New Papers

Valentine's day is just around the corner so I thought you might want to see some of the new love-themed papers we just got in. These are all by Fancy Pants and are pretty awesome. My personal favorite? That's a hard one but I do love the black-on-black that is second from the right. I can envision using that paper for so many projects.

and, remember, it's never to early to start on your Valentine cards.

Comments

Hey all, we got a heads up about our comment section on the blog and we've made some changes. You should be able to leave comments more freely now! (Thanks Lindsay!)

Amy

SALE!!!

WOODEN STAMP SALE!!!!

We are happy to announce that all WOODEN stamps will be 50% off for the whole month of January. We've got a great selection ranging from the very small to the very large so pop in and see what we've got.

** Please note that House Mouse stamps and clear stamps are NOT included in this sale.**

Work It Wednesday - Jan. 7th

It's time!

I haven't done a Work It Wednesday post for a very long time. So without further delay, here's today's post....

At the last crop I showed a quick way you can use a wooden block to make a stamp. It's just a fun way to add a personal and artsy twist to your designs, and perhaps, will be a topic for another day on the blog. However, as I was looking at my supplies the other day, that wooden block was calling out for some love. If you have a wooden block on hand (you can buy them at Judy's if you don't) here's a quick little project for you.

First, gather your supplies:
block of wood, a photo, paint, paint brush, decoupage, rub-ons (optional), paper trimmer, sand paper (optional)

Step 1: Paint the edges of your wooden block and a slight little bit around the edges on the front surface. Let dry.

Step 2: Trim photo to the size of your block and set aside.

Step 3: Add coat of decoupage to wood surface. You want to spread the decoupage out evenly and avoid puddles or excessive amounts.

Step 4: While decoupage is still wet, add photo and smooth out. Let dry.

Step 5: Finish as you wish. I added rub-ons and used sand paper to distress the edges.

The end result will look something like this:


There you have it. Enjoy!
Amy

P.S. Check back tomorrow for some SALE information at Judy's!

It's been declared a snow day for our schools so Work It Wednesday is coming but won't be posted until this evening.

Stay tuned!

In the meantime if you're feeling brave, go make a mini snowman, take a photo, and smile at the chance to be creative with nature.

Smiles,
Amy

M.A.P

I think I'll start a new post topic called M.A.P. I love maps but M.A.P. on this blog will stand for Making A Point. Perhaps it will get you thinking and introduce a new challenge or idea for your creative juices.

One of the last assignments I accepted from the magazine I worked for was to hand over the camera to one of my kids and let them take pictures and then I was to scrapbook with the photos they took. For me, it was easy. My oldest daughter, she's 11, got the photography bug this past summer so all I had to do was take the photos she'd already snapped and do something with them.

However, since it's usually me behind the camera, it was really fun to see her perspective. I really thought she'd take pictures of her friends posing in silly fashion poses, or her sisters pulling faces - you know, kids stuff. But she didn't. She actually took some really great shots. (The stop sign photo from the previous post was one of hers)

So, in Making A point, why not hand your camera off to someone else, a kid, a husband, a friend, and have them take the photos for awhile. Don't tell them what to take photos off, just give them the camera and wait patiently for them to give it back. Perhaps you'll be surprised by what they shoot and hopefully it will give you some new material to scrapbook with.

Then, of course, pop into Judy's to pick up the supplies you need to scrapbook the photos. And, you can even send me an email of the completed results and we can share them on the blog.

Enjoy,
Amy

P.S. The fun papers used on my layout are from Judy's - they are warm and friendly and make me happy.

Just thinking....

Life seems to slow down the week between Christmas and New Year's. At least it does for me. I've had plenty of time to stop and think lately and thought I'd share a few of my thoughts. Perhaps you've been thinking too.

I'm by no means a scholar so even though what I'm about to say sounds smart, I'm no smarty-pants. If you want to know the names and difference between various shades of Bazzill card stock I'm your girl but Greek Gods, well, they aren't really my thing.

With that said, (here's where I sound smart - brace yourself!) did you know that the Roman God Janus was said to have two faces, one facing forward, the other back? It has become a custom on the first of the month that bears his name, January, to reflect on the year just past and to look forward to what lies ahead.

I've been thinking about just this thing. I'm not sure about you but I really struggled in 2008 to find that perfect balance between all areas in my life. My creative side was miserably left out and I missed it. As I look forward to 2009, I'm determined to make some changes and play a little more. I'm happier when I'm creating. And, in turn, so is my family.

As I looked back this last week and turned the pages in old albums I realized that 2009 marks 10 years of me being a working scrapbooker. In 1999 I had my first layout published in Creating Keepsakes Magazine and have had fortunate scrapbooking job opportunities along the way ever since.

It was a hard decision to make but as I look forward to 2009 I've let go of being a working scrapbooker. I've walked away from magazine publications and have committed myself to scrapbooking life, not trends and products, and because of this decision I'm really looking forward to actually scrapbooking for fun. I will continue to manage this blog and help Judy out with crops and projects but that's not work, that's fun and always has been.

Anyway, in thinking ahead I've made a list of projects I'd like to complete and work on. These aren't really goals or resolutions as I usually sabotage myself on those kinds of commitments, but instead, it's just a starting point. A place for me to get back into the hobby I love.

My first project is a quick look back. I've found family photos from every year I've been married and will do a quick, simple layout for each year. In looking back I can remember all the big events and even some small details for each year. I can never scrapbook (nor would I want to) every photo from every year but I can still document those things that stand out. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

So, that's me. That's where I am headed for 2009. What about you? What scrapbooking and paper crafting projects are you planning on completely this year? If you don't know, take a quick look back on what you've created in the past and then make a list that will help you look forward to the upcoming year.

And, while your creating this year keep checking our blog. Judy and I have lots to share with you in the upcoming year.

Happy New Year to you all!
Amy