As you probably are already aware, Basic Grey has just released another round (5 to be exact) of wonderful new collections (you can thank Summer CHA for this....), and among these is the new Ambrosia collection.  You are also probably aware that in mythology "ambrosia" was often refererred to as the food (or sometimes the drink) of the gods.  It's my opinion that when you "feast" your eyes upon this collection you'll find it as tantalizing as I do. 

That being said, I did some nosing around on the internet to see what the general buzz about this new collection was, and found that there is a little bit of concern out there.  Of course it was generally agreed upon that the collection was "juicy" and "zesty", but there seems to be some question as to just how one would use these beautiful, but predominantly orange, papers.  "It's so pretty, but I don't know what I would use it for..."  and "Can someone post a LO so I can see how to use it?"  HMMMM.....

At the risk of sounding a bit judgemental, (and please keep in mind you've seen my lapses in judgement.....like say the the infamous stickles incident) I think some of the message boards I was "lurking" on consisted of (how shall I say this) maybe not the most creative people.  (I'm still not understanding how these people on these boards can spend so much time "conversating" and still have time to scrap??)  Can't think of what to use it for??  Are you kidding me??  I see summer and fall pages galore, boy and teen possibilities, and (dare I say it?) what about a less cutesy Halloween LO or two?  I've even got some pics of pre-school age Pilgrams that will work with this too!  (And I know you local OHS parents and alumni have a use for orange and black papers....)  The thing about any of Basic Grey's papers is that you just cannot go wrong when you use them.  They make our "job" easy, and turn each of us into fantastically creative artists! 

But maybe my (humble) opinion isn't enough.....what do you think?  Here's Ambrosia for your viewing pleasure.  I welcome some feedback on what your take on this is, and how you would use it.  (And if you really like it, feel free to place your pre-order and save 20%!!)  Let's see whether you'll decide that Ambrosia is as "heavenly" an addition to your collection as I think it is! 

Basic Grey's Ambrosia Collection, Save 20% with this Pre-order Special
Ambrosia Collection, Regularly $19.99	Basic Grey Chutney, Regularly .70	Basic Grey Citrus, Regularly .70
Basic Grey's Marmalade, regularly .70	Basic Grey's Grove, regularly .70	Basic Grey's Quince, regularly .70
Basic Grey's Pome, regularly .70	Basic Grey's Entice, regularly .70	Basic Grey's Orange Smoothie, regularly .70

Basic Grey's Ambrosia Collection, Save 20% on this Pre-Order Special
Basic Grey's Mandarin, Regularly. 70	Basic Grey Fresh Squeezed, Regularly .70	Basic Grey Tangy, Regularly .70
Basic Grey's Slice, regularly .70	Basic Grey's Winsome, regularly .70	Basic Grey's Ebony, regularly .70
Basic Grey's Smoke, regularly .70	Basic Grey's Rind, regularly .70	Basic Grey's Clementine, regularly .70

Basic Grey's Ambrosia Collection, Save 20% with this Pre-Order Special!
Basic Grey's Zest, Regularly .70	Basic Grey's Ambrosia Chip Stickers, Shapes Regularly $6.99	Basic Grey's Ambrosia Chip Sticker Alphas, regularly $6.99
Basic Grey's Ambrosia Amber Black Rub-ons, regularly 3.49	Basic Grey's Ambrosia Amber Cream Rub-ons, regularly $3.49	Basic Grey's Clear Bitsy Stamps, Bohemia, Regularly $5.99
Basic Grey's Ambrosia Clear Bitsy Stamps, Medallion, Regularly $5.99	Basic Grey's Ambrosia Cardstock Stickers, Elements, Reguolarly $2.99	Basic Grey's Cardstock Stickers, Alphabets, Regularly $2.99

Basic Grey's Ambrosia Collection, Save 20% with this Pre-Order Special!
Basic Grey's Undressed Mini Monogram Stickers, Regularly $2.99	Basic Grey's Ambrosia Wilma Mini Mono Cardstock Stickers, Regularly $2.99	Basic Grey's Ambrosia 6x6 Paper Pad, Regularly $5.99
Basic Grey's Ambrosia Olio Rub-On Book (5 Pages), Regularly $6.99	Basic Grey's Ambrosia Fibers, Regularly $3.99	Basic Grey's Buttons, Regularly $4.99
Basic Grey's Ambrosia Brads Value Pack, Regularly $4.99	Basic Grey's Ambrosia Glazed Brads, Regularly $3.99	Basic Grey's Clear Stamp, Halvah, Regularly $11.99

Just a quick note to expand on what I mentioned last month about the Birthday Club.  Last month I received in the mail a really nice coupon from a certain shoe store, because it was my birthday month.  I felt like a kid who was just handed a box with a big pink bow on it!  I started thinking about just what kind of shoes I'd be treating myself to....afterall I had a birthday coming.  (It's ok to splurge on something for yourself because it's your birthday, right??)  And then it occured to me, why not do this for you guys?  If a little thing like a generous coupon can make someone feel good about having (another) birthday, then I think I should get busy and start speading the "joy". 

As it so happens, I have many of your birthdays on file from the days of the "Savvy Scrapper Club".  In fact, this weekend I sent out cards to those of you with August birthdays that I knew about.  But I know that there are many I'm missing.  If you would like to receive a handmade card during your birthday month, with a coupon enclosed, then drop me a quick note with your birthday to kim@snippinsnapscrap.com.  (It's not necessary to tell me the year.....)

So what am I going on about now?  I've got some things to share with you!  The connections between these topics are there (although very loose) if you look for them, and yes, this means I have "some 'splaining to do"! 

I'm getting ready to offer several new collections from Fancy Pants Designs , and am really excited about this company and in particular the "About A Boy", "Papa" and "Daydream" lines.  (I've got a few pics for you to check out below)  The colors and graphics are very unique.....and the visual appeal is tremendous.  I'm anxious to get my hands on these papers and start playing, as the creative juices are definitely already flowing! 

As I prepared to introduce this new company to you, I did a Google search on Fancy Pants.  That's when Lucy showed up.  Apparently, she and Bob Hope starred in the 1950 movie "Fancy Pants" together.  While I'm not familiar with that movie, I have always loved the irrepressible and spunky Lucy, and so I indulged my curiosity and did some more Google surfing.  As I researched her life, I came across many quotes from her that illustrated what she must have been like as a person.  Many of her takes on life are similar to my own, which I found surprising.  Her funny portrayals as the dizzy, harebrained housewife in "I Love Lucy" don't allow you to see what a smart, tenacious, and pioneering woman she really was!  

Among the things that Lucy said that appealed to me are "It's a helluva start, being able to recognize what makes you happy", and "I'd rather regret the things I've done than the things I haven't done".  If you'll allow me a quote of the day, here's my pick:  "Politics should be the part-time profession of every citizen who would protect the rights and privileges of free people and who would preserve what is good and fruitful in our national heritage."  On election day, I think it's a sentiment we can all embrace, regardless of our individual political persuasions.

OK, so you may see these topics as related, or you may think I've digressed (probably the latter is the truth of the matter) from one subject to the next.  But as you take a look at the papers below, check out the names of these patterns.  Does anyone else besides me think that the names of these papers could be used in a discussion about any of the above topics?  
 "Vivid" (About A Boy, Fancy Pants Design)

 "Rockin'" (About A Boy, Fancy Pants Design)

 "Peace" (About A Boy, Fancy Pants Design)

 "Expression" (About A Boy, Fancy Pants Design)

 "Believe" (Daydream, Fancy Pants Design)

 "Imagine" (Daydream, Fancy Pants Design)

 "Envision" (Daydream, Fancy Pants Design)

 "Leader" (Papa, Fancy Pants Design)

 "Courageous" (Papa, Fancy Pants Design)

 "Adventurer" (Papa, Fancy Pants Design)

And just in case you feel that I may have left some loose ends in this commentary.....on this primary election day I could use your vote for which of these three collections to bring in first!  Vote early (and often if you wish) by adding your comment!  The collection with the most "super delegate" (meaning you, my readers of course) votes will be shown next week, with special pre-order savings!!  

So what happened to April?  I'm sure I'm not the only one who couldn't really say where the month went.  I only have foggy recollections of racing from one recital practice to another, and squeezing baseball and t-ball into an already busy "extra curricular" schedule.  In just a few more days half of my kid's afternoon lessons will become "last years" news, and I'll be able to breathe again!  (Somebody please remind me next year that I should not put anything on the calendar except kid functions from April 1 to May 31st!)

Meanwhile,  I'm dreadfully behind in keeping you up to date on all the goodies that have been coming in.  I've also neglected to remind (nag) you of our May 17th Crop 'N Shop, which is just around the corner now!!  This is not the one to miss!  If you'll recall, I've planned on this session including my Annual Garage Sale and Clearance Sale!  To register and STILL take advantage of the Early Bird Special, go to www.snippinsnapscrap.com, and click on "Crops and Paper Parties", then select the Crop 'N Shop tab.  Now it's important here to note that you should IGNORE the deadline mentioned for the Early Bird Special, and proceed to take advantage of the still LOW registration being offered!  (I'm way too busy to change that price right now, so grab it while you still can!)  We'll be at Schley Grange Hall this time, which always offers plenty of room!  If you don't feel like packing a lunch, then be sure to pre-order one from the web site.  If you can't come to crop, you should still plan to drop by and shop the exceptional deals that will be there!  (List of my clearance items to follow in about a week.....)

Oh, and what about all the new goodies and the fact that National Scrapbooking Day is upon us (Saturday!).  I'd planned (clearly unrealistically) to offer a great sale on some wonderful new arrivals, and to post that for your shopping pleasure this weekend.  It's now painfully clear to me that I'll be unable to get that "brochure" together at this point, and that I was frankly, kidding myself.  (Recital weekend means I've got costumes to prepare, make-up to do, and hair to put up, not once, not twice, but three times over a 48 hour period, not to mention the 4+ hour recital itself that I'll see three time!)  

It does occur to me as I'm writing this, that perhaps there is a solution.  This scenario could be a bit like getting a late birthday present, which I don't know about you, but I've never minded.  I'm thinking you'll be swamped with offers this weekend from all the big boys like QVC and the like, and my special offer will likely get lost in the shuffle.  Maybe if my "special gift" arrives next week, you'll be able to focus more on it.  (This is also my standard comfort line for anyone sending b-day presents late...)  We'll just refer to this as the National Scrapbooking MONTH Sale!  (See how I've taken all the pressure off of us all....we can now enjoy our hobby whenever we can get a second this month, and feel that we've participated in the celebration!)  I've got some storage items, tool totes, albums, and some fun NEW collections from Fancy Pants & Moxxie planned as part of my celebration.  (I'm just trying to let you know what to keep your eyes out for....)  This new plan is just so crazy it might work!

So to wrap this up, watch for specials all month, make plans to come by Saturday May 17th for the Crop 'N Shop, and take some time this month to enjoy your papercrafting!  

If I need to have time to do something for myself, I've found that the best way is to write the "appointment" on the family calendar.  This way, there can be no misunderstanding!  It was there, on the calendar, since the beginning of time (well at least since the beginning of the month), and I have claimed that time as my own!  (It's best not to argue with me on this logic....ask any of my family, they'll confirm this!) 

I'm hoping to help you guys get free to enjoy your craft, so here's a list of potential dates you may want to use to stake your claim:

April 5th, 9-3 
The newly formed (and looking for more members) Papercrafting Club meets at the Orange Co. Library in Hillsborough.

April 11th & 12th
My next Paper Party!  I'm looking forward to seeing those of you who are registered......sorry to tell the rest of you that this event is full, and registration has now closed.  Hope to catch you next time!

April 25th & 26th
Craft Club at Walnut Grove UMC meets to enjoy any craft you like!  This is open to the community, and is free.  Bring food to share.  If you want more details, please let me know.

May 10th, 9-3
The next meeting of the Papercrafting club at the Orange Co. Library in Hillsborough.

May 17th, 9-5
My next Crop 'N Shop, & my Annual Garage & Clearance Sale!  We'll be at Schley Grange Hall.  Early Bird Registratio is open until April 18th, so don't wait too long!  Go to www.snippinsnapscrap.com to save your spot!

June 21st, 9-5
Crop 'N Shop, Schley Grange Hall

June 27th & 28th
Walnut Grove Crafting Club

August 1 & 2
My next Paper Party Weekend....I'll keep you posted on details!

The April Paper Party registration has closed but you can still take advantage of the Early Bird Special for the May 17th Crop 'N Shop!  (Early Bird registration will end on April 18th, don't wait too long to take advantage of the discounted price!)  This event will be at the Schley Grange Hall, from 9-5, and is $15.00 for the day with the special.  To register using PayPal, simple go to my website at  www.snippinsnapscrap.com and click on Crops & Parties, then select "Crop 'N Shop".  You will find the options for all day or 1/2 day registration, along with lunch specials.  If you prefer to register with a check, please notify me via e-mail, and send your check to Snippin' Snaps, 535-C Hampton Pointe Blvd. #197, Hillsborough, NC 27278.

Along with the usual fun of time and space for croppin', and great buys in the mini store, the shopping will include my Annual Garage & Clearance Sale!  I'm already going through my inventory and have found some terrific products that I need to clear out.  I've got a couple of sellers lined up, but there is room for more!  If you would like to sell some of your stuff, be sure to e-mail me, kim@snippinsnapscrap.com for a Seller's Kit. 

We are working on offering a recipe box class for that day, utilizing the Bare Elements Chipboard box.  At present, that box is extremely hard to come by, so I'll keep you posted as we see whether we'll have the supplies in time to offer that class.

Take some time off from your busy schedule and come out and play for the day!  Hope to see you soon!

Did anyone see the Get Smart movie this summer?  If not, think back to the old TV show, and you'll remember that the "bad guys" were part of an organization called KAOS.  The name was chosen by the writers because "chaos" is the opposite of "Control", which was the name of the organization that Maxwell Smart worked for.  Why are we walking down memory lane you are most certainly asking yourself?  Well "darlin's" it's because of an article I read recently......... 

After a hectic weekend, I felt that I owed it to myself to "set a spell" and catch up on my scrapbook mags.  One particular article on how to "set up your craft area" caught my eye.  The author introduces the article by explaining that she is a North Carolina girl, who will be writing in the same Southern manner that she speaks, wherupon she immediately begins droppin' her ending consonents (g's in particular) from her words,  and starts to call her readers such endearments as darlins' and Sugarplums.  Now as a Southern (by the Grace of God) Woman and a native North Carolina girl myself, I must tell "y'all" that I have never called (and aspire never to call) anyone a "Sugarplum", not even my daughters!  I enjoy reading in the Southern vernacular, but in this particular instance I was concerned that someone may have, shall we say, over-indulged a tad bit?    

I've digressed as usual, let's get back to the story.  The article includes pictures of what the author refers to as "The Most Supreme Multipurpose Room", along with "tips" for the reader on how you too can have a room organized just like hers.  (It's important to note here that she did not include a tip on how to secure such a massive area in the first place without making any promises of favors to your husband....) The "multi-purpose" room is designed to be utilized for "scrappin', ironin', washin', and paintin'".  The photos depict a room that looks very much like a kitchen,  (In fact, I thought for a minute that I'd picked up my copy of Better Homes and Gardens by mistake!) complete with a stainless steel countertop (which "you should cover with a felt table pad similar to one used on a dining table"), tons of cabinets (more than my kitchen has), and something called "roll outs" which are among the "must have" when designing this dream room.  The article is a page turner, filled with pictures of the in-depth organization that surely must have taken years to develop.    

My initial reaction to this article was one of admiration (my "Type A" tendancies love her organizational skills).  I preach (and live by) the "organize by theme" methodology.  A place for everything, and everything in it's place is supremely calming.  But as I pushed aside the debris and tools left out from a previous day's scrappin' session, so that I could have room to spread the magazine out on my table, it occured to me that it sure does take a lot of time and effort to maintain that degree of organization!  The mess left behind in a scrapbooking session does have to be tended, and the more organized you are, the longer it will take to put it all away, right?  Doesn't Newton's Law apply for the process of scrapbooking...something like "The effort involved to organize and create a layout is equal and proportionate to the time spent in the clean-up phase".  I mean, who among us ever actually uses up all of the stuff we've pulled out when in the midst of creative processes??  

So here's where my story will come full circle.  I think of my scrapbooking area as organized chaos, and have decided to name it KAOSS, which stands for "Kim's Almost Organized Scrap Space".  As you'll see from my enclosed pictures, the space is cluttered and not very neat....but there is a place for everthing and I know where that place is, which in the grand scheme of things is all that matters!  If you scrap in my space, you'll probably have to ask me where something is....which means I'm in control of my stuff.....and isn't that really a good thing? 

So here it is, in all it's glory, my scrap space.  If nothing else, it's functional.  And keep in mind that I share this space with my kids for homeschooling, their crafts, their playroom, and my store inventory!



This is my "1/3" of the room, the desks are for homeschooling and our crafts.  Everything beyond the desks is storage for my stuff!



I created an "L" shaped desk by pushing two folding tables together.  This organizer sits on the "return" and tends to be a catch all of things I like to keep close.

 


I have two sets of the Store In Style products.  The set pictured here is for my personal scrapbook stuff.  The file drawers contain my goodies, stored by theme, which you'll see an example of below.



  Here we have a mix of good and evil!  The Ribbon Bag is GOOD, the colorful stacking tray cart is EVIL!!  Note the way the drawers will NOT stay in their designated space, which I believe is because the thing is truely possesed! 

So my space looks nothing like a designer kitchen, it still is functional which is all that really matters.  I think the key here "darlins" is to make the best of your space by considering just what space you have, and just what your supplies are.  The products available to help with your organization just keep getting better and better!  I personally have my eye on the "Lisa & Becky Rail System".  I've just put some goodies in the Secret Shop for you to check out.  Many of the products are favorites of the Divas, and some are great looking new arrivals.  Click here to see what I've got in store for you!

 

 

 

 

What's the best thing about this cutter?  It's designed for you, the end user!  (As opposed to a store owner who will receive training on the cutter from the manufacturer.)  For the first time since electronic cutters were introduced to the crafting market, crafters will have access to a machine that gives them complete freedom to create on a system that was designed exclusively for the crafter.  There are many cutters out there now, but so many are not easy to learn to use, and as a result there are a lot cutters operating as rather large paper weights!  Not only is the new Inspiration completely designed from the ground up with the crafter in mind, the new 12 inch format allows for exceptional creativity in a machine priced at nearly one-half the cost of most existing computerized cutters of its size!

The fact that the designers of the Cricut cutting system have brought this gem to us is important to me.  Pazzles is the originator of the computerized cutting systems and was the first to introduce the craft market to electronic cutting.  The Cricut Cutter is probably the most user friendly system in the market place.  (For those not familiar, this system utilizes cartridges from which images are cut.)  I'm excited about the fact that the designers of a system that has been so much fun and so easy to use, are now bringing us the next level in custom cutting!

Take a look at the product features:

• Versatile software and powerful mechanics help make it easy to cut welded letters for unique crafting
• Cuts up to 12"L x 12"W paper and all weights and textures of cardstock as well as foil, chipboard, vinyl, and fabric 
• You be the designer - the paper-cut images are always the right size for your project; say whatever you want it to say.  Take your scrapbooks and crafting projects to a whole new level.
• Easy-to-use software with video tutorials - design and cut your own paper images right from your home computer
• Cut any True Type font that is already on your computer
• Download cutting images online - visit the online image center to quickly download cutting images
• Simply install the software on your PC or laptop, open it at the image gallery, double-click on the "charmers" icon and connect the machine to create one-of-a-kind images.
• Use the drawing tools to scan in drawings or photos or import images like jpg and bmp files, then convert them to cutting format
• Auto feed - load the paper at the touch of a button
• Draw, Emboss, Distress, and more
• Made of steel, plastic and cast aluminum
• Made in China
• Comes with a manufacturer's 1-year limited warranty 

Note:  You will need a PC or laptop running Windows XP with updates of Vista and 1 USB port in order to use this machine properly.

As of today, the machine is ready to ship!  For a limited time (Until March 21st, 2008) I will offer the Pazzles Inspiration at a pre-order special price of $529.99!!  If you are ready to take your paper crafting to the next level, then don't miss this opportunity!

	Creative Cutter Inspiration
The Creative Cutter Inspiration comes with: The Inspiration™ cutter Inspiration™ Design software 1 blade 1 12” x 12” mat Instruction manual and tutorials 300 images

Pazzles Inspiration Personal Electronic Cutter!!
Pazzles Inspiration Personal Electronic Cutter $529.99

Crop-A-Dile Big Bite II Is Here!
Crop-A-Dile Big Bite, Pre-Order Special $31.99	Crop-A-Dile Big Bite II Case & Eyelets, Pre-order Special $10.39

If you're like me, you thought the orginal Crop-A-Dile doohickey seemed like a pretty cool tool.....but with one "BIG" disadvantage - it's reach!!  I couldn't justify the tool when it could only reach in about the same as a hole punch.  Well....tadah!!  The folks at We R Memory Keepers have released a new and improved product and guess what - it has a 6" reach!  Yeah!!  Now I'll definitely need one of these guys and I'm guessing so will you!  No more hammers, no more setters, and best of all, no more noise!

Be aware that for some reason this product is only being manufactured in a LIMITED quantity.  The Big Bite II is now shipping, so if you think this tool is for you, do not wait to place your order!  (I am offering this pre-order special through March 14th.)  Once the orders are in, we should have delivery within two weeks!

Have you ever heard George Carlin's routine about stuff?  I think the name of it is "A Place For My Stuff" and it's a really funny piece about our need for stuff.  One of the lines goes something like "Your house is just a place to keep your stuff, while you go out and get more stuff!".  He then follows with pointing out that if we didn't feel compelled to have our own "stuff" and so much of it, we wouldn't need houses!  I've decided that this is not a bad way to think about my scrapbooking room.  Without the stuff (and lots of it), I would not need the room, and then who knows what might happen.  Now that I'm thinking about it, the more stuff I have, the more I'll be able to defend my space.  If I let my supply dwindle (say by actually using my stuff), then it might appear that I don't really need this space.  I know a certain somebody that is just waiting to pounce on this room for his own person means.  Really it's brilliant.  If you bring home lots of scrapbooking stuff, then it's natural for the casual observer to realize that you really need your own space, right?  (This plan should also work if you need your own space and haven't been designated any yet.)  I say, continue bringing home the scrapbooking stuff (though always under the cover of darkness and never in those pesky plastic bags which are soooo noisy) and defend your space!    As a side note, during the recent "Stickles" discussion, one friend confided that she was not so much a "Stickle Ho", but more of a "Scrapbook Stuff Slut".  If you suspect that you could be classified similarly, relax!  You are not a slut, but a brave defender of your territory!

So, the point of all of this is that I'm here once again as "The Evil Temptress".  This Saturday (March 1st), I'll be hosting the Crop 'N Shop at New Sharon UMC (1601 New Sharon Ch. Rd., Hillsborough).  Crop 'N Shops offer the opportunity to do either or both of these activities (as the name implies).  If you won't be joining us to crop ( I do still have a couple of slots available if you'd like to come), you may want to plan to stop by for more supplies to shore up your defenses!  Now, here's where the temptation comes in:

making memories Scrapbooking Paint


Making Memories Scrapbooking Paint, Assorted Colors

MSRP:  $1.99  Sale Price on Saturday:  $1.49!!


Save BIG on refills for your Tombow!
   Tombow Mono Adhesive, Permanent Refills
MSRP:  $3.99, Sale Price on Saturday:  $2.79

Save 20% on Imaginisce's "For Peep's Sake" collection, & Bazzill Bling's Spring Colors!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
                           





          

(Note:  These items are not available in the on-line store at this time.)

• In addition, I'm offering 30% off all Travel, Beach, & Disney themed papers, stickers and embellishments!  I've got a great selection including Jolee's, Cloud 9, Creative Imaginations... the list goes on!  Stock up now for your Spring Break trip, or for those vactions pics (last year's or this years)!
• Karen Foster Calendar Papers:  .15 cents each 
• Loose Chipboard Shapes and Alphas:  .10 cents each
• All Remaining Christmas Papers, Stickers, & Embellishments:  30% Off
• .99 cent packs of Grommets from MM and Fastenator Staples from EK
• If that's not enough, mention this flyer and recieve 10% off all items that are not already on sale or clearance!

So to summerize, it's not a good idea to run low on supplies.  If you do, you may not be able to justify whatever space you've been able to whittle out for yourself.  Remember that there is always a family member with designs on "moving in"!  That being said, I hope you'll heed my advise and come by Saturday to stock up!