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CONGRATULATIONS MMM 2008
This is an amazing time right now for 10 talented scrappers who are probably still pinching themselves. Memory Makers magazine announced their new Masters 2008 winners, ending weeks of anticipation for hundreds of people who entered this annual competition. A huge and hearty congratulations goes out to all the winners, who I'm sure are excited beyond belief. They have reason to be too, because they are all in for a fantastic experience.
I remember when I got the "call" this time last year from former MM editor Erin Edelmann. She must have thought I was in some kind of wierd audio loop because I kept saying over and over... "I can't believe it, I can't believe it".
It has been an incredible ride for me, one that has really helped fine tune my scrapping abilities. While my scrappbooking is constantly evolving, the MMM experience has made me a better, smarter and more efficient scrapper. Believe me, that efficiency paid off as those deadlines start rolling in.
This is has also not only been a great opportunity to see my work regulary published (my Mom loves that), but also a wonderful chance to get to know 9-other fellow Masters who are as passionate about this little hobby as I am. The Memory Makers magazine editors have been generous in their consideration of my work, and awesome to work with. Good luck to everyone as you work toward continuing to make a great magazine even greater!
The picture above is my actual MMM entry that the editors were kind enough to return to me at my request. I'm hanging on to it for posterity.
8/24/2007 9:13:21 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00) 
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CHA
OK, for years I've heard and read about the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) conventions but have never had a chance to actually attend one. That changed this year with an invitation from F & W Publications. As a member of the 2007 Memory Makers Masters team I had a chance to not only meet various editors with Memory Makers magazine but also my fellow masters face to face (finally). Of course, I also got to check out all the fabulous new scrapbook and craft supplies before they hit the market for the general public. Talk about an awesome trade show. All I can say is WOW! There is so much fabulous new product that will soon be hitting local stores that it's literally mind boggling. It's all so yummy! From 12 X 12 paper lace, beautiful and elegant ribbons, scrumptious patterned papers, photo album ideas, storage solutions, innovative chipboard shapes to new book titles... there was just sooooo much to see and want. I gotta tell you the marketing at this show is pretty effective too. Case in point? Who knew I needed a pink and green screwdriver and matching drill and soldering set. Well I certainly didn't know I needed it. But after seeing that particular display (in its adorable matching pink and green tool box) now I know I need it-lol. I think that's how it's supposed to work. Anyway, most new product won't hit store shelves for a few months, but after everything I took in.... I think I'll have to start saving my dollars right now.
For the last six months I've gotten to know my fellow Masters only through e-mails, their layouts and projects and our own little message board that we use to keep up with each other and various Memory Makers assignments and deadlines. I finally got to meet four fabulous ladies from our group in person. They were all seasoned CHA-goers already, having attended previous conventions. All the ladies were really delightful to hang out with and it was also really fun to walk the trade show floor with Katrina and Michelle ooohing and ahhhing over everything together. Thanks ladies!
Pictured above are fellow Memory Makers Masters. From left to right, (Me), Crystal Jeffrey Rieger, Katrina Smeck, Michelle Skinner and Catherine Feegel-Erhardt.
Speaking of book titles, it was also pretty exciting to see the cover of our new book scheduled for release soon. It was featured on a huge poster inside the F&W exhibit booth, which was pretty cool. The Ask the Masters book project was a huge undertaking for all of us. The Masters group worked really hard to come up with some fun and awesome projects that we really hope will get you to think about new ways to use your plentiful supplies and hopefully really get your creative juices going at the same time. I hope you pick up a copy when it hits retail stores later this year.
7/24/2007 7:58:58 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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JUST CHILLIN'
Temps are soaring here in the Chicago area and my kids are finding lots of ways to keep cool. I snapped these pictures of Jordy and Cameron at our neighborhood pool this week while they were trying to cool down with cool treats, after about four hours of pool play. I'm really making an effort this summer to work on my photography skills and I've been practicing and experimenting with different lighting conditions to learn exactly what works and what does not work. I have to admit that practically after every picture I snap, I see a potential scrapbook page in it. I think that's how a scrappers' mind works after a while.
Anyway, my poor kids are sick of Mom-the-Shutterbug and everytime I point the camera in their direction lately all I hear is "Awwww... MOM... another picture?" I can't help it... I think they're both such great subjects.
Hope the sight of these snapshots blows a cool breeze in your direction.
  
On another note... I am now officially a 2-blogger gal because in addition to this blog, I've started a personal one to share my various other interests besides scrapbooking. I have some really fun projects posted already including, quilts, stenciling and dollmaking to name a few. I hope my new blog will inspire you to look into some craft hobbies that you may not have considered tackling before.
If you click this link you'll see why I celebrate CREATIVITY... in all its forms.
7/2/2007 10:24:19 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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DIVING INTO DIGITAL
After admiring digital scrapbook layouts from afar for the last year, I've decided to finally take the plunge. I'm now taking a month-long introduction to Photoshop Elements by the fantastic digital scrapper Jessica Sprague. I don't mind admiting I put off learning Photoshop because the manual was just too intimidating. I hate manuals! Anyway, the class is well designed with great video tutorials so I can create my layouts while flipping back and forth to the video for real time instruction. I feel like I'm on my way. YIPEE!
Take a look below at my first ever digital effort.
Thanks for stopping by.
Hope your digital layouts as well as all your other craft projects are a success.
6/18/2007 1:59:16 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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TWO COOL
Chicago's wishy-washy unpredictable weather has delivered some early 85 degree days already. Of course there's no better way to keep cool than in the pool. Cameron and Jordan had a blast at our neighborhood water park this week. I couldn't drag them out and I think they must have hit the water slide at least a dozen times.
Take a peek below at some pictures that may tempt you to take a dip too.
  
  
Hope you're keeping cool wherever are. Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
6/13/2007 6:55:12 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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SCHOOL'S OUT!
I think the photograph below of these two smiling faces says it all.
I know this is a Scrapbooking blog... but
The above apron was one of the items I gave to my son's teacher as a year-end appreciation gift. I bought the plain white apron and added some beautiful embroidery to personalize the gift. I know some of you have thought about getting a machine to enhance your scrapbooking, and I highly recommend a combination embroidery/sewing machine to enhance your gift giving as well. I've included a few pictures below of the process which you might find fun.
Embroidery machines have a display screen that not only allows you to edit your pattern, but also prompts you on the necessary thread color changes.
  
The first of ten thread color changes stitches out into beautiful delicate leaves. How about a butterfly... or two?
It's always fun to see the image taking shape.
Finally the name stitches out. This butterfly pattern is one of my favorite designs that was actually downloaded from an internet site called Zundt Designs. The embroidery machine itself has a floppy disc slot to accommodate downloaded images and patterns. Once you input the image into the embroidery machine you can add more images or text to complete your project.
The shiny material on top of the apron is water soluable stabilizer and helps hold the fabric in place while the embroidery needle moves up and down. Because the needle skips from color to color there are always alot of little jump stitches to clip once the project is complete. The newer embroidery machines actually clip the stitches automatically so you don't have to do this by hand. Once the project is finished sewing out, I simply run the apron under warm water and the stabilizer dissolves. Hang dry the apron and iron when completely dry and voila.
I've had my Brother ULTD machine now for several years and I never get tired of watching projects like this appear before my eyes. It's truly revolutionized my gift giving and recipients love the personalized touch.
Hope you enjoyed the photos. Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
6/7/2007 5:19:34 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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GOT PAPERKINS?
Ah, yes! Remember those adorable little paper kids? Not only do I remember them but I've got a ton of layouts featuring these kiddos. I recently came across a handful of the dolls while trying to re-organize my scrapspace. Incidentally, my scrapspace is always in need of re-organization. Anyway, as I looked at these long lost Paperkins that had been tucked away for ages it made me think about just how far my scrapbooking has come over the years. Heck, it made me think about just how far the scrapbooking industry has evolved. While my personal scrapbooking style has changed since those early Paperkins days, I think it still continues to evolve as I try new products, new techniques and new ideas. I used to cringe at my old layouts but now I look at them with renewed appreciation not just because of the wonderful memories I've preserved, but also because of the clear trail that demonstrates just how much I've grown creatively.
Take a look below at a few old favorites, including an updated version of an old favorite that actually got picked up by Memory Makers magazine for publication.
I don't remember where I got the large traffic light die cut, but back in the day (circa 2000) these babies were all the rage too. Plastic letter templates were used for the title long before Quickutz was a household name.
Take a look below at another early layout and an update using some of the same photos.
I've always loved the pictures in the layout above which was created circa 1999.
If you take a look below you'll see this year's version as it appeared in Memory Makers magazine's May 2007 issue.
Take a look below at the hidden journaling.
If you look closely at the above layout, you'll see a tiny folded tapestry ribbon peaking out from the right side of the large main photo. That's the pull tab for the hidden journaling card. I love hidden journaling because it allows me to save space for more photos. If you have your APRIL 2007 Memory Makers handy, check out the article I wrote on hidden journaling along with some additional examples of this easy technique.
Continued success on your personal scrapbooking evolution and good luck on all your crafting projects. Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa
5/31/2007 9:43:58 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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STORAGE SOLUTIONS
In the never ending quest to get my scrapspace organized I'm always on the lookout for fun ways to house my seemingly endless supply of stuff. Every once in a while I come across the perfect item to store those hard-to-store tools and supplies. Take a look below at some of my favorite finds.
The two tiered wired baskets are from Crate and Barrel. I originally got the idea to use these for rubber stamp storage from another fabulous scrapbooker, Keisha Campbell. These baskets are considered a seasonal item so I was lucky to nab the last three that were in the store.
The large glass jar is another great discovery from Crate and Barrel. The jars come in various sizes and are perfect for those assorted pieces of ribbon that are too small to fit on a spool or ribbon card. I originally bought the smaller sized jar just under this one but when I filled it with ribbon, it was so tight, I could barefly fit my hand in it to get what I needed. I suggest going with the larger jar like this so you'll have plenty of room to dig for that perfect colorful string of ribbon.
I got this wonderful vase from a garden shop. It was part of a display and was holding artificial flowers. Needless to say, I saw the potential right away. I love the vintage roughness and the handpainted flowers are the perfect touch. Another great storage idea for my stippling and stencil brushes.
I think it's amazing what kinds of things provide wonderful storage solutions. So keep your eyes peeled and on the lookout. You never know when you will luck up on the perfect solution for your stash.
Thanks for visiting.
Good luck on all your scrapbooking and crafting projects!
5/11/2007 5:38:23 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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FUN SPRING PROJECTS
Just thought I'd share two really simple and fun projects I recently completed. Since we're all in the mood for spring I think both of these fit the bill.
Below is a recent layout entitled Dancers which features my daughter Cameron, and her "dancing buddy" Ashley. I'm really hooked on this scalloped-edged cardstock by Bazill Basics. The pictures were taken during the girls' spring dance recital last year.
I also found a way to use some really old supply stash for the above layout. If you're like me you have so many supplies you could probably open up your own craft store. I've decided I'm going to try to use at least one really old product on every new project. Maybe in time, I can widdle all the old stuff down to nothing. Anyway, in the layout above I was able to use several really old products including the large sticker letter "d" and flowered ribbon tape by Making Memories. I also dug way down deep in my ultra old supply stash and pulled out the Spring embroidered sticker title by Stickopotomous.
OK, speaking of embroidery. I embroidered the project below as a birthday gift for my daughter Cameron's friend, Mari. I purchased the canvas bag from a local craft store and opened up a seam and embroidered the cute little figure and name, and then sewed the seam back together. I used my embroidery/sewing machine which I've had now for several years. That machine is awesome and totally revolutionized my gift giving the moment I got it. I can personalize anything and believe me I do. It's actually more like a computer that sews. The patterns are on a disc that load right into a slot in the machine, you can edit right into the machine on a display screen, add your monogramming and you're good to go. You can even download patterns from the internet to use in your various projects.
Gift recipients just love items that are personally monogrammed and my machine was truly one of the best investments ever. If you're thinking about getting a new sewing machine for your craft projects, you may want to consider upgrading to a combination embroidery/sewing machine to expand your capabilities with endless possibilities.
Take a look below at the bag with a special extra gift inside.
I personalized this small pillow which fits perfectly inside the canvas bag for a beautiful handmade gift combination.
THANKS FOR STOPPING BY
AND
GOOD LUCK ON ALL YOUR SCRAPBOOKING AND CRAFT PROJECTS!
4/20/2007 5:40:10 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK ALOT LIKE.....
SPRING! Yes that's right, Spring finally. Although the mercury isn't quite where we'd like it to be for early April with low temps in the 30's and yes a few snow flurries too. Despite the lingering chill, I can still see that Spring is in the air... or rather in the ground.
The lawns have turned a rich green, beautiful purple crocuses have emerged from hibernation and even those hearty tulips have started to peek their blades through of the ground. I love Spring! And there's so much natural beauty to look forward to.
This season like no other seems so full of new life and fresh beginnings. As I anxiously await the warm days that should rightfully be here already, allow me to share a few recent projects that feel as warm as a Spring breeze.
KATIE
The above layout features my friend Beena, her husband Scott and their brand new baby girl Katie. Isn't she just the most adorable little peanut? She's so tiny and sweet and her proud parents couldn't be happier. They're such a beautiful family.
Supplies: Scroll, chipboard letters: Heidi Swapp, Scalloped paper: Bazzill Basics, Acrylic circular stamps: Autumn leaves, Flowers: 7Gypsies, Ribbon: Joann Fabrics and Crafts, Safety pin accent: Making Memories.
Special Technique: I used a small hole punch to punch out the pink dots. Then adhered them to the center of each scallop in the paper. For perfect/immovable ribbon positioning, I ran the tiny checkered bow through a Xron adhesive applicator. No fuss, no mess and it stays exactly where I put it.
CREATE YOURSELF
This is a new look given to an old black and white composition book. The flowered patterned paper screams Spring and I had a lot of fun embellishing this project with a little bit of everything. This is a beautiful book to jot down journaling notes, sketches and project ideas.
Supplies: Patterned paper: Chatterbox, Book binding, buttons, flowers, rubons: Making Memories, Metal accent, ribbon: Joann Fabrics and Crafts.
Special Techniques: Machine stitch ribbon to patterned paper before adhering to composition book. I used a small drill to put multiple holes in the seam of the book and then tied ribbon through each hole to give the book a fun flare.
Here's hoping your Spring is warmer...
and your craft and scrapbooking projects are hotter.
Thanks for visiting!
4/7/2007 6:20:43 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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ENOUGH ALREADY!
(Winter that is)
Spring is around the corner but it's still a little too chilly for my taste around here. Of course that comes with the territory when you live right outside Chicago. We had some really rough snow days around here this year and I'm happy it's all finally starting to melt a bit. My number one goal before next winter is to re-learn how to use the snow blower. I faked it for so long, I actually did forget how to use it and got caught in a pinch with Boris out of town this year during one of our biggest snowfalls ever. His over-the-phone-out-of-town snow blower instructions did not go over well at all, so I ended up shoveling myself. Somehow I had managed to avoid that particular manual labor over the last ten years. How I got away with that, I don't know. Anyway, I definitely got my winter workout this year.
Generally this part of the country is 6-weeks behind everyone else weather-wise. It's colder earlier than everywhere else and when the rest of the country is warming up we're just starting our slow thaw with about another six weeks to go until the real warm up. I'm hoping our snow blower... and for my sake my snow shovel can finally be retired for the season.
Enjoy the chilly layouts below.
OH, SO READY FOR SPRING
COLD PLAY
3/11/2007 8:58:24 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)
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BIG THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES
Ok, so the photograph above doesn't look like much. But don't be fooled. The items in this picture represent one of the toughest projects I've ever taken on. Weeks of hard work, planning, sketching, constructing and agonizing over the smallest detail late into many, many nights.... has finally come to this. .. three small, neatly bubble-wrapped bundles. No small task indeed and what's inside is BIG!
You're looking at eight scrapbook layouts, six altered wooden alphabets and one board book along with a stack of supply lists, contracts and model release forms all patiently waiting to be mailed to Memory Makers' book division. It's all for an upcoming idea book called Ask the Masters and you'll soon have a chance to see not only what's inside these neatly packaged bundles, but a host of other great projects and layouts from my fellow Masters.
I'm so proud to have finally finished this huge assignment and equally proud of the pages and projects that I poured so much into. It's a wonderful feeling to get it all done, on time and two days before the deadline to boot. Even more than that, I'm proud to have been asked to participate in the Ask the Masters book project as a member of a fantastic and supportive team and a really great magazine.
Having said that, I am sorry to admit that I'm not very proud of the path of destruction left behind in my craft space after this long but rewarding process.
It was worth it but another huge job is ahead of me as you can see.
Take a peek below for a look at some of the damage.
Thanks for stopping by. I've got to go clean up now!
2/15/2007 8:51:34 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)
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