Bookmark Fundraiser & Betty Sue Sticker Club Design Update

A Month of Reflection & The Susan Paradis Summer Camp Scholarship

This month has been one of reflection for me, as it marks one year since the passing of my mother, Susan Paradis. However, when things get tough, I get busy! My mom was the exact same way, so it’s definitely a trait I picked up from her. And I find it very therapeutic to work on something I know my mother would have loved.

The Susan Paradis Summer Camp Scholarship

My mother was a dedicated member of the Plano Music Teachers Association (PMTA) for over 30 years. Plano, a city just north of Dallas, has a thriving music teacher community that I benefited from as a student—participating in festivals, competitions, and other fun events. My mom was actively involved, serving in roles like treasurer and volunteering in countless ways.

Because of her long-standing contributions, PMTA honored her by establishing The Susan Paradis Summer Camp Scholarship when they learned of her illness. She was incredibly proud of this, especially because it helps students who couldn’t otherwise afford to attend a summer music camp.

I still remember attending a music camp in fourth grade—it left a lasting impression on me! Being surrounded by other kids who genuinely wanted to be there, rather than just fulfilling a school requirement, gave me such a strong sense of camaraderie.

Keeping the Scholarship Alive

When my mother passed, we asked for donations to the scholarship in lieu of flowers. That was wonderful, but I wondered—what about the following years? That’s when I decided that each spring, I would campaign for this scholarship to keep it going.

The Bookmarks

While anyone can donate anytime via the scholarship page or directly through PMTA, I wanted to create a fun way to encourage donations. That’s how the Bookmarks – Morning Glories fundraiser came to life!

I illustrated these bookmarks using my mom’s favorite colors and one of her favorite flowers, the morning glory. The design features a motivational phrase: “Plant the seed of music and feel your soul blossom.” It’s the perfect sentiment for a music camp fundraiser! And for a musical touch, I hid music symbols within the foliage—how many can you find?

Details:
Bookmarks are physical products that are mailed to you. They cost $5.00 (+ a tiny shipping cost). All proceeds go to the scholarship fund! They are printed on glossy 300 gsm cardstock and laminated on one side. The back of each bookmark is full color with a note pattern and Susan Paradis Piano Teaching Resources logo. The bookmark includes a matching tassel.

Use one for yourself, or gift it to your students as a prize or keepsake.

See my reel about my bookmarks here:

One last update—I’m so excited to share the latest Betty Sue Sticker Club design! I love illustrating these monthly stickers, and it blows me away that so many of you are signing up for the club! Each sticker sheet features hand-drawn illustrations, always seasonally and musically inspired, and designed with music educators in mind. Join the club and get a fun new sticker sheets every month! SIGN UP BY FRIDAY, MARCH 28 TO RECEIVE THIS DESIGN.

Now for the theme reveal:

(If you are already enrolled, no need to sign up again! They will automatically sent to you!)