Beaming!

That would be me here in my scrap cave.  Positively beaming!  I've been messing around with Photoshop Elements for a while, learning through tutorials and trial and error.  Today my little guy decided he had to have a Beyblade themed birthday party...and if you have a 9 yr old boy around, you know it's all the rage but there are no easy party supplies out there.  Challenged with that, I decided to photoshop an invite, using images I copied off of their website.  I'm pretty sure that's kosher as long as I am not selling the invites.  I grabbed the background, an image (that I had to tediously cut out from the background), added some text and voila!

Spotlight: Ella Publishing Co.

Ella Publishing Co. is a website that has "Scrapbooking ideas, photo tips, journaling help, and more—it’s all right here! You’ve found the world’s top source for scrapbooking eBooks, which you can read on your computer or iPad or print for your inspiration collection. Also enjoy our FREE weekly eZine and daily blog."

They also have a blog that has great tips and ideas.  This post, I'd like to highlight a series of posts about stitching on layouts.  There are ideas and how-to's on machine stitching, hand stitching and faux stitching.  I personally have tried them all and find that faux stitching is the easiest method although I do like the look of hand stitching and machine stitching.  Here are some layouts that I've done using the three different techniques.

Machine stitching around the border

Faux stitching

Hand stitching on a title page to show our flight path :)

What's Cooking? Chicken Spaghetti

In an effort to make more time for scrapping and making memories, I started using my slow cooker/crock pot more.  I haven't quite learned to adapt recipes for the slow cooker but I have found some really great ones online and in recipe books.  It occurred to me that maybe I should share these finds with my readers..I do get lightbulb moments once in a blue moon.  I can't guarantee that I'll have a new recipe share every week as I tend to head for my go to recipes quite a bit.  And to make it easier to find these recipes, I will add a page (see top of the page) that will have them all linked.  Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti - found over on the Clover Lane blog

Ingredients:

 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup water

1 packet of dry Italian dressing

1 can of cream of chicken soup (I use the 98% fat free kind)

1 bar or container of cream cheese (I use 1/3 fat free cream cheese)

1 box of pasta (I prefer thin spaghetti)

 

In crock pot:

Pour water, dry Italian dressing mix and cream of chicken soup into crock pot.  

Stir together to mix.  It will be lumpy, don't worry about it.

Add in chicken...it should land at the bottom of the pot.

Add in cream cheese...I leave the whole block sitting on the top of everything.

Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.

30 minutes before chicken is done, cook a box of thin spaghetti pasta.

Spoon chicken mixture over top on individual plates, serve with garlic bread and salad.  Enjoy!

Notes:

 I've used less than a whole bar of cream cheese, even down to half and can't tell the difference.

Cook pasta ahead and rinse in hot water (from tap) just before serving.

Spotlight: Scrapbook & Cards Today

Scrapbook & Cards Today...an inspiration-filled free magazine.  I don't know if there is a print copy but this e-magazine is definitely inspiration filled.  Their editor is Becky Fleck, creator of Page Maps ie the queen of sketches.


I am in love with their Project 12...it is "an easy monthly challenge that will result in a complete “year in review” album at the end of 2010. It is so easy!"  I think it will be a great way to start my family scrapbooks.  Currently I have scrapbooks for each my boys, a yearly album from birthday to birthday, and vacation albums.  No family albums *gasp*...how easy will it be to complete 12 layouts for each year?  Plus some big trips/special occasion layouts included.  Anyone want to join me?  I will share my layouts here at the end of the month...3 layouts (Jan, Feb n March) by the end of this month and then 1 a month until the end of the year.  I got my pictures in yesterday and sorted them out and am raring to start :)  See for yourself...

ps.  I will be using the Project 12 sketches 2010.

March Scrappy News

Hello!

 

It's cold with a drizzle of freezing rain here in the New England.  I'm so so ready for spring...how about yourself? 

A shout out to the girls I met at the Andover Cool Crops weekend as well as Beth n Theresa's crop in Westoboro.  Welcome to my mailing list!  I try to keep them short and to the point as well as sending out an email only once a month.  All other communication is via my blog or facebook (If you haven't yet, make sure to "like" Time 2 Scrap). 

A few things going on for March...

1.  Card and Layout classes at the Holden Recreation Department.
I have been teaching at the Holden Rec for over 2 years now.  The place is great, easy to get to from I-190 and the people in the office very helpful.  If you've been thinking about taking a class with me there, please do not hesitate.  If you would like more info on the classes, feel free to contact me.  Go HERE for a sneak peek of the classes.

Spring has Sprung Card Class

Come play with ink, glitter and embossing powders to make 5 beautiful all occasion floral cards. 

Class date: 3/10 (6:30 – 8:30pm)                Cost: $20

Spring Fever Layout Class

Join me as we put together two very sporty layouts that will highlight your T-ball/baseball/softball photos.  From T-ball to Major League, your photos will be scrapped in no time at all!  We will be using Cricut die-cuts, chalks, inks and more.

Class date: 3/24 (6:30 – 8:30pm)                Cost: $20

2.  Pre-order Sketches for Scrapbooking
A while ago, I highlighted a blog called Sketch Support.  If you haven't checked it out, run don't walk over to it.  They highlight a sketch a week and then show you how to use them by posting tons and tons of layouts.  On top of the blog, they have published seven sketch books.  I own volume 5 and 6...and have to say they are the best.  This is a pre-order for Sketches for Scrapbooking Volume 7.  Your cost is $12.75, includes tax.  It does not include shipping to you but as always, I can meet up with you or deliver at an event.  Deadline to order is midnight Thursday, 3/3.  See my blog for upcoming events.

3.  Just Scrappin' Crops in Sturbridge, MA
Our next crop is March 12 and there are a four seats left if you'd like to attend.  $40 gets you a seat, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks, a welcome gift, free Make n Take as well as awesome games with prizes to be won.  March's Make n Take is a 2 page winter layout, if you would like to bring photos for the layout, you will need 6 4x6 photos - 4 horizontal and 2 vertical.  Future dates are April 9 and May 14.  Contact me for more info.

Have a wonderful day!
Siewleng

Snow Day Giveaway Winner

is...**drum roll**...anditoo72.  

Congratulations!!! I don't know who you are, so please shoot me an email to sluvs2skrap(at)yahoo(dot)com with your name and address. 

March Classes at Holden Rec

I have been teaching at the Holden Rec for over 2 years now.  The place is great, easy to get to from I-190 and the people in the office very helpful.  If you've been thinking about taking a class with me there, please do not hesitate.  Here is a sneak peek of the classes...

Spring has Sprung Card Class

Come play with ink, glitter and embossing powders to make 5 beautiful all occasion floral cards. 

Class date: 3/10 (6:30 – 8:30pm)                Cost: $20

Spring Fever Layout Class

 

Join me as we put together two very sporty layouts that will highlight your T-ball/baseball/softball photos.  From T-ball to Major League, your photos will be scrapped in no time at all!  We will be using Cricut die-cuts, chalks, inks and more.

Class date: 3/24 (6:30 – 8:30pm)                Cost: $20

 

For more classes, go HERE.  

The Fine Print

• All classes are taught at the Holden Recreation Center in Holden, MA.
• You have to call them at 508-829-0263 to reserve your seat.
• If there are not enough students, the classes will be canceled.  So make sure you bring some friends with you ;)
• Space is also limited, so call and register early.
• Please bring adhesive (tape runner is preferred), mini glue dots, 12’ paper trimmer and scissors.  All other materials and tools will be provided.
• Question?  Leave a comment and I will reply in the comments section.

Checking In

Just a quickie post to say Hello!  A week of sick, a weekend with Cool Crops, a week off of school, and a weekend with Beth & Theresa =  not much time to breathe much less blog.  I promise I will be back next week with the winner of my giveaway (if you haven't entered, there's still time), a newsletter and fun posts.  I'll leave you with a pic of the Cool Crops Cuties!!!

Just because...

We woke up to more snow yesterday and it was just so beautiful.

Spotlight: Core'dinations

Have some in your stash?  Not using the uber cool cardstock to its full potential?  I stumbled onto this blog when I was looking for ideas and love the clean lines of her work.  My favorite post is this "year of techniques" in which she writes,

"I have noticed from the Sitemeter thingy at the bottom of my blog that there are a lot of people cruising the internet right now looking for ideas on how to use Core'dinations ColorCore Cardstock.

Back in May of this year, I taught a class to retailer's at a warehouse in Ottawa, ON, Canada. They were in the same boat as many of you...looking for ideas to get themselves and their customers fired up about using Core'dinations.

Core'dinations is unique in the sense that it has a coordinating colour core and can be torn, sanded and antiqued. There is nothing better when you want to emboss either. Sanding can really enhance the embossing process.

The mini-album was designed to be hung in the area of their stores where Core'dinations is sold. There were no photos or journaling. Each page could be used as inspiration for a layout, card or altered project.

I hope you get some inspiration from it as well."

Hop on over to her blog HERE or check out the year of techniques HERE!

And here is a share of a layout using Jillibean Soup's Monster Stew and Core'dinations Black Magic cardstock (black cardstock with a color core).  Scored a border on the cardstock and sanded it.

 

Nosy Monday

Bringing back my question of the week...

How long have you been scrapbooking? and what/how/why did you get started?

I have been scrapbooking the acid free way for almost 11 years now.  It all started after graduating from college and getting married.  We had just moved to Massachusetts...he was working and I was job hunting.  We didn't know anyone so I found something to keep me busy.  BUT even before all this, I collected memorabilia, jotted down memories and took a million photos ;)  No post is complete without a picture, so I've attached one of my mini projects that were displayed at my I Remember When business debut.

 Looking forward to reading your responses!

Happy Chinese New Year!

Asian inspired scrapbooking products are hard to find although I am seeing more and more of it around.  My latest favorite is the LUSH collection by Kaisercraft...and I have it in stock.  I've got some pics printed out and am hoping to dig into it tonight.

Want a pack?  Let me know and I'll set one aside for you.

Spotlight: Sketch Support

Trying something different for Tuesdays.  I spend way too much time on the web reading blogs...justified by calling it "looking for inspiration."  One of my favorite sites to go to for inspiration is Allison Davis' blog...recently, she started a blog called Sketch Support and I am loving it.  There are 1 and 2 pagers and cards PLUS layouts that show how each DT (design team) member has interpreted the sketches.  Snow day today, up way too early, here is a layout I did using one-page sketch #2...

LYB Twig

Love Love Love this new line by Little Yellow Bicycle.  It debuted at CHA this past weekend and is already shipping.  Any interest?

ps.  Don't forget about the Snow Day giveaway...it's still ongoing!

January Scrappy News

Good afternoon!

It might be close to the end of the month, but it's still January...that's what I'm telling myself so there.  How are you guys doing?  It's been a busy season already and I have many more events to look forward to.  CHA is this weekend and sneak peeks are coming hard and fast...I can't wait to start shopping and receiving all the pretty new stuff.  In fact, I shared some of my favorites on my blog...go check it out!  Won't you share yours with me?  I should probably tell you this will be a long email but with lots of good things in it so you will want to read to the end for the giveaway details ;)

To keep this as short as possible, I'll get on with it...

1.  Bazzill Bulk Buy
10 colors, 5 sheets of each = 50 total for a great price of $25.  Deadline to order is Monday, Jan 31 at noon.  Colors are Cherry vanilla, French Vanilla, Purple Pizzazz, Saguaro, Cinder, Bazzill Orange, Old Flame, Admiral, Java and Pineapple Bliss.  See attached document for more information. 

2.  Card and Layout classes at the Holden Recreation Department.
I have been teaching at the Holden Rec for over 2 years now.  The place is great, easy to get to from I-190 and the people in the office very helpful.  If you've been thinking about taking a class with me there, please do not hesitate.  If you would like more info on the classes, feel free to contact me.  More classes are listed on my blog.

Spring has Sprung Card Class

Come play with ink, glitter and embossing powders to make 5 beautiful all occasion floral cards. 

Class date: 3/10 (6:30 – 8:30pm)                Cost: $20

Spring Fever Layout Class

Join me as we put together two very sporty layouts that will highlight your T-ball/baseball/softball photos.  From T-ball to Major League, your photos will be scrapped in no time at all!  We will be using Cricut die-cuts, chalks, inks and more.

Class date: 3/24 (6:30 – 8:30pm)                Cost: $20

3.  Special Requests.
I will be at Cool Crops Andover and Beth n Theresa's crop in Westborro  in February.  If there is anything you need or would like to have, feel free to email me and I can get it for you or have on stock for you for that event.   

4.  Just Scrappin' Crops in Sturbridge, MA
Our next crop is March 12 and there are a few seats left if you'd like to attend.  $40 gets you a seat, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks, a welcome gift, free Make n Take as well as awesome games with prizes to be won.  Future dates are April 9 and May 14.  Contact me for more info.

5.  Snow Day Giveaway
There has been lots and lots of opportunities for snow pictures and for once there are way too many beautiful winter collections out on the market.  This month, I am giving away a pack of Fancy Pants Hot Chocolate  to one lucky person.  There are a few hoops you have to jump through so read carefully.  I will randomly choose a winner from all those that have done all three to win when 100 people "LIKE" my fb page.  Good Luck!

• "Follow" my Time2Scrap Blog.  Just click on the follow button on the right of the screen then follow the instructions.
• Comment on the giveaway post on my blog.
• Comment on another post on my blog.
• "Like" my Time2Scrap Facebook page, if you haven't already. 

The End ;)  Nuff said...now go get started on getting in on my giveaway.

Have a wonderful day!
Siewleng

Snow Day Giveaway

For my 101th post...a GIVEAWAY!!!   There has been lots and lots of opportunities for snow pictures and for once there are way too many beautiful winter collections out on the market.  So I am going to send a pack of Fancy Pants Hot Chocolate Collection Pack to one lucky person.  There are a few hoops you have to jump through so read carefully. 

• "Follow" this blog.  Just click on the follow button on the right and follow the instructions.
  
• Comment on this post.
• Comment on another post  on this blog.
  
• "Like" my Time2Scrap Facebook page, if you haven't already.  It's easy, just click on the like button on the right.

I will randomly choose a winner I reach 100 LIKE's on my Time2Scrap FB page.  Halfway there so it shouldn't take too long to get to 100...send a friend or two or three over ;)  You have to have completed all four requirements to win.  Good Luck!

**NEW** Spring Classes at Holden Recreation

The house is quiet.  None of the chores are done.  My scrap table is a BIG HUGE mess.  My fingers are dirty.  This is exactly how it should be on a cold winter day, right?  Wondering what I'm up to?  Well, I've been working on class samples...1 class done, 4 more to go.  Classes are...

Spring has Sprung Card Class

Come play with ink, glitter and embossing powders to make 5 beautiful all occasion floral cards. 

Class date: 3/10 (6:30 – 8:30pm)                Cost: $20

Spring Fever Layout Class

Join me as we put together two very sporty layouts that will highlight your T-ball/baseball/softball photos.  From T-ball to Major League, your photos will be scrapped in no time at all!  We will be using Cricut die-cuts, chalks, inks and more.

Class date: 3/24 (6:30 – 8:30pm)                Cost: $20

April Showers Card Class

Let’s create 5 unique all occasion cards using paints and mists.  Be prepared to get your hands dirty.

Class date: 4/14 (6:30 – 8:30pm)                Cost: $20

Going Bananas Card Class

Get your very own stamp set and learn to create 3 different cards using just the one stamp set.  These cards are so cute, you’ll go bananas!

Class date: 5/12 (6:30 – 8:30pm)                Cost: $20

A Stitch in Time Layout Class

Ever wanted to try stitching on your layouts?  We will stitch our way through 2 two page layouts using several different techniques using fake and real stitching.   We will be using the lovely Basic Grey Kioshi line for gender neutral spring themed layouts.

Class date: 5/26 (6:30 – 8:30pm)                Cost: $20

The Fine Print

• All classes are taught at the Holden Recreation Center in Holden, MA.
• You have to call them at 508-829-0263 to reserve your seat.
• If there are not enough students, the classes will be canceled.  So make sure you bring some friends with you ;)
• Space is also limited, so call and register early.
• Please bring adhesive (tape runner is preferred), mini glue dots, 12’ paper trimmer and scissors.  All other materials and tools will be provided.
• Question?  Leave a comment and I will reply in the comments section. 

And no post is complete without a pic...here's one of my messy desk with work in progress.

CHA Sneak Peeks

With Winter CHA (craft and hobby association) event around the corner, almost every manufacturer has been posting sneak peeks of their new products.  I have been drooling over everything and want it all.  To be nice ;)...I am sharing my faves.  I'd love to hear what YOU think of them as well as what YOU would like to see in my stores.  Here goes...

 St Patrick's by Best Creations

 

Bunny Love by Best Creations

 

 Tail Waggers & Cat Naps by Bella Blvd

 Fun House by GCD Studios - never heard of them before but LOVE this line!

 All of Jillibean Soup's new collections

Last but not least, My Mind Eye's Good Sunshine boy line.

So what did you like?  Did you see others that I didn't mention?  Do share if it's drool-worthy :)

Catching up on a Sunday!

I think I blinked and lost the first 2 weeks of January.  Life is busy!  Life is full!  I have 4 events in January alone.  I am playing catch up daily!  In fact, I just called the hotel to book my room *gasp*   for Ready...Set...Crop's winter wonderland event next weekend.  AND also just finished putting together a double page layout for a class I will offer at RSC, Scrappin' Sistas and Cool Crops.  Would you like a sneak peek?  Here you go...

Monday...Monday

Happy 2011!!!  Seems like I'm always a little late on this blog :(  What can I say, started the year on a good note in 70F weather.  I've already vendored my first event of the year am working the next three weekends as well.

Find me at these fine events in January 2011...

Just Scrappin' in Sturbridge, MA on Jan 15

Ready, Set, Crop at Wachusett Village Inn the weekend of Jan 22

Scrappin Sistas in Plymouth, MA on Jan 29

I am looking forward to a busy and wonderful year.  For more events, look on the right side bar for my calendar of events.  Let me know if there are any products that you would like to see in my booth.  Also, feel free to suggest ideas for layout kits.

How do you... ?

So it's the middle of the week.  Life is busy but good.  I am going through my stash and re-organizing.  I am also going through my scrap-away bags and replenishing my "kits".  When I say kits, I mean papers and embellies I have pulled together to go with certain pics so that when I'm at a crop/event, I can pull out a bag and start working right away without looking for the "right" paper or embellies.  Half the work is already done.  If I'm really ahead of my game, I even have sketches or ideas to go with the kits.  All of that goes in rollie tote and I have a tool caddy with with my staples in it.   How do you pack for a crop?  Do you plan ahead or do you bring it all?

Today also, I organized and added a set of rubbermaid drawers (something new I put together) with 4 drawers...2 big and 2 small.  One small has more tools and adhesives (Xyron X, cheetah, glue dots, crop-a-dile, etc).  The other has what I call notions ie bling, buttons, flowers etc.  One of the big drawers holds my journaling cards and alpha letters (all the ones in my stash).  The other has what I have labeled colors ie Mists, stickles, inks and stamps.  I am hoping this set up works so that...

1. I don't have to unpack when I get home from crops, the drawers will just sit next to my desk like it does when I'm away.  Wouldn't that be great? And...
2. I have my stash with me at the crops.  No more thinking, "Oh this would work great but it's at home!"

I'll keep you posted on how it works.

Leave a comment here and tell me.. How do you pack for crops?  Do you plan ahead or do you bring it all? 

Cool Crops Portsmouth part 2

Another weekend with the Cool Crops gang.  I had a great time although the whole weekend had a deja vu feel to it.  The same games, same crew but different scrappers.  But really, is there anything to complain about when I get to spend 2 back to back weekends with a great group of ladies?!?!??  Here's a peek into my weekend...the ladies during my Make n Take Saturday morning.

And the ladies during my sidewalk sale Saturday evening.

Fun times!!! 

A little late

As promised a sneak peek of the *NEW* layout kits in stock...

ps. All kits are $10 each.  The Dec 25 kit comes with a bottle of stickles.  If you would like to make a purchase, contact me at sluvs2skrapATyahooDOTcom.  Buy all 3 and get FREE SHIPPING :)
pps. Pictures of cute and not so scary kids not included ;)

Just Scrappin' 11.06.10 - Challenge #5

Theme challenge – Warm & Cozy.  Interpret it however you want, the title, the feel of your layout.  Just as long as it’s warm n cozy ;)

'Nuff said :)

Just Scrappin' 11.06.10 - Challenge #4

For this challenge you will create a layout using a countdown method of items. I will list five different kinds of things (eg. elements, papers, photos) for you to use in your layout.

5 – Numbers
4 - Cardstock or Solid Colored Papers
3 - Glitter Spots/Bling
2 - Photos
1 - Rub-on/Stamp

You can  use more than these items  just as long as you meet the required list and numbers asked for each.

I have had this "Spring Fever" rub-on in my stash forever and finally had the perfect pictures to go with it.  At their school as a fundraiser, the kids have a crazy hat or hair day :)  I didn't really have numbers so I added the month and year of the event to get the required numbers in.  Glitter is stickles around the journaling block and in the middle of the flowers.

Just Scrappin' 11.06.10 - Challenge #3

Technique challenge – bring out the sanding tools.  Use your sanding tool that’s been sitting and collecting dust in your tool kit.  Sand your paper, sand your embellishments or even sand your photos!

 This was an easy challenge...just broke out the Jenni Bowlin embossed coredinations paper.  Just a light sanding with my handy dandy Tim Holtz sander and I had a nice splash of color.  The flowers are handmade and the wrinkled trim misted with Glimmer Mist.

Just Scrappin 11.06.10 - Challenge #2

Use your stash challenge - There's no specific number of any item on this just use everything on the list and have fun.

• picture or pictures of food, having a family dinner or a birthday,
• something that has a picture of food on it- embellishment , pp or sticker
•  multiple colors of brown
• circles
• flowers

Wondering about my lack of circles?  Well the dotted paper counts ;)  And the flowers can be seen on the journaling spot.  And while working on this layout, a fellow scrapper introduced me to a fabulous product called "liquid applique".  I had never heard of it but it's magic.  It goes on like elmer's glue and when heated, puffs up to give a puffy paint look!!!  Check out my cupcake embellishments...

Interested?  Contact me to purchase your own stash of Liquid applique...available in all shades of the rainbow!