So Do You Like the New Look?

It's not quite finished but much better I think...

I'm learning a lot about HTML in the process - I know I'm way behind all you know it alls out there... what takes me a while you can do in minutes. There's still some tweaks to make but I like the 3 columns & clean design. Who would think a pile it on layering scrapbooker like me would like clean lines on her blog.


Just wanted to remind you

The My Mind's Eye month long extravaganza at Everything Scrapp'n Starts tomorrow. I hope you got your orders in so you're ready for all the creating & prizes.

There's still time to get your order in as the sale ends midnight (eastern time) TONIGHT.
15% off all My Mind's Eye

AND

Free Shipping for all orders over $30 (discount code SPRING)

I know I've said it before but I'm saying it again...

My Mind's Eye has outdone itself this season
Sure the paper is the exceptional quality we all expect with texture, color, depth...
But now we have die cut 12x12 papers. I love the shape of this one... MME hasn't forgotten the bird & owl lovers either - they have some super cute papers/embellishments with that theme in mind.



If you who love the elegant look of Webster's Pages paper My Mind's Eye Bellezo doesn't disappoint. The colors are beautiful & designs so elegant. They make quick work of designing those special pages. For us heritage scrappers it's PERFECT without looking dated.

A little girly but we all need a bit of that every once in a while. Pretty soft spring colors that compliment any photo - showing it off with perfection.

More Enabling...

Other products in stock that are must haves
that I picked up with my order....

Bazzill Kraft Cardstock
Cosmo Cricket Spinners
Jenni Bowlin Bingo Cards
Jenni Bowlin Flowers
Prima Stitches Paper
Pink Paislee Fetching Line including those stinking cute flowers

GCD Party

I did send my ap as soon as the call was issued. My motto is you never know until you try & try I did.

I was so excited by a manufacturer that actually made special spots available for us lesser known scrappers.

I saw on the blog they received 471 other beautiful applications.

The chosen few will be receiving calls throughout the day - keeping my cell phone close by just in case....





But no I didn't get a call.


I didn't really expect to either with that many entries... but you never know...

Monday will be a huge day their new & improved GCD Studios blog . The design team will be revealed, giveaways posted throughout the day & more exciting opportunities for some of the chosen applicants. Make sure you mark it on your to do list... I set a reminder on my phone.

Still to be announced

4 Guest DT gals
40 Spotlights
21 Product Testers

I'm still hoping to be one of the chosen 65 - at least that's much better odds lol

Under Construction

I'm doing some redecorating today of the blog.

So I'm testing out a few different looks

WORLD RECORD BLOG HOP

WELCOME to the World Record Inspirational Blog Hop

It starts 11 am Saturday Central Time - to start at the beginning go to Unity Stamp Blog

All first time Unity Stamp customers get a free gift with orders placed this weekend.

I love Unity Stamps so when I saw this posted on the Splitcoast Stampers site I knew I had to join in.

Here are a couple cards I made using my brand new Unity Stamps that came in the mail yesterday.

I love Owls & I'm trying to give it double duty by using the journaling spot on a card.... I think it turned out very cute!

Don't you love the Love Ewe stamp. I'm sure you'll see a lot of it as you hop along since it's been a popular new release with the design team.

Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill); Paper (card1 - Crate, Bo Bunny & October Afternoon), (card2 - Basic Grey, Little Yellow Bicycle & My Mind's Eye) (card 3 - Basic Grey, Crate & Bo Bunny); Flowers (Making Memories & Heidi Swapp); Buttons (SEI); Sticker Letters (Making Memories); Brad (Basic Grey)

Continue on to Krystie Lee's Blog She has some great inspiration

Technology is working against me

My hubby went out of town & needed the digi camera to take photos of some scaffolding he was setting up for a new customer. So he took the camera.

I thought I was planning ahead & have been working on 8-1/2x11 layouts instead of my usual 12x12 so I could scan them to post in gallery for my favorite LOAD challenge on 2 peas. Well I guess my scanner got wind of that & decided not to cooperate!

Technology is great when it works but oh so frustrating when it doesn't.

I got my order Monday from 2peas. It was a blast shopping with my prize money from the "Tell Your Story" contest & the "LOAD" contest. I still have it sitting on the bed in the scrap room to take a photo of it... I don't know if I can resist using it another day though...

Don't forget to place your order at Everything Scrapp'n so you have new My Mind's Eye products for the April competition (see yesterday's post for details)

Big Things Happening....

Just wanted to give everyone the heads up that April brings lots of fun at Everything Scrapp'n

There will be a month long MY MIND'S EYE Extravaganza with some great prizes.

The grand prize is $90 in new MME products!

Along with that each of the designers will be having a giveaway on their personal blog for more MME goodies.

Are you excited yet? MME is a longtime favorite of mine & they really out did themselves this season.

For entry in the grand prize drawing you will be required to use new MME products so head on over to the store & place your order so you're ready for the challenges next week.
Everything Scrapp'n Store

The 15% off new My Mind's Eye sale has been extended & will last thru March 31st at midnight eastern time.

Free gift of Prima flowers with $25 order

Free shipping with $30 order (discount code SPRING) thru March 31st at midnight eastern time.

& always the customer appreciation program - $20 gift code for each $200 spent.

Scrapperie April Kit

MAKE SURE YOU READ THE POST BELOW FOR THE SALE AT EVERYTHING SCRAPPIN'

There are still a few of the April kits left over at Scrapperie

These kits have my favorite blue, green & brown color combo.

Sandi did a great job packing them with all kinds of goodies

For those of you not familiar with Scrapperie kits here's the way they are priced

Each month our fun and funky kits will come in 4 different sizes -

The Essentials: Our main kit, it is full of patterned paper, cardstock and enough embellishments and goodies to complete at least 5-7 paper-laden layouts

The Extras: An add-on kit with lots more papers and something fun to work with

The Trimmings: Loads of embellishments to compliment your layouts

Or the best way to purchase the kit-
Pièce de Résistance: This ginormous kit combines The Essentials, The Extras and The Trimmings into one!!

The Essentials and the Pièce de Résistance kits can be purchased by the month; or in 3 and 6

month subscriptions.

There are also some great grab bags filled with goodies that are a super value so make sure you pick up one when you are ordering your kit.

Don't you love the assortment of embellishments?

Everything Scrapp'n Sale

If you're crazy about 12x12 die cut papers like I am

then you know all about My Mind's Eye's new lines

that include their normal beautiful thick textured paper

but now with die cut edges.

SALE SALE SALE

This week at Everything Scrapp'n

My Mind's Eye is 15% off

AND FREE Shipping on all orders over $30

Here are 2 layouts I made recently using the new MME papers.

Marks Paper Giveaway

Have you seen the paper from the Marks Paper Company?

I love them.

So I had to tell you about a giveaway to get your hands on some...

http://iralamija.blogspot.com/2009/03/more-scraps-and-marks-paper-co-giveaway.html

I'm a Designer for Everything Scrapp'n

I've been dying to TOOT that I am honored to have been chosen as a designer for
Everything Scrapp'n!

It's an online scrapbooking store. The owner Heather Turner is a longtime scrapbooker & is working hard to stock the things we all want to buy.

She offers: a customer rewards program, special orders, and regular sales.

Check out the store at: http://www.everythingscrappn.com/

I spy some of my favorite new My Mind's Eye & Jenni Bowlin products in the store....

I'm tickled to death to be a part of this creative team.
Check out their blogs to congratulate them

Denise Martinez (DT Coordinator)
Michelle Jacquemet
Zoa Barker
Janaina Oliveira
Theresa Matz

Add the store blog as a favorite... there's regular giveaways, stock/sale info & loads of inspiration Everything Scrapp'n Store Blog

Bazzill Matchmaker

Bazzill Basics Website has a new feature

The Bazzill Matchmaker

Gives coordinating cardstock for several popular pattern paper lines.

http://www.bazzillbasics.com/matchmaker/

It makes quick work of finding the right color for a layout or page kit

Paperclipping "Job"

By now everyone knows how much I love paperclipping.com

There is nothing like it on the internet for scrapbooking information.

Blog, video tutorials, live show, active community & the talented Noell Hyman make a wonderful combo.

I've been asked to be a Challenge Coordinator.

If you aren't already a member of the community I encourage you to join in the fun.

http://people.paperclipping.com/

I hope you join in the Monthly Challenges. The winner is showcased on the site with an interview & link to your blog.

Here's the March Challenge thread

http://people.paperclipping.com/group/monthlychallenge/forum/topics/march-challenge

I hope to see lots of new members joining in the fun.

Heads Up - Check this out

Vanilla Joy is really pulling out all the stops lately with their giveaways. Here are the 2 current ones.

I love using Core'dinations cardstock in my cuttlebug. It's a heavy weight textured cardstock with a complimentary color core. So when you sand it it really makes the dry embossing pop.

I've found some at Hobby Lobby but here's a great giveaway for a boat load of it.

Check it out & enter

http://www.vanillajoy.com/craft-giveaway-189-in-cardstock-from-coredinations.html

There's also a giveaway for a Hello Kitty Sizzix machine

http://www.vanillajoy.com/craft-giveaway-sizzix.html

Pay it Forward.... RAK

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

While blog hopping today I was Inspired by Anna-Marie Still's post http://annamariestill.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/03/top-o-the-mornin.html#comments

She had a great idea for a RAK

The way it works is that the first five people who respond to this post, will recieve a handmade surprize from me! The catch is that you have to pay it forward, post this on your blog, and send out five handmade surprizes of your own. What a fun way to spread some Springtime cheer!

Here are the official instructions:"The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! Made with tons of love just for you! It might be a fun hand-stamped project, a fun sewing project, or some yummy goodies, you might be surprised what you get! Give it a try! The catch? You must re -post this on your blog and the first 5 people to leave a comment, will win a lovely little treat from you! Have Fun!"

This could really take off... I hope you join in with us.

Spotlight Member

I've been enjoying hanging out at some smaller scrapbooking sites lately.

A favorite is Moments 2 Remember

I've had the honor of being chosen as the Spotlight Member of the Month.

http://moments-2-remember.com/messageboard/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=5670&p=60741#p60741

I also get the opportunity to post a challenge.

I hope you all come join in the fun as I've included a great RAK to the winner

http://moments-2-remember.com/messageboard/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=5691&p=60740#p60740

Note: RAK drawing March 31, 2009

2 Peas TOOT

Like so many in the recent months we've been effected by the economy.

My hubby took a substantial pay cut per week to keep his job - but at least he still has a job.

I cut back on spending all around but the part I missed the most was the new scrapbooking products & my trips to the LSS every couple weeks along with the lovely kit clubs.

I've been trying out for design teams of kit clubs/stores/companies I like. So far I haven't been chosen... that kind of gets me down in the dumps & doubting that I have what it takes....

But God has blessed me so much in the last couple weeks with all the prizes I've won.

Today while checking "mellypea's" blog http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/userblogpost.asp?id=41122 I noticed that I won a $50 gift certificate to 2peas for the story I wrote last month about how I became a "pea". I can get a lot with that in addition to the other $25 from the LOAD prize. Here's the post.

tell us your two peas stories WINNERS.
thanks to all of you for telling us your two peas story - it was so fun to read how two peas has been a part of your life, brought you closer to family + friends and helped you through a rough time. amazing to think that a website has played such a role, right?
without further ado, here are the winners - as voted by the two peas community :
2 Grand Prize winners will receive $250 in store credit each : Gynergy + JBSmom
3 1st Place winners will receive $100 in store credit each : TSC, monica_blain + scrapimami
3 2nd Place winners will receive $50 in store credit each : oldwesternpea, craftysuz, + aJerseyGirl
2 Runner-up winners will receive $25 in store credit each : Brittneyja + nanascraps
congratulations to all of you - enjoy your shopping spree! your store credit will be issued to your account shortly and you will be able to see that it's there before checking out.
stay tuned for the next round of birthday contests to be announced soon

Big Congrats to all the other winners. I read their stories & each is just so heartfelt.

Thanks for letting me toot again.

GCD Studios

Has an exciting new blog & giveaway going on right now

Head over & check out all the new product lines

http://www.gcdstudios.blogspot.com/

Paperclipping TOOT

You all know how much I love Paperclipping.

I'm always bragging about it so it's such an honor to win the February Member Challenge for this layout of my family thru the years.

Noell has quite a following & I'm tickled to have a link to my blog & interview in the forum as a winner. (yep I'm long winded as always lol)

http://people.paperclipping.com/profiles/blogs/february-challenge-winner-suz

The March challenge is up & ready for YOU to join in the fun. Check it out & I look forward to seeing your creations. http://people.paperclipping.com/group/monthlychallenge/forum/topics/march-challenge

Have a great weekend & take some creative time just for you.

Another Give-A-Way

I had to share another give a way

This is a HUGE one

Who wouldn't want to win a slice?

http://lifeonelayoutatatime.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-about-some-new-big-giveaways.html

Fabric on Layouts

Besides scrapbooking another passion of mine is quilting.



Both hobbies can feed the addiction to “add to ones stash”. I love texture on my layouts – so I’m always looking for ways to add fabric on my pages.



For this layout I just took a strip of fabric (frays and all) scrunched it up & stitched it to my page. It’s sort of like a ribbon but without finished edges. You can also use pieces of fabric in place of paper. Cut a square of cotton fabric & fray the edges a little. You can adhere it to cardstock with stitches, staples, buttons, or even adhesive runner.







Another fun way to add fabric is to make a fabric yo-yo.



They are quick & addictive once you get the hang of making them. I love to use them in place of flowers as I did in this layout






HOW TO MAKE A FABRIC YO-YO



1. Decide the finished size you want the yo-yo to be.



2. Draw a circle on cardboard 2x the finished size you want + 1/2” for seam allowance



3. Trace around your pattern on wrong side of fabric using pencil or water soluble pen



4. Cut along line



5. Fold under about ¼” and stitch around the entire circle with long piece of thread just inside the fold (The longer the stitch the tighter the yo-yo shape will be)


6. Pull the thread to gather and stitch several times to secure


7. Finger press or iron (to make flatter) the yo-yo



8. Now the yo-yo is ready to embellish. I love adding buttons – they look great!



9. THAT’S IT – IT’S AN EASY, FUN & PORTABLE PROJECT

Scrap Swap

I've cut back on my spending so when I saw a scrap swap over on the 2peas Pub Board I was excited to sign up. Not only is it a surprise to see what someone sends you but it's a challenge too as sometimes you are using products that aren't in your comfort zone to create with.

Here's the layout I created with a beautiful page kit sent to me by Tammie (tammiejean)
The kit was sure not filled with scraps but with full sheets of beautiful papers & even some Jenni Bowlin BROWN bingo cards (that I've been trying to buy but are always out of stock). I can't thank her enough for her generosity & great taste.

Don't You Love....

Don't you love getting email that tells you you've won something, had a layout picked up for publication or gotton on that dream design team?

I know I do.

There's lots going on over at Scrapbook News & Review this week.
www.scrapbooknewsandreview.com

There is a daily give a way for a $25 gift certificate to your favorite store all you do is send an email entry to game@scrapbooknewandreview.com

Looking at their newsletter it said I won a 1 year subscription to their publication a $49 value! Not bad for just leaving a comment or sending a quick email....

What a Great Suprise

I enjoy participating in the LOAD - Layout a Day group on Two Peas in a Bucket.

Everyone is so talented & inspiring. They were so welcoming when I joined & immediately I felt at home.

Last week was the 3rd Anniversary/Birthday Celebration. Lots of former LOAD members stopped by & we all thank DEANNA (a.k.a. scrappin-grandma http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/userprofile.asp?user_id=57636) for all the work she does posting the thread daily, coming up with great questions of the day & being so sweet to all of us.

Deanna gave away a prize to one lucky LOAD participant last week. One entry for each layout posted. The winner would receive a 2 peas Gift Certificate. Who wouldn't want that!

Well I was the winner! I couldn't believe it & was so excited. I received an email from 2 peas saying that a gift certificate had been posted to my account in the amount of $20! Wow Deanna you are so generous, talented, sweet, etc..... THANK YOU SO MUCH!

If you're looking for a fun place to be inspired, encouraged, & uplifted join in the fun. Here's the thread for today.... http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/mb.asp?cmd=display&thread_id=2767030

P.S. Don't feel you can't join if you're afraid of not scrapping every day. We don't crack the whip or hunt you down.... lol. You'll be surprised though how addicting it is & you will post more than you think.

Great Group - All Welcome

This is the forum for one of my favorite sites Paperclipping. Come check out all that's going on.

Another Give A Way

I found this new paper line when they had their first design team call.

I wasn't chosen to be on it but I so want to get my hands on some of these papers. They are just screaming my name.

Here's a link to post a comment to be entered for a chance to win some yourself

http://mycharmingblog-scrappermimi.blogspot.com/2009/03/marks-paper-company-giveaway.html

Good luck

Who Doesn't Like A Giveaway

Here is a great give a way posted by a fellow generous scrapbooker.

http://kath-allthatglitter.blogspot.com/2009/02/happy-birthday-blog-and-candy-too.html

Loads of Basic Grey products to keep you busy for a long while.

Snowy Sunday in Atlanta

I love snow & living in the south usually get one little snowfall a year.

This year we didn't get any & the weather has been warm so what a treat to get a BIG (by our standards) snowstorm in March.

It was very pretty. Huge wet snowflakes perfect for snowballs because it clumped with no effort. The snow was falling so fast at times & even though the ground had been warm it piled up not just on the trees.

My point & shoot camera didn't know what to focus on so it blurred the large flakes looking more like rain or sleet but trust me it's snow.