scrappy NAN

Lift My Sole - Support Independent Businesses!

2012-01-31T20:01:00.000-08:00

Remember when the economy really hit the skids and so many good, small companies and stores had to shutter their doors? Well, that made me sad. Then the “little guys” really shouted out and entire movements were born to support independent businesses and to make sure they were not lost in this mess of an economy. I make my attempts to support the small businesses -- the independently owned craft stores, the artisans and innovators that make their living off their entrepreneurship. They are really the good guys.

So when I encounter a business that does what they do so well, I go back for more and more. And I let everyone know. One such company is LiftYour Sole – a jewelry company out of Atlanta that makes inspiring stuff for runners and athletes. I started buying from them about a year ago when I started treating myself to “running rewards” and have gone back for more. What I always liked about them is their personal service and the obvious love of what they do. Squeals of delight can be heard whenever I receive one of my orders – nicely wrapped in a ribbon-tied tulle pouch. It’s great every single time.

So when the Lift Your Sole team was present at a recent running expo in So Cal, naturally I was excited to get the chance to meet the awesome-sauce ladies behind the great products. I got to meet Kelsey, their traveling diva, manning a very busy booth at the Disneyland Hotel. I wanted to buy one of everything….but held myself back. C’mon, not yet…someday I will!

As a token of my appreciation for all they do, I embarked on some Zutter craftiness and made them a fan/guest book. I used a Zutter Cover-All (4X6 sized forPre-Punched Page Protectors), and loads of blank cardstock. I added prints of some of their fabulous inspirational images and quotes that they post on FB into the page protectors (which they can replace with product pictures if they like!), and the blanks pages are for their fans to “sign in” and write love notes. The Cover-All was plain white, but was misted with Smooch Spritz in shades of Lift Your Sole colors. The cover was crafted from denim, cardboard and a reprint of their logo.

I can’t imagine the hard work and stress of the independent businesses out there – especially the smaller ones. But I sure do appreciate them…and I LOVE my Lift Your Sole charms, rings, bracelets, necklaces and other stuff! Rock on Jill and Kelsey and all the LYS team!

I bought a 13.1 sterling silver ring, and a polka dot key chain from Lift Your Sole!

Masterpiece Turkey

2012-01-19T14:46:00.000-08:00

I know its odd to call a race a masterpiece, but I did feel like it was....last Thanksgiving.

Prima paper, miscellaneous letters and other other embellies from the random stash. The small caption at the top of the photo says "I was followed by a running reindeer!"

It's rare when all the elements align on race day. But I was well rested, coming off some great longer races and ready to tackle my first 10k. I did 1:04 or about 10:32 per mile. This is fast for me...with no walking breaks. The picture says it all - so happy with about 2 miles to go. There were also lots of Tri La Vie runners, my coach Martha, and friends Cathy, Mark and Tina slapping high fives at every turnaround. Woot!

This was the second year of my running on Thanksgiving, and it IS a great feeling to get a big race in before enjoying all the eating of the rest of the day. Eating....the joy of running indeed.

Recycle. Reuse. RePurpose.

2012-01-15T21:49:00.000-08:00

Office scrap paper

This is what I had at work the other day. These sheets of paper contain data that I turn into reports. Once I am done with them, they go into the recycle bin. I get this much about every four weeks. During a couple of slow days during the holidays, I chopped a bunch of them into quarters to use as scrap paper at my desk.....but then I thought I would take it a couple steps farther with my Bind-it-All!

Trimmed into quarters

First I raided my stash of random Zutter Owire. I have loads of bits and pieces and different colors that I save for projects such as this! I also pulled out scrap cardboard that sits in a pile alongside my craft table. Since the scrap pieces of paper measure 5.5" X 4.25", I used my Zutter Kutter to trim the cardboard to 6" X 4.75". Along with the bits and pieces of patterned paper and letter stickers I save, plus a bucket of random embellishments, I made a bunch of scrap paper note pads for my office mates.

Scrap cardboard and Owire!

Zutter Kutter does the cardboard trimming!

Scrap paper, stickers and embellishment made up the rest!

Admittedly, these are NOT fancy - they are not meant to be. They are made with the backsides of old emails and reports with random office information. The cardboard may be tattered or bent a bit, and the stickers or paper mis-matched. I know my office mates with still love 'em and use 'em! Just remember that with your Bind-it-All you don't have to start with fancy supplies. Look around at what you have and make something special with it. Recycling and Reusing is highly recommended!

Happy New Year!

Smash Running

2012-01-10T16:42:00.000-08:00

Scrapbooking and running are more alike than you think. It takes awhile at both before you think you've "got it." When you don't do it you feel "out of sorts." They both make you happy, tired, frustrated, and exhilerated. Sometimes all at the same time.

You also gather ideas and inspiration from lots of different places. Well, just like I save copies of layout and projects that I want to scraplift, I now tear out pages and notes from my running magazines, and artlessly smash them into a decorated composition notebook. There is absolutely nothing crafty about it other than the glue stick and markers. But, I love looking at the tidbits of info that never ceases to motivate me.With the Olympic marathon qualifying race this weekend, I expect to be highly inspired this weekend. It won't make my Saturday 14 miler any easier, but it will be my own "qualifier" nonetheless.

Next race coming up: Tinkerbell Half Marathon at Disneyland, January 29!

Run LA

2012-01-05T20:58:00.000-08:00

A few months behind schedule, but here is my layout and race report for the Los Angeles Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon. It was 2+ months ago, but the memory of a great, FUN run is still vivid in my mind. The race was held just a day before Halloween, so I would have to say the pure entertainment of the people watching made the miles fly by! So many people ran in costume, though for myself, I don't think I could do it. I get uncomfortable enough with my own sweat that I can't imagine having a flopping hat, or glitter-something or tutu-anything in my way. I have enough trouble keeping my race number pinned on my front! So kudos to those who do run in costume, and who do so with a smile!

Prima paper and chipboard letters (from a collection a couple years back).

This was my first Rock 'n Roll race, and it was a great experience. It was amazingly well organized. I drove up to downtown LA on my own and parked just a couple blocks from the start line. The bag check area was a series of UPS trucks, very well labeled, and very well staffed. There were a zillion porta-toilets. Barely a line for anything! I wandered around, and ended up in a staging area where there were water bottles, bagels and bananas being distributed. Yum! I delayed heading for the corrals (because I dislike being herded for too long), but I could hear the announcer, and when the national anthem started, I headed to corral 9. The corrals were well staffed and organized, so there didn't seem to be much corral-hopping. Once the first wave launched, each of the next waves started like clock work about a minute apart. It was great. The weather was warm, but not too much so. There were bands and cheerleaders every mile...I particularly liked the enthusiastic crowds and water stations near USC and the Coliseum. I also saw my friends Rob and Annie who were in an earlier wave as they made one of the turnarounds and we spotted each other! Fun! The most challenging part of the run was nearing Mile 10 and heading up the 6th Street bridge. That portion faced directly into the sun on a pretty good uphill. But once you made that turn around it was down hill with a nice view of the Hollywood sign!

All in all, a great run, a decently flat but still challenging course that I would definitely repeat in 2012 (in fact, I already registered!) Rock On!

i am a runner.....

2011-12-31T19:03:00.000-08:00

For the past 24 months, I have been running. Yes, like the Forrest Gump sort of running. I just felt like running. Well, actually, I wanted to get fit and feel healthier. I didn't know if I could do it, or how long I would do it, or what kind of runner I would be. I just knew that a lot of people did it and survived just fine.

At first I couldn't run for 1 minute without wanting to pass out. ONE MINUTE! I didn't know my legs could hurt so much! I didn't know my lungs and heart would feel like they were going to implode! I also didn't know how quickly over time I would start to improve. My first 5k was a 45 minute exercise in trying to stay upright. My second 5k sped up to 39 minutes. No world record pace for sure, but for me an amazing improvement. In 15 month's time, I was able to run a 30 minute 5k....a full 15 minutes faster than when I began. Again, not a record pace, but wowie for me. While I felt this was a great accomplishment, I didn't even think about going any further. I would just run 5ks forever and be super Nan.

When one of my favorite races was coming up again in 2011, I was distressed to learn that the organizers had opted to not repeat the 5k race - which was one of the first I had tackled in 2010. I figured, what the heck....I will train for a half marathon...that's crazy business there... Go long or go home....I guess! So, at the urging of my running friends, I registered for the half marathon, trained for it, knowing it was going to be a challenge. So I ran/walked my first half marathon - that's 13.1 miles - on a beautifully chilly, overcast morning in Huntington Beach. Again, no world record pace. My legs felt like they were going to fall off at the end. But I crossed that finish line with victory arms. That was February 2011.

That was also 6 half marathons ago.

Yup, I have completed six half marathons this year. Six 5ks. Three 5-mile trail races. One 10k and one 11k. And a whole load of training runs. I have: blisters, calluses, black toe nails; 10+ pairs of various running shoes, goos and gels and energy beans; a kick-ass playlist on my ipod; a bunch of cute head bands, running shirts, ID bracelets, water bottles that strap to my waist or my wrist! And, I love all my medals.

Running has provided me such a wonderful way to stay healthy, take care of myself and get naturally high off endorphins, sodium pills and Shot Blox. I have incorporated running into my daily life, my crafting life, and my family's life.

Why am I telling you all this, you ask? Because I am hereby committing myself to completing a full marathon in 2012. There. It's out there. Once it's out there I won't take it back. I haven't registered for the race as yet, but I am angling for the Chicago Marathon - registration opens on February 1. I will also pursue the lottery/non-guaranteed entry for the New York Marathon - that won't likely happen, but wouldn't it be cool if it did? Right? Why not the Los Angeles Marathon, since I live here in SoCal? Because I want the marathon to be a big deal. I figure I can run LA anytime.....

LA, NY and Chicago are the big three marathons in the U.S., behind the prestigious Boston Marathon (which requires either a qualifying time or ample fundraising.) I would like to run Boston in the future, but let's handle one goal at a time.

My sister, Mei, lives outside of Chicago and has pledged to help me with course support when I am in Chicago. On her bike, no less - she will need it for 26.2 miles of supporting me! Not to mention the 40-odd thousand other runners! I have also met a kindred spirit on Facebook - a crafter, baker and runner (what an awesome combination!). Candi is fun, supportive and up for it too! Not to mention her boyfriend likes to drink beer and cook meat over open flames. Sounds like the recovery plan is already figured out! Our plan right now, is to dive in together. So looks like we will be busy in Chicago on Sunday, October 7, 2012.

Well, gotta run....Happy New Year!

Ho-Ho-Holiday Album

2011-12-01T22:02:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of year when you look at the calendar and say “Wasn’t I going to start making Christmas gifts before now?” Muhahahaha! I know, me too.

But I got a little bit going this week when I came across these chipboard albums at the $1 spot at the local craft store. Normally I don't go for the binder ring albums, because I am a Bind-it-All girl, but lately, I’ve been saying “Why not?”!!! Indeed, why not?

Bought some of these, covered the chipboard with paper and punched and bound these puppies along the bottom, for a forward opening sort of a book. Super quick, super cute, super unique. SUPER DE DOOPER! (homage to Barney, the purple dinosaur!)

So don’t shy away from album starters that might not look Bind-it-All compatible to start with. You can usually make it work. See Jennifer’s post about the same topic here.

Have a great week!

Somerset Studio Gallery - Winter 2012

2011-11-22T10:40:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to me. I never call myself out, but I decided I am due.... :)
I have a Christmas journal published in the Winter 2012 issue of Somerset Studio Gallery.

Funny story about how all this came about.... I created some holiday samples for Donna Salazar when she debuted her 2011 holiday paper line. Of course, this meant the samples were created in the middle of summer so they could be used at Summer CHA - that would be summer of 2010! Some months go by...so many months that I more or less have forgotten about this and other samples. Donna emails me and tells me she had dropped off a number of her creations at Stampington and they wanted to publish the Christmas journal. Yeah! After many months of waiting, I finally get to see it in print. Very exciting! Thanks, Stampington...Thanks, Donna!

Handmade Holidays Blog Hop Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

2011-11-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

It was so nice to have so many visits to my blog during the Handmade Holidays Blog Hop!
Congratulations to the winner of the Zutter Spinner Album.
Please email me at nan@binditall.com with your shipping address!

Handmade Holiday Blog Hop - Welcome!

2011-11-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

It’s that happy time of year…it’s the “time to think about what I am going to make for the holidays!” Are you doing that too? Thank goodness for this blog hop to kick me into gear. If you have been keeping up on the Bind-it-All blog, you’ve seen a few things made with the Scor-it-All. I incorporated those projects into the one I am sharing with you today….a mini holiday memory album.

I used Zutter Bind-it-All and Distrezz-it-All, with an appearance by the Dreamkuts here and there! I also used Fluid Chalk Ink (Chestnut Roan) and Smooch Spritz from ClearSnap and a delightful pack of papers from Basic Grey, called Nordic Holiday. In fact, everything you saw on the Bind-it-All blog with this paper and used on this project were all made from the one Basic Grey paper pack (it comes with stickers and letters too!) The base of the project is the 7X5 Corrugated Board from Zutter. This pack comes with 6 pieces of corrugated board – 5 of which I used for the page of the book, and the other for embellishments and such! Everything is bound together with 1” Zutter Owire in white.

So where to start on this quicky project? Peel some of the paper on the pages to reveal some of the corrugated texture. Spray the boards with your choice of Smooch Spritz and let dry. Trim papers to suit your tastes and distress to your hearts content to attain that shabby look! Ink with some Fluid Chalk. Adhere any papers to the pages that you want to punch through for the binding, otherwise don’t trim any of the pages until after you have punched.

Once the base of the book is punched and bound, you can have some fun embellishing. I used some of what was made for the Bind-it-All blog – the envelopes, tags folders and rosettes – on this project too! When using the Bind-it-All, you can add and customized almost anything you can think of to your book…the sky is the limit! So have some fun and don’t limit yourself.

Make sure you leave a comment here for a chance to win a prize. Zutter is contributing a Distrezz-it-All to one lucky winner. BUT, we are also drawing for a winner of a Spinner Album Kit from entries just on this blog! So check back on November 9, for the random drawing reveal!

Even though the holiday season is brimming with family, friends, love and warmth, we do tend to get so busy and end up saying “wow, that went by fast!” So make sure you take the time to enjoy the individual moments that build all the special memories. Handmade, homemade projects make it all the more incredible and helps the goodness last.

Now head on over to all the other blogs and enjoy!
Clearsnap
Spellbinders

Hampton Art
Zutter
Graphic45
Donna Salazar Designs
The Twinery
Authentique Paper
Glue Arts

Sabrina Alery – Clearsnap
Laura Denison – Graphic 45
Karen Taylor – Donna Salazar Designs
Beverly Sizemore – Hampton Art
Kazan Clark – Spellbinders
Janeen Shember – Authentique Paper
Charlotte Jenkins – Clearsnap
Julie Ranae Murray- The Twinery
Grace Hester – The Twinery
Nicole Eccles – Graphic45
Audrey Pettit – Donna Salazar Designs
Nan Paturzo – Zutter you are here!

Jeannie DeGruccio – Authentique Paper
Tamara Tripodi - Glue Arts

Happy crafting!

Bind-it-All 101 Starts Today!

2011-11-01T10:59:00.000-07:00

Bind-it-All 101:

Punching & Binding and ZO Much More

4 Weeks - $25

Taught ONLINE

Starts November 1 - join anytime and view lessons at your own pace.

Classes start TODAY, but you can register anytime. Take the course at your own pace, from anywhere you have a computer and internet access. Suitable for the BIA V2.0 (pink) or the original blue version tool. Student discounts on purchases at http://www.binditall.com/.

More information and register CLICK HERE

Easy Birthday Cover-All Album

2011-09-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

It is really, really, REALLY easy to make a cute album quickly using Zutter Cover-Alls. The Design Team loves 'em and we swear by 'em. Why? Because, along with your Bind-it-All, these little album-starters can make you look like the amazing craft diva that you are, in no time flat!
Start with a Cover-All, decorate the cover as you wish. Create your inner pages from cardstock, patterned paper...punch and bind to the plastic inner mounting page. Then insert the plastic page into the back pocket of the Cover-All. Voila. You can customize your inside pages ANY WAY you want. Add little goodies of various sizes and textures to truly make it all your own.

This little album was made for a friend's daughter's birthday. I like to make these as gifts so the recipients can add their own photos and journaling. Or, many times, I tell them to give me the photos and I add them in, and let them do the journaling. Any way you work it, it's an always appreciated and thoughtful gift!

Use a variety of paper patterns for matting and enhancing the pages. Along with border punches, you can really up the "wow" factor on the pages!

As you are trimming the papers, save the scraps and strips for embellishing. Add coordinating stickers to make creating go fast and easy!

I like to add folds and flaps to give the pages interest and movement. Plus, for most recipients who are not scrappy or crafty, they LOVE the interactive elements!

Start with a set of papers that coordinate well together and have fun. We are lucky that we get a batch of papers from Basic Grey every now and then. This collection called "Life of the Party" was perfect for this birthday theme.

Original Zutter Cover-Alls are on CLEARANCE at http://www.binditall.com/. They come in three spine styles, and sizes 3X4, 6X6, 5X7.5 and 8X8. They can accommodate owire sizes 3/4" and 1", so bulk up with the pages if you want! 50% off until they are gone, and they will be gone for good!
Have a great, crafty day!

It's Back-to-School Time with BIA 101!

2011-08-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

Bind-it-All 101:

Punching & Binding and ZO Much More

4 Weeks - $25

Taught ONLINE

Starts September 7 - join anytime and view lessons at your own pace.

Classes start Wednesday, September 7, but you can register anytime. Take the course at your own pace, from anywhere you have a computer and internet access. Suitable for the BIA V2.0 (pink) or the original blue version tool. Student discounts on purchases at http://www.binditall.com/.

More information and register CLICK HERE

Zutter Zummer Fun!

2011-07-07T08:31:00.001-07:00

It's Zummer Time! Join the Zutter Zisters Design Team for some summer themed project ideas, shopping specials and a dose of hot weather inspiration. The fun starts here on the Bind-it-All blog on Monday, July 11, and runs daily through Friday, July 15. There will be daily drawings for Zutter giveaways, and tips for staying cool. You don't want to miss it!

Christmas in July - Get a head start with Zutter Zanta!

2011-07-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

Want to get a head start on holiday crafting? It's Christmas in July with your Bind-it-All! No time like the "present" to get going on fun crafting ideas. The best thing is, these ideas can be used year-round - not just for the holidays - and with supplies you likely have already or can be adapted to what you already have.

Need a sleigh full of handmade, homemade holiday gifts in a hurry? Grab your Bind-it-All and let Zutter Zanta guide you!

Week 1 Projects: Mini Album in Minutes, Gift Tags/Ornaments, Home for Holidays Album, Resolutions Album
Week 2 Projects: Magnet Frames w/Zutter Rivets, NOEL Banner, CD Album, Hanging Wipe Board/Memo Pad

Class starts July 12, for 2 weeks ~ $15 ~ Read more and register here.

BIA 101 is back for Zummer Zchool!

2011-06-29T08:20:00.000-07:00

Bind-it-All 101:

Punching Binding and ZO Much More

4 Weeks - $25

Taught ONLINE

Starts July 18 - but join anytime and view lessons at your own pace.

Join Founding Zutter Zister Nan Paturzo in this info rich and project packed "101" course on everything you need to know about how to use your Bind-it-All. Taught exclusively at My Creative Classroom. This 4-week course will have you punching and binding everything you can imagine...and then some!

Classes start Monday, July 18, but you can register anytime. Take the course at your own pace, from anywhere you have a computer and internet access. Suitable for the BIA V2.0 (pink) or the original blue version tool.

More information and register CLICK HERE

Not a Bummer Summer

2011-06-14T22:51:00.000-07:00

The longer you have the Bind-it-All, the more you appreciate it's many virtues. I certainly do. This past week, I made mini scrapbooks as party favors for my daughter's 9th birthday party. We had 10 girls party at the movie theater with snacks and a viewing of the film: Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer. It's the perfect pre-summer, little girls movie, and they loved it! Franny and I created the little mini albums with paper from Kiki Art, embellishments from the dollar spot at Target, and printed out labels for the girls to personalize their books, things like "Books I read this summer", "Exciting things I did", and little pockets for tags to keep track of their "thrill points."

The first page in the book includes a photo of Franny and a label that says "I started the summer at this fun party for Franny!"

We started with Zutter's 7X5 Corrugated Board as the base of the books - with 6 pieces per package, that's enough for three books right there! The red 3/4" owire set off the other bright colors just right.

With Franny's help, we made 10 books in no time (using the Dreamkuts to help cut paper and the Scor-it-All to make the pocket pages!).

Definitely NOT a bummer!

P.S. I Love You

2011-05-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

The girls and I had a whirlwind trip to Palm Springs to teach at Art-Full Horizons. We conducted a make 'n take last night and a quick deminar this afternoon. Thank you to all the wonderful ladies who made the event so enjoyable! Marli and Franny were spectacular class assistants!

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

What is Palm Springs without a dip in the pool? Well, it's HOT!

My little Zutter Zisters with Art-Full organizer, Laura Miller. Soon to be Tennessee transplant!

Donna's Spellbinders Sprightly Sprockets

2011-05-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know these aren't new-new anymore - they came out in January at Winter CHA, but I just wanted to share one of the fun die sets that Donna Salazar launched this year. They are called Sprightly Sprockets, and are a fun set of dies to use in your handy dandy Spellbinders Grand Caliber.

I love making accent embellishments with this set. I used Zutter's Corrugated Board to cut these accent pieces, and then glittered them with super chunky sparkly glitter. This decor project is made with Zutter Clipboard Wood, more Corrugated Board and the amazingly versatile Hang-it-Alls (make sure you check out the deal on the Rivet Setting Tools - you need those to apply the Hang-it-Alls!

Oh, and the sweet pictures are of my little Franny, who I caught in a peaceful moment taking a nap on MY BED! Precious!

It's a "Zeminar"!

2011-05-05T10:10:00.000-07:00

From the Art-Full Horizons Event website.....

It's a Zeminar....
We are so excited to be working with 5 fabulous cutting edge manufacturers to present these tool focused "deminars" to our attendees!! Zutter, our corporate sponsor, has sent their very best representative, Nan Paturzo, to present a "Zeminar" on all thingz Zutter. We're so excited to be working with Nan and Zutter!!

Bind-It-All "Zeminar" with Nan Paturzo

No doubt about it – you need to see the Bind-it-All and Dreamkuts in action to really “get it.” This “Zeminar” is all about getting your Zutter on, and learning the basics of making a fast and fabulous mini book using three core Zutter tools: the Bind-it-All, the Dreamkuts, and the Scor-it-All.

We will be using a 6X6 Zutter Cover-All (makes albums FAST!), ¾” Zutter Owire, embellishments from GCD, and patterned papers from Bo Bunny. Faster than a speeding Bind-it-All, you will be creating this album with pockets, flaps and cards in no time flat!

Students need to bring a paper trimmer, adhesive and fast working hands!

Nan has been scrapbooking for over 16 years, and has been crafting and teaching with the Bind-it-All since it’s beginning in 2007. As a Founding Zutter Zister, she handles marketing, design team activities, blogging and message boarding for Zutter. She is active in local scrapbooking activities in Southern California, and travels on behalf of Zutter. And all that is part-time! Nan also works full-time in marketing (not scrapbooking related), has a busy family life – two daughters Marli (learner’s permit and track team) and Franny (dance team and Girl Scouts), and hubby Peter (starting their own business together!) All that and she is training constantly for her next half marathon. A full marathon isn’t too far in the future.

Are you registered for Art-Full Horizons yet?

Don't miss out on this fabulous deminar plus all of the other classes, gourmet food, and more. Registration is still open so head on over to reserve your ticket to AH.

Art-Full Horizons - Grand Garden Tea Party Make 'n Take!!

2011-04-23T17:19:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to participating in the first Art-Full Horizons event this May in Palm Springs.

If you are in Southern California (and even if you are not and want to vacation in this resort town!), you will want to attend this event! Here's all the details here........ Produced by my friends Donna Salazar, Jennifer Priest and Laura Miller, this is a scrappy, crafty, extraordinary event.

This first evening of the event includes the Grand Garden Tea - an evening of delights and crafty make 'n takes. I will be featuring this Mini Album in Minutes using the Zutter Bind-it-All, Scor-it-All and this delightful Bo Bunny Mango Luau paper - to get us in the mood for summer time!

Hope you can join us for this fabulous event, as well as stop by and make your own Summery Mini.....in Minutes!

A ZUTTERY Deal at Tuesday Morning (even though it's Tuesday afternoon!)

2011-03-08T13:07:00.000-08:00

Just been made aware of a great starter deal on the Bind-it-All - at Tuesday Morning. If you don't have a local store in your neighborhood, looks like you can order it online too.

This starter kit comes with owire and chipboard covers. GREAT PRICE!
So if you've been thinking about upgrading to the V2.0 or want a second unit, don't pass on this deal!

Donna Salazar Designs - Design Team Call!

2011-02-24T08:12:00.000-08:00

My good friend Donna Salazar has just announced her Official Design Team Call!

You just gotta love the beautiful papers, glitter, dies, Smoochies, flowers and all the shabby-chicness that surrounds Donna!

Here's the official info:
To be considered for the team, you will need to submit pictures of 5 projects, a "SHORT" essay (500 words or less) titled "Why I will be a great addition to the Donna Salazar Design Team", your scrappy/crafty resume, your bio (please include a short paragraph on "How my friends describe me" and contact information (phone and e-mail necessary to contact the new team members).

For the 5 projects, submit what you consider to be your best work (and the projects don't need to be new). Of the 5 projects, 1 should be a layout, 1 should be a card and 1 should be an altered item (you get to decide what the extra 2 projects will be). You can use product from ANY manufacturer on most of the projects but to be seriously considered, at least 1 of your projects should be made with 70% Donna Salazar Designs products and/or tools. IMPORTANT! Please keep your images to approximately 500kb (knowing how to re-size your photos gives you a slight advantage over other submissions)

Before you submit, please keep in mind that as one of my DT members you will be required to create 3 projects using 70% Donna Salazar Designs product and/or tools EACH month. You will be asked to interact with people on the Facebook group page, and twice a year you will be asked to make as many projects as possible for the CHA tradeshows.

As a DT member you will be able to create with the newest "Donna Salazar Designs" product and/or tools before the public gets a chance to even see them. You will be shipped the unreleased product and/or tools manufactured by Zutter, Spellbinders, Clearsnap and GCD Studios twice a year (before each CHA tradeshow). As a bonus, several projects are usually picked up for publication at each of the shows.

To Enter, Submit:

Your 5 photos (500kb)
Your scrappy/crafty resume
Your bio (with "how friends describe me" paragraph)
Your contact information
Your essay for "Why I will be a great addition to the Donna Salazar Design Team"

E-mail EVERYTHING in ONE e-mail to donna@donnasalazar.com with the subject line "DT Call" by midnight Pacific time, on March 15th. Donna will contact the new Design Team Members by March 31st.

Don't hesitate, go for it!

My SUPER Sunday at Surf City

2011-02-07T10:14:00.000-08:00

The last few seconds of a 13.1 mile race!

LOVED my family cheering for me.

NOTHING beats a GO MOMMY when the legs are tired!

Random CHA Goodness

2011-02-05T08:27:00.000-08:00

I {heart} my friends at CHA.

Elena and Sheila from Charity Wings. I went by to say hello and ended up on their Live Feed to their Crops of Luv supporters. Auctioning off a Scor-it-All on ebay for Crops of Luv.

LOVE it when I get to meet a Zutter Zister that I've only known from online. Fleur Smith from Canada was in La-La Land for CHA. Fleur is one of our DT Members and does beautiful work.

Jennifer Priest - Original Zutter Zister, co-Partner in Art-Full Horizons, creator extraordinaire of Hydrangea Hippo. Always wonderful to get caught up with Jen!

Liz Hicks from Scrapbook Adhesives. Knew Liz way back when we were "just croppers" at the Bee!

Speaking of the Bee...that's where I first met Donna Salazar. And, the rest is history!

Donna's Butterfly Spellbinders Die

2011-01-31T11:46:00.000-08:00

Quick report from Winter CHA....one of my fave-fave-favorite new toys is the butterfly die from Donna Salazar's new collection of Spellbinders dies. Look at how versatile this die is! Donna made this exquisite framed piece.....using Zutter Corrugated Board, and her new Fairy Dust Glitter.

And I saw this sample at the GCD booth....a butterfly cut from peeled corrugated board and adhered to a stem for a spring time bouquet!

One of my samples was hanging in the GCD booth too....a large rosette with butterflies and all around, titled "Spring Wings".

And this one, by Donna. Isn't the butterfly just awesome?!?!? Check out all of Donna's Winter CHA 2011 releases at her website.

Zutter 11 for 2011 Winners & Inspiration for YOUR Goals

2011-01-12T21:30:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all of you who visited my blog for the Zutter 11 for 2011 Blog Hop. It was quite busy here this past week. Thank you also for all the encouraging words about my fitness achievements! Many of you expressed similar goals for yourselves this year, so let me share with you how I got here and how you might approach it yourself.

First off, I didn’t set out to “lose weight” even though that was ultimately the underlying goal. My goal was to feel better and by that I mean be more fit than I was (which was pretty much non-existent). So I decided I would take on a new activity, and I chose running. Everything else I achieved grew from my slow-build dedication to running (it did not happen overnight believe me).

Running isn’t for everyone, so find something that you think will appeal to you. I don’t really have the money to join a fancy schmancy gym, and I don’t like exercising around a lot of other people in that kind of environment. I am sort of a solitary, semi-social exerciser.

I also needed inspiration. I only had to look at the desk next to me at work to see my co-worker Michelle – a runner and triathlete in training. I would speak to her everyday about her achievements and be so WOWed by what she was doing. I kept telling her “I wish I could do that….” and she would say “You can!” I didn’t believe her. After months of this type of conversation she told me about her all-woman’s running group that was starting up a new session in preparation for an upcoming race. What was great about this running group: all women, run by women, with women of ALL levels of fitness. I signed on with another co-worker, Raina, and off we went. Now if you had told me I would be getting up at 6AM on Saturday mornings to drive to various locations to run/walk in the cold/rainy mornings I’d have said you were crazy. But I guess I was the crazy one. I started slow, and it was painful.

Training run in the POURING rain. Yeah, we're hard core!

We had 12 weeks to train for a 5k, and it felt and sounded like a marathon to me. But like I said, there are serious competitive runners in the group, who are a continual source of admiration and inspiration while I train, as well as beginning runners who I commiserated with over aches and pains and the “oh my gosh, another mile!” I also read about a running program called Couch to 5K which helped in achieving early goals. Raina and I would take little training runs at lunch or on breaks at the office. I would run around the parking lot 5 times….it was weird at first, but then after awhile I didn’t care. Pretty soon I was running all over the place and a mile didn’t feel so bad.

Training race in my neighborhood.

The excitement of running my first big race and the amazing feeling when you cross the finish line, is a something that can’t be beat. Somewhere between that first big race a year ago and this past summer I decided I really love to run. I like being outside and running along various trails and paths; I enjoy seeing what I haven’t seen – the outdoors – in a way I had forgotten. I also enjoy the camaraderie of fellow runners – much like fellow scrapbookers, we have shared experiences and stories that are universal. I also like running alone when I need time to think, zone out, or just have “me” time. When I first started running, I lost about 10 lbs within 3 months, and that is without really doing anything to alter my diet. Though once I did pay more attention to what I was eating, that’s when the weight came off without the dieting angst of old. Once I lost a bit more weight, the aches and pains of running dissipated and it was easier. Not easy…but easier. I wanted to eat better because that went part and parcel with getting fitter – my main goal.

At the start line for the Surf City 5k (2/09) - me in the middle with Raina and Marisol.

(and about 5,000 additional runners!)

Raina and I - "surfing" after the finish!

A layout about my running life.....

Now I am training for my first half marathon that's less than a month away. I won’t be the fastest woman in my age group – not by a long shot…..but I will be just as pumped and excited as everyone else! By the way, I am running for an awesome charity - check it out at the upper right on my blog.

So if you are contemplating a fitness change….here are my golden FIVE:

1. Start with one goal that you think you can achieve and go from there. Me: Get fit – feel good

2. Find what inspires you and surround yourself with it. Me: My running group

3. Give yourself milestones to measure your progress. For me it was races. For you it might be how great you feel climbing a flight of stairs. Me Right Now: Half Marathon Feb 6

4. Don’t compromise these new goals. Find ways to keep this time for yourself sacred, and stick to your schedule. But don't beat yourself up when plans need to be altered...that's life! Me: My family knows that Saturday mornings are my group runs – don’t plan anything else

5. Lastly – there is no deadlines. The milestones helped me gauge my progress, but I didn’t set a deadline overall. I knew this was for the long haul, plus a deadline infers that what I am doing will end. I live with enough other deadlines and due dates in my daily life. I don't need another one weighing me down. Me: This will continue for as long as I am able

I got the whole family to run the MLB All Star 5k in July. We got to run through Angels Stadium!

The training journal I made last year.

Now with that….let’s get on with the winner of the Zutter supplies! Congratulations to KK! She was poster #149...just yesterday!

Congratulations! Please email me at nan@binditall.com with your shipping address so we can get you your goodies. Make sure you check all the other blogs to see who won!

Bind-it-All Blog

Annette West - Canada

Emeline Seet - Singapore

Fleur Smith - Canada

Jennifer Priest - California

Lea Sanders - Virginia winner was drawn on the BIA Blog

Lynne Forsythe - New Hampshire

Pam Sandy - Michigan

Shelley Haganman - Iowa

Vicki Flinchum - Texas

Thanks again for joining me and the Zutter Zisters on our first hop of 2011!

And here’s to YOUR GOALS this year. xoxoxoxo

11 Zutter Projects for 2011 Blog Hop - Welcome!

2011-01-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

New year, new beginnings, new intentions and resolutions. It's always great to have a fresh start every 12 months and reflect on the past and look toward the future. To kick off my project for the Zutter 11 for '11 Blog Hop, I have made something that actually relates to goals I made LAST YEAR.You see, last year I resolved to get fit, and started running. On the left is me in December 2009 - very goofy looking at the Santa Run, trying to divert attention from the fact that I was barely running and out of breath! On the right is me November 2010, running my personal best time in the Turkey Trot 5k. Fitter, fleeter, and 30 lbs lighter! Not out of breath, but invigorated!

What does this have to do with crafting? Well, I decided that I like running alot. :) And I really like when some nice volunteer puts a ribbon around my neck when I finish. So, modeling after this jewelry holder that OZZ Jennifer Priest designed, I created this display for the few medals that I earned this year!

I started with 8X8 Zutter Clipboard Wood, Memory Mosaics from Donna Salazar Designs, Antique Silver Owire, Zutter Hang-it-Alls in Antique Silver, a piece of scrap metal from the hardware store, magnets, and a few odds and ends embellishments. Check out the process here :)

Now to get you started on your Zuttery New Year, you can use coupon code ZUTTER11 at http://www.binditall.com/ for a 11% discount off everything on the site (that isn't already on sale). Discount valid through 1/31/11!

Visit the 11 blogs below for 11 Zutter-licious projects and 11 chances to win a Zutter Goodie Package when you leave a comment.

Nan Paturzo you are here
Bind-it-All Blog
Annette West
Emeline Seet
Fleur Smith
Jennifer Priest

I will be drawing a random winner on this blog the evening of January 12, so check back.
And HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Winner Winner of Corrugated Board!

2010-12-24T14:28:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Eve my friends. Congratulations to the winner of the Zutter Corrugated Board from the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop. Lucky poster #26!

Email me at nan@binditall.com with your shipping address so I can ship it to you!

Day 6 of the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop! (win something here too!)

2010-12-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Day 6 of the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop with Donna Salazar Designs. I hope you are enjoying all the projects thus far. We are halfway through already. That means Christmas is that much closer ….are you ready? I’m almost ready…..

Today is Zutter Corrugated Board day. Cardboard, yes. Who knew cardboard was so awesome?!?!?! When it’s this cardboard, it IS! Donna worked with Zutter to make this cardboard a crafter’s dream. To reveal the texturey ridges of the corrugation, the Zutter Corrugated Board is designed to peel with ease. Easy squeezy, and no heartaches. Oh, and it comes in three sizes (13X13, 7X7 and 5X7). Now, before I forget, if you decide you want some of this Zutter Corrugated Board, here is a discount code to use at http://www.binditall.com/ for 15% off! Use the code to get the discount on everything on the site that isn't already on sale...enjoy! This link will take you right to the Corrugated Board.

Now, you gotta know, the Corrugated Board can be trimmed to be used as the covers for any size album or used as a background for layouts. But you can also cut it up and trim to use it in so many other ways. Donna and I both used it as a base for wall hangings on Day 1 of the Blog Hop. And Donna made an adorable cardboard cover notebook here. Today, I cut it up to make a wreath. It’s a cardboard twist on the paper wreaths so many paper crafters make this time of year.

You need a 5”-ish circle and about 12 1 ½” circles from the Corrugated Board. I didn’t sweat the circle cutting. I traced circles with a ribbon spool and a candy dish and cut them out without too much worry about precision. I then peeled off the paper to reveal the texture and saved the paper. Everything got Smooched. The smaller circles and large circle with Emerald Smooch and the paper from the large circle with Pink Smooch. I also sprayed a couple of doilies in contrasty but pretty colors.

Save the paper from the peeled layer for making some little flowers....

To make the leaves for the wreath, you need one cardboard circle and one of the small paper circles. Fold the circles into thirds so they look like funnels. Layer the cardboard one on top of the paper one. I used a glue gun to make everything dry faster and hold firm. Glue the doilies behind the larger cardboard circle and then glue the leaves around the large cardboard circle.

Take the pink paper you peeled and sprayed from the large circle, and freehand cut some circles 1 1/2" - 2". Then cut them into spirals, like below. Roll these into flowers, starting at the outside. Add a dab of adhesive to the inside of these beauties and let them dry well. I only made three, but make as many as you want. They make nice little berry-flowers.

I trimmed the "Merry Christmas" and the holly from Donna's Weathered Mosaics paper line. Along with my little rolled flowers they look very festive! As a finishing sparkly touch, I painted a dibble and dabble of adhesive and threw on some chunky glitter. I call it the "frosty effect". Add some twine and you have a corrugated wreath!

If you are really ambitious, you can make a larger size of this, but I like this size because it goes fast. Hope you enjoy! Now...a treat if you've read this far....everyone who leaves a comment here will be put into a drawing to win one package of EACH SIZE of the fabulous Corrugated Board. I will draw a random winner on Christmas Eve Day.

Now don't forget to leave a comment and also make sure to keep hoppin'. There are yummy prizes on the last day that Donna will be drawing, so pop onto her blog on 12/24 too....and an amazing display of products and project ideas. Here is the rest of the schedule...starting with tomorrow:

Dec 18th - Day 7

Dec 19th - Day 8

Dec 20th - Day 9

Dec 21st - Day 10

Donna Salazar

Jennifer Priest

Dec 22nd - Day 11

Donna Salazar

Cheryl Waters

Dec 23rd - Day 12

Jennifer Priest

Tammy Inman

Dec 24th - Winners

Donna Salazar

Thanks for stopping by, and Merry Christmas!

Day 2 of the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop!

2010-12-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Day 2 of the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop with Donna Salazar Designs. If you are just joining in, make sure you see my post from yesterday below with all the info and links. If you are already hoppin', thanks for coming back today for more from Scrappy Nan!

Today is all about the Bind-it-All and Jennifer Priest and I are your hoppy hosts today.

Here is what I want to share with you today....a perennial Bind-it-All favorite: the Post-it-Note mini memo album. These a super easy and quick to make and everyone loves 'em.

I start my Post-It minis with 4X4 Zutter Clipboard Wood (for the back covers) and Zutter Acrylic (for the front covers). If you have two packages of each of these plus ONE length of 3/4" owire (I used Antique Silver), it's enough to make FOUR of these projects! I also used Donna's Joe Snow stamp, and Musical Memories paper.

By the way, if you haven't seen the Musical Memories....it's so fun. Donna has put her own twist on Christmas music paper with cute illustrations and whimsical lyrics. Everything is crafty-ized. See....the lyrics for "Up on the House Top" include ME. ME ME ME. "First comes the stocking of Scrappy Nan...." Isn't that great! I just couldn't cut up this one!

Anyhoo, I used the Musical Memories to cover the front and back of the Clipboard Wood; stamped Joe Snow on the Acrylic covers with black acrylic paint. I made one set of punches on each cover - that's 6 holes (only one punch per cover - so easy and fast!). And then bound these two pieces together with 6 loops of the owire.

Then take a 3X3 Post-it-Note pad and adhere to the inside of the album, onto the Clipboard Wood. This photo looks like I have the regular ole yellow Post-it notes, but it's actually a pale green which works well for the holiday theme. I guess Post-its like to look yellow no matter what. I added a simple title with my Dymo labeler and a little bit of bling. I tend to not overdo the embellishments for this type of project since they end up in people's purses or on their desks and get alot of use. I don't want things falling off! But I did add a wrap of tartan plaid fabric to keep Joe warm.

So I whipped out four of these last night, and mailed one off today. The rest will be gifted soon. Give this quickie stocking stuffer a try!

Oh, and if you want to drop any hints for what YOU want for Christmas, the Bind-it-All is on sale with a killer deal right now.....take advantage of this pricing now. Shop here. In fact, if you want to stock up on anything Zuttery, use this special Blog Hop code - 12Days for 15% off everyhing on the site (that's not already on sale). This code is only valid through 12/25/10.

Thanks for joining me again on the Hop. I will be back later in the 12 Days!

Make sure you also visit Jennifer's blog - she is one of the "Original" Zutter Zister Design Team members so she is uber primed for punching and binding. Leave comments on both our blogs for chances for prizes from Donna Salazar on December 24th!

Read the post below for the hoppin' schedule for the remaining 12 Days of Christmas and thanks for joining in on the fun!

Day 1 of the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop!

2010-12-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop, and all things Donna Salazar Designs.

This is DAY 1 of the Hop!

Each day from now until Christmas, the Donna Salazar Designs Design Team will be sharing holiday ideas using products from Donna Salazar Designs and our partners, Zutter, Clearsnap, GCD, and Spellbinders. We'll also be announcing and sharing some of Donna Salazar Designs' newest products, set to release at the Winter Craft & Hobby Association Show in Los Angeles in January 2011.

Each day, visit the Design Team Members' Blogs listed below to see what inspiring holiday ideas they are sharing. Leave a comment on their blog posts to be entered to win a prize!!! On December 24th, Mrs. Claus (aka Donna) will be announcing the winners. It's certainly going to be a crafty Christmas this year!

Dec 12th - Day 1

Donna Salazar

Nan Paturzo you are here :)

Dec 13th - Day 2

Nan Paturzo join me again tomorrow

Jennifer Priest

Dec 14th - Day 3

Donna Salazar

Dec 15th - Day 4

Tammy Inman

Dec 16th - Day 5

Jennifer Priest

Samantha Sibbet

Dec 17th - Day 6

Nan Paturzo come see me again :)

Dec 18th - Day 7

Donna Salazar

Jennifer Priest

Dec 19th - Day 8

Samantha Sibbet

Dec 20th - Day 9

Cheryl Waters

Dec 21st - Day 10

Donna Salazar

Jennifer Priest

Dec 22nd - Day 11

Donna Salazar

Cheryl Waters

Dec 23rd - Day 12

Jennifer Priest

Tammy Inman

Dec 24th - Winners

Donna Salazar

Now....on to the project. Today is Day 1 - featuring the Donna Salazar Designs Partridge in a Pear Tree Stamp.

Isn't this time of year just yummy? Even though I am busy as Santa's elves on overtime, I still like to find some time to create little special handmade somethings for around the house and for gift giving. Now let me preface this post by saying... I AM NOT A STAMPER. So when Donna said she was adding stamps to her line last year, I said "GREAT!.....i am not a stamper." But her designs are so intricate and pretty...how can you not love 'em? So I make a real effort to be a stamper....hahaha!

I have had this stamp long before the holidays, and I actually used it for something not really Christmasy by glopping on a load of paint (see this blog post) and using it as a great tree stamp. You can't really see the partridge or the pears, but that was the point here. But when I did pay attention to the partridge and the pear detail, I got something so lovely.

I started by spraying some Smooch on Donna's Artistic Paper and then stamping the image. I trimmed the image, and colored in the details with colored pencils. I then added Glossy Accents to punch up the color and detail.

Meanwhile, I trimmed some Zutter Corrugated Board to 6X6 and pulled the top layer off to reveal some texture. I applied a light layer of white acrylic paint with a dry brush and then spray-spray-sprayed more Smooch. Then, layered my detailed tree on top of another stamped image to add dimension.

Now, no one likes to waste supplies, so I used the paper that I peeled from the corrugated board to make these flowers. I sprayed it with Smooch and hand cut some wonky-shaped spiral circles. I edged a couple with some of my remaining white paint, and rolled and smooshed into flowers. Just the right color and texture to go with this, I thought. I trimmed a title from Donna's Weathered Winter paper, a touch of bling, and punched some holes and voila. A wall hanging ready to go!

Check out all of Donna's stamps, I thoroughly endorse them....coming from a non stamper too! Hahahahahaha!

Be sure to continue on the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop today - Donna is also posting a project with this stamp - and throughout the 12 days. Come back HERE tomorrow for a Bind-it-All project! Remember, leave a comment everywhere you visit for the blog hop to be in the running for a spectacular prize.

Thanks for stopping by and Merry Christmas!

Halfway through Elementary School....

2010-11-18T10:08:00.000-08:00

They go from preschool and kindergarten to all grown up in no time. In looking at this picture I realize that Franny will be halfway through elementary school at the end of this school year. All I can say is NOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooo!!!!

Her school bilks us for more money for these "in class" photos in addition to the regular school portraits. These ones are the realistic shots of a day at school....she's not dressed up, her hair is "real" and she's got her specs on....I like how the Silly Bandz are immortalized here on her wrist.

Love the Sassafras Lass owls...cute enough to go with my cute girl.

Boo hoo....growing up before my eyes!

Finally Got My Man!

2010-11-14T18:24:00.000-08:00

It's not what you think....

There have been a number of significant events going on in my life lately. ALOT. But one that goes down not only as supremely memorable, but looooong awaited too.

Ok, so flash back to when I was 13 years old. I fell in love bad. With the Bay City Rollers. Teenybopper, Rollermaniac, Out-of-Control Roller girl. Les, the lead singer, was my guy.

There were concerts, parental curfews, records played too loud and too late into too many nights. There was a wayward bus trip from home in Solana Beach to Hollywood to do something I shouldn't have done to see them. Records...yes, records...bought and taped and danced danced danced to. I belonged to a Bay City Roller "sorority" called the RollerLoonies, and my nickname was "Leslie's BaNANa". I had numerous, fabulous pen pals, and loved every minute of my Roller-Lovin' youth. Ahhhh....so much fun, so many awesome memories. But that's not what this story is about.

This is about waiting 35 years and finally getting to meet my favorite Bay City Roller - lead singer - Les McKeown. Amid so much life going on this year at my house, I was pleasantly surprised and shot with adrenaline to see that he and his "legendary" band would be in Redondo Beach on September 23. I was SO there. The big difference at this concert versus any other time I saw them in concert, is that I was alone...I didn't have any of my regular Roller sisters with me. But no worries....I met some new girls and was instantly friends. As with anything Roller-y, I didn't mind going alone and braving whatever necessary to see the band!

Les didn't disappoint. I danced, I sang till I was hoarse, my feet hurt in too-high boots. I was right up front, got eye contact and laughs with Les. I wore a tartan skirt and waved my scarf. I was so close, I reached out and touched his sneakers. Ok, so he gave me a weird look. It was just an impulse thing. It was perfection. But as a teenager I had never had the chance to meet Les. But now......35 years after the dream was born and my teenage heart was lost forever....I got to meet my man. I chose my teen idol well. Les is a doll.

Let's just say, my life is complete now :)

P.S. The layout is made with Bazzill cardstock, Sassafras Lass, Pink Paislee fabric flowers, American Crafts Thickers, Little Shoebox alpha, MAMBI "hot stuff" bling, Luxe designs rub-ons, and Donna Salazar Designs stamp.

Run Nan Run!

2010-11-09T01:09:00.000-08:00

One year ago I embarked on a journey....and I ran all the way!

Well, actually I didn't run ALL the way. I walked alot, cringed in pain sometimes, and panted like a winded middle-aged out-of-shape couch potato more than I care to admit. But the goal was to run. And so I did.

I started running to get in shape and to give myself a physical challenge. I hadn't regularly exercised in eons. Now, one year later, and five 5k races and two 5-mile trail races under my belt, I am still going at it. I gave up drinking diet soda (never thought THAT would happen), and lost 28 pounds (so far!), and made new friends with a common love of the runner's high. Dare I say I am contemplating running a half marathon next year? Yeah, I know, I can't believe it either.

So I am putting some finishing touches on my "first year of running" album, filled with race memorabilia, photos of friends, family and my team (GO Tri La Vie! -- which stands for "life through triathlon"...and no, I am NOT contemplating THAT. But let me tell you, these athletes are amazing!). This is the opening page of my special album.

This one's all for me.

Winter Online Classes Open for Enrollment!

2010-11-04T03:01:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick run-down of the Bind-it-All online classes available this Winter.
For all classes, you can use either the original blue BIA or the pink Version 2.0. Take classes from anywhere in the world!

No excuses, if you need to get up to speed on your Bind-it-All, you need Bind-it-All 101.

Overview of the Bind-it-All
Punching Basics
Binding with Confidence
Quick Creative Binding
Albums Made Easy
Binding Above & Beyond

Class starts November 10, for 4 weeks ~ $25 ~ Read more and register here.

=================================================================================
Need a sleigh full of handmade, homemade holiday gifts in a hurry? Grab your Bind-it-All and let Zutter Zanta guide you!

Week 1 Projects: Mini Album in Minutes, Gift Tags/Ornaments, Home for Holidays Album, Resolutions Album
Week 2 Projects: Magnet Frames w/Zutter Rivets, NOEL Banner, CD Album, Hanging Wipe Board/Memo Pad

Class starts December 3, for 2 weeks ~ $15 ~ Read more and register here.

================================================================================
When you're ready to make some projects for yourself, take on this class, that takes the basics one step further!

In this class, we make an Accordion Album, a Coffee Table Masterpiece using a Zutter Display-it-All, a Star Album BIA Style, and a Custom Zutter Spinner Album.

Class starts December 15, for 4 weeks ~ $25 ~ Read more and register here.

================================================================================

Make sure you leave a comment on the blog post below for the Art-Full Horizons Jolly Jumpstart Blog Hop!!!

Welcome to the Art-Full Horizons Jolly Jumpstart Blog Hop!

2010-11-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Jolly JumpStart Blog Hop and to the wonderfully delicious holiday season, and all things good from Art Full Horizons! I am looking forward to SO MUCH this year (and thankful for so much too). I love this time of year, the Christmas traditions, the family togetherness, the crafty goodness! In case you haven't heard, Art Full Horizons is a new creative event next Spring that you won't want to miss. Produced by the fabulous triumvirate of Donna Salazar, Jennifer Priest and Laura Miller, it will be a weekend of incredible creativity and bonding (and I am not talking about just adhesive!)

Check it out and join us for this great event!

In the meantime, enjoy my pre-holiday project idea and get to blog-hopping for a chance to win some awesome prizes from Art-Full Horizons!

Now on to the Jolliness of prepping for the holidays! This is all about decor in a hurry. If you are like me - even just a little bit - you have scrap cardboard saved for when you "never know you want it/need it/get inspired to use it." This fun hanging banner is made with 4X4 pieces of cardboard, and connected with Zutter Hang-it-Alls (hooks and loops, attached with rivets). I could've made this a longer word like PEACE, or shorter, like JOY. But no matter what, it comes together pretty quick.

I started with Donna Salazar's Musical Memories paper to cover the chipboard. It has Christmas music with lyrics that have been craftified - so terribly clever and cute! I then attached the rivets and Hang-it-Alls. I used my trusty die-cutting machine to create 3" letters to spell my word, using more of Donna's papers (Weathered Winter). I added just a couple of little paper-scrunched flowers as accents. Remember, I wanted this to be quick and didn't want to overdo the embellies. This baby was ready to hang in no time!

Now, if you want a sleigh-full of handmade, homemade gifts for the holidays like this NOEL banner, join me for Zutter Zanta Holiday Binding - an online class that uses the Bind-it-All and a bunch of other Zutter tools. Next session is just in time for the ho-ho-holidays. Register here and read more about it. Class starts online December 3 and runs two weeks.

Now get to hopping - and make sure you read below about how you can win something yummy!

Art-Full Horizons http://art-fullhorizons.blogspot.com
Tammy Inman http://tammyi.com
Nan Paturzo http://www.scrappynan.blogspot.com/ <-----you are here
Robyn Weatherspoon http://herebygrace.typepad.com/
Mykle Parker http://scrapbohemia.blogspot.com/
Sherry Mendoza http://sherryscreations.typepad.com/
Robin Redd http://robinredd.typepad.com/west_coast_scrapper/
April Meeker www.suaviloquy.blogspot.com
Erin Bassett www.erinbassett.com
Jennifer Clark http://jenspartyof5.blogspot.com
Jennifer Edwardson http://frommypapercraftstudio.blogspot.com/

Here's how it works:

Hop through each of the blogs listed above to get fabulous holiday inspiration and leave a comment on each blog.
If you are starting at a blog in the middle of the Hop, go back at the Art-Full Horizons blog for more info and more chances to win.
Leave all comments between now and November 7, 2010.
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Happy Hopping!!

Published in Somerset Memories! (yeah me! and the Lucky 13)

2010-10-22T22:07:00.000-07:00

Thought I would share something super monumental from my scrapbooking life....PUBLISHED! ME! How fun! Through a project I was fortunate enough to be invited to participate in - the Lucky 13 - I finally got a taste of being in print with a bit of craftiness. I don't believe I'd have seen my name alongside a layout in print if it not for this amazing experience. Not only that, but my silly mug, and a cute photo of Franny made it in also, having been included on other layouts! Now that's too fun! (see the two layouts on the bottom of the page below). Pick up a copy of the Fall issue of Som erset Memories to take a complete look.

Thanks to both Elena Etcheverry who birthed the idea of the Lucky 13 and invited me to join the group, and lead Fiskateer Cheryl Waters who worked tirelessly to write and get the article about our journey published.

So, the layout I created for my friend Donna Salazar was featured....Donna who loves denim...how could my layout for her NOT have demin? What you don't see is that there are about six photos included on the tags that are tucked into the denim pocket. Each initial on the tags serendipitously enough describes the person in the photos. Thus, Donna's Demin Pocket of Friends. (below top right, next to another layout for Donna by Angela Daniels with more denim -- see, she loves denim!)

This was such a fun circle journal project, and such a wonderful conclusion to see our work published. Yippee for all of us!

See more of the history and evolving story of the Lucky 13 project on the blog. Enjoy!

Zutter Zanta Holiday Binding Class Starts Next Week!

2010-10-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to teaching this NEW class that starts next week at My Creative Classroom. This is Zutter Bind-it-All class will offer up tips for EIGHT quickie holiday gift projects (and really, they are projects you can make ANY time of year!)

We'll be making....

•Week 1 Projects:

Mini Album in Minutes, Gift Tags/Ornaments, Home for Holidays Album, Resolutions Album

•Week 2 Projects:

Magnet Frames w/Zutter Rivets, NOEL Banner, CD Album,

Hanging Wipe Board/Memo Pad

Class starts: 10/13/10

Two Weeks

$15

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Bind-it-All Forever! The Cinch can't Compare

2010-09-20T23:18:00.000-07:00

Ok, admittedly I am a little biased. I have worked with the BIA since day one - and I do mean day one! I have always thought that the Bind-it-All is a clever crafting tool - so much versatility, and even after all these years, my original tool is still going strong. I <3 my Bind-it-All all the way!

Both my original blue Bind-it-All and the Bind-it-All V2.0 fit within the space of 1 of these other tools! I don't know about you, but my craft space is at a premium!

One BIA weighs less than half of the Cinch.

So when a competitive tool was introduced earlier this year, I was skeptical, but open-minded. But, after taking one for a test scrap this weekend, I am not only still (very)skeptical, but thoroughly convinced that nothing comes close to what the Bind-it-All can do (and with quality and consistency).

BINDING: I work in advertising, so I appreciate and understand the power of comparative marketing. But this is as close as I can get to the "Pepsi Challenge" of punching and binding. I used both tools side by side to make a few different projects. This is what I got: UGH!

Bound with the competitive tool: The Cinch
Egg-shaped owires - I had nothing but problems with the owire closure.

No matter how many times I tried, the pre-set owire settings on the Cinch failed to create a nicely shaped "o" for the owire. If you watch the video, you can see some of my many attempts. The Bind-it-All in contrast has micro-adjustment settings. You can set the tool for proper owire sizes and then adjust in small increments if you desire a tighter or looser owire closure. I am a stickler for nice "o" shapes, so hands down this lack of function is a big red NO for me. I got rather frustrated while shooting the video, as I went through a boat load of owire trying to get it to work for me. I did give it a good try, even more times off camera. But, it does illustrate how much better the Bind-it-All is for getting the correct outcome.

PUNCHING: There is a difference between the two tools in the engineering of the punching action. No doubt some will find it easier to punch with a larger handle on the Cinch, with materials laying flat rather than the Bind-it-Alls vertical format. The Cinch handle got in my way a little bit - but that could just be me. But it did feel like by my holding the material in place in the flat position, the handle would get in the way. It's a matter of preference - and I have no problem doing punching with my BIA. In fact, the punching action on the BIA makes a point to keep fingers out of the way of the handle and the punching action. What also bothers me with the Cinch punch are the round shaped holes. They look out of proportion to me, even more so on smaller punched projects. Again, this is a matter of preference, but they just look too big....

The Bind-it-All also has the versatility to punch holes closer to the edge of the page with the optional Space Bar - which is extremely helpful when using smaller owire sizes (but small owire sizes don't matter with the Cinch, as you will read below). And, the Bind-it-All requires less length of owire overall. On this 4" piece, the Cinch punches 7 holes to BIA's 6. I would rather punch with less owire. Call me crazy, but why use more when you don't have to?

On a 4" piece, the BIA punches 6 holes and uses less owire.

Back to those big round holes....on this teeny project, those holes look enormous. The Bind-it-All holes don't distract the eye. The rectangles are balanced...maybe it's just me, but it looks cleaner and less holey, more professional. I really don't want to notice the holes on my projects, if you know what I mean, And, in the above photo, the Bind-it-All is bound with 3/8" owire. Perfect for the small project. The smallest the other tool can accommodate is 3/4" which looks enormous comparatively. Much too big for smaller projects.

Lastly, with regards to punching. The Bind-it-All does have variable punching settings - one that allows for the professional binding of "inner pages". As you can see on the Bind-it-All bound book - with the white inner pages - there is a nice overhanging of the covers. This is a punching option on the Bind-it-All (use "C" and "D" stop guide settings) that the other tool does not have. It's another nice versatility plus for the BIA.

So versatility and customizability - hands down the BIA ranks best!

Which brings me to owire........

OWIRE: Both tools use the same 2:1 ratio owire - meaning two holes (or loops of wire) per inch. However, the Cinch has only 5 pre-set owire closure settings (and you already know how I feel about those pre-set settings and lack of closing consistency), thus can handle only the five larger owire sizes you see here. So unless you are only binding "War & Peace" thick projects on a regular basis, you have no flexibility for smaller creativity. The Bind-it-All - again with variable adjustment settings - can handle it all.

OTHER STUFF: Then there are the other issues, like size, weight, and general bulkiness. I know scrappers are generally tool lovers, but for me and others I know, space and convenience are an issue....so who wants bigger and heavier when the Bind-it-All does more with less space and weight (and for less $ too). Really? $99.99 for that one, and the Bind-it-All for 25% less!!!

I understand the appeal of the branding with a cute little pink bug and the concept of making something easy. The makers of the Cinch manufacture other tools that are wonderful and that I use and enjoy. But I find it hard to improve upon punching and binding perfection. So, after what I think is a fair test on my part, I am standing thoroughly behind my favorite crafting tool - the Bind-it-All! The BEST!

If you've tried both, would love to know what you think. If you love your BIA, tell me that too :)

Great Ladies who did a Great Thing

2010-09-14T05:43:00.000-07:00

Last April, I had the privilege to offer a make 'n take at the Scare Away Autism fundraising crop down in Oceanside, California. Ok, it was a Twilight Crop - so you really didn't have to convince me too hard. But seriously, my pal Sheila is a fundraising DIVA, so when she asks, I do have a hard time saying no. Three ladies who raised the most moola for the cause were to win a special gift....a private Zutter Bind-it-All class with me. Now, I have never considered myself to be a bonus prize, but it was again, my honor to treat these fabulous ladies for a job well done.

So on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, I taught this album class "Home." Now I wish I could take design credit - at least for the cover. But I will share that I took the cover concept from this mini canvas make 'n take from Reflections 2009. I wish I could remember who provided this MnT - and I would give full credit. In fact, I don't even think I made this MnT (I asked Elena from Scrapbook Royalty to stand in line and make one FOR me!!)

But I took the cute cover design and created it on Zutter Canvas Artboard - because nothing makes you feel super artsy like painting on canvas! I used some of Donna Salazar's papers to create the house (specifically Memory Mosaics "Textures", and her "partridge in a pear tree" stamp -which clearly doesn't look Christmas-y here (which was the intent). You'll see, however, that the ladies made their tree by free-cutting some felt. Another option for the stamp-o-phobic, which I sometimes am.

Here are Jackie and Brenda with their "Home" albums. I love Brenda's Elvis apron.

And Christi and Michelle - who is the owner of the fabulous Jazi Crafts who hosted the crop and this bonus class!

And, then, there's my sister, Li. She is just starting to get into paper crafting, so I let her crash this class. She is so new to this that my 8-year-old, Franny, was helping her with the paper trimmer and Scor-it-All. She did really good, though, so she may be raiding more of my supplies (hmmm...better keep a better eye on things when she comes to visit!)

The ladies were treated to not only this class, but some goodies from Kiki-Art, and another Zutter class kit filled with Prima goodies. All fun. All good. And all for a great cause.

Great job Jackie, Brenda, Christi and Sis!

A Layout for Vanessa

2010-09-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

Here is another layout I created for the Donna Salazar products Circle Journal I am participating in. This one is for Vanessa Spencer - you've undoutedly seen her talent and tutorials at Stampington. I'm just pleased as plum to be able to make this little layout for her.

All our layouts for this circle journal are 8X8 - and there's no rules other than we use Donna's papers, stamps, and lotsa distrezzing with the Zutter Distrezz-it-All. Here I used one of my favorite of Donna's papers - the Flower Mosaics. I never get tired of this one! The backside of the paper is actually this rich denim-y blue. I added some flourish stamp, and paper flowers cut from the Crafty Chronicle. For texture, the burlap and ribbon was added, as well as a big ole whatchamacallit in the center of the flowers. Drawing a blank here....what is it called again? I give up.....

Anyhoo, hope you like Vanessa :)

xoxoxo

Fall Classes open for Enrollment now!

2010-09-03T22:29:00.000-07:00

Back to school time for you!
I have two classes open for enrollment at My Creative Classroom.

This is my most popular class - because so many of you haven't taken your Bind-it-All out of it's box! Shame on you. Join me here to learn all the ins and outs of your BIA and how to finally learn to use it the right way. Click here for info.

This new class this Fall is for those who need some quick (I mean QUICK!) homemade gift ideas using your trusty BIA. Big secret that Zanta lets everyone know - you can make these items for any ocassion year-round. Click here for info.

Hope to see you in class this Fall!

Circle Journal with Donna Salazar Products

2010-08-31T22:26:00.000-07:00

While it's fabulous enough to be able to create with Donna's products, I am honored to be part of a Circle Journal with a group of artsy, talented ladies. I know almost everyone in the group, except for the first two ladies I am creating for.

This is the first layout I created for Terre Fry - with these cute photos of her and her grandson. I wish I could say I had some grand plan when I made this, but in reality, it just sort of came together....then I pulled it apart and put it together again a little differently. I used some very Donna-esque materials, like her Crafty Chronicle, denim scraps and lots and lots of Distrezz-it-All action. Paper flowers sprayed with Smooch Spritz and a little Dymo labeler to finish it off, and I decided I liked it :)

Hope you like it Terre. xoxoxox

For Walter's Granny

2010-08-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

Here's another pretty pink Cover-All I had the pleasure of creating for my friend Walter's visit to his granny later this month. This is Curved Spine 6X6 Cover-All (on sale for 50% off), and it was so much fun to make a pinkie, granny-like album! Actually Walter is a pretty cool dude, so I considered making this one all rocker and hard-core chopper like, but I don't think his granny would want that. The cover is Smooch Spritzed with Cherry and Pink Ice, with rub-ons from MAMBI, Prima crystals and flowers. The red felt alpha is Making Memories.

The inner pages are a series of folds, flaps and pockets for journaling and photos, more flowers, more Smooch, some transparencies and tags. All the patterned paper is Prima...pretty pretty, huh?

Anyway, it's fun to make these for other people, but I gotta get going on some projects for myself :)

Quickie Cover-All Album for Lisa

2010-08-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

Gotta love Cover-Alls and how quickly they come together. I had the honor of making this Cover-Alls album for my friend Lisa, who is coordinating her family reunion. This is to be a raffle prize at the event taking place today.

I sprayed the covers with Smooch Spritz and then riveted a transparency to the front. The inner pages are a series of folds, flaps, tags and pockets for the recipient to add photos from the event. I had this family and document paper from Teresa Collins that suited the theme and style perfectly. Yeah, I love when it all comes together.

As a result of creating this, I have been asked to make one for another co-worker, for his Granny. Can't wait!

Home from CHA and so much to do!

2010-07-31T09:09:00.000-07:00

You know, it's always cuckoo to get ready for the CHA shows. But guess what? There seems to be MORE work to be done now that we are home. We make so many plans while there and want to execute new ideas that it's time to do even more great stuff before the next show and even before then! In the meantime, I am enjoying the memories in the Zutter booth and so glad to have cemented new friendships that I know will last and last and last.....

My sister, Mei, lives in the Chicago area, so she came to see me at the show. She enjoyed being crafty for an afternoon, and I got a kick out of seeing her do it! I think she not-so-secretly liked watching me demo the Zutter tools. It was like watching a sitcom for her! Look at how she was concentrating on this make 'n take...hahahaha! I love it...so serious!

The Zutter booth was just the right size for a show far from home. We had a nice wall that showcased the product and sample projects. There was enough room for me to dance around. Really awesome layouts over at Product Performers showed off Donna Salazar's new releases and beautiful layouts and projects by her design team (including Zutter Zister Jennifer Priest). I managed to have a few projects over there....yeah!

Anyway, I am still recovering, unpacked and going through samples and catalogs that I picked up. Time to get back to work....maybe after a trip to the pool and a nap! :)

Pictures from CHA that I had to Hijack from Facebook!*

2010-07-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

Summer CHA - Chicago - July 2010

Me, Nana, Sarah & Kiki

Elena & Me at the Westcott booth.

Doing the limbo rock during take-down.

*because i didn't have my own camera handy!

What I Liked Most Today

2010-07-27T22:56:00.000-07:00

It's nearly 1AM in Chicago. I had a fabulous dinner with the Zutter and Product Performers Teams, plus am rooming with Kiki "Hooter" Izzurategui. I LOVE this t-shirt from Spellbinders (and their new dies and Grand Caliber machine...funny how I have a picture of the t-shirt and not the dies and tools).

Viva Decor was in the booth across from Zutter, and I did this fabulous make 'n take bracelet using their amazing products. Brenda Abdoyan is the amazing designer of Bajidoo Bangles, and she is lovely and gracious, and hosts a kickin' make 'n take. Doesn't this look amazing? I don't think I would've been able to get to this except for the fact that this is right across from our booth and I ran over when there was no line!

Lastly - but never least - the incredible homemade blueberry pie at the Peterson's lovely home. Enough said!

Christmas Cover-Alls with more Donna Summer Release!

2010-07-22T23:06:00.000-07:00

Well, if you saw my little Cover-Alls the other day, then this will be more of a good thing....Cover-Alls sized to fit the new Zutter Pre-Punched Page Protectors! I love quick, easy and good looking - and I AM talking about scrapbooking, ladies. These are the 4X6 Cover-Alls for the 4X6 Pre-Punched Page Protectors. Along with Donna Salazar's new journaling cards from her Summer CHA releases, we are talking quick, easy and good lookin'!! Hahahaha!

Start with white Cover-Alls and spray lightly with your choice of Smooch Spritz. Decorate the cover as you wish. I used some of Donna's awesome artsy stamps and pieces from the Kiss the Cook Mosaics and the Weathered Mosaics. Paper-rolled flowers add a good touch too, don't ya think?

Then there's the insides, and here's where it get's exciting. Just run Donna's journaling card papers through the Dreamkuts and asfastasyoucantypethis, you have all your inner pages cut. Slip them into the pre-punched page protectors - did I mention you don't have to punch these? and bind to the inner sheet for the Cover-All. There you go. All done. Fabulous recipe album or mini holiday journal all ready to go!

Love it...so perfectly perfect with papers that work with the Zutter tools :)

Gotta love it.

"Kiss the Cook" Summer CHA Release Sneak from Donna Salazar!

2010-07-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

Busy busy busy. I am trying to make samples but it's been so crazy-hot in the craft room! I think I am adding my own layer of moisture to the Smooch Spritzing that I am doing!

Gotta LOVE the KISS THE COOK paper from Donna's summer release. I especially like the mosaics because you can just use portions of the cuteness for the covers of these mini albums with the Zutter 3X4 Cover-Alls.

So for these little gems, I started with craft 3X4 Zutter Cover-Alls but you can use any size, depending on your mood. I generously sprayed the covers with my fave colors of Smooch Spritz. They dry super fast so there's no hold up (or maybe it was just like an oven in my scrap room) - either way, they dried fast!Then I added my favorite snippets from the mosaic paper with just a bit more embellishment....a tad of ribbon, more spray, some cut-out flowers from the paper, some acrylic. Voila.

The inner pages were just as easy and just as cute. Just used more of Donna's paper, ran it through the Dreamkuts to make a bunch of 3X4 pages. Punch, bind and done. Ta-da.

I worked up a sweat doing just these two ....hee hee. Time for a cold one (iced tea, that is!)

Stay cool!

Grungy Christmas

2010-07-13T12:31:00.000-07:00

Christmas in July? Well, yes, if you are designing for CHA Summer, it's Christmas in July. It's not easy to play with snowmen-covered papers when it's so hot in the scrap room, I have to keep re-adjusting the fan to not blow all the papers everywhere! But at least the Smooch Spritz dries even MORE super fast! LOL!

Take a look at what I made with Donna Salazar's Summer CHA releases Weathered Winter and Do You See papers....along with two pieces of layered Zutter Clipboard Wood, Zutter Rivets and a little punching action with the Bind-it-All. Used the Scor-it-All to make some accordion folds too...got a little of everyone in on the project!

The flowers were made from Donna's Crafty Chronicle and all of it was sprayed with the yummalicious Smooch Spritz. A little denim, a little burlap, a little ribbon.....

Fa la la la la la la

(more CHA projects coming here and on the BIA blog)

Summertime Summertime, Sum Sum Summertime!

2010-07-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

Big, vibrant, bold, hot colors! Yum! Kiki Art has such beautiful rich colors in their papers. That's one of the things I like most about these papers. That, and the fact that Kiki Art will be in the Zutter booth at CHA in Chicago in a couple weeks! Yeah, what better to be crafting with my Zutter tools, then to do it with Kiki's papers! Kiki herself will be in the booth too, as well as some of her design team and some of our Zisters too! (Some are on both teams - so it's a perfect match!) This is what Kiki looks like here on the left - though she looks much cuter in person! LOL!

Anyhoo, a few weeks ago I made a bunch of these accordion folded flower thingies (using my trusty Scor-it-All), and decided that I needed some colorful ones - and boy oh boy, did they turn out super with Kiki's papers! Perfect for summer decor and brightening my scrap room, and my front living room. I attached little dowels to the flowers so I could stick them in flower pots. Franny used them as fans! The big chipboard hearts are from Kiki's heart-shaped chipboard album set.

The various border punches make these so dang cute!

I had a bunch of orange and yellow flowers I thought I was never going to use until I did this.......looks like a big star-bursty sunflower! Plus this particular Kiki paper is all sparkly.

Left the chipboard heart in this one plain except for some Smooch Spritz in just the right color!

Each flower takes two sheets of 12X12. Cut each one into 6X12 and accordion fold in 1" increments. Glue the ends together and curl into round shapes. Super easy - but oh so dang awesome. Don't the rainbow and varigated colors look awesome!?!?!

Try it...and see you at CHA!

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

Well, the Lake Forest 4th of July parade took place on JULY 3rd! That's ok..it just makes for a longer, funner weekend! Once again, Franny and I (and big sister Marli this year too!) joined Felipe and the Zutter Team for the parade with his team of mini horses! It wasn't as melting hot this year as last year, and we were #37 in the lineup (as opposed to near the end of the parade) so we were fresher and more energetic for the parade route. It was a great community event and loads of fun!

Franny loved leading the horses - especially Freedom (aptly named). I sat on the gold cart and waved my flag, and then later walked along and helped spectators pets the horses. Kids love the little horses as they are so approachable and friendly.

Made this quick Cover-All album for Felipe - just need to get the inner pages done (note to self - get some inner pages from the warehouse this week!) and take it to CHA later this month!

Now on to the rest of the weekend....yeah!!

Happy Independence Day!

Cover-Alls are a Hoot!

2010-06-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

I love Cover-Alls! I know it's not fair - I AM pre-disposed to liking everything Zutter, but come ON....ya gotta love these babies! The last few weeks I have made more little Cover-All gifts than anything else! End-of-year teacher gifts, moving-away memory albums, and this one, a quickie birthday gift for a friend of my daughter's. We choose fun paper from Pinecone Press - with lots of cute images and phrases (that made our work easy), created fold-out and tag pages, and then Marli added some photos and journaling for her friend to start a memory book to commemorate her birthday year. I started with a 6X6 flat-spine white Cover-All....the white is nice and crisp looking so I didn't feel the need to cover it all up. It looks good with this paper as-is.

Papers with journaling lines pre-printed are a real time saver, and for a teenager, nothing beats pages with flaps to hide some of that oh-so-secret journaling! I also used pink owire - it's not just for babies (though that's a dang good reason!)

I feel more Cover-All projects coming on.....gotta go :)

Congrats Baby Blogger Winner!

2010-06-25T08:47:00.000-07:00

Drum roll for the randomly drawn winner......

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2010-06-25 03:47:04 UTC

Congratulations to.....

Scrapalooza said...

very fun album!

June 21, 2010 8:45 AM

Please email me at nan@binditall.com with your shipping address to get your Baby Blue and Baby Pink owires, and some fabulous Cover-Alls for your Summer Zutterin'!

Thanks for helping us share the newest, littlest Zutter Zister.

Oh Baby! Oh Baby!

2010-06-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Sophie and her husband....and Welcome to Baby Sage!

Thanks to all the Baby Blog Hoppers for sharing in the joy and the fun!

I made a sweet little mini book for Sophie to add any ole fun photos of Sage. Sophie can use this as a gift for a faraway family member or for her husband to take to work to show off. Or for anything, really. Who needs an excuse to scrap adorable baby photos, especially when the child is one of your own or a loved ones?!?!?

For this project, I started with 3 sets of Zutter 6X6 Chipboard Covers that I ran through my Sizzix, using the new border dies from Tim Holtz. Pretty nifty to get the decorative edges AND make a graduated cover, all by my little self.

I used a fun fun fun paper line from Sassafras Lass called Nerdy Bird. Doesn't the name alone make you want to smile? That's what I hope Sophie and Sage and anyone who enjoys this album will do when they see it. And....something that I think (in my humble opinion) really makes the album super custom is that I used BOTH Baby Pink AND Baby Blue Owire in the binding. It's just a little thing...but I love it. Not only makes it that much more unique but it's a great way to use bits and pieces of owire that you save (and you should be saving it for things just like this!!) By the way, my friend Mary put together the flower combination below....I think it looks just right on this page.

Of course I made each page ready for photos and a bit of fun journaling, with little enhancements and doo-dads. But it's really about making something special for Sage and/or the recipient of a memory album of an adorable, precious little baby girl!

Sophie and Sage, hope you enjoy it and I'm so pleased to know both of you and call you "Zisters"!!!

Baby Blog Hoppers, please leave a comment for a random drawing on June 25 (make sure you check back here!) What do you win? A package EACH of Baby Blue and Baby Pink Owire and a sample pack of Zutter Cover-Alls! You want this prize for sure! Visit each of the other blogs below for more Baby Sage projects and another chance to win!

Lynne Forsythe

Good luck and thanks for stopping by!

Just for Fun....

2010-06-15T22:55:00.000-07:00

and really no reason at all - other than the fact that I had these materials in front of me and I just wanted to make something quick and cute. all the materials were scraps from other projects. just started with a base of 4X4 Zutter Chipboard Covers and 6 loops of baby blue owire that was sitting on my desk. used a mix of scrap patterned papers and cardstock for the inner pages. now it's ready for a gift for the son of a friend of mine....no reason...just for fun :)

Anyone Else Do This?

2010-06-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

That is....make dozens and dozens of layouts but never put them in albums? Please tell me I am not the only one! I am so guilty of this. My storage drawers are supposed to be for my supplies and goodies, but the last 12 months they have been holding all my completed layouts. Not that doing layouts is bad, but I've been too lazy about putting them in the albums. So, this weekend I attempted to get 'em in the right books. I'm not done, but I am determined to get caught up and NOT let this happen again! I need the room for my goodies after all!

I guess it's my mid-year's resolution! :)

Happy Family 7.5X5 Mini

2010-05-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

Remember last week when I wrote about how I rarely use this size chipboard cover ? Well, I am at it again. Can't get enough of the 7.5 X 5 size covers. Anyhoo, wanted to make a simple album for a friend's family trip to SoCal recently. She is going to add the pictures and journaling, so this is just the base of the album. Used more of Donna's yummy papers - love the alpha mosaics - and a few scallop cut-outs from the Crafty Chronicle. Difficult to see in these photos, but I sprayed the cardboard with Smooch Spritz....to give them some gleam. Just a smidge ;)

Hope you are having a crafty day!

A Chance to Help - Alzheimer's Caregivers Class!

2010-05-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

I always love it when scrappers do good. Any kind of good. I am so glad to know Jennifer Priest and LOVE the fact that she is doing this class for Alzheimer's Caregivers. I was so pleased to help, and would love it if you did too. All you need to do is make a couple of 6X6 chipboard albums that are ready for the students to place in their own photos and journaling. It's a quick class (only 45 mins.) so the students won't be able to create the album themselves in class. Jennifer is expecting at least 60 students...maybe more! So we need to all pitch in! She needs these by the first week of June...and it will only take you a bit of time to whip out a couple!

Check out her blog post on how you can help...yes, she says I rock. I love that. But she's really the one that's rockin'! Thanks, crafty friends!

What to Make an Artsy Friend?

2010-05-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

....a simple art journal. It's filled with pages made of water color grade paper, and put together with the trusty Bind-it-All. I layered some of Donna's papers on the cover, added a bit of distrezzing with the Distrezz-it-All, and a simple title. I expect this book to get some use! To keep it all sturdy, I started with 8X10 Clipboard Wood Covers. Those will stand up to lots of wear and tear!

It's simple, quick projects like this that make me love my Bind-it-All all the more. What are you going to make today?

ATC Gatefold Album

2010-05-17T14:39:00.000-07:00

I am not an ATC maker. But I do like to particiapte in an exchange every now and then. But what to do with them once you have them collected? I know there are options, but for the sporadic ATC collector, I am a bit in the dark. Until now....I found some cute little 3X4" ATC page protectors and voila...made a cute little gatefold album using Zutter's 7.5 X 5" Chipboard Covers. This size of covers is often overlooked for the more standard 4X4 and 6X6, but I like this size now. It's big enough to hold what I want, but still mini enough to be, well, to be mini.

Ok, so anyway, I split one cover in half and used a center punch method on each side. I also used some white owire - another item I rarely use, and I don't know why. The white adds a bright, lighter look, especially with these cute papers from Melody Ross/GCD - cute and simple. The quote below is perfect for the ATCs :)

So my little gatefold flaps fold out in both directions and I can enjoy the ATCs given to me by crafty friends. They really are sweet, and so much better here than languishing in a drawer.

Hope you have a great week.

xoxoxoxo

Lucky 13 - Cover-All Album

2010-05-12T04:25:00.000-07:00

As some of you may already know, last year I was part of an incredible circle journal called the Lucky 13. The group consisted of 13 scrappers from around the world; each month we would exchange photos so that by the end of the year we would have 12 pages - one representing each month of the year - made by a different scrap artist. We exchanged pages this January!

The pages made for me are all so beautiful and unique - not only due to the amazing talents of these ladies, but also because we started not with paper, but 8.5X11"canvas fabric. Some layouts are vertical format, others horizontal. Some layouts were trimmed to be more square, others with so much embellishment and thickness that they are more dimensional art then layout. So when it came time for me to "bind" them together, I knew I was going to have a challenge. How to keep them together, but look cohesive?

Zutter to the rescue!

I used the (insert trumpets here) Zutter 13X13 Cover-All, sized to accommodate the 12X12 Pre-Punched MOVABLE Page Protectors! All the layouts are small enough to fit on a 12X12 sheet of cardstock, so I adhered each one on a neutral (black) sheet.....just by themselves, no adornment, just the fabulous artwork. On the back of each cardstock page I placed a small card with a photo of the artist and a brief note on my thoughts about that person and their gift to me. The cardstock was inserted into the 12X12 Pre-Punched MOVABLE Page Protector,

The super awesome thing about the MOVABLE aspect of the protectors, is that I can rearrange the order of the pages without have to undo the binding. As for the cover itself, I went with a lucky card theme, and used a card themed transparency attached to the front cover using Zutter Rivets.

I made a very simple intro page describing my experience with this project, as the opening page....it gives you an idea of how the Cover-All works.

Now I can only show sneaks of the layouts, since we are hoping to have these projects published soon, but you can see a bit of what I created for the other ladies here, and see what they have made here.

Have great, scrappy day!

More Reflections Fun

2010-05-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, this might be the last post I write about the Reflections event. It’s been a week past and last weekend seems so long ago already! I’ve written about the charms, my friends, about the BIA projects (on the BIA blog), but now let’s talk about all the other yumminess.

I don’t take classes too often anymore. It’s a bummer that I am so busy these days. So this was a treat to be a student and take in other teaching styles and learn techniques. Really enjoyed the wide variety of classes – layouts and mini books, plus cute make ‘n takes.

Danielle Flanders taught this album with these embroidery hoop covers (and cardboard circle pages). The coolest thing about this album is the ribbon flowers. I won’t be able to stop making these. So adorable and so stinkin’ easy!

This album - well, this is just a page from the album - was taught by Debee Campos. It's a book about "Art" and Debee taught us to be brave with a can of spray paint. Liked the funky style here...

Elizabeth Kartchner taught a cute Maya Road canvas album titled "Bits of Us" (or bits of you or bits of me....whatever bit you are into). I didn't think I would like working with the adhesive fabric paper, but surprise, I did! I liked it and it's easy and super cute. Lizzie is very sweet too.

I think a favorite project for everyone was Maggie Holmes' Home Sweet Home album. Maggie taught at this event last year, and I loved that project too. This was an album of varying page sizes with lots of misting and layering. Her album was originally a binding-ring album, but I went rogue with my Bind-it-All and bound it my way instead. One thing I remember about this class, was the wall in the room turning pink from the spraying. I don't think ladies have good aim with the misting. Keep it in the box girls!

pie lovin' girls with Maggie Holmes

Here's a couple of the make 'n takes from the Isle Carnival. I thought the little strawberry album was too cute (Kelly Goree was running this one and we talked about me going "sober" from Diet Coke. She thought I was cuckoo!). We decorated the cover with strips of border-punched paper and ruffled up the edges. How simple and sweet! And, the BIA album with the cute edge owire and acetate bird - gotta love the embellishments. I often forget what you can do with just simple paper punches and flowers. This one was designed by Alice Carman from the Scrapbook Garden.

I think it's important to attend events like this for so many reasons, not the least of which is the socializing and friendships. I always feel at home among "my peeps" and love how we all get excited (or not) about similar things.

Love my scrappy friends!

xoxoxox

Jennifer, Cheryl & Moi :)

Scrappy Lovin' Friends

2010-05-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

In 2007 I attended CKU in Anaheim. It was the first time I had attended a multi-day scrap event, and I loved it! So much to do and so many like-minded scrappy ladies (and the ocassional dude). That year I met Victoria, a sweet gal from Orange County (like me) who was hanging out on her own but very friendly and fun. We chatted, we hung out....we scrapped.

the "pie lovers" in Chicago. i am photo-shopped in because we never got a group shot! :(

In 2008, Victoria and I both attended CKU in Chicago. We were both anxious to try another event, but somewhere away from our neck of the woods. While there we met and bonded with a group of gals...Sarah, Mary, Kim, Nicole and Cheryl. We called ourselves "pie lovers", because that seemed to be the dessert of choice that trip.

ready for class teacher......in Newport Beach, CA 5/2/10 (my seat is in the front next to Kim...my huge bag of kettle korn holding my spot!) ;)

Now two years+ after that event, five of the seven of the original "pie lovers" attended Reflections in Newport Beach last weekend. To say I was thrilled is an understatement. Sarah actually attended from England last year as well, but to have 5 of us reunited this year was amazing. Mary traveled all the way from Minnesota, and Kim from Illinois. Victoria and I drove minutes from our homes :) Everyone was as I remembered them to be...sweet, funny, friendly, crafty and fun. We didn't eat pie this time...more like cheesecake....but the spirit of dessert lives on!

Pie Lovers in Newport Beach

Mary McNeilus (Dodge Center, MN) Kim Hvarre (Dixon, IL), Me (Orange County, CA), Sarah Jermyn (Oxfordshire, England), Victoria Collins (Orange County, CA). But where are Cheryl and Nicole :(

Can't say how wonderful it is to have stayed in touch and gotten together again. It's just another one of many benefits of being part of a wonderful crafty, scrappy sorority.

Love you gals! Pie Forever!

xoxoxox

A Charming Swap

2010-05-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

By far my favorite swap to participate in at events these days is the charm swap. Each time, it produces the most fabulous results! This weekend at the Reflections Event in Newport Beach, we had a small - but very talented - group participating in the swap. We added this year's charms to the bracelet we created at the same event last year...and LOOK HOW BEAUTIFUL it is!

This is Bea's bracelet. I love how she added the charms to a blingy bracelet - all the colors just add to the beauty of it - plus we took this photo in the sunshine, so you see all the sparklies.

This is my bracelet....taken too dark, but you get the idea. The colors of the event are orange and green, so most of the charms are in those colors, or have a beachy, california-y theme.

And here is a representation of this year's charms. Aren't they great!

I know that participating in swaps is always fun, but when you get something this wonderful, who WOULDN'T want to join in? Thank you ladies, for participating again this year - Marsi, Victoria, Bea, Cheryl, Kari, Jennifer, Mary and Susan!

Surfside Sweeties Rock Reflections 2010!

2010-05-04T16:26:00.000-07:00

The weekend was a BLAST at the Reflections 2010 Scrapbooking Event in Newport Beach. I had been SO looking forward to this weekend, not only because of the great scrap classes (7 in all, plus an evening of make 'n takes and vendor shopping), but because I would be surrounded by friends - old and new.

Look at us...we were the Surfside Sweeties - one of three groups of beachy ladies enjoying the scrap festivities. I had friends in the Caribbean Cuties and the Bahama Mamas too, but the Sweeties took classes altogether. So it was great to bond and create all weekend. I had my SoCal gang/CKU Anaheim/C2R Alum with me....Jennifer, Victoria, PJ (and her adorable 6 month old daughter), Lori, Erin, Sandy, Steph, Dana, Elena (not pictured); my CKU Chicago Alum Sarah (from England), Mary (from Minnesota), Kim (from Illinois); new friends Anne and Shetera. Woot! Woot!

What a bunch! :) I will post more pictures as I get organized - gotta love all the projects we made...or are still in the process of making. Love ya'all!

Support Me at my Next Run!

2010-04-28T01:02:00.000-07:00

Now that I have started running, there's no stopping me. My next 5k will be in May in support of the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation. Consider making a donation - any amount big or small makes a big difference.

Click here, and THANKS!

Scare Away Autism - Twilight Crop

2010-04-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I had the privilege of conducting a make 'n take for the lovely ladies at the Scare Away Autism - Twilight Crop in Oceanside. Run by the lovely Sheila Goldsberry and Scrapbook Royalty, the event raised over $3,000 for Autism reseach. Yeah! My daughter joined me for the day, which was nice, because event emcee Donna Salazar brought her daughter Genna - they are the same age. So it was fun to have moms and daughters hanging out together! Marli got into the spirit of the event and created a Twilight themed puzzle piece for the event display....very proud when my offspring get glue-y and glitter-y for a cause! I enjoyed seeing the Twi t-shirt contest and the fun little touches around the room (apples, anyone?) and so much Edward!

Everyone enjoyed the make 'n take - all donations going to the cause - and Donna did Distrezz-it-All demos for the group. I bid on several of the silent auction items, but got beat out on all but one.....the one that was a "Mystery Prize." I won!! Yeah!! I love a good surprise! Then Sheila informed me that the Mystery Prize was the Zutter stuff I had donated. LOL! It ended up going to the previous bidder, but how prophetic is that?

All around, a lovely day and a wonderful event.

An "eclectic" Evening

2010-04-20T05:51:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to have a crafty time this past weekend, starting with some play time with my favorite online store, eclectic paperie. This little gem of an online store is run by my friend Daisy and she has an army of dedicated followers, from stampers and crafters to Tim Holtz loyalists! I figure I rarely get to go out and just play....so when Daisy put together a little play night last Friday, I went! I needed to be with my people! People like me!

The playtime focused on Tim Holtz's new Sizzix dies, along with techniques to make the grunge flowers that look so awesome. Time to get inky people!

We also made cards and tags and clips and generally had a mellow, crafty good time. Then it was off to bed - early - so I would be rested for the crop make 'n take on Saturday.....will write about that tomorrow!

Ginormous Rosette Banner!

2010-04-18T01:44:00.000-07:00

It's about time my scrap room got some inspirational decor! We have lived in the new house nine months....and my scrap room is bare of crafty stuff on the walls and doors. I have spent so much time working, and then tidying, and then the holidays and tidying, and CHA and more work and yadda yadda yadda. Now that I think (at least in my head) that I can make stuff for me, it's so exciting. Even though all the work stuff hasn't gone away....

Anyway, these big rosettes are all the rage, aren't they? I don't know why I didn't think of making these big before. It's always been a fave of mine to use the Scor-it-All to make the little folded flowers and use on layouts and mini albums. But these big ones are so fun! Each one takes 2 sheets of 12X12 paper. These are Donna Salazar's lovely designs (of course!). I used border punches along the edges and scored every 1", and folded back and forth, like the paper fans you made in 1st grade. Twist them into circular shapes and glue well end to end.

Then take about a 5X5 of larger piece of scrap cardstock or chipboard and plop some good glue onto it, and then press the backside center of the rosette down onto it. You need to hold it down until the adhesive starts to set so the rosette stays in place and doesn't pop up. Then you can embellish the front. I used a doily - again with a plop of adhesive to set the front folds - as the mat, and used a coordinating circle of the patterned paper. You can make the banner consist of anything - photos, die cuts, or in this case, words. These letters (and doilies) were all sprayed with yummy Smooch Spritz in Gold Glow, or Log Cabin. Then some paper flowers, and small embellishments.

After I made the banner for my door, I had some extra paper already punched and scored, so I made another and used it for a birthday "card" for my friend Mitzi. She got a big distrezzed "M" on the center. She now has it hanging in her bedroom! She also got some cute note cards made with scraps. Pretty nice little gift if i say so myself - and she loved it.

So, anyhoo, give this little project a try. It's addicting once you get started! And now that Spring is here, wouldn't some of these look cool for a party or shower? Oooooh, the ideas :)

Project Sneak from BIA: 4 Projects in 4 Weeks Class

2010-04-14T06:58:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have been busy prepping for my next online class that starts today. It's Bind-it-All: 4 Projects in 4 Weeks. It's less about learning the basics of punching and binding, and more about creating album ideas that can be repeated again and again, customized and made different each time you make them. I love making albums for the Display-it-All. This is the one I made for the class.

It's all about the photos in this album, and less about the embellishments, but that doesn't mean I didn't spend some time thinking about what I was going to use sparingly. I decided that doing something that I don't do very often was the order of the day. I used one of Donna Salazar's new stamps (this one called "Flutter By" on my pages. I was just telling Donna the other day "I am NOT a stamper." But I had to try her new designs, and I love love LOVE how this one looks.

I used acrylic paint and made backgrounds to the photo mats and also on the cover of the album. This paper, by the way, is super cute from Kiki Art (Hi, Kiki!).

That's all you get to see, unless you take the class. Donna-Goat, love the stamps!!!

Class starts today, but you have plenty of time to register. Blue or Pink BIA, doesn't matter, come join the fun! Read the class info and register here.

BIA: 4 Projects in 4 Weeks starts Next Week!

2010-04-07T02:01:00.000-07:00

Bind-it-All: 4 Projects in 4 Weeks April 14 - 4 week course
Register Here - you still have time to join in!

Are you ready to get your punching and binding mojo cookin’? This course is for the experienced (or BIA 101 graduate) who wants to crank out FOUR awesome projects using the Bind-it-All and a bevy of other Zutter tools and products. You will be given the creative freedom to theme your projects as you wish, but will be provided the instruction and inspiration to create personalized masterpieces. Not only that, but once you learn the easy techniques for these projects, you can repeat them again and again and modify to your creative-heart's content!

1.Accordion Album: What is one of the BEST things about using the BIA? The ability to make amazing projects using supplies and scraps you already have in your stash. The first weeks lesson is just that. Using scrap cardboard (or Zutter's new Corrugated Cardboard) and your choices of patterned papers, we will create a fun accordion style album, held together with the BIA and Zutter’s too cute Perfect Closures.

2.Coffee Table Masterpiece: Have you ever made a mini album or book that you wanted to show off…but when you left it on the coffee table (or your desk at work) it got shuffled and covered by magazines and other incidentals? No! Showcase your cherished photos on the Zutter Display-it-All with a custom-bound photo flip album, using the NEW Pre-Punched Movable Page Protectors. This album will not be ignored!

3.Star Album BIA Style: So much you can do with your favorite photos, papers and the Bind-it-All. Create a unique star-shaped album sure to dazzle and delight. Bonus project this week too! Fun

4.Custom Zutter Spinner Album: Using the all-in-one kit from Zutter, we will be making a one-of-a-kind spinner album. Whether you want to make a recipe spinner, address book, calendar or memory spinner – this lesson will explore all the creative options for making it your own (or for someone else!) I will be theming mine "Dictionary of Me" and will provide journaling prompts for this theme if you wish to follow along.

Class Fee: $25
Class Begins: April 14, 2010
Tools Needed: Bind-it-All V2.0 OR Original Blue BIA
Prerequisite: Bind-it-All 101, or confident experience with the BIA

Supply list here
You can enroll here and get access to the classroom forums, student gallery and regular interaction with ME in the classroom.

After a long, tiring week at work......

2010-04-02T00:06:00.000-07:00

....it's amazing, fabulous and so woooooonderful to come home to a box of goodies....Thanks Clearsnap :)

I love my Smooch, Colorbox Chalk and Color Catchers.

Gotta go play now.

Mama Love Layout

2010-03-31T02:32:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd share this sweet layout of me and Franny from a baby shower last year. I love the look of us. The paper is layer upon layer of Donna Salazar Designs Trunk in the Attic and Grandma's Garden. They DO go well together. I layered the flower paper on top of a bit of burlap and leaves, and some Smooch misted chipboard Maya Road butterflies. I like the lace look on the paper...don't need an embellishment in the top right. Anyhoo, Donna photographed all the flowers herself for her paper....can I just say...LOVE IT.

Happy Spring!!

Congratulations to Lucky Poster # 34

2010-03-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to lucky poster # 34...the winner on my blog for the Zutter Zisters blog hop!

Random Integer Generator

Timestamp: 2010-03-29 17:26:33 UTC

Connie said...

Love the books and your style-such "flair"!!!!
March 26, 2010 5:00 PM
of Casa de Belmont, CA

Connie, email me at nan@binditall.com with your shipping address, so we can get you your Hang-it-Alls and Hammer Set! Congratulations and thanks for hoppin' everyone!

Make something fabulous and share it on the Zisters Message Board!

The "Twilight" Stop on the Zutter Zisters Blog Hop!

2010-03-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Scrappy Nan's blog.
I know my fellow Zisters are all probably showing off bright cheery Springtime projects for the blog hop....but not me. I am sharing the Twilight themed make 'n take that I am offering at the Scare Away Autism Twilight Crafting Extravaganza on April 17 in Oceanside, California.

I will have these make 'n take kits available for a donation to Autism Speaks. They consist of:

Zutter 3X4 Clipboard Wood Covers

(because if you are going to make a mini album that will get handled as much as these Twilight minis will, then you want something durable and hearty like the Clipboard Wood!)

Zutter Black 3/4" Owire
A variety of patterned papers from Pink Paislee's Twilight Collection (what else). I know it's a Halloween collection, but I love the colors and patterns for this project.
Twi-hards will get to make either Team Edward or Team Jacob with the Haunted font from Quickutz, and red-glitter them and goop them up with glaze. Oooohhhhhh blood red!
A few photos, embellishments and journaling prompts for good measure.

So if you are in SoCal, hope you can make this event. It'll be Twi-licious, with the Mistress of Ceremonies, Donna Salazar. This is another fabulous Scrapbook Royalty event - Charitable Crops for a Cause. Scrapbook Royalty raises so much money each year for numerous worthwhile organizations....check out the registration page for this event and consider making a small donation - every contribution goes 100% to the charity, as SBR is completely volunteer run!

So thanks for stopping by my blog today...and don't forget to leave a comment to win the Zutter goodies...the new Hang-it-Alls and Rivet Hammer and Setter set. These puppies have everyone so excited! The Zisters galleries are chock full of fabulous new projects featuring the Hang-it-Alls!

Visit the whole Zutter Zister DT (where they post their awesome projects monthly!) and their fabulous blogs....it's a great journey around the world of creativity and Bindy Goodness! The giveaway takes place on EACH blog on March 29.

Camilla Isaksson - Sweden

Linda Elbourne - UK

Sophie Sim - Australia

Fleur Smith - BC, Canada

Lynne Forsythe - New Hampshire, USA

Pam Sandy - Michigan, USA

Shelley Haganman - Iowa, USA

Sarah De Guzman - California, USA

Check back here on the 29th after 4pm (PST) to see if you are a winner. Good Luck!

Happy Belated Birthday Donna....here's your present

2010-03-22T01:29:00.000-07:00

This is a late birthday present for my friend Donna Salazar.

I first met THE Donna Salazar in 2007 during the CKU bus shopping tour, when we stopped at the Red Bee in Tustin. Ladies on the bus tour were so excited to meet her as she was one of many hosts on the well known web show Scrapbook Lifestyles. But me....I hadn't known of her. So I was like...WOW, a scrap celebrity right here and I didn't know it. Maybe I should get to know her, rub elbows with her. And I did. Well, we became friends. First when I became part of the design team at the Bee (which she founded and led), and later in scrap projects and endeavors too many to count, including her recent partnership with Zutter on the Distrezz-it-All and all the lovely papers that work so well with the Zutter Dreamkuts and Bind-it-All! Who needs to count when you are having good gluey, inky fun!?!?!?

Donna just launched her latest in what we hope will be many paper and product lines this past January at Winter CHA. So it's with much honor I get to design for her. So, here is a project - ahem, I mean her birthday present - using her lovely papers (actually, it turns out - it's only ONE sheet!), using a technique I learned from her.

Simply tear random pieces of your favorite paper and decoupage onto a frame, a tray, a wooden treasure box, anything. Use THE best decoupaging adhesive (Beacon's Liquid Laminate because it's not sticky when it dries and it acts as an adhesive and a sealer) and add a light spray of pigment mist...can you say Smooch? (I used Gold Glow). Embellish with Donna's faves: denim, burlap, lace, bling and a paper flower. Of course, a nice picture with a friend (ME!).

The small detail - the words from the patterned paper - placed at the top of the frame....sure to bring a smile.
Just like my friend Donna.

Happy late Birthday, Donna Goat!