Do you like sketches?

When you want to scrap and you're looking for inspiration, have you ever tried a sketch? There are a ton of online sites as well as books and magazines that have scrapbooking and cardmaking sketches now.

I was totally thrilled when I got an e-mail from Becky Fleck with one of the amazing May sketches for PageMaps!! I got to design a layout based on the sketch below and it and my layout sample of my son, Nathan, on his birthday are on the PageMaps site today! Check out all of her amazing sketches and the fabulous sample layouts!

The great thing about sketches is that 5 people can work with the same sketch and get different looking layouts. If you want to try playing with a sketch in a class, you might want to try the May class "From Sketch to Scrapped" on May 27th!

In this class, we're going to take the sketch above (this month from Ally Cope at SoSketchy.blogspot.com) and complete a double page layout in class. The first thing we'll do is choose papers that'll compliment your pictures and I'll be there to help you do that. Then we'll talk about the design, how you might want to change it to make it your own and how to simply get that 2-pager done! You're encouraged to bring pictures to help you pick your papers and so that you can go home with something finished.

Let us know where you go for sketches if you like using them!

Spellbinders and the Cuttlebug

Have you seen all the fabulous Spellbinders dies? Ever wondered how to use them? This fabulous little video shows you how to use them in the Cuttlebug and a few other machines as well!



Spellbinders Website

Palette Generator

Ever look at your pictures and wonder what on earth you're going to use for colours for your layout?! I'm sure we've all been there at some point, so why not try one of these colour palette generators?

All you need to do is upload your picture and it'll suggest colours for you... Try it!

Big Huge Labs Palette Generator

CSS Drive Colors Palette Generator

Let us know if you try it and if you have a preference!!

Feature Classes for this Coming Week

Play Hard NEW!
Instructor: Colleen Heidrich
Class Fee: $15.00 Supply Fee: $15.00
They work hard and they play hard. This is the kit to pay tribute to the men in your life - both young and old. The four page layouts showcase the activities that fill their days with the strong, vibrant colors of the new Grease Monkey collection. All supplies included!

Once Upon a Time NEW!
Instructor: Tobi Crawford
Class Fee: $15.00 Supply Fee: $5.00
Using oh-so-cute images from a brand new set of stamps by Technique Tuesday you will hone in on your Copic Marker skills, and get friendly with Nestabilities dies by Spellbinder. If you haven't used them, you are in for a surprise, they cut, they emboss, and you can stencil with them, they are just the best! As always all supplies are provided, but if you want to bring your collection of markers along, feel free! We will make 4 versatile cards with cute product and lots of dimension. All supplies included.

Core'dinations Cardstock

Check out this cardstock that we now have in stock! This video talks about the paper and some of the techniques that you can use with it.



These videos deal more with the specific techniques...

Tearing


Sanding


Antiquing


Have fun playing with this!!

Inks and Inking Large Stamps

Check out this great video from Jennifer McGuire from Hero Arts! She talks about different kinds of inks and some different ways to ink the large stamps.



Jennifer has a lot more videos on her blog as well as the Hero Arts blog!

Making Memories Slice

For those of you that have already purchased this fabulous little beauty of a portable die cutting machine, I'm going to post a little video to help you get the most out of your paper and I really found this helpful!

Tuesday, April 21st - Friday, April 24th 2009

40% Off
All Patterned Paper
May not be combined with any other offers or coupons. Not valid on previous, internet or telephone orders. In Stock items only. Not valid on Special Orders or Envelopments. Offer valid on open stock, printed paper only. All Sales Final.

Feature Class

Friends to the End Album NEW!

Instructor: Colleen Heidrich

The fabulous new Alissa papers are perfect for this fun new chipboard album from Bo Bunny. The album is great for gathering stories and photos of cherished friends, but the hard part will be deciding whether to give it to that friend or keep it for yourself! All Supplies Included.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 2009

6:30pm-8:30pm

604.530.2917

Do you love your local scrapbooking store (lss)?

Cosmo Cricket is doing an Early Bird Giveaway on their blog just for telling them about your favourite local scrapbooking shop!

This is from the Cosmo Cricket website:
Do you love your local scrapbook store? Well, if you do tell us about it. We want to know the name of your favorite LSS, where it's located and why you love it so much. If there isn't a store in your area, let us know your favorite independent online retailer and why they are so great!

Not only is this a great chance to give your store some free publicity, but we will pick one random commenter to win an Early Bird Paper Crafting Kit and their LSS will win the entire Early Bird Collection! Let all your friends and neighbors know to support your favorite store by commenting as it will increase the odds of your store winning..... and, we will be shipping our winner first..... so everyone in your area wins too, really!

We will announce the lucky commentor and their LSS Monday morning!

Check it out HERE!

Tips for Using Ranger's Inkssentials™ White Opaque Pen

Check out these fabulous white pens that will be coming soon!!

More Manufacturer Blogs!

Here are some more blogs for scrapbookers!

Making Memories
October Afternoon
Cosmo Cricket
American Crafts
Pebbles Inc.

Have fun checking these out!!

11th Anniversary! Scratch & Save 30-60% Off Everything! This Weekend!‏

Scratch & Save
30-60% Off Everything!*

Join us this Friday & Saturday to celebrate 11 years in business!

Thank you for your continued support & loyalty!

30-60% OFF STOREWIDE!*

*Valid on Regular Priced Merchandise. May not be combined with any other special offers, promotions or Everyday Special Priced Items. Valid on in stock items only. Not valid on previous purchases, telephone or internet orders, special orders, gift cards, classes, or special events. All Sales Final. Scratch Ticket will be issued upon check out.

Includes Already Reduced Clearance Section!
That's right, receive an additional scratch discount on items which are already reduced by up to 70%!!!

Friday, April 10th & Saturday, April 11th!

ENTIRE EASTER SECTION ON SALE!

40% OFF Easter Products

Offer applies to selected Easter section. May not be combined with any other special offers, coupons, or promotions. Not valid on previous, internet or telephone orders. All sales final.

Where a higher discount is scratched, the larger discount will be taken at the register!!

Good Friday 10am-6pm
Saturday 10am-6pm
Easter Sunday CLOSED

Feature Classes This Week!

Your Life: Here & Now NEW!

Instructor: Colleen Heidrich

Class Fee: $15.00 Supply Fee: $5.00

Have you ever looked at old pictures and laughed at all the little details of life that you see in the background of all the pictures. Ever wonder what details you'll remember in 10 or 20 years about your life now? These double layouts will give you the chance to capture some of what your life is here and now! All Supplies Included.

Scrapbooking Basics: The "How To" Course NEWLY DESIGNED!

Instructor: Tobi Crawford

Class Fee: $10.00

Do you have loads of supplies at home, and have NO idea how to use them? Have you bought some accessories and tools, but aren't sure you're using them right, or getting the most use out of them? OR, are you an absolute beginner and just want to jump in and get started? Well then, this class is for all of you!

I will be at your disposal to help you put a layout together over the span of 2 hours, as well as help you with any questions or curiosities you might have along the way. Included in the Class fee is the paper you will require for the layout (1 piece of designer paper, and two 12x12 solid cardstock), and all supplies (glue, trimmers, scissors etc), and of course ME, who will be your personal shopper and coach every step of the way! Don't know how to use ribbon? Stickers? Chipboard? Die Cuts? We will incorporate those mysteries into your layout.

An added bonus: you will be able to shop for items in the store as you need them for your layout using your class discount!

Manufacturer's Blogs

Have you ever checked out the blogs done by some of the manufacturers? There are a ton of them out there these days and I'm going to try and highlight a few once in a while for you. We'll start with some card making ones today...

Amuse
Hero Arts Blog
Stampendous
Stamping Bella
Penny Black

Check these out for inspiration and I'll be posting more soon!