WOW...A Chance at a GREAT Giveaway...

The folks over at Lifestyle Crafts are having a give away....see the deets below.

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In the spirit of the holiday season, we here at L are giving away an L Letterpress Combo Kit , valued at $150, plus your own custom printing plate, valued at $39.99. Included in the kit is everything you need to be on your way to letterpress bliss.

Here's what's on the table:
L LetterpressEpic Six Letterpress and Die-cutting ToolClear Packing Mat with GridPaper Placement GuidesInk BaseBrayerTen A2 flat cardsNine Printing PlatesTube of Black InkCircle Cutting DiesPLUSOne Custom Printing Plate.

HOW TO ENTER

There are a whopping 3 ways you could win. Yes, you may have to do a little work, but this combo kit is so worth it.

1. Leave one comment in the comments section if you become a follower of the L Blog.

2. Leave one comment in the comments section if you become a fan/follower of L on Facebook or Twitter.

3. Leave one comment in the comments section if you post this giveaway on your own blog and link to us.

So for each of the things you do listed above, leave a separate comment in the comments section. Got it? Do all three things listed and you up your chances.

THE RULES

No entries after midnight Pacific Time, Monday December 21. Please no more than three entries per person. We wouldn't want you to be on the naughty list this year, now would we?

The winner will be randomly selected from the entries and announced Tuesday, December 22.

Happy Holidays from L! and...Good Luck.

December Treasure

from the Treasure Box Club's December kit. Made using the included Webster's Pages papers. The flowers were made from ribbon, and the font is Journal from Quickutz. The leaves are all from Prima, and the vines are from Sizzix. All edges are inked in Chestnut Roan.

You can't go wrong with this month's kit. The papers are gorgeous. If you'd like to check it out, get to the link on the right side of this page.

Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!!

What a weekend....

I was super busy this past weekend, as I had 3 classes to teach....back to back to back... :) After a full day of teaching, we made the trek up north to see some of my most favorite people at a crop...then, on the way home, we stopped by to see more of my most favorite people...so all in all, got up at 6:30am....got to bed the following morning at 4:30am....then got up Sunday, and went to go see New Moon.....MY Report Card for the movie: B-

I LOVE teaching, and sharing my love of COPIC markers....the ladies seemed to really enjoy learning about the markers, and how to use them, as well as knowing how to "justify" the expense...lol... As I told them all, it's a cost up front, but then they more than pay for themselves in the long run, so they're actually "saving money". :) Gotta love that!!

They were all so wonderful to work with, and a big THANK YOU to Tara for making it easy for me as an instructor.

Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!!

OMG....

I booked my Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs) for our upcoming Disney trip in June....I guess this makes it official...lol...

I'm sooooo excited, but then again, Disney always excites me...as anyone who knows me well will tell you...I was able to book breakfast in the castle with Cinderella, and breakfast in the Magic Kingdom with Pooh & Friends, and dinner at Le Cellier....oh my...I could just keep listing, but you get the idea...lol.

In the meantime, I'll be working on some projects, and keep plugging along....

So, be on the lookout within the next 2 days for some layouts using the December kit from The Treasure Box Club...and if you haven't seen the kit yet, what are you waiting for!! Click on their link over on the right of this blog....you won't be sorry!!

Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!!

Reflection...

Just thought I'd make this a short post and let everyone get on with their festivities this holiday season. As I sit here and reflect on what I'm thankful for this year, I realize I have alot to be thankful for.

I'm thankful for my loved one, my family, and my friends. I'm thankful for my health, and for a job during this difficult year. I'm also thankful for the most wonderful person in my life (love you babe)...and also thankful for each and every one of you reading this post.

As you sit and reflect on those things that you're thankful for, look around you, at the people in your lives, and enjoy this holiday season. Most importantly, remember to let them know how important they are to you. And one final note....remember to LAUGH, LAUGH OUT LOUD, and don't be ashamed to do it. :)

Until next time, I wish all of you a RIPArts kind of day!

Been a while....

since I posted.....unfortunately, life got really super busy the end of October, as we prepared for our vacation to the Caribbean.

We had a WONDERFUL trip....it was very tiring, as we did 7 ports in 7 days...so we woke up every morning on a new island....much to explore, photograph, and enjoy.

We had some ups and some downs.....but all in all it was something we'd definitely do again.

I've yet to get all my pics situated, but in the meantime, I'll post two to hold us over...

View from one of the upper levels of El Morro...

View from the verandah of our cabin on the ship...

I'll be posting again very soon, as I'm working on some projects for upcoming classes. Until then, have a RIPArts kind of day!!

Somehow, I missed

posting some projects from the September Quickutz releases...

They did both a Fall release, as well as a Christmas/Holiday release....so, without further ado, I present you with some of my projects...






Until next time, I hope you have a RIPArts kind of day!!

So, it's almost time...

for vacation....

I'm in prep mode now, which is proving to be hectic with the teaching schedule, etc...

Looks like I'm doing a COPIC class before we leave, and we have another class 4 days after our return. YIKES!! I'd better get on the ball...

In the meantime, I'm posting a pic of a project I did for Remember When's Design Team, using the new PAPER DOLL Release. If you haven't checked out the release, I highly recommend it. I'm using it along with the Fairy Tale dies, and some older Halloween dies for this small plaque. I placed it in front of some printed paper, so that you could get a good look at it.

Hope you enjoy, and I should be posting soon during our travels. Until then, I hope to see some of you in class, and I hope you have a RIPArts kind of day.

Well, I got started...

on my projects for the October Treasure Box Club kit....

Here's the first of my layouts....there will definitely be more coming....this is one FANTASTIC kit...the colors are soooo fun to work with...I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this kit to anyone who loves Fall colors....and as you can see, the papers are quite versatile, as I used them on a Disney layout.

I'll be adding the journaling at a later date...this is from our Christmas 2008 trip with my sister and her family...

Can't wait for our next visit, so we can take tons of pics again...

Until next time, I hope you have a RIPArts kind of day!!

WOW...

What a busy time of year this is.....

Finished the last of MY classes for the year, but have been working on creating classes for someone else for October and November.

On top of that, we're getting ready for vacation, and this is the busiest time of year at work.

So, my apologies for not posting before tonite.

Here's a quick look at the upcoming class projects for October... :)

Hope you enjoy, and until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day...

So it has been...

a hectic couple of weeks, but it's finally slowing down....

To that end, I've completed a couple of layouts using The Treasure Box Club September kit. The pics are from our 2007 Cruise to Mexico, and our visit to the Yucatan region.

Hope you enjoy!

I should be posting some more projects here within the next couple of days....until then, I hope you have a RIPArts kind of day!! :)

It's about to be

a new month...

You know what that means...... :)

It means that I'm working on some new layouts with the new Treasure Box Club Kit for September. What a fun kit!! Can you say glitter, ghost alpha, fantastic papers, and more? I sure can...

So, give me a few days to get these little babies cranked out, and you'll be seeing them here. Of course if you'd like to get your own kit, don't forget to check out the Treasure Box Club link over to the right...

See you again in a few days...

Until then, have a RIPArts kind of day!!

Something Wicked....

Something Wicked this way comes..... :) That's right....Halloween is right around the corner...and you know what that means.....it's time to get started on your Halloween projects. Among mine, is a class that I'll be teaching at Remember When (http://www.shoprememberwhen.com/) in the month of September. The 19th of September to be exact.

The class will be 3 hours in length, and we will complete 8 pages total.

Below, please see what the front cover page looks like. The green in the door and windows is actually the photomat on the page behind (page 3 of the book). We will be covering each page, and embellishing them with stickles, copic markers, stamped images, QK shapes, EK Success punches, and COPIC Spica Glitter Pens. Ribbons will adorn the book rings to bind it all together once we're through.

Hope you like it, and hope to see you in class. :)

Until then, hope you have a RIPArts kind of day!!

QK & Copics, oh my!!

So, ever wonder what you can do with COPIC markers, airbrushing, and your QK Silhouette shapes? I decided to have fun with the latest shapes from Quickutz. The cards are shown below. Hopefully you can see the detail.

I hope these cards help put you in the perfect holiday mood.... :)

Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!!

As I promised...

Here are 2 pages created using the August Treasure Box Club kit.

The pics are from our Mexico cruise in 2007.

About time....

It's about time for me to post new layouts.

I'll be posting them tonite, after I get home and am able to photograph them.

I created them using the August Treasure Box Club Kit from the previous post.

So, check back later tonite, and you'll see the first 2 pages.

Until tonite, here's hoping you have a RIPArts kind of day!

New Treasure...

New Treasure Box Club Kit, that is.....

The August kit is up for purchase....check it out below, and then click on over to http://www.thetreasureboxclub.com/ to purchase yours today. Tracy does a fabulous job each month putting out some of the most comprehensive kits out there. The best thing? There are enough materials in each kit for 6 double 12x12 page spreads, or a complete 8x8 album. How can you beat that? :)

I personally can't wait to play with this kit! LOVE the Calypso line of papers.

Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!!

Texas Style

In case you haven't ordered one, or are expecting yours....the Yellow Rose of Texas has begun hitting mailboxes everywhere. If you need to order one, you can do so at: http://www.shoprememberwhen.com .

Until next time, hope you have a RIPArts kind of day!

Whew...

So, the weekend is over, and I have to admit that while I was exhausted after my class, I had a BLAST. I can't stress enough how much I really enjoy teaching what I've learned, to others. Hmmm, maybe I missed my calling...lol...

In any case, I had such a fantastic time at Remember When on Saturday. I didn't get a single thing done after my class, despite being there until nearly 1am. Who knew!?!

So, coming up, I'll be back in Corsicana for my next class (the 3rd in the series of COPIC classes). After that, I'll be back in Whitesboro for the 3rd COPIC class up there as well. This class will focus on Airbrushing with your markers. How cool is that!?!

I can't wait!

Also up on my agenda, I'll be teaching a Haunted Mansion Board Book class at Remember When in Whitesboro. The class is called: Something Wicked...keep an eye on my schedule to the right for more details on the date! Of course you can always check my schedule on Sherri's website (http://www.shoprememberwhen.com) .

In the meantime, I'm cranking out some projects with my July Design Team dies, and hope to get to work on some DT projects using the QK CHA release. Keep an eye out for some projects here soon.

Until next time, hope you have a RIPArts kind of day!!

Techniques and more...

So, I got my hands on a fabulous travel stamp from The Treasure Box Club. It's the one I used on the background that says "Explore and Discover". I used it on the background, which was created using Distress Inks from Tim Holtz. Using the water drop technique, I created the background for the flower. The flower itself is by Prima and came in a natural color. It was colored orange using COPIC markers, and then stamped with another background stamp (text), using Memento Tuxedo Black, and filled in with a brad. The stem and leaf were hand cut and colored using COPIC markers as well. Finally, the twine was put in the top of the tag to top it off.

How's that for a bunch of techniques on one project?

Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!!

What can you do?

With COPIC markers, that is? Well, I'll show you a project that I worked on two weekends ago.

I created this 2 page layout (12x12), and I used trees cut using the Silhouette, however, they felt "flat" on the patterned paper, so I decided to "dress them up".

I pulled out my COPIC markers, and gave the trees a bit of "punch".

Here's the left page. Notice the trees?

Here's a close up of the trees BEFORE I added COPIC markers to them.

And here is that same tree WITH COPIC markers on it.

So, get those markers out and have some fun!! Until next time, I hope you have a RIPArts kind of day!!

Well...

Another weekend class has come and gone, and I enjoyed the group that I taught. I hope they enjoyed learning how to use their COPIC markers, and the cards they completed. I also hope they learned alot about COPIC markers in general. There was soooo much information.

Anyway, I'm gearing up for another class this weekend. If you ever need to see where I'm teaching, just check out the class schedule listed to the right. I try to keep it current.

My next COPIC classes after this weekend will all focus on Airbrushing. I hope the ladies enjoy it as well, I know I do enjoy teaching and sharing my love of these fantastic markers.

In the meantime, I received this wonderful stamp to play with, and here's my first project with it. It's a card, and I have more plans in the works for it and another one I received. If you're interested in where I got it, check out The Treasure Box Club website, and check under the Add-Ons Tab....you'll find it and other fabulous toys there.

Until next time, I hope you have a RIPArts kind of day!

New Treasure...

The Treasure Box Club kit for July is available, and it's a FANTASTIC kit. I especially loved the ticket stubs that are included in the kit. OMG, what a variety. The papers from Little Yellow Bicycle are WONDERFUL. I totally love the colors of this kit. They lend themselves to all sorts of travel related layouts. Which is perfect for this time of year.

I did use some chipboard from Cosmo Cricket for the words, and some clear bling, which I doctored up with COPIC markers to match the ribbon included in the kit. I also used some Tim Holtz Distress ink on the tickets, as well as the layout in general.

All in all, 4 thumbs up!! Mine and Lex's of course, silly. :) Here's a double page spread created using the kit. Notice the stickers that were included in the kit as well. I'm not normally a sticker person, but I did like these alot.

Enjoy, and until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!

Want a kit of your own to play with? Hit the link on the right of this page. The Treasure Box Club. :)

Busy Weekend

WOW! What a busy weekend....

On Friday, I went through a Certification Class at Ten Seconds Studio in the Fort Worth area. It was a very busy day, but what a great class.

I taught my first COPIC class at Remember When on Saturday. It was a very full class, and went well. Following the class, I was able to enjoy the evening with friends as we chatted while "attempting" to crop. LOL

Today, Sunday, I went to a class at Ten Seconds Studio taught by Cheryl, and TIM HOLTZ! OMG! What an amazing class...

It's almost time...

for my first Official COPIC class at Remember When in Whitesboro, Texas. Yee Haw!!

I've created two very different cards for this class. Of course the first class is always very heavy on information about the markers themselves, and what makes them so special. After that, we get into technique. That's where the "magic" happens... :)

Anyway, be on the lookout for the class projects next week, after the class....can't spoil the surprise, after all...

Until then, hope you have a RIPArts kind of day!

More Treasure...

...from The Treasure Box Club.....Fashionista line in the June kit...

I used COPIC markers on the Thicker Photo Corners, as well as the flowers. I was also able to use some of the Dew Drops on the photo corners.

Hope you enjoy it!

Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!

COPIC Class Projects...

So, as I mentioned before, I taught a beginner's COPIC class at Scrappin' Goodtime in Corsicana. Since the class was a beginner's class, we focused alot on the markers themselves, before we finished the class with "hands on" experience.

The following two cards were completed by everyone in attendance.


Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!

WOW...

Remember When just announced that as part of it's 5th Anniversary Celebration, they would extend or renew the QK Club memberships of their folks for $30, and that would cover them for LIFE! WOW...that's all I can say...

That's one MAJORLY great deal!!

Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!

Ok, so now that...

the cat has been let out of the bag.....

Archiver's sent out their e-newsletter last week, and in it they were offering a FREE CD of some of their exclusives, if you purchased the Silhouette SD from them. Well, as soon as I got the newsletter, I emailed their corporate office to inquire about the CD for those of us who already had a machine.

They informed me that they WILL sell the CD by itself. No machine purchase required. The cost is $19.99 plus shipping. As I've learned from past purchases, their shipping varies by store. Also, I know that some stores are not wanting to sell the CD by itself. If you should happen to call one of these stores, don't give up. Just try another store. I ordered mine last Friday, and emailed a select few of my friends who I know have a Silhouette, so that they'd have a heads up. I didn't want to broadcast the information all over the message boards, so as to not create a feeding frenzy, as is usually the case in these situations with Archivers.

Anyway, for those of you who happen to get the CD (like me), congrats! I'm sure you're going to enjoy those shapes as much as I will.

Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!

The Treasure Box Club

For those of you who have never heard of it, I highly recommend The Treasure Box Club. It's a great, monthly kit. Each month, Tracy puts together a great kit, consisting of papers, ribbons, embellies, etc, for you to put together. The wonderful thing about her kits, is that she includes enough supplies to complete 3 double page layouts (12x12), OR a complete 20 page (8x8) album. AND she also provides instructions, which you can totally use, or create your own. Also each month, she makes available more paper, or embellies for purchase, should you wish to add more. What more could you ask for?

I have to say, that Tracy is very generous with her supplies in her kits. I just received my June Kit, consisting of the Fashionista line, and I'm thrilled. I had a chance to play with it tonite, and finished up a card. I also have a 12x12 double page layout, which is almost completed (just have to print the pictures to add), and they'll be ready to post as well.

I hope you enjoy the card, it very simple, but for a friend who I haven't seen in ages, and who I'm hoping to do coffee with very soon.

So, until next time, I hope you have a RIPArts kind of day!

Whew...

What a great day today. I finished my first COPIC class at Scrappin' Goodtime in Corsicana today. I had a small group of ladies from various areas down south.

I can't say enough about how much I enjoy teaching. Seems like I just get started, and before you know it, 2 hours have passed....WOW! Where did the time go? We did, at least, manage to complete our two cards for the class.

Anyway, I have been asked to return for the intermediate class next month, so that should be fun. I'm glad that the class was well received, and am looking forward to continuing to spread the good word about COPIC markers.

I'm looking forward to my first class as Remember When on the 27th of this month. I have a full class from what I understand, so that should be fun.

Hope everyone else had a great day today. Until next time, I hope you have a RIPArts kind of day.

Sorry....

So sorry that I haven't been able to update my blog recently, but I was SUPER SUPER busy preparing for the First Annual Shop Remember When Retreat, and the 2 classes that I had to prepare for the event.

Needless to say, the event was a huge success, and everyone loved working with the COPIC markers. To that end, I'm posting my copy of the project that they finished in class for you to check out. I certainly hope you like it as much as they did.

Also, for those of you who are wondering, I'll be teaching a COPIC class at Scrappin' GoodTime in Corsicana, and then twice at Remember When in Whitesboro. I will also be teaching additional classes at Remember When (intermediate and advanced levels).

Monster Day...

Thought I'd whip up a Birthday Card.......as you can tell, I can sometimes forget birthdays.....can't we all? LOL Anyway, this was actually just a fun card I decided upon, in order to try out the Monster stamps from October Afternoon. A good friend of mine got them for me, and I thought I should use them, since I've had them for months. :)

Anyway, hope you enjoy the card....I used QK Nesting Shapes (Ovals), and COPIC markers. I also used white CS as my base.....shhhhh, don't tell anyone I used something other than Black...it'll ruin my reputation....lol.

Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!

OMG...

It's time! Time to crank out my first COPIC class at Remember When. The markers have finally arrived, and I've finished up the class project sample.....I can't wait for everyone to complete it!

Why am I so excited about this? Easy! Because I LOVE LOVE LOVE COPIC Markers. That's why I'm so excited!! Can ya tell? I'm also excited, because I'm going to use one of my most favorite stamp lines in the class!! Can you take a guess?!? LOL...

Anyway, I hope to see many of you in my first class....it's gonna be fun!! :)

Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!

Working with a Dollar....

...a dollar stamp, that is.....I was out one day shopping, and came across this stamp in the store's dollar bin. Of course I immediately thought of COPIC markers.....so I had to have it.....

Hope you enjoy....and although you can barely see it, each "scoop" has micro glitter on it on the right side of each scoop.

Hopefully this will give us all pause to stop, and check out those dollar bins a bit more frequently.

Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!!

WOWZA....

So, I've been away for a little bit, as Lex has been recovering from his injury, and am finally getting back to blogging.

As I was catching up, I noticed that one of the blogs I check out is offering some blog candy for her Blogoversary. Not only is it some MAJOR Blog Candy, but her blog always has some fun and creative projects on it. Definitely worth checking out. So, without further ado, here is Debbie's blog: http://passionforcrafts.blogspot.com/ and her blog candy is shown below.

ONE SALE TO BEAT THEM ALL....

Starting NEXT FRIDAY (the 24th) through SUNDAY (the 26th), Remember When will be having a SALE.

Legal Stuff:

The SALE will be IN STORE ONLY, due to the fact that some companies will not allow internet sales like the one we’re going to have. So, for those of you who live out of the area, please feel free to contact us locals to get the SALE stuff for you. In other words, let’s say that PattiO wants some stuff, then she could contact me through email or phone, and tell me what she wants, and I’ll go purchase it for her.

The Sale:

EVERYTHING IN STORE that is NOT covered by a table cloth.
The things that will be OFF LIMITS are the NEW RELEASE from QK on April 21st... the QK Collector's Series……Tim Holtz, and basic tools (ie: trimmers, adhesives, etc)….. EVERYTHING else will be….wait for it…..wait for it……50% OFF MSRP. That’s right…..you read it correctly. 50% OFF!!! This WILL include QK dies, Silhouettes, etc. Remember, the merchandise must be ON THE SALES FLOOR. The only thing that won’t be on the SALES FLOOR, are the QK Dies….that’s purely for security reasons…but those dies WILL qualify (except for the new release on the 21st of this month).

So this means that paper, embellishments, stamps, ink pads, ribbon, QK dies, chipboard, Jason, etc, are ELIGIBLE!!

Again, this will ONLY BE VALID IN PERSON…..we will NOT be able to accept phone orders, and we can NOT do Internet orders. Sorry about that, but we must adhere to the rules. If you want to go crazy and want to use Layaway, then have the local put the order on Layaway for you. Again, this SALE is VALID IN STORE ONLY!!

So, let’s blow the roof off of Remember When, and keep Jason ringing up those sales AT THE REGISTER!!! Don’t forget….purchases MUST BE MADE IN PERSON.

I’ll be seeing everyone at the store this weekend….and if you’re there this Saturday, don’t forget that I’ll be teaching my Silhouette class, and we’ll be having a Crop Night after that….

Again, the Dates for the SALE are: Friday (April 24th) through Sunday (April 26th). The Sale will NOT go beyond Sunday!

Hope everyone had...

a Happy Easter full of new memories with family and friends.

So, I sat here today, wondering where scrapbooking will turn next. Many of our favorite companies have come and gone, stores are closing left and right, you get the idea.

What will companies and LSSs have to do, in order to continue providing us with the materials we need to continue to preserve and share our memories. Have you heard of any new store openings? Or new companies starting up? How about those that exist? Any new closures? Who can say where we're headed...but I for one am a bit worried.

The other thing that I've started to notice is that some of the LSSs are beginning to offer classes that deviate from traditional scrapbooking, and are more in the general direction of stamping and general crafts. Has anyone else noticed this trend? I know that it's happening here in North Texas. Techniques that I learned years ago when I started stamping, are making their way into scrapbook stores. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining at all, just noticing a trend.

I wonder if stores overseas are seeing the same thing happen? Is it just a U.S. sort of thing? Or is it global? I know I certainly wonder where we're headed in this fun and crazy hobby I enjoy so much.

So, what sort of trends have you noticed? Anything really stand out? Just curious.

Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!!

So I decided....

to try something a little different....I figured I'd try and change up a store bought card. So I bought a pack of cards from M's for $1.00. I got them home, and tried to come up with something "simple", so many people spend too much time and money trying to dress up cards.

This card was changed very quickly, and very inexpensively. I used a stamped image of a frog, since the coloration would work with the card's original colors.

Hope you enjoy it...

Whew....

What a busy weekend....thankfully, it's over, and we've had time to recover...lol....getting old sucks...

Anyway, I've been busy working on stuff for the stores to showcase the COPIC markers, and what they're capable of doing....to that end, here's a quick card I managed to whip up.

I'm working on another one.....and it occurs to me that I tend to use alot of GREEN in my projects. Who knew?

Anyway, until tomorrow, when I post again, have a RIPArts kind of day!

COPIC markers: G21, G24, E00, E02, E31, E33, E37, Cool Gray 3, Y15, B29

Updated!!

Ok, so I just added a Teaching Schedule to the blog. How about that? I'll be teaching classes at two different stores in the North Texas area. Fortunately for me, they both are fine with me teaching at both, since they're no where near each other, there's no conflict.

That makes me happy, because I love teaching...since it allows me to show my love for the hobby.

I can't wait for the next class (this weekend)....and if you happen to be in the North Texas area some weekend, check out the class schedules frequently. You never know when I'll be adding dates to it.

Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!!

Sooooo sorry....

Sorry I haven't posted in nearly a week, but it's been very hectic. I've been frantically working on sample projects for 2 stores where I'll be teaching COPIC marker classes.

To that end, I can't WAIT to be able to post the samples. I'm REALLY excited. Sherri is even getting in new product for the classes, and for general purchase. This is probably the most exciting news, right after knowing that I'll be able to use my COPICs on these items.

Maybe when I get home this evening I'll post a "teaser" pic. Wanna see one? You'll just have to ask nicely. As I always tell my friends, I may be easy, but I'm certainly not cheap!! ;)

Oh, and before I forget, I'll be making a trip to Waxahachie tomorrow to visit the LSS down there, and will have my traveling buddy Melinda with me. Who knows if we'll get into any trouble along the way. It's been known to happen! lol

Anyway, one final note for today....I'll be out of town this weekend (up in Arkansas), and without internet service (YIKES!!). So, I may try and find a WiFi coffee shop or something to post about my journey. We'll see if we can fit in any stops at the LSSs along the way. I ALWAYS do that...and I hope that I'm able to this weekend. The LSS in the town we're traveling to has unfortunately closed. So, there are only 2 left, and they're NOT in the same town. The furthest one is an hour away!!

Tune in next week to see if I survived a weekend without a LSS & Internet service!!

Until then, have a RIPArts kind of weekend!!

Hippity Hoppity....

Easter is fast approaching. Can you believe it? Are you ready? I'm sure not....but it did get me in the Easter mood...

To that end, I pulled out one of my oldies but goodies...this is a stamp that I purchased when I lived in Oregon state. This was during the time that I was heavily involved in stamping. I was a major collector of stamps at this point in my life, and I REALLY loved this line of stamps. I just wish I could find more of them now that they're no longer produced (at least I haven't been able to find them). Hey Kev, if you're reading this, and you'd better be, see if you can find more of these for me up there! :)

Anyway, hope you get a kick out of this image, as much as I do. Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!

In case you can't read the card, it says "Temporary Easter Bunny ... expect delays"!!

Oops....I did it again....

I created another card. I'm sorry, but I couldn't help myself! Seriously, how could I possibly stand a chance at passing up this beautiful stamp? Don't you just love that little fairy? She looks so spunky!

And what do you think of that background paper? Isn't it just wonderful? It's from The Memory Box! I LOVE their stuff! OMG, I'm just rambling aren't I?

Oh well, until next time, have yourself a RIPArts kind of day!!

What a difference....

What a difference the materials make....

I've been purchasing as many Greeting Farm stamps as I can get, and have been purchasing dies for using on my cards. I've also been adding and adding to my COPIC collection. I feel as if my projects have only gotten better. I certainly hope this trend continues. :)

So, have you ever gotten new materials, and noticed a change in your projects? If so, what did you get, and how has it affected your finished projects? Care to share?

Anyway, here's a card I just cranked out in 1/2 an hour. I'm pleased with it for a quickie. Hope you enjoy it as well. Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!

It's Official...

I will be teaching at the upcoming Shop Remember When Retreat in June, up in Whitesboro. I'm so excited. I had heard rumors that something was coming, but of course had to wait to see if it came to fruition. Of course, Sherri has pulled it off, and it sounds like it's going to be a BLAST!

I'll be teaching a class on the Silhouette, which should be fun. I've also been asked to teach in intro to COPIC markers class. How fun does this all sound? It sounds FANTASTIC to me!

I've already developed the COPIC class in my head, now I just need to put ink to paper, and do a sample. After I finish that, I'll begin the development of my Silhouette class. Should be fun.

Anyway, I hope some of you locals who read my blog will join us at the Retreat. If you'd like more information, check out the store's website. The link for Remember When is located on the right side of this blog.

Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!

WOW....how things change....

So....I'm sure that the recession is hitting most industries, and that people are being more selective in their purchases.....as such, I'm sure you're learning about more and more companies who are closing their doors. LuminArte (they make Twinkling H2Os) has announced that they're going out of business. Also CK has announced that they're restructuring. Who knows if they're going to survive this economic downturn.

Has the economy impacted you and your purchases? I know it's definitely starting to impact mine. I held out as long as I could, but am realizing that I really need to be more careful. That's not to say that I'm not going to make purchases, but rather that I am going to have to be smarter about them.

All that being said, here's the last card that I made....so I really need to get on the ball and make some more, especially since I just received 2 more stamp sets from The Greeting Farm. LOVE their stamps. Oh, and did I tell you that they just released some of the cutest fairies ever!!

Don't believe me? Check out their site. It's listed over to the right of this page.

Back to my roots...

You see, I started stamping cards back in the late 80's, when it really wasn't popular, and the selection of stamps wasn't that great either. That's what actually got me started down this slippery slope into crafting.

Now, when you look around you'll find TONS of stamps in all sorts of "categories", and all types of materials, from rubber to acrylic, and even those carvable stamps. Who knew that stamping would finally get into the game when scrapbookers finally took notice of stamps.

So, here's a card that I did for one of my Design Team projects. I used one of the stamps from the Wonderland set, put out by The Greeting Farm. Hope you like it. And in case you're wondering, YES, I did use COPIC markers. :)

Until next time, go have yourself a RIPArts kind of day!

Sneak Peek

Here's a sneak peek at what's coming....

I can't wait....hope you're just as excited as I am....

Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!! :)

It's Monday night....

and you know what that means......

It's HEROES; BIG BANG THEORY; and HOUSE night on television. YAY!! I can't wait to see the new episodes. Love Matt Parkman on Heroes....and Sheldon on Big Bang Theory......and of course who could resist House's charm? lol

Monday night also means that I'll be finishing up my DT projects for Remember When. I LOVE the dies they released, and I'm pleased with my projects. I sure hope everyone else does too. I always get excited when it's time to post. Go figure!

Once I finish that, I need to finalize the text for my class handouts for my Silhouette class on Saturday. Then I can get them printed in time.

So, until I post again, have a RIPArts kind of day!! :)

Short & Sweet....

No, I'm not talking about me....lol....though I could be......(yeah, as if).....

Anyway, I've been asked what I mean by "Have a RIPArts kind of day". So here's the answer. RIPArts actually stands for: Rubber Stamp, Ink, Paper Arts (RIPArts). So, when I say "Have a RIPArts kind of day", you now know what I am referring to. It basically means, have a creative day with Rubber Stamps, Inks, and/or Papers. :) Make sense? Great.

Now, go have yourself a RIPArts kind of day!

Well, I'm back....

...and I have to admit that I'm exhausted....today is Sunday, and I haven't gotten a single thing accomplished. We left on Thursday at 2pm...and arrived at our hotel at 11pm (after a brief respite while the hard to understand police officer wrote me my speeding ticket).

After we arrived there, we decided it would be fun to go out and check out the neighborhood. Now bear in mind, that when we got there, we ran into a parade that was taking place on Canal Street. That should have been a warning of how the rest of the trip would last.

So, we went out, cameras in hand, looking very much the part of tourists. The streets were so narrow, it was incredible to look at for the first time. Neither one of us had ever been to New Orleans before. Anyway, as we walked, we encountered some amazing architecture. Where you ask? Well, in the French Quarter, which is where our hotel was located.

So, as we walked around, we realized that it was COLD. So, we had to look for a jacket. We walked and walked around, until we finally found a street that had alot of activity. We walked in that direction, only to realize that it was PACKED. So, we continued looking, and realized we were on Bourbon Street. Who knew!?! Anyway, we found a jacket, and all was well with the world.

We decided that we wanted to explore more, but that our cameras were really in the way. So, we decided to head 2 blocks north to the hotel to drop them off. Along the way, I decided that I wanted get a picture of myself outside the gay bar that we had seen earlier. So off we went in that direction. Below is the result of our little "side trip". The men were very friendly and accommodating, and posed for a pic.

Well, we made it back to the hotel, and dropped off our cameras. Then we went back out again, headed to Bourbon Street of course. We walked back and forth on Bourbon, taking in all the local "scenery". It was alot of fun, but we did have to get some sleep before our class in the morning. So, we headed back to the hotel for some much needed rest. It was 2:30 when we made it back and crashed.

Next morning, we got ready and headed downstairs, only to discover that they couldn't find my vehicle. They left the building with ALL the keys that they had at the booth, and finally arrived back at the hotel with my car, after about 10 minutes. It makes me wonder where my rig was located for the evening.

Needless to say, we were in a hurry to make it to the other hotel for the class, so we drove and drove (gotta hate those one way streets), until we found the hotel. We made it in, only to discover that I had the wrong start time in mind. So instead of being 10 minutes late, we were 50 minutes early. Go figure.

Anyway, the class was JAM PACKED with information. It was crazy! We spent 6 hours actually working and taking notes. We had a pretty nondescript lunch and returned to finish the class, and get our Certification Certificates.

So, we tried to leave the area before it got crazy with parades, etc. Too late. It was 4pm, and we were blocked in the parking garage, because the hotel where the class was located, was on the path of the parade staging area. So, we were literally blocked for over an hour.....when we finally got out, we had trouble getting to I-10. Why? That's easy to explain. Half of the streets were blocked off, and the other half were one way streets heading in the WRONG direction. Needless to say, we didn't get out of New Orleans until 6:30.

Well, we finally got underway, only to discover that traffic still wasn't moving. Between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, we were literally at a dead STOP. On I-10 no less!! We just didn't understand what was going on at all. That is, until we got to Baton Rouge and while stopping for the dinner from h*ll, we overheard a customer saying that there was a parade in Baton Rouge, and that she had been trying for 3 hours to get out of Baton Rouge. The rest of the trip was uneventful, thankfully.

We made it to Dallas at 3:30am. I made it to bed at 4am. Had to be up early on Saturday to go to the Community Center Crop in Whitesboro. So, needless to say, we were a bit late to the crop. We got there at 11:30, which was after several stops along the way for some shopping.

We arrived at the crop, and I was relieved to finally be getting a chance to sit and relax. The rest of the crop was a blast. We had so much fun, and laughed so much. A special thanks to Shelley for my "man bag" in pretty pink. I'll be using it for my COPIC markers. Speaking of which, I LOVE this picture....hope you like it too....

And finally, I'll be teaching COPIC classes at Remember When. If you're interested, please keep an eye out on their webpage....check out the Calendar page. :)

So, until next time, I hope you have a RIPArts kind of day!!

So, it's time...

It's time to head out to New Orleans for my COPICS class....

Oh, how I dread the long drive...it's about 8 1/2 hours away. And to top it off, parking is at a premium down there, so this will not be a cheap trip....lol...

You'd think that as excited as I've been about this class, that I'd be ready. But no. I'm not. I have yet to pack, and I get on the road in an hour and a 1/2. Why the delay? I'm always doing that. I HATE packing. I love trips, but the packing kills me. And besides, Lex isn't going with me, so I'm kind of dragging my feet on this trip. Oh well, time to kick it into gear. I'll be leaving the office at 11am, and getting home, packing, and heading out as soon as I hear from Kim on how she's coming along.

I'll be staying at this quaint looking hotel in the French Quarter. It comes highly recommended by my friend Shelley. I can't wait to explore. Unfortunately, exploring will be at a minimum, due to our arrival time. And when class lets out tomorrow, we have to get on the road again, so that I have time to get home and pack up for the Community Center crop in Whitesboro, which I'm due at Saturday morning at 9am...and that's a 1 1/2 hour drive North for me....so, YAY, I'm giong to be dragging @ss on Saturday....lol....but at least I'll be home again, and with Lex. :)

Anyway, I'll be out of touch till about Sunday, due to scheduled events, so please hang in there until I get back. Until then, have a RIPArts kind of day!

What makes them special?

So, you want to know what makes COPIC markers so special? Well, there are various reasons that I like COPIC markers better than I do regular markers. While there's nothing inherently wrong with other markers, I prefer COPIC because of the following:

Depending on the style of COPIC marker you purchase (Original, Sketch, or Ciao), you get a wide variety of colors. The Originals come in 214 colors. The Sketch come in 322 colors. The Ciao come in 144 colors. How's that for a variety of colors. Why so many colors you ask? Well, it comes down to blending. The more colors you have, the more blending success you'll experience. Basically, to blend with COPIC markers, you take 3 markers of similar color value (a light shade, a mid shade, and a dark shade). You then begin to apply color to your project, starting with the lightest shade, and darkening with each subsequent shade. Once you apply your darkest shade, you go over the entire thing with your lightest shade to smooth out the color. So, the more colors you have, the smoother the blending. How's that for a quick overview?

My favorite of all the markers are the Sketch. They're similar to the Ciao markers, and a bit more expensive, but they also hold more refill ink. Which is the second reason I love these markers. They can be refilled. How's that for saving money. You buy the marker once, then you can refill it to your heart's content.

Of course another reason I like them, is that you can also replace the NIBS (tips) if they become worn. How's that for not wasting money? You can basically use this pen for as long as you'd like to own it and refill it. The color label/information on the barrel of the pen is burnished INTO the barrel, so it won't wear off either.

Finally, the markers are ALCOHOL based, so once the alcohol dissipates from your project, it is acid free!! YAY for scrapbookers!! Doesn't that just excite you! I know it does me!!

Now, still with me? Good. For the record, if you'd prefer not to have to deal with refilling your pens, you can always go with the COPIC Ciao markers. They have a smaller barrel, thus holding a little bit less ink, you can change the tips, and refill them if you'd like. However, if you'd rather not, they're the least expensive of the markers, so you can just throw them out. Or, if you're feeling generous, give them to a fellow scrapper/crafter who wouldn't mind dealing with refills. And there you have it.

So, how's that for a product endorsement? Bet you didn't think you'd be curious about these markers. If you are, I highly recommend going to their Blog (listed on the right of this space), and read up on them.

Final thought on these markers. If you like what you see/read, bear in mind that Remember When is planning on carrying these markers in the near future. From what I understand, they've been ordered, and should arrive soon. And in case you're wondering, they're stocking the CIAO markers. So, crafters rejoice!!

The purpose of evil in the world...or so I think...

I often wonder why some people can be so mean spirited, and in some cases just plain evil. This just doesn't apply to the world in general, but to most of our lives.

I've recently experienced the dark side of human nature at scrapbook stores, and I must tell you that I didn't like what I saw. It took some thought, but after awhile, I thought "You know, I have to accept the evil people in the world, just so that I can truly appreciate all that is not evil". Without the counter balance, I think it would be easy to take the "good stuff" for granted.

I hope that as I go through life, I don't take the "good stuff" for granted. I also hope that some of these mean people find the happiness that they're missing in their lives so that they don't live their entire lives being miserable, and by extension, making those around them miserable in the process.

So, to the evil, mean-spirited people in the world, I want to say "Thank you". Thanks for enabling me to appreciate all the "good stuff".

Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day!!

PUSH

So, we went to see PUSH tonite at the theatre. I have to say that Iunderstand why it didn't do better at the box office. What's that you say? Frank didn't like the movie? Nope, that's not what I'm saying at all. In fact, we loved the movie, but having seen it, we see why it didn't do well. The fact of the matter is, that it's more a thinker's movie, rather than an action packed spectacle.

It's rather misleading to see the commercials on television, in that they show one of the action scenes. However, there are really only three real action scenes in the entire movie. The rest of the movie involves dialogue which actually moves the storyline forward. Hmmm, go figure, an actual movie with dialogue.

I'd have to sum the movie up as a cross between Blade Runner (for sheer atmosphere), and a storyline much like that of Firestarter. Both movies that I enjoyed. We'll see how PUSH does in the long run, in terms of longevity.

Anyway, that's my mini review of the movie. Until next time, have a RIPArts kind of day.

Can you ever have enough?

Seriously, can you ever have enough paper, dies, embellishments, ink, stamps....well, you get the idea. It seems like every weekend, we go shopping for more. More of all of the stuff I just mentioned. Do I really need it? Probably not. Do I enjoy it? Absolutely. Isn't that what it's all about?

Today, I went and got some 6x6 papers from The Memory Box that I had ordered. I got the call that they came in, so off we went. After that, we ended up at Hobby Lobby for some Nestabilities dies, and some Copic markers for my friend Melinda. She's working on her Recipe Swap project for the group from Remember When.

Speaking of Remember When, I'm totally EXCITED to know that Sherri has decided to carry Copic Markers. YAY!!! I can't wait....this will make life so much easier. Once I finish my Copic Marker Certification class in New Orleans, I'll be ready to tackle teaching classes on their use. I've been experimenting with them already, as you've seen on my posted projects so far.

Final thought for the day, and it ties in to my original intent for this post "Can you ever have enough". I was going through my pictures from our recent Disney World vacation. Guess what, between Lex and I, we took nearly 12,000 pictures. Is that crazy, or what! OMG, who knew we could take so many pictures! My friends thought I was crazy when I told them that we'd take several thousand pictures. This ended up surprising even me. Oh, and we took several hours worth of videos. Crazy, I tell ya!!

So, can we ever have enough? Who knows. As long as we're having fun, I could always handle more. Can't you? So, until next time, I encourage each of you to have a RIPArts kind of day!!

Sad day...

Just remembering and revisiting my pics from our most recent vacation over the Christmas holiday to Disney World.....we had such an exhausting time, but it was soooo worth it! So, thought I'd share a few pics....hope you enjoy...and have a RIPArts kind of day!