Month

January 2008

Showing: 1 - 20 of 23 Articles

Want To Write A Post For Me?

As I mentioned in THIS POST, I have, or should I say HAD a bum gallbladder. Well, after my fourth attack on Monday morning, they removed the darn thing yesterday. I’m home now to rest. Just wanted to say “hi” and let y’all know why I’m not posting. Will be back in a day or three. Hope all is well with you :)

If you would like to write a post for me, to keep the masses entertained while I’m gone, let me know in a Comment on this post and I’ll contact you. About anything scrappy-related: a product review, your opinion on something in the industry, CHA goodness, whatever, just let me know. Suggested topics are the new Cropadile Big Bite and Cricut Design Studio. There seem to be a lot of questions about how to operate those but I have neither. A tutorial or How To would be great!

I’ll be here lurking, just not writing. Thanks luvies!

New MAMBI: Coastal Culture and Modern Milan

I was at Michaels yesterday and was so happy to finally see something NEW there. I had a 40% off and a 50% off coupon burning a hole in my wallet, so I was doubly, no make that tripley happy. I actually found 3 paper packs that were Must Haves, so I begrudgingly paid full price for one of them.

First, and my favorite of the three, Coastal Culture by Me and My Big Ideas (MAMBI).
Second, Modern Milan by MAMBI.
Third, Chelsea’s Place by Making Memories.

Now, I’m totally confused because I went to search online for pics of these lines so I could share my rockin’ finds with YOU. As for the MAMBI, on THEIR BLOG it says these are new products to be released at CHA in February 2008 and they have only given sneak peeks HERE and HERE. WTF? Why does Michaels have it if it hasn’t been released yet? Gawd, usually a product has to be at least 20 years old for MICHAELS to have it!!! Did I crash land into another universe when I wasn’t looking??

Anyhow, for now, this is the best I can do, layout samples from MAMBI blogs…

Layout made with Coastal Culture, by Stephanie Rahmatulla with MAMBI:

mambi cc

Also by Stephanie, a layout using Modern Milan:
mambi mm

Then I link over to Suzy Plantamura’s blog and in THIS ENTRY dated 1-23-08, she says the same thing about Modern Milan, Coastal Culture, and another line called Renee being released at CHA?? Well, whatever, just glad I got me some already!! Here are some layouts from Suzy and check out that entry above to see more…

By Suzy, using Coastal Culture:
suzy cc

By Suzy, using Modern Milan:

suzy mm

Oh, and here’s Jamie Harper’s BLOG with a mention and some layout/card samples of all 3 lines including Renee. Jamie links to Suzy and also to Angelia Wiggington’s blog with THIS entry. Check it! I swear, sometimes you have to be a friggin’ internet detective to find new scrapbook stuff. Oh well, guess that’s what you guys pay me for…

What I love about both lines are the fresh color combinations, and the different textures with foiling and flocking (wow, sounds kinky, huh?). Seriously, whoever designed these lines should be very proud. Can’t wait to see Renee by MAMBI now too. I do a lot of ocean and coastal layouts, with the usual colors of blue, turquoise and green, but Coastal Culture shakes that up with colors you wouldn’t normally think of as “coastal,” yet they totally evoke that easy, laid back, coastal feeling. I can’t wait to play with it!

As for Chelsea’s Place by Making Memories, I was glad my search for it took me HERE to Christine Middlecamp’s blog because if you haven’t already “met” her, you should. She’s an awesome lady who just went through a horrific loss with an amazing grace you don’t often see. She movingly blogged about her journey and she just amazes me. Please make her a regular read if you can. That said, Miss Christine seemed to share my confusion over Mike’s actually having something NEW and COOL. So click on over there, leave her some blog love, and check out some Chelsea’s Place.

I stole this from a post by TexasPaperArtist on 2peas:
“Yes, Chelsea’s Place is new & it is coming shortly.(your store is probably just a little early getting it). It is exclusive to Michaels, along with 5 other collections by various companies. I know Michaels will have something about it on their website next week.”
mm chelsea

The paper pack I got has a bunch of those cool shaped papers, like a circle with scalloped edges, etc.

Am I alone, or do you likey too?

Scrapbookers on YouTube

THE SCRAPPIN’ RAPPER @ SCRAP YOUR TRIP
Rowrrrr….does he have a brother?

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHzsmCm_3Bs]

CATHY Z MAKING FUN OF TOM CRUISE
She rocks it!
(If you haven’t seen the Tom clip she’s parodying, just go to YouTube, search Tom Cruise Scientology, and you’ll easily find it)

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvwh7uAVc2E]

CLIP IT UP DEMO
Okay, now I really want one!

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRkxICVqpKo]

SCRAPBOOKIN’ 4 REAL
My glue gun is fire!

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4UxUA92sXU]<

Thanks to KELLI, who’s been posting funny scrapbooker YouTube clips over at the AMR MESSAGE BOARD! It’s been a good reminder how much scrapbook-related stuff is over there, some funny, some informative. Now that WordPress has given us pretty much unlimited free memory, I’ll be posting YouTubes more often. As they say in TV land, stay tuned!

CK: The Scrapbooker’s Ultimate Products Guide

ck guide

Like most things CK these days, this newly-released product guide/special issue is already causing a stir among the scrapping masses. Discussions on 2Peas: HERE and HERE. One Pea was so unhappy, she gave her issue away FOR FREE. Debate on CKMB: HERE, HERE and HERE (this one is harshing on not just the product review issue, but CK of late, in general). I just bought mine at the grocery store lastnight (as I no longer subscribe)(but not for the reason you think).

Let me see if I can sum up the “issues” with this issue:
~ Paying good money for a scrapbook magazine that features only 3 or 4 layouts (15 if you count those in advertisements)
~ Just one big advertisement for their sponsors
~ Doesn’t give a complete list of things like electronic cutters
~ Apparently replaced the Top 10 Issue, which everyone seems to have liked (at least in comparison to this)
~ No “How To’s” to USE the products featured
~ Nothing new is featured, stuff we’ve seen before, “so last week”
~ Geared toward newbie scrappers
~ Couldn’t access online links that were listed, and why not just include that content in the magazine in the first place?
~ Not consistent in use of comparison charts, or in featuring ALL of a certain type of product

And with CK magazine in general lately:
~ Too much digital now
~ Bland, uninspiring, dog-earing a lot fewer pages
~ Less layouts
~ Less pages, more ads
~ Layouts are shown so small you can’t read the journaling, even when the article is about journaling
~ Would like to see more scraprooms, more of the latest products being used in layouts
~ What’s with the “lifestyle” articles like How You Met Your Spouse?
~ Going more toward altered projects and paper crafts vs. scrapbooking, which is okay just keep it to a moderate level not put it on the cover
~ Would like more from HOF and SOY scrappers

On a positive note:
~ Like the new cover style
~ Like the Dream Team, Candice Stringham, computer and photography tips, Jennifer McGuire, Fresh Faces
~ CK was responsive to complaints by getting rid of Organize It, Easy Patterns, and the full page photos of Ali Edwards, et al.

Disclaimer: Please note that the comments or points above are NOT my opinion, just a summary of what I read in the CKMB and 2peas threads.

What did you think of the issue, and of CK magazine in general lately? Are you liking the Product Guide and all the changes CK is making?

7 More Random Things…

I’ve been tagged by Janine/dahulagirl on HER BLOG. Think I’ve done this one a few times so I’ll try to think of 7 original random things, LOL…

Here are the rules which must be posted on your blog if you are tagged:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
4. Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

Here’s 7 facts about me:

1. My childhood nickname was Rickie (get it, for Erika?). My BFF in 5th grade thought of it, and she still calls me that.

2. One of my favorite snacks is Wheat Thins with cream cheese and salsa. But you have to use Philadelphia cream cheese and Southwestern medium salsa from Albertson’s.

3. I am VERY calm in emergencies. Scary calm.

4. One time when I was a dispatcher, I took a 911 call from a guy who said he was on the side of the freeway watching a man get run over by speeding cars….and over…and over…and over. He was yelling, “OH!” and gorily describing each hit to me as we rushed officers to his (supposed) location. He turned out to be 5150, and there was no road pizza. I will never forget that call.

5. I’ve always wanted to own a horse. Maybe I will someday.

6. My favorite color ever since I was little has been green.

7. I love Double Stuff Oreos dipped in ice cold nonfat milk.

I’m tagging 7 AMR girlz:

Stacey, owner of All Moments Remembered store
Heather, Design Team Honcho
Anne Marie, Message Board Hostess with the Mostess
kelliannie, MB member (Check out this Start to Finish Card Tutorial on her blog!)
cutepumpkin/Elizabeth, MB member who just won a RAK from Stacey
RibbonJunkie/Candace, MB member who just went to Archivers for the very first time!
nygirl/Jen, MB member who is a warped scrapper like me

Basic Grey Rub-On Roller

bg rub on roller

Looks like another must-have tool by Basic Grey. It gets a big “thumbs up” from Noel Culbertson, a CK Scrapbooker of the Year Top 10. She said on the CKMB that it makes rub-ons go on “like a dream,” and that she got it HERE at embellish IT! where they sell it for $7. Here is the description on their website:

AMAZING TOOL!
Roller ball rub-on stylus
Rolling ball tip glides smoothly for a controlled application
Flat nylon paddle for setting the rub-on
High-quality design

I mean, Noel had me at Hello, but when she said this new tool does not leave smush marks on her Bazzill, it was like chocolate icing on a chocolate cake. You know, already great but just that much better. Okay, I’m off to see if ALL MOMENTS REMEMBERED or MEMORY WORKS plan to carry it, because Lord knows Michaels won’t have it in this decade and that’s about the only place left to shop around here. Will this be on your shopping list?

Edited to add 1/23/08: Deb from CKMB just posted a review on her blog. HERE YA GO

Please Keep a Special Scrapper in Your Prayers

All my talk of HOF-gate, commenting on scrap rooms, and what’s new at CHA 08 really seems trivial when you hear that “our of our own” is dealing with a life-threatening illness. A lovely lady from CKMB, Leslie (SoCal Scrapper) has been diagnosed with cancer and is just beginning her fight. She has a wonderful support system ~ devoted spouse, a church family, IRL friends, and online scrapper friends. I truly believe in the power of prayer and have heard countless stories of the miracles PRAYER has accomplished. Please join me in praying for Leslie. Updates on her progress can be found at LESLIE’S FREEDOM FROM CANCER BLOG. There are many CKMB threads about Miss Leslie: HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE. You will see what a beautiful lady she is, inside and out. While I was searching all the posts BY Leslie, I was struck by how generous, sweet, and giving she is. She takes the time to compliment tons of layouts that are posted, wish Happy Birthdays and Get Well Soons, add prayers, be grateful for daily devotionals, and express gratitude for all the kindnesses coming her way.

Will you also please take a few minutes every once in a while to leave her a message of love and healing. She has already expressed how much the support of her MB and scrap friends, with cards, MB posts, PM’s and e-mails ~ have meant to her. Thanks so much!

Fighting With The Blog Again

I’m trying to add the banner for All Moments Remembered scrapbook shopping site in my sidebar. Can it be easy?? Noooooo. I’m following the directions! Tartar sauce! (to quote SpongeBob, when he is frustrated). If you put the AMR banner on your blog by this Sunday, Stacey will enter your name to enter a RAK. So I’ll keep trying…

amr

Yeah, got it!! The logo is down there on the right, and directly below the logo is the blog roll with all the AMR (All Moments Remembered) links right on top. Happy clicking!

Benita’s VERY Organized Scraproom

I wanted to share this awesome scrap room with you. Someone posted it on CKMB, which led me to BENITA’s GALLERY at 2peas, which led me to her BLOG. Having posted pics of my own space several times, can I say this: I wish people who leave comments would take more care in how they say, “Man, you have too much stuff!”. I think how much each scrapper has is dependent on a lot of things, and I’ll use myself as an example:

~ Amount of disposable income
I used to spend, maybe $100-150 per month on scrap supplies when I worked full time. We made a very nice living and we could afford it. Believe me, DH would not have let me go overboard because it IS a luxury, not a necessity. Now that I work part-time, I spend whatever I can make with Memory Works. It creates a lot of extra work for me, but I can spend on scrap supplies guilt-free!

~ Level of interest in scrapbooking vs. other hobbies
Scrapping is it for me. I used to make jewelry, but have gotten rid of most of my tools and beads. I don’t knit, don’t read as much as I used to (scrapping now!), don’t buy a lot of DVD’s or music, etc.

~ How well you shop
I am a DEAL shopper! I use every single 40% and 50% off coupon I can find, wait for sales to buy things, buy from the Target and Mike’s dollar spots, use my LSS punch card for “free” purchases, look for good deals on HSN/QVC, etc. I use 40% coupons to buy Stacks ~ $20 minus $8 = $12, for 180 papers, that’s only 7 cents/sheet, what a steal. I don’t internet shop if I have to pay too much extra for shipping and try to buy during free shipping specials. If I order something for myself from Memory Works, I wait til I can combine it with a customer’s order to share shipping. It takes more time and effort, but now that I work less and make less money, what I’m rich in is time. I’m going to Target weekly anyway, and ~nice~ Mike’s is right next door. No gas money wasted.

~ Accepting free scrap stuff
I love freebies and have never turned away a free scrap product. I happen to have some very generous scrappers in my circle. They have very specific styles or don’t like “repeats” whereas I could care less ~ I love it all! If it’s something I won’t use, I stash it for my kids to make cards or to give to the school. I’ve seen “scraps” thrown away at my crops that are, like, 1/2 sheets of perfectly beautiful Scenic Route cardstock PP. I save that stuff and it does get used. But it makes my stash bigger than yours. I got TONS of free stuff from the CKU’s, bus shopping trips, and cruise I went on (and I say FREE meaning I only paid hundreds or thousands of dollar on the event to get it for free, lol). Again, my mom scraps 8.5×11, so she has handed me several 12×12 albums from events, papers she didn’t care for, and lots of embellies!

~ Being a consultant
Many of us are consultants for scrapbook companies and have to keep things in stock. I have several containers of stuff for sale. But if you looked in my scrap room, you’d assume it was mine.

~ How you choose to spend your disposable income
I don’t get my hair or nails done, don’t spend a lot of money on clothes (luvin Old Navy and Target), don’t need the latest gadget (no iPod here and my cell phone is 3 or 4 years old), don’t download music, don’t take vacations (we’re homebodies), don’t have expensive camera equipment, don’t go to pro sports, don’t belong to a gym (wait, I probably should!), etc. I mean, this is pretty much IT. By choice, because it’s what I love to do. There are months we’re totally broke and I buy nothing.

~ How long you’ve been scrapping
I’ve been scrapbooking for I guess about 5 years now. Of course I’m going to have more than someone who started 2 years ago.

So, there you go, there are lots of reasons why some scrappers have more “stuff” than others. I don’t think it’s fair to say someone’s area looks like “a store! can I come shop there?”, just because they have it well organized. And to question does someone really have time to do all the stuff they say, if they spend so much time in their scrap area. I mean, that would hurt my feelings to be questioned like that. I looked at Benita’s blog, and she seems to live a pretty full life to me.

I look at LOTS of scrap spaces that are posted online, and usually try to read the comments left by others. The comments on Benita’s room are pretty representative of what is usually said. I remember the one awhile back about someone’s gorgeous Scrap Cottage got a lot of doosies! Maybe it’s misguided jealousy, or misunderstanding, or a misguided attempt at a compliment. All of this said, I don’t think people INTEND to be hurtful, I really don’t. But I just wish we would be more considerate of each other when we post comments on each other’s spaces. How about, “I love the way you…” or “Where did you purchase that great …?” or “Excellent job organizing” (and leave off “All that gobs and gobs of stuff you have!”), LOL. Didn’t mean to make an example of Benita, but she is just the latest one I’ve seen where she posted her room to share her creative space with others, and gets comment after comment about “all your stuff”. Please put yourself in the person’s place and imagine how you would feel (um…defensive? hurt?). I think this is just one more area where we can be more supportive of each other instead of (accidentally) tearing each other down. What do you think?

Finally, A Winner! And Why I Might Be Absent…

Wayyyyy back on THIS POST, I asked for your help with ideas for a scrapbook company name. Boy did y’all come through! I had such a great time reading all the suggestions and then, as I often do, got sidetracked by life and forgot to pick a winner. Thanks for your patience if you’ve been waiting to hear who won the RAK, and I owe it to bluemoon for reminding me yesterday :)

There were 21 entries so I asked one of the kiddos to pick a number between 1 and 21, and they picked……NUMBER 3 !!!! Yeah, Number Three!!! We have a winna’ and it is DANA, from Dana’s Scrap Therapy. Go check out HER BLOG, it’s a good read. Actually, both her blogs cuz she’s doing the Perspective 365: Picture a Day Project and here is her BLOG for that.

Miss Dana, you win a RAK of some scrappin’ goodness. I’m getting a big Memory Works shipment this week, so I’ll go shop it for you and post a pic of your winnings. In the meantime, I’ll e-mail ya’ for your addie. Thanks to everyone for playing!

Now, as if being laid off this July isn’t bad enough, now I might need gallbladder surgery (boo hoo, will you join my pity party?). I was in the E/R most of yesterday with THE most horrible abdomen and back pain since childbirth (yeah, without the epidural). After lots of pain, a blood test, an ultrasound, an IV, and much needle-prodding because I have “bad veins,” the E/R doc says I have gallstones which will probably need surgery. This morning I’ve posted on my fave MB’s (CKMB and AMRMB) for advice because I know right were to go for the good stuff. And of course the ladies have come through. I’m also making calls for surgeon referrals and talking to everyone I know who’s been through this for advice. Basically, they all say “take it out” before it gets worse, and you don’t need the damn thing anyway. I hate hospitals, have never had surgery, so I am very scared (that’s what I do when I’m scared of something, go into total research mode). I called my SIL who is a nurse and she said they called gallbladder disease “The Four F’s: Female, forty, fat, and fair.” Okay, not everybody because my other SIL had her gallbladder out and she’s not fat, nor fair. I might be some of the Four, but I won’t admit which!

Anyway, if you ever don’t see me posting her for a few days, that’s whuzzup. I hear the surgery is usually laprascopic and recovery is about a week, unless you have some reason they need to open you up, then it’s major surgery and the recovery is longer. First, I’m praying for no surgery and a miracle drug! Second, I’m praying for the easy surgery if I have to have one. Believe me, I was praying yesterday for relief from the excruciating pain and He came through.

CONGRATS AGAIN ~~DANA~~ !!!

What Should I Do About Comments?

For the first time in 261 posts I’ve written, and 849 Comments left on those posts, I just received 2 Comments that were hurtful and purely negative. I guess I should’ve expected it, because the exchanges on the message boards about this very derisive topic (Kristina Contes/HOF Gate) have gotten pretty heated. I guess I just hoped people would have more class when they’re leaving a Comment that will remain forever, and for all to see with, in some cases, their real name attached. I’m confused…at first, I left the Comment in place, then I deleted it but mentioned in the post itself that I’d had to delete a comment, then I deleted the explanation. I dreaded to look this morning, and yes, she commented again. So I’ll leave it there for now, but if it perpetuates more rudeness then it will go. This blog has been a 100% positive experience for an entire year and now that is ruined. I don’t need negativity like that in my life, but I’m all for intelligent, substantiated discussion. I know that other blogs routinely delete Comments, but I had hoped to never do that. I have no problem when people disagree with my opinion ~ that’s what America is all about, and I love it ~ and it has happened here before. But am I required to tolerate meanness in the name of free speech? Feel free to add your thoughts below :)

Edited 1/14/08 to add: Hi Mandy, Pam, Derby, Erica, bluemoon, Cheeky, Gigi, Sandra and Tina! Thank you so much for your helpful comments, advice, words of wisdom. It really means a lot that you would take the time to share your thoughts. I guess the gist of it is: You can say what you want here, but be respectful. And if I’m going to talk about controversial topics, I can expect controversial responders sometimes! That’s ok. Like I’ve said, go ahead and debate it with me – ~ LOVE it! Makes life more interesting. But, like the feeling I get from Derby and Tina, it’s so easy to be hurtful and not realize the impact you’re having on others when you speak from anger. Since lina hasn’t responded again, I’m not sure what I said that made her so angry, but I’m wondering if some of my constantly present sarcasm was read the wrong way? You know, it could’ve sounded like I thought all scrapbookers ARE the famous “dowdy, ” snowflake stencil using kind. But as you know, my tongue was firmly in cheek with those comments…because I know that we are NOT that stereotype. If she was pissed cuz I was picking on Kristina, again, lotsa sarcasm there. I disagree with KC’s actions, but think she’s a great scrapbooker, and certainly don’t HATE her. To the contrary, I’ve said a few times that I feel for her in having to deal with the meanies (believe me, a whole heck of a lot worse has been said to that poor girl than, “Pick up your Legos and go home.” Words that start with C and end with T, for example, and harsh criticisms of her scrapbooking style). Thanks again ladies, and if anyone else wants to weigh in, I’d love to hear it! This is a big learning experience for me :)

Kristina Contes: In the LA Times

So I’m checking my blog this lazy Saturday morning, reading some nice comments left by my bud Dettao from CKMB, then click over to check my blog stats because, as I’ve said, I like to see which topics get you reading and commenting. When what to my wondering eyes should appear but a huge stat count for today, though it’s only morning here, and tons of clicks on the entry KRISTINA CONTES SPEAKS (MAYBE SHE SHOULDN’T HAVE?). Hmmm….bizarre…wrote that one way back in October ’07…still gets clicks almost every day…but over 300 on a Saturday morning?? Is WordPress messing with me…did my stat counter break…is someone’s enter key stuck and it clicked that article 299 times??

So I go check out CKMB ~ because that’s the best place to find out about ANYTHING that’s going on in scrapping, and I’m talking up-to-the-minute stuff ~ and of course, lovely BRIGHTSY (check out the thread just to see her siggie line; it’s my favorite ever) solved the mystery for me. As explained in this CKMB THREAD, there was an article in LA TIMES dated today, called A SCRAPBOOK CAREER IN SHREDS. OK, mystery solved…looks like it’s actually NOT over, and we’re going to start talking about KRISTINA CONTES…again. And I apologize if you’re one of the many who says, “Jeez, we’re tired of the whole CK Hall of Fame and Kristina Contes issue.” But if 300 scrapbookers on a slow Saturday morning want to know more about Kristina, I’m gonna’ write about it, provide some background, and invite all comments. Because for whatever reason, people wanna talk about it.

For those who might be new to the issue ~ grab a cup of coffee, get on your comfy sweats, and read THIS, THIS, THIS, THIS, THIS, THIS, THIS, THIS, THIS, THIS and THIS. Then come back here and read ~ the LA TIMES ARTICLE. Ok, we’re all caught up now, we’re on the same page, now let’s discuss…

First of all, Big Snaps to Kristina for getting scrapbooking in the LA Times! I’m always mystified about how we’re still this underground thing, this little enclave restricted to 5 magazines, the internet, and the occasional online article. Why are we given just scraps (forgive the expression) of a mention on television, mainstream magazines, etc.? Gadzooks, there’s now a scrapbooker in 1 of every 3 households! Throw us a bone, people!

As for the LA Times article itself, I’m with Kelli on CKMB…I’m very suspicious about why it’s been written about 3 months after the fact? And why both the Newsweek and LA Times articles are clearly from the Kristina slant, with quotes from Ms. Contes herself? I mean, she’s clearly generating this, right? And even if she’s not seeking them out, she could surely say “no thanks” when they ask to interview her. If I were tired of being scrutinized, tired of being called horrible names from fat, old lady, out of touch, “snowflake stencil”-using scrapbookers, I would just let it lie and go on with my life. Is it just me or she kinda contradicting herself?

And when you say things like: “They’re from the Stepford wife kind of mind-set…You’re doing something different, you must be evil,” you’re going to majorly upset some people, KC. I don’t think I’ve ever once criticized her scrapbooking; in fact, I’ve complimented her talent as have many others. I have always enjoyed her style, visited her blog well before this ‘scandal’ started, and admired her photography and art talents. It’s not my style of scrapbooking, but she has a definite uniqueness that I APPRECIATE, not criticize. Just for the record, my only criticism has ever been that CHEATING IS WRONG. The end. Whether you intended to, were in too much of a hurry to check the rules, or someone else (like a major scrapbook magazine) helped you break the rules, you still broke the rules. You should pack up your Legos and go home. And apologize before you leave. By all means, we forgive you and keep playin Legos with us, but don’t THROW the legos at us (Ouch, Kristina, that hurts! Play nice, like your momma taught you). But it seems to me you don’t have articles written in a national newspaper 3 months after the fact and then complain that no one will leave you alone. Or criticize people and expect them not to lash back.

Okay, I have to go clean the house now before DH gets home. Oh, and I’m going to do some scrapbooking with my “teddy bear stamps,” “foam stickers and glossy glitter glue.” And some Martha Stewart 18×18 paper. I’m sure I’ll have more to say about this article in the future (wink).

So this drama has been going on since October 2007. Why are we so fascinated? Tell us what you think…c’mon, I Effer Dare ya…

Previews of CHA Winter 2008

For the Scrapbook Obsessed, you could say that CHA time is even more anticipated than Christmas, Mother’s Day, and your birthday all smushed together. I mean, am I right?? Well, it’s that time again and the excitement to see all the new products is building. FYI: CHA Winter 2008 is being held in Anaheim, CA on February 10-13. The keynote speaker this year is financial diva, Suze Orman. According to the press release, “Orman will help attendees understand how their relationship to money affects their businesses and lives.”

I’ll keep adding any product previews or news I find to this post, so keep checking back (most recent entries will be on top). Please let us know what ya think, what ya might buy, what ya must have, and what ya won’t buy even with a 40% off coupon at Michaels…

And away we go!!!

DAISY D’s

I usually LOVE their stuff, one of my favorite brands, but…
Sorry, me no likey at all…

cha dd

cha dd1

cha dd2

cha dd3

There is tons more…see it all HERE.

MY MINDS EYE
Now THIS I’m loving…

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cha mme2

AMERICAN CRAFTS
Lots of their usual bright, cheery, easy to use stuff. There’s so much, I can’t post it all here. Just CHECK THIS OUT ~ it’s all laid out very nicely!

QUEEN & CO
This is from Q&Co’s blog; make sure to read the fine print!
“Introducing… the NEW Valentines line….

Queen & Co is excited to announce the arrival of our new Valentine products. Included in this release are new 3/4″ Felt Ribbons, two new Clear Stamps sets plus several fun styles of brads! Products are starting to ship this week. Look out for them in stores soon!

(note that these are not our CHA Winter releases – these are an extra mini release …keep an eye out for CHA releases soon!)”

cha q&co

cha q&co2

cha q7co3

UNITY STAMP COMPANY (new company!)
See everything on THEIR BLOG

cha usc

cha usc1

cha usc2

PAPER HOUSE PRODUCTIONS

New chipboard – see more at THEIR BLOG

cha php1

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CHERRY ARTE
18 new papers: His & Her Basics, Girl Power, Boy Story

cha ca4

cha ca6

cha ca1

cha ca2

cha ca3

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Okay, so much cute Cherry Arte but I have to stop! Go to CHERRY ARTE to see it all.

AMERICAN CRAFTS

Papers, glitter letters, and vinyl cut letters

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FLAIR DESIGNS

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TERESA COLLINS

From Teresa 1/2/08: “Here are all the details I have so far….

1. BELLA GIRL (tell me what girl does not love pink/black and crowns…) enough of a hint….

2. BOARDWALK (this line is bright fun colors…just what I’ve been wanting to do…did someone say SURFBOARDS,eh?????)

3. DAMASKED (enough said….sophisticated and rich)

4. Journal- It (this line will make you journal in a whole new light-)”

Details are from HER BLOG and she will release a new sneak peak each Friday. Here is the first one…
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SEI
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SCENIC ROUTE
Lynden, the new Easter/Spring mini line

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See more Scenic Route HERE.

Crop-A-dile & Crop-A-Dile II Big Bite

I (try to) pride myself on being on the cutting edge of the scrapbooking industry, and usually have heard of something several times before it makes it’s official debut, but this one really snuck up on me! I opened my e-mail box yesterday to see this little gem of a note from HSN, the Home Shopping Network channel.

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So the “first generation” Crop-a-dile has been around for a bit. I’ve had one for months and really enjoy using it. Memory Works carries them and, boy howdy, have I sold ’em to others! Once a scrapper sees the CAD (as CKMB’ers so affectionately call it) in use, they have to have one. Now, the question is, do we “need” a CAD-II?

Here is what I love about my CAD:
~ Punches holes and sets eyelets/snaps like butta’, in 2 sizes.
~ Shhhh….it’s so vewy, vewy kie-wit (quiet) and I can happily create in the middle of night without waking any family members.
~ It comes in cute colors like pink, purple and lime green. There are different configurations it sells with, where you can even get a matching case with tons of eyelets. For instance, Memory Works sells it with the pink tool alone, the pink case alone, or the green tool & case together.
~ The hole punches are cool to use because you can adjust the sliding thingee (that’s a highly technical term) for how far into the paper you want to punch. Then all your holes are uniform looking like, say, one inch in from the edge of the paper.

Only negatives I’ve seen to the CAD:
~ Because of the tool being smaller, there are limitations with how far into an item you can punch. I think it amounts to 1 or 1.5 inches. Personally, it doesn’t bother me because I mostly set eyelets and snaps into flowers, smaller pieces of card or other embellishments. But I know it’s been a concern for others.
~ The thing doesn’t know it’s own strength and, if you’re not careful, you can smoosh (another technical term) your snap or eyelet beyond the point of recognition. Basically, ya just gotta practice with it until you find the amount of force needed to set things.

So, in answer to the “short reach” complaints, WE R MEMORY KEEPERS (manufacturer of the Crop-A-Dile) have provided us with the Crop-A-Dile II Big Bite. Talk about responsive ~ WTG, WRMK! Now the burning question is: Do we need the Big Bite? For now, I think I will hold off. It looks expensive, and crikey, could they find a better color than that gawdawful orange? Actually, WRMK usually has rockin’ color choices in all their items, so I’m sure there will be mo’ better color choices to come.

Here is the discussion on Big Bite so far ON CKMB and ON 2PEAS. What are your thoughts on this new biggie? Will you be purchasing one on HSN tomorrow, or anywhere else?

Edited 1-9-08: Huggy Bear says word on the street is retail will be only $39.99, and some LSS’s are doing pre-sales for $32. Okay, now I’m tempted. I thought that puppy was gonna’ be WAY more than 40 bucks…Wonder how much HSN will have it for???

Edited 1-10-08: Okay, I watched the HSN presentation on the CAD-II Big Bite (like most of you, yeah?). I have to admit, I’m kind of in love with the thing. I didn’t want to be, but that cute little WRMK guy, and the enthusiasm of that little blondie, Suzanne Runyan…jeez, they won me over big time. The CAD-II can punch even further than 6 inches into an item. They punched into sheets of tin (yeah, I’ll be doing that ALL the time), thick chipboard, even a 5-layer dealie of a metal snap, 3 flowers, and a plastic Chinese takeout box. Gotta’ give ’em props, they knew how to sell me. And the price was around $40 with another $6 or so for shipping. HSN said they were the only ones who had it in stock; the WRMK guy said he doesn’t even have one. So, if you MUST have it now and you don’t mind orange, I say get it from HSN. I will patiently wait for another color, but I WILL have one, oh yes, I will have one…

Scrapbooking Tip #2

In my last post about October Afternoon, you will see a sheet of paper that looks like a 12×12 piece of binder paper. It really caught my eye because, while I love the look of binder paper on my layouts, I would never use the real thing because it’s not acid free. Since I usually cut up scrapbook “binder paper” into smaller journaling pieces (i.e. rarely need an intact 12×12 piece of it), I make my own! Here’s how: Take a piece of actual binder paper. You can tear it out of a spiral notebook and leave the ragged edges for a cool look, or use a sheet with a clean left edge. Put it in your scanner and COLOR copy it onto white, cream or any other light colored paper you like. Once it’s scanned, you can re-use it to your heart’s content. I used this idea once to do all the journaling boxes for a School Days mini album. Hope you can use it in your scrapbooking too!

DISCLAIMER: This was a VERY basic album…please don’t judge my scrap skills from it. It was a 6×6 album I threw together in a couple hours when a friend needed a last minute prize for a silent auction.

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October Afternoon Scrapbooking Line

So I’m over at my “other” 2nd home ~ All Moments Remembered message board ~ and I see THIS THREAD about Stacey’s favorite new company, October Afternoon. I found THEIR WEBSITE (which is new and still in the production stages) and was first off impressed with their design team. There are some names I recognize as very talented and I can’t wait to see what they do with this yummy product. Then I clicked on those PDF’s to see what they got! Yowza, you’re gonna’ love it too (although, unlike HEATHER, I’m not an owl fan, LOL).

PAPERS

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DIE CUTS

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RUB-ONS(just a sampling, there are lots more)

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CLEAR STAMPS (just a sample, there are lots more)

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I like the distressed edges on the papers, the warm colors, and how they have the same versions of the rub-ons in both brown and white (or espresso and cream or whatever). Since I have an ongoing Book of Me, these products are just what I need. It’s like they read my mind or something!

Stacey at ALL MOMENTS REMEMBERED online store is in the process of adding this to her site. So when ya want some (and I know you will!), go see Stacey for the best customer service and friendliest help you will find anywhere. And tell her I sent you {tee hee}…

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