So while I was in Utah last week, or the week before a friend emailed me a link to this story that ran in the Salt Lake Tribune.
Writer Linda Fantin reports on Utah retailers (and the consumers in general) overall lack of enthusiasm for Martha's line, but goes on to write:
"Scrapbooking already has its divas—Lisa Bearnson, Becky Higgins, Shelli Gardner, Cathy Zielske—women who made a mint off scrapbooking and became celebrities in the process, not the other way around. They inspire us not because of some cult of personality, but because they are innovative designers and ordinary people. We relate to them. Through their hall-of-fame scrapbook pages, we've seen their kids go to the zoo, graduate from preschool and look pensively while their mothers recount five favorite things about being 5."
I was actually flattered by it, to be grouped with Lisa and Becky, mostly because they really are industry trailblazers. Putting the whole celebrity thing aside for a moment, the fact that where no scrapbook magazine existed, Lisa put pretty much everything she had out on the line to start one up, along with co-founder Don Lambson. Think about it: would you risk everything you had on an idea? I love that. Personally? I'm not a risk taker. Nor did I marry one. I really admire the whole maverick mentality. And if you do the math, I have a job because Lisa did just that. Thanks, Lisa!
And then Becky…well, she's an icon and her contributions speak for themselves, and continue to do so. The entire sketches thing is brilliant. I was paging through her new Sketches Book last night thinking: what a great friggin' resource for scrapbookers. Seriously. She stays true to her timeless style, and on top of it, she's one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Genuinely.
Me? I just make pages with very few things on them and tell good stories. (The key here is that I believe they are good stories, and when I revisit them, they stand up.) For me, scrapbooking is about pleasing yourself first and foremost, and defining that pleasure keeps you coming back for more. Just like an ordinary addict. And I SO roll that way.
The only thing I was curious about when I read the above passage was where the hell is my mint?
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. If I somehow missed it along the way, I could really use it about now. My 17-year-old Honda Civic probably won't make it through another Minnesota winter.
Christina says
After reading the article, I thought it was funny she mentioned being able to pick Coley out of a crowd… she’s a true scrapbooker at heart I guess. Oh, and good luck finding your mint!
Linda says
I don’t know about your scrapbooking mint, but you could could make a mint writing a book that contained essays on everyday life. I’d be first in line to buy it, because you make me laugh. A lot.
karlalala says
the book mentioned above is a great idea, or maybe you should get your own scrapbook talk show and that’ll give you your mint!! i’d watch it!! look out Ellen!! woohoo!!!
Jennie says
I think maybe that mint is stuck in your hair. I found one there after a night in a motel room. I’d check there first.
susan says
would that be peppermint or spearmint?? oooh….maybe double mint?
lol!! and somehow I don’t see you as a diva either! lol! you are so down to earth and unpretentious that calling you a diva is the best humor I have had all morning!
Kimberly L.C. says
Maybe your mint and mine are off cavorting somewhere? 😉
I know you’re probably missing the monetary mint right now because of the need to replace your Honda, but the mark you have made on scrapbooking (whether you want to acknowledge it or not) is quite valuable in its own right and for that, we thank you.
Amy Zarrella says
I would have to agree with Linda, a mint would be yours if you put all your little funnies from your blog in a book that I could carry around to gymnastics, dancing lessons, swimming lessons, well you get the idea.
I think it is funny how people think just because you are “famous” in your line of work automatically makes you rich.
tara says
if you had a mint, would you share it with me?
mariana says
well if you could charge for reading your blog i’d know I miss it & have to pay LOL
Katie Scott says
Ditto on all the comments about how you can make your mint by writing a book. Write now.
Katie Scott says
Ditto on all the comments about how you can make your mint by writing a book. Write now.
Janet says
I say write another book!!! Your last two books are bibles for me. Lisa is ok, Becky is good, but you ROCK.
You write a book, I’ll send you a mint…deal?
Keely says
i totally agree with the ordinary people comment. that is definitely what draws me to your blog and Stacy’s and Donna’s and Lisa’s. although, i haven’t not bought martha’s stuff because she was already a “celeb” (or a convicted felon). i’ve looked at martha’s product at michael’s and just don’t see anything unique, except for the big paper which i wouldn’t know what to do with, much less store.
anne - paris, fr says
your mint??? it’s yourself. the simplicity of your work.. the written stories on your work & here in your blog. write another book and i will definitely going to own a copy.
Melissa says
I’m guessing if you ever had a mint, it would’ve been spent on scrapping supplies, anyway. ; )
Seriously, Cathy, I agree with everyone else. You are a true inspiration. I laughed so hard I cried when I read your 2nd book, and I’ve gotta admit, I’m tappin’ my foot and checkin’ my watch for when the next one’s coming out…
Bec says
One more vote for the book of essays. Everyone needs more humorous books to intersperse with the self-help ones and the bookcase full of artsy idea books :).
Alicia says
You may not have made a “mint” in green, but you have a “mint” in followers! I can’t go a day without my CZ fix! I have read, dogeared, taped, glued, and reread both of the books. I love your SS articles, and your blog is a daily dose of laughter!
Sound like a stalker, but you are just REAL!
Melanie Cooper says
Yes, your humanity (sp), I am not even sure if that is a word. But the reality that you way of relating to everyone, made me feel not so strange or crazy. I agree for with everyone else, write a book, charge to read your blog and I too, will pay. And let me tell you, ask anyone that knows me, I am not a big spender, ROFLMAO.
Kirsty B says
Hey Cathy! Didn’t know if you were aware or not but over here in the UK, radio one are having guests on to do a “legends” show, and Dave Grohl is tonight’s guest on 9pm GMT (so in about 3 hrs from posting this!) you can listen online at http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/established1967/feature/legends.shtml at the top it says “Listen Live” or you can catch it later on “Listen Again” 🙂
Em says
I loved the bit about Coley too. How weird is it that I live in England yet I know so much about his life (and Aidan’s too) through your books and your blog?
Like everyone says, no-one ever really gets rich through scrapping, mind you Martha might buck the trend LOL
susan says
Its hidden along with the mint that the scrapbook store owners have made…Now if we could only find it. Seriously however it is a mint when you think of how many lives you all have touched. Lucky for me I get to help some of those people myself and there isn’t a price you can put on it!!!
Susan
Nicole Ward says
Just another reason why you are one of the funniest people I have never met. You just crack me up! Seriously. And it takes a lot to get this mom of three with a dry sense of humor to laugh. By the way, if I lived in MN, I’d be dropping a 10 pound bag of starbrite mints on your doorstep. There is your mint baby! And wasn’t it worth all the hardwork?
Maria says
You are the mint.
And I really also found it cute that the author of that article said she would be able to pick Coley out of a crowd… somehow with that short statement, she became instantly liked (and an extremely reliable source) in my book!
Jeanine says
Cathy Z —I love you. What makes you so great is that you are real, what you do is real and how you think is real. When I read your daily blogs, it inspires me to be just me and not try to be anyone else out there. I guess that is why I scrap a lot like you. We scrap from our hearts and put down on paper what we feel is important to us and what we want our families to remember if we were not here to tell them. Sometimes it doesn’t need journaling, the picture says it all and sometimes there is so much more to the story than the picture. How often have we forgotten the camera or forgotten to take the picture of that one thing that means so much, we need to let everyone know why it is important and just sometimes use the words to say it. We are all not a Lisa, bold bright and gutsy, but we are ourselves and that’s why our families and friends love us. Love you Cathy Z.
Jeanine says
Cathy Z —I love you. What makes you so great is that you are real, what you do is real and how you think is real. When I read your daily blogs, it inspires me to be just me and not try to be anyone else out there. I guess that is why I scrap a lot like you. We scrap from our hearts and put down on paper what we feel is important to us and what we want our families to remember if we were not here to tell them. Sometimes it doesn’t need journaling, the picture says it all and sometimes there is so much more to the story than the picture. How often have we forgotten the camera or forgotten to take the picture of that one thing that means so much, we need to let everyone know why it is important and just sometimes use the words to say it. We are all not a Lisa, bold bright and gutsy, but we are ourselves and that’s why our families and friends love us. Love you Cathy Z.
jen says
Dang, if I knew you wanted MINTS, I would have skipped the cinnamon extra. HA!! I also thought it was funny how we know nothing (nor really care to) about Alexis Stewart, but I love to know all the stories about Coley. Who’s the real celebrity??
And I think we all love you because of how NON diva like you are. Just an ordinary mom like any of us, you put yourself out there so the rest of us could be inspired.
And you are one of the most approachable, warm, friendly people I’ve ever met.
suetreiber says
it scares and confuses me that I know as much about some scrapper’s kids as I do my own. It’s a strange, one sided love we share.
I would pay to read your blog every day.
Not that I think you should charge. 🙂
Gina says
What?! You’re not the center of a “cult of personality?” But your personality is what keeps me coming back to this blog day after day! Honestly, I’d read this blog if you never mentioned scrapbooking again. That’s how much fun it is to read your unique take on ordinary life.
Catherine says
On your pillow? Or maybe it fell off as mine seems to do with very scary regularity.
Annie says
I hope you find your mint. I could use one about now to freshen my breath.
Shelly in the NW says
i think this hits on a HUGE misconception that many have…’if only I were published – there’s money to be had in them there pages!’. Obviously someone is making some cashola – maybe the advertisers who advertise in the mags we all devour, or maybe the parent company’s whom you all work/design for, but someone somewhere is making $$ and if they aren’t then maybe someone has mismanaged the financial side of things.
I’ve heard many times where people ask about how to get published thinking they’ll find the pot of gold at the end of that rainbow – and yet – it’s not there…they need to own the pot first then they can have the gold that’s in it 🙂
Jess says
I think you have made a important mark on scrapbooking.Your style and story telling rock. I love reading your blog. I would love to see another book. I always flip first to your column when I read SS. You remind me why I scrap, to share what is important in the moment. Jess
Felecia says
Did you leave your ming in the pocket of your winter coat when you put it away for the summer? I’d check there…I’m forever finding things I lost there…
CZ, you were one of the highlights of my CKU San Jose…a while ago…but I DID manage to send you a layout as you requested to your home e-mail address…
Your response was printed and saved on the back of the layout…lol…ok…I’m a celebrity dork…but you get that, right? I mean you DO have that whole Neil Finn thing going on….
Cathie says
Cathy, your mint is in your fans, I’m sure if we all sent just one dollar you could get a new BMW ! Your children will always be safe because wherever they go, there will be scrappers keeping an eye on them.
TanyaS says
You deserve a mint for the work you do and what you teach us. And yes, you definitely should be grouped in with the others! But I have a stupid question – who is Shelli Gardner. I thought I had been around the sbing world for a while, but I do not recognize her name.
~Tanya
sharon k says
I wish I knew where your mint is located. You so deserve it…
barb says
Who the hell is Shelli Gardner?
Maybe they meant Altoids, or a pack of Wrigley’s Spearmint Gum. Regardless, I love ya!
JennyR says
Hey Cathy! I think your car is on the list in Consumer Reports for cars lasting over 200,000 miles. It shows that if you drive the same car over 15 years how much money you save!
But anyway- I love your style of scrapping and I am glad you are able to teach so many of us. 🙂
Denise says
Well, I certainly believe you belong in that list of trailblazing ladies… in fact, you brought out my true style of scrapbooking when I first picked up Simple Scrapbooking… Your clean and modern style was an “A-Ha” moment for me! So, THANK YOU for coming along and joining the other greats…
As for your mint… I’m surprised you’re not rolling in dough and throwing coinage in the air! I’ll go do my part right now and order your books! lol!
(i’m embarrassed to admit i don’t actually have them yet but they have been on my wish list for a while!)
denise;)
Alison says
Cathy – I wasn’t sure how else to contact you but I was hoping you could help me out. I was searching the Simple website for an article you did about a baby’s first year album. I found the article but the links don’t work. Any chance you would consider emailing them to me if you still have them? I am making an album for a friend and I usually use your templates. Thanks so much!
Angie says
Let’s just say that you are a trailblazer along with the other fabulous ladies mentioned. And to live your dream – well, I live by the question posed by Kobe Yamada in one of his books, “If what’s in your dreams wasn’t already inside of you, how could you even dream it?”
You are living your life on your terms and you have a lot to be proud of! I appreciate your candor and fresh take on things. And the love you have for your family is definitely demonstrated in your writing. That’s all that we all want – to memorialize our families’ lives and to pass these memories on to our children and grandchildren.
They are, after all, why we do what we do.
Karen K says
I think I found your mint. It’s giving guided tours of the Craig bathroom.
http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/382827.html
Then you could also have add-on sales if you made parking signs to direct people to park on your lawn for the tours….
The link may not work for everyone… here is the article….
Craig bathroom now a tourist attraction
Minneapolis site of Idaho senator’s arrest is a popular place for visitors to gawk, photograph.
By Jeanne Huff – McClatchy Newspapers
Published 12:00 am PDT Monday, September 17, 2007
MINNEAPOLIS — When you go to Minneapolis, you might put the Mall of America, the statue of Mary Tyler Moore or maybe even the zoo on your list of things to see.
Now, tourists are asking about a new destination in the Twin Cities, said Karen Evans, who works at the information counter at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
A common request is, “Excuse me, can you please tell me where the Larry Craig bathroom is?”
Evans was just 15 minutes into her shift Friday afternoon and already had heard the request four times.
“It’s become a tourist attraction,” Evans said with a smile. “People are taking pictures.”
Since news broke Aug. 27 of the arrest of the Idaho Republican senator in an airport restroom, the airport has been fielding requests for directions to the men’s room in question, which is conveniently located just off the central food court and popular shopping area.
Abdalla Said, who works at a newsstand on the G concourse, said he’s been getting requests daily for directions to the infamous bathroom.
“It’s by the Lottery shop, right next to the shoeshine shop,” he said without blinking.
Gee Butler works at the Royal Zino Shoeshine shop. Since the Craig story became public, the restroom has become a photo-op, Butler said.
“People have been going inside, taking pictures of the stall, taking pictures outside the bathroom door — man, it’s been crazy,” he said.
Directly across the hall from the bathroom is Inmotion Entertainment, a DVD rental kiosk. Kelly, who declined to give her last name at her manager’s request, works for Inmotion.
“There’ve been a lot of people coming to see it,” she said. “I’ve been asked several times to take photographs of people in front of the bathroom.”
“It’s a morbid fascination,” said her manager, who declined to give his name.
Jon and Sally Westby of Minneapolis were flying to Guatemala on Friday.
“We had to just stop and check out the bathroom,” Sally Westby said. “In fact, it’s Jon’s second time — he was here last week already.”
“It’s the second stall from the right,” added her husband.
Jeanne Huff is a reporter for the Idaho Statesman.
——————————————————————————–
Mandy says
Yes your journaling tells beautiful stories AND you’re photography is stunning AND your designs AND…(i could go on here 🙂 You’re on my diva’s list too! About the risktaking when you have a good idea… i did marry one, LOL, luckily he does check with me first (and i hear myself saying everytime: well, do it, because i don’t want you to one day regret you didn’t try) (And usually i add “i love this roof over our heads though” 🙂
Thanks for being a constant inpiration Cathy!
Natalia Dexter says
Hey Cathy you need to start appreciating yourself a bit more. You are amazing! You are a legend! I love what you do. You are real and genuine. You make me laugh out loud or have tears in my eyes with what you write. I agree with everyone here. I also read your blog on a daily basis and buy your magazine when I can find it (it’s not in a lot of stores here in Australia. By the way, when you find your mint can you send me directions cause I think mine might be there as well!
Jody Ferlaak says
I think too often money ruins people. I am glad I don’t have much of it. I am glad you don’t have a mint of it. Cause your stories just wouldn’t be the same, I don’t think. Not that having money is so bad…it just seems like it takes away from ‘reality’ sometimes. And I personally enjoy you being ‘real’. =)
Nicki Lundeen says
I have some Ice-Breakers Sours that I could send you…LOL. Cathy, you are such a breath of fresh air in this industry. What I admire and love about you is that you shoot straight from the hip. I am that kind of person, and I love it when I “meet” other people who shoot straight as well. You always know they mean what they say and say what they mean…You always know where you stand. Not to mention, you are incredible at what you do – and you should be getting lots of mints! Have a great day and know that you are loved by many!
amanda says
Dude, do you have any idea how many people are going to slip you any and all flavors of mints in your near future? I think quite a lot. I don’t see you as a scrapbook celebrity, I see you as one helluva good writer, a great laugh, and someone who THANK GOD breaks up the stepford wife persona of other scrap celebutants. Don’t get me wrong I admire Lisa, Becky, and Stacey too. But, for some reason, you tend to stick out a little. For instance, you will throw the F-Bomb at random intervals. You will also make signs for your car to annoying neighbors. Also, you are pensieve. I think a book would be great. I would buy it, and send you a few bucks.
Cheers.
Karen Breen-Bondie says
I just finished reading the article you linked. Martha Stewart has always been about control. For that, though, I cannot dis her. What she needs is more whimsy–in all products/publications. That, unfortunately, is something I don’t associate with her. The closest she’s gotten lately to being whimsical is Blueprint Magazine. I do love all of her publications’ photography.
Laura R says
Ok…I don’t know how to e-mail you directly, and I know you’re in a Crowded House (Neil) frame of mind, but they have the Foo Fighters new album in it’s entirety to listen to on http://www.vh1.com.
Lori Carlson says
I’m still laughing at the comment about the mint in your hair after a hotel stay. . . I’m a little disappointed you didn’t make a “small” mint off of your fabulous books–I thought you might have because of their immense popularity and because they set an industry standard with their content. Oh well. 🙁 You do have a cult following–so another book would be fantastic. You are witty and smart, and your writing is unique and well-crafted–which is why so many of us can’t get enough of you. In the meantime, keep the blog posts coming–they make my day! Thanks, Cathy!
Rebecca says
I regret to inform you that I cannot help you find your mint. I am currently looking for the following three items, and the search is taking up all my time:
1. My “summers off”. I was told they came with the teaching job. Between new certification requrements and the need to work summer school to pay a CA mortgage, I’ve never actually seen one.
2. My brain cells. I strongly suspect the last pregnancy ate them. I search in vain…
3. My virginity. I haven’t seen it since the mid-80’s.
Kayla says
Great post as usual – wish you got a mint. Totally would choose you over Martha any day! At least you are rich in scrapbooking friends – and a legacy preserved with love.
I also think you ought to just write a book with all your thoughts – not even scrapbook related – I would totally read it anytime I needed a pick-me-up!
BTW – I think the sleeper book that EVERYONE would read would be a true look into the compensation of people in the scrapbooking industry – now that would be a must-read!
Angie says
Cathy, I’m taking my place in the line to wait for your next book! I had my copies of your first two spined and spiral-bound at Kinko’s because I was thumbing through them so darn much. It’s refreshing to find someone in this industry who is so refreshingly real, who isn’t all sugar-sweet and goody-goody. I love your blog and the fact that you are so unapologetically YOU!
Sharon K. – Shelli Gardner is the CEO & co-founder of Stampin’ Up.
pipw says
You are gonna have to go Zen and Karma and all that and know that your mint is coming. It may not be hard cash, it may not be glorious riches (though I too have done, and will continue to do, my bit to help you there) but your honesty, integrity, humility, hilarity, loyalty, OCD-ity (??), CH aFINNity, (and honourary Kiwi-ity!) and of course your style, will surely bring you your rewards. Then again – maybe you got ’em already – Dan, Aidan and Cole sure are a gorgeous trio! I wish you all good things!
pipw says
You are gonna have to go Zen and Karma and all that and know that your mint is coming. It may not be hard cash, it may not be glorious riches (though I too have done, and will continue to do, my bit to help you there) but your honesty, integrity, humility, hilarity, loyalty, OCD-ity (??), CH aFINNity, (and honourary Kiwi-ity!) and of course your style, will surely bring you your rewards. Then again – maybe you got ’em already – Dan, Aidan and Cole sure are a gorgeous trio! I wish you all good things!
Krista says
Ok, WHO told you you are a scrapbooking celebrity recently??? Hmmmm??? I remember typing those exact words to you in an email, my friend, so that would be me. And apparently the press thinks so too. When you find your mint, can I have just a little of it? Just a wee bit. So I can follow Neil around the country on the next tour…You’d have to come with me, of course.