COPIC Markers CHAT @ Embellish-Online, Thurs Oct 30th @ 6PM PST

Ok, how many of you keep hearing about these Copic markers that are so AMAZING!!!! that they are practically the best thing since sliced bread!?? But don't know how to use them, where to start as in what colors do you buy?? Ohhh, too many choices sometimes gives me a headache. Yes, I'm overwhelmed!!

Well, Barb over at Embellish-Online has invited Emily Laurel, our Copic Representative, to a very special online Copic Chat just for our members. Its for newbies as well as die hard Copic-lovin' friends.

What: A Copic Chat.....come with all of your questions if you're a newbie or even a Copic wannabe!

When: Thursday, October 30, 7:00 MST (Mountain Standard Time) - That's 6PM for us California Girls!

Where: Right in our forum...c'mon in and join the fun....we're a friendly bunch!

RSVP: If you can join us, please be sure to let us know where you heard about this awesome opportunity...whether it is here, on a Design Team Member's blog (ahem!! tell them that you heard it from CHING!!!) or on a Customer's blog....we want to know! Let us know in this thread!

If you want to see what amazing creations you can achieve with these markers, check out my friend Suzy's blog here. She's got a wonderful tutorial here. She's amazing!!

Don't forget....GLITTER is the magic word to get you 20% off of your entire order.....so though the Copics in the store are PREORDER....who can't use the magic of a sale to add these lovelies to your stash?! We look forward to meeting you!!

My Additional Guest DT Projects for Moments 2 Remember

I'm nearing the end of my month as the October Guest Design Team Member for one of my most favorite sites, Moments-2-Remember, which I dub the "Charmed Place." I wanted to share my additional projects I created with their October "Its a Beautiful Life" monthly kit which is SOLD OUT now by the way!! M2R totally rawks!!



This was just a beautiful kit to work with and just up my alley, so to speak! I created these projects while I was at my weekend scrap retreat earlier this month on my birthday weekend. (In retrospect, with what's been going on at work, I'm soooooooo glad I didn't cancel out and sacrifice that ME time for work!)

My friend Kari lent me her pictures from her road trip through Michigan for this layout. Thanks Kari!!


And here are some closeups:





And I've been seeing these "balls" everywhere so I decided to create a Fall Ball as a decorative table centerpeice. :) They're easy to make and you can fill them with candies and treats!



Here are directions:

1. Cut 9 strips of 2 inches x 12 inches out of double sided pattterned paper of your choice. Its best if you use 2-3 various coordinating patterned papers so that your pumpkin has a more "interesting" body.

2. Stack all your strips together on top of each other. Try to alternate different patterned papers designs/colors so that your ball will be colorful and varied.

3. Pierce a hole through all the strips through each of the ends. Use a brad on each end to secure all the strips together.

4. Now fan out each of the strips, and you'll see that you're creating a "ball."

5. Create leaves, stems, vines, etc. to adorn the top of your "ball" that's appropriate for the theme you have chosen.

Please do drop by Moments-2-Remember as we really do have a warm, fun and friendly community there. If you do, tell them Ching sent ya!! (You'll help me earn my October virtual charm bracelet!)

Scrap Pink Cyber Crop @ Urban-Anthology - October 17-19 2008

Come join our first Urban-Anthology Scrap Pink Cyber Crop and help a good cause the Susan G Koman foundation!

This will not be any ordinary cyber crop as we will be cropping for a cause to raise funds to help find a cure for Breast Cancer!

The cyber crop will be FREE, however, there will be many opportunities for you to make donations, get great discounts and participate in fun games, challenges and classes.

We will be having special guest Elizabeth Hicks who is both a Primadonna (Prima DT) and a DT for Tattered Angels (those wonderful people who make the Glimmer Mists). I personally am so bummed that I didn't jump on the opportunity to take her classes 2 weeks ago when she taught at the Scrappin-Escapes retreat I attended, so I'm totally excited to have a 2nd chance. She's utterly amazing with all things clear, glittery, shimmery, painty, etc...you get the idea.

For the Scrap Pink cyber crop, Elizabeth will be showing us how to use what you have on your computer along with teaching us a few new techniques along with using what we already have in our scrap stash to create a fantastic layout! She'll also be around to chat with us LIVE on Saturday, Oct 18th between 8-10PM PST.

We will be kicking off the festivities on Friday night with a crop, so get on those comfy PJ's and pull together those projects you have been wanting to work on, and join us!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2008:

Karen & Keri - Will be host’s of a weekend long chal­lenge

Scrap Pink Kick off On-line Cyber Crop... with RAK's, RAK's, RAK's (Prizes!)... Starts (3 PM PST)
Kristin - Card Making (8 - 9 PM PST)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2008:

Elizabeth Hicks— Layout Project (throughout the day)

Kari - Basic Grey Mini Album (10 AM PST) ***********See below!
Kathi - Layout Challenge (2 PM PST)
Ching - Envelope Accordion Mini Book - (7-9 PM PST)
Elizabeth Hicks - Live Chat (8-10 PM PST)
A few Games & Prizes throughout the day
Late Night Crop 7 PM PST - Until we all fall asleep!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2008:

Kathi - Binder Clip Photo Holder ( TIME T.B.D)
Games & Prizes.

Basic Grey Scrap Pink Mini Album

What would a crop be with projects, classes, and make and takes???

Join Kari, Urban-Anthology's fabulous owner, on Saturday October 19th (time TBA) to make the Basic Grey Scrap Pink Mini Album, which you can purchase at Urban-Anthology. ($10 of the kit cost will be donated to the Susan G Koman foundation, when purchased by October 20, 2008) Join us online and make it with us, or purchase the kit (instructions included) and do it on your own time. Don't forget to upload your project to the gallery! $30 Retail Value!

Basic Grey Scrap Pink Mini Album Kit Contents:

6x6 Scalloped mini album
Basic Grey -Perhaps 6x6 paper pad
1 pkg Infuse Ribbons
1 pkg Infuse buttons
1 sheet Flourish rub-ons (black)
1 pkg Middleset chipboard alphas
Detailed COLOR directions
*** Bonus Prima flowers ***

The Great Pumpkin Search @ Paper Popsicles - Oct 15th

Paper Popsicles is participating in The Great Pumpkin Search this year! By visiting all the participating stores and finding the hidden pumpkin, you will be eligible to win prizes.

Over $1000 in prizes will be given away to participants of The Great Pumpkin Search Online Shop Hop!

A pumpkin image will be hidden in each participating store website. Once you find it, you will click on it to enter your email address. If you find the hidden pumpkin in each participating store, you will be eligible to win prizes.

Anyone can participate... all you need is access to the internet and a valid email address.
Participation is FREE!

Click here to register! The fun begins Wednesday, Oct 15th and will last ALL month long until November 16th!!!

Check out the cool prizes!!

GRAND PRIZE #2 - $100 in gift certificates from participating stores

GRAND PRIZE #3 - $50 in gift certificates from participating stores

4 GRAND PRIZE #4 - a $25 gift basket from Tinkering Ink

GRAND PRIZE #1 - $250 in gift certificates from participating stores
3 BONUS PRIZES - 3 Customers with the Largest Sales Receipt will each win $35 in gift certificates from participating stores
8 FIRST PRIZES
$25 in gift certificates from participating stores

6 SECOND PRIZES
$15 in gift certificates from participating stores

20 THIRD PRIZES
a $10 gift certificate from participating stores

End of the Line for Me @ Bad Girls Top Designer Academy

I know, its been awhile since I've chatted about my progress in the Top Designer competition over at BadGirlsKits. I've just been sooo under the gun with both work and in completing all my assignments for my various DT commitments. Thankfully, I got everything I needed to done, and have caught up on sleep. I literally was a walking zombie there!

Anyway, I got as far as 4 weeks in the 6 week competition. This past week, I didn't submit anything so I have no idea how far I would have gotten. (Personally, I think this would have been my week to have been eliminated anyway due to the prolific creativity and talent the remaining girls have!!) I'm not bent out of shape too much because you see, I'm finally learning to recognize "when" its enough by continually reevaluating what my priorities and commitments are.

* I stand committed to my DT at Paper Popsicles (as I needed to finish and upload my World Card Making day project);
* I stand committed to my DT at Embellish-Online (as I needed to complete my monthly DT projects for them);
* I stand committed to my DT at Scrap-N-Yap (as I needed to finish my proposed class project for the upcoming Nov-Dec calendar);
* I stand committed to my DT at Moments-2-Remember (as I had just received my Guest DT kit materials and needed to have my projects posted within a few days);
* and I stand committed to my friend Kari, owner of Urban-Anthology, to finish planning/designing the remainder of her monthly club kits.

Work has been sooo very hectic and demanding of my time as I've assumed additional responsibilities and projects that I've been working through my lunch times and working even longer hours. And I had to get ready and packed to attend my long anticipated 3 day scrap weekend, Scrappin-Escapes, which was organized by my friend Jessica. Sigh...everything was converging all at once, and there's only one of me!

So, something had to give, and it was the Bad Girls competition which I had entered into with my friends Eva and Karen just for fun. The added twist of the competition becoming a DT search certainly upped the ante as well, so it was just time to bow out and let the serious contenders duke it out for the grand prize while I tended to those I had commitments to. My intentions/goal no longer matched the agenda of the competition.

Hmm, don't I sound all grown up?? I'm learning how to not be a martyr all the time. (Aside: I finally requested and was authorized to hire an assistant as I truly refuse to be taken advantage of by my current employer, i.e. more responsibilities at a higher level with no additional pay.)

Granted, it sure would have been nice to see how far I would have gotten in the competition, even if it was just one more week. I'm in serious awe though, of the girls who still remain in the competition. They are amazing and I'll continue to participate at the site to garner inspiration from that talented group.

Thank you Bad Girls for having allowed me to have gone as far as I did. I'm truly honored! "Tomorrow is ....another day" said Scarlett, so I hope to have a go at this competition again next year.

Holiday Open House @ Scrap 'N Yap Sat Oct 11th 10AM-4PM

Its time for another Open House at Scrap 'N Yap THIS SATURDAY, October 11th from 10am to 4pm to premiere classes for November and December as well as to showcase all new product that's been arriving at the store.

Ching, Erna, Kim, Michelle, Mykle, and Karina will be there to showcase our new classes and do our traditional meet and greet. And of course our amazing staff, Renae, Rosanne, Shauna, and Jen, and last and most definitely NOT least, the queen herself, Elizabeth Tuch, store owner and hostess of the grand event.

As you may or may not know, our open houses at are always a blast! The atmosphere is very welcoming and there's always something fun going on!!! It's like "CHEERS" but without the beer (lol)...everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came. So if you are new to Scrap n' Yap, or have not vistited us yet, come on by to check us out and say hello. If you're a regular, and we love our regulars, mark your calendars and don't forget to visit. The more, the merrier!

My project for the holidays will be featuring the lovely papers from the Happy Holiday Lines from Fancy Pants. Here's a peek of the papers...you'll have to come to the Open House this Saturday to see my project which will be a perfect gift item.



Remember, if you sign up for classes on the day of our Open House, you'll receive 10% off the class fee. Hmm, more savings means more shopping money for scrap goodies, and I'm all for that!!

Of course, I'll be sharing pictures of our really fun Open Houses on Sunday along with sneak peeks of my class project for those of you that can't make it this Sat. See you there!

Also, my Masculine Basic Grey Layout and Cards combo class featuring the Basic Grey Boxer line at Scrap 'N Yap is happening this coming Sunday, October 12th. (Looks like I'll be living at the Yap this weekend, huh?) There are still spaces left in the class, so if you're interested, call the store to reserve your space!



***Psssst!!! Scrap 'N Yap is now looking for class instructors. If you're interested, please send me an email and I'll give you the scoop!***

My October Design Team Gallery Reveal @ Embellish-Online

Today is October 5th, and the 5th means its the debut of our October Design Team Gallery over at Embellish-Online, so please come on by and give us some love.

This month, I got to work with the super cute Imaginisce Hallowhimsy line and here's what I came up with in keeping with our Halloween Monster Mash theme for the month.

Guest Designer Kim Frantz - be sure to see the wonderful work Kim has done for us AGAIN this month. She won our first Friday Free For All Challenge. Her gallery is a must see - that is one talented woman. No wonder she was named Memory Makers Master for 2009. Shock and awe, people. Shock and awe! We are so blessed to have her join us the past 2 months.

****************************************************************************

Happy belated TGIF Everyone!!! And Friday means another weekly challenge hosted by one of our very own talented Design Team members over at Embellish-Online.

This week, Julie Okada is heading up our newest Friday Challenge today which is a crisp and clean sketch challenge with a Fall theme. Do please stop by to check us out and play along.

You're sure to be inspired!

NOTE: The DT Friday Challenges and the Teapot Tuesday Challenges that occur WEEKLY have been added to my BLOG CALENDAR that's located at the TOP LEFT of my blog. Check it out!! (you know this is mostly for me so that I don't forget, right? lol)

Ok, I'm going back to my extended Bday celebration. :)

World Wide Card Making Day Oct 4th @ Paper Popsicles

Yeah!!!! The day is finally upon us to have some fun and create cards all day. I and the other Paper Popsicles Design Team Members will be hosting a slew of card challenges all day beginning at 9AM. If you're out and about today, the card threads will stay up for you to play catch up later so you can make one for yourself too.

WHEN: October 4th, 9 am - 7 pm central/standard time ( A new idea every OTHER hour)
WHERE: Paper Popsicles Message Board
WHY: To discover new creative cards ideas
We will be featuring the following card ideas: money card; gift card holder; pocket card; shaped window card; monochromatic card with dimension; ideas for using Paper Popsicles exclusive cut-out cards…..
Can’t make it on Saturday - no problem. Just check out the forum when you are able to after October 4. But remember to share your cards with us!
Here's my card idea for the day that will be featured at 3PM this afternoon. Can you guess which card technique idea it is? :) Click here for my step by step instructions.

PICTURE WILL BE BACK ON FEB 18TH, 2009

And here's a detailed shot of the dimension:

PICTURE WILL BE BACK ON FEB 18TH, 2009

Come join us today at Paper Popsicles for a great day of Card Making!

My Guest DT Gallery Reveal @ Moments-2-Remember

I'm still pretty giddy about being chosen as the October Guest Design Team Member for one of my most favorite sites, Moments-2-Remember, which I dub the "Charmed Place."



Well, today, Oct 1st, is my DT Gallery reveal over at Moments-2-Remember!! Come on over and check out ALL the talented DT Work from Valerie, Holly, Zoa, Shannon and Sarah by clicking HERE. (Note: You may be required to register and sign in into the message board to view the thread.)

We got to work with the gorgeous "It's a Beautiful Life" papers from Bo Bunny this month. For those of you that know me and my style, you're probably thinking "Ching......Bo Bunny? huh??" Seriously, take a look at these papers and you'll know why I absolutely fell in love with this October BEAUTIFUL LIFE kit. The paper peicing is an exclusive designed by DT Member Shannon. And get this.....this kit is ONLY $15!!! What a deal, huh??

Celebrate Fall with this BEAUTIFUL collection of papers and embellishments! Our October kit includes: Bo Bunny Beautiful Life Leaf double sided paper (2), Bo Bunny Beautiful Life Stripe double sided paper (2), Bo Bunny Beautiful Life Dots double sided paper (2), 3 matching solids (various fall colors), Basic Grey Sublime Letter Stickers Sheet, Maya Road Chipboard pieces (5), Fall Silk Leaves (4), Hand Crochet Fall Flowers (3), Hat Pin with Bead, Jute, Journal Square and 2 pieces of fall colored mulberry paper, Apple paper piecing, Exclusive "Owl" paper piecing by Shannon Morgan, Cello Treat Bag. Perfect for ALL your fall photos and projects! Be sure to see what our amazing Design Team has done with this kit!

And here is what I created with the kit. Can you tell that I absolutely had a ball with all these yummy goodies??



I blame my good friend Karen for this. LOL! I was at a crop with her recently when she suddenly turned to me and said, "Do you have any corrugated board, or know where I can get some?" To which I replied, "Don't you just use boxes?"

Soooo, when I saw this Bo Bunny "Its a Beautiful Life" line of papers, I knew instantly that I'd HAVE to get my hands on some corrugated boards. I recycled an older box that was used to house items I had ordered to be delivered to home, cut off a large panel and started to peel the top layer to expose the corrugated areas. I wanted an uneven random look so I didn't spend too much time trying to neatly remove everything.

I decided to use my corrugated board as the base of my layout. I used some Glimmer Mist (in Moonlight which I got from Barb at Embellish-Online) and some metallic gold acrylic paint to customize it a bit to better match the mood I was going for in my layout. The colors also perfectly compliment the Bo Bunny papers I think.

Here's some close ups of my "imperfect" corrugated areas which were beautifully filled up with goopy shimmery teals and golds!! The glimmer mist and the acrylic paint really added a beautiful subtle texture to the corrugated board.







And here are some close ups of the details of the layout:





And here's a card, based on this week's sketch at 2Sketches4You, that I made with the adorable exclusive paper peicing that was designed by DT Member Shannon:



I really love these papers and I will be posting a few more projects later on this weekend when I have more time to play with this very yummy kit. Please do drop by Moments-2-Remember as we really do have a warm, fun and friendly community there. If you do, tell them Ching sent ya!! (You'll help me earn my October virtual charm bracelet!)