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LOAD213: Layout a Day, Day 3

By on February 3, 2013 in scrapbook blogs, scrapbook shopping, scrapbook websites

It’s late Saturday night and I wanted to give a little update on my LOAD experience so far. It’s technically still Day 2 (02-02-13) but being on the West Coast, I receive the prompt for the next day at 9pm the night before (does that make sense?). Which is really nice because I can start working on the layout before I go to bed or at least start thinking about it.

Tangent: Okay, is this just me or are there others of you Scrapbook Obsessed who do this too? When I go to bed, my mind is usually still going a mile a minute – “Pay the electric bill tomorrow, buy dog food, don’t forget to call the water softener guy, when is that report due?, blah blah blah.” So oftentimes to calm myself down and relax so I can sleep, I’ll start thinking about scrapbooking – a layout I want to do, a new way to organize my Project Life cards, what I want to buy first from the new CHA stuff, what am I going to pack for the retreat? – that kind of thing. Works every time, baby! A few minutes later . . . ZZZZZZ Please tell me you do that too!

photo scraphappierslide_zps3d70245b.jpg

So back to LOAD . . . I now have 3 prompts . . . 2 layouts almost done . . . and 1 prompt I’m still kind of stumped by (if you’re a LOAD-ster, I’m sure you know which one I’m talking about, lol). I was waiting to see if the prompts would fit the overall concept I had for this class and so far they DO match so I’m going with it: I’ll be doing layouts for a Book of Me. Have you heard of these?

It’s basically where you – the one who always scrapbooks about everyone else in your life – actually scrapbook about yourself. Novel idea, eh? Because your family and your kids want to know about you too, silly! What makes you tick? What is your daily life like? How about that childhood? Hopes and dreams? Favorite things? So that’s what I’ll be scrapping with my LOAD layouts. If I get all 28 layouts done, I could have a full BOM album done at the end of the month – wouldn’t that be Rock Star-ish of me? Cue screaming fans.

And I did – thanks to some very helpful comments here and in the LOAD forum, including an answer straight from Lain herself – decide that it’s fine if I blog about LOAD, the prompts, and the layouts I make from them. And I have to say . . . the Ladies of LOAD are a pleasure to be around. Everyone in the forum is kind, helpful, excited, and passionate about scrapbooking. I couldn’t ask for a better group to be a part of.

So that’s where I’m at with LOAD. I can’t promise when I’ll post prompts and layouts – maybe a weekly round-up? Sometimes fitting in blogging is really hard, and I want to make getting layouts done this month the priority. But I’ll do my best!

Comments { 4 }

LOAD213: Layout a Day Starts Today!

By on January 31, 2013 in scrapbook blogs, scrapbook websites

Even though it’s only 10pm my time on 01-31-13, on the East Coast it’s past midnight. So the official start to my month-long adventure with LOAD has begun and I got my first prompt!

{If you’re wondering what LOAD is, please READ THIS}.

I’m not really sure how to blog about LOAD. It’s a paid class and I want the creator Lain to make a living. She puts a LOT of work into this. Today for instance we received an 8-minute video with a 3-page transcript and a very thought-provoking prompt. Not to mention all the other stuff that goes into LOAD.

So I don’t want to share the specific prompt, do I? {I don’t know that I’ll be sharing my layouts online anyway so that’s not a concern}. I’ll have to see how other LOAD’ers are handling blogging about the class content.

But I will say this: The first prompt is amazing! One that really makes you think, makes you take the first step out of that box you may be in. If it keeps up like this, I can tell ya’ I’m going to LOVE me some LOAD!

PS: You can still join LOAD yourself, ya know? RIGHT HERE. At this point, you won’t even have missed anything :)

Comments { 14 }

Warehouse Sale: Heidi Swapp 2013

By on January 29, 2013 in scrapbook blogs, scrapbook shopping, scrapbook websites

Looks like HEIDI SWAPP has decided to join in the popular scrapbook warehouse sale bonanza.

HERE are all the details.

Alas, I won’t be ordering one . . . don’t have $50 at the moment . . . too bad. I’ve really liked her recent stuff although the only thing I own is her VINTAGE CHIC line . . .

and some of the lovely epoxy title stickers.

What do you think? Will you buy the box?

Comments { 1 }

Scrapbook Shopping: I’m a Sucker for a Clearance Sale!

By on January 25, 2013 in scrapbook blogs, scrapbook shopping, scrapbook websites

Man, those enablers over on the Two Peas message board! They so innocently post “75% off My Minds Eye ‘All is Bright’ in the store right now!”

And stupid me, I follow the link . . . and see that super pretty All is Bright line that I wanted when it came out but didn’t get. And still want.

Resistance. Is. Futile.

Must

Have

Scrappy

Goodness

So I caved and bought most of the line. Here is my order:

Chevron 12X12 All Is Bright Paper (My Minds Eye) $0.22
Merry 12X12 All Is Bright Paper (My Minds Eye) $0.22
Linen 12X12 All Is Bright Paper (My Minds Eye) $0.22
Joy 12X12 All Is Bright Paper (My Minds Eye) $0.22
Noel Banner 12X12 All Is Bright Paper (My Minds Eye) $0.22
Bright 12X12 All Is Bright Paper (My Minds Eye) $0.22
All Is Bright 12X12 Chipboard Accessories (My Minds Eye) $1.24
All Is Bright 6X6 Paper Pad (My Minds Eye) $1.49
All Is Bright 12X12 Sticker Accessories Sheet (My Minds Eye) $0.74
All Is Bright Decorative Brads (My Minds Eye) $1.49
All Is Bright 12X12 Paper & Accessories Kit (My Minds Eye) $2.74
All Is Bright 4X6 Accessories Pad (My Minds Eye) $1.24
True Love 12X12 Kiss Me Paper (Bella Blvd.) $0.99 2 $1.98
A Studio G Valentine’s Item $0.00 1 $0.00
Product Sub-Total: $12.24
Shipping: $9.80
Sales Tax: $0.00
Order Total: $22.04

{Sorry it doesn’t line up all pretty}

But you can see what a difference 75% off makes, jeez! A $10.99 paper and sticker pack for $2.74? I’m in like Flynn, baby!

So, yeah, it’s January and I’m set for Christmas cards 2013, LOL. And about 30 layouts.

Huge clearance sale including “ALL IS BRIGHT” by My Minds Eye at Two Peas in a Bucket

If you want to see just the “All is Bright” stuff, click on the 75% off link in the left sidebar.

And did you notice I’m getting a free Valentine’s item? That’s another promo they have doing right now. You only have to spend $1 on any Valentine’s item and you get the free gift. So, yeah, they got me there, too. You tell me “free” and I’m the first in line ;) Yes, please!

True Love

True Love “Kiss Me” 12×12 paper by Bella Blvd.

Valentine’s promotion – free gift

I haven’t scrapbook-shopped online for quite a while. That felt good :)

Comments { 4 }

Layout a Day … LOAD213 … “Scraphappier” … Who’s With Me!?!?

By on January 22, 2013 in scrapbook blogs, scrapbook websites

Only 8 more days . . . only 20 spots left . . . time to sign up!

photo scraphappierslide_zps3d70245b.jpg

What is LOAD? Yeah, I’ve been hearing about “load” for years and never really paid attention, honestly. I knew it stood for Layout a Day and that you complete 28 layouts in a month. But that’s about where my knowledge stopped.

Eventually, through other classes I took with the creator Lain Ehmann – most notably TRUE SCRAP 4 – I learned more about what LOAD/Layout a Day really is, how it works, and how amazing it is. And now I’M JACKED, PEOPLE!!! I can’t wait for February to get here!

I thought I’d tell YOU about LOAD213 (the 213 stands for February 2013) and see if you’d like to join me :)

So here we go . . . directly from Lain:

LOAD213: ScrapHAPPIER

Here’s What’s In Store in February:

28 days of brand-new video prompts and lessons, guaranteed to bust you out of any scrapbooking rut, bring a smile to your face, and make your hair shine!

Exclusive message board for LOAD members only where you can connect and chat with the coolest scrappers on the Web!

Private gallery for our members where you share your daily creations, win prizes, and strut your stuff!

Insiders-only interview with Gretchen Rubin, best-selling author of The Happiness Project. Listen as she shares her secrets on living a happier life (and why scrapbookers have a jumpstart on the ordinary people)

Random surPRIZES, Hugh sightings, and fun for all!

SPACE IS LIMITED!
To Preserve the Intimate and Personal Atmosphere of This Event,
Participation Is Capped!

PRIZES!?!?! Did she say PRIZES? I’m so there.

If you want to learn even more, check out THIS QUICK VIDEO by Lain. Her enthusiasm is infectious.

I’ve already joined the gallery and message board. The other attendees are posting and prepping. Again, the excitement is infectious.

When you read the reviews and endorsements HERE from past “LOAD’ers” (ha), it really makes you want to take part. {Scroll down a bit to see them}. I mean, in reality . . . I work full-time, have kids, activities, bizzy bizzy life. Am I really going to complete an ACTUAL layout a day? I don’t know. I’m realistic and thinking not.

But like one of the reviews said, the daily prompt is a quick and motivating way to start your day. Go create your layout right then and there. See what you can accomplish, right? I figure even if I get only 10 layouts done (hmm . . . there are 8 weekend days in there and maybe I’ll get lucky on 2 weekdays, lol), that’s 10 more than I probably would’ve done otherwise.

And PROJECT LIFE layouts COUNT! So I’m golden there :) Those of you who can get 28 layouts down, my hat’s off to you. I’m sure you’ll inspire me and maybe I actually CAN do it. Who knows?

Also I’m a sucker for forums and galleries. I totally {heart} talking to other scrappers day-to-day in a community of support. Everyone’s in the same boat and, from what I already know about Lain’s SCRAPHAPPY* community that I also belong to, it is truly “the nicest group of scrapbookers on the internet.”

*By the way, because I’m a member of SCRAPHAPPY.org, I didn’t even have to pay for LOAD – members attend all LOAD’s for freeeeee!!! That was one of the things that sold me to join in the first place.

So check out all the information about LOAD and think about joining us. But don’t think too long. Lain caps enrollment and the last I heard, there were only 20 spots left. Hope to see you there!

If you have any questions about LOAD, please post below in Comments :)

Comments { 7 }

CHA: Gangnam Style

By on January 15, 2013 in scrapbook blogs, scrapbook shopping, scrapbook websites

Hi.

Please put down your coffee or Diet Coke.

Scoot your chair back a bit from the computer . . . or move the iPad away from yo’ face.

Make sure you’re alone.

Mmmmm kay.

Now watch THIS VIDEO.

Crafters rep-ree-ZENT!!

Love it.

Crap. Now I have that damn song stuck in my head again for the next 42 years.

Comments { 0 }

Project Life: How I Use My Epson Picturemate to Print Photos

By on January 14, 2013 in scrapbook blogs, scrapbook websites

So I decided to take on Project Life again in 2013 (I tried it once in 2009 … epic FAIL). So far, it’s really cutting into my blogging time, LOL! But, no, that’s good right? I’m scrapbooking again – woot! At home, not just at a retreat or crop . . . which is a miracle for me these days.

I’ll be posting this year about my adventures with Project Life so I hope you like hearing about it :)

One thing that’s crucial to making Project Life work for me in the long-term is it has to be SIMPLE. S-I-M-P-L-E. And fast. I’m plate-spinning here, people! (You know, like a circus act). Trying to keep everything going at once and not letting anything drop – family, work, blogging, scrapbooking, friends, volunteering, et al.

If Project Life is going to work for me, I need a fast and easy way to print photos. Sending them out to be developed or waiting in line for the photo machine at Target ain’t gonna’ work for me. I need to print at home. Yeah, it’s a tad more expensive but totally worth it.

I also didn’t want to bring software into the mix. I know there are programs such as iPhoto, Photosheet (not compatible with us Mac’ers unfortunately), and Photoshop. But does it sound like I have time to learn a new photo program much less do editing and all that crap?!?! Hell to thuh no. I barely have time to tear my washi before I pull it off the roll, sista!

So I keep it simple (see above). I print the photos straight from my camera card, no editing. I mean, this is Project REAL Life for me. It’s Day 14 and I’m actually caught up through Day 12. I owe most of that to my Epson Picturemate printer.


*photo from dphotojournal.com

I have an older model; it’s a Picturemate Dash (PM 260). I finally figured out again how to print multiple smaller photos onto one 4×6 sheet. Thank you Project Life for motivating me, LOL!

You may already know how to do this but in case anyone doesn’t, I thought I’d share the instructions I typed out to keep by the printer (for the next time I forget how to do this or my mind is spinning so fast I can’t access any available brain cells):

Epson Picturemate Dash PM 260
How to print multiple photos on 1 sheet

1. Insert memory card into printer
2. When all photos have loaded, use arrows to find 1st photo you want
3. When it’s highlighted, make sure it says Total 1, then press OK
4. Highlight 2nd photo and press OK
5. Menu
6. Print Settings
7. Layout
8. Jumbo Wallet (or see other choices below)
9. Print – which will give you a preview to make sure it’s how you want
10. Print again – photo will print

Layout choices:
Jumbo Wallet = (2) 3×4 with no border; can do 2 different photos (great for Project Life!)
50×70 = (2) 2 x 2 ¾; can do 2 different photos
Wallet = (2) 2×3; can do 2 different photos
Mini Wallet = (4) 1 ¼ x 1 ¾; can do up to 4 different photos
US Passport = (2) 2×2; same photo only
Layout-3×3 = (1) 3×3 photo
*Portait Packages and US Passport = only prints multiple copies of same photo

There are MANY more layout choices. I just noted the ones I’m likely to use. I love having all these layouts to choose from because Simple Stories “Sna@p!” is coming out with some new page protector configurations . . . including tons of new 3×4 options!! I’m using the “Sn@p!” line as the basis of my Project Life 2013 so this is very anticipated :)

MW SS snap box 1

I like that I don’t have to use a computer program to print multiple photos onto one 4×6. I just pop my SD card out of my camera and into the Picturemate and print away! I don’t know if these instructions work for other models or newer models of the Epson Picturemate. But even if they don’t work specifically, at least you can see that this CAN be done! In 10 easy steps :)

Just find the manual for your printer online and look for the section about photo layout. Then you will be happyyyyy like meeee!!!

Comments { 3 }

Scrapbook Novel: “Cropped to Death” by Christina Freeburn

By on January 4, 2013 in scrapbook blogs, scrapbook books, scrapbook websites

Wanted to let you know about yet another scrapbook mystery novel, called “CROPPED TO DEATH.” It’s by an author I’ve never heard of: Christina Freeburn.

She’s a Renaissance woman . . . former JAG officer AND a scrapbooker! Schweet. Lookie, she’s even wearing a scrapbooking t-shirt.

Here’s a description from the above website:

Former US Army JAG specialist, Faith Hunter, returns to her West Virginia home to work in her grandmothers’ scrapbooking store determined to lead an unassuming life after her adventure abroad turned disaster. But her quiet life unravels when her friend is charged with murder, and Faith inadvertently supplied the evidence. So Faith decides to cut through the scrap and piece together what really happened. With a sexy prosecutor, a determined homicide detective, a handful of sticky suspects and a crop contest gone bad, Faith quickly realizes if she’s not careful, she’ll be the next one cropped.

Sounds fun, yeah? I’ll be reading this one soon!

In other good news: The subtitle of this book is “Faith Hunter Scrap This #1″ . . . which means this is the first in a series, yippee! Bring on the scrapbook novels. I can’t get enough of them :)

HERE is the link to the Kindle version on Amazon. It’s at 99 cents as of today (01-04-13). According to the AUTHOR ON TWITTER, that price is good through 01-13-13. So snatch it up quickly!

Once you read “Cropped to Death”, please come back and give a review.

Comments { 3 }

True Scrap 4 Class Review: “Hybrid Techniques” by Jennifer Wilson

By on December 25, 2012 in scrapbook blogs, scrapbook shopping, scrapbook websites

I’m continuing to review “TRUE SCRAP 4″ individual classes, which were originally part of the huge 2-day “True Scrap 4″ event in October 2012. I purchased the whole event and, although I was unable to attend “live” because I was out of town that weekend, I have really enjoyed watching the classes since then.

On the True Scrap 4 replays, you can either choose to watch just the instructional video itself or a recording of the live event = class video + ongoing chat of participants, intro by True Scrap hostess Lain Ehmann, and a Q&A with the class instructor afterward.

The next class up for review is one of my favorites: “Hybrid Techniques” by Jennifer Wilson.

It’s kind of funny that this ended up being a favorite because (if I’m being totally honest … and you know I always am, sista’) it was one of the classes I was least looking forward to. I’m such a staunch paper-only scapper who swears that I will never go digital. So even the word “hybrid” kind of turns off my interested button.

BUT.

I was wrrr . . . I was wrr-rrr . . . I was not exactly right. {10 points if you know what I’m quoting!}. Well, here. Let me just show you.

I was WRONG. Okay?!?!? I was wrong. This was a great class and I think it should be one of your FIRST choices of True Scrap 4 classes to take. If you’re a VERY beginning computer-digital-hybrid scrapper like me, that is. I would not recommend it for experienced hybrid or digi-scrappers because I suspect that you already know how to do these techniques.

- How to print on a journaling card (in Word)
- How to add text to photos (in Photoshop)
- How to use Word Art (in Photoshop)
- How to print photos in any size you want (in Photoshop)
- How to print digital scrapbook supplies (two ways: DIY stickers in Word or photo-quality embellishments in Photoshop)

But these things were new to me! So if you don’t know how to do these things either, I would highly recommend this class. Jennifer has a nice, soothing, patient way of walking you through things. She shows you click by click these basic things and also how to play around with them a bit.

How to print photos in any size is great for you Instagrammers – she shows how to easily print those photos at home or send to a photo printer and a way to make sure the edges don’t get cut off. The DIY stickers ideas was a big hit among the class participants.

I think *my* most-used techniques will be the first two – printing on a journaling card and adding text to photos. I’ve been wanting to learn these things for so long, but my pledge to do Project Life in 2013 really had me wanting to learn how.

The whole Photoshop thing . . . well, I’m skerred of it. Didn’t wanna’ own it. Didn’t wanna’ learn it. Didn’t wanna’ pay a lot for it. Didn’t wanna’ go anywhere near that Devil of Digital Scrapbooking. But, well, to do most of the techniques in Jennifer’s “Hybrid Techniques” class, I’ll have to. The good news is that she provides a link where you can do the free trial of Photoshop Elements 11 (that’s the cheaper version anyway, and all a scrapbooker would need).

I’m waiting until I have some time to sit down and play with these techniques but I do plan to try the free trial. When I do, I’ve got a GREAT cheat sheet provided as part of the class – saved and bookmarked! Also – as with all True Scrap classes – I have lifetime access so I can go back and watch the video again as many times as I need to. And knowing me, it will take lots of times :)

While I’m raving about Jennifer Wilson, I thought I’d mention something else she’s doing that I’m very excited about for the new year. It’s a program she’s running on her own site, Simple Scrapper (which I’m a member of), and it’s called “Focus.”

And to introduce you to the class and see what it’s about before you pay for it, she’s offering 2 free sessions: Monday 01-07-12 @ 8:30 pm CST and Wednesday 01-09-13 at 1pm CST (2 different times to accommodate different schedules and time zones). Just pick which one works best for you. You get an e-mail confirmation and will get a reminder when it gets closer.

The purpose of this training is to share some of my best tips for simple scrapbooking and introduce the new Focus program. I hear so many talk about not enough time and getting behind etc. This year-long program will help scrapbookers hone in on what is most important and learn new skills to be more effective and efficient.

Do you want to:

Feel more relaxed every day?
Learn ways to scrapbook faster?
Finish the projects you start?
Find more time for scrapbooking?

I’d love to teach you some of my time-tested approaches for simplicity in a free training event. I want to show you exactly how to focus on what matters most in 2013 and have the best year ever! There are two dates and times, to best fit your busy schedule.

This is a perfect match-up for my other pledge for 2013: to get more scrapping done. But I need help. Obviously. I need someone to hold my hand. So I’m signed up to attend the session on 01-09-13 . . . if you sign up as well, please say “hi!”. If you click on the graphic, it will take you to the right place :)

And here’s where you go to take Jennifer’s (or any of the other great) “TRUE SCRAP 4″ individual classes.

Hope you had a scrapalicious Christmas!!

Comments { 1 }

Online Scrapbook Classes: True Scrap 4 – Last Chance for $9.95 Each!

By on December 25, 2012 in scrapbook blogs, scrapbook shopping, scrapbook websites

Hey there – First of all, I wanted to apologize for not posting the rest of my True Scrap 4 class reviews in time for today’s deadline for a cheaper price (see below). But the craziness of the Christmas season took over . . . then I had a sick kiddo . . . then I got strep throat :(

I’m going to continue reviewing the classes as I feel better, but I wanted to remind you that after midnight PST tonight (12-25-12), the price increases by $3 per class. Even at $12.95, they’re a great deal though.

If you’d like to sign up or just learn more about the whole thang: “TRUE SCRAP 4″ individual classes

Merry Christmas to all the scrapbook obsessed !!!

Comments { 0 }

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

By on December 17, 2012 in Memory Works, scrapbook blogs, scrapbook consultant, scrapbook shopping, scrapbook websites

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}.

Comments { 4 }

Online Scrapbook Classes: “True Scrap 4″ Classes Available for Individual Purchase as of 12-17-12!!

By on December 17, 2012 in scrapbook blogs, scrapbook websites

Back in October 2012, I talked about how excited I was to take part in my first live “True Scrap” online scrapbooking event.  I posted about HERE, HERE, and HERE.  And HERE is what started my love affair with True Scrap . . . an individual class I took from True Scrap 3 by Shimelle Laine called “The Perfect Collection” . . . still hands down the most useful scrapbook class I’ve ever taken.

… so I get a tad obsessive.  Jeez.  Didya’ notice the name of my blog by chance?

Anyway, that experience did not go as planned sadly.  I ended up having to be out of town that weekend.  I’d already registered for the event, of course, but figured at least I could watch the classes “live” from my iPhone while we were driving or I had down time on the trip.

Howevah!  That didn’t work either.  For whatever reason, I couldn’t watch on my iPhone either.  Shooks.  So I was out of luck.  When I got home from the trip, real life took over . . . as it has a tendency to do . . . and I kind of skimmed through some classes but didn’t really “take” them, iykwim.  I never wrote the class reviews I promised either (bad baaad blogger!!).

But with the fact that “TRUE SCRAP 4″ individual classes are now – as of today 12/17/12 – available for individual purchase, it has spurred me to finally sit down and take the classes.  I’ll be providing reviews in the coming days to hopefully help you in deciding if you’d like to take any of the classes.

There is one reason to NOT wait for my reviews and just sign up already:  The regular price on these classes is $12.95, but from 12/17-12/25, purchasers can save $3 a class and only pay $9.95 per class!! Merry Christmas to you, am I right!?!

That is a great deal any way you slice it.  So sign up now.  Signs up later.  Whatevs.  Just sign up.

Here are some things to know about “TRUE SCRAP 4″ individual classes

1.  They are a total of 1 hour long, including before and after chat sessions with Lain (True Scrap organizer) and the instructors.  Here are the 15 instructors, at least several that I’m sure you’ll recognize:

Julie Fei-Fan Balzer
Erin Bassett
Monica Bradford
Kelli Crowe
Laura Denison
Jennifer Gallacher
Nic Howard
Noell Hyman
Katrina Kennedy
Nichol Magouirk
Gretchen Schmidt
Katrina Simeck
Jessica Sprague
Heidi Swapp
Jennifer Wilson

2.  When you sign up through any of my links, you’ll receive a pretty quick e-mail straight from Lain with a link to your class(es).

3.  You have the option to just watch the class video, or to watch it as if you were there “live” with all of the before and after audio and the chat to accompany it.

4.  There is also a link to the chat transcript, and oftentimes a class handout (less note-taking, yee haw!) with links and other helpful things; this varies from class to class and not all classes have handouts.

So I’ve taken my first class and am off to finish writing my review of it – stay tuned!

Comments { 3 }

Okay, What Are Your Scrapbook Confessions?

By on December 15, 2012 in scrapbook blogs, scrapbook websites

LYNN GAHARY from PEBBLES INC posted a fun THREAD over at Two Peas asking for our Scrapbook Confessions. You know, those things related to scrapbooking that you’re ever-so-embarrassed to admit.


* From Designer Vinyl on Etsy

Well, as of now the thread is at 2 pages so I think we’re a guilty bunch who wants to ease our burdens a bit, LOL! I only posted one confession myself but I could relate with many … many of them. How about you?


* From Weekly Scrapper by Scrapbook Expo

Also, you gotta’ check out THIS from Angela Daniels’ blog. I’ll bet you see yourself in some of those sneaky postcards too, eh? I know I do.

Sooooo … what are YOUR scrapbook confessions? Come on. I promise I won’t tell.

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Scrapbook Shopping: $99 Cricut Package from Costco

By on December 3, 2012 in scrapbook blogs, scrapbook shopping

As part of their “24 Deals of Christmas” promo, Costco has a Cricut Mini bundle on sale through 12/19/12.

HERE is a link. Here is what you get:

KEY FEATURES:
Bundle includes the Cricut Mini® machine, a Cricut® Tool Kit, and the Teresa Collins – Sampler and Cricut Mini® Sampler digital images.
Also comes with 500 free images through the Cricut Craft Room® design software, including 4 full fonts, 50 phrases, and over 150 layered images
Cricut® Tool Kit includes a bone folder, a hook, a knife, a ruler, scissors, a scoop, and a scraper
Cuts from ¼” up to 11 ½” on paper, cardstock, thin chipboard, vinyl, stencil material, and other materials
Welcome Packet includes four sheets of cardstock to complete your first project in minutes, plus easy step-by-step instructions for over 40 projects
Small and lightweight for space savings
Compatible with Mac® and Windows® operating systems (computer and high-speed internet connection required)

Only $99.99 with free shipping through 12/19/12.

I’m somewhat tempted. I have a first-generation Cricut (Old School … hollah!). I think they call it the Baby Bug. I don’t use it all that much but I sometimes do, especially at scrapbook retreats where I can set it up for an entire weekend and use the heck out of it.

I’ve resisted the computer-dependence part of an electronic die-cutter which I know has me way behind the times. But when I think about a Silhouette Cameo, the cost, having to sell all my Cricut stuff because the carts, Jukebox, and tools will be useless … well, then I change the subject and move on.

Anyhow, I’m thinking about the Cricut Mini now. That video was very helpful. It’s small enough I could keep it hooked up on my desk. I can use my existing cartridges plus Cricut Craft Room. I’d get a tool kit. It’s cheap. And it will work with my Mac.

Decisions, decisions!

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Cyber Monday: Scrapbook Style!

By on November 26, 2012 in scrapbook blogs, scrapbook shopping, scrapbook websites

There were so many great deals out there today – Cyber Monday. I was tempted mightily but held my ground and didn’t make any online purchases today.

And then I saw this:

I’ve been wanting to join the Simple Scrapper site as a premium member for months now but couldn’t afford the full price. Then I got an e-mail that for today only, there is a special!!!

When the Premium Membership re-opens for 2013, the price will be $39 for the first month and then $9.95 monthly. Annually, that’s $149. But today, you can get that same year for just $89. This will be the lowest price you’ll ever see for one year of full premium benefits.

So I decided to join :) I love everything Jennifer Wilson stands for and does on her site. That Everyday Storyteller book in my right sidebar? -> That’s from her. Awesome book.

Here is some of what you get as a Premium Member of Simple Scrapper:

Premium Members receive complimentary access to our new-for-2013 program. Focus will provide the guidance you need to save time and scrapbook more with monthly video lessons, action-oriented assignments and four week-long special events.

January – Plan Your Year: Set fun goals for all-year-long mojo
April & October – Stash Bash: Use Up + Declutter + Organize
July – Summer Camp: Get reinvigorated for 6 more months of memory keeping

You get sketches and prompts every month, a message board, Facebook group, and lots of other resources to help you K-I-S-S! {Keep it simple, Scrapper!}. The whole philosophy of the site reminds me of all that I’ve been missing since the demise of Simple Scrapbooks magazine. Even the look of the site itself is beautifully simple.

Oh yeah, this is SO what I need! If you might be interested as well, please click on this icon to learn more about it:

Time is running out though!

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Scrapbook Novel: “Creative Chaos” by Kate O. Lynch is FREE for Kindle!

By on November 19, 2012 in scrapbook blogs, scrapbook books, scrapbook shopping, scrapbook websites

I read this book when it was first released and loved it. I think any scrapbooker would. It’s like Chick Lit meets scrapbooking . . . what could be better?

HURRY AND GET IT!

Not sure how long it’s free :)

ETA: The author, Kate, commented below and she says it should be free only through 11-20-12 :)

Also, I wanted to make sure that everyone knows – you don’t need a Kindle to download and read Kindle books. Just download the Kindle app to your computer, iPad, iPhone, Nook, Android, Blackberry, or other smart phone and read away!

Here’s a link to [url=http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_361458882_3?ie=UTF8&docId=1000493771&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-9&pf_rd_r=065E41TD6J63ERDX7QVV&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_p=1354791482&pf_rd_i=1000301301]ALL THE KINDLE APPS[/url] ~ and they’re all free!

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Scrapbook Shopping: WRMK 12×12 D-ring Albums at Michaels

By on November 15, 2012 in scrapbook blogs, scrapbook shopping, scrapbook websites

That, at least, is word on the street.

There have been sightings at MICHAELS of 6×6 and 12×12 WRMK D-ring albums along with some of the 12×12 WRMK page protectors. Album colors seen so far: yellow, light green, aqua, and pink.

So.

This could either be very GOOD for my budget or very BAD for my budget.

GOOD because WRMK at Michaels means I can use 40% and 50% off coupons to knock down that $20-30 retail price per album. Now that I’m doing some much scrapping with SIMPLE STORIES and SN@P and WRMK PAGE PROTECTORS, I’m needing more and more of these albums. I refuse to say I’ve made the actual switch away from my beloved postbound albums . . . but I definitely use them quite a bit now.

BAD because . . . well, I will want LOTS! And even with coupons, these are not cheapie items like the 2 rolls of Christmas washi tape I just got at Walmart for 97 cents each.

Shooks. At the coupon price, I can see buying a few per month and using them in all kinds of ways, like photo storage, page protector storage, albums in progress before I move the pages to a postbound, etc. Have you ever seen the WRMK albums lined up on a shelf? They are so purdy.

Here are Becky Higgins’ kids’ albums:

See? I could totally envision lots of WRMK albums lined up on my bookshelves in all the candy colors <3

Until I can get to Michaels and confirm the rumor firsthand, will you please post a comment here if you’ve had a sighting at your store? Please let us know what size and colors of albums. Also size and type of page protectors.

Prices would be great too :) I really don’t ask for much, right?

YAYYYYYYY! WRMK at Michaels! Happy day happy day!

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

By on November 8, 2012 in Memory Works, scrapbook blogs, scrapbook consultant, scrapbook shopping, scrapbook websites

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!

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Scrapbook Products: Errors and Typos

By on November 8, 2012 in scrapbook blogs, scrapbook shopping, scrapbook websites

As you may know, I have a thing about typos in scrapbook magazines and in published layouts. Well, how about typos in scrapbooking products??

In this Two Peas THREAD, a Pea points out that there’s an error in this BASIC GREY “Shift” paper from the “Lucille” line:

She was referring to the phrase “Cut on the Bais” which should say “bias.” But as the thread went along, astute Peas began finding more and more problems with this single sheet of Basic Grey scrapbook paper. It would be sad if it weren’t so freakin’ funny. Jeez.

- “cut along the the dotted line” with “the” twice
- “fulness” with one L
- “throed” instead of thread

Did I miss any? I’m on a laptop so it’s hard to read the fine print.

All of this reminded me of other typos in scrapbook products, like these from TERESA COLLINS “Butterfly” paper from the “Tell Your Story” collection:

- “because of you have lived” (top right)
- “it is never to late” (middle left)
- bad punctuation throughout

And THEN there was this one by MY MIND’S EYE, from the Indie Chic line:

ETA 11/08/12: Found some more!

From the WRMK “Friends Furever” line, paper called “Furry Friends” … see if you can find it :)

“A house is not a home without dog.” Hee.

“Glitter Lucky Lime” paper from the “Heat Wave” collection by AMERICAN CRAFTS

Do you wear “sandles” to the beach?

This one is more challenging … from “Arizona” paper by the STAMPING STATION:

“Sendona” in the purple section … should be Sedona. SUPPOSEBLY there are other typos in that one but I don’t know Arizona well enough to catch any of them. If you see any others, please let me know in Comments.

It’s mostly been papers so far but here is a flaw in the “Sports” design cartridge for Slice by MAKING MEMORIES:

That one made me literally LOL . . . FOUR!!

And here is a stamp set with a minor apostrophe issue – that would probably only bug the truly picky. From the “Nauti-Cool” set by WILSON DESIGNS STAMPS:

“Fathers Day” is missing one.

Here are 3 more in a stamp set by the same company! From “Gnomebody Like You”:

Maybe they sell a little apostrophe stamp separately and you’re just supposed to insert “you’re” own where appropriate?

Here’s some more paper . . . CRATE PAPER “June” from the “Portrait” collection:

It’s “Janurary” now, is it?

According to a Pea, the online version of this American Crafts “Soho Garden” chipboard is correct:

But the one she bought at an LSS says “I am Home When I am”. Wow, so existential! {Thanks Tina!}

How about this one from STUDIO CALICO‘s “Classic 3 Alpha Sheet”?

I guess it’s fine as long as you don’t need to spell “December Daily” or “Dead as a Doornail” or “Delightfully Delicious” ;)
{Thanks to Ann from CALI CRAFTS for that one!}

Here’s another one . . . from the DCWV “Guy Stack”.

It says “COUCH” instead of “COACH”. Like Patti said, “I think this one by DCWV might be a Freudian slip by some disgruntled wife.” Ha!

ETA 11/09/12: I’m adding some more. Thanks for telling me about them everyone! I still can’t believe there are so many . . .

MY MIND’S EYE “Christmas” die cuts from the “Lost and Found” line:

Ah, the lovely month of . . . Decemeber??

From the “Note to Self” line from ECHO PARK, the “Quotes” paper has a frequent pet peeve of grammar girls . . .

SHIMELLE did such a good job of explaining it, I’m just going to quote her:

It’s versus its drives me absolutely batty, so this paper sets my teeth on edge.

(If ‘it’s’ has an apostrophe, it is ALWAYS ‘it is’. The possessive of its is just like his and hers, which is not hi’s and her’s. It’s such a common error that I know I should just get over it, but instead, it glares more and more at me! I also have nightmares about making the mistake myself just because it bothers me so much, and especially with autocorrect it is easy to make.)

I have to admit I probably would’ve missed this one from OCTOBER AFTERNOON‘s “Rocket Age” word stickers:

Near the bottom is a strip that says “Into the Great Unkown” . . . Thanks for the tip, zonefan!

Here’s some interesting paper from CP’s “Fourteen” line:

Aw, CRATE PAPER, another one? I mean, TWO? The months of the year really seem to trip up these manus, don’t they? {Thanks Elise!}

ETA 12-15-12: Just found another one in an e-mail I got for a sale ;)

In the Giant Rhinestone Kit from “Cashmere Dame” by GLITZ DESIGN …

Shouldn’t it be HUBBA HUBBA? {I’m pronouncing this is “hugh-buh hugh-buh”}. Such a bummer because I would’ve bought those otherwise. I love all their stuff … it’s so purdy. Oh, and there were typos in the e-mail, too ;)

ETA 02-09-13: Had to do a whole ‘nother post about THIS ONE because it hit so close to home :(

ETA 03-24-13: Oh noes! My fave company let another one through … from Simple Stories new line “24/7″:

Thanks threecs! Ironically, “picture” is spelled correctly here … and then not.

ETA 05-03-13: MAMBI made a big OOPS on their pocket page cards – but they tried to make it right. See all the deets HERE.

ETA 05-17-13: PennyPaws at TwoPeas posted this recently:

Pebbles’ Lakeside Collection “Summer Camp”, and the B side has different categories like “Food”, “Crafts”, First Aid”, etc… It has a box with “Troup #” written in it… Thinking they meant “troop”.

Thanks for taking a photo of that, PennyPaws! I couldn’t find an image online anywhere, even Pebbles own website ;)

ETA 05-21-13: According to a Pea in THIS THREAD, there are even more mistakes being found in the MAMBI cards but I don’t have specifics or pictures, sorry :(
********

What do you think about all of these errors in scrapbooking products? Annoying? Unconscionable? Or “oh well”?

Personally, they drive me crazy. Yes, transcriptionist and English major here so I notice things that maybe others wouldn’t. But even if typos didn’t generally bug me, I’m paying for a product and expect it to be proofread, for gosh sakes.

Is it due to economic hardships for the companies, less employees, can’t afford the time to proofread? What? I find it ironic – if that is even the case – that there is a whole world of scrapbookers out here who would LOVE to proof new products and would even do it for FREE. C’mon, scrapbook companies, I’m here for ya’!!

So tell me your thoughts on the matter even IF* you’re just “meh” about it all. And let me know of other scrapbook product typos you’ve come across. I’ll post them here :)

*Typo fixed! Was there only one in this whole post!?! LOL

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Scrapbooking Article: Scrapbooks as the Facebook of the 1800s

By on November 1, 2012 in scrapbook blogs, scrapbook books, scrapbook websites

What a neat ARTICLE! It’s about a new scrapbook-related book called “Writing with Scissors: American Scrapbooks from the Civil War to the Harlem Renaissance.” by Ellen Gruber Garvey.

Scrapbooks: The Facebook of the 1800s
BY DAWN BAUMGARTNER VAUGHAN

DURHAM – Before Pinterest, before Facebook and before blogs, there was scrapbooking. Not the scrapbooking as sport that some domestic fanatics take on, with store-bought accoutrements. Scrapbooking with scraps of newspapers. In the 19th century, newspapers were cheap, abundant and disposable – and considered valuable, Ellen Gruber Garvey said during a talk about strategic scrapbooking Monday in the Rare Book Room of Rubenstein Library at Duke University.

Some people made scrapbooks with much enthusiasm, filling hundreds with newspaper clippings. What they chose to cut and paste, and how they repackaged that information, remade it, Garvey explained. An English professor at the New Jersey City University, she is the author of “Writing with Scissors: American Scrapbooks from the Civil War to the Harlem Renaissance,” just published by Oxford University Press.

Scrapbooking in the 19th century was a democratic practice, Garvey said, and people of all classes kept them. “It required very little money,” she said, and most people pasted clippings into repurposed ledgers or agricultural reports. Mark Twain, however, did invent a self-pasting scrapbook. Some people kept scrapbooks of themselves in the news, like Abraham Lincoln, public speakers and actors. For others, like those who saved newspapers from 9/11 or the election of President Barack Obama, it was about “living through momentous times and keeping a record of it.”

Scrapbooks aren’t always appreciated by libraries, Garvey said, and they’re hard to preserve. They’re like the ancestors to Internet bookmarks, she said. But in “Writing with Scissors,” she includes information from two scrapbooks in the libraries of Duke University and UNC. Duke has a scrapbook by the Solomons family of Savannah, Ga., which was made during the Civil War from 1861-63 in a used ledger from the family business. Clippings from the same battle are pasted again and again of a Confederate victory. The types of clippings chosen show the attitude of the person making it.

“She chooses. She doesn’t take everything she sees,” Garvey said. “It’s her life, circulated and filtered through her ideas, through the newspaper.”

White newspapers of the time assumed its readers were white as well, and shared views on lynchings, black voter oppression and the like, even after the war. Frederick Douglass first found the meaning of “abolitionist” in a pro-slavery newspaper, she said. Black scrapbooking was a way of speaking back to scrapbooks like Solomons’.

“They write with scissors,” Garvey said. Black scrapbooks were used to analyze media with juxtaposition, as written commentary and as black history, she said. North Carolinian Charles Hunter, an African-American teacher, writer and principal in the 1800s, used his scrapbook to compare newspaper clippings of similar criminal accusations, with the black people punished and white people freed. The clippings were pasted near each other. Using the language of juxtaposition is the basic grammar of scrapbooks, Garvey said.

William Dorsey, an African-American historian in Philadelphia, made 400 scrapbooks. Once, called “Colored Centenarians,” was full of clippings of African-Americans who lived more than 100 years.

“Dorsey created a black history out of the hostile white press,” Garvey said.

Women’s rights activists also recorded the suffrage movement’s history, with clippings of their own involvements. In homes, scrapbooks bridged public and domestic life, Garvey said.

Compared to the present day, scrapbooking was very much like reading and saving at the same time, like Facebook, she said. “In many respects, it was similar to LexisNexis – a way of sorting material.”

“Writing with Scissors” is available for Kindle.

Some thoughts after reading the article:

1. ” . . . the scrapbooking as sport that some domestic fanatics take on, with store-bought accoutrements . . . ” is yet another slam on scrapbookers. But I guess we should be used to those by now (eye roll). First of all, if scrapbooking was a sport, wouldn’t I have lost weight by now? And B., I’m the furthest thing from a domestic fanatic you will ever meet {just ask my husband and kids . . . wait, I think they’re under a pile of laundry here somewhere . . . }, but I am a kick-azz scrapbooker. So . . . just . . . NANNER!

2. I love that scrapbooking was more popular with a variety of people, even MEN (!), back then. And that you could tell what was important to them by what articles and clippings they chose to scrapbook. I’ve never thought of it that way but can’t we say the same today? My scrapbooks are predominantly filled with layouts of my kids, extended family, sports, and trips. And yes, those are the most important things in my life at this stage.

3. The African-American and women’s rights aspect is fascinating. How cool that they were able to kind of circumvent the popular press, make their own histories, and highlight what was important to them. This reminds me of the blogging, Twitter, etc. of today: WE the people choose what to post, which articles to Tweet, what is important to us regardless of what the popular media tells us to care about.

POWER TO THE PEOPLE! SCRAPBOOK! HOO-RAH!

{In a million years, I could never have foreseen that I’d write the above line in my lifetime}.

What did you think of the article?

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