Tuesday, December 23, 2008

More of my favorite things...

Another one of my favorite things is stamps...

I would like to tell you about a wonderful stamp company called Technique Tuesday. I love, love, love their products! First, they are acrylic, so you can see exactly where you are stamping. Second, they stamp a very clean, crisp image. They come in a wide variety of topics as well as price range. The alphabets sets tend to run a bit higher in price than the regular images. But, I've found that when I considered the amount of money I used to invest in letter stickers, the stamps (which unlike stickers, can be used over and over) were a wise investment.


Anyway, I thought I'd share some of the image sets with you. To my knowledge, Technique Tuesday is not offered at any of the big box stores like Joann's or Michael's. However, Cheryl does special orders and I know this company is one she can order from. So, if you're interested in anything you see (or what else might be available) feel free to give her a call (706-321-0202).

They offer a couple of different school themed sets:

First "Storytellers School Days":


Then, a set called "Back To School":


I used both of these sets for the "Back 2 School" Make & Take (see previous post for picture) .


For all you card makers, there are two sets that work perfectly together to make some adorable cards!


"Dog & Pony Show"

and "Dog & Pony Show Sentiments"


Then there are a couple of Patriotic/Military sets:


"Made in the USA"


"Ooh-Rah"


A couple of sets that would be perfect for your little girl or boy pages...

"My Little Princess"


"Rocket Man"

Also some great seasonal sets:

"Trick or Treat"
For Valentine's Day:
"You've Got Mail"


"Signed, Sealed, Delivered"


Christmas:


"Oh Christmas Tree"





"Holly Jolly Christmas"

These are just several of many beautiful sets that this company offers. My collection of Technique Tuesday stamp sets has grown alot over the years. And when I scrapbook, I find they come in really handy (especially if I'm looking for a letter or image in a particular color).

Some ideas

In case some of you are not familiar with the classes we offer at the Shoppe, I thought I'd post some that I've taught over the past year.




A "Back to School" Make & Take was held in September:






Here is a closer picture of the original layout I made (that the class was based on)....





A dog layout for your furry friend(s):








And a couple of close-ups of the features of this layout. The dog paper piecings I created using various shaped punches. I was hoping to replicate the dogs in the patterned paper.






The title, gumball machine and bones were all made using my Cricut machine. And as much as I love designing my own paper piecings, I adore my cricut! The cartridges have so many cute designs contained on each one!! It is one of the best investments I have made when it comes to my scrapbooking!!


And finally, a layout for all those beautiful fall pictures I'm sure you all have...




Whether you're a beginner or an advanced scrapbooker, we would love to see you at any of our classes. My friend Sandy also offers some absolutely beautiful card classes too if that is something you'd be interested in.


If any of you have a class idea that you would like to see offered, please don't hesitate to leave a comment. I would love to hear your feedback or any suggestions you may have.


Have a great day!
Shelley

Monday, December 22, 2008

These are a few of my favorite things...


This song has been stuck in my head the past several days and so I thought in keeping with that, it would be fun if I shared some of my favorite scrapbooking items with all of you. Some you may already be aware of these things...they may even be your favorites as well! I'd also be interested in hearing what some of your favorite scrapbooking items are, so feel free to leave a comment so we can all share! I believe most of these items Cheryl has at the Shoppe (or can order for you if you're interested).


1) Paper trimmer~I use it for every single layout I make. I have tried several over the years, but I love my gray Fiskars one. The other one I really like is the Provo Craft green one. I have tried it and find that it makes a nice straight cut each time.


2) Fiskars Micro-tip scissors~ I love the fact that these have a spring in them so that your hand does not get as tired while cutting. Also, the fine tip and sharp blades are wonderful for even the most intricate work.


3) Uniball Signo White gel pen ~ Words cannot describe how much I love this pen! I can't tell you how many gel pens I've bought only to have them dry out a week later. The ink in this pen has such an even flow, perfect for journaling. It's also wonderful for adding details to paper piecings. I've had mine for over a year now and it still works as great as the day I bought it. I know Cheryl has some available right now in gold (perfect for Christmas layouts!) and I believe the white ones are on the way to the Shoppe.


4) Chalk~ It seems these days that ink has replaced chalking. But I still love the effect that I get when I use my chalk. For one thing, chalk is much more forgiving than ink. If you make a mistake (as I often do!), you can just erase and start again. Chalk comes in several different styles. Perhaps you've seen the palettes with the squares in different colors. It comes with what looks like make-up applicators for applying the chalk to your project. I prefer the ones made by Pebbles, Inc. What I like about the Pebbles chalk is that they come with an applicator that you can hold in the same way you would use a pen. This give you a little more control when chalking your project. It has a little clip on the end of it which holds little cotton ball (which you can buy refills for). I put an image at the top of this page so you can see what these chalks look like. They come in a variety of color choices.


5) For journaling, I love my Zig Millenium pen (black, .08 tip). Cheryl let me borrow hers one day and I've been hooked ever since! :o)


6) Cricut ~ So many fun cartridges to choose from with lots of great images on each one! In case any of you are not aware of it, the Shoppe rents out the cartridges. Since the cartridges can be so expensive, it's always nice to have the option of trying one out before buying. Or, if you need only one or two specific images, then renting is probably a great idea.


These are just a few of some of my favorite scrapbooking tools. Over the next few days, I will probably add to the list. And as I said earlier, we'd love to hear about any great finds that you know of!


Until next time,
Shelley

Merry Christmas!




I can't believe only three more days until Christmas! This is, by far, my favorite time of year. All the beautiful lights, and so many wonderful church services being held to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. I don't even mind the crowds. Seeing other people trying to find that special gift for the ones they love truly warms my heart. Christmas is such a special time and as much as Rejean and I miss our families back home, I look forward to it more and more with each passing year.
I wanted to share with you all an upcoming class that we will be having at the Scrapbook Shoppe (see above~click on any image to enlarge). I hope you like it. The frame above the fireplace is for a family picture. I intentionally left the areas beside the fireplace and tree blank so that you could later add more photo mats if you'd like (some colors to match the rhinestones on the tree would be cute!).
The class will be held on Jan. 17th from 1-3 p.m. If you would like to attend, or are not able to make it but are interested in a kit, please call to sign up (706-321-0202). Also, if you would like more or less stockings for your fireplace, please just let us know and we'd be more than happy to accomodate that.
Wishing you and all your loved ones a very Merry Christmas!! I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year!
Shelley