Confessions of a Drama Mama

Recovering

2008-09-07T16:58:00.000-07:00

In the process of recovering from Gustav, so our site will be up and running a little later than anticipated, but if you are looking for a place to chat with other scrappers come on by our Creative Forum and let the creativity flow or just vent a little to others (b/c you know I will).
We are awaiting to see if we are going to be hit again by the next storm before starting on anything. So our next adventure will probably be postponed til October and will end up being a halloween treat. Stay safe everyone and until next time I bid you well ...

2008-08-18T18:29:00.000-07:00

TWILIGHT SALE

Wednesday, August 2oth

9AM - 9PM

Lots of new stuff!

Our last day in the store with products will be Friday, August 22nd.
Thank you to everyone who has been supportive and I hope you join us on our new adventure @ www.onecreativemama.com, which will be up and running in September. Sign up for a free account now.

New email address onecreativemama@gmail.com

Off & On

2008-08-13T06:20:00.000-07:00

You will see us at the store, if you are passing through be sure to stop, we still have plenty of items to sell. Our last day in the store with products will be August 22nd. Please pass the word! We will still be emailing everyone and also be starting something new. If you'd like to kind of get a head start on the site you can go to www.onecreativemama.com. We are still getting it together, but feel free to peak in.

YUCK!!!

I absolutely hate talking to operators on the phone or the machines when you call a company and you have to press like 50 million numbers to get to the dept. you need to talk to and then when you do get to them, they are like reading from a script. I know legally they probably have to read from their computer screen, but ugh! I hate it! I actually had it happen to me yesterday and couldn't follow what she was saying, so I asked her for a minute could you speak english and not read from the screen and just answer my question. I mean I could never have that job - what a crappy job. Hopefully it pays well.

Note: For those who have these "crappy" jobs, I will pray for you and I'm sorry if I offended you, because you like your "crappy" job.

Unfortunately ...

2008-08-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

Due to many changes at the store, we will have to close our doors. Saturday from 9-4, we will be discounting plenty of items, but some of our stuff will now get sold online. We are in the process of getting that started. Products will still be made available to those who need it, so don't hesitate to drop us an email and we will keep everyone informed as to when we we start online. We will still have crops every so often, so be on the lookout for those (location TBA). Our Girls Gone Crafty event will still be held at least once a year. We will be attending several scrapbooking events and teaching classes there. So, we are ending one chapter and beginning a new one.

Kelly & I have enjoyed the ups and downs of this business, the new friends we have made, the inspiration we have drawn from and the wonderful community that has supported us this past year. I hope & pray that all of you enjoyed it as well and will continue to keep in touch with us.

On to other news ...
I STILL GOT IT! Did you hear that?
Yeah, me 32, 3 kids and a t-shirt & jeans. And I kind of got asked out on a date by an 18yo, well here's how it went.
Boy: What's your name?
Me (feeling awkward and looking around): Michelle
Boy: Where's your boyfriend?
Me (wanting to run really far away): Do you mean my husband? He's at work.
Boy: Oh! Well, what are you doing after you leave here.
Me (now I'm seriously like freakin' out, lookin' around for a camera): Ummm, going home with my three kids.
Boy: Does your husband take care of those kids, b/c if he doesn't I would for you.
Me (at this point, I'm trying to contain my laughter, b/c I'm thinking something I don't want to say, like what do you mean you can take care of my kids, can you even produce sperm, but instead): He does just fine, thanks. (and I walk away quickly)

Just thought you'd enjoy that!

I will update soon on Girls Gone Crafty with plenty of pics & some videos.
Lots of fun had by all, so you don't want to miss the next one.

Random Post ... Please continue about your business

2008-07-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

There should be a law put into effect that all men must marry and sign over all their rights, kind of like a power of attorney thing, to their wife. I mean they are not using their brains anyway. They are totally incapable of making an actual decision, ok let's retract that maybe they are just not making it with the right head. Like fa' real - fa' real (said in my wonderful high pitched voice)! Now this is not to say every man is a complete idiot, but face it - some are and they don't think about who they hurt in the process.

Note: my husband is not the reason for this post.

But to some degree, each man is incapable of making decisions. Like my husband can't pick out a place to eat to save his life. Like really we would probably still be sitting in some parking lot making a decision on where we should go to eat and that was last week. Of course, some are worse than others. Some make life changing decisions without consulting with their wives and then they wonder why they are divorced, lonely, & poor. Stupid decisions! Stupid men!

Note: please do not hold me responsible for said men getting angry about reading this and making stupid decisions. What am I talking about, no men read this, but if they did - Consult with your wife, before you do anything. You'll be in less trouble in the long run. And to those who do consult with their wives, kudos to you. You deserve the Best Husband Award, well actually if you can win it competing against my husband. Good Luck with that!

Change of Hours!

2008-07-29T17:59:00.000-07:00

Due to staff changes, we will be open on Monday, Wednesday, & Friday only from 10AM - 6PM.

Thank you to all who have been so supportive & patient with the changes!

A Lot Has Happened ...

2008-07-27T22:58:00.000-07:00

My trip to Gulf Coast Scrappers last weekend was exhilirating! It was definitely the boost I needed for myself to keep creating. Our store did fabulous! As far as the comments, we really rocked and I can't wait to go back. My husband had no problem walking into a room full of women with 3 kids and said we should do it more often. Yeah, I think he just liked the attention. My daughter was even bribed with chocolate to go to a scrap table, so her and I had a little chit chat afterward about not taking candy from strangers (Just Joking, Christy).

These wonderful women were up for any challenge and I gave them one here using lace embroidery made by my Nanny, here are a few examples: (They did awesome!)

So after four days of being there with my wonderful customers/volunteers/friends and my husband & kids.

I really needed some down time, so you might have noticed we were closed a little longer than planned. First off, upon leaving on Sunday, my husband's truck had a little problem, well let's say a $1500 problem. We had to leave it at the hotel with my wire racks in the back to rush off in the van with the rest of the store to my godchild's birthday party in Houma (could not miss that - b/c I would then be voted the worst Nanny in the world). After the party was done, my van wouldn't start and so began our misadventures with chaffeurs from all over. Oh, and did I mention we also were heading to a wake and a baseball tournament for my son. Yeah, JOY, JOY! Oh, and also just to let you know yes I was an emotional wreck after only having 8 hours of sleep in 4 days, I kind of looked like Diane Keaton in Something's Gotta Give when Jack Nicholson leaves her and she cries for days -well I only cried for a few hours I'm not that bad off. Kind of funny title to the movie, now that I think about it, Something's Gotta Give - story of my life. So, to make a long story short, of course Super MOM came to my rescue yet again to save this poor pitiful damsel (did I say AGAIN!) and toted us around all five of us and $2000 later we got our vehicles back and were up and running by Wednesday, mind you my husband lost 3 days of work, so that royally sucked. But being the wonderful prince he is, he made light of it and said that maybe it was God's way of saying we needed to spend more time together - well, maybe I'll send Him the bill, next time. LOL

So, by Wednesday I was finally able to put everything back in the store and it took me nearly three days to put it back together to only take it apart again for Girls Gone Crafty. Oh, well. Then on Saturday, my dog, Smokey gets a hook stuck in his lip. WHAT>>???? I know - crazy! After my dad wrangles Smokey and manages to get the hook out we all head to my nephew's wedding, I know I can't believe I'm old enough to say I have a nephew getting married and wait it gets better, I'm going to be a great Aunt as well, did you hear that or read that???? b/c if you are old as I am you might need your hearing aid or glasses!!!! Where did my life go? Things just seem to be moving so quickly and my legs are moving slower. Even on the dance floor, never did I think I would say that! But I just don't have it like I used to, I know I'm not 80 but I used to really keep up with the young ones and give them a run for their money, but now I'm out on the dance floor asking what is that song and when did it come out and learning it came out like a year ago.

OK, so enough run on sentences ...

Girls Gone Crafty

We are opening up registration again for this weekend for any last minute scrappers.

Only 25 spots available so act fast.

For those already attending here are some tidbits you might want to keep in mind:

1.) If you are staying for 2 days, bring a sheet to cover your stuff at the end.

2.) Bring these supplies for Make-n-takes or share with neighbor:

Hole Puncher (any type)

Adhesive (wet & dry)

Scissors

6 wallet photos of a party (optional)

Assorted Alpha Stickers

Brown Ink Pad

Stapler

Distressor (or just use a sander, file, or scissors)

2 4x6 photos (optional)

1 wallet photo (optional)

Photos can be added later

3.) You will have assigned seating, but can move to another table as long as you stay within your group and not take a seat of someone you don't know.

4.) Check in is at 8AM every day and 5PM for 1/2 day participants

5.) We have over 30 prizes, lots of fun & games, loads of tips and creativity to go around!!!

6.) The photographer (Tiffany Bankston) will be there Saturday Evening to take some fun Photo Booth shots, so don't miss out this will be fun.

7.) Close to My Heart will be doing Make-n-takes in their booth throughout the day each day.

8.) Here's our schedule:

Each Day:
8AM - Check In

Coffee & Beignets

Drinks & Snacks throughout the event

9AM - Rev Up Your Scrap Engines & Let the Scrappin' Begin (everyone gets settled in to scrap)12PM - 1PM - Plate Lunches

2PM- Make-n-Take Group Rally (led by The Scrap Boutique)

3PM - SWAP (this will be a free for all at select tables, in which participants can bring their scrappin' stuff they no longer need and leave at the front desk and later go to the tables at swap time and pick up other people's scrappin' stuff they might need - "trash to treasure") Join in if you want, all are welcome to participate.

5PM - 1/2 Day Participants Check-In

5PM - 7PM - Plate Lunches

7PM - Another Rev Up

Daiquiris

8PM - Make-n-Take Group Rally (led by The Scrap Boutique)

Midnight - Fire Up the Hogs

SWAP (same as day)

End @ 2AM
Games will be held throughout the event, participation is optional. (the games will be between other activities and we will only hold about 4 of these a day)

Can't wait to see you there!!!

Soooo Sorrry!, I'm Sorry, SOOO Sorry!

2008-07-15T04:25:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd start in song early this morning.

I completely let the day get away from me yesterday while I was packing up the store to go to GCS, so I forgot to announce the winner for the Storyboard Challenge and that would be .....

Nicole Petersen

She journaled her daughter's routine ... great job Nicole ... and Congratulations!

So, since this week and weekend will be so busy we are going to skip the Challenge for this week and continue next Monday. As for our Design Team Challenge it will be put on hold as well and the deadline for the last challenge has been extended to the 21st of July, (so you still have time). At that point another challenge will be issued.

We are not closing, so when you walk in the store and you see everything going into boxes don't panic b/c your friendly neighborhood scrapbooking store is here to stay. (ok that sounded a bit Spidermanish???). So excuse the mess and sorry about any inconvenience.

Remember we will be closed Thursday - Saturday for the GCS event. Well, very busy so I will see you all when I get back, wish us LUCK! and on Monday I'll tell you all about it!

I leave you this week with some RAD (yes I said it - leave me alone - I'm trying to bring it back since I can't bring Sexy back at this point) storage stuff:

WOOOHOOO!

2008-07-10T11:00:00.000-07:00

October Afternoon has arrived, this new company released in the Winter and we couldn't wait to get something from them. Enjoy this eye candy and come by the store to purchase some are already selling and we just got them in yesterday. I barely got them in inventory and I was already selling them.

On a different note:

Girls Gone Crafty is like around the corner and many are asking questions about it and what exactly will be happening, well besides what you see on the GGC blog I'll go into detail.

The start of the event begins at 8AM on Friday & Saturday, I know early but don't worry we'll have coffee and beignets. You'll check in, get your TOTALLY AWESOME goodie bag (hey I used to live in the valley) and begin scrapping away, throughout the day & night we will be giving away prizes from our vendors & sponsors through challenges, swaps, and games. You have the option of participating so don't feel like you have to because we will be giving away doorprizes as well. You must be present to win. There will be plate lunches & suppers available each day, menu TBA. Our group make-n-take will be @ 2pm & 8pm each day (in your seat, you don't even have to move, cuz trust me you'll have many opportunities to move around). Teacher will be assigned to a group and will come by to assist you as you participate in the make-n-take. 5pm is when the 1/2 day participants check in and daiquiris will be available @ 7pm - 11pm. Stores will be open til midnight each night. The crop will end at 2am each day. If you are attending for two nights then you can leave your things at your table and it will be covered. I hope that answers a little bit more. Also, we are having a swap both days, so bring by any unused scrapbook & craft items to trade. When you check-in leave your swap bag at the front with your name and when we yell SWAP!!! those who brought things will go to tables to see what treasures they can find.

We still have spots left, so please let us know soon if you are going to attend.

Elaborating on a few things ...

2008-07-07T18:09:00.000-07:00

So I was asked a few questions on the Design Team Challenge so I'll elaborate a little more here.

You don't have to take a picture of half a desk and I have to really guess what it is, that's not what I'm judging on. What I'll be looking at is your interpretation of this game on a layout. Be creative with your layout whether it be the game itself on the page or your own twist on it. Can't give much more away, because I want you to get creative with it, so I can see where challenges take you.

Also, just to let you know what we will be doing with our Storytellers Design Team.

Here's a tidbit of info: I have big plans to create "something" (that I really can't say right now) but it involves my vision of storytelling in scrapbooking. So, basically the team will be a part of something really special that I would like to develop for our scrapping community. I know what a teaser, but I'd hate for my idea to be patented by someone else, b/c you know it's a million dollar idea?!!!! LOL

Good Luck to all!

CALENDAR UPDATE!!!!

Here's the sneak peak for our Family Tree class:

Here is a sneak peak of the Disney Album (created by Nicole Petersen):

(papers and embellishments will vary from what is pictured)

Also, if anyone is interested I'm holding a mini-shop for Kids on Friday, 11th. We'll be cookin' up a few crafts. Check our calendar for more details.

WHAT I LUV!!!
I love the scrapbooking community I have here at The Scrap Boutique and one of the things I love the most is the awesome talent we have. Talent that takes what they learn in their class and makes it their own. I call that American Idolizing it! This layout is just one of the many examples done in a class that was done even better than planned.

Love her layout created by Nicole Petersen

Whew!

2008-07-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

Well, what a weekend! I have to say you can learn a lot from your husband, if you care to listen once in awhile.

Here are a few quick lessons I learned:

1. That when you cast out a 10 foot net, that only 2 shrimp in it is a good thing.

(who would have thunk it and here I thought 50 would be impressive)

2. My daughter has female parts but is all boy, fish are her friends - ewww, gross.

(dang it, "Here I go again on my own").

3. Men are very hungry after they fish, very hungry, of course because they work so hard catching nothing at all.

So, the winner of our first Storyboard Challenge is .................. Elise Grabert

Congratulations Elise, come by and collect your kit!

Thanks to all who participated, it definitely wasn't

easy for the judges to decide.

So, Storyboard Challenge #2:

Enter a project or layout of any size on something in your routine. Whether it be during the day or night, weird or normal, tell us about something you do daily or at least very often. As always have it in before Monday, winner will be announced then. This week's winner will win some glitz & glamour.

The Storytellers Design Team Call:

Your first challenge:

I love the game of I Spy, my kids and I play it everywhere, it's one of those games that is very versatile and you can play it at anytime, anywhere. So our first challenge will play by the rules of this fun game. You must Spy something take a picture of it and scrapbook it. This can either be a project or layout of any size. We basically have to guess what it is or spy it in the picture. Be creative with your journaling and pictures. And HAVE FUN!

Challenge Deadline: Friday, July 11th

Girls Gone Crafty:

We have plenty of doorprizes arriving daily as well as more goodies for your scrap bag and just to give you a sneak peak of what is going on for our make-n-takes, here are a couple of photos.

Just a Sample

2008-07-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

Here's an example of our Storyboard Challenge:

What I did here is scraplift the layout of pictures and then tried to copy the orange dots and splash of blue at the bottom with title.

On to other news:
We will be closed July 4th & 5th and July 17th - 19th for the Gulf Coast Scrappers Event in New Orleans. If you are interested in attending the website is here.

Girls Gone Crafty has stirred up plenty of questions so, in order to answer them better I'm going to start posting them here.

One of the questions asked was what to bring and how to prepare for this crop.

These are only suggestions, but I've been to plenty of crops and trust me you don't want to overdo it. Bring your basic tools: scissors, trimmer, adhesive, pen, neutral inks, maybe a few go to stamps that you use often, and of course some photos. I like to pre-plan pages by putting at least 10 pages for each day I'm at a crop together. I might not know exactly what I'm doing with the page, but I'll put some matching patterened papers & cardstock with the photos along with any other sort of embellishments you might want to add or techniques you would like to use to enhance your pages. You might want to bring a spill-proof cup, wipes, & paper towels. As far as bags, I like to have a small tote for tools and a shoulder bag for papers, stickers, & rubs.

If you have any other questions please call, email, or comment here!!
I'll be glad to answer anything, well except for maybe a few psychoanalysis ones, because I'm a little out of practice on those and I might need a few of my own answered first.

Storyboard Challenge

2008-06-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

Just a few more pics from Sisiversary, here's a project that Kelly & Paula did in Gigi's class.

And here are a few make-n-takes

And this is the handmade album (unfinished) that I made in Sarah's class

So here's our first try @ Storyboard Challenge.

Challenge #1:

Flip through all of those magazines you have piling up in the corner and take note of those ads. Which ones strike you as inspiring? Try to scraplift the idea onto a layout. The layout can be any size and the due date for the Challenge is Sunday, July 6th. Email me your layout and a picture of the ad. Winner will be chosen and announced on the Monday along with the next challenge. Various prizes will be given each week. This week's winner will receive a scrapbook kit from Prima valued @ $10.

So, just to let you know I've been real bummed about not being a finalist for Creating Keepsakes' SOY, but moving on now. So instead of trying to find my place in this world, I'm going to make my own.

For a long time, I've probably preached to many of you what scrapbooking means to me and what it has done for my life. Some of you probably sitting there saying enough already. LOL Now, I'm turning the tables and I want to know what has it done for you. I want you to tell your story and show me your pages that tell your story, whether that includes your children, hubby, or anyone, b/c we have decided to have our very own design team here. I've been really thinking about how having a design team for our store would really help with a load of duties here and really add some zing to this blog & store. So anyone interested will need to email me and I will then send you your designer challenge. I think this is going to be real exciting, b/c I just love checking out all the wonderful scrapbook layouts of customers and never really get to see the finished product when you leave the store with all your great stuff. Be on the lookout for updates and deadlines as we will have plenty and for those not entering keep watch for the great design team we will be forming called, The Storytellers.

So Like I Know...

2008-06-19T21:30:00.000-07:00

I promised you fabulous blogging for all eternity and that everyday would be filled with tips and wonderful life changing things. Okay maybe not, but you get my point.
But let's be realistic here, my children are so whacking me out it's unreal. Like who knew your kid could seriously mass produce boogers all over the counter. Before I left for Sisiversary I thought "I think it might be better if I just shoot myself in the foot and then that would take my mind off of my wacky children." Though I adore them, they can sometimes really make it hard for a mom not to get reported to social services.
(editor's note: this is all in humor, please do not take the aforementioned story above too seriously, The Scrap Boutique is not held accountable for this person's actions - Kelly told me to tell you that LOL)

So, off to tell you a little more about what's going on here, well besides some new paper and embellies that have come in we are about to celebrate a year.
AAAAAAAHHHHHHH! isn't that exciting one year - like I've said before that's a big accomplishment for me I don't ever stick to anything longer than a year, just ask my mom. I'm actually quite surprised I've kept my husband for as long as I have or my children for that matter (ref. story above). I think I've might have had like more than 25 jobs and I'm only 32. And no my mom wasn't some kid slave boss working me in some China sweat shop, I've just held down 3 jobs plenty of times.

Okay, so I know you want to hear about Sunday's Awesome Creative Crop Celebration from 10-10. You can come anytime, but please register so we can get a head count. We will have Chili Dogs & Fritos, drinks, snacks, doorprizes, games and we are giving you 3 make-n-takes for $25. Since it is our Birthday we will be doing a birthday card, layout, & banner. Don't worry about the time you come, you can pick up the kit anytime and make it anytime we'll be around to help and provide you with a sample and instructions.

As for our Girls Gone Crafty event I strongly encourage you to get to registering, b/c we are closing registration on July 15th. If you register after this date, we will have to make special arrangements for you and it might be costly. So go to the Girls Gone Crafty site and register now or just go to see all the new stuff added.

That's about all for now - I will be back next week to our regularly scheduled posts. LOL

What is goin' on?

2008-06-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

Yeah, we're back. Like really back to the real world. I can't even begin to tell ya'll everything but I'll try to tell our story - it goes a little sumthing like thiiiisss:

It started at 2AM on Friday

A road trip with "Tellma"

Of course she was the censored version telling me where to go
I don't think my version, "Tellma Uncut" would be so censored (though Mandi does a great impression of it, that we might be able to patent that baby)

On our road trip it wouldn't have been complete without a few scrapbook store stops and dancing and goofing off

Honestly, we had so much fun driving up there, we thought if we didn't have to pick up Paula at the airport in Nashville we might have turned around and ended it there.

So our ride though long was well worth the trip to a hotel full of women squealing like high school or sorority girls, with the other pageant girls running around with their screaming mothers. While I was mistaken for being apart of it, I promise you I wasn't.

So the guessing of sisters began as we entered the hotel and all I could do was just guess who was who b/c of the microscopic avatars or those who post their feet or other creatures.

We met our wonderful roomie, Mandi, who's stripper name is CandiMandi (she might be on Rock of Love 3, if she didn't have such a hot hubby) LOL
She was a wonderful addition to our old bittie group

We went downstairs to eat crappy chips that left an after taste in my mouth like I had been chomping on some leather like a dang cow. Needless to say I didn't get a frickin' doggie bag.

So, we started the event and it was like madly involved creativity everywhere and trying to meet all the sisters in between put my mind in a whirlwind.

We learned a lot from this event though and are super excited about bringing some of the ideas to our event GIRLS GONE CRAFTY

That night I ended up dancing like I thought I was 14 again to Vanilla Ice and paid for it later and sang or shall I say rapped "Baby Got Back" like I knew what I was doing or that I was from the 9th ward or something.

Sang another with Mandi "I love rock n roll"

Went off to our rooms to pass out at 1am or later can't remember

Then woke to 8am crop call and classes.

The games and extras were all wonderful and we really made some fun stuff which I'll post some of my classes later. But in general the creativity was THE BOMB.COM.

Kelly & Paula enjoyed Gigi's class the most and thought it was so inspirational and wait til you see what Kelly did, she actually let go of her inhibitions and really put herself out there.

Paula had to go smoke a cigarette after she couldn't get her frickin' stapler to work on her Hambly flowers in KL's class, but no harm done. I got it b/c I got it like that. LOL

At some point in the night I passed out and woke up with my scrap stuff laying besides me and Mandi, which scared the crap out of me, b/c I don't know if ya'll know this but I don't usually wake up next to a woman, so it kind of freaked me out. LOL

I'm such a suck up, but Ash is like my new obsession along with Jen and all the other fgirls

(sorry didn't have pics of all)
But as far as the ladies that we met I've got several bff's now!

(especially this lady here, TinaLynn)My Washington Women, who were funny as Heck!Mandi (again, yet too cool not to put up several times) and Bekka (someone I really wish I could have gotten to know more)My home girls Holly & Sasha And Paula is a Shot Calla, Shrimp Haula, Scrap Balla!!!!

And Kelly can take a sista out with an elbow!!! Daaanga! Watch Yourself! Show me whatcha workin' wit!!!

Until next time ...

I'll be back with more store info soon, we are still trying to catch up.

I said I would do it ...

2008-06-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

I'm finally posting pics of my scrap area. I did a little clean sweep through it after the SOY contest basically hit it like a tornado, although it could have been my two year old that did it.

This is a hall closet converted to a scrap space, the only thing I have missing is a TV and computer, but that will come in due time.

As you can tell I'm working on something, it is a guest book for The Treehouse in Raceland. It's an indoor playground. Totally awesome!

Well, we will be away for a few days at the Scrap in Style TV's Sisiversary Scrap Event in Franklin, TN. When we get back I'm sure there will be many things to discuss and share.

In the meantime, I'm giving just til Sunday when we get back to have you all benefit from the low price of Girls Gone Crafty. We will accept registrations after but the price will go up to $55 per day. This is only because we will have to ship products in sooner and it will cost us extra.

Another thing I want everyone to know: We have Prima in the store. I don't have time to load up all the pics but I will when I get back. We also have loads of doo dads in felt and plenty of new ribbon, also duck & tombow adhesive refills. So come by before we go out on our adventure, to be sure and load up for those "scrapbookin' emergencies" while we are gone.

Email me if any of you have any questions at all.

Learn Something Every Day!!

2008-06-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

Well, what have I learned this week ...

actually let's just say in the past couple of days ...

Lesson #1: That I should pay close attention to how I say things and maybe put some of my educational background to use when I communicate.

ex. Hunter asked what was I sitting on and how long would I be sitting there, I was responded dumbfoundly, "What?" Hunter: "You just told someone on the phone that you were kind of going to sit on it for awhile."

Lesson #2: Never underestimate the superiority of a child.

ex. I have probably told Hunter a thousand times to not jump off the top of the sofa, but he doesn't get it. I came into the living room to witness Seth fussing at Hunter to not jump off the top of the sofa, b/c he could quite possibly break his legs and never play baseball again. It worked, now why didn't I think of that.

Lesson #3: That which is left out will always be destroyed by two year old.

ex. Layout on Table + Claire = Disaster & New Layout.

Lesson #4: Never ever, ever use staz on ink when said two year old is around.

ex. White walls are now black.

Lesson #5: Don't think for a minute, think in seconds b/c that's all it takes for it to whiz by.

Our events are going to fill up fast, so be sure to sign up soon! We are planning so much fun for our 1 year celebration!!! We have lots of ideas swirling about so stay tuned.

Here's what we've done so far this month:

Scrappin' 101

Mad for Grads

White Out

2008-06-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

Let's admit it, we've have all thought for a minute or a second that you could print white, well duh - you don't print white, but there is a way to "print" white text on your layouts or pictures.

1. In a new layer or document click on Text. You can move it, warp it, or change the size or shape depending on the program you are in.

2. You'll need either a background color, template piece filled with color or background layer filled with color. (This could even work on patterned paper)

3. You will then simply change the text color to white and either layer on top or bring forward.

See, very simple and it makes a cool effect.

Here you can see I played with the text on a photo.

As you can see we've done a lot of changes here mainly b/c I was having problems, but that's what you get for using things for Free.

So now you'll see to the right is our link to the calendar (you can now print it -YAY ME!)
Class & Crop sign-ups are on the right as well (reminder you don't have to paypal - you can always pay the day of)
Music playlist that you can mute quickly or pause, when the boss is coming around the corner LOL. I'm still working on it, so please bear with me.
Also, on the right is the link to Girls Gone Crafty - remember June 11th is the deadline before the price of the event will go up.
To the left you can now email us, sign up for rss feed, etc. I'll be adding more things soon.
I promise Kids Gone Crafty link will be up this week.

Frappuccino Friday

2008-05-30T04:36:00.000-07:00

As I'm sitting back drinking my Mocha Frappuccino, I'm thinking we really need more classes and I'm also thinking how long have I been mispelling Frappuccino (I think since I began this - what a dork! and I used to be an English & Reading teacher). Anyway we need to celebrate this month. We have been open close to a year - our first anniversary is June 23rd.

So here's what we haven't done:
1.) haven't pulled our hair out
2.) haven't lost any hair
3.) Kelly nor I have hurt each other in any illegal way LOL
4.) haven't lost hope in this crazy idea for our store to be fantabulous!
5.) haven't shut the doors

But here's we what have done:
1.) made some really awesome BFF's out of customers
2.) met the most talented people in the industry
3.) got to explore some really beautiful states on business trips
4.) learned that business is not just business
5.) gave a community a new look at crafts

How exciting is that?! So in honor of this wonderful month of June we have lots of stuff going on, be sure to check out our calendar at the bottom of this blog. We want you to celebrate with us! Soon, pics will be up of the projects & layouts, as well as more info on the Kids Gone Crafty Camp.

Upcoming Events:
Wednesday, June 4th - Scrappin' 101 1pm & 6pm
Thursday, June 5th - Mad for Grads 1pm
Friday, June 6th - Stamp a Stack Pizza & Slumber Party 6pm
Tuesday, June 11th - Father Knows Best 1pm
Wednesday, June 11th - Cardstock Creations 1pm
Friday & Saturday, June 13th & 14th - Closed

Tippin' Thursday

2008-05-29T04:47:00.000-07:00

Tip of the day: When I get stumped on journaling, I sometimes like to make a list of top 10 or top 5. This helps break down the journaling and makes a really cute page. Here's a great sample:

Layout by Nicole Hinrichs

Just an update, due to time, place, & other circumstances our Kids Gone Crafty (5-9) will now be mixed with (9-12). We will have plenty of help around for the camp to manage them all. I will update later this afternoon on the Kids Gone Crafty Camp Activities, some other things for Girls Gone Crafty and put up the June Calendar. We have been super busy. And I'm just realizing now that my Wacky Wednesday Post is gone - and it was a great post. I'll have to go searching AGAIN!

Techie Tuesday

2008-05-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

Though a lot of people are afraid to make the digi jump, most just don't want to because of how time consuming it seems to be. Yet once you learn a few tricks in Photoshop, it's actually quite easy. Brushes as you will soon see are so versatile and they make lovely accents, stamps, etc.

You can access several brushes online for free or at a small cost. My fave site Polka Dot Potato. Once you have brushes downloaded to your computer, click the arrow on the brushes palette and choose load brushes from the fly out menu. This will open a new window that allows you to navigate to the location where you saved the brushes on your hard drive. Once you've decided on a brush you want to use, you can use the brush tip shape window of the brushes palette to change the size or angle of the brush. Make sure your background layer is highlighted in the layers palette and simply "stamp" your brush by clicking the mouse.

Good Luck and if anyone has any questions feel free to comment here or email me.

Motivating Monday

2008-05-26T21:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been missing in action, but I have a good excuse I promise! Really I do!
I challenged myself to enter into a contest and not just any ol' contest. Creating Keepsakes Scrapbooker of the Year Contest and the layouts were due this week. I was trying hard to just complete them so I could get back to the """NORM""". And I did it. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

I didn't give up, I just thought to myself there is no harm in trying and after I'm done I'll have 20 of my best to cherish and keep forever. I find out at the end of June if I'm a finalist, so wish me luck.

So to motivate you, one of the things I discovered while doing these layouts, is that I had plenty of undeveloped film and digital pics. I thought to myself that as much as I like to take the photos I've been using for layouts I needed to print out all of them and really get a system going on how I would be putting them altogether.

My challenge: Go out to your computers or cameras and take a stand against undeveloped pictures and come back to the Scrap Boutique feeling refreshed with a newfound inspiration. Now I just wish I could do this to my upper torso.

Techie Tuesday

2008-05-19T22:36:00.000-07:00

I was playing around with a few lo's recently and discovered crackle paint. I know it's like I'm Jacques Cousteau or something. Crackle has been around for awhile, yet I'm just starting to play with it on lo's. I've used it like you would normally on paint, but then I tried it on glimmer mist, then on top of grungeboard with glossy accents, then I went another go at it and put clear crackle, let it dry, then dyed the crackle with alcohol ink. Talk about cool effects.

So we finally have more albums from American Crafts, both canvas & leather, and 12x12 & 6x6.

Our Crop-a-rita has been changed from the 30th to the 23rd, so if you have already signed up and can't come please let us know, otherwise I will just transfer the names.

Memorial Day we will be open and will be having a sale.

Girls Gone Crafty still has available spots and now has it's own blog with info being posted weekly. http://www.girlsgonecraftyscrapevent.blogspot.com/.Remember deadline is coming soon June 11th.

The dates for Kids Gone Crafty are as follows:
June 16-20 - 5-9 year olds
July 7-11 - 9-12 year olds
July 14-18 12-17 year olds
more info will be posted soon and a blog for that will go up as well.

Upcoming Events:
Crop-a-rita - Friday, May 23rd 7PM

Motivating Monday

2008-05-19T04:44:00.000-07:00

Wow, the weeks are flying by. Our event will be here before you know it. We have a few new items in the store. More to come soon.

Most of the time, especially those moms out there, we scrap about others. Putting our story to the wayside. We end up never scrapbooking about ourselves, our journey, things that bother us, or things that bring us joy. I want you to take a moment and think of who you are at this time in your life and scrap about it, tell your story. You might say, "no one is going to be interested in that", but you'll be surprised about how many people actually read biographies over picture books. Which is similar to what we are speaking of here, except with a few more embellishements. People are naturally nosy and love to read about someone's life. So make it interesting, add a few descriptive lines, a quote, or just put on some music and start writing about anything you like. Who knows you better than you - Your Life According to You!

This came from another wonderful customer of ours, Mary, who shared a picture of her creative space, I love the clear compartments. Mine are not clear so it kind of requires me to dig through. This idea is great, b/c it saves on a lot of wasted creative time.

Girls Gone Crafty still has available spots and now has it's own blog with info being posted weekly. http://www.girlsgonecraftyscrapevent.blogspot.com/.

Remember deadline is coming soon June 11th.

The dates for Kids Gone Crafty are as follows:

June 16-20 - 5-9 year olds
July 7-11 - 9-12 year olds
July 14-18 12-17 year olds

more info will be posted soon and a blog for that will go up as well.

Upcoming Events:

Scrap Challenge - Tuesday, May 20th 6PM (class is filling up fast)
Crop-a-rita - Friday, May 30th 7PM

Frappachino Friday

2008-05-16T05:20:00.000-07:00

You might have seen this on an email somewhere, but I just thought it was so appropriate for our Frappachino Friday:

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.
A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, ' Tell me what you see.'

'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst , you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Girls Gone Crafty still has available spots and now has it's own blog with info being posted weekly. http://www.girlsgonecraftyscrapevent.blogspot.com/. Remember deadline is coming soon June 11th.

The dates for Kids Gone Crafty are as follows:
June 16-20 - 5-9 year olds
July 7-11 - 9-12 year olds
July 14-18 12-17 year olds
more info will be posted soon and a blog for that will go up as well.

Upcoming Events:
Pajama Party Crop Night - Friday, May 16th 7PM
Scrap Metal - Saturday, May 17th 12PM
Scrap Challenge - Tuesday, May 20th 6PM
Crop-a-rita - Friday, May 30th 7PM

Tippin' Thursday or a Tale of Terror

2008-05-15T05:01:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a lady who appeared at The Scrap Boutique after a long journey from work to hopefully end her day scrapbooking the night away. She began nipping, tucking, cutting, & adhering all in her reach until she came upon a terrible sight. Bubbles, and no not the sweet beautiful kind from a newborn's mouth or the wispy, fun ones blown from children all around. She came across a dilemma and turned to the clerk distressed, "Whatever shall I do I have bubbles on my letters where the diamond glaze* lays." The clerk seeing the damsel in distress rode in with a needle in hand and popped all the bubbles away. The clerk then warned the damsel that the next time she used this glaze that she not shake it, let it settle and turn it over to let it flow freely. And the damsel and her diamond glaze lived happily ever after.

*reference: Diamond Glaze by Judikins or Glossy Accents both are dimensional adhesive used to give an epoxy look to items on page.

Techie Tuesday

2008-05-14T06:38:00.001-07:00

I love hiding something on my page. It just makes it a little more fun and interesting for the person who might go through my pages later in life and make the discovery of the hidden journaling or picture. It's also a great way to hide journaling from the everyday person, things that you might not want them to see. Or a way of adding all those photos you might not have room for on the page. Here are a few samples that I have done, see if you can find the hidden journaling or picture (without me showing or telling you):

Okay, you wouldn't learn anything if I didn't show you. LOL

For the first one, there's a handmade book attached with photos inside. On the second you lift the arrow & ribbon and journaling is revealed beneath the photo and frame.

Girls Gone Crafty still has available spots and now has it's own blog with info being posted weekly. http://www.girlsgonecraftyscrapevent.blogspot.com/. Remember deadline is coming soon June 11th.

The dates for Kids Gone Crafty are as follows:

June 16-20 - 5-9 year olds

July 7-11 - 9-12 year olds

July 14-18 12-17 year olds

more info will be posted soon and a blog for that will go up as well.

Upcoming Events:

Crop Night - Friday, May 16th 7PM

Scrap Metal - Saturday, May 17th 12PM

Scrap Challenge - Tuesday, May 20th 6PM

Crop Night - Friday, May 30th 7PM

Motivating Monday

2008-05-12T15:02:00.000-07:00

Ugh! Mondays can be a drag and Blogger too. I do apologize to those subscribing to this blog who are getting posts late and are receiving double emails.

Anywhooo, I organized my craft area a little more this weekend and I will post a picture soon, but in the meantime I'm sharing with you a photo of a customer of ours neat idea for storage.

She bought this plastic basket from Big Lots for $5 that you would normally store plates, forks, etc.

Great Find Nicole!

If anyone else has gotten into the organizing groove as well or just wants to show off their craft spot or some cool nifty way to store stuff, email me @ michelle@buttoneers.com a picture and win some scrappy stuff.

Girls Gone Crafty still has available spots and now has it's own blog with info being posted weekly. http://www.girlsgonecraftyscrapevent.blogspot.com/.

The dates for Kids Gone Crafty are as follows:

June 16-20 - 5-9 year olds

July 7-11 - 9-12 year olds

July 14-18 12-17 year olds

more info will be posted soon and a blog for that will go up as well.

Upcoming Events:

Crop Night - Friday, May 16th 7PM

Scrap Metal - Saturday, May 17th 12PM

Scrap Challenge - Tuesday, May 20th 6PM

Crop Night - Friday, May 30th 7PM

Frappachino Friday

2008-05-12T14:55:00.001-07:00

I sure could use some hopefully Mother's Day brings some frappachinos my way. Coffee relaxes & rejuvanates me as crazy as that may seem. That caffeine kick is just enough to pull me through the day, hey at least it's better than cocaine.

So, everyone knows I'm loving the green movement like I talk about it every week, but I actually plan on taking a break from the making something new out of my old clothes and I might just go buy some new clothes and scrapbook with some new paper, cuz hey it's mother's day weekend and I deserve it.

So kick back relax and join me in a wonderful Mother's Day weekend:
My plans:
1.) Buy a Frappachino from Starbucks
2.) Buy new clothes
3.) Scrapbook with new paper and embellishments

YAY ME!

DON'T FORGET:
Girls Gone Crafty still has available spots and now has it's own blog with info being posted weekly. www.girlsgonecraftyscrapevent.blogspot.com.

The dates for Kids Gone Crafty are as follows:
June 16-20 - 5-9 year olds
July 7-11 - 9-12 year olds
July 14-18 12-17 year olds
more info will be posted soon and a blog for that will go up as well.

Upcoming Events:

Crop Night - Friday, May 16th 7PM
Scrap Metal - Saturday, May 17th 12PM
Scrap Challenge - Tuesday, May 20th 6PM
Crop Night - Friday, May 30th 7PM

On the REAL!

2008-05-07T22:35:00.000-07:00

I have finally decided that banning blogger might not be a great idea, but I did consider it for a moment, but then I thought - I would be letting down millions of blog reading fans if I stopped posting. Ah, well! LOL

So, I have to motivate you mid-week, give you a technique, tell ya' some wacky stuff and give you a tip:

Motivation is hard, especially since I can't even get my lazy butt up after this weekend, so here it goes. Listen to this song, Get Up Offa That Thang by James Brown and then get into those craft spaces and start getting organized. I know you are finished with all those photos right!!!! Even if you aren't, organizing your craft space won't hurt. In my past life I was a professional organizer so here are some of my secrets ... I don't have any, no just joking ...

Grab some boxes and label them with categories of items that are in your craft space. Include with this a box for trash and give away. (P.S. we are having a huge swap at Girls Gone Crafty if you want to save this box til then) Start in your space from left to right and back to front and begin placing items in the boxes. After you are done with this step, give it a real good cleaning and then decide where you will be storing everything and in what. Section your space into homes or centers and start filling it up with the items from your boxes. Keep your everyday use items nearby, while your once in awhile items can be put up and away. Hopefully this will help a little and start you on the road to creative organization.

As far as a technique, I've alway been a fan of diamond glaze or glossy accents and of course I'm sure you've seen the crackle one as well. This weekend I learned a new technique from a "sister". After crackling something, rub ink into the cracks and wipe the excess away. After some thought I started to think about paint, glitter, alcohol ink and the ideas are endless.

Wacky you say, well my week has definitely been wacky. My daughter now likes to polish her nails and is obsessed. I don't do nails. I really never have, but I probably should b/c my nails are horrible and please when you see me be kind and don't stare at them. I bought her polish anyway and now we have to do a different color everyday and she goes around showing everyone how pretty she is. I guess this is not the end of an era.

Here's your tip: Throw out the old scrapbook magazines. Tear out only what interest you and make a creative journal out of them by placing them in a journal and then decorating the front much like this one here done by messyhappyfundee from SisTV:

I like to pull from my journal when I've hit a creative block.

Girls Gone Crafty still has available spots and now has it's own blog with info being posted weekly. www.girlsgonecraftyscrapevent.blogspot.com.

The dates for Kids Gone Crafty are as follows:

June 16-20 - 5-9 year olds

July 7-11 - 9-12 year olds

July 14-18 12-17 year olds

more info will be posted soon and a blog for that will go up as well.

National Scrapbook Day was awesome and very busy. Thanks to all who helped and participated. We are definitely having another one next year, but hopefully even bigger.

Don't forget about Teachers & Moms this week!!!

Upcoming Events:

Mother & Child Crop - Saturday, May 10th 11AM

Mom's Night Out - Saturday, May 10th 6PM

Crop Night - Friday, May 16th 7PM

Scrap Metal - Saturday, May 17th 12PM

Scrap Challenge - Tuesday, May 20th 6PM

Crop Night - Friday, May 30th 7PM

Motivating Monday

2008-05-06T05:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, may I just say blogger is losing it's mind and I'm losing my religion. I have posted 5 times, okay 5 times for Monday & Tuesday's daily and it is not posting. What is the problem here!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I had this really great post for both days and now they are lost in cyber space, ugh! I'll try to post it yet again later! And I betcha bottom dollar that this post will publish - that figures what a waste of your time - huh!

Anyway, we are giving out a wonderful discount to all school employees in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week til the 10th for 25% off your entire purchase. I know not a whole lot, but I hope you "appreciate" the gesture.

Don't forget about MOM!!!! either.

Upcoming Events:

Mother & Child Crop - Saturday, May 10th 11AM
Mom's Night Out - Saturday, May 10th 6PM
Crop Night - Friday, May 16th 7PM
Scrap Metal - Saturday, May 17th 12PM
Scrap Challenge - Tuesday, May 20th 6PM
Crop Night - Friday, May 30th 7PM

Sign up for any classes or crops online beneath the calendar.

Frappachino Friday

2008-05-01T20:11:00.000-07:00

So, this week has been a long week, but I'm really proud of myself. I got through it, I graduated to wearing Big Girl Panties! And I didn't once have to call Kelly to cry. LOL.

I have been working on so many projects, most of them at the same time (which helps a lot with my ADD), but so far one of my faves thus far is making drawstring bags out of old t-shirts my boys no longer fit, such as:

Isn't that cool, lovin' the "Green" Trend! So go into those closets and reduce, reuse, recycle.

Don't forget we still have spots open for our National Scrapbook Day on Saturday. Register right here online. View the National Scrapbook Day Post for full details.

Tippin' Thursday

2008-05-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

So, here's my tip:

This came from a customer of ours, Re Henderson. Lots of times we find ourselves a little overwhelmed with the several pieces of paper, embellishments and photos. What better way to keep your scrapping focused and not lose a special paper you bought for that picture of "him" at the zoo making faces at the monkeys than to keep it all in one place. Either use your clear page protectors or ziploc bags to store all the items you had planned on using for that photo. So each time you shop and see that perfect chipboard piece for a page you had in mind - bring it home and put it all together for that next crop.

Don't forget we still have spots open for our National Scrapbook Day on Saturday. Register right here online. View the National Scrapbook Day Post for full details.

Wacky Wednesday

2008-04-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

Yay, Me! I'm actually now on the right day. So, my kids are driving me up the wall. Well, maybe not all of them, well yeah all of them. Anywhoooo, I know they are just being kids and I'm so glad that they are still kids and not grown yet or teenagers (At least I know that, not that young guy at the car wash who when asked to clean my van {yes I know it's about time} asked if my kids were in high school - ugh).
There's so much more I need to teach them before they get to that age. I just feel like I can never catch up or keep up for that matter. I try to stick to my routine, but I'm a live in the moment person and sometimes I don't stick to the routine b/c I like to stop everything we are doing and sometimes just dance to James Brown or something. I guess I just need to accept that it is impossible and that I should just let it go. Well, maybe not the dishes as my husband would say, but all the other things that won't matter in the end.
So, my focus for at least the next 5 minutes will be to breathe and soak it all in, relax - and then return to the reality of my normal chaotic life.

Also, if interested we have gift cards for Mom or for Teacher Appreciation.
We have wish lists for Mom's or whomever wishes to leave a little hint for those shopping for them. When a wish list is filled out, it is then scanned and saved and the recipient is given cards that say: "I really don't want you to spend your money on me ... but if you insist then visit The Scrap Boutique for ideas. Free gift wrapping is included." to hand out.

We know have the Girls Gone Crafty access to the blog on the left of this blog. More updates will be given soon. We are now offering Friday for $20 as a half day starting @ 5PM - til. If interested just write that in the comments section of your registration form and I will note that. No half day will be given for Saturday. Please be aware though that a purchase of at least one full day will have to be made in order to receive your goody bag.

Upcoming Events:
National Scrapbooking Day SS Memory - Saturday, May 3rd
Mother & Child Crop - Saturday, May 10th 11AM
Mom's Night Out - Saturday, May 10th 6PM
Crop Night - Friday, May 16th 7PM
Scrap Metal - Saturday, May 17th 12PM
Scrap Challenge - Tuesday, May 20th 6PM
Crop Night - Friday, May 30th 7PM

"Techie Tuesday"

2008-04-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

Again, it's not Tuesday, but I'm playing catch up!

A lot of times I find some of the patterned paper might be a little too much for me, so I like to break it down. And no I don't mean I start doing the running man in my scrap room. I fussy-cut, now what is fussy-cutting you ask. Well don't fuss, I'll explain. It goes a little something like this: Choose a patterned paper and simply cut some of the pattern out, originally a quilting technique it has moved to paper. As you can see in my canvas here I cut only a "strip" of the patterned paper to break it up. It makes a wonderful accent if you just want to cut out a flower, paisley, etc. So, go cut something up, but just leave the fussing out - I've got enough problems of my own to hear. LOL

"Motivating Monday"

2008-04-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know it's not Monday, but hey better late than never. So I'm sure you have now gone through all your BD (before digital) pictures, all 5,334 of them this weekend, good girl! LOL We are now going to continue on to the AD (after digital) pictures, which I'm sure are just as scattered as the BD ones except your husband's not complaining about tripping on these in boxes. So if you have them on disc, card, or camera - take a day to download them all on your hard drive, I know a lot of work, but it will be well worth it in the end. You will then write down all the categories you would like them to appear in. This could be by year, theme, person, etc. I always choose person, that is my preference. So, I make a folder for each person and then I carefully start to move the pictures to their rightful folders. Just make sure you delete the ones as we said last week that might be out of focus, too dark, etc. Next be sure you also save all the new folders organized on a disc or some sort of backup. After you have done that you are well on your way to a lifetime of digital happiness. LOL

"Frappachino Friday"

2008-04-24T22:09:00.000-07:00

So, what can we craft up today. Are you feeling inspired by our dailies? Well I do hope you are, or I'm just wasting my time tapping at the keyboard aimlessly talking to myself. Which really wouldn't be any different than what I typically do anyway. I'm one of those talkers that will be on the phone for about half a hour before I realize the call was dropped or just talking away into the phone and standing in the McD's line and my phone rings in my ear.

So, I can truthfully I have not gotten real creative lately. I probably have at least 9 projects going on as we speak. So, what inspires you to be creative? What gets the creative juices flowing? What knocks out the creative block?

My answer: Organization. Once I get things in order around me I can better focus on my 101 ideas. Then I like to write a To Do list get it all out of my head and I then can start the steps to my creative adventure.

(And no this is not my crafting space, yet I like to just look at it, close my eyes, and imagine it is)

So what's your story?

I just noticed I say So a lot, HUH! So, I guess I'll have to be more aware of that next post. LOL

Upcoming Events:
Stampin' 101 - Friday 6PM
Crop Night - Friday 7PM
Get Digi Wit It - Saturday 11AM
SS Memory National Scrapbooking Day - Saturday, May 3rd
Girls Gone Crafty - Friday & Saturday August 1-2

Just a few things ... besides "Tippin' Thursday" below

2008-04-24T04:11:00.000-07:00

*We are adding our May calendar this week, so keep checking back for new stuff. We have lots planned for grads, moms, & more.

*Our new scrap stuff in the shop pertains to communion, prom, graduation, mother's day, & wedding.

*Also just want to mention that we have lace embroidery accents to add to your scrapbook pages at the shop available in all sorts of colors. If you are interested in having something embroidered contact us, we'd be more than happy to help out.

*We are also selling items from our Craft Show. So if you want a handmade present come by to check out our selection. If you have another idea for a gift please ask we might be able to assist you.

*We are offering for Mother's Day gifts, baskets of scrapbook & craft supplies. And for those mothers who want to be more specific about the gifts they recieve we have wish lists. The wish lists are given to your loved ones and they recieve free gift wrapping.

*Teacher Appreciation is coming soon, so don't forget about all those teachers who come to our store.

"Tippin' Thursday"

2008-04-22T18:21:00.000-07:00

Throw a few tips my way! Go ahead break open the piggy bank - just joking.

So I've been really pumped that I'm actually keeping up with this blog thing. I know it's not really posting on the right days or being sent on the exact days, but hey you got to give me props for really sticking to it. So here's my tip:

Don't take scrapbooking so serious that you don't enjoy the hobby. It doesn't have to be perfect, or balanced or have buttons or have glitter or chipboard to make it a wonderful layout. All it needs is your heart. As long as you put your heart into it then you can really say your layout is complete. And don't worry that you are like a gazillion years behind in your scrapping. That's not what it's about. It's what's happening inside of you right now that you are just putting down on paper. Whether it be about the past, present, or future it's showcasing how you feel about it at the moment. So stop stressing if the ribbon doesn't match just right or that you don't have that letter "a" you need, move on and make use of what you got. Or that your son is now 32 and you are scrapping his first steps. Just live in the moment and take it in one page at a time.

Upcoming Events:

Stampin' 101 - Friday 6PM
Crop Night - Friday 7PM
Get Digi Wit It - Saturday 11AM
SS Memory National Scrapbooking Day - Saturday, May 3rd
Girls Gone Crafty - Friday & Saturday August 1-2

"Wacky Wednesday"

2008-04-22T16:30:00.000-07:00

If you only tune in for the scrapbooking, I must warn you now that you might want to skip your daily readings of this blog on Wacky Wednesday, because this will be the day I share some part of my CRAZY life. Now back to your regularly scheduled blog:

So, I was called for Jury Duty Tuesday and it was really interesting. I got to read half of The Secret and sit to watch events unfold right before my eyes. I was truly hoping that I wouldn't have jury duty, so having to call and find out I did - sucked! Then it sucked even more to get the kids ready 1 hour earlier than usual. But thank goodness for the heckling of an older lady in row 1. At least that's what I think turned Mr. Innocent into Mr. Guilty. As we sat for maybe 40 minutes, a lady in the front row gets a little impatient and begins to complain like a man waiting on his steak or Domino's Pizza and it's not there in the 30 minutes it was supposed to be. So she begins to say things to the man on trial, "Hey, is this your first rodeo?" The guy responds by nodding his head NO! She then continues, "That figures, what the h$%% you did?" He ignores her. Proceeding with her taunting (or shall I say plan - because I think this women knew what she was doing and this wasn't HER FIRST RODEO!), she says, "It's late, is it always this late since this ain't your first rodeo." He nods his head, yes and then signals his lawyer. As this is going on I hear someone behind me talking, "I'm a witness and I'm here to make sure this never happens again." I try to continue reading my book, but I'm feeling too distracted. We are then asked to leave and go across the street to another courtroom and about 30 minutes later are asked to return. We enter and discover that Mr. Innocent has now identified himself as Mr. Guilty. So there ends my day with a check, new revelations, and a newfound love for the aggressive elders in the world and all just in time for lunch to be eaten at Taco Bell with no kids fussing because they don't have chicken nuggets there.

"Techie Tuesday"

2008-04-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

Though this day won't always be digital techie, I thought I'd start with this.

There are a lot of things you can do digitally with just a click that might take hours to do by hand. I know I'm one that initially when I started scrapbooking I said I didn't want to go digital, because I enjoyed the hobby artistically and didn't want to take it into the digital world. But now that I've seen the small things I can do to my layouts digitally and still be artistic, I've changed my mind and gone somewhat Hybrid. So here are some small tidbits that I've learned that might make you come to the other side. (And no I'm not trying to bring you into some alternate world where you will have to make some sort of sacrifice on the altar or stay at my home and later commit yourself to the program by wearing clothing from the 17th century).

1. Distress without all the stress: Less mess is always a plus, especially if you are in a rush. Use digital brushes and frames on photos to create the same effect using different colors.

2. Stitch, don't &*^%$: Sometimes machines have a mind of their own and face it your eyes aren't what they used to be (well mine never were), but you can simply stitch digitally on your page using lots of digital stitches available online. http://www.designerdigitals.com/ and http://www.scrapartist.com/.

3. Don't align, confine: If you are already cropping your photos, why not group them together and mat them all at once. http://www.flickr.com/ is great for making mosaics.

4. To Crop or Not To Crop: Sometimes leaving the "white" space in a picture can be beneficial. Use it to your advantage and maybe add a title or journaling to the space. Like the one done here by RiFi.

Craving more digital tips, sign up for our class on Saturday @ 11AM.

Upcoming Events:

Upcoming Events:Stampin' 101 - Friday 6PM

Crop Night - Friday 7PM

Get Digi Wit It - Saturday 11AM

SS Memory - May 3rd, Saturday

Girls Gone Crafty - Aug. 1-2

Motivating Monday

2008-04-21T13:58:00.000-07:00

Usually anyone just entering into the scrapbooking hobby or even those just trying to keep up or catch up, can say they have too many pictures. Most of those pictures that are BD (before digital) might be blurry, the back of someone's head, overexposed, etc. So why do we keep them, because we are naturally hoarders by instinct. So evolve and take the steps to getting rid of those unmemorable photos and focus on the few that have a real meaning.

Here are some simple tips to do just that:

First start with any BD pics - go through them and throw away - yes I said throw away those that are meaningless or as mentioned above not good pictures. Do not be afraid, it is okay, we will get through this together.

Now with the actual identifiable pics, seperate them into three piles
1. Storytelling Pictures - pictures that when you look at them you have to explain a little more to it.
2. Memory Pictures - pictures that say enough on there own of an event in your life or another's.

3. Random Pictures - pictures of just a random pic that you don't really have a story for, yet don't want to just throw away.

So now that your photos are seperated, decide what type of scrapper you are
1. Storyteller Scrapper - one who likes to tell the story behind the pictures, then journal away.
2. Memory Scrapper - one who likes to just capture the memories and place them beautifully in a book with a title.
3. Random Scrapper - one who likes to just scrap as a hobby and has no real purpose to the album.

So after you have decided what photos to scrap, take the rest and just put them in a regular album. File the ones you are scrapping either by theme, person, or chronologically whichever makes better sense for you in some sort of photo box. Remember, it's what works for you, not everyone else. I like to scrap what inspires me at the moment and not worry about catching up. I like to look through my file every once in awhile and just pick something that inspires me.

Now doesn't that help that overwhelming feeling go away. LOL I know it'll be awhile before this goal can be accomplished, but take it box by box and you'll see some major progress.

As for AD (after digital), stay tuned and we'll get to that next week.

Upcoming Events:
Stampin' 101 - Friday 6PM
Crop Night - Friday 7PM
Get Digi Wit It - Saturday 11AM
SS Memory - May 3rd, Saturday
Girls Gone Crafty - Aug. 1-2

Frappachino Friday

2008-04-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's Frappachino Friday. So kick back & relax, grab some coffee or your drink of choice, get a load off your chest if you will and think about what you might like to scrap or craft today or tonight. I've been thinking a lot about the Green movement. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - which by the way makes me want to sing the song by Jack Johnson. So anyhow, I'm crafting loads of things from some things around my home, such as jean purses out of my kids jeans. Cute, huh and they make great gifts.

And don't waste the legs, use them to for grocery bag holders or to stuff your kid's socks in them or your socks. So go out there and craft it up, I'll be watching. And not like stalker watching, but maybe like the woman in the grocery store watching you fuss your children and every time you look up they look away. So basically not enough to like freak you out or something, but just enough to let you know I would like to see what you are doing.

Upcoming Events:

Scrappin 101 6PM Friday

Crop Night 7PM Friday

Scrappin' 101 11AM Saturday

National Scrapbooking Day Adventure - May 3rd

Girls Gone Crafty - August 1-2

"Tippin' Thursday"

2008-04-17T04:27:00.000-07:00

So, I've decided that we need to post other things besides updates to make this interesting. So each day I'll be bring you something new. (Well, let's say I'll try)

Monday will be Motivating Monday

Tuesday will be Techie Tuesday

Wednesday will be Wacky Wednesday (and no on this day I won't be like slashing prices like some furniture guy on TV - our prices are already low)

Thursday will be Tippin' Thursday

Friday will be Frappachino Friday

So for Tippin' Thursday, I'm going to feed you with a great tip for crafts & scrapbooking. I might have shared this little tidbit in a crop once, but now I'm feeding it to the world (b/c there's like a load of starving people out there and my dad always cooks too much).

Journaling never has to be perfect, but if you're a perfectionist you might want to try this. Get a transparency or report cover sleeve or whatever you might have on hand. Grab some magazines and a slick writer or permanent marker. In the magazine look for fonts that you might like, ear mark them. Then take the transparent material and place it over the letters you want to use for a title or name whatever and then start tracing. Mix it up if it doesn't have exactly the letter you want. Cut it out, stick it on your page and voila. Also, if you find the title is really not popping on your patterned paper, add some paint to the back of the transparent material.

Hope you enjoyed Tippin' Thursday!!!

Upcoming Events:
Friday - Crop Night & Scrappin' 101
Saturday - Scrappin' 101
May 3 - National Scrapbooking Day Adventure
August 1-2 - Girls Gone Crafty

In honor of this wonderful exciting Day

2008-04-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

For National Scrapbooking Day we will not only be having a blast, but also taking entries for our biggest contest yet. Using our paper lines you can enter into several contest.

Summer
Spring
School
Birthday
Family
Girl
Boy

Each one will have a winner chosen by our panel of judges from the staff of Girls Gone Crafty. The winner will recieve a scrapbook kit, their layout on the wall, and recognition by the entire scrapbook community as the BEST SCRAPBOOKER EVER, EVER, EVER! Okay, maybe just here in Lockport.

So, get to scrappin' people!!!

National Scrapbooking Day

2008-04-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

National Scrapbooking Day
May 3, 2008
The Scrap Boutique & Dance Co. Studio located nearby

Come & take a cruise with us on the SS Memory and soak up the rays of inspiration, okay well not for real but just go with me on this and envision yourself taking an entire day and night for yourself full of scrapbooking, friends, food, & good times. Your passport to this relaxing day & night will include the following:

Our Port of Calls:

Scrapminican Republic, Dance Co. 9AM-11AM: Don't Worry Be Scrappy - Bring your scraps and leave your worries behind in this fun class full of scrap. Lots of layouts are made with just a snippet of this or a pinch of that, so why scrap the rest in a drawer never to see the light of day again. This class will show you tons of ideas for your scraps and you'll complete 2 layouts. Scraps will be provided, but feel free to bring a few of your own and adhesive. $15

Lunch available for $5 (Quizno's Sandwich, chips, treats, & drink) 11:AM-12:30PM

Stamptego Bay, Dance Co. 12:30-2:30PM: Stampin' Me Crazy - Crazy for Stamps, well we'll make you even crazier for them when you complete this class. Learn stamping techniques that will spice up your layouts. You will complete 2 layouts in this class, so bring your adhesive. $15

Costa Album, Dance Co. 3:PM-5:30PM: We'll be freestylin' it with a twist on a homemade album made of coasters with accordian inserts and beautiful elements. One completed album with plenty of room for pictures and more. Bring adhesives. $25

Caribbean Crop, Dance Co. 6PM-2AM: The fun doesn't end with the classes, we will be having an after hours luau crop til you drop with Island Music, tourist bag full of goodies, games, food, & drinks. Bring all your scrappin' stuff & enjoy your trip. $20

That's $80 for the entire trip.

After you have gotten a punch on your passport at each port you will be entered into the drawing for the Grand Prize! We'll be announcing more soon and giving you sneak peaks at the projects!

Our store will be open during this time and Scrap Shuttles will be made to the store to get any supplies you might need or want.

Sign up as soon as you can, we will have limited space for this event. Your space will be reserved for you after you have paid in full.

Sign up here online to the right.

New Stuff

2008-04-14T07:28:00.000-07:00

So for whatever reason, no one knew what song I was singing in the last post. I mean fa' real, dude, it's the song Finally by CeCe Peniston. Man, I used to so jam to this.

Anywhooo, we have some more new stuff:

Check it out just some of the new things we just got in this weekend...

Summer

We also have Queen & Co. felt, Creative Imaginations Epoxy, Stickers, & Petaloo Flowers.

Dance

and much more...

Faith

...with accessories

Cosmo Cricket Blackboard

Family Ancestry

with other accessories...

Finally

2008-04-09T08:52:00.000-07:00

"Finally, it's happened to me, right in front of my face and I just can not hide it." Sorry ... lost track of what I was saying ... "FIIIINALLLYYY, THE PAPER IS HERE" Okay, I'll stop. Here is what weez got:

"The way I feel about this paper can't be wrong, if you only knew ..."

We have 3 other papers from the Frenzy line, but for whatever reason the pics aren't uploading. I'll get back to it. Also, don't forget we have Fancy Pants Paper, Felt, & Transparent Die Cuts. They are gorgeous!
New supply of Stickles, Alcohol Ink, & Glitter Cardstock.
45% off on all Fall & Winter and 25% off on assorted papers.
So, if you haven't stopped by in awhile come pop in, tell me hi, update me on your life, tell me how the kids are, the husband, the dog, or whatever (just don't need to know how your bowels have been - you can keep that little tidbit to yourself - okay - OK).

So, a lot of changes are happening here:

We've got a SITTER in the works for the summer. Yes, I did say sitter. She'll be available from 11-5 on Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays starting June 2nd. The cost will be $10 a child and you will have to call in advance to book her, no walk-ins. She will be staying in the shop with the child while you crop. Bring the child's favorite items if needed and snacks.

We now have lace embroidery accents for your scrapbook page and bookmarks. Beautiful photo corners, animals, baby items, etc. Available in all sorts of colors.

We have a Kids Gone Crafty event being planned and more details will be mentioned soon. The age groups are 5-9, 9-12, & 12-17. It will be a Summer Scrap Day Camp.

For those interested in the Girls Gone Crafty, we now have online registration and paypal to the right of this post. Also, if you are interested in being a vendor or sponsoring or advertising at the event, please contact me by email michelle@buttoneers.com.

DON'T FORGET CROP NIGHT ON THE 12TH AT 7PM!!!!!!!

Whoot! Whoot!

2008-04-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

FAQ

2008-03-31T16:02:00.000-07:00

Some questions that are arising:

What is the shopping pass?
The shopping pass allows for those who are not cropping to shop in the booths. So, do not purchase this in addition to your Crop ticket, when you purchase a Friday or Saturday the shopping comes with it.

Do I have to purchase both days to qualify for the drawing? No, it is the first 50 to purchase whatever.

Do we have to stay the entire time? No you don't. The times are from 8AM-2AM each day and you may come and go as you please, your spot will be saved.

If we want to sit with others, do we have to fill out one form? No, fill out one for each person, but be sure to put the names of each group member on the form at the bottom.

Will vendors be available the entire time? The vendors will be open from 8AM-Midnight each day.

What are make-n-takes? The make-n-takes that we will be doing are one page layouts. Supplies will be provided to you with instructions and twice during each crop you will complete one of these with us and staff as your guide.

Will we be able to leave our things at the center? Yes, but I do suggest bringing a blanket or sheet to cover your materials.

If anyone has anymore questions please feel free to ask a question in comments.

Ready, Set, Go!!!!

2008-03-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

Click to enlarge

Our mailing address is 5575 Hwy 1, Lockport, LA 70374

For all You Rappers, I mean Scrappers

2008-03-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

Turn off my music down below!!!

Girls Gone Crafty

2008-03-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

Join us on a scrapbooking journey, Girls Gone Crafty is Friday- Saturday, August 1-2, 2008 @ the Cut Off Youth Center in Cut Off, LA. Several vendors will be attending and a few special guests. Included in the festivities will be Beginning-Advanced classes, 3 available crops, challenges, make-n-takes, loaded goodie bags, and doorprizes. Also available will be a concession stand with plate lunches, goodies, refreshments, coffee, beignets, & daiquris. We will also have a photographer and massage therapist onsite. Registration will begin in April. There is limited space available, so first paid will be the first seated. That's right you will choose exactly where you want to sit. The first 50 paid to purchase any of our Paths will be entered into a drawing to win a rolling tote from MIMI worth over $140. Keep looking for more reveals each week as we discuss more of the surprises and vendors we have in store. Our website is being created as we speak, so as soon as it is done all info will be posted there.

So, Like

2008-03-17T20:16:00.000-07:00

I was tagged for 7 random things and since this kind of goes with the random thought comment giveaway I do every month. I thought Hey what the Hay!

1. I have had probably more jobs than I've changed my underwear, okay so I'm overexaggerating a bit, but I've had plenty - everything from a waitress - bartender - BK drive thru cashier - family therapist - high school teacher - okay so, maybe like more than the times I've shaved my legs. Now that is quite possible. LOL

2. My plan before children was to be in the Peace Corps.

3. I'm totally obsessed with Scrap In Style I view layouts for sometimes 2 hours a day, but hey I consider that work - it helps to inspire me to create.

4. I love Banana Splits - like old fashioned ones in the boats.

5. I think my children are crazy, not like mentally, but so silly and weird sometimes that I think I might be trapped in some sitcom.

6. My kids & husband think farting is a sign of affection.

7. I reread my posts 2-3 times for grammatical or spelling errors. It'll drive me nuts to discover them later.

Okay, so tag you are it! Hit me up with a random and get lucky with some Green Scrap!

Easter Pictures

2008-03-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

Unexpected Moments Photography will be at the Bayouside Park in Lockport on Thursday, March 13th from 4:00-7:00p.m. We will have various props and a live bunny.
We are running a special for Easter!!!

There will be no sitting fee
Our package includes:
1- 8 x 10
1- 5 x 7
4 wallets (one pose)......... $20.00
additional sheets are $10.00 per sheet

If anyone is interested, please let me know before Wednesday so we could make arrangements for the bunny. Email Becky or call (985) 532-9035.

Suffocating

2008-03-07T06:38:00.000-08:00

I love having a girl. All the girly things you get to do after having 2 boys. You get to dress them up, play with their hair without them saying, "Moooommm, stop!" You have a companion when the boys go fishing, you get to play with dolls again, and baking is too much fun. But by golly, she is smothering me here. If I don't work and I'm home all day she has to be up my butt. She has to be pressed up against me as I work, tugging on my legs as I wash the dishes, do the laundry, & clean the house. If I sit you better believe she is backing her butt up to my lap. I can't breathe. I thought maybe if I just play with her every other hour that would do the trick. I thought that just maybe she just wanted some attention, but trust me she gets enough. I adore her, she is funny, a bright light on a bad day, sweet, and healthy I couldn't be blessed more. But Jeez I need some space. Like I don't even understand why she likes me so much, I'm always griping about her being on top of me. I guess I should feel flattered that she wants to be around me so much and I know others tell me that soon she'll have nothing to do with me, but as for today, I'm just happy she's sleeping so I can type this.

Coffee Fit

2008-02-29T04:34:00.000-08:00

Nothing tics me off more than not having my morning coffee. Especially, if I worked on making it and didn't get a sip. This happened to me yesterday, but I was so mad I couldn't even write about it. I snapped at little things and was just real grouchy. So let me tell you how this all went down. Smokey our dog is sweet, but a puppy so very hyper. My eldest son lets him in the house and they are playing yesterday morning while I'm getting the other two ready for school. I had left my coffee on the counter. Well, I've got an olympic gymnast dog or something, because he manages to jump up on top of the counter while my eldest is enthralled in morning cartoons (dang it) and drinks my coffee. So, not only do I not get my fix, but my dog is even more hyper now. Like I needed that. Well, of course I'm yelling punishing everyone in sight even my husband, might I add that is not even here. I kick Smokey out the house, no not literally, so don't call SPCA on me. And then my middle child asks me what's wrong, I tell him nothing and he says, "Mom, you need your coffee." Is it that obvious. Needless to say "don't ever touch my frickin' coffee, okay" Now that I'm done with my hissy fit you may return to your normal lives.

Creative Weekend

2008-02-22T05:04:00.000-08:00

First a few annoucements:
Our blog is actually being kept up to date, so keep us bookmarked and check back often. Yes, I finally got off my lazy bum and I'm keeping up, but as you might have noticed to the right the rest of my life is still a mess.
_________________________________________

Also, we are full for the Crop a Rita, guess we have more alcoholics than I knew LOL (anyone that has signed up for the Crop a Rita and will not be able to come please email me to let me know), we still have spots left for Sat. 23rd., but not many.
_________________________________________

We are currently in the process of putting together a Creative Weekend and we would like your thoughts on it, so please take our survey. We want to be able to offer you the best, so a lot of what you respond with will determine what we offer at the event. Our thoughts are to include shopping, cropping, classes, goodie bags, t-shirts, food, contests, and giveaways.
Granted we are starting small, we hope that this becomes an annual event, celebrating our anniversary every year.
Click here to take the survey

Just a few things to note

2008-02-21T17:00:00.000-08:00

WE HAVE ALPHA GRUNGE! Yes I said it so get your butts over here for it, because it won't last long. First come, first serve.

Also, we have the new Stampin' Up Catalog at the store if anyone is interested, you must place your order by March 11th.

CKU Houston is in June and I'm going to be heading up the Silent Auction for Autism Speaks. If anyone is interested in donating a handmade item, a kit, scrapbook basket, etc. Please contact me. Anything would help.

The winner of the $30 kit is {drum roll} Christina Witkowski. So email me your stuff privately Christina and I'll send you a kit.

Yes, Again!

2008-02-18T11:42:00.000-08:00

OOOHHHHH! All you Cricut Lovers watch out for the Slice!!!

Some more Sis Pictures courtesy of Sis Sites! (In other words, if I make any money off these photos please do not sue, I have no money, but if I get money I promise to share).

We made so many scrap friends that CHA was just lagniappe! And to those whose photos are missing, please email me or respond - I CAN"T FIND YOU! LOL

Don't Forget:

Creative Confidence 6PM Tues. (must sign up today to be included)

Scrappin' 101 10AM Wed. & 6PM Thurs.

Photo 101 5PM Sat.

Crop Night 7PM Sat. (still spots available) {Edit: Sorry posted the wrong time}

Only 3 spots left for Crop a rita on the Fri. 29th. (I'm assuming this is filling fast due to the extreme amount of alcoholics in the area.) Just kidding!!!

Edit: Just to let those know who were waiting on them: Paint Dabbers, Elements Grunge, Adhesive, Cutterpede Trimmer, Edge Distresser, BG Distress Kit, Alcohol Ink, Big Corner Cutters, Thread, & Black 8x8 albums are here.

Whaz UP Wit Dat?

2008-02-18T11:39:00.001-08:00

It can't be that only two people read my blog that are interested in winning a kit. Really, WoW okay that was a pretty big blow to my overfed confidence I guess. Random thoughts people - Random thoughts - I'm pouring my heart out to the world here - GIVE Me SoMething!!! LOL
(no flu, virus, or other crazy diseases please).

CHA

2008-02-17T20:26:00.000-08:00

Well here are some of the things we loved about CHA! Enjoy! (Some pics from Sis sites- thanks)

Doodlebug Flocking

Basic Grey Cupcake

We R Memory Keepers White Out! Love this line!

Lots of new lines such as Jenni Bowlin, 45, Bam Pop, Pink Paislee & Teresa They all rock!
Elsie cute as ever!

More amazing storage by Mimi & Cropper Hopper!

Hambly doin' it again!

We can't deny that we love our Grunge and the new stuff is even more exciting! We should be getting all our stuff on back order sometime this month.

Just a little break from it all: Our Sis night on Monday - love being apart of that sisterhood!!!! (more sis pics to come)

Fancy Pants as usual, fancier than ever. The felt & storybooks & glittter cuts are to die for!!! This booth was the best! They really were down to earth people who were the greatest!

Of course, Queen & Co.

Petaloo by far rocks!!

Cosmo Cricket the robots are so adorable and the blackboard will surely be a hit!

More to come soon as I upload all the pics!

Lots of lines and we will update soon on the lines as we order them and get them.

Thanks to everyone for all their support.

Don't forget Saturday, 23rd Crop Night!!!!!

Random Thoughts

2008-02-14T20:49:00.001-08:00

Only me - if it's going to happen most of the time it will happen to me, as most will say that know me well. Strange as it may be things that would normally never happen or only happen on Desperate Housewives happens to me, so I've decided that I'll be making monthly ramblings with giveaways. I'm going to let you in on a strange random thing that has happened to me and then you can give me random thoughts or things in your own life. Give me your best random thoughts and this month you can be the winner of a Valentine Gift Kit worth $30.

So here's my random: I once was almost arrested in college for looking like someone that held up the local convenient store that night. Come to find out the girl did look similar to me but my footprint size didn't match, hers were much bigger. Thank God for small feet!

Now your turn - random thought away!

Pumped!!!!

2008-02-13T09:12:00.000-08:00

I don't think anything could have prepared us for CHA. We learned a lot and brought back a lot. We even had to pay a couple hundred dollars to bring it back, but well worth it. We had lots of fun and will reveal what we are ordering soon, but for now I'm going to let you in on a few things:

1. We are so happy to start something new here, we are adding a real photographer to our shop. Becky Loupe of Unexpected Moments Photography will be taking the monthly pictures at the shop and is also available to take anytime pictures. We will also provide scrapbook kits to go along with her picture packages, so be sure to get in touch with her for more info - (985) 532 - 9035 or 226 - 9036.

2. We are so sure you are going to love the products we've picked for you that we decided we need to make lots of room now. Obviously we are a small store and need to make space for new product, so come by for our CHA Sale 45% off tons of products. So pass the word, shout it at the rooftops if you will.

3. Also, don't forget about our Lovin' You Program this month and our Layout Contest.

4. We have so much planned for the upcoming months - big big crops and crop nights every weekend.

5. So on to the Gossip: (if you would like to stop reading here I understand - because I tend to word vomit a lot and I could probably put you in a trance and we won't be able to revive you due to the extreme amount of information I am about to lay upon you, but hey if you can handle it then well HEY GIRL HEY! Read on! P.S. Sorry English teachers I know that was a bad run on sentence)

Our experience
So first of all my daughter was very sick two nights before we left with a bad case of tonsilitis (I really don't know how to spell that) and I had to first try to bring her to the hospital, but since we live in such a small town and our hospital is understaffed we were unable to be taken in due to the amount of accidents happening that evening - go figure!) She was okay by the time I had to leave, but by then I had had no sleep in two days and I was about to leave for CHA! We left at 3:30AM Saturday in a limo to the airport (Amber hooked us up fa shizl ma nizle). We arrived at the airport, tried to sleep, had a lay over in Dallas, tried to sleep again, definitely not enough. We arrived in Anaheim and was picked up by a shuttle only to find we were on the Shuttle to He#$! Our shuttle driver had no idea where she was going and while she was driving she was searching for a house in the newspaper, she then preceded to tell us the hotel was over here before not there and that it only had one side as if it was uprooted and remodeled - whatever. She then passed up our hotel and did a u-turn in the middle of an intersection - I saw my life, Kelly's life, Amber's life and lots of others flash before my eyes - well actually my eyes were closed, but you get the picture. We did finally make it to the hotel, but found out I had booked the wrong one and they would not switch us near the Convention Center - needless to say we payed for plenty of taxi's. And because we didn't memorize the taxi law book we were flipped off by one (note to self: take the first cab in line, not the third that looked safe and then flirted with you and hands you his number to call him later *wink*). So off to our room, which was decent and we were set to attend CHA. Our classes were great, well not all of them, because I actually almost taught one of them because I don't think they knew what they were talking about. And no I won't mention which one because that's just so mean! Anywhoo, our first day was an education day and boy were we exhausted. Second day started at five AM, yes I said five AM, so everyone better not complain about anything, because we worked so hard LOL. We definitely learned a lot, but the best thing about CHA was meeting all the crafty people of this world and though my mind was on creative overload and I thought I might seizure in the middle of the showroom floor I made it through and Kelly stayed focused and actually word vomited all over me on the plane ride home. We saw plenty of scrap celebrities and I had paparazzi following me everywhere, almost like Brittany Spears minus the head case, well maybe. So on Monday night we met up with SisTV (Scrap in Style TV - for those living in some alternate world that does not know who they are) at the Round Table with JJ and plenty of Sisters. We had so much fun and learned so much more. If you haven't signed up already to be a part of our cult LOL, then you need to NOW! (Shout out to all my sister PEEPS! - Love ya'll). Well, I'll have to continue this later, like I'm so sure you are still reading this! Keep checking in, I promise to post the new stuff soon.

DaughterDog?

2008-01-29T18:56:00.000-08:00

I don't know who's worse to clean up after - my daughter or the dog. Either way it stinks. My 2 year old thinks it's just part of a normal routine to pee and poo on the floor, just like the dog. (Actually, I think the dog does it a lot less) She also scratches, bites things, and barks. Should I be worried about this? I guess I should be happy she's not imitating me as I'm cursing, pulling my hair out, and banging my head on the wall. Oh, well - just another bright day in the Gautreaux house.

Lovin' February!

2008-01-29T18:53:00.000-08:00

Distracted

2008-01-27T13:53:00.000-08:00

Getting distracted while reading some blogs, a person I admire Noel had this on her blog and I thought it might be fun to try out.

How funny is this? I usually get told I look like one of the Olsen Twins, but here I am with some A list stars. Wish I was making the money that their faces are making.

And my husband, don't know about some of them, but hey compare him to Gerard Butler or Matthew Fox anyday.

So, lately I've been really having a task of more than I can handle. I'm trying the give it up to Him thing, so I don't "lose my religion". If it's not bad enough that our dog, Smokey will have accidents in the house every so often that I have to clean, now I have my daughter the streaker, who decides it's so much fun to run around the house with no diaper and sqwat (not sure how to spell that). Ugh! Well, I guess if I can handle Hunter, the Picasso of Poo - I can handle Claire the Sqwatting Stripper.

Alot has been on my mind lately, creatively. I want to go in so many directions with my business and personally. I was rejected for a chance to be chosen on a design team, but it might have been my technical default. My submission never reached her and by the time I knew it was too late to be placed in. So, now I don't know if my talent would have been good enough. Which really sucks, cuz I needed a little boost to carry out my plans. Guess I'll have to try something else. Stay tuned for what I do next. HEHE! Like I have such a large audience on a mini-series or something.

SSWWWEEET

2008-01-22T14:52:00.000-08:00

Here's our "sweet" new adventure, we are selling these treat bags for $3 each with the candy or $1 each without the candy. We are now taking orders, we are also taking orders for any other kind of "treats for your sweet". Call or email us. This will make great treats for classmates, teachers, friends, and more.

I'm finally posting the pics of the Christmas Favorites Album you might have missed.

And here's an idea for grungeboard (the wings). How cool is that?

Bad Blogger!

2008-01-21T17:09:00.000-08:00

I could probably write a song on Bad Blogging and of course in the lyrics it would probably include my name. I know your every waking moment depends on the word vomits that I have daily. LOL!!! So with no furtherado here's the new stuff. Many lines mixed together, but they look so beautiful together, I'll be posting layouts soon.

Also, we have a site on cafepress.com with shirts, notepads, mugs, and more. You can buy them from the site or we'll have a few soon in the store. I'm so excited about this because I burned the midnight oil designing these. I hope you like them.
http://www.cafepress.com/tsbgcc

Next, I'd like to let everyone know that our Valentine's Line is selling out fast. Lots of new things are popping up everywhere in the store, but our most exciting is Basic Grey Undressed Chipboard and Tim Holtz's Grungeboard. Below is the link to see the Grungeboard in action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gODmW_qULL8

CHA is coming soon in Anaheim and we have never been more excited to go. I'm actually comfortable with the flight, but I'm sure that the closer the date gets I'll be a little more nervous then. We will be closing the shop Feb. 9th - 12th. We will be learning loads of information for you and for us. Business & Pleasure. We'll be coming back with plenty of new ideas and products. We hope to make some big changes in the next few months. We have big dreams and with your help filling out our survey we have a better idea of where we can improve. To answer some of the questions, I'm going to kind of sum it up. We have a few requests for technique classes, day classes, and more products. We will definitely try to do more technique & day classes. We tried these in the past and it really didn't work out, but maybe with the influx of new customers this might work. So thanks for the suggestion! Also concerning more products, there is no doubt that we have limited space and I hope everyone understands that we wish we had more, but since we don't PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE give us any suggestions on products you'd like to see. If enough of you ask for it we'll definitely be more than happy to put it in the store. In the past, we made a few mistakes of just ordering on one person's request and then end up with a lot of extras that take up space. So we are definitely living and learning. So, thank you again for all your help in assisting us to grow to be a better store.

Gettin' Crafty!

2007-12-05T13:51:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for our Santa's Workshop and Christmas Gift Bonanza!!!

This is just a quick sneak peak at our upcoming crafts & gifts!

Join us Friday for a Crop Night at Paula's and Santa's Workshop on Saturday at the Boutique.

AND for the first time ever a crafty class on Sunday!

Sign up quick!

December Calendar

2007-12-03T10:52:00.000-08:00

click to enlarge!

We hope you enjoy our last month of crafts this year. Any questions call us!

New Year

2007-11-26T12:48:00.000-08:00

With the coming of the new year, I believe it's time for some changes. A reflection if you will. I look at all I've done in the past year and think WOW! did I do all that. Where did the year go? So, I'm slowing down, if that's even possible. Not sure. I've somehow gotten lost along the way and I'm trying to make my way back again.

So, I pulled out one of my old prayers from a few years back that I used to recite daily. It's Jabez's prayer. What a powerful one too. I really believe that it will guide you and bless you if you let it. I'll be reciting this often, as I'm sure God realizes I need to. I guess it takes falling flat on your face a few times to realize that.

I'm also thinking I might cut my hair too. I always feel enlightened when I do something new with my hair - strange as it may sound - but I guess the weight of the world is as heavy as my hair (HEHE).

My relationships with others has changed. I used to be so close to everyone I knew. My life is an open book, but I haven't taken the time to hear other's stories. I've become distant and definitely not as empathetic as I once was. So, I'm taking the time to listen closely to short & long stories, rants, & lectures. You never know when that information will be useful.

I can't say enough how thankful I am for my husband, who is by all means the most hardworking, compassionate, loving, & beautiful person I've ever met. He definitely exudes the true meaning of unconditional love. My children who brighten up my dark hours and for all our good health. My family, my shelter, love, friends, & the earth are all things I appreciate greatly, but don't mention it enough. So to all - THANK YOU, especially God!

I used to also be a good deed "doer", haven't done a whole lot lately, so that will have to change.

Well, as you see I have a few things to straighten out, so I guess I'll be startin' on that list.

Santa's Workshop

2007-11-16T12:21:00.000-08:00

Here's an example of our beautiful handstamped Christmas cards we will be making for the Santa's Workshop on Saturday.

And here's an example of the ornament we will be creating.

We have only a few seats left, so sign up fast.

Also we are now selling handmade cards & gifts for the holidays or any special occasion. Also, if you see a design you like for a card, gift, or album our designers can create it for you.

November Calendar

2007-11-09T08:54:00.000-08:00

click to enlarge

We are doing so much fun stuff! Call or email and let us know if you are coming.

Santa stopped here!

2007-11-08T12:02:00.000-08:00

Oh, bring me some Figgy Pudding, oh, bring me some Figgy Pudding seemed to be the song of the month waiting on the arrival of this Christmas line by Basic Grey called Figgy Pudding.
As you can see we have papers, monograms, ornaments, chipboard, black & BROWN rubs, & Fiber. We are going to sell out quick so be sure to do your Christmas shopping early.

In addition to our Basic Grey line we brought in the bright Christmas line from American Crafts called the 12 days of Christmas, along with ribbon, chipboard, color & black rubs, & VINYL pieces.

We also brought in a few extras Cosmo Cricket rubs, Making Memories stickers, tags, FLOCKS, and lots of Fiber & Christmas Bling!!!!

Just some extras around the shop:

RUBS: Basic Grey, Hiedi Swapp Metallic, & American Crafts.

Even though Halloween is over, we still are left with these ghost in the shop! Get 'em while you can.

Late Additions, that were on backorder, but if you're behind as most scrapbookers are, these will be handy, Hiedi Swapp Chipboard stickers, and Making Memories FLOCKING!

Button & Flower Request are in!

You want ribbon - we have it!!!! We are selling it in the boxes & on the spool.

New to our Baby Girl Section:

New to our Baby Boy section:

These are FLEECE pieces - beautiful accent for a baby page!

New to the wedding section: Check out the VINYL!

New paper in the store:

Well I hope you enjoyed the sneak peak, yet I have to say, it doesn't do it justice seeing it on here and we have plenty more I wasn't able to list - like Mardi Gras Metallic pens, VELVET alpha stickers, Versa Mark, okay enough already - JUST GET OVER HERE!

Joys of Motherhood

2007-10-19T10:08:00.001-07:00

In relaxing one beautiful Friday with my husband and kids I took note of several things happening around me. I first noticed how peaceful my town is, how beautiful the weather is, and how wonderful my family gets along. Then I noticed how complicated others make life for you. I do realize it is ultimately up to me to parent my children, but some people don't make it any easier for me. When I think I'm taking two steps forward all it takes is one outing for me to take three steps back. Let me explain in detail my day.

It did not start out as a typical day, it actually was like a vacation day we never get. We went to storyhour at our local library, which is always a pleasure to go to, but it seems like everytime you go you have that one kid running around, talking loudly, and their parents are doing the same and not paying attention, hence the child scurrying about. Don't really care if the child is doing this, but it makes it harder as my children try to mimic the child and when I tell my children to sit and listen to the stories, they ask me "Well why does he get to do it?" What am I supposed to say to that. I really don't know. All I think about is what my teachers would tell me, "Well now if I let you do it then the whole class will do it and then that will just be a mess." So basically they can run carefree and have fun and you can't but what I really want to do is just tell the parent, "Will you please get your child to sit and listen, so mine will too." But I'm sure I would be told, "It's not my fault your child is a follower and mine is a leader." Well, at least if mine were a leader, they wouldn't be leading the chain gang.

So, we then set up a picnic at the local park and it was beautiful. Everyone was actually eating their food, no picky eaters, and no fighting for drinks or anything - can you believe it, really I have pictures to prove it. So anyway, I ask the boys to throw away their stuff and they do, but then I see some numskull littering and I think, "Please God don't let my boys see this." They ask me all the time why do they have to put their trash in the dumpster and I have to go through the long explanation of polluting the earth, yada, yada, yada. Then of course I see a city worker smoking and putting out his butts in the grass. Why?!!!!

So after our wonderful picnic we were able to play, but of course not without seeing children throwing rocks and then my children throwing rocks and then me yelling like a mad woman for my children to stop and come here. Trying to make a point of yelling loud enough so the parent whose child is throwing the rocks might get the point that they should get up off their toosh and do something. Well, it didn't work. Of course, so I just looked like crazy momma!!! for nothing.

Our wonderful time playing around had ended and we decided to grab some ice cream at a local shop. We live in such a wonderful quaint town it was nice not to have to travel too far to do all these things. As we are sitting there enjoying our Banana Splits and Sundaes my oldest son out of the blue asks, "Why can't I have coffee?" I tell him obviously because he's too young, "You're too young and you don't need that." Then he says and points, "Well why does that girl from my school have one?" Sheezz!!! I can't win.

I know you are probably thinking gosh your children ask a lot of questions, .... but maybe they wouldn't have to if people followed the rules. And maybe my children wouldn't think I'm such a mean mom who never lets them do what others do. Am I crazy for expecting that we all play & work by the same rules. Ugh! Maybe one day my children will see I did it for their own good.

Santa's Workshop

2007-10-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peak @ our Santa's Workshop.

If you are missing it on Saturday, don't worry we'll have another one in November & December.
But if you'd rather just get the kit, we have that too.

Many have asked, so just to let you know Croptober Fest dressing up is optional.

Wicked!!!

2007-10-17T12:26:00.000-07:00

I personally love Halloween! I'm not much on the truly gory, scary stuff, but I love to be able to pretend I'm someone else & dress up without people looking at me funny, like dressing up in the middle of July or something.

Our backdrop for Halloween pics is almost complete. We will start taking pics on Thursday and we have a layout kit to go along with it for $8.

Here's the sample layout

The only item not included in the kit are the letters, but you can come by to get them cut out on our Cricut. Here's our backdrop, thus far.

We still have a few adjustments to make.

Well, if you didn't notice we were featured in the Big Fun on the Bayou Insert in The Courier & The Daily Comet.

We still have a few spots left for Friday night's Croptober Fest. Dressing up is optional, but we will be having several games and contests that evening. Along with snacks & refreshments.

Also, we will be having an early Santa's Workshop on Saturday @ 10AM. We will be scrapping & stamping the day away on cards, gift tags, ornaments, and layouts.

Ranger Danger

2007-10-05T15:47:00.000-07:00

Danger -- Ranger is here! Whooooohooooo!!! It's about time. Come check it out I'm too pumped up, just wish it would have been in sooner. I wanted to do some really cool stuff with it for Scrap Pink. I did this great Layout in honor of my "Second Mom" Annette.

She was very dear to me and I was unable to go to her funeral, due to it being in another state and I had just had Claire. I don't think I've been able to feel any closure until I did this layout. Funny how you can say scrapbooking is like therapy and joke about it but in reality I really believe it's been great therapy for me. It causes you to stop and smell the roses or coffee whichever you prefer - mine being coffee of course. So, I've realized over the years that as I scrapbook I reflect. Reflect on my life present, past, & future. Reflect on the meaning of life, the meaning of others around me and it has opened up a new world to me. I take the moments in one by one, whether it be the humming of ABC's by my one year old at the table while bouncing or my sons making a complete disaster of their room claiming they were playing Hurricane. Cuz' hey those make some great pictures and stories to tell. So, let them tear it up, hum it up, drum it up,... because everyone needs to "Bust a Move" once in awhile. We all march to the beat of different drummers even if it means we look a little "white" when we do it. Be not afraid of who you are -- Just Be You!

How Funny!!!

2007-10-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

Okay so you know how as mothers we tend to dish out quite a bit of advice all out at once, well this Mom, happens to be the best at it, watch this video, you can't help but laugh. She is a riot. Return to blog after.

So, if you've watched it!!! Don't you see yourself yelling all those things out of breath, in the rush of things. I sure do. I spill out every word I can squeeze in and pray that he or she heard the most important ones. I'm famous for that as we are pulling into parent drop - off (by the way why do they call this parent drop off you are really dropping off students not parents - anyway) as we drive through the line, I began with my speech: "Okay, Seth tell everyone Bye! and you love them, don't forget to listen to your teacher, follow the rules, stay focused on your work, don't bully anyone - be nice "Spread the Honey", and if anyone bullies you tell the teacher" then as the door is closing I'm shouting, "I love you, Bye!" and he is off to school. He's probably saying to himself I've heard the same speech now for the past 3 years Mom - but instead he listens, (or at least I think so) and takes it all in, and leaves. No sassy mouth here. Love that!

I see how the trend over the years has been to just spill the same advice over and over again. You tell your kids the same things that your parents told you, even though you vowed to never be like your parents, but hey you didn't turn out so bad now did you? So, what's wrong with that! Absolutely nothing. Parents need to be consistent and if it ain't broke don't fix it. Do as your parents did.

I don't think it's a bad think to talk with your children and speak to them daily about what you expect out of them. It gives them some guidelines to life. So should you run into some down time with your child talk with them and let them know (just try not to have an emotional outburst)- we can't just assume they know the rules.

Jenni Bowlin

2007-10-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

Our new Jenni Bowlin stuff has arrived. I've been anxiously awaiting this order, so I hope you will be just as pleased with it as I've been. We also have finally received Sassafrass Indian Summer Collection (fall colors) & the Whale of a Tale Collection (Boy Blues). We are still waiting for a few items though. Please make sure anyone interested in Scrap Pink on Saturday that you sign up early, we are filling up fast. Our Day crop is from 12 -6 and our evening crop is from 6-12.
Here's the new Jenni Bowlin stuff:

I Did It!

2007-09-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

This is it, I did it! A card finally - and I actually like it. The inside pulls out and I mailed it out in the plastic container that some other cards I bought came in.

So on to my next adventure?????

Spooky!!!

2007-09-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

So as you'll see from our calendar we have lots going on this month.

click image to view full version

Of course, a week later than all the other ones nationwide, Scrap Pink is our big event and we are thrilled about having it. For those of you who want to know more come by the shop or call, but I'll give you a little info: It will start at 9AM with a Cardmaking 101 class with our wonderful Paula Schouest ($10 - 1/2 going to the cause). 12PM-6PM is our day crop and 6PM-12AM is our evening crop, each will be $10 and all the proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. We will be accepting donations of any amount throughout the day and evening. Around 8PM we will have a special lighting outside in honor of the special women in our lives, to light a candle $1. Throughout the week feel free to hang a picture or Layout of the special women in your life who have, had, or survived breast cancer on our Wall of Honor for $1. All the proceeds from these activities will also be donated.

When I get rolling with things it tends to get out of control and I love to plan all sort of neat events. If anyone has any suggestions or ideas on some classes, feel free to comment or email.

New to the store:

Coming soon:

Hiedi Swapp Ribbon, Bling & GHOST LETTERS, Ranger (because it hasn't got here yet -think I could call Tim Holtz about this! HAHA), Petaloo, Cutterpede Paper Trimmers, Paper Shapers, Bone Folders, Paper Piercers, Plastic Craft Sheets, CROP-A-DILE!!!, Jenni Bowlin, & Making Memories.

So, anyway life seems to be rolling away a little faster the older I get and it causes you to reflect a lot. I've long thought about doing a few things in my life, but never ventured out to do them. I know, for those of you who know me well, you are probably saying - "Yeah, right Michelle not trying something new - that's funny!" Seriously, though I've put some thought into a few things I fear. Flying was a huge one and I've seemed to have gotten past that obstacle. I'm feeling a bit fearless, much like Wonder Woman (though that could be inspired by the Jack Johnson Curious George CD I'm listening to in the background). In celebration of this courageousness I've decided to scrap a card. Well, you might think 'Okay' how is that being fearless - it is for me. I'm a 12x12 scrapper, I get scrapclostraphobic (made that up). That card is a little space and I don't deal with little spaces well. So I'm going to work on a card this afternoon that'll knock your socks off or at least be impressive and I'll post it later. My next fear is the fear of failure. I'm sure a lot of you have this fear, but this fear has prevented me from being successful. I'm so afraid that someone might not like it or that I'm not doing something right that I decide to opt out of doing it. So, I'm going to finish writing that book, enter my scrap pages in contests, and listen to my son when he says I'm a great mom. My challenge to you: Reflect on your life - what are your biggest fears - I challenge you to challenge them. (Okay, the CD is now over, so I'm not feeling as inspired - guess I've got to rewind - HEHE Just Joking!!!) Good Luck!

Look @ Us!

2007-09-17T12:02:00.000-07:00

We have finally got the awning up & our sign. We look a little more official.

We have a lot of exciting new things we have been working on. Recently, we had a Round Robin and it went real well. We all started with our own layout, set a timer and began to work, when the timer went off we passed our layout to the next person, so on and so on until our layout was returned to us. Here are a few pics of those layouts.

Here is our calendar, be on the lookout for updates through email.

September:

18th - The Main Event 1PM

19th - Digital/Hybrid 4PM

21st - Basics 101 6PM

21st - Crop Night 7PM

21st - Name Tags due for Contest

22nd - Heat Embossing 10AM

26th - Creative Titles & Journaling 4PM
28th - Digital/Hybrid 7PM

29th - Layouts Due for Contest

Remember every Tuesday is Two Stamp Tuesday & every Friday is Freaky Freebie Friday

We are making a lot of changes here and are always adding things. We are also working on a website with shopping cart and other fun things. Our lines we will be carrying for the fall are Daisy D's & Sassafras. Our Christmas line will be from Basic Grey. Also, we will be receiving alcohol inks, paint dabbers, embossing powder, distress ink, stickles, memory frames & glass from Ranger.

Coming Soon: Jenni Bowlin, Maya Road, & more Fancy Pants

Yeah!!!! CKU!!!!!

2007-09-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, yes it has taken me this long to get back from CKU! I think I was living in some alternate world for awhile, daydreaming that I was still there. So, back to reality.

Here we are with the wonderful & inspiring Ali Edwards. She was very down to earth and really knows how to capture the art of everyday. I volunteered to help her and several other ladies with the Autism Speaks Silent Auction (which raised $2,700 whoohoo!)

Kelly's favorite lady, Michelle Hill with Lil' Davis Designs. What a spunky lady!!!! I regret not taking a class of hers, maybe next time.

Finally, Ursula in a shot. Tim Holtz, who my mom says is the "Brad Pitt" of scrapbooking. He was so COOL! A lot of fun and very talented. I have to mention that I did receive a compliment from the MAIN MAN himself! Thank you there is no need for applause. No really, thank you that's enough. HEHE!

We made these in his class and plan on doing our own spin on this for a bracelet or Christmas ornament for a class @ The Scrap Boutique.

We met a lot of interesting people, but one person I found quite peculiar was the "Walking Vegetation" as Kelly would put it. Okay you might be laughing now, but let this thing come walkin' out the bush after you've had two pina coladas and tell me you wouldn't be scared.

So, on to other human beings, such as Becky Higgins. Though I wanted to take all the album tracks, I'm so glad I did this one. I learned a lot about myself in "A Snapshot of Me" It was very enlightening & Becky was the sweetest person.

Jessica was so quirky I loved it. I really was not looking forward to this class due to my lack in knowledge of digi scrappin' but it ended up being one of my favorite classes. I'd love to take more of her classes.

CD, damn it, I did not realize she was teaching because I would have been all over her class. Her work in the magazines does no justice for the work you see in person. She is so artistically inclined. She was so nice and really fun to talk with. I can't wait to meet up with her again.

As for us, as you can see when we weren't star struck we had a good time and learned a lot that we hope to pass to our customers. So, be looking for a lot of fun & creative new classes. Hope to scrap with you soon.

P.S. The scoop: We will hold a convention in this area next year, so be on the look out here for updates.

OMG

2007-08-27T15:43:00.000-07:00

Well thankfully the hurricane did not come our way, but I prayed for the ones that did get it. I was able to go to CKU after a very traumatic week for our community and Lord knows I needed it. So, I just got back from CKU and my head is filled with too many thoughts, so as soon as I can get home and gather them I'll post more and also include some pictures.

Freaking OUT!!!!!

2007-08-16T20:21:00.001-07:00

Okay, isn't it bad enough that I'm already freaking out about flying, leaving my children, and leaving my husband - that now a damn Hurricane has to start heading this way. Yeah, it's just my luck! I'm supposed to be leaving for CKU, but instead I might be evacuating - well I guess that's better than the engine falling off the plane. So, what will I be doing tommorow night to get my mind off of it - you guessed it Scrappin'. How else am I supposed to get through my meltdown.

S-C-H-O-O-L What does that spell? Routine!!!!

2007-08-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

Hey, I like when school is in. Don't get me wrong I love the summer vacation and trips, but after awhile the laid back lifestyle leads me to laziness. So off to school my boys go, off to the sitter for my girl and off to work for me. "Hunter Bunter" is ready to begin Pre-K and is really pumped up, "Sethocrates" could care less, and "Claire Bear" is just devasted. I want to jump up and down and say a cheer in the morning and all they want to do is beg and annoy me to sleep just 5 more minutes. How could they not love school? I've always loved school, couldn't wait to start, guess that gene skipped my oldest.

As for the store, we are doing great! We are getting new things in everyday and it's every scrapper's dream. We are in the midst of planning some conventions and weekend retreats, but for now Crop Nights & Crop-a-ritas til 4AM (yeah, I know - We party like some Scrapstars) will have to do.

Getting prepared for CKU-Nashville has been rough. I'm heading out on my first flight ever on the 23rd and I'm pretty sure I'll have to have a few pina coladas before boarding. I always said I would never fly, so CKU must be pretty special (HEHE). The Countdown has begun!

In the Beginning

2007-08-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

I know you are thinking what is her daughter doing at the top of the page shouldn't it be a picture of herself being a drama mama. After all it is her confessions. Well, I thought I'd spare everyone from seeing such a horrible sight. Me pitching a fit is not meant to be publically displayed, we would have to have ratings on this site for that to happen. Just ask my husband to attest to that. So, basically to control my dramatic tendencies I try to scrapbook (my absolute favorite hobby) It's also a lot cheaper than the medication & therapist I truly need. So bare with me as I get through this blog world yet again! Hopefully I don't lose it (I mean the blog people!)