Author: Tina Biornstad-Szafranski

Florals & Feelings: Using Symbolism in Your Layouts
creative expression · scrapbook · visual storytelling

Florals & Feelings: Using Symbolism in Your Layouts

Tina Biornstad-SzafranskiLeave a comment

Flowers aren’t just pretty. They’re powerful. They hold meaning, memory, and metaphor—just like our stories do. When we use florals in our layouts, cards, and journaling, we’re doing more than decorating—we’re expressing emotions that words might struggle to hold.

Whether you’re crafting through grief, reclaiming joy, or celebrating growth, flowers can help tell your story in a gentle, beautiful way.

🌸 Why florals are such powerful symbols:

  • Universally understood across cultures
  • Associated with emotions, milestones, and transitions
  • Visually versatile: soft, bold, wild, restrained
  • Naturally suited to memory keeping and healing work

💐 Examples of florals as feelings in layouts:

  • Roses → Strength in sorrow or enduring love
  • Wildflowers → Freedom, rediscovery, chosen family
  • Cherry blossoms → Fleeting beauty, embracing impermanence
  • Sunflowers → Hope, joy, facing the light
  • Lavender → Calm, protection, spiritual connection
  • Daisies → Innocence, new beginnings

🧷 Ways to include them in your layouts:

  • Die cuts or fussy-cut florals layered in threes
  • Floral background paper to set an emotional tone
  • Pressed flowers in pocket pages (sealed)
  • Stamped florals in repeat as a grounding ritual
  • Hidden journaling behind floral flaps or tags
  • Mix bold & soft florals to represent inner conflict and peace

“This week I made a 6×8 page called ‘Soft Strength.’ I used Crushed Curry and Bubble Bath cardstock, layered with a vellum sunflower and stitched borders. The journaling tucked behind it honors a moment of courage I had during a panic attack.”

Florals give us a quiet, symbolic language to express what’s blooming, what’s wilting, and what we’re holding close. The next time you reach for a flower sticker or punch, pause and ask: What feeling am I planting here?

➡️ Want support turning your emotions into art?

  • Try the free Bloom Tracker to notice what’s showing up emotionally in your creative practice
  • Share your floral-themed project with #FloralsAndFeelings and tag @gemspaperscissors so I can admire your symbolic blooms 🌼
  • Not sure which floral Stampin’ Up! set to try? Visit my favorites list here
Documenting the Small Wins That Matter Most
creative wellness · Everyday Joy · Healing through art · scrapbook

Documenting the Small Wins That Matter Most

Tina Biornstad-SzafranskiLeave a comment

When we think about memory keeping, we often default to the big stuff—birthdays, vacations, graduations. But what about the little things? The quiet victories? The days you chose to rest. The moment you showed up for yourself with scissors and cardstock, even when your energy was low.

Those are the wins that truly matter. Especially when you’re healing. Especially when you’re growing. This post is your gentle reminder: your small wins are worth documenting.

🎯 Why small wins are worth capturing:

  • They build momentum
  • They validate your progress
  • They keep joy and gratitude in focus
  • They remind you: you’re doing better than you think

💗 What counts as a small win?

  • You made something just for fun
  • You cleaned your craft table
  • You printed out three photos
  • You showed up and made one journaling card
  • You rested instead of pushing through

📸 Creative ways to document them:

  • A 6×8 layout titled “Today I Did This”
  • A row of 2×2 photos with captions like “Tiny Triumphs”
  • A “One Sentence Journal” using Stampin’ Up! journaling stamps
  • A flipbook or tag ring of “Moments I’m Proud Of”
  • Add an “I’m proud of…” tag to any scrapbook page


“Last Tuesday, I finally organized my cardstock scraps by color. I used the new In Color folders and labeled them with mini tags. I added a small photo of the drawer to a 3×4 card that says ‘Order is a kindness.’ It felt SO good.”

Conclusion & Call to Action:

Your small wins matter. They’re not filler. They’re proof of life, movement, and self-compassion. So don’t wait for the big stuff—scrap what matters today.

➡️ Need a space to honor your everyday wins?

  • Subscribe to the 6×8 Sketch Club for layouts that support progress over perfection
  • Download the Bloom Tracker and use it to log tiny wins
  • Share your layout or journaling card using #DocumentYourWins
  • Follow me on Instagram for more ideas on capturing daily victories
Why Comparison is a Creative Block
creating · Mindset & Motivation

Why Comparison is a Creative Block

Tina Biornstad-SzafranskiLeave a comment

Have you ever opened Instagram, seen a perfectly styled layout, and instantly questioned your own creativity? We all have. Comparison is sneaky. It shows up as admiration, but often leaves behind doubt. For those of us who’ve survived trauma, battled chronic illness, or are healing from burnout, comparison can be especially painful—it chips away at the safe space we’re trying to build.

But creativity isn’t a competition. It’s a path. A practice. A deeply personal journey.

🌿 Why we compare:
We compare to feel connected. To orient ourselves. But in a creative space, that habit can become harmful. Instead of inspiring, it can paralyze us. Especially if we’re already feeling vulnerable or uncertain.

🧠 Comparison tells us lies like:

  • “Your work isn’t good enough.”
  • “You’re behind.”
  • “Why even bother?”
  • “Look how much better she’s doing.”

✨ The truth is:

  • Your story is unlike anyone else’s.
  • You are allowed to create slowly.
  • You don’t have to share your work to validate it.
  • The messiest page can still hold the most meaning.

Last month, I spent hours on a layout that didn’t come together. I almost gave up—until I reminded myself it’s okay if it’s just for me. That shift in mindset helped me finish it and actually love the result.

💗 Reframing your mindset:

  • Instead of “better,” try asking: What’s different?
  • Instead of “behind,” try: What do I want to feel?
  • Instead of “they’re better than me,” try: I admire their style. I’m finding my own.

Comparison is a thief of joy—and creativity. The next time it sneaks in, pause and ask: What is true for me today? Then create from that space.

➡️ Need a judgment-free space to reconnect with your creativity?

  • Download my free Bloom Tracker to focus on consistency, not comparison
  • Subscribe to the newsletter for gentle encouragement each week
  • Share a photo of your real, in-process work using #CreatingWithoutComparison and tag me @gemspaperscissors—I’ll cheer you on every time 🌸
Creative Rituals Roundup: Voices from Our Community
Community Inspiration · creating · Creative Rituals

Creative Rituals Roundup: Voices from Our Community

Tina Biornstad-SzafranskiLeave a comment

Sometimes, the most powerful part of creativity isn’t what we make—it’s how we make it. The routines, the rituals, the moments of quiet before our hands touch paper. Earlier this week, I invited members of the VIP group to share their personal creative rituals, and the responses were so heartfelt and inspiring, I had to gather them here for all of us to enjoy.

Whether you’re crafting to heal, connect, or ground yourself, these rituals remind us that creativity is sacred and deeply personal.

🕯 Why rituals matter:
Creative rituals offer comfort, consistency, and grounding—especially important if you’re navigating trauma, grief, or chronic illness. They create a rhythm that helps you feel safe and present in your creative space.

Here are some beautiful rituals shared by members of the community:

💬

“I light incense before every layout and play calming music.” —@soulfulscrapper
“My Sunday morning routine is a cup of tea and a simple card project.” —@paperpathway
“I write a gratitude list before each journaling page.” —@craftingthroughchaos
“I stamp one heart image on every layout—it’s a reminder that this page holds love.” —@heartsandlayers
“I always tidy up before I create. That small ritual tells my nervous system it’s safe to begin.” —@gentlepaperjoy

✨ You don’t need a long list or fancy tools. Your ritual can be as simple as:

  • Choosing a song that helps you breathe deeply
  • Holding your cardstock and setting an intention
  • Sipping tea and sorting through photos mindfully
  • Pulling a card from your affirmation deck

You are not alone in how you create. We’re all crafting beside each other, bound by a desire for expression, healing, and joy. Whether your ritual is spiritual, sensory, or simply practical—it matters.

➡️ Want to explore your own creative ritual?

  • Download the free Bloom Tracker and use the notes section to record what grounds you.
  • Share your ritual on Instagram or Facebook using #MyCreativeRitual
  • Join the conversation in the VIP group where more voices and inspiration are blooming daily
How I Use My Scrap Space for Self-Care
creating · creative wellness · self-care

How I Use My Scrap Space for Self-Care

Tina Biornstad-SzafranskiLeave a comment

When you think of self-care, what comes to mind? Bubble baths? Spa days? For me, it’s my craft space. It’s not perfect, it’s not always tidy, but it’s mine—a quiet place where I can reconnect with myself through color, texture, and creative flow. Especially during seasons of healing, having a sanctuary like this has been essential.

🪴 Your craft space doesn’t have to be big or fancy—just intentional. Here’s how I’ve created a space that nurtures my creativity and well-being:

✨ 1. I start with light.

Natural light by day, soft lamp glow by night. I even use string lights for an extra touch of cozy magic.

💜 2. I keep comfort items close.

A cozy lap quilt my mom made, a cup of tea, my favorite essential oil blend. Sometimes I add a crystal or affirmation card to remind me: I am safe here.

🧹 3. I clear just enough.

Not everything is Pinterest-pretty. But I keep my favorite cardstock colors, a journaling stamp, and adhesives in reach—so I can sit down and create without searching.

🧘‍♀️ 4. I use rituals to transition into creating.

Before I begin, I take a deep breath and ask: What do I need today? Maybe it’s quiet. Maybe it’s play. Maybe it’s messy healing.


On hard days, I grab a 3×4 journaling card, misty cardstock, and write down one kind thought. That tiny action—paired with music and tea—grounds me like nothing else.

Your scrap space can be more than a workspace—it can be a refuge. You deserve a space that supports your healing, your joy, and your creative spirit. 🌿

➡️ Ready to reclaim your space as self-care?

  • Download my free Bloom Tracker and make your space part of your daily wellness routine.
  • Follow me on Instagram @gemspaperscissors for a behind-the-scenes look at my cozy creative setup.
  • Share your space with the hashtag #MyCreativeSanctuary and inspire others to nurture their own!
Why Repetition in Art Can Be Restorative
creating · creative wellness · Healing through art

Why Repetition in Art Can Be Restorative

Tina Biornstad-SzafranskiLeave a comment

Repetition often gets a bad rap—seen as boring or monotonous. But in creativity, repetition can actually be healing. Whether it’s stamping the same image, layering paper in similar ways, or journaling a repeated affirmation, repetition provides rhythm, grounding, and comfort. For those of us navigating trauma, chronic illness, grief, or stress, this rhythm can feel like a lifeline.

🌀 Why repetition works:
Repetition gives our brains a break from decision fatigue. It lets us sink into the flow, bypassing the critical voice that says “this isn’t good enough.” In fact, it can be a meditative creative practice.

🖌 Examples of restorative repetition in papercrafting:

  • Stamping the same image in a row with different ink tones
  • Using a grid format for journaling cards each week
  • Layering the same flower die cut in three tones of pink
  • Writing the same affirmation on every page of a mini album
  • Repetitive stenciling or embossing across backgrounds

“When I’m overwhelmed, I stamp a simple leaf image in a soft color over and over. It becomes almost prayer-like. I don’t need to think—just create.”

🌼 Why it helps with healing:

  • Anchors you in the moment
  • Creates safety through structure
  • Boosts confidence as small wins accumulate
  • Encourages mindfulness without pressure to innovate
  • Gently rewires neural pathways toward calm and joy

Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself—creatively, emotionally, or spiritually. In fact, that repetition may be exactly what your nervous system and soul need to feel safe and seen.

➡️ Want a space to explore repetition in your creative healing?

  • Grab my free Bloom Tracker to see how repetition builds creative momentum
  • Subscribe to my newsletter for weekly inspiration and gentle motivation
  • Share your own “repetition ritual” with the tag #RestorativeArtRepetition so we can celebrate your process
Creative Intentions for May
creating

Creative Intentions for May

Tina Biornstad-SzafranskiLeave a comment

As we enter a new month, there’s a beautiful opportunity to set creative intentions—not with pressure or perfection, but with permission. Permission to be messy, gentle, and joy-filled. May is a season of blooming, and with it comes the chance to align your creativity with what your heart needs most.

Setting a creative intention can be as simple as choosing one word or phrase that will guide how you want to feel or show up creatively this month. Here’s how to do it:

🌸 Step 1 – Reflect: Ask yourself: What do I need right now? Do you need rest, expression, color, quiet, connection?

🖋 Step 2 – Choose a word or phrase:
Some examples: peace, play, explore, express, reconnect, soften, rise.

🎨 Step 3 – Create a visual reminder:

  • Make a mini journaling card with your intention.
  • Stamp the word onto a tag or 3×4 card and display it in your space.
  • Use a Stampin’ Up! color that evokes that energy—like Fresh Freesia for softness or Old Olive for grounding.

🧘‍♀️ Step 4 – Anchor your crafting:

  • Begin each session with a breath and your word.
  • Use your word to guide your layouts and color palette.
  • Let it be a soft focus, not a strict rule.

My intention this May is nourish. I created a soft 6×8 layout using So Saffron and Petal Pink cardstock with a quote that reads, “This is how I care for me.” It reminds me that creativity is a source of healing and rest.

You don’t need to force creativity—just let it meet you where you are. Your intention will carry you gently forward.

➡️ Want support all month long?

  • Subscribe to my newsletter for weekly prompts and gentle encouragement.
  • Follow me on Instagram @gemspaperscissors to see my own creative intention unfold.
  • Share your word with a card or layout using #CreativeIntentionMay and tag me so I can cheer you on!


Start Small: Scrapbooking as a Gentle Daily Practice
scrapbook

Start Small: Scrapbooking as a Gentle Daily Practice

Tina Biornstad-SzafranskiLeave a comment

Have you ever sat down to craft and felt overwhelmed by where to start? Whether you’re healing from trauma, navigating chronic illness, or simply trying to reclaim a little joy, start small. Starting small can be powerful. Scrapbooking doesn’t have to be about perfect albums or big projects. It can be a daily practice in presence, softness, and growth.

If you’re struggling to get started, you’re not alone. That first page, that empty card, can hold so much pressure. But what if we reframed it? What if we saw every creative moment as a gentle, grounding step on our healing path?

Here are a few easy ways to start:

🌱 Use one photo that brings a smile—or simply feels safe. It is your garden, a cozy corner, your pet, or even your craft table.
📝 Journal just one sentence. Write a feeling, a thought, a hope, or even a question. “Today I am showing up.”
🎨 Pick a color that calms or energizes you. Try Stampin’ Up!’s Petal Pink for peace, Misty Moonlight for calm, or Daffodil Delight for hope.
📏 Make a mini layout—just 3″x 4″ or 6″x 8″. Start a page you can add to slowly over the week.
💬 Affirmation idea: “Small steps still move me forward.”

“This week I created a simple 3 x 4 card. I used Moody Mauve cardstock. I also used one photo of my feet in the dirt. Additionally, I included a line that said ‘Here I grow again.’ It took 10 minutes and helped me feel grounded all day.

You don’t have to do it all. You don’t have to do it right. You just have to begin—with love, intention, and gentleness.

➡️ Let’s take the first step together:

  • Need a little help getting started? Grab your free printable Bloom Tracker here and commit to just 5 minutes a day.
  • Check out my latest video tutorial on YouTube where I walk you through an easy layout from start to finish.
5 ways to capture new beginnings Ways to Capture New Beginnings in Your Scrapbooking Practice
scrapbook

Ways to Capture New Beginnings in Your Scrapbooking Practice

Tina Biornstad-SzafranskiLeave a comment

Spring is in the air, and with it comes a sense of renewal and fresh possibilities. Whether you’re celebrating a new season, a life milestone, or a personal transformation, capturing these new beginnings through scrapbooking can be both meaningful and therapeutic.

In today’s post, I’m sharing five creative ways to symbolize fresh starts in your scrapbook layouts using techniques that highlight growth, change, and the beauty of blooming into something new.

🌱 1. Use Symbolic Colors to Reflect Growth

Color is a powerful way to evoke emotion and meaning in your layouts. For new beginnings, try using:

  • Soft greens for renewal and growth.
  • Pinks and purples for transformation and blossoming.
  • Blues for calm and peace during change.
Subtles Collection

Tip: Incorporate Stampin’ Up!’s Subtles Collection to create scrapbook layouts that reflect the emotional journey of embracing change.

🌸 2. Incorporate Butterfly and Floral Motifs

Butterflies symbolize transformation, while flowers represent blooming and new life. Adding these elements to your layouts can visually narrate your journey of renewal.

✅ Try using the Hues of Happiness Suite for vibrant floral patterns.
✅ Die-cut butterfly embellishments add texture and symbolism to meaningful scrapbook layouts.

happiness

📚 3. Create a “Journey Spread” to Reflect Progress

Document the path from where you’ve been to where you are now.

  • Use arrows to symbolize forward movement.
  • Add pockets with journaling cards to capture thoughts along the way.

Idea: Incorporate hidden journaling for a more personal and meaningful storytelling experience.

💖 4. Layer Meaningful Quotes and Sentiments

Words can deepen the emotional connection to your layouts. Choose quotes, affirmations, or favorite phrases that capture the essence of the new chapter you’re embracing.

✅ Use Stampin’ Up!’s sentiment stamps to add powerful words to your pages and enhance creative storytelling.

🎨 5. Create a “Bloom Board” as a Vision for Your Future

A “Bloom Board” is like a vision board but focused on celebrating where you’re blooming. Include:

  • Photos that represent goals and dreams.
  • Inspirational quotes and affirmations.
  • Visual symbols of growth.

Capturing new beginnings in your scrapbook layouts adds layers of meaning to your creative journey. Whether you’re starting fresh after a challenging season or celebrating the beauty of growth, these ideas will help you tell your story with intention.

🌷 What’s one new beginning you’d love to document in your next layout? Share in the comments or tag me in your creations using #GemsPaperScissors!

Scrapbooking for the Soul: Preserving the Moments That Matter
Uncategorized

Scrapbooking for the Soul: Preserving the Moments That Matter

Tina Biornstad-SzafranskiLeave a comment

Introduction

When healing from trauma, illness, or grief, the past can feel heavy. But within that past are moments of strength, love, and growth—moments worth preserving.

Scrapbooking is more than just a creative hobby. It’s a therapeutic way to honor your progress, capture everyday joy, and reflect on how far you’ve come. Whether you’re documenting major milestones or small victories, memory-keeping can help you process emotions in a gentle and uplifting way.

Why Scrapbooking is a Healing Tool

Memories have power. They remind us of where we’ve been, what we’ve overcome, and the beauty in our everyday lives.

📝 Benefits of Scrapbooking for Emotional Well-Being:
✅ Encourages self-reflection – Looking back at past moments helps us appreciate growth.
✅ Boosts gratitude and mindfulness – Focuses attention on joyful, meaningful moments.
✅ Provides a creative emotional outlet – Helps express feelings without words.

💡 Example: Someone healing from PTSD might create a “Safe Spaces” scrapbook, filling it with images, colors, and textures that evoke peace, security, and comfort. This scrapbook can serve as a grounding tool during difficult moments.

Creative Scrapbooking Ideas for Healing

Not sure where to start? Here are meaningful scrapbook ideas to help you use creativity as a healing tool:

🎨 Gratitude Pages – Dedicate a page to small things you’re grateful for each day. (A warm cup of tea, a text from a friend, birds outside your window.)

📖 Then & Now Pages – Reflect on your personal growth by placing an old photo next to a recent one. Write about how you’ve changed and what you’ve learned.

💌 Empowerment Quotes – Collect and display uplifting words that inspire you to keep going. A simple page titled “Words That Lift Me” can serve as a daily boost.

Scrapbooking as a Mindful Practice

Let go of perfectionism—your scrapbook isn’t about being Pinterest-perfect. It’s about self-expression and healing.

💡 Tip: Instead of worrying about making it look perfect, focus on how it makes you feel. Allow yourself to create freely and without pressure.

🎨 Ways to Make Scrapbooking a Relaxing Ritual:
✨ Put on calming music and light a candle while crafting.
✨ Journal about your emotions before starting a new page.
✨ Choose colors that reflect your mood—soft pastels for peace, vibrant tones for energy.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Your story matters, and every scrapbook page you create is a step toward embracing your journey with love and gratitude.

Start today: Choose one small moment to document—a victory, a lesson, or a memory that makes you smile.

💬 What’s one moment you’d love to document in a scrapbook? Share in the comments!

📩 Want more creative healing ideas? Sign up for my newsletter for exclusive journaling prompts and scrapbooking tips!