It's Just Paper.

February 2012 LOTM

2012-02-01T07:25:00.000-08:00

I am just going to put this out there. I am not a mushy, sentimental person. So traditional Valentine's with gooey poetry and claims of undying love are just not my thing. At least, I am not into the display of those emotions. (I secretly love romantic comedies. Sshhh, don't tell anyone.)
That means this February there are no cupids, cute little love birds or bunnies. Just a quiet layout with a hint of the romantic. There are hearts on the layout after all.

This 2 page layout features paper from Prima Marketing's Printery Collection. Lots of room for photos, at least 5 or more. It can be used for Valentine's, anniversary, heritage or just because you want to record a memory of loved ones. As you can see, I love chocolate brown. This month I have paired it with teal, one of this seasons "in" colours. Another trend, not new but certainly hot, hot, hot at this Winter's CHA is buttons. I know, they were hot once before and for many of us did not stop being hot and a staple in your scrapbooking stash. A layout almost looks naked without them. So I have included them too. These wood buttons (I think actually they are resin or plastic) are the perfect compliment.
So, there is a bit of die cutting, a few stamps and some inking with Pumice Stone Distress ink.
Class is being held in Bolton, at One Crazy Stamper, Wednesday February 29th at 11AM.

Those interested in taking the class should call the store to reserve your spot. 905-533-0781
You may also sign up and pay for your class on the One Crazy Stamper website

January LOTM class date changed

2012-01-19T11:43:00.000-08:00

Just a FYI. I have had to move Wednesday's January 25th class to the Thursday January 26th.
My mother is having surgery done on her hand and I need to get her to the hospital and back and then spend the night making sure she is ok.
I better make sure I have lots of hand sanitizer if I am hanging out at the hospital. A good book too.

Anyone interested in the class should contact One Crazy Stamper at 905-533-0781
Basic tools is all that is required.

January 2012 layout

2012-01-10T16:18:00.000-08:00

Progress is sometimes accomplished by taking baby steps. Maybe that should have been the theme for this months layout but it isn't. Possibly I can use it for another time. This months theme - "Our Story".
My intent for the new year was to get my monthly layouts done early and technically, considering I am known to have them done at the last possible minute, this months is early, two weeks early. However, not as early as I had intended. Still, progress is sometimes accomplished by making baby steps. I am blaming the delay on this monstrous cold I got New Years Day. Next month I am going to aim for 3 weeks before class date.

I like the feel of this layout even though it is a little shabby chic and feminine for me. Still it has features that are keeping with my style. The picture quality this time around is terrible. I need to make some kind of photo box for taking pictures but I will have to investigate the "how-to's" of that process. Needless to say the lighting is bad and the colours do not reflect the actual colours of the papers well. Hopefully I can redo the pictures when I can take advantage of some natural lighting. Enough excuses.

Papers used are from Kaisercraft's Bonjour collection mixed with some chocolate browns and some soft pinks. There is a mini album on the top right of the left page for extra photos and/or journalling. The right side has an envelope for some hidden journalling. This layout can easily be adapted to be one used for some heritage photos or even some travel. There is a little bit of die cutting and some inking along with the use of a butterfly border punch, butterfly punch and a great Quickutz butterfly.
Class is being held at One Crazy Stamper in Bolton on Wednesday January 25TH at 11AM.
Call the store to reserve your spot 905-533-0781

The first week of January and I am off to a rough start!

2012-01-06T12:24:00.000-08:00

So, I never get sick. Well rarely. Probably because I have cootie issues and tend to avoid sharing and if I must, I wash my hands frequently. I also tend to avoid sick people. Easily done when I work from home.
Well the cosmic forces must have been against me and getting a good start to putting my New Years resolutions into action. I got one humdinger of a cold this week. My only activity was on Wednesday as I had a date with 6 teenage girls to make a Smash Book type mini album and I couldn't let them down.
Thankfully Sudafed got me through the day but I totally crashed and burned when I got home. Slept most of Thursday and I am only now feeling marginally human.

That means absolutely nothing got accomplished this week. Bummer. I am not going to let that throw me too much off track. I am slowly getting the rest of my work spaces cleaned up and may be in a position to post pictures on the weekend. Send me some positive energy and I may even get a couple of layouts posted too. Right now I am off to Ikea for another Benno storage unit as I am out of space for my Sizzix dies and there soon will be more to store. I may even let Swiss Chalet cook for me tonight.

Hope you are having a better start to your New Year.

Happy New Years Everyone!

2012-01-02T13:59:00.000-08:00

Well, another year hast passed and I don't know if I am older and wiser or just older.
I have a list this year of resolutions I intend to make and keep as I think it is time for some change.
Hopefully the world does not come to an end on December 21st and the diet and exerciser will all be for naught. :-) So I am optimistically moving ahead with less ice cream, breakfast in the mornings. lunches and dinners. That is right, no more skipping meals and snacking on junk. Who's with me on this?
That was resolution #1.
Number #2:
One thing I know for sure is there are definitely some drawbacks to working form home. The isolation tends to make one somewhat antisocial. I realized that I need to get out more and be with people, have conversations about other things other than scrapbooking and get involved more. Maybe I will even take some pictures to add to my scrapbooks. So another optimistic step forward... take pictures and print them (an important step as I usually only do the first one) and then paste them into my scrapbooks.
Number #3:
Clean all the junk out of my house! Yes, I think I may have some hoarding tendencies. Not enough to get me on the TV show but certainly enough to impact how I live in my space. Yesterday I started cleaning and purging my scraproom as I need to get rid of stuff I probably won't use and sort stuff I can use for classes etc. Hopefully I will find room for some of my work related product as soon there will be new and I need to do something with last seasons products. Hopefully the overflow that is in my hallway will all find a home or be sent to charity or ... I don't know, just out. My friend Joyce who often scrapbooks with me and keeps me motivated will not recognize "our" work space the next time she is over. There are no mountains of stuff on the floor and it is much easier to navigate the space. Now for the office. Hopefully I will find the floor in there too this week and I won't have as many excuses for not getting my projects accomplished for deadline.
Now if I could only get someone to take the lovely sofa bed out of my living room, I would be over the moon ecstatic. Anyone reading this that wants a good sofa with almost new mattress contact me. Free to whomever wants to pick it up and take it away.
Number #4:
Discipline myself to make a project every day, even if it is something small. Even with the purge I have enough supplies to keep me and all you who read my blog happy for a lifetime. Hopefully that will translate into more classes for you and some ideas for the retailers that shop through me.
Number #5:
Last but not least as I am sure I will add to my list of challenges for the year is make a art journal to record my efforts. I think I am going to use one of the 8x11-1/2 albums I have to record my journey. Anyone want to join me? Hopefully there is at least one other person out there who wants to set some goals for themselves and record their efforts. We can support each other and give each other the occasional push.
Let me know who is in.

Now I am going to finish my tea and get at finishing my scraproom as I have a class layout to finish and my smash book class to prep for as I have 8-10 gals this Wednesday morning and I want to make sure I am all packed and ready to go before dinnertime Tuesday night.

OK, another two goals..
Number #6. Get it done now, stop procrastinating, life is simpler and less stressful when you don't wait to the last minute to pack. You are less likely to forget things as well.
Number #7,
Post more to the blog. The odd comment will help this process as I often feel like I am talking to myself. :-)

Hope everyone has a healthy, happy and prosperous year.

Ho Ho Ho, It's Christmas

2011-12-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

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.

Halloween at One Crazy Stamper, Bolton.

2011-10-20T07:23:00.000-07:00

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).

Countdown to Halloween

2011-10-16T10:01:00.000-07:00

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.

New classes in Bolton...

2011-10-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

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.

Classes and Crop Activities

2011-09-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

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.

Last Layout Class at Scrapalicious

2011-09-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

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.

August Layout of the Month

2011-07-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

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

July's Layout of the Month...

2011-07-05T01:14:00.000-07:00

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

100 Days of Summer.....

2011-06-20T07:01:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2011-06-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

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.

Inspiration and project ideas for the summer.

2011-06-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Some Sunny Day...

2011-05-25T17:20:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2011-05-17T14:21:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2011-04-11T14:44:00.000-07:00

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!

A New Day...March Layout of the month

2011-03-07T20:26:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-03-07T05:22:00.000-08:00

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

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

2011-02-19T15:41:00.000-08:00

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)!

First class of January 2011

2011-01-10T13:58:00.000-08:00

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.

Sizzix die storage in Ikea DVD/CD Shelving unit

2011-01-07T07:04:00.000-08:00

Looking for a storage option for all you Sizzix and Alterations dies?

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.

It's a Steampunk sort of Christmas...

2010-12-12T08:15:00.000-08:00

Class is today, Sunday December 12th at 1pm.

Bring your BigShot if you have one as there is a fair amount of die cutting involved.
You will need your basic tool kit and a variety of adhesives and as always, your ink blending tool and craft mat. There are still a couple of spots, store opens at noon, class starts at 1pm. Call the store or come a little earlier if you need to register.
905-614-0085

It's a Steampunk sort of Holiday...

2010-12-09T05:57:00.000-08:00

That is right. Steampunk inspired December layout for this Sunday December 12 at 1PM.
These are just a few of the elements that will be add to the layout. There is going to be lots to do, lots of die cutting, lots of embossing, painting, inking, cutting... And it is more than just paper as there will be AC's fantastic glitter paper, Glitz Design's patterned paper, chipboard, corrugate board, wire, Tim Holtz Ideology pieces and who know what more? I guess you will need to come back and see what else I am adding. Oh, and did I mention I have this fantastic new stamp from Harmonie that is 6x9" that we will be using. You will just have to come back and see which one it is.

Call Scrapalicious if you would like to take this class on Sunday. 905-614-0085.

2010-11-29T11:06:00.000-08:00

Thought you might want a peek at the Letterbox Holiday Tray

that is for this Sunday December 5th.

I am still playing with a few ideas and embellishments but this will give you the just of

what we will be doing in this class. There is a fair amount of stamping and embossing,

some resist techniques - some old and some new, a little alcohol ink and...

the rest you will just need to come to the class to find out. :-)

All the embellishments you see on this tray are included except for the tin. If you want to include it you will need to stop by your local Starbucks and pick one up. There are a few flavours so pick your favourite, the colour of the tin does not matter. All the label will be sanded off. What matters is the size!

Here is a picture of what the tin looks like before it was altered.

Those interested in taking the class should call Scrapalicious at:905-614-0085

Class starts at 1pm and goes to 4pm but you will have until 5pm to finish and clean up.

If you have questions, email me at: tiggerntaz@rogers.com

November Layout of the Month - Laugh Often

2010-11-13T13:10:00.000-08:00

This month's layout uses My Mind's Eye papers, a Sizzix edge die, some Quickutz and several stamps.

The first class is on Wednesday November 18th at 11:30AM and the second class will be held next Sunday afternoon at 1PM. Students are asked to bring their Basic tool kits including their ink blending tools.

Please call Scrapalicious at 905-614-0085 to reserve your spots.

Another Large Desk Organizer with BG's Nook and Pantry

2010-11-13T12:58:00.000-08:00

Join me this Sunday November 14th at 1pm to make a Kaisercraft Large Desk Organizer for yourself or as a gift. This one showcases Basic Grey's Nook and Pantry paper collection. You will the the recipe book/album as well.

You will need to bring the following to class:

trimmer,

scissors,

Exacto knife and cutting mat,

wet and dry adhesive,

sanding tool,

ink blending tool and craft mat

Optional - embellishments you may want to add

buttons, hardware, etc.

Please come a few minutes early to choose your papers from a large selection.

Paper Challenge!! I know you will want to do this one.

2010-11-13T05:35:00.000-08:00

What's in your stash? I think it is challenge time.
I know I have tons of seasonal patterned paper in my stash but I also have a huge collection of Basic Grey. As I sat stamping out a ton of Christmas images last night to use for Christmas cards, I got thinking that I could use just about any one of those papers in a Christmas layout and/or card with the possible exception of Eerie.
(OK, maybe even that one). How about you? Up for a challenge?
Go pick your papers and show off your sample. Link it back on Facebook or through the comment section here on the blog. Not sure how to accomplish that? Send me a pic of your sample and I will post in for you.
Just to keep this as a real challenge, you need to use patterned papers from any Basic Grey collection. Using a solid blue for example isn't really challenging. You can use a solid as part of the project BUT the patterned paper must be prominent.
Sound like fun? Let's see what we come up with .
Want to challenge me? Pick a paper collection and challenge me. If I have it, I will attempt to use it.

Large Desk Organizer class this Sunday November 14th

2010-11-11T06:44:00.000-08:00

This is definitely my favourite alterable item this season. I made this one to use in my office to put work orders and miscellaneous office items in. I have one in the works for my kitchen. It is a great place to store your new Holiday cooking magazine, recipe book, take-out menus, twist ties, rubber bands and so much more.

Another option... Scrapbook storage! Imagine. LOL

The back section of this handy storage unit will hold your 12x12 papers, adhesives, paints, embellishments, tools, etc. This Large desk organizer will keep all the items you need for the project you are working on close at hand. It is easy to assemble and fun to decorate. Students will have a variety of paper options to choose from and we will also make a book to keep your recipes or other important documents in. There are a few spaces left for this Sunday. Class starts at 1PM but come a bit early so that you can pick your papers.

Please bring your basic tool kit, wet and dry adhesive, ink blending tool and any embellishments you may wish to add. I will bring an assortment of dies and other goodies to share.

Anyone interested should call Scrapalicious at: 905-614-0085

There is a limited amount of spaces available so don't delay - call today.

Heading to Papercraft Cafe this weekend!

2010-10-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

Places to go and new people to meet. With any luck I will have good travelling weather as I head West and then South to Kingsville, Ontario to visit with Marie and her gang at the Papercraft Cafe. It is a 4 hour drive and so I have managed to talk my husband John into making the trip with me; at least as far as Chatham where we will be spending Friday night with family I seldom get to see.
Saturday afternoon I will be there doing a make-n-take or two using Harmonie's Bal Masque Halloween papers, one of The Crafter's Workshop templates and a few Sizzix dies. There is only a sneak peek of the projects here that we will be doing. A simple treat bag for some Trick-or-Treats and a little mini album to record a few haunting memories from October 31st.

If you are in the area, come join me at Papercraft Cafe between 1-4PM on October 23rd.

Halloween in Wonderland cigar Box and mini album.

2010-10-13T08:26:00.000-07:00

What can be better than Halloween and Wonderland together in one fun project. Join me this Sunday to alter a cigar box and to create a mini album to hold your memories of Halloween festivities. Be prepared to get a little messy as we will be cutting and pasting and stamping and inking and have a grand ol' time. You will need to bring with you your basic tool kit, ink blending tool and craft mat & wet glue. Class kit includes cigar box, Graphic 45 Halloween in Wonderland papers, cardstock and Tim Holtz Ideology Foundations (feet).

I will bring tons of stamps and other goodies for you to personalize your projects.

Those interested in attending this class should contact Scrapalicious and reserve your spot. I have only 8 cigar boxes. Class is on Sunday October 17th at 1PM-4PM.

Scrapalicious: 905-614-0085

October's Layout of the Month Class

2010-10-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

I Love Halloween! I think most of you know that by now. I could be easily convinced to do several more Halloween layouts this year. There certainly is enough stamps and Halloween embellishments in my stash that need to be used up.Maybe we should have a Halloween scrap the day away and get dressed up, bring treats to share and scrap nothing but Halloween all day long. LOL

For this months layout you will need to remember to bring your ink blending tools and a few foams with you. I have the inks but we will be sharing so if you have them in your stash, I suggest you bring them. You will also need to bring your non-stick craft mat. There is a lot going on and you will need it. There is inking, stamping, embossing, crackle painting and more on this layout. Nothing is difficult but it may take a little time to accomplish. It will be fun. First class is this Sunday October 3rd from 2:30 until 4:30 PM.

The next class is on Wednesday October 6th, from 11:30- 1:30PM. Please call Scrapalicious at 905-614-0085 to reserve your spot.

I am the Artist of My Life.

2010-09-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

I think Google has made it easier for us technically challenged bloggers to add pictures and content to our blogs. Yeah! I might be more inclined to add to this blog now that adding photos doesn't add new grey hairs to my head. It was easy today to add photos and I think I managed to do it without changing the colours. :-)

September's layout continues on with this years theme of scrapbooking ourselves. Seems like many of us scrapbook our kids, pets, family and friends and frequently exclude pages about the one behind the camera and the one creating the scrapbooks.
This layout is about the artist - you. Be prepared to do a bit of journaling on this one. Of course, you could skip that part and add more pics but I do challenge you to try some journaling. Of course you can always change the title and make this layout about anything else you want. Deviation is good too.
I have used papers from Basic Grey's Max and Whiskers collection as well as paper from their Basics collection. This is the second time this year I have created a layout from the Max and Whiskers collection that was not pet related. I love the colours and these papers are so versatile.
There is a fair amount of stamping on this layout, some die cutting and some embossing using Tim Holtz Alterations Texture Fades. There is also a teeny tiny bit of sewing on this layout but not enough to moan and groan about. Just enough.
Two classes coming up this week at Scrapalicious. First class is this Wednesday September 15th, at 11:30AM. Second class is this Saturday September 18th at 1PM. Be prepared for this class to run a little bit over time, as always. Don't worry about the kids, they have homework to do and so you have lots of time to come out and play.
Call the store to reserve your spot. 905-614-0085

2010-08-07T13:21:00.000-07:00

OK, these papers are really the same colour. I don't know what I did in the editing process that made the blues different. I think the colours on the left are truer to the original. If you read yesterday's post, you know that I have a love hate thing with this technology.

Whatever. It is up and it is the layout of the month for August 11Th. There is a day and an evening class at Scrapalicious this coming Wednesday August 11Th. First class is at 11:30 am and the 2ND class is at 6pm. Students are required to bring their basic tool kit, ink blending tool and adhesives including glue dots and pop dots. We are using Basic Grey's Cappella along with a bit of their Basics, doing a bit of stamping and an ever so tiny bit of stitching.

Call the store to reserve you spot.

Scrapalicious: 905-614-0085

Hope to see you there.

A love hate relationship with technology

2010-08-06T14:24:00.000-07:00

I love my new laptop. It is a good thing since I have been using it just about every waking hour since I got it. I am discovering all kinds of exciting new features that Windows 7 has to offer. There are some funky bits though, probably user related and not the fault of the technology. For instance, somehow as I am typing away I find that I have jumped over into another section of my text and there is this big batch of writing where it isn't suppose to be. I must be accidentally touching a key and don't realize it. I probably would catch this problem as I am typing if I was not a "pecker" typist and didn't have to watch my fingers instead of the monitor. If I could go back in time and talk to my teenage self, I would have insisted that I paid attention during typing class. While I was on that visit to my earlier self I would have insisted that I stuck with the French classes too. Both skills would definitely be handy today.

What I am not currently too keen on is the limitations of email. I have started my own business and I need to send documents to my potential customers. The problem is file size and not being able to send what I want. Again this is a user problem. I keep being told by that annoying little techy that lives inside of my computer that "the size of the file is too big, read the file size before you try sending it". Ever the rebel, I ignore the warnings and send the emails with the attachments and then curse it when the emails fail. A solution was required and now thanks to a very generous and patient new friend, I am getting a website. That's another tale for another day.

Now there are certain administrative functions that are required of any business, big or small. Paperwork. A necessary evil but evil all the same. Up until a couple of days ago I did not have a fax machine. I had a scanner but that meant scanning one page at a time and creating separate files for each scanned page. Now we are back to the evils of emails and file sizes. After several occasions where I was required to "fax" in documents and several subsequent rounds of bad words spoken, I decided to splurge on another piece of technology. A fax machine.

We are back to loving technology now. The 4-n-1 fax/printer/scanner (I don't know what the 4th thing is yet) which is wireless is just so amazing! Now no relationship is all good. I had some challenges getting the router to talk to the fax/printer in a secure mode. After a couple of hours with more bad words spoken, I called the help desk. Yes, it took me a couple of hours of making myself crazy before I called but that was partly due to the fact that it was 7am in the morning and my new love machine was calling my name and I just had to go and hook it up.(run on sentence intentional) A half hour on the phone with a very patient and very nice woman in the Philippines walked me through the steps and got me all hooked up. Now I have been faxing and printing and loving my new piece of equipment. The only thing is, it is in my living room on an end table and not necessarily the prettiest piece of home decor. Which means I have to adjust my current office space to accommodate the additional piece of equipment and other office related gear. That will involve moving furniture and assistance from my husband. Let me tell you, he isn't thrilled with the prospect. The thing is, once I am all set up nicely in my revamped office space with my laptop and printer, John will be left to himself with the TV in the living room and the clicker to himself. Big happy faces all around.

Now what did we do before we had all this technology? Hmmm, don't tell me, my laptop may get mad and do some other funky stuff. These things have personalities, I know it and you know it whether we are willing to admit it or not. As long as I stay "in Love' I will have no problems. Right?

New Laptop

2010-07-18T07:01:00.000-07:00

Just had to post.
It took me a few weeks to make a decision to splurge on a laptop and I think I asked everyone and anyone for their 2 cents on what to buy in my price range. This decision may have taken more thought and energy than the purchase of my house. LOL

It took me a bit to get the wireless router in my house to acknowledge this computer but I persevered and got it done all on my own. Let's see how that works out when I take it out and about with me.

My next challenge is to get Open Office up and running. If you are not familiar with this free software and you do not have another Office package on your computer, I highly recommend it. Find the free download at www.openoffice.org
It is compatible with Windows office so if you want to share spreadsheets etc. you can.

I am off to CHA next week to check out all the new products. It is my intention to post as much as possible each night but if I get invited to a party, I might have to skip a night.

With any luck I will get my August layout up before I go, again that will depend on how much time I have this week. There is always lots to do with starting a new business. People to call, appointments to make, technology to master.

See you back here soon.

Summer Fun!

2010-07-12T07:49:00.001-07:00

It's Hot and Humid and the air conditioning is working overtime. Yet is the perfect weather for many of your favourite summer activities. Whether you spend long days at the beach swimming and building sandcastles or you are having friends over for a BBQ, here is a fun layout to record your memories. Both day and evening classes are being held on Wednesday July 14th. First class is at 11:30AM and the evening class is at 6:30PM. You will need your basic tool kit including: scissors, ink blending tool and foam pop dots. Hope to see you at Scrapalicious.

Call 905-614-0085 to reserve your spot. Hope to see you there.

ATC Printers Tray & a few Tim Holtz techniques...

2010-06-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

all together in one fun project where you can display some mini works of art and possibly a few memories. I have 12 Tim Holtz inspired ATC's that I have created and displayed in this 7 Gypsies ATC printers tray. I must say I have had so much fun creating this project using many of the techniques I learned last year when I attended Ranger U. It is a great way to try out on a small scale some techniques and have them available for viewing on something other than a tag. The problem is, I want to keep going and create more ATC's as I am sure you will too. This class is being offered at least twice this month. Once on Saturday June 12th from 1-4PM and on a Wednesday during the day, possibly June 23RD. This Saturday's forecast is calling for thunderstorms so what better way to spend the afternoon than doing something creative? Most everything is provided but you may want to bring some of your own embellishments so that you can add some of your personal style to this project. It is recommended that you bring your basic tool kit, ink blending tools and Distress inks (I will bring mine too), your non stick craft mat, scissors and some small photographs if you wish. Each of the sections measures 2-3/4" x 3-3/4" so SMALL is where it is at.

There is still space available in Saturday's class and cost is $50 which includes the ATC Printer's Tray, papers and some embellishments as well as other materials needed to accomplish the techniques used. I will bring lots of stamps for you to use but if you have any that you wish to use, bring them along with you.

Class runs for 3 hours but try to allow yourself some extra time to finish up.

Looking forward to seeing you out at this class and sharing these techniques with you.

Call Scrapalicious at 905-614-0085 to reserve your spot.

June's Layout of the Month - My Family...

2010-05-29T16:14:00.001-07:00

June's class is layers on layers of paper by Fancy Pants. The collection is "My Family" too although I hadn't intended on doing a layout about my family. I hadn't even intended on actual photographs but I came across a layout I had done a few years ago that I was not too keen on that had photos and next thing you know I was ripping the old one apart and using these photographs on this months layout. There is lots of ways to use your photos on this layout and you can change up the title so that the layout will work for any number of occasions/events in your life. You will need a ruler for this one as we have some measuring to do. I have also added some inking and a grommet and one of my old favourite QK fonts. This class is being offered on Wednesday June 16th at 11:30AM and on Saturday June 26th at 1PM. Those interested in this class can call Scrapalicious at 905-614-0085 to register.

If those of you who have been coming out to my Wednesday day classes are interested in any additional classes in June, please email me and let me know so I can get busy. This weekend I am working on the ATC tray and I should have pictures up on my blog soon.

Be You

2010-05-09T05:46:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think I am loosing my mind. I had this layout finished for the May class a few days ago but could not find my camera. I knew I had it recently so it had to be in the house. I searched high and low and then high and low again. Then I panicked a little, took a break and then looked again. It was hiding in plain sight on top of some knitting I had pulled out to work on. Hmmm. Made myself just a little crazier. Oh well, I have it now and I have pictures of May's Layout of the Month.

Now if I could only master the technology and get this up on my blog the way I would like it, I would be a very happy gal. :-)

Looks like as we approach the summer months that demand for evening and weekend classes is down and for weekday classes is up. For now I can accommodate but for how long I do not know. If you are wanting an evening or weekend class, let me know. I am keeping the Saturday class on the schedule and the Wednesday evening class but it seems as if the Wednesday classes will be held during the day from11:30 to 1:30. This next class is being offered on Wednesday May 12th at 11:30AM BUT if you want an evening class you need to let me know ASAP.

Call Scrapalicious and reserve your spot. 905-614-0085

Watch for updates as I may be offering extra Wednesday day classes throughout May.

Hey Girlfriends!

2010-05-02T16:30:00.000-07:00

Lucky me still has some extra time during the weekday and so I am having another extra class added to the schedule. This time I have used October Afternoon's Thrift Shop papers which is bright and fun and perfect for Spring. Bring your basic tool kit with you including a ruler. There is some stamping but no sewing on this layout. LOL

Join me Wednesday morning at 11:30am at Scrapalicious. They are closed on Monday so call first thing Tuesday morning to reserve your spot. 905-614-0085

My regular Layout of the Month is this coming Saturday May 8th at 1PM and the following Wednesday evening May 12th at 6:30PM. I will have that layout posted later in the week, hopefully by Wednesday evening. For that class I will be using WR Memory Keeper's "Vintage Blue" collection.

Additional April layout class

2010-04-26T05:43:00.000-07:00

Looks like my days have opened up for the next little while so I will be offering some additional day classes. Here is the first one, a Travel themed layout using Basic Grey's Kioshi papers and quite a few stamps. You will need to bring with you to class your basic tool kit and your ink blending tool and foam. The class is at 11:30AM on Wednesday April 28th. Please call Scrapalicious on Tuesday to reserve your spot (store is closed Monday's).

Hope to see you there!

April's Layout...

2010-04-15T05:09:00.001-07:00

I Believe -

I may be just a wee bit slow at getting my layout posted this month. Class is this Saturday at 1PM and we will be doing lots of die cutting and some sewing and .... well, you will just have to come out and join the class to see what all else we will get up to. LOL

If you were thinking that this was going to be a good weekend to get out and enjoy Spring weather, well the current forecast is calling for all day rain and a high of 7 degrees.

Join me at Scrapalicious, bring your Revolution, BigShot or other die cutting tool if you have one. You may want to bring a few pictures but as always that is up to you.

Call the store to reserve your spot. 905-614-0085

Tim Holtz is coming to ...

2010-04-03T06:38:00.000-07:00

the Montreal, Quebec area to teach at Scrapbook Quebec for their 5th Anniversary and National Scrapbook Day on May 1st and 2nd. Registration opened on April 2 and spots are expected to go FAST! so call the store at 450-973-3373 to register for this event. This is the first time Tim Holtz has taught in Canada for a very long time! If you haven't taken any of his classes before, you won't be disappointed. It is definitely worth the drive. Call now and visit the Scrapbook Quebec website for class information.

March Class Layout...

2010-03-09T04:27:00.000-08:00

is filled with simple techniques. On this two page layout for March you will dry emboss, heat emboss with two different inks and Distress embossing powder, stamp, tear, distress, lace, use eyelets, ink and paint with crackle paints. Oh, and there is a little metal thrown in. Is that enough? Join me Saturday March 13th at 1pm or Wednesday March 24th at 6:30PM to create this two page layout. You will need your basic tools including a ruler and your ink blending tool. As always, photos are optional and we may just run a little over time. :-)

Call and reserve your spot at Scrapalicious. 905-614-0085

More Best of Show.

2010-02-13T06:10:00.000-08:00

I'm blogging, I'm blogging! LOL

OK, I am making more of an effort. I know one of the reasons as of late that I am not blogging as much as I should is because of FarmVille. Stupid time wasting game that I am totally addicted to. If you play you know what I mean. If you don't play don't start unless you want to be my neighbour.

I keep thinking about all the goodies I saw and played with at CHA and I realized that I missed telling you about a couple of products.

Kaiser Crafts glue stick. Yup, I said it, a glue stick. So anyone who knows me knows that the glue stick is NOT a favourite of mine. I know some of you use it as your adhesive of choice. I still don't think it will ever replace my tape runner for assembling my scrapbook pages but for doing altered projects like applying paper to the MDF board like that used in the Beyond the Page products by Kaiser Craft, I must say I was totally impressed. I was one of the lucky ones to do the make n take at the Kaiser Craft booth. We covered one of their new albums with the glue stick and applied paper. Easy, not messy, no lumps bumps and best of all it sticks well! Totally impressed and I didn't think I would be. Now I need to test it on other items like chipboard but I have some on the way and will let you know how that works. I want to try it on that storage unit I told you about in the earlier post.

Donna Downey's Canvas bags from Prima. This should really be canvas bags and BIG foam stamps as one of them just has to go with the other. These bags are made from plain cream coloured canvas and they come in a few sizes. My pick is the large messenger style bag. I so want to paint it and ink it and stamp with the big honking foam stamps on it. Don't know how practical it will be but I don't care. I want one and I plan on altering one of the bags. It is quite possible I may have to use some of the new Prima flowers on it to but I need to see where my creativity takes me on this.

Is scrapbooking what you love?

2010-02-11T20:08:00.000-08:00

Or perhaps something else? The important thing is to Do What You Love.

Especially if it is about forgiving me for being so slow at getting my layout for this month posted and coming out to my class on Saturday. :-)

Lots of die cutting in this one. I didn't add stitching but I think you could add some if you felt like it. There is only a little bit of inking, hardly any measuring and only one stamp used. BUT... there is lots of room to get creative and add your thing to this layout. You may even want to bring some small photos with you.

I have used Quickutz and SpellBinder dies and since there is lots to cut out, you may want to bring your machine if you have one. Don't worry if you don't. Bring you basic tools including scissors and ink blending tool.

Call and reserve your spot at the store. 905-614-0085

Class time: Saturday February 13th at 1PM

Hope to see you there!

Best in Show

2010-02-05T12:49:00.001-08:00

Ok, I am still slow at getting around to posting on my blog. I don't know if I need more time or energy or both. Still, it is not too late to post about what I feel was Best at Show, CHA-W'10 that is. Go get a coffee and hand off the kids to your partner and be prepared to be here for a few. I just may have gotten carried away.

I think it is best that I break it down in to categories. Let's have a look at my Top Dogs (yes, every pun intended) as I believe these are definitely worth highlighting.

Best Dies/Die cutting System This has to be Sizzix with their partnering up with Tim Holtz to come out with some very unique dies. If you haven't seen them yet, you must not be a blog follower of Tim Holtz as he has had them up on his blog , a few at a time, since late December. They all are typical Tim Holtz which means that they are definitely not cute,but they are innovative - especially the On the Edge dies and they will all be staples in your scrapbooks or mini albums or tags or whatever for many years to come. The best thing about most of them is that they will cut through most of the materials we use in our projects like Grungeboard, chipboard, fabric, acrylic and of course paper. The only exception to this are the 3 Sizzlet dies. These are the filmstrip, ticket strip and the Alphabet dies. Best of all, these dies will work in the BigShot and the Cuttlebug and I believe the Quickutz Epic. Iif you are a Tim Holtz groupie, you may want to also get his new die cutting machine that will be available this summer. I didn't actually see this machine in action as there was only the prototype at the show. What I do know is that it looks like a suitcase and the sides come down much like the way a Cuttlebug's sides come down to reveal the opening. Still for me the best die cutting tool on the market is the BigShot. It does everything, is totally reliable and Sizzix stands by their product. While in this category, I must say that the new Tim Holtz Alteration Texture fades redefine the embossing folder. You get two folders in a pack and may I challenge you not to get them all. I know I will be. Check out Tim Holtz's Blog for pics.
Best Embellishment Well at least one of my favourites from the show. I am sure that over time I may discover others but right now I must say that I am seriously liking Zutters new Hang it Alls. These come in a 2 pack - two hooks and two loops, and fasten to your projects using their rivet fasteners. These are great for projects you want to hang on the wall, are easy to install and look great. Check out the Bind it All website for pictures and samples. I did a quick little make n take using them and of all the make n takes I did, this one actually sold me on the product.
Best stamps Now this one is a very hard category to choose an absolute winner. Those of you who are familiar with my style are aware that I like to stamp on just about everything. I do have lots of stamps in my collection and will be getting quite a few more in the next little while as I found more Must Haves to add to my collection. The ones that stick out in my mind most though are those from Glitz Designs! They are Big and Beautiful and Distressing. Here is one of the many stamps that I cannot wait to get a chance to play with. If you want to see all of the stamps and the new releases go to the Glitz Design website. I think this is definitely a company worth checking out as they have more than just great stamps.
Best Altered Item This could also be the Best Storage Item as well. It is KaiserCrafts new storage unit. This new addition to their Beyond the Page product line is another one of those Must Do projects just like last summers release of their Advent Calendar. It is a nice little set of drawers, 3 rows of 3 made of chipboard and housed in an MDF board frame. Each box is approximately 4"x4". This project will be much easier to assemble than the advent calendar so for those of you who made one of those for Christmas, be assured, this one will be much easier to assemble. (BTW, I did mention to them that having the full instructions available at the same time as the product hits the shelves would make us all a wee bit happier). Check out their awesome website for pictures of this item and the many other new releases. I love KaiserCraft and they have the best website and Blog. I follow them on Facebook too. Did you know that they do Digi as well. Go spend some time on their website (after you finish up here).
Best Paper Collections This is the hardest category to pick a favourite. There are a few releases that I can't wait to play with (and hoard) and some that were beautiful but not my style. Since I have so much paper in my stash I have decided that I wasn't going to get too carried away with bringing home paper this year, at least not until I either use up some of what I have or make a donation of some of it. Let's just see how well that goes. LOL I got to tell you the buzz was all about My Mind's Eye's Lush Collection. This is certainly the way to celebrate their 10th anniversary. This is the kind is the kind of paper that you need to buy in multiples. You will want some for now and some to stash away in your collection to pull out weeks, months and years from now and include it in your projects. This is a timeless collection that you will just have to see in real life to get just how beautiful these are. Some of these papers are double sided and others are embossed velvet and worth hanging on your wall as art. The best part is that they are all very nicely priced so the only sticker shock you will experience will be in a good way. While you are on the My Mind's Eye website, have a look at their other new releases. There is lots to love here so look around. Another top contender is Basic Grey's Basics collections. Now you know I have to have this all being the Basic Grey freak that I am. Just so you know, I will probably get a full pack of each of these papers (I know, you are thinking I need to donate my old stuff to you to make room for all of this. Not happening! LOL). I am thinking these papers just may be my new cardstock. Check them out here and see if you feel the same. It just so happens that I have a few Basic Grey papers in my stash dating back to when I first started scrapping. I am already scrapping in my head how I will be mixing the old with the new and just possibly some of the new Basics with some of Basic Grey's other new releases. Don't know if I can pick a favourite from the other new four releases but right on top is Capella. No, maybe it is Max and Whiskers. Hard choices. Can I pick just one? Can You? Go back to their website and have a look. Once you are done there, you might need to go and check out Bo Bunny. There is something for everyone from Bo Bunny. I must say that Mama-razzi is my favourite as this colour palette of blues and greens and orange is just where I am at right now. For those of you who actually go on vacation and like theme papers, this is the company to be looking out for at you LSS. Of course there is lots of pretty girly stuff and lots of colour to be found in the 6 new releases. I must say too that the Big Pink Bag I was given is going to get tons of use too. I am lovin it and I am embracing the bold pink colour. I could go on and on about all that I found to my liking. At some point I must draw the line. Did I say what my favourite was? Don't think so. Hmm, can I have more than one? I could maybe pick one now but it may change tomorrow. You decide for me ok?
Best New Tool This one is easy. We R Memory Keepers new binding tool the Cinch. Never has there been a tool more aptly named. I love this tool and as a tool junkie, this one is for sure making it into my scraproom. WR has definitely thought this tool through. There is no real learning curve on this either. It is super easy to use with built on board guides to help you punch holes across your project perfectly without guesswork. The holes are round so that you can set their eyelets in to the holes if you wish to reinforce or add that finishing touch. You can select just what holes you want to use too. You just select if you want all holes in operation or you choose to use only some. Easy to disengage and reengage the holes in operation. The only thing wrong with this tool is that for the most part, it is not available until June. Be patient. It is worth waiting for. Check out the YouTube video to see just how cool this new tool is.
Best Overall Collection This is going to come as a big surprise to many of you. This company has been around for a while and has had some good releases over the years. Not usually on my radar but I certainly have lots of their products in my stash and I can see bringing in a wee bit more. If I was going to pick just one collection as a favourite it must be the new 7 Gypsies collection. I am sure some of you may have fallen off of their chairs with this statement but I do think this was a very strong release. My friend Birute is a serious 7 Gypsies fan and I think she may be the most surprised by my choice as it is usually Basic Grey that I am going on and on about or perhaps My Mind's Eye. Both of these companies have strong collections and you know I have already put the spotlight on my favourite parts of their releases. I will most likely end up with all of it in my stash or I will be using them in many of the classes that I will be teaching, but... 7 Gypsies certainly rocked this time around. So why 7 Gypsies? Have a look at their 2010 catalog and the Avignon collection. Old World and timeless. Just the right amount of papers in the collection and the right amount of embellishments. Stores can bring the whole line in without breaking their budget and scrap artists can buy it all without breaking theirs. For those of you who like to make mini albums, they have done some awesome stuff with their binder rings. Scroll down to that section and see what is new. Now, I am going to take some of the credit for the fancy binder rings. Why? Well several months ago when 7 Gypsies was doing that weird thing by having celebrities get on board with their new Binderie Punch I had a conversation with the sales rep. I said "Dude, it is a hole punch. An expensive hole punch at that. If you are going to have a fancy hole punch then you need to have some really cool and different binder rings to support the product". So I gave him my suggestions and voila! LOL. Ok. It may be that great minds think alike and their design department was thinking the same thing but I am still taking the credit. See the dangley charms on the big clips, I was thinking those for the rings. Either way, the rings are cool and I just may need a few. If you follow any blogs and you haven't added 7 Gypsies blog to your list yet, then do it now. Then go to One Lucky Day and add these Gypsy girls blog to your list. Lots of inspiration to be had from these two blogs.

So, that was long. I spent most of the afternoon on this so I may be allowed to slide for a few days. Wait, no. I still have my class layout that needs to be posted. Needs to be finished too. Guess I better stop yacking and start creating. For those of you who really came here looking for the layout, it should be up tomorrow. February's class is filled with love but not in the sickening romantic Valentine's sort of way. Guess what. I am using Basic Grey's Origins to create the layout. I will just have to come back here again and blog some more and you will just have to come back and see this months layout.

By the way, feel free to ask me about any other products you are curious about. I just may have seen it and have an opinion.

What is new and exciting from CHA?

2010-01-31T08:52:00.000-08:00

Lots! Too much to cover in one post I think. I spent 4 days looking at everything & doing make n takes. All that was after an adventurous trip down there.

My flight out of Toronto had 2 transfers. I should have paid more attention to what they were as the trip took much longer than it should have. My first stop was in Philadelphia which is on the east coast. Yup, the east coast, not the west coast where Anaheim is.

I arrived there just before 6PM and when I got off the plane I was advised that my connecting flight was now the following morning. Not thrilled but what can you do? Pay for the motel and suck it up. In the future I will make sure I do not pack my winter coat in my checked in luggage as once in my motel, I could go nowhere. I was up at 4AM the following morning to catch my shuttle bus at 5AM so that I could arrive before 6AM and get on my 7AM flight to Phoenix. Have I mentioned that I am not a great morning person?

From there I caught my last flight in to Orange County where my friend Ludmila was there to pick me up so that we could race back to the motel so that I could change, get fed and then race off to my class with Tim Holtz. It certainly was cutting it close.

In the class we made grunge paper flowers using die cuts from his new flower die from Sizzix. These were assembled in a small frame along with some of his new Ideology pieces.

If you haven't seen this die or any of his others, you must check out his blog. http://www.timholtz.typepad.com/ These are my MUST HAVES from the show along with his embossing folders and all of his new Distress Inks. Thank you Tim for not doing cute.

Participants all received a copy of his new book Compendium of Curiosities which I must say is the best technique book ever. It is like having his portion of Ranger U in book form but even better. If you like to play with ink and stamps and Ideology then this book should be on the top of your shopping list.

The rest of Saturday is a blur. I know that we went for dinner but I forget the name of the place. We were tucked in bed by 11PM which was still 2PM for me. Exhausted I set the alarm for 7AM on my cell phone. We wanted an early start to the day so that we could get up and dressed and fed and still have time to stop for a coffee. The thing is, my phone alarm was set for 7AM but for that other time zone. I was up, showered and dressed before I realized it was awfully dark for 7AM. Ludmila was in the shower when I broke the news that it was only a little after 4AM. LMAO! I was a stupid cow for all that day but she was pretty good about it all things considered. Needless to say we both went back to bed.

I am off to do some housework and maybe take a few pictures of my class project and other make n takes. Come back later for the other installments of my CHA experience.

January Class Layout

2010-01-05T04:51:00.000-08:00

Guess what? We are stamping on our layout! This time we are stamping not only on paper but also on cork. Add a little Quickutz, a border punch and a staple or two for the years first layout. Bring you Revolution, Epic or BigShot if you have one, scissors and your basic tool kits. First class is the Sunday afternoon (Jan 10/10) at 1pm and the evening class is next Wednesday (Jan 13/10) at 6:30PM. Call the store to reserve your spot. 905-614-0085

Layout should be in the store late tonight.

and on the 3rd day of January 2010

2010-01-03T09:49:00.000-08:00

Another post!

So I have been cleaning up my scraproom and I think it is far more manageable now. Still have too much stuff but progress is being made. I took time out yesterday to finish the January class layout so all I need to do now is put batteries in the camera and get the pics posted here. I am aiming for later today but first I am being diverted with an outing to meet up with a couple of friends for coffee. Last day of vacation before heading back to work tomorrow. Yes, no big lottery win so no goofing off and no maid, chef or personal secretary. Maybe next time.

Happy New Years Everyone!

2010-01-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

So keeping up with my BLOG hasn't been high on my priority list. I keep thinking I am going to be better at keeping it up to date but so far that just hasn't happened. I have great intentions but I do get side tracked easily what with life and all. Now only if I could win the lottery, hire a maid, a chef and a personal secretary I would be all set. I may even get my class layouts done and posted in a timely fashion. LOL

Realistically, I am going to work on getting my class layouts up earlier, make it a priority. I have lots of ideas that if I can tear myself away from all the time wasters in my life (i.e. TV and FarmVille) I should have great classes to offer this year. In order to get these projects done I must first and foremost make my scraproom a more work friendly space. Yes, I must clean up my room and organize my stuff. I am not posting pictures of how it looks now, I am sure all of you know what an extremely cluttered room must look like. You may have one of these yourself. If not, imagine someone with too much stuff all crammed into a small room that was meant to be a bedroom not a warehouse for scrapbooking supplies. I am going to admit here but I am counting on you to not tell my husband John, I do have too much stuff. It is not that he isn't aware of the fact that I have too much stuff, he does have working eyes. It is just that I have not said those words out loud to him as I am afraid he would say "STOP bringing more stuff home, enough already!".

I do have too much stuff. It has now been said for all the world to read. Our collective secret. Now I am going to go and do something about it and maybe post a picture of the finished results. Of course that will depend on me remembering how that is done. Now, you go do something useful too. See you back here soon.

KaiserCrafts advent Calendar instructions...

2009-11-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

The first sheet of instructions I saw for KaiserCraft's advent calendar were not the ones that are currently up on their website. The instructions that are up there now are far more involved and give very detailed instructions on how to assemble it. They probably make more sense than my ramblings. Go here http://www.kaisercraft.net/be-inspired.html to see the instructions. At least now I understand what that long skinny strip is for. Too funny, it makes perfect sense now. I guess I was having a senior moment. :-)

Now go get yours done and get it posted up in their forum. Tell them Brigit made me do it! LOL

Assembeling your Kaiser Craft Advent Calendars...

2009-11-01T18:52:00.000-08:00

This is probably going to read far more complicated than it actually is. Hang tough, we will get through the project together. If you have questions, post a comment and I will try to answer it.

I found the instructions that KaiserCraft gives for the project too simplified. I am here to help fill in the blanks.

First of all you need to get your kit and sort it. You will see that there are strips of the dividers that come all connected and they need to be separated. Don't be tempted to just break them apart and start sanding. You will be sanding for much longer than you want to. I suggest you use a craft knife or utility scissor to cut the pieces apart as close to the edge as possible. This will minimize the sanding time.

I found that my little craft hammer like the Making Memories one I got with my eyelet setting kit came in handy to tap pieces in place. Just don't hammer directly on to your project. Use a scrap piece of wood to protect your project pieces when hammering.

Keep all like pieces together.

The piece I found most perplexing was the long skinny piece. When I made my first one, I didn't understand what is was for and assembled mine without it. Turns out that it is used to snug up the pieces together. Look at the bottom of the KC picture and notice there is a skinny strip on top of the bottom piece between it and the dividers.

My friend made hers with it and it turned out fine, I made mine without and it too turned out fine. You decide if it is needed or not.

So once you have all your pieces separated, sanded and organized it is time to paint. Now this is what I learned the hard way. I painted all of my pieces, assembled it and realized there were tons of gaps between the small divider pieces and the inside and outside walls. Turns out you need some craft glue suitable for wood to keep things all snuggly fit together. I then had to disassemble mine which was not fun as the notches from the dividers fit tightly into the back piece.

When you do get to the gluing stage, you will need to clamp the inside and outside wall together so that there are no gaps. I used painters tape for this as it is cheap, suitable for class purposes and easily does the job. The thing is, you don't want to apply tape to freshly painted pieces. I suggest you paint only those areas that are inside and hard to reach. This means all the little divider pieces and the insides of the walls and the portion of the back piece where all the drawers fit in. Make sense?

When your painted pieces have dried, grab your glue and a friend to help you hold the pieces together as you tape/clamp your project.

Tear off some strips of painters tape (low tack tape that is usually green in colour) and have it handy.

Put the small divider pieces in to the back. Pick one side to work on first and then apply glue to the edges of those dividers. Put in one inside wall piece and one outside wall piece. Place a piece of tape starting at the back and coming around over the front of the divider section and down the inside wall and on to the front. Make this as tight as you can. Repeat so that you have two pieces of tape clamping each side.

Now rotate your project and do the same for the next side. Repeat for each of the four sides.

Lastly, run the tape around the outside of the box to keep all your corners together.

So how complicated did that read?

When the glue has dried and you remove the tape, then you can finish painting. This way you don't ruin your paint job when you remove the tape. Now if you painted all your pieces a few days earlier, I think the paint should have dried well enough that you can use the tape on the painted surfaces.

What to do while the glue is drying and your project is setting up? The little boxes of course.

The wall of the boxes are 1-1/2" high but when you fold them up the bottom of the boxes makes the boxes just a wee bit taller. I cut strips of paper 1 -5/8" wide and I believe 7-1/2" long. You will need to cut 24 strips but cut one first and wrap it around the box. You should have about a 1/4" of overlap to adhere the paper together. If it is the right length, use this piece as your template piece. You will need to mark the placing of where you need to notch out that half circle for the front of the box. Lay down your strip of paper, place the front of the box over it, line it up with the top and then draw the half circle on to the strip of paper. Using a 3/4" punch and the drawn line as a guide, punch out the 1/2 circle. Check your fit. If it will wrap around your box nicely then use this piece to mark all your other pieces and then punch out the notch.

I just used my tape runner to adhere the paper to the boxes. You may chose to use a paper glue instead.

That is it for assembling. All you need to do now is your layout and all the fun decorating bits.

One last tip for painting the chipboard numbers that come with the kit.

If you are going to have them all the same colour, paint them while they are still on the sheet. You can always do touch ups after the numbers have dried and you have removed them from the backing. I used a Rangers Paint dauber in Pearl to paint mine.

Once you have your project finished, I suggest you post a picture of your advent calendar on the Kaiser Craft forum in the Beyond the Page section. Lets flood their forum with our projects and tell them that Brigit made me do it! LOL

Don't forget to post any questions you have here, I will look at my blog daily and provide what answers I can.

Have fun!

Saturday October 17th Halloween Layout class

2009-10-14T20:26:00.000-07:00

One of these days I will master uploading images. LOL

Here is Saturdays class. Like I said, a little stamping, inking and stitching. Add a few Quickutz dies and a SpellBinder die and you have a layout ready for this years little Trick or treaters.

Upcoming Classes

2009-10-11T08:27:00.000-07:00

Two classes next weekend at Scrapalicious.

On Saturday October 17th there is a two page layout using MME Halloween papers and a few Quickutz, a SpellBinder die or two, a few stamps and some ink. Might even be a stitch or two on it. I know you gals love to stitch on your layouts. LOL

Don't worry, there isn't that much stitching.

On Sunday October 18th I am offering a class where we will be making the message board as seen in an earlier post. It is the KaiserCraft Message Board with butterfly painted with Tim Holtz's crackle paint and with a mini cork board. I have a second one almost completed that I will post on Monday along with Saturdays layout.

Call the store to book your spots.

905-614-0085

Small delay...

2009-10-07T19:25:00.000-07:00

Looks like the advent calendars will be slightly delayed. Hang tough, be patient. I have my fingers crossed that they will be available around the 23rd of October. They are definitely worth the wait!

Count down to calendars.

2009-09-17T04:46:00.000-07:00

While at CHA this summer I fell in love with the advent calendar from KaiserCraft. As soon as I saw it I knew it was going to be the HOT product of the season. One of the advantages of working in the industry is that I sometimes have access to the products before they are available for sale. Mick from KaiserCraft sent me two samples to play with and this is the first of them. I used their new Wish Upon papers to decorate it with a little Prima pearls and Rangers Pearl Paint Dabber to colour my numbers. Now this is a little girlie and not my usual colour palette but I like to push myself occasional to try something new. Now to find just the right photo for this project, that may be the ultimate challenge! LOL

This calendar is currently on display at The Workshop in Stouffvile who will be doing this as a workshop come November. Originally I had all the small boxes randomly placed but a young visitor to the store just had to line them up in order. Too funny. I should have my Halloween one up soon so come back and have a look. I will also have some tips for you for assembling.

KaiserCraft Advent Calendar

2009-09-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

I believe this is going to be the hot product this season so I am reposting the show picture along with the ad that will be appearing in the Oct/Nov. issue of Scrapbooks etc. Order yours now from your local scrapbook store and check back here to see the two that I have made.

Oh so Sweet!

2009-08-22T14:14:00.000-07:00

Looks like I am going to be doing a version of the message board (see post below) as a class at Scrapalicious. Those wishing to attend in October should let me know as I am planning materials etc. now. Watch my blog for class info.
Soon to come is my September layout and yes, I have a Wednesday night class as well as a Saturday afternoon class. I should be posting pics in the days to come.

For those of you who are in love with the KaiserCraft advent calendar as featured in an earlier post, let me and/or your lss know. I suspect that these will be in high demand once they start shipping in October. Place an order with your lss now to be sure to get them. Product code is SB-2066. I am lucky enough to have two that I will be making up soon so check back for pics. I think this is definitely going to be the hot item this holiday season.

Message Board by Kaiser Craft

2009-08-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, too long between posts but what can I say. I needed time out and I haven't done too much. Here is the one project I have made recently. Stay tuned for upcoming class projects and more Beyond the Page goodies by Kaiser Craft.

News from CHA...

2009-07-31T12:12:00.000-07:00

Sorry gang, Long time no Blog.

It has been a while. You know how it goes, life gets busy and before you know it weeks have passed and you haven't created anything even though new products have accumulated on your work surface (and every other surface of your/my house!) LOL

I am just back from CHA which was held in Orlando Florida this year. Too hot and humid but that is Florida in the middle of summer. Good thing I was at the show for the better part of the day checking out all the latest and greatest products and meeting up with many of the vendors. It was such a blast and I came home with tons of ideas all using the new products. This certainly is the year for exceptional Halloween product but my favourite just might be Basic Grey's new Eerie line. Of course, Halloween is my favourite holiday so I am biased in that regard.

Here is a small list of a few of my show favourites, excluding Halloween. These are what I think may be the HOT new products this season.

Kaiser Crafts new advent calendar/frame. Not the best picture sorry but good enough hopefully for you to get the idea. Remember last years Karen Foster advent calendar? Well if you liked that one you will LOVE this one. If you are not familiar with Kaiser Craft's Beyond the Page products well it is definitely time to check them out. They are made out of a thin MDF not chipboard and sell for a very reasonable price. This particular piece does have chipboard drawers though. The rest is all wood. Their new Christmas papers and embellishments are excellent too. They are so new and hot off the press that they are not up on their website yet but watch for them soon.

I must say that I love many of the Kaiser Craft products. While you are searching out the Christmas goodies, go to the Craft section of their website and check out their new storage system. ALL of their new embellishments, rub-ons, stamps etc are packaged in reusable zip lock storage pockets that go in to their binder. This is the best idea for packaging as not only does it make storage of your bits and pieces super easy, they are all reusable! There is even storage for your 12x12 paper. Best yet, they can all fit into the same binder as these storage pockets all have a two hole system. http://www.kaisercraft.net/general-craft I must say that the gang from Kaiser Craft are all exceptional as well. See me here with Mick having some fun at their booth. Crazy Canadian gal meets crazy Australian guy.

Next on my list is the Sizzix Big Shot Pro. This tool will cut every die out on the market pretty much. All the old Sizzix dies, all the new ones and pretty much all the competitors dies as well. Even Accucut dies. Best yet, it is the first tool with a 13" opening! I highly recommend this great tool for retailers and serious scrappers alike to have in their studios. It is far more affordable than the commercial systems so easy for stores to add to their collection of studio tools. Not too out there for those of us who must have all the latest and greatest tools either. At $350.00 USD it is a bit of an investment but one well worth making. There are 17 new extra big dies that are being released with this tool and many more to come. My favourite is the tabbed album, partly because I requested it and the awesome Julianna (Sizzix Goddess) made my wish come true. There are so many ways I want to use this die. I can't wait to get my hands on it and therefore the new machine as well. Like all their previous tools, this is not just a paper crafting tool. You can use it to cut fabric and so much more as well.

For those of you who are not interested in a manual machine because you have one of the many electronic machines but would like an affordable embossing machine, Sizzix has you covered there as well. It will accept all embossing folders out there including all the great Sizzix ones and those made by CuttleBug and Quickutz too. This is a must have for card makers!

I must mention stamps. My latest weakness. Some gals can't help themselves when it comes to shoes, for me it is stamps. It is definitely hard to say which company is my top pick since there are many that I absolutely must have. Yes that is MUST HAVE. Inkadinkado just released a ton of Halloween and Holiday stamps although they were not at the show. Hero Arts as usual has another great release and so does Penny Black. If you are liking Tim Holtz and Stamper's Anonymous then you must check out his new stamps. I think I need 7 of the 13 new sets! (It is my attempt at being conservative). Don't ask me how many Inkadinkado stamps I have picked up and/or have on order. I am telling you is is a sickness of which I believe some of you have as well. Now for those of you who are not really card makers or mini album creators and want BIG stamps for your layouts, then you must check out Tattered Angels. These stamps are super cool and have these companion stencil things that take stamping to a whole new level. You will need to check out their websites for images.

I think this is all for now. I have goofed off most of the day and need to do something. Probably housework but well, it can wait. Maybe I will go and move some of my sCrap so I can play with some of those new goodies I mentioned earlier.

Dream...

2009-06-30T04:52:00.000-07:00

In Colour! Here are some pictures of my class on Saturday July 18Th at 1PM at Scrapalicious.

You can reserve your spot by calling: 905-614-0085
Hope to see you there.
You will need to bring a few extra things. See the post below.

Next Class - More Techniques!

2009-06-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

If you missed my class this Saturday then you missed a whole lot of messy fun. I had lots of new techniques I picked up from Ranger U to share and those who did attend did a great job on their layouts and then as an added bonus, made some fantastic tags with the inky mess left on their craft mats. Don't worry as July 18Th's class has many more techniques and you will get to have fun making another big mess. LOL
I have actually finished the layout today for July's class but I won't have pics up until Monday.
Those wishing to attend should have a craft mat and your ink blending tools as part of your basic tools as you will certainly need them. We will be using quite a few of Ranger Ink products including: Colour Wash, Distress Re-inkers, Perfect Pearls, Distress Ink, Distress Stickles. Archival Ink and a few stamps and Quickutz. Sounds like a lot going on? Plan on the class running overtime and we may just make another few tags at the end if we don't run out of time.
Be prepared to work hard to get through it all and wear you craft clothes for this one.
Hope to see you on Saturday July 18Th, 1-3PM at Scrapalicious.

Earth Watch

2009-06-22T03:45:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics for my upcoming class at Scrapalicious.
Lots of Ink and distressing going on here.

You will definitely need to bring your Ink Blending tool for this one.

You probably can't see it in the pictures but there is a bit of added umph from using a mixture of water, Distress Ink and Perfect Pearls. Join me Saturday June 27Th at 1pm to see find out how it is done.

Remember, store is closed Monday's and I believe they have started their summer hours so they are only open until 6PM on weekdays instead of until 7PM. Call the store at 905-614-0085 to reserve your spot.

Ranger U is better than Ice Cream!

2009-06-13T04:43:00.000-07:00

Tim and I, the mandatory pic because my friends would never let me hear the end of it if I didn't ask him for this shot. Sorry Tim, a gal has to do some things for her friends.

Attending Ranger U this year was one of my best creative experiences. We learned so much in the three days while playing with most of the Ranger Ink line of products.

I hung out with my friend Ludmila who is the owner of Scrapbook Quebec. It is nice to know someone is as wild and wacky as myself.

The classroom was filed with product samples and display boards which you can see a small sampling of here. All this creativity is by Tim Holtz and the designers at Ranger Ink.

There was lots of packing up to do after class on the Sunday. We all had a big box of product to take home to continue practicing all the cool techniques we learned. Over the three days we made 50 tags with Tim Holtz, played with Beeswax and Utee with Suze Weinberg and painted up more tags with Caudine Hellmuth and then altered a Cosmo Cricket box.

I still need to take some pictures of my tags

and get them posted but getting this much up

has been enough of a challenge for me.

Stay tuned, more pictures to come.

Colour me Happy!

2009-06-09T04:20:00.000-07:00

I am back from Ranger U and let me tell you this was the best creative experience! The 24 students who attended played with Ranger Inks complete line of products and got our heads filled with information, techniques and inspiration. When I got home yesterday I was so exhausted I had myself a big nap and still I was in bed early.
Give me some time to upload pictures from the three days in the classroom and then take some of the 50+ technique tags we made. In the meantime, check out some of the pics from the event on Tim Holtz's blog, I am the grey haired gal on the left.

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane...

2009-06-04T03:42:00.000-07:00

Can't believe it. I managed to sleep through the night. I am now very excited and can hardly wait to get there and meet everybody and dive in to all that product. For those of you who take my classes, I hope to have a ton of new techniques to share with you.

Check back later for updates.

All my bags are packed...

2009-06-03T19:53:00.000-07:00

and I am ready to go. Thursday morning I leave for Ranger U. Just a wee be excited. Ok, more than a wee bit but I am trying desperately not to seem so crazy they won't let me on the plane.

I will be joining 24 other women at this event to learn from some of the best in the industry. Tim Holtz should be posting some pics on his BLOG this weekend, I will have to wait until I get back. You never know, Heidi Swapp and Donna Downey might post on their BLOGS as well. ( Was that a bit of name dropping? Hmm.)

I do have my camera packed and I hope to take as many pictures as possible over the 3 days. Expect a few pics of us gals with a bit of ink on our hands and probably my clothes. There is going to be so much to do and I hope to make lots of fun projects with the new techniques I learn. There may be a bit of partying going in the evenings as well as my pal Ludmila from Scrapbook Quebec will be there along with some of her pals from France and California. If I get the chance and IF there is a computer available at the Hotel, I will try to at least post about my days classroom adventures.

There is also this. I can't wait to get my brand new, first ever passport stamped. Now just maybe I will have something to put in all the travel mini albums I keep making! Yup, a project that may just get pictures in it! LOL

While I am gone, I hope you go work on your contribution to the Piece/Peace Movement and get it posted somewhere. I am anxious to see what you create. I am creating my first piece in my head and will get it made once I am back.

Have fun, I know I will be~

Piece/Peace Movement

2009-05-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

This may be a weird idea or it may be something good. Don't know unless I give it a try. I want to start a Piece/Peace Movement. Wait, don't go running down to the basement to see if you still have that pair of bell bottom pants or that string of beads you (or your parents) wore back in the 60's unless of course you are going to use it as artist material. I don't want to stage "Love Ins" unless scrapbooking or crafting is involved. No artificial mood enhancers required. What I do want to do is share a little piece/peace with others through a piece of art that I and hopefully you create. Here is what I have in mind. Create a piece of art. It could be a scrapbook page, a card, an altered object that you have put a little piece/peace of yourself into. Think about what Peace means to you and how you achieve it in your life. Create a piece of art. Not a paper artist? Doesn't matter. Use whatever medium you want and then post it so others can share your peace/piece. The idea is to spread peace around. Do something that makes you feel good and share it with others. The key here is to share your peace/piece with as many people as possible.
You never know, maybe this whole Peace thing will catch on.

Remember to post a link to your artistic endeavors in the comment section. We all want to participate in your Peace Work.

A random selection of pics...

2009-05-25T16:01:00.000-07:00

from the "25 Random things about me" album.

I must say that posting pics is not always the joy I wish it would be. Once they are up, I am happy for the most part.

As you can see I have used a variety of Quickutz, Sizzix and SpellBinder dies. A few stamps, some stitching, colouring pencils, masks, ink and a wee bit of bling. Attend the class and you can use these on your pages too.

You need to bring to class your list of random things about you and some imagination. Don't forget your tools and some of those embellishments you have been hoarding!

Again, it is this Saturday May 30Th at 1pm.

Scrapalicious 905-614-0085

25 Random Things about Me...

2009-05-24T15:08:00.000-07:00

Is an album class I am doing this upcoming weekend at Scrapalicious. It was inspired by a BLOG post of Kelly Goree's and I just ran with the idea. I am a wee bit behind which should be one of the 25 things about me, that I often run short of time but that I work well under pressure.
I should have pics up on Monday, a preview of what is in store. Those wanting to attend should get together some of there embellishment stash. I have been rummaging around in my goodies to decorate my pages and it feels good to use some of my older stash. It is amazing just how much stuff I/we have.
There will be lots of stamps, Quickutz and even some new Sizzix dies available for use in the class. Bring your basic tools and your die cutting machine if you have one.
Remember, the store is closed on Monday so call Tuesday to reserve your spot. 905-614-0085

Rushin Poulet

2009-05-23T18:14:00.001-07:00

I have a bit of a twisted sense of humour and I like word play. Thus this comic strip.

A few years ago when I first started scrapping and got in to Quickutz in a big way, I added the Funky Chicken die shape to just about everything. I soon became known as the "Funky Chicken lady". I came across this picture of a comic strip I did and thought it would be fun to share again. I have ideas for many more Funky Chicken Strips but they will just have to wait. There are more pressing projects these day. As usually I am behind in getting my class stuff done and pictures up loaded. :-)

My Sizzix Album dies have arrived!

2009-05-16T06:22:00.000-07:00

**** UPDATE***
It Works!!! I know, no good without pictures but I am trying to pack up my crap so I can go and scrap with my girlfriends today. I cut a pair of covers out of my brightly coloured placemats and it was just like cutting through paper. Now I am thinking about what else I may try. I may even go back to the Dollarama to see what other brightly coloured placemats they have. I see mini album madness settling in. LOL

Yeah!!!
Now I need to cut up those placemats and chipboard and grungeboard and show you all why I had to have them. First things first, I need to pack up for today's class at Scrapalicious if only to find a spot on my table so I can do all this die cutting. When I get back from my class, I will post some pics of the pieces. Then I just may tackle the challenge I posted on NSD to do a layout with my older stash. Anyone else playing along?

I have also posted info about the Warehouse sale - Look to the right.
I am lucky enough to work here but even I am excited about this sale. Now ladies, there is tons of stuff for sale here, it is a BLOWOUT sale so expect to find some older stuff but there is lots of relatively new stuff available as well. Just not the latest stuff, that you need to go to your LSS for.

What a Hoot

2009-05-10T17:05:00.000-07:00

Finally I have mastered the highly technical skill of uploading images. I managed to take the picture, upload it on to my computer, save it to a place where I can actually find it and get it all posted right here on my BLOG. I am slowly acquiring the skills required to participate in this millennium. LOL

So "What a Hoot" is also my May 16th class at Scrapalicious in Mississauga, ON. Those of you interested in attending my class can call the store at 905-614-0085. (Link to the store can be found on my Blog under Stores) I believe it is at 1pm-3pm.

I have used Prima's "Mommy & Me" papers along with Bazzil cardstock, Quickutz dies and cork paper, punches and Tim's Distress Ink and some Glossy Accents.

Rainy days are good for creating...

2009-05-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

It is raining and so I cannot get distracted from what I need to accomplish today by doing yard work or going on an adventure. I must get working on class projects, I am soooooo behind! First a couple of small chores, food is a necessity after all. I must pick up a little something for Mom and then make her a card at some point in the afternoon. My projects must get done today as tomorrow Mom and I are doing my favourite tradition, it is our Mother's Day lunch at the Globe Inn. Just me and her and it is a nice enjoyable day for the two of us. We are not rushed, lots of time to talk and then window shop afterwards. Hopefully we will be done with the rain today and have a nice spring day on Sunday.

Watch for my class posting later this weekend. It will get done!

Totally Tools.

2009-05-06T19:34:00.001-07:00

A conversation with another scrap artist today has made me stop and think about my tools. I guess there is an assumption that most of us have the same "basics". Well, maybe that just isn't so. For instance, since I have Quickutz and I use them on practically every layout, I have the Xyron Sticker makers. In 3 sizes I might add. Now I would have thought that if you used die cuts then you must be using the sticker makers. Apparently not so. So my question is, What is in your "must have" tool box? What tools could you not scrap without?
For me, my tool box includes: Quickutz and both the Squeeze and the Revolution. I own other die cutting tools but those have not become staples yet. Of course the Xyrons, my Fiskars Micro Tipped scissors, STAMPS and therefore acrylic blocks and therefore VersaFine, Archival ink and most assuredly Tim's Distress Inks. It goes without saying that if you have Distress Inks then you must have Tim's ink blending tool. You just can't have one without the other. Certainly not last or least is my trimmer. I have tried several and have decided that Tonic's large base guillotine trimmer suits me just fine. It is big and bulky and not always a joy to take to crops but it cuts a true 90 degree angle when most others do not. When I have all my bits and pieces cut and ready to stick down, there is only one tape runner. Kokuyo. I LOVE the red one best but the blue one runs a close second. I like that it sticks and sticks well and permanently. It doesn't get all gummed up or roll back in on itself.
I have other tools, lots of them in fact but they are not my constant companions, at least not yet. Tell me what is in your tool box, maybe I will find something new to play with.

Brightly coloured placemats...

2009-05-03T12:43:00.000-07:00

and future scrapbooking material.
I have a Dollerama that I frequent when I meet up with my Mother for coffee. She is a true addict that goes there for everything from hand soap to CD's. I tag along as I can usually find something even if it is only a chocolate bar (which I don't need) or baseball card sheets to store my small stamps in (which I do need, and lots of them).
Today I found some brightly coloured place mats made out of vinyl or acrylic which I plan to die cut into album covers with the new Sizzix album dies I am expecting to get sometime this week.
I hope they work for this purpose otherwise I have an assortment of brightly coloured place mats that will live their lives as brightly coloured place mats a nice and functional existence but hardly the exciting and socially superior life they could live if they were mini album covers.
Cross your fingers the album dies come in as I have been anxiously awaiting these since CHAW09 in January. As soon as I have them home I promise to die cut my brightly coloured place mats and post a picture of my successful results. (Note optimism)

It's National Scrapbook Day!

2009-05-02T04:49:00.000-07:00

It's Just Paper but I feel compelled to collect it. I will admit it, I have NO willpower when it comes to paper. I see it, I want it, it drives me crazy until I get it and then eventually it finds its way home and occasionally some of it gets used. Certainly if I scrapped every day (which I don't) it would take me several lifetimes to use what I have. The rational side of my brain knows this and yet, I see more paper shopping in the near future. LOL
So I am posting a challenge for myself and for those of you with a similar affliction. Make something, anything but you must use paper and other products from your stash that is at least 2 years old. If you have a BLOG post your creation and then let me know you have accepted the challenge. No Blog? I am sure there must be a way to post it here with your comments but don't ask me how. It is all I can do to get my own stuff on here. Together we will figure it out. Points go to the person who is able to use the most items from their "old" stash. I will post mine sometime this week. I am thinking I have some very bright and funky Junkitz papers and a tonnage of chipboard I may use. Have fun and enjoy creating this weekend.

Ranger U...

2009-04-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

How lucky am I?
Well, very lucky as a matter of fact. Just recently I applied to Ranger U so I can learn all about all the amazing products Ranger Inks has to offer. I understood that I might not get accepted right away as there are only so many spots and quite a few applicants. I guess it must have helped that I am an instructor and the product manager for this line of products for the company I work for. All I can say is I am very thrilled to be getting this opportunity.
Now what does this mean for all my lucky students? New techniques and new product for us to explore. The event is in June so it may be July before I have a class with something new I have learned. That is if I can squeeze it in before heading off to CHA in July. Busy busy busy!
I may just have to wear this silly grin for most of Spring and Summer!
:-)

Who all went to Scrapfest?

2009-04-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

Looks like many of us scrappers descended on Kitchener this weekend to participate in some classes and do some serious shopping. I was there Friday night and Saturday morning demoing Copic markers for The Scrapping Bug, a Kitchener based store. I talked and talked markers and paper and ink so I think many of you now have a good introduction to this medium. I must admit I am not the best colourer yet but I am practicing.

The best part about this show (other than the awesome shopping) is that I got to meet up with people I have not seen in a while. There were tons of ladies from my old Cherished Scrapbooks days that I haven't seen since that store closed almost a year ago. Fortunately we were able to share email addresses so we can get back in touch. Hopefully they will also find me here so we can get back to talking scrapping and sharing ideas.

Lost, the stamp or my mind?

2009-04-12T07:01:00.001-07:00

I am pretty sure I bought this stamp.I have looked everywhere and can't find it. I seem to recall John and I at Mike's with a coupon and he helped me choose between this and another stamp. Is it possible that I have misplaced it or that I had a mature responsible moment and said to myself "nope, don't need it"?

*****Update*****

Do Black Holes multiply? Only the ones in my head I think. I found the stamp after searching high and low for it. It was hiding in my other purse that was sitting on my hall bench. Now why wouldn't I think of looking for it there when it was the last purse I had in use? I did look in all my other purses even though I know I hadn't used them for months. Go figure.

What I learned again from this experience is that I am turning in to my mother. Her thing is keys and I do not recall her ever being able to locate her keys immediately. It is always a huge search and they are almost always in the purse she is using. Hmm, maybe it isn't us afterall but has it is something to do with evil purses.

Quintessentially Me!

2009-04-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

Materials: paper - Bazzil cardstock; flower stamps -Autumn Leaves; brads - American Craft; flowers - Doodle Bug, Making Memories & Prima Marketing; chipboard and ribbon - unknown.

This is the cover page of a black and white album I started a few years ago. Each layout is black and white with one other colour. The idea I had at the time was to see just what I could do using the stuff I have in my stash. It was also the beginning of my stamping on layouts phase (of which I don't think I have gotten out of). Some day I hope to get back to this project as I am interested in seeing how my style has changed since I first began. I know the challenge of just using my stash isn't really a challenge anymore as I do have a fair bit in my stash these days.

Laugh Out Loud

2009-04-10T08:55:00.000-07:00

Materials: paper - Bazzil; assorted stamps; VersaFine ink by Tsukinelo; shape and alphabet dies by Quickutz; flower - Heidi Swapp; epoxy shapes - Making Memories.

Please somebody take my picture of me laughing like McGruff! Sometimes I laugh so hard (usually at myself) that I can barely catch my breath and then I start squeaking which makes me laugh even harder.

I have done variations of this and the layout above over the years. It is mostly just doodling with stamps and seeing what I can come up with. The best part is no two are the same. When I do this in a class I just bring a ton of my stamps and let the students run wild. It is amazing to see all the results especially those who often tell me they don't think they are that creative.

I think we all have a creative side and sometimes we just have to give ourselves permission to explore it.

Just a Little off Kilter...

2009-04-09T09:52:00.000-07:00

Materials: paper - Bazzil cardstock and Basic Grey; alphabet dies - Quickutz; stamps - Autmn Leaves and Technique Tuesday, ink- VersaFine by Tsukineko; flowers - Prima Markeing; black sheep charm - Around the Block.

Another layout for my Black and White album.

I want a Cat's Life!

2009-04-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

Materials: Guess what - more Basic Grey and Bazzil and more Quickutz too.

This is my cat Zephyr. She is definitely mamma's baby and is just a little spoiled. She has quite the personality and she brings such joy to every day. Even when she is "helping" me work on a layout or typing on the computer. Needless to say there may be a few cat hairs included on many of my layouts.

Hey Baby! You've got a little Cattitude!

2009-04-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

Garden Party

2009-04-06T18:11:00.000-07:00

Materials: paper - Basic Grey and Bazzil; dies by Quickutz, butterflies by CuttleBug; ink- Distress ink by Ranger; buttons & brad- Basic Grey.

This was one of the first layouts I did with my students when I went to teach at Scrapalicious after Cherished Scrapbooks closed. I had the pictures from my garden when I lived in Sarnia, several years ago. In fact, I have lots of garden photos from those days and could fill many scrapbook pages using that collection of pics. I am often inspired by songs when I create a layout and if you look at many of my layouts, the titles are often from song titles or lyrics form a song. Strangely enough, it is often the title that is my starting point when designing a layout.

Round and Round we go...

2009-04-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

Materials: paper - Scenic Route & Bazzil, stamps - Inkadinkado and Technique Tuesday; ink VersaFine by Tsukineko; dies - Quickutz; tool - Coluzzle circle template.

I definitely love the music from the early 70's and Harry Chapin was big in those days. This song was running through my head and just wouldn't leave me alone. I believe this was one of the last layouts I did at Cherished Scrapbooks before it closed and I was feeling kind of sappy sentimental. (Shh, don't tell anyone). I also wanted to end off with a happy kind of vibe and I love blue and orange together. I don't know if I will ever add photos to this layout as I love the happy feeling I get when I look at it. Maybe I will just put the journalling on the back in case I ever need reminding of the good times I had teaching there.

To Infinity! And BEYOND!

2009-04-04T15:59:00.000-07:00

Materials: paper - ? and Bazzil cardstock, shape and alphabet dies - Quickutz, inks - Brilliance, Staz-on and VersaFine by Tsukineko; stamps - Autumn Leaves, tools Coluzzle circle and star templates and Grommets by Making Memories.

This is one of many tool classes I did a few years ago. This series of classes I did was to encourage those who were ready to move beyond the trimmer to try and explore other tool options. Since the store I taught at was heavily into Quickutz, they were a part of just about every layout class I taught. In addition to Quickutz, I Incorporated the Coluzzle cutting tool, the grommet tool, stamps and different types of ink and my favourite scissors. It may be that the movie Toy Story was popular at the time.

Arnstein in Autumn

2009-04-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

Materials: paper - Basic Grey and Bazzil cardstock; ink - Distress Ink by Ranger and VersaFine by Tsukineko; stamps - Inkadinkado, alphabet dies - Quickutz, leaf dies by SpellBinder

My friends tease me all the time about not putting pictures on my layouts. I do this partially because I believe that if there are pictures then my students often add their photos in the same way I have done. Without pics, I hope to see my students do their own thing and personalize their layout. Deviancy is highly encouraged! This time around I had pictures from a trip north to visit my father in law. He lives in what us city folk would consider the middle of nowhere. A small town just southwest of North Bay. The long drive in the Fall is spectacular though.

I don't know if you can see the detail on the die cut leaves. These are cut from the "solid" papers from this Basic Grey collection using the SpellBinder dies. When embossed and a little Distress ink applied, it is definitely hard to tell them apart from the real thing.

Butterflies are free...

2009-04-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

Materials: paper -American Craft and Bazzil cardstock; alphabet and shape dies - Quickutz; stamps - Technique Tuesday and Autumn Leaves; ink - VersaFine by Tsukineko; flowers - Heidi Swapp; eyelets, brads and buttons - American Craft.

This was a tool class that I did a few years ago that was one of my most popular classes to date. I don't know how many times I taught this class but I think maybe once too many. LOL This class always ran overtime, sometimes way overtime. I don't know why, everything was simple enough. There are elements I really like about this layout but I think if I was to do it all over again I would choose different colours. I guess that is the thing about looking at our earlier stuff. All in all I still like the layout and may even one day find photos to go on it. One thing that is surprising, I believe I did this during my Funky Chicken phase and I am surprised that I didn't find a way to work that shape die on to the layout.

Jack has eaten too many treats this Halloween.

2009-03-31T22:40:00.000-07:00

Materials: paper - My Mind's Eye, Making Memories and Bazzil cardstock; stamps - Inkadinkado; ink - Distress Inks by Ranger; alphabet dies - Quickutz; StitchZ templates by Bazzil; & shipping tags.

Anyone who knows me KNOWS that I love Halloween. I think I may even love it more than Christmas since this is often the time I hold dinner party's and make and eat too many treats. My husband John is the family pumpkin carver and he does a pretty fine job. This year I actually carved one too. Mine is the weird mottled pumpkin and his the one puking up his innards.

This is my first layout using the StitchZ template. I love the goulish nature of the stitches and I believe my students liked the new tool (or at least the end result). I was able to add dimension to the haunted house by cutting the shape out of fun foam and applying the patterned paper piece on top. Once again I have used my ink blending technique to get that eerie Halloween vibe. This technique is definately a student favourite.

October 31st

2009-03-30T21:52:00.000-07:00

Materials: paper - Junkitz and Bazzil cardstock; ink - Distress Ink by Ranger, VersaFine by Tsukineko; stamps - Autumn Leaves; shape and alphabet dies - Quickutz.

This is the first of many layouts I used the Distress Inks to blend together and create a moody backdrop for my stamps. This is a pretty simple technique and almost as much fun as finger painting! Just start with your lightest colour and using a circular motion work the ink from the middle of the page out, going the furthest out with this first colour. Using your second colour, start again in the middle and work the colour out but not quite as far as the first colour. Leave some of the first colour to show through in places. Repeat with the 3rd colour. Then stamp with flourishes making sure to go just under the the paper mat so you don't have gaps which I found to be distracting. Now do it your way, you know I encourage deviancy!

These are the Days of Miracles and Wonder

2009-03-21T12:18:00.000-07:00

Materials: paper- Basic Grey and Bazzil cardstock; alphabet and shape dies by Quickutz; stamps- Autumn Leaves and Fancy Pants; ink - Distress Ink by Rangers, VersaFine by Tsukineko.

I don't have kids and seldom do cute but students a few years ago challenged me to do a baby layout. This set of Autumn Leaves stamps had been calling my name so I accepted the challenge. It was another good release from Quickutz and I think I might have recently acquired that grand font. I think it is Journal but I may be wrong. The small one is Metro.

One Great Guy!

2009-03-19T23:56:00.000-07:00

Materials: paper - Basic Grey (OK, I really like this manufacturer) and Bazzil cardstock; stamps - Autumn Leaves; ink- Distress Ink by Ranger; alphabet and shape dies by Quickutz; ric rac - Creative Imaginations; brads & buttons - American Crafts; tools - Grommet - making Memories & Coluzzle - ProvoCraft.

I often meet my mother and her "boyfriend" of over thirty years at the Second Cup coffee shop in Brampton. For whatever bizarre reason I had actually taken my camera with me that day and managed to get a few good pics of Victor. If you could pick your family I would definitely pick him as he has been a constant positive influence and has offered me support and love all that time too.

Spring Beauty

2009-03-12T18:20:00.000-07:00

Materials: paper - Basic Grey and a tiny bit of Bazzil; Quickutz fonts and nameplate; Autumn Leaves stamps; eyelets and brads - American Craft.

Sometimes you don't need much in the way of embellishment and you can let the pictures do all the work. I used some scrap paper in behind the photos on the left to create a pocket for some hidden journalling. Really a very simple layout but one I am happy with even if it does have pictures on it!

Believe

2009-03-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

I scraplifted myself. Remember the Halloween layout? I was asked to showcase this technique several times. This was a quickie I did for those who wanted a holiday layout. The best part is I have had students scraplift their versions over and over again just changing the theme and the colours. Hey if it works for you... go with it. I always love to see what my students have done especially since they often put pictures on theirs.