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.”

Monica

March 31, 2011

A question-and-answer post would be fun.
– Do you ever get negative comments or e-mails? How do you handle them?
– What do you do when you can’t fall asleep at night? Do you get up and do something or do you just lay in bed?
– What are you most looking forward to this summer?
– Have you ever had pen pals? Do you have any pen pals today?
– Do you read fiction? If so, what are some of your favorite fiction books?
– How often do you get your hair trimmed/cut?
– Who is your favorite comedian, if you have one?

LikeLike

Reply
Shelly

March 31, 2011

I, too, vote for travel. Especially what it means to you and what role you think it plays in people’s lives, why you like to travel, how you pick where you’re headed to.. stuff like that.

LikeLike

Reply
ari macias

March 31, 2011

i would love to see more of your process:) my favorite posts are the ones where you do the tutorial type things, like with your engagement/wedding/honeymoon books. SO MUCH inspiration!

LikeLike

Reply
annakristina28

March 31, 2011

How do you juggle everything you do, and what do you let slide? I think “blog envy” is a recurring theme in blog world, but I always appreciate it when bloggers I admire “get real” and share how they, like me, don’t actually have it all together, and also how they pick what they do commit to doing with excellence.

LikeLike

Reply
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!

LikeLike

Reply
faye

March 31, 2011

uh, sorry for the double post. dur. you can go ahead and delete this one. 🙂

LikeLike

Reply
Nancy

March 31, 2011

I would love to hear about blogs that you don’t follow – blogs that you thought would be good but for some reason ended up being crossed off your list. I think the reasons for “unfollowing” could be very helpful to other bloggers – a list of don’ts. Now you may not want to actually name or link the blogs, but you could generalize enough to keep yourself out of trouble!

LikeLike

Reply
elise blaha

March 31, 2011

hi Caitlin, I didnt do it – Amanda at this site (http://kevinandamanda.com/fonts/fontsforpeas/how-to-get-your-handwriting-as-a-font/) did it for me. You can submit your handwriting then a couple times a year, she picks some to make.

LikeLike

Reply
elise blaha

March 31, 2011

I am going to include reasons for why I do or dont follow blogs when I do my favorites round up. 🙂

LikeLike

Reply
LittleMissPip

March 31, 2011

That’s great. I can’t wait to hear them all 🙂

LikeLike

Reply
Elaine

March 31, 2011

I love love love LOVE your DIYs! When I was drawn into your blog in 2007, it was during your handmade holiday DIY ideas and I subscribed! I would LOVE to see some handmade accessory DIYs since you’re getting into sewing and such and are SO good at it! I love your J. Crew obsession too! Maybe some posts on your style crushes at the moment?
Plus video blogs are always fun! I would love to see a video post of you and Paul together. Maybe you 2 doing a video home tour? 🙂
Elaine Davis
Indiana

LikeLike

Reply
Alexandra

March 31, 2011

I’d love to hear about what classes you took in college that were MOST beneficial to the person you are today!
Also, MORE MINI BOOKS!

LikeLike

Reply
Vee P

March 31, 2011

Hi Elise!
Not sure if anyone suggested this already but I’m always having trouble planning out my posts for the week or even the whole month. I’d like to know how you schedule in posts & how far you plan. Your posts are so fun & creative & you don’t seem to have weekly features.
Oh & I’d love to see your hubby write in a post too. You two are the cutest =] Have an awesome day!=D

LikeLike

Reply
Beth

March 31, 2011

I read Ali Edwards book, Life Artist, over my Christmas break and have since felt really inspired to allow myself to be creative without worrying about perfection. However, I still have to remind myself daily that perfection is overated. ( I know my daughter will care more about the photos and journaling in her scrapbook than whether stamp smudged a bit in the corner, but…) I still battle every day with striving for perfection. How do you, as someone who makes a living being creative, keep the desire for perfection in check so that it doesn’t keep you from being productive? Or, is that not a challenge for you?

LikeLike

Reply
Suzanne

March 31, 2011

thanks for letting us help inspire you, as you inspire so many of us! I’d love to see a post about your Top 10 spots in San Diego! And some updates on your 2011 book and what you guys have been cooking lately! 🙂 (also, how do you get Paul to wear such great clothes?! Or does he have his own sense of style?)

LikeLike

Reply
Nadia

March 31, 2011

favorite supplies? for example pens, cutters, adhesives? music lists? do you listen to music when you create? what’s your favourite drink to create by. would love to see a vlog! any topic, but just to see and hear you. love your energy and your inspiration! favourite books that have inspired you. artists that have inspired you. ooh! hope that helps! happy thursday! ciao!

LikeLike

Reply
eliza

March 31, 2011

More minibooks! A minibook retrospective! Elise’s minibook philosophy! I love your minibooks, even if they’re not freshly made. What are your favorite books or pages or techniques? How often do you dig them out and flip through them? Is your process for, say, a 24-things-type book different than a one-shot book or do you do different things if you plan to finish a book in a day? Basically, any minibook-related topic is what I want to see.

LikeLike

Reply
eliza

March 31, 2011

Sheesh, my comment seems to be duplicating. Sorry about that $:\$

LikeLike

Reply
elise blaha

March 31, 2011

for sure college posts are coming.

LikeLike

Reply
elise blaha

March 31, 2011

fun! Ill have to figure that out. 🙂

LikeLike

Reply
Ashley Thomas

March 31, 2011

Hey Elise! I would love to hear about how your mini albums come together. What is your thought process- do you decide color and paper selection before beginning? What about travel themed mini albums? I just started one on all the stuff we’re doing to our new house (we are both military and newlyweds like you guys) 🙂 I just want my book to be fun and interesting to look at. Any ideas would be appreciated! Thanks!!

LikeLike

Reply
Erica

March 31, 2011

I came to suggest a running post and a post sharing your favorite blogs…but I also second everything else everyone else said, what great ideas!

LikeLike

Reply
Melissa

March 31, 2011

I’m sorry if you’ve discussed this topic before, but I haven’t seen it.
I’d love to know your ‘creative’ background – if you have any formal ‘training’, any hobbies, etc. I have read your posts about goals, etc. but thought that you might have other info that you’d like to put out in a post.
Thanks for asking! 😀

LikeLike

Reply
Katie

March 31, 2011

Hi Elise. I LOVE your blog and think you should keep doing what you do 🙂 I’d love to hear about how you’ve found your first year of marriage and anniversary plans 🙂

LikeLike

Reply
Jenn A.

March 31, 2011

What about a more in-depth fashion post – – kind of a hybrid between your “what I wore” photos and your “i love” posts? I’m loving your nail polish color choices these days! Any other beauty products that are must haves?

LikeLike

Reply
lex

March 31, 2011

Do a video of you creating something (i.e. mini book or painting, etc). it would be fun to see your thought/creative process leading up to the finished product.

LikeLike

Reply
Jackie

March 31, 2011

I would love to know about the giant wall calendar you have, where you got it, how you use it.
Thanks!
jackie
LettersandJournals.com

LikeLike

Reply
tvmom

March 31, 2011

I’d love to hear more about the blogs you read/follow.
What about a post about your kitchen and how you decorated it?
What kitchen tools are essential for you and Paul?
I know you don’t have kids, but any scrapbooking for kids ideas?
More about your craft supplies. Any new cool items that are huge timesavers?
Love your day in the life posts.
Good luck with everything next month!

LikeLike

Reply
elise blaha

March 31, 2011

hi! I got it from Crate Barrel and found out today on twitter that the brand is Stendig. I write blog posts on post-its and then use it as and editorial calendar. LOVE IT.

LikeLike

Reply
christa

March 31, 2011

I am always curious as to how someone grows an etsy shop and makes it their job. I know you just wrote a little bit about this but how about the more intricate questions: do you advertise, do you pay to get your stuff on the front page of etsy, where you do you get your ideas for new projects, have you had an ‘mean’ customers or negative experiences and how did you handle them, the tax “crap” that goes with selling etsy (is there any), is it hard for you to stay motivated, get to the post office numerous times a week, things that help you, things that hinder you……

LikeLike

Reply
christa

March 31, 2011

I just thought of another one…a while (long while) ago you posted something like what was in your fridge..Its kinda dorky but I always love to see how other people keep their fridge (like the last page in the rachel ray magazine). Mine is always filled with crap, that I have no idea where it goes, so its interesting to see what other people have…easy quick post!

LikeLike

Reply
amy lapi

March 31, 2011

pairing fabrics together! you’re the best at this! 🙂

LikeLike

Reply
elise blaha

March 31, 2011

fun idea! thanks!!

LikeLike

Reply
barrentree

March 31, 2011

I’d love to see a day in the life. Also, what are your biggest motivators? How do you stay motivated? What do you do when you’re feeling thoroughly unmotivated? 🙂

LikeLike

Reply
Alexandra

March 31, 2011

Hi Tamera! Justine from “A New Beginning” just did a blog post on the blogger picture boarder thing!
http://missjustinelynn.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-get-rid-of-image-borders.html
I hope that helps!

LikeLike

Reply
Daphne

March 31, 2011

I always love to see your projects, but also enjoy the aspects about being self-employed and marketing your products online, so posts about those topics would be welcome. And I’m curious to hear how your first craft fair goes. I love doing them!

LikeLike

Reply
Vanessa

March 31, 2011

How’s about a post about keeping yourself motivated? And doing the fun and the not so fun stuff (cleaning, for me) without procrastinating for too long. : ) Cos for me, it’s easy to say I am inspired but it is hard for me to actually take that inspiration and do something with it. Ya dig?

LikeLike

Reply
elise blaha

March 31, 2011

I dig. Thanks love.

LikeLike

Reply
elise blaha

March 31, 2011

hi there, I did a day in the life here : http://eliseblaha.typepad.com/golden/2011/03/how-my-days-roll.html here is a post on motivation : http://eliseblaha.typepad.com/golden/2010/11/on-motivation.html 🙂 I am going to try and do day in the life posts more often because things change quickly!

LikeLike

Reply
Sara

March 31, 2011

Any crafter organizational tips. It’s a big hang up right now, since I have a new space that needs tidying and not a lot of time. Thanks!

LikeLike

Reply
Jennifer

March 31, 2011

I would love to hear about your marriage and the struggles/benefits of having a military hubby and I would love you to post about some of the tools/supplies and such that you have and use for all your paper crafts.
(PS I found you blog while searching for orange and gray wedding ideas for myself since I am also marrying a soon to be doctor who is in the army! It is a perfect fit!)

LikeLike

Reply
elise blaha

March 31, 2011

orange and gray is the best combo ever. Military post coming soon!!

LikeLike

Reply
Sam F

March 31, 2011

A little late to the list, but I would love to hear more about what inspires you, such as other blogs/websites you follow. I agree that it would be great to hear from Paul, too. And this probaly doesn’t help when you’re looking for blog ideas, but I love your craft projects. So fun!

LikeLike

Reply
Sam F

March 31, 2011

I would love to see which blogs/websites you use for inspiration and I would also like to see Paul post something. I love your project posts and I would love to see more of your craft space while you’re using it. Oh, and I would love to know more about what your “go-to” project products are from cooking and decorating to paper crafts–do you have a favorite adhesive, stamp pad (ink) & color, what about your favorite stamps, pens, computer programs, supplies, etc.

LikeLike

Reply
Jillianitaly.blogspot.com

March 31, 2011

Hi Elise,
Every now and then I take a look at your archives, especially back to the time you were in college and trying to figure out what the next step was. I’m in that position now and want to thank you for being a creative inspiration that has shown that there is light at the end of that long tunnel of graduating from college! It’s neat to see how you’ve progressed maturity-wise, but also creativity-wise.
Some ideas for posting: -what you wish you could tell yourself 4 years ago. -simple ways to stay on top of nurturing your creative side, especially if you go into a different sort of industry (though I realize this whole blog taps into that idea). -how you mainly keep in touch with family/friends that don’t live where you live (email? phone calls? skype? good old fashioned snail mail?)
Thanks 🙂

LikeLike

Reply
Angela Spangela

March 31, 2011

I’d love links to some of the places you find inspo for your projects or even some of your etsy faves that you find yourself browsing a lot!
xoa

LikeLike

Reply
beth

March 31, 2011

have you ever talked about what you wanted to be when you grew up/how what you’re doing is similar and how it’s different?
I always find stuff like that interesting.

LikeLike

Reply
kristy

March 31, 2011

i read through some of the comments & didn’t see these, although i could have missed it..
in all the years (yes years) i’ve been following you, i don’t remember you ever really doing a blog about your music interests.. what do you listen to while you craft? run? etc?
also.. you have awesome taste in my opinion & i always find new products to love when you spotlight your favorite things.
ps. totally enjoying your breads posts.. eventhough i have no desire to be patient enough to let bread rise 🙂 but you did push me over the edge with all your pesto posts to finally ask for a food processor for christmas.. & i am loving it 🙂

LikeLike

Reply
Jillianitaly.blogspot.com

March 31, 2011

p.s. Ah, now I see some others have commented about a college-themed advice type-sort of post… great!

LikeLike

Reply
Megan Anderson

March 31, 2011

I’d love to know more about how you prepare for craft fairs. How do you decide how much product to bring? How do you time manage to make sure everything gets done? How are you setting up your booth? I’m doing my first craft fair in a month and am kind of lost in the dark!

LikeLike

Reply