Mary's Scrap Zone

2009-11-07T18:12:00.001-05:00

My scrapping is all over the place these days - but I love to work this way - it keeps it all interesting and creative. I must say though that page kits are really helping me be more productive. I posted about this earlier but what I've been doing is pulling photos/paper/embellies together and putting them in 1- 13x13 ziplock bag. Then I just grab a bag and go. If I'm not "feeling it" for that bag. I put it away and grab another. It works - give it a try.

This layout was done using a kit by Virginia at Scrapalicious. I received it at a recent all day crop, put the kit together onsite and then added the photos/journaling etc when I got home. Easy peasy. Speaking of all day crops.....I'll be at the store all day November 7th - 9 - midnight!!

reclining buddha

2009-11-05T14:06:00.000-05:00

Back to Asia - these photos are from Thailand. When we travel we love to visit where the locals go - that's how you learn about a country. We often visit temples, churches, mosques and markets. This temple is buddhist and is home to this amazing gold plated reclining buddha. The building isn't overly large and mainly just wide enough for the buddha BUT that being said the buddha is 33 meters long.

Cruise with Nancy

2009-11-02T13:43:00.000-05:00

This past spring, my gal pal Nancy was able to rescue me at the last minute and accompany me on a cruise. Nancy is just THAT kinda gal - to come and and go on a 1 week cruise with only 2 days notice - what a sacrifice she made eh?? All kidding aside, she did rescue me because the tickets would have been paid for and left unused had she not come. Thanks Girl! We had a blast and learned a lot about each other (both good and bad). Would I travel again with her - for sure - but at least now I'll know that she is a sucker for tourist traps and all manner of trinkets and trash.

These are just some of the pages from that trip. Now, these are quickie layouts and are just really to get the photos down on the page. There's some creativity involved but granted aren't my best work.

Tristan - the rest

2009-10-10T09:04:00.000-04:00

Here are the rest of the Tristan images.

Mini books make the best gifts for people don't cha think?

Elephants of Mumbai - 2001

2009-09-25T15:05:00.000-04:00

Elephants of Mumbai - 2001

You’ve seen it before – you arrive at a location and they have the inevitable tourist trap – take a photo with ___________ for 5 dollars – OR better yet sit on the creature or have it perched on you for 10 dollars (Purell anyone?)

Venice Beach, California has the hippee guy on roller blades playing the guitar

Costa Maya, Mexico has the iguana

Aruba has the parrots

Tunisia, North Africa has the camels

Malaysia has the monkeys

Cochin, India has elephants

Been there – paid the 5 dollars – got the photo - done the layout!

In India, elephants are sacred animals and they have a massive festival every year celebrating them. What a spectacle that must be to see all those animals in full regalia....too bad it’s only a postcard.

Tristan

2009-09-02T10:29:00.000-04:00

I posted the cover and first page of the Tristan baby album on the main blog page. Here are a couple more...Isn't he just the cutest little boy??

I'm on a scrappy roll right now!

2009-08-27T09:10:00.001-04:00

I'm on a scrappy roll right now and it feels good. Scrappy therapy is the best - it brings me piece of mind and de-stresses me. AHHHH....

I've just completed a commissioned mini album for the cutest little boy named Tristan. What a heartbreaker that kid is! Once I got started it came together as planned (which is always a good thing). I can't wait to hear what the recipient of the mini book thinks when they see it.

The photos have all be taken and I plan on uploading them over the next few weeks.

In the meantime, here is a layout I completed in July at Friday night crop at Scrapalicious.

The Blue Mosque, Malaysia

What a wondrous place this is to visit. This trip was full of visits to temples and churches of all denominations.

Whenever we travel in a foreign country we like to experience some part of local life. Visiting their places of worship, wet markets, local restaurants is just the thing to see what the place is REALLY about. If I wanted the Disney Land version of a country – I’d go to Vegas or ... Disney – KWIM??

In 2001, Tourists could visit the mosque by the side of the building. They have headscarves and smocks for the tourists to wear over their regular clothes as they walk through the mosque (of course you are only allowed through certain portions of the building). One comment that I do have to make is that they really need to wash those smocks more often. I mean, it was a billion degrees that day...if you get my drift...

The architecture and tile work is just beautiful and worthy of a trip.
We were there during the day but as you can see in the image at the bottom left is a postcard of the mosque at night beautifully lit up.

Post cards are an awesome way of getting a great shot in your scrapbook layout. A photo like this takes skill and a really great camera – 2 things I didn’t have in 2001!!

Cabo layout

2009-08-25T08:38:00.001-04:00

Always behind....isn’t that just the way it is with scrappers??

I wonder if there is anyone out there in the world that is actually caught up! If they are – well, they aren’t true scrappers if you ask me.

The rock formations of Cabo San Lucas are spectacular and although we were only there for one day....we saw tons. Definitely worthy of a trip back.

These photos are from March 13, 2006.

They got scrapped on June 26, 2009.

And they are being posted today.

Sri Mariamman, Singapore

2009-08-22T12:53:00.000-04:00

Sri Mariamman layout

Scrapping in order is not my thing. I’m never THAT inspired to do all the layouts for 1 trip at a time – so in this regard I do have a bit of Scrap ADD.

I do find though that I like to scrap in colour periods – meaning that I tend to do a whole bunch of layouts that are blue, then a whole bunch in red. Kinda like Picasso but without the weird distorted faces!

A funny that I’m going to share is that when I was in art school way back when a classmate always drew these weird contorted figures when we were in life drawing class. The instructor didn’t know what to make of it until they realized that the student needed glasses. I wonder if that was Picasso’s issue?

Anyway, these are photos of an excursion around Singapore in 2001. Oh how I wish there were digital photos back then...I used to limit myself to 2 rolls of film/day and I missed/screwed up on soo many shots. Now, with an 8 gb card I can shoot and shoot and shoot and shoot....

Email to Blogger

2009-08-21T13:19:00.001-04:00

Email to Blogger

What a great feature this is.

Now, that I’ve figured out how this works – I hope to post more frequently.

(HOPE being the optimum word)

Finally some scrapping....

2009-06-28T11:05:00.002-04:00

FINALLY!! I did some scrapping.

Angie - my gal pal was celebrating her birthday Friday (Happy B. Day Girlfriend!!) - and a scrappy shopping trip was called for. Ang is a member of the cupcake club at Scrapalicious - which means 20% off your entire purchase in your birthday month!!

What does this have to do with scrapping?? .....well, I was there - so I might as well stay and scrap something.

8 hours later - I got 3 single page layouts and 2 double page layouts done! Yippee!! My whole page planning technique worked for me and I was ultra productive because I didn't have to spend time choosing paper and colours.

Stay tuned for the pics ---I just have to find the time to scan them now!!

Thanks Ang for forcing me to get off my ass and get some scrapping done (I'm embarrassed to say that I was scrapping photos from 2001!)

Holly's post

2009-06-13T11:17:00.003-04:00

I've been a bad blogger these days. Crazed deadlines and other commitments get in the way and the blog is the first to fall by the way side.

I had to blog about this though.....

My gal pal Holly has a great post about conversational journalling. Now, those who know my work know that I'm not a great journaller. I prefer to be private and I find sometimes that the journalling distracts from the art of the page. ALSO, I hate my hand writing. Don't get me wrong I do journal - but I prefer the use of pull outs and flaps that are hidden.

Go check out Holly's Post and give it a try....oh and while you are at it, bookmark her site. Holly is a fabulous scrapbooker and always has great eye candy.

Oh - grab a tissue too - if you are a sap like me, her post will make you cry...

Hefty Jumbo bags

2009-05-24T09:52:00.002-04:00

Hefty 2.5 Gallon Jumbo Slider Bags.....they're a good thing!

No time to scrap these days due to a heavy workload in the studio but when I do get snippets of time - my latest thing has been to plan my pages for future scrappy days.

Whenever we are in the US - we always visit a Walmart Supercentre. I mean it's just no fun unless we go at least once a trip to see what the Americans get and we don't! Invariably though we end up going 2-3 times a trip! (Americans gets the best potato chip flavours!)

On a recent trip to the US I picked up 1 box of these bags and once I started using them I immediately smacked myself in the forehead for not buying 3 more boxes!

The 2.5 gallon bags measure approximately 14x14 - which is perfect to hold your 12x12 cardstock/patterned paper, embellishments, photos etc. The slider closure is the best for tired hands like mine. I've even taken the time to sketch out an idea for the layout and have thrown that in as well.

NOW, all I have to do when I'm going to a friends to crop is grab my tool bag and my preplanned page bags and off I go... When the layout is done, I can even put that BACK into the bag for save travel home until I get it into my album.

So -- in the words of Martha - it's a good thing!

On another note

2009-05-10T10:45:00.000-04:00

I just realized that I haven't posted to the scrap zone since March 29th???

That's just horrible.....

Scrappiness will be happening shortly and I am taking active steps to get back on it.

I've paid for 2 all day crops for the fall with my gal pals and "friends in Scrap" Angie and Nancy. We're going to be at Scrapalicious from 9 am to midnight. Now that's a LOOONG Day of scrapping.

Another thing that we have been doing is card swaps and as a matter of fact next week Angie, Nancy and I will be joined by Antonella for an afternoon of shoe box card swaps.

What's a shoebox card swap you ask? That's when each person designs a card, preps enough for each person in the group and demos how to make the card.

Good fun.

Another excuse is that my scanner was down for a little while...but now its ALIVE. So, I can finally upload some of the cards from our last card swap.

Stay tuned...

technical difficulties

2009-05-09T10:43:00.003-04:00

Apologies on both the main page and the scrap page!! Sorry folks...but I've been blank to the world for the last few days but I'm BAAACKK!!!!

If you've been visiting and wondering - what the heck happened to Mary?

All I can say is sometimes you try and be fancy but are, in reality way over your head technically....in blogger world this translates to blank screens. Me-thinks a trip to the bookstore is in order for a "blogger design for dummies" book.

DOH!

Sketch contest 22 SBCH

2009-03-29T09:22:00.003-04:00

I've been busy focusing on my copic marker practice but I did get a chance to do some scrapping this past week. This if for the blog contest up on Scrapbookers Clubhouse.

I'm so glad that I was finally able to use up that PP. It's been sitting in my paper bin for a while and I need the right colours/photos to use. ALSO, I had these acrylic butterflies....so I used us stuff in my stash - perfect and it makes room for more scrappiness.

All we need is love

2009-03-19T16:28:00.002-04:00

Finally - here is my layout that accompanies the Scrapbookers Clubhouse Sketch for March.

Join in on the fun and come play along.

Texture photo article

2009-03-14T14:56:00.001-04:00

My latest article is up at Scrapbookers Clubhouse Blog.... check out this link - to read all about Textured photos and Scrapbooking

SBCH Sketch for March

2009-03-05T10:43:00.002-05:00

I've been totally neglectful and the only reason is pure laziness. Not to worry - I'm in a support group for this as we speak and things are gonna change!!

News to note is that I'm still hosting Sketch challenges over at Scrapbookers Clubhouse. If you want to play along - go check out the site.

Here's the sketch

Key Proof

2009-01-15T10:59:00.002-05:00

I've been so neglectful lately on this blog because I have so much going on.

BUT, I'm going to the all day crop this Saturday at Scrapalicious and I hope to get a whole bunch of work done.

Here's another layout from the December Kit from Scrapbookers Clubhouse.

It's funny as I scrap old photos how you see how much we've progressed photography wise. Look at the rounded corners of the prints and you can't see it but there is a bumpy texture to the print. That's how the photo is, I didn't do it.

The Sassafrass lass paper worked perfectly with this photo....and YES it is the only photo I have of me playing the piano.

Birthday Wishes

2009-01-05T22:09:00.000-05:00

Another layout from the Dec 2008 Sassafrasslass DT Kit from Scrapbookers Clubhouse.

I just loved this paper because it worked so well with the retro photos I have in my collection. The colours and patterns coordinate perfectly!

At 42

2009-01-03T22:02:00.002-05:00

So, late to post this, but I just realized that I never got around to showing this layout!

This layout is from the December Sassafras Lass kit at Scrapbookers Clubhouse.

I don't often do a layout with no photos but it really doesn't need a photo. PLUS this one really turned out exactly as I sketched it and I just love it when that happens!

It's been a couple of weeks

2008-11-02T09:59:00.000-05:00

Look at the date...it's been too too long.

Just been busy working on some freelance graphics stuff and I haven't been able to scrap just for me.

(as an aside DH is listening to that song - "Things that make you go hmm" - at the moment - too funny)

check out the main page to see what's up.

His and Hers

2008-10-19T09:48:00.002-04:00

Another layout using the November DT Kit for Scrapbookers Clubhouse.

His & Hers Opposites Attract by Kelly Panacci.

Cute eh?

Not sure why we posed like this for these photos - the only reason I can think of is that we had just put up this new wallpaper in the kitchen!

haha

Card Portfolio - SBCH

2008-10-16T21:06:00.000-04:00

The November reveal is out on Scrapbookers Clubhouse and the kit just rocked.

Here is a Card Portfolio that I created with the kit. The card portfolio is perfect to make as hostess gifts....just fill it with some cards and its all packaged up for you.

I can't take total credit for the design - It was shown to me a while a go by my gal pal Nancy. (HI NANCY!) I did alter it slightly.

To get the instructions on how to make this little item - check out this thread at the clubhouse...

Coral Congrats

2008-10-10T12:15:00.001-04:00

Another Card from the Silhouette Beyond Basics class over at Scrapalicious. Love the pink American Crafts paper.

There is a class scheduled for Sat Oct 18 - not sure if there is still space available - call the store for details.

CutiePie Daniel

2008-10-07T20:18:00.000-04:00

Another layout using the October Kit from Scrapbookers Clubhouse. This one uses a sketch by Jennifer (fellow DT member) and was a August Sketch Challenge.

I rarely use scallop circle paper - but it's really awesome and I plan on using more of it.

This is Pink Paislee Vintage Moon....and another cutie pie photo of Daniel.

peak-a-boo

2008-09-21T07:19:00.003-04:00

The October Kit from Scrapbookers Clubhouse is da' bomb - really and truly..it features Pink Paislee Vintage Moon paper and I just love the scalloped paper.

Here is one of my layouts - a cutie photo of Daniel at around 6 months or so - his mom would be more accurate with the date but all I know is that he was one cutie patootie!!

Miss You

2008-09-11T22:11:00.001-04:00

Another card from the Silhouette Beyond Basics Class over at Scrapalicious. This card showcases the pen tool attachment. The interesting thing about this card is the fact that the front piece floats on top of the base.

Leaf card

2008-09-09T22:08:00.001-04:00

I thought I would share some of the cards that I'm teaching over at Scrapalicious. These are from the Silhouette Beyond Basics. This uses the amazing American Crafts paper. I love the graphic sophisticated patterns in their paper.

barrys bay

2008-09-07T22:20:00.002-04:00

Here is a layout for one of the challenges on Scrapbookers Clubhouse this month. If you love challenges you should check them out - every month there are least 6 to choose from.

This uses My Minds Eye - Garden Party paper that was featured in the August Kit from the Clubhouse.

Oh yeah - and the challenge was to interpret a sketch by Noella the Creative Director over there...

spoiled

2008-08-29T13:23:00.001-04:00

Here's another layout using the same kit.

SBCH Sept Kit layouts

2008-08-19T20:09:00.000-04:00

Here's a layout from the great Scrapbookers Clubhouse Sept Kit that I was given for being part of the design team.

This paper line is gorgeous....so elegant.

There are some other images of it on the main zone page...

SBCH Sept guest designer

2008-08-05T11:03:00.000-04:00

Hey guys!!

check this out from Scrapbookers Clubhouse.

-----------

SBCH has begun the search for our September Guest Designer!

Are you Scrapbooker’s Club House’s next “Guest Designer”? Each month at SBCH we will be choosing from your entries to see who our next Guest Designer will be. Sound good? Great!!!

We're searching for our September Guest designer! Here are the details:

The theme is “Favorite Book.”

Create any size Layout using photos of your favorite book or reading material.

You may also do a layout of yourself or someone else reading their favorite book.

Upload your entries in the “September Guest Designer Contest” Gallery before the deadline: Sunday August 24, 2008.

The winner will be SBCH GDT for the Month of September and will receive a Kit of the Month with which to create your designs. “Your” creations will then be posted in our Guest Design Team Gallery. You will also be able to participate along with SBCH Design Team in posting a monthly challenge to SBCH members.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email Noella at noelmika@nb.sympatico.ca or Nicole at nicole@scrapbookersclubhouse.com

Good Luck & have fun!!

School layouts

2008-07-28T06:54:00.000-04:00

I've been working on some school photo layouts and I thought I would share one that I am especially proud of. I really like how the stamped flowers give a child like quality to the page - kinda makes you want to colour....

The Basic Grey paper line "Recess" is perfect for this theme...

I'm in the progress of creating a mini album in a box for my gal pal Angie. The topic is her son's dedication. It is really turning out nicely. I may take a sneak peak photo and share it with you but I don't want to spoil the surprise for Ang because I know she is a frequent visitor to the blog....stay tuned.

Thanks for visiting.

Moore family

2008-07-21T13:20:00.001-04:00

I've been MIA for a few weeks - just scrapping away.

Back to working on some old photos and working on some of the challenges over at Scrapbookers Clubhouse.

Here is a layout - using RED.

I rarely use red and never use plain white cardstock...so this was quite the departure for me. Do I love it? Not totally because it really isn't my style. But I think it colours work with the photos - and especially the fact that we are all focused on cutie Kieran...

58 years

2008-07-11T15:39:00.000-04:00

Scrapbooking is really a fabulous hobby.

In the beginning I wasn't really into the whole journaling aspect of it all. I found that part dorkie and contrived plus I hate my handwriting. I also held off because I never knew what to write AND I didn't want just everyone to see what I wrote...

As I get deeper and deeper into the art of scrapbooking, I realize just how very important it is. To journal is to remember - the moment, your feelings, your thoughts, what was said - or even something as simple as the date of the event and who was there!

Even now as I go back and scrap older photos - I find I can't really remember the fine details.

So folks - journal - it doesn't matter if you can write poetic thoughts (lord knows I can't). But just do it! Find solutions to what's holding you back! Use poems, song lyrics or just single words.

My solutions for my poor penmanship has been to journal on the computer and print them out. I use hidden journaling with flaps and pull outs to keep my thoughts hidden if I want them to be private.

Here is just one of those layouts with difficult journaling moments - I cried as I wrote it. But the words had to be written down so that I would never forget them.

Digi Free

2008-07-03T20:23:00.000-04:00

How did I miss this??

Are you in to digi scrapping? If you are check out this blogsite Digifree.

It consists of a search engine that crawls the web in search of free digi scrapping downloads. So, instead of you surfing them out - it does it for you!

Yeah baby!

More time to scrap!

I'm posting a permanent link to this one in the sidebar.

El Morro

2008-06-28T20:02:00.000-04:00

Oh how challenges make you work!

This is a layout I completed for the guest designer competition over at Scrapbookers Clubhouse. The challenge was called "Shades of Tan" - the theme being SUMMER. So, not only did you have to have the theme in there BUT you had to use at least 4 shades of brown.

Quite the challenge for me because I would think brown and think fall NOT summer.

I found this perfect striped paper that had the exact shades in my photo and used it as my guide.

I think it works (hope you do too).

Noella sketch #3 layout posted

2008-06-17T09:39:00.001-04:00

I was so lucky to be given the opportunity to work with a sketch for Noella's new sketch blog site - Creatively Yours.

PLUS - the layout is about my love for Barry...

Here is the link to the sketch.

Here is my layout.

Noella sketch blog

2008-06-14T08:00:00.001-04:00

Have you seen Noella's new blog??

Check it out - www.creativelyyours.wordpress.com

If you don't know Noella - she is the Design Team Coordinator over at Scrapbookers Clubhouse.

She's looking for designers to interpret her sketches so drop her a line.

As a side note - I've been lucky enough to be one of the featured designers to interpret one of her sketches for her blog....so stay tuned and I'll let you know when it is posted!

Oh yeah - a little tease is that it's entitled "Fanilows for Manilow"

(I know Jen - just a little bit longer and I'll stop blogging about Barry!)

Flowers and Friends at 40 by Mary Chong

2008-05-23T10:00:00.001-04:00

The Celebrity Sketch Extravaganza is over now at Scrapbookers Clubhouse and sadly, I didn't get as much done as I wanted to. More due to lack of time than lack of scrappin' mojo.

No worries though because the sketches are all still up there so I can keep working on them and there are always the monthly challenges to participate in but the "event" itself is over. [waahhhh]

Here is my layout from Day 4 of the event - sketch is by Nik Howard - click this link to see the sketch.

Princess Crown class

2008-05-21T11:42:00.000-04:00

Just thought I would share a photo of the Princess Crown Class that I'm teaching at Scrapalicious tomorrow night. It is soooo cute in person.

I can't take credit for the design though - it is a Virginia original! (The FAB Creative Director from Scrapalicious)

Halfmoon Cay 12_08

2008-05-16T21:35:00.000-04:00

I've been playing at Scrapbookers Clubhouse for a while now and just love the gang there. The really are a fun bunch of people.

Anyway, I posted the other day about the fab Celebrity Sketch Extravaganza that's happening until May 21st.

Well - here is my first layout from the 1st Celeb featured ----- Becky Fleck of page maps! I'm a huge fan of hers and love all the sketches that she puts out. Actually who am I kidding - I'd love to be her!! (ok Becky if you are ever reading this - first off - I can't believe that you are reading this!! AND I assure you that I am not a stalker....really I'm not!)

Go check out the page maps web site for free sketch downloads.

Here is the link to the sketch over at SBCH ....

Here is my take on it.

SBCH Celebrity Sketch Extravaganza

2008-05-10T12:49:00.000-04:00

Have you seen the latest announcement over at Scrapbookers Clubhouse??

For 10 days staring on Monday May 12th they will be hosting a "Celebrity Sketch Extravaganza"

Here's the blurb from their site:

WOWEEE! Start the fireworks show!! It started out as “Celebrity Sketch Week,” but so many celebrity sketchers are flocking to the Club House for this event that it has become a “Celebrity Sketch Extravaganza!!”

Scrapbooker’s Club House will have celebrities featured for a full TEN DAYS in an extravagant celebration of talent and creativity! You’ll be able to create layouts from sketches designed by some of the biggest names in the industry, chat up a storm, meet new faces and experience the friendliness that the Club House is famous for.

All the creativity, talent and friendliness combined at this extravaganza will blow the ROOF off the Club House!

From May 12-May 21 come on by, check out the “Celebrity Sketch Extravaganza” and join in the fun!! You definitely don’t want to miss a single sketch and we know that you won’t want to leave this “happening,” friendly place!

Join us for the “Celebrity Sketch Extravaganza” at Scrapbooker’s Club House from May 12-21, 2008. It’s going to be AMAZING!

I'm going to be there (and hopefully Mr. Mojo will be by my side)!!

Don't forget too - I have a sketch challenge in the forum as well for May!

NSD was a bust

2008-05-06T19:49:00.000-04:00

NSD was a bust - I'll be the first to admit it.

I started out great - cleaned my studio the day before - had extra adhesive etc.

Woke up early Sat morning ....hit the web to search out all the challenges etc.

THEN - I faded out after lunch

What did I do??

Took a few naps, watch trashy tv, went out for dinner with friends, went shopping!!

What did I accomplish??

1 solitary card!!!

I am one big scrappie loser I tell you!!

Here's my one card....

National Scrapbooking Day - May 3rd

2008-04-28T10:09:00.000-04:00

National Scrapbooking Day is May 3rd...and to be honest I had a crazy April so I didn't sign up to attend any of the many crops going on in the city.

That doesn't mean that I can't be scrapping at home OR scrapping at a virtual ONLINE crop. BUT since I'm a new member of the International Scrapbooking Association (ok you can stop laughing now - it really does exist!) I think I may hang out at their online crop...

Let's see what kind of scrappiness I come up with shall we....

Scraptime video

2008-04-26T20:14:00.000-04:00

I've been a subscriber to ScrapTime since I discovered the site back in October.

Scraptime consists of a whole bunch of video/podcasts showing various techniques, or reviews. To be honest, a lot of the time I don't watch the videos because I personally don't find them interesting. But in this video there is a really cute mini book shown with all kinds of fold outs and flip ups. etc. that reveal hidden journaling or extra pictures.

Go check it out - follow the link

If you like the site - sign up - it's free and you get some inspiration...

Dove of the East papers

2008-04-18T09:49:00.000-04:00

I dropped into my LSS Scrapalicious the other day to pick up some very specific paper. I'm working on a personal project right now and I needed some Asian styled paper that I had seen there.

Now, being Chinese, it's difficult to find paper that suits old family photos etc. I really see a market here for different ethnic styled papers! The world travels, we are all from different cultural backgrounds - come on paper manufacturers - Get with the program!! (sorry for the rant)

Dove of the East is a line of papers that I wasn't familiar with and they are GORGEOUS!!

They carry paper with the following themes: Russian, Japanese, Chinese and Indian. They also carry coordinating charms, ribbon, and rub ons. Image at left shows papers from their Japanese collection.

Don't forget, Ethnic styled paper can be used for a multitude of things. I think they would be beautiful details on cards, stationery or altered items like note books.

Scrapalicious also has a line of hand made embossed papers that would work beautiful with these...hmmm can you see the light bulb forming above my head?

Scrapalicious Inc. Garage Sale

2008-04-12T09:24:00.000-04:00

Introducing the Third Annual Scrapalicious Inc. Garage Sale!!^*

When? Saturday May 10^th & Sunday May 11^th
Where? Scrapalicious Inc. Mississauga Location
Who can purchase sale items? Everyone! (But cash only, please!)
Who can provide sale items? All CURRENT Cup Cake Club members.

(Last year I was here, I went, I shopped, I conquered)
click here for details

Photoshop Express

2008-03-30T19:41:00.000-04:00

Have you seen this announcement??

Adobe has come out with a free online version of their photo editing software. The free version is called Photoshop Express. Check out this link.

They also offer up to 2GB of free storage.

One note though - I had heard that it isn't Canadian friendly at the moment...so just pretend that you are American.

photoshop tweaks

2008-03-21T09:25:00.000-04:00

By now most of you know that I have a new gig as staff reporter on Craft Critique. I can't wait for my first assignment!

On the site today Nicole has some great tips on tweaking your photographs in Photoshop plus how to give your photos some really cool effects by using actions.

Check it out over at Craft Critique!

Scrappie development....

2008-03-14T16:50:00.000-04:00

I haven't been scrappie lately - I have a few things about to take off (stay tuned). In the meantime check out the main Zone and the card zone for some new card images.

Bella pub - Cassie

2008-03-03T11:22:00.000-05:00

Yippee!! My Cassie Layout got picked up for the April 15th edition....

I just love this layout so I'm super pleased...

sketch ring.jpg

2008-02-26T15:42:00.002-05:00

I recently participated in a challenge on Scrapbookers Clubhouse. The challenge was to alter plain index cards.

This is what I came up with - funny thing is that JenR had the exact same idea as me....no wonder we are scrappy friends - we think alike!

This is a great way to use up paper scraps. The sketches are printed from page maps and then trimmed out. I left the back side of the cards plain so that I could make notes or write when I used the sketch. I figured too that this would be handy to bring to a crop. When you hit that final hour and you don't want to think anymore - just whip out the ring and choose a sketch!

Great challenge hosted by Ali!

Joe Rockheads

2008-02-10T17:20:00.000-05:00

The good thing about being involved in a scrapping community and participating in challenges is that it really helps you get some work done. That plus you get to "meet" and "talk" to people who love to do the same things you do.

I have sooo many photos to scrap and they just sit there. The challenges have really been pushing me to try new things and get layouts done.

These photos are from a couple of years ago when I tried indoor rock climbing.... scary but exhilarating at the same time.

BRR Blue Mountain

2008-02-05T21:38:00.001-05:00

I participated in the Scrapathon over at Scrapbookers clubhouse last week.

The theme was "Cropping through the years" - which was great fun - each challenge was based off a month.

Here is my January Challenge layout which was to scrap something with a snowflake.

This is great paper from Imaginisce - the snowflakes on the pattern paper is totally blinged out and sparkly. (Unfortunately the scanner washed out the paper).

I'm not one to leave a lot of white space - not sure why - I just don't. But after doing this layout I quite like it....

The photos were all laid out on 1 sheet with the photos overlapping each other as shown and printed as is with the border and everything. Less cropping, less matting.

Cassie

2008-01-30T16:25:00.001-05:00

Edited March 3 - sorry this layout is out for publication....

This layout is of a little girl named Cassandra and she is the daughter of a friend of mine.
This photo was taken at her Confirmation and when I saw it I instantly thought that she looked like an angel.

The journaling is a poem from the internet:
Gift of Angels
May angels rest beside your door,
May you hear their voices sing.
May you feel their loving care for you,
May you hear their peace bells ring.

May angels always care for you,
And not let you trip and fall,
May they bear you up on angel's wings,
May they keep you standing tall.

May they whisper wisdom in your ear,
May they touch you when you need,
May they remove from you each trace of fear,
May they keep you from feeling greed.

May they fill you with their presence,
May they show you love untold,
May they always stand beside you
And make you ever bold.

May they teach you what you need to know
About life here and here-after.
May they fill you always with their love
And give you the gift of laughter

Supplies used:
-My Minds Eye Bohemia Blossom Girl Floral
-Stampin' Up Card Stock
-Basic Grey Mellow Maude Alpha stickers
-K & Company rub ons
-Making Memories brads

I'm really pleased with how this layout turned out - and even though there was a lot of hand cutting it didn't take too long. One thing that I did do is I used my fancy new Tim Holtz design ruler to do my little rows of holes - that was super fast and they are straight as can be.

Scrappie roll continues

2008-01-26T06:47:00.000-05:00

Funny how things are...I'm not at my best health wise right now but yet I have been incredibly productive scrap/stamp wise.

It's probably all the challenges that I've been participating in but for some reason - layouts are coming together quicker and easier lately.

Anyway - here is my latest layout...

Enjoy.

I hope to get scrappy this weekend so stay tuned.

Fabulous 5 -

2008-01-20T17:05:00.000-05:00

I'm on a scrappie roll right now.

This one again is for Scrapbookers Clubhouse Sketch Contest.

I'm really getting inspired over there...

Supplies are:
Card Stock - Bazzill and Stampin Up
PP - Basic Grey Infuse - Introduce and Inspire
Matting - Creative Memories - flower bud mounting strips
Letters - Basic Grey mellow maude and fruitcake

Scrapbooker Clubhouse Sketch 7

2008-01-17T20:36:00.000-05:00

I haven't been scrapping too much the last little while but it is now January and of course - New Year's resolutions happen.

So, this is the first layout (hopefully of many) that I completed. It was for a sketch contest on a new site that I love called Scrapbookers Clubhouse. They are a Canadian site.

Well, I submitted it and I won!!

Here's the post if you want to visit the blog.

Yippee - I can't wait until I get my goodies from Nicole so that I have more things to play with.

If you like sketches you should check their site - they run a regular sketch contest and you might win too!

ooohhhh new paper

2008-01-11T06:08:00.000-05:00

No scrappiness to report at the moment - I've been working on cards and the new etsy.

But I have been out shopping - current faves...

Bo Bunny Smitten paper - gorgeous - with a slight sheen...(and what I used to get pubbed recently!)

This is a shot from their website

Imaginisce - For Peeps Sake paper - the sweetest little images with glitter every so often (their penguin paper was so cute this past winter) - love the little duckies

I will share 1 lesson I learned this past week - when you love a piece of paper - buy extra!! Now, I'm on the hunt for more sheets of the Basic Grey Giggle from the Colour Me Silly Line (see below)....

I find myself reciting the famous words everywhere I go - Please Sir, may I have some more?

Month long Scrapathon at Secret Scrapper

2007-12-31T12:51:00.000-05:00

Lots of changes going on in a move to simplify my life and make more time for scrapping. Check out the main zone for details.

January is going to be scrap happy for me because there is a month long scrapathon going on at secret scrapper. Come join in on the fun!

Xmas Cover _LR.jpg

2007-12-02T21:06:00.001-05:00

Here's my completed album cover for Secret Scrapper.

I wanted to give it a patchwork quilt look especially because Mandy (owner of Secret Scrapper) included some great "stitching" stickers in the kit.

The album cover came together really quickly once I decided to do a quilting theme.

For the wooden letters, I painted them with green acrylic paint then dry brushed some white on the edges. Then, because my "thing" is to stamp - I used some white craft ink and stamped a small dot pattern over top.

I used the same dry brush technique with more white paint and green paint on the paper itself to distress it slightly.

I'm quite pleased with the final result - I was a little scared that it was a bit busy though....

What do you think??

Secret Scrapper Dec Design Kit has arrived

2007-11-29T16:18:00.000-05:00

Finally my Secret Scrapper Dec Design Kit has arrived....there were complications with the US postal service.

So, this weekend will be a scrappie weekend!!

I received some pretty papers from the Kelly Panacci Holiday Collection - Season's Greetings.

Check it out...

Pretty colours eh??

PLUS a Secret Scrapper Christmas album cover to decorate.

I can't wait to get started.

digital freebies recipe cards

2007-11-27T19:35:00.000-05:00

There is an awesome freebie on digital freebies right now...go check it out.

RECIPE CARDS

Plum Pudding by Jan Hosford

Great for an easy quick gift - just print them out onto card stock - trim them add a cute bow.

OR use them for home made gifts and include the recipe.

TIm Holtz

2007-11-24T12:14:00.000-05:00

I've just discovered the most amazing site by famed designer Tim Holtz.

Yes that Tim Holtz. The designer for Ranger Inks.

Go check out his site and ooh and ahh at the most amazing creative studio that you have ever seen. It's on his blog page here.

He also has a video demo on grunge board.

Finally getting some time to scrap - I'll upload later this week.

You Might be Addicted to Scrapbooking if...

2007-11-18T20:17:00.000-05:00

I saw this on scrapscene.com awhile ago and I thought I would post it - I hope that's okay Scrapscene if you are reading this! Too funny....

You Might be Addicted to Scrapbooking if...

Your spare bedroom turns into a ‘Scrapping Studio.’ Of course, that is NOT what your husband calls it!

The first thing you do each day - and - the last thing you do each day is check you fav. scrapbooking forum to see if there are any new posts! (This takes for granted that you check ScrapScene at least 2x a day, if not more. Haha - shameless plug.)

You now carry a digital camera with you everywhere you go (including the grocery story) - ‘just in case.’ You never know where you’ll get material for your next great layout!

You spend more on scrapbooking supplies per month than you do on groceries. After all, they can wait for supper - you are busy with you best layout - like, ever!!!

Visits to the hardware store end up with you forgetting to get the new rake you were supposed to pick up - but you did get some great brass hinges and and a nice roll of copper wire that are going to look great in your ‘4 Seasons - Fall layout!’

You actually found a way to alter and use … well, for want of a better word - garbage! All the junk you used to throw in the garbage without a thought - bottle caps, old magazines, various wrappers, bits of string, junk mail - now have new homes in your embellishment drawer.

A romantic night out includes: a digital camera (see #8), a notebook and pen to record journaling inspiration, a large plastic grocery bag to collect napkins, matches packs, wine bottle labels, etc, and a little ‘emergency scrapbooking kit‘ that contains a glue stick, a pair of scissors, some paper and a couple of markers - you know - ‘just in case.’

You spent the kids ‘back to school’ money on a new binding machine!

You have 18 different tools to … cut paper!

Your husband wonders why his debit card keeps coming up ‘funds not available!’

Scrapalicious sale

2007-11-14T10:52:00.000-05:00

Have you been by Scrapalicious lately??? They are having a huge blow out sale at the moment so it is definitely worth stopping by.

Wednesday Coffee Crop at Scrapalicious

2007-11-04T11:13:00.000-05:00

Did you see this!! Too bad I work because If I didn't, I would totally be there.

Scrapalicious is excited to introduce a crop during the day for those who can’t find time to scrapbook in the evening - every Wednesday from 9am to 3pm, the store will open two hours early just for you (before they open to the general public at 11am)!

Crop fee is $10.00 and you’ll receive a $10.00 store credit towards any purchases made that day!!!

What a deal!

Contact the store for the details

So Vogue, 9 to 5

2007-10-30T14:00:00.000-04:00

Recently, Scrapperie was having their Fall Online Crop.

Here are a few of the challenge layouts I completed (but neglected to post here) - oopsie.

The first one was a challenge to scrap using only 1 magazine (so no photos, stickers embellies etc) just anything that you can create from 1 magazine - but of course using 1 piece of card stock as your base and 1 marker. Here is my take on it. I'm actually quite pleased with the end result because it takes you back to the basics. Try one on your own for the fun of it.

This second one was a challenge to scrap using office supplies - I tried to do it as a freestyle layout. Not really my style and I don't really LOVE the end result but a good experiment for me none the less.

Merry mistletoe LRB.jpg

2007-10-13T08:55:00.001-04:00

What can you do with scrap paper and stamps?? Make cards!!

This is a super simple Christmas card that I'm teaching at Scrapalicious. It's just layers of different papers and 1 great stamp. Add some ribbon and some brads and you have a quickie card. You can use this same layout for any occasion, just switch up the paper and the stamp.

Basic Grey Precision File Set

2007-09-28T06:01:00.000-04:00

Well I finally got it - it's the Basic Grey Precision File Set. What's it used for?? Getting into those tight spots on your chipboard so that you get super smooth edges.

The best thing about it - the handles are PINK!!

Challenge 28 Scrapperie

2007-09-15T08:11:00.000-04:00

Scrapperie is having a huge cyber crop this week and is ending on Wed Sept 19. Check it out there are lots (and I do mean LOTS) of challenges, games - and most importantly prizes!!

This is one of the challenge layouts (there will be more coming tomorrow night).

Challenge 28 - Right Here, Right Now.

The challenge was to take a photo of myself right here and right now and scrap it. I felt that doing it digi style would be the fastest to go with the "doing it immediately" theme.
(photo taken at 7 am today)

Digi Kit is by Jessica Sprague and is called Love ya - downloaded from digital freebies.

I should've known...

2007-09-10T21:02:00.000-04:00

I should've known - Once I put it out there - it doesn't happen.

I was on a roll with the challenge on the Book of me - I was 3 for 3 and then once I spoke about the 9-5 layout - it didn't happen.

I didn't finish it in time!!

Now this week will be catch up time. I'm skipping this weeks challenge on "heroes" and I vow to finish my 9-5 layout and my proudest moment layout.

Stay tuned...

(look I did it again - I put it out into cyberspace....)

So many challenges so little time.

2007-09-02T10:30:00.000-04:00

So many challenges so little time....

I'm lovin' www.scrapperie.com.

The scrappie challenges are so great but there isn't enough time in a week to do them all.

I'm participating in the Book of Me challenge - and as you know I'm totally up-to-date - 3 for 3. (If you knew me you would know that this is a rarity).

But NOW they've added another weekly challenge that I'm going to try and do as well - starting today and it lasts for 1 month!

The challenge - make a layout/project WITHOUT using traditional scrapbook supplies. It's back to basics baby! Back to art school days and I'm pumped. The only things you can use that are traditional is adhesive, pens/markers and of course photos.

My plan - because you know I always have to have a scrappie name for my layout/project...

"9 to 5 - what a way to make a living"

My supplies will consist entirely of office supplies - like post it notes, highlighters, file folders.

Stay tuned.

A to Z of Me

2007-08-31T23:07:00.001-04:00

Here is layout number 2 in the Book of Me Challenge.

Topic this week was "A to Z of Me". The journaling being in alpha order.

I wanted to do something different from my usual and this is what I came up with - not sure if I like my hair that way but the long hair was just not working on the layout so I gave myself a haircut!

Little Alpha stickers are cutie and are from Making Memories.
Orange stickers are Basic grey.

Can't wait until I get the next challenge!

Next challenge...

2007-08-28T14:01:00.000-04:00

I'm working on the next Book of Me Challenge - and the topic....

A to Z of Me.

Stay tuned

Book of Me - Advice

2007-08-25T14:32:00.001-04:00

Book of Me - Advice
Originally uploaded by Mary's Creative Zone

This is my first layout for the Book of Me Challenge I'm participating in at www.scrapperie.com

The topic we were to scrap about was Advice

The journaling is from the Bob Dylan song "Forever Young"

I love the lyrics:
May God bless and keep you always,
May your dreams always come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

Paper - Basic Grey Motifica- Clay Motif and My Minds Eye Bohemia Barefoot "Love" Dots/Red, Stampin' Up

Chipboard - Heidi Swapp Schizophrenic cotton candy

list of free font sites

2007-08-23T10:26:00.000-04:00

In the Aug/Sept 2007 issue of Scrapbooks etc. They had a list of
free font sites that I thought I would share with all of you...

dafont.com
1001fonts.com
fontdiner.com
fontfoundry.com
urbanfonts.com
nofonts.com
highfonts.com
fontgarden.com
bvfonts.com
fonts.tom7.com

Scrap Angel

2007-08-20T23:00:00.000-04:00

Scrap Angel
Someone to watch over me....

Here is my last submission for the Scrapalicious Design Team.
Sad but true but my term is up there.

The form for this project is the Tiffani Dress Form from Creative Imaginations - Bare Elements. The form is made out of pretty hard papier maché. The form comes - well..bare. I chose to paint the entire thing white using regular acrylic paint. You could leave it the beige tone but I wanted to make the entire thing white pink and black.

The paper is chatterbox - Scrapbook Walls (Rose bouquet, Rosey roses and Valentine dots).
The felt border is by Queen & Company (love it btw).
There are Prima Flowers, and Stickles.
Wings are made of Vellum Cardstock from Stampin' Up.

Almost finished my last submission to the Icing Crew

2007-08-19T08:30:00.000-04:00

I'm almost finished my last submission to the Icing Crew....I have to say that I am so pleased with how this is turning out.

It's very rare that I sketch out how I want something to turn out, I don't deviate from the master plan and it is turning out just as I wanted it to - kwim??

Here is the teaser - I always have to have a name for my creation not sure if you've noticed that I'm calling it "My Scrap Angel (someone to watch over me...)"

As long as I don't botch it up in the end (cross your fingers! )- you should see it tomorrow.

Joanna and Marius - Digital

2007-08-11T06:23:00.000-04:00

My girl Joanna and her beau will be walking down the aisle in early September. They are the cutest of couples and I wish her all the best.

This is a digital project I created for the wild and crazy bridal shower that was held last week with the girls. I printed out 3 of them at 12x12 and we stuck them on the wall over the buffet table. I was thinking of printing this out at 6x6 for use as a cover of a minibook of the photos taken at the party....I think it might be a cute momento of the event. That's the beauty of digital!

The artwork for the digital was actually a mixture of 2 digital kits downloaded from digital freebies (permanent link to the left) - Bannerwoman Design's Simple Love Bonus kit and Retrodiva (Tracy Collins) Too Much Love kit.

Messy Kieran - Digital

2007-08-07T21:25:00.000-04:00

Here is another digital page using a kit from Retrodiva downloaded from www.digitalfreebies.com. The kit is by Tracy Collins and is called "Bohemian Love Affair"

17 ways to find time to scrap

2007-08-05T11:11:00.000-04:00

I was surfing around and I came upon this great article "17 Ways to Find Time to Scrap". Now I scrap regularly because I'm on a design team so I have to (at least that's the excuse I give my hubby - Oh yeah - hubby if you are reading this I love you!!). Prior to that I didn't scrap regularly because I always had stuff to do - boring stuff like laundry and working 9-5. So try out some of these ideas...and make sure to scrap those moments in your life!

Blake Andrew

2007-08-02T15:13:00.001-04:00

Awww isn't he just the sweetest???

This is a digital scrap page that I did as a commission for my friend Sue. She was going to meet Blake for the first time and wanted to have a special gift.

This layout was created in Photoshop CS using a Maria La France - New Beginnings scrap kit that was downloaded from www.digitalfreebies. A super website.

Sneak peak at this months design team kit

2007-07-31T15:58:00.000-04:00

Here's a sneak peak at this months design team kit - It's the Tiffini 16" dress form from Creative Imaginations - Bare Elements.

I'm super excited about this one because I've wanted to do an altered dress form for a while.

Beautiful Mother

2007-07-29T09:43:00.000-04:00

Another design team submission - again using fab paper from Kodomo Inc.

This is a photo taken of my mother-in-law when she was a young woman in Hong Kong. The photo was taken in black and white and then colourized - a very popular technique of that time. I love this photo of her - the colours are so vivid when they colourize them that way and I love the way she is dressed. I don't know when this photo was taken or how old she was but I assume that it was in the 1950's by the way she is dressed. I have left a placeholder (black box on the bottom right) for when I get the actual year so that I can put that information in later.

I also mixed some rice paper and gold stickles into the design - in keeping with the Asian theme.

Re: the Kodomo Inc. Paper
It is gorgeous - definitely get some but - One criticism that is easily rectified is that that I found the paper to be a little light in weight. Easily fixed by putting a piece of card stock behind it. But if you wanted to use the Kodomo Inc. paper as background paper on its own - it is not going to work for you and you will be disappointed..

Asian Art Museum - coaster book

2007-07-26T11:40:00.000-04:00

Here is one of the projects I completed for Scrapalicious Design team submission for July.

This uses more of the gorgeous paper from Kodomo Inc. and chipboard coasters.

I cut my 12x12 paper for the inside in 3 strips - made a little "seam binding" out of plain cardstock and adhered it to the back - then glued 1 front panel of chipboard as my cover and another panel as my back panel...then folded it up as an accordion book.

The pages are single sided - but you could always make it double sided by using another page of 12x12 paper and repeating the process and sticking the panels together.

Easy peasy - as cutie pie celebrity chef Jamie Oliver always says.

I'm really pleased with how the black lettering looks with the bling of gold stickles over top.

The journaling was printed from my computer onto white mulberry paper (I lightly spray glued the mulberry to plain paper first to make it thicker so that it wouldn't get jammed inside the printer).

What's with the rocks?

2007-07-22T10:36:00.000-04:00

A new thing of mine is to take photos of rocks, decking etc when I am out and about. This way when I am scrapping I have the perfect background to put my Sticker titles on top of. Try it.

June submission - Mom Bird

2007-07-19T20:43:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted in a while purely because I've been busy enjoying the nice summer weather.

Here is one of my submissions for June for the Scrapalicious design team.

This is a photo of my mother and some extended family taken in 1949 in China. My mother was 17 years old at the time and it was 1 year before she was married to my father. I love her hair and never knew that she wore it long when she was young. When I asked her about the photo she told me how her "uncle" had just brought fabric home from Hong Kong and they had made their outfits with that fabric. It makes me think of the days not too long ago when you made all your own clothes.

This scrap page uses paper from Kodomo Inc. and this paper is called "garden songbirds". I didn't like the original location of the bird. So I decided to cut up the paper and move it....I then used foam to gave it a 3D look - I think it frames the photo nicely. I also added metallic gold around the edges and versamarked a floral background to the base.

Hope you like it...

Pretty Pretty Paper

2007-07-17T09:06:00.000-04:00

I love pretty paper - love love love it when it is textured, glittery, decorated or has a beautiful print or design on it.

But put on the brakes!!

Don't you find sometimes that the paper is too beautiful to use??

For the Scrapalicious Design team for June/July I ended up with the most beautiful Asian paper by Kodomo Inc.

I thought - oh this will be a piece of cake - I have tons of family photos that I can use but it was the exact opposite.

It took me a while because I would just stare at it....then put it away. Open the box and stare again....repeat over and over. It was like gold to me - to precious to use.

I kept thinking that it just seems to be a shame to cover it all up with a photo and journaling!!

PLUS - when the paper is soo decorated - you need to find just the right photo to complement and not compete with the paper...

Stay tuned for my layouts - I hope I did the paper justice...

Chipboard organization

2007-07-06T13:22:00.000-04:00

I had another question for Angie of Organized for Success and I thought I would share the answer.

So Angie....any tips on storing chipboard??

Store your loose chipboard in clear zip lock bags. Create sub-categories that work for you (depending on what chipboard you have) and label the outside of each zip lock bag with the sub-category you've chosen (e.g. daisies, small tags, large tags, etc.). Store the zip lock bags in a photo box and use the dividers that usually come with the photo box and use the main category of your chipboard on those dividers (e.g. Flowers, Tags, etc.)

What's with the wall??

2007-06-25T21:12:00.000-04:00

We were out and about at The Distillery District for a jazz concert. I took a bunch of photos (for future scrapping) and while I was at it. I took this photo>>>>

Yes it's a wall. What's with the wall??

I thought why not use this as a background for journaling or for my title etc. It showcases the awesome old architecture of the area and is great texturally.

So, the next time you are out taking photos - snap some shots of brick work/ concrete/ grass...whatever is in the area...

ribbon mess

2007-06-20T15:49:00.000-04:00

Do you have this and it's driving you crazy??

Why not try this:

Back to organizing again I know....but the mass of bits and ends of ribbon was driving me crazy. They were all in an old Stampin' Up stamp case and I had to keep picking through the box. Plus - because it wasn't out and visible I kept forgetting that they were even there! A solution I found on line was to separate the pieces by type/colour etc and put them in plastic jewelry bags, punch a hole in the bag and put it on a binder ring. Hang it on a hook and Bob's your uncle.

It's been working for me so far...I'm just sorry that I can't remember where I saw this idea.

Gaga Accordian box and book

2007-06-15T22:46:00.000-04:00

This is the last project using my May kit for Scrapalicious design team. I'm super pleased with how this turned out.

The paper is "around the block" and bazzill card stock.

The idea for this project was that I had saved all these wedding thank you cards over the years and I now have them all in one project. I scanned them all in to my Mac, converted them all to sepia and resized them to fit 4x6 and printed them out.

The one side of the accordion book is pink and brown and the other side is blue and brown. The colour combination turned out really nice.

One trick that I discovered when creating the book was that I made a template out of cardboard and used that as a base to build each page on first --> then I adhered the finished pages to the actual accordion book at the very end.

Another thing that I tried with this project is that I did some hand stitching with matching embroidery floss (A technique that I will definitely use again) I used my paper piercer first to punch the holes so that once I started hand sewing I would stay on "path".

Here's a closer shot:

addition to my last post

2007-06-11T20:22:00.000-04:00

Just an addition I wanted to make to my last post regarding bringing a paper bag and taping it to the side of the table. If you use that paper bag exclusively for paper trash...when you are done scrapping just take the bag and put it straight into the recycle bin.

Be kind to our environment - it's the only one we have!!

Post Crop - First time

2007-06-10T09:20:00.000-04:00

I'm exhausted - physically but not mentally. I went to my very first all day crop yesterday and I am wiped out. I really think I need to work out more so that I will be more physically fit to sit all day and scrap!! bwah ha ha.

It was quite a success, I completed 16 cards and finished my round accordion book and box for the Icing Crew design team. I had packed a whole bunch of photos to scrap but I think all that eating, laughing and talking got in my way and I never even cracked open the seal of the photo envelopes....oh well next time.

So, did I like the cropping experience - being that I am usually a lone scrapper in my dungeon ...I mean studio??

I can only say from my experience at Scrapalicious (AKA the greatest scrap book store in the world (insert echo here) and the answer is yes and no.

Yes - the people are great there, lots of food/drinks/prizes. Everyone is super friendly and it's encouraging to have someone come up to see what you are up to and give you praise/advice. Every one shares tools, diecuts etc. Not to mention you have access to the stores punches and diecuts etc. Plus they have all the paper right there in front of you for purchase.

No - I lugged sooooo much stuff there. I didn't forget anything at home because I brought everything with me. Plus, sometimes you need to be in the "zone" and right at that moment someone starts talking to you.....Do you ever get in those moments when you want to say "um hello....working here!! Also, sometimes I just want to scrap in my pjs/sweats....ya kinda' can't do that there...well you could but...

So my notes to myself for my next crop (and the Pros totally out weigh the Cons so YES there will be a next):

Wear stretchy pants (a la Nacho Libre). Mine were comfy but I like to work cross legged on my chair sometimes (bad habit I know) and after oh about hour 12 - Uncomfortable!! Stretch pants /work out pants all the way.
Wear slippers. I usually work bare foot - and when ever I got up to get something I would forget that I wasn't home and start walking around the store barefoot. Not a good idea.
Bring my obus forme back support/seat. I found the chair to be a bit uncomfortable because I am used to my comfy cozy chair at home.
Don't bring a purse. I had it on the back of my chair and I think it kept bumping people as they would walk by. It was totally unnecessary and it kept distracting me.
Buy/Bring a cup holder thingie. They sell them in scrap stores for crops and you attach it to the side of the table - this way it is out of the way and off of your table surface and you can't knock it over.
Bring a "trash" container that you can attach to the table. I thought of this afterwards of course, but just tape a paper bag to the edge of the table. This way you can just brush your little scraps into it. At home I have my own trash container - but at a crop you will likely share it so this way you've just made your own.
Bring a commuter cup with lid - I did this to keep my tea warm and of course so that nothing would spill but I noticed that alot of people had coffee cups/pop in open containers - dangerous....especially at hour 14 when you start getting tired...
Watch your time and do a stretch/break every hour. I didn't do this and now I am aching post crop!!
Bring your camera and your inspiration journal/notebook. You can always take a photo and scrap your first crop (hint hint). BUT more importantly, you might love a technique /layout or idea that another scrapper has come up with and you want to "capture" it for future use. (make sure you ask permission first of course)
Last tip - plan ahead for the most productivity and be realistic about how much you can physically get done. I planned ahead definitely and felt that I got tons accomplished. BUT I also packed enough projects for another 15 hour day.

Hope you like these tips and find them helpful....I'll be posting pics soon of the projects I made.

hmmm Scrapalicious has a crop every Friday night (open to midnight)...Maybe I should go because I'm still packed from last night.....hmmm....

alpha sticker organization

2007-06-07T12:43:00.000-04:00

I recently asked Ms Organization Extraordinarie (AKA Angie of Organized for Success) how I should organize my alpha stickers and die cuts. Angie being a scrapper herself gave me this reply.....

Store sticker sheets in 8.5x11 acid free sleeve protectors and place them in a binder. This is the best way because all you have to do is flip through the binder and everything is visible. If you have smaller sticker sheets you can purchase the 5x7 photo sleeves (and/or 4x6, etc. depending on the size of your stickers) from Black's or wherever they sell them cheap as long as they are acid free and store them in the same binder. Create categories for your stickers such as by season, or item (e.g. Flowers, borders, sports, food, love, etc.). Categorize the letters by colour. Separate your categories with page dividers that have tabs for quick viewing. See pictures attached. The picture with the letters - the right side of the page is a 5x7 photo sleeve sheet and the right side is an 8.5x11 sheet (both are acid free). The picture with the miscellaneous stickers is also 5x7 photo sleeves purchased at Black's Photography.

A great answer don't you think?

I really like being organized and I find it just makes working in my studio that much easier when everything is in its place.

Do you need to get your workspace/home in order? give Angie a call....she's the best!

Grand Circle LR spread.jpg

2007-06-04T10:07:00.000-04:00

Here is the double page spread using the rest of the "Around the Block" paper - "Family vacation" and "Exciting Journey" - that I received in this months design team kit from Scrapalicious.

What's great about the paper are the little journaling block/titles that you can use - it takes some creative cutting to use both sides of the paper but it is well worth it. I love the colours of this paper - it's right up my alley.

My DH (who's regular comments on my work is "are you sure you're supposed to be doing that?") said this time - "It's the Grand Circle....why didn't you do the whole thing in a circle?" So, after I gave him the evil eye - I answered "because that is what everyone EXPECTS you to do" - which is the reason I DIDN'T do it in a circle...

One of the things that I always do when scrapping is multiple photos on my layouts - not sure why....but I never do single photo layouts. That is my new thing to force myself out of the box.

The other thing is to stop distressing everything. For some reason, it never looks done to me unless I start using my inks and sponges etc. Maybe it's because I was a stamper first before I started scrapping but I gotta stop doing that. I love the look of "clean" pages without distressing but for some reason it's a crutch that I always go to....

What's your crutch that you always go to?? send me a comment