Well, this is pretty cool! There’s a new program at Michaels call “BUY THE BUNCH” where you can call ahead to your local Michaels, make a special order, and have it delivered to the store for pickup. There are no minimum quantities and your order may qualify for discounts. I used the locator thingee and my 3 closest stores participate in the program, yip!
I think this would be great or brides-to-be needing a bunch of candles or favors, cardmakers who buy cards and envies in bulk, or teachers who need multiples of an item for a school project. Or even if you’re just a regular ol’ shopper like me and the item you want is missing from the shelf. Ooh, I wonder if you could pair this with one of those 20% off your total order coupons? That would be double coolio!
Anyway, just wanted to share about this new program in case it might come in handy for ya’ at some point :)
Wow, that’s a long title! But I wanted to make sure you didn’t pass over this post in your reader, girlie. There’s some really great deals here.
Here’s my favorite: Simple Stories “100 Days of Summer NSD Value Pack” for $12.50 {retail value $20}. This line is my all-time favorite of the 13 Simple Stories lines {although when I see the new line “SUMMER FRESH” in person, it just may bonk down to #2, hee}. The colors are soooo warm and sunny. They go with all your summer photos. Not to mention if you love the 4×6 transparencies, this is the cheapest way to get them. They’re normally exclusive to the Collection Packs which run over $20.
Simple Stories “Life Documented NSD Value Pack” for $5.00 is next {retail value $8.00}. This was the first ever Simple Stories line and it made history. Actually, it was this lines’ huge success that enabled Memory Works to go forward with SS and make it a long-term line. So I think we all owe Life Documented a huge thank you :) It’s great for Project 365-type scrapbooks or just your everyday layouts. The banner papers are my favorites. If you missed the line the first time round, or you loved it and would like some papers, this is your deal!
Now we have Simple Stories “Destinations NSD Value Pack” for $12.50 {retail value $20}. This is another of my faves. What I love about this line – well, so many things – but because of the primary colors mixed with black accents, it is a PERFECT match for scrapbooking Disney photos. To me, so much of the Disney stuff is too bright and flashy but this is more subtle while still getting the colors right. It looks fabulous with other vacation layouts as well, and many of the papers/elements can be used on everyday pages.
Simple Stories “Elementary NSD Value Pack” for $10.00 {retail value $18.00}. Here’s another example where Simple Stories gets the colors just right. Have you ever wanted to do a School Days album for your kids? This is the perfect way to get it done quickly and beautifully. All the journaling cards, elements, and papers make it easy. I used this line to do a School Days album for myself. My photos from “way back then” (ha) are a little bit dull or have flatter colors than today’s photos, so this line went perfectly with that. I had tried it with other lines and it never looked right because the contrast was too great. What a great value … almost half the retail cost.
Have you seen the Simple Stories lines in person? These photos just don’t do them justice, do you agree? If you order them, you won’t be sorry. They are to die for in real life. So maybe this National Scrapbook Day, you’re going to a crop and need some projects you can work on. Try one or more of these kits and I guarantee you’ll have a fun and productive day. And you truly can’t beat these prices. Get ’em before they sell out!
There are 4 more National Scrapbook Day specials at Memory Works. I’ll try to post about them soon but if you want to take a peek, they’re right HERE. They’re from another brand you know and love.
If you’re leery to order from a consultant like me … well, don’t be! It’s just like shopping online anywhere -> load cart and check-out with your goods, lady! I’ll send you a Paypal invoice (or send you my address to mail a check) and your order will be shipped from Utah straight to your house within 1-2 business days. I don’t spam you with a bunch of e-mail or anything. You only wanna’ order one time, it’s hunky with me!
Hit me with your questions or if I can place the order for you: scrapbookobsession(at)gmail(dot)com. Thank you!
HERE is a .pdf with all the details. HERE it is on the Bella blog. Order by 04-30-12 for $37.99; order from 05-01 through 05-04-12 for $43.99. {I notice that the .pdf mentions the early bird price, but the blog doesn’t give specifics on it … so I’d check that .pdf linked above if you’re going to order}.
The ad says there is $125 worth of stuff so that sounds like quite the deal! I didn’t realize until I looked at their BLOG and WEBSITE that they had so many lines out. Wowzers, cute stuff.
I’m not going to order … mainly because I’ve been on a bit of a spree lately (yeah, that’s putting it lightly) and I need to chill, yo. But also because I don’t own any Bella Blvd to this point (say what???) and don’t know if I like their products enough to chance this.
But if you are a Bella fan, I say “go forth and shop, my friend!” So …. are ya’ gonna’?
ETA 04-18-12: Shout out to the PEAS! A poster pointed out that the e-mail address on the BB blog (at least as of the time I’m writing this) is missing an “L”.
Wow, THIS is a great deal on these Iris containers! Only $3.99. Don’t they normally sell for $7.99?
I love these and have several of the clear ones. I use them to store album projects I’m working on because I can keep all the papers, stickers, alphas, even the album in one place, then grab it when I have time to work on it.
It’s only good for 1 day: Wednesday 4-18-12. So hurry!
Wow, what a great way to start the day. Opened my e-mail and saw the consultant alert that Simple Stories (my favorite scrapbooking line EVER!) is releasing another new line soon … EEE! And not only that, it’s going to be another one of my favorites of all their lines so far (this release makes lucky 13).
Oh, what was that? Did you say “Quit jabbering and show us some pictures, mama”? Alright already! Here ya’ go …
*All images courtesy of the amazing and inspiring SIMPLE STORIES BLOG. Go there by 4/13/12 and leave a comment on THIS entry for a chance to win THE ENTIRE COLLECTION of Simple Stories “Summer Fresh.” None of that “Tweet, link, and Facebook us” nonsense. Just a straightforward “leave a comment and you might win.” Fabs.
As always, if you plan to purchase anything from this line, I would be honored if you’d do so through my Memory Works WEBSITE. If you subscribe to my blog (just enter your e-mail address there at the upper right), you’ll get an e-mail every time I post … including when I post that “Summer Fresh” is available ~ it’s expected later this month!
Then you can haul your tookie over to my website and place an order. Once payment has cleared, it will ship straight to you within 1-2 business days. And you’re gonna’ want this one right quick … summer is just around the corner :)
I’m the proud owner of Sketches for Scrapbooking, Volumes 1-7. I like to pull the books apart and sort the sketches into binders by number of photos per sketch. I keep a binder on my desk at all times in a cookbook holder (landscape side) so it’s super easy to flip through. Then when I’m ready to scrap, I grab a stack of photos and head to that section of my binder. Luvs it.
What I think of as the “Allison” way of scrapbooking is exactly the way I’ve always scrapped – mostly 2-page layouts, lots of photos, and great journaling. But the thing is … Allison and her group do it oh-so-much mo’ betta’ than I ever could. So I basically just scrapbook following their sketches now, LOL. I mean, cut out the middle man right?
Scrapbook Generation also has several MONTHLY KITS. I’ve drooled over the layouts from these kits for, gosh, it must be 2 years or so by now. I don’t get any other kits and have always chosen to spend my scrappy budget on the cool new things that come onto my MEMORY WORKS SITE.
But after much hemming and hawing (I swear, I actually went “Hemmmm!” And then I went “Haaawww!” Kid you not). And much chewing on the inside of my mouth in deep thought … I decided that 2012 is the year that THE SUPER SKETCH CLUB WILL BE MINE!
Ahem! Erm, I mean … I will finally join the SUPER SKETCH CLUB. And I did. And my first kit (the MARCH one) came today. I had to take the kids somewhere straight after the post office and, okay, I admit it: I kind of sped a teensy bit in my car to get there sooner so I could open the stinkin’ kit!
When we got there and I let them off, I sat in the car and opened it. For the record, it was packaged very nicely in a flattened box and then a big plastic ziplock-y type bag. The invoice was on top, then the first sketch, with all the papers and cardstock to make the first 3 layouts. Then the other sketches and papers organized perfectly.
They post photos of the layouts every month on their blog so if there’s a kit you don’t care for, you can just send it to me. Or I mean, cancel it for that month. What-EVER!
Here are the March layouts from the blog:
So you get 5 double-page layouts (and there will be nice leftovers you can make cards from if you like) for only $26.99 including shipping. Amazing.
Is it too soon to declare that I’m in love?!?!? I mean, we just met and all but – sometimes you just KNOW, right? Yeah, I KNOW.
So then I looked out my car windows to make sure no one was looking and … well, you know what I did next because you have the same sickness I do.
I took a deep breath and smelled all that paper.
Don’t look at me like that! You know you would’ve done the same thing. Don’t pretend you’re all better than me, all holier-than-thou, “ooh, I would never inhale paper sitting in a car alone, ew!” Because you know you would.
So I got a little sidetracked there but I just wanted to tell you that I totally recommend the Super Sketch Club from Scrapbook Generations. You should sign up. Today.
I heard about THIS on the 2peas General Scrappin’ board. Hayley is raising money for a humanitarian mission by selling boxes full of scrappy goodness for only $45 INCLUDING SHIPPING!
Yowser! I SO want to buy one (or nine) … but I can’t. I’ve been on somewhat of a spree lately (gulp) and need to pull back the reins on the scrappy spending horse. And OH how I would love to win an iPad. I think I’m the last person in America without one, LOL.
Since I can’t buy a box, I’ll do the next best thing and tell you about it … so you can buy one … and tell us about it when you receive it. See how that works? Share the love (donation to a good cause) and share the love (tell us what you get so we can live through you).
HERE are the Memory Works catalog pages that show images as well and describe what’s included with each item and prices.
With these amazing little albums, you can use the basic pages and divided photo page protectors to make an album on any subject under the sun. Then take it a step further and incorporate the 6×8 album pages from the 3 new Simple Stories lines ~ one at a time or mix and match them.
The memorabilia pockets come in 4 sizes, 3 of which can be used in the 6×8 album … the fact that there are also 12×12 memorabilia pockets just makes me think … BONUS!! You can use those in your regular scrapbooks, hang them on your scraproom wall for storage, or maybe even bind them into an album.
I just placed an order for a Simple Stories 6×8 album and every single one of the accessories and memorabilia pockets. I can’t wait until they get there and when they do I’ll post pics.
We do have limited quantities at this point, so if you don’t want to miss out out, PLEASE place your order quickly RIGHT HERE on my Memory Works website*.
So what do you think? Do you like these new Simple Stories products? What projects can you see making with them? For instance, I’m going to use my first one for a trip we just took to Spring Training (baseball) in Arizona. I think the colors from Documented and Awesome especially will work great with all the baseball photos. I plan to use some Fabulous pages for all the pics we took at the pool (turquoise water in every pic … should be a great match!). I can tuck receipts and ticket stubs in the pockets, showcase all my fun photos in the divided page protectors, and journal about our trip in all the great spaces provided on the insert pages.
Shizzle! The UPS man canNOT get here fast enough. For rizzle. I can’t wait I can’t wait I can’t wait!!
*Don’t let shopping with a scrapbook consultant scare you. I promise I won’t pressure you to join my monthly stamping club or scare you into thinking only MY items are archival safe and all others will ruin your photos for generations to come ;) Ordering through me is very similar to doing any other online shopping. You go to my website, put what you like in a shopping cart, and check out. I’ll get an e-mail as soon as you place your order -> will send you a Paypal invoice. Once your payment is received, I’ll process your order and it’ll ship from Home Office in Utah in 1-2 business days. See? WAY-hey-hey easier than flocking and you’ve tried that, right?
The Bad News is that I got busy and didn’t ever get organized to take pre-orders on the new SIMPLE STORIES releases from CHA like I said I would. {“BAD CONSULTANT!! Twenty lashes with a deco ruler and no late night scrapping for you!”}
But the Good News is that those lines are … JUST RELEASED AND AVAILABLE NOW!!
Woot, woot!
If you want to help a sista’ out and order it from me, HERE is where ya’ do it. It’s easy … just like any other online shopping. You put stuff in your cart, submit the order, I send you a Paypal invoice (or will take checks), and once payment is cleared, it ships straight to you from our Utah home office within 1-2 business days (although when they get busy with new releases, it can sometimes take an extra day).
SIMPLE STORIES Fabulous “Sweet” paper {Sorry, I can’t isolate just the “Sweet” paper; please scroll down a bit}.
Here are my observations:
~ Both papers do have a similar overall design with with a circular doily-type pattern.
~ Both make use of softer or “shabby” color schemes.
~ Both are multi-colored, as opposed to one solid color (I’m referring just to the “A” sides)
~ Eclectic has 2 sizes of the “doilies” while Sweet uses multiple sizes (I count 6)
~ Eclectic is in a very set pattern while Sweet is more random.
Obviously, I’m biased because I’m a 5-year consultant with MEMORY WORKS who produces the Simple Stories lines. So my opinion doesn’t matter much … but I’ll give it to ya’ anyway ;)
I do think the 2 papers are alike and I can see why the similarity caught the commenter’s eye. If I had first seen the Cosmo Cricket paper and then saw the Simple Stories paper, I probably would’ve thought “Wow, ‘Sweet’ reminds me of a paper I’ve seen before.”
But overall I don’t see Sweet as a “ripoff” or “exact copy” of Eclectic. They are definitely similar … no denying that. But I don’t know how you would use a circular, doily-type design and not have it look similar to Eclectic. There are only so many ways you can arrange circles on a 12×12 canvas.
The colors are different enough to give a different overall feel; from Eclectic I get “shabby, vintage, warm” and from Sweet I get “girly, Spring, happy.” Besides, DOILIES ARE KINDA’ HOT right now ;)
So … what do you think: Copycat or coincidence?
**P.S.: I do find it pretty funny that the Cosmo Cricket line that Eclectic comes from is called “Odds N Ends” … because that’s very similar to the name of a NEW SIMPLE STORIES LINE … which is “Odds & Ends”. :) :)
It’s going to be an exciting week for Memory Works! I’ve been a CONSULTANT with this company for almost 4 years and love new Simple Stories releases. Every single line has been something that I’ve loved and I can tell this week will be no exception.
NOTE: All images and projects are courtesy of the Simple Stories blog.
It’s a whole new system within the Simple Stories framework and design concept: 6×8 elements that you can make a personalized mini album with or use the elements in your 12×12 albums. It’s like a combination SMASH BOOK, PROJECT LIFE, and SIMPLE STORIES all put into one.
{Sorry the blog looks a bit wonky but I figured you’d want to see BIG pictures of it!}
I love this whole concept and can’t wait to get my hot little hands on it! The stated release date is March 2012. If ya’ll let me know you’re interested, I’ll do pre-orders again. That way, when the items are released, you’ll already be paid in full and I can submit your order the minute everything goes on sale … which is a good thing, as the new Simple Stories have been known to sell out quickly on their initial run.
What are your thoughts so far? Are you curious what else Simple Stories by Memory Works has in store this week? If you see anything you want to pre-order, leave me some comments so I can get to planning :)
This was posted on the 2peas message board, and came from a Yahoo group … LUVS it!
Scrapbooking Rules of Acquisition – Rules to Live By
1. You want it, therefore you need it.
2. You need it, therefore you must buy it.
3. All other things you need including food, car insurance, and lunch money are incidental in comparison to what you need for scrapbooking.
4. “You can’t take it with you” applies only to money. Begin getting your loved ones accustomed to the fact that you intend to be buried with your scrapbooks.
5. If you think there is a ghost of a chance that you might use it in a future project, buy it now, because if you need it later, there won’t be a substitute.
6. A scrapbooker must purchase appropriate storage containers, shelves, bins, units, etc. all for scrapbook-related purchases.
7. A scrapbooker has the right and responsibility to discard all previously purchased storage systems in order to purchase a new more appropriate system at any time.
8. Scrapbooking is an inexpensive hobby. This can be proved by applying “Blondes Logic” to your purchases. For example, no hobby where the supplies usually cost under $100.00 can possibly be as expensive as big-ticket male hobbies such as restoring vintage cars, radio controlled planes etc. This just makes sense.
9. Scrapbooking actually saves money. Scrapbooking promotes do-it-yourself philosophy. By applying “Blondes Logic”, you can conclude you can’t afford not to scrapbook.
So the next time hubby gives you a hard time about your scrapbook spending, just show him this list and explain Blonde’s Logic. I’m sure he’ll get it then.
For those of you with a Stickles addiction, I’m about to make your day. I present to you … the STICKLES SORT AND STORE!!
Is that cool or what? My 3 favorite features:
1. It stores the bottles upside-down which is the preferred method for many Stickles luvahs.
2. You can leave the cover off to see all your pretty colors or you can put the cover on to take them to crops, or just to keep the dust off.
3. Speaking of pretty colors, you can line them all up in ROYGBIV order. Oh, be still my anal-retentive heart!
Okay, that’s 3 but I just thought of 2 more. So sue me.
4. You get 3 units in the set and can store up to 30 BOTTLES, people! {Don’t sit there all righteous and pretend you don’t have that many … we know you do}.
5. The Stickles Sort and Store can also hold other popular items like Liquid Pearl, Stampin Up ink pad refill, Claudine Helmuth Studio Mini Acrylic Paint, Mini Art, and Tim Holtz Adirondack Alcohol Ink.
Oh crap. I thought of another one.
6. It’s only $24 for a set of 3 which hold 10 bottles each.
I’m thinking they’re a new item because Tiffany’s website, THE SCRAPRACK MULTI-CRAFT, says they ship January 17th.
I’m trying to decide if I should get a set or not. My Stickles are currently lined up on a stamp shelf above my desk. Let me go count my bottles … K, I’m back. I have “only” 18 :P So I’ll probably hold off for now but I’m glad to know about this great new scrapbook organizational item. When I make it to 30 bottles, I am SO getting this.
Hey there, hi there, ho there! It’s time for a listy list!!
{Okay, Erika, put down the triple latte’ … that may have been a bit much for 9pm on a Sunday. Just sayin’.}
If you need to read my explanation of 52 Lists in 52 Weeks, it’s right HERE. And HERE is the prompt from Kellie for List #2: What are your New Years Resolutions?
Now I don’t normally *make* resolutions because they usually involve making commitments to yourself and ~ while I’m superb and stupendous about honoring commitments to others ~ I’m quite crap at keeping them to myself.
But Kellie says to make this list, so I will. Begrudgingly :P
My 2012 NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS:
1. Speak with Kellie. Nicely but firmly.*
2. When downloading books on your new Kindle, only download 362 times more books than you have time to read. If you do any more than that, it will be too stressful.
3. Buy more scrapbook supplies. You do not have nearly enough. I will tell you when to stop.
4. Keep up your SMASH BOOK aka fitness journal. And only lie about your weight when you have a bad week. The rest of the time, tell the total, honest-to-God, 100% truth. Except about the Reese’s dark chocolate cups. Those are exempt from this resolution as well.
5. Do not give up on your Project 12. If you can’t manage to take 7-8 photos a month about everyday life and journal about them, you’re a bigger loser than I thought. And I say that with love <3.
Okay, can I stop now???!?!??! This resolution-listing is making me cranky. And I want to enjoy this coffee high while I have it, so I'm outie.
Oh, except I need to demand ... erm, ask very nicely and super sweetly to please see your list for this week. Please.
Thank you :)
*TOTALLY kidding, Kellie! Luvs ya, gurl...
I’m a total BG hoarder and all I have of the Wander line is a few papers so I’m contemplating that one. Actually Jovial’s looking pretty tempting, too. Only $35 for all that stuff ($100 value) and free shipping!
Yeah, I’m biased but you gotta’ admit MEMORY WORKS is going to have some slammin’ deals during their Black Friday Blowout Event. ***Everything below applies to Thursday 11/24/11 and Friday 11/25/11***
HERE is my Memory Works website if I can help you order. THIS is a link to the special section of Memory Works called “Black Friday Specials”. I’m always available for questions, too. No, I mean ALWAYS … 24/7 … 365 … even the Thanksgiving holiday, sista. ‘Cuz I know how seriously you take your scrapbook shopping.
We have that in common, you and I ;)
I’m picking up the THICKERS deal for sure. {10 packs for only $20!!!} Yes, I have 4 zillion Thickers but why wouldn’t I buy more when they’re only $2 per pack AND I get a free SIMPLE STORIES gift with purchase? It’s a no brainer, people. Actually with my consultant discount, they’re only going to cost me $1.60 per pack or 68% off, hollah!!!
Other deals:
~ MY MINDS EYE “Lost and Found” mega pack (32 double-sided sheets with assorted embellishments), a $65 value for only $20
~ My Minds Eye “O Christmas Tree” paper pad (54 cardstock glitter sheets), a $20 value for only $14
~ ALL Memory Works “Trend Essentials” are 20% off (these are ‘latest and greatest’ products you can find HERE)
~Select Memory Works Express kits for 50% off (these are the monthly kits and are packed with goodies; you can see them HERE)
*Please note that if you’re clicking the above Memory Works links any time OTHER THAN Thanksgiving Thursday {11/24/11} and Black Friday {11/25/11}, the pages aren’t going to reflect the special deals ~ thanks, mwuh mwuh!
Okay, now tell me what you’re looking for on this fine Black Friday and what other great deals you’ve seen out there.
I was at MICHAELS today for the first time in a long while. I had a 3-pronged mission:
1. Get my kids another craft or two so I don’t go cray-cray before Thankgsgiving break is over.
2. Use the 40% off coupon in my wallet.
3. Buy my annual bag of cinnamon-scented pinecones. It’s just not the holiday season here without them :)
So I accomplished all 3 missions, actually combining #2 and #3 by using the coupon on a $10 kids’ craft. Got my cinnamon pinecones … mmm, the car smelled so good on the way home. Oh, and these jumped into my hand so I had to get them, too:
They’re called “Elizabeth Brownd Christmas Sequin Adhesive Gems” by K & Company. They are so pretty and sparkly in person!
So while I was at Michaels I also saw some new storage items that could be used for scrapbooking organization and my favorite one was THIS (I’m linking to another site because I can’t find it on Michaels.com):
There was no price on the shelf but it looks like they retail for about $50 … which is steep for sure … unless you have a 40% or 50% off coupon, girlie! Or wait for all their scrapbook storage to go on sale as it often does.
So many of us scrappers use Iris bins, carts, and drawers to store our crap … erm, I mean, SCRAP stuff. I love how you can personalize the front of these drawers, even the handle! You could put in fabric or wallpaper that matches your room decor, a photo collage of your favorite people, or even a 12×12 scrapbook page with room to spare (we just gotta’ figure out how to work around that knob handle being right in the middle of our artwork, lol). You could also add a label of what’s inside.
Anyway, just wanted to share a few of my Michaels finds! I hope you have an amazing and blessed Thanksgiving surrounded by family and friends … and yummy food!
Some good coupons this week at MICHAELS, which is the only B&M store with scrapbook supplies that I have regular access to. That makes me Halloween Happy!
Here are my 2 faves:
40% any one regular priced item
25% of entire regular price purchase
Yeah, there are all kinds of exclusions in the fine print as usual. But I can always find some kinda’ thing to spend them on. I haven’t been to Mike’s recently but ~ with coupons in hand ~ I’ll be checking them out today … yep, they expire Friday 10/28/11. EEK!
I mean, it’s all well and good for you Minnesota bee-yotches. Whoo hoo for you. But I’m on the stinkin’ West Coast. Fat lot a good a warehouse sale in Minnestoa does me.
I mean, I’m only, like, omigod! Their #1 fan! U R 2 GOOD 2 B TRU … oh, wha? I just had a flashback to junior high there for a second.
So HERE is where I learned about the October Afternoon warehouse sale {from the Peas of course}.
As we speak, I have “SIDEWALKS” in my shopping cart at two online stores while I dig for quarters in the couches, turn in aluminum cans, and sell my plasma. Hey, Collection Packs ain’t cheap but I need it all!
I mean, HULLOH! Is that gorge or what?
ETA: I wish I could claim this layout but it’s courtesy of the October Afternoon blog :)
If you go, please come tell us about it, whatcha’ got, how many eyes you had to gouge out, etc.
No, wait, I don’t want to know. I’ll be even MORE jealous … if that’s possible.
No, come tell me.
No, don’t!
Jeez, I don’t know why my husband says I’m indecisive. I’m am VERY decisive! Well, I am sometimes but then sometimes I’m just not really sure. Like, should I make a decision or shouldn’t I?
