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Scrapbook Shopping: So I Finally Got to Shop at Joann’s and ….

… what a disappointment!

As you may have heard me complain about before {ahem}, I live near very little scrapbook shopping. Within 1 hour of me, there is a MICHAELS and then whatever I can find once in a while at TUESDAY MORNING, TARGET, WALMART, and ROSS. The best scrapbook shopping I have is a BEVERLY’s CRAFTS 40 minutes away so I get there about once a month if I’m lucky. I did recently find a new little LSS about an hour away so that’s cool at least but, again, only a once-in-a-while thing.

What I’m tryin’ to tell ya’ is that I’m scrappy shopping deprived, people!! {Which is one of the reasons I become a MEMORY WORKS consultant several years ago, when we went from 7 LSS’s within an hour down to one and then NONE}.

So when I was recently out of town ~ a town with a Joann’s ~ pardon me for being a bit twitterpated about it ;) On the scrapbook message boards and from friends in other states, I hear about Joann’s this and Joann’s that. I’ve been to a Joann’s on various other trips and always found that a decent amount of scrapbook papers and embellishments had jumped into my cart and forced me to buy them.

I’m also familiar with JOANN.COM and occasionally shop online in that huge-amous store. They have coupons!!! Yeah, I like me some Joann.com + coupons. I have snapped up some OCTOBER AFTERNOON collection packs for 40% off and plenty o’ WRMK 12×12 D-ring albums for 1/2 off and free shipping. I mean, it just don’t get much better than that.

wrmk album

But I have to say my recent trip to the brick-and-mortar Joann’s was quite, quite disappointing :(

There were 4 kinda’ short aisles of scrapbooking stuff. Most of it I’ve already seen at Michaels. Or it’s already been in my stash. For years. Okay, maybe not YEARS but, like, for a WHILE. Jeez.

All the open stock 12×12 papers were boring and/or old. The paper pads were meh, nothing from any of the popular brands I like, nothing stark-raving new. It was all so boring, I can’t even really remember what there was.

The only thing I was even tempted to buy was an issue of ARTFUL BLOGGING because it had a feature on scrapbooker REBECCA COOPER, who I’ve always liked.

artful blogging

But I didn’t because at that point I was in “man, I’m so disappointed in this store so you can bite me” mode. {Sorry, I get that way sometimes … when you get me all built up and then dash my hopes}. Joann, can we talk?!?! If your scrapbooking section is going to be THAT lame, why even have one? Just let it go and get some more BEADS or something, mmm kay??? I might as well have been at Walmart 15 minutes and one less tank of gas from my house.

So I left Joann’s empty-frickin’-handed. Totally harshed my mellow, dude.

A Scrapbook-Related Craigslist Ad: Oh, How I Wish I Lived in Michigan!

SCRAPBOOK / SCRAPBOOKING SUPPLIES GARAGE SALE
07-21-12

Two sisters clearing out an oversupply of scrapbook / scrapbooking material from a home business. They have a TON of scrapbooking supplies and finished products at GREAT prices!

A perfect place/resource for crafters, Girl Scout leaders, scrapbookers, church youth group leaders, etc.
Here you will find well-organized and AWESOME supplies, at REALLY LOW prices.

Date and Time – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, July 21 and 22

Location – (address redacted) Rochester Hills, MI

Scrapbookers welcomed – husbands are encouraged to bring a book.

I *so* would have camped out on their lawn Friday night, LOL! Sounds like some awesome shopping.

And I love the closing line … Scrapbookers are so awesome :D

Memory Works: Trend Essentials for a Limited Time Only!

Every season, Memory Works adds to a section on my website called “Trend Essentials.” These are up-to-the-moment products that are provided in limited quantity. They are HOT and once the items are gone, they’re gone.

They are not a part of our regular catalog but only appear on the website. The offerings for Summer Trend Essentials are:

Fancy Pants “Time for Spring”

fancy pants time for spring

Bo Bunny “Little Miss”, “Camp-a-Lot”, and “Hello Sunshine”

bo bunny little miss

bo bunny camp-a-lot

bo bunny hellow sunshine

My Minds Eye “On the Sunny Side” and “Nostalgia”

my minds eye nostalgia

Echo Park “So Happy Together”

echo park so happy together

Carta Bella “Beautiful Moments”

carta bella beautiful moments

Crate Paper “Little Bo Peep” and “Little Boy Blue”

crate paper little bo peep

crate paper little boy blue

and my personal faves …

Basic Grey “Paper Cottage” and “Clippings”

basic grey paper cottage

basic grey clippings

I’ve just shared the papers here but we have embellishments for all the lines ~ from stickers to brads to even wood shapes ;)

crate paper little bo peep

HERE they are in .pdf catalog form.
HERE they are on my website. You can place an order straight from there, I’ll send you a Paypal invoice, and once cleared it will ship to you from our Utah home office in 1-2 business days.

Please let me know if you have questions or I can help with placing an order: scrapbookobsession(at)gmail(dot)com.

Which of the above “trendy” lines is your favorite?

Scrapbook Shopping: Thickers and 12×12 Papers

I went to BEVERLY’s CRAFTS the other day and did a lil’ shopping …

The 8 papers on the left were in the bargain bin, 3 for $1. I paid full price for the ECHO PARK birthday paper. I like how you can cut it apart and make use of it on several pages. I used a 40% off coupon on the burlap Thickers … so stinkin’ cute.

Left the store for about $7. Just enough shopping therapy to make my day :) What’s the last good deal you got?

Scrapbook Generations: “Good Day Sunshine” Kit

Some time in June, I got an e-mail from SCRAPBOOK GENERATION which is where I get the monthly SUPER SKETCH CLUB kit. It was advertising some new layout kits they had that you could purchase a la carte, without signing up for the club or anything. This was my favorite one: GOOD DAY SUNSHINE.

good day sunshine kit scrapbook generation

For only 18 bucks, you get enough papers to do 3 double-page layouts, plus instructions, sketches, and a photo of the completed layouts. SOLD! I only wish I could’ve bought more of their fab-o kits because they have a ton and all are cute and SO worth the price. For only an extra $1.99 in shipping, they held the kit and included it the box with my July Super Sketch Club kit, which was nice.

Anyway, as excited as I was to get working on layouts from Shimelle’s THE PERFECT COLLECTION online class, I spent all Friday night and most of Saturday organizing my scrapbook room (photos and deets to follow this week!). So I was too brain-fried to even attempt the class.

So instead I pulled out the package with my Good Day Sunshine kit and got to work. About an hour later, I had all this to show for myself :)

{Yeah, I see you eye-ballin’ that October Afternoon “Cakewalk” paper. It’s cute huh?? But totally unrelated to this post}.

Sorry, to fit it all in 1 pic, I had to tilt one layout on it’s side but you get the gist, yeah? As you can see, I also had enough paper and die cuts left to make an additional single page layout. We go to the beach a lot so I’ll be putting these pre-done layouts to good use. I think I’m going to use them for a beach overnighter we did last summer where our hotel was right on the beach. I figure I can use the single page layout like a cover page with the title and a bunch of journaling, maybe 1 photo. Then the other 2 beach-related layouts will follow with beach photos and the other stuff we did there.

Sometimes when you have no brain power but want to cut some paper and use pop dots, a kit like this is a very good thing ;) Did you accomplish anything scrappy last weekend?

Online Scrapbook Classes: True Scrap 3 Individual Classes … Shimelle Laine

Yay, July 1 and payday is here!! I get to sign up for some True Scrap 3 classes :) {If you’re wondering what I’m talking about, here is where I explained True Scrap 3 individual classes}.

I know you may have questions about what exactly is included in these classes before you fork over the dough for them. I’ve been wondering the same thing. So I did some research into the class I’m MOST interested in – Shimelle Laine’s “The Perfect Collection” – and here is what I found out.

First of all, in all True Scrap 3 classes you get PERMANENT (as in … forevah!) access to the class video. Just make sure to bookmark the page after you purchase so you can always find it. I have a folder in my bookmarks for Online Classes like the SKETCH SUPPORT one I took from Allison Davis and can refer back to them whenever I need to. The videos with True Scrap 3 are usually 30-40 minutes long and then you also get a .pdf file that you can keep forever … and ever :)

Here is what Shimelle says on her blog about “The Perfect Collection” class:

Last spring I shared my workshop for getting the most out of a collection pack with the crowd at True Scrap 3 – which is always great fun and a sort of online scrapbooking convention with so many different classes and ideas to take in. I know the whole shebang is a rather big purchase and not everyone’s style, so if you really fancied just a few classes, then now is the time for you! All the True Scrap 3 classes are now available individually.

My workshop, The Perfect Collection, is all about taking one collection pack and using it until it’s all gone – and I walk you through my process for making a full album from a collection pack. The video is just shy of forty minutes, plus there is a PDF with cutting guide diagrams and pictures of how those pieces of paper became the finished scrapbook pages. Other workshops available cover all sorts of topics, from embellishment and page design to writing, photography, creativity, stamping, symbolism, Project Life, digital and hybrid crafting and mixed media art techniques. You can sign up for any number of classes you like.

OMG, I get so excited reading that description! I know exactly which collection I’m going to start with … and you’re SO going to laugh at me because I’ve been hoarding this for a loooooong time. YEARS, I tell ya’! Have you been around the scrapbooking world long enough to remember the “WILD SAFFRON” collection by K&Company?

K & Company wild saffron

HA! I fell in love with this collection right off the bat and gobbled pieces of it up whenever I could. I would say a stack of 40% Michaels coupons were spent on it for sure. I would buy the paper pad, a set of letter stickers, or an embellishment pack each week until I had virtually every piece. Yes, I love it THAT much.

To see how many years I’ve been hoarding this stuff, look at these old entries and note the date they were posted: Hating the Scrap Lull and Michaels Finds. EEK! How embaraskin’. The only time I ever used any of it was to make an EXPLOSION BOX for my mother-in-law … but she’s pretty dang special :)

I’ve always thought that Wild Saffron would be perfect to make an entire album with. The theme is so open and easy to use, and the colors go with the kinds of photos I tend to take – lots of primary colors mixed with browns and aquas. So … I *NEED* to take Shimelle’s class, don’t you think? My mind is just spinning with the possibilities ~ vacation albums, a year in review, a series of sports season layouts, etc. Do you have any kits or packs you’ve been wanting to use, either as a whole album or for a variety of layouts … so you just USE it? Instead of admiring it time after time in it’s clear plastic wrapper? LOL

From what I’m reading on the message boards, Shimelle’s class is VERY popular and people are loving it. They’re pulling out the paper packs, monthly kits, and theme sets THEY’VE been hoarding, cutting ’em up, and making tons of layouts! That, to me, is the best recommendation you can get!

If you’d like to join me in Shimelle’s class or any sign up for any of the other fabulous True Scrap 3 classes, click here to view more details.

Michaels: Coupons for 15% Off Entire Purchase & 50% Off One Item

michaels coupon

GOOD FOR 5 DAYS ONLY! July 1 – 5, 2012 so get thee to a Michaels!

If you’re not signed up to receive coupon e-mail from MICHAELS.COM, get on it HERE silly!

What are you going to (or did you already) spend that 50 percent-er on? I’m thinking about getting another SMASH BOOK. I want to document our summer in one, maybe the yellow one:

yellow smash book

yellow smash book inside

Your turn! Whatcha’ gettin’, hmmmm????

Online Scrapbook Shopping: Not Getting What You Paid For?

About a month ago, I placed an order for some scrapbook supplies from an online shop. I had bought from them before and had a great experience. The prices are good, they get the new releases quite quickly, and sometimes carry things that I can’t get with my consultant discount from MEMORY WORKS. Super cool, right?

So I ordered a bunch of things from the October Afternoon “9 TO 5” LINE including 12×12 papers, Mini Market stickers, 2 rolls of washi tape, etc. I also purchased a set of SUMMER FRESH 6×8 insert pages {MW was out of stock at the time}.

summer fresh mix and match album

My shipment arrived in a timely manner and I was scrap happy, although I was so busy with work and family stuff at the time, I barely had time to glance at it all much less sniff all the paper …. erm, verify that I got everything I ordered.

AHEM.

So fast forward to last weekend. I was straightening up my desk, putting away a bunch of scrap crap … errr … scrappy goodness, and I came across the package with my order. Finally! Time to sniff my papers! I mean, LOOK at all my goodies. For shits and giggles, I looked at the packing sheet and compared it to what I received.

Lo and behold, something didn’t match up. Instead of the LABEL STICKERS that I ordered …

october afternoon 9 to 5 label stickers

… I received WORD STICKERS:

october afternoon 9 to 5 word stickers

And instead of 1 set of JOURNAL CARDS

october afternoon 9 to 5 journal cards

october afternoon 9 to 5 journal cards

… I received 2 sets.

SO.

Don’t get me wrong: Those Word Stickers are sure cute. But, you know, um … that’s not what I paid for. Not what I chose. For one thing, I won’t even use those book tab thingee stickers. And I wanted the journaling space provided by the, uh, ya know, label stickers that I ordered.

Then again, why am I complaining? Not only did they replace the Label stickers with the comparably-priced Word Stickers, but I got a “free” pack of Journal Cards too. So doesn’t that more than make up for everything?

I’m not going to make an issue of it. One could say if I cared so much, why would I take over a month to figure out the discrepancy? And is it really worth the time/energy it takes to call or write the company, return or exchange or wait for the Label Stickers (which I assume they were out of) to come in, etc.? Nope, not worth it to me.

But this is the second time this has happened to me in about the last year (and I’d say I order something online about twice a month, if you include my monthly SUPER SKETCH CLUB kit). The other time it was from one of the huge online vendors. In that case, they really screwed me. An item I ordered was “out of stock” (funny how it was IN stock when I placed my order) so not only did they just ship it to me without the item (you know, the one I was REALLY looking forward to and the main reason I placed the order in the first place?).

But by deleting that item, it took me below the “$50 and free shipping” threshhold. So I received only my secondary item AND got charged for full shipping which was not an amount I would’ve agreed to pay for shipping. Grrr! I e-mailed them to express my pissed-off-edness but didn’t pursue it beyond that. I did learn not to order from them again unless I’m willing to risk this little cancellation and replacement dance they do.

And now I don’t trust this second vendor and will question ordering from them again. Wouldn’t it have been better for their sake if they had taken the time to write or call me and say, “Hey, we’re out of this, can we give you that, or would you rather have a Paypal refund?” And then I would continue my loyalty to them as a very happy customer. Now, not so much.

So this has me wondering how common a practice this is in the scrapbook industry. What’s been your experience with online shopping? Have you had items you ordered and paid for – substituted, canceled, or otherwise arrive not as you expected? Did you make an issue of it or just let it ride?

Would love to hear your experiences … Please leave the company name out of it if you can/thanks!

Online Scrapbook Classes: True Scrap 3 Individual Classes – Special Release Prices Now thru July 7

YAY! LAIN EHMANN from LAYOUT A DAY has just announced that “True Scrap 3” classes are now available for individual purchase. HUZZA HUZZA!

If you haven’t heard about True Scrap 3, uh, where have you BEEN?!?! Juuuust kidding ;) TS3 is a set of online classes with great instructors and speakers you may have heard of like SHIMELLE LAINE, BECKY HIGGINS, NOELL HYMAN (from the PAPERCLIPPING.COM scrapbooking podcasts … love her!), and many more.

Back in the day {aka April 2012 … but that was AGES ago when you’re waiting for something, jeez!}, you had to purchase the entire TRUE SCRAP 3 EVENT and the cost was $147.

Sure, it’s a stupendous value for the money {uh, hello? 15 instructors and 5 virtual make-n-takes!}. But I for one can’t afford to lay out (ha ha, get it? layout???) that kind of dough these days. So I’ve been patiently waiting for this announcement: Now you can buy the classes “a la carte” – for you non-Frenchies, that means “with a separate price for each item on the menu”.

For me, that translates in English to: “Hollah! Now I can afford it!” I know I’ll definitely be buying the Shimelle Laine class called “The Perfect Collection: Using your favorite collection pack to the very last scrap.” ‘Cuz lawdy knows I got a zillion collection packs here to use up. How about you? Can I get an “Amen!”

Stay tuned for more talk about True Scrap 3 Individual Classes. I will post more soon. For now, you can click here to view more details and maybe buy some classes, eh?

Sign up soon, before you get distracted by the UPS man bringing you more scrap pretties, LOL! The price for each class is set at $9.99 — for a limited time. On 7/7 the price will increase to $12.95 per class.

Come back and let me know what you signed up for. Maybe we’ll have the same classes – we can share a locker and pass notes during class ;)

New Scrapbook Vendor: Farmhouse Paper Company

There’s a new scrabpook vendor in town and their name is FARMHOUSE PAPER COMPANY

Here is what they have to say over at TWO PEAS IN A BUCKET. If mah Peas are correct, this company is from the people behind THE BUTTON FARM CLUB.

The Button Farm Club is known for their mini album kits. If you’re not familiar – here are past BUTTON FARM KITS and a pic of their June 2012 kit:

button farm club mini album kit

Not what I expected to see from a company called “Button Farm” but okay. Very cute, huh? {And I’m going to tell you a little secret here … an embarrassing secret … I’ve never checked out this club before because I have a pathological hatred of … BUTTONS! Oh, ick! I hate even SAYING that word. Ick, ick, ick! No offense to The BLANK Farm Club or all of you who love … those things. /embarrassing confession over}.

The tie between Farmhouse Paper Company and The Button Farm Club is confirmed in the description of the March 2012 TBFC kit:

Turning the pages of March’s Button Farm kit, featuring the beautiful new Be Amazing Line from My Mind’s Eye, will give you a case of “Spring Fever” . Starting with FarmHouse Paper Company’s new 6×6 Kraft Album, we adorn-it with brads, buttons, ribbons, and flowers to create a “Springy” keepsake.

See? Mah Peas are always right! {Well, except the other day when they tried to tell me that Willow Smith, age 11, got her tongue pierced. But that’s a story for another day}. Also, in the About section of TBFC, it says this:

The BUTTON FARM CLUB is a Artistic Collaboration Between Scrap-Mart.com and The Button Farm.

So to save ya’ some Googling {although who doesn’t like some Googling?? it makes me giggle … hee} … here is the site for SCRAP-MART.COM. I see that both companies are from Oklahoma.

In researching Farmhouse Paper Company, I found this fun tidbit: They requisitioned their logo design back in November 2011 from 99 DESIGNS. I say they picked the right one, don’t you?

You can get a peek at one of their lines, “Fair Skies”, in The Button Farm class description for CKU-BUFFALO 2012.

button farm fair skies farmhouse paper company

Here is part of the description:

The Button Farm is excited to help introduce Farmhouse Paper Company to the paper craft industry and we will spend this entire class playing with their first new release – Fair Skies. This paper line features classic country colors and patterns with an unexpected twist. The images of hot air balloons, clouds and sun will whisk you away to a happy place. The Farmhouse album we will use contains a creative combination of chipboard pages and envelope pages and we will embellish away with Farmhouse goodness!!

I’m no detective {I just play one on TV} but it sounds like the “paper company” will sell more than paper. Mini albums and embellishments are also mentioned. And I always love me a good travel line so I’ll be looking forward to seeing their offerings at CHA SUMMER 2012.

You can sign up for e-mail updates from FARMHOUSE PAPER COMPANY. The long contact form is misleading. You ONLY need to fill in your e-mail address, not all that other shizzle.

How about you? What are your thoughts about this new company arriving in Scrapbook Land?

ETA 06/26/12: MICHELLE GRANGER just posted to the Two Peas thread and provided two sneak peeks!

Hey there everyone! Farmhouse Paper Company will be debuting at CHA Summer with Papers, Albums and Embellishments..I will be working with the company and teaching some classes and have a sneak peak of some embellishments that will be available…. Enjoy and look for more sneak peaks to come!

I’m really likin’ what I’m seein’ … those chipboard embellishments are darling!

farmhouse paper company sneak peek

farmhouse paper company sneak peek

Scrapbook Shopping: Products for 4th of July

Right now, Two Peas in a Bucket has 130 Patriotic products in the 4th of July product category. Check it out HERE.

two peas in a bucket fourth of july items

My 3 favorite items:

“Seeing Stars” from the WRMK Red, White and Blue collection – such a cool starburst and I love the polka dots on the B side

WRMK red white and blue

“Summertime Fun” from the WRMK Red, White and Blue collection – love the red old-fashioned airplane … and the polka dots on the B side ;)

WRMK red white and blue

Denim “Let Freedom Ring” glitter foam Thickers by AMERICAN CRAFTS

blue thickers

I was gonna’ pick these cutesie pie little pinwheels {WRMK Red, White and Blue} for my Top 3 but they’re sold out … not surprising!

wrmk red white and blue pinwheels

Anything Fourth of July-ish catching your eye over at 2 Peas?

Changes @ Scrapbook Obsession Blog ;)

I wanted to let you know about some changes that will be going on around here in Scrapbook Obsession Land. To put in plainly:

– I am now allowing advertising and affiliate links on the Scrapbook Obsession Blog

If you’re just a Bullet Point Girl, you’re good. You can go read all your other blogs now. You’ve got the gist of it … bwahahaha! If you’re like me and have to know all the deets of new things and changes, then please get comfy and stick around for a little bit. Well, okay, a lotta’ bit … it’s LONG.

Let’s begin with some history. I started this blog (back before it was self-hosted, the address was www.scrapbookobsession.wordpress.com) in January 2007. I can’t believe it but that’s almost 5 1/2 years ago! On the ABOUT ME page, here is the explanation ~ written years ago and it still holds true ~ about why I love having this blog:

I am obsessed with scrapbooking and I know you are too! I think about it, talk about it, and do it any chance I get. I love to shop as much as I love to crop. My blog has: product reviews, show reviews, scrapbook organization, my shopping finds, and just general scrapbook topics. There are so many scrap blogs out there where the author journals about their life and shares their pages. I wanted my blog to be a little different. Hope you enjoy!

I started and have continued this blog all these years because I’m – you guessed it – scrapbook obsessed! I still love everything scrapbooking, talking about it, thinking about it, and writing about it. What has changed in recent years is, as you know, the economy. I’ve gone through some work changes over that time as well, from part-time to full-time to freelancing, from working from home to working in an office with a commute, etc.

Unfortunately, I’m not one of those lucky mommy bloggers who doesn’t have to work and can devote all the time I want to writing (even though I’d love to be, and am SO envious of those in that position). Disclaimer: Please don’t think I’m saying that being a full-time SAHM is easy ‘cuz I’m most certainly not. I run a home, cherish a marriage, raise kids, volunteer, AND work full-time. I know how hard it is, believe me! So basically it comes down to writing the blog or housework. I decided to let the housework go.

I’m also not one of those lucky ones with enough expendable income to pay others to design my blog and make it all purdy and interactive and slammin’ awesome. Sometimes when I make a little dough from my MEMORY WORKS consultant gig, I’ll put a little bit towards the maintenance or updating of this blog (e.g., paying for my own domain, buying premium themes, purchasing spam protection, etc.).

If you’re a longtime reader, you know that I’ve been posting a lot less than I used to. It’s not that I don’t want to write … I do! I still keep up with the industry, I know what new products are coming out, I hear the scrapbook gossip, and I have opinions, gurlll! I *want* to be able to write and share and laugh with you about it all.

But let’s get real: In this economy, the “fluff” parts of life have to take a back seat to the “real” parts a lot of the time. If I have a choice between booking a transcribing job or writing a blog post, guess which one I have to pick? I don’t like doing quickie posts for the most part, so I need at least an hour or two to sit down and do research, write a post, edit/download photos, include links, etc. Although in the interest of posting more often, I’m going to have to get over my long-post-itis and write shorter posts sometimes … hope ya’ don’t mind.

Anyway, writing a scrapbook blog takes longer than you’d think :) It’s a time commitment, for sure. {Okay, here’s a depressing thought: If I added up all the time I’ve spent over the last 5 years writing these 879 posts, I could’ve been running a Fortune 500 company by now – ha!}

As I’ve looked for ways to make money working from home (which I feel I’ve been called to do), I’ve been learning a lot about this idea of “monetizing your blog,”, which in my case would be making small amounts of money if you click on a scrapbook-related ad on my site or even more if you then make a purchase.

Anyway, it just seems like a logical next step for me. I’ve spent over 5 years writing for free – gratis – nada. I’ve linked up hundreds of companies and exposed customers to their products. I’ve enabled and help sell their items anyway (with not one word of thanks from any of them, btw). So if I can continue to write about the hobby-love of my life {{SCRAPBOOKING}} and make a little bit of money doing it, why shouldn’t I? And if it’s a successful thing, then scrapbook blogging just bumped up in my list of priorities right? I mean, if I can spend an hour blogging and it ends up having a better financial return than, say, an hour of cutting coupons than it’s a win-win, right?

And that’s all I’m hoping for – a few dollars here and there. I don’t have any delusions that I’ll get rich from this (even though I see so many bloggers of ALL kinds doing just that and it makes me SOOOO jealous! Srsly, there are people making 6 and 7 figures from this shizzle. LOL). But if putting some (what I hope are) not-annoying ads on this well-established blog can generate a little bit of income, I’m going to give it a try. I may fall flat on my face but I’m always one who likes to TRY so at least I can say I did, ya’ know?

Here’s what I need from you: Let me know what you think about the changes as they come along and be BRUTALLY honest, okay? {Okay, here is where I get mushy…}. In the 5+ years I’ve been writing this blog, I’ve been amazed, touched, and humbled that people like you actually take time out of your busy day to read it. I’m so very grateful for the support you’ve always given me by way of a Comment, a hit, a laugh, a link, a subscription – I love it all!

I’ve “met” so many wonderful scrapbookers because of this blog and I don’t want that to EVER stop. So one of my main goals with these changes is to *not* alienate you, piss you off, drive you away, make you hate me, or make you laugh at me (well, okay, feel free to laugh at me as you always have).

Here’s my fear: As this “monetizing your blog” trend has slowly made it’s way through Scrapbook World*, I’ve heard the comments on scrapbook message boards that go like this: “I used to love that blog and read it every day but now it just seems like one big ad” and “That used to be a wonderful blog but I’m tired of them always trying to sell me something.”

*Here are some examples of monetized scrapbook blogs that I personally read (not to bag on them, just to illustrate what I’m talking about): BECKY HIGGINS, ALI EDWARDS, HEIDI SWAPP, and LAIN EHMANN.

So bottom line: If these changes end up with me losing readers and friends, than they are so outta’ here. I’m not willing to trade a little dough for the friendship, loyalty, and fellowship you’ve given me for almost 5 years and I hope will continue to. So. Not. Worth it.

But if you do end up liking the changes {or at least not minding them awfully much}, then I will be in scrapblog heaven. My hope is that I pick products, classes, etc. that you actually want to hear about. I hope you find them helpful or at least provide some scrappy eye candy.

So stay in touch with me. Give me your feedback. Laugh at me, not with me, I don’t care :) If at any point, you’re throwing up your hands and walking away from me for good, leave me a nasty parting comment so I know what’s up in the hizzy. You can also e-mail me any ol’ time: scrapbookobsession(at)gmail(dot)com. If you don’t tell me, how will I know, ya’ know? I’m not a frickin’ mind reader.

Oh yeah, in case you’re wondering, the dripping sarcasm will continue ;)

I’m not gonna’ turn all corporate and proper on you. I’m going to continue being my brutally honest self and tell you what I really think about things. For instance, I could’ve just starting sneaking in affiliate links without explanation … but I gotta’ be real witchoo. My comments will be honest – good or bad. Always have, always will. That’s probably the totally wrong thing to do from a business perspective but whatever. Screw ’em.

And I won’t sell you down the river. I’ll be posting a Disclaimer and/or Affiliate page that explains all this, but basically I won’t lie just to sell something. If I think something’s crap, I’ll still tell you. And if I think it’s the best thing since sliced … erm, patterned paper … I’ll tell you that, too.

So that’s what’s going on as of now. There may be other changes – mostly to format, I hope, because honestly I don’t like the way this blog looks right now. But me learning how to fix things the way I want them is painfully slow … like watching Stickles dry. If you come to visit my blog and it looks all wonky, please forgive :) I’m about as talented a blog designer as Lady Gaga is shy. There WILL be hiccups and goofy shizzle. {For instance, I’ve been playing with the clickable 2peas links in my right sidebar recently to make sure they work}. But I’ll do my best to fix things and welcome (like you wouldn’t BELIEVE!) input and criticism.

Sooooo … clear as mud? GREAT! Thanks for reading and please tell me what you think!

Scrapbooking Supplies at TJ Maxx

I’ve been hearing lately about how – surprisingly – discount department store TJ MAXX sometimes has scrapbook supplies in stock. We just got one of these stores in our area so I thought I’d check it out.

Figuring the scrap stuff would be in the home decor section, I headed to the back of the store. Okay, I may have been distracted for a bit by the shoe section … and the yummy-smelling-lotion section. But I soon got back on track ;)

Alas, there were no scrapbook supplies to be found. There were cards, art supplies, picture frames, and photo albums … so I figured I was in the right place … just out of luck. I did some clothes shopping for the kids and went to check out.

And wouldn’t you know: In the cattle chute where you wait for “the next available cashier” … they had scrapbook supplies! There wasn’t a huge selection but I did pick up some “Dear Lizzy” embellishments and some Thickers by AMERICAN CRAFTS. The prices were great so I’ll definitely check out TJ Maxx in the future for scrapbook supplies.

I wanted to let you know so if you think your TJ Maxx doesn’t carry scrapbook supplies … make sure to check the cattle chute :)

Memory Works: Simple Stories “Mix and Match” Albums Back in Stock!

We had such a huge run on these when they were first released earlier this month, that they disappeared from our website too quickly … waaaahh!!

But the Simple Stories “Mix and Match” 6×8 albums are back in stock ~ yippee!

simple stories mix and match album

We are so excited to let everyone know that the Simple Stories Mix and Match albums are now back in stock! This 6×8 Kraft chipboard D-ring album is absolutely beautiful…and super strong and sturdy so you can load your memories inside! It features a wonderful linen spine with decorative book plate label on the spine, and ultra thick chipboard with a Kraft cardstock covering (no naked grey chipboard here), so you can leave as is for quick and easy crafting or decorate to your heart’s desire! It also includes tons of goodies inside so you can create a one-of-a-kind keepsake, including album pages, chipboard dividers and a variety of 6×8 divided page protectors! Be sure to place your order today!

~from Memory Works

We have all the varieties of PAGE PROTECTORS, MEMORABILIA POCKETS, ALBUM and PAGES to fill them with, like these cuties from the “SUMMER FRESH” line:

simple stories summer fresh

But I’m seriously serious … if you would like to order one {or more …. why not?} of these albums, they’re still very hot so I would do it soon. Many have been waiting for them to come back in stock and I imagine they won’t last long.

You can order from my website HERE. Just place your order like any other online shopping. I’ll send you a Paypal invoice and your order will ship straight to you from our home office in Utah within 1-2 business days. Couldn’t be easier :)

Please let me know if you have any questions ~ about Mix and Match or any of our other amazing items ~ at scrapbookobsession(at)gmail(dot)com.

Happy Scrappy Mother’s Day!!

It’s Saturday night, about 11:30 pm, and I’m so looking forward to Mother’s Day tomorrow. I haven’t asked for, nor do I expect to receive, any (tangible) gifts. But I’m receiving 3 of my favorite things, that are oh-so-rare:

1. Sleeping in until 10:00 a.m. (oh, the luxury!!)

2. Breakfast in bed served by the sweetest kids this side of the Mississippi

3. Scrapbooking at home with my mama all day

I can’t think of a better way to spend “my day”, can you?

I’m working tonight so I can scrap guilt-free tomorrow :) Mom and I are taking over the dining room table and kickin’ some scrapbook ayshe tomorrow!

As I work tonight, my mind keeps drifting off, thinking about which projects or layouts I should work on. I know I’m going to start with a stack of layouts I did at at scrapbook retreat in February … you know those ones that are about 80% done, they just need some Stickles or ribbon or journaling? Yeah, those. They’ve been staring at me from my desk for almost 3 months now and we’re fitting to throw down with all the mad-doggin’ they’ve been giving me.

Then I can’t decide whether to start some new layouts with all the fun goodies I’ve bought lately (can you say SUMMER FRESH or WHAT’S UP or MIX & MATCH or PB&J???).

Or should I put together my 2 months worth of SUPER SKETCH CLUB layouts? Or one of a zillion other projects I have in the wings?

See now THESE are the types of decisions I like being forced to make!!

Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing, blessed, scrappy, delightful Mother’s Day. What are your plans, scrappy or otherwise?

Industry News: New Website for American Crafts, Studio Calico, Crate Paper, and Pebbles Inc.

As you know, with this awful economy there has been a lot of consolidation of scrapbook companies. With that comes he relaunch of sites to reflect the new face of these companies. The latest is a new website where you can order scrapbook products directly from American Crafts, Studio Calico, Crate Paper, and Pebbles Inc.

HERE is the announcement and HERE is the new website.

Wow, what a great-looking site! Good job, AC! It’s very organized and easy to use. I love the graphics, fonts, and how it’s arranged. You can shop, check out their blogs, look at a gallery arranged by product line, and learn a bit about each of the companies.

Go check it out and tell me what you think!

Simple Stories “Summer Fresh”, Basic Grey “PB&J”, and Basic Grey “What’s Up?”

Just in time for National Scrapbook Day … ;) My latest order from MEMORY WORKS arrived!!!

I didn’t get to scrap today; too busy doing other stuff … but I did open each and every package and look through it all. My own personal NSD celebration.

It was duh-VOOOOOOOON!

There may or may not have been paper sniffing involved. I can’t really say ;)

Hope you had a wonderful National Scrapbook Day and were able to get your scrap on!

Memory Works: Simple Stories “Summer Fresh” is HERE!

One of the reasons I was MISSING MY BLOG so much, was that while it was down, something momentous and exciting happened.

simple stories summer fresh

The long-awaited new line “SUMMER FRESH” by Simple Stories came out!!

{What? You thought I was gonna’ say that KYLE CHANDLER showed up at my door? Because he did, but this NEW RELEASE is way-hay-hay more exciting that that, silly!}

One super cool thing is that we @ MEMORY WORKS ~ with each Simple Stories line ~ sell a pack of matching textured cardstock by American Crafts. I mean, you ain’t gonna’ get that at Kmart, know what I’m sayin’?

Alright, enough jabberin’ girl. HERE is where you’ll find Simple Stories “Summer Fresh” on my website. You can order it online today, pay with Paypal, and have it shipped straight to you from our Utah home office in 1-2 business days. You can’t beat that with a stick.

Well, I mean, I suppose you could, but what would be the point of that? I swear you people boggle my mind sometimes.

I ordered the fullllll collection 2 days ago and, according to my tracking, the man in the brown truck should be delivering it to me tomorrow (Friday). Would it be bad if I tackled him? Yeah, you’re right … I shouldn’t. “Just take a deep breath, Erika. Let the man walk up the driveway. Patience … patience … count to 20 by 10s if you need to.”

Got any “Summer Fresh” or Simple Stories questions? Just “E” me: scrapbookobsession(at)gmail(dot)com.

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