Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Something truly special

I found this in my online travels today. Ever since the first time I heard Miley Cyrus's song "The Climb" I've loved it. It's such an inspirational song. So, today I decided to youtube it. Aside from finding the original version, there was also a video from someone by the name of Leah Mertz. Leah is apparently from British Columbia...a fellow Canadian!! :o) And there's no other way to put it...her voice makes my heart melt. There is no doubt in my mind that we'll be hearing her name alot more in future!!

Here is her version of "The Climb". I hope you like it as much as I do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHlS_BksGVU

Decided to edit this post to add one more song. This one is Taylor Swift's "Love Story" again, performed by Leah Mertz.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBp_EdYguEU&feature=channel_page

Monday, April 20, 2009

Poll is almost finished....

From the poll results, it doesn't appear that there is a great deal of interest in those wanting to create a sketch book. So, I may post a sketch on occassion for you to use as inspiration in your own personal scrapbooks...but I don't think I'll make it a regular feature of my blog.

Things have been busy here. I've been trying to get some spring cleaning done as well as work on some upcoming classes. So, be on the lookout for them soon.

Oh, and just a quick reminder...there's still time to sign up for our "Snips, Snails and Puppy Dog Tails" class this weekend. Class is this Saturday from 1-3 p.m. (kits are available if you're not able to make it to class). The deadline for registration is Thursday, so please don't wait if you would like a seat. We hope to see you there!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Helpful Hint

I'm sure most of you have probably heard of the very talented artist and scrapbooker Jennifer McGuire. She currently works for Creating Keepsakes and offers helpful tips and tricks. She has all kinds of wonderful tutorial videos on YouTube that you might be interested in. Here is a link to one of my favorites regarding placement of acrylic stamps for titles. I hope you enjoy it and find it useful in your own scrapbooking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8AWQJQXTPA

Thanks Jennifer for such an ingenious idea!!

Another money saving tip

I came across this and thought it was so helpful that I'm passing it on to you. I know many of you have a Cricut machine. Hopefully this method will help cut down on the expense of buying extra mats.

Click on the following link to find out what Cricut Dan has to say...

http://cricutdan.blogspot.com/search/label/Tips%20-%20Help

Thank you Dan for such a wonderful tip!! :o)

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Money saving tip

We've all seen the cute papers out there that have the adorable decorative edging around it. However, many times the pattern or color does not go with the pictures we are working on.
Instead, buy one sheet of the paper you like and use it as a template for tracing. That way you have the versatility of using any patterned paper you like for your layout.

It would also be a great idea to keep all of your "templates" together by putting a hole in one corner of each sheet and using a ring....or perhaps you can just put them all in a page sleeve. Keeping them all in one place not only makes them easier to find when you want to use them~it also provides a quick reference for you to make sure you do not buy duplicates when you go shopping.

Just to clarify...

Before any more votes come in on my poll, I thought it might be important to clarify my earlier post concerning the sketch book.

The sketch book idea is a free service that I am offering on my blog. It is not a class you need to sign up for. And although I came up with this idea with my class participants in mind, anyone is welcome to participate. The only reason I decided to place a poll was to determine if instructions needed to provided, or if a picture alone would suffice.

That said, if there is enough interest, my sketches will be 6x6 in size and I will be using the Bo Bunny book (mainly because I want to decorate the cover as well as make some cute index cards to go inside). If some of you decide you want to do the same, please let me know and I'll consider doing an online tutorial on those portions of the book as well.

Stay tuned to find out whether or not this fun project is a go!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Added a new poll...

If you still would like to leave comments or suggestions based on the previous post, please feel free to do so. However, I added a poll to make it a little easier for you to leave feedback.

Have a great night everyone!

Would love your thoughts on this...

I have an idea in which I would love to hear your input. Nothing has been set in stone at this time, so please feel free to make suggestions, ask questions, etc.

Sketch books are a valuable asset to any scrapbooker...especially if you're anything like me and sometimes find yourself in a creative rut. My idea is to give you the option of making a sketch book based on the class layouts I've been offering at the Shoppe. Many of you have been so wonderful about signing up for my classes, I really wanted to do something nice for you!

I'm thinking a BoBunny 6x6 storage binder would work well for this purpose. I believe these albums are pretty inexpensive, as are the page protectors. I'm suggesting page protectors as well because not only will they protect your sketches, but it will also allow you to remove them from your book with ease. That way if you're going to a crop and you want to make a layout based on a certain sketch, you can just remove that page rather than having to carry your book with you each time. Also, if you use page protectors for your sketch book, you can take a picture of the class layout and enclose it with the sketch for reference later. I believe Cheryl can order the book and protectors if it's not something you already have on hand. (706) 321-0202.

After each class, I will list here the instructions on how to make a sketch based on the class layout. This idea will be great to use up some of those scrap pieces of paper that we all have waaaay too much of! The dimensions for the sketch itself will be provided here. Later, when you create your layout, you can then determine what size adjustments will need to be made for photo mats, etc. (depending on the size album you are working with). I made an example to give you a bit of a visual of what I am talking about:


And a close up of the sketch itself. I used all cardstock for my sketch, but you can use whatever scraps you have in your stash.


Okay, my picture is a little blurry, but hopefully you get the idea. :o) Rejean is the photographer in our family.
As time goes on, we may even be able to decorate some chipboard inserts to serve as dividers. Then we can organize our sketches according to themes, etc.
So, if you wouldn't mind, please let me know your thoughts. If there is an interest, then I'll look into adding this feature to my blog. You can either leave a comment by clicking on the word "comments" below this post or you can use my CBox which you will find further on down the right hand side of the page. Or, if you prefer, feel free to send me an email at shelleylee34@yahoo.com .
I look forward to hearing from you!

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Product Review


My product review today pertains to the Spellbinder's Nestabilities Collection dies. These metal dies are designed to both cut out and emboss shapes.

The first concern is the price is a bit steep at 24.99 per set. Unless you have a coupon to use, the money invested in purchasing different shapes can quickly add up.

Second issue: no directions that I could find. I finally resorted to watching a video on You Tube to find out how to use them.

Third issue: Because these dies also have the capability to emboss your shape, you will also need an embossing mat (purchased separately for an additional $8.99).

To make a long story short, I tried my dies using my Sizzix Big Kick. Now, I have seen alot of reviews online raving about how wonderful this cutting system is. But to be honest, I was less than impressed with the overall finished look. In fact, I plan on returning my dies the very first chance that I get.

My advice is to save your $$ or invest in a nice cutting system with basic shapes such as circles, squares etc. I have several coluzzle templates and love them alot. Also, punches are a great investment...especially if you like to paper piece (like we do in many of our layout classes). They are also available in fancier cuts such as the scalloped circle or square. In my opinion, those would be a much better choice.

Just my two cents, for whatever it may be worth...

Friday, April 10, 2009

Snips, Snails and Puppy Dog Tails!


This is a new class that is now open for registration. I'm really happy with the way it turned out and hope you all like it too. The snail paper piecing contains a secret opening...perfect for adding another picture or perhaps some journaling to your layout.

The class will be held on Saturday, April 25th from 1-3 p.m. As always, kits are available if you are not able to make it to class. Please call to register at 706-321-0202.

Hope to see you there!