Tag: HealingThroughScrapbooking

My May: What I Created and How I Grew
creating · creative wellness

My May: What I Created and How I Grew

Tina Biornstad-SzafranskiLeave a comment

This month, our theme was “Bloom Where You Are.” And I did just that—in ways I didn’t expect. Some days I created beautiful spreads. Other days I sat in stillness with scissors in hand, unsure what to say but still showing up.

May wasn’t about perfection. It was about presence. About making space for creativity, connection, and self-compassion in the in-between moments.

So here’s a little look at what I created—and how I grew.

🌱 What I created:

  • 6 full 6×8 layouts using gentle colors like Wild Wheat, Bubble Bath, and Lost Lagoon
  • 12 journaling cards with single sentences that helped me process emotions
  • 5 handmade cards I sent to friends as part of our Happy Mail challenge
  • A “Roots & Wings” layout using the Thoughtful Journey DSP to honor my mother
  • A creative ritual I’ve now added every Sunday: light a candle, shuffle some scraps, and make just one thing—no pressure

💬 What surprised me:

  • How calming repetitive stamping can be when I don’t overthink it
  • That I actually loved using florals—especially sunflowers and daisies
  • How connected I felt sharing my journey inside the VIP group
  • That documenting the small wins made me feel big joy

Reflection from my journal:
“Creativity didn’t save me this month—but it made space for me. It reminded me that I am still growing, even when I feel stuck.”

🌸 What I’m proud of:

  • Showing up, even on days when my energy was low
  • Giving just as much to myself as I gave to others
  • Using my art to process my feelings instead of bottling them
  • Helping others tell their stories by sharing mine

You don’t need a gallery of perfect projects to call yourself creative. If you made one thing with your heart this month—you bloomed.

➡️ Now it’s your turn:

  • Take 5 minutes today to reflect on your May. What did you make? What did you feel? What are you proud of?
  • Post a photo of your favorite May project using #MyCreativeMay and tag @gemspaperscissors
  • Want to keep your momentum going into June? Subscribe to the weekly newsletter for gentle inspiration all month long
  • Grab the Bloom Tracker and color in the petals you’ve filled with intention, creativity, and care
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