Hi Everyone!
I just wanted to put up some info about our monthly scrappy event...
Location: Messiah Church Fellowship Area, 2072 Highway 14 E., Prattville, AL. {We're on the second floor and there is an elevator!!!}
Card Class begins at 9:30 a.m. and lasts approximately two hours. Cost is $5 for materials. Everything is provided for you. We'll be playing with border punches, stamps...the list goes on. Our theme this month is "Butterflies, Blossoms & Blessings." We'll be working on cards/projects that are perfect for springtime and Easter. This is a great class for both the beginner and the seasoned scrapbooker/cardmaker. You don't need any tools. Just bring yourself. If you'd like to join us for this fun class, comment on this post or send me an email, sassyscrapperal@gmail.com so I can have your class kit ready for you!
Crop area is available until 6:00 PM. We have plenty of room for you to spread out and padded chairs too. There's also plenty of outlets for your electronic scrappy tools, gadgets, or laptops. Digi/Hybrid scrappers are welcome. The crop is free, however we ask that you bring a snack to share. Bottled water will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your favorite beverage.
I look forward to seeing you there!!!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Provo Craft vs. Make The Cut...And WE Lose!!!
Welcome to the Studio!
Unfortunately, I have some bad news to share. Provo Craft (manufacturer of Cricut) has sued the owner(s) of Make The Cut. Due to a settlement in the case, NEW UPDATES of Make The Cut will not work with ANY CRICUT machines.
A little good news...if you have downloaded MTC prior to this week (Version 3.2.1 or lower), you will be able to use it on your Cricut as long as you do not update your Cricut firmware (Expression/Cake Version 2.34 or lower). Even if you only downloaded MTC's trial version, you can get the registration code and it will continue to work with your Cricut as long as you DO NOT UPDATE! So at least some of us can continue to cut to our heart's content for the time being. However, if you purchase any of the new cartridges that are being currently released, they may or may not work without updating the Cricut firmware. If I find out for sure, I'll be sure to post the info. Older cartridges are not affected.
My Two Cents...
This is only my opinion and it's the basis for my choice to boycott Provo Craft in the future. You should make whatever decision is right for you. I feel that I paid for my Cricut with my hard-earned money. It's mine, period. I also bought a printer and a scanner a few years ago. They are mine, period. All three of these products hook up via USB to my computer. My printer manufacturer does not tell me what I can and cannot print, nor does my scanner manufacturer limit what items I can scan. What right does Provo Craft have to tell me what I can and cannot cut or what program I can or cannot use to cut those items. I enjoy designing my own creations to cut out. Provo Craft's Design Studio does not give you that freedom. You are limited only to the cartridges they sell and that you own. I have about 20+ cartridges that I use occasionally. Most of them I purchased for a specific layout/album I had in mind. I like them, but even using the Gypsy, I still cannot manipulate the shapes to create what I want.
Pursuant to Provo Craft's choice to "attempt to stifle my creativity," not only will I not purchase ANY of their products in the future, including blades and mats - and yes, I can still get blades - but I am currently saving up to purchase a new cutter. I have been researching what's on the market and I have my eye on a Black Cat Cougar. The Lynx model is also pretty sweet. {link on side} That company is working with Make The Cut, as opposed to suing them, in order to grow their business and bring smiles to the faces of thousands of papercrafters around the world.
Thanks for listening to my rant. If you have any questions about MTC and your Cricut machine, please don't hesitate to email me. If I can't answer your question, I know several people who can.
Until next time, Scrap Sassy!
Unfortunately, I have some bad news to share. Provo Craft (manufacturer of Cricut) has sued the owner(s) of Make The Cut. Due to a settlement in the case, NEW UPDATES of Make The Cut will not work with ANY CRICUT machines.
A little good news...if you have downloaded MTC prior to this week (Version 3.2.1 or lower), you will be able to use it on your Cricut as long as you do not update your Cricut firmware (Expression/Cake Version 2.34 or lower). Even if you only downloaded MTC's trial version, you can get the registration code and it will continue to work with your Cricut as long as you DO NOT UPDATE! So at least some of us can continue to cut to our heart's content for the time being. However, if you purchase any of the new cartridges that are being currently released, they may or may not work without updating the Cricut firmware. If I find out for sure, I'll be sure to post the info. Older cartridges are not affected.
My Two Cents...
This is only my opinion and it's the basis for my choice to boycott Provo Craft in the future. You should make whatever decision is right for you. I feel that I paid for my Cricut with my hard-earned money. It's mine, period. I also bought a printer and a scanner a few years ago. They are mine, period. All three of these products hook up via USB to my computer. My printer manufacturer does not tell me what I can and cannot print, nor does my scanner manufacturer limit what items I can scan. What right does Provo Craft have to tell me what I can and cannot cut or what program I can or cannot use to cut those items. I enjoy designing my own creations to cut out. Provo Craft's Design Studio does not give you that freedom. You are limited only to the cartridges they sell and that you own. I have about 20+ cartridges that I use occasionally. Most of them I purchased for a specific layout/album I had in mind. I like them, but even using the Gypsy, I still cannot manipulate the shapes to create what I want.
Pursuant to Provo Craft's choice to "attempt to stifle my creativity," not only will I not purchase ANY of their products in the future, including blades and mats - and yes, I can still get blades - but I am currently saving up to purchase a new cutter. I have been researching what's on the market and I have my eye on a Black Cat Cougar. The Lynx model is also pretty sweet. {link on side} That company is working with Make The Cut, as opposed to suing them, in order to grow their business and bring smiles to the faces of thousands of papercrafters around the world.
Thanks for listening to my rant. If you have any questions about MTC and your Cricut machine, please don't hesitate to email me. If I can't answer your question, I know several people who can.
Until next time, Scrap Sassy!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Technique Blog Hop - Contrast Embossing
Welcome! This is our First Technique Blog Hop! This month there are 11 of us highlighting the “Contrast Embossing” Technique as shown on page 31 in the Spring/Summer 2011 Idea Book! This blog hop is a great big circle so you can start wherever you want and continue through to see all the fabulous artwork incorporating this technique. If you would like to start from the beginning, please visit this link, Debbie's Blog At the end of this post, you will also find a listing of all participants and their blog addresses if you should get lost or want to reference a blog along the way. Let’s get started!
If you are coming from Neely Dean's Blog, you are on the right track! This technique is highlighted with the Lucky paper packet in the Idea Book, but you will find variations for its use throughout this hop.
I have to admit that when I started this layout, it was kind of humdrum and boring. I knew I was participating in this technique blog hop, but hadn't decided what type of project to showcase. Then like a bolt of lightning...well, maybe divine intervention...I decided that this technique was PERFECT for my title area and definitely added that "sassy" wow factor to this layout. There will be a companion page coming soon! The layout design is based on one of the Pagemaps by Becky Fleck. There is a link to her site listed under "Favorites."
Here's a closeup of my triple contrast embossed flower...
My twist on this technique is that not only is my hibiscus flower contrast embossed, it is triple embossed. I used the Extreme Happiness stamp set. The Hibiscus flowers are actually three separate stamps. I first stamped the larger, outer petals with Versamark and embossed it in CTMH Cranberry Embossing Powder. I followed the same steps with the flower center and stamen. I used CTMH Purple Pansy Embossing Powder on the inside and CTMH Gold Embossing Powder for the stamen.
If you would like to see details on the technique or my supply list, please continue reading below. If not, please continue on to Carol's Blog where you will find some additional artwork highlighting this technique! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of my variation and happy hopping!
Supply List: Extreme Happiness Stamp Set, C1356
Moon Doggie Level 2 Paper Pack (Retired)
Journaling Spots (Retired)
Kraft Color-Ready Borders, Z1377
Stamp Ink Pads in Indian Corn Blue, Chocolate, Cranberry, Bamboo
Cranberry Embossing Powder, Z659
Gold Embossing Powder, Z668
Purple Pansy Embossing Powder, Z664
Hotfix rhinestones, topaz
iRock Tool (Haven't seen this neat tool? Check out one of my previous posts.)
I apologize for using one of the retired paper packs. I had bought it purposely for some of my cruise layouts. Our cruise, however, was in 2008, you know, back when the paper pack was brand new;) Oh well, the plans of mice and men; right?
Here are the steps to Contrast Embossing:
1. Stamp background image on project. You can use Versamark and embossing powder or just ink. (If you use the Versamark and embossing powder like I did, be sure to heat your image after each step and then wait until it cools before stamping your next image.)
2. Stamp additional images in Versamark ink. Sprinkle with contrasting color of embossing powder.
3. Tap off excess powder. Set with craft heater.
Here you can see a visual demonstration of this technique:
Thanks for stopping by! Continue onto Carol's Blog, to continue the hop!
Here is the list of Hoppers and links to their blogs:
1. Debi Barber – http://debiistheothersister.blogspot.com/2011/03/contrast-embossing-blog-hop.html
2. Neely Dean – http://neelydean.blogspot.com/2011/03/contrast-embossing-blog-hop.html
3. Kelly George – http://sassyscrapperstudio.blogspot.com/
4. Carol Harris – http://carol-harris.blogspot.com/2011/03/contrast-embossing-technique-blog-hop.html
5. Heather Martin – http://heathermmartin.blogspot.com/2011/03/contrast-embossing-blog-hop.html
6. Melissa Robinson – http://mlisrobinson.blogspot.com/2011/03/contrast-embossing-blog-hop.html
7. Shirley Ross – http://momnmescrap.blogspot.com/2011/03/contrast-embossing-technique-blog-hop.html/
8. Rachel Ventura – http://happyscrappinsquad.blogspot.com/
9. Tonya Whitehurst – http://heartandsoulscrappers.blogspot.com/2011/03/contrast-embossing-blog-hop.html
10. Xellina Wieland – http://xellina.blogspot.com/2011/03/v-behaviorurldefaultvmlo.html
11. Sheila Wilkerson – http://ezscrapbooks.blogspot.com/2011/03/contrast-embossing-blog-hop.html
Thanks for stopping by! Until next time, Scrap Sassy!
If you are coming from Neely Dean's Blog, you are on the right track! This technique is highlighted with the Lucky paper packet in the Idea Book, but you will find variations for its use throughout this hop.
I have to admit that when I started this layout, it was kind of humdrum and boring. I knew I was participating in this technique blog hop, but hadn't decided what type of project to showcase. Then like a bolt of lightning...well, maybe divine intervention...I decided that this technique was PERFECT for my title area and definitely added that "sassy" wow factor to this layout. There will be a companion page coming soon! The layout design is based on one of the Pagemaps by Becky Fleck. There is a link to her site listed under "Favorites."
Here's a closeup of my triple contrast embossed flower...
My twist on this technique is that not only is my hibiscus flower contrast embossed, it is triple embossed. I used the Extreme Happiness stamp set. The Hibiscus flowers are actually three separate stamps. I first stamped the larger, outer petals with Versamark and embossed it in CTMH Cranberry Embossing Powder. I followed the same steps with the flower center and stamen. I used CTMH Purple Pansy Embossing Powder on the inside and CTMH Gold Embossing Powder for the stamen.
If you would like to see details on the technique or my supply list, please continue reading below. If not, please continue on to Carol's Blog where you will find some additional artwork highlighting this technique! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you thought of my variation and happy hopping!
Supply List: Extreme Happiness Stamp Set, C1356
Moon Doggie Level 2 Paper Pack (Retired)
Journaling Spots (Retired)
Kraft Color-Ready Borders, Z1377
Stamp Ink Pads in Indian Corn Blue, Chocolate, Cranberry, Bamboo
Cranberry Embossing Powder, Z659
Gold Embossing Powder, Z668
Purple Pansy Embossing Powder, Z664
Hotfix rhinestones, topaz
iRock Tool (Haven't seen this neat tool? Check out one of my previous posts.)
I apologize for using one of the retired paper packs. I had bought it purposely for some of my cruise layouts. Our cruise, however, was in 2008, you know, back when the paper pack was brand new;) Oh well, the plans of mice and men; right?
Here are the steps to Contrast Embossing:
1. Stamp background image on project. You can use Versamark and embossing powder or just ink. (If you use the Versamark and embossing powder like I did, be sure to heat your image after each step and then wait until it cools before stamping your next image.)
2. Stamp additional images in Versamark ink. Sprinkle with contrasting color of embossing powder.
3. Tap off excess powder. Set with craft heater.
Here you can see a visual demonstration of this technique:
Thanks for stopping by! Continue onto Carol's Blog, to continue the hop!
Here is the list of Hoppers and links to their blogs:
1. Debi Barber – http://debiistheothersister.blogspot.com/2011/03/contrast-embossing-blog-hop.html
2. Neely Dean – http://neelydean.blogspot.com/2011/03/contrast-embossing-blog-hop.html
3. Kelly George – http://sassyscrapperstudio.blogspot.com/
4. Carol Harris – http://carol-harris.blogspot.com/2011/03/contrast-embossing-technique-blog-hop.html
5. Heather Martin – http://heathermmartin.blogspot.com/2011/03/contrast-embossing-blog-hop.html
6. Melissa Robinson – http://mlisrobinson.blogspot.com/2011/03/contrast-embossing-blog-hop.html
7. Shirley Ross – http://momnmescrap.blogspot.com/2011/03/contrast-embossing-technique-blog-hop.html/
8. Rachel Ventura – http://happyscrappinsquad.blogspot.com/
9. Tonya Whitehurst – http://heartandsoulscrappers.blogspot.com/2011/03/contrast-embossing-blog-hop.html
10. Xellina Wieland – http://xellina.blogspot.com/2011/03/v-behaviorurldefaultvmlo.html
11. Sheila Wilkerson – http://ezscrapbooks.blogspot.com/2011/03/contrast-embossing-blog-hop.html
Thanks for stopping by! Until next time, Scrap Sassy!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
March Card Class, Crop & Cricut Swarm
Hello Everyone!
Let me begin by saying I had a wonderful time meeting with and scrapping with all you scrappy gals on Saturday. We added a few new friends this month...Welcome Tanna, Esther, Crystal, Julia & Julia. We look forward to seeing a lot of you - and your awesome projects too!
(Scraptastic young ladies, Julia & Julia.)
Our theme for card class this month was "Going Green" in honor of St. Patrick's Day later this month. Every card we worked on focused on multiple shades of green and all things lucky. Two of our projects were this shamrock card and the vellum "I'm so Lucky" card.
During card class, Joan (aka Mom, aka Dear Joan) taught everyone how to make a waterfall card. Here are some pictures of the sample we had. If you'd like directions, please email me or leave a comment containing your email address and I'll be happy to send them to you.
Let me begin by saying I had a wonderful time meeting with and scrapping with all you scrappy gals on Saturday. We added a few new friends this month...Welcome Tanna, Esther, Crystal, Julia & Julia. We look forward to seeing a lot of you - and your awesome projects too!
(Scraptastic young ladies, Julia & Julia.)
Our theme for card class this month was "Going Green" in honor of St. Patrick's Day later this month. Every card we worked on focused on multiple shades of green and all things lucky. Two of our projects were this shamrock card and the vellum "I'm so Lucky" card.
During card class, Joan (aka Mom, aka Dear Joan) taught everyone how to make a waterfall card. Here are some pictures of the sample we had. If you'd like directions, please email me or leave a comment containing your email address and I'll be happy to send them to you.
During our Cricut Swarm, several of us ladies learned & shared tips and tricks for using Make The Cut software with our Cricuts.
I can't wait until April's Card Class & Crop! We'll be working on some Easter cards and maybe even a Mother's Day card. I'll try to get some samples up before April 2nd.
I've also been inspired by Tanna to work on some of my Disney/Epcot photos (from 2005) as well as some cruise photos (from 2008). Better late than never; right? I'll be posting some more layouts soon. I'm also going to get to finish my wedding album (we'll be married 9 yrs. on the 22nd), the mini album of the scrappy trip mom & I took in 2007...
Until next time, Scrap Sassy!
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