Cadence Designs

A very Ariel party

2010-07-23T10:38:00.000-05:00

Here are the gatefold invitations i made for Terras 7th birthday party that is super fast approaching!

I love the way they turned out, and so does she!

True Loves Embrace

2010-07-18T20:13:00.000-05:00

I made this for my BFF Krista and her new husband Daryl. It's thier kiss right after they got married!

I hope you like it, and better yet, that you "get it". Krista does, lol, and she likes it. Daryl thought it was kinda creepy, as did my husband Chris! Men....where do they come from anyways?

Here is a close up of the detail. I used 2 8x10s and 15 4x6s to make it. her shoulder strap is made up of peices from his flower, and his flower leaves are made up of pieces of her skin tone. I hope that makes sense.

I saw it in my head for three weeks before i sat down to make it, and i LOVE the way it turned out!

Happy Wedding Day Book

2010-07-06T20:44:00.000-05:00

I just finished an order of four identical special occassion books using photos taken the day of a great friends wedding! The books turned out absolutely adorable and i think Krista will agree that her wedding colors lend themselves to pure happiness! White, Black and Pink with a splash of polka dots plus lots of sparkle...what could go wrong?

TOOT TOOT, AKA "Don't doubt my awesomeness!"

2010-04-28T15:25:00.000-05:00

There are times in a girls life when she must decide whether to toot her own horn or not. This one wasn't hard to decide! Chris fully doubted my abilities with my spur-of-the-moment project idea...but he has since learned of my complete and total awesomness.

My mom purchased great shoes for me for the wedding. I do really love them. The only problem was though, that I was worried that they didn't fully match. See, I'm wearing a pretty white summer dress, with a cropped raspberry pink lightweight cardigan on top. Terra is wearing a frilly white dress with a black sash and tiny black flowers along the skirt, with a gorgeous matching pink flower to put in her hair. Chris will be in this black suit, white shirt and a pink tie that matches my cardigan. WHITE-PINK-BLACK. There in lies the problem. The darn black! I had nothing black in my outfit.

On a spur of the moment we stopped by Payless to look at shoes (BOGO ya know!).

For some reason, i fell in love with these shoes- they are a pale lavender. I'm not a ruffly type person, but they "spoke" to me, lol. And heck, they were only $8 down from $25

The second i put them on, the idea hit me. The shoes are fabric covered, and a simple design.

So off to Hobby Lobby we went!

Yes people, I PAINTED MY SHOES, lol! And it turned out 1000 times better than i saw in my head!

I took my time and painted (with a tiny brush) two coats of white fabric paint, pink fabric paint, and black fabric paint. Whod a thunk it that it would actually work!

So--what do you think?

Kristas Wedding Invitations

2010-04-22T16:04:00.000-05:00

I made these Wedding Invitations for a very good friend.

The are triple layered with white, pink, and black heavyweight Bazzill cardstock.

I love the polka dot ribbon she asked me to use, don't you?

Thanks!

2010-04-12T17:24:00.000-05:00

Don't cha love it? I know i do!

I made this for two challenges:

Color Throwdown #87

Clean & Simple #85

The layout inspiration (and boy did it inspire!) came from the Clean and Simple sketch:

And the gorgeous colors came straight from the color throwdown challenge!

I really loved thinking outside the box...I typically do not use stamps as a background type of design, but i absolutely love how this turned out, so i know i will try again in the future!

SUPPLIES USED:

PAPER: BAZZILL

INK: MEMENTO TUXEDO BLACK & PEAR TART, DEW DROP PEARL ORCHID & PLATINUM PLANET

STAMP: THE {STAMPS} OF LIFE

RIBBON:

I'm so happy for you!

2010-04-11T16:08:00.000-05:00

I made todays card on a whim (and at the last possible minute!) and really love how it turned out!

I made this for a friend, and was able to use two blog challenges as inspiration:

Mojo Monday sketch #133

There She Goes Color Challenge #49

The Mojo Monday sketch was awesome and so much fun to play with! I love being able to dive into my gigantic scrap pile and make something pretty!

The There She Goes Color Challenge was to use lemon yellow, agua, and grass green! The second i saw the colors i began searching for the small scrap sheet of Basic Grey leftover from almost 3 years ago!

Perfect huh? And easy peasy to boot!

Hope you enjoyed looking!

SUPPLIES USED:

PAPER: Bazzill, Basic Grey

STAMPS: The {Stamps} of Life

INK: Memento Tuxedo Black

BUTTERFLY: Colorbok punch out backed with cardstock

RIBBON: Details Accessories

All kinds of Thanks!

2010-04-08T12:30:00.000-05:00

LOVE these colors! I never would have put them all together if it werent for inspiration from the

Curtain Call Color Challenge #24 over on Staceys Stamping Stage:

Layout inspiration came from the Clean & Simple Sketch Challenge #84

Thanks for looking!

SUPPLIES USED:

PAPER: Bazzill, Wild Asparagus

STAMP: Studio G

FLOWERS: Bazzill, Prima

BUTTON: unknown

INK: Vivid Turquois

PUNCH: EK Success

Happy Birthday!

2010-04-08T12:06:00.002-05:00

I love this combo of colors, don't you?!?!

Layout inspiration came from Just us Girls Sketch #27:

The color combination and playful feel were inspired by the

Cupcake Inspiration Challenge #53 over on Hope Stamps Eternal:

I really enjoyed making this one! Hope you like it!

SUPPLIES USED:

PAPER: My Minds Eye, Bazzill

STAMPS: The {Stamps} of Life

INK: Vivid Turquois, Memento Tuxedo Black

RIBBON: Details

PUNCH: EK Success

This is LOVE!

2010-04-08T11:54:00.000-05:00

Ok, i admit it. I am fully, happily, and DESPERATELY in love, and i don't care who knows it!

I made this card for my fiance, only one month prior to our wedding!

I normally try and stay away from bright oranges and tangerines, as i am a University of Memphis fan and just cringe at the thought of UT orange...but i tried it out, and LOVE the results!

The layout inspiration came from the Monday Lunchtime Sketch Challenge #16 on TechnoStamper:

The color combination came from the ColourQ challenge #27:

SUPPLIES USED:

PAPER: Bazzill, Wild Asparigus

DIECUT: Cricut ovals

RIBBON: unknown

INK: Vivid: Turquois

STAMP: Studio G

Thanks for looking!

New card: Hello

2010-04-08T11:37:00.000-05:00

I made this card for my sister. We keep in touch mainly through email and facebook, so i figured I would make her a suprise card, with no holiday attached!

I made this card for two Blog challenges:

The general layout was inspired by the sketch on:

The Sweetest Thing Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #63

and

the color combination, sentiment, and overall feel of the card was inspired by:

Cinema Saturday Creative Challenge #73

Thanks for looking! I can't wait to get this one in the mail later today!

SUPPLIES USED:

PAPER: Bazzill, Foofala

STAMP: Stampendous

FLOWERS: Making Memories, Bazzill

BUTTON: Unknown

in preparation for a very Happy Mother's Day

2010-04-04T13:22:00.000-05:00

I am trying to get ready for Mothers Day this year a little earlier than usual!

I made this card for two seperate challenges today:

Diva Coffee Break Designs #171

Crazy 4 Challenges #31

Crazy 4 Challenges #31 calls for using kraft paper!

I had been holding on to this peice of paper for a while, and wasn't sure what to do with it.

Once i pulled it out I realized it matches the Penny Lane paper really well!

The Diva Coffee Break Designs challenge is responsible for the layout inspiration:

Supplies used:

CRICUT: Mini Monograms

PAPER: Penny Lane, Archivers Cardstock, Bazzill, Bazzill Edge

STAMP: Inque Boutique

INK: Memento Tuxedo Black

COPICS: YG03, YG23, RV02, RV21

RIBBON: American Crafts

RHINESTONE: Kaiser Kraft

Happy Easter Chickadee Treat

2010-04-04T13:09:00.001-05:00

I really had so much fun making this for my future sister-in-law!

I made this for three Blog Challenges:

CupCake Craft Challenges #84

Color Throwdown #86

Just Add Ink #11

The Cupcake Craft Challenge was to make something with a Spring or Easter theme, and to incorporate chocolate. While i love the color chocolate....the real thing just can't be beat! So i decided to make a Hershey bar wrap to give as a gift!

The Color Throwndown challenge was to use yoyo yellow, garden green and a soft suede color.

The second i saw the challenge i thought of my Basic Grey scraps i had been saving for the perfect occassion!

The third is for the just add ink challenge which was....just-add-ink!! I can handle that!

I hope you like what you see!

Supplies Used:

Hershey chocolate bar

STAMPS: The {Stamps} of Life

PAPER: Basic Grey, Bazzill

FLOWER: Prima

RHINESTONE: Kaiser Kraft

INK: Memento Tuxedo Black, SEI Cumquats, Vivid Olive & Spring Green

You Make the World a Better Place

2010-04-03T14:42:00.002-05:00

I made this card for three different Blog Challenges:

Taylored Expressions

No Time To Stamp

The Playdate Cafe

I had a ton of fun with this card, and am sooo thankful I was able to use some of the chipboard out of my giant box of unused chipboard!

Layout inspiration came from the (rotated) Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge 107:

Color inspiration came from The Playdate Cafe Creativity Challenge #22:

Embellishment inspiration came from Stamp Simply 133 from No Time to Stamp:

This week’s challenge is dig out a chipboard piece that you

have and design your card or project around that piece or pieces if you like!

Supplies used:

Paper: Bazzill

Stamp: Verve

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black & Summer Sky

Ribbon: Offray

Kaiser Krafts: Rhinestones

Button: unknown

Floss: Karen Foster Scrappers Floss

Chipboard: Making Memories & BoBunny

Flowers: Prima & Imaginisce

I'm on a roll! Thanks from the Bottom of my Heart!

2010-04-03T14:29:00.000-05:00

Wow, FOURTH card in three days, countless challenges conquered!

I'm on a roll!

I made this card for three different blog challenges:

Unscripted Sketches

Embellish Magazine

There She Goes Clear Stamps

The Layout inspiration is from Unscripted Sketches #48 challenge:

Color Inspiration came from the Embellish Magazine Colors & Stitching Challenge:

Now this one was a true challenge!

Sticking to a list of things you can use is tougher than i thought it would be!

Embellishment inspiration came from There She Goes Clear Stamps TSG48:

LIST:

only 3 colors

only 2 designer papers

only 1 button

only 1 ribbon

NOTHING ELSE!

I think i did well making all three chalenges fit into one card!

What do you think?

Supplies used:

STAMPS: The {Stamps} of Life

PAPERS: Jillibean Soup, Patterned Paper Scrap, Bazzill

BUTTON: Unknown

RIBBON: Unknown

FAUX STITCHING: Cosmo Cricket

PUNCH: EK Sucess

Crazy 4 Challenges & The Color Dare CD62 submission

2010-04-03T07:00:00.002-05:00

I made this card for two different blog challenges:

Crazy 4 Challenges and The Color Dare

The layout inspiration came from C4C30:

The color inspiration came from CD62

I really liked the color combo, especially since they are colors i wouldn't normally work with together! It was fun figuring out how to combine both challenges into one card, and I love the way it turned out!

Supplies used:

Paper: Bazzill

Stamp: Studio G

Flowers: Making Memories

Ribbon: Details Accessories

Rhinestones: Kaiser Kraft

Thanks for looking!

My ColourQ, EBTKS, and CPS Challenges

2010-04-02T10:19:00.002-05:00

Whew....two in one week! Trynig to combine the challenges is a little tricky, but it also really makes me think about my designs and how to make them the best!

I loved making this card. I do not work in this size typically, and i also tend to overdo the style and have color all over--so it was nice to break away and challenge myself to make it pretty with very little color. I kept thinking...KISS-- Keep it Simple Stupid!

The three challenges i did this week are for EBTKS Challenge 12, cQc#26, and CPS160

The color inspiration came from this weeks Colour Q challenge:

The size and layout inspiration came from the CPS Challenge:

And i also threw in the challenge from Everything but the Kitchen Sink...use string!

Thanks for looking! I can't wait to be in a billion more challenges!

My Supplies:

Paper: Bazzill

Flowers: Prima

Button: Doodlebug

String: KF Scrappers floss

Stamp: The {Stamps} of Life

Mojo Monday & Color Dare Challenges

2010-04-01T20:29:00.000-05:00

I made this card for two different challenges:

Color Dare and Mojo Monday

Color Inspiration came from the Color Dare Challenge this week:

The layout inspiration came from the Mojo Monday weekly sketch:

I absolutely love how the card turned out! This is my first time playing along with these challenges, i hope i did it right!

(and please be kind and let me know if i didn't!)

Supplies used are:

Stamps: The {Stamps} of Life

Paper: Crate Paper & Bazzill

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black & Vivid Pink

Ribbon: Offray

Perhaps the cutest book I've EVER made!

2010-03-29T22:11:00.000-05:00

just finished this book, and i wanted to share it with the world! The only thing left to do is add 5 photos! I absolutely LOVE the way it turned out, and i hope my customer does as well!

Best part of all is that i finally got to use my Bind-it-All....and nothing but scrap papers and embellishments!

YAY

A new Valentine

2010-02-11T08:58:00.003-06:00

I made this Valentine for Chris *shhh, don't tell him!* and i really like the way it turned out! I made it as part of the C4C23 Challenge this week.

He really is the Frosting to my Cupcake...he is what makes me better!

New year....new Birthday card

2010-01-05T18:56:00.003-06:00

Itty Bitty cards

2009-08-26T20:35:00.004-05:00

Most of you know that Terra is having a tough time in the behavior department at school. She is getting MUCH better, but still has trouble keeping her mouth closed and listening.

I've been including little notes with her lunch box, and she abaolutely loves them. I ran out of the little green crayon cards i bought at Michaels, so i decided to make some itty bitty cards of my own to suprise her with. They are all 3 inch square.

They go on a smiley face system E=queen, S=Smiley face, N=Straight face, U=Sad face....so that is why most of them have a crown on it....

I think they turned out awesome, and I know she will love them as much as i loved making them.

Hello Kitty Goodie Bags for Terras Birthday Party!

2009-07-28T14:00:00.002-05:00

These were so much fun to make! Terra helped cut out and count the letters for the names! And helped to glue on the Hello Kitty peices too!

Hello Kitty Birthday Card...by far the most favorite thing i've ever created in my whole life!

2009-07-19T17:25:00.003-05:00

As you all know, Terra is slightly beyond obsessed with Hello Kitty at the moment. After seeing that the slightly larger than normal birthday cards are $4-8 at Toys R US, and they are plain and flat, BLAH.....I decided to make her a giant HK Birthday card...and LOVE the way it turned out!

The card is 10 inches square, and I also made a matching envelope. (Both are made out of 12x12 cardstock, email me if you'd like instructions! It's super easy once you figure it all out!) To cover the binding on the inside i had to also put a second color of cardstock in the middle to write on.

I LOVE the way it turned out, and i hope she goes as gaga for it as i did!

7/18/09 Crop Layouts

2009-07-19T16:50:00.006-05:00

I was a busy lil bee!

Layout 1: "2nd lost tooth"
For this LO i asked Terra to describe what she thought the Tooth Fairy would look like....got some pretty funny responses, like "She flies into the house through our peep hole in the door!". I also did a block of hidden journaling, weighted down with a heavy button so she doesn't know until she is old enough not to "believe" anymore. Little girl tried to booby trap the Tooth Fairy!

Layout 2: "Gymnastics Program" ~2 pages
I like the way this one turned out!

Layout 3: "Artiste!"
This is the layout of the photos of the latest painting shes created. Too cute.

Layout 4: "4th of July 2009" ~2 pages

Layout 5: "You wearing your heart on your sleeve"
Terras big birthmark is in the shape of a perfect heart, if you haven't seen in lately!

Layout 6: "Kindergarten Musical"
Terras class sang and acted out "Little bunny foofoo", complete with mice and a Goon!

Layout 7: "Pool with Jennifer"
Photos of Terra and Jennifer (chris' sister) playing at the pool!

Layout 8: "Swimming"

I also started a "School book" for Terra. It is 8x8, and the book is a binder bound type from Making Memories, and is covered in an adorable pink corduroy!

I plan to make a 2page layout for each school year, Preschool to 6th grade. I've already made all of the layouts in fact, so i have no excuses. All I have to do is take photos and print them out! I am taking one on the first and last day, plus field trips and special school functions, and after school activities!

I'm a great Aunt! Man do i feel old!

2009-07-09T12:23:00.004-05:00

...but dang it, he is super cute!

These are the "less than traditional" baby anouncements i made for my nephew to hand out!

Hope you like them!

New Birthday card i made

2009-06-28T22:54:00.004-05:00

I made this for Jennifers birthday using my new Quickutz Owl die....I loooove the way the she turned out! :D

New Layouts from Friday nights crop

2009-06-07T15:51:00.006-05:00

Bare with me, these dont have the journaling quite done, but the layouts are complete!

I was really proud of myself that I got a TON accomplished from 530p-11! Here they are:

"Full of Attitude" - 2 page layout
THIS is my Terra. She is full of attitude....she is 5 going on 17!

Field Day 2009

Goofy Girl

Green Thumb
Terra decided she wanted to grow some flowers, so i helped her plant a few Zinnia seeds. The tiny plants have since been moved to bigger pots, but i loved these first photos. She is REALLY good with them, and keeps them watered very well! No flowers have bloomed yet, but the plants are about 4 inches tall already!

Missing Tooth

She likes to Move it!
Terra dancing like noone is watching! I used scrap patterned paper and 2 different label makers for the journaling.

Me and my Shadow
Whereever Terra goes, Boots is not that far behind!

Toys -2 page layout
These are quick photos of all of TErras favorite toys as of June 3, 2009....Crayons, Books, Movies, Hello Kitty, her Race Track, dressup clothes, my old (non-working) cell phone, her remote control car, her pool floatie, her Littlest pet shop animals and her FP Airplane.

I decided to make a 12x12 album of yearly pages, so that we can quickly flip through and see Terras changed throughout the year. Each layout is for one year, and has a photo from each month. I am purposefully making them very plain and i plan to make them identical each year, aside from the patterned paper used and the placement of the photo block.

I swear i will keep it up and be sure to have the photos i need by the end of the year!

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Mothers Day Cards

2009-05-04T19:24:00.003-05:00

Happy National Scrapbooking Day....a lil late!

2009-05-04T17:46:00.004-05:00

So for those of you that are aware...Happy Belated Scrapbooking Day! For those of you that are unaware, its okay, i will explain. May 2 was National Scrapbooking Day...woot woot. I think it should be deemed necessary for all scrapbookers to receive gifts on the holiday...hmmm....who in Congress to contact to see about getting THAT started! LOL.

I got a ton of work done over the holiday weekend....here are a few of the layouts i was able to finish! I also caught up Terra’s Christmas and Birthday Albums which I was super duper behind on....so if you think that the following is a lot, multiple it by 3 and you have the true magnitude of what i did this weekend!

Easter 2009. The Big tree is on pop dots….I think this is the fastest layout I’ve ever done! I’ve been working very hard on not overdoing or over thinking layouts lately…I think it worked!

POP. Terra loves to “play bubbles” and she loves even more when someone else blows them for her so she can concentrate on popping them all!

Math wiz…this kid cracks me up, she LOVES to “play math”. Who would have thought something so smart could come out of ME!?!?!?!?

Great buddies. These are pictures of one morning when Chris and Terra were playing and being goofy…I love the last photo on this layout!

10 things I love about you. Of course this is a play on one of my favorite movies of all time, 10 things I HATE about you. I certainly have nothing but love for the kid, so I couldn’t possibly go with the correct title!

Calli….the Catipillar. Terra found Calli at the Zoo, and carried her around for THREE HOURS!

Silly, Crazy, Cool. This is Terra wearing my sunglasses one day. She was sitting on my lap and being goofy, so you know I had to whip out the camera!

Our family. These are 2 of Terra’s cousins from Michigan. She loved playing with them both and hated when they had to leave!

Memphis Botanic Gardens. These are pics from Terra’s last field trip to the Botanic Gardens. I love the way it turned out. I don’t think I’ve ever used THAT many photos on one layout before…but I think I pulled it off!

The painting is done!

2009-03-14T17:39:00.003-05:00

Here are the final photos after hanging the rest today! What a project, but i loooove how they turned out!

Finally did something with my living room wall!

2009-03-13T16:16:00.002-05:00

This wall is HUGE...and i could never figure out what to do with it. The ceiling in the living room is hugely vaulted. I knew "it" needed to be nice and big, but who can afford large scale art? Not me!!

So, i got an idea from a magazine, started that process, then changed my mind, ending with what i just hung up today.

Each canvas is 18x24, and i currently have 3 in the peice. I plan to eventually have it grow to be 3 canvases high and wide, so 9 total, all identical in style as the first 3.

TOTAL COST:

2 pack board canvases from Michaels
9.99-40% coupon =$5.99 for the TWO pack
for all 9 boards =$29.95 with one board to spare (and Terra has already attacked it with paint!)

I purchased the flower stamp at the Eclectica Yard Sale for $2 i think (somewhere around there) and i already have way too much craft paint so i cant even count that in the cost!

I really like how it turned out and can't wait to go get a few more sets at Michaels over the next few days/weeks! Will post the final project once it is finished!

New Layout: "Love Notes" --pink, brown & BLACK!

2009-02-28T14:19:00.002-06:00

Pink and Brown "go".

Pink and Black "go".

So why can't pink, brown AND black go together?!?!?!?

Don't forget the #1 rule of scrapbooking....there are NO RULES!

Ignore the ole fashion rules of not mixinf browns and blacks and step outside of the box!

I made this layout today after getting inspiration from a recent scrapbooking magazine. I absolutely love this paper and really like that they pushed the envelope by making it various shades of pink along with brown AND black...that seems to be a rarity!

New layout PLUS a challange for YOU!

2009-02-18T10:29:00.007-06:00

New Layout..."Aca-dem-ic-al-ly"

Terra was selected by her teacher to do the daily announcment to the entire school! Seeing as though i am in love with the paper, and want to make it go as far as humanly possible, i planned ahead and made sure to maximize the usage to get the most i possibly could from it!

The first photo below is of the peices i cut in order to complete this layout. The second photo below is of the scraps i was left with! Instead of using 3 12x12 pages of heavyweight (and slightly pricey) patterned paper plus 3 12x12 sheets of heavyweight textured Bazzill Cardstock, i used roughly the equivelent of 1 sheet of cardstock and 1 sheet of patterned paper! By cutting the center of the blue cardstock out entirely, i had plenty of cardstock to not only mat my pink journaling block, but also to cut out my title using QuicKutz! The second sheet of patterned paper (the pink stripes and the brown and pink polka dots) was a double sided beauty, so that saved even more!

CHALLENGE! Make the most of your paper! All you have to do is think ahead, and make a plan. Get out a piece of scratch paper, or your idea book and draw your layout ideas. Then determine exactly how much of each paper you will need. Be sure to use enough of the largest piece so that the page is nice and sturdy, but don't waste paper.

Note that in my layout, at the bottom of the page, there was potential to have 6 layers of photos/papers for this one page! SIX! By planning ahead and piecing the layout together carefully, i was able to not only save money by saving paper, but i was also able to save height in my scrapbook as the page is much thinner than it would have been had i used full sheets, six pages thick!

ORGANIZE those Quick Kutz dies!

2009-02-17T11:50:00.003-06:00

In the past i found some binder sheets (think divided page protectors for a binder) that fit the Cuttlebug dies and embossing folders. I have now found some for QuickKutz! I have seperated my alphabets from my everyday dies, and have put all of the alphabets into binder sheets. They are so easy to find now, nice and organized, neat, and compact! WOOHOO

I'm in LOV*E....

2009-02-16T10:55:00.003-06:00

with a paper line! HA!

If you haven't seen the new Penny Lane paper line yet, RUN to your closest LOCAL scrapbook store. The national chains like Hobby Lobby and Michaels are very unlikely to have it! This line is perhaps my favorite in YEARS. My last true favorite was the Basic Grey Lollipop Shoppe from 4+ years ago! I had a very hard time NOT buying at least one of every single sheet, it is so PERFECT! They are heavy weight, textured, gorgeous colors and the matching diecuts are gorgeous, and it says a TON that i am saying that. I typically do not like the cheesy matchig diecuts that the companies produce...but these are awesome! Here are a few photos of a small portion of the papers i snagged....ENJOY!

Get Organized on a budget!

2009-02-07T10:56:00.010-06:00

I think most of you know how Anal Retentive I am when it comes to organization....my favorite parts of Target are the school supplies, and the organization sections! We decided to move around my bedroom/scrap room and I am *almost* finished with it, and I love the way it turned out! I will list approximate prices and where I purchased items along with the photos for those that need to get a jump start of finishing their own scrap spaces (And I know you guys are out there, so quit hiding...get started!).

Desk:
My father made my desk out of a large wood piece with 3 attached legs. It is about 6 feet in length, and 2 feet deep. The left side of the desk rests on the top of a salvaged sanded and spray painted filing cabinet. It holds my files, but sadly enough, not 12x12...but it still does quite a bit for "hiding" ugly papers!

COST: $20 total (includes the paints for both the desk and the filing cabinet!)

Long Shelves:
My father made the long shelves as well, out of the same piece of wood that the desk came from. They are the same length as the desk, and are 12 inches deep.

COST: $7.50 (6 white 10x12" brackets from Wal-mart shelving section, wood is included in above desk cost!)

White Baskets:
I purchased these at the same time as the above blue pails. The baskets were packaged 2 to a set, and were only $.50 per set, again, at 90% off of summer themed items! They too are super easy to move around, and look cute to boot...what could be better?!?!?! Items stored in the baskets: MM Foam sets, Just Rite Monogram tools & accessories, Various bare chipboard pieces, Hot Glue Gun/Ribbon Iron, non-holiday Wood Block Stamps, Metallic Paints, Label Makers, Bulk Adhesives, and new cards I’ve finished and need to photograph. I also have a basket set aside for Terra for small scraps, and her glue, etc, etc.

COST: $5.00 total for 10 baskets

12x12 Drawer sets:
These were purchased at Target for $8.99 each on sale last week (through the end of today!), regular price is only $9.99 so don’t make a special trip today unless you just really want to save that extra $1!!! The exact same drawers are $14.99 at Wal-Mart, and $14.99 at Hobby Lobby (so $9 after a 40% off coupon). Items stored in the drawers: (on top shelf...items used once per year or less) Christmas, Love, Baby, Halloween & Mothers/Fathers Day items. Each of the 5 on that shelf is for each separate holiday, one drawer for paper, one for embellishments, one for stamps. The 2 sets that are on top of the desk hold a TON of stuff....all my MM paints, Stickles, Embossing powders, all inks and Flocking mess, Colored Floss, Envelopes and my business cards and stamps. This was the most expensive of the entire set up, but I don't know how i ever lived without them!

COST: $62.93 for 7 of the 12" 3-drawer sets

Small white desktop shelves:
This was one of my favorite finds E*V*E*R! I got these at Target, 75% off about 2 years ago. They ended up being roughly $6.24 per set of 2! I just knew I’d have the perfect use for them some day, and I loved the way they fit on the desk! These run about $24.99 each set!

COST: $12.48 for 2 sets of 2 cubes

Blue Pails:
I actually purchased these almost 3 years ago at Target. I scored them for only $.15 each during an after summer 90% off clearance! I bought all they had, 10 total. They are the perfect size to hold items that I use constantly, and they can quickly be moved around when I need certain tools and product. They also have awesome little slots for labels....a place for everything and everything in its place! Items stored in the pails: Pens/Pencils, Scissors/Sanding Tools, Adhesives, Acrylic Blocks, Tombow Markers, Paint Brushes, Colored Pencils.

COST: $1.50 total for 10 pails

Flower/Ribbon Jars:
These are all from Hobby Lobby. The flower jars were $2.33 each (so $1.39 each with 40% off coupon...or even lower if you score them on a 50% off sale!). As always, the flowers are ROYGBIV'd. The ribbon jars are slightly larger and therefore they have to lie down, but they still work perfect, and you can see the pretty ribbons nicely! These larger jars are $2.99 each (so $1.79 each w/coupon, again, cheaper if you wait for a 50% off sale).

COST: $13.71 for 6 short and 3 tall jars

Button Jars:
These are Making Memories jars and were purchased at Eclectica for $9.99 for the set of 6 (so $6.99 after a 30% off coupon). The buttons are ROYGBIV’d, of course, and I love the look of the colors showing through the jars. The fit perfectly inside the shelves of the cube sets!

COST: $6.99 for set of 6 small jars

Making Memories Embellishment Boxes:
I purchased 4 from Eclectica and one from the above EBay seller. Items stored in the 5 boxes (I am still searching for a 6th box to round out the collection!): Brads (separated by color of course), Specialty Brads (think 3’s, flowers, etc, etc), Small Embellishments, Misc Embellishments & Eyelets (separated by color)

COST: $24.95 for all 5 boxes at $4.99 each

Paper Trays:
I purchased these for $6 last weekend at the Eclectica Craft Yard Sale. I REALLY scored with these! They appear to be made by Display Dynamics. I have my 12x12 cardstocks stored here, ROYGBIV'd of course. The bottom tray is for "special" cardstocks, like glitters and scalloped edges, etc, etc.

COST: $6.00 for the set of 6 trays

Cropper Hopper Vertical Paper Holders, dividers, & files:
I am so happy with how these turned out! Some of these i purchased long ago, some are new. I now have 7 of the 12" holders, 5 of the 8" holders, and 3 of the 6" holders. As always, everything is organized to a "T" and labeled as such! :) I purchased some of the holders at Eclectica and some on EBay...try this seller for a great experience: Kimscotti

.....12" holders......
Basic Patterned Papers: separated by main color of background, ROYGBIV'd
Theme Patterned Papers: birthday, animal, sports, etc, etc
Patterned Paper Scraps: separated by theme/main style
Large Cardstock Scraps: separated & ROYGBIV'd
Prepared Layouts: Files contain sets ready to be worked on...photos, papers & CS
Prepared Projects: Files contain all supplies for projects/books waiting to be worked on
Bulk Patterned Papers: Papers i bought in bulk for special reasons

.....8" holders.....
8.5x11" Cardstocks: Neutrals
8.5x11" Cardstocks: Colors ROYGBIV'd
8" Patterned Paper Stacks
Medium Cardstock Scraps
Other: Acrylic sheets, Stamps sheets, Stamp boards, Labels

.....6" holders.....
Small Cardstock/Mat Stacks
6x6" Patterned Paper Stacks
6" Cardstock

COST: Roughly $74.85 for all 15 holders, not including the MANY sets of files and dividers!

Total cost of Room Re-Do:
$235.91

If you see anything else in the photos that you’d like to know about, please let me know! I tried to hit all the mail sections, but I’m sure I missed things!

Wall Art

2009-02-05T11:28:00.002-06:00

I guess you can call it that. I decided i needed some color in my lovely bathroom, so i sat down with some paints, some scrapbooking embellishments (the black felt borders) and a few small (read: cheap) canvas boards. I like the way they turned out!

February 2009: 3 Looks

2009-01-26T16:12:00.003-06:00

I was asked to submit an item for the 3 Looks promotion at Eclectica this month. I did a 12x12 layout and made 2 cards with the scrap papers! I really LOVE how the Layout turned out...in fact, i think it is one of my favorite layouts of all time!

2009 Goals

2009-01-05T13:01:00.003-06:00

I refuse to call them resolutions...that is almost a guarantee that i will forget about them by January 15th! So...goals for 2009.

As far as creativity goes, I hope to create at least:

5 Layouts per month
5 Cards (non-monthly website cards that is) per month
5 Blog posts per month

Hold me to it, wouldja?

Bright Ideas

2009-01-03T15:35:00.000-06:00

Okay, i love to scrap, i love to make cards, and i love to read....especially magazines in honor of the above! Having realized that i have a ton of magazines laying around, and rarely refer to them at later dates for ideas, i decided to toss out what i've always done (read the mag, say "what a great idea! then set it on shelf rarely to be picked up again) and develop a new method.

I've taken a 1 inch binder similar to those i am storing my stamps in, and i have repurposed it to hold all the bright ideas i come across in magazines! If i see something i like (a color combo, a use for a new tool, a layout that is interesting) i tear that whole page out of the magazine. When done, i go through it one more time then toss the gutted magazine, trim the pages with ideas i like and Dotto them to notebook paper inside the binder.

I plan to further organize it by making tabs to seperate Layouts, Cards, Paper Arts and Organization.

Here is the beginning stages of the binder, i think it looks awfully cute!

Yet another Gift Pail

2009-01-02T15:07:00.001-06:00

I made this for Chris' mothers birthday. I hope she likes it as much as i liked making it!

12 Hours = 9 Layouts & 13 scraps Cards

2008-12-28T22:20:00.007-06:00

What a day. Since i missed the crop last week due to the nastiest stomach bug E*V*E*R, I decided to have my own little crop at home today, sans Baby Cakes. It was quite productive! I finished 9 Layouts (one 2 pager) and 13 cards using scraps from the Layout papers. I am happy with the results, and it was nice to work on Scrapbook Pages again, something i rarely do these days!

Busy little Christmas Beeee

2008-12-16T21:21:00.007-06:00

Okay, its hard not to post everything i've been working on, but i can't as most are gifts...so i will post a few goodies for all to see, as the recipients aren't readers! :)

Christmas Giftcard pails #1:

Christmas giftcard pail #2:

Christmas giftcard pail #3:

Christmas giftcard pail #4:

Vase full of flowered writing pens:

Baby boy shower invitations

2008-11-14T07:40:00.002-06:00

I made these for a for a coed, "man-friendly" baby shower invitation...I like the way they turned out and i really loved using my "The Angel Company" Calendar set that i bought forever ago. I just *knew* I'd need it for something! :)

A busy little weekend...

2008-10-12T15:32:00.008-05:00

This past weekend was insanely busy yet productive!

I completed two Christmas card orders and a large invitation order....

Then I made quite a few cards with scraps i had lying around.

Then i started to work on my potential "moving" cards with a set of new stamps i picked up:

Then terra decided to "work" with me! I think i like hers better!

More Christmas Card FUN!

2008-10-09T23:22:00.001-05:00

Christmas Card Pre-Orders 20 HAND-MADE Christmas cards for only $25

2008-10-01T20:08:00.005-05:00

Christmas is just around the corner and I’m getting my gift a little early! I am moving! Due to this, I am offering an unheard of Christmas card special. For all Christmas card orders placed between now and November 1, 2008, you will pay only $25 for a set of 20 cards (a regular price of $60.00!!!!)! I have 3 styles up on the site now to choose from (click on Shop now, then Christmas 2008) and will add more designs as those sell out. To take me up on this offer, please use the Christmas Card preorder link and just let me know which style you like, or if you’d prefer something custom.

*As always, I am also happy to custom design your Holiday greeting….just let me know what you have in mind! Again, since I will be moving mid-November, I will have to turn away any orders placed after November 5th….I will resume Christmas card orders starting in December, but there may be rush fees associated with any late orders!

*Award winning you say? Christmas 2008 design “Have a Rockin’ Christmas” was my entry into the Eclectica Scrapbooks card contest in July…and I WON first place!

I am very proud of this card, and cannot wait to share it with others!

ReWork your scraps!

2008-09-19T23:54:00.003-05:00

Tonight i got to work on an order for invitations to a pumpkin patch/hayride party.

I had some scraps left over, so i decided to make a birthday card for the basket. I love the way it turned out! The backside of the plaid paper is a great tan with red scrolls...too too cute!

Question...how do you manage?

2008-09-16T12:11:00.004-05:00

So I have been looking at your craftiness for the last thirty minutes in awe! Two questions???? Where in the heck do you put all of this stuff in your apartment and when in the heck do you have time for this!!!!!

Answer:

As far as where do i put stuff, my bedroom is a total disaster area! My desk (custom made by my father for the space) covers one entire wall in my bedroom, i have shelves above and below, and shelves in my closet as well (for inventory)! Stuff is everywhere, but again, i am extremely organized, so that helps. I know where everything is at *almost* all times. I can't wait until i get a house so i can have a whole room to sleep in, nothing else...just sleep! No stamps, no shelves, just a good night's sleep!

I have only one child, and i am *lucky* that she is at the age that she loves to "make cards" too, lol, so she has her own supplies, and scraps and she tends to "work" while i am working, so that helps a lot! I work on orders/cards at least 5 nights of the week. I am very organized, so i typically know days in advance exactly what i need to work on after my real *work* so that i can get everything done on time!

Keep the questions coming!

Organize! Acrylic & The Angel Company Stamps

2008-09-10T15:04:00.009-05:00

I have an addiction: Stamps. This has turned into a big addiction. January 1st i swore i would stop buying stamps. And i did, for a whole month! I do use my stamps, i swear i do....but i need to use them more frequently. Organizing them should make that easier!

Before:

I had my stamps in their packages lined up in baskets and bins all over the place...this is only 2!! All of my "The Angel Company" stamps were cut apart and in a big basket. Very hard to find THAT stamp you want!

During:

I bought a ton of stamp pages, and seperated the stamps according to type: Birthday, Animals, Trees & Flowers, Kids, Girlfriends, Thanks, Missing you, etc, etc.

Each binder holds 1-3 stamps pages, some have stamps on both sides, depending on how many i had of that type.

I bought the binders on sale at Walgrees for only .50 each! Aren't they perfect for me?

I seperated all of my tiny acrylics as needed, most packages contain more than 1 theme. It's easier to look for theme than it is to remember which package had THAT "thank you" stamp!

After:

I do plan to label each binder, just not today! Baby steps people, baby steps!

Now, i have slowed down my buying, I'm doing better. If you want some cute new stamps, let me know, I know a fantastic seller of "The Angel Company" stamps!

First day of school

2008-09-08T19:58:00.000-05:00

Terra's first day of school was also her 5th Birthday!

BIG DAY!

After grabbing some cute alphabet papers, i got to work trying to create something with minimal patterned paper, something i normally do not do!

Here is the layout i made of the photos from that morning.

I have a spare pic (the best, in my opinion) that i am trying to decide how to best use. Keep in mind it is a slightly grainy camera phone pic. It is so awesome i have to do SOMETHING with it! Here it is....Off to think of ideas for it!

100% Scraps

2008-09-07T16:44:00.004-05:00

I got a wild hair today to see what i could do with only scraps. I went through my papers and picked out all of the black and white scraps, and added only cardstock scraps and embellishments that i already had.

I'm quite proud to say that I ended up with SEVEN adorable, bright & fun cards!

Same Products, 3 Looks

2008-09-05T19:52:00.003-05:00

Many know that i used to work at my local scrapbook store, Eclectica. I still shop there way too often, and was asked last month to participate in their "3 Looks" promotion.

Go to www.EclecticaMemphis.com to see this Layout, 2 others and the 3 cards i made with the scraps!

Strange Melynda fact

2008-09-01T19:42:00.001-05:00

I once went through FOUR, yes FOUR, Dotto refills in only one day! The truly shocking part of that confession is that those refills contain 90 FEET worth of adhesive in each refill! I was working on Holiday gifts, orders and my own Christmas cards! That was one the second time that I ran out of adhesive with more work to be done, and was the true beginning of my 5+ stock up rule!

Question: “Pls expand on your “trusted favorites” list.” (Part two)

2008-08-29T19:25:00.001-05:00

Uniball Signo writing pens.

Looking for that perfect *white* pen to write on dark papers with? This is it!

I use the Uniball Signo White (UM-153) broad pen...and its FAB!

EK Success 3D-DOTS

These are by far the best pop-dots available! I’ve tried many cheaper versions, even some with more pop-dots for less money, but the fact remains that I love the EK Success ones for a reason.

They are reliable and they are easy to use. I’ve used some fake off brand pop-dots that were IMPOSSIBLE to remove the paper backing from, and you end up ruining your work because of having to chisel the things back off! Some brands are too squishy others are way too firm. EK Success 3D-DOTS are just right! I am always sure to stock up on these while using 40% off coupons!

Tombo markers

Aside from coming in dozens of colors, these markers are just so easy to use! There is a pen like side, and a paint brush like side. I honestly only use the paint brush sides! The color comes out so fluidly, and there is no need to keep going over the same spot like you have to with some markers or pens.

Tombos come in every color and shade imaginable and they are relatively cheap at about $3 each. Again, I’ve tried the cheaper markers, especially the ones available in sets for about $10…they are just not as good.

Colorbox Scrapbooks

I am pretty faithful to my ColorBox scrapbooks, especially their line called “The perfect scrapbook”.

These books come in 12x12 and 8x8 and are a cloth material in just about every color you can think of. These books can be very understated and “plain” to blend in with décor, or you can jazz them up and embellish the outside. I’ve made all of Terra’s scrapbooks out of these, and use the many different colors to differentiate which year it is from! I started with baby pink, medium pink, bright pink, and now red.

A 12x12 Colorbox book is about $19.99 and the 8x8 are about $14.99…and both are worth every penny!

Question: “Pls expand on your “trusted favorites” list.” (Part one)

2008-08-28T12:17:00.004-05:00

Removable Dotto.

What is there NOT to love? It’s super easy to use, it lasts forever, and it is extremely forgivable! The dispenser with the first roll of 90 feet of adhesive is about $10.99-12. The refills are generally $4.99-6.99 depending on store, and you can get them at Hobby Lobby, after the 40% off coupon for $3.33!!!

When using Dotto, you can use it sparingly and still have great effect! No need to run a strip from one end of the paper to the other, unless it’s something that will be handled quite a bit. You can just do the 4 corners, or a few small spots here and there and the paper will stick like perfect!

Got Dotto somewhere you didn’t want it? Just rub it away and throw the little glue ball mass into the closest garbage can! All done!

I’ve tried cheaper versions of Dotto, and let me tell you, there is just no comparison. As I’ve stated previously, I keep a stock of it at all times, and start to panic when my refills run low!

Prima flowers.

Again, what’s not to love? Their flowers can be used for so many different things (pages, cards, tins, attached to gifts, you name it.

They come in a ton of great sizes, colors and textures and are really affordable compared to other one time type embellishments. The Prima jars hold hundreds of flowers and the smaller jars hold a ton too! Flowers are fun and girlie, so who wouldn’t love that?

Fuji Cameras.

Yes, I am still rocking my ancient Fuji FinePix 2800.

It was purchased eons ago, and is still going strong! It has an awesome zoom (my favorite camera feature) and it just works well. The menus are laid out in an organized way and they are super easy to access quickly when needed. I love my camera so much that despite having paid $100 for the whole “warranty” return plan at Staples, I refused to destroy it at the end of the 3 years so that I could get a new one. What if they newer version wasn’t as good? I didn’t want to take the chance, and as a bargain hunter, that $100 I spent nearly killed me, but I just couldn’t destroy my camera to get a new one!

Sure, I hope to get a new camera one day, with more MP and higher zoom, but for now, my baby works just fine!

Bazzill cardstock.

Once you use a great textured cardstock like Bazzill you won’t want to ever go back to those ugly non-textured ones! What is even the point of non-textured cardstock? Bazzill makes a billion colors, and in many various textures, some even feel like SILK! Bazzill is one cardstock I don’t mind paying extra for! A sheet of Bazzill will run you about $.55 at your local scrapbooking store.

Steals and Squeals

2008-08-27T07:35:00.001-05:00

Have no fear! There ARE bargains to be had on crafting supplies! Not only are there coupons (see prior blog) there are also some excellent items at excellent prices as well. As with anything though, a low price does not equal a bargain. Sometimes it is worth the extra money to buy something else! Here are some of the items I consider to be steals and those I’ve learned my lesson and now I know are squeals!

STEAL…Acrylic stamps are a must have for today’s stamper, card maker and scrapbooker. They are super easy, take up very little room and there is so much variety, you’d be hard pressed to “need” something and be unable to find it! Acrylic stamps can vary in price and size, and can go from $1 up to $24.99 and higher! Obviously, the $1 acrylic stamps are a big STEAL! They are sized perfect for small scrapbooks, occasion books, cards and journaling on scrapbook pages. These $1 sets are typically found at Michaels in the rotating bins near the front of the store, but can also be found at your local scrapbooking store!

PLEASE, as always, rely on your LSS first; they need all of the business they can get to battle the national big stores! One place that I do NOT recommend getting your $1 Acrylics from: Archivers! Their “hot spot” is full of them, however, they charge $2 for the same sets available at Michaels and your LSS.

Another great steal are sales on cardstock and patterned paper. Hobby Lobby and Michaels are great for putting their paper on sale for 4 or 5 sheets for $1. Most LSS will charge .55-2.00 per sheet depending on brand and fanciness of the paper. The only downside to this cheaper paper is it is typically not heavy weight (as it would be at your LSS) and is non-textured, especially the cardstock. A sheet of textured Bazzill cardstock is worth every penny it costs. If you need or want the non-textured cardstocks though, choose the steal and wait for the big sales to stock up!

A good quality Trimmer is also worth its weight in gold. The cheaper trimmers are cheaper for good reason. They are much more flimsy, the cutters will need replacing much more often and they are just not well thought out. Again, save a 40% coupon and get the good one. THIS is my trimmer.

SQUEAL….Some items that I absolutely will NOT bargain shop or change brands on are EK Success 3d-Dots and Dotto adhesive. I will always be loyal to Dotto for their removable adhesive runner dots! I’ve tried many other brands, but they are just NOT the same. They do not go on the same, hold up the same, and they do not last the same as the Dotto brand! 3D-Dots are the same. I’ve tried many cheaper versions, even some with more pop-dots for less money, but the fact remains that I love Pop-dots for a reason. They are reliable and they are easy to use. I’ve used some fake off brand pop-dots that were IMPOSSIBLE to remove the paper backing from, and you end up ruining your piece because of having to chisel the things back off! Some brands are too squishy, or way too firm. 3D Dots are just right! I am always sure to stock up on both of these while using 40% off coupons!

Saving a not-so-perfect-yet-perfect photo

2008-08-26T12:49:00.004-05:00

If that photo isn’t scrapbook perfect, have no fear, there may be a solution! If your photo has terrible coloring, is too blurry or out of focus or shows a messy background don’t delete it right away!

TIP: "Flipping" a color photo to black and white will correct or at least "cover up" a lot of everyday problems with photos! Give it a try!

Example one:

Notice in this photo that the subject (my Terra Cadence as a baby of course) is perfectly in focus and the shot is just precious. The black and white shot is a great one, and in fact, I used it in my 2004 Christmas cards!

Little do you know….I have a secret! And it's been long enough that i can finally share it with the world!

Terra, as you can see, is sitting in front of an outside door. With 2 dogs in the house, that door was beyond icky looking with not only scratches and dirt…but also doggie slobber all over the windows! Daily Windex wouldn’t have solved my problem, but changing the photo to black and white did the trick. No longer is the focus on my disgusting slobbered on windows! The black and white managed to take that emphasis away and now all you see is a gorgeous little girl in a timeless black and white portrait!

Example two:

I took a series of photos to scrapbook in my daughter’s bathroom at our old house. I painted the bathroom bright rubber ducky yellow and decorated it in the same. She was just beginning to “notice” herself in mirrors at the point I took these shots, so I set her up on the counter, in front of the mirror, and began to snap away. Little did I know, the bright yellow paint was so bright that it was reflecting off of the large mirror and thereby tinting all of the photos in yellow!

My baby was coming out yellow! I got so many awesome expressions that I again decided to play around with the photo to salvage them. Black and White did the trick, again! The focus went from “Why does she look like she is painted yellow?” to “Oh, how adorable!”

So, don’t lose hope and delete that not-so-perfect-yet-perfect-at-the-same-time photo before first trying to salvage the incredible yet flawed shot you took! A little work in Walgreens.com photo engine will work wonders and just might save that priceless shot!

2 sheets of Patterned paper, 2 sheets of Cardstock and 2 hours

2008-08-25T17:27:00.009-05:00

This weekends challenge was to see what I could come up with if given 2 sheets of patterned paper, 2 sheets of cardstock, and only 2 hours! I was only "allowed" to add in what i already had stamping, inking and embellishment wise.

To a shopper it was difficult to deny myself when I thought of a cute idea, but “needed something else”. I held back. I did well! I bought nothing. In fact, the papers were all from my stock, and I *think* I purchased those papers at least a year ago if not two! See, I knew I’d find a use for the papers one day!

In all, I came up with the following 8 cards, leaving only a few one inch wide strips of paper remaining! I did pretty well, especially since I am the self-appointed Queen of Scrap savings! I swear I could start my own paper factory with all of the scraps I have lying around here. Only upside I can claim is that I do keep them organized relatively well.

TIP: As you get used to the various brands of papers, you will develop your own style of organization of your scraps and papers. I like to organize my papers and scraps according to what "idea" i had for the paper when i bought it. Some papers just "look" like Mothers Day type papers, some remind me of a heartfelt Sympathy card. I organize my cardstock scraps by color of course, and they are all ROYGBIVed, no doubt!

Here are the cards I made, the first 5 are up for auction on Ebay *HERE*.

Ugly to Sparkly

2008-08-23T21:28:00.006-05:00

I bought Terra a Deisney Mix-Stick for her birthday, and my parents bought her the matching case to protect and carry it in. The case, for some unknown reason, only comes in a not-so-cute (nor girly) medium gray color. The Mix Stick is a cute tinkerbell design, so the plain ole gray case just didn't suit it!

Pink Flower & Diamond Rhinestones, E6000 and fresh air to the rescue! After adding a little bling, it's not so plain anymore! Terra loves her new "Ipod"!

TIP**The fresh air part is 100% NON-negotiable when working with E6000, just trust me! Open a window!

Crafting and Couponing go hand in hand!

2008-08-22T10:16:00.001-05:00

I think we all know about the glorious invention of coupons! Who doesn’t love a good coupon? Show me someone who doesn’t and I will show you someone with more money than they deserve!

Coupons are available for household goods, foods, oil change and car repairs and craft items too! You just need to know where to look and how to use them to your maximum benefit. It helps tremendously if you have local craft stores nearby, otherwise you just have to find your favorite online retailer and hope they appreciate their customers enough to share great savings every once in a while!

My favorite coupon craft stores locally are Hobby Lobby, Archivers and Michaels. Each of them offer excellent coupon choices, and have great sales as well. To sign up for the Michaels email newsletters and coupons go HERE, to sign up for the Hobby Lobby emailed coupon and weekly newsletters/sales go HERE, and to sign up for the Archivers mailed newsletter and coupons go into your local store and ask to be added to the mailing list.

Each store has a specific coupon which is the “best” and some others that are just filler in my opinion. Before I get in to the specific stores, please remember, and always try, to support your local scrapbook stores before you go to a large national chain! Most of the local stores offer their own coupons, discount cards, punch cards and many will take your national coupon chain coupons in their stores! Now onto the big name national chains!

Michael’s coupons can be found in your local newspaper ads or through the above mentioned email. Their coupons vary from 20% off of your total to 40% off one item. Depending on your needs, the 40% off one item is typically your best bet. In email format you are not limited to the # of coupons you can print, so if the store is convenient, you may just be able to go once per day to get what you need, all at 40% off. On certain holidays Michael’s will offer a 50% off ONE item coupon good only on that one or two day holiday. These are EXCELLENT for those higher ticket items you can live without until a great coupon appears. Think BIG!

Hobby Lobby coupons will go to your inbox overnight between Saturday and Sunday. Keep in mind Sunday is the one day of the week that Hobby Lobby is closed, so don’t get too excited right away when you see that email! You need to wait until Monday to use it! The coupon is almost always 40% off one item. Occasionally they will switch it up and make it something else, but that happens once every five weeks or so. HL is best for their everyday sales! Sometimes the items you use frequently will already be 50% off, so be wise with your coupon decisions. If you go in to get paper, but find it is already on sale, use your 40% coupon to purchase a must have item, or to treat yourself to something you normally wouldn’t buy. Me? I am a stocker! If I can’t find anything I “need” I will get a dotto refill or a set of trimmer blades! Those items will always be needed, and it really stinks to be “on a roll” late at night and run out of adhesive! That is no fun at all! I will touch on stocking up at a later date! Hobby Lobby is the same as Michaels in that you can print unlimited coupons, so again, if it is convenient, they don’t mind you going in more than once. I’ve begged on a prior occasion to simply do two transactions, and the cashier was perfectly fine with it!

Archiver’s coupons come in your mailbox once per quarter. There are many coupons to choose from. In my opinion, the best they offer is the free cardstock coupon, and the free hot spot item (with any purchase) coupons. Keep in mind though to only use the dollar spot coupon if you really need something else! Their “Hot Spot” items are way overpriced for the most part, and you can find most items elsewhere for half the price. You can use the free cardstock and hot spot item coupons together, so that is a good thing. They also typically give out 30% off one item coupons as well, not as good as Michaels or Hobby Lobby, but if you find something there you can’t find elsewhere, it IS a savings!

Coupons are a beautiful thing! With any sales/coupons though, the basis of your success must be an understanding of the current cost of such items so that you can determine if the sale or coupon is really a good buy! The more you shop the easier this knowledge will be. Each store may have the same price on one item, but another item may vary significantly!

Happy Couponing!

Getting Started

2008-08-17T15:52:00.018-05:00

The hardest part about scrapbooking is undoubtedly getting started. The task seems daunting, you feel overwhelmed with the mountains of available product, and the photos are stacked to the ceiling!

If I've said it once, I've said it one million times: The only way to get started in scrapbooking is to jump in head first! Don't worry about doing things "right". The only rule to scrapbooking is that there are no rules! Scrapbooking is about showcasing your life and memories...there is no wrong way to do that! I know, easier said that done, i understand, I've been there!

Get those photos organized!
I know there are a ton, but that is why it is so important to do!

*~*Seperate, Label & Attack*~*
If your stack us truly unimagineable, start by year or age. Once that is done, seperate by either month or single events: Christmas, Birthday, First day of School, etc, etc. This will make tackling the photos much less daunting.

TIP: Keep those photo boxes your pictures come in!
On the right hand side, there are tabs to punch out & label! USE THEM, it helps! Store your photo boxes in a pretty basket or box to keep your photos that are ready to scrap handy.

*~*Be realistic & destroy*~*

If you are still using a film camera, do NOT feel bad about throwing out the dud-photos! You know the ones i am talking about....horribly grainy, poor lighting, double exposed absolutely-no-hope photos. Go ahead and toss them, It's okay! Look at it this way, you are not throwing out a memory, you are tossing the "outtakes" that stand between you and getting your life scrapbooked!

If you are using a digital, do the same! Get out of the mindset that you cannot delete a photo! There is no need to keep a photo you will never look at in awe, scrapbook, or share with a loved one. If it's not something you'd want to email to a long lost relative, DELETE it. It's only taking up valuable space on your harddrive!

TIP: Only print the photos you need. If you know you will only scrap 3 of the 50 photos you took today, only have those 3 printed. The rest will be there when the time comes that you need or want that photo!

*~*Develop a Routine*~*

*Download photos into an aptly named folder.

*Delete all bad shots.

*Name your favorite shots.

*Edit your favorites as needed.

*Upload those favs into a photo printing site.

*Order your photos right away.

*Label the box upon pick up & file it.

Cadence Designs

A very Ariel party

True Loves Embrace

Happy Wedding Day Book

TOOT TOOT, AKA "Don't doubt my awesomeness!"

Kristas Wedding Invitations

Thanks!

I'm so happy for you!

All kinds of Thanks!

Happy Birthday!

This is LOVE!

New card: Hello

in preparation for a very Happy Mother's Day

Happy Easter Chickadee Treat

You Make the World a Better Place

I'm on a roll! Thanks from the Bottom of my Heart!

Crazy 4 Challenges & The Color Dare CD62 submission

My ColourQ, EBTKS, and CPS Challenges

Mojo Monday & Color Dare Challenges

Perhaps the cutest book I've EVER made!

A new Valentine

New year....new Birthday card

Itty Bitty cards

Hello Kitty Goodie Bags for Terras Birthday Party!

Hello Kitty Birthday Card...by far the most favorite thing i've ever created in my whole life!

7/18/09 Crop Layouts

I'm a great Aunt! Man do i feel old!

New Birthday card i made

New Layouts from Friday nights crop

Mothers Day Cards

Happy National Scrapbooking Day....a lil late!

The painting is done!

Finally did something with my living room wall!

New Layout: "Love Notes" --pink, brown & BLACK!

New layout PLUS a challange for YOU!

ORGANIZE those Quick Kutz dies!

I'm in L*O*V*E....

Get Organized on a budget!

Wall Art

February 2009: 3 Looks

2009 Goals

Bright Ideas

Yet another Gift Pail

12 Hours = 9 Layouts & 13 scraps Cards

Busy little Christmas Beeee

Baby boy shower invitations

A busy little weekend...

More Christmas Card FUN!

Christmas Card Pre-Orders 20 HAND-MADE Christmas cards for only $25

ReWork your scraps!

Question...how do you manage?

Organize! Acrylic & The Angel Company Stamps

First day of school

100% Scraps

Same Products, 3 Looks

Strange Melynda fact

Question: “Pls expand on your “trusted favorites” list.” (Part two)

Question: “Pls expand on your “trusted favorites” list.” (Part one)

Steals and Squeals

Saving a not-so-perfect-yet-perfect photo

2 sheets of Patterned paper, 2 sheets of Cardstock and 2 hours

Ugly to Sparkly

Crafting and Couponing go hand in hand!

Getting Started

I'm in LOV*E....