Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Ho Ho Ho, It's Christmas


 Are we feeling festive yet? Do you have your jolly on? Most importantly, have you been Naughty or Nice this year? There are only a few weeks left until Christmas and then you will have family and friends to keep you busy. Don't forget to take lots of pictures.

This months LOTM is a fun and festive 2 page layout using lots of Sizzix dies and a few stamps. A very simple layout but with lots of little details. I love the Basic Grey Nordic collection used on this layout. There is even some use of Tim Holtz's new Distress ink, Blue Spruce used to highlight the die cuts.Like the Santa stamp? It is one of the new stamps from Tim's Stamper's Anonymous holiday set.

First class is Wednesday December 7th, 11:30am at
One Crazy Stamper in Bolton. 905-533-0781 If you can join me for this class, please call ASAP to reserve your spot.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Halloween at One Crazy Stamper, Bolton.

Just a little scary with witches on broomsticks, lots of bats in flight and creepy Jack-O'lanterns.
Yup, that means some die cutting but there is a bit of scissor work too as I am using my favourite Making Memories chipboard bat as a template. Did you notice the big full moon? I brought out my Coluzzle cutting system for this, simple to use and easy to pack up.
All the great Halloween dies are from Tim Holtz's Alterations collection by Sizzix. The few stamps are Hero Arts and 7 Gypsies. Of course the layout is not complete without a bit of Distress Ink.
Now, the big surprise, this layout is complete and up on my blog a month before the actual class. Now that is truly FREAKY! LOL.
First class is Saturday November 19th at 1PM
2nd class is Wednesday November 23rd at 11:30am.
You can register for either of these dates on the One Crazy Stamper website or by calling the store at: 905-533-0781





Need a little Halloween fun before those class dates? I will be doing a make-n-take on Sunday October 30th from 12noon until 3PM. Feel free to wear your costumes. I will be showing you some Sizzix tips and tricks and you will be making some treats and having lots of fun.
A donation for the food bank is also encouraged.

(Make-n-takes are for the adults, sorry kids... you get your fun on Halloween).

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Countdown to Halloween

Just 15 days until my favourite day of the year.
On my worktable today is the papers for 2 Halloween layouts and a box full of new Tim Holtz/Sizzix dies plus last years dies and a drawer+ full of Halloween stamps.
But first I need COFFEE!
That means getting dressed (no I am not blogging naked) and then head over to meet Mom at Second Cup. Once I have had my caffeine fix, I should be ready to prioritize my projects.
First Halloween layout is with my Mississauga group and being held at Margaret's house. We have a couple of spots available so if you are interested in attending this class, please contact me.
Second Halloween activity is a make-n-take at One Crazy Stamper in Bolton and on October 30th from 12-3PM. Adult Trick-or-Treaters are welcome to come out, preferably in costume to participate in the festivities.
Details are on One Crazy Stamper's website.
the third Halloween activity is another layout class at One Crazy Stamper in November.
Stay tuned for more details.
I need that coffee now.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

New classes in Bolton...

and to welcome in the Fall season in Ontario, I have created a 2 page layout using papers from Basic Grey's Indie Bloom collection. What I was hoping to showcase in this months layout is that you can take papers that you may not normally associate with a specific season but because of the colour pallet and the shapes chosen, can make it work in what I think is a somewhat non traditional way. What brings this layout together is the neutral background and the rusty orange multi-photo mats along with the brown inks. What may not be easy to see in these photographs is the stamping & inking techniques used to pull the patterned papers together. Once the leaves were cut out, they were all stamped, inked and then sprayed with a mist made from Distress re-inkers and Perfect Pearls so that when they catch the light, you can see a little golden sunshine on them.

The first class is this Saturday Oct 8TH at 1PM at One Crazy Stamper in Bolton. A second class is scheduled for Wednesday October 12TH at 11:30AM. 
Call now to register or you may chose to register for any of these classes on the website.
905-533-0781
As usual you will need your basic tool Kit and adhesives.
If you have an ink blending tool and Vintage Photo and Rusty Hinge Distress inks, please bring them along with your craft mat. (Don't worry if you do not have these items). All dies and tools needed to complete the layout are provided.



Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Classes and Crop Activities

For those who have been following me here you will know that Scrapalicious in Mississuaga will soon be closing its doors. This is very sad for me as I have loved teaching there and I have loved being a part of the Scrapalicious family.  What can you do but move on. So move on I am.

My new main hangout will be One Crazy Stamper in Bolton. As always I will be posting info regarding my classes on my blog. My classes will also be available on her website and you can even book your class on line.
I have dates for my classes through to December so that you can mark them in your calendar. Hopefully the drive to Bolton is not too far for you. Here are the dates:


Saturday October 8TH 1PM & Wednesday October 12TH 11:30AM
Fall themed 2 page layout class using Basic Grey papers, Die cuts and stamps.

Wednesday November 9TH 11:30AM & Saturday November 12TH 1PM - Kaisercraft's Treasure Box (advent calendar) 11:30am (3 hour+ class)

Saturday November 19TH 1PM & Wednesday November 23RD 11:30am
Halloween themed 2 page layout class using Authentique papers, Sizzix die cuts and a variety of stamps

Saturday December 3rd 1PM  & Wednesday December 7th 11:30AM
Winter/Christmas themed 2 page layout. Papers not yet chosen.

As always, your basic tools are required. It is always helpful if you bring your own ink blending tool, craft mat and BigShot or Cuttlebug when required.

If you are planning to head out to Scrapfest in Oshawa this October, I will be doing make-n-takes at the crop there and I will be doing Sizzix make-n-takes at Scrapbooks and Smiles booth. Come out and see me there.

This weekend I am heading to Bowmanville to teach a class there for The Crop Stop and then later in October I am heading out to Laval, Quebec to teach at my friends store Scrapbook Quebec. This last stop should be loads of laughs as Ludmila and I always have a great time together. She will be translating for me as I speak no French. This will be my first time showing off what you can do with Vintaj jewelry pieces and their new tools from Sizzix.

Stay tuned for more updates as I have many things in the works.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Last Layout Class at Scrapalicious

With Scrapalicious closing this month, this is my last class at that wonderful location.
I have had tons of fun teaching there and I have met some great ladies.
I will be teaching at stores around town but my new "home" will be One Crazy Stamper in Bolton.
There are still details to work out but watch my blog for updates.
I will be at this years Scrapfest in Oshawa and I am planning a trip to Laval, Quebec to have some fun at my friend Ludmila's store, Scrapbook Quebec.
Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks.

So, the last layout class at Scrapalicious is being held on Thursday Sept 15th at 11:30AM
I have used Basic Grey's Pyrus collection which is perfect for Fall. There is lots of die cutting so bring your BigShot tool if you have one.We will also be using Frayed Burlap & Forest Moss Distress Inks so bring your ink blending tools.
Hope to see you there.



Thursday, July 28, 2011

August Layout of the Month


 Amazingly enough I had this layout finished a couple of weeks ago. It has been up on display at Scrapalicious but I had not taken pictures of it for my blog post until just the other day.
This layout was created with WRMK pet collection of papers, there are some dog papers too if you have a dog. I have dog stamps as well (not as many as cat stamps thought, but still, quite a few). But if you don't have furry friends, don't worry. I have an alternate paper for you to use if you would like to do this layout and I have a large assortment of stamps. I just need you to let me know what theme of stamps to bring. I have way to many to bring them all.
What you need to bring to class is your basic tool kit including a pair of scissors. We will be doing some stamping and cutting out on this layout.

And as a special bonus, I have copies of my friends French Canadian publication Scrapbook Extra for those of you who sign up for this class. Yes, it is in French but there are great layouts in this magazine and some step-by-step tutorials.

Class was originally scheduled for Wednesday August 10th but I have a scheduling conflict so I would like to switch the class to August 3rd, 9th or 11th at 11:30AM. Please let me know if you have a date preference ASAP.

Hope to see you at Scrapalicious. 905-614-0085

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

July's Layout of the Month...

Has been finished for a week and I just haven't been able to get it up on my blog. No logical explanation really, I have just been distracted by other things.
The theme for this month is Friends but it doesn't have to be. Use whatever title you like. I have used Basic Grey papers once again, lots of layers with papers, chipboard and stamps. Oh, and a wee bit of sewing. Maybe only 5-10 minutes worth. There is lots of ways to add photos to this layout, even on to the tags. I am really loving the colour palette which is weird because purple and pink isn't normally colours I am drawn too.

There is only one class scheduled for July and it is Wednesday July 13th at 11:30AM. Sorry, no weekend class as there just doesn't seem to be enough demand for weekend classes in the summer. I am also attending CHA and will be away from July 16th to 22nd.





Sorry for the picture quality. Colours are better in real life.

There will be classes in August, one Pet themed layout (but need not be, totally adaptable).
The other is a mini album of sorts using the 7 Gypsies Drawer and lots of Sizzix/Tim Holtz border dies and some of his inking techniques. This is a 3 hour workshop and you will have some choice in papers etc. So far this is just in my head and I need to start working on it so that you can sell what I am dreaming of.

If you are interested in July's layout of the month, please contact Scrapalicious and reserve your spot.
905-614-0085

Monday, June 20, 2011

100 Days of Summer.....

First Day of Summer is this Tuesday June 21st. Kids will be out of school soon if not already and hopefully there will be lots of leisure time for everyone. So what fun and exciting adventures will you get up to this season?
Whatever you do, make sure to take lots of pictures so that you have lots to scrapbook.
I love the colors in the 100 Days of Summer collection by Simple Stories. I have maxed out the vintage feel by combining the patterned papers with bright blue, red and gold cardstock and just a wee bit of stitching using the WRMK sewing tool to make the flower stems. I have even created designated picture spaces to accommodate 3"x4" vertical prints & a 5"x7" horizontal picture (just in case you want to bring photos with you).






First class is this Wednesday June 22ND at 11:30AM at Scrapalicious with a 
second class on Saturday June 25th if you are staying in town this weekend. 
There is a fair amount of Quickutz dies used so bring your BigShot machine 
(or Epic) along with your basic tool kit. I recommend that you also bring your Xyron sticker maker as this tool makes adhering your title a lot easier.

I am also planning on making a couple of cards with some of my leftover paper. 
Hopefully I will get those done today and posted before Wednesday's class.
Scrapalicious is closed on Monday's. 
You can email me and/or call the store to reserve your spot.
905-614-0085
If you are thinking about taking Saturday's class, please try to book your spot before 3PM on Friday. Saturday classes often get cancelled in the summer if I don't have at least 3 or 4 people registered.


Monday, June 6, 2011

The best thing about cleaning up your scraproom is....

All the cool stuff you find. My goal today is to finish cleaning and reorganizing my scraproom. I spent most of Sunday working on it instead of being out in the sunshine. I know, I know... I should have worked on it during all those rainy days we had in May but I just couldn't get to it. I did have the window open and my fan going and it was nice though. It is funny how one makes a bigger mess in the process of cleaning up. Hopefully I can bring myself to do all the editing I need to do. I have too much stuff. Yes, seriously. I buried that statement in the middle of the paragraph in case my husband John decides to look at my blog. He might skim over that statement and he will never know that I have actually admitted it.

It was my intention to let go of my scraproom being in my second bedroom and moving it down to the basement. Good thing my girlfriend Joyce was over to give me a reality check. If it took this long to get to working on my scraproom, when do you think I will get around to the basement? This year? Ahhhhhhhhh, hmmmm, maybe.
So I need my scraproom to be functional. When it is clean and organized I am more likely to go in there and create. Clutter kills the urge. Have you experienced this or are you one of THOSE people who clean up as you go and never have anything out of place? You are probably one of those scrappers who only buys what they need for right now too. LOL. I am a bit of a hoarder. I can get easily distracted too. The good thing is that once I have decided to do something, I go at it with a vengeance. Thus, the cleaning and reorganizing of my scraproom. I promise I will post pictures once I am done. I expect comments BTW. I need the positive reinforcement so that I can keep the momentum up and possible work on a couple of projects. Maybe even June's class layout.

So, I am obviously not working on my room if I am blogging so I better go make myself some tea and get back at it. Might even check to see if there is some mail as I think I heard the mail carrier at the boxes.
Come back later for the progress report.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Inspiration and project ideas for the summer.

First of all, I must share this Calvin and Hobbes cartoon. If you know me, you know that I am a last minute gal. Always have been and probably always will be. I know that some of you may find this troublesome at times, especially if you are waiting for me to post my class project. At 50+ years of age, I guess I could change but I am however not likely to. It is my thing, we all have at least one, this is mine. :-)

What can I say?

Now, just so you know, I am always thinking about possibilities. I have lots of ideas running around in my head but few are for 12x12 layouts. Foremost on my mind is all things mini and exploring some new techniques. ATC's and tags and packaging and even some mini albums. I need to make some play time and see what I can come up with. I will however do one more 12x12, 2 page layout for June. Not sure what my theme is going to be yet but it is on my to-do list for this week. Now before you get all excited, go and read the first part of this post again. I am a last minute gal and I have not picked out a date for the class yet. I am getting to it. I am also getting to my garden and my basement, eventually.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Some Sunny Day...

Finally, 
Here are the pics for Saturday's May 28th class. To say that I have had some technical difficulties would be an understatement. I think I have them resolved now, Cross your fingers.

As you can see, there is a wee bit of stitching on this layout. If you haven't tried stitching on your layouts yet, this is a good class for you. It is super easy and the results are worth taking the time to add this element to your layout. If you have stitched on your layout before, you know that it is fun and easy to do and it looks good as well.

Interested in taking this class? It is being held this Saturday May 28th at 1PM. I just checked the forecast for then and guess what? More Rain! Not great for gardening or yard work or picnics so you might as well come out and join me for this class.
We will have some fun. Be prepared to stay a little longer than 2 hours. Just sayin, class might run over.

Call the store by Friday to ensure your spot.
Scrapalicious - 905-614-0085

Hope to see you there.





Tuesday, May 17, 2011

This is where the May layout should be, but...

it is outside of my control as I am having computer issues. I have a very brief window of time before my computer freezes up on me. I thought I had it resolved yesterday but no such luck. Believe me, if I could fix my computer and make it work, I would. Sorry gang, I don't have a magic wand and I can't take it in for repairs right away. It is what it is. All I can say is I am working on it and as soon as I can, I will get images of the layout up.

Now, that being said, the class has moved from Wednesday to Thursday May 19th. 11:30AM.
If you have any questions, you can email me.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Go. Do. Experience! April's Layout of the Month

 


I actually finished this layout over a week ago. I still need to add the title but that is just a small job that I will get to later this week. Busy, Busy Me. As you can see I have used Tim Holtz's gear, ticket and tag dies in a big way. There is also one of his embossing folders (the car) and one of his Stamper's Anonymous stamps.

First class is this Saturday April 16th at 1PM
Second class is the following Wednesday April 20th at 11:30 AM.

You are asked to bring your basic tool kits including a ruler, ink blending tool and craft mat and a BigShot machine if you have one.

Those interested in attending can reserve your spot by calling
Scrapalicious 905-614-0085


Hope to see you there!

Monday, March 7, 2011

A New Day...March Layout of the month

Finally I have pics for you. Not the best pics but it is late and the lighting isn't the greatest.
I think it looks better in real life but I may be biased. My husband thinks it looks good but he
most definitely is biased. I will try to take better pics in the morning and replace these.

The first class is this Wednesday March 9th at 11:30AM at Scrapalicious.
The second class is on Sunday March 27th at 1pm.
It is the first layout I have done in a while that has no stamping on it, just a bit of inking on the die cuts. There was to be a bunch of stitching on this layout but the circle stitch template has gone AWOL. If I have time on Tuesday and I can get my hands on a replacement, I will add the stitching.
Anyone interested can book your spot by calling the store at 905-614-0085

Hope to see you there.

Totally Smashing!


Here is a quick, easy and fun way to keep some of those mementos that traditional scrapbooking does not lend itself too. It may be that we have tickets from a movie or an amusement park that we want to keep. Maybe a love note from our boyfriend (husband, child, girlfriend). Or a magazine clipping for a trip (car, jacket, sofa) that we are dreaming after. What ever it is, here is the perfect little book to keep those little treasures in.
Once you have made one, you will want to make a few and keep them on hand.
Here I have taken paper from my stash, die cut some embellishments to add as I go along, and stamped on a few pages. I will keep an envelope with my scraps in it for future embellishments.
In this 3 hour workshop you will be able to create your one-of-a-kind book from a selection of pattern papers and cardstock and then bind it all together. I will bring in tons of dies so you can create some embellishments and I will bring in a large assortment of stamps. I may even have some embellishments from my stash to share. It is suggested that you bring some of your own to use and share with ours.

This workshop is scheduled for Wednesday March 16th at noon until 3pm. There is also a 3pm workshop.
If there is interest, an evening or weekend workshop could be added to the schedule.

You will need to bring you basic tool kits. I recommend a glue stick to adhere your paper to your chipboard cover. Since you will have access to a multitude of dies, I would also suggest you bring your BigShot if you have one.
Children who are able to use a trimmer etc independently are welcome to attend but must be accompanied my an adult.
Here are some of the pics from my book. I have made the samples from papers in my stash. These papers are NOT available as I have had these hoarded for a few years now.
Contact Scrapalicious to reserve your spot. 905-614-0085








Saturday, February 19, 2011

Heart & Soul - February's layout of the month.

I think it is obvious that my sort of New Year's resolution of getting my layouts done earlier, just did not happen this month. I am blaming it on being in a winter funk. I am SO ready for Spring that I am tempted to get in the car and start driving south until I find some warm weather and sunshine. Maybe I would do it to if I did not have to drive through Buffalo which probably has snow piled up to the roof line still. I wonder how many geese it would take to carry me off south?

I did however lock myself up in my scraproom, stayed off of the computer, did not do any housework or work on any of my business projects. I stayed completely away from any books as they are my biggest source of distraction and I actually got February's layout finished. No applause required but you don't all have to scream " about freakin time!" I can hear you from here. LOL

Since the month of February hosts the day set aside for celebrating LOVE, I thought I would do a quasi Valentine's layout. I am not much into mushy stuff or super sweet sentiments and cutesy isn't my thing either. I think you all know that about me by now. So here is my take. I did put my Heart & Soul into it.


First class will be this Wednesday February 23rd at 11:30am. The weekend class will be scheduled for the first available date and I will update this post as soon as I have it.
You will need to bring your Basic Tools, including scissors, craft mat and ink applicator if you have it. There is a fair amount of die cutting involved so if you have a BigShot, it would certainly help to move the class along. Hope you gals can make the class. Anyone interested should call the store and reserve your spot. You can bitch at me about not having the layout ready earlier during the class. I promise, next months will be posted way before the class. I am starting it tomorrow (Sunday Feb 20th)!

Monday, January 10, 2011

First class of January 2011

A mini book on a layout? Yes, just a little one though. Perfect for hidden journaling or a few extra pictures.There are a few Sizzix dies used on this layout, including a couple from Tim Holtz's Alterations collection. As you can see from my post below, I have a few and I am sure most will end up being used on layouts throughout this year. Papers are from Basic Grey's Curio collection.
Class is this Wednesday January 12th at 11:30 AM and on Sunday January 16TH at 1PM.
Students are asked to bring their basic tool kit including an ink blending tool and craft mat plus either a glur stick or glue for adhering paper to chipboard. Your own BigShot or Vagabond would be helpful.
Please contact Scrapalicious at 905-614-0085 to register.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Sizzix die storage in Ikea DVD/CD Shelving unit


This DVD/CD unit from Ikea works great. 
Holds aproximately 100 dies (depends on what sizes you have).
Cost $40 Cdn. I also purchased a magnetic message board for all my movers & shapers. 
Hint...there are quite a few new ones being released at CHA. :-)
No, I won't tell you what they are until January 20th.

Since I have a few new organizational pieces added to my scraproom, I decided to do a major clean up and reorganization. I will post pictures soon. I still have a million little pieces of  everything to find a home for.
 I may have to edit.