Kim Branson of Alaska

Primary Goal: To share the beauty and wonder of GOD's creation with others and to preserve our family's stories for future generations.

Experience: Scrapbooker since the late 1960s - archivally, since 1997.  Received an Honorable Mention for Inspirational Story in the "Real Women Scrap" contest held Dec 2006. One LO published in "Scrapbook Journaling Made Simple" by Memory Makers magazine (2002).  Former clerk at the only scrapbook store in our town.  Partner in a scrapbooking/stamping ministry formerly held at my home church.  Have taught various technique classes over the years.  Have been making gift albums for several years (weddings, baby showers, encouragement albums, etc).  Commissioned in 2003 to complete a 12x12 scrapbook.  Am a consultant with TAC (The Angel Company).  This spring, I made close to 100 wedding invitations for my daughter's June wedding and created three scrapbook-on-canvas projects that were displayed at their reception.  I have been a member of two "circle journal" groups and also participate often in a variety of SWAPS - tag, ATC, layouts, bookmarks, cards, etc.  I have enjoyed participating in these activites and appreciate the variety of creative styles among my on-line friends.  I have been a contributor for the card ministry at our current church and was responsible for creating and distributing the adult birthday and wedding anniversary cards at our former church.

 Creative Style: I would call my personal style "eclectic."  Some LOs are simple and basic, others are more...embellished.  It depends on the photo(s) and the message I'm wanting to convey.  I started out SBing in 8.5x11 LOs and changed to 12x12 when I began my first vacation album.  From there, I moved into 6x6 (mostly for gift albums) and developed a great interest in mini-albums (accordian, paper bag, plastic badge, envelope, etc).  Currently, I am working in an 8x8 album and really enjoy this size!

I lean toward single-photo LOs and use a lot of paper-tearing and inking in my work (LOs and cards).  I also tend to include a lot journaling - I like to share what is in my heart and often, what's in my heart are things that the Lord speaks to me.  Or Scriptures.  Or special songs that express what I'm feeling at the moment.  My favorite tools to use are Hermafix tabs (for photos), Scotch double-stick tape and Xyron (for non-photo items), my Cutterpede paper trimmer and my computer, for photo editing and journaling.

My favorite part of scrapbooking is the photos.  Photography runs in my family and it is my passion.  My dream vacation would be to spend a year or two just traveling around the US, stopping at little out of the way places and photographing the interesting characters and the beauty of nature to be found along the way. 

About me:  Alaskan born-and-bred and love living in my home state.  I am a born-again Christian, married 12 years (this July) to a godly man named Roger and mom of four grown children - three sons, ages 21, 24 and 30 and a daughter, 22; I also have a son-in-law (age 25).  Rog and I are members of a non-denominational, Spirit-filled church, which we love; we have two dogs and we own and operate a roofing company.  A few times a week, I go into Anchorage and care for my widowed father, who is housebound.  My other interests include reading, praise & worship music, Bible study, time with family and friends, surfing the net and camping with my Husband.

Please feel free to browse through my gallery!