Charming Designs By CF

You Won't Wanna Miss This!!!

2012-03-02T17:00:00.000-05:00

I have been a busy crafter the past few weeks. I am in the process of readying myself for the Instructor Open House at the Michael's in Roseville, MI, on March 3, 2012 from 1pm - 3pm. The Classes that I will be showcasing are:

Doubles Class - This class you will learn the technique of making a Double Dutch Fold Card, Double Z Fold Card and a Double Pocket Fold Card.

Step Class - This class you will learn how to make a Stair Step Fold Card, Center Step Fold Card and a Side Step Fold Card.

Folding Techniques - In this class you will create a Six Fold Card and a Pop Up Accordion Card.

Playing with Punches - In this class you will use one nesting punch to create three different looks.

Creating with Cricut Classes - This is a set of Beginning and Advanced Cricut classes using the original Cricut Expression and the Cricut Expression 2. You will learn some machine basics, basic care and make projects at the end of each class.

Demo Saturdays - I will demonstrate how to use Heat Embossing and various Inks.

This will be the only day that you will be able to see and feel the actual samples prior to the class

All classes are $25 per class and you must sign up with the Roseville, Michigan Michael's Store. The supply list is available on this website under the calendar section and at the Roseville, Michael's store when you sign up. .

Hope to see you this Saturday, also, when you sign up for one of my classes on Saturday,March 3, 2012 between 1 pm and 3 pm, Michael's will give you 25% off of the price of the class so instead of paying $25 for a class you'll be paying $18.75!

Until Next Time,

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine Fuller

Updates

2012-02-10T12:27:00.000-05:00

So this past Friday I was particualary crafty, for weeks I have wanted to craft but in between children illnesses and my own classes and crazy Stay at Home Mom living. So I finally got my first teaching job!! Yay. Will be doing a make and take at The Happy Scrapper on March 23 and 24, haven't gotten my times yet. Also, will be teaching at Michaels in Roseville, MI beginning in April so am also excited about that. My other two businesses are picking up, Charming Cropaways is gaining steam as I am securing dates and venues and A Charming Stamper will be hosting its first Open House and will be showcased next month at the NOW Group in Southfield. So I am a busy lady.

If you have noticed my blog has changed a bit, I have added a calendar page for my classes so that you can view when and where I am teaching. Also, there is a tab for Charming Cropaways although the website is still in it's developmental stages, soon you will be able to sign up and pay for my weekend crops. I have also streamlined my blog to place all of my favorite manufacturers on their own tabs there you can go to their blogs and websites from one spot. There is also a link for my Stampin' Up site and blog so that you can view my creations and see my workshop calendar and sales.

This year Charming Designs is growing by leaps and bounds please be sure to keep up by either following this blog or Facebook and Twitter pages. You don't want to miss out because there is more to come.

I'm Not a Slacker...Really

2012-01-25T14:14:00.001-05:00

So artistically I have been absent from the scrapping scene, between a sick me, sick kids and planning events and a full time school schedule, my cropping table has taken a back seat, and I hate that because it's what I honestly love to do. I don't know about the rest of you but without it I don't feel grounded and it feels like something is missing, it is truly stressing me out. Then on top of it all the place that I normally go to, to crop is full this week. (Inwardly sighing)

I am sure that I am not the only crafter to feel crafting frustration, not do to the lack of creativity in my head but the lack of time. So in an effort to "create" more time for myself the baby must go to daycare, not sure where I'm going to get the extra $129 per week from (sure hoping I can pull some of my plans off) but I will make it, I always do, I'm a Super Mom :-)

Well, just wanted all to know I'm still crafty and still working

Until Next Time
Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

Martha Stewart Glitter Art

2012-01-18T17:22:00.001-05:00

So last week I got the Martha Stewart Crafts Studio Class Kit Glittering Techniques, for a class that I will be teaching sometime in the future. First of all I love how the kit comes with all of the supplies so it makes it super easy for anyone espcially the beginner who is eager to try new technique.

The will most likely retail at your local Michaels for $19.99 and with your 40% coupon even less than that (if it's not already on sale). So, here is a picture of what the box looks like:(sorry for the glare)

and here are the cards the multi colored black butterfly gave me the flux, but I'm happy with it because it doesn't look perfect and I definitely didn't follow directions :-) So please enjoy and if you feel so inspired do one on your own, I have a few ideas in my head on where to go from here.

Until Next Time
Creatively Yours

Charmaine Fuller

A Little Less is more :-)

2011-12-31T00:52:00.000-05:00

So the last thing I completed tonight is the Lessology "Frame of Life" Challenge. For this challenge I created two different frames for this one. One frame is for my parents from their anniversary party and the second is one I've been dying to do of my kids. Both frames are frames that I have had in my closet for years and this is a great reason to let them as well as the picture connected to them shine. Please enjoy this creation as I will have the instruction on my Flicker site in a few days.

Until Next Time
Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

A Peachy Keen iCopic Challenge

2011-12-31T00:10:00.000-05:00

So I am back in the saddle after the busy holidays and have completed a few challenges tonight at my crop at The Happy Scrapper. I decided to do a two for one type of deal I made one card to serve two purposes, the Peachy Keen Stamps "Let's Face It Friday" Challenge and the iCopic "Weekly Challenge #62". Now, the Peachy Keen Stamps challenge was a color challenge where the colors had to be salamon, jade, light peach and scarlet, a Peachy Keen Stamp face had to be used, and it had to be a new project. The iCopic challenge was a "New Year's Bling" theme, your project didn't have to have Happy New Year's or anything like that but it had to have bling and pizzaz. The card design actually came from a Splitcoast Stampers Double Dutch Fold, very easy and once you get the hang of it you can create so many different designs with just one card, I just love Splitcoast so much crafting goodness in one place. So below is the card, please enjoy and let it inspire you. Please feel free to go to the above companies sites you'll see a lot of great artwork and so many great tips from some very talented people.

Until Next Time
Creatively Yours,
Charmaine

Holiday Maddness

2011-12-30T11:10:00.000-05:00

Now that the holidays are over I can get back to work. The kids will be going back to school soon and I will really be in the full swing of things. I have narrowed down the companies that I will have my eyes on (all four of them) for next year, and will have that posted later on this weekend. I have really enjoyed looking at the companies and individuals that where able to keep up pace during the hectic holiday season as you all have given me further inspiration for the New Year. So I'm not out of the race, keep your eyes peeled because more wonderful things will come out of my head and hands.

Until next time,
Creatively Yours,
Charmaine

Peachy Keen Sketch Challenge 12.12.2011

2011-12-12T23:50:00.003-05:00

So it appears that I am in a challenging type of mood this week (lol get it...yes I am a big cornball) so I have done the Peachy Keen Sketch Challenge which I love too.
PK - 328
PK - 490
Jolee's boutique - Season's Greetings
Avocado Arts December set

The snowman is from Avocado Arts and was stamped cut out and pop dotted onto the paper as were his arms and hat. The face is of course Peachy Keen and his buttons are Stickles. The inside of the card is from the Peachy Keen Snowman Winter Greeting Card Set. I hope you enjoy and I hope this inspires.

Until Next Time
Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

Lessology You've Got Mail Challenge

2011-12-11T23:51:00.001-05:00

This envelope is something I created for the Lessology "You've Got Mail envelope Challenge". This is the card that inspired the envelope it was created in a card class that I took at The Happy Scrapper sometime in November 2011.

And here is the inspired envelope.

The envelope was from a plain white envelope the fringe at the bottom was from an old roll of ribbon and the snowflakes where created with the Martha Stewart snowflake punch using scrap pieces of Bazzill cardstock that I was about to throw out. The trees came from a leftover pack of Jolee stickers that I had used on previous cards. The Season's Greeting is from Unity Stamps and I can't remember who designed the to/from stamp as I no longer have the packing for that one. I want to thank Lessology for making me think outside of the box and reuse my scrapping refuse. This challenge was fun and I plan on entering many more.

Until next time

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

Social Network Dilemma!!

2011-12-11T01:12:00.001-05:00

I am beginning to become quite frustrated with the amount of galleries that I have to join just to have my work seen. For months I had been using my Flicker and Picasa photo gallery for displaying my work thinking that would be enough but I soon began to discover that practically every crafting company has its own gallery and if I wanted to share my work with a particular company that just placing items on my blog or my own gallery would not be enough, that I had to go onto each individual photo gallery just to possibly be seen.

So, I set out and realized that although many of the companies use Blogger as their blogging forum none of them use Picasa (which I find weird but, whatever) they use Flicker. So I created a Flicker account, and joined each company I associate with group so that I could tag and post within those groups. Then I discover that some companies have photo galleries on other networks, so I have to create log in id's for those also and re post pictures that were probably in my own gallery or in other places. Some companies are nice enough to have galleries set up within their blogs for you to use. Of course for me the pis de resistance is when I discovered there is a place where you display all of your stamped cards and if you want your cards posted immediately (and some other pluses not worth mentioning) then you have to pay a fee, I don't think they are associated with any particular company but it seems to be a place to be seen.

Just thinking about this process is making my head spin, it seems in this world of technology there would be one place where all crafting companies would go to create their photo galleries for people to join where you could keep all of your pictures in one place and share as appropriate. I thought that Flicker was that place being that many of the companies I deal with are there but, in my internet travels over the past few weeks I have discovered that for just about every idea there is a gallery or website to match it. Whew.

So what is a Cropping Diva to do? I tell you what this Cropping Diva is going to do, she is in the process of writing an e-book that will tell other croppers where all photo galleries, blogs, contests, design team calls etc are in ONE place. No more popping from site to site trying to find out who's who and what's what, no more trying to figure out where a companies photo gallery is, when they have design team calls and when they have challenges. Although all of us scrap for the enjoyment, there is nothing more frustrating in the process of getting your work seen then chasing websites trying to find the challenges and design calls. Let's not mention the companies who have to preview and pre-authorize your work before allowing it on their gallery then they either never do it or it takes them so long that you forget you even sent anything in to them. That just burns my buttons but, companies that don't take care of business is another blog.

So I complained about all of that to say this, look out for my e-book Paper Mystery's Unraveled: How to find photo galleries, challenges and design team calls without looking. It will tell where the photo galleries and blogs are for over 150 companies as well as many challenges and design team calls giving when those events happen versus searching for them. Plus the book will give you one year access to the accompanying website that will always have updated information on any new companies, blogs, galleries, challenges and design team calls.

So until next time,
Creatively Yours,
*Next stop creating a crafting social networking site so everything WILL be in one place! :-)*
Charmaine

Quick Quotes White Space Challenge

2011-11-28T13:17:00.001-05:00

Hello All,

It's me again and it appears that I am on an creative roll so to speak. So here is another bit of inspirational eye candy for you. Enjoy

This layout was created with a plain sheet of white paper (you know the one's that come with your photo albums)
The stickers are from Jolee's Heaven Sent Collection SPJT34
The ribbon from the Fancy Pants Designs Fancy-free Collection Mulberry Road
The stamp is from Imaginice Snap em Stamps Baby Stats collection
The journal quote on the bottom is just a plain sheet of card stock that was printed by my printer (as my handwriting is less than desirable lol)

Please enjoy and until next time
Creatively Yours

Charmaine

Peachy Keen Let's Face It Friday Challenge

2011-11-28T00:37:00.001-05:00

This is a recipe layout that I created for the Peachy Keen Let's Face It Friday Challenge

The Paper is from S.E.I
The sticker from Me & My Big Ideas - Noel-Cheers
Snowflakes from Martha Stewart Punch glistened with stickles
The tree is from the Sizzix Stary Night set
The face shape and chefs hat from Cricut's Everyday People
The Peachy Keen face is from the Everyday Character Face Assortment collection
Faces colored with Copic marker number E15
Recipe printed on plain white paper and embellished

Hope this is enjoyed by all

Until Next Time
Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

10 Rules of Cropping

2011-11-26T01:57:00.001-05:00

At one time or another as scrapbookers we will all attend a crop or some form of scrapbooking gathering. Although these are lovely places to meet and let loose, I think sometimes we forget that there are others around and we are in a public place. So here are a few rules that I think will make cropping a pleasant experience for all. Please remember all of this is my opinion and some I have been guilty of myself.

1. If the store has provided certain tools to use throughout the crop remember they are not yours, if you need to use them for more than five minutes then you either need to"

buy the item yourself
leave the area after the five minute interval to give someone else a chance (just because no one is in line behind you doesn't me no one want to use it)
Come back to the store during a non peak time and complete the items then

2. If it is a crop that is serving food please wait until everyone has gotten their first plate of food before you go back and get seconds. You would think this wouldn't need to be said but it often does.

3. Watch your language, not everyone speaks your "language" so be mindful of others beliefs and tolerance levels. Not everyone wants to hear "sailor talk".

4. Watch your tone someone three tables away should not be able to hear your conversation, heck the person the next table over really shouldn't be able to hear your conversation.

5. Realize that sometimes no conversation is needed, please don't feel compelled to strike up a lengthy conversation. Especially if you see that they person you're talking to is mid-thought or working on multiple projects. It doesn't mean don't talk and be friendly (because that's what crops are all about) it just means be mindful and know when to end your conversation and when your conversation is over.

6. It's alright to bring your tools to crops but remember that any excessive banging, slamming, or ripping might disturb others. They paid for the crop just like you and this might be the only chance they have to get away and have some sort of peace.

7. Please clean up after yourself and leave the area as you found it, that doesn't mean you have to sweep paper off the floor but clean the table space, empty your trash and put any tools you have borrowed away.

8. Borrowing tools, pens, glitters, glues etc from another cropper should only be temporary and not happen every time you crop. You should only borrow sometime once, if you like it buy it. Others don't purchase things for your use, they purchase them for theirs.

9. Most crops have limited space, if you have machines like Big Shots or Circuts call the venue prior to arriving to be sure that bringing your machine won't impede on another croppers space. Also, keep all of your things together, the only reason your things should be sprawled across the table are if the entire space is yours.

10. Crops are a great place for inspiration, if someone else's work inspires you, or if they have somehow assisted you with your work. Be sure to say that in your blog(if you do blog) or website. It's an unspoken artist respect to at least acknowledge the person that inspired you for a project. In the same respect don't be afraid to inspire others, it's often in inspiring someone else's work that our own work becomes better.

Again this is my opinion, and not all rules apply for all situations.

Until next time

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

My Submissions

2011-11-20T19:47:00.001-05:00

So two weeks ago I entered the Stampendous Blog Star Design Team call and....I didn't make it :-) But a loss for them is a plus for you! Below are my three submissions with their instructions and supplies so that you can do it yourself. Of course these where done using Stampendous stamp sets (which are really fun to use). So enjoy and I would love to see your varations of my designs.

Until next time
Creatively yours,

Charmaine

The Birthday Bash

This card can was designed to be used for a child's birthday party invitation but can be altered to do whatever you like.

Card base Bazzil light blue card stock 4.5 x 5.5

Stampendous "Happy Bee day" stamp line

Martha Stewart Tourmaline glitter

Copic Markers

Inkadinkado "Invitations" stamp line

1. Take cardstock and measure it out to above dimensions and score.

2. Stamp Stampendous bee images on front of card

3. Stamp Stampendous 5's (or whatever number you chose) to the front in random order

4. Stamp Inkadinkado A Birthday Bash to front of card

5. Begin coloring in Stampendous bee images stamps with Copic markers

R39

Y13

E15

100

YR07

G28

RV09

B29

B21

BV08

G12

6. Stamp the 5's with embossing ink and sprinkle with glitter and heat.

I normally print the invitation specfics on cardstock using my printer being that my handwriting is less than desirable.

Holiday Joy

This card was created using

1. Ranger Embossing Powder Silver

2. Stampendous Heavenly Swirls set and Happy Bee Day set

3. Memento Paris Dusk
4. Stickles Xmas Red

Cut cardstock and stamped angels first using embossing ink, then sprinkled ranger embossing poweder on them and heated. Next stamped the phrases on the card then stamped the swirls on the card from the Happy Bee Day set and outlined them with the Stickles glitter glue.
Dimensions 5.5 L X 4.5 W

Golden Angels

This card was very simple
This used the Heavenly Swirls set and there is an golden embossed angel at the top and silver Peace on Earth embossed in the center card dimensions are 4.5 W X 5 L

Enjoy all hope it gives you some Christmas card inspiration.

Holiday Giveaways

2011-11-20T10:17:00.000-05:00

As I sit here I remember that this is the season for giving and I love this time of year because I love the looks on my families faces as they open gifts that I have gotten for them. So in light of the Holiday Season (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's respectively) I will be hosting a few giveaways of some of my cards and scrap stash to share with my readers because you all are special to me.

Now, the items that I will be giving away will be various items in my stash that I have been holding onto. Each week I will display a new stash of goodies that are up for grabs. Qualifying is easy just be sure you like Charming Scrapbook Designs on Facebook and that you are a follower of my blog. Entering is just as simple, just be sure to reply to the blog of the week and you're entered, just that simple, winners will be chosen by weeks end.

So below is a showing for Week One:

This is a pre-made album that I created at a local scrapbooking store called Paper Tales a few years ago (they had some really neat classes I miss them). Although I had a "script" so to speak there are plenty of pieces of me in it. I forgot who taught the class but I thought this would be a great album to make, it was and I still haven't used it.

The full gallery of this album is available in my Picasa and Flicker galleries. So take a look and see if this is a hot item that you would love to win. If so just reply to this blog saying so and telling me the thing you love best about Christmas.

The winner will be selected randomly on November 26 from the blog comments.

Good luck to all can't wait to give away Holiday goodies.

Also, be sure to watch out on my page for my weekly card giveaways, where I'll be asking movie trivia so that you can win a Christmas card prize!

Until Next Time,

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

New News

2011-11-19T12:00:00.000-05:00

Time to spice up my blog and give it purpose so I will begin doing Technique Tuesday and it will be either technique I already know or new technique that I have tried. Technique Tuesday will almost always come with video.

Then I will have Showoff Sunday, where I will showcase what i feel to be my coolest card, layout or project. And included in that will be an all inclusive listing of supplies and techniques used.

My new line up will begin on December 4, 2011.

Until then,

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

I've Been a Very Busy Girl

2011-11-08T02:12:00.000-05:00

So what am I doing up this late???? Magazine and contest submissions. Turned in my Cricut magazine submission and also my Quick Quotes submission. Here is my Quick Quotes submission it was a sketch challenge. I love those because it enables me to take a sketch and do whatever I what with it and, since I'm a gal that doesn't follow directions sketch challenges are a perfect way for me to feel like I am ignoring authority :-) So enjoy and look for more work to come I have many more people I want to show my work off too and such a small amount of time to do it.

Until next time,
Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

To Re-Tack or to Trash?

2011-11-07T23:23:00.000-05:00

To Re-Tack or to Trash? That is the question. I have three Cricut mats that I have not trashed yet in hopes of re-tacking them and using them longer thus avoiding having to pay for mats. Now for me I love saving money but hate having to work to do it. If you have never re-tacked your Cricut mat (as I never have) the process seems quite quick, you get some Alene's Tack it Over and Over glue, a foam brush and a little bowl that you will never use again for anything else but glue. Mix one part glue one part water and proceed to brush the glue solution over your mat, let it dry, then re-condition it again for use. Seems easy, right?

As I sit and look at my three mats, one still in good use, and the other two no longer sticky and also scrap ridden I wonder is it worth. The one mat still good use has no minuscule scraps of paper (yet) and it's still sticky enough for me to cut. Now the other two are a different story I wonder do I even want to bother trying to remove all of the bits of paper off of the mat to re-tack it or do I just trash those two and let it go?

Decisions, decisions, in being a crafter you want to try to maximize all of your products, get your money's worth so to speak. Yet, you want to maintain the integrity of the product so that it can continue to perform as well as when you got it. So in saying that I think I'll re-tack the current mat and ditch the other two. From the information that I've read re-tack is meant to be done on a mat that is still somewhat sticky and isn't filled with mini scraps of paper. So off I go to Michael's tomorrow to get some Alene's Tack it Over and Over glue and some foam brushes and two new Cricut mats (because a girl can't just have one) and I will take this re-tack journey because I will save where I can.

Now, for those who know me know that I'm really getting those two mats because it's going to take me a good month to re-tack the one mat so I seriously need more than one.

*During the course of typing this blog my "good" mat has started collecting "fibers" so I'm gathering that it's a goner too.*

I don't know blog family, going to have to do more research on this re-tacking thing because I don't get how you re-tack a mat that has fibers on it because as we all know the smallest particular on your Cricut mat can reek havoc on your cut, and thus far the YouTube videos and blogs that I have read on the process all of the mats did not have an ounce of fiber on them they were clean just not sticky.

If any of you have any suggestions or guidance on this process please comment. Otherwise I'm just going to buy four new mats because I will not go through the process of cleaning and re-tacking I just don't have time for that one.

Until next time,
Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

November is Here!!

2011-11-05T01:13:00.000-04:00

Hello all,
Sorry I have been away for so long but I had a Statistics class that was especially difficult. Now that it is over I'm back to crafting and I couldn't be happier. Tonight I FINALLY went to a crop (which I haven't been to one in 6 weeks (the length of my class) and although I was there for 6.5 hours and got two cards done I got my creative mojo back and was able to relax, relate and release.

The wonderful thing about crops are that if you're lucky you'll meet some great women with new stuff to share. I always learn new technique from my table buddies Helen and Iris they are definitely on top of their game and I love the fact that they don't mind sharing their knowledge or their ideas. I have learned so much from them. Tonight I learned about the Krylon pens (which are awesome) and what can be done with them. Helen gave me a short lesson on alcohol inks and all the wonderful things that could be done with those and some stamping tips that would help make my job easier.

So these are the two cards I finished tonight for the Hero Arts Christmas Card Mingle:

I will be taking better pictures with my professional camera and posting to my Flicker account and Picasa account tomorrow. I will also give detail on each card.

Well hope everyone has a great night.

Creatively Yours,
Charmaine

What Can You Create in 10 Minutes?

2011-09-22T21:03:00.000-04:00

Today I posed an challenge to myself unbeknownst to me. I made two thank you cards in 10 minutes. So here's how I got myself into this little conundrum. Last week I ordered some cupcakes from my sweet cake designer Sweetcakes Desserts for my children's Pediatrician because she is sooo friggin awesome with a great support staff so I wanted to do something for them to let them know that they are appreciated. So I gave my cake lady (who is also super awesome by the way gotta find a way to thank her being that I use her goods plus mine to thank everyone else) an idea that's all an idea and this is what she came up with!

So when she delivered them to me last night I was having a party with a teething 7 month old and only had sleep on my mind. So when I got up this morning trust me when I tell you the first thing on my mind was not making cards, but as I looked at the cupcakes and remembered their purpose I thought: "Oh my God how can I send thank you cupcakes without a thank you card?" By this point it was already 7:45 am and we have to be out of the door by 8:00 am so I truly didn't have a lot of time. So this is what I created in 10 minutes this morning.

Was running late so had to take pictures of them in my minivan at the track. As you see the cards are very quick and simple so here is what was used:
Card 1

Prima Marketing flowers
Doodle bug paper
Cricut Just Because Cartridge (this was pre cut just so happened to find it in my junk pile this morning)
Bazzill card stock

Card 2

Doodle bug paper
Stampin Up Thank you stamp
Tim Holtz embossing powder bronze
Making Memories gem shaped brads
Bazzill card stock

As you see the cards where really quick and easy.

So what will your 10 minute challenge be?

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

Christmas Teasers

2011-09-20T12:00:00.000-04:00

So here is a up and coming Winter Teaser.

So stay tuned for more because this winter will be hot.

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

My First Win

2011-09-19T12:00:00.000-04:00

So as I promised I am posting my layout that won the Object Trouve Challenge in the Michigan Scrapbooker Magazine. In French the word Trouve' means found, so loosely translated this was a challenge to work with found things.

This page was created using hair beads, a broken hair elastic and a price tag.

This page was created using a popsicle stick, beer bottle cap, a broken brad, and two mini Lego blocks.

Some of the other materials on the page where:

Scenic Route Paper

Blue cardstock

and a pen

The purpose of this challenge was to take items that you would normally dispose of and scrap with them. For me this was a challenge because these are all things that I would've thrown out during the course of cleaning my house. The items found were:

1. Blocks – found these under the family room sofa

2. Hair Beads – found in daughters room on floorwhile cleaning

3. Broken Hair Elastics – found in front of theT.V. stand (my son like to take my daughters hair elastics break them and usethem as rockets I normally just throw them out lol)

4. Beer Bottle Top – found on kitchen floor

5. Price tag – found by back door, my daughter wasso excited to get new shoes that she tore the tag off at the door and threw thetag on the floor. I found the tag after cleaning up all the shoes and book bagsup from the door one night.

6. Broken Brad – found in my son’s room, smh Ialways tell him to stay off my scrap desk, but he claims it was on the floor

7. Popsicle Stick – found under the fridge, thiswas the last piece of summer I guess a stick that never quite made it to thetrash

s So I hope that you enjoyed the pictures, sorry they are not very clear these are picture that I quickly took before sending the layout to Michigan Scrapbooker Magazine but you can see clearer ones on Facebook page.

Until Next Time

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

Paper Crafts Submission

2011-09-18T14:00:00.000-04:00

So last week I entered two cards into the Paper Crafts March/April 2012 magazine submission, and the category I chose was Spectrum of Color. Now looking back at the cards they have color but possibly not enough to get chosen for this call. But, that's fine because now I get to share two great birthday card ideas with you and you don't even have to purchase a magazine :-) How sweet is that? Their loss is your gain.
The First Card

The materials for this card were:
Bazzill melon card stock 4 L x 4 W
Bazzill shimmer card stock 1.5 L x 2 W
Doodle bug #1045 paper Bright Plaid (I think)
The brads on the shimmer card stock are Making Memories gem shaped brads
The brads on the Doodle bug are Epoxy Brads
The clouds and sun are from the Avocado Arts June stamp set
The clouds are colored with Copic RV09 and the sun is Y13
The Happy Birthday stamp is from a Big Lot set that I got from an scrapbook garage sale it is embossed with Martha Stewart Tourmaline

The inside is Doodle bug paper and the font in Lucinda Calligraphy 18 font black.

The Second Card

This card was created using:
Main card Bazzill Shimmer card stock 4.5 L x 4 W
Bazzill Melon for center
Stamp is from a Big Lot stamp set, wet embossed with Martha Stewart Tourmaline
Brads are from Making Memories gem shaped brad set
Stamps are from Avocado Arts June set
Grass color is Versa mark Olive
Flower Petals and leaves are colored in with Copic
Flowers stamped with Rich Cocoa

Inside of card Lucinda Calligraphy font 20 color black Doodle Bug polka dot paper.

I hope you enjoyed the view. Please be sure to sign up on my blog and on my Facebook page as I will be giving away a Halloween and Fall layout within the next 30 days. And the only way to win is to be a part of both my blog and Facebook page.

Will also be coming out with a Layout E-book of some of my favorite easy layouts and the only way to know is to be connected to the blog and the page.

So stay tuned for more and until then..

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

Inspirational Updates

2011-09-16T15:01:00.002-04:00

So today I sit with a lot on my plate, creative wise at least. With multiple projects in the works now is not the time for me to sit still. It is often very difficult for me to write my blogs because I'd rather be creating than typing but, I often forget that sharing is one of the best parts of scrapbooking because my idea could fuel someone else to be creatively great in their own right. So much over the past few weeks has re-fueled me creatively and has made me keep my wheels spinning about how I craft and about where I want to go on this journey.

The magazines that I have submitted my work to this week where, Creating Keepsakes, Paper Crafts and Michigan Scrapbooker Magazine. The work for Paper Crafts was for their April/May 2012 issue and I submitted 2 cards for that one. For Creating Keepsakes I created two double paged layouts, one of my cousins children and another of some personal family photos, not sure of what issue they are looking for but I made sure to submit by the deadline. The work for Michigan Scrapbooker Magazine was for a contest called Object Trouve.

Out of the three I have won one so far which in the world of scrapbooking is pretty good odds :-) I won the Object Trouve contest with Michigan Scrapbooker Magazine. The contest was one where you took everyday items that you find either while cleaning your home or while you were out and about. The goal was to pick things that you would normally toss into the trash, in essence you where recycling to create art. I created a two page layout with my daughter for that one (which will be shown in a different blog posting) and it was a lot more fun that I thought it would be.

I am now working on some tag classes and an advent calender class for Christmas and some other secret business ideas that hopefully blow the scrapbooking world outta the water. Will keep you updated so please stay tuned.

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

Good Night

2011-08-15T23:32:00.001-04:00

Hello all,

Sorry I've been away for so long as summer has proven to be a difficult time to create. Even with a baby sitter for the summer I'm still uber involved with my kids and they are all super demanding. I was however able (not sure how) to create a cute little Thank card for the Cricut February 2012 magazine call. Going to try and pump out three more this week (fingers crossed). Another for Cricut and two for the Peach Keen challenges. Hoping to get back to store reviews this fall as I am so far off track.

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

Crop Night :-)

2011-07-09T01:14:00.000-04:00

Today I got some cool stuff accomplished. I completed the Peachy Keen Stamps Sketch Challenge by making a card for my mom's friend. and I completed a layout that I will be using in the Cricut Magazine January call submission. I got some more things to design over the coming weeks as I want to add more to my blog and my Etsy site. So enjoy the artwork, use it for inspiration.

Creatively Yours,
Charmaine

Thank You

2011-07-04T14:37:00.000-04:00

These past couple of weeks has been the week of "Thank You's" It feels like I have been creating at least one thank you card per day. So here is the latest thank you card that I have completed, I'm sure there will be more to come. This last card was created for my Aunt Olga for a baby gift.

This card was created from my box of scraps, so I don't have any idea what manufacturer made what. The basic sketch idea came from my Card Camp class week 1 a card made by Kristina Werner.

Creatively Yours,
Charmaine

Card Camp Week Two

2011-07-04T11:23:00.000-04:00

So this is my second week of Card Camp and the colors for this week are

Peach
Tangerine
Watermelon
Lime
Olive

So this is what I came up with for the student challenge

Showing Stickle detail on flower

Showing Stickle detail on flowers on tree

Showing the twinkling H20's detail on the clouds (I love that stuff)

Inside of card with Scenic Route flower

The supplies used:

Bazzil card stock (not sure of the colors
Avocado Arts July 2011 kit
Peachy Keen Stamps Bee Happy pack
Copic Markers

Garnet
Black
Lemon Yellow
Fuchsia

Creative Memories Markers Bold

Green
Red

Versa Color Ink Pad

Lime
Olive

Masterpiece Studio Brads "school"
Scenic Route Paper Co.

Flower
Happy Valley Dark Orange Stickers
Crystal Brad (part of the Wildflower Cream Jumbo blossoms set)

Memento ink pad

black

Twinkling H20

Majestic

Stickles

Crystal
Orange Peel

Zots
Zip Dry Paper Glue
Glue Dots Dot n Go

Well hope you enjoy please tell me what you think.

Creatively Yours,
Charmaine

New Cards

2011-06-27T22:21:00.001-04:00

Got some new cards done today again loving my Avocado Arts and Peachy Keen Stamps. Finally getting my graduation cards started and finally breaking through the pictures and thinking about some layouts! Very exciting to get my creative vibe back and to be more than just an observer of the crafting world. So enjoy the new work and I hope that I will have more great stuff tomorrow.

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

Just Kidding Around Day 3

2011-06-27T22:11:00.000-04:00

Well today has been a busy busy day. We have played catch up with our "Kidding Around" class and the kids had a blast! I have the Red SMASH book that was recommended for the class, Jai Lynn has the Pink book (of course) and Marcus, Jr has the Blue book. Check out some of our pictures of progress as we make it through.

*My son working on his first page.

*My "I am" page

*My daughter's "I am" pages

*My daughter's Top 5 Favorite things to do when it's hot

*My top 5 fav things to do when it's hot

So the kids had a blast and can't wait until tomorrow to scrap. Also, today my daughter made her very first card! Crafted with her own hands and her own creative mind. :-)

So, today was a very creative day in the Fuller household and very exciting.

Until then,
Creatively yours,
Charmaine

Back to Basics

2011-06-27T00:18:00.000-04:00

Often times in the world of crafting many of us get caught up in the "business" of crafting. The deadlines the contests and the expectations that we often forget why we do what we do. Well that's what happened to me, I got caught up in the deadlines, magazine submissions, Facebook contest and Twitter entries that I forgot to be creative. My work became....blank (to me at least) because to me it had no soul. So I have commissioned myself to create 3 pieces of art just because and I love them all.

The first is an "I Miss You" card for my cousin in California.

*materials used flower ribbon, Avocado Arts July stamp club set, and Peachy Keen PK-244 Bee Happy Set

*materials used Bazzill Card A7, Scenic Route Flowers and Alphabet Stickers, Peachy Keen Everyday Character PK-490 Stamp

The next card is just a Thank You card that I created for my mom and dad's anniversary picnic that I held this past Saturday. This is the card that I am sending out to all of their guests. It's plain, but it serves the purpose.

*materials card stock (unknown manufacturer) and Sizzix Textured Impressions Thank You Set Embossing Folders #656507

And, the last is for my aunt Josephine, she hasn't been feeling well lately and I thought a bit of sunshine by way of a card would cheer her up.

*materials used Avocado Arts June Stamp Set, Peachy Keen PK-490 Everyday Characters, The white blossom and brad are from Making Memories the color is Wildflower Cream, the pink flower I don't know.

So, in addition to everything else this has been my weekend. Tomorrow is the start of my Summer Card Camp with Jennifer McGuire and Kristina Werner. Plus, I still haven't begun the kids SMASH album with Big Picture Scrapbooks but we'll be able to catch up tomorrow. This weekend has been super busy and I have millions of layouts in my head from my parents anniversary party weekend.

Thanks for the follow, please stay tuned as a "secret" is in the works. Hoping to get it out in the next week or so. Until next time.

Creatively Yours,
Charmaine

"Let's Face it Friday" Challenge PKS

2011-06-16T23:13:00.000-04:00

So I'm back in the swing of things and finally I have a challenge completed. It was really time for me to put up or shut up :-) Here is the Patriot Card that I created for the challenge. Although, this challenge is a random pick it's a great way to see the work of others and to be seen. Thanks to all who stop by and look and I look forward to seeing your Patriot Art.
Creatively Yours,
Charmaine

Just Kidding Around!!

2011-06-16T13:19:00.000-04:00

Happy last day of school (for those of us in Michigan) so what are you getting ready to do with your little people? I am getting my kids ready for an online scrap class through Big Picture Scrapbooking called Kidding Around 2 and my kids are super excited. This class uses the new K & Company SMASH album and any other embellishment that we want to use. So here are pictures of our supplies (waiting on two more SMASH albums pink and black) but everything else is ready to go.

So these are our supplies the SMASH album is of course from K &Company, our stickers are from a variety of companies EK Success, Sickopotamus, Alphaset, Creative Memories and the rest I don't know because this stickers are from my scrap pile (you know that pile you create because you don't want to throw it out because you might need it). The hole punches are Creative Memories, the tape roll is from Kokuyo, the stamp pads Ranger Inks, Tsukineko and Sugarloaf, the ribbons and papers are from a variety of sources.

I will be taking on a journey through our class and I'm really excited to see what my kids and I create. Please stay tuned.

Creatively Yours,
Charmaine

What I did today

2011-06-11T23:09:00.000-04:00

OK, so today I somewhat got a lot of stuff done but not a lot and if you crop you know exactly what I mean.

I started out today at Scrapbook Tree and Stamp Garden in Shelby Township for their Saturday free crop from 11 - 4 (they have it just about every Saturday unless something else is going on) and of course to nose around and see what they had to offer. Now I have been wanting to go to this store for months(first I had to move and have a baby) but it is an hour away from my house (on a good day with no traffic) and it must be daylight because if you don't know where you're going getting lost on 23 Mile Road in Shelby Township is not a good time I assure you. For those that haven't been it is exit 20 off of M-53 and in the same shopping complex as Kroger's, relatively easy to get to. This store is sick (I mean that in a good way) the paper selection is insane. Now as far as accessories such as brads, stickers, stamps, ink etc not a huge selection but large enough to give you what you might be looking for if you are there for a crop or class.

The newer items are towards the front of the store mainly by manufacturer, with the older papers and accessories faded toward the back of the store in no particular order but in order just the same . The store was very neat and clean the staff very helpful and aware and willing to answer any question that I had. The customers that came in to crop with me during that time where very friendly (but then again all of us croppers are friendly people). Overall, my experience is that I would go back to Scrapbook Tree it was worth the drive, they have some very unique papers that I probably not be able to get from anywhere else.

Next stop, The Scrapbook Emporium. Now a lot has changed since I last visited the Scrapbook Emporium on October 2010. They have a new location (right next door to the old one) it is the same square footage but a lot more of an open floor plan. They have all of their resale items in the front of the store versus in the back which is great because now you don't forget that it's their (got many great items from that section today). All of their papers are in the middle and accessories kinda everywhere depending on the accessory. The crop area is right behind the register in a large open area.

OK, this is just my opinion the new store layout is a bit jumbled to me. Something about it just seems a bit off. Maybe it was because I had just come from The Scrapbook Tree and Stamp Garden, I don't know I liked the old layout better this one was just a bit off. I will just have to go back and see what it was because today I was running to pay for my Summer Shoppe Hop spot and ended grabbing a few items.... $70 later I left the store with a smile (I guess the layout didn't bother me that much).

Last stop, The Happy Scrapper in St Clair Shores. Now this is a new addition to my list, this store is family owned (as many LSS's are) and was packed. I have heard mixed reviews about the store as I have mixed reviews but hey they have only been opened since November of last year so, they get a free pass for the next six months then after that they'd better be on top of their game. So here goes.

The store is on Harper at 11 1/2 mile right across the street from a school next door to a beauty salon. The store is very small in comparison to many of the other stores out there. Their product selection is not big but, everything they had was current there was really no outdated papers or accessories what they have are the latest and greatest. I found something at that store that I had not seen at the other two larger stores that I had been to, Twinkling H2O's which I had used at a make and take last year at the Scrapbook Zone (now closed). They don't have that many crop tables but it seems like a small community of ladies that go there. This is not the store to go to if you're looking for a huge variety. They are more like a scrapbooking boutique, they carry speciality things and mainly concentrate on classes, workshops and crops (which if you read my blogs are my favs). Don't go there looking for product unless it is something unique. One thing that they had that totally blew my mind was Asian themed papers and embellishments, that makes me excited because now I can finally finish my album for my cousins girls (they are half Korean and half Black).

They are still relatively new, meaning that there are still some kinks that they are trying to work out so the website is not really updated nor are they on Facebook or Twitter (which seems to be a cardinal sin in this day and age) but if you call or you are in the area they seem to be more than helpful in letting you know when a class or crop is. Also, they appear to be the only store in the area with Copic classes, that's huge.

Again the store is very small I'm thinking it's about 1200 - 1500 square feet if it's 2000 that's pushing it. But, the service is good, they have Cricuts

Well all that was my day almost got my cards done just have to finish cutting the letters out for the front tomorrow as the cartridge I had didn't give me the results I wanted and so things took a different direction as it often does with scrapping. So, here I sit with several uncompleted projects, tomorrow I will have pictures posted of the Anniversary/Birthday party cards and by weeks end several other projects that I am working on.

Until then
Creatively Yours,
Charmaine

Up and Coming Crops and Stuff

2011-06-11T21:55:00.000-04:00

Hello all,

On my journey's today (that blog is coming up) I grabbed any info that I could find on up coming crops and classes that might interest the masses as we are all not able to be in all places at one time so here goes.

Breast Cancer 3 Day Crop
Saturday, June 18
From 9 am - 9 pm
$40 per person or $70 per couple
breakfast, lunch dinner provided
Our Lady of Hope Parish
28839 Jefferson, SCS
Contact: 3daygals@gmail.com or 586-296-0354

Breast Cancer 3 Day Crop
Saturday, July 9
From 9 am - 9 pm
$40
continental breakfast, lunch, dinner, beverages and a t-shirt
Contact: Laurie Chrostowski, laurie@chrostowski.net, 586-330-9170

The Happy Scrapper Crops
586-778-8828

Fridays 3pm - 1:30 am
$14
Dinners included

Saturdays 1 pm -10 pm
$5
They have classes but at this time they are quite sporadic

Scrapbook Emporium
They have too much to mention going on so here is their website and I have included some of the most interesting stuff (well to me at least) going on and when.
www.thescrapbookemporium.com

Crops
These are events that they have going on every week.
They have free crops Monday - Friday from 10 am - 3 pm
They have a crop on Monday and Wednesday from 4 pm - 11 pm for $5
A crop on Friday's from 4 pm - 12 am for $10

Scrapbook Tree & Stamp Garden

Their calendar is crazy too (in a great way) no matter where you live in the mitten state (MI) it is worth the drive for the atmosphere and classes. Here is their website for the classes. Their schedule isn't really consistent as they often put free crops on the schedule whenever they don't have a class and the classes are held it appears based on instructor availability. So for them it is best to visit their site.

www.scrapbooktreeandstampgarden.com

Then one of my most favorite things is a
Summer Shoppe Hop
July 22 - July 23
$18
Involving the following stores:
The Paper Hollow www.thepaperhollow.com
Remember When Scrapbooking www.rememberwhenscrapbook.com
Sandee's Stamps & Scrapbooking http://sandeesstamps.com/
My Craft Room www.mycraftroom.com
Scrapbook Emporium www.thescrapbookemporium.com
The Happy Scrapper www.happyscrapperllc.com
Scrappy Chic www.scrappychiclivonia.com

More information about the shoppe hop go to www.thepaperhollow.com/shop-hop.html

Well that's all I have on that one, be sure to visit the site of each store as many of them have crops, coupons and classes that just might interest you.

Until then
Creatively Yours,
Charmaine

Closings

2011-05-29T20:08:00.000-04:00

It is always sad when a business closes. But, the closing sales are phenomenal....well they should be shouldn't they? I understand that when a business closes that they are trying to get as much money as possible but, doesn't a closing sale mean that the prices are supposed to be lower than what they normally are? Shouldn't I feel like I'm getting a bargin? At what point do the prices go to to wholesale and not retail with "little orange stickers"?

Here is my opinion, note I said opinion. Here is my opinion why so many small scrapbook stores are closing.

They are too expensive, a crafter can often get many craft items online cheaper. Even with shipping and tax the items end up being much cheaper.
They just can't compete with some of the larger craft store such as Archivers, Micheal's and JoAnn's. These stores are the Walmart and Targets of brick and mortar craft shops, they are able to offer discounts and prices because of their ability to purchase in bulk.
Now you can get scrapbooking supplies at just about ANY retailer. Major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Kmart, although the sections are small the stuff is good and cheap.
Many of the stores are not in convenient locations(for me) and their classes are not either(for me). Many shops only have Friday night crops and mid week classes. And for me their mid day free crops don't often work because by the time I drive out there I've only got about 1-2 hours to crop then I have to leave to go and get my kids. So not worth it.

So those are my top four reasons as to why I think many stores in the area are closing. At one time scrapbook speciality stores where all the rage because they used to be the only place for you to get supplies. The stores charged us croppers an insane amount of money for supplies because they were the only game in town. But then came the online retailers that offered us a great way to support our habit from the comfort of our own home. The only reason we would go into a store was to crop.

In my opinion, brick and mortar stores as we know them should close. All the stores left should turn into cropping areas. They should still carry some basic supplies, but only be available for classes and crops.

All of this stems from a recent store closing that I attended. Again in my head store closing means basement bottom prices, and that prices should be cheaper than online. In my head the store should be trying their best to get rid of as much stuff as possible by offering the lowest prices possible. But, I do understand the aspect of business that when you are closing a business that you want to try and get rid of your inventory for as much as possible so you are less in the red at the end of the year. But, please realize that when it comes to scrapbooking supplies and you say the words "sale", "clearance", "store closing" that we crafters are expecting the mother load in prices meaning better than retail real close to wholesale. Please understand if we don't come until the last week of the sale or until you say 50% or more off. Yes we are sad to see you go but we want the sale.

For the store out there, please take a serious look at your product sales and think is this really worth the hassle. I think most scrappers will agree that they no longer go to a store for the products but for a crop or a class, other than that most of us purchase our good online or at some of the larger retailers. (For instance this weekend Michael's and the Hobby Shoppe have some wicked good sales on their scrapbooking supplies plus you can use coupons. ) Try look into becoming a crop and class only center as we are always looking for new classes and crops to fit a variety of schedules.

Again, this is just my opinion, as I may be the only cropper in the world that feels this way. I am sick of traveling to Waterford, Troy, Shelby Township etc, etc to crop I would love to have a place to crop in my area. Maybe that's what I'll do is open a store just for classes and cropping in my area. Looks like it's time to research again. Because I KNOW that there are croppers on the east side we are just not well represented.

Well until we met again busy working on my parents anniversary invites.

Creatively Yours,
Charmaine

Getting back my mojo

2011-05-14T19:17:00.000-04:00

It's been a while but it's been all good. Having a baby is as challenging as I remembered it to be. In the mean time I have been taking millions of pictures and haven't scrapped a one. I finally got the mojo back this weekend when a client I do business with on a regular basis (Sweetcakes Desserts) asked me to make a thank you card for her client. The first thing I thought in my head was "I haven't even unpacked my supplies how in the heck am I going to make a card?" and "Do I even have any paper if so where is it?" Those two thoughts and many more went through my head. So, I told her yes and set straight to work with baby in tow on how to get this card out. Well all went well and this is the finished product:

There will be more to come, I have to organize my new scrap space, it's lovely.

Creatively Yours,
Charmaine

Frustrated

2011-03-05T16:56:00.000-05:00

As the song says, "You don't know what you've got till it's gone" and boy that's so how I feel. Not having a creative outlet is going to drive me insane, I fear I'll resort to scrapbooking on the floor in my basement if I don't have my are set up by weeks end. :-)

It's interesting how a change of venue can get your creative juices flowing. I'm sure I could write a book with all of the baby and moving layouts in my head. I really need to get busy and get my new son's birth announcements off the ground. I know what I want in my head but until I get paper and scissors (along with a few other cool accessories) in my hand its nothing more than a pipe dream.

Hoping to get creative this week and get something accomplished if it's nothing more than setting up my work area. Will keep you posted because there is nothing worse than being "Creatively Frustrated"

Creatively Frustrated,

Charmaine

Trying to find my way back.

2011-03-05T16:50:00.000-05:00

Feels like I've been away from the scrapbooking world for years! Having a baby and moving surely takes it out of ya. Been in the new house for a little over a month and my scrapbooking supplies are still in boxes. I am on the hunt for a new desk as my old one was a card table and I seriously need to make a change.

So now, I'm researching scrapbooking stations, should I get another table or should I invest in a true scrapbooking desk. Should I get a desk with all of the "nooks and crannies" or should I buy what I need to truly customize my area. Way too much input :-). There is so much out there now in terms of storage and my choices are endless. I think I will be spending this week identifying what I really want in a desk/storage area and go from there.

Although I want a ready made desk I'm thinking I'm still going to need some external storage. Well we'll see, will keep you all updated.

Take care all,

Creatively Frustrated :-)

Charmaine

Change is Good

2010-12-11T08:50:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

Just a quick note on some updates. As many of you know I used to have a actual website and also this blog. Well, I've decided to delete the website as my blog can handle all traffic and can do the same things that my website could do.

In the next few weeks I will be adding my services page and some of the other information from the site.

To see what I'm creating for Christmas be sure to visit my photo gallery located at the top of this blog, and you can contact me via email at contact@charmingscrapbookdesigns.com if you have any questions, what to view any designs or discuss any services.

Thanks for watching me grow.

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

**The cutoff for Christmas cards will be December 17, 2010**

My First Contest!

2010-12-04T02:11:00.000-05:00

So, tonight I completed my first challenge piece for Peachy Keen Stamps, the challenge was to create an encouragement card. That's it no other rules, you didn't have to use one of their stamps but it was encouraged. I thought how could I not use one of their smiling faces when creating an encouragement card. So, in using their signature smile as my inspiration this is what I came up with:

Well hopefully I do well or at least get some good feedback. For my first time I don't think I did too bad, tell me what you think.
For those of you that scrap these are the materials I used:
Bazzill card stock(sorry I don't know the exact color it was in my supply)
Peachy Keen Stamp PK-521 Winter Faces
Cricut Cartridge Songbird
Cricut Cartridge Straight From the Nest
Plain Gold Brads dipped in iridescent glitter

I fist cut out the border with my Cricut using the Straight From the Nest cartridge using the butterfly cut as a border set at one inch. I then cut out my letters using the Cricut Songbird cartridge using 3/4 lettering. I then stamped an image of the Peachy Keen Winter Faces onto a piece of ivory Bazzill card stock and glued it to my card. Now in order to dip your brads you need a clear crafting glue and any color glitter you wish to use, dip the top of the brad in the glue then dip it into the glitter and let it set. I let mine sit for about 10 minutes (while cutting out my letters) and then dried it a little more with my embossing heater.

Once, all pieces were cut out I affixed them to the card. I would love to see your take on my encouragement card, as inspiration can be gathered from anywhere.

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

Having Fun

2010-11-18T15:02:00.001-05:00

On the 11th I went to a great little class at Scrapbook Emporium. It was a Christmas Card class that used a Basic Grey Jovial Card Kit.

For $15 you got a Jovial Card Kit with eight cards, all accessories for the card and a instruction sheet. I of course did not follow instructions but, got eight beautiful cards that I could really call my own. A couple of things about the kit:

It has rub on's (I hate rub on's) that were ok. But you still had to rub the crap out of some of them to get them to transfer others weren't as hard.
The letters were sensitive meaning if you work fast (like me) you could rip a letter and end up gluing or taping them back together (see if you can figure out which ones had to be fixed).
The paper colors were not my favorite, although good quality paper stock just not my favorite. I think because the paper was so dull. (I like a little bling)
It was very easy to use. If this had been my first time card making then it would have been a great starting point in my card making career.
The instructions where easy to understand and the supply list small.

Overall, very nice cards and something that I would make for teachers, doctors or coworkers. I love Basic Grey paper but I wasn't in love with this kit. The teacher was great, there really wasn't a lot of instruction that needed to be done as this class was very basic and all you needed to do was, look at the card examples and follow the instructions given.

Take a look at the cards and tell me what you think.

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

*Remember, I added to many of these cards so the stickles, flower soft snow, and 3D lacquer are all additions and the cards did not come that way. Some haven't had the opportunity to be jazzed up yet.*

Up and coming.

2010-11-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

Hello All,

I am a blog (or two) behind, in the process of moving and cleaning and, that is time consuming. You always think it will be a quick and easy process, your mind says.."Just throw the stuff in the box". But, when you do you realize all the dust and paper and yuk that's been behind the stuff so then you gotta clean. That was my day yesterday, some of the items that I wanted to show you all today have been placed on hold because of the move (more like a pre-move I just hate waiting to the last minute).

In saying that here are some of the items that will be updated on my blog within the next couple of days. I had a Christmas card class at Scrapbook Emporium, I have another today at Sticker Store and More and I have new and shiny things that I have either doctored or designed that need pictures.

So, stay tuned it promises to get interesting.

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

*If you like what you see and read please follow my blog so that you can always be updated or share it with a friend, I love new friends. Thanks*

Make and Take Card

2010-11-09T22:03:00.001-05:00

What a Great Day!

2010-11-09T21:54:00.002-05:00

Today, I went to The Scrapbook Zone in Farmington Hills, MI and what a great experience it was. The Scrapbook Zone is right off of the Orchard Lake exit on I-696 in the same plaza as Einstein Bagels and Starbucks. The store is very well stocked and the prices are great, they are quite comparable to many of your online scrapbooking stores (if not less expensive), the store is very clean, the staff is great and very helpful and they have plenty of crops and technique classes for you to choose from.

Their classes are mainly Monday - Thursday after 5 pm and they have crops on Friday - Sunday at varying times (call the store or visit their site for more details). You can visit the store at any time to sit and crop for free as long as there are no classes (hint the best day to do this are Tuesdays when they have their Art Bar) during that time.

Some of the items they carry are:

• Martha Stewart - punches, embellishment, etc.
• Flower Soft
• Peachy Keen Stamps
• Core’dination Paper
• Ranger Inks
• Cricut supplies and accessories
• Sizzix Supplies and accessories
• A HUGE stamp collection

And the list goes on. Their supply is quite extensive and if they don't have it they wil try and order it for you.

Now, they have an Art Bar every Tuesday from 2 pm - 7 pm where you can make and take an item. Today Tammy from Sizzixwas there and showed us how to create a beautiful Thanksgiving card with the Sizzix Big Shot and the Sizzix Autumn Sunflowers Set. We used pre-scored card stock (forgot the company) with Core'dinationscard stock. *Just a side note if you have never used core'dinations paper you're missing out on a treat this paper is sandable, when you tear it, it changes color at the tip to appear distressed and when you sand it the color changes, just some awesome paper that I wish I had known about sooner.* We also used Twinkling H20's which are these awesome cake inks that are only activated when water is sprayed on them. Once activated you can either paint chipboard, cardstock or whatever you wish or you can paint a stamp and get up to 20 impressions just by reactivating the ink with water!

*Check out my blog photo gallery for the card I made during the Art Bar*

Just a few major events going on there this month:

• A three day Crop Till You Drop from November 19-21 for $75. Please visit their website for pricing.
• A Black Friday Crop and Super Sale Day on November 26, 2010
• The Art Bar every Tuesday this month from 2 pm - 7 pm.
• Free Crop every Sunday this month (with the exception of the 21st) from 12 pm - 6 pm

So, if you have not made your way to The Scrapbook Zone in Farmington Hills you're missing out on a treat! Check their website for more details regarding the things I've mentioned and just to check out their extensive listing of products, classes and events.

Until next time, happy crafting.

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

The Scrapbook Zone
http://www.thescrapbookzone.com/
27889 Orchard Lake Road
Farmington Hills, MI
248-553-0633
M - Th 10 am - 8 pm
F 10 am - 11 pm
S 10 am - 6 pm
Su 12 pm - 6 pm

My Creative Mind

2010-11-08T15:13:00.000-05:00

This past weekend has been a card creating frenzy! I created about 4 new designs and "fixed" a few others until I liked them. I changed my website and completed my newsletter. Whew what a weekend.

Now that my Christmas cards are taken care of I will be able to concentrate on my holiday pages and albums and my New Year project of card packages. I have started my December newsletter and set up my store visit and classes list for the month of November and have started with my list for December.

Finally working on my Fall/Thanksgiving pages for my mid-November newsletter and all is turning out well. Looking forward to the holidays as I already have many pictures that need homes and I'll be picking up lots of new technique that I'll be dying to try out.

Stay tuned as pictures will be up on my sites and pages later on today.

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

Product Reviews

2010-10-29T23:10:00.000-04:00

So over the past week I have been re-stocking my supply and breaking my own mold and trying out some new things (for me anyways). Part of this is me improving my technique realizing that some of the old stuff I was doing that although it worked and turned out a good product, some of this new stuff cuts down time and turns out a GREAT product. So don't laugh at my list of things I just got, I don't like change and I'm cheap so this was hard for me lol.

1. Glaze pen - I had never used one of these nifty little pens before. For those of you who haven't either trust me when I tell you this will make your written word pop and possibly and stamping or just pure page enhancement. What a Glaze Pen is literally an embossing pen it makes anything you touch with it have that embossed look. Now, it's not going to have the same height as embossing with just one application. I found that the more you went over the item the more it looks like embossing. To me anyways and again this is my first use (but not my last).
Glaze pen is by Sakura Color and comes in a multi-tude of colors. I got two pens from Scrapbook Emporium for $4.59. Will most be getting subsequent pens from Scrapbook.com they have a 10 pack for 17.99 and at the time the store only had 4 colors clear, white, black and orange.

2. Embossing powder and heater tool - I have embossed before but I have never had my own supplies. Now for those that have never embossed it's a treat. To me it gives your project a regal look and makes it look very expensive. It's a very easy process,

stamp image
put embossing powder on image
heat image until glossy (about 2 minutes)

3. Glue dots - don't laugh at me I never knew the purpose of these neat little silicone dots. The ones I got are just like pop dots just larger.

4. Snowman Winter Stamps by Peachy Keen stamps - OMG this set is lovely. They call it a greeting card set but it goes so far beyond greeting cards (at least it will with me). When using acrylic stamps it is VERY important to have the correct block to go with your stamps here is why if a block is too small or too large for your stamp then your image could be distorted.

Those are the four major things that I purchased. I purchased some smaller things like a xyron refill, pop dots and mini scissors (lost my other ones). So those I think need no review at all. I will be reviewing classes and two new stores next week so keep watch it should be interesting.

Creatively Yours,
Charmaine

Where Not to Go for Scrapbook Supplies

2010-10-28T22:07:00.001-04:00

So last week I ordered a few scrapbooking supplies from Target.com because I had a gift card and I hate going into the store. I ordered:

Blossom & Butterflies 12X12 paper pad
Seasons & Holidays 12X 12 paper pad
Mod 12X12 paper pad
Paper Shapers Corner Adorner Punch - Interlace II

My total came up to a whopping $76.26 (which to me is waaay over-priced). Well I get my items and notice that my Blossom & Butterflies 12X12 has mysteriously turned into 8X8 paper during the shipping process so of course I called Target. The gentleman on the phone was very helpful and stated that he would have the correct item shipped to me and would email me the return shipping label. Well 24 hours later I get the "correct" item (or so I think), I open the box and find out that they have shipped me the exact same item. So of course I called Target back and informed this rep that they would not need to be sending me anything else I just wanted my money back. So she emails me another return label and tells me that I will receive my refund after they receive their items.

Well upon further investigation of the item come to find out that Target has the items listed incorrectly. Not that the people in customer service would investigate that they are in India (or somewhere) and they really don't care why I get the wrong paper they just have a script to read.

There is no where for you to call or write to about customer complaints you can only email guest services (and we all know how far that'll get). So I will not be shopping at Target.com for any scrapbooking supplies with or without a giftcard and do not advise you to go there either. Just not worth the frustration.

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

Scrapbook Emporium

2010-10-28T21:41:00.002-04:00

So today I went to Scrapbook Emporium for the daily free scrap and it was nice. I got to play with my new Cricut machine and learn a lot of stuff about it and got to buy some new things along the way. Although with a free scrap you do not get the amenities that you get with a paid crop who cares plus free crops are often not as crowded and silence works for me.

The staff at Scrapbook Emporium is great, very knowledgeable and friendly. They have tons of activities at Scrapbook Emporium some of the classes they have going on are:

Cricut Basics
Sketches 101
8X8 calendar Class
Christmas Card Class

(Well those are the ones that interest me anyways but, they have many more)
The times for all of their classes are quite accommodating for all time schedules and priced well.

They have a consignment shop where if you have unwanted scrapbook items, creations or other crafts you can sell them there and the customers will shop your items and you receive 60% of the sales. They have a Cricut Discount Card where for $20 dollars you get $5 off 3 cricut classes or club fees, 20% off all cricut supplies and 45% off cricut full-sized cartridges for a six month membership.

They also have a ton of crops that you can attend, Friday Night crops, Crop Leagues and Clubs, Mom & Kids Crop and the list goes on. They also have a cute little play area for children so while you're shopping they can be doing something besides snatching stickers of the shelf and running around the store(while that's what mine does lol) and they have a changing table in the restroom. A very child friendly store.

So will I go back to Scrapbook Emporium...Yes. I must go back and see the cropping and class environment but the overall feel of the store is warm and fuzzy just the way a scrapbooking store should be. For this general visit Scrapbook Emporium gets 5 stars! (That's the highest by the way)

Please visit their website and visit their store
Scrapbook Emporium
46667Hayes Road @ 21 Mile
Shelby Township, Mi
586-532-CROP(2767)
http://www.thescrapbookemporium.com/

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

Got my Cricut!!!

2010-10-27T22:16:00.001-04:00

So last night I finally got my Cricut Expression and I am loving it. Although, I'm not quite sure of what I am doing I am going to have fun finding out with this machine. Right from the start I can see that this was the best investment that I have made in regards to a die cut machine thus far. First of all the beginning set up instructions are great. In comparison to the Slice the Cricut Expression gives you great beginning set up. The instructions are clear and concise even the cartridges come with instructions on how to use the machine and its features. The booklets that come with the cartridges give great instruction in regards to features like shadowing, how to use the positioning feature, and many others. This machine is great at making sure you understand how to use the features included. I thought at first I would have to take a class but with the instructions given I think I'll be alright.

In receiving my cartridges I think I have learned the difference in prices and why some cartridges are $24 and others average at about $40(depending on where you get them). It appears that the higher priced cartridges come with a wonderful carrying case that fits your cartridge, booklet and keypad nicely inside the case. The next difference is that these cartridges come with a booklet that shows you all the cuts on the cartridge and what can be done with each one. The cartridges that are $24 just come with the cartridge, keypad and a picture of all the cuts that it can do, no booklet no case no real instructions. It seems as if most of my seasonal cuts came that way.

Nonetheless, I am excited and ready to take on the world. Tomorrow I am planning to go store hopping and check out a local area store and their free mid-morning crop because I need a change of environment. I will blog more on the use of my Cricut and how I'm progressing I'm thinking I will be taking it along with me for the journey so that I can perhaps play with other cartridges and really learn how to use it. And perhaps while I'm out I can get some more card inspiration before my Christmas Card class in 2 weeks.

It seems as if now I'm in a creative mode I'm clearing stuff out and getting it together so stay tuned I have started a few cards and just waiting on more inspiration for some and embossing powder for other but they will get done.

Thanks for the follow and please pass my blog along.

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

Searching and hunting

2010-10-25T16:12:00.000-04:00

This week I am searching and hunting for a place to scrap. Scrapping alone is alright but it's nothing like being around a community of women who understand your language, who understand your drive and passion for what you do. See that's something else you can't get online. So going to be researching some stores not to far from me hopefully no more than 30 minutes away from where I am and, that itself may be a tall order. The last shop that was close to me was Paper Tales and the atmosphere was nice but she was a bit pricey. So would go to scrap but not to really purchase the heavy stuff. So over the course of the next few weeks these are some of the stores that I am going to try out:

1. Scrapbook Emporium - Shelby Township
2. Sticker Store and More - Southgate
3. Scrappy Chic - Livonia

I will write a review on each one the atmosphere, prices etc. If you guys know of any others please share as until Scrapbook Cafe re-opens (they are changing locations) I have no where to go and now that I actually have the time to crop and stuff would love to to some places out and get some stuff done. So I am hoping to have my first report by Friday on Scrapbook Emporium as they have a free crop daily from 10-3 so that should be perfect.

Thanks for the follow,
Creatively Yours,
Charmaine

Online Stores what's the Big Deal?

2010-10-24T22:20:00.000-04:00

Ok I have fallen somewhat in love with online stores. The biggest pro is that you can shop anytime you want and your choices and possibilities are endless many stores have great sells and fast shipping. The con is you have to wait for your product and you don't get to feel and try it out. So in saying that online shopping is only for scrapper who know their product, know what they want and don't mind waiting. Online is not the place too just try something new out because it's cheaper than what you normally get and it looks pretty. You will end up with a poorly made product that bites hard. And you have wasted time and money on a product that you now have to send back and obtain what you should have purchased in the first place. Or, God forbid it breaks after your 30-45 days to return it are up and the company sucks, then you're "Stuck like Chuck" with a useless product.

Here are a listing of my favorite online shops. I shop them because the shipping is reasonable, it doesn't take me forever to get my product (normally under a week in MI) and the prices are good.

1. Scrapbook.com - Scrapbook.com is a wonderful site that not only sells product but has YouTube video on how to use product, gives you suggestions on want else will go with it and sends you wonderful tips and coupons on product Christmas is the best. The prices are not the cheapest but they are not unreasonable either, even with shipping you are not spending an arm and a leg for paper and such.

2. Oriental Trading.com - this has turned out to be an unexpected source for supplies. Often the things they sell are not current it's often dated but, they do have some unique items that you may not necessarily find in a brick or mortar or even on another site. The prices are cheap and shipping is reasonable.

3. Paper Wishes.com - another great site, it's almost like a wholesale site where many things appear to be a part of the discontinued bunch. The choices are slim on Paper Wishes but when you find what you need it's golden, prices are pretty comparable and shipping is ok.

Here are some places online not to shop for scrapbooking supplies:

1. HSN - Unless you're getting a bundle of some sort it's not the place to go for individual supplies you'll pay out the neck for them. Shipping is high (to me anyways) and lengthy. It takes them over 24 hours to process your credit card then another 24 -48 just to ship.

2. Ebay - eBay's is no longer the "cheapest" place to go for supplies. Vendors are now banking on the fact that consumers think they're getting a deal so they over charge and what they don't get you for in product price they'll stick it to you in shipping and handling. Not saying you can't get some good stuff at a good price from there just saying the hunt and bid is not worth it.

3. Any type of "club" trust there are no savings in joining a page maker club, card maker of the month etc. Often the product is overpriced and dated and you're not getting enough to make mistakes or even create more than one or two. The best place go for technique is your local store or catch someone on YouTube for free. Learning how to do the technique yourself is priceless.

So, that is it. I'm always looking for new places to shop online and looking for new deals so my list is bound to grow. I haven't totally let go of my brick and mortars but not that many around me so this is my option. Another no-no for supplies unless you're desperate is Target (way too pricey) and Kmart (selection is not that great often not well stocked). Michael's is good if you have a coupon and are catching a sale otherwise no to expensive.

These are just my opinions please feel free to comment on my blog with my suggestions about online places to shop. I'm always looking for something else.

Thanks for the follow

Creatively yours,

Charmaine

What I've Been Up To!

2010-10-23T23:27:00.000-04:00

I am still at work on Christmas cards and I've come to the realization that without certain tools it just won't work. So I've finally gotten off of my "thrifty" wagon and purchased things that I have been putting off for years. My first major purchase was a Cricut Expression! I've tried the cheap route (The Slice) and discovered that nothing can substitute perfection :-) I needed desperately to obtain a reliable die cut machine from a reputable company. So here I am, the cartridges I got are:

Winter Collection-Thanksgiving
Winter Collection-Christmas Cards (really excited about this one)
Christmas Solutions
Christmas Cheer
Straight From the Nest
Songbird
Forever Young
Sentiments

Next, I FINALLY got embossing powders and a heating tool. This is exciting for me because I've always known how to emboss but never had my own stuff. Always thought that it wouldn't be worth it but it is.

You know what finally made me break down? I wanted to take my Christmas cards this year to the next level and I didn't want to do a lot of work to get it. The methods I was using wasted a lot of time and cause a whole lot of frustration. Now, jobs that might have taken me hour or days to do will be shortened.

I also picked up some more stamps and acrylic blocks and some new papers and other tools. You might be able to say I went on a scrapbook supply frenzy, but it was not for anything that wasn't needed. I will finally be able to complete my Christmas card visions, I have started three different cards but because I didn't have the proper tools to complete the job I was at a stand still.

I guess this post is more about having the proper tools than just about getting new stuff. This proves that in any job if you do not have the appropriate tools to do your best work no one will want it. And you will not totally be fulfilled in what you are doing because you will always feel as if something is missing in your work.

My next post will deal with reviewing all of the new "toys" I get. It will be a more comprehensive listing of everything that I purchased. The cost, where I got it from, customer service and how it is performing.

Thanks for the follow and please pass it along.

Creatively Yours,

Charmaine

I'm back

2010-09-14T13:43:00.000-04:00

I have been away for quite some time from the scrapbooking world. Summer vacation was a lulu :-) Kids had a great time, I had a great time and I'm so glad it's all over.

This week I have to get started on my Christmas cards and starting my summer albums. I must complete the albums of my first two kids because we have a third one on the way! :-) So hopefully because I have more time available I will get more done and I'm hoping that the vision that I have for my Christmas cards this year works out.

Stay tuned new items coming, lots of updates lots of changes.

The Slice by Memory Makers

2010-06-27T20:20:00.002-04:00

Hello all,
This is my first product review blog about the Slice by Memory Makers. About 7 months ago was thinking about purchasing the Slice because I had seen this neato infomercial showing everything that it could do. It looked portable, easy and fun and, it was a fraction of the cost of the Cricut by Provocraft. So the next day I went into my local scrapbooking store (Paper Tales which is now closed) to see a demo of how it actually worked. Saw a demo tried it out, wasn't that impressed but I figured it would serve it's purpose until I was able to save the money for the Cricut. I went on the Memory Makers site and ordered from there the price was better and you got more stuff (that store was always overpriced). The excitement built with each passing day as I waited on my new "toy".

Finally, it arrived and I immediately tried to put it to work. Problem number one the adhesive they sent me was old and clumped it didn't spread so had to call them for that. You see without the adhesive your paper will shift no matter how hard you hold the machine and it will crumple right before your eyes. So I call Memory Makers for a replacement it took them three weeks to send replacement adhesive. By the time I got their package I had went back to the local scrapbooking store and purchased my own.

Problem number two, the design card died it would not load. So again I called the company for a replacement. Well they just didn't want to send me a new card they advised me to purchase another card to see if that was actually the problem. So once I went again back too my local scrapbooking store to purchase the card. I called them back to inform them that it was the card that came with my machine, the machine itself worked, and I asked when could I expect a replacement card because I really liked that one. The rep informed me that she wasn't sure it had to go up a chain of command but it shouldn't take long. Well it took over a month to get a replacement card. By the time I received it I had forgotten all about my issue.

Problem number three, the machine now miscuts. Meaning I ask for an A, it gives me an A but with extra slice marks, meaning I can't use the letter. I am so done with this machine. I refuse to call Customer Service one more time. I'm going to buy a Cricut. I will be taking a beginner's Cricut class very soon so that I can make sure that I know what to expect with this one.

But, I repeat DO NOT purchase the Slice. Low cost in the short run big headaches in the long run

Creatively yours,
Charmaine

Good Morning

2010-06-27T09:07:00.001-04:00

I have tried and tried to avoid purchasing a Cricut (I used price as my excuse smh) and now I realize that "resistance is futile" that no other product is going to give me what the Cricut does. I am so ready to buy. Next pay period come hell or high water I am getting a cricut. Although I want to buy online going to try and find a local store to get one at a good price. The store that I just found in the area is A Scrapbook Cafe in Clinton Township, MI. What a lovely store it is, very well stocked yet not cluttered, the prices are quite comparable to many of the online stores and the staff is wonderful, friendly knowledgeable. Their Friday night crops are great, for only $5 you can crop from 4 pm - midnight you get all the soda your heart desires, a great dinner and desert with coffee. There is PLENTY of room to crop and the chairs are nice and comfy. The ladies there are very friendly and personable.

I need to dive head first back into the world of scrapbooking. There is so much technique that I have lost because I haven't been around other scrappers. I mainly have been away so long because the shop that I was going to (Paper Tales) shut down and its often difficult to find a new set of "scrap friends", but what one often realizes in the world of scrapbooking is that it is a great community of women that cross all barriers. Never does one feel so accepted than in the scrapbooking world. Never do you find an environment where people are so willing to share their knowledge with you then in this one.

Each month, I will be reviewing a different scrapbooking establish in MI. I am going to step outside of my comfort zone to meet and scrap with other wonderful women in my state. I will also begin to review different crops and products. So not only will I be showcasing my own business but I will also be showcasing the scrapbooking places in which I do business. So follow me on my journey.

Creatively Yours,
Charmaine

Hello and Welcome

2010-06-26T17:53:00.000-04:00

Hello all,

Yes I have switched my blog yet again. But trust me this will be for the better. I will be able to add video, more pictures in a organized fashion and just have an overall better presentation. So please enjoy this new blog site.

Creatively yours,
Charmaine