Month

April 2009

Showing: 1 - 12 of 12 Articles

Just some random scrappy things…

– Shopping report: At my Target, they have the cute summer lines from KI Memories and Making Memories both on sale. They weren’t huge discounts but, like, $3.99 items down to $3.19, etc.

The KI line is called ‘Juicy Summer’ and here is a sample, the chipboard:

[ picture goes here ]

Oh wait, I can’t give you a sample because their website doesn’t let you copy/paste pictures. Oh darn for them. Coulda’ had free advertising from a blog that does some pretty good numbers. Ah well…

The Making Memories line is called, oh I can’t remember, something summery. I looked for it on their blog which is down, and on their website which doesn’t list it. I even posted the question at 2peas ‘cuz I’m sure someone over there knows, but it’s 12:20 am on the West Coast, so I think all the Peas are snug in their beds. When I figure it out, I’ll plug it in here, LOL!

ETA 5/1/09: A nice Pea helped me out. She said it’s MM Spring Fling that’s on sale, and her Target also had MM Just Chillin’ (regular price, I think). I would show you some photos but the MM site doesn’t allow copying either….

At Michaels, I got some shizzlets for my AMR Scrap Pal. I am overdue in sending her any little gifties so she’ll be getting a surprise in the mail soon (don’t worry, I don’t think she reads my blog, LOL). I also got 19 stampalicious surprises for the ladies who are in my JOURNALING SPOT SWAP at AMR. I was so happy my swap filled up quickly, well before the deadline. Just a little way to tell them all thank you for participating. Such nice, fun ladies over there. The last thing I was looking for was some of those $1 packs of cute Thank You cards – now that I work from home, I want to write a little note to each of my “in office” co-workers since I won’t see them every day anymore – but all the $1 bins were gone. Gone, I tell ya! Bunch of clean and clear floor space near the front of the store. Let’s see, what holiday is coming next? Hmmm…. Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Graduation Day? Anyway, no notecards for me….farkle!

– The June issue of CK is out. My sweet online friend MIchelle aka Shelle’s2girls has a tip published in this issue. I looked for the mag at Target and Mike’s but they didn’t have it yet. Farkle again!

– I finished reading the scrapbooking novel, “A Page Out of LIfe’ about a week ago. I owe you a REVIEW, don’t I? Now I’m reading, actually am almost done with, “Frill Kill” which is a scrapbooking mystery by Laura Childs. Think I’m done with scrappy books for a while, LOL. I’ve already started on “The Pact” by JODI PICOULT; it’s my third time reading it ‘cuz I love her stuff so much. Now if Jodi Picoult would just write a scrapbooking novel, that would be THE perfect book!

– Last and most importantly: Stacey at AMR is organizing an online auction to raise money for one of her message board members who is going through something horrible right now. Please check out Stacey’s BLOG and the MESSAGE BOARD to see if you can help. If you’re more the shopping type, put June 13/14 on your calendar and come BUY an auction item or two towards this wonderful project. Bidding will start at $2 and, given the mad wicked talent I have seen from the ladies on the AMR board, you will find some amazing items to bid on. Please go check it out :) {{Love ya, Miss Destiny!}}

Journaling Spot Swap

Are you familiar with scrapbook/stamping swaps? They happen often on blogs and message boards, where someone offers to host a swap. For instance, 20 people will join a swap – of 8×8 pages, of greeting cards, of ATCs, whatever – and they make 20 of the same item. Everyone sends their items to the host, who divvies everything up into 20 piles, and mails them all back to the swap participants. So each person ends up with 20 different things, all handmade by crafters. Pretty cool, huh?

I’ve only participated in a few swaps over the years. The first one I did was major. It was a 12×12, double layout swap at CKU-San Jose way back in ’05 (spoken like a true, crusty old scrapper, huh?). I think we created 5 of the same 2-page layout, and there were probably 30 or 40 participants. This gal from Australia hosted it; I still remember her name (it was Maureen, LOL). On the first day of CKU, we all met in an empty classroom, put our layouts out on the tables, drew numbers, and took turns picking layouts until every person had 5 to go home with. It was an awesome experience. I adore all the layouts I got that day. It’s so fun to see someone else’s creativity and add your photos or whatever else to make it your own. Since then, I’ve done a couple ATC swaps at the AMR Message Board and it’s been a lot of fun. My favorite was a “Drink ATC” swap where you made ATC’s of your favorite drink (mine of course was a Starbucks venti sugar-free vanilla triple breve latte…try fitting THAT on a 2×3″ card!).

I had to take a break from swaps when I went back to work full-time last year. My time got really crunched, and I didn’t want to commit to something and feel so pressured to meet a deadline or whatever that it ceased to be fun. But I tell you, it’s been really hard to see all those fun swaps posted at AMR and not be able to take part. Since I started working from home full-time as of last week (can I get a woot woot?!?!), I decided I could stick my pinky toe back in the swap water. I wanted to start small, just to make sure I didn’t over-commit myself and then have to kick my own ass. I hate it when I have to do THAT. Then over on 2peas one day, I was reading the daily blogger thread, which led me to joining THIS swap. It couldn’t be easier, just make 20 journaling spots and stick ’em in the US mail. The very day I joined, I went over to my desk and stamped out my journaling spots. I even made some extrees for myself and a few for the hostess with the mostest, BONNIE. I just need to sign the backs and they are ready to go.

The process was so easy and fun, and I am SO looking forward to receiving my 20 journal spots from others, that I got a wild hair and decided to HOST my first swap evah! I posted my idea on the AMR board to see if there was any interest in a journaling spot swap there. There was, so I posted it in the EXCHANGES AND SWAPS forum on Saturday. {Forgive me, Bonnie, but I copied over a lot of your wording because you did such a perfect job of explaining it, LOL!}. As of now, there are 13 ladies signed up and 7 spaces remaining. So it’s going well. I think everyone feels they can always use some journaling spots and why not take advantage of other scrapper’s journal stamps or whatever to get some variety. Doesn’t cost ya much, just time and postage, right?

If you’re interested in this swap, just come on over to AMR and join up, then go to the Exchanges and Swaps forum. Look for me, I’m “journeyfan” over there. And if you’ve never done a swap before, I really recommend trying it. It’s a scrappin’ blast! If you have done swaps, tell me about the kinds of swaps and were you glad you did them?

Etsy Day – April 24, 2009

I purposely haven’t posted since “INTRODUCE YOURSELF,” because I’m having so much fun reading all about all ya’alls and I don’t want people to stop leaving comments on that post. But today IS Etsy Day, so I have to post. HERE is a link that tells about it. Basically, it is a day to tell everyone you know about Etsy and publicize it any way you can. Do a blog post, give a Twitter tweet, or post on your favorite message boards.

Ironically, my favorite scrapbook message board (ALL MOMENTS REMEMBERED, of course!) has just started gathering up their Etsy girls to support each other and advertise together. If you’re an Etsy girl, scrapbook-related or not, come on over and join the AMR Etsy gang. HERE and HERE are owner Stacey’s blog posts about it. I’ve never had an Etsy shop but this has inspired me to start one. It’s basically free until you sell something, easy to use, and promotes buying handmade goodness over corporate, Made in China schlock. How can you NOT support ETSY.COM? Okay, I’m off to Tweet this entry and then open up my Etsy shop…hoping my brand name isn’t already taken…wish me luck!

ETA 4/24/09: I did it! I am now the proud owner of an (empty) Etsy shop! Guess I better add some stuff to it this weekend, huh? You should really go open an account yourself – it took me literally 5 minutes on my lunch hour and it was free. My shop is called Calla Memories and HERE is the linkee.

Introduce Yourself!

I would love to get to know you. Tell me about yourself and your scrapbooking. If it makes it easier, you can answer any of these questions you’re comfortable with:

1. First name, part of the world you’re from, and about your family, your job, etc..
2. How long have you been scrapbooking and why/how did you start?
3. Are you now a paper scrapper, hybrid, or digital?
4. How often do you scrapbook these days?
5. Your friends and family would say you are…..? Give us 5 random things.

Okay, I’ll break the ice and go first, LOL!

1. My name is Erika and I am addicted to scrapbooking. (“Hi, Erika!”). I’m from California, been married over 15 years and have some wonderful kids. My number one job is being their mom, although I do have to earn a living too (medical transcriptionist full-time from home).

2. I’ve been scrapping officially since 2001, when I went to a Creative Memories party. Finally, a name for hoarding all your photos and memorabilia and putting them in an album! Had been doing that since my teens, LOL. I became addicted quite quickly, seeking out ALL the scrapbook products, conventions, and crops I could afford! Have loved it ever since.

3. I say I’m totally paper, have not a lick of interest in going digital, but I do journal on the computer sometimes, print photos, etc. Does that make me hybrid? I dunno.

4. These days, I scrapbook mostly at crops with friends or when my mom visits (she’s also a scrapper). I find it hard to justify time scrapbooking at home when so many other things need done…but I need to get over that, don’t I?

5. They would say I am….a Journey fan, sarcastic and cynical, a good mom, fun to be around, and opinionated.

Alright, now it’s your turn! Leave me a nice long comment, or answer these questions on your blog and leave us a link! Look forward to hearing about ya’ll! Have a great day :)

12×12 Paper Trays on Craigslist

Hmmmm….should I or shouldn’t I?

The listing says they regularly sell for $60 and she wants $40. I’m thinking of offering $25-30 and see what she says. I don’t need them for my paper – I’m a Vertical Storage Girl – but I need something to stack my ongoing projects in. You know, instead of my current method of creating precarious piles all over my desk.

Tick tock, tick tock…I’d better make a decision….

ETA 4/17/09: I e-mailed her with an offer of $25. Fingers crossed she even still has them….Will let you know how it goes….

ETA 4/20/09: Well, no trays for me. She e-mailed back that she was holding firm at $35. I’ll just use my coupons and get them over time from Michaels. They have this type of 12×12 stackable tray but they’re dark brown or black. Will be scouting for those now.

Scrapbooking Stuff at Big Lots

I’m sure this isn’t a very big deal for most of you. But for someone who’s main scrap shopping opportunities are Michaels, Target, and Walmart, you have to understand my excitement. WE JUST GOT A BIG LOTS!!!!!

I have always been so jealous reading those lovely, enabling message board posts about ‘the finds’ everyone has at places like Archivers (never been there), Joann’s (don’t have any), Hobby Lobby (nopey, nopey), and Big Lots. So now, I’m at least 1/4 of the way into that exciting world. And luckily for me – She of the Empty Wallet – it’s the most bargain-minded store that came to my ‘hood. So forgive my overdoing it with the photos but just thought I would share all the scrappy stuff I found at MY – yes, MY – Big Lots the other day.

LOTS OF STICKERS, MAT STACKS, and AMERICAN CRAFTS EMBELLIE JARS

img_0528

QUOTE STACKS….for Cinco de Mayo…Hey, you never know!

img_0529

img_05301

img_0531

8.5×11 CARDSTOCK PACKS

img_0532

PHOTO STORAGE BOXES

img_0533

A BIG HONKIN’ SCRAPBOOK KIT – I heard a lady in the aisle say that she saw this kit at Costco for $40, but it was only $25 at Big Lots. And there was only one.

img_05341

TEEN KITS, CHRISTMAS KITS….

img_0536

COLORBOK GOODIE BAGS – Tons of misc. stuff for only $12….”$100 value!”

img_0537

img_0538

SCRAPBOOK STORAGE OPTIONS AT A GREAT PRICE – I was eyeing those 3-drawer things but I have to see if the dimensions work for my space.

img_0540

img_0541

A PRE-DONE SCRAPBOOK – Hey, I’m not opposed to them as long as they are cute….great timesaver! And you can add embellies to make it your own.

img_0543

CUTE 8X8 ALBUM FOR 5 BUCKS….

img_0544

YOU 3-RING SCRAPBOOK LOVERS MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN THESE – I didn’t recognize the brand but the quality seemed good and you can’t beat that price!

img_0545

LOADS OF 8X8 AND 12X12 ALBUMS!!!

img_0546

CLOSER LOOK AT AMERICAN CRAFTS RUB-ON BOOKS….

img_0547

img_0548

… and AMERICAN CRAFTS ‘ELEMENTS’ RIBBON, AND PRESSED PETALS ‘CHIP CHATTER SHAPES’….

img_0549

img_0550

AS SEEN ON TV! THE CRAFT LITE CUTTER – I assume that’s a great price if you’re in the market for one…

img_0551

A CLOSER LOOK AT THE DIE CUTS WITH A VIEW 12X12 ALBUMS – A stunning $8 each! Even the turquoise velvet one…

img_0552

img_0553

AND HERE IS WHAT I ENDED UP BUYING: DCWV ‘Old World’ album ($8), AC red ribbon (it was unmarked so she gave it to me for $2), AC ‘Happy Birthday’ rubons, great for card making ($2), Pressed Petals ‘Chip Chatter’ letters in metallic green and red; I’m thinking Christmas layouts ($2 each), DCWV ‘Pocket Full of Posies’ mat stack ($3), so pretty, and metallic words ($1 each). All that shizzle for under $25. Made out like a bandit, I’d say.

img_0556

Personally, I don’t care if something is NEW or HOT or JUST INTRODUCED AT CHA! If it’s “old” and I like it – and I get a great deal on it – I’m a happy girl. If you’re the same way, don’t forget to check out your Big Lots once in a while. You never know what you’ll find….

Scrapbooking Novel: A Page Out of Life

I copied this from an ARTICLE on Scrapbooking.com:

————————————————
In A Page Out of Life, the art of scrapbooking becomes a backdrop that explores the experiences of several southern women as they document their lives. When frazzled mother of four Ashley Gates lets her best friend drag her to a meeting of the local scrapbook club, she’s amazed at the way old photos and mementos bring vivid color to sepia-toned memories. Among the surprisingly diverse group is Tara, a single grad student whose search for love, like her relationship with her absentee father, has only caused problems—and some funny dating stories. Then there’s Libby, a semi-retired teacher who thought she’d spend her golden years taking cooking and photography classes—not as a town pariah after her son is charged in a corporate scandal. As Ashley copes with a husband whose love for her fluctuates with her weight, she comes to depend more and more on her scrapbooking sisters. Only together can these women face earth-shattering revelations and emotionally unavailable men. “Scrapbooking is a tradition, similar to storytelling, but with a visual focus,” said author Kathleen Reid. “My goal in writing A Page Out of Life was to use weekly meetings of a scrapbooking club as a backdrop to uncover the secrets of generations of women. I am hoping that people, men and women, young and old, will relate to these characters and the unusually funny and poignant situations they experience.”
————————————–

I heard about this book awhile back on the MESSAGE BOARD at ALL MOMENTS REMEMBERED. I finally got it and have been slowly reading it over the last couple of weeks. I’m now about halfway through and, since it’s spring break and since my internet has been down a lot, I think I’ll finish it this week (so READING is what I used to do before the internet….that’s right! I remember now). NICOLE on the MB had mentioned that it started out kind of slow and it’s hard keeping track of all the characters, which is right on the money. But as you keep reading, it sorts itself out and gets more intriguing. Now, I’m really curious how things will turn out for the main character, Ashley. I have a lot in common with her (unfortunately!), so it’s an intriguing read.

I plan to write a scrapbooking novel (or more) someday so this is giving me ideas and has the wheels turning. But even if you just want a good, relaxing, scrap-related read, I would highly recommend it. I’m trying to drum up some interest in a kind of mini book club discussion at AMR but so far, no bites. Oh well. Either way, I’ll give you my final review when I’m done. If you’re interested in purchasing this book, A PAGE OUT OF LIFE by Kathleen Reid, you can get it HERE, HERE, and HERE among others. I got my copy at Barnes and Noble. Kathleen has a WEBSITE and a BLOG, if you’re interested. Happy reading!

Just an update of sorts…

Hey girlies! Sorry I’ve been MIA and haven’t posted in a bit. My internet is giving me fits since Monday. It works for about 5 minutes a day, so hopefully I can get this posted within the time frame, LOL! Please stay tuned…I have 2 posts coming up, one about a touching thing that happened on an SB message board and also a post about a new STORE that just opened in my podunk area…yes, I shopped and, yes, I have lotsa photos to share. Thanks for your patience…will post soon!

**UPDATE** Good Link for Michaels Easter Coupons

In THIS post, I gave you a bogus link to coupons which doesn’t work anymore. A very nice scrapper named Vivian, who found me via 2peas, e-mailed me with the .pdf for the coupons!

HERE and HERE they are. Please let me know if it doesn’t work for you.

I’m lovin’ the 30% off total purchase one. Hmmmm, do I need to stock up on anything? Maybe Herma Tabs….

ETA 4/6/09: Sorry, my modem broke and I was without a computer for a couple days! Anyway, I’m trying again to get those coupons posted. I fixed the one link and added another for the 2 coupons that still have “time left” on ’em. The links are working for me…please tell me they work for you…if not, I’m really truly giving up this time, LOL. But not for lack of trying….

Michaels Bonus Coupons for Easter.

HERE is the link to some pretty decent coupons. Now go stimulate that economy! Hoo Rah!

Here’s a sneak to entice you….

ETA 4/3/09: Sorry everyone! I guess the coupon is no good! I didn’t even make a copy before it “expired.” I’ve never seen this happen before. Whadduppppp???? Feel free to vent your frustrations here, and I’ll be back after work today to do some research into this. Crap.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...