Month: October 2009

I keep a list (some mental, some actually written down like it’s supposed to be) of “just for fun” layouts & craft projects I want to do. Sometimes, when I find myself with spare energy and time I do one, and sometimes I combine a few to create one project from several fun list items.

I love multi-tasking.

Yesterday I added “make Christmas layout with American Crafts Merrymint line” to my fun list. Then I noticed an e-mail about the class I’m taking from Ali, and realized I really want to get more layouts done inspired by that. I didn’t intend to put the two together, but when I found a childhood Christmas photo during my cleaning, well, I knew what to do!

What I really love about this line is that while some of it is really cute & themed, a lot of it is subtle or not actually themed at all. I love that in my holiday products because it means a) it won’t compete with my photos and b) I can use it for other stuff if I buy too much & don’t have holiday photos for it. Their ribbon makes me crazy too. I won’t tell you how much of it I’ve purchased over the years… just… well… know that I love it & use it a lot.

I was trying my hand at being a minimalist and did NOT have any of the stuff over on right side (ribbons, etc) at first. But when I placed the title up top I just couldn’t leave it alone. I’m not a ‘clean’ scrapper, I like STUFF!!! So off I went happily cutting ribbons and bits of paper. Ah, I feel much better.

The layout is just random thoughts that come to mind when I look at this photo (I’m 9, my sister & cousin 5) at my Grandparent’s house. We call them “the g’s” mostly because they (and we) always spelled it gma and gpa. Good times and happy memories for many a Christmas happened in their house for sure.

The journaling paper is a png file from Ali’s class that I’m in LOVE with. I printed out (just using Microsoft Word) a whole sheet full on kraft cardstock, and I intend to keep right on in all sizes. They’re so great for writing and I’m really enjoying that class. Telling stories = heart of my scrapbooking and it’s good to focus on that.

Have a happy Friday – and weekend!

PS-Speaking of classes- my own BPS class starts in a few days!!! I’ve got some peeks, give aways, and much more coming for you as we count down to start time beginning tomorrow.

I’ve “known” (via internet) Nancy Nally for about 4-5 years now, and when I saw her put out a call in need of postings for her site I answered right away. Her site (scrapbook update) is always full of industry news & a great place to stay posted on what’s going on with scrapbook mfgs and so much more.

I pitched her a bunch of ideas (you know me) and she asked for my holiday scrapbooking one. WOO HOO! A favorite topic of mine for baking, decor, present making, and yes – scrapbooking is of course the holiday season! It was a total treat to do this – and I’m excited that it’s time to share with you!

I wrote up an article + there are 3 all new layouts that I created with American Craft’s Merrymint, Pink Paislee’s Mistletoe & Co, and Basic Grey’s Eskimo Kisses.  So often I used to have people freak when we didn’t have THE holiday item they needed (back when I was a local store manager) & I remember my #1 wish was that companies would make themed product that could be more multi-purpose. I love multi-tasking product lines like these three!

You can see the whole article (and layouts) here: http://www.scrapbookupdate.com/2009/10/29/choosing-holiday-scrapbook-supplies/

There’s an awful lot of product out there these days to choose from – picking favorites is hard work. I had a lot of fun with this article – and if you have questions, comments, etc. I hope you’ll chat with me about it.

JBS Mercantile = vintage fantastic-ness. Jenni Bowlin’s company not only puts out exlcusive products, but super great kits too. I saw this peek for next month’s kit on the inspiration blog:

Yeah, that’d be my #1 favorite all time rub-on in a new color. Consider me obsessed. I’ll have to do a layout with some of her stuff soon for here – I’m adding it to my to-do for fun list. Wanna know what else is fun and Jenni related? You can enter to win a free spot in my new Kits class HERE on Jenni’s blog right now!

Good luck!

I allowed myself an hour or so of pity party today, as I should right now be enjoying the company of one Stephenie Hamen + Fiskars team in Madison, WI and NOT sitting here in bed hacking, sneezing, and other assorted unpleasant flu business. Yes,  I should have been on a plane this morning and YES it makes me steaming mad that this flu wouldn’t be kicked (this is day 5!!!) in time.

Ah but that’s beyond my control, and I’ll be able to visit Fiskars at a future date I’m assured. So instead of moping and more unpleasant attitude from me, I’ve got a give away. A FISKARS give away that’s pretty dang HUGE….

I thought skull scissors were appropriate, with Halloween approaching and all. If you’d like to be entered – just leave a comment on this post. I’ll draw a winner at the end of the week.

We’re hanging in there – still very sick and some fevers – but we’re gonna beat this thing down. I’ll be doing so with a smile and a positive attitude, by golly! I hope to have some interesting blog posts, a kit give away, more class info, and soooo much more ready for you very soon…

– May

If you’re bound to bed (or couch) due to VERY nasty upper respiratory flu, if you had a kit you could cut a bit of paper here and there without sorting through your stash or tiring yourself out.

I’m speaking from experience ladies (and any gents out there). As I sit here, exhausted by merely getting myself a cup of juice it’s nice to have something in my hands to play with so I don’t have to focus on the kids channel (ugh) or if my eyes are tired of reading. Since we were on vacation for a full week, I’ve not crafted in nearly 2 weeks… and my hands are itchy with need! I may be slow moving and very, very, sick… but that doesn’t mean my brain is totally dead. Just a tiny bit of paper play has really lifted my spirits.

Another popular option for me, of course, is to surf the internet.

I spied this on the www.cocoadaisy.com blog, and I’m very tempted. It’s their November kit, and along with the December kit it’s on my ‘coming soon’ kit watch & consider short list. Tricia does such a lovely job with her kits, and it was a real treat to work with one of her past kits in my upcoming Big Picture class. I hear great things about her service, and the kits are wonderful.

I’m back to rest, hydration, rest, PBS cartoons, and just a few tiny fun projects with pre-made kits. The flu: just another reason having a kit can help with productivity and boredom!