July Contest Winners

We would like to congratulate the winners for the July D.O.G.S contest. The winner of the 12x12 Page layout is Lisa Lavy and the winner of the card design is Ashley Newell. Congratulations ladies!!!!! The pictures of the winning designs will be posted at a later date due to Debbie not knowing how to add pictures to the site(so sorry). It's actually a miracle that I can even blog just the text portion so, I appreciate everyone's patience.

Is it Wednesday already?

I've been sick over a week and have not been in my studio the entire time! Ack! I think I've returned to the land of the living and hope to get up there today to do some creating.

A friend shared this blog with me... Valita's Designs & Fresh Folds

Valita has a step-by-step tutorial for creating your own prima-like flowers. How great is that! Now you can make primas to match your creation exactly. You can make your own "designer primas" from your favorite patterened cardstock. Yum!

Give it a try. Let me know if it's worth the time or not. I think I'll make a few myself...

The Spirit of Aloha

Deniz and I really miss Hawaii. I just love the weather, the beach and of course The Spirit of Aloha. Every time I'm at Scrap-n-Stamp and we have the Hawaiian Music playing it reminds me of the island life. So here is my Aloha layout using Little Yellow Bicycle's-Zack's Life Paper and Embellishments. I also used this month's Technique of the Week (Shaker Boxes) for the title. I just love this paper, and any other paper with Hibiscus Flowers.

7/28/08 New Papers from Creative Imaginations

Just in, new Creative Imagination papers. Come see the detail cut on this floral die cut paper by Creative Imaginations.

The Antique Cream Collection is one of the lines that I used to make this card. I cut this paper in four 6x6 squares and were able to make 4 cards out of this one sheet :-) I added some black Bazzill and of course some bling, bling...and my card was ready to go.

Congratulations Marilea and Daniel

On Wednesday July 23, 2008 Marilea and Daniel became proud grandparents of Dylan Thomas Hazzard. We are so happy for the entire family and cannot wait to see the birth announcements that we are sure Marilea will be or has already created.

A layout to share...

I created this layout for a contest on Becky Fleck's blog. I tweaked her map a little (I love that about sketches - they're a helpful starting point.) I stepped outside my comfort zone on this one a little bit. For the first time, I used paints on a layout. I painted the background paper, added some splatters to the printed paper, and painted the edges of the photo. I also had a few "oops" I had to fix. Originally I stamped and then embossed "FAMILY" but I didn't like the color and it was hard to read. So I restamped the letters with paint. The torn corner was originally another partial circle with brads, but my circle was wonky. :) Then I ran out of room for my journalling so I finished the story on card and tucked it behind the photo. The paper and chipboard accents (photo corner & circle tab) are from We R Memory Keepers White Out collection.

7/24/08 - BELIEVE in magic...

Do you "believe" in magic? Here's something magical that will last a life time. Once again, the acrylic albums are still HOT! We're seeing a larger selection of shapes and wordbooks that allows endless creations. Using papers from our Disney section, I used epoxy stickers from Creative Imagination and coordinating ribbon to give the finishing touch. This will be scheduled for a class session in August but if you can't wait to make it...give us a call and we'll set up a time that will work for you!

I'm a scraplifter!

It's true! My creations are inspired by the work of others - usually from my favorite scrappin' magazines or blogs. Sometimes I copy it exactly as shown (CASE, copy and scrap exactly.) Mostly it's a starting point for me and I tweak it to suit my photos.

I use sketches all.the.time. With thanks to a scrappin' friend, I just discovered Valerie Salmon's blog Got Sketch? I also love Becky Fleck. Once a month she shares new and FREE sketches on her website pagemaps. Check 'em out.

Are you a scraplifter too? Let me know where you find inspiration by leaving a comment.

We encourage scraplifting in the shop. Next time you're in, look around at all the wonderful examples displayed throughout the store. If you're inspired by something you see let us know. One of the Girls can tell you what you need to make your own. And make sure you bring in your creation to share with us! We love to see what you do - it inspires us too!!

July's Technique of the Week

I can't believe it's that time again...Time for our Free Technique of the week. Come in and learn how to make a Shaker Box to embellish your scrapbook pages and card creations!!! You can come in anytime today through Saturday (26th July) to make your Shaker Box!!!

7/22/08 NEW cards for our Sizzlin' Make -n- Take bar!

Marilea created a bunch of fabulous cards for our Sizzlin' Summer Make -n- Take Bar. All the details of each card is amazing, you'll want to keep them for yourself :-)

These are just a few samples..come by and make a card at our Embellishment Bar anytime during store hours. Wait until you see Marilea's next set of birthday cards! Marilea, you have a great eyes for designing these cards...thank you!

7/21/08 - New CHA 2008 papers from Karen Foster

Just in, new from CHA Summer 2008, Karen Foster Designs Zoo Theme. Come by and check out the newest lines from Karen Foster. Also, Halloween is right around the corner...create your cards and scrapbooking page with the latest papers and embellishments!

And what about all those Miniature Golf outings...this is the perfect paper to capture all the fun memories...

7/20/08 - Sizzlin' Summer Make -n- Take's

Our SIZZLIN' SUMMER Make -n- Take’s (all summer) are going strong. We're offering you a large variety of card kits and scrapbook pages for you to choose from and make on the spot, anytime during our store hours! It’s made simple for all levels…and you’ll be finished within minutes!

Newly designed and now ready for you to make:

Even though Lisa's not physically here at the store anymore... she continues to make her presence here at Scrap -n- Stamp. Her latest creation shows just how easy it can be to make a page that just shouts out..."WOW!" We miss you Lisa!!!

Just a quick refresh...here's how it works:

1. Make one card...or make two; it's all up to you. Whether it's a birthday for a boy or a girl, a baby or thank you card...we'll have lots to choose from.

2. Let one of our designers know what number (s) you would like to create.

3. All Sizzlin’ Summer make -n- take Cards are $4.50 and 12x12 scrapbook layouts are $7.95

a) We’ll provide the adhesive and tools needed to complete your project!

b) The project kits are all prepped and ready

c) One envelope for each card…and a postage STAMP,

ready for your card to be mailed out!

4. Whalah! You just made the cutest project!Make sure to check in frequently, as we'll be rotating our selection on a regular basis. Just think, it's like a "Make -n- Take" on steroids :-)

7-19-08 National Ice Cream Day

July 20th is National Ice Cream Day. While you're savoring your favorite flavor or flavors of ice cream, we hope you enjoy Chas' ice cream inspired card. She used Bo Bunny polka dot papers (Lisa's fav) to paper piece the ice cream cone. Chas used the Scor-It tool to make the waffle cone. Clever or what?!

A few Disney layouts & a Reminder!

I recently swapped pictures with a friend. She made two layouts for me, and I did two for her. It's really a fun way to get out of a rut. Ya know sometimes I get tired of looking at pictures I took, of people I know, doing things we did together - and then I'm stuck. Trading pages adds variety to my albums - different techniques, products, or ideas I wouldn't have thought f or used on my own. Anyway, I'm rambling. Here's the layouts...



My friend, T, wanted me to use all the photos on the layout if possible - that's 10 photos that really couldn't be cropped. What to do, what to do. I love sketches! So I turned to Becky Higgins for help. I grabbed my copy of Best of Becky Higgins Sketches for Scrapbooking, opened the book using the tab labeled "9-10 photos," and found the perfect layout on page 147. Too easy! BTW, last time I was in the store there was still a copy of this book - next time you're in ask one of the Girls about it.
I used the new Sandy Lion paper and chipboard circles. Surprise, surprise, I stickled the title :) There's also a hidden journalling tag behind the title.



I LOVE this one! I used some of the core'dinations cardstock and roughed it up a bit with some sanding. Do you love the title? That's the French Script font from my computer. Did you know the Pazzle can cut any true type font? There's 100's to choose from - amazing tool we have there in the store! Be sure to ask the Girls about it.

Could this post be any longer!?

REMINDER!!!!!
There's only 8 days left to bring your layout or card in for our July Challenge. Remember, it has gone to the D.O.G.S.!!!! Check the details here.

I heart Bo Bunny!

Bo Bunny is one of my favorite companies. I have the Double Dot paper in every.single.color. I also have the Bodacious Brads in every color. It's a bit of an addiction really. But, their paper really is lovely, hip and just plain yummy (Ella and Teen Chic are my current must-haves). So I was just tickled to find out they finally started a blog AND they've posted CHA sneak peeks!!! Go check it out :)

I also wanted to share a layout I made just for Deb :) Who doesn't love Hello Kitty! I love the color combo of red & pink with just a bit of yellow. Miss you, Deb!

7/13/08 - Hey Becky, I think I posted Lisa's layout...

Hello from San Jose! This weekend my family and I are out in San Jose for the annual Obon Festival (Japanese Festival-food, carnival games, temple tours, San Jose Taiko & more!) After 2 days of volunteering, I had a chance to read Becky's blog! Glad to hear that Becky loves her class this year, even though we don't get to see you as much at Scrap -n- Stamp!

I had a moment and thought I would try to post Lisa's layout that Becky was blogging about earlier. I know how it gets when you're trying to post something (or email) and it either takes forever or it fails. Thanks Becky for all your efforts with our Blog! xoxo

Everyone out there reading this...it's a beautiful day...enjoy and have a Happy Sunday!!

7-13-08 A Great First Week

I'm wearing my other "hat" now and wanted to share with you that my first week with my new class of second grade students was fantastic! My students are so eager to learn and help each other. Plus I already know many of my students' parents since I've had older siblings in previous classes. With wonderful students and lots of parent help I know this will be a great year! I'll keep you posted now and again about this school year (if it's ok with you).

Now... back to Scrap-n-Stamp. I hadn't been in the shop for over a week and even though I wasn't scheduled to work yesterday, I wanted to stop by and say hi to Chas, Marilea and Sommer and see what's new. (I also got a chance to talk to Lisa who called us from Leavenworth, Kansas!) Lots of new cards designed by Marilea (with some design assistance on some of the cards from Daniel, her husband, and me) for the Sizzlin' Summer Make-n-Take cards. Check out the new Dinosaur kid cards, birthday cards, congratulation cards and all occasion cards at the shop.

Sommer, Denise and Lisa have been busy creating page layouts with Disney, Hello Kitty, and Friends' themes . Some of these designs will be posted later this week.

I noticed new arrivals from Boxer -- acrylic stamp sets and charms, Melissa Frances -- rubons, clipboards, accordion albums and Sassafras Lass papers, stamps and stickers!!!

I'm having trouble posting a layout Lisa designed using Cosmo Cricket's Cogsmo line of paper. I'll try later today to post her layout.

Thank You Cards

Last weekend Deniz and I ventured to Santa Cruz for the Fourth of July. We stayed with our friends Kelly and Lindsay, and boy did they roll out the red carpet. I wanted to make a Thank You card, but for some reason I just don't seem to have enough time. Lately I have been purchasing the pre-made cards at Scrap-n-Stamp, they are so cute. But I decided I could make something quick, so I used Bo-Bunny Beachy Keen paper line (my favorite) and the Imaginisce Penguin Chick Stamp. I think it turned out pretty cute.

7/8/2008 - Chipboard never fails...

I was in the mode of creating something with "chipboard" and decided to make a mini 6x6 book. Using "We R Memory Keepers" White Out-Explore paper line and the matching sticker sheet, it was so easy especially because the 12x12 sheet I used had four designs divided on one 12x12 sheet. So all I did was cut the paper in fours, adhere to the chipboard and distress the edges. With some simple ribbon to accent the finish book...my creation was done. If you like what you see, come in and set some time aside. I'll help you put your very own book together. A personal class just for you :-)

BTW: Thanks Becky for reminding us that is was National Chocolate Day...I had my share to celebrate...yummy!

7-7--08 If Ever There Needed to Be An Excuse to Eat Chocolate

Today is National Chocolate Day! If you haven't already indulged there's still time to savor some chocolate. With the hot weather we're "enjoying" I think I'll indulge in some cold chocolate ice cream!

Hope you're inspired by Chas's "Best Wishes" birthday card. She used 3 Bugs in a Rug papers to paper piece the birthday cake and embellished the card with American Crafts' ribbon and stickles. Make a wish!

7-5-08 Seashell Contest Winner

Congratulations to Sarah Wong! Sarah guessed there were 201 seashells in our container. Her guess was the closest (without going over the number). The exact number of seashells was 209. Sarah wins a gift package worth $25!!!

7-4-08 Happy Fourth of July

Today we celebrate the birth of our country. Many people celebrate with barbecues, parades, block parties, and fireworks. However you celebrate the fourth, we hope it's happy.

Here's before and after pictures of a Petaloo cake box. The decorated box was created by Debbie using Bo Bunny papers and stickles. These boxes would make great party favors or gift boxes for birthdays, weddings and many special occasions.

Just a reminder that the shop will be closed tomorrow, July 5th. We'll reopen on Monday, July 7th. Stop by on Monday to make our free make-n-take card.

July's Challenge has gone to the dogs!

D.O.G.S. that is! Our challenge for you this month is to create either a layout or a card using a minimum of four techniques, embellishments, and/or products each beginning with the letters D, O, G, & S. You don't have to use a dog in your creation unless of course you want to!

Becky's card design:

Distress ink on the pink dotted paper (Bo Bunny, my fave!)

Oval - Spellbinders Nestabilities - Scallop and Classic Ovals

Gemstones

Stickles on poodle's hair, and Souffle pens to color (and Scallops, too)

Isn't that Poodle hilarious!

Lisa's layout design:

Distressed edges of striped paper, title, & photo with sanding block

Oversized title (Chip Chatter chipboard letters)

Glossy Accents on butterflies & flourish (love the dimension & epoxy look it gives) & Gel pen

Stickles (of course!) in yellow and turquoise & Scallops (made with the EK Success large corner rounder)

The paper I used is Sandy Lion's new paper line rouge de garance inspiration. It's exclusive to the independent scrapbook stores. Come check it out - it's lovely!

Becky, Sommer, & I did a little brainstorming for the different letters. A few ideas are...

D - decorative punches or scissors, diecuts, digital, doodle

O - Overlays, overlapping, old

G - glitter glue (Stickles!), ghost letters or shapes, Grandma's buttons :)

S - stitching, symbols, shaker box, silhouette

Ok, so put your thinking caps on, let the creative juices flow, and doggon it- create something!