My 1st trip to a LSS

Saturday May 30th, I decided I had to go and check out all the buzz surrounding LSS's. I usually am very budget conscious and somewhat frugal so I check for sales and use every store coupon I can get. This week instead of going to my usual spots I took the plunge and headed up to Eldersburg,Maryland to check out Photo Scraps. I've heard about it a few times and the reviews were nice. I visited the blog and liked what I saw, So why not. Right?
Well I was actually very surprised once I got there. It wasn't hard to find at all and the parking was adequate. The sign didn't say Photo Scraps though, it said Scrapbooking & Rubberstamp (or something). Anyway, through the window I could see the Fiskars Punches (Yippee), some papers in white mini-bins, and some other table displays. Once inside my eyes had lots to absorp. There were many products in the store in clearly delineated areas. The front was quite a hodge-podge of goodies and then more specific in the middle and a class area in the back. Like the friendly layout. I was able to wander aimlessly without interruption. I could even spy on the class as I walked past.
I actually took my time and visited ever wall nook and cranny in the store. I really didn't want to miss anything (especially after a 45 min drive). Lots of the things in the store I have seen in the big-box craft stores and some things I had only seen online or in magazines. Lots to Oooh and Ahhh over. My stash is already overflowing with stuff and I don't have an immediate need for anything but I figured I'm going to a LSS I'll set a limit of $25 and if there is anything I think is extraordinary I'll get it. Fair enough. After 3 circles of the store and some sighing from my son, I settled on a few things. Here's a photo:

I picked up some 12x12 acrylic shapes, a rub-on, small Imaginisce notepaper stamp, studio g purple glitter glue, twill ribbon, and a Hero Arts background stamp all for $26. I am very happy with my purchases. Can't wait to use them.

Smells Like Homemade

Smells Like Homemade

Wow what a wonderful site. So much inspiration. Pop on over and check out the awesome cards she has made and maybe enter to win some blog candy.

Re-Visiting my Creative Chaos

Thanks to WookieMouse for hosting a Organizational Challenge over at TwoPeasinabucket. It reminded me that I had this problem. This is week one of the challenge and we are being asked to assess our scrapping process and make a list. If you wanna join in on the challenge you can visit her blog. Just click on her name above. If your a TwoPeas member you can follow the link above to see what has already been posted.

So I've taken an inventory of my scrapping process and it goes a lil' something like this:
1. A photo or embellishment or even a good sketch
2. Pick out some papers
3. Add some texture and the embellishments
4. Put some words to the page, journal the memories.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. What's working for me now:
* I like having my supplies grouped in categories or by function
* I like shallow drawers that are within reach
* I like see through containers or containers where I can take a quick glance and find something

Things I need to fix:

- Storage issues
Stickers/Rub-ons (currently in a zipper binder from the office supply)
a. doesn't fit the long sheets
b. to hard to find the small sheets or individual items
c. Alphas are all mixed in

Clear stamps (currently in a zipper binder from the office supply)
a. like the binder format but need better materials
b. Need a library system so I can find them better

Chipboard- Not stored anywhere, just laying out
a. Need to figure out how to sort and store (shapes, sheets, and letters)

Small Stuff
a. Brads, eyelets, metal items in too many places.

Photos
a. Not being printed regularly
b. No way to keep all digital files in one place (need back up other than too many CDs)
c. Need a way to make "kits" so I can focus on projects

-Room Layout
* Not enough elbow room on the desk
* Not utilizing the floor space, without comprising the utility room function
*Things stored too high or too far across room to scrap quickly

What would I like to see:
Dedicated areas for working on tasks like
a. A tool zone- cutting and embossing station
b. Sewing station
c. "Wet bar" paints, inks, heat embossing etc
d. "Construction zone" for laying out a project and assembling.

New Cuttlebug Embossing Folders

I'm very excited about so many of these designs. I just can't get enough textures for my projects. How about you? Just imagine all of the great things you could create with the stars background, 4th of July, Male cards, school themes. Oh the possibilities. I'll have my eyes open for this August. They are available for pre-order through Integrity Rubberstamps. I have never purchased from them but ....

DOING LIFE

DOING LIFE

Pop on over to Doing Life and check out her beautiful layouts and take some time to congratulate her for reaching 20,000 hits on her blog.

Imagine, Create, Inspire....: Blogaversary Candy - 1 year old

Imagine, Create, Inspire....: Blogaversary Candy - 1 year old


Maria will be celebrating her 1 year blogaversary. Please pop on by and tell her Congrats and while your there check out her flower tutorial its really great.