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Simple Stories: “Elementary” + “Smarty Pants” = A Good Match?

A sweet scrapper named Wendy e-mailed this question to me recently:

I was wondering if you think I could combine SS Smarty Pants with SS Elementary in the same album. I already have Elementary, but have had my eye on Smarty Pants since it was released. Are the colors close enough, or are they way off in real life? I read your Blog so I know you are an expert on SS. THANKS!

I thought I would share the answer publicly just in case someday a scrapper is Googling and has the same question, LOL!

Here are images of both lines from the SIMPLE STORIES blog:

You can see why it would be hard to tell if they go together well, huh? So I took a photo today of both lines . . . I just HAPPENED to have a bit (cough cough I’M NOT A SUPPLY HOARDER! coughcough) of each line on hand :)

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The primary colors are basically the same shades in both lines. The main difference is that “Elementary” is pretty grungy with a brown/cream tone throughout whereas “Smarty Pants” is cleaner and has white backgrounds.

That said, I don’t see why you couldn’t mix the 2 lines together. Some people are picky about only using cream with cream and white with white, but that’s not something that bothers me. I think these would be a nice mix, actually. They kind of balance each other out.

Wendy, I hope that was helpful! Readers, what do you think – would you mix these 2 lines together? Please leave a Comment below! Diverse opinions welcomed and I will NOT point and laugh, I promise ;)

Memory Works: Simple Stories “Daily Grind” in Stock

If you hadn’t already heard, MEMORY WORKS is closing effective 12-31-13. I wrote about the sad saga HERE. So this month is my last hurrah, so to speak :(

I wanted to let you know that “Daily Grind”, the newest line from SIMPLE STORIES is in stock and you can see it all HERE.

I already have some Daily Grind in hand myself. Wanna’ see? I got a sampling of the loose papers, Elements papers, and the Simple Elements chevron papers. I’m showing you the front and back sides of the papers. I also got the bingo card paper, Sn@p Cards, and Sn@p Cuts.

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How about some “Daily Grind” inspiration from the Simple Stories DT?


**BY TONYA**


**BY MELISSA STINSON**


**BY EMILY LANHAM**


**BY VICKI BOUTIN**

If I’ve convinced you of its pure beauty and necessity in your life, I’d really appreciate one last order from ya’ :) Just check it out HERE, then e-mail me with your order: scrapbook obsession(at)gmail(dot)com.

I’ll send you a Paypal invoice right away and once that’s cleared, Memory Works will ship “Daily Grind” {or any other scrappy goodness that falls into your cart} straight to you from the home office in Utah within 1-2 business days.

Hope to hear from you!

Archivers Asks for Holiday Customer Support – What Do You Think?

ARCHIVER’S scrapbooking chain sent out this e-mail recently. I’m not on their mailing list so I copied it from a posting online; I apologize for the lovely ‘chopped up’ quality :)






I’m on the West Coast and have never been to an Archiver’s, altough shopping there is on my Scrapbook Bucket List :) I’m rarely even in an LSS anymore – all of mine closed years ago – so the thought of being in a scrapbooking warehouse of sorts is pretty exciting! Alas, I’ll have to cross 2 large states to reach the closest one!

Archiver’s Locations:

But when added to their BANKRUPTCY NEWS from the recent past {where the irony of them shafting some of those small manufacturers they now propose to support has been mentioned} and now this e-mail, it’s starting to feel like another thing I’ll have to remove from the Bucket List as impossible {like seeing The Oprah Show in person, boo hoo}. In other words, I have to wonder: Will Archiver’s even be around by the time I can travel to one?

The message boards are blazing with reaction to the above Archiver’s e-mail. Here’s the gist of some of the comments, both good and bad:

– Archiver’s is clearly NOT a small business and trying to cast themselves as part of Small Business Saturday was tacky and unwarranted. While they ARE a small chain {33 stores} in comparison to big boxes MICHAELS {1000+ stores} and HOBBY LOBBY {800+ stores}, they do not meet the definition of a small business {25 locations or less; they missed it by 7}. Personally, I don’t read that they think they ARE a small biz, just that their continued existence helps to keep ‘small biz’ scrapbooking vendors alive. And that they are similar in many ways to a small business in that their home office and individual store staffs are relatively small. I was surprised to hear that only 30 home office employees run a chain of 33 stores; I had pictured a much bigger ‘corporate headquarters’ type of set-up.

– Archiver’s in the past seemed to be practicing “Goal: World Scrapbooking Domination”, putting stores in close proximity to local scrapbook stores {LSS’s}, which many feel was a targeted and successful attempt to shut the smaller stores down. So isn’t it ironic that they now would like to cast themselves as a ‘small business’ or small business supporter?

– Archiver’s has made other business mistakes – like employees who seem to lack scrapbooking knowledge or interest, installing Memory Labs in their stores which don’t seem overly popular, must’ve been hugely expensive, and take up lots of store space that used to hold product, etc. So to send this e-mail that seems to imply that it’s the customers’ faults that Archiver’s is struggling is like a slap in the face.

– Scrappers who do have Archiver’s stores nearby enjoy shopping there, feel they offer something special, and they try to support them with their dollars. Shoppers realize that if we as customers don’t show our support, i.e., spend our scrappy dollars there, we simply won’t have them as a choice eventually. And no one wants that :(

– The e-mail from Archiver’s didn’t bother some scrapbookers at all. They either found it harmless, just the truth being spoken, a necessary cry for help, etc.

Please remember, I stated these are not MY opinions per se, just a compilation of things I’ve seen expressed on the message boards.

Again, as someone who’s never shopped at Archiver’s, I can’t comment on their business practices, their employees, etc. But I can say that if I DID have an Archiver’s within driving distance, I would be there as much as possible. I do have other loyalties to keep with my scrapbooking dollar {as a MEMORY WORKS consultant since 2007, a lot of my dollars have gone there obviously … but they are closing effective 12-31-13} and other places I like to buy basics {Michaels, etc.}.

But I personally wouldn’t take offense to the Archiver’s e-mail. It would’ve opened my eyes to the dire straits they appear to be in, and would’ve renewed my interest in and commitment to shopping there. Hoping it wouldn’t be too little, too late for “us” to save them …

Are you an Archiver’s customer? What has been your experience with Archiver’s? Did the e-mail bother you or no? Do you think Archivers is on its way to closing down?

Even if you don’t have an Archivers close enough to shop at, I’d love to hear your opinions on this issue. Like THIS post I wrote a while back, scrapbooking stores, manufacturers, and customer support is an issue that’s going to keep coming up as more stores continue to fight to stay in business in these tough times … or give up when it’s no longer possible.

Do we as scrapbookers “owe” anything to these retailers? And if we don’t monetarily support them, are you okay if they close?

Please leave your Comments below!

Scrapbook Products: “Timbergrove” by Fancy Pants

I just wanted to say: “Welcome back, Fancy Pants. Welcome back.”

I used to love FP back in the day. When I first started with MEMORY WORKS in 2007 and for a year or two thereafter, I used to lub me some Fancy Pants. They were one of my biggest selling brands.

Then I don’t know what happened but they fell off my radar. First off, I didn’t hear about them much anymore. Secondly, when I did come across a Fancy Pants line, I didn’t care for it. Too busy, too doodle-y, too much. Weird color combos, some kind of jarring. Just not my style anymore.

Then today I saw this: “Timbergrove” by Fancy Pants shipping November 2013 (!!)

And my FP love was restored. Like magic. Rich colors, simpler designs, no doodles, and a fresh look that I haven’t seen in any other Christmas line from 2013.

I didn’t link the images because they were so small when I tried. But do go look at the link above and see what I’ve fallen in love with. They also have a new line called “BELOVED” shipping December 2013 which doesn’t do much for me, but then I’m never much into Valentine’s lines. You?

What do you think? Had you lost the love for Fancy Pants only to discover it again? Or have you always like their lines?

Okay, this is going on my list for Scrapbook Santa!

*** MEMORY WORKS CLOSING SALE *** Starting 11-02-13 Until It’s Gone!

As I posted here yesterday, the scrapbook company I’ve been a consultant for since 2007 is closing their doors effective 12-31-13. They also own Simple Stories and want to focus on that part of their business.

What that means is a HUGE CLOSEOUT SALE – hey, at least something good comes of it, right?

Effective November 2, 2013 all products will be clearance priced at an additional 30% discount. There will be no further reduction in price. As products sell out they will not be reordered or replaced.

Here is the Memory Works website: www.memory-works.com

Please take a look and if there’s anything you’d like to order for 30% OFF (even Clearance!), e-mail your order to me at: scrapbookobsession(at)gmail(dot)com

I will send you a Paypal invoice ASAP. Once payment is received, your order will be sent from the MW warehouse in Utah straight to you! They normally ship within 1-2 business days of order completion – although I’d allow a bit of extra time as they are flooded with orders.

I’ve been checking the MW site and don’t see the discount but please know that EVERYTHING* is 30% off. When I put things into my cart as a consultant, the discount is definitely showing. I’m off to order some goodies myself!

*NOTE: The Sn@p! albums and pages are not showing the discount and it being Saturday, there’s no one in home office for me to ask. If you want Sn@p! albums for 30% off, please send me an e-mail and I’ll find out Monday ~ thanks!

ETA 11-04-13: Apparently, the Sn@p! albums and page protectors are NOT part of this sale – sorry! But all of the Simple Stories lines and Sn@p! lines ARE part of the 30% off sale.

First come, first served and once it’s gone, it’s gone! MW carries all the major brands; here is just a sample of what we have:

SIMPLE STORIES “Everyday” Sn@p! Cards

BELLA BLVD “Daily Chevies”

GLITZ DESIGNS “Hello December”

MY MINDS EYE “Chalk Studio”

This is my last hurrah as a Memory Works Consultant. I would really appreciate your order :)

Memory Works is Closing Effective 12-31-13

As a Memory Works Consultant since 2007, I’m very saddened by this news :( Here is the press release I received in the last hour:

PRESS RELEASE:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MemoryWorks 640 West 1100 South, Suite 100 Ogden, UT 84404 801-782-5901
November 1, 2013

MemoryWorks, a direct-sales scrapbook company, announces today it plans to cease operations, effective December 31st, 2013. The company will continue to operate a retail location at 640 West 1000 South, Suite 100 in Ogden, Utah for the immediate future. Employees of MemoryWorks will be absorbed into Simple Stories, a sister company.

MemoryWorks was started in 2002 by Kevin and Amber Crowell. The company experienced strong growth throughout its 12 years of operation. In 2009, MemoryWorks released an exclusive scrapbook collection, Life Documented, to its consultants. As a result of the success of the collection, Simple Stories was created in 2010, a wholesale scrapbook business. Since that time, Simple Stories has experienced phenomenal growth in its short, 3 year tenure.

Kevin Crowell, President, commented, “We are very grateful for the devoted MemoryWorks consultants that we have worked with over the years. While the decision to cease operations has been difficult, it enables us to focus our resources fully on the continued growth and expansion of Simple Stories”.

Contact:
For questions related to media:
Layle Koncar Marketing Director Simple Stories layle@simplestories.com 801-560-3733
For questions related to consultants:
MemoryWorks Customer Service support@memory-works.com 801-782-5901

Even though I assumed something had to change in the near future, I had hoped/expected it would be a renewed interest in the Consultant side of the business. I was brimming with ideas of how to make things better for Memory Works Consultants.

The other option in my mind was this: Memory Works closing. Yet I’m still in shock. I’ll write more later . . . just wanted to get the news out.

To all the other Memory Works Consultants out there {{{BIG HUGS}}}.

Simple Stories: NEW LINE REVEAL! “Daily Grind” for Fall 2013

Well, I teased you about it HERE . . . but now as of 8am MST on Monday 10-28-13, I can share the images finally! Phew, it was a long 3 days, LOL :D

Without further adieu, here is the new line from Simple Stories called “Daily Grind”. Have fun scrolling . . . and here’s a tissue for your drooling.

Note: All images including layout provided by Simple Stories.

12x12 Layout

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Print

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Daily Grind Collage

My 5 favorite things about Simple Stories “Daily Grind”:

1. Bright primary colors combined with the warmth of dark wood is a great look. It somewhat reminds me of another favorite line, Glitz Design – Color Me Happy Collection

2. Versatile, daily use designs like calendar/dates, Instagram, phone, clock, house, hearts, and stars. And COFFEE!

3. The Simple Basics kit full of colorful chevrons and polka dots just makes me happy!

4. A new line of Sn@p! cards . . . can’t get enough of them.

5. That modern cursive font is one of my favorites.

Another similarity this line triggered for me was the translucent speech bubble images that reminds me of this:


Carta Bella “Hello Again” Chit Chat paper

I just ordered the collection pack of that Carta Bella “Hello Again” line … soooo pretty and pastel-y!

So what do you think of the Simple Stories “Daily Grind” line?

Simple Stories: A New Line is Coming . . . “Daily Grind”

I just got a sneak peek of this new line {which I’m not allowed to share yet, or you KNOW I would!} and it’s uh-MAY-zing!

It’s another clean, colorful, daily-use line similar to their Sn@p! lines – as opposed to the usually more distressed Simple Stories looks. Just to give you a little hint ;)

Vendors are placing orders now and the full reveal is planned for next Monday, 10/28/13. Of course, I will carry it here through MEMORY WORKS and would love if you placed an order through me :)

EEEE!!! Can’t wait for “Daily Grind”!

Simple Stories: Are the Chipboard Sn@p! 6×8 Albums Being Discontinued?

I think many of us have been asking ourselves this question, given that these albums have been showing up on clearance at Michaels, in kits, etc. When a product is discounted, it makes you wonder (fear!) that it’s end-of-the-line time for that product.

When this question was recently posted at Two Peas, I decided to contact LAYLE KONCAR, the marketing director for Simple Stories, and get an answer directly from her. Here was her answer: “We’re not phasing them out.”

YAYYY!!!! I know a lot of scrappers will be happy to hear that. While the new ‘leather’ 6×8 Sn@p! albums are lusciously wonderful (!) . . . {EEEE! Can you say “December Daily”??}

. . . the older version is special. The chipboard covers and cloth spines can be altered and customized to your heart’s content. Besides, I just love kraft <3

Here is what Layle posted to the Two Peas thread:

Hello ladies!

I’m the Marketing Director for Simple Stories. I assure you, we are NOT phasing out our SN@P! Binders; they continue to be one of our best selling products. You will continue to see us release products that coordinate the SN@P! Binders as well as our faux leather 6×8 and 12×12 albums. We have some SUPER fun things coming out at CHA related to the SN@P! Binders – stay tuned

Not only is Simple Stories NOT phasing out the Sn@p! binders, they are ADDING things related to them. Couldn’t be better news than that!

I’m a Memory Works Consultant (owned by the same family who owns Simple Stories), and we have the Sn@p! binders in stock RIGHT HERE . . . in case you can’t find the color you need elsewhere :) Please e-mail me with your order: scrapbookobsession(at)gmail(dot)com. I’ll send you a Paypal invoice lickety split and once paid, your Sn@p! binders {and maybe some other lovely products we carry like the new Sn@p! sets??} will be shipped directly to you within 1-2 business days.


Simple Stories Sn@p! “Everyday” ~ my FAVE of the new Sn@p! sets

Happy Sn@ppin!!

Simple Stories: Lookie, Lookie!

The wonderful and generous LAYLE KONCAR, marketing director for Simple Stories, was kind enough to send me some new goodies to try out.

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Yep, it’s the new SIMPLE STORIES 6×8 and 12×12 Sn@p Albums, along with the new 12×12 Sn@p Pocket Pages Variety Pack!!

I’ll be posting photos and a review soon so stay tuned …

PS: I’m going to compare these albums to the ‘old’ 6×8 Sn@p binders and to the 12×12 leather albums by WRMK. If you have any other questions you’d like answered about them, please post in Comments below. Thanks!

Attn: Scrapbookers and Cardmakers – Show Oklahoma We Care

I’m sorry for the late notice. I got this on Friday but failed to post it. The deadline for them to include your card and/or donation is this Friday 05-31-13. So there’s still a little time left to do a quick card and get it in the mail to Bo Bunny.

I hope you’re able to participate. I think “small” gifts like this will make a big impact <3

Memory Works: Simple Stories “I {Heart} Summer” NOW Available!

This is my absolute all-time favorite Simple Stories collection! I probably have said that before but it’s all their fault! Simple Stories keeps putting out new things that keep topping the last. What’s an obsessed scrapper to do?

It’s now in stock on my Memory Works website and I’m SO stoked! I was lucky enough to get a box of this pre-release so I can tell you first hand – it is aMAYzingly gorgeous and fun. You are going to love it. Or should I say {heart} it?

Just click right HERE to see the whole line and place an order.

PS: Please don’t be skerred to order from me just ‘cuz I’m a ‘consultant’. I won’t add you to an annoying mailing list or bug you for future orders. I’m more like an online store – just fill your cart, check out, and I’ll send you a Paypal invoice right away. Once payment is received, I approve the order and it’s shipped straight to you from our home office in Utah within 1-2 business days. {Monday is a holiday so I would order today for maximum speed, lol}.

Free Printables: “I {Heart} Summer” by Simple Stories

So you heard the EXCITING NEWS that Simple Stories new “I {Heart} Summer” line is coming out 05-20-13, right?

Well, if you can’t wait until then to see this SS goodness in person, check THIS out! Free printables from the “I {Heart} Summer” line! Yep, just click on the link, open up the .pdf file, and print ’em out on white cardstock for use in your layouts and Project Life albums.

Here are some of them – sorry they’re HUGE:

It don’t get much better than that.

Word.

PS: You can find a bunch of other Simple Stories free printables HERE.

Thank you Simple Stories!

Memory Works: New Line by Simple Stories “I {Heart} Summer”

Have you heard about the latest line by SIMPLE STORIES!?!? It’s called “I {Heart} Summer” and it’s a new favorite! You can see the entire line HERE on the Simple Stories blog.

Here’s a layout **from the Simple Stories blog** to tease you:

Isn’t it lovely?

And did you know that Simple Stories has a new marketing director? It’s a name you may recognize from the scrapbooking industry: LAYLE KONCAR. {Pronounced like “Gail” with an “L”}

And she is ~ to quote the name of another SS line ~ AWESOME! I’ve seen her doing great outreach around the scrapbooking interwebs and I’m sure she’s doing more amazing things behind the scenes as well. For instance, check out THIS THREAD on the Two Peas message board. Isn’t that cool?

Speaking of how cool Layle is, look at what she sent me ~ a pre-release box of the new line, “I {Heart} Summer” !!!

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THANKS LAYLE and SIMPLE STORIES!!! You rawk. Srsly.

Isn’t that amazing!?!? I was so excited to see this line in person. Believe you me, I unwrapped and fondled every stinkin’ piece, LOL. Let’s just say there was a lot of paper sniffing goin’ on in the hizzy ;)

Recently, I was fittin’ to scrapbook some photos from a weekend we spent at the beach. I wanted to get the photos and journaling in an album while the amazing weekend was still fresh in my mind.

But once I heard this pretty box was on it’s way to me, I put that project on hold sista’! I didn’t think on the surface that this line would be perfect for beach photos. It brought to mind more summer, picnic, BBQ, fishing, and swimming pool pages like these:

***LAYOUTS COURTESY OF SIMPLE STORIES BLOG***

But when I took a closer look at it, I realized how perfect it is for my beach weekend photos. There are images of surfboards, beach umbrella, “Beach” sign, sailboat, anchor, flip flops, clouds, fishies, and lots of distressed, beachy-looking wood. I can’t wait to start scrapping!

So do you {heart} this new Simple Stories line as much as I do? What are your favorite pieces? Do you have any photos in mind to use it with? I would love to hear your project ideas :)

PS: This line ships to vendors the week of 05-20-13. Of course, I would be really honored if you’d order through my MEMORY WORKS SITE. Once it’s in stock, you can find it HERE. Thank *U*

Memory Works: Spring/Summer 2013 Catalog is HERE!

As a scrapbook consultant for the best company on earth ~ MEMORY WORKS ~ this is one of my favorite times of year . . . when a new catalog comes out. Without further ado . . .

HERE IT IS!

Click on the link and it will take you to a gorgeous color .pdf version of the Spring/Summer 2013 catalog. {Because of all the graphics, it can take a while to load}.

So grab your beverage of choice, get comfy, take your time, and savor all the scrapbooking goodness . . . ahhhhhh . . .

If nothing else, you have to click over and see the the cover – could it BE any cuter? I don’t think so.

In case you’re not familiar with Memory Works, we carry all the popular scrapbooking brands including:

Simple Stories and Sn@p!
In fact, the owners of Memory Works own these two lines as well ;)

If you’re a project lifer or pocket page scrapper like me, you can see the new line of Sn@p 6×8 and 12×12 leather albums and divided protectors with tons of options. Those items are brand new, due for release in late April/early May 2013.

Other brands are Basic Grey, My Minds Eye, Studio Calico, American Crafts/Dear Lizzy and Amy Tan, Lily Bee, Echo Park, and lots more.

MW also carries products like flowers, mists and masks, a washi tape dispenser, the popular WRMK envelope maker, bling, shadow boxes, adhesives, cardstock, and YES wood veneers! {<- my most recent obsession} My shopping cart already holds the Sn@p 6×8 calendar pages, Carta Bella ‘So Noted’ line, and Echo Park ‘Perfect Summer’.

{I would have said Simple Stories ‘Urban Traveler’ and ‘Vintage Bliss’ but I already own much of those lines, lol!}

I hope you enjoy the new catalog! Please tell me what your favorite items are :) Most of these items are in stock HERE if you’re ready to shop or would like to see bigger photos.

PS: Pssst! If you look at the catalog and see pages 14 and 15, you’re going to get some VERY GOOD NEWS!! Check it, chica!

Memory Works: Already from Winter CHA . . . My Minds Eye 6 New Lines!

Memory Works puts out 2 official catalogs per year – in the fall and spring. The next one is due in late March/early April and will feature a TON of items from the recent WINTER CHA show! But we don’t have to wait until a new catalog comes out to see and purchase the new goodies.

Nope. No sirreee Bob! Memory Works is awesome in that they add the new products to our websites as soon as they arrive in the warehouse. As of now, there is 1 vendor who is PROMPT sistah! I’m talking about My Minds Eye.

These first lines from CHA-Winter 2013 are now available on my MEMORY WORKS WEBSITE.

There are 6 new lines by MY MINDS EYE – Noteable, Memorable, Remarkable, Unforgettable, Boy Crazy, and My Girl. Here’s just a little taste of each one:

You can see all the new My Minds Eye items HERE. I’m so happy to see we have the ever-popular MME Enamel Dots, like these from “My Girl” and “Boy Crazy.” One of each, please!

Wanna’ see these babies in action? BLADOW!

*LAYOUT IMAGE COURTESY OF JANA EUBANKS ON THE MY MINDS EYE BLOG

These little dots are just perfect for adding accents to layouts. And I’m thinking their both going to look great in my PROJECT LIFE album using the SN@P! line. For Project Life, I’m always on the lookout for embellishments that will add a little texture without too much bulk, and visual interest without being too distracting. These are perfect!

Oh Noes! An Addition to the “Misprints on Scrapbooking Products” List!

And this time it’s on a product from my beloved SIMPLE STORIES!!

Clee over on Two Peas posted a photo of this amazing mini album she made for a friend using the Simple Stories SN@P! LINE. It wasn’t until she completed it that she noticed the typo on a journaling card:

Man, oh man. That’s not even something you can cover with an embellie or add another letter to fix, can you? I feel so bad for her. She says she’s contacted Simple Stories on their Facebook page to point out the error. It will be interesting to see if they compensate her in any way {hope so}.

Well, even though Simple Stories is my favorite line in the world, and as a MEMORY WORKS consultant, I sell bunches of it … in all fairness, this latest scrapbooking product typo must go into the HALL OF SHAME :( It’s like sending one of my own kids to the principal, LOL.

Have you found any other scrapbooking product typos (not already listed in my other post)? I’m thinking with all the new products coming out from CHA, there might be some fresh stuff, LOL.

True Scrap 4 Class Review: “The Art of Layering” by Nichol Magouirk

As I posted HERE, I’m very excited that “TRUE SCRAP 4” individual classes are finally on sale.

I was especially excited (but somewhat apprehensive, honestly) to take this class: “THE ART OF LAYERING” by Nichol Magouirk (scroll down til you find it). I’m a pretty simple scrapper and layering? Yeah, not a talent I naturally posses. When I’ve tried to do layering before, my layout ends up looking like a red hot mess.

I’ve never taken a class by Nichol but I’ve always heard great things about her classes offered at Two Peas. I figured if anyone could teach me layering, Nichol could, LOL! So here is what’s included in the class, along with my random thoughts about it:

– A 38-minute video, which is on the longer side for a True Scrap class.

– Beautiful, long, and detailed handout with color photos, instructions, and supply lists.

– Great techniques Nichol uses to make her amazing layered layouts.

– I learned a great new way to computer journal on stickers (super happy about that one), a cool new way to use border stickers, and about the art of “tucking.”

– She made me want to buy a TINY ATTACHER by Tim Holtz.

– Nichol uses a lot of the embellishments I already have, adding them on to the page in ways I wouldn’t think of on my own – but I’ll be coming back to this video again and again to remind myself how to use what I have.

– As a bonus – because it’s a video – I finally learned how to properly say “Magouirk” . . . hee hee.

I have to say that one technique/layout was a bit too much for me. One attendee in Chat called it Extreme Diecutting. But if you’re into Silhouette, shadows, etc., you will LOVE it.

You know how scrapbook classes are so different, and different things appeal to different scrappers? This is not a class I would normally have taken. I’m a simple scrapper for a reason {well, other than the fact that I have as much design talent in my whole body as people like Nichol have in the tip of her pinky finger} . . . it’s because FOR ME it’s about the photos and journaling.

For others, it’s about making each page a work of art that stretches your talents and gives you a massive creative outlet. I’ll be honest and say that this class would be more geared toward the latter, if you intend to copy Nichol’s layouts or style very closely.

That said, I think it’s worth taking even for simple scrappers like me. I can take her overall concepts and pieces of her ideas to improve my own layouts, relax a little, and have more fun. Oh, and use product! ‘Cuz I’m a scrapbook product hoarder and lawdy knows I need to use up some product (so I can . . . . erm . . . shop some more).

I have mad respect for people who can scrapbook with layers and make layouts that are so gorgeous, I would want to frame them. It’s like a scrapbook isn’t good enough :) So overall, I do recommend you take Nichol’s class, “The Art of Layering.” She is an amazingly talented gal and now I see what all the fuss was about.

As much as I love Nichol now, and her amazing scrapbooking advice and techniques, even she is not going to get me machine stitching on my pages . . . not even with the cutest teal-colored Hello Kitty sewing machine ever! {There is a link to where you can buy one for yourself}.

Gosh, I look back at her layouts on the class handout and I’m just amazed at her talent. What an inspiring scrapbooker! Color me a Nichol Magouirk fan from now on :)

So if I’ve convinced you to take Nichol’s class, you can buy “TRUE SCRAP 4” individual classes here.

If you have taken or do take Nichol’s class,please leave a comment and let me know what YOU thought about it! I’m sure readers would love all perspectives as they decide whether or not to take this class.

Don’t forget: Buy True Scrap 4 individual classes by 12/25/12 and save $3 per class {$9.95 instead of $12.95}.

Memory Works: Simple Stories “Sn@p!” Albums NOW AVAILABLE!

You can find them on my Memory Works website RIGHT HERE.

Simple Stories: 6×8 Binder – 6 colors
Sn@p! Binder includes:
{8} Sn@p! Pages
{3} Kraft chipboard dividers
{2} 6×8 pocket pages
{2} 4×6 divided pocket pages
{2} 3×4 divided pocket pages
{2} 3×4/4×6 divided pocket pages
{2} 2×8/4×4 divided pocket pages.

Price: $17.00

All the colors are below and with each one, I’ve included a project using that color from the SIMPLE STORIES BLOG “Sn@p!” section. Swoon!

RED Sn@p! binder

. . . and a Couponing book by Liz Qualman.

ORANGE Sn@p! album

. . . and a 2012 album by Kim Holmes

TEAL Sn@p album

. . . and an Instagram album by Rebecca Koppel

PINK Sn@p! album

. . . and a Vacation album by Jill Cornell

BROWN Sn@p! album

GREEN Sn@p! album

I couldn’t find sample projects using the Brown or Green albums so I’ll close with this photo from CHA when the Simple Stories “Sn@p!” line was introduced AKA the day I found the new love of my life <3

I bet you’re in love too. Am I right? If you’d like to see the rest of the FUE-JUS “Sn@p!” line, pics of it all are posted HERE and you can order it HERE.

These albums are going to be hugely popular, especially because of December Daily and Project Life. So if you’re thinking about buying one (or several), I wouldn’t wait. I won’t be surprised if they sell out.

I just ordered RED and TEAL “Sn@p!” albums for myself. The red one I’ll use for my first attempt at December Daily. The teal one I’m not sure yet but the color is so pretty, I’m going to come up with something. I’ll probably scrapbook a trip with it, also using the rest of the Sn@p! line. Those happy colors will be so fun to work with.

Please let me know if you have any questions about “Sn@p!” . . . scrapbookobsession(at)gmail(dot)com!

Online Scrapbook Classes: “True Scrap 4” Starts Tonight!!

It’s a great day in Scrapbook Land!

Not only did my SIMPLE STORIES SN@P ORDER arrive, but tonight the True Scrap 4 event kicks off with an online Pajama Party. TS4 attendees will gather in the web classroom to chat, get to know each other, ask questions, and make sure all the technical stuff works before class starts.

Lain {our fearless leader} also promises a BIG PRIZE tonight! She just sent out a list of all the prizes to be offered throughout the True Scrap 4 event and it’s amazing. Hope I win something!

If you haven’t signed up yet to join us and would like more info on True Scrap 4 – please CLICK HERE. Or if you’re ready to sign up, you can just click on that cute red superhero icon in my right sidebar … over there —>

Hope to see you in class! I’ll be posting class and event reviews here as much as I can. They will mostly be next week though as I have a busy weekend with family stuff. Every spare moment, I’ll either be taking TS4 classes . . . or fondling my Sn@p goodies ;)

One awesome thing about True Scrap 4 is that I’ll have “forever access” to the classes and can easily watch them whenever I have time . . . as many times as I want.

Another cool thing is that, if I’m not totally happy with the event, I can get a full refund if I notify Lain before the last class is over on Saturday. That makes me feel better – that I can get my $$ back if needed.

Except I’m pretty dang sure I’m gonna’ love it <3 Yay!!! Happy Scrappy Weekend!!!

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