Our Stampin' Up! Booth at the Scrapbook Expo Grapevine 2013

This past weekend was a blast at the Scrapbook Expo at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine!  Our first clue that we were in a BIG show was when we pulled my mini van to the loading dock of the Gaylord and there were 18 wheelers and trucks with huge trailers all getting ready to unload.  I carefully backed in my van down the long lane to the loading dock.  When I opened my back hatch, I had to hand our stuff up to Sharon who stood on the dock who began making a pile for us.  We watched as everyone else had forklifts and shipping containers on wheels that all neatly rolled off their rigs onto the dock.

Oh boy!  What had we gotten ourselves into?  We were even told we had 30 minutes to get everything off the dock and into our booth and then we needed to move our car.  Imagine 2 women, piling everything up on a dolly, walking as fast as we could to move all our bags, rolly carts and boxes to our booth.  What a sight!

Well, all the work was worth it!  Over the course of the two-day show, there were almost 2900 people who came through!  We met tons of fun ladies who were just as excited about paper, stamping and scrapbooking as we were!

There really wasn't much "down" time to speak of, but when I finally caught my breath (usually towards the end of the day), I snapped a few quick pictures of our booth.

Over the course of the show, we gave away over 200 "take-n-make" projects, around 100 each of the spring catalog, annual catalog and the Sale-a-Bration brochures, and hundreds of copies of our class schedules and events.  (We seriously underestimated how many people would be coming by the booth!)

Something funny to note about the pictures.  Notice in the first picture, our banner is hung nicely along the back wall of our booth.  In the second picture, the middle part of the banner fell down and in the last picture, not only did the banner sag more, the poles began to fall down, too!  By the evening on the second day, I thought that the look of our booth spoke volumes about the way Sharon and I felt - we were all falling apart!

Now after having slept all day (and I even got a massage today!), I'm finally feeling rested!  

Sharon and I are already making plans for next year and I think by then, I'll be recovered enough to back my van down the loading dock once again!

Happy Stamping!

Online Scrapbook Class Opportunity - Part 2

Have you heard about the Online Scrapbook Class that I'd like to "get off the ground"?  If you didn't have a chance to read the first post, please do so.

In a nutshell, I have applied to teach an online scrapbook class with Skillshare and in order for the class to launch and go "live", I need 250 "requests" (a request is simply a gauge of interest, no committments) by Monday, February 25th.  Yikes!  As of today, I have 82 requests.  I still have a ways to go and I need your help!

If you haven't had a chance to "request" the class, please do so today!  Simply click this link (http://skl.sh/YygtJN), add your email and click "Request this Class".  

This is not a committment to attend or sign up for the class, just show an interest in it.

If the scrapbook class goes "live", it will be a FREE class (with the purchase of supplies) and we'll be using the Flower Fair Simply Scrappin' Kit and the coordinating 8X8 Daffodil Delight Designer Album to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake!  Here are a few sample page layouts I've been working on.

So, will you help me?  Click here and request the class today!

Help make this class possibility into a class reality!

Happy Scrapbooking!

Skillshare - Online Scrapbook Class Possibility

To All My Blog Readers:

I need your help!

I am wanting to launch a new online scrapbook class through Skillshare, an online class community, and in order for my class to go "live", I need a minimum of 250 "requests" in 3 weeks (by Feb. 25th).  Yikes!

If this class launches, we'll be using two new products from the Spring catalog:

(Notice I emphasized "if" - scroll down to see how you can help make this class a reality!)

Flower Fair Simply Scrappin' Kit

8 X 8 Designer Printed Ring Album 

Here's how you can help:

• Go to:  http://www.skillshare.com/Create-a-Keepsake-Scrapbook-Album-from-Start-to-Finish/70112733
• In the top right-hand side of the screen, put in your email address and click "Request this Class".
• By doing this, you are not committing to sign up for the class or to attend the class.  Right now it's all about showing your interest and letting Skillshare know that you'd like for this class to launch.  Everyone that
  pre-enrolls will be notified by email if the class launches.
  
• Share the link with your family and friends, too!
• That's it!

Please help turn this class possibility into an online class reality!

Happy Stamping & Creating!

Scrapbook Expo Grapevine Texas

It's almost here!
 The Scrapbook Expo is coming to Grapevine, Texas!  

My friend, and fellow demonstrator, Sharon and I will have a Stampin' Up! booth!
Can you tell I'm excited?

Mark your calendars and plan on joining us on
Friday, February 22nd or Saturday, February 23rd.  

Come by our booth for a make-n-take, samples galore, free product give-aways and more!

We'll even have the NEW My Paper Pumpkin kits on display (this is a new monthly kit program and the projects are adorable!).

Get all the details about this show on the Scrapbook Expo website.

I hope to see you at the Expo in February!

Yeehaw!!

Christmas Pocket Album Tutorials

They're finally finished!!  I've created a 2 part tutorial for you all on how to create this fun Christmas Pocket Album.  Creating the video wasn't hard (although it did take some time) - the hardest part was getting the videos uploaded!  My wifi kept messing up and finally after many attempts at uploading it myself, I finally had to ask the expert - my husband!  (He's a computer geek!  And I'm SO glad he is!)  When he works on a computer or phone, things just magically seem to work.

So, finally, the tutorials are ready for you to see!  Enjoy!

Part 1 - Gathering supplies and cutting all the pieces




Part 2 - Putting it all together

Sample Pocket Album

I created this pocket album using the International Bazaar Designer Paper.

Get all the details for this album on my gallery on Splitcoaststampers.

Happy Christmas crafting!

Christmas Pocket Album

While on my retreat, I learned how to create this adorable book and now I want to show you how too!  

We'll be scoring and folding a sheet of 12" X 24" paper to create the base of the book and then we'll add designer paper, ribbons and embellishments to create this Christmas keepsake!  We'll also create a tag to fit inside each of the 6 pockets.  The tags can be used to journal or use them as an extra space for more pictures.

The cost is $25 or FREE with your purchase of $30 or more.

Reserve your spot today!  There are two times to choose from (click the time and RSVP).

Friday, November 30th - 6pm until 9pm

Saturday, December 1st - 10am until 1pm

Happy Stamping & Creating!

My New Friend

I would like to introduce you to my new friend, Wynell.  If you have been reading my posts recently, you know that I was at a paper crafting retreat this past weekend and had a blast!

In addition to being inspired by all the fun projects, I really enjoyed getting to know the ladies who attended. These ladies came from all over the state.

One afternoon, Wynell was walking around the tables and stopped by where I was working and we struck up a conversation.  During our conversation, she asked, "Do you happen to make Youtube videos?"  I told her I did and she said, "I knew your voice sounded familiar!"

Come to find out, Wynell had been watching my videos and had even subscribed to my Youtube channel.  What  are the odds?

Well, Wynell made my day and I just had to share!  I felt so encouraged that the time and effort I've been putting into the videos is paying off and it's found me a new friend!

Staying on Top of Scrapbooking

Do you have folders full of pictures saved on your computer? Maybe you have boxes of printed photos gathering dust? Or maybe you have all of your photos organized but only a partially completed scrapbook? Whether you are just starting your first scrapbook or you are an experienced scrapbooker, here are some tips to help you get more done on your scrapbooks:

*  Scrapbook your most current photos ... and then work your way back. This actually gives you a greater sense of accomplishment and keeps you motivated to keep going.

*  Use basic page layouts to save time. Just changing up the colors on the same layout changes the look. You can also use different embellishments (like Vintage Trinkets #118764 or Designer Printed Brads #122940) for a fresh look. When you use basic page layouts, you can focus on what’s important - preserving your memories. The photos and journaling that you put on each page is what will make the real difference.

*  Add Simply Scrappin’ kits to the mix. These kits, like Afternoon Daydream (#126927), come with Designer Series Paper, coordinating solid colors of textured card stock, and self-adhesive die cuts. These make creating coordinating page layouts quick and easy.

*  Lay out several pages first, and then go back and finish the pages, journal, and embellish. The Stampin’ Up albums come in different colors and sizes - like the Linen 12 x 12 ring album (#127686). The page protectors in these albums load from the top and offer the perfect place to store your page layouts, embellishments, and journaling until you complete your page.  The new 12" X 12" Divided Page Protectors create effortless and unique scrapbooks!  Divided sections allow you to mix photos, journaling, paper crafting and memorabilia in snap!

*  Go digital ... and use the Designer Templates from My Digital Studio 2+ (#130646). The SummerSmooches Photobook Template (#129919) gives you 24 pages already done for you ... just add your photos and print.  New to digital?  Try MDS2 for FREE!

Hopefully these tips will make scrapbooking even more enjoyable and result in even more scrapbooks for you to enjoy!

Fall Scrapbooking

This morning I got up extra early go to for a walk around the neighborhood with some friends.  Now, I wish I could say that it was a cool morning (I'm so ready for fall!) but I guess walking at 82 degrees is better than 102 (which is supposed to be the high temperature today).

Well, the way I balance the heat outside is by scrapbooking and making cards inside that remind me of the cooler fall temperatures!

At convention, one of the presenters showed us a fun technique for making the leaves (the one in the center below).  First, I cut the leaves from Very Vanilla card stock using the new Autumn Accents Bigz Die (127812) and the Big Shot.  Then I stamped the image in More Mustard from the Wonderfall stamp set on the leaf (the trick here is to have your inked stamp laying flat on the table, face up and then place the cut out to the stamp and rub gently with your fingers). Next, I used a dauber to apply Cherry Cobbler ink around the edges.  The last step is to crumple up the leaf, unfold and then using the Cajun Craze ink pad, lightly rub and tap the ink pad on top of the leaf.

I also used the amazing Champagne Glimmer paper (127885) for some of the other leaves.  Love the sparkle it gives!  We also used the Woodgrain Embossing folder (127821) on each of the pieces and then rubbed Cajun Craze over the top.

Happy stamping and creating!

Flower Scrapbook Idea

Sweet Summer Time! 

As I mentioned the other day, summertime memories bring the need for more ideas for Summer Scrapbooks. We all know the basics- use bright colors and flowers for Summer- but after a while, it begins to feel like you have used every combination of the "warm" colors possible. That's why I am SO grateful that Stampin' Up! is always coming out with new colors and designer series paper. The Summer Smooches Designer Series Paper has made my scrapbooks SO much more fun to make, as well as, more "summery"! That might sound silly, but take a look for yourself!! 

Also, the Summer Smooches paper uses so many different colors your pictures are sure to color coordinate!

What is great is that the flowers I made are SO simple. You can use them on scrapbooks, or on a card! All you need is two circle punches- just make sure one is larger than the other! Easy Peasy! 

Happy Stampin' and Creating! 

Summer Watermelon Scrapbook Pages!

The best thing about summer is that the kids are home- providing days filled with memories I don't ever want to forget! Just recently we were able to spend the afternoon at a water park. The kids and I had an absolute BLAST. I always end up taking tons of photos and am always looking for new ideas for my Summer Scrapbooks. There are some things that just scream "summer!" to me and watermelons are one them! So, as I flipping through the new catalog and came across the ADORABLE and appropriately named "Mouthwatering" Stamp Set- which includes a watermelon!!-I knew I had just found the theme for my next Summer Scrapbook pages!

The combination of the "Mouthwatering" Stamp Set with the Lucky Limeade and Melon Mambo Card Stock makes this page burst with delicious creativity! I was able to use My Digital Studio to make the "Sweet Summer" title!

And what's a watermelon without a cute ant to go with it?

Wanna create this adorable ant too??

Check out the video I just created!  Too fun!!

For more cute ideas and to stay up on the latest Stmpin' TX happenings, follow me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/stampintexas

Star Book

I'm a huge fan of making cute little mini books - they're quick, simple, cute and make great gifts.  All you do once you've created the book is add your journaling and pictures.

If you'd like to watch the youtube video on how to make your own, click here.

 I've made so many of these little star books, I've lost count.  I used to make and sell these in craft shows and now I enjoy teaching others how to make them!

With this Star Book, I used the NEW Designer Series Paper - Summer Smooches.  This paper will be in the new 2012-2013 Annual Catalog that comes out on June 1st!  (I can't wait!!  I love it when the new catalog comes out!)

To open the book, you untie the ribbon and open so the front and back covers are touching.  (Here is the book half open.)

 

Here's what the book looks like when it's completely opened.

 

Happy Stamping and Creating!