Aim Scrappy

"Bugs eye view"

2011-12-10T05:39:00.000-08:00

Hey Local Friends!!!!

Did you get someone you love a Cricut Machine during a black friday sale and have no idea how to use it? Does someone you love have a Cricut that they are not using? Are you looking for someone to show you what the machine does?

Private and group classes are able to be scheduled and gift certificates are available! Contact me for more information!

Shoeboxes 2011!

2011-11-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

Seventeen years ago Samaritan's Purse started a ministry called "Operation Christmas Child" the idea was to pack a shoebox with simple gifts; personal care items and school supplies and give those shoeboxes to hurting and needy children all over the world with the message of the good news of God's love for them. That first year my son was a baby and we did one box. The 2nd year I had 2 kids so we did two boxes. As our family grew we did more boxes to correspond with each child till one day those kids said "mom lets do more!" So we did 5 boxes. Then one year one of the kids said "Ya know mom, this would be great for shoeboxes, we should save stuff all year round so we can do more." That year we did 22 boxes. The next year I got my church involved, we did 30 something boxes the first year. The following year I had another gal start saving stuff all year round and we filled 70 something. The numbers kept growing till last year we did 276 boxes! And still...

Our numbers kept growing.

As our numbers grew I needed to find creative ways to support our projects. Being part of the crafting community I looked their for help. Scrapbook Expo allowed us to run their baggage check and collect supplies and have raffle tickets for a gift basket from At the Blue Barn and a new "Scrap-n-Easel" from Contain ya crafts. Many of my scrapbooking friends came out to help at the expo as well. Local crafters came out to an event again donating supplies for boxes and buying raffle tickets for another fabulous gift basket. Plus companies such as Unibind, Creative Options, Epiphany Crafts, Craftwell, Xyron, Fiskateers, Hydrangea Hippo, Contain Ya Crafts, Faithfully Yours, MemoryWorks consultant Kemi Foresteri, Close to My Heart Consultant Lori Brown, October Afternoon and more donated make and take items, door prizes, and goodie bag items to the event! All these events (and then some) helped gather not only supplies but funds to purchase supplies and help offset the cost of shipping shoeboxes.

It's no secret, I love doing shoeboxes. It's such a simple way to reach out. Things we take for granted like soap and a toothbrush are some of the kids favorite gifts to receive and for some kids this is the first present they have every received in their lives! I also love shoeboxes because of what it allows me to do within my community. When someone decides to be a missionary to another country. They start raising support, gathering their supplies etc. They get sent on their trip and we hear about it when they get back. With coordinating shoeboxes I get a chance to encourage my church, family and friends to be missionaries right where they are at!

It's incredible to be able to help kids not just my kids or my church kids, but my nephews, and friends kids and even other kids in the community to take that step to look beyond themselves to reach out to others. It's a privilege to be able to hear "wow this was so much fun...I love helping, I can't wait to do it next year." and "I'm so glad I came, knowing that one more child gets a present cause of what I did is AWESOME!"

Well I can spill the beans! This year we packed 351 shoeboxes!!! Thank you again to everyone that helped make this possible!!!

US of Fiskateers-Illinois event!

2011-10-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

Wow, where do I start?? The day was amazing. Bright and early a fabulous team of hostesses showed up at the church to help decorate, set up and get things ready for 40 some fiskateers (and 4 fiskateens) that were attending the event. Our set up time flew by all too quickly though and soon fiskateers started showing up ready to craft! The "senior most" fiksateer Misty #33 met gals at the door and gave them a welcome goodie bag. Lori #5613 was available to collect their cards for Operation Write Home.

After finding a seat, their first stop was with Dot #6703 where she not only did a make and take with them (showcasing her fabulous rosettes) but made name tags using the new "snip-snip" squeeze punch. After our group was done with that Alex #3614 played a "getting to know you game" were we found out some fun snippets of info about our fellow fiskateers. From there we tested our knowledge of "trivial state facts" with an Illinois Quiz. The better you did on the quiz the sooner you got to choose your prize.

Three unsuspecting Fiskateers that found a pumpkin punch inside their table favors were the lucky contestants for our very own version of "Minute to Craft it" They were given 10 minutes to decorate a wooden frame using items from the "Trash to Stash" table. (People could bring in their cast off and ununsed/unwanted supplies and hopefully find them a new home, after all one persons trash can find it's way into another one's stash!) The 10 minutes flew and Linda #3567, Helen #7288, and Mandi #4722 shared with us their lovely frames and told us a little of the inspiration behind their decoration. After the competition the Trash to Stash table was open! It was CRAZY from 1 1/2 foot piles stretching down 16 feet of table to a few scattered pieces of cardstock and some sticker sheets in a matter of minutes!

When the craziness died down, the fabulous Ashani #4682 our food coordinator announced that lunch was served. After lunch there was more time for crafting, including another make and take. Everyone got to compare Fiskars trimmers including the new LED trimmer while creating an adorable pumpkin with me and then a surprise "pop quiz" on all things Fiskateer! We finished our time together with a couple of group photos. Before we knew it, our time together was over and we were hugging everyone goodbye!

We are already talking about when we can meet again because we had so much fun! Thanks to everyone that came out to spend the day crafting, making cards for Operation Write Home (We collected 155 cards!!) and just being fabulous! The day was truly special!!!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Scrapbook Expo St. Charles, IL

2011-08-08T23:21:00.000-07:00

Hey Local Peeps, I still need one person to help on both Friday August 19, 2011 and Saturday August 20, 2011 at the Scrapbook Expo in St. Charles, IL. We will be working at the baggage check and collecting supplies/raising funds for Operation Christmas Child. If you can volunteer some time email me.

Thanks

The final day

2011-07-29T07:03:00.001-07:00

All good things must come to an end and so as CHA wrapped up I have a few things to finish taking care of! Like pictures and catalog picking up and pictures! That's right I was so busy looking and seeing and doing at CHA the only real pictures I got were when someone took the camera from me and snapped away. Thursday I set out to take pictures of some of my favorite things from the show.

One of my favorites was this gorgeous dress from "I love to create" , the wings, the detail it was simply breathtaking. As I mentioned before designers from CHA had a "dress form" contest and the dresses were amazing but this one was my hands down favorite!

I didn't have much time to nose around the show floor on Thursday for there was a brief run to the Supershow. It was being held in conjunction with the jewelry show this year and that's where the Fiskateers decided to hold their meet up! It was great connecting with my orange clad pals! Plus our ever generous leads had orange bags of treasures for us!

(Ok looking closely at this photo now...notice how Mandi and I are the tallest ones and not only right smack dab in the middle but in "orange and green" lol and thanks Karen for the photo btw.)

After the hugging and gabbing died down it was back over to the show to pick up the last of the catalogs I needed and say goodbyes to some of my friends working in booths. PLUS I had to run by the Photocentric booth and grab my stampmaker and packs. Good thing I had the BIG tote with me cause it was over full. In fact Madison from Echo Park saw me dragging the thing and grabbed it from me for an aisle or two to give me a break (thanks Madison :)

At the close of the show I met up with Kimberlee and Joanne because we had plans to go to the Splitcoast Stampers "Cupcakes and Cocktails" party that evening. We all knew we needed some protein before eating sweets and went to Gibsons for some of their "sliders." Gibsons is a fabulous steakhouse and their sliders are anything but the traditional kind. These were tender chunks of filet between two of the cutest little buns imaginable served up with a huge basket of fries (yum) and the cutest little ketchup bottle that came home with me for my ketchup loving husband! We have a family joke about how much he LOVES the stuff and so I knew it would be the perfect souvenir for him. (Before you all start going "oooh Betsy stole the ketchup bottle"...they send them home with you!!!!)

We got to the party with about 20 minutes to spare and spent the time chatting and trying to stay awake. All of us were really tired but excited to see some more friends! After being welcomed by the Splitcoast staff family and handed fabulous goodie bags filled with Flower soft, stamps from several different companies and coupons and other fun stuff we were met with

very yummy cupcakes! So we ate, drank, and were merry :) Only water for this chick but I was slowly coming around and getting a sugar buzz from the cupcakes..lol. Towards the end of the evening we found a couple of bar stools to sit on and a gal came up to talk to us. A few minutes later she introduced me to her sister.

Her sister Joy was from Texas, and not just any part the very city my daughter was in at the moment. She was there on a mission trip and when Joy found out about that she got so excited and wanted to know her name so she could pray for her and before our conversation ended she had given me her contact information telling me "I know I'm not "mom" but you are here in Illinois and I'm 10 minutes from her, if she needs anything, or gets hurt, or just gets home sick I can be there in 10 minutes and see how I can help." My daughter had been really on my heart that morning and to "just so happen" to meet someone not only offering to pray for her, but offering to help her if she needed it was overwhelming! It was the perfect ending to a rather exciting week. Just like a big hug from God.

CHA day 2 (ended in green hands and pink glitter :)

2011-07-28T06:33:00.000-07:00

Well now today really needs to be told in pictures! My day started EARLY I didn't want to hit rush hour traffic again so I left about 6:20am and made it there in record time (like 20 till 8, yeah 2 hours before the show. BUT who should wander by but Fiskateer Legend Wendy Jo so she kept me company (as she was waiting to get in as well.)

Once the floor opened we were off with a bang. I found my pal Joanne Saumels and we were walking together and ran into Fiskateer Lead Cheryl and paused for a photo op infront of the Northridge booth.

I wanted to do make and takes today so that's what I did! I stopped by the Tim Holtz/Ranger area and made a cute birdcage necklace Joanne, cool thing about that is I had been wanting a bird cage necklace and didn't want to pay the $20 for it...so much better I got to make one! We also played at the Beadalon booth making twirled wire beads while waiting for Margot Potter (to sign her new book!)

When we were done with Beadalon, we ran over to the Creative Options booth cause they were doing a drawing I won a tackle box (Creative options is owned by Plano Molding they make tackle/tool boxes) that got promptly taken over my pal Maxine (yes she just whipped out her phone showed me a picture of her landing this HUGE fish and took the tackle box out of my hands ...LOL)

From there we went to the CHA Minute to craft it challenge. Where Maxine and I were both picked to compete! (There was another gal named Susan she was from Canada) that rounded out the competition. We had 10 minutes to create "something" out of one of those clear boxes (like you would store a beanie baby in) It was still competition and all of us won really cool prizes Maxine got a Pink Paislee gift bag filled with goodies, I don't remember Susan's prize but I WON the CHALLENGE and got a $100 assortment of Faber-Castell items!

Two kits-one to create an art journal and one to do a mixed media canvas, plus all their new gelato colors and a couple of other sets of tools. I had been dreaming of getting that stuff it was so wonderful to WIN IT!

Joanne and I stopped by the Faber-Castell booth when I was done just so I could thank them for the wonderful prizes. I also wanted to do their make and take to learn how to use all that stuff!!!

From there we went to the Bazzill booth to see Miz Angela and Miz Rebecca (fabulous lead Fiskateers) dressed to the nines in fabulous paper dresses made out of entirely bazzill products! They were wonderful.

After this we split up I had a blogger/press event for Provo Craft. It was their Cricut "make and greet." A lot more "low key" than they usually do but fun no the less. Joanne had to head home to clean up her leaky air conditioner :(

Following the Provo/Cricut event I got to play with Plaid paints and paint a flower (the only problem with that is the guy had the same look on his face as my art teacher did when I tried to paint (that ohh I need to be encouraging so I can't let my expression look anything but.) Then wandering by Wallnut Hallow found they had an unclaimed spot in their make and take class. I snatched it up because we were going to get to use one of the Top 20 CHA picks their new "card keeper box. The class was to decorate one of their new boxes. They hold standard A2 sized cards and who doesn't need to organize their cards! We used glimmer mist and prima resist papers and flowers fun stuff. I liked the way mine turned out!

Finishing up my day of make and takes I created a necklace at the "I love to create" booth. We used their press and stick adhesive to create a cute necklace out of a washer, beads, charms and glitter!

Crazy day but my hands are green and I'm sparkly with pink glitter so it must have been a fabulous day!

A few of the day's make and takes (along with my stamp and bracelet from Photocentric :)

CHA day 1 (the day of names!)

2011-07-27T04:09:00.000-07:00

Ahhh CHA the lure of new products, the thrill of trying new techniques, the fun of seeing friends. CHA "week" is also a bit crazy. Early long days and even longer crazy nights but I wouldn't change it for the world!

My first day of CHA started rather early. I wanted to finish getting photos and certificates into envelopes for our crop sponsors. We had so many wonderful manufacturers and retailers sponsoring the last crop we did for Operation Christmas Child I needed to recognize them because they are what helped make the crop so fabulous. Each of our sponsors received a certificate and letter from me thanking them along with some photos of their part of the event.

My goal for the day was to personally hand out the certificates to each of our sponsors. Little did I know my day would have even more fun in store! I got to the show at 8 :15ish to run into Fiksateers Mandie Wade and Lori Brown... and then saw Miz Maxine and none other than Lead Fiskateer Cheryl Waters! Hugging, and talking and a few pix and then...

The acting prez of the Craft and Hobby Association says "who's been here the longest waiting in line" My hand pipes up with WE HAVE and then I get escorted up to the front of the line and am then introduced to the Mayor of Rosemont! "This is Betsy Burnett she's an educator/demonstrator member of CHA and she is our VIP of the day!" Before I knew it, I'm in line with him and Lori and Mandie posing for photos before the press to open the show. What a fabulous experience!!!

After the "running of the crafters" (translate crafters running for whatever "good" freebie a manufacturer is offering at the time. This time it was Studio Callico for a new collection pack. )was done the pace of the show slowed down a tad for me. I had such a good time going from one sponsor to another thanking them for help with our Operation Christmas Child crop. Creative Options, Unibind, Craftwell, Epiphany Crafts, Contain-ya-Craft, Fiskateers, Lori Brown, Scrapbook Chick, Xyron, Hydrangea Hippo...there were so many companies to thank. It was great to be able to thank them in person for their help with the event!

In my wanderings I ran into my friend Karen working with Scrapbook Royalty as well as Fiskateer Legend Stephanie Hamen who was demoing a really nead fabric glue at Beacon Adhesives. Then hugs with lead Fiskateer Tami Bayer and while there Sarah Podzell (our wonderful community coordinator and Fiskateers.) I stopped to do a make-n-take with Lead Fiskateer Angela Daniels and her wonderful orange go-go boots at the I Love to Create booth with the NEW punches (yup the scissor one !!!) While there someone near and dear to my heart N50 Jane Hasty (who trained me all those years ago as a Fiskars demonstrator.)

Towards the end of my day I ran into Fiskateer legend Wendy Jo Avey at the Craft Fusion event where she competed for some fabulous prizes (sorry that' Wendy Jo's story to tell but I may be able to be bribed for the photos :) I also got to sit down and do a make and take with Ken Oliver from Unibind (he was on the sponsor list so it was great to be able to sit down and chat with him for a few.)

Even though I had seen all sorts of wonderful people, I was missing one Lead Fiskateer on my list. Have no fear though, at the very end of the day I ran into none other than Rebecca Peck at the Upholstery Studio. The fun part about that was I had won an awesome staple gun from them at a Ustream chat Rebecca hosted. (I did have to confess mom took over the gun and I haven't seen it since though :) it's only fitting cause she's redoing a chair for me)

As the day wound down. I was excited that it was only the first day and I had already seen so many of my friends. I couldn't wait to see what day 2 would have for me!

I'm "certifiable" :) (Pre CHA Summer 11)

2011-07-26T03:44:00.001-07:00

Ok so ya'll already knew that. Right after the crop in April I received an email from a lovely woman named Sally, she was inviting me to participate in a stampmaker certification course before CHA this summer. It was an all day training where I would learn all the ins and outs and finer details of making stamps, stencils, and embossing plates with the Teresa Collins Photocentric Stampmaker. When done if I could prove to them I knew the process I would become certified as a Stampmaker instructor.

Well I had been wanting to try this and was super excited to be asked, so I jumped at the chance to take the course. There were 16 of us that learned all about the UV reactive polymer that creates the stamps. Then we learned all the finer points of making the stamps, including how to take photographs and turn them into stamps as well.

The people from Photocentric were fabulous (and had such wonderful English accents they made me miss my grandma :) I also got to meet Lara Scott. Lara is their designer, and Education Coordinator (and also has fabulous sets of stamps just released.) The small world story about Lara is she is really good friends Dawn McDowell. Dawn and I met eons ago online at Scrapbook Jungle and because of homeschooling, and scrapbooking, and life (and cause she's just such a fabulous person) just hit it off. Lara is just as nice as Dawn is!

My "trial" class will be in the beginning of August. I'll have them open to the "masses" soon. So be looking for a Photocentric class from me coming up in the near future.

Baggage check fundraiser-St. Charles Scrapbook Expo

2011-07-20T05:03:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! Time for the Scrapbook Expo in St. Charles, IL. Once again they are allowing us to manage the baggage check and collect supplies for Operation Christmas Child.

If you are going to be at the expo Aug 19-20 at Pheasant Run in St. Charles. won't you consider bringing what you can to help us fill shoeboxes for needy kids this Christmas?

For more information about what we are collecting check out Baggage Check for more information on the Scrapbook Expo please check out the page for the St. Charles, IL Scrapbook Expo

It's CROP TIME

2011-03-06T04:59:00.000-08:00

Put your glad rags on and join us for a day of cropin' and rollin'.

WHEN: Saturday, April 16, 2011 10am-6PM

WHERE: Morris Family Center

118 E Jefferson St.

Morris, IL

Cost $20 includes lunch, drinks, snacks, goody bags, door prizes, etc. etc. etc.

They'll be drawings and raffles, and a wondrous tool table (I've added two machines since last year... *grin*) make and takes, and a 50's costume contest, and MORE!!!

Space is limited. Payment reserves spot.

For more information email me at lets_scrap@juno.com

Proceeds from the event and items collected will go to help fill shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child shares the good news of God's love through gift filled shoeboxes given to needy children all over the world! We are in need of:

Personal Hygiene Items: soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, brushes, hair pretties (nothing liquid or breakable)

Toys: Small toys (think small enough to fit in a shoe box and nothing violent or war related) also small stuffed animals

School Supplies: Crayons, Markers, Pencils, pads of paper, pens, etc.

Other: key chains, whistles, small novelty items, socks, hats, etc.

Well it's official!

2011-01-16T17:15:00.001-08:00

So I'm a new writer for Scrapbook Update. Nancy Nally did a wonderful write-up of me HERE! I've done a couple of freelance pieces for her (360th bday party for Fiskars, and the "swag" article" last summer.) My official "beat" will be direct sales and the die cut market (both electronic and manual) in addition I'll get to run some fun pieces as the topics come up.

The support from the crafting community and family and friends has been amazing!

The wonderful comments I have been getting from the readers, and my fiskateer friends and friends and family on facebook is totally overwhemling. It's amazing to have so much support when you start something new. I'm excited for this opportunity and to see where it will take me

Wonder what I've been up to?

2011-01-14T04:46:00.000-08:00

The holiday's are normally busy for everyone seems to be especially busy for crafters that have this NEED to personalize gifts, decorations, cards with their own two hands. This year for me was no different.

This year in addition to the typical crazy busy of life before the holidays I took on not one but TWO kids Christmas workshops.

For the first one I taught a class at Potter's Hand homeschool group. We are new members to the group and the kids and I have been thoroughly enjoying every minute of the program. Each December, they have a Christmas workshop. The older kids go off and make more intricate things, the younger kids have a class and rotate projects. This year they also rotated to "my" class where they learned about glass etching and etched their own ornaments. By the end of my hour and 45 minutes I had seen about 120 kids go through my area. (Yes I etched, and also did a negative image card with the remainder of the stencil with 120 kids) You will all have to take my word for it because I was so busy I didn't get a single picture of it!

The 2nd workshop was at my church. This was our first year for it. Normally during December I try to take a couple of weeks to let the kids make presents during kids church in addition to Christmas lessons. This year we were still working on finishing up curriculum so I didn't have the chance.

So we spent the entire day making candle screens, and tin can snowmen and covered notepads, candle trays and gingerbread houses (out of foam.) Ooh and can't forget a couple of types of ornaments and we even made and bagged peppermint cocoa with tiny marshmallows! After lunch we even spent time wrapping and making cards! I think the kids went home with 8 different presents for family and friends!

Miss Margaret helping to make

covered notepads

Emily with her "Snow Can"

Calorie free gingerbread houses!

Painting ornaments!

Looks like a bomb went off here

It's safe to say we had a BLAST, teachers and kids all enjoyed themselves (the teachers even had a chance to make a couple of things!) Something we will definitely do again!

It's getting "Swarm" in here

2011-01-14T04:44:00.001-08:00

Looking for a chance to use your Cricut and learn more about it. Join me for a Cricut Swarm at Helmar Lutheran Church February 16th and 1pm. Email me for pricing and more information.

Around the Bend!

2010-12-01T09:05:00.000-08:00

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!

Around the Bend

Cards for Troops

2010-10-11T06:02:00.000-07:00

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!

It's Class time!

2010-10-07T05:41:00.000-07:00

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!!

Raffle for Charity!

2010-09-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

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!

Cricut Classes

2010-09-22T12:57:00.000-07:00

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

The things you do for swag

2010-08-03T22:16:00.000-07:00

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".

A hunting we will go

2010-06-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

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!!!

Cards for a Cause!

2010-06-23T19:05:00.001-07:00

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!)

Cricut Series!

2010-06-01T06:09:00.000-07:00

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.

New Cricut Classes!

2010-04-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

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

Eye on the Sparrow!

2010-04-16T22:33:00.000-07:00

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

Yeah for me!!

2010-04-15T13:15:00.000-07:00

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????

http://stacyjulian.com/blog/?p=4219

I get to put some FUN in scrapbooking!!!

Yeah!

Y-kids measure up! Healthy Kids Day

2010-04-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

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

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

2010-04-09T17:47:00.000-07:00

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

NSD-Operation Smile Crop

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

Winner!!!

2010-03-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

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!

Fiska-fun for Everyone!

2010-03-22T17:42:00.000-07:00

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?

Tomorrow's the day!!!

2010-03-19T05:54:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-03-19T05:44:00.000-07:00

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!

Springy Florals

2010-03-11T17:37:00.001-08:00

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!

Packing up some LOVE

2010-03-05T06:50:00.001-08:00

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!

An opportunity to give

2010-02-26T20:13:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-02-26T18:38:00.000-08:00

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!

More classes TBA

2010-02-17T20:24:00.000-08:00

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)

Cricut class opening.

2010-02-15T14:01:00.000-08:00

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

contact the store for more information.

Spring into Crafting!

2010-02-10T16:57:00.000-08:00

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!

Ladies Retreat!

2010-02-09T16:13:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-09T12:11:00.001-08:00

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.

SAVE THE DATE

2010-02-05T10:41:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-02-05T10:39:00.000-08:00

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.

I won some Prima Love

2010-01-28T19:51:00.000-08:00

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

ONLINE CROP

2010-01-22T15:55:00.000-08:00

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

Fiskateers

Cricut classes filling up fast

2010-01-20T12:44:00.001-08:00

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

remember Tuesdays comment?

2010-01-16T11:51:00.001-08:00

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

The power of scrapbooking

2010-01-12T21:28:00.001-08:00

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.

Illinois Area Fiskateer Crop!

2010-01-09T06:36:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-09T06:30:00.000-08:00

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

For more information visit Scrapbook Junction

Shoeboxes 2009

2009-11-23T21:55:00.000-08:00

Many Many thanks to everyone that helped make our 2009 shoebox drive for Operation Christmas Child a HUGE success. Once again the Lord proved little is much when HE is in it. Who would have thought a challenge from a 7 year old boy could lead to something so exciting. Caleb watched the shoebox video last year during Children's Church and said "Miss Betsy we didn't do enough we need to do MORE...let's do 100!" Knowing that the 70+ boxes we did last year was a stretch, but God could do it said "Let's go for it!" Little did I know it was the beginning of something much bigger.

I wasn't even sure where to start collecting supplies for that many boxes. I should have know though that a way would be provided! First I was contacted by the Scrapbook Expo and asked if I wanted to run the baggage check as a fundraiser. After contacting some local Fiskateers and some other scrapbooking friends to see if they would help me, I asked if SB expo if could have Operation Christmas Child as our charity this year. Scrapbook Expo loved the idea of OCC and even promoted it on their website for us.

If that wasn't enough, Craftwell heard what we were doing and then they got onboard and donated one of their new "Ecraft" diecutting machines to use as a doorprize for those that donated to items or money towards shoeboxes. Over 1000 items were collected and $150+ in money and gift cards in just two days at the expo. Plus one lady knew we needed to wrap the shoeboxes and donated an entire case of wrapping paper to help us out.

As if that wasn't enough people kept bringing items to church. Members from a local pantry donated items. People from Fiskateers heard what was going on and sent me stuff. 3 local dentists even gave us many many tubes of toothpaste! The Louis Joliet Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution even helped us out by creating "boo-boo" bunnies out of washrags to put in the shoeboxes. It was amazing to see how many people gave what they could and how God kept multiplying it!

Supplies kept piling up and we kept having to have work day after work day just to organize things. Not to mention how many people took home boxes to wrap! It was awesome to see the Lord at work! When all was said and done our goal of 100 boxes was blown away by the reality of 235 boxes being sent to Operation Christmas Child!

Warehouse Party and Sale!

2009-09-29T19:38:00.001-07:00

Back on the road again we couldn't stop talking about the tour, we needed to stop for lunch though (our 20 minute tour lasted over 2 hours) so we were all getting pretty shaky. After some lunch and caffeine we were feeling more like ourselves and looking forward to getting to Louise's (#3903) house! According to Agnes (our trusty GPS) we would be getting there about 5:15.

We ended up rolling in right about that time and were met with by a smiling Louise. Louise had invited any fiskateer's that wanted to over to her house for pizza and swimming. (And then stay over for the sale the next morning) Ashani #4685 met us at Louise's as well and after a quick tour of her house and a claiming of our beds for the night we sat down to eat. Jen #3213 met us then to join in the fun!

After dinner we had some work to do! What fiskateer gathering would be complete without goodies and CRAFTING? Merlene and I had told Louise since she had to clean house, we would bring snacks and fun stuff. There were goodies: Anglea had given me Fiskateer bags for each of the gals there to go shopping with and Merlene and I had put some goodies inside. There were prizes and naturally there were make and takes.

We had three projects to keep us busy during the night. I brought the stuff to tie-dye shirts plus stencil our names, fiskateer numbers and scissors on. Merlene brought things to make fiskateer bracelets. Last but not least Ashani brought not one but two make and takes; tule to make hair scrunchies and beads and shrinky dinks to make cute little fiskateer scissor earrings! It was so much fun sitting and chatting and creating with friends. (Granted we didn't have time to go swimming)

Once again morning came way to early as we dragged ourselves out of bed and drove to the Fiskars warehouse sale! The line was friendly at 7am and we enjoyed chatting with people about Fiskateers and handing out raindots. We gave a tub of orange and green cookies to

the warehouse employees telling them we loved them. There were also a few Fiskateers that came by to say hi that couldn't come to the party. Jeni (#2794) and her friend Beth as well as Maryanne #5271. I had goodies for those Fiskateers that stopped by as well!

Soon the excitement mounted as the countdown to 9 started. Then it was a mad dash for a cart and STUFF! 100's of people flooded the warehouse to find those fabulous fiskars products at rock bottom prices! I ran to the squeeze punches first to see what ones I didn't have. (I was looking for the ovals (got all but 1) and the Nice Tri (only got the large) I also wanted to find the collapsable rolling tote (found it) and the scissor

punch (got it.) Then it was on to SCISSORS! I LOVE the decorative limited edition scissors and found 5 of them to add to my collection as well as a cool storage rack for them ( that actually held the pattern scissors so I took them out to display my collection.)

After shopping we needed to check in with the canned food drive. I love how Fiskars give back to the community. One of the things Fiskars did was host a canned food drive in conjunction with the sale. In return for bringing in 5 cans to donate to a local pantry, Fiskars gave you a $5 coupon good towards your purchase! It was cool to see the Salvation Army guy there with all the collections.

The line started forming and we realized we needed to get in it if we ever wanted to get back out. It snaked around all over the building, in and out of the shopping area as well. This had it's bad and good points. Good we got to shop while in line. Bad people not in line couldn't shop. I was able to demo tools quite a few times (especially to the people behind me, who ended up buying whatever I demoed :) ) as well as explain the

quality and benefits of the different types of scissors to numerous people as well.

You end up being in line with the people around you for such a long time you feel like you become friends! As I said I had been demoing tools and answering questions about different Fiskars tools to the gals behind me for about 1 1/2 hours and we were all on a first name basis. Sadly they realized they would need to leave without getting their items. Pat (one of the gals) was a real estate agent and had a closing at 3. I offered to purchase their items and leave them at Louise's house for them to pick up later. Handing me money and their items they took me up on the offer! (Hi Pat hope the closing went well)

The line moved slowly. At one point there was confusion as to where it was suppose to move and it caused a bit of a ruckus. Warehouse employees Beth and George were wonderful creating order out of chaos even in the midst of heated tempers.

Since it was a long time to wait, occasionally someone would leave to go get an item or run to the bathroom. Jen took Merlene (who really needed to eat) to get some lunch and bring some back to those of us starving in line. I went around with the rest of the raindots (that had Angela's cards in them) handing them out and telling people of how wonderful Fiskars and Fiskateers where. What was really funny was more than one person called me Angela until they read the back of my shirt (I don't mind if people think of me as a tall, slender red head...can you see the resemblance?)

The end of the line was met with cheers! 4 and 1 /2 hours we waited to purchase our treasures! Boy was I happy to see Jim (he was the employee that rang up my purchases) we chatted as he talked about how happy he was we were there and how they appreciated our good attitudes and the fun we brought to the day. Other employees said similar things as they walked by. It was great to know we made a difference at least to them that day.

We loaded up the van then went back to Louise's house to pack up our clothes and belongings (and nose through her and Jen's treasures to see what they got.) Then after

another round of hugs, goodbyes and promises to get together soon we headed back on the road for the trip home!

HQ Trip

2009-09-29T19:37:00.000-07:00

This past week has been completely amazing. It started picking up Merlene #1166 from the airport Tuesday. Merlene was my roommate from Orlando and we had such a good time then that we planned for her to fly in and stay with me for the Warehouse sale. Merlene, my daughter Winter (#4785) and I had so much to do on Tuesday night. Making orange and green cookies, packing bags, packing the van, (and chatting up a storm) we didn't get to bed till after midnight.

After being up so late, Wednesday morning came early, finishing up a few last minute things (like the rest of the green cookies) as well as the rest of the van loading took awhile but eventually we were on the road. The first stop on our trip was to drop off my dog at my sister's house. Then it was on to my mom's place to drop off three kids (I have a great mom!) Kimberlee #2494 lives in the same neighborhood as mom so we ran to pick her up and then we were on our way!

Traffic was surprisingly good and were making great time. Granted the trip was a bit long so we started calling various Fiskateers that we happened to have phone numbers for. Kimberlee even looked up the phone number to FOY Maxine's store The Scrapbook Page" that conversation was a hoot! "Hello Scrapbook Page" " Is Maxine there? " "This is" "I hear you have a giant pair of scissors for sale?" "What?" " I hear you have a giant pair of scissors for sale?...How much?" " Who is this? QUIT CALLING ME!" as we erupted into gales of laughter and told her who it was....

Once in Wisconsin, we had to stop for CHEESE! (and a bathroom break, and gas for the
van...LOL) We stopped at the "Cheese and Wine Chalet" to sample some wonderful cheese (chocolate cheese anyone? tastes like fudge!) and Merlene loved the shaped cheese! (We found out that she was a PACKERS fan which didn't sit well with a van full of Bears fans!)

Back on the road our next stop was Fiskars Headquarters! Maya #351 and her son Eli met us at HQ to take a VIF (Very Important Fiskateer) tour of the building. Our very own Legend Stephenie #003 was there to meet us. She escorted us into the meeting room and were we met Jay (VP of Marketing.) Jay talked to us about how much they love the Fiskateers, and wanted to get to know us a bit. He shared with us some of what was happening around the office (like the upcoming meeting with all of the big wigs from Fiskars Finland) as well as presented us all with wonderful gifts!

Jay had to leave for a meeting but Stephenie walked us around the building. Remember my secret tag project? I asked on the message board if Fiskateers would help me make tags. As we walked around the building Winter gave the employees orange and green homemade cookie packages with orange and green tags made by the Fiskateers, the tags read "Fiskateers love Fiskars." We wanted to show Fiskars how much we appreciate all they do for us. I can tell you the feeling was mutual. The employees were wearing orange
and had smiles and hugs for us. You can tell they really appreciate us!

One of the first stops was the tool room. Rows upon rows of punches, templates and tools. Plus a HUGE table. It was a crafters dream room! We got to see "Fiskars Village" USA (aka the lunch room) and then Stephenie introduced us to the tech guys. (I had to meet C.J. since he was so helpful when I couldn't logon to the message board!) A quick trip down the hall of the big guns, had us meeting with the President of Fiskars (who even got off the phone to meet us!)

Then we met with the wonderful Fiskaneers who all had numerous questions for us on the projects they were working on. We were shown the ______________ and the _____________ oh and then in the hall we saw the _____________ plus there was the _______________. (Sorry we were sworn to secrecy. No photos, no talking, no nothin'!) It was so exciting to see what products were being developed. Not to mention get a glimpse of the creative process behind those products we love. I was really overwhelmed as to how much they listened to us. They have said it before but I guess seeing it in action made it really sink in, they are serious about our opinions, concerns and suggestions (and were even taking notes :)) Fiskars listens to what we have to say and tries to take those things into account when they design and develop new products (and improvements to existing ones!)

As much as we enjoyed talking to the Fiskaneers we had to leave because there was more to see! We stopped by customer service/warranty to visit with Nikki(#2963) and Jan they are the ones that oversee the live chat when you have questions and answer all of the warranty issue emails and letters (which they lovingly refer to as "fan mail"...LOL) and then in the hall way I spotted them...GIANT Fiskars scissors! Steph
said "you want to get your picture taken with them?" (Like YEAH!!!) After checking the supply closet she came out with the scissors!

We had a blast posing and even Eli got into the action. Maya is raising him right because that kid knows his scissors! Eli was heartbroken when it was time to take the scissors away because he was having a great time and we had to pry his hands off the scissors! Poor Maya had to console her tearful son, heartbroken at having "his" scissors taken away from him!

All too soon it was time to gather our belongings go. Handing our badges in we paused for a few more pictures and hugs and last goodbyes. We all left with full hearts. Fiskateers means so much to us and we wanted to thank Fiskars for giving us the outlet of Fiskateers. Instead we got treated like royalty and shown how much WE were cherished by them. It was a pretty amazing afternoon!

Shhh it's a secret

2009-06-16T20:46:00.000-07:00

So I have a "secret" crop planned tomorrow for some friends. They know they are coming to crop what they don't know is....ooops can't say some of them read this...

I'll be sure to fill you all in later!

Yeah for Scrap Inn!

2009-04-01T19:17:00.000-07:00

I got some happy mail today! Kim from Scrap Inn sent me something fun for a prize at the crop!!! Plus information on an exclusive discount for attendees!!!

you can check them out at

http://www.scrapinn.com

It's the Little Things!

2009-03-11T16:20:00.001-07:00

Sorry for this long overdue post! I have been busy with well LIFE! Between a friend being in the hospital, schooling the kids, and then the horrible fight with the soup can it's been pretty crazy around here!

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS!

will be the theme for the Illinois Area Fiskateer National Scrapbook Day Crop! So put your thinking caps on, we will be having a page contest using "it's the little things" for a theme! The page can be any size 8 1/2 x 11" or larger. AND can be a double page spread if you desire. You may use any products and techniques of your choosing as long as your page THEME is "it's the little things" all pages will be voted on at the crop, only crop attendees are eligible to participate.

Now for the info

Who: All Illinois Area Fiskateers
What: CROP TIME!
Where: Morris Family Center
118 E. Jefferson St.
Morris, IL 60450
When: National Scrapbook Day, May 2, 2009 9 am-6 pm
Why: Do we really need a reason??
How much: $15 pre-pay, $20 at the door (if space available) includes, table space, lunch (Baked potato bar,) and drinks,

Fun stuff in store; besides the page contest, we will be having a trash to treasure table, bring your leftovers and misfits and unused supplies and we will put them on a table for others to be blessed from. We also have some games and surprises planned.

Extra stuff, due to the fact I wanted to extend the time but keep the price down (without me going broke) I am asking if everyone could help out by bringing a snack to share.

Crop seats are available first come first serve basis, email me at lets_scrap2@juno.com for payment information.

See you May 2

Betsy

Scenes from the January 31 Crop

2009-02-17T16:46:00.001-08:00

Welcome!

2009-02-17T15:45:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to "Aim Scrappy" the blog where I will keep you updated on what is going on with our crops! Like the name? My regular blog is called "Aim Happy" so well Aim Scrappy just seemed to fit (plus the name was available for a URL..LOL)

SAVE THE DATE the next Illinois Area Crop will be on
NATIONAL SCRAPBOOK DAY
May 2, 2009
Morris Family Center
Morris, IL 60541
9am-6pm