More Scrap For Your Buck - #1 Big Shot (or Other Manual Die Cutter)

With all the various die cutters on the market I have to say I'm tempted to buy them all, but in the grand scheme of things... you won't use them all enough to get your money's worth. Before you buy, research and assess your scrapping style. When I chose to buy the Big Shot I did it for a couple reasons... accessibility to reasonably prices dies (most craft chains carry a large enough assortment and regularly have 40-50% off coupons and sales) and ability to use other manufacturers dies and embossing folders. Every die or embossing folder I've found available in a retail chain has worked in it. I may have had to add an extra clear plate, but it still worked.

I don't use themed die cuts, so where I save money is the dies that are versatile. I buy scrolls and other decorative shapes, tags, frames, borders and flowers. That way you don't spend money on a die that can only be used for a certain occasion or holiday.

The flower dies I've bought in several styles and sizes. You will NEVER have to buy another package of flowers if you buy a few well thought out dies. You will be amazed what beautiful flowers you can create from scrap paper, glimmer mist, paint, stickels, etc.

I'm Back...

I've been on a hiatus for the last 12 weeks... pregnancy can really wipe you out in that first trimester. Hopefully I'm on my way to feeling energetic and productive again. I've managed to get me scraproom cleaned up and I'm working on a blog series to stretch your scrap dollars, current scrap supplies, and how to get a bigger bang for you buck when you go shopping for supplies. Keep an eye out for it... it will definitely help you look at your craft a little differently.

Another Great Scrapbook Store Is Closing

I'm sad to say, another DFW scrapbook store is closing. The Scrapbook Barn in Carrollton is closing. For other area scrapbook stores check out my weblinks at the bottom of the page. I'm unsure how much longer they will be open, but they are having a huge clearance sale.

Creatively Canvas Mini Album from GASC 2010

This was a great class taught by Staci Etheridge at GASC 2010. We used watered down acrylic paint and our fingers (no paint brushes). It was very artsy and we did alot of freehand work. Definitely helps you break out of our perfectionistic creativity and just let it happen.

Easter Chipboard Album

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I'm just cranking out the projects today ;)

Hoo Loves You Baby - Punky Sprouts Album

Okay... I'm working on one of my owl mini books. I'm using My Minds Eye Quite Contrary Line (Little Boy Blue Collection) and a Punky Sprouts Alfalfa album. Here's where I'm at so far... playing around with the layout and textures. Still have to dig through my stash to find just the right embellishments and get some journaling done.

Hoo Loves Owls?

My favorite thing right now is all the fabulous owl papers and embellishments. I'm currently working on a bunch of owl themed projects, so stay tuned for the finished photos. One of my absolute favorites is My Mind's Eye Quite Contrary... specifically the Little Boy Blue Collection. The colors are beautiful muted shades. JUST LOVE IT!!!

GASC Day 2 - Punky Sprouts Heart Album

During the day 1 crop I fell in love with the Punky Sprouts Albums at Scrappin Goodtimes. I walked the showroom floor on day 2 to find all the items I wanted for the color scheme. Here is a glimpse of the finished product. Since I have a son and most of my pages and projects revolve around him, I finally got to do something just for me.


Since Suzy West got me addicted to these adorable books. I had to give her a hard time. It was very exciting to have her so delighted by my creation. She is doing a feature of my album on the Punky Sprouts blog - http://punkysprouts.blogspot.com/2010/06/awesome-talent-in-the-house.html.

GASC Day 1 - Me & Tim Holtz

Thanks to Judy I was able to get a vendors pass and get into the show before they opened. What did that mean? I got to see Tim Holtz before he was mobbed by a bunch of women. It was great to meet him!