Changes coming...

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

Shack Scraps will be changing...

and if your wondering how...

let me explain...

When I first got into scrap booking and card making I fell in love with Stampin' Up products. I spent the first year picking up a few items here and there from the SU clearance rack, then began building my ink and paper collection.  Around November of 2011 I hit a big road block - my income needed a quick boost.  I began working at Michael's part-time for the holidays in addition to my full-time evening job at the Tribune.  Michael's quickly turned into a longer term job as I found a place in their education department, teaching stamping and scrapping techniques. 

While I loved teaching, I also missed my family and I missed my crafting. I did some crafting in preparation for the classes but it just wasn't the same.  The tools and products I worked with were good and I collected quite a bit. Once I got over the holiday hump my part-time income filled my craft area with lots of tools and supplies - I have a great collection of Tim Holtz inks and perfect pearls that I dearly love.  I also picked up a Cricut E2 and a Big Kick with dies from Sizzix and Spellbinders.

I collected all these cool tools to use but I still kept coming back to my favorite inks and papers - those I had picked up from Stampin' Up.  The inks, card stock, and designer papers coordinate so nicely - they even have matching ribbon and buttons. Working at Michael's I heard many people complain about having difficulty coordinating their card stock and designer papers. Stampin' Up takes that guess work out - letting you focus on the techniques that enhance your designs.

Finally, I decided to just do it! So yesterday, November 25 (Cyber Monday even) I made my final decision and purchased my kit. I took advantage of Stampin' Up's Ink-redible promotion as well as their Online Extravaganza sale and got my kit plus extra product thanks to the great promotions!

If your interested in hosting a workshop or joining Stampin' Up with me, visit my online store or email me.  I encourage you to take advantage of the Online Extravaganza sale - there are some great tools and stamps available at deeply discounted prices - but its only available until tomorrow - Wednesday, November 28, 2012!  

In a few weeks, look for Shack Scraps blog to go through some changes. For the next few weeks though, my family is moving. I will be putting together a new craft room and setting up my business space! 

Card Case 2

Let it Snow Card

I loved the original card which I found via pinterest so I decided to case/copy it. I liked the way it turned out.  It was originally created by Sankari Wegman.  Sankari used whimsical papers and dies from Taylored Expressions. I didn't have those so I substituted Nestabilities Scalloped Circles in 4 sizes - trimmed to triangular shapes to build my tree. I used some really cool American Crafts Glitter tape to create the banner and the glitter stripe at the middle of the card. The paper is from Hobby Lobby as well as the stamp.

I don't yet have a tutorial for how I created my card...it will come later and I will link it up eventually. For now, if you have questions, please comment!

Below is Sankari's card I that I cased/copied you can find her original post here. Please be sure to stop by her blog and let her know what you think of her cards.

Card Case - 1

Snowy Trees Card

Snowy Trees Tutorial

One of my Michael's co-workers, Lisa, is looking to make some holiday cards this year and has asked for my help. Lisa pinned a couple of cards to her pinterest board and I decided to attempt to "CASE" them. In this CASE, I decided to attempt to copy it as closely as possible because that's what Lisa was wanting. Many times, I will change up and just use stamps I have on hand and change almost the entire feel of the card with different sentiments and/or images.  Below is the card I CASED/Copied.

The card for today comes from Joy in Australia entitled "O Christmas Tree".  Joy used a couple of Hero Arts stamp sets for her trees and sentiment, which gave it a more clean look than mine. Visit her page linked above to view all the supplies she used and leave her a comment - bloggers love visitors and comments!

I didn't have the Hero Arts stamps sets, so I used old olive cardstock from Stampin' Up cut in tree shapes and heat embossed using a couple stamps I had on hand. I used a flourish from a Tim Holtz set, a musical notes background stamp, and a Christmas sentiment stamp to decorate my trees. I added extra embossing powder to the edges to give it a "snowy" effect and natural jute twine instead of bakers twine. A bit of Peeled Paint Distress Ink to give the trees a bit of depth, and then some scrap brown paper to make my stumps distressed with Frayed Burlap Distress ink.

I hope you like my card and please remember to visit Joy's page.  Until next time....

Wanda

Very Merry Card Tricks Class On Sale NOW!

My NEW Very Merry Card Tricks Class is only $10 Oct. 28-Nov.24

With Very Merry Card Tricks class, you will Create 4 whimsical cards in my Very Merry Card Tricks Class. 2 hours of instruction teaches you how to create your own custom embellishments and how to add dimension to your cards using those embellishments as well as how to use embossing folders in a die cutting machine.

Come on in to Michael's in Columbia, MO and register for Very Merry Card Tricks today! 

How does the sale work? All you must do is register for the class during the sale period - the class does NOT have to occur during the sale period - only the registration! So sign up for my November class now while it's on sale!

If one of the dates and times below isn't good for you, contact me and I will work out a time that works better for you! 

• Saturday, November 3, 2012 - 1:00-3:00 pm
• Saturday, November 10, 2012 - 1:00-3:00 pm
• Saturday, November 17, 2012 - 1:00-3:00 pm

Build Your Tool Kit - Trimmers

What's in your paper crafting tool kit? Just starting out? Do you need help building your tool kit? This brand new series may be just what you need. Every scrapper and card maker begins card making with tools, some basic and some more advanced tools. With the Build Your Tool Kit series, each week I am going to look at what's in my tool kit and also what you can buy at a good deal. I will look at the tools and how their best used, their quality, my own personal reviews (if I have one) and other's reviews.

In this week's Michael's ad, Punches and Trimmers are buy one, get one for 50% off. Every tool kit needs a good, quality trimmer. Sure, you can cut your paper with a scissors - but I for one can NOT cut a straight line to save my life. I use the trimmer every time I make a card or scrapbook page. It's probably one of my most used tools.

My first trimmer was an Xacto from Walmart  It was pretty hot pink and black...but it did not cut straight enough for me. I found that when I pushed down on the cutter to slide it my paper or the blade seemed to shift. I couldn't tell it was crooked until I turned the paper to line it up to cut another side. That's when I saw the paper was laying flush against the top ruler guide - which should indicate a straight edge.  

From there, I went to Michael's. They were having a sale on Recollections trimmers. Rather than spend the extra to pick up the more expensive, I bought the Recollections brand. It cut great. I used it for about two weeks when I started noticing the black painted lines for measuring were rubbing off.  Frustrated, I went back to Michael's and bought the Fiskar's brand.  Since I was focused on making cards at the time, I picked up the 9x9 trimmer and an extra scoring blade.  Later, when I began getting into making scrapbook pages I revisited and picked up a larger, Fiskar's brand trimmer. My smaller trimmer fits neatly into my small took kit bag, so it goes with me everywhere I go. If I know I am going to need the larger trimmer, I will pack that separately but most times my small trimmer is adequate.

The size you buy will be dependent upon what kind of crafter you are. You will need to ask yourself a few questions before buying a trimmer. Do you make 12 x 12 scrapbook pages? Or do you focus mainly on smaller scrapbooks such as 8 x 8 or 8 1/2 x11?  Are you strictly a card maker? If you only use paper that's 8 1/2 x 11 then a smaller 9x9 trimmer may be the best for you, but if you are an avid scrapper, or plan to become one, then stick to a trimmer that will cut 12 x 12 paper. 

Without a trimmer, your tool kit will be incomplete. So whether you buy one with a 40% off coupon or take advantage of this week's deal, you should seriously consider investing in a good one.

$10 Vintage Card Tricks Class - On Sale Now!

My NEW Vintage Holiday Card Tricks Class is only $10 Sept. 30-Oct.27

With Vintage Holiday Card Tricks class, you will create four unique cards with vintage style, learn several aging and distressing techniques, use Distress inks to stamp images, color in images and create subtle backgrounds, and learn how to use embossing folders in a die cut machine. If you enjoy the vintage style and Tim Holtz/Ranger products, you will love this class.

Come on in to Michael's in Columbia, MO and register for Vintage Holiday Card Tricks today! 

How does the sale work? All you must do is register for the class during the sale period - the class does NOT have to occur during the sale period - only the registration! So sign up for my November class now while it's on sale!

If one of the dates and times below isn't good for you, contact me and I will work out a time that works better for you! 

• Saturday, November 10, 2012 - 10:30-12:30
• Sunday, November 18, 2012 - 12:30-2:30

Learning to Scrapbook - New Spotted Canary Classes starting soon!

The next Spotted Canary School class starts October 5th and only costs $25 for 4 2-hour sessions. You will learn all about creating scrapbooks using all of the design principles plus a whole lot more! Classes will be on Friday's from 10:30-12:30 in the Michael's classroom in Columbia, Missouri. If that time isn't the best for you, feel free to contact me and I can work out a schedule that will work better for you!  Come on out, bring a friend, and sign up today! Classes require a minimum of 4 students.

Top 10 Reasons to take classes at Michaels

TOP TEN REASONS TO TAKE CLASSES AT MICHAELS 

1. There are four components to paper craft classes at Michaels - lots to choose from: Spotted Canary School (includes 4 2hr sessions for $25), Martha Stewart Crafts Studio™ Classes, Michaels $5 Crop, and paper-ED™ classes. 
2. paper-ED™ is a series of exclusive paper craft classes at Michaels that you can’t find anywhere else. 
3. No matter which class you take, you leave with completed projects and new skills and techniques to apply on all your other paper crafting projects. 
4. Every customer who registers gets a class syllabus with a 10% off ERPP coupon! 
5. paper-ED™ class projects include page layouts, cards, paper parties and home décor items. 
6. It’s easy to sign up for a class! Registration forms and the syllabus are located at the cash register in our Scrapbooking Binder; just tell the cashier what class you want to take and she/he will do the rest!
7. Students are not required to purchase the exact papers or embellishments featured in the syllabus - we want them to express their style. You are not required to purchase anything at all – feel free to bring your tools and supplies from home! 
8. Our instructors are all Certified Scrapbook Instructors (CSIs). 
9. Associates can take classes for free as long as someone signs up! Just bring or buy your own supplies, invite and tell people about the classes. 
10. It’s FUN!

CLASSES WE OFFER

• Altered Canvas
• Card Tricks
• Card Tricks in a Flash
• Classic Holiday Card Tricks  (New for September 2012)
• Card Tricks Punched
• Countdown to the Holidays
• Cricut Card Tricks: A Quilted Christmas (New for September 2012)
• Cricut Card Tricks: Sophisticated
• Cricut E2 Test Drive
• Cricut Expression Test Drive
• Cricut Expression Test Drive Handout
• Cricut Off the Page: A Quilted Christmas  (New for September 2012)
• Martha Stewart – Crafter's Clay Techniques
• Martha Stewart – Glittering Techniques
• Martha Stewart – Punch around the Page
• Flower WOW!
• Paper Bag Mini Album
• Paper Crafted Gift Frame
• Paper Crowns
• Paper Party: Happy Birthday America
• Pink Party
• Sketched Out
• Sketched Out 2
• Sizzix Test Drive
• Smashed: A Class for SMASH
• Texture WOW
• tINKer Time: Distress and Shimmer
• Very Merry Card Tricks  (New for September 2012)
• Vintage Holiday Card Tricks  (New for September 2012)

If you don't see one of these classes on our current schedule, feel free to request a class. We are always happy to try to meet your needs.

A Dose of Inspiration

This morning my husband woke me up early so we could take our daughter's cat to the vet to get neutered. The cat was scared to death in the vet - first time he had gone anywhere outside of our house since we first got him as a small kitten. I remember feeling that way when I first started making scrapbook pages and cards... I was afraid to cut my paper for fear that I would make something not so great. When I got home, I read a post on the paper-ED Instructor Resource Group on Facebook that really inspired me and I wanted to share it with you. The post was made by a fellow Michael's instructor - Denise S. Kavakli. She wrote:

This is a quote by Ira Glass that was posted on a blog that I follow. He's talking about writing but it really applies to crafting too. It's an idea I'm going to be sharing with my students when they are disappointed with their craft (it's a long one but I think it's worth it):
“What nobody tells people who are beginners — and I really wish someone had told this to me . . . is that all of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, and it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not.

But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase. They quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know it’s normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story.
It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.”

This makes so much sense. It’s normal to be afraid to take a step forward…just don’t give up. Looking at the cards I made when I first started crafting versus where I am now makes such a huge difference for me. I really think one should keep a journal of work so they can look back and see where they came from. That was part of the reason for starting my blog. It really helps to encourage me to look back at my beginnings and then look at where I am at. Keeping track of what I have learned along the way helps to keep me motivated…

My advice to you, as a new crafter, track your progress through a card journal, or even a scrapbook of progress.

I have today off and have plans to get my craft space cleaned up some so I can work on my Michael's samples for our September Open House which by the way is September 8th from 11 am to 3pm. We have several new Holiday Card Classes that will be available in September.  I am also keeping an ear out for info on our Christmas Card collection for the troops. Last year we had a crop dedicated to collecting the cards - I haven't heard if we will be doing that this year. Once I know I will let my readers know.

This open house, I am bringing a scrapbook of all the classes I will be offering...stop by and take a look!

July & August Classes

Below is a list of my current class offerings at Michael's in Columbia MO. Please note, I got my August schedule in late so the online store calendar WILL not reflect the August classes, just ask for them to check the book at the register.

July Classes 

• Tuesday, July 24 - tINKer time: Distress and Shimmer - 12:30 - 2:30 - $25
  Use Tim Holtz Distress Inks and Ranger Perfect Pearls to create altered tags to use as page embellishments, on cards or an art display. Students will leave with an understanding of Distress Ink properties and the versatility of Perfect Pearls. 

August Classes

• Thursday, August 2 - Cricut Test Drive - 12:30 - 1:30 - $10
  Hear about the ins and outs of Cricut machines and learn how to use one - either before or after you buy! SEPARATE EXPRESSION V1 classes from E2 (I teach E2 classes only)
• Tuesday, August 7 - Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page - 12:30 - 2:30 - $10
  Learn the techniques to use Martha's Punches to create lovely embellishments for your cards and pages.
• Thursday, August 16 - Cricut Card Tricks: Sophisticated - 12:30 - 2:30 - $25
  Make 3 gorgeous cards with the Sophisticated Cartridge. Must bring your own mat. 
• Tuesday, August 21 - Martha Stewart Glitter Techniques - 12:30 - 2:30 - $10
  Learn glittering techniques using a various types of glitter. Students take home 4 lovely cards.

Also, I am pleased to announce that we have 4 new holiday themed card classes coming in September and they are on my September calendar that I will post in August. Also, I will be hosting my first ever SDU classes starting in September on Friday's at 10:30 am - these classes are specific to those of you who are new to scrap booking - you will get 4- 2hour sessions for only $25. 

If you want to attend, bring a friend - we MUST have 4 students to hold the class.

Thank you for visiting my blog! Hope to see you in class!

June News

Hey there!

June is almost over - life has been keeping me thoroughly busy! My classes at Michael's haven't yet taken off too well but that is mostly because of my full-time job demands. During the months of May and June I have been working over-time and extra hours. We had an employee leave and have had to hire and train a new employee. The first one didn't work out so well but the second is a winner (so far - knock on wood!).  I have only been able to give one day a week to my part-time job at Michael's though I did keep 2 classes per month on the schedule. July classes are not yet posted on Michael's site but I can tell you that I only have two planned thus far as I wasn't sure our new employee at the Trib would work out. I am hoping that my store manager will allow me to add a few more but I will have to wait and see.

Today though, I got to host the Modge Podge Make and Take event at Michael's. It was great fun. We used Modge Podge, of course, and some really cool Acrylic Shapers as well as Podgeable Papers. Though you can use regular scrapbook paper as well - which I did. Below are photos of the Acrylic Shapers I created as well as a couple that two sweet girls made. If your interested in this project - Acrylic Shapers and Podgeable Papers should be found near the Modge Podge in your Michael's store - if not, be sure to ask a salesperson and they can locate it for you.

The white hue you see in several of these is wet Modge Podge - when dried it will be clear. Modge Podge takes about 3 hours to fully dry. The event lasted from noon to 3pm - which is why several of these are still wet. If you decide to try this at home, be sure to cover your surface with something disposable like newspaper or a paper bag. Modge Podge is really sticky but tons of fun! They also make a dimensional Modge Podge with glitter in it that is really cool to use too!

I do hope I have at least one or two readers and maybe if you get the chance, stop in and see me at Michael's in Columbia, Missouri - or if you aren't near Columbia, MO, just stop in and see what your local instructors are up to. Crafting is good for the soul! Thanks for stopping by!

Till next time,

Here's what I picked up with part of my tax return. I'm looking forward to practicing up for the Tinker Time class featuring Tim Holtz Products as well as the smash class featuring all the smash line products. Hope you will join me in my June and July classes at Michaels. Till next time. Happy scrap'n!

Table Scraps Success!

Table Scraps was a ton of fun! I have been so busy I haven't had time to post but I did manage to get my photos uploaded to Facebook. You can click to view my Table Scraps Album where you will see photos of me and my co-worker, Debbie Mitchell, as well as all of the awesome pages I created that day. Below is a photo of Debbie, Lisa Bearnson, and myself at the event.

Below is one of my favorite pages. It was created using the leftover pieces from the Cosmo Cricket Togetherness kit provided by Lisa Bearnson. She taught the "To the Moon" afternoon scrapbook class.

This was my very first ever scrapbook crop and I had a blast. I would like to thank my employer, Michael's, for providing me the opportunity to attend as a sponsored guest. I plan to attend next year on my own dime as the cause is worth it. The Food Pantry raised over $5000 for their Buddy Pack program through this one event.

If your not familiar with the Buddy Pack program let me give you a few details about it.  The Buddy Pack program sends needy kids home for the weekend with a backpack full of food - this ensures kids have food on the weekends when they aren't at school getting free or reduced price lunches. For some kids, their free/reduced price meal is the only meal they eat. Can you imagine going all weekend without food? This program is great.  

And for those that are interested, the crop was completely funded by sponsors from the community so all the money from the ticket sales, raffles, etc went completely to the Buddy Pack program. Some of the sponsors included JES Holdings; Providence Bank; Dentist: Colin A Malaker, DDS; Les Green, Culligan Water; Backer's Potato Chip Company; Dr. Deborah A Blain D.C.; and many others. Big thanks for all of them for helping to support the Buddy Pack Program and making my day wonderful!

Time Really Does Fly - faster than a canary...

Wow! Can't believe its been since March that I posted! I am sooo sorry to anyone that is reading my blog. I had/have huge plans to keep up with this blog but with working 2 jobs (basically 3 with my paper-Ed classes) I have had a hard time of it all. Spring has sprung and with it I am working on a mini garden. I have planted some seeds - Leaf Lettuce, Mesclun, and Spinach - they are starting to grow.

I have plans to plant these in a raised/standing garden - my hubby is gonna build one for me. I also have seeds for some herbs planted in some cute little tins I picked up at Hobby Lobby - Rosemary, Thyme, Basil, Oregano, Chives, and Cilantro.  Picked up two of the Topsy Turvy Tomato Planters at Westlakes Ace Hardware as well - one will get tomatoes and the other will get peppers - those I plan to put up in May. My mother-in-law also has a Strawberry planter that I am gonna use as well.  

All of this should give me plenty to scrapbook about - this is my first time gardening anything. Last thing I grew ended up dying - a cactus. I know...your wondering how do you kill a cactus - just give it to me! Hopefully I will do better this time.

Tomorrow I have plans to attend an all day scrap affair in Columbia. I am going as a sponsored guest of Michael's.  The event is called Table Scraps and its being hosted by the Food Pantry. A portion of the proceeds will benefit them. We will have a guest speaker/instructor - Lisa Bearnson - founder of Creating Keepsakes magazine. Looking forward to attending and having a great time. I promise to take lots of pictures and share them here.

Well...its late and I need to sleep - the crop starts at 7 a.m. and I have an hour's drive.

Time flies...just like a Canary....

Wow...its hard to believe its March already.  I feel a bit sad that I have been so busy lately that I haven't gotten around to posting all the juicy details. Let's just say that February was so busy I barely had time to sleep!  I am working two jobs - a full-timer and part-timer, I took classes to earn a teaching certification, and we also went on a weekend vacation to Lost Valley Lake. On with the juicy details...

First, you have probably noticed the new page listed across the top of the menu bar - SDU and PaperED Classes. I did it - I am certified to teach scrapbooking at Michael's.  I am looking forward to teaching my first SDU class in May - for now though I am planning to teach paper crafting classes until I complete a few more samples to complete my curriculum for the SDU classes.  So even though I failed to create my scrapbook page for February - March and April should more than make up for it.

Photos, photos, photos...omg photos! I have spent the last few hours sorting and organizing my digital photos. I am missing so many good ones after a hard drive crash and I'm hoping that my family can help me piece them back together.  I haven't yet begun to tackle my Facebook photos yet - I know I will recover many of my lost ones from Facebook.  Note:  If you haven't backed up your digital photo collection - now is the time!  My March and April scrapbooking sessions now have new meaning - I have about 15 pages planned, some single layouts, some double.  It all started last night when I attempted to go to Walmart to get photos made - I had over 3000 photos on my thumb drive and after sitting through the machine trying to load them all I gave up and decided I needed to do some more photo organizing.  (One of the things I will be teaching in my SDU classes beginning in May)


And lastly, I have plans to bring my classes into my scrapbooks. I have huge plans for my classes - I honestly want to get them rolling to where I don't have to do cashiering for my part-time income. I want to teach the classes instead. That may come quicker than planned though as I am looking at overtime at my full-time job. An employee left, several people got promoted, including my 2nd shift plate-maker, which means I have to hire a new plate-maker and until that happens its OT for a while. This next week will be even more hectic as I am covering third shift so that employee can take a much needed vacation... Craziness I tell you! Gotta love my life!  Have a good one and look for another post soon - I want to describe my SDU classes a bit and explain how they differ from paperED classes.

Later,

Me A Teacher?

I have been giving it some great thought and decided to take the plunge. I emailed regarding becoming a Michael's certified instructor for paper crafting.  I received a reply and have begun the steps.  It's gonna be an exciting endeavor that I hope to blog about here.

If you don't know anything about scrapbooking and paper crafting, I have found that SpottedCanary.com is the best place to start. They offer up free online classes and provide a nice little discount if you buy from their store.  Pretty decent.  Each of their classes also has a challenge - so far its looking to be a new challenge each month. I participated in one for the Designing in Layers class. That challenge ended January 31 - am waiting for the winner announcement. The winner gets $250 prize package.  

I'm not totally sure, but I believe you have to complete each of the Spotted Canary classes to get certified - suppose I should find out soon. My request to become certified was sent to EKSuccess as well - so I can become certified for presenting Spotted Canary classes at Michael's.  So far the online classes are amazing. I am learning a lot. I have sat through and watched Layers, Borders, and Steam Punk. 

I also watched the most recent class - Paper Blossom Bouquets.  February's challenge is to create a project using the Paper Blossoms.  I am still thinking on that one as we don't have to create a bouquet, as they did in the videos. We can choose from cards, scrapbook pages, etc.  Easter is coming up and a nice Easter bouquet would look awesome on my desk at work....

I am planning to continue adding photos of my projects to the blog and also to my spotted canary profile. If you haven't joined spotted canary, then please come join with me. 

Slice Project 2 - It's Your Day

"It's Your Day" is a birthday card I created for a co-worker's birthday. I used the Slice "Parties" design card. I recycled a bow from Christmas and used some pretty paper I picked up on clearance at Michael's - Creative Imaginations Debbie Mumm collection.

I was short on adhesives as I have been unable to locate my Tombow mono dispenser.... I used glossy accents to adhere the gold cording around the craft frame as well as to add the glitter to my paper present.  I purchased the gold letters at Michael's when they were half off the other week - they are EK Success Sticko brand letters.  

The inside of the card is just a piece of craft card stock and recycled lacy gold ribbon. The stamp is a cling stamp from the dollar bin at Michael's with the "to you" in the bottom right masked off.  

Hope she likes the card. I had a ton of fun making it. I have three co-worker birthday's this week...one more card to make and an altoid tin to alter/wrap.  Then I can start on my Valentine's projects. Have a good week! Will check in Friday with what I have done for Valentine's Day. 

Happy Stamping!

Slice Project 1 - Birthday Banner

My first slice project was a birthday banner for my step-daughter's 17th birthday.  She wanted something using purples and blues.  I used the Parties design card for the banner triangles and the scalloped circles. The letters were created using the Vintage Findings design card. I attached each triangle to a ribbon using brads in each corner. The ribbon is just a purple satin ribbon that I picked up at Michael's. The designer paper was just some individual sheets I had on hand that came from Michael's.

Banners are fairly easy to create - which was why I started with one of those. I hope to post another project soon.  My sister-in-law's birthday is coming up and I plan to create her birthday card in the next day or so and get it mailed by Saturday.

Leave me a message and let me know what you'd like to see using any of my Slice design cards (there's a list in the previous post along with links to all the shapes).  I did pick up Shapes 3, as promised... bring on the ideas!

My New Slice

My New Slice


Since picking up a second job at Michael's, I have gotten the skinny on the good deals. I picked up a Memory Maker's Slice die cut machine for real cheap - 19.99. It is the original Slice and not the Elite, but so far its working great.  In addition to the great price on the machine itself I also got a super great deal on the cartridges. When I got the machine I got an additional 3 cartridges with it - only $4.99 per cartridge. So later that week I grabbed 5 more - giving me a total of 9 cartridges including the one that came with it.  Well, today I decided to pick up another one or two cartridges and when my co-worker scanned them they rang up at $2.00 per cartridge so I picked up another 5 cartridges. I'd show you photos of them but my camera batteries are dead and it will be the weekend before I can pick up some more after today's little splurge.

Here's my list of cartridges along with links to their respective images on the Making Memories website.

Basics 1
Basic Shapes 2
Bon Appetit!
Faith
Happy Trails
Jungle
Music & Dance
Parties
Playground Fonts
Think Pink
Words & Expressions Family
Words & Expressions Holiday
Vintage Findings
Wedding

I haven't had much time to play with my Slice but I did make a Happy Birthday banner for my step-daughter's birthday on the 14th. As soon as I get new batteries for my camera I will post a photo. I am hoping to use these cartridges to create some really cool cards.

In addition to the cards, I have the ink pen tips in blue and black ink as well as marker tips in primary colors and brights for drawing with the slice. I have been on the look-out for a deal on the embossing tip but so far I have not had any luck yet. Since making the list above I also realized I don't have Basic Shapes 3. I work at Michael's tomorrow so I will alleviate that (at $2 why not!)

So Many Faces

I gave a sneak peak in my last post to January's Scrapbook page...can you figure out what the sneak peak was?

"So Many Faces" was created for a Layers Class that I participated in over at Spotted Canary. I visited the Flock Forum and entered the Spotted Canary Challeges thread where I entered this page into their contest. I do hope it qualifies as I did not follow their tutorial exactly as directed. The tutorial used the layers punches but alas, I don't have any of those yet. I did however have some spellbinders dies - which I promptly made use of in this layout. To view a detailed list of the materials used, visit my page on Spotted Canary.com 

Working at Michael's has its advantages...  I have acquired a new tool for my scrapbooking/cardmaking.  I recently picked up the Making Memories Slice machine. I got it for a whole whopping $19.95.  Apparently Michael's is discontinuing the Slice which is how I got it so darn cheap. The best part is, I also picked up 8 (yes I said 8) more design cartridges for it. At $4.99 per cartridge, I'd be silly not to grab as many as I could.  They have a few more in stock yet and I am hoping to grab those up this weekend...maybe.   Look for some Slice projects coming soon as well as some detailed info on the cartridges I purchased.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone!  I hope everyone had an amazing day. I spent mine with my family. We had a late Christmas this year, and decided to spend the holidays combined into one big party. I cooked for 2 days and we had an amazing abundant Christmas.  The best part of celebrating Christmas on New Year's is taking advantage of the post-holiday sales!

One of my favorite memories from the weekend's festivities happened on Saturday. My daughter and granddaughter spent the weekend with us. I made Christmas shaped pancakes for my granddaughter on Saturday morning and later in the day we made cookies together. She is such a joy and I can't express how amazing a feeling it is to be able to watch my granddaughter grow and change. Above you can see a collage of images of her many different faces from 2011.  Several of those were taken New Years Eve...she is a blessing.

What have I learned from 2011

The end of the year has brought most of the chaos to a screeching halt and I am left to pick up and sort the pieces.  I am looking forward to less hours at Michael's. The one thing I have learned from the chaos of working two jobs (1 full-time and 1 almost full-time) is that there have been many hours I have wasted in the past.  Take nothing for granted, especially time...once that hour is passed you can never, and I mean NEVER, get it back.

Backup your hard drives!  I lost two hard drives and hundreds of photos that I can never get back. Keep your photos saved online somewhere as well as to CD/DVD. Once your drive dies...you will be very lucky if you can get any data recovered from it - if you are that lucky it will probably cost you a very shiny penny or two....  Don't wait to get your favorite photos printed either.  You never know when you will have a moment to put together a scrap book page.  When the moment arises, be ready!

Plan ahead....from finances to card making - its always better to be ahead of the game rather than behind. Buy your Christmas gifts all through the year - then have a less stressful Christmas - especially if your working two jobs and you have no time to shop - you can have all done before the season hits!

What to expect in 2012

I made the decision to keep my part-time job Michael's and I have resolved to continue my card making and scrap booking throughout 2012. With that in mind I have a few goals for 2012.

1. I want to stay more organized throughout 2012 - to do so I plan to purchase some sort of organizational product each month.  With my employee discount and the amazing sales that Michael's always has on their organizational products, I believe I will be able to outfit my crafting area and stay better organized. I spent Saturday organizing my crafting area...I want to keep it that way throughout the year.

2. I want to create a minimum of one scrap book page a month. With a growing granddaughter it can't be that tough to do.  I have a year and a half's worth of photos to start with...and my photo pile is growing by leaps and bounds!

3. I have decided that I need to start months in advance on my Christmas cards...making 53 cards at the last minute is NOT as fun as it could have been.

4. I have also resolved to do better with Birthday cards for 2012.  I have a few cards made already for January and only 1 or 2 left to go. I want to have my cards for the next month planned out by the 15th of that current month and spend the last 15 or so days of the current month putting them together.  I have about a zillion calendars and have elected to use one specifically for Birthdays.  I plan to post photos of my already sent cards at the end of the month they are sent in... that post will occur on the last Friday of each Month and will include a product supply list.

5. For my blog, I resolve to post at least once a week (boy am I behind!)....I have lots of ideas for weekly blog posts but as any blogger knows, when your new at blogging you have to work at it to keep it up....  Baby steps.....one post at a time. It's way too easy to let life zoom by. The last 3 months went so fast I couldn't keep up - it left me extremely frazzled and I know I have probably burned some bridges that I wish I hadn't due to having way too many "iron's in the fire" so to speak. My apologies to any "bridges" I may have torched during my chaotic mess of a life.


What have you got planned for your 2012?