End of an Era

When I first started scrapbooking about 10 years ago, I had no idea what a huge hobby and major industry it would become.

In those earlier days "scrapping" was nothing like the rage it eventually became.  At that time there were only a handful of stores that offered scrapping products and even fewer magazines that focused exclusively on scrapbooking. 

Sadly, this year one of those pioneer scrapbooking magazines has called it quits after more than a decade of publication.

Memory Makers magazine (or MM) was an early original making its debut on newsstands in 1996.

The current October 2009 issue marks the last issue of this renown and popular magazine.

I've been reading Memory Makers magazine almost from the very first issue.  In fact, I still have many of those "vintage" copies which I keep in special hard-bound binders that MM used to sell years ago.

Does anyone else remember buying any of these?

 

Scrapbooking styles have really evolved over the decade from a more simplistic, one dimensional approach in some cases to a more detailed and intricate use of multiple embellishments which can add texture and greater depth to a layout.

Here's a shot of the cover of Memory Makers'  September-October issue from 1999.  Told you I had an old collection.  

 

While Memory Makers magazine has offered up wonderful layouts, tips, and scrapbooking ideas over the years, one of the most anticipated events among scrapping enthusiasts was the magazine's annual Memory Makers Masters Contest, commonly called MMM.

Every year the magazine editors would hold the MMM contest to find what they considered the Top 10 scrapbookers in the country, culled from hundreds upon hundreds of eager entries.

I was thrilled to win an MMM spot in 2007 along with nine other fabulous scrappers.  Now, how cool is that?

 

My pages from that winning entry are still among my favorite layouts and I thought it would be fun to share them here along with a few details that help make them shine in my eyes.

This first layout features my daughter when she was only two days old.  Wow, time is flying-Cameron is now nearly 11 years old. 

I love the subtle nature of the tiny safety pin in the bottom left corner of this layout.  I also painted a chipboard number 2 to match the patterned paper and add some extra dimension.

These are the kinds of soft, little details that can give any scrapbook layout that something special. 

I've always loved the black, red and white contrast in this next page which features Cameron and Jordy as they were headed to a neighborhood candy store. 

I snapped this single, focal-point photo back in the day when these two used to hold hands while walking down the street together.  Ahem, they don't do that any more.

As you can see in the left photo below, a simple label maker can go a long way when it comes to creating unusual scrapbooking elements.

For a hint of elegance, consider brushing a metal frame with acrylic paint for another easy accent piece.

 

A dandelion patch was the locale for the series of photos in this entry layout in the photo below. 

I used quite a bit of rubber stamping on this one, including using a dandelion rubber stamp on a torn journaling sheet that I also edged with rubber stamp ink for a more rustic look. 

While I typically type my journaling on the computer, I think the use of my own handwriting here also adds a personal touch to the overall presentation. 

The use of word stickers are also another way to add information on the subject matter in a fun way.

How can you not love a smile like this, in the layout below?  Jordy was grinning ear to ear here after losing his very first tooth.  However, right after I took this photo he dropped the tooth on our light-colored carpet.  We never did find it.

The journaling in this layout details that tooth loss and subsequent search but I think it's the cute photo (and Jordy's dimples) that makes this page really sing. 

For a fun embellishment on the bottom corner, I painted a chipboard circle dark acrylic green and then applied a circular rubon to the chipboard to create this element.

After adding the rubon, it's a good idea to add a coat of clear acrylic to prevent the rubon from eroding over time.

 

This last layout in my MMM entry features a blurry photo taken of Cameron from that same dandelion shoot that I mentioned earlier.

I decided to use the picture because I thought it suggested "unstoppable" motion in keeping with the title and it was also a great way to demonstrate how a less-than-perfect shot can still be used to create a nice layout.

Look closely.  The journaling in this layout is hidden behind a matching square-shaped piece of stamped cardstock. 

Pull the tapestry ribbon tab and the journaling is revealed, adding a fun and unexpected feature to the page.

In addition to the chance to work with a great group of magazine editors, the Memory Makers Masters contest win also opened my eyes up to the concept of magazine submissions.

As a result I've pursued a number of other publication opportunities that have resulted in nearly one hundred of my creative projects and articles published in various scrapbooking, crafts and home decor magazines.

I've also had a chance to see two of my scrapbook pages grace the cover of MM.  That's Cameron on her 4th birthday in the cover layout below. 

If you're interested, you can see my second cover layout if you click here and you can browse a small sample of some of my other published work if you click here.

Meanwhile, for anyone who has enjoyed MM over the years, you already understand the void that will be created by its absence on store shelves. 

 

While an on-line presence will be continued at memorymakers.com and scrapbooking idea books will still be published under the Memory Makers books imprint, the original magazine is now gone for good.

For 13 years, Memory Makers magazine has led the way in helping scrappers capture, create, showcase, share and document their memories of loved ones, friends and life's many milestones.

The disappearance of this groundbreaking publication truly marks the end of an era. 

Thanks for everything MM.

Comments

[Lorrie Morales]

Hi; I would like to know if there is a possibility of having a copy of the of Memory Makers' article about "Scrapbooks go to school" of the September-October issue from 1999. I am preparing myself to integrate scrapbooking into my classroom and this article talks about this matter. It was referred to me by Lori Elkins Solomon's "Readin, Writin & Scrapin", a booklet about how to use scrapbooking as an assessment tool to evaluate students' learning.

[Emily R.]

I am so sad to see such a wonderful publication close. So sad! I really miss receiving it in my mailbox!

[Tina Cockburn]

Wonderfully said. I felt this same way with Simple's last issue this summer. And bully for us getting our beautiful brown kids on the covers of magazines. Something I'll cherish always!

[Deb Wisker]

Thanks for the walk down Memory Lane. I have about 4 years worth of magazines that I just can't part with yet....I'm not so sure I will be able to for a very long time.

[Kathy]

Wow, that's sad, Creative Memories' magazine is also finished! Things are changing and I find digital scrapbooking
so much fun! Do you know if there is a magazine dedicated to just digital scrapbooking like these magazines where to traditional scrapbooking?

[Mimi and Tilly]

I'm not familiar with this magazine as I'm in the UK, but reading this post leaves me feeling sad that it has folded! Your scrapbooking layouts are so beautiful. Absolute works of art. Sending smiles.

[Julie Size]

I hate to hear this. I am a regional editor for a horse magazine and it is so TOUGH right now! Selling ads is like pulling teeth.

Your scrapbook pages are like works of art - each and every one of them.

[The Pleasures of Homemaking]

Wow! Another magazine bites the dust! I just read yesterday that Gourmet is folding. I never got into scrapbooking but I enjoy using the materials in other crafts!

Manuela

[Helen Tilbury]

Just as I was about to subscribe they have bitten the dust. A sad sign indeed! Lovely to see your scrapbooking. You are so talented & turn your hand to everything. Your family must be very proud of all your efforts in all directions. I for one love your blog & the effort you put into it. I plan on coming back to this post when I have more time to take it all in ;-D

[Maria]

I never got into scapbooking but have thought about it now that I have grandchildren. Your layouts are so beautiful but thats what you get when you have a creative mind, so sorry that your favorite publication is closing.

[Vicki]

You have to have a generous, insightful heart to have so much thoughtful detail. Your LOs are filed with love, love, love and so elegant...it has been calming to visit your blog once again.

[kristen - gock's frocks]

loved seeing your layouts - very sad to read they are ceasing publication....another favorite of mine Mary Englebriets Home Companion was another great loss to crafters as well...

[Adrienne]

WOW! I didn't know that!! I hate to see them close! My first publication was with them. You really do beautiful, beautiful work!

[Allie]

Oh my. I had no idea you were so widely published! I don't scrapbook, but love your blog and seeing all the wonderful ideas. How sad that so many of our favorite magazines have ceased publication.

[berta]

I will miss MM too, it was the first "scrapping" magazine I bought and I can still see the Photo Christmas tree that was on the cover of that years Dec issue, 1997 Maybe? I bought it even before I was a dyed in the wool scrapper!

[gena]

Goodness! It really is a sign of the times when another favorite publication bites the dust. Thank you for sharing this wonderful post and your incredible work, once again. Your color combinations along with the sly and tiny details such as the safety pin never cease to astound me.

What I really loved about this post is seeing how while we are across the country from one another, we're thinking about the same things. Even though I live in California Wine Country, Fall is upon us and I can hardly help but look to indoor activities like scrapping, knitting, quilting, and sewing. I can hardly wait to see what you post next.

ttfn,
Gena

[Patty Craft]

Lisa, thanks for this great trip down "memory" lane! Working with you, and the other Masters, was truly a highlight of my duties when I was on the MM team.

Thanks for keeping in touch, too.

peace & love, patty

[rosie lange]

I will miss MMM. Thanks for a trip down Memory-Lane. Your layouts are so beautiful it is no wonder you have been chosen a top-ten-er! Your kids are such a beautiful blessing!
rosie

[Cassandra]

Oh this is a sad occasion. I loved Memory Makers and I'm going to miss it. The scrapbooking industry is losing a lot of its great magazines and stores lately. It's a sad state but the memories will last a lifetime with the gifts of creativity they have shared over time.

I love your posted layouts too. You have a wonderful artistic eye!

Keep up the good work.