Many

I took this picture on a walk with the kids...and it just reminded me so much of the verse that talks of 'if a seed dies, it produces many'.


This features the incredible Beautiful Life line from Bo Bunny. I adore this line!! Got it when it first came out, and couldn't wait to use it!! Remember to get the die cut sheet when you order...these are just so pretty!!

Oh- and this layout was a collaboration. See the torn edge on the top? My cat decided it needed a little something, and added that torn edge. My cat got yelled at! But, between you and me- I think he was right. Don't tell, though...he'll get ideas!

Merry Christmas!!

I had to share this- it is amazing! I love Casting Crowns- they are one of my favorite groups. So, when I heard this song, I fell in love!! Hope this helps remind you of the Reason!!

Merry Christmas!!

Scrapping Cents

Here's a really quick post for a busy holiday week. Have presents to wrap? Come on- you know you do...and if you are done- I so do NOT want to here about it! Show-offs, lol! Anyway...if you have presents, you need labels. Well, Cindylouh has put together a GREAT list of free tag downloads!! Take a look!

Looking for some New Year Mojo?

Scrap in the New Year
Scrapbook Express VS Memories From The Attic

If YOU are any or all of these: an avid scrapper, love to share your unique creations, love to chat on the message board and encourage others with praise, then Scrap in the New Year is just the contest for you! Not only will you be playing as an individual, you are playing towards bragging rights for your favorite site! Regardless of whether you are on the winning site, 5 players will win prizes!

Contest starts January 1, 2009 but contest activities are taking place right now! Please join us for a good time and get ready to scrap away the month of January!

Scrapping Cents

This is the most incredible...brilliant idea. I saw it, I had to share!! I found it on Jennifer McGuire's blog. It was sent in from Jess:

Great tip on clear stamp storage:"I'm not an organizing guru but...I also store my clear stamps in a binder just like yours. I can't afford to go out and buy page protectors that have different sized inner compartments. I made mine with the sewing machine. I sew a zizag stitch either splitting the plain old 8 1/2 X 11 page protector in 1/2 or in 1/4. Then I use a pair of sharp scissors to open up the lower compartments. It works great." - Jess

Doing this, you could also modify sheets to store your manual dies- like qk and Cuttlebug. You could make your own sticker and Chipboard storage. You could even make a customized sheet set for your journal spots! I LOVE it!!

You are invited!!!!

You’re invited to our Playtime at the Pole All-Day Christmas Crop as we celebrate Christmas with a full day of fun. This Saturday, December 13, 2008, we’ll be headed to the Pole . . . the North Pole, that is.

We have a full day of activities planned, including plenty of games, challenges, fun and a whole lot of prizes! We’ll be spending the day helping Santa and all his elves prepare for Christmas and we’ll have a great time doing it, too. So make plans to join us this Saturday, December 13, 2008 in the Scrapbook News & Review Forums. It’s going to be a great day!

Acrylic Frame

Ready for a really simple project? And this one is really fun, too!! I took a simple piece of acrylic from HL, and stamped snowflakes all over it in Stayzon White. Then I glittered the heck out of it...all the edges have glue literally poured on and running down the sides...then glitter over that. Then, I pieced a very simple felt snowman...too cute!!

Noel Wall Hanging

Still in the Christmas mood, here. And, still loving that BG Wassail!! I Tell you, my Christmas decorations are a walk though BG's Christmas inventory, lol!! They are just my favorites.

This wall hanging is a combination of a noel letter set from Plaid, and an old picture I had laying around. I decorated the inside of the frame. Then, I Modged each letter, and added goodies to the. A little hot glue, and voila!

Scrapping Cents

This Scrapping Cents is a HUGE bargain!! Did you know that the newest issue of Scrapbook News and Review is up and ready for you to enjoy?! Did you know that this is a special DOUBLE issue? Did you know that this is STILL 4.99?!!!!! That is a double issue for the same low single issue price. And- unlike paper mags- or even the other online ezines- we offer you access to everything we have ever published! That means for one low price- 4.99- you get one month of SNR- all 8 issues! Now, come on...that is a HECK of a DEAL!!

The Rest of the Story...

This post is a hodge podge...all the rest of the tree I wanted to show you. Hang on, here we go!!

Silhouette Ornaments:

Well, I had to use my new toys, lol! So, I broke out the Silhouette and started cutting Christmas images. Then, I used my new Janome Sew Mini..and added a great zig zag border. There are 6 of these ornaments, so far...some with words, some with manger/advent scenes. The scenes didn't photo as well- so I'm showing you a couple of the words..




Star Ornaments:

This is the star ornament I showed you a week or so ago...thought you might want to see it on the tree. BTW- I did do a couple with the Wassail- and they look awesome!!



Tree Topper:

Showed you this last year...but I seriously overhauled it. What do you think?



So, thats it...thats the tree. Hope you've enjoyed your peek! I'll show you the whole thing put together, one more time:



BTW- the garland was cut with my Silhouette- it is a repeating message of Jesus Loves Me- with nativity scenes interspersed. It is the true REASON for the season, right?!

Advent Ornaments

We have our Advent Countdown on our tree...in the form of ornaments. I showed you these, last year...but they got a major sprucing up, so I thought I would show you again, this year.

Each ornament is a pocket, and inside is a tag. We have chosen to write of favorite Scripture verses on these...but they could easily include the Christmas story...or even treasured family memories.

Here's another in the background of this picture:

Wooden Ornaments

I picked up this set at M's for like a dollar an ornament. I love them! Simple Modge Podge and embellishments make these treasures on my tree. I know all the craft stores have these in different shapes...I got 2 each of stars, birds, birdhouses, bells, trees, and hearts.

Here's a bell:

Family Ornaments

This whole tree started by wanting to display our family memories on the tree. I had the idea to collect the pictures from Christmas' past and display them every year as part of our living history. So, every year, pictures are taken, ornaments are made...and memories are enjoyed! Fun!! This ornament is new this year...the picture was last Christmas Eve. I love the velvet ribbon, and the BG Wassail--I have a thing for velvet...and Basic Grey, lol!!

Here's another peek at last Christmas...love the zig zag stitch- my new Janome Sew Mini, hehehe...

Coaster Ornament

Welcome to Day 2 of "I Altered My Christmas Tree". Ready for our first ornament? This is a coaster ornament that I made...found the chipboard coasters at M's on sale. I think the pack was 50 cents or something. Here are the steps:

1. Trace shape unto paper, use scissors and cut. Adhere to coaster using Modge Podge. Do not apply top coat, yet.

2. Once dry, use your files to smooth the edges. Now is the time to add any ink or distressing to the edges that you want. Now, add the top layer of Modge podge.

3. Now, you can add the top embellishments. I handmade this flower, by tracing a silk poinsettia. Tip: Fold and curl the edges of your paper to add dimension and life to anything like this! The Joy plaque is a wonderful journaling stamp from Apple Blossom Studio...love this set. Just look at all the fun uses!

4. Hole was punched using my crop o dile...if you don't have one, this is actually on sale TODAY at Scrapbook Express!! Run on over and snag one!

Here's a look at the other I made:

I altered my Christmas Tree- Year 2

Some of you might remember that last year, I decided to alter my Christmas tree. Well, ok- not the actual tree, itself. But, I handmade everything- and I mean ev-er-y-th-ing on it. All of the ornaments, the garland...even the tree topper.

Well, this year I have added to it, revised it, updated it...and it is time to share!! So, welcome to this year's version. I will show you a peak today, then everyday this week, I will show you a specific part. This will be a week filled with fun ideas, tips, tricks, a tutorial, pretties...and maybe a few things you want to try yourself. Be sure to keep stopping by!

So, here's your peek for today:



And, here's a tease for the rest of the week:

Scrapping Cents

This week, we are doing something a bit different--and totally fun!! We are a part of the Scrapbook News and Review Blog-o-log!! Yeah!! What is a blog-o-log? I show you a nifty project, and point you to the blog that provided the inspiration...too fun, eh?! And, when you are done checking out both blogs- be sure to visit SNR for 2 weeks of fun- tips, tricks, tutorials, blog-o-logs...a very special double issue premiering on Dec 6th...challenges, games, prizes- all leading to a full day crop on Dec 13th. Join us- it is going to be GREAT!!

OK- here's the fun... I have links to a couple of really, really cute embellishments tutorials. I love both of these, cause they are so flipping versatile!! The things you could make...and not pay tons of money for!!

Here is the first: Yo-Yo tutorial. I have seen these used all over the place, and have been dying to try them!! This looks easy enough even for me! Wouldn't they be cute as the heads of flowers?!

Felt Birdie Tutorial- this one includes a free template, too. She has this set up as an ornament- and, doggone they are cute! They would also look great on layouts and pages, though!! This is the blog I want to point you too, especially- I love, love her ideas- see the cute birdie ornament I made from her template?! Definitely pay her a visit!! Skip To My Lou



Be sure to stop back by here tomorrow- when I will show you how I ALTERED my Christmas tree- you won't want to miss it!!

Have fun!!

Star Ornaments

I saw this on Jennifer McGuire's blog, I think it was...loved it! Ended up doing this for Scrapbook Express- so easy. It is just 8 stars stuck together. How simple is that!! And, doesn't the Basic Grey look incredible!!

December 1st Day

December 1st has been a holiday in my world for years! I love, love, love Christmas!! I mean, seriously! So, decorating for Christmas is a passion of mine, too. Every year, on Decc 1st, the preschool kids and I take a whole day and make a party of it! We make decorations, cookies, decorate the classroom, and put up the class Christmas Tree. Too Fun! Here are a few pictures of last year's festivities using the wonderful Fancy Pants line- perfect!! This was done for Scrapbook Express- where they have Fancy Pants in stock for you!

Scrapping Cents

So, I had the most wonderful Friday!! My Fedex guy delivered the best package- I swear, if I had known what was in it, I think I would have kissed him. Lucky him, lol! My wonderful boss at Scrapbook Express sent each of her DT girls a brand spankin' new QK Silhouette!! Can you believe it?! I LOVE that woman!! If you don't have one of these bad boys, you really should check it out! They are having a deal right now- WOW!!

Anyway, that means your tips, this week are going to be cutter related. There are so many ways to save money with these darlings!! Here:

1. To sharpen blades: Several cuts through heavy duty aluminum foil.

2. You can make your own mats- and it is easy! Thin, but rigid vinyl- I use the cutting sheets you get at the dollar store, and repositionable spray adhesive. It's that simple!

3. Simulate chipboard by making the same cut several times- I keep the 5oo sheet pkgs of office quality cardstock for this (and, yes, it IS acid free)- and stack them. Put your pp on top- instant chipboard.

Here are some sites for great shapes and downloads:

1. www.mydiecuts.com This is a favorite of mine!

2. http://www.visualdesignsbychris.com/ This isn't free...but they are stunning!!

3. http://mamawslegacy.com/cut/cut.html Free- and very nice!!

4. http://mamawslegacy.com/cut/cut.html Free- and a huge library!!

And, here is a list of QK font matches for download: http://www.scrapbook.com/blogs/19078/view/3115.html

Hope this all helps!! Have fun!!

Again

A few weeks, I was fortunate enough to win a drawing of Bella Blvd papers. I love it when God has cool little treats for you! I was so excited to work with this new line- as I had been admiring their paper since they launched. I was not disappointed, either! The weight and colors are just wonderful!

This layout just screams fun, to me. I used felt for the cloud, and paint to highlight the sun. The trim around the frame is pearl paint.

Leaf Hunt

This was done using Basic Grey's Ambrosia Line...what a perfect line for fall pictures. I used a corregated paper under the pictures, and love the texture it gives...and the sewing- I love texture!! Be sure to check out Scrapbook Express for all your Basic Grey paper!!

Scrapping Cents

I love, love making my own embellishments. Not only do you get the fun of making them, they are cheaper! And, I can usually get just what I want- an extra bonus. This week, I have a couple of tutorials that will help you be making your own flowers in a snap...and for pennies!!

This video shows how to make the Maya Road felt flowers...and I LOVE felt flowers!! I tried this- it is quick, easy, and they look so darn cute!!

Here's a tutorial for paper flowers. This a are a snap to...and if you use a 1" or slightly larger circle- you will be amazed at how much they look like Primas!! Too cool, huh?!

Scrapping Cents Sightings

Tuesday Morning: MM storage containers spotted for a great price. Also, MM Christmas ornament kits.

Dollar Tree: Alphabets that look exactly like AC Thickers spotted. Chipboard and vinyl.

Scrapping Cents

With Christmas coming up- and gift making and giving at hand, I have found the perfect resource for you, today. I have found a free template for making your own little gift boxes. The great thing is, there are different sizes and shapes. Add some great paper, a few embellishments- you have a killer gift box!! Enjoy!!

Gift Box Template

Trust

I did this one for my DT work at Apple Blossom Studio Stamps, and My Sketch World...a two-fer! The sketch is a wonderful Lucy Chesnea sketch- and was a blast to work with---as usual! And the stamps, sigh...I love the stamps. Look at how versatile these are!! In one layout, I have used 3 stamps- the scalloped stamp cut out made the lovely scallops on the top of the journaling area. The journaling block cutout and popped with foam dots added a great decorative touch to this journaling area, as well. Then, the links stamp-simply stamped as normal...added a fun horizontal element to the page. I tapped of spots of ink on the chain stamp before I added it to the page- to give it an uneven vintage/distressed look. I loved the way it turned out!

I snapped this picture a couple of weekends ago, as we were driving down the road to a conference. I immediately thought of this verse- of God making our paths straight. But, if you read the verse...and I mean read it, there is a condition to this promise. We have to TRUST Him. Not my best thing, trust. And, if I am completely honest, I will admit that this is something I struggle with- trusting God. Really trusting Him. Oh, I trust that He came in the form of Jesus, that He died, rose again, and by His grace has saved my soul. But, the day to day, living trust? I confess, sometimes I feel like I am waiting for the other shoe to fall...like it is going to well. Or, I find myself thinking that God is almost waiting to 'disciple' me...to teach me some cosmic lesson. Almost as if God enjoys watching me struggle...just so I will lean on Him further...how ridiculous is that?!!

So, I have chosen to combine this verse with another:
"I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to bring you hope and a future." Jer 29:11
Put these 2 verses together...it makes it so much easier to....TRUST!!

Ready, Set, Go!

This is the All Fall collection from Fancy Pants- and I must say...I love it!! I love the colors and the patterns..and the subtle scroll patterns twisted in the argyle. I traced this artisan shape from another paper, and hand cut it- one of my fav tricks for getting a die cut shape from any pattern. I did this one for my DT work over at Scrapbook Express.

This was Carrie's first 5K...and a great deal of fun! She did great, I must say!

Snowflakes

So, have you been playing along with our 12 Weeks of Christmas Card Challenges over at Scrapbook Express? You really should be- we are having the best time!! And, getting tons of fun cards made! This one is for Kay's Snowflake Challenge...we were to have snowflakes on our background, a focal flake, and some bling. I am loving the white on white look, this year! I've actually done a few cards this way...I'll have to show them to you...

Scrapping Cents

Many times, on Scrapping Cents, I have brought you some nifty digital downloads- and digi tools. Does that make me a digi scrapper- oh NO! I love me my paper!! BUT- I really believe, if you own a printer, you have a heck of a scrapping tool!! Just by playing with some very simple things- like types of paper, and printing sizes, you can print soooo many things to add to your cards and layouts.

Today's resource is a great example of that! I am giving you the link to a killer digi site- chocked full of digi kits to download- all FREE. Yes, I know...I said I'm not digi...but look at the elements IN these kits!! Journaling cards, little flowers and doodads, titles and alphas...all perfect for printing off and adding to your layouts. And, all it will cost you is the paper and pennies for the ink! Tell me that is not a killer deal!!

And, here's a tip...I actually keep a folder on my harddrive for these goodies. That way, when I need a journalling card, I just go shopping on my harddrive! Easy-peasy! Plus- looking around for these elements on the internet can be a great way to go 'shopping' and ease that need to collect- without spending money!

OK- here's your resource for today: Shabby Princess The kits on this site are awesome!! Have fun!!

Scrapping Cents Sightings:

Tuesday Morning: Lots of nifty MM kits and storage reported.

Berry Yummy!

Oh my goodness- I cannot believe I forgot to show this to you. My only excuse? I was crazy busy the first of the month with the WCD celebration at SNR. Sorry!

This one was made using 3 Apple Blossom Studio Stamps. I love these stamps! Cannot say that enough! I embossed the candy cane stripe onto the black cardstock- great look! Then, I used the scalloped border to go around the edges...so simple- but I love the look! Then, I used the Circle journaling stamp- and then used foam squares to pop it out. The bottom circle is made of seed beads- sewn on.

Dr Robotic

Made this a ways back for the Card Section at Scrapbook News and Review. Fun, huh?! I love the Cogsmo line from Cosmo Cricket! Too cute!

Smile

Sometimes you either laugh...or pull out all your hair in frustration! I choose to laugh! He he he!

This one was made for the Breast Cancer Awareness Month Think Pink Contest over at Scrapbook Express. Be sure to join us for all sorts of fun and contests in our gallery!

Scrapping Cents

Saw this awesome idea for Stickles storage, and had to share!! How easy is this- and it would work for Stickles, liquid Pearls, alcohol ink, paint tubes...heck, you could even store glitters, sequins, beads, etc this way! Love it!! Thanks, Lulu- what a great, simple...and CHEAP idea!

Stickles Storage

Birthday Chuckle...

I don't think I ever shared this card. I made it for a young friend on his 16th birthday...and it still makes me chuckle! So...know anyone like this? Remember the days? I do, lol!

The Journey

Used the stunning Basic Grey Scarlett's Letter collection for this...I just love this collection, such depth and detail to this paper!!


Journaling:
When I started this diet, it was just that- a diet. A temporary thing to loose a
few pounds. It always had as the primary goal to lose as many pounds as my
body would allow me. I knew that would probably not mean ending up buff.
It quickly developed into more than a diet, though. I realized that in order to do
anything of value, I was going to have to let Jesus guide me. It became a journey.
I learned that the changes would have to be life long and come of a desire to please
Him. I learned that Jesus is my strength in all thing-this too. I was taught that
self control is not gift of the Holy Spirit, but a fruit- for all who claim to be
Christians to wield. Through the process, I grew so much closer to my Lord.


Somewhere along the road, I lost sight, though. I forgot the goal, and substituted
another...the perfect dress size. So, when the end of my weight loss came—I was
actually disappointed. I had lost 120 pounds, and all I could ask was- is this it?
I looked in the mirror and saw what Satan wanted me to see. I had to be
reminded...reminded of the goal. I HAD lost every pound my body would allow.
More importantly, I had to be reminded of the Lesson. I had to be reminded
that it was never about the destination. It was always about the Journey...
and Who I allowed to lead it! And what I allowed Him to teach me along the way.

Looking for the Scarlett Letter Paper pack from Basic Grey? Check out Scrapbook Express!!

Issue 7 is up!

Great news! The October issue of Scrapbook News and Review has published! We now have 4 times the content of the leading scrap mags- with complete sections for card, altered art, mini albums, product reviews, and more...in addition to just plain awesome layouts and scrapping articles!! And, remember- $4.99 gets you access to everything we have ever published- for one month...not just the current issue!! Imagine...a scrap library for 4.99!! Check it out!!

Scrapping Cents

This week, our Scrapping Cents is going to deal with Fonts. If you have an electronic die cutter, fonts are invaluable. But, Even if you do not, fonts can be a great asset to a scrapbooker. Whether you use them for printing journaling, printing dingbats to use as embellishments, making your own rub ons, or to print a title- fonts are a huge weapon in our arsenol!!

This week, I want to introduce you to 2 font managers- both free. Nexus Font is a slick application that lets you view, compare, install, uninstall and even create favorite lists for every font on your system. Font Thing does many of the same things- but it also allows you to load the font for one time use...you reboot the system, and the font is automatically uninstalled. Now, why do you care? A couple of reasons...first, every font you install uses system memory. This means if you have a lot of fonts installed, your system will slow down, and performance will degrade. Also, if you have hundreds of fonts, like I do, sifting through them to find the exact font I want can take forever! A font manager lets you organize them into catagories- like titles, script, dingbats, etc.

Oh, and now that you have a great font manager, I thought you might want a great site for free fonts: check out DaFont. It Rocks!!

Scrapping Cents Sightings:

I have seen some reports of awesome clearance prices at T's...you might want to check it out!

Fancy Pant-sy Clock

It's been a while since I've shown you anything altered. So, what do you think of my 50 cent clock? I found this at a garage sale...and paid all of 50 cents for it. Then I painted it, added a bunch of Fancy Pants goodness to it...and voila- a Fancy Pant-sy Clock!! I love this line of papers- don't you?! You can get them over at Scrapbook Express!

Haley!

I never showed you Haley! This is one of my fav's I've done recently. I made it to tell a special young lady how much Jesus loves her. I used the wonderful Paper Loft line- I love, love the texture of this!! Such depth to the paper! Anyway- all of those beads are hand sewn on...and I used a scrap of real denim to mat the photo. Several rows of stitching add the perfect frame, I think.

New Sketch!

A new sketch is up at My Sketch World...and, dang it was fun!! I decided to do this one as a round layout. I've always wanted to try one, and this was the perfect chance. I swear, the hardest part of this, was getting the right size circle traced and cut. I didn't have an 11" dinner plate, lol. Then I decided I needed and 11 1/2" circle, instead...let me tell you, that was a bad plan- since I added all the circles around the edge to make a scallop. Now the doggone thing won't fit in my album, hehehe! Oh, well- it was fun!

Scrapping Cents

Ever wish you could get the look of those great shaped papers, without spending the big bucks? Or maybe you want a shaped paper out of a favorite patterned paper? The solution? Easy peasy...I have bought paper just for the shape. Then trace onto a regular piece of whit cardstock or kraft paper. Cut it out, and now you have a template. I have done this many, many times...easy, and it works like a charm!!

Scrapping Cents Sighting:

Here is a free download from A Million Memories...these are the cutest journaling spots!!

U Rock!

This one was just plain fun! I used the Spooktastic Collection from Bo Bunny...available at Scrapbook Express. The tiny rhinestones in each leter give it a great punch, don't you think? See- not all holiday paper has to be used for a holiday!

Still Waters

This one took me over 3 hours to hand sew each of those tiny seed beads into place...but I love the effect! The papers are the lovely Sonoma Collection from Scenic Route. If your looking for them....Scrapbook Express has them!!

It's HERE!!

It's a holiday- a great, great holiday!!  It is World Cardmaking Day- and I am so excited!!  I mean- who wouldn't be?  A full day of scrapping goodness--at the amazing event over at SNR, new papers and fun from Scrapbook Express...and it's even raining, here!  Hey- there were even gifts involved, at my house!  

Looking for a great day, too?  Join us over at Scrapbook News and Review for our WCD Winter Wonderland Card Crop!!  Seriously, you will not believe everything we have planned for you!  Games- lots of fun games, over a dozen challenges, co sponsors, exclusive sketches, new techniques to try, galleries filled with holiday goodness...want to see the new holiday lines from all the major manufacturers...WITHOUT having to travel all over the internet??!!!  We have a gallery set up, and ready for you to drool over!  OH!  And PRIZES!  I did mention prizes, right?!  Well- we have tons of prizes- and they are going to be given away all day.  Come on over!!  You'll be glad you did!!

Call for Holiday Cards

I know, I've been neglecting you all this week- and I have some really nifty new projects to post, too.  Remember WCD is tomorrow?  Of course you do!!  You all are planning to attend the WCD Winter Wonderland Card Crop at SNR- right?!  Fact is, Jenna and I have been crazy busy getting everything ready for our fun day.  You would not believe what we have planned for you!!  Challenges, games, tons and tons of prizes....  anyway, I took a moment, cause I had to post the current call for you!

Are you ready to have your treasures published in the fastest growing, most exciting publication in the industry? Scrapbook News and Review is accepting submissions for its November issue. We are looking for cards on these subjects: 

-Christmas, Winter and winter Holidays...bring on the holiday cheer! 
-Thanksgiving- including cards, table scapes, placecards, etc 
-Welcome cards 
-Thank You cards 
-Anniversary Cards 
-Painting 
-Ribbon 

The Details: 

--All Cards should be submitted by Oct 12th. 
--Images should be no larger than 350 pixels on the longest side 
--Image names should include card name and your name...For Example:  Happy Birthday by Mary Smith.jpg 
--Please include complete supply list in submission 
--Please include contact information. 
--Cards may be previously seen. If chosen, we respectfully request they be removed from any blogs or galleries. An 'Out for Publication' sign will be provided upon request. 
--send submissions to: ahouse@scrapbooknewsandreview.com 

Holiday Projects:

The holidays are fast approaching, and Scrapbook News and Review is looking for your favorite holiday projects!! Submissions are being taken for altered goods and projects with a holiday theme---projects must reflect the religious nature of the holiday. How does your family keep Christ in Christmas? Do you have a favorite advent calendar? Advent Candles? Ornaments? Wall Hanging? Nativity Scene? Show us!!!! 

The Details: 

--All Projects should be submitted by October 12th. 
--Images should be no larger than 350 pixels on the longest side 
--Image names should include card name and your name...For Example:  Happy Birthday by Mary Smith.jpg 
--Please include complete supply list in submission 
--Please include contact information. 
--Cards may be previously seen. If chosen, we respectfully request they be removed from any blogs or galleries. An 'Out for Publication' sign will be provided upon request. 
--send submissions to: ahouse@scrapbooknewsandreview.com 

Scrapping Cents

Found this awesome idea---and simply had to share it. Diane shares HERE her simple- and cheap- idea for clear stamp storage. Now, I have used this idea for months as my storage for my thickers and stickers...but clear stamps is a great idea, too!!  BTW, a little of the cardboard from the postbound albums- the spacers- will make the sheet protectors stand out nice and pretty!

Thanks, Diane!!

Cat Out Loud!

The DT at Scrapbook Express is working with Halloween papers and goodies, this month.  This Bo Bunny Spooktacular was perfect fro capturing the spastic nature of my half crazed fur baby!!  No kidding- this cat streaks through the house running at and climbing door jams full tilt.  He gets in these moods- I have termed them frippy.  He gets frippy.  Seriously!  Sis keeps muttering about Kitty Valium.  But, I love him!

Supplies:  Bo Bunny Spooktacular paper and embellishments, Hobby Lobby Cardstock, Grungeboard, Rhinestones...and don't you love the filstrip digital frame?  That was a free download from 2Peas.

World Cardmaking Day!!!!

Scrapbook News and Review Presents...

WCD Winter Wonderland Card Crop OCT 4th

Scrapbook News and Review is ringing in the holiday card making season in a grand way! World Card Making Day is Oct 4th, and we at Scrapbook News and Review are inviting you to join us for a full day of cardmaking fun! There will be tons of games, challenges, and fun banter in the forums. Our galleries will be open for inspiration, including a new gallery filled with tons of holiday cheer. We will be showing a complete look at all the major holiday releases this year. There will also be fun guest sponsors and hosts, and fun prizes, too...definitely not to be missed!

Ready to get your holiday cardmaking started? Want to see the fun Winter Lines the major manufacturers are debuting this season? Want to make some new friends, and maybe win a few prizes? Make plans to join Scrapbook News and Review (www.scrapbooknewsandreview.com) on Oct 4th for an all day Card Crop.

Scrapping Cents

I have actually called ribbon storage the Holy Grail of Scrapbooking- and it is. Everybody is looking for the perfect solution...someone could make a fortune, I swear! Wanna see mine? See? Ribbon stays vertically stored, no rolling, room for almost a hundred rolls. Want to know what it cost me? Nothing. Zip. Zero. Nada. Gotta love it! You want to know where, right? Big Lots. So, here is the story...I am out on a mission one day last year- ribbon storage or bust! I have gone to literally every store I can think of- nothing. Now, I am willing to pay some bucks, here- it just didn't exist. Finally, I am walking through BL, and what do I spy? Their Christmas ribbon for sale---in this handy little cardboard endcap. I asked the manager- cause it was almost empty- and she was thrilled to give it to me. A little alteration...and we have ribbon storage. I actually have another one in storage- there for when I need it. Just thought I'd mention it...it being the Christmas ribbon selling season, and all.

Scrapping Cents Sightings:

BL: Lots of cool MM Garden Party accessories...for $1!

Scrapbook News and Review: Sept issue is up- and remember: pay for one month, and you get access to EVERY, single issue we have ever published for that month. Now, THAT is a bargain!!

Trumpet Call

You have simply got to love the Eva Line from Basic Grey...I mean look at those colors!! The entire line is just so rich and beautiful together. Truly as dream to work with, I tell you! I made this one as part of my DT work at Scrapbook Express- and you know they have this line- at a great price, and for very reasonable shipping costs. Check it out!

Happy Half Birthday!!

The 6th- yes, 6th issue of Scrapbook News and Review is up and ready for your reading pleasure. Everyday, I see threads and conversations on the forums about the lack of content in the popular scrapping magazines. Can I just say: CHECK US OUT!! SNR has literally hundreds of projects, dozens of articles, a complete card section,and tons of altered projects and mini albums. Not to mention product reviews, tutorials, even a monthely feature that tours cool scraprooms. How fun is that?! And, it bears repeating: Pay for one month- you get EVERYTHING we have ever published for that month!!! Check it out!!

Scrapbook News And Review

12 Weeks of Christmas Card Challenges

I know- you immediately thought, "Christmas?! No way!!" Yes, way! Especially if you want to get all those cards ready in time to address and mail in a timely fashion. And Scrapbook Express has the answer to making this fun, too! 12 Weeks of Christmas Card challenges started last Weds- and will continue to run for the next 11 weeks. There will be fun, friends- and, of course, prizes!! Come join us!!

For more info: CLICK HERE!

Baby Gift Set

One of the parents in our program had a new baby boy, and I got to decorate the gift set...yeah me! I love decorating baby things- so fun and whimsical!! Anyway- I had to use my Apple Blossom Studio stamps for this- too fun! I tell you what, if I had to defend one stamp with my life, it would be that long scallop border! I love that thing- I have used it so many times. Of course, the awesome journal spots are so handy, too. I just love mixing and matching these stamps on projects. They really are so fun to use. If you have not checked them out yet...you really need to pop over and have a look!

Apple Blossom Studios Stamps

Scrapping Cents

So, let's talk about your die cutter. You bought it, no doubt, with the idea of making your own embellishments and saving some money. So, let's get creative and really save some money. You know that your Cuttlebug and Revolution will cut thin chipboard...so you are already saving and using things like cereal boxes, right? Did you know they will also cut acetate? So, save your clamshells from your purchases- and you can cut your won ghost shapes. The embossing folders also emboss the plastic- for a great look!! And, alcohol inks add color. Felt and fun foam can also be cut with your machines. And, think of the fun of cutting and embossing thin metal sheets. So many possibilities...don't forget to keep a look out for fun things to cut and emboss in your machine!!

Slip, Slide and Away

The DT at Scrapbook Express is working with the yummy My Mind's Eye, this month. This really is one of my fav paper makers...I love the weight and texture of the paper. It just feels yummy!

I had fun with this layout. I actually cut up a cardboard box, peeled back the top layer...and- look! Isn't the texture wonderful?! I thought it was the perfect background for all the fancy cutting I did- not to mention the fun pops of red.

Scrapping Cents

Stamps don't always have to be bought...let's look at 'found' or made stamps, this week.

First, look around at everyday objects. The bottoms of cups and bottles will make great round stamps...for ink or paint. I have a square candle holder and children's wooden blocks...more great shapes. Imagine making your own patterned papers...fun!

Also, consider making your own stamps. fun foam is super cheap...and easy to cut. If you have a die cut machine-like a cuttlebug...you can make stamps in the shapes of all your favorite dies. Just cut, ink and stamp! If you don't have a die cut machine, consider hunting the internet for simple, graphic images- coloring pages are great for this. Then print them off, and use them as a template.

Last idea-- consider looking around for 'texture stamps'...things you can imprint texture from. Sponges, make up brushes, even wadded up yarn dipped in ink and pounced on your paper can make the niftiest effects. Be creative...and have fun!!

Scrapping Cents Sightings:

BL is having some killer deals. McGraw Hill punches are making it to some BL- at $4 a punch. These are the big ones that are still in HL for $20. Also, some great alterable items at great prices.

HL continues its killer reset...BG roller tools, Nestabilities, and Grungeboard have even been seen. AWESOME!

Gift Bag

A dear friend went in for surgery a couple of weeks ago- yes, she's fine...but, I made this as part of the gift. Love the way this bag turned out! The window is simply the saved packaging from a misc product...I love saving the clamshells!! The paper is all from a K&Co paper pad, and this was definitely one of my favorite pads. I think I used almost every page! Have a great weekend!!

Splish, Splash!

The DT over at Scrapbook Express has been having a blast working with 7 Gypsies, this month...lucky us!! These papers are from the bea-u-ti-ful Nottinghill Collection....Yummy!! I also cuttlebug embossed the clear plastic for a fun water-y look...love the way that turned out!!