Getting Back into the Creative Mood

Well this week I've slowly been getting back to myself after this drawn out bout with kidney stones & infection.  I was able to get out a bit on Wednesday to grocery shop & Thursday to go to the doctors.  It just felt good to be outside!  My house is getting cleaned up & I had the boys help me move the scrapping stuff back into the scrap room since it's cooler now & a/c doesn't need to be on I'm fine in there.  Just doing that sparked the creativity.  I really like to organize & move around my "stuff".  I find things I have forgotten about & it encourages me to use my older supplies in creative ways.

Another thing that is getting those creative juices flowing is having fun with the Cricut Gypsy.  Mine came last week (ahead of schedule).  I had no problems with it at all except when I was loading Graphically Speaking cartridge.  It just locks the entire machine up.  Provo Craft is sending me another one of that cartridge & it should solve the problem - easy fix!  There is so much to learn & so many possibilities...  I love that even when I'm stuck in bed I can create with the Gypsy - though with my meds making me loopy there's no telling how good it will be lol.  But I'm having fun doing it.

My mom has been on me for a while to write a novel... so when Noel Hyman started talking about participating in National November Novel Writing Challenge at NaNoWriMo I thought I would give it a go.  I'm not over thinking or rereading - I'm just letting the words & story pour out for a first draft.  We'll see how it goes.  I've almost completed my 2nd chapter.

I made a card yesterday!  Don't laugh it's a big deal.  I find that stamping really inspires me & since cards go much faster than layouts I don't procrastinate about starting a project.  Cards are just the trick for getting me out of a slump.

 

I think with December right around the corner I'll be doing lots more cards.  I usually do a lot of mini albums at this time of year for gifts for family & friends.  December also marks the 2nd anniversary of my blog.  So that means some great prizes in the near future.  I have some generous sponsors & have been buying when I see something great to offer you guys.  I feel like I've been ignoring you but it sure wasn't intentional... first with the internet problems then my health problems.  I really am thankful for each of the comments I get & have "met" so many wonderful people on the web.  Even when I can't get out of the house there's no isolation with my online scrappy friends...

Have a great weekend!

Blinged out Sketch - My Everything Scrapp'n Design Team Work

Today is challenge time over at the Everything Scrapp'n Store Blog.  This month it's a sketch challenge.  We're using this Pagemaps sketch.  

Each of the designers has a different take on the sketch - visit each of them for inspiration.  Then head on over to the ES Blog for all the details & show us your take on the sketch for a chance to win this great card making kit.  Contents: Six 6x6 sheets of coordinating Sassafras Lass & Heidi Swapp patterned papers, Two Sassafras Lass 6' scalloped borders, Copper Stickles, and some yummy Prima flowers

The thing I like about sketches is that you can still be as creative as you'd like.  Some of us are very literal in our interpretations matching each shape & element.  While others, I'm in this category, will turn it, twist it, enlarge it, etc & basically put their own spin on it.  Both of them are right, fine & A-OK.  Remember there are no rules in scrapbooking....

So, without further ado, here's my take on the sketch.  Can you even recognize the sketch?  Here's my thought process on this... I turned it on it's side & since I only had 1 photo I enlarged the circle & brought it up as an anchor to the photo & place for journaling/titlework.  The curve of the circle defined the curve in my floral flourish (say that 3 times fast lol).  I love the look of the embellishments by Prima that have the stems & leaves attached to the flowers.  I didn't have any in my stash so to create a similar feel I improvised a bit.  I cut several 3" branch image from the Prima paper using my Making Memories Slice - Breast Cancer cartridge.  Then cut each of them off, bent them a bit & attached them to the flowers for more detail & texture.  I was in the mood for using border punches & boy did I use them!  I like the look of all the different shapes layered on each other.

I'm sure you recognize the gal in the photo with me; I met Noell Hyman from Paperclipping when I was at CHA.  I feel like I know her so well already since we chat, email, I watch her shows, & when you look at peoples scrapbooks you get a personal glimpse into their lives.

 

Have you tried Zva Crystals?  They are a great alternative to Prima & they cost a whole lot less.  I like the pearl ones.  The flourish I used in this layout is called "Night Blue"  I thought it was black when I went to use it.  It actually seems more grey than blue to me but looking at it sideways you can see the dark blue shimmer. This pack retails for $3.50 & I cut it into 5 parts to make the flourish.

 

These packs of floral bling from Basic Grey are super cute & super affordable at $1.80 each!  Heather has several styles in stock so check them out in new products. 

Supplies for "Live":  Cardstock (Bazzill); Paper: (Prima - Tropics Blooming Love,  Prima - Tropics Celery Splash, Prima - Tropics Sweet Apple, Prima - Tropics Waterfall); Flowers (Prima - Essentials Tropics & Prima - Black Shelf w/6 Bottles); Bling (Prima - E Line Pearls & Gems; Basic Grey - Pearls Vinyl Fleur Aqua, Zva - Symetrical Flourishes Pearl Night Blue ); Border Punches (Fiskars, EK/Martha Stewart & Stampin' Up) Flower Centers (Prima - Tropics Pebbles) 

A money saving tip that I use over and over again (including both of these layouts) is always buy the sheet of paper in a line that has striped borders.  Cosmo Cricket is famous for these & now many other companies including these by Prima & Basic Grey are including them in each of their lines.  You get a bit of each of the paper or complimentary designs that coordinate back to the other patterned papers. 

I promise these are the last of the CHA photos I'll be scrapping I'm almost finished with them.   I think this is the only photo of the 4 of us from ES who went so even though everyone but me looks great in it I am still scrapping it because it tells the story and the story was I was exhausted and boy do I look it.  This photo had me stumped for a while now since the background of the photo is earthy tones & we're all wearing pink I was having a hard time finding papers to show it off.  Basic Grey Nook & Pantry worked really well. 

Supplies for "Sigh":  Paper (Basic Grey - Nook & Pantry Bundt Pan,  Basic Grey - Nook & Pantry Rolling Pin & Basic Grey - Nook & Pantry Measuring Cups); Border Sticker (Basic Grey - Nook & Pantry - ); Alpha (American Crafts - Thickers); Ribbon - Michaels $1 Spot); Thread (Coats & Clarks)

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you will take up the challenge & try your hand at the sketch.  Remember to post it on the Everything Scrapp'n blog by 11:59 pm on Sunday, November 8th to be included in the drawing.  Have a great day!

Blog Award

Heather (owner of Everything Scrapp'n) gave me this blog award.  So now I have to share some things about me today & pass it on....


Here's the info on the blog award:

• Say thank you and give a link to the presenter of the award
• Share “10 Honest Things” about myself
• Present the award to 9 other bloggers whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design or to those who have encouraged me
• Be sure to tell the 9 bloggers chosen that you are giving them the Honest Scrap award and provide the guidelines for them

10 Honest things about me:

1.  I'm a night owl & get some of my best scrapping done in the wee hours of the morning.

2.  My outdoor favorite hobby is gardening.  I love to play in the dirt - I actually like cleanup & chores in the garden.  The hours zoom by when I'm outside.

3.  I love snow & we don't get much here in the south so when there's a hint of possibility I'm watching the weather channel for hour by hour updates.

4.  I'm an animal lover with a heart for rescue & adoption.  Yes we have a house full of well loved & taken care of critters that are family.  They show up on many of my pages.

5.  I love anything lemony (lemonade, lemon jello cake, jellybeans, sherbet, etc)

6.  Chocolate is my downfall - I try to control it with small individual Dove Milk Chocolate but it's hard to stop at 1.

7.  I wanted a big family but was only blessed with 2 sons.  I'm anxiously awaiting grandkids.  To spoil & scrapbook.

8.  I enjoy the entire scrapbooking process - so it doesn't bother me when a page takes me 2+ hours (except when I'm doing a 2peas crop where they give you less than an hour to complete it grrrrr).  I even take the time & enjoy making my own chipboard letters with little piles of 4 of each to adhere together.

9.  My hubby & I ride Harley's - I love the feeling of freedom & the wind in my face.  We meet so many nice people who also ride who also are scrapbookers.

10.  I'm a video game addict - always have been from back in the 70's with pong til now.  I remember one summer when the boys were young & we lived in Alabama - my mom took them for a week to her house.  I cleaned & organized for a day or so then spent the rest of the time trying to "rescue the princess" in Super Mario for the Super NES -- and had a blast doing it (over and over and over as the "guys" kept "killing" me until I got past yet another milestone to release her).  To this day pogo, facebook, PS3 games, DS, etc.... take time away from scrapbooking but you need diversity in wasting time - right

OK so now that I have embarrassed myself a bit I get to pass this on to some friends who may or may not appreciate it lol - no it's a lot of fun.

So I nominate:

Dedra Long
Tracy Gregory
Stacey Michaud

Kathy Floen
Lesley Oman
Kim Strother

Hope you have a great Thursday!  I'm off to clean house, pay bills & run errands.  Nothing exciting but the quicker I get them done the quicker I can create or play.

Catching Up

Hi,

I'm feeling a little better still seem to have some kidney stone left & the cold is running its course after a really bad weekend. Thanks for all the well wishes on Twitter & email.

The winner from the Everything Scrapp'n Blog Hop was pulled off of Teresa's Blog. Congrats to Carmen O. Here's some photos of Heather's dog pulling the winner from the original post - too funny & creative! Heather's hubby threw the entries on the floor & Tyro picked the winner. Tyro is adorable & a real "licker".

Blog Hop WINNER! Heather's Dog Tyro

Welcome to Everything Scrapp'n's November Guest D esigner - Kimberly Mace. Visit her blog & see her wonderful creations.

Finally I thought I'd share this layout I did a little while ago that I forgot to add to my blog. Tracy Gregory & I went to a charity crop af ter CHA Supershow & we were tickled to meet & take a mini class with Donna Salazar.

Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill); Paper (October Afternoon & Bella Blvd); Tag, Chipboard & Borders (October Afternoon); Grungeboard (Tim Holtz); Ribbon (Hobby Lobby); Letters (Tim Holtz & American Crafts)

Reminder Paperclipping . is celebrating their 3rd anniversary in big ways tonight Noell Hyman is giving away a Provo Craft Gypsy machine!  post a comment on the blog here. T  Don't miss out!  

I have one on back order from HSN it's supposed to ship mid November but if I happen to be blessed enough to win one I'll be doing the dance of joy & canceling the one on order - I so want one just for the fact that I can meld my letters together.  This makes a huge difference since I make "faux thickers" and the piles of 4-5 of each letter waiting to be glued together gets very time consuming.  Best wishes everyone who enters.


Thanks so much & have a great day!

Everything Scrapp'n Blog Hop

Welcome to the October Everything Scrapp'n Design Team Blog Hop. If you are one of my regular readers I know you'll want to start the hop from the beginning. Please visit the store blog to to see all the designers projects. We even have a giveaway for you & no one but Heather knows which of the blogs will be offering it so make sure you leave comments on all 6 blogs to be entered.

Here's the prize:

Retro Ice Cream Sticker Notecard and Zva Self-Adhesive Pearls



Now for my inspiration.... I love papers that do a lot of the designing for me.
So that's my theme this week - Fantastic background papers....

No one does background papers better than Webster's Pages! So when I saw this whimsical hot air balloons I knew just the photo for the layout. Their prints are so rich & have so many layered details. Even the "backs" are super usable - many times it's hard to pick so I buy 2 sheets so I don't have to.

This magical photo of Stonehenge at sunset really pops off the page when layered with a Basic Grey Doilie from the Eskimo Christmas line. The color is perfect & the print is so not an in your face Christmas look but a nice flourish that layered nicely here.




Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill); Paper (Webster's Pages - Tres Magique); Lace Overlay (Basic Grey - Eskimo Doilies Green); Lace (Prima - Lace by the yard); Tag (Nikki Sivils - Breadless Tag); Letters (American Crafts - Thickers Black Delight & Jenni Bowlin Tiny Reverse Alpha Black)


My next layout is about our new rescued dog "Lady". She is quite a character. Most nights she gets on the bed & starts digging at the covers. The next thing I know she has slid herself under them; cozy & ready for sleep. It totally cracks me up night after night how she has the covers all smoothed out. To capture this memory without her jumping down I had to sneak a photo with my cell phone (so forgive the dark photos) it is just too cute to miss this moment.

Taking a cue from her name I thought I would take the opportunity to go totally "girly" (though she is so not a feminine gal - she's more of a clumsy Marmaduke).

Don't you love this stitched paper from Prima? I turned it sideways to offset the heaviness of the photo strip. I am keeping the elements light so that as much of this yummy paper as possible will show thru.

Then the simple addition of the beautiful Prima Roses placed in a visual triangle to draw the eye around the page. I only used half of the package so that stretches my budget & leaves me plenty for the next project.

Supplies: Paper (Prima - Art Stitch Mulberry & Prima - Tropics Waterfall) Flowers (Prima - Trellis Roses Fontaine); Bling (Prima - Pearl Swirl White); Lace (Prima - Lace by the yard); Bling (Prima - E Line); Chipboard Circle (Technique Tuesday); Paint (Tim Holtz - Crackle Paint); Letters: (American Crafts - Thickers White Delight); Ink (Ranger); Floral print paper is 2 layered Prima Journaling Spots sold out.

Remember to leave a comment for your chance to win the prize.

Thanks for visiting my blog the next stop on the hop is Teresa

I'm Not Crazy or Lazy

Though I was feeling it lately... I went to the doctor & had some blood work done because the fatigue & "funk" was just getting me down. I've been so forgetful - losing the car keys was the wake-up call. Anyway my blood was "wonky" and way off so in some strange way that made me feel better. I didn't really feel depressed I just felt "blah" is all I kept saying - not able to put my finger on it. The severe fatigue & memory issues were really effecting me. So hopefully the doctors will fix me right up with an infusion or two. That along with the fender bender has really put a damper on my creativity this week - I know I said I was going to be back on track with my LOAD challenges & making time for me... guess the illegal non licensed driver didn't read my blog lol. I'm fine just a little sore. I'm thankful it's just "little" things but they keep on coming... I guess that's life.

I'm trying to streamline my scrapping style to make pages I'm happy with that don't take me hours to do. The diecut papers seem to help me with that goal. They add the pizazz I want with little effort on my part.

Meeting online friends in person was the best part of the Florida trip. Here I get to meet & hug the neck of Stacey Michaud. She's one of the nicest & most talented scrapbookers around. If you aren't familiar with her work I encourage you to go to her blog & be prepared to drool.

Now to catch you up on more scrapping stuff:

EVERYTHING SCRAPP'N NEWS: Pink Paislee Mistletoe & Co is now in stock & ready for you. As always new products are on sale the first week in the store. Head on over for best selection - this line is so pretty! Fast & inexpensive shipping Make Everything Scrapp'n the perfect replacement for those of you who don't have a great LSS anymore... Don't forget the Customer Rewards program - for every accumulated $200 spent you receive $20 store credit.

Do you want to be a guest designer? Well we at Everything Scrapp'n want to see your stuff! Apply by emailing photos of your best layout and project to hgturner@everythingscrappn.com by October 12th to become our November Guest Design Team Member. Also, please provide your name, blog address, forums you frequent, and any special talents you think makes you sparkle. Guest Designer spots are only open to those residing in the US. You would be required to create 2 layouts/projects due Nov 14th and 2 layouts/projects due Nov 28th using products from Everything Scrappn. The layouts/projects due the 14th you are free to create whatever inspires you. I would love to see projects created for the current season or upcoming holidays. The layouts/projects due on the 28th will be an assigned project for a contest or challenge for our blog readers. You will receive $15 gift certificate, free shipping, and a discount for other personal shopping items you would like for the month.



PAPERCLIPPING NEWS: I posted the October Challenge on the Paperclipping Forum. I hope you will join in for your chance to be in the spotlight of the well read Paperclipping Newsletter.



MORE PAPERCLIPPING NEWS: Noell Hyman just released a fantastic Altered Book tutorial featuring the creative Dedra Long. I've watched 2 of the 3 books on the video & I just have to say WOW WOW WOW!!! Dedra breaks everything down & these books that look so complicated to achieve the look really are do-able. I love how they are an anything goes kind of project. Click here for more details.



SCRAPPERIE NEWS: Scrapperie has a fantastic kit for the month of October. It's filled with all the colors of fall. Sandy is so generous here's the details of sales & charity donations for the month: "This year I plan on donating 30% of ALL SALES (through the whole month of October) to the American Cancer Society, through Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Breast cancer is a disease that strikes very near and dear to my heart and this is what I can do to help give a little bit back. (I love you, Mom!) Also, for the entire month of October, everything (except the new Spice of Life kit) is on sale anywhere from 5-60% off! Past kits, Vintage Ltd kits, Add-ons, everything is on sale! AND if you spend $100 or more, you'll get free shipping (in the US only)!! Simply choose the "in store pick up" option when checking out. " So head on over to Scrapperie & pick up your kit. Don't you love these colors?



Well I'm staying in all day & hopefully will get some creative time in. Have a great day!

I'm getting back to my challenges....

With all the lack of A/C, computer/internet problems & then doing paperwork for my hubby's company I have gotten out of the habit of completing the Layout a Day & Flashback Friday challenges over on the 2peas Pub board.

This week I'm going to set the goal of getting back to that. It's not just the challenges I miss but the wonderful women over there - they are so talented & encouraging.

Here's my Flashback Friday challenge for last week - I know it's late but AT LEAST I DID IT! smile : )

My dad has always been a "night owl" working all day & then several nights a week staying up half the night when he got a burst of industrious energy. So I guess I come by it honestly when I do the same thing with my scrapping or reading.

Even though it's Prima Halloween paper added the whimsy I wanted for the topic & theme.



Hope you have a great week.

Happy World Cardmaking Day!

Here's my part of the guest blogger post over at the Everything Scrapp'n Store Blog. Head on over there to check out some creations by Jana & Teresa too.

My first card I used the Pink Paislee Amber Road stamp set along with the matching paper scraps from all the layouts I've been doing using it. The sentiment is a Unity Stamp Company treasure that is well used on all my cards.


Nikki Sivils papers are filled with whimsy.


Who says inexpensive cards have to lack pizazz... I used the front & back of this paper, a simple sentiment stamp & some stitching.




Finally I thought I would show you a sneak peak of the Pink Paislee Christmas paper that will be coming in stock very soon. It is my favorite Christmas line from CHA summer. This gift card holder was a make & take in the manufacturers booth.






I encourage you to make a card for our soldiers on active duty to send back home to their loved ones. Check out Operation Write Home for more details. It's a wonderful organization & really makes me feel like I'm doing something to support the troops in my little way with my love of card making.

Finally I wanted to remind you of the November Everything Scrapp'n Guest Designer spot. Here's the details:
Apply by emailing photos of your best layout and project to hgturner@everythingscrappn.com by October 12th to become our November Guest Design Team Member. Also, please provide your name, blog address, forums you frequent, and any special talents you think makes you sparkle. Guest Designer spots are only open to those residing in the US.

You would be required to create 2 layouts/projects due the 14th and 2 layouts/projects due the 28th using products from Everything Scrappn. The layouts/projects due the 14th you are free to create whatever inspires you. I would love to see projects created for the current season or upcoming holidays. The layouts/projects due on the 28th will be an assigned project for a contest or challenge for our blog readers. You will receive $15 gift certificate, free shipping, and a discount for other personal shopping items you would like for the month.

I can't wait to see the talented layouts/cards that come in!

Have a great time creating this weekend. Post a comment to links to your creations so we can see your work.

I'm Loving Pink Paislee...

This was my guest blogger post on the Everything Scrapp'n blog on Monday.

I've got a new digital SLR camera & am loving how easy it's making taking better photos of my layouts. More about that later this week.

Using some photos of my sister gave me a chance to get a little more "girly" than I get when I'm scrapping the everyday in our lives.

I'm loving the Pink Paislee lines. Their new lower price points on embellishments that sure don't skimp on quantity made them the hit of CHA Summer 2009. The cardstock alphas give you 2 styles of letters both with a generous amount of each letter for less than $2!

The soft colors of Amber Road were perfect for these photos of my sister Karen visiting Stonehenge for the first time. She loves rocks so this was a must see dream come true on her trip.

I used one of the Postcards Journaling Spots as a frame for one of the photos - tons of journaling spots that you cut out yourself for the price of a piece of paper. Adding Stickles to a few of the inexpensive new E flowers from Prima really made them pop & look like the ones that cost 10x as much. To define the outer edges of the 12x12 die cut background paper & show off the details I mimicked the dots on the journaling spot & it made it pop.

Supplies: Paper (Pink Paislee - Amber Road Autumn Blossom; Pink Paislee - Amber Road Bonfire; Pink Paislee - Amber Road Fall Festival; Pink Paislee - Amber Road Harvest Hayride; Pink Paislee - Amber Road Postcards; Pink Paislee - Amber Road Apple Cider; ); Borders (Pink Paislee - Amber Road Borderline Stickers); Stamps (Pink Paislee - Amber Road - Impressions); Rub Ons (Pink Paislee - Amber Road Press Ons); Adhesive (Kokuyo, Diamond Glaze & Zva Pop Dots); Bling (Prima -Say it in Pearls Strip Black);

Ribbon (Maya Road - Black Gingham); Pin (Maya Road - Trinket Pins Vintage Black Pearl); Flowers (Prima E Line Flowers); Letters (Pink Paislee - Expressions Cardstock Alpha Pear); Glitter Glue (Tim Holtz - Stickles Antique Linen); Tag (October Afternoon); Pearls (Hobby Lobby by the yard)

I was crazy about the 12x12 diecut paper in Pink Paislee’s Twilight line. Karen shows it's never too old to have a crazy passion for Halloween. She loves to dress up & many years would even go to work in costume.

All of you know how I love the 12x12 die cut background papers. They really make a statement in any layout. This one from the Twilight line really has a lot of details & pazazz. I layered lots of the Pink Paislee rub ons. They go on "like butter". The hand stitching added some texture along with the Zva pearl flourishes. I'm all about cutting them up & using them in a visual triangle to draw the eye around the page.

to work in costume.

Supplies: Paper (Pink Paislee - Twilight Horizon; Pink Paislee – Twilight Eclipse ; Pink Paislee - Twilight Nightfall); Rub On (Pink Paislee – Twilight Press On); Bling (Zva - Symemetrical Flourishes Pearls White); Pin (Maya Road - Trinket Pins Vintage Black Pearl); Punch (Marvy); Card (Jenni Bowlin – Halloween Bingo Card); Letters (Jenni Bowlin – Tiny Circle Cardstock Alpha Black & American Crafts – Thickers Daydream Black); Ribbon (May Arts & Making Memories); Thread/Twine (Coats & Clarks & Vintage Stash)

I hope you took advantage of the fantastic sale over the weekend…

Happy Scrapping,

Suz

Birthday Sale at Everything Scrapp'n

Hello Everything Scrapp'n Customers:

I am pleased to announce that Everything Scrapp'n turns 2 years old September 26th and we all know that birthdays mean presents! Take a look at some of the great goodies you can get.

First Thing: Surprise Savings!
Enter the code 2years during checkout to receive 35% off your ENTIRE order! (Starting now and ending at Midnight EST September 26th)

Second Thing: Presents!
Level 1 Present - $10.00 purchase - 1 Package of E Pearls/Crystals
Level 2 Present - $20.00 purchase - Level 1 + 1 package of E Flowers
Level 3 Present - $30.00 purchase - Level 1 & 2 + Zva cloth bag
Level 4 Present - $40.00 purchase - Level 1-3 + Little Yellow Bicycle Medium Tote (heavy duty material)
Level 5 Present - $50.00 purchase - Level 1-4 + $5.00 gift certificate
After Level 5 Present - you will get an additional $5.00 gift certificate for every $10.00 you spend.

Third Thing: Invite your friends to our "party"!
If I get 26 orders between the moment you get this email through Midnight EST on the 26th, every customer will get bumped up a present level. So invite your friends!

Visit Everything Scrappn' at http://www.everythingscrappn.com/

What is it with us and weather this year.....

Over the last year we've had a tree fall, lightening/power surge frying so many things electrically, now flood in the garage (which was all I thought happened this week) & now a damaged roof from a tree limb & a flooded crawl space....

Weather here in Georgia has been crazy this year & I sometimes feel like our little house has had an arrow on it saying "strike here".

I'm so thankful we don't have more damage than we do but mostly so blessed that everyone in our family is OK as so many people have lost their homes & lives. Ours is just an inconvenience while others are truly suffering a loss. It breaks my heart to think of the man who watched his 2 year old son slip out of his arms in the current of a rising creek that didn't even have a name it was so small normally - watch video here. So many 2 & 3 story houses under water with just the roofs peaking out... each house is a family who is hurting. I don't know each need but God sure does & I pray for them. I hope you will join me in lifting them up today with a little prayer for the people in Georgia. Here's a link to our local news if you are interested in more info.

Lots of new release now in stock...

Everything Scrapp'n has a lot of great new products in stock & as always the first week in the store Heather discounts them 15% for you! On top of that all your purchases are tracked for a preferred customer incentive - when you have accumulated $200 you will receive $20 OFF on your next order. For those of you who don't have a LSS nearby anymore Everything Scrapp'n IS YOUR ONLINE LOCAL SCRAPBOOKS STORE.

If you haven't ordered from her before I have to tell you that the shipping is super fast & CHEAP compared the other scrapbooking sites out there. Where do you get $5 shipping these days?

Here's a couple of the must have embellishments for me...

Lots of Prima Flowers including these lovely Roses that are perfect to add dimension to your project.

Prima Trellis Roses Fontaine




Prima Ticket/Postage Acrylic Stamp Set how can you go wrong for less than $2 for all these stamps.



Prima Stitched Mullberry Paper
At CHA they had a sample with the circles replaced with small photos - just gorgeous.


Prima Mixed Crystals Flourish



American Crafts Letterman Thickers in every color under the sun - perfect for back to school layouts.


Webster's Pages paper came in a couple weeks ago (photos linked to the store item)


Including the smaller scale print 6x6 pads perfect for card making.


Their paper is some of the most beautiful around. But the Natures Storybook line is not too "girly" that you could use it for any subject/theme.


Look at the detail you get on the sticker sheet!



Their high quality vellum is like none you have ever worked with - vibrant color, heavy weight & gorgeous images. (they make the most beautiful flowers you have ever seen by layering distressed circles of the pink)



Hurry over for best selection & support a great online LSS!

Have a great day

Everything Scrapp'n Blog Hop

Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist sure has been shaking up the creativity in me lately. I've been experimenting with so many different ways to use it - your imagination really is the limit with these products....

Here's a layout I did using a lot of different layers of Glimmer Mist, inks, stamping & distressing.

I used a Maya Road stencil but I can't wait to order some of the Crafters Workshop stencils in the store. Look at this one - so many possibilities..... Not only for Glimmer Mist but for stitching, hand cutting shapes & even chalking.


The tutorial started off as a video for Tattered Angels techniques.... but I've been having trouble with the computer since the power surge/lightning strike over a month ago... I thought it was only because of the internet but it seems we'll be getting a new computer too as it's losing its "mind" lol. The new computer should be here by the end of the week & I can put this entire problem behind me.....

So sorry it's just still photos with explanations....

I layered several colors of teal Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist (Fall Breeze, Riptide, & Frozen Lake) using the stencil to block out a pattern...


The stencil was pretty saturated with overspray on top so I took another sheet of plain untextured cardstock & layed it on top of the stencil & used a bayer & my hands to pick up the color. It's the reverse of the original spray. Here's a photo to compare the 2. I actually liked the one that was the reverse better since it had more white space & it had a more distressed look. I used the original sprayed one though for the rest of the project.


Next I wanted to fill in the white spaces so I layered again with the colors originally sprayed in addition to (Gold, Candlight, Marshmallow, Jack o Lantern, Haunted Shadows & Pearl)


This is a gift for my best friend (pictured with her late mother). So I wanted to allow her to display it without a frame. The torn cardboard made an interesting background & will look great propped on an easel.



This layout was all about layering... I stamped over the background with a script writing stamp. Casually lined up going down the page....



Crumbling the paper up then inking over the creases further added interest.



I used Tim Holtz Distress Ink & the applicator.


Machine stitching using some decorative stitches anchored the page & added more texture.



I used Gel Medium to adhere the layout to the cardboard



The Prima Black Pearl Swirl Flourish & the backside of a Graphics 45 Communique tag left over from my last design team layouts fit right in perfectly.



A cluster of other embellishements. Prima Flowers that I sprayed with glimmer mist. Under the flower I pleated & curved an extra strip of the background paper to bring the color to the layered flower & add more depth & dimension. Tattered Angels Glimmer Chips sprayed with Gold & Candlelight Glimmer Mist & Inked with Distress Ink.




Complete Supply list for "Just a Moment in Time" project
Cardstock (Untextured Bazzill White); Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist (Fall Breeze, Riptide, Frozen Lake, Gold, Candlight, Marshmallow, Jack o Lantern, Haunted Shadows & Pearl); Paper (Websters Pages & Pink Paislee); Flowers (Prima); Pin (Maya Road - Trinket Pin); Ribbon (Misc Stash); Letters (I used Making Memories but the American Crafts Jewelry Box White Glitter Thickers would have been awesome & made the title work much more eye catching...); Bling (Prima Black Pearl Swirl Flourish); Tag (Graphics 45 Communique tag); Chipboard (Tattered Angels - Glimmer Chips); Metal Saying & Clock Hands (Tim Holtz); Transparent clock (Maya Road); Clip (Making Memories); Pearls (Danica & Kaiser Craft); Brad (Joann's Craft Essentials); Key Hole (Melissa Frances); Ticket (Vintage Stash); Stamp (Unity Stamp Company)

My other layout is showcasing the Cosmo Cricket Early Bird paper line that Heather just got in the store. All the embellishments were made by cutting out flowers from the pattered paper. A super inexpensive way to stretch your scrapbooking budget.


Supply List with Links for "Summer Fun"
Cardstock (Bazzill); Paper (Cosmo Cricket - Early Bird Borders, Cosmo Cricket - Early Bird Cherry Pie, Cosmo Cricket - Early Bird Farmers Market, Cosmo Cricket - Early Bird Ribbon Sandwich, Cosmo Cricket - Early Bird Sunrise, & Cosmo Cricket - Early Bird Apron Strings); Flowers (Cosmo Cricket - Early Bird Farmers Market); Buttons (misc stash); Cording (Making Memories); Trim (Maya Road); Letters (American Crafts - Thickers, My Little Shoebox - Tiny Alpha);

Don't forget to enter the Pink Paislee Banner/Garland Contest & the Tattered Angels Contest over at the Everything Scrapp'n Store Blog. There are some great prizes... I sure wish I could enter the Pink Paislee one & win that huge package of paper from ALL 4 Lines released at CHA & the Tattered Angels winner receives 3 sample size bottles of the Halloween Glimmer Mist Colors.


Thanks for visiting my blog. There is plenty more inspiration on the Everything Scrapp'n Design Team blogs so check them out too & say hello....

Denise has some projects using Pink Paislee Amber Road & Twilight papers, Prima Flowers & Glimmer mist. You've got to see what she came up with....

Jana also used Pink Paislee Twilight on a layout & card. She also has an awesome layout using some older Hambly products that looks fantastic.

Michelle used Glimmer Mist on her layout that is so fresh looking & sure to inspire you.

Have a great day & remember to take time to do something creative

Back in the Online World... Hopefully

Well yesterday I had Scott a supervisor from Charter come out & he went over the inside wiring with a fine tooth comb. He changed connectors, reran wires, labeled wires, changed the amplifier, and even reinstalled the phone outlet that I yanked out of the wall a week or so ago when I was calling Charter yet again & got the automated lady voice who didn't understand me & then "told" me that she "can do the same things as a tech can do" well I lost it & my cordless phone base flew across the room and shattered into 10 pieces. The cord was yanked clean out of the wall. I never lose my cool like that but man this has really been getting on my nerves and taken 5 weeks to get this far. Scott said that he is 100% sure there are no more inside wiring issues... but that he was also pretty sure that I would continue having problems since there are some outside intermittent problems in my area that they can't seem to figure out the what & why. He gave me his number & his boss's number to call each & every time there is a service interruption. So we shall see.

It feels good to be able to blog again....

There is lots going on at Everything Scrapp'n. New products are coming in each week. Tim Holtz Grungepaper is now in stock. You can buy it by the package or if you are on the fence Heather is selling it by the sheet. I'm so excited about this product - I can't wait to get my package.

The sale this week for Labor Day is:
September 1st-7th: YOU PICK YOUR SALE!
Free shipping on all orders over $25.00 if you use the code Labor at checkout.
An extra 10% off if you use the code LaborDay at checkout.

There is a fun contest going on right now.

Create a banner using Pink Paislee products. Link your creation to the Everything Scrapp'n Blog by Sept 15th to be entered to win a prize that I sure wish I was eligible to win.... The winner chooses one of the following: a pack of all the 2009 Summer Release CHA Pink Paislee Papers (Yes all of the lines), Pink Paislee Apron, or Pink Paislee Tote.

Here's the banner I made at the booth at CHA


This was my guest post on the Everything Scrapp'n Blog last week.

sure am loving all the new products from CHA pouring into the store. Heather is sure getting a workout receiving, putting it in inventory on the computer & in the warehouse & filling all the orders of others like me who are anxious to start creating with it.

I like to stretch my products as far as I can. Cutting strips of pattern paper will allow you to use one sheet on several projects. If you look at the back of my layouts you will also notice that I cut out parts of the background paper that would just be covered with other layers. So even when I am using the outermost of a 12x12 sheet the middle is carefully cut out so I have a square to use elsewhere - this really stretches my paper. The bling flourishes can also be cut apart so that you aren't using the entire piece on one layout. You can see many of my budget friendly tricks used on all these layouts...

Pink Paislee Amber Road
I have so many photos of CHA I thought I would use some for my layouts today. I really enjoyed meeting people that I know online while I was at the convention. Unity Stamps was one of my must stop places. I had to get a photo meeting Angela & Brooke. I mixed many of the new Pink Paislee Amber Road papers with Maya Road, Prima, & Jenni Bowlin Embellishments.


Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill); Paper (Pink Paislee -Amber Road Apple Cider , Pink Paislee -Amber Road Autumn Blossom, Pink Paislee -Amber Road Bonfire, Pink Paislee -Amber Road Harvest Hayride, Sassafras Lass); Chipboard Buttons (Jenni Bowlin - Photographer's Mark); Journaling Spot (Pink Paislee -Amber Road Postcard); Pins (Maya Road -Trinket Pins Vintage Black Pearl); Ribbon (Maya Road - Black Gingham); Letters (Pink Paislee -Expressions Cardstock Alphabets Chocolate ); Bling (Prima -Pearl Swirl Black Small ); Ink (Ranger & Colorbox); Stamps (Unity Stamp Co); Thread (Coats & Clarks)

Jenni Bowlin & Graphics 45
I had a few favorite pictures with guys at CHA. Tim Holtz has a huge following & when he is "in the house" you can hardly get near him... so late one afternoon I couldn't believe he was by himself in his booth. He was very gracious to take a photo with me. Another favorite guy was from Tattered Angels. During the week he was so much fun - chatting with us whenever he passed us. I can't for the life of me remember his name... that'll teach me to write things down in my little notebook. If you were at CHA & remember leave me a comment please.

For this layout I wanted to keep it simple with clean lines. The new Jenni Bowlin papers & embellishments made it super easy & had a very classic look. I even used some of the Graphics 45 Domestic Goddess - choosing a stripe made a more femine line paper be appropriate for a masculine page.


Graphics 45 also has an alpha that is part of the line. It's an incredible bargain because they are pre punched on a 12x12 sheet of paper. So for $1.40 you get lots of alphas (2 full upper case alphas, 3 full lower case alphas & 2 numbers). You can easily get them to look like the new Tim Holtz metal type letters by punching them out & running them thru a Xyron sticker maker (to apply adhesive & stablize them on a non stick sheet) then apply a thin coat of Diamond Glaze or Glossy Accents.



Supplies: Paper (Jenni Bowlin -Classic Die Cut Label Paper Leger, Graphics 45 - Domestic Goddess Tea Time); Journaling Spot (Jenni Bowlin - Memo Book Black); Letters (Graphics 45 - Domestic Goddess Alpha ) & Jenni Bowlin -Reverse Tiny Circle Alpha Cardstock Sticker Black); Ribbon (Maya Road - Black Gingham); Chipboard Buttons (Jenni Bowlin - Photographers Mark); Brads (American Crafts);

Rusty Pickle - Panama Jack
Finally Heather & I wanted to showcase the new Rusty Pickle Panama Jack line that just came in the store. At first glance it's a very theme oriented with a lot of beachy images & drinking logos. I looked past that & found wonderful products for a layout about my adult sons' birthdays. I love the diecut yellow notebook paper & the mini file folders are an instant favorite to hide journaling.

I hope this will inspire you to look past the obvious of the papers in your stash & in the store... and get creative making them work for you.



The file folder allowed me to hide my journaling. For this layout is was perfect because I wanted to tell the story of the day but since it was a difficult day for my older son I didn't want it to be in view whenever we looked thru the album. You see he broke up with his fiance that day - it had been building up for weeks & he had just had enough...


The journaling spots really added interest to the layout. I cut a noteworthy shape to fit on the file folder and fill in the blank spot under my stamped calendar. The dark border of the square journaling spot really added weight & drew the eye to the titlework. Again on my "guy" layouts I keep the embellishing simple. I used a punch to make a file folder label to add more interest. The Jenni Bowlin Tiny Alphas are a perfect addition. A few buttons scattered on the page in a visual triange complete the design.


Supplies: Paper (Rusty Pickle - Blue Hawaii , Rusty Pickle - Sail Away, Rusty Pickle -Tequila Sunrise, Rusty Pickle - Tropical Hangover); File Folder (Rusty Pickle - Buttercup); Journaling Spots (Rusty Pickle - Cardstock Coupons); Stickers (Jenni Bowlin - Apothecary Stickers ); Photo Corners (Heidi Swapp); Letters (Jenni Bowlin -Reverse Tiny Circle Alpha Cardstock Sticker Navy , American Crafts - Thickers ); Ticket (Jenni Bowlin); Stamps (Unity Stamp Co & Technique Tuesday Ali Edwards); Ink (Ranger); Buttons (Misc Stash); Clips (Tim Holtz & Making Memories); Staples (Tim Holtz); Thread (Coats & Clarks); Punches (EK Success & McGill)





I also wanted to post about a great site that went online this week... Ella Publishing. Lain Ehmann & Angie Lucas (formerly of Simple Scrapbooks) have started a publishing company for downloadable scrapbooking books & monthly ezine.

The first issue of the magazine will be available on September 8th. I can't wait to see it. The books look fantastic. Filled with top notch photography & quality all the way. Here is a link to the freebie they are offering this week. Text Tricks includes 3 sketches & some hints to make your journaling/titlework a standout. Head on over & join the commuity, check out the blog & download your inspiration....


Leave me a comment so I know you visited.

Fiskateers

I am a member of the Fiskateers. I haven't been a member very long but it's been a great experience. Everyone I've met online & in person has been so nice, friendly, helpful, enthusiastic, inspiring, creative, I could just go on forever with the adjectives....

I think people get intimidated about joining since it's not a type in your name & password then you're in kind of forum/group. I hesitated at first too. All you do have to email one of the 4 gals on the main page & reply back to their email to gain access & create an account. Yes it's a bit different but it's so worth it. The people really make the Fiskateers site a fantastic place.

I hope you will join in the fun over at Fiskateers. Click here to visit the site.
There is an online crop going on today so now is the perfect time to see what's going on.