Happy Father’s Day

The explosion box makes a great gift for just about any occasion.  My eldest daughter, Rachel, and her roommate from college made these for their dads.

The explosion box gives you 3 layers for a total of 12 spaces to put pictures and/or journaling.  In the center of each is stamped “Happy Father’s Day”

A great gift for men.  Once you have closed it up and decorated it like a gift, it is the perfect scrapbook to sit by dad’s computer, or on his desk or a shelf.  Ready to show off his family but without all the scrapbook frills.
You can find the instructions for the explosion box at the bottom of this post.

God Bless,

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Friends Are Treasures of the Heart

Friends Are Treasures of the Heart ~ Scrapbook Class
There are a few spots still available!
Sunday, August 28
2Pm
My Home
RSVP & prepay by Thursday, August 25.
Please visit my events page for class details.
This 11 page scrapbook was demonstrated at the Stampin’Up! Convention this summer. I love the vintage look, the variety of textures and the perfect amount of glitter and bling!
We will be creating 11~ 6x6” pages including this cover page to go in a 6x6 album. If 6x6 is not your style, I’ll be happy to show you how to adapt these pages to fit your favorite album.
Now you’re ready to add pictures throughout the year of those special times spent with friends!
Contact me to RSVP or questions!
God Bless,

Order Stampin'Up! Products 24/7, Click Here

Space Coast Rubber And Paper ~ Tomorrow

Tomorrow from 10am-noon SCRAP, Space Coast Rubber & Paper, will meet at my home. If you would like to attend or need more information please contact me. You can also read more about SCRAP here and about this month's projects here.

One of my customers and SCRAP member has asked me repeatedly if we could do some scrapbooking. To be honsest, scrapbooking is not one of my strengths and I was a bit over whelmed as I tried to figure out how to handle this request.

After much delay, I finally just dove in and ladies we will either sink or swim tomorrow! We will be using layouts from PageMaps, a wonderful site with tons of ideas for scrap book layouts of many sizes as well as card and tag lay outs! I've got a layout folder put together for each of you and will have extras for anyone who can come at the last minute.

Today's project was created from a PageMaps layout using primarily retired Stampin'Up! paper. I also pulled in the Big Shot Dies and border punches to dress the pages up. The thin strips of the Sweet Pea Designer Series paper is what's left after you use the Scallop Edge Border punch. A great way to tie your pages together.

The title was done using My Digital Studio printed on Vellum cards stock. The other journaling was done using the Top Note and the new Decorative Label punch.

I did learn one important thing. Don't take all your pictures in a landscape direction; turn your camera and take vertical pictures as well (or cut up your pictures into some different sizes).

I'd love to hear your tips for making great scrap book pages. Share your favorites in the comment section below!

Have a great weekend!

God Bless,

To Order Stampin'Up! Products 24/7, Click Here

Recipe:

Paper: Ruby Red, Old Olive, Sahara Sand, and Vellum card stock, retired Barely Bannana, Taken With Teal and Sweet Pea Designer Series Paper

Misc: Dotted Scallop Ribbon punch, Scallop Edge punch, Decorative Label punch, Big Shot, Top Note, Little Leaves Sizzlit, Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die, My Digital Studio software, SNAIL, Tombow, Stampin' Dimensionals

Happy Mother's Day!

For those of you whose children participated in last Sunday's Take Time For Mom event I wanted to share some pictures of the effort and fun that went into your gift. For those whose children weren't there, I hope you can just enjoy my Mother's Day tribute.

What do you do with 17 young people on a Sunday afternoon??

Make a scrapbook page for mom, of course!

They look so mature and grown up...but wait!

You look like a pro at this! Uh, can you just do my page too?

This is more fun than football!

Did you see that?? They tied Mrs Stewart up with double-sided tape!

I still have 5 fingers!

I've got my eye on you and have a pointy object too so, watch out!

Did you just put this in your ear??

I may be little but, really I'm a "Big Shot"

To come up with this shape you take the cosine of x and multiply it by a Lagrange polynomial. Got it?!

If I squeeze a little harder I might be able to make this flower "explode"!

OK, I taped my fingers together, now what do I do?

It's all in the wrist. That's what the little girl told me.

Ummmmmmmm. Did you see what I just did?

I put my hair in the Crimper and look what happened!!

By night I am mild manored but, by day I'm a crazed scrapbooker! With glue stick and ribbon I can rule the world!!!!!

After a long day of scrapbooking, there is nothing more relaxing than a good video game!

Snack is the best part of any scrapbooking event!

Happy Mother's Day!

I so enjoyed all of your children! Whatever their experience with scrapbooking or their interest with scrapbooking, they gave 100% knowing that it was for you, their mom! I hope you are feelin' the love! Can't wait till Father's Day!

God Bless,

Clear Envelope Brag Books

Even though so many pictures are on computers these days these little "Brag Books" are a great project and gift for those who still love to hold the pictures in their hands.
The clear envelopes sold by Stampin'Up! are used as the picture protectors. They can hold 3x5 or 4x6 pictures, back to back.
I did a brief video tutorial, based on the tutorial by Corinne Somerville over at Splitcoast Stampers, on making these books and hope to post it this week. Check back for more detailed instructions and the recipe.

God Bless,

Shop Stampin'Up! 24/7! It's Just a Click Away!

Sunshine Garden Simply Scrappin' Sample Pages

Here is a sample of the pages we will be making at "Don't Put Those Pictures Back in the Box!" Scrapbook Class ,next week. These pages came together quickly and beautifully using materials from Stampin'Up!s Sunshine Garden Simply Scrappin' kit. The page layouts were designed by Stampin'Up! demonstrator, Brenda Miller. Don't you love the colors!

When: May 14th 6:30pm-8:30pm

Where: 615 Pinetree Drive, Indialantic (my home)

Cost: $20 and includes all supplies

Space is limited so reserve your spot today.

Register and prepay securely here (see Paypal button in the right corner labeled May Scrapbook class) or contact me by May 8th.

God Bless,

Martha

Recipe:

Paper: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Old Olive, Certainly Celery, Barely Banana

Ribbon: Certainly Celery 5.8" grosgrain ribbon, Baja Breeze 5/8" striped grosgrain ribbon, Whisper White 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Very Vanilla 1/4" grosgrain ribbon.

Misc: Sunshine Garden Simply Scrappin' kit; Scallop Eyelet punch, sticky tape, SNAIL, glue dots

To Order Stampin'Up! Products 24/7 Click Here

Picture The Possibilities: National Scrapbooking Month

Picture the possibilities!

• A family scrapbook keepsake for generations to enjoy and remember!
• Your own business, doing what you love and earning money at the same time!
• A Scrapbook Class to learn the art of scrapbooking!

Join me and Stampin'Up! in celebrating National Scrapbooking Month with FOUR great offers.

1. Buy any three packs of Designer Series paper or 12"x12" textured card stock and get one FREE. Mix and match your packs of paper!
2. Become a demonstrator for only $75 with the limited-time Scrapbooking Starter Kit! Enjoy the support and encouragement from myself and my Virtual Downline group as well as the Stampin'Up! demonstrator website. We are here to help!
3. Buy the new Jumbled Alphabet stamp set - a sneak peek from the upcoming 2009-2010 Idea Book & Catalog - at 20% off!
4. Scrapbook Class: Don't Put Those Pictures Back In The Box! May 14th. 6:30pm-8:30pm. Create 20—6x6 scrapbook pages including layout sketches to take home using Stampin'Up!s Sunshine Garden Simply Scrappin kit. Room is limited so, reserve your spot today! Cost: $20.00 & includes all materials. Prepay securely online, above, or contact me. You will enjoy this with or without scrap book experience.

Therapeutic Effects of Scrapbooking

As the economic recession leads to a rise in depression (or at least has many people feeling "down"), some scrapbook companies are choosing to focus their marketing efforts on highlighting the therapeutic effects of scrapbooking.

Big Picture Scrapbooking, the site started by Simple Scrapbooks magazine founding editor Stacy Julian which offers online education to scrapbookers, did a survey of their students about how scrapbooking affected them and promoted the results to media outlets. They shared what students said about the positive effect scrapbooking - and BPS classes - had on them:

Where else are you going to find, tucked into scrapbook design medium, a class on choosing joy and gratitude in your life instead of dwelling on the negative things that surround us every day? Where else will you learn secrets that will change the way you view life from top photographers and artists in simple, do-able steps? Big Picture Scrapbooking has changed my philosophy in life. I am learning from amazing women to savor life a little more and capture that in a form that my friends and family can enjoy and learn from for years to come.

Big Picture is also highlighting quotes from student reviews on the front page of their website that reflect the same marketing philosophy - their classes are not only about how to scrapbook, but are uplifting as well:

Stampin' Up! is also focusing marketing effort on the positive effects of scrapbooking. During the month of April, the stamping and scrapbooking direct sales company has been trying to encourage people who are stressed by the recession to relieve stress by adopting a new hobby. The company says that it believes that the "scenario of friends crafting together and enjoying a fun hobby may just be the ticket to relieving stress and helping people 'get connected' during these tough economic times."

Even those among us who are devoted scrapbookers and have known the help that scrapbooking was getting us through a hard time in the past (the loss of a loved one, for instance) can get pulled away from scrapbooking when we are stressed and other things seem more important. Scrapbooking businesses can do their industry and their customers - and their own individual business - a service by reminding people about the intangible benefits of their hobby.

It's value-added marketing: We're not just selling paper and stickers. We're selling relaxation and comfort, too

I hope you enjoy this article on scrapbooking. It's not just a hobby. Join me May 14th from 6:30pm-8:30 pm as we create 20 - 6x6 scrapbook pages for you to use with your photographs. Click here for details.

God Bless,

Martha

To Order Stampin'Up! Products 24/7 Click Here!

National Scrapbooking Month & Sunshine Garden Simply Scrappin' kit

Join me for a relaxing evening of scrapbooking. No experience necessary. Click on flyer to enlarge the picture and details. As always contact me if you have any questions.

God Bless,

Martha

May 10th

Centreville, Virginia

May 14th

615 Pinetree Drive

Indialantic, FL

Cost: $20

RSVP & prepay here or contact me by May 8.

Scrapbooking: Taking great pictures

I love scrapbooking and I love it even more when the pictures I've take turn out. Do I hear an Amen? Here are some photography tips I found helpful, hope you do too.

People & Portrait Photography Quick Tips

from NationalGeographic.com

1. If you use objects other than your main subject in the foreground, be careful of placement. You don't want to obscure or detract from your subject.
   
2. Every time you hold your camera to your eye, look for leading lines, foreground elements, frames—anything you can use to lend dynamism to your image. (I had to look dynamism up: it means having to do with action and movement) Photographs are two dimensional but it helps if they look and feel three dimensional.
   
3. Don't just stand there—sit, squat, lie down. The angle from which you make a photograph can make a dramatic difference.
   
4. When using an electronic flash indoors, move your subject away from walls to prevent harsh shadows.
   
5. A piece of very light orange gel over the face of your electronic flash can warm up the light and give it a more pleasing cast.
   
6. When you first arrive at a new location, make note of any features that strike you. Try to find ways to incorporate them into your composition.
   
7. Be careful if you are using a wide-angle lens to photograph a group. The people at the edges may get distorted.
   
8. If kids want to look through the camera, let them. They will be more relaxed and cooperative. Just watch out for dirty fingers on the lens.
   
9. Anticipate kids' behavior. If they are playing tag, set up near the base, compose your image, and wait for them to come running in.
   

God Bless,

Martha

Got Sketch 103 Scrapbook Pages

It has been a couple of weeks since I've posted a project. I hate that. Time just goes by too fast sometimes. We spent a week with our family on vacation at Snowshoe, West Virginia. Being from Florida, we enjoyed seeing snow!! Our kids enjoyed snowboarding and my husband did too until he broke his collar bone! It has not discouraged him though, he will be back on a snowboard again, one day!

Now back to Stampin'Up! I participated in an online scrapbooking class before we left on vacation, Got Sketch 103. Here are some of the pages I completed. All materials are Stampin'Up! All pictures were 4x6 or cut from a 4x6 picture. This was so much fun and so full of great ideas and tips.

Spring is fast approaching with Easter, spring break, & Mother's Day! Lot's of opportunity to send cards and keep in touch as well as decorate for these special holidays and spring season. Sign up for my monthly newsletter and check out the fun, creative classes and projects available with Stampin'Up!

Divine Design: Autumn Vine DSP

Join me the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month as we create scripture based projects. Beginning January 28th from 10:30-11:30am and in the evening from 6:30-7:30pm.
At each class, you will recieve a sketch pattern, scripture card, and materials to complete the projects. One project will be made to bless someone with and the second to put into a scripture collection of your choosing for yourself. You will need to bring your own adhesive and paper snips(scissors). Cost is $5.00 (refundable with a Stampin'Up! order). RSVP by Monday the week of each class.


These pictures are of scripture based projects I created for the Divine Design challenge on Splitcoast Stampers today. It was a great day, to say the least! Hope you can join me.

God Bless,
Martha

If you would like to participate from out of town, let me know. I will mail you the projects.

Second Week of Thanksgiving: Thankful Thoughts

This week's project is a great way to record memories from your Thanksgiving celebration. The idea comes from Suzanne Dean . Have each person at your Thanksgiving table write down what they are thankful for and what hopes they have for the future. The cards are kept in a small box resembling a pizza box. This is a beautiful and easy way to preserve your family's "blessings" year after year.


Contact me if you need supplies to create this project, have any questions, or need more detailed instructions.

Recipe: All Stampin'Up! Products

Stamps: Thoroughly Thankful, Autumn Harvest(I love this stamp set!)

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, More Mustard, Tangerine Tango
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, More Mustard, Tangerine Tango, and Whisper White card stock. Autumn Vine DSP.

Misc: Sticky tape, Earth Elements Brads, Stampin' Dimensionals, Scallop punch, 1 3/8 circle punch, 1 1/4 circle punch, ticket punch.

Hope you enjoy this project!

Clear Envelope Brag Book

This project (as I've heard a number of northern demonstrators say) is just "stinkin' cute"! I made this for a friend of mine who loves Halloween. She can keep yearly pictures of her children in it and enjoy it for years to come. This is also an easy and versatile project. Besides being a Brag Book you could use it for holiday recipes, journaled memories from an event, scrap book and the list goes on. The recipe for this project is: Haunting Halloween Stamp Set; Stazon Black, Summer Sun, Only Orange inks; Black, So Safron, Tangerine Tango, and Whisper White Card Stock; Haiku DSP; Pumpkin Pie Ribbon, Eyelets, Clear Embossing Powder and Clear Medium Envelopes. Thank you to my up line, Adriana, for the idea. Tutorial from SCS, Clear Envelope Brag Book