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!

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! 

It's wonderful to know that I'm not alone in my M&M compulsion!  Many of you wrote me back via e-mail that you also keep a KING size bag of M&M's in your scrapbook stuff.  For those that requested that I pass along any remedies I hear about, I've received two suggestions.  The first suggestion was made a couple of times from some fellow munchers......their advise, and I quote, "Pass those M&M's to me, and you'll be spared the extra pounds".  (And according to Jill, may also be spared some arm wrestling or worse .....) 

The only other suggestion was a bit extreme.....a colon cleansing?!?  (This well meaning friend suggested I look into this remedy, while passing the M&M's to her....)  After recovering from the initial horror of the idea, I then couldn't help but wonder....Could I coordinate scrapbooking sessions and menu planning, such that high fiber meals could follow scrapbooking sessions, and thereby negate the M&M damage?  On the up side, I have determined that since my butt is now the size of a seat cushion, I'll have no need of bringing any extra padding to sit on at next week's Crop 'N Shop!  

BTW, while I love getting your e-mails, the rest of the world can't see what you've got to say that way!  To put your two cents in at the blog, just click on "add comment" below.  You'll find that you don't have to promise your first born (though you may want to) in order to make your point!  In addition to posting what you have to say, I'm hoping some of you may eventually decide to share your latest creations.  Don't worry, I won't try to hold a contest!  The last time I mentioned a contest you guys got so quiet I could hear the crickets outside! 

As a parting note... check out the Pre-Order Special on Basic Grey's New Archaic Collection!  This is a great line for boy stuff!  I personally don't think there's nearly enough really great boy themed collections out there.  (Too many look the same....primary colors, trucks and bulldozers, etc....)  I've never gotten around to scrapbooking Grant's 5th Birthday (or any of them for that matter) which was a "Dinosaur" party.  This is one of those times when I'm really glad I waited, 'cause this stuff is so much cuter, (without being too cute) than anything else I've seen in the past!  I'm just wishing I could talk him into a do over of the party theme, so we could have fun making invitations from this!  Basic Grey is ready to ship this line, so get your orders in by March 3rd to take advantage of this special! 

Pre-order Special on Basic Grey "Archaic" Collection! Save 20% when you order by March 3rd! (Discounted pricing is shown in shopping cart.) Free shipping on all orders over $25.00
Archaic Paper Collection: $15.20	Archaic Ancient: $0.56	Archaic Boulder: $0.56	Archaic Bygone Plaid: $0.56
Archaic Dino: $0.56	Archaic Dirty: $0.56	Archaic Earthworm: $0.56	Archaic Fossil: $0.56
Archaic Obsolescent: $0.56	Archaic Pods: $0.56	Archaic Prehistoric: $0.56	Archaic Primal: $0.56
Archaic Primitive: $0.56	Archaic Prine: $0.56	Archaic Relic: $0.56	Archaic Rock: $0.56
Archaic Rusty: $0.56	Archaic Timeworn: $0.56	Archaic Passe: $0.56	Archaic Rub-ons, Grime in Bisque: $2.79
Archaic Rub-Ons, Grime in Brown: $2.79	Archaic 12x12 Cardstock Stickers, Element: $2.39	Archaic 12x12 Cardstock Stickers, Alphabet: $2.39	Archaic 12x12 Cardstock Stickers, Mini Monogram: $2.39
Archaic 12x12 Cardstock Stickers, Monogram: $2.39	Archaic Rub-ons Books, Olio: $5.59	Archaic Chipstickers, Shapes: $5.59	Archaic Fibers: $3.19
Archaic Buttons: $3.99	Archaic Brads: $3.99		Archaic Glazed Brads: $3.19

They all come callin' in March this year!  March 1st is the next Crop 'N Shop, and today is the last day to take advantage of the Early Bird registration special!  (After today registration is $18.00 and will close on February 25th.)  Details of the event are posted in this log, and to register you can go to www.snippinsnapscrap.com and click on Workshops and Classes.  

The Winter Craft and Hobby Association show has just ended and there are tons of new releases coming out.  Among the new arrivals are some really cute Spring, Easter, and St. Paddy's day goodies from Jolee's, which I couldn't resist ordering.  I also found a couple of items from Green Day that looked fun.  To celebrate the end of winter, which seems to be coming soon, I thought we could all use a Pre-Spring Special!  All of these goodies are 15% off retail till the 25th, or until they're gone!  (I do have a limited supply of these!)  You can order by clicking the images below, or you can find them in "Collections" in my on-line store at www.snippinsnapscrap.com.

Spring, Easter, and St. Paddy's day goodies from Jolee's
Jolee's Easter Eggs $3.39	Jolee's Easter Joy $3.39	Jolee's Springtime $3.39	Jolee's Chocolate Bunny $3.39
Jolee's Springtime Pop-up Butterflies $3.39	Jolee's Grande Felt Butterflies $4.19	Jolee's Coloring Eggs $3.39	Jolee's Whimisical Flowers $4.19
Touch of Jolee's Leprechaun $1.69	Green Day, Shamrock Confetti Glitter Paper $1.69	Green Day, Glitter Journal Stickers $2.99

Who could have imagined that my two (yes, just two) New Year's resolutions would prove to be mutually exclusive?  I kept my list short and sweet....lose weight and scrapbook one page per week!  I'd imagine that most of us are well aware that in fact , either of these resolutions could prove to be impossible to keep.  But it never occurred to me that the process of keeping up with my scrapbooking would prove to be the demise of my weight loss resolution! 

Now you may be wondering exactly how much scrapbooking am I doing?  Perhaps you are thinking to yourself that I've gone a little overboard, and are envisioning me roosting night and day at the scrapbook table with my only exercise occurring when I use my paper trimmer.  (And what would be wrong with that really?)  In fact I don't often have the opportunity to sit and scrapbook.  Usually I scrapbook using the "Pause & Push" technique.  A lot of pages are completed while passing by my work space on the way to some household chore.  I'll "pause and push" things around on my layout, hoping to find the right combination in that 30 second interval.  Clearly, it's not the sitting around that is putting the pounds on! 

So what is causing me the problems in the weight gain department?  Take a look at the layout below and you'll see my problem.  In the past, when I've actually found an opportunity to sit down and scrap for a couple  of hours(meaning at least 4), it had been my ritual to invite Mr. M&M's along as my "creative partner".  I mean as long as I'm indulging myself, then I'm going all out!  Whatever all that good feeling stuff is that chocolate helps you release, it is certainly a friend to a scrapper, especially in times of "creative block".  And when you think about the potential mess a chocolate bar could make, then it becomes clear that M&M's are the perfect answer to achieving a clean and neat chocolate binge-ing (sp?) episode.  I can sit and crunch down 20-30 tiny little bites while agonizing on just where to put that little do-da, and I swear it helps! 

I guess in the past when I only sat down to scrapbook once a year (seriously), my little brightly colored friends couldn't really do much damage.  But if you look closely at the picture below (and pay attention to scale) you will note that the bag of M&M's is one of those mamba jamba sizes.....it's easily 9" inches long!  Since having committed to finishing a page every week I've found myself working off old habits.  Whether I stop by to work on the page for 2 minutes or 20, I get out my little friends.  Apparently, I've got a poundage problem because these mini sessions of scrappin' have allowed me to finish that King size bag in just two scrapbook pages!  Do you realize how many servings that is???  (I am NOT going to read the nutritional info now!)

So what to do?  Only scrapbook within 30 minutes of mealtime?  Chew lots of gum?  Does anyone know if there is a low cal version of M&M's?  

Oh and regarding the completed page....Bo Bunny's Double Dot collection made this page a lot of fun!  I used the Orange Citrus Chipboard elements for the "Wipe Out" lettering and the "wave".  It was fun to swap out the "o" for the circular arrow element in the word "out".  The Chipboard included a sun which I dressed up with the matching brads from this line.  The idea of perfectly coordinating paper, chipboard, brads, and ribbon is great, and takes the guesswork out of color coordinating these elements!  This line is also available in Wild Berry (red), Pink Punch, Buttercup, Brilliant Blue, Clover, Chocolate and Licorice.  I'm offering a pre-order special of 20% off (discounted price is shown below) all these goodies till Sunday the 17th, just click on the product images below to place your order!  Also used in this page were patterned papers from Arctic Frog, and the photo was matted in Bazzill Bling.  The title was matted in the coordinating Arctic Frog coasters.  And I'd like to point out that no Stickles were harmed in this project! 

Save 20% on Bo-Bunny Double Dot! (Discounted prices are shown below.) Free shipping on all orders over $25.00
Orange Citrus Chipboard $5.49	Orange Citrus Cardstock (Paper) $0.69	Orange Citrus Ribbon $1.99	Orange Citrus Ribbon $1.99
Wild Berry Chipboard $5.49	Wild Berry Cardstock (Paper) $0.69	Wild Berry Ribbon $1.99	Wild Berry (brads) $3.19
Pink Punch Chipboard Code $5.49	Pink Punch Cardstock (Paper) $0.69	Pink Punch Ribbon $1.99	Pink Punch (brads) $3.19
Buttercup Chipboard $5.49	Buttercup Cardstock (Paper) $0.69