Thursday, February 26, 2009

Survivor


This layout was done for Spellbinders' consumer booth, showcasing the Melissa Frances Breast Cancer papers. It traveled the country last year, on display at many CKCs and expos. The Survivor is my mom. I'm so glad she is a survivor, and I'm pretty sure she is too. I love you, Mom!

Monday, February 16, 2009

Cindy's mostly excellent adventure

Cindy had a mostly excellent adventure at PetSmart yesterday.
Cindy decided she needed a new collar, and asked to go to the store. She'd never been to PetSmart, but she's seen the commercials and wanted to check it out.
They had lots of good smells there.
Lots of treats too! She'll take one of each, please!
What color goes with white and black spots, Daddy?

Actually, PetSmart on a Sunday was a bit more than she expected. There were many dogs shopping with their people, and the grooming section was busy too. Our friend's Great Dane was commanding attention in there, and when Cody speaks, everyone has to listen. I think the experience was too much at once for her, and we should try it again at a less busy time. Perhaps she had flashbacks to her earlier life?
Cindy enjoyed the car ride home the most.

Cindy's Daddy strongly discouraged Cindy's Mommy from bringing the D-Rebel and didnt' want to wait for her to change lenses, and Spunky had the small sleek camera, which forced Cindy's Mommy to use her cell phone camera like a dork . Cindy's mommy apologizes for the low res photos and will try harder next time.

Cindy would like to wish Sparky a Happy Birthday, and wishes she could go to a restuarant with the family.

Cindy likes to dream big.


Sunday, February 8, 2009

Have a he{art}

I did it. I made something for me! Its hanging on my door right now! I saw this earlier in the week at TJ Maxx. I was out and about killing time and thinking about shoes when I should have been birthday shopping for Sparky. Yes, I found some shoes! and then this
jumped into my sight. I said no, not another thing to throw in the things to alter pile. But it kept talking to me. So I said FINE in my best teenage mumble and for a mere 5.99 it was mine.

It took its place of honor upon my kitchen counter for a few days. Yesterday it spoke up and said "do me". Yep that's what it said. So I cleared my schedule (bon-bons at noon) collected some schtuff from my studio and plunked down at the dining room table.

It was one of those projects that just told me what to do, no serious thinking or mulling or second guessing, it just came together. Even after I ran to Michael's to get those red Prima's that I had in my hand and decided against earlier in the week, and then ran to Joann's because, well, it was there and I had coupons, I still had the mojo to finish it.


In other news, I still have birthday shopping to do for Sparky, who will not be receiving any clothes from me. When he learns how to put the washed, dried and folded clothes away, I might reconsider. But for now, he has a closet but prefers to use the floor, and I prefer not to buy him clothes.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

I profusely apologize for not updating right away. Honestly, I didn't know anyone was actually reading this blog! Hi mom! Thanks to [and so on} for reminding me differently.

So yes, I made it to and from CHA without incident or sickness, which is nice! Here's a quick recap:

Flew to Santa Ana airport. Is it possible to have a favorite airport? Because if it is, that's mine! Its like a strip mall with gates and a runway, and a whole bunch of TSA agents. And an overpriced restaurant. And chairs in the sun facing the runway. And its good, until some loud talking suit sits next to you starts barking into his phone.

I demo'd all the live long day, despite the presence of Paris Hilton being somewhere in the building. My real brushes with celebs were that I rode down the elevator with Anna Griffin (she's nice!), up the elevator with Mark Montano (of HGTV fame) (he's short!) and flew to CA on the same plane as Wendy Vecchi (but we know each other from a now closed LSS)(and she's nice too!).

There was a fire, or a fire drill in the building, but it only lasted about 5 minutes. The alarms sounded, turned off, sounded again, and they finally announced that everyone had to leave the building, opening doors and moving curtains to reveal exits. If they had opened the large garage doors from the get-go I think people would have taken it seriously at the first alarm.

My roomie Cathy always rents a car, which made it possible to stop at Trader Joe's and Target on the way to the Hilton, and back to Target later that night to buy some unmentionables that didn't make it into my suitcase. Let me tell you, when Hanes promises 'wedgie free', they deliver! We also bought Diet Coke, turkey sandwich fixins', and a case of water. Prices in the convention center are outrageous and there really isn't another less expensive option for cheap breakfast and lunch. We enjoyed dinner with the group (17!) at Buca De Beppo, and went back another time because the ravioli was calling our names. Luckily we had the car and we could escape the crowds to go to Mimi's and Chili's on other nights.

One of our favorites is a place called the Sand Box, a small bar and grill nestled in a hotel. We ate there then had a side show at the 7-11 next door, with 4 cars of Anaheim's finest, an ambulance, fire truck and news crew at the scene. We never found out what the ruckus was.

I'm off to the gym...more later with some photos!
Beth

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

A note from Stacey of Spellbinders...

The 5th Anniversary party for Spellbinders Paper Arts is nearing its end. Spellbinders’ staff is hurrying-- scurrying to get all the little details finished for the big “party” in Anaheim at the Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show. You still have until 11:59 CST, January 21, to enter Trudee Sauer’s blog contest. Then Spellbinders will be drawing for the Grand Prize Winner, and will announce the Grand Prize winner on the Spellbinders Blog on January 31.

Today, Stacey Caron, Creative Director and Co-founder of Spellbinders Paper Arts shares a special message for you, so check it out here .


Beth

Monday, January 19, 2009

And we have a winner!

Congratulations to Jessica of Sundbord, Sweden! Jessica entered the Day 11 drawing on my blog and won! To read her response and see her new loot, check out the Spellbinder's Blog!

Beth, who wants some cookies before bedtime!

16th Day of Sneak Peeks!

Don't forget to go to Trudee Sauer's blog on January 20, she's got the 16th and final Sneak Peek. Somehow I left her off the list I posted a while ago. The drawing is for all 16 of the dies revealed. And keep checking the Spellbinders' Blog. We might not be done yet!

I'm heading off to CHA in Anaheim on Friday, and I'll be posting from there. If you will be at the show, come say hi, we're in booth # 4873.

Thanks!

Beth

Saturday, January 17, 2009

A few thoughts from Cindy...

Sure looks cold out there.
Its nice and warm in the sun, next to the heat vent.
I might not go outside again until summer. Yeah, that's the ticket!
Sure does look cold...
Whatcha say Momma?


Nope, wasn't me, they must have snuck in while I was sleepin'.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Thank You!

I just wanted to thank you for coming to my blog yesterday. Welcome to the new subscribers and followers, I appreciate your interest. I hope to post something about once a week, as soon as I get caught up from the blog frenzy and CHA.

You still have until Midnight Central time tonight to enter to win all 11 die templates. Be sure to visit Keri's blog today, Pink Lemonade, and Sally Lynn's Inky Heart on Saturday!

Thinking warm thoughts,
Beth

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Spellbinders Sneak Peek Day 11


Welcome to Cookies for Breakfast! Get some coffee and your wish list, I think you’re going to need it. Today there will be a drawing for Spellbinders S4-189 Labels Three and the previously revealed die templates during Spellbinders’ 5 Year Anniversary Celebration. Each day an additional die template is added to the daily giveaway list for a grand total of 16 dies on the 16th day of reveals! I wish I was eligible to enter, ‘cuz I want them all!

Commenting on this post is certainly welcome but does not enter you into the contest. This contest is sponsored directly by Spellbinders Paper Arts. Please read the post to find directions for entering the contest. If you have any questions, please e-mail ContestQuestions@spellbinders.us. Don’t forget to visit these talented ladies’ blog sites for the remaining sneak peeks! And you still have until 11:59 pm CST on January 15th to enter for Wendy Weixler’s give-away at Wickedly Wonderful Creations.

Jan. 16 Keri Lee Sereika Pink Lemonade

Jan. 17 Sally Lynn MacDonald Inky Heart

Jan. 18 Donya Schroeder Puckish

Jan. 19 Linda Duke Linda's Works of Heart

Jan. 20 Trudee Sauer Follow Your Bliss

WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on Spellbinders Blog. Go check it out at Spellbinder's Blog.

Introducing Spellbinders S4-189 Labels Three. What a cool die template Labels Three is, and it is so versatile. It has a unique shape as a label, as well as lending itself to use with circles and squares. I can see using Spellbinders S4-189 Labels Three in layers and different sizes, as a frame with a shape cut from the center of it, and cutting this shape opening onto cards, and using it as a cover for a mini album, and so many other projects.

Spellbinders S4-189 Labels Three
MSRP $24.99


Spellbinders S4-189 Labels Three is another ‘must have’ for to your wish list. Is yours as long as mine? Spellbinders S4-189 Labels Three is like a circle and a fancy square wrapped up in one, I mean 6! The largest size die cut is 3 5/8” square(ish) and the measurements step down in 1/2” increments. The smallest size is 1 1/8”. Spellbinders S4-189 Labels Three will retail for $24.99.(Hint: “Labels Three" should be the subject of the email when you enter at the link for today’s giveaway, see rule #2 below.)

When this die template arrived at my door, I dropped everything, grabbed some scrap paper and got busy. I kept thinking of how many different ways I could use this die template, and how much I wanted to tell everyone about it, but I was sworn to secrecy, until now.

When I get a new die template I start cutting and playing with the different sizes and combinations. I did just that, and tossed the results in a pile. Then I looked at the pile and hey, look at that! I could do this faster this way and yes, that’s what I’m going to do! I think of this project as a quick but impressive card, you could make several in practically no time.

Supplies used:
S4-189 Labels Three
S4-149 Double Ended Tags ( I used the medium sized tag)
Worldwin Treasures Deep Blue cardstock
Worldwin Treasures Natural
Basic Grey Boxer – Bowling Shoes pattern cardstock
Wide Ribbon from my stash, it matched the Natural cardstock
Brads
Adhesive
Sentiment stamp from Inkadinkado
Clearsnap Colorbox Alabaster chalk ink


Cut Deep Blue cardstock to 9 ½ x 6 ½” and fold it in half. This is the base for the card.

Cut Bowing Shoes patterned cardstock to 4 ½ x 6 ¼”.Cut Natural cardstock to 4 ¼ x 6”. Adhere wide ribbon to center, and secure on the back side.

Make two piles of your Labels Three die templates; the first pile should have die numbers 1, 3, 5, and the second with die numbers 2, 4, 6.

Here’s a little thing I do with tape. I use regular household tape to keep dies from moving. Normally tape is too sticky and can damage paper, especially when it’s run through the Wizard. I take a small piece of tape, touch it to my clothes so it picks up tiny fibers, then I use it on my papers. It retains enough sticky to hold the dies, but lifts off the paper without harming it. I use the tape over and over until all the sticky is gone.



Cut a piece of Deep Blue cardstock about 4 x 4”. Place the pile with numbers 2, 4,6 cut side down. Arrange the dies so they are straight and centered. Tape them down with one of those special pieces of tape. Place the whole piece die side down onto the Spacer Plate (either the white plastic or new black magnet spacer plate will work).

Cut a piece of Deep Blue to 1x3”, the size of the S3-149 Double Ended Tag, and add those to the spacer plate as well. The sandwich for cutting in the Wizard is White Master Mat, Spacer Plate, die template with the cut side up, White Master Mat.

Feed the sandwich through the Wizard. Remove the spacer plate, place the die templates, with the cut side facing up, onto the bottom White Master Mat, cover the dies with the Tan Embossing Mat and White Master Mat, and feed the sandwich again.

Remove the tape slowly from the dies and paper and set them aside.

Take the second pile of dies with numbers 1,3,5 and line them up the same way on the patterned paper. Cut/emboss in the Wizard.

On the ribbon covered Natural cardstock, stack the medallion from the bottom, start with the largest blue, largest pattern, second blue, second pattern, and so on, turning each die cut 90 degrees from the one below it.

Stamp a sentiment on the Double Ended Tag and attach it to the Natural cardstock with brads.

Use adhesive to attach Natural piece to patterned piece, then to Deep Blue, each with about 1/8” all the way around.



This note card shows the versatility of the die template. I did nothing fancy, just layered the different sizes, and added a stamped Circle Nestability to the center. See how nicely the Spellbinders S4-189 Labels Three works with squares and circles? I just love this die template!

I used Worldwin Cardstock, Just Rite Stampers, and Prima patterned paper on this card.



My last project is a star book made with Spellbinders S4-189 Labels Three. I googled "star book" for instructions. It’s a little reminder book so I can remember my goals this year. New Year’s resolutions are so commitment oriented, and well, I always mess them up. Goals are much more attainable, and the word ‘resolutions’ was too long to fit on the booklet!

The trick to making a star book is to fold the paper, then align it so the fold is inside the cut lines of the die template. Cut/emboss this way, and the folded paper allows for a double die cut. I did this for all the paper inside the book. The covers are chipboard covered in cardstock. The cover letters and numbers are rub-ons from Making Memories, the cardstock is from Worldwin, and the pattern paper is from Basic Grey. I did the inside text and my own photos on Photoshop Elements.

My goals? OK, I’ll tell you, now you’ll have to remind me: Keep on Running, Eat Right, Read More, Manage Time Wisely, and Make More Art.

The Wizard is so easy to use, and Spellbinders’ Die Templates work in all other consumer die cutting machines too! Check out these videos to actually see how easy it is to get professional looking projects with Spellbinders. Spellbinders Videos

Now, for all the details on the BIG CONTEST!

Spellbinders 5 Year Anniversary Celebration

Sneak Peek Party Drawing Information

Spellbinders will randomly pick one entry from each of the 16 Spellbinders Sneak Peek Blog reveals as stated in the “Rules”. This name will be drawn to receive the die being revealed and any other dies listed as a part of said blog give-away. These entries must follow all rules stated below to be valid for the drawing.

Entrants visiting all 16 Spellbinders 5 Year Anniversary Celebration Sneak Peeks Blog reveals and correctly entering their information into the 16 separate drawings, as described below, will automatically be entered into a GRAND PRIZE give away of a full set of all 28 NEW RELEASE dies debuting at the Winter Craft and Hobby Association Show in Anaheim, California, on January 25-28, 2009!

Rules

Any participant wishing to be included in the daily drawing for the Spellbinders Birthday Celebration Sneak Peek die give away must adhere to all of the following rules:

1. Participant must click on the provided link on Reveal blog to enter each individual drawing on sneak peeks between January 5 and January 20, 2009.

2. Participant must type in the subject line the name of the die being revealed.

3. Participant must send their entry for this blog before 12:00 midnight Central Standard Time on January 16, 2009.

4. Participant is only allowed to enter each of the 16 Spellbinders sneak peek blog give away drawings one time per sneak peek. Participant must use the same email address daily to be considered for grand prize entry, no exceptions. Please consider whether you will have access to the same email address from January 5th through the 20th and plan accordingly.

5. Spellbinders Design Team members and employees are not eligible for drawings.

Any participant wishing to be automatically entered into the drawing for the Spellbinders 5 Year Anniversary Celebration Sneak Peek Grand Prize drawing, must enter the drawing from all of the 16 blog reveals and follow all the above rules.

Please note:

*Spellbinders will only use email information to contact the winner.

*Spellbinders will not share this email address with any other parties.

*Spellbinders will not use this email information for advertisements or communications other than to contact the winner.

*If you wish to be included in further communications from Spellbinders, please go to their homepage and sign up for their newsletter.

If you have questions regarding the contest, please send an e-mail to ContestQuestions@spellbinders.us

Thank you for your interest and contest entries, my drawing is now closed, be sure to visit the other talented ladies' blogs and enter there.

For more Spellbinders product release information go to Spellbinders Paper Arts.

Thank you so much for stopping by! I’d love to know what you think about Labels Three, feel free to leave a comment on my blog. Please understand that your comment is not an entry into the contest. To enter the contest, scroll back up to the “click here” and follow the instructions. Have a wonderful day, stay warm, and have some cookies! I made them just for us! (Its part of my Eat Right goal! LOL)

Beth