Congrats to our Winners!!

We want to thank everyone who participated in last weekend's Oh Say Can You See Blog Hop. With over 90 blogs along the way, there was quite the parade of inspiration, fun and patriotic celebration for the holiday weekend. We have appreciated all of the wonderful comments and feedback we have received from everyone involved. A special congradulations goes to our list of Scrapbook News and Review winners for the event.

From the Staff Blogs, the winners for the 1 month free subscription are:

Anne: Peggy Marsh- the Wired Angel
Tina: Ginni Gass
Pam: Anita Bugg
Jamie: Kristina
Tami: Beth http://beth714.blogspot.com/
Grace: Andrea http://www.scrapteaze.typepad.com
Jennifer: Sheila
Thena: Joyce of http://iamsimplyblessed.blogspot.com/
Lucy: Cassie
Cheryl: Sonia Kertznus
Kim: Freida

And, our winner of the free 1 year subscription to Scrapbook News and Review: Adina Medina.

Congradulations, we know you will enjoy all of the inspiration inside our magazine.

A Day of FUN!

Are you looking for a great day of fun?! We have an amazing day planned for you over in the Scrapbook News and Review Forums. It is our first in a series of summer long events- today is A Spring Into Summer. We have free workshops, challenges, games, prizes, and a gallery filled with brand new inspiration. This event has been months in the making, and you get to benefit.

So, pull out your scrapping supplies and head on over...It is definitely an afternoon you will not want to miss!

Welcome!!

A big welcome to everyone who is joining us from the Card Universe Oh Say Can You See 4th of July Blog Hop. If you came from Hand to Paper you are on the right track! If you didn't you may want to hop to the Card Universe and start at the beginning.

Today I want to show you my Lizzie Anne Designs Patriotic Card:



For this project, I used my sizzex die to cut out the flowers. My favorite trick for making flowers look lifelike and interesting is to fold the leaves. Too often, people cut out die cut or punched flowers, they layer them, but they leave them flat. You want realism, start moving the petals toward the center of the flower, helping them to curl and add depth.

This is a project made especially for the Spring into Summer Event coming up next week at Scrapbook News and review. Lizzie Anne Designs is one of the sponsors for this, and there will be an entire gallery filled with inspriration. There will also be workshops, challenges, games and more- for all of our sponsors. It is going to be an incredible afternoon- so clear your schedule!





Now, my blog is the first SNR Staff member blog on the hop so far. So, I get to give you our first secret word. Your word is: COUNTRY. Write this word down, and as you hop along the blog hop, be on the lookout for the rest of the SNR Staff blogs. Each staff member will have a secret word or phrase to give you. Collect them all, and when you arrive at th last stop- SNR, you will be asked to unscramble them and form a famous quote. If you can do this, you can win a chance at a free 1 year subscription to Scrapbook News and Review Magazine!

Which reminds me- I have a little blog candy to share with you! Each SNR staff member is also giving away a 1 month subscription to the magazine. To enter into this random drawing, simply leave a comment to this post. Your comment must include your email address, so I will know how to contact you. You have until 10PM CST Sunday July 5, 2009 to leave your comment. Want an extra entry? I will give all those signed up to follow my blog an entry too. So, leave a comment, and sign up to follow my blog, and that is 2 chances to win. Winner will be by random draw, and notified by email.

Now- for your next stop on the Blog Hop. You are off to visit Jeanette at H2O Creations. HAve a great time- and enjoy the rest of the Hop!!

4U

Don't you love teddy bears? I have a confession, I used to collect teddy bears. Had over 75 stuffed...until they threatened to over run me and take over my home. Now, I stick to the adorable paper variety.

This little guys was a coloring page on the internet. I opened him up in my graphics editor, scaled him to size, and printed him on some brown cardstock. Then I sanded and distressed the edges for a little texure. The bracket from Technique Tuesday made the perfect window.

Scrapping Cents

Anyone still out there- or have you all given up on me? I woud understand- I have been a baaaadddddd blogger! But, I have been very busy- and I can now tell you why. It's your tip this week, too- ready?

How would you like to go to a completely free stamping convention? We are talking completely free, top notch workshops, incredible manufacturers, prizes, ideas, ton- and I mean TONS of eye candy...and a chance to be seen by the manufacturers, too?! I am dead serious- and the travel and airfare is free, too- cause it's virtual, lol! That's right- SNR is hosting it's first Summer Stamping Wrokshop- and it is going to be IN-CRED-I-BLE!! I am not kidding- I know the plans, and I am bouncing excited.

OK- here's what you need to do- keep an eye here...I am going to get you a supply list and class schedule in the next couple of days. And then- plan to be at SNR next Saturday afternoon. Send the Hubby and the kiddos to the movie- the new Ice Age is out- they'll love it. It is going to be one truly awesome day!!

Scrapping Cents

I love making cards- it is such a great way to use up your scraps...and a mini piece of creativity, too. Today I came across a free template for the cutest flower pot card. Well, I had to show it to you!!

Printable Template

Here's a tutorial for this card: Flower Pot Card

Have fun!!

Believe

My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love the decorations, the carols, the gifts...and of course the meaning! Care's favorite holiday is Easter. She gets so excited every year...and for her it is all about the meaning. This is a child of God who is thankful for Grace!!

This year, I decided she needed an Easter decoration. She was thrilled...yeah, ok- one of the reasons she loves Easter is that there are no decorations. But, she did like this one, so I was happy.

This features the new Blossoms and Blooms line from My Minds Eye. I love the colors in that one.

Spoiled

My sister has a servant's heart...she always has. One day, I started coming downstairs in the morning, to find everything I needed to make my breakfast right there by the microwave. All portioned out, all ready to put together. It's a little thing- but it is her way of saying I love you. Since I made this layout, that has changed. Now, she brings is- all cooked- on a tray up to me, every morning. You see, she read that for the body to work best, and process calories best, you should have a certain amount of time between meals. So she is helping me with that. So...am I spoiled? Oh yeah!!

This one used all Basic Grey...love that Bittersweet Collection!

Scrapping Cents

Want to hear my Scrapping Cents Tip for this week? I actually have two for you...not sure either of them is profound. But, I'll share them anyway. Here goes...

One:

Garage Sales ROCK for organizational equipment!! No kidding...people have bought them by the droves, gotten frustrated with them, and are selling them for a buck or 2 a piece. Get out there--I ahve never come home empty handed. Now, I am not just talking drawer dividers and containers- I mean shelves and white particle board units. Yeahm you know- the rubber made ones that you spend 15-40$ a piece on at WM. Think vertical...A 3' shelf, stacked with a shoe thing on top...or any combination. Once you marry them together, these look like furniture. I'm telling you...

Two:

The old Cassette tape holders...the ones that were made to put your cassette tapes into...these things are perfect for ribbons on the roll. Each slot hold one spool of ribbon. And, they come in wall units, vertical towers, etc, etc... Best part? People are giving them away! I mean- who uses cassettes anymore, right?

Hope these ideas help!!

Out My Window

This was for last month's issue of SNR. I have been wanting this picture forever. So many mornings as I get ready for work, I will see this cardinal in the branches out my window...but he was so skittish. I couldn't believe he atually sat still long enough for me to get this shot!!

The scripture I added to this, was Mt 6:26 "Look at the birds of the field..."

Thanks!

I did this one for last month's issue of SNR- and I liked the simplicity of it. I can the background paper through my cuttlebug for the embossing...then did a little distressing and inking to make it pop. The bird is from the 7 Gypsies Nottinghill collection- and I love the subtle texture he adds. The paper is from Kaiser. Have a great day!!

Scrapping Cents

Ever wish you could go to a Stamp or Scrap Convention and not have the time or resources? What if I told you, you caould learn the same stuff at home, without spending any money? Cool, huh!! Well, there are soe incredible resources out there, that will help you do just that. This week, I am going to share a couple of my very favorite with you.

Technique Trail: This is an awesome blog, filled with tips, trick, and a ton- a literal ton of tutorials.

Stampin' Academy: this one has a bunch of videos, and ideas that will make you wonder: why didn't I think of that?!

Card Universe: This one is my favorite- of course. Do you know we have over 100 videos in our Video area...and we add to it weekly! We have a page of tutorials that will blow you away! And--it is just great fun and companionship, too!!

NOTE: This month's issue of Scrapbook News and Review just published--hurry on over and check it out!!

A Fun Challenge from Scrapbook Express{ions}

Some of you may have noticed that my design team term with Scrapbook Express ended. So sad, as this really was the best store and the best team to work with. It is always wonderful when you can design or something you believe in- and I really do endorse this store. Anytime, for anyone.

Fortunately, however, I have the chance to work on the brand new blog team for the store. This is a really fun blog, that you will definitely want to add to your feeder and check often. There are fun posts, challenges, tips and ideas every week day. This week, there is an ad challenge going on with a great prize!! Hop on over and take a look, cause the contest closes Weds night. You could even win a great stamp set from Bo Bunny as a prize...so go check it out!!

Scrapping Cents

This week is going to be a quick one, friends. Sorry about that...but I did find a great tutorial for making your own designed patterned paper. What a great way to save some money and get a custom look, too!!

Check it out- and aren't the cards she made with them too cute! This whole thing just made me want to pull out my stamps and play!

Mish Mash: Patriotic Cards One Sheet Wonder Style

Baskets of Happiness

This week, SNR and the Card Universe are thrilled to be sponsoring the challenge over at 365 Cards. This fun blog is chocked full of daily inspiration and mojo. Our challenge was a sketch that I made for them- and this card was my play. This stamp is a Gina K that I recieved in the stamp image swap hosted by SNR--isn't it cute? I love the shading on this. The paper is Making Memories Garden Party...add a little ribbon and a little bling, and voila!!

Be sure to hop on over to 365 Cards and play along. You might even win a 3 month subscription to SNR! Fun, fun!!

BathTime Bella

Stamping Bella are some of my favorite stamp--ever. So, when I got a couple in a Stamp image swap hosted at SNR- I couldn't wait to play. This one was chalked on the edges to make a great aged look. I also added Glossy Accents in the tub and on the puddle to look like water. And a few stickles in the bubbles aded a great bit of glitter.

This one was my Mother's Day Card for Mom. The inside says: It's your day...enjoy!

Have a great day, yourself!!

Scrapping Cents

Hey- guess what I found? I found the coolest site for hybrid scrapping! WAIT! Don't click away, yet...I know, I said the word hybrid....it is a little intimidating...but it is so cool, super easy...and can be a great way to save a few buck, too!! This site is run by the Digichick Boutique, and one of the things I love about it is the awesome walk through on how to get started. She has some great tips for printing your very first digital paper- um, which makes it paper, paper, lol! They also have awesome hyprid templates, to make your paper projects super easy...and to get you started- a free paper pack. You really should check it out!

The Hybrid Chick

Whoooo's 2?

OK, I admit it--I am in love with this cute owl paper from American Crafts. Yes, you have seen it in a few other things- but, dang! It's just too cute. My other new love affair? Glossy Accents. Seriously. This suff is great- for this card, I covered the 2 in it. And, see those cute little brown brads? Nope- they are little hole punched circles from brown cardstock, and a drop of glossy accents on top. Voila- and, you really would think they are brads in person, too. Did you know that GA makes an excellent glue, too. My handle came off my wood handle sponge ink applicator. :-( 2 drops of GA, it was set in like 5 minutes! Lumpy stuff for you layouts? GA, baby! Yeah, I know... I am starting to sound like an infomercial...I'll stop. But, I did tell you I loved the stuff, lol!!

Flowers For You

I made this card for the Scrapbook Expresss blog- and really like the way it came out. The white is embossed with my Swiss Dots folder...then I masked a Unity stamp to get just the stems and leaves. A simple set of Bazzill Bitties and a ribbon- and it is a lovely card. I love cards that will work for many different occassions, too!!

Scrapping Cents

OK- can't take credit for this one...all Mom's ideas. You know, every once in a while, she just has a good one, lol! Anyway- her suggestion--need wrapping paper and don't want to buy a whole pack? Dive into the scrapping supplies! Those 12x12 papers will work for many smaller boxes- and you can get them for a great price on sale. Um, yeah- Mom doesn't know about the hoards and stashes of older paper that we are trying to get rid of!! Great use for the older stuff, huh?

Now, I just want to know what Mom was dong in a scrapbook store without me?!