Scrappin therapy for Jessie idea

Oooooooh I like some of your ideas too Sandy and I am interested to see what others have to say on this topic. I have had a bit of a think on the shipping issue but am not clear in my mind the best way to handle it...so will watch the discussion with interest. My thinking was to get a 12 x 12 pizza box and use that to gather things up for mailing because it doesn't get bashed up!!! But, I was also thinking that 12 x12 pages may be too awkward for Jessie to handle right now. I guess she would need to work on a bed-table or tray and they may not easily accommodate 12 x12. What do others think about size? All comments are welcome even if you feel you can't participate.....your input is valuable to this discussion o)

Anyway size can be decided at some point but I wanted to say I have a 8 X 8 colorbok album that I am happy to part with. It came complete with papers, layered mats, eyeleted tags, etc., but it is a little too cookie-cutter for my taste and I was saving it for gift giving to someone who doesn't scrap! However, the album is nice size, fabric covered, with a protective sleeve to keep it clean, and includes 10 page protectors to start with. No white inserts but I would be happy to include those which I will cut down from 12 x 12 inserts I have here. A photo can be inserted in the front of the cover and I thought that the one of Jessie in her Bio would look nice if that is the way we decide to go :o)

I bought this kit from QVC......here is a link to see what it looks like:

it is what they are terming the Red option but it is really a terracotta colour LOL. Silly QVC!!!!!! I will even convert it with Snapload Retro Fit if people think that would be easier for adding pages. If we decide to go bigger than 8 x 8... I will donate a 12 x 12 or 8.5 X 11 album and it can either be sent from here or purchased in the US and I'll pay for it...although the latter would need to be a US purchase!! I don't mind what size....but personally, I think the larger sizes may be a little intimidating to begin with.....start small and aim for the sky! Jessie's progress has astounded us all so far and if this would help her progress in some small way...that would be just wonderful!!! Hey...I just remembered I even have a 6 x 6 K & Co that can be used if people think smaller is better. There ya go! Every option covered...ROFL One of the ways I thought we could handle this.....was for everyone to take a turn in sending Jessie a 'little parcel' of scrapping goodies....say enough for two or three pages and maybe on a fortnightly basis to start with. We could handle it a little like a swap, with sign up commitment and a coordinator to run things. Whatever is being included could be photographed and uploaded to let folks see...nothing too complicated....then mailed directly to Patti. As you say, some inspirational pictures, some coordinating cardstock/paper, precut & layered mats, tags with eyelets and fibres, do a bit of distressing, embossing, punching, add some die-cuts that fit with the theme, a little bit of journalling relating to the photos. That way neither Jessie nor Patti would feel overwhelmed by all this stuff arriving and not knowing what to do with it....we need to keep OUR enthusiasm in check!!!!! Patti needs to feel comfy with this process since she is Jessie's primary carer! Starting small with Patti's approval and allowing her to judge whether Jessie can cope with more is likely to be the best way forward.

It's a great idea if Jessie is able to use it... I'd think that

8-1/2x11 would be easier to manage than 12x12...

Thanks for your input Karen.....at the moment it is just a seed of an idea and if we undertake this it would need to be thought about carefully so it is not overwhelming for Jessie or her Mom! Like you, I think a smaller page size may be less daunting to start with....so we will just keep working on all the details and see if it is feasible. TY

I think it is an awesome idea!

Thanks M-C...glad you like the idea but it is just in the development stages. By the way, have you check your webshots account...there is only four albums showing....aargh!

Take care, Marilyn

I think this is a great idea. It is a wonderful way for us to keep in touch with her and for her to return to a hobby she loves. Count me in. I would love to put something together to send to Jessie.

I like this idea too... I would gladly try and put together a package to send over. Just say the word.

Thanks Cec...will keep everyone's replies in a seperate folder till I have something thought out.

Take care, Marilyn

What a great idea Marilyn! I happen to agree that 8 1/2 x 11 may be a better size to go with right now. It might be a little less overwhelming for her right now. Plus, she can always add the 8 1/2 x 11 LO to a 12 x 12 background in the future. But the pizza box idea will work, too. I imagine it will come down to what's best for Jessie right now. The one thing I can suggest for all to keep in mind is to not just pass down stuff that's been collecting dust and we're just trying to get rid of it. Sandy provided Jessie's Webshots page, and it would be a great idea for all who want to partake in this to go check out Jessie's LO's. It won't be very enjoyable to Jessie if she gets stuff she'll never use. So we probably ought to keep in mind her scrapping style, colors she uses, things she'll scrap about, etc in mind when we pick something out. I think it's a great idea, and really would give Jessie and her mom some bonding time, other than therapy and care. You're such a caring and thoughtful person to come up with this!

I think it is a very good idea ,Marilyn ! I will see what I can put together.

Hugs, Sabrina

Deb....I think it is a great idea and not just because I put it to the group :o) Jessica's initial thoughts on the Trading Pages swap was what sent my mind into action, coupled with the post that M-C made about talking to Jessie on the speaker phone! So they can both take some of the credit!!!! Sure.....we cannot expect Patti to search for photographs and provide details for journalling, etc., she has enough to deal with being full-time carer. However, I do think this way round, and with a good deal of thought, we could provide Jessie with an opportunity to do her own thing with photos that may inspire her, at the same time be providing Patti with something different to do with Jessie therapy wise. While it is nice to get cards and new things that she can show or read to Jessie....it must be very hard for her trying to stimulate continued improvement! To-date, she has done a tremendous job with Jessie and even took time to keep us informed on Jessie's progress. Jessie has shown that she is a fighter and I sort of see this as another constructive way of RCSers helping Jessie recover as much as she can, while helping Patti a little too! Who knows....if the packages sent strike a cord for Jessie's own photos then she can substitute hers for those we send. That would be a brilliant outcome!!!!

I think it's a wonderful idea Marilyn. I also like the idea of sending stuff that relates to our own surroundings. I think this will give her different things to think of than her everyday life. I know that sentence is poorly constructed - lol, but you know what I mean. I'll watch the thread and start putting together a kit when all is figured out.

Judy, SA

I think its a great idea. I have things I had put aside for the scrapbox and other things I changed my mind on I could set. I could even Xyron some of the stuff.

Teresa in MD

That's a great idea. I can xyron mine too. Sandy

Yes...I knew there was a way to apply adhesive...TY Teresa. I can xyron smaller stuff but I still need to go back to the drawing board for photo mats, etc. *Thinking cap being firmly lodged on the head* LOL Maybe there will be a solution on QVC today...it's Craft Day and the TSV is the pits!!!!! ROFL

Not QVC but ebay.....yeah!!!!! Just bought the Xyron 900 (NIB) for £39.00 which is £30.00 cheaper than any other online UK supplier. I have the 150,

250 and X4 but the X4 is almost like a jumbo sized tape runner. I needed something that would leave a backing sheet for sending and easy application. I am really pleased....doing a happy dance...hahahahaha

Congrats on your great purchase Marilyn! Isn't it great when you come across a bargain like that! WTG I'm off to watch QVCUK on my PC :)

Judy, SA

Enjoy QVC Judy....I am off now to watch Nancy Hill hour now on the TV :o)