This week I’m looking at the new Doodlebug “Sweet Cakes” collection over at Scrapbook Update. I have 2 new projects in the article too.

Here’s one more tag… I can’t help but adore this collection.

Happy Crafting!

UPDATED:  Sold OUT!

If you are interested, not everyone has been paid for yet, so one or two may become available. email me and I will let you know if I’m able to include you.
I hope everyone who gets one ENJOYS!!

note: if you paid already, then you’ve heard from me + should have shipping confirmation (unless international). If you haven’t contact me ASAP!

Here’s the deal:

• I pack former class supplies, extras, embellishment kits, baggies ‘o fun goodies, and more into flat-rate medium priority shipping boxes.

• Each one is different, each one is packed and a great value. New ink pad, mini book, stamps, letter stickers, rub-ons… basically I pack each box with love + care, packaging up all kinds of things that need a home.

• $38 includes the shipping, and is cost within USA. If you are not in USA but want a box, email me (and tell me where you are) and I will invoice you accordingly. In past the USPS rate is $30-35 more for international shipping. I’m happy to do it – just let me know.

The contents are a surprise, I do this to save time (don’t have to photograph) which means I pass on the great deal to you. I do promise it’s good things, and not packed with small scraps or things I don’t want. It’s simply class left-overs, discontinued items, and lovely scrapbook supplies that need a good home.

Here’s the beginning of one box I started to pack this morning…

That was just two class kits I grabbed to START this particular box… oh yes, lots of fun to be had. If you want one shoot me an email

mflaum@comcast.net

Let me know who to paypal invoice (the email addy) and I will fire it off ASAP. I will also be shipping today and tomorrow – so by this weekend you could have some new to you goodies to play with.

I can not give you even a hint as to my projects, but that’s what I was playing with. Yes, I’m shipping off several projects to Tim Holtz for CHA. If you’re at the show- maybe you’ll see them! If not, you’ll see them here on my blog, and perhaps in future classes as inspiration. Such amazing releases from Tim (as always!) including, did you see this?

Can you even believe it? I’m in total shock – I had NO IDEA! I’d never even dreamed such a thing was possible. I’m very excited, and you can bet I will be getting my hands on these (and sharing videos + projects of course) ASAP!!!

Other stand-outs this week in CHA reveals are Pink Paislee, Studio Calico, American Crafts, Webster’s Pages, Pebbles, and Christy Tomlinson’s stamps for Unity. I know I’m forgetting somebody… but I’m not worried. I’ll be AT CHA this year, and I’ll be doing plenty of coverage (and, I’m thinking a video) for those who aren’t there. The product is amazing, but got to say I’m REALLY looking forward to seeing so many of my favorite people in person.

and one night sneaking off to Disneyland for a few hours…

Speaking of 2012 classes (schedule in the works + kits made available too…) – I realize that I never had my end of year 2011 “garage sale” here on my blog and I NEED TO!!! I have several boxes of goodies – all AWESOME things. Past class kits, extras, stickers, rub-ons, stamps… really great stuff. STUFFED into flat rate boxes for shipping… immediately!

I will do a post here on my blog tomorrow (Wednesday) morning at 6a Pacific Time with the details on getting one – they never last long and they’re always packed with great stuff too. I’ve had several people ask me about them, and yes, it’s that time!! So stay tuned if you want one!

This week’s pick is kraft alphabet stickers from Studio Calico. A part of the Classi Calico line, these stickers are fantastic as-is, or you can ink, paint, mist, stamp on, or otherwise alter them.  Here’s a link to a layout I did (for the Studio Calico blog) using these stickers.

For my love of all things kraft + their versatility, I’ve got to make this alphabet sticker set this week’s pick.

If you haven’t already been peeking – you’ll want to check out their blog anyhow because the new stuff coming? Off the charts amazing! I can’t wait to see + use the 2012 releases Studio Calico has shown. Just… wow.

Happy Monday Crafting!

but can not bring yourself to use it.

I have stumbled across this every day for about a week now, as I attempt to use for the first time my new Graphic 45 pretties. Oh I have assignments to work on and other things to do so I put it aside… truth? I don’t want to mess it up! Luckily I know just what to do, especially as I’ve finally identified that I’m stalling and in a creative ditch. So. Ask yourself this:

1. Are you intimidated, or uninspired? Because it’s two different things. If uninspired, you should check out the company or on-line galleries at your fave spot. Find something cool and use it as inspiration. Look up the design team blogs and see what they’re doing with it.

If intimidated, you should try this…

2. Pick your least favorite of all the papers/stickers/etc, or just one “thing” that is from new precious. USE IT. NOW. On your next project no matter what. Breaking that barrier is the key.

3. Ask yourself this: what’s the worst thing that could happen? Answer: you ruin a sheet of paper or embellishment. Is it replaceable? of course. If you totally mess up, and NEED another sheet/piece/etc… you can get another. It’s ok.

The bottom line is this: It is better to have used and enjoyed playing with your precious new product than it is to have it just sitting in your stash.

Now, who wants to win an 8×8 paper pad of this FABULOUS line?

Not only am I challenging myself to use this amazingly beautiful paper TODAY, but I’m also going to share! Leave a comment here to be entered, winner will be drawn on Monday the 23rd.

I’m sharing a new video + project just for www.simonsaysstamp.com over on their blog (link) today. *LOVE* these hero arts stamps I featured! As my #1 favorite on-line store, was really fun to come up with a new project (which turned into a video – how could I not?!) to share. They’re also giving away a spot in Field Guide – so you could enter to win!

Speaking of winning – my friend Stephanie Howell is also giving away a spot in field guide!

Tomorrow you’ll find me at www.scrapbookupdate.com with a new article up featuring Echo Park.

and Friday watch http://ellesstudio.blogspot.com/ for a special post featuring the project peeked above.

My most recent craft addiction is to Ranger paint dabbers. We didn’t get along or play nicely when they first came out, but now we get along famously and they’ve gone from tolerated to mama’s favorite in a very short period of time. As I work on my new Big Picture class I find myself reaching for these more and more, and I’ve added a few Jenni Bowlin colors in addition to my three Adarondack metallics. That’s right – I only have 6 of them. That’s not going to expand greatly just because I love them, I only have colors that I really love, and will use tons. Today I’ve chosen one color as my pick:

Jenni Bowlin for Ranger paint dabber in speckled egg

It has all the versatility of a dabber (foam applicator, no mess, no brush needed…) and the color is exactly perfect! I like to use it on metal (see above where I’m coloring a metal photo corner), on my layouts, to stamp with, and more. It is a beautiful sky color, a great base color to layer with other (darker or brighter) colors, and just all around fantastic.

Above is a peek at a mixed media canvas in project for Field Guide (new BPC class)! You can see it in the sky and stenciled into my ocean water too. (yes ocean, yeah this project is gonna be COOOL and have a 4-part video series stepping it all out…)

Anyhow! back to my pick of the week. In creating some projects I discovered that speckled egg dabber paint + broken china distress ink or stain makes an absolutely BEAUTIFUL color. Here’s a look at that on a tag. You can put the stain first or the paint. I usually dab a bit of each… layer and blend or leave them splotchy…

Then I stamped with it (using a fave background stamp) to show the color difference and just show you how pretty it can be. Oh! I so love this paint dabber. I’ve been using it so much, it simply had to be my pick of the week.

Supplies shown:

InLinkz.com

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My new Big Picture Class The Curious Scrapbooker’s Field Guide is fast approaching! I was a guest over at the Studio Calico blog today sharing a tutorial inspired by class, and if you are wanting more information about class all my “Big Picture” blog posts past (and future) can be found on this page: http://mayflaum.com/category/big-picture-scrapbooking-classes/

I am currently working on some special BONUS materials for week #6 of class. On-line crop + big party anyone? Oh yeah! If you’ve got questions about class, don’t hesitate to ask here or via email. I’ve gotten so many great messages already – we’re going to have a BLAST!!

Oh, hello lovers.

I do LOVE shoes. *sigh* I’ve been on the hunt for the “right” pair to add into my collection for CHA and beyond… and here are some that I did not get. A few? I WANTED but couldn’t get in my own size. Others? Well they’re not practical AT ALL. Here’s some of my favorites you won’t see me in this year…  Poetic Licence “London Calling”, Sketchers “Clog Crafter”, Fergie “Accente too”, Poetic Licence “summer bloom in mint”,  Dansko “Suzy”

Actually, you may well see me in the “Clog Crafters” (how CUTE is that name?!) or the “Suzy” shoes by Dansko. They’re still finalists…

update: I got ‘em!! Found the grey “london calling” shoes I wanted sooo much. victory is mine!

2. Secret: I can’t tell you what I’m doing here, secretly. But I can tell you it relates to a person. and new stuff.

3. True confession:  I ate mostly coca cola and dessert and Keurig beverages today. (and an activa yogurt, 3 ribs, and 1/2 a bagel). Not my best health day. But it was an incredibly productive one fueled by sugar and chocolate.

4.  random movie trivia:  I’ve never watched Avatar, Titanic, or Matrix. Also strongly dislike movie the Notebook.

5. Maui restaurants we loved: Mama’s Fish House, Kimo’s, Hula Grill, Tropica, and Leilani’s. Though EVERY meal we had was great, and J + I stuck to a “kalua pork or fish” entree diet the whole trip. #awesome

6. The gym is super crowded and this bothers me greatly. Upside? By Valentine’s Day 95% of newbies will be gone. So if your resolution is to work out – make it stick!! be the 5%!!!

7. I’m dying over the sneak peeks I’ve seen from Jenni Bowlin, My Minds Eye, Jillibean Soup, Pink Paislee, and several others. VERY excited to be going to CHA this year. For sneak peek awesomeness, check out www.scrapbookupdate.com ‘s page – they are the best!

8. Football weekend is coming. This means J will be cooking us great food, we’ll share a Buffalo Wild Wings sampler plate here at home, and I will be able to chill + work a lot. Looking forward to it.

9. FREAK OUT. I went in for some CHA assignment supplies and Michael’s was all decked out with spring holiday stuff. Easter and pastels and… well I broke into a sweat. My January is INSANE. If I look up, look at big picture and what’s ahead I’ll freak. Head down, pretending I didn’t see all that stuff.

10. I believe in 8+hrs sleep and lots of water. Despite today’s hideous diet, water is what I generally drink. I drink it lots, I exercise, I get plenty of rest. This is my big life secret.

11. I’m not fashion. My youngest is horrified by my wardrobe now that we’re back home and I’m working. Gym pants + sweatshirts are so NOT fashion. Why am I not wearing any cute summer dresses?

12. Maui Muffins – I had one every day of vacation, I miss them. Breakfast isn’t the same without them. they had carrots, coconut, macadamia, apple… they were amazing.

13. Adding in a party: I thought it’d be fun to have a “week 6: half way there!” party in my Big Picture class. So I’m adding that in. Bonus content galore, I think you’er gonna love it. *AND* I’m gonna come up with coordinating blog content.

I’m talking about Basic Grey’s new line Kissing Booth – which I am totally besotted with. TOTALLY. Loving the colors and patterns so much. Check out my article (and new layout!) here.