Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Around the Bend!

I love it when worlds collide! When MemoryWorks (a direct sales company I work with) started selling Fiskars products I was so excited. Since I love my fiskars tools (and even demoed for them for a couple of years) it was a fabulous match. One of the biggest questions I got was "is there a way to go around the corner with the border punches?" the answer is YUP...and Teamworks leader Lacey Igo "cornered me" (hee hee ;) to post a simple tutorial on it... enjoy!

Monday, October 11, 2010

Cards for Troops



I must admit, I tear up at parades when I see the veterans march past. I also tear up when I say the pledge of allegiance. I am so grateful for our freedom here in the United States and even more so for those men and women that have sacrificed so much to serve and protect them.



I love having opportunities to give back to the troops and when my friend Diane asked me if I would create some "card kits" for a cards for troops event at her church. Operation MOMS Cookies sends care packages to our troops and the cards would be a part of them. I was more than willing to not only put together card kits but help with the event as well.

Knowing I had small group last night immediately following AND knowing my jr/sr high girls love creating I asked if they could come with. Five of us left early grabbed a quick lunch at Micky D's then went to help make Christmas cards for our troops.

Tables were set up all over the room with supplies to make dozen's of different types of cards! They girls went from table to table creating and I stayed at mine helping those that wanted to play with the tools I brought (Fiskars squeeze punches, stamps, stickles and more.)


The girls and I were joined with about 30 Men, women, teens and children from Our Savior Lutheran. The ladies there had YUMMY oatmeal raisin (my favorite of the two) and chocolate chip (the girls favorite) cookies and lemonade to keep up our strength. All in all we spent 3 hours crafting cards. We had a blast!


When all was said and done yesterday afternoon, Diane was excited to share that they had 1502 cards! What a privilege it was to be a small part of it!


Thursday, October 7, 2010

It's Class time!

So November 20th will be the date for a back to back jack of crafting classes

Join me at SCRAPBOOK JUNCTION



I'll be teaching a Cricut 101 (basics of the expression and create machines...we cover every single button and learn how to combine things to make cutting easier) Cost $20 bring your machine, a font (that has upper and lowercase letters) and a shape cartridge (something with simpler layers) Class time 10am-12pm

and Cricut 201--We go further in this class and talk about the basics of layering, doodling, using the deep cut housing blade, and cutting out materials besides paper (transparency, vinyl, chipboard, fabric and more) bring your machine, a basic font cartridge and a shape cartridge with simple layers. Cost $22 (we do a project with this class plus get samples of ton to stuff to cut out!) 1pm-3:30pm


Coming up the beginning of December.

Looking to make a unique Christmas Gift? We will cover the basics of etching, creating custom stencils using your cricut machine. We will create 3 different projects, a mirror, a votive holder and a frame. Date will be announced Call Scrapbook Junction to register or for more information!!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Raffle for Charity!

Two of my favorite things!
Operation Christmas Child and scrapbooking come together in a fabulous raffle for charity!

Scrapbook Junction in Minooka, IL is the home of a fabulous gift box loaded with wonderful crafting supplies from Fiskars, Creative Options, 7 Gyspies and MORE!!! The basket if valued well over $100 (easily $150 when I tallied things) Tickets cost $2 a piece or 3 for $5 and if you purchase $5 worth of tickets you get a free 6 x 12 sheet of alphabet rub-ons!

All proceeds benefit Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child is a wonderful ministry that sends the good news of God's love by giving gift filled shoe boxes to needy children all over the world at Christmas time! Tickets can be purchased at Scrapbook Junction through the 22nd of October!

Special thanks to Lead Fiskateer Angela Daniels and Scrapbook Junction for sponsoring the raffle!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Cricut Classes

It's that time again! Are you just looking for some instruction on your Cricut machine? Join me at Scrapbook Junction for:

Cricut 101
September 28, 2010
6-8pm
Cost: $20

Bring: Your bug, font cartridge, shape cartridge, scrap paper to work with and coordinating paper for project. This is a hands on class and you will cover all the basics of using your machine.

Cricut 201
October 5, 2010
6-8:30pm
Cost: $22

Bring: Your bug, font cartridge, shape cartridge, scrap paper to work with and coordinating paper for project. This class goes a step further and you will learn about doodling with your bug, cutting through a variety of materials, layering cuts, using the deep cut housing blade and more. Will create a project in class.

For more information visit Scrapbook Junction

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

The things you do for swag

Wonder what I have been up to???

I just got back from the CHA-S trade show where I had a BLAST!! I'll post more on it later but in the mean time head over to Scrapbook Update to find out all the "Things you do for swag".

Friday, June 25, 2010

A hunting we will go

I've been having some fun with Fiskateers over at Fiskateers.com with a scavenger hunt swap. There was a catch to this swap. All items from the list had to be from their stash. NO PURCHASING ANYTHING. Participants were given the date and time the list would be posted and then they had to find the items on the list and get them to me as fast as possible. Points were awarded, prizes selected and winners named.




The swap was a lot of fun! Thanks to everyone that participated!!!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Cards for a Cause!

So a dear friend of mine is going to Thailand this summer to teach English. While she was telling me about her trip she mentioned that she loves having ways to share American customs and such with her class and also loves ways to connect with her students. This comment got the wheels in my head turning.
So I asked some of my friends and fellow Fiskateers to help me make cards. The response was overwhelming!!! We were able to send her off to Thailand with over 100 cards for all occassions; birthday, just because, major holidays and more. I also included a card making kit to make even MORE cards! The card making kit contained some "mini" acrylic stamp sets and 1" pads some acrylic blocks, and fiskars scissors. I also included pre-cut cardforms and envelopes, plus a box to hold everything and a case for the stamps. All she needs will be adhesive!
The cards will be used to send notes of congratulations, birthday wishes and more to some of the over 1000 students she has a chance to work with this summer! She also has plans to invite students to make their own cards!

It's pretty exciting to be able to share your love of crafting with people from another country (and have your work travel there!)

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Cricut Series!

Hi everyone I know there has been "a clammoring" for Cricut 301 BUT I decided to go another direction.

301 classes will instead be Cricut project classes and we will focus on learning a technique with our bug (Fabric cutting, etching, etc. ) These elements will be taken out of the 201 class (basically due to time constraints and replaced with a layering project.

Let Annette or I know what you would like to see.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

New Cricut Classes!

Join me at Scrapbook Junction for a new round of Cricut Classes

May 11- A combined Cricut 101 and 201 class for the regular Cricut machine cost will be $22
Time 6-8pm, we will cover basic usage and features of the machine, drawing, as well as move into cutting other things besides paper with the deep cut housing blade. We will create a small project in class

May 18-Cricut 101 for the Expression (and the Cricut Create) machine and cutting basics. $20-Bring your own scrap cardstock to play with. There will be some creative free time at the end of class to ask questions.

May 25 Cricut 201 for the Expression (and the Cricut Create) in this class we will cover using the cricut inks, cutting fabric, chipboard, vinyl, transparancy and more. We will create a small project in the class Cost $22

For more information contact Annette at Scrapbook Junction

Friday, April 16, 2010

Eye on the Sparrow!

What's not to love about wet puppy kisses?????

Yorkville Travel Agency invites you for a much needed get away.

Trade in those heavy sweater for some warm fuzzies! Fun for all ages, Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, bring the kids for a "DAY TRIP TO POOCHLAND!" Special guests will be the guys and gals of Eye on the Sparrow dog rescue and their cast of fabulous furry friends (dogs)

Not only can you rub elbows and ankles with these sweet pooches, who knows, you may make a love connection, and end up adopting a perfect family companion. We will also offer a tantalizing selection of homemade, sweet delicacies(some call it a bake sale). In addition, perhaps you would like to take home a special souvenior from one of our many local artisans? (HEY THAT'S ME :) (aka craft sale), all at a very minimal charge.

Destination, right here in our very own quaint town of Yorkville, at the the Yorkville Travel Agency. The event will take place April17th, from 10-2. Free kisses will be offered to all participants! See you there!

Find out more about Eye on the Sparrow

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Yeah for me!!

I have always wanted to take an online class well I get the chance!!! I won on Stacy Julian's blog How cool is that????


I get to put some FUN in scrapbooking!!!

Yeah!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Y-kids measure up! Healthy Kids Day


Three years ago I was blessed to be hired at the YMCA. Not just any YMCA, the one that I grew up at. As a kid the Y was within walking distance and we would go swimming, play in the gym and racquetball courts and just hang out. It kept us out of trouble as well as giving a a great place to have fun (and get exercise only we didn't view it that way.)

As a 3rd generation Y employee (my grandparents worked there, my parents worked there and now I) I love the how the Y encourages kids to put some "play in their day." In this day and age of video games, encouraging active play is really necessary sometimes. I love being a part of that, and love the fact I can bring my kids to work with me and share a place that was so special to me growing up (and still is.)

April 17 is Healthy Kids Day at the Galowich YMCA there will be activities, special guests, prizes and a ton of fun stuff. This year I got to at a bit of my "love of crafting" to the festivities decorating Fiskars rulers. (200 to be exact) With tags that say "Y kids really measure up!" I worked on them while manning the front desk and the k-kids from Kidz Zone thought they were "Soooo Cool" ;) So if you are in the area, come join us for the free event.

For more information on the YMCA go to JOLIET YMCA

Friday, April 9, 2010

I'm going croppin on NSD.....

I'm excited, my friend (and fellow Fiskateer) Lori is holding a crop to benefit Operation Smile on National Scrapbook Day!

The crop will be held in Manhattan, IL and is from 10-10. 12 hours of cropping time!!!! Very cool!

If you want more information Lori created a page for it


Let me know if you want to go (we can carpool) Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Winner!!!

Thanks for all the fabulous comments on the slide show!

Congrats to

Karin Hall said...

How much fun I wish I lived closer ... I would love the chance to win. Karin H Fiskateer #6470

She was the winner of the goodie bag from the crop! Karin email (lets_scrap2@juno.com) me your information and I'll get it sent out to you!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Fiska-fun for Everyone!

We had such a blast! 20 crafters came together for a day of food, fun, and scrapping. We crafted, we shared, we gave. Both the Lupus Foundation and Leeza's Place received boxes(and boxes) of paper crating items. Most of all we just enjoyed being together and having a good time! Many thanks to everyone who made the day possible from our awesome sponsors (Creative Options, Colorbok, and The Paper Stash,) to Paula, Jessica and the rest of my fabulous clean up crew! Many thanks to my kids and hubby for their support and a special thanks to Fiskateers for helping to bring us all together! Enjoy a glimpse into our day. We may have had 6 hours together but it seemed like moments, I guess it's true time really does fly when you are having fun!
P.S. I happen to have an extra goodie bag from the crop. If you want one, leave your name and Fiskateer # for a chance to win, not a fiskateer yet? Go to Fiskateers and contact one of the leads on how to join!
PPS!--I managed to miss one table for pictures! Fiskateer Kemi and Jennifer if you two have a pix of your table could you send it to me so I can add it to the slideshow?

Friday, March 19, 2010

Tomorrow's the day!!!

I'm over the top excited, how about you? I can't wait to spend the day with my creative friends! We have so many exciting things in store from the opportunities to give to the Lupus Foundation and Leeza's place, to 4 (yup 4) make and takes, to some fun games, and some wonderful prizes from our sponsors. Not to mention 6 hours of cropping and yummy food! It's sure to be a fabulous day full of many wonderful memories! Participants be sure to look for your final email today!

See you tomorrow!!!

Welcome Colorbok!


Prizes are a fun part of any even and crops are no exception! I was very excited to receive some cute prizes from Colorbok in the mail! I can't wait to share them with you all at the crop!!! For more information on Colorbok visit their website at http://www.colorbok.com/. Thanks Colorbok!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Springy Florals


So I wanted something "springy" for the centerpieces at the crop. After a quick run to the dollar store I found orange flowers, pots and added a bit of orange and green ribbon and a stamped butterfly and voila'. Some fun centerpieces!

Friday, March 5, 2010

Packing up some LOVE



I've been packing up some love for the crop! Cute bags from Creative Options, some Heidi Grace, a bit of fiskateer love! Fun stuff...I'm getting excited and can't wait (I'm sure my husband can't either as there are boxes all over the house with prizes and other fun stuff for the crop!) See you March 20th!

Friday, February 26, 2010

An opportunity to give

My friend Jesssica has such a wonderful heart, I recently got an email from her about a program she is involved in. I wanted to share it with you...

When I worked at Scrapbook Lane a few years ago, one of the things i had the opportunity to do was volunteer hours at Leeza'a Place in Joliet. Leeza's Place is in a few words, a "safe setting for all families who are dealing with loved ones diagnosed with a memory disorder."

One of the things that they do is teach families to scrapbook memories before they are gone. Unfortunately, due to current economic conditions, they do not have a budget to replenish their scrapbook supplies.

That is where you come in. I spoke with one of the gals at Leeza's place this morning about doing a scrapbook supply drive for them and she was thrilled! Do you have more paper than you will ever use? Have you purchased doubles of something? Has your style changed and you often hear yourself saying, "What was I thinking?" Have you ever purchased a set of stickers for one sticker and have no idea what you are going to do with the rest of the sheet? If so, now is your chance to clean out your stash. Over the next couple of weeks, take a few minutes to go through your stash and see if you have any scrapbooking supplies that you would be willing to donate.

Some ideas include:
Patterned Paper
Cardstock*
Adhesive*
Stickers
Embellishments

*These items are in greatest need.

Those that would like to help Leeza's place out can contact me. If you would like to help and are going to the crop you can bring things then as Jessica will be at the crop!l

Oh my jelly beans!

Paula and I met up at Plano Molding to do some shopping out there and I had to pick up prizes! I was overwhelmed!!!!!!!

I want to thank the people over at Creative Options for their generous donation to the crop on March 20! WOW do we have some fun prizes!! I can't wait to share them with you! See you on the 20th!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

More classes TBA

Hi everyone Annette at Scrapbook Junction is putting together a interest list for another round of Cricut 101 and 102 classes, if you were not able to join this round or want a refresher course drop her an email to be notified when the next round starts (those on the list will be contacted before the mass email)

Monday, February 15, 2010

Cricut class opening.

There is still an opening in this weekends Cricut class at JoAnn Fabric in Naperville, IL

contact the store for more information.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Spring into Crafting!

March 20, 2010 is the date for the "Spring into Crafting" Fiskateer crop!
Join Fiskateers from all over the Illinois and surrounding area as we come together to craft, eat, and just have fun!

  • Date: March 20, 2010
  • Place: Morris Family Center, Morris, IL
  • Time: 10am-4pm
  • Cost: $20 includes lunch, snacks, goodies!

Lunch will be Italian Beef Sandwiches, salad, chips, drinks, desert

What to bring: Your supplies; photos, paper etc. In addition if you would like to donate a new scrapbook item for a gift basket that will be auctioned off at the Crop for the Lupus Foundation the following week. Also we will once again have the "trash to treasure" table if you have those leftovers and misfits in your stash bring them along, one person's trash is another's treasure

We will have a Fiskars tool table, Cricut machine and cartridges.

We have some amazing sponsors that are sharing their love of crafting, time and products with us as well. Please check them out and send your thanks!

To register, please email me at: lets_scrap2@juno.com for further instructions, please do not contact the Family Center they are not affiliated with this event. Hope to see you there!


Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Ladies Retreat!

I am super excited to have been asked to be a "break out" session speaker for Peace Community Church's ladies retreat. The church is located in Frankfort, IL. The date is May 22, 2010 from 9am-3pm. I'll post more information when it becomes available.

Cricut 101 postponed due to weather

Due to the weather we have been getting (and are going to be getting this evening) Scrapbook Junction will not be open today and tonight's Cricut 101 class was moved to next week.

The 201 class was moved to the 23rd to accommodate this change as well. Sorry for the inconvenience but we didn't want the class to turn into a slumber party and we not really sure if we would actually be paying attention to the class or the weather more because of the storm coming in.

Friday, February 5, 2010

SAVE THE DATE

August 20-21,2010 will be the dates for this years Scrapbook Expo in St. Charles, IL. Once again they have asked me to coordinate the baggage check fundraiser. Again this year we will be collecting supplies for shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child! If you have some time free, I will be needing help, contact me for more information.

Cricut classes Filled!

The Cricut 101 and 201 classes are filled at Scrapbook Junction, there is a waiting list and if enough interest another class will be added.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

I won some Prima Love


check out the goodies I won from Prima's blog!!! How fun I can't wait to play with them!


Friday, January 22, 2010

ONLINE CROP

Join me and the rest of the Fiskateers for an online crop! There will be challenges, and prizes and loads of fun!

Saturday January 23, 2010

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Cricut classes filling up fast

Annette from Scrapbook Junction just called me the email blast went out yesterday. I already have 7 in my 101 class and 4 in my 201 class...if you want to sign-up better do so quick!

http://www.scrapbookjunction.net

Saturday, January 16, 2010

remember Tuesdays comment?

I wrote that for a contest on the Big Picture Scrapbooking Blog for a contest to win a free entry into Stacy's "Library of Memories" class. I didn't win the class BUT they chose my story as one of their favorites! Big Picture Blog

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

The power of scrapbooking

One day I was at a used book sale. I was suppose to be selling but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to cruise to find a title or two. I had just rounded the 2nd corner when I spotted it. It was THE book. I couldn't believe it.

The book was called "The 50 states" and I had won it in 2nd grade. Oh I loved that book (I never really won anything so it was special on that account) but the book was cool. Neat snippets of information, cool pictures, stories about states, there were even these "transparencies" that overlaid the photos. OH I was taken back looking at page after page, reliving the reports I did with that book, reliving the games my sister and I played with the maps, reliving the time spent reading the book. I was instantly a child again. I was overwhelmed with the emotions this book brought out in me,

I finally paid for my purchase. Walking away I realized why this book was so special to me. There was power in it. It had everything my scrapbooks did, cool pictures, snippets of information, neat stories (and even an embellishment or two (transparencies anyone?) The book transported me to a place of my childhood, a place of the past that I wanted to remember.

When people ask me why I scrapbook, I share this story with them that there is an amazing power in my books. Where else can you bring memories back to life?. In a moment I can relive a child's first steps, or once again see Grandma's smile. I can enjoy the joy of a favorite toy or the sorrow of loved one's passing. And being a scrapbooker I have the power to create those books for those I love.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Illinois Area Fiskateer Crop!

Hey Fiskateers it's time to CROP

When:March 20, 2010
10-4pm

Where: Morris Family Center
Morris, IL

How Much: $20 covers, lunch, snacks, drinks, goodies, building rental etc.

Fiskateer Paula A and I have much fun instore! Hope to see you there!!!

For more information or to register email me at lets_scrap@juno.com





Cricut Classes

It's that time again! Did you get a new bug for Christmas? Are you just looking for some instruction on your machine? Join me at Scrapbook Junction for:

Cricut 101
February 9, 2010
6-8pm
Cost: $20

Bring: Your bug, font cartridge, shape cartridge, scrap paper to work with and coordinating paper for project. This is a hands on class and you will cover all the basics of using your machine.

Cricut 201
February 16, 2001
6-8:30pm
Cost: $22

Bring: Your bug, font cartridge, shape cartridge, scrap paper to work with and coordinating paper for project. This class goes a step further and you will learn about doodling with your bug, cutting through a variety of materials, layering cuts, using the deep cut housing blade and more. Will create a project in class.

For more information visit Scrapbook Junction