Class Schedules

We've got classes coming up at the Playground! I hope you are as excited as I am!!
Take a look!

Colored Pencil blending with Gamsol

This class is being taught by the very talented Heather Engebretson. Heather is the brilliance behind the Skipping Stones Design stamps. This is an amazing technique. I had heard of it before, but had never tried it. When I finally gave it a try last week, it was like magic! The blending is so smooth and effortless, I could hardly believe my eyes! You are going to love using this technique to color all your stamped images! (I'm thinking I would love to try and make some fun backgrounds with this blending technique, too!)

Here are the 3 cards we will be making in this class:

and here are the close ups.

Class Details:

Date: Saturday, July 7th

Times: 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM

Cost: $12.50

Bring: Paper trimmer, scissors, adhesive and pop dots

Email me at scrapandplay@rushmore.com to reserve your spot. (The store is closed until Friday this week, so I won't be there to take phone calls, email is your best bet)

Layout Class with Authentique's "Glory"

This is a really fun collection for the 4th of July, and I just adore the weight and feel of all of Authentique's papers.  So, when you are out and about during all of the Independence Day festivities, you can be planning what shots would look fabulous on this paper! 

I don't have photo's of the layouts quite yet, but as soon as I do, I will post them here for you!

Class Details

Date: Tuesday, July 10thTime: 6-9 PMCost: $22Bring: Paper Trimmer, scissors, adhesive and pop dots.

Email me at scrapandplay@rushmore.com to reserve your spot. (The store is closed until Friday this week, so I won't be there to take phone calls, email is your best bet)

Beautiful Layered Cards

Check out these beautifully layered cards created by Kelly Straker!

I love the way Kelly can put so many beautiful layers and embellishments together and always end up with such a stunning card!

We are going to recreate these 3 great cards and maybe get some tips on how to put things together so they look great.

Class Details

Date: Saturday, July 14th
Time: 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM
Cost: $12.50
Bring: Paper trimmer, scissors, adhesive and pop dots.

Email me at scrapandplay@rushmore.com to reserve your spot. (the store is closed until Friday this week, so I won't be there to take phone calls, email is your best bet)

I just want to share one more thing with you before I get back to my out-of-state visitors for the holiday.

This is something I am also excited about....

DUSTY ATTIC CHIPBOARD!

I love this stuff, I think it's beautiful and delicate. I love that there are so many ways to color and alter it. (I have misted, painted, embossed (both dry and heat), colored with markers, used stickles on it, painted with acrylic paint and then hit it with a heat gun to give it dimension...the ideas seem endless!) I know this isn't a very good photo, you will just have to stop in and see how cool this stuff is! 

Fun week ahead!

There's a lot going on at the Playground this week....take a look!

Tim Holtz Summer Distress Ink set!

ARRIVING TODAY!

So far, these have gone out the door the day they come in, and I don't even get a chance to post about them.

These yummy inks will be arriving today, so if you want them, RUN...don't walk...to get your hands on a set! 

That Picked Raspberry looks so sassy and fun, we needed a bright green like Mowed Lawn, and I can never have enough aqua/teal/turquoise colors in my collection...can't wait to play with Salty Ocean!!

CANDI

Not to eat, but to embellish with! These are great little chipboard embellishments that you adhere with foam adhesive. Use them just like you would a brad, but without the bulk. They go through the mail beautifully! They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns and the newest are scheduled to hit the store today....with Zebra, Cheetah, and Newsprint! (that's just a few...there's more!)

Week-long SALE!!

Yep....it's a sale....all this week...

Take 30% OFF

ALL SMASH PRODUCTS!!

Easy Frame Demo

If you are still wondering about how these fabulous little gems work, stop by the store this week, I will be doing demos all week to show you how they work!

I love embossing folders, and I love how these Easy Frames have more than doubled my options for the embossing folders I already have.  Stop in this week and check them out...especially if you have a weakness for embossing folders like I have. :o)

More to arrive later this week

More from Bo Bunny's Camp A Lot line...more papers, embellishments and even a camper chipboard album. This is such a fun line for summer!

Basic Grey's PLUMERIA 

These should be here later this week, along with some great embellishments. I love purple, and have had several customers say they hardly ever see purple scrapping papers....well...here they are! I can't wait to see these in person.

It's going to be a fun week....so stop by...check out the new stuff, browse through the old stuff, and learn some new stuff. 

Can't wait to see you....and if I don't....have a great week!!!

Contest Winner announced and What's NEW

Terrible Tote Turned Terrific Contest Winner!!

I forgot to post the winner here on Saturday! I posted it to Facebook, but forgot to post it here. Sorry!

After a week of customers voting, we have a winner....Cheryl Webb, creator of Tote #4 (bottom left in the photo below)  had the most votes and wins the Bo Bunny "Enchanted" collection pack, matching rosette ribbon, buttons and seam binding. Congratulations Cheryl!!!

12 totes went out, but only 5 came back for the contest...and they all were awesome. Each one had something I loved about it...so unique and fun. You all did a wonderful job and thank you so much for participating.

Don't forget to bring your bags in when  you shop to receive your 10% off!!

Tuesday's Layout Class

Hello Summer from Echo Park

This is such a bright and colorful set of papers! Perfect for summertime fun.

Check out what Chelsea did with them. (she says she doesn't like them, but everyone that has seen them so far has loved them!)

Here are the details

Date: Tuesday, June 19th
Time: 6-9 PM
Cost: $20
Bring: Paper trimmer, scissors, adhesive and pop dots

New this week

Mix & Match 6x8 Album from Simple Stories

If  you are looking for a great way to do some quick and easy scrapping....this is your ticket!  The album comes with 15 assorted page protectors, 3 chipboard dividers and 8 heavy duty cardstock pages. If you need more page protectors, there is a variety in the store.

I really love the idea of this type of album, it seems like it takes a bit of the stress out of scrapping. I like having the layout basically right there for me, and all I have to do is decide if I'm going to use a photo, patterned paper or journaling in that spot.

I also love the cover...you can leave it as it is, cover it with paper or fabric, paint it, spritz it and embellish any way you like. I have already started mine, and covered it with some "outdoorsy" papers from Paper Loft (you gotta come check them out). We have a season pass to Bear Country and I have been taking pictures of the baby bears nearly every week. (I'm a sucker for a ~baby~ anything.) That's what is going in my album...tons of silly little bears playing their hearts out.

Bo Bunny's "Camp-A-Lot" papers are here...

and they are FUN! I adore the firefly paper. 

These are pretty fun, too.

These are just a few of them...come check them out!

See ya soon!

Last call!!

Last call for Terrible Tote Turned Terrific Contest
Bags must be turned in by 4 p.m. today to be entered in the contest!! Don't forget the great Black & White "Enchanted" collection pack is the prize for winning.
Even if you don't have your bag decorated for the contest, you can still bring it in when you shop and receive the 10% Discount. (ugly totes are still available for purchase)
Voting will start on Tuesday, June 5th. Anyone that walks through through the door can vote on their favorite. (only one vote per person, please) Votes will be counted at closing on Saturday,June 9th (4 p.m.) and the winner will be posted here.
Some had asked for a photo of the totes, so here you go. :o)

Tuesday's Layout Class

I couldn't decide if I should post pictures of the layouts or not, because the class is already full. (yeah, they are that fabulous) But, thought I would go ahead, because they really are cool and if there is enough interest, we'll just do it again!

The collection pack is from Authentique, called "Loyal"...and Chelsea really made these papers pop on the layouts she created with it. 

I really like the blue and green color combination and think it just aches to be used for Summer photos...picnics, camping, front yard, back yard, boating, fishing, swimming. The colors give you the "feel" of being outside (blue sky, green grass/trees) so they totally work for summertime photos. They are masculine enough for little boy pages, and big boy pages, too! So versatile and fun!

So anyway....the class is full for June 5th, but if you want in on the fun, we will do it again on Tuesday, June 12th.  Details are below.

Please contact me by Tuesday, June 5th if you would like to take this class. I will get more paper ordered and we'll do it again! (if you can't make the class, but would like the Collection Kit, let me know by the 5th also, and I can order some for you)

"Loyal" Layout Class

Date: June 12th

Time: 6-9 p.m.

Cost: $22

Bring: Paper trimmer, scissors, adhesive, pop dots.

***Please contact me by Tuesday, June 5th if you are interested in doing this class so I can get the paper ordered*** Call 721-7529 or Email scrapandplay@rushmore.com

Oh...here are the layouts...I almost forgot to add the pictures!

They are so fun! I love them...could look at them all day long. :o)

What's new?

Well, let me tell you! There are some new dies from Lifestyle Crafts/QuickCuts.... a nesting paisley die set and a Berry Container set.

Normally, I wouldn't have been too excited about a paisley die set, but then I saw what was being done with them...then I was hooked! Birds! How cute are these birds made from the paisley dies? I love them! Here is a great blog post on how to make them, and check out the great wedding card made with them, too!

Here is a close-up of the Berry Container. 

These are soooo easy to put together and make a great way to present a gift to someone special. I decided to fill mine with candy from Zoom Soda & Candy (it's awesome having a candy store right next door!) One of my birdies decided he wanted to nest in my container. :o)

That's all I have for now, "peeps"...take good care and have a fabulous weekend!!

Upcoming Classes and New Store Hours

Hello!
Here are the classes coming up this week.

Saturday, May 12th
We will be making 3 cards, all using the same technique, just switching it up a bit. I don't have a name for the technique...but we get to smoosh some ink around, so it's got to be fun!

Class Details:

Date: Saturday, May 12th

Time: 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM

Cost: $10.00

Bring: Scissors and adhesive. A non-stick craft mat is very handy, so if you have one and want to bring it, please do.

Tuesday's Layout Class

We will be making 6 layouts using Echo Park's "Note To Self" Collection. Another great set of papers, and the View Master reels definitely take me back...and they are on every page! F-U-N!!

Take a look at the pages Chelsea has created for us:

So come on down and  join us...you deserve some time for yourself, and we'd love to have you!

Class Details:

Date: Tuesday, May 15th

Time: 6 - 9 PM

Cost: $20

Bring: Paper Trimmer, scissors, adhesive and pop dots

New Store Hours

We are going to try something new at the Playground during the summer months.

Starting Tuesday, May 15th, the new hours will be from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM Tuesday through Friday. Saturday hours will remain the same, and we will still be closed Sunday and Monday. 

The evenings are so beautiful downtown, people are out and about and I am hoping this will give those that work 9 to 5 a chance to come in after work.

New in the store

Bo Bunny's Vintage Double Dot 

It's yumm-a-licious! I love the colors, the texture and the weight of this paper. I think this line will become a staple for both my scrapping and card making. Just a few colors in stock right now, but will be getting them alllll as soon as possible!! 

Scor Tape in 2" and 2 1/2"

I know, it sounds big honkin', and it is....but I didn't know how badly I needed it until I was told how wonderful it works to hold rosettes down, or how it holds burlap together so you can use a die cut on it to make fun burlap flowers!  It's going fast, so grab it before it's gone.

Have a great week and I hope to see you soon!!

Let the paper do some of the work

I love patterned scrapbook paper. I loved it long before I ever started scrapping. I fell in love with the colors, the patterns and the textures. I also love the way the pattern can fill in the background of a card so beautifully.  Some papers can practically do the work for you. You gotta love that, right? I do.

I had to whip up a couple Mother's Day cards to send out. A sheet of Bo Bunny's "Welcome Home" really stood out...blues, greens, a hint of white, flowers and swirls. It seemed so feminine and "mothery". (I know that's not really a word...but I like to create...including words.) The inspiration for this card came from the blog of KittieKraft. You are going to drool when you see what this woman does with punches and dies! I found out about this blog from one of my fabulous customers. Thank you, Donna!! This is one of my all time favorite blogs right now.

Here are the cards:

I only needed two...but I couldn't stop. That paper is so perfect for creating cards with! (and I ADORE that little bird!!)

Each card is a little different, but I basically used the same supplies on all three. 

Bo Bunny "Welcome Home" patterned paper

Bird stamp from Layers Of Color Backyard Birds set

Sentiment is from Skipping Stones Designs Beautiful Botanicals set

My Favorite Things Leafy Flourish Die

Martha Steward branch punch

Look what a beautiful, subtle back drop that paper gives. Each card is from a different part of the same sheet of paper, and I was able to work that sweet little bird into each of them. I found cardstock that blended well with the greens and light yellows in the patterned paper, and added the white flourishes to pull out the bit of white in the paper and the base card. 

When I first decided on this piece of paper for my cards, I didn't really think I would be able to use the corner with the white bench in it...but I cut it down and laid the birdy and flourishes down just to see...and I loved it!  When you start to think "What if I...."  - RUN with it!! Do IT! You never know what wonderful discovery is just around the corner! (They won't all be wonderful discoveries, but you will have learned something from it, so it's never a loss)

The way they make scrapbook paper these days, there is always a great flourish, flowers or image that will make a beautiful background for your cards. No muss, no fuss! 

I've heard a lot of you say you aren't creative...you don't have to be...let the paper do the work for you.  No need to fret about the color combination...the paper already picked your colors for you. All you have to do is add more of the same....and that can be card stock, ink, paint, sprays, colored pencils, markers, ribbon, lace, buttons, twine....the possibilites are endless!! (I used Tumbled Glass and Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink to add just a hint of color to my bird so he didn't look like a bird stamped on white card stock...even though he is. :o)) 

So grab a sheet of beautiful scrapbook paper that you love, find colors in your stash that blend well with the paper, find a stamp, sticker, dies and punches that you love and see what you come up with.  I DARE YOU! 

TIPS

A few years back I started to organize all my embellishments by color. When I need a green embellishment, I go to my green box and there is a plethora of green to choose from.  This works so wonderful for me and the way I work. I currently use photo boxes with lids to hold my colors. I now realize I should have used something a little larger and maybe see-through. 

If you have a few uneven spots when you cut out your images, especially detailed images, use a marker to go around your image on the sides and color in the top along the edges if you have to fill in a bit.  For larger, less detailed images, I use a blending tool and ink and just smoosh it.

That's all for now....have fun "what iffing" your way to a new discovery!!

National Scrapbook Day

Let's do this thing!
I've been fretting about what to do, worried it won't be fun enough or fabulous enough...until the middle of the night last night when I couldn't sleep. That's when the famous Nike words came out of nowhere and smacked me upside the head... "JUST DO IT!"
So, we're doing it....this Saturday...10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
What's happening? Let me tell you!

SALE
The first thing is going to be a sale for all my great customers...20% OFF STORE-WIDE! all day Saturday.

Door Prizes
I have 3 paper packs to give away for door prizes...Bo Bunny's "Alora",  Echo Park's "Charming" and "Graceful". I will be drawing names at Noon, 2 PM and 4 PM.
You don't have to be present to win.

Make & Take
Come on in and make an adorable acetate gift/candy box that will make you look like a gift-giving genius when you present it. Looks great, and so easy to do.

Terrible Tote Turned Terrific Contest
Long story short...I bought some totes from a phone salesman, and when I got them they were less than fabulous...much, much less. Ugly, actually. The plan was to have a fun tote for my customers that they could  get 10% OFF their purchases every time they brought it in with them.
Well, the "ugly" inspired a contest....are you ready for the challenge?

Details

• Pick up a tote at the store (cost is $5)
• Do whatever you have to, to make it Terrific!
• Have the tote back to me by Saturday, May 26th

The following week, May 29th - June 2nd, anyone that walks through the door will be able to vote on their favorite tote. Only one vote per person, please.
The votes will be counted at closing time on Saturday June 2nd and I will contact the winner and post it here.

The PRIZE: Bo Bunny's "Enchanted" Collection pack, black rose ribbon, a LARGE pack of black and white buttons and some seam binding that you can customize to any color. (over $30 retail value)


PLUS...all tote bag owners will receive 10% OFF their entire purchase every time they bring their tote in to shop! You save money, I save a bag, and we all help our environment! ~~~ Winning!! ~~~ LOL!


Ideas for decorating: Glimmer mists, paint, buttons, ribbon, pearls or gems, flowers, applique, stamping, change out the straps if you like...let your imagination run wild! Anything will be a big improvement, I promise. LOL!

Okay...we are gonna do this thing...I am excited to see what Saturday brings and I hope we all have a great time!
Gotta love that midnight inspiration.
See you soon!!