my_weblog

A trip to the apple orchard

 

The lingering smell of hot apple cider and apple mini donuts welcomed us as we arrived at "Apple Junction". It was our first time visiting the Apple Junction. We'd visited other apple orchards in our area years past, but this year, my sister thought it might be fun to check out some of the smaller, more charming apple orchards. I wasn't sure what to expect, but turns out, the small orchards are just as great, if not better, than the larger, more popular orchards. Both the places we visited had a nice selection of fresh apples & activities for the kids. I ended purchasing a medium size bag of Honey Crisp apples, homemade apple cider, cider spices, and apple crisp mix. Ethan spent a lot of time running around, climbing on pumpkins, and mingled with the local farm animals on display. We dedicated the entire afternoon to the trip and by the time we got back, we were totally exhausted. It was soooo worth it though :) With the apples already almost gone, we'll be due for another trip to the apple orchard in the very near future. I love this time of year in Minnesota.

I've been very conservative with purchasing scrapbook product lately. For the first time in months, I placed an order with A Million Little Things. Since the their original debut, I've been anticipating the release of Collage Press's newest products; Clear stamps and paper lines "Camden" & " Jackson Lodge". Last week, while strolling the world wide web, and by some mere crazy accident, I ran into the newest Collage Press product at A Million Little Things. I picked up a few of the stamp sets and all of the papers. Believe it or not, the stamp sets are bigger than they appear online. Each set is 6" wide x 8" tall. The stamp sizes are proportional to the needs of a traditional scrapbook 12" x 12" layout.  They're not so small that they get left behind in a layout design. They're actually quite large  (the largest ring from the Charleston Ring collection is 5" wide) and highly noticeable on a 12" x 12" page. They're obviously made with the scrapbooker in mind. I love that. I also like the image designs, especially the rings. They're practical and can be used on any type of layout.

I also purchased a few other misc. items, including these cool, simple sticker labels from Luxe Designs. Again, it's all about practicality for me right now. These stickers will definitely find a place on my layouts/projects:

Prima Marketing came out with these 4-way vintage article transparencies. I added two of them (I believe there are 4 total transparencies available in this style) to my order. They're a great option for experimenting with new techniques and ideas. For example, how about including these in a mini album (as pages)? What about painting the background of one of the sections and including it on a layout? Layer the section with photos, journaling, miscellaneous stickers, papers, etc. There's an infinite number of possibilities using these beautiful, new transparencies.

Ethan remains interested in all things mechanical, including this nifty cool toy he took home a month or two ago. It's a plane on rails! With the touch of a button, it takes off into the "sky" and rotates through the air all by itself. It's an ingenious display of toy technology at it's finest. I still can't believe how well it works considering how often it gets used at my mom's place..I've transferred it there, which is where Ethan spends his afternoons while I work from home. I haven't done a lot of documenting of Ethan's toys. After Ali E. mentioned something about scrapbooking her son's toys, I knew I needed to do the same. It's an easy subject to forget when scrapbooking, though ironically, it's a subject we often reminisce about as adults (who doesn't think about the kinds of toys they played with as a kid?) I'm tempted to create more layouts on this subject. It's refreshing and oh'so fun.

*Lastly, I'm currently setting up a class schedule for 2009. If interested in having me teach in your area (or store), please contact me via email. Thanks!

Photography...

Because many of you have asked about my photos lately, I'm dedicating this post to my photography set-up. First though, it's important to note that I'm not a professional photographer, though I've been inspired by many, especially my good friend, Krysten Halek. She's a total natural when it comes to photography. Her photos are "real" and for the most part, unplanned. She specializes in child photography. We've used her a number of times in the past to take photos of our family. She's followed are family story from beginning to end. The photos she took of us not only shed light on the love that Eric and I shared while married, but also the sorrow we came to know at the very end, a month before Eric passed away. She took our very last set of family photos. It's no surprise that I've grown to adore her both as a person and as a gifted photographer. Recently, I requested her services once again, but this time it was strictly for myself. I've been in terrible need of new head shots. The one you see on my blog is nearly two years old. I'm almost embarrassed to say that it no longer reflects my "true appearance". Laugh. Add about ten pounds to that image and then maybe it will start looking like the thirty-one year old sitting here typing this post. I invited Krysten over this morning so that she could take photos of me in my studio and also outside at one of the local parks. We had a great time, but let me tell you, I'm very self conscience in front of the camera. Krysten was really good about keeping me involved in the process. She even gave me a few photography tips and heck, who doesn't love that coming from a pro like her? I was able to peek at some of the photos and was really impressed. Her eye for composition is astonishing. I'm totally awe of her talent. Smile. Once she preps and sends me photos, I'll post a few here on my blog.  Thank-you Krysten!

My set-up is simple. Here it is:

Canon Digital Rebel XT 8MP Digital SLR Camera
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens
Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF)
Adobe Photoshop CS3 (soon to be available CS4)
Kubota Artistic Tools Volume 2 - The Modern-Chic Pak 
Maggie Holmes Photoshop Actions

My first big purchase was my camera body. I purchased my Digital Rebel two years ago. Since then, I've added to the collection slowly over time. My last large investment was the Canon 50mm f/1.2 L USM lens. I purchased it after doing extensive research, including visiting multiple pro photography web blogs and talking with other photographers. It came highly recommended and after owning it for six + months, I'm completely happy with the lens. It's gets used 85% of the time when I'm taking photos. Before purchasing the Canon 50mm lens, I used my Tamron 28-75mm lens for capturing all my images. It's a lens often promoted by Karen Russell. It's a great lens and is perfect for everyday photography. I still enjoy using my Tamron from time to time, especially for images taken outside under natural light. Eventually, I'd like to get a wide angle lens (thanks Krysten for the idea!). I love the perspective on the wide angle lens, but with my budget already being tight, it will have to wait.

After taking hundreds of photos and filtering through them, I prep my photos for print/web using Photoshop CS3. Once I open an image in Photoshop, I'll adjust curves/levels to improve lighting and then I'll apply a few of my favorite actions. Generally, for my blog, I like to use "Vitamin Boost" from Kubota Actions. Once I've used this action on an image, I'll sometimes use Maggie's "light it up" action to bring the lighting up another notch. After that, it's resize and save for web. For printed images, I still prefer using "Vitamin Boost", but sometimes I'll use Maggie's "Color Pop" action. There are really only two or three action sets that I use on a regular basis (Maggie Holmes Actions, Kubota Actions, Mindy's Remarkable Action Set for B & W images). I figure the simpler the set-up, (less options) the easier it will be for me to get things done.  I've kept my action collection small for this very reason. In this case, less is more.

If you have any further questions regarding this post, please feel free to email me. Next post, "The Apple Orchard". It's that time of year again in Minnesota, Fall is upon us! Tomorrow, along with my sister and her family, Ethan and I will be visiting one of the local apple orchards. The honey crisp apples are ripe for picken' and I can't wait to get me a bag :) More about that either tomorrow or Sunday. Have a great weekend guys!

Finding time...

In between setting up a new small business (for the project kits) and other work related tasks, I've been finding some time to work on what I love most, layouts. This is what I do to relax when I'm not doing everything else. This is usually the highlight of my day (besides playing mom to Ethan). Getting to sit down in front of my desk, pull out piles of product, look at all my pattern paper, and coordinate a new page. This is what it's all about for me. Creating layouts. If I could sit at my desk everyday and do this one thing, I'd feel totally fulfilled..as crazy as that sounds. I'm passionate about this craft. It's helped me tremendously in getting through the loss of my husband. I know many of you can relate to what I'm saying. I've heard from a number of you that have suffered a loss of a spouse, sister, brother, friend, etc. I've read hundreds of emails from those dealing with the emotional complexities of loss. Some of you have asked me how I continue to scrapbook after losing Eric. Honestly, it's been about survival for me. I've been finding other reasons to live, which includes being a "mother" to a wonderful son and dedicating myself to this hobby. I won't say I haven't sobbed while lying in bed for days on end, I have. I've wrapped myself around Eric's clothes and pondered his absence over and over again. I've stood in front of our old photos and wished that life was what it used to be..but as reality would have, life will never be that way again. With each passing day, I come to accept this reality more and more. I've given myself full permission to refocus my life around those things I love most instead; Ethan, family, friends, and scrapbooking. If I were to have denied any of these things earlier on, I wouldn't be where I am today. So when I sit down to scrapbook, I'm thankful for this hobby. It has provided me healing & has given voice to deeper pain I wouldn't of otherwise recognized.

 

With the new Sassafras product still sitting on my desk, I created another layout last evening. I'm still liking using the stitched buttons and flowers. I decided to create a collage of buttons, rhinestones, flowers, and brads on this layout. I located a placement for each item on a sassafras coated cardstock sticker label (which I cut in half). I drew corresponding circles using an architect's tracing template and Black Slick Writer. I painted some of the circles using acrylic paint and added some doodling, again using my Slick Writer. You can see the tracing template below:

  

I use this tracing template all the time. It was a Ali E. Recommendation (if my memory serves me right). This thing has come in handy many times. I picked it up at the local office store. It has multiple purposes and is so basic, that I almost couldn't do without it. I use it mostly for creating frames around things. I'll sometimes use it for cutting circles by hand, but only on occasion. It's an all around good tool to have when working on scrapbook projects.

I have one motto I repeat to myself when scrapbooking if I think an idea might not work out, "Cut it in half!" Sometimes, I find myself stuck with an embellishment that is much to big for my layout. How do I go about resolving the "too big" issue? Make it smaller. Cut it apart. Laugh. For example, the red apple chipboard label frame above.  There wasn't enough room for the entire frame on this section of the layout, so I chopped off the bottom of the frame and lined it up with the glitter border upon adhering to the page. It seemed the perfect solution for an awkward space.

That pretty little glitter you see there is from Doodlebug. No, it's not just for collecting, as noted in the latest CK. I'm actually a fan of the their glitter. The colors are beautiful and the consistency is different from other glitters I own. Even the sparkle is a little different. The only downside is that it's transparent. I wish I would of colored the border background before placing the glitter down.  Lesson learned. Still love it.

Some of you have asked me about my camera gear and the kind of changes I make to my photos using Photoshop. I'll share this info via the next post, which will be available for viewing on Saturday.

The Crate Paper Blog

I'll be starting a new job soon! With the Crate Paper Inc. blog about to go live in the very near future, I'll be managing and writing the content and keeping the scrapbook community up-to-date with the on goings at Crate Paper. I've been spending a lot of time working on the new site this week. This is why you haven't seen a lot of updates this week here at my blog. We've been working out ideas for the new Crate Paper blog and how to best showcase those ideas. We've put together a beautiful site, one that is both classic & clean, though clearly portrays the style that Crate Paper is well known for. We hope you'll join us for our first post as we prepare to give-a-way all of Crate Paper's latest releases. We'll be hosting a small contest, so get your old Crate Paper product ready. Stay tuned for more info. Opening date soon to be announced.

 
Layout Designs using Crate Paper's latest releases

Tigers, lions, and bears..Oh my!

Weekends for us is usually spent with family. We manage to fill in all hours with eventful visits, whether it be with cousins or hanging solo with grandma and grandpa. Either way, getting out on the weekends is a good thing for the both of us. I'm not one to sit still very long. I enjoy getting out often and keeping busy. In no way shape or form am I a homebody. Having to spend all day at home would send me to the madhouse. So this weekend, we made a routine trip to the city zoo, Como Park, and we also spent a full day with all three of Ethan's younger male cousins. He had an absolute blast!

While at the zoo, he made a mess of himself with a big'ol lollypop and visited with the animals. Ethan's favorite was by far the ducks. There had to be at least a hundred of them hanging out in the duck pond. He kept trying to talk to them..it was hysterical! He couldn't figure out why they weren't responding to his stream of baby babble. I had a good laugh while watching him communicate with the ducks. I think if the fence hadn't of been there to hold him back, he would of found himself straight away into the water. He wanted so badly to hang out with them up close and personal. It's amazing that out of all the animals on display at the zoo, Ethan fell in love with the ducks. Always the little things that capture his attention...not the lions or bears. Laugh.

On Sunday, I brought Ethan to my parent's house after finding out that both my nephews were there for the day. Ethan played with both J.J. (my brother's son- 2 years old) and Myles (my sister's son - 4 years old) for a few hours. They're finally at an age where they can interact with each other and enjoy each other's company. Together, they played basketball, hung out around grandpa's pond, and chased each other around the yard. They kept laughing and giggling. Some how, I got all three of them together on a small bench in front of my parent's place and took a photo. Can't wait to share it with them when they're older. It's always fun to look back at old photos from childhood...especially those photos taken with cousins and friends.

Yum. Yum. Yum. Finally, they've been released, the new Basic Grey Chocolate/Dark Chocolate Chipboard Albums. I think the concept of "chocolate" and "dark chocolate" is brilliant. The name alone is enough to get my attention because I have a debilitating weakness for chocolate. Besides the name, the albums themselves are beautiful. These albums don't require a lot of work to feel "finished". In a way, some of the work has already been done, in that you don't have to paint or cover them with paper. I chose one of these albums to use in my "Golden Harvest" class. I will be using my standard amount of product on these, including lots of paper. This is still an option though for those scrapbookers interested in creating a "simple" less-is-more kind of album. They're available in a variety of shapes..and if you don't want to use a whole album "as is", switch out pages or use a single page for a project or on a layout.

This page sat on my desk for three days. It haunted me in my sleep...laugh. Am I allowed to say that? Laugh. Seriously, after finishing half the layout, I lost direction and wasn't sure where to go with it. The original concept was to build layers utilizing the circles on the KI Memories Sheer Delight vinyl. I backed the sheer vinyl with white Basic Grey distressed pattern paper. I then adhered orange circles to the white paper to coincide with the circles printed on the sheer vinyl. It had been my plan to further embellish the circles with other items, though it never really happened. I started focusing my attention on the photo and the layers sitting on top of the sheer vinyl instead. I quickly became overwhelmed by what was going on around the photo vs. below the photo. I ended up sacrificing the original idea just to get the project done. This is the end result.

Before starting a layout, my first plan of action is to come up with a new technique or "concept" I want to use on a layout. I typically refer to my subject matter and materials when deciding on a new technique. Sometimes, if my creative drive is running high, the technique is obvious. Usually, when this is the case, the entire layout comes together quickly. I'm able to finish the layout within a short period of time. If I have to search for a technique idea over a period of a few days, the layout takes me quite a bit of time to complete. I struggle to get through the creative process for those layouts that take me longer. Sometimes, I don't feel "up" to creating a layout, though I do it anyway. I will take a break on occasion. I'll open a home decor magazine or search the web for inspiration and new ideas. The downtime gives me an opportunity to relax and reboot. Once I've rebooted, I'm back at my desk..with a whole new set of ideas.

For those of you wondering how I start a project, I focus my energy on technique and concept first. The remainder of the process is unplanned and spontaneous. I'm never totally sure how a layout will look until it's finished.

Attempting something new..

I haven't created a 8.5" x 11" layout in ages. I started looking through some of my old Ali Edward books and in doing so, was reminded that there's more to scrapbooking than creating 12" x 12" layouts. I'll admit, I'm most comfortable working with 12" x 12" pages. I prefer four equal sides and a large area for placing my photos, paper, and embellishments. I've been scrapbooking this way for years. I think once in a while though, change is good. For the last two days, I've been working on a 8.5" x 11" two page spread. I had a lot of photos that needed to be included with the subject of Ethan and his "Nano Blaster" on this particular layout. Space was essential. In exchange, I sacrificed a lot of detail work. This was particularly hard for me because it's the details that I most enjoy when creating a project. This time around, I simply let them go and just accepted the fact that the project was what it needed to be. The design is symmetrical and clean and the details would only take away from these two obvious features. Here's what resulted:

The row of circles and hand-cut flowers took a long time to come together. I spent half an evening just cutting the circles and preparing them for the layout. I used a 2" circle punch and cut 2" circles from a spotted die-cut sheet by Creative Imaginations. I then cut another set of 2" circles from White cardstock. I adhered the 2" white circles to the back of the 2" dotted die-cut circles. Lastly, I cut 2 1/4" circles from Black cardstock and layered them with the 2" circles from the previous steps. All of these steps, accept a minor size change, apply for the 1" circles also. I layered and combined the circles with hand-cut bright red velour flowers (We R' Memory Keepers). Some of the circles and flowers were adhered to the layout with Foam Dots. This gives the page added dimension and helps to create movement across both pages. It's also reflective of the subject matter. The design has a very "cosmic" like feel to it. Reminds me of all those sci-fi movies my husband used to watch. I love it. Too funny.

I couldn't help but dive into the new Sassafras product. I actually have it separate from the rest of my scrapbook collection. I have drawers labeled for where I store a specific manufacturer's product. It makes working with the product easier. If I need something "Sassafras" related, I just run to my Sassafras drawer to find it. I use large Rubbermade plastic drawers, which can be purchased at any local retail stores (Target, Walmart, etc.). They store my items wonderfully. 

This is a new color combination I thought might be worth trying; Black, Blue, Yellow, and Gold. I've used mostly Sassafras product on this layout, accept for the black strip with cursive lettering, which is from Cosmo Cricket. The pattern papers, chipboard frame, flowers, etc is all Sassafras...including those darn cute green stitched buttons (cause lord knows I would never hand stitch my own buttons..laugh. Something about cotton thread and me don't blend well when I'm scrapbooking..feels too much like sewing, which seems to be all the rage right now. I don't have patience for hand stitching anything. If I have to stitch anything, I'll use my sewing machine instead.).

I really enjoyed putting together this mini collage. I designed the collage to fit within the chipboard frame before adhering it to my page. I carefully traced the inside of the frame to my background. The background is a combination of two elements: large sticker label (blue/cream ledger) and a slice of gingham blue pattern paper.   After cutting the background to size, I stamped a flower onto it using black Staz On Ink. I then added number tile pieces of pattern paper, layered flowers (combination of chipboard, stickers & buttons), and a small "blessings" sticker (Scenic Route) to the background as shown above. Lastly, I adhered the background to the frame and added it to my page.

For those of you that have requested one of my class kits, I'm in the process of ordering more product for both kits. If you've requested a kit, you're name has been added to the list of those wanting one or both.  A newsletter will go out concerning both kits some point in the next two weeks. My hope is start on both albums within a few weeks and to have a sneak peek of some sort to share with you when I send out the newsletter.

 

Two Boxes

After a long afternoon, I was happily surprised by the items that arrived at my door today. I received two boxes; one from Crate Paper and another from Sassafras. Upon opening the boxes, I was greeted by scrumptious new papers and embellishments. I thought it might be kind of fun to share them with you guys.  Both are releasing fantastic new product lines:

 

I'm so glad they continued with the die-cut edges on their pattern papers. I like having the extra benefit of a border + pattern paper.

The mix of pattern and "vintage labels" on this sheet of paper is something I'm really into right now. I like pattern papers that include combined images and large spaces for collage work. I'll use the labels on this piece of paper as a base for creating further layering. The labels actually save me some work in that they're already there. All they need are a few extra embellishments along with some pop-dots and maybe a small flower or two.

Speaking of embellishments...there's some serious drool factor going on here. I can't wait to cut this stuff up and adhere it to paper. Oh my goodness....

I would like to formally introduce some of Crate Paper's latest releases: The Mia Collection, Lemon Grass Collection, and Prudence Collection. In the coming weeks, Crate Paper will be introducing a new blog along with our talented design team and a few give-a-ways. Wink. We will be announcing the start date of the new blog in the very near future, so stay tuned..and if you enjoy design tips, we'll have plenty to share with you as we showcase Crate Paper's latest releases.

all a flutter...

 

It's time to find the butterflies a new place to live, so if you see your comment below, email me with your address info. Congrats to our winners!

I am addicted to butterflies especially at this time of year. My granddaughter and I always raise at least two Monarchs every year and release them for the migration in the fall. I have made several layouts about the autumn ritual and even had one published. One of the coolest things I did was take pictures of the caterpillars, cut the caterpillars out with a craft knife and have them crawling over elements on the page. I have glittered vellum butterflies, flocked butterflies, crackled butterflies, pop dotted butterflies, chipboarded butterflies and transparencied butterflies. Love them and would love to win that wonderful Amy Butler butterfly paper.

Posted by: Joan Fowler | September 13, 2008 at 10:01 AM

I'm SO in love with butterflies lately...guess I'm not alone! I created a template for a butterfly, the size of a baseball, and then made 26 out of various patterned papers- punched holes and created a mobile out of fishing line and small twigs for a corner of our children's church. It turned out SO cute! They all flutter as the kids come in/out..it's a hit! Now I'd like some of my own...
~Sarah

Posted by: Sarah | September 12, 2008 at 10:57 AM

You're so right, these are gorgeous! I often find myself using butterflies in very symbolic and metphorical ways.....to represent freedom, fun, frolicking, change/metamorphosis, light-heartedness. I also love to use a stitched "trail of flight" whenever i use a butterfly, for added texture and visual interest. A butterfly also tends to make its way onto my spring layouts, or layouts that just celebrate family time together in the great outdoors. I would LOVE to receive some of these little gems. I love and am so inspired by your work, your spirit, and your journey.

Blessings,
Nicole

Posted by: Nicole | September 12, 2008 at 12:22 PM

Ok ladies, I'll be awaiting your response. Enjoy!

For those of you inquiring where to find the new Amy Butler Die-Cut  Butterflies, check out your local "Archivers" scrapbook stores. I purchased the butterflies at their Mall of America location, just before the start of ScrapFest. I did attempt to purchase more butterflies during the ScrapFest event, but they were "sold out". I'm hoping the butterflies (and all of Amy Butlers new products) will make a return...there seems to be a lot of demand for them.

I'm guest designing for Pencil Lines this week. I submitted the layout above, along with a "sketch" to be included in this week's post. If you haven't already, take a minute to visit their site. I go there often to preview current sketches and also, to check out the design team's work. Pencil Lines is a source of continuous inspiration.

Supplies: Collage Press Journaling Card, Making Memories Journaling Card "Noteworthy", Making Memories Spiral Journaling Book "Noteworthy", KI Memories Cardstock Stickers "Celebrate Life", Amy Butler Lotus Tea Box Die-Cut Cardstock "Ephemera",Heather Bailey "Freshcut" Icon Rub-Ons, Heidi Grace Glitter Alphas & Words Stickers "Beyond the Sea", Creative Cafe SwatchBook Impress-Ons, and 7 Gypsies Foldover Sticker Book "Classic Reef".

I finally got around to using one of my handmade fabric brads. The brad is made from Japanese cotton fabric. I have quite of bit of imported Japanese cotton fabric from my quilting days. This has been the perfect excuse to use some of it. Many of the patterns are well suited for making brads. Making the brads is still somewhat of a tedious task, but the effort is well worth it, as you can see above.

Supplies: Prima Flowers, Kaiser Craft Flowers "Lime", and MME Cardstock Die-Cut Flower "Just Dreamy 2".

I added an overlay frame to the top of my photo. It seems I can't create a layout/project without using transparency of some sort right now. I think there's a lot of undiscovered possibilities that remain in using this material. It's still very popular among scrapbookers and I hope it remains to be so for a while. It's the ideal material for creating layers, without added clutter.

Supplies: Making Memories Red Puffy Alphabet Stickers, MME Rub-Ons "Just Dreamy 2", MME Butterfly Transparency Frame (retired), Cosmo Cricket Rub-Ons "Jack's World", and MAMBI rhinestones "Pink". 

ScrapFest '08

This morning, I made my way to ScrapFest at MOA, a yearly event hosted by Archivers. They bring in thirty plus companies to set-up booths and host make n' takes for the weekend. There's also a ton of classes & special crops happening at various Archivers locations across the metro area during the event. I typically don't sign up to do the make n' takes, the lines and crowds are a bit overwhelming for me. I go for the new products and to see what everyone's up to while attending the show. I brought back some photos from the event to give you an idea of "how crazy" this event really is..there are thousands of people walking about the mall, waiting in lines, shopping, and working on projects. Be warned, I've posted a lot of photos here from my visit. They may take a while to download, especially for those of you without a fast speed internet connection.

First stop, a little shopping and a peek at the new product. They're fully stocked for the event (and so are the many wonderful local scrapbook stores in the area, whom look forward to doing business with those in town for the show. My favorite local scrapbook stores: Scrapbooks Too & The Scrapbook Shop. I actually visited Scrapbooks Too a few days ago and I thoroughly enjoyed myself while there. It's worth a visit if you're in the area.)

Every register is working. Believe it or not, there's a line a mile long and it ends at the very back wall of the store. I'll admit, I did my shopping a few days ago. Smile.

Every inch is occupied with scrapbook goods. It takes Archivers a solid month or two to get set-up and established for those attending the show. There's plenty of product to be had for all.

 

 

Still don't have one of these, though I've thought about getting one. This is the newest model of the "Bind-it-All". Don't you love the packaging?!

KI Memories newest Christmas line. I love the colors..I typically lean towards Turquoise, bright Lime Green, and Pink Christmas color combos. Guess you could say I'm non-traditional that way.

 

I just about lost my marbles when I saw this stuff, KI Memories new "Frosted" die-cut vinyl transparencies. One of my new favorite products...lots of possibilities here.

 

Out into the mall....this is the rotunda where attendees sign up for the show and purchase their badges to participate in the rounds of make n' takes.

A "short" line to complete a make n' take.

A long line...

The new electric cordless die-cut system from Making Memories, "The Slice", will go on sale in October. This will be the first die-cut system I'll have purchased when it's released. Attendees seemed to be enjoying it while at the show. They were giving it a test run while working on a make n' takes.

Below are a few samples from the Fancy Pant's booth..also, love the mini albums I found (they were also on display at CHA) at their booth. The variety of page sizes and shapes totally intrigues me.

 

 

I'm not sure which of their design team members created these albums, but credit is due to them. Thank you for sharing these wonderful works of art!

Fancy Pants has released a 8" x 8" three ring binder covered in linen fabric and available in three separate colors. I think they would lend themselves well as mini albums. I'm leaning towards the baby blue album, especially with the black stitching.

Retiring for the evening. I'll be choosing the winners from Thursday's post tomorrow evening. I'll share the winning names either tomorrow night or Monday afternoon. Have a great day everyone!

 

Remember When...

Remember these from a previous post? Well, as luck would have it, I found some and I want to share a few with you. These are Amy Butler's die-cut butterflies that never made their way to Michaels when Amy Butler's new scrapbook lines first reached their store shelves. I was totally bummed because these little fella's are delectable. They're the cornerstone of "cute". I'm giving away three total sets of what you see in the photo above. I'll choose the three winners this Sunday. When leaving a comment, tell me how you've been using butterflies in your projects. I know we've all been using them..I'd love to hear your ideas. :)

On a side note: both sheets are embossed, including the butterflies. It's difficult to tell from looking at the photo, but the texture is an added bonus. I wasn't expecting this at all.