics changed as your readership has grown? How do you find the balance between sharing info about your personal life vs. keeping things private and such. Good luck with all the stuff that’s going on!

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s.patel

March 31, 2011

i am always interested on how different people keep from getting burnt out when they have a range of creative skills and interests, how jumping from a scrapbook to photography to sewing doesn’t reach the point of being so ‘chaotic,’ for lack of a better term, that it becomes unfulfilling. this is something i struggle with.

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Jennifer

March 31, 2011

so many of the ideas, I’ve thought of I already see on here! Great minds, and all 😉
– how about a post about where you see yourself in 10 years? Not necessarily physicaly.
– Favorite Books?
– I’m getting married this year, so I’d love tips for a great frist year!

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melanie

March 31, 2011

Easter!
I love holidays! Gives me an excuse to do crafts and other projects and try new recipes and have family and friends over! My favs!
also love the idea of paul writing a post about how he supports you in your endeavors 🙂

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Gina

March 31, 2011

I mostly just want to know where you get your energy. 🙂 x

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Danielle

March 31, 2011

I love your posts about your creative process & the ideas behind what you do. I have to jump on the bandwagon of Paul writing a post & a list of blogs you follow. Also how about a post on other handmade items you like from Etsy or elsewhere?

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kayla

March 31, 2011

hi elise! i love your blog! i haven’t read through the other comments, but i really liked your “day-in-the-life” post you did before. another idea: pick 3-5 things at random from your arsenal and put together a fun little craft. could be good inspiration for all of us!

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Natanya

March 31, 2011

I would also love to see a recap of the Daily Card – I’m trying to cultivate something similar for myself and it would be a great resource of inspiration.
Another idea is how you stay organized..I find that it can be really hard sometimes to keep myself scheduled when I’m the only one keeping me accountable!
Love the other ideas that have already been mentioned too.

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Brianne

March 31, 2011

I would love to know what inspires you and what blogs you read!
and I love the idea of Paul doing a post!

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Caitlin H.

March 31, 2011

If you have time, you could do a tutorial on how you made your handwriting a font. I’m not sure how to do it…maybe it’s easy or very technical, but I think it would be interesting.

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jeny

March 31, 2011

How about letting some readers feature their hometown farmers markets? Most start up this month. I know that shop local is a big thing, but maybe it would give people ideas of markets closer to them. Just a thought!
Also I will be celebrating my 1st anniversary on April 24, have you thought about a paper gift yet?!?

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Michele H.

March 31, 2011

I love all of the topics so far Elise! Especially having Paul as a guest blogger.
Not sure if this would warrant a post but I’ve been curious to know whether you were ever caught up on the whole design team thing in the crafting industry (manufacturers, challenge blogs, etc).
Your mini albums are so beautiful and I love your focus on photos, type, and minimal amount of product. What was inspiration to go in this direction or have you always created this way? I hope this makes sense:)

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jessica o’brien | jessohbee

March 31, 2011

you seem to be such a great goal setter, i’d love to know of some of your long-term goals – if that is something you’d want to share. maybe plans or dreams is a better name.
i love the sneak peeks into your house so i always like to see pieces in your home or the decorating process.
and last, i like hearing about what you do outside of the house and in san diego. more of your weekend adventures would be lovely!

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Julienne

March 31, 2011

More recipes / food-related posts would be great. 🙂
And art projects (I’ve bookmarked the fingerpainting idea to try soon!)
And I’m eagerly awaiting updates on the antique chest overhaul–your tutorial posts are always interesting, and being a person who does not sew, I love to see the home-reno projects you post. What about some ideas for budget-friendly decorating?
(Although the things you sew are amazing. They almost make me want to sew.)

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Hello Cupcake LLC

March 31, 2011

Love to hear about your journey and transition from working full time, to part time at paper source to full time self employment. I think that a lot of your readers would love to make this transition.

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Katie

March 31, 2011

I’d love to see what local spots in your area you enjoy – library, coffee shops, parks… all of the fun and inexpensive hangouts.
Also, some photos of your favourite jewelry and accessories would be fun, too!

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