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	Buttercup Ribbon $1.99	Buttercup (brads) $3.19
Brilliant Blue Chipboard $5.49	Brilliant Blue Cardstock (Paper) $0.69	Brilliant Blue Ribbon $1.99	Brilliant Blue (brads) $3.19
Clover Chipboard $5.49	Clover Cardstock (Paper) $0.69	Clover Ribbon $1.99	Clover (brads) $3.19
Chocolate Chipboard $5.49	Chocolate Cardstock (Paper) $0.69	Chocolate Ribbon $1.99	Chocolate (brads) $3.19
Licorice Chipboard $5.49	Licorice Cardstock (Paper) $0.69	Licorice Ribbon $1.99	Licorice (brads) $3.19

While we're on the subject of our Stickles addiction, I thought it would be a good time to offer a sale...  Choose from any of the wonderful colors below and save 20% on your pre-order.  (Prices shown have already been discounted.)  Stock up now, that way you'll be ready for your next Stickles Attack!  Sale ends February 10th!

Stickles
Crystal Ice, 1 oz., Pre-Order Special $2.79	Gold Ice, 1 oz., Pre-Order Special $2.79	Lemon Ice, 1 oz., Pre-Order Special $2.79
Coffee Ice, 1 oz., Pre-Order Special $2.79	Aqua, .05 oz., Pre-Order Special $1.59	Lavendar, .05 oz., Pre-Order Special $1.59
X-Mas Red, .05 oz., Pre-Order Special $1.59	Lime, .05 oz., Pre-Order Special $1.59	Cotton Candy, .05 oz., Pre-Order Special $1.59
Icicle, .05 oz., Pre-Order Special $1.59	Copper, .05 oz., Pre-Order Special $1.59	Orange Peel, .05 oz., Pre-Order Special $1.59
Cinnamon, .05 oz., Pre-Order Special $1.59	Candy Cane, .05 oz., Pre-Order Special $1.59	Holly, .05 oz., Pre-Order Special $1.59

I'm sure that, while there is no evidence that you were concerned when I did not surface yesterday, many of you had begun to organize the search and rescue teams to look for me.  (Right???  Just smile and nod....)  I'm back to report mission accomplished.  While the "resistance/enemy" (think husband, children, laundry, etc....) each did their individual best to keep me from my scrapbooking area on Sunday, I eventually prevailed.  At approximately 11:30 AM I sat down to begin the reconstruction.  I had just removed the matted picture from the background paper and begun to play with some new papers when the enemy made it's first attack!  "Mom, can you find my shoes for me?"  (I was agreeable to this demand, as it seemed that having one less of the "enemy" in the house was a good idea....)  At least 20 minutes of continued interruption followed before I could return to the desk.  Keep in mind that it's now lunchtime.  I think I had about 15 minutes before the rest of the family figured this out.  As I know you can all relate, I won't bore you with the details of the battle that I fought for the rest of the day....but I will say that the time involved was about 5 hours, and the actual work time was about 30 minutes!  Around 4:30 I'd finished the page, thanks in no small part to many of you.  So many wonderful ideas that were contributed played around in my mind and kept the creative juices going! 

The Stickles sat on the shelf for this episode.....I was afraid to break it out!  (The remaining Stickles on the matted photo still seemed like more than enough.)  FYI, Stickles will scrape off transparencies!  I liked the suggestions of using handmade paper and of adding a little more red to the page.  While the Stickles did come off the transparency at the top of the page, there was residue that would not come off the paper at the bottom of where the mat had been.  The answer was to create a camouflage 1" strip, which matched the one at the top....this time stamped with dragonflies.  (It's important to note here that I was STRONGLY tempted to douse these little guys with the Stickles!)  I was still unable to do my own journaling, as my mind wasn't really on the story of the page.  A little help from Tennyson and some Google work turned up some good thoughts though.  I'll post the finished product below, and I'm still open to feedback!

BEFORE RECONSTRUCTION:                                          AFTER RECONSTRUCTION
   


Meanwhile, all the fun with this page has me thinking.  (Is that a good thing you may wonder?)  How many of you are willing to share your disasters?  What can we learn from the real Stickle Pros?  How about a contest??  Let's see the best and the worst of the Stickles projects out there!  Check your secret hiding places and/or your albums for your entries and send a digital picture (resize/compress it for e-mail, doc, or web sites) of your work to kim@snippinsnapscrap.com by Friday Feb. 8th.  Be sure to let me know if this is for the "Best Of" or "Worst Of" contest.  (It may not be as obvious to the rest of us as it is to you...)  Everyone, please be sure to vote on your favorites from both contests.  (Let us know your vote by making a comment on the blog.)  I will give the winners of each contest 5 bottles of Stickles!  The top 3 entries in  the "Best Of" contest will receive the official designation of "Stickle Ho", and the top 3 entries in the "Worst Of" contest will receive the official designation of "Stickle Ho Wannabe", all compete with a certificate!  (You know you want one of these framed and hanging in your work area!)  BTW, I'm not going to be competing in this so the floor is wide open!       

And since you asked, (just smile and nod) the reason I didn't get back to y'all yesterday is due to the fact that I am having technical difficulties with the Stickle Stock Up Sale post.  My evil plan was to send out the info on the sale with this entry so that you could read it all at one time (and be tempted by all the glitter to place an order).  Since it will probably be tomorrow before I have the sale page ironed out, I decided I'd better get back to you with the status of my mission, so that you wouldn't worry too much about my well being........  So I'm ok, the page is ok, and you don't need to send anybody to look for me after all!  Send in your Stickles Samples!

BEFORE RECONSTRUCTION:                                       AFTER RECONSTRUCTION:
   

The opinions over whether to leave the page as is, or to destroy all evidence of the "Stickles Gone Wrong" episode are split right down the middle!  In the interest of "full disclosure" I would like to point out that there are several family members voting, and that they are weighing in on the side of leaving the page (and being very complimentary about the page too....).  This is understandable, as they have to see me from time to time, while many of you can make comments and then avoid me like the plague.

On the other side of the aisle (it is an election year, so it's ok to make the comparison) I've got people who feel strongly that I should "rip it out" (a direct quote, see the comment section to read all about it) and start over!  As indicated in one of my replies, I think I will undertake to try a salvage this weekend.  Please send in the search and rescue party if you haven't seen evidence of my success by Monday!  (It's do or die trying baby!)

Also this weekend.........you have just two days left to save 20% on Basic Grey's new "Two Scoops" line!  NOTE:  I've just been made aware that the web-site is not letting you put multiple items in the cart (This simply won't do!).  I've got to get some help from my web guy to get this resolved, but he's probably not going to work on this over the weekend.  Never fear, if you would like to place an order, just e-mail me kim@snippinsnapscrap.com with your list, and I'll send you an invoice with the total. 

Also, remember that Early Bird Registration is open for the March 1st Crop 'N Shop and the April 11th & 12th
Paper Party.  Make sure to save your spot (and save on registration) before February 14th!  Go to www.snippinsnapscrap.com to get registered, or drop me a line and let me know that you'll be mailing your registration to 535-C Hampton Pointe Blvd. #197, Hillsborough NC 27278.  Both of these events are at New Sharon United Methodist Church, where seating is limited, in order to guarantee that you guys have plenty of room to spread out!

Enough from the Weekend Update Desk.....I'll report back in on Monday, when I'll be offering a Stock Up On Stickles Sale!  Happy Crafting!

For a very limited time you can save on Basic Grey's yummy new "Two Scoops" entire collection!  This is a very versatile line with colors and patterns that will lend themselves to Valentine, Easter, and Spring projects.  Place your order by Sunday, Feb. 3rd, and you'll save 20% off retail pricing!  To place an order, just click on the items below:

Two Scoops!!!
	Two Scoops!!!
Strawberry Smoothie - 357499	Very Berry Sundae - 357500	Butter Pecan - 357501	Nonfat Yogurt - 357502
Blueberry Custard - 357503	Mind Chocolate Chip - 357504	Swirl - 357505	Cupid’s Arrow - 357506
Sprinkles - 357507	Crème Brulee - 357508	Neopolitan -357509	Dreamsicle - 357510
Waffle Cone - 357511	Ice Cream Parlor - 357512	A La Mode - 357513	Spumoni - 357514
	Watermelon Ice - 357515	Pistachio Almond - 357516
12 x 12 Sticker Sheets -Retail $3.00
Elements - 357584
12 x 12 Collection Pack - Retail $19.00 18 papers, one coordinating letter sticker sheet, one sheet coordinating elements sticker sheet
Die Cut Chip Stickers -Retail $7.00
	Abc - 357519	Shapes - 357518
Buttons - 66/pkg Retail $5.00
Buttons - 357496
Rub-On Books - includes 5 4.75”x4.75” sheets - Retail $7.00
Two Scoops Olio - 357586

Ever heard that old adage "a little goes a long way"?  A painful episode this weekend with Stickles has taught me this lesson well!  For those who aren't familiar with Stickles, let me give you the scoop.  Stickles is this wonderful and highly addictive product used to put glitter anywhere you want it, and to do so in the tiniest amounts (Key word here is "tiny".  Learn it, live it, love it!).  You can turn any patterned paper into glittered bliss, you can write your name or other important words with it, you can outline, dot, the list goes on.  Not only do you finally have control over glitter, but it comes in a fabulous array of colors!  I'll post some pics here for your viewing pleasure!

Anyway, Stickles is a favorite product among many of my fellow Divas.  We were first introduced to this powerful tool by Julie (I may or may not have changed her name to protect the innocent), who soon came to be known as the "Stickle Ho" because she couldn't get enough of this new technique or the cute little bottles it comes in, and began stockpiling (aka hoarding) Stickles.  Next, she started showing a preference for projects that could in fact incorporate the use of this powerful little embellishment.  Before long she was pretty much happily stickling anything and everything.  We were frankly, a little concerned.  But the concern did not last, and before the rest of the Divas knew what was happening, we too were using (and hoarding) more than our share of Stickles.

I hadn't had many opportunities to play with Stickles or really any of my goodies until recently.  (New Year's resolution - scrapbook one page per week!)  This is where my story really begins.  I had been saving some beautiful papers, a transparency border, and a chipboard elements from My Mind's Eye "Bohemian" collection.  My dilemma was to find the photograph that was truly "worthy" of using these supplies, as once these items are gone from my stash, they are gone forever.  I can always reprint a photograph, but I can't replace the "stuff"!  (In theory)  I had settled on a picture of Gabi and me taken at the beach this summer.  The picture was taken at the dock on the waterways, and lent itself to the Dragonfly theme of the embellishments.  (Another important note here - it's not usually a good idea to have the embellishments, instead of the photograph, determine what the page is about.)  

In the beginning, there was success!  Mixing some patterned paper, determining how to use the transparency border, exploring using strips of color behind the transparency, all of it was good clean fun!  Then I had the bright idea that I would add some Stickles to the mix.  Examine if you will, how wonderful the dragonfly wings look with just a little bit of clear Stickles to give the iridescent effect.  From there I thought, how nice would the mat around the photo look with some of the design elements highlighted with more Stickles.  Now I bring out the gold and the coffee colors, to match the colors used in the paper.  Well, I'm having so much fun using the Stickles to dress up the pattern, that I begin to wonder "what else can I stickle"?  It is at this point that I'm called away from my page, for a brief (6 hour) intermission.  While I'm away, I ponder the possibilities.  What else does the page need?  It seems mostly done, but I'm not happy with the edges of the mat around the photo.....is seems unfinished.  Perhaps it needs a frame?  (Here's where some dramatic cliffhanger type music should be hummed to yourself!)

Keep in mind that when I've returned to the page, I've had many hours to stew about the possibilities.  I've also had dinner, and possibly an adult beverage that may have clouded my judgment.  I undertake at approximately 9 PM EST, to create a "Stickle Frame"!!  And in gold no less!!  Once I've started creating my loop de' loop design there's no turning back, but I've got to try it.  If this is successful, perhaps I can be promoted to Stickle Ho status too!  (Let me interject here that all of the Stickle Ho's known to me are very adept at using this product.  They embellish with style and grace, and most certainly know when to quit!)  About 1/2 way through the first side of the frame I knew I'd made a mistake.  "Turn Back" my inner artsy-fartsy side wailed!  "It's too late" countered the logical side of the brain (can't remember whether it's left or right that does this), we'll have to go on without you!!  I mean, I know of no way to remove all traces of the glitter evidence at this point!

So there you have it.  Now I've got to figure out what to do next with this disaster.  Take a good look at the EXCESS below and tell me what you think.  (Warning:  Use of sunglasses while viewing is recommended!)  Should I rip up the center and do it over?  (Probably don't have the exact same matting paper....)  Will I be able to get that little bit of gold EXCESS off my transparency border?  Should I ever use a supply again of which I have no more stashed?  Or, perhaps I should put this directly into my scrapbook and refer to it before I get my Stickles out the next time as an unfortunate reminder of the dangers of Stickle overuse.....

I'd welcome your advice and input.  (About the glitter mess.  I know the journaling tag is blank and needs to be completed, but I'm too much in shock to be able to think of anything to write on that right now.)  Perhaps a vote would be in order?  I'll wait for your comments, before proceeding......  

      My Stickles Stash

  An example of "responsible" Stickle use

  EXCESSIVE Stickle use!!  The finished (?) project....

I've finally got some things firmed up for this spring and am ready to open up the Early Bird Registrations for the March and April events.  (No party in February due to lack of available facilities....maybe we'll do something different that month!)

As many of you know, we held the January Paper Party at New Sharon United Methodist Church.  It worked out very well, and many said that they really liked this space.  I found advantages at this new location, but can also say that there are things about the Grange Hall that work out really well too.  For this year, I will rotate between the two facilities, depending upon availability.

Saturday, March 1st from 9-5 will be the next Crop 'N Shop, which will be held at New Sharon United Methodist Church.  Crop 'N Shops are a scaled down version of my Paper Parties.  I bring the latest arrivals from the store, special sale and clearance items, some of the tools, and snacks and drinks for you.  You can bring anything you want to work on, and can bring your own lunch or pre-order one of the lunch specials.  The day is for relaxing and enjoying the company of others who share your passion for paper.  If you can't come to play, you are always welcome to stop by and shop the new goodies and special offers.  The "Early Bird Special" will be $15.50 for the day for those who register by February 14th.  (After that, the price for the day is $18.00)  I am also offering a limited number of seats available for half day sessions - either 9-1 or 1-5.  The space is limited so that everyone will have plenty of room, so make your reservations early!

Friday April 11th 6-Midnight, and Saturday April 12th 8 AM - 5 PM is the next Paper Party.  We will be at New Sharon United Methodist for this event too.  Paper Parties are a lot of fun, and include a lot of extras.  I bring all of my tools, all of my inventory for the Mini-Store, prizes for everyone, dinner on Friday night, lunch on Saturday, and plenty of snacks and drinks for the weekend.   Stampers, Scrappers, Card Makers, & Altered Artists are all welcome!  Early Bird Registration is open, price for the weekend is $33.50 until March 7th, at which time it goes to $40.00.  For those who cannot play all weekend, I will offer a limited number of Friday or Saturday only seats.  The price for the Friday night session is $15.00 and the price for the Saturday session is $25.00.  As stated before, the space will be limited so that I can provide ample room for my guests, so please make your reservations early.

To register, go to www.snippinsnapscrap.com and click on "Classes and Workshops".  The "Classes" tab opens up and you'll see the March Crop 'N Shop registration there.  (That tab is soon to be renamed!)  For the April Paper Party registration you'll need to select the "Paper Parties" tab.  If you prefer, you can mail your registration to Snippin' Snaps, 535-C Hampton Pointe Blvd. #197, Hillsborough NC 27278.

In May and June, the Crop 'N Shops will be at the Grange Hall....details to follow soon! 

While most of us are not just back from a "Beach Trip", I'd hazard a guess that quite a lot of us do have some beach memories still waiting to be scrapped!  I guess I was motivated to gear this class in this direction, as the project I'm hoping to finish soon is our family beach vacation from earlier this year.  (And by the way, if completed, it will be my first completed album that I keep for myself!)  This layout is designed to use lot's of fun goodies, while still packing in 9 (yes 9) photos!!  The plan for this project is pretty simple....and keep in mind that you could easily adopt the layout to other themes!

Ok, so first things first - you need supplies.  You can easily follow these instructions and use up supplies you already own.  If you prefer to have the matching supplies, I'll have kits available for purchase for $13.99 this weekend at the Paper Party, or you can give me a call and arrange to pick one up from me.  (Remember, you can always come by the Paper Party to shop even if you can't stay to play!) 

Left Side Page:

1.  Thread fibers(included) through hole punch of tags (also included), glue letters to tags.  Attach vellum shell stickers, I placed them to overlap the letters.  Use either double sided tape, or pop-dots to attach the tags to the page.  (Variation:  The title could also be a four letter word -not that kind in the space allowed.)

2.  Cut Shell paper to 5" x 12" and mount in place.

3.  Mount the orange/pink polka dot ribbon to bottom of mat, run adhesive on back of page to fix in place.

4.  Add ribbons to the frame.  Use chipboard token sticker on top of the frame to attach the flower to the underneath side of the frame.  Use a pop dot in each corner to mount the frame to the page.  Insert a 3 3/4" x 2 1/2" picture in this frame.  This picture should be somewhat important to theme of the page.

5.  There is room for a 4 x 6 photo to be mounted to the right of the frame, centered on that space.

Right Side Page:

1.  Cut three 3.5" x 3.5" mats out of the Shell paper, and mount along the top of the page. 

2.  Mount the remaining strip to the bottom of the page.  The strip should be 3.5" x 12".

3.  Mount the blue/lt. blue polka dot ribbon underneath the top seam of the shell strip, so that 1/2 of the ribbon will be underneath the paper.  Use double sided tape to attach the ribbon to the paper by taping the backside of the page and attaching the ribbon to that tape.

4.  Attach the tag to the page. 

5.  Attach "Trip" to the page.  (Variation:  Space here allows for a 4-6 letter word.)

6.  Add included embellishments/stickers to the photo mats, as shown. 

7.  This page has room for (3) 3 x 3 photos on the mats across the top of the page, (1) 3 x 5 in the center of the page on the Coral patterned paper, and (3) 2 x 2 photos on the Shell paper below "Trip".

Kits will include all materials to complete these pages, however individual embellishments will vary.  (This assures you that your finished project will not be identical to someone else's.)  You will need the following basic supplies which are not included (but are available for purchase):  12" Paper Trimmer, scissors, double sided adhesive, & pop dots (optional).   

Hope this "class" gives you some inspiration.....if all goes well I'll do another one soon!  Let me know what you think!