...when ones life gets too busy to write about. For the last 6 months, that has been the case for me. When I think of the years I've kept this stamping diary, I'm amazed with how long I've kept it up. What an achievement. I'm going through a stage in my life where I need to re-evaluate my daytime routine and prioritize things.
I'm not saying goodbye to blogging, but you will see less posts here than I was accustomed to writing in the past. I'm spending more time on my banner service blog here: http://www.blogstamper.com.
My husband has picked up some of the slack and has started a blog here: http://capnfrank.blogspot.com/. Along with other miscellaneous weird stuff he's into, he will be posting photos and information about all our foster kitties we take in.
I also have a newly redesigned Stampin' Up! website here: http://www.michellelaycock.stampinup.net and I will start mailing out regular newsletters again soon. To get on my newsletter mailing list Click Here
Sometimes life moves too fast and one needs a chance to breathe. Please excuse my absence on this blog. I needed to give myself a chance to breathe.
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Trendy! very Trendy: A few impressions of the new catalog
This is the first new Stampin' Up! catalog that is a 6 month catalog.
I've been silently taking in all the new product and I'm ready for formulate my first impressions now...here they are:
This catalog is VERY trendy!
Grunge is out - Polka Dots are in.
As a matter of fact, there are so many Polka Dots in this catalog I'm seeing spots! (A good thing.)
Things I am IN LOVE WITH:
The new In Colors.
The Pretties Kit - this kit is awesome! I am in LOOOVVVEEE and it is going on my first order. The kit is $29.95 and in my opinion it is soooo worth that cost. The kit is PACKED with assorted dyable flowers, pearl halves, beads, and clear rhinestone brads. Anyone purchasing all those items separately will have a hard time meeting that price.
Things that make sense:
Page 81 - Bundle of Joy paired with Bundled in Love stamp sets... these are two AWESOME baby sets that are interchangeable, and offer the opportunity to double their use for baby announcement as well as baby christening/baptism.
God is Love set page 71 - wow! We needed a nice, simple, christian set that's appropriate for all ages, not just children. This is it! Look no further.
RIBBONS - I think this is the highlight of the new catalog. For the first time, SU seems to have really changed their ribbon offerings... for the better. I can't even tell you how utterly tickled I am at all the new choices for ribbon! I'm in heaven.
There are new "Style Watch" stamp sets and accessories that coordinate. Stampin' Up! has had coordinating stamp sets in the past, so that isn't new. What IS new - presenting them in the front of the catalog along with all the products that match referenced on the same page.
Boho West - gorgeous, although I'm not into the Wild West so won't be ordering
Tapestry - this is my style! I'll be getting some of these products
Corner Office - fun labels, tabs and stuff. Love it!
Hostess sets are a nice range of styles.
BACKGROUNDS THAT ARE A MUST HAVE:
Tres Chic - wow! This is cool. Easily can be used to make single words on cards and scrapbook pages by omitting.
Sanded - Textured scratching of sanded scratches -- like if you rubbed a piece of sandpaper over something - this is cool and it satisfies my need for some grunge in a catalog where grunge is "out".
Happiness - Versatile background that I won't be ordering because it doesn't cry to me "buy me" (not my style) - but I know this one will be a hit with those who like it. If the style of images where more to my personal liking, I'd purchase it!
MY FAVORITE SET IN THE ENTIRE CATALOG - I'm ordering this one on July 1 FOR SURE:
Priceless! - How a Stampin' Up! artist thought to combine polka dots with Bohemian style is beyond me... but is a sheer genius! This set is so awesome, useful, fun, trendy yet will be in style longer than most trends (I think) and has a matching wheel! Awesome for scrapbooking as well as cardmaking and gift making.
More later... when I catch my breath...
I've been silently taking in all the new product and I'm ready for formulate my first impressions now...here they are:
This catalog is VERY trendy!
Grunge is out - Polka Dots are in.
As a matter of fact, there are so many Polka Dots in this catalog I'm seeing spots! (A good thing.)
Things I am IN LOVE WITH:
The new In Colors.
The Pretties Kit - this kit is awesome! I am in LOOOVVVEEE and it is going on my first order. The kit is $29.95 and in my opinion it is soooo worth that cost. The kit is PACKED with assorted dyable flowers, pearl halves, beads, and clear rhinestone brads. Anyone purchasing all those items separately will have a hard time meeting that price.
Things that make sense:
Page 81 - Bundle of Joy paired with Bundled in Love stamp sets... these are two AWESOME baby sets that are interchangeable, and offer the opportunity to double their use for baby announcement as well as baby christening/baptism.
God is Love set page 71 - wow! We needed a nice, simple, christian set that's appropriate for all ages, not just children. This is it! Look no further.
RIBBONS - I think this is the highlight of the new catalog. For the first time, SU seems to have really changed their ribbon offerings... for the better. I can't even tell you how utterly tickled I am at all the new choices for ribbon! I'm in heaven.
There are new "Style Watch" stamp sets and accessories that coordinate. Stampin' Up! has had coordinating stamp sets in the past, so that isn't new. What IS new - presenting them in the front of the catalog along with all the products that match referenced on the same page.
Boho West - gorgeous, although I'm not into the Wild West so won't be ordering
Tapestry - this is my style! I'll be getting some of these products
Corner Office - fun labels, tabs and stuff. Love it!
Hostess sets are a nice range of styles.
BACKGROUNDS THAT ARE A MUST HAVE:
Tres Chic - wow! This is cool. Easily can be used to make single words on cards and scrapbook pages by omitting.
Sanded - Textured scratching of sanded scratches -- like if you rubbed a piece of sandpaper over something - this is cool and it satisfies my need for some grunge in a catalog where grunge is "out".
Happiness - Versatile background that I won't be ordering because it doesn't cry to me "buy me" (not my style) - but I know this one will be a hit with those who like it. If the style of images where more to my personal liking, I'd purchase it!
MY FAVORITE SET IN THE ENTIRE CATALOG - I'm ordering this one on July 1 FOR SURE:
Priceless! - How a Stampin' Up! artist thought to combine polka dots with Bohemian style is beyond me... but is a sheer genius! This set is so awesome, useful, fun, trendy yet will be in style longer than most trends (I think) and has a matching wheel! Awesome for scrapbooking as well as cardmaking and gift making.
More later... when I catch my breath...
Monday, June 25, 2007
New Catalog Arrival Tracker Map!!
Check out this map to see when the new Stampin' Up! catalog arrives around the USA!
New Catalog Arrival Tracker Map
New Catalog Arrival Tracker Map
Questions from a reader answered
Answers to questions from an Ink Artist reader:
The Stampin' Write markers are still there. The Stampin' Write Journalers are gone except for Black and Brown. The Journalers were the waterproof ones. If you want them in the colors, get 'em now. They still have some left.
Crafter's Tool Kit is in the new catalog.
The Stampin' Write markers are still there. The Stampin' Write Journalers are gone except for Black and Brown. The Journalers were the waterproof ones. If you want them in the colors, get 'em now. They still have some left.
Crafter's Tool Kit is in the new catalog.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Thank you Cindy! Welcome Jen!
A big THANKS to Cindy Brockes for her help uploading blogs to Splitcoastbloggers Cindy has been a wonderful help in every way. It is with sadness that I report Cindy is stepping down. Thanks Cindy!
Please Welcome to Jen Young !!! Jen is taking Cindy's volunteer spot and will be helping to add blogs to the list.
Welcome Jen!
Please Welcome to Jen Young !!! Jen is taking Cindy's volunteer spot and will be helping to add blogs to the list.
Welcome Jen!
Monday, June 11, 2007
Upcoming events numerous
Hey everybody!
I've been prepping for upcoming events this summer - from new catalog workshops to stamping gatherings in the Kenosha and Racine areas, my schedule is busy!
I'll be releasing my newsletter with all upcoming event dates listed --- most likely by the end of the day today.
New catalog sneek peeks coming soon
I'll be posting new catalog art work soon! Stay tuned! Rhinestone brads are on the way!
It's a good thing I stayed away from the Prima Flower craze.... SU is getting dyeable flowers!
I've been prepping for upcoming events this summer - from new catalog workshops to stamping gatherings in the Kenosha and Racine areas, my schedule is busy!
I'll be releasing my newsletter with all upcoming event dates listed --- most likely by the end of the day today.
New catalog sneek peeks coming soon
I'll be posting new catalog art work soon! Stay tuned! Rhinestone brads are on the way!
It's a good thing I stayed away from the Prima Flower craze.... SU is getting dyeable flowers!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Librarian's Guide to Organizing Scrapbook Paper
Craft Critique has been doing features about craft room organization for the last week. Check out my article: http://www.craftcritique.com/2007/06/librarians-guide-to-organizing.html
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
CHA Bound!
I managed to secure some tickets to Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show - Chicago!
Now... I need to start getting my suitcases ready. I LOVE free stuff!
Now... I need to start getting my suitcases ready. I LOVE free stuff!
Sunday, May 13, 2007
"Craft in America" series heading our way at end of May!
Crafty folks like us will love this new three-part PBS Series called "Craft in America" beginning on May 30th.
Mission statement:
The mission of Craft in America is to document and advance original handcrafted work through programs in all media made accessible to all Americans.
We are dedicated to the exploration, preservation and celebration of craft, the work of the hand, and their impact on our nation’s cultural heritage.
DOCUMENTARY:
AIRING WEDNESDAY MAY 30th 2007 at 8, 9 and 10pm*
Craft in America - A Landmark Three-Part, High Definition PBS Series
View the preview Here >>
EXHIBITIONS:
OPENING APRIL 2007
Craft in America: Expanding Traditions - A Seven City Exhibition
BOOK:
ARRIVING FALL 2007
Craft in America - Celebrating Two Centuries of Artists & Objects - A Random House Publication
ONLINE:
LAUNCHING APRIL 2007
An Online Vortex for Craft!
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
I got several emails this morning with photos of the new SU colors...
I have no idea who took these photos but multiple people emailed me this morning with these photos of the new SU colors. Since I received several emails spilling the beans, I may as well post 'em.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Cruise News!
The following new In Colors were announced by Stampin' Up!:
Wild Wasabi
Purely Pomegranite
Groovy Guava
Soft Sky
River Rock
Blue Bayou
The Neutrals family has a new color: Basic Grey
New stamp sets announced: Pick a Petal, Hugs & wishes, Holidays & wishes (the last two are word sets)
We will be selling rhinestone brads in two color choices, Fire and Ice. Square brads have 2 sizes, circles have 3 sizes.
More Onboard chipboard called Blossoms and Basics is new too!
Wild Wasabi
Purely Pomegranite
Groovy Guava
Soft Sky
River Rock
Blue Bayou
The Neutrals family has a new color: Basic Grey
New stamp sets announced: Pick a Petal, Hugs & wishes, Holidays & wishes (the last two are word sets)
We will be selling rhinestone brads in two color choices, Fire and Ice. Square brads have 2 sizes, circles have 3 sizes.
More Onboard chipboard called Blossoms and Basics is new too!
Our SCS Virtual Magazine!
If you are new to Splitcoastbloggers and to blogging, you may not know about the Search Engine for all of our blogs. I hope you give it a try. Since blogging has become a popular pasttime with stampers everywhere taking up the writer's pen, it was increasingly difficult to keep up with everyone's tutorials and great ideas all over the stamping blogosphere. That is why I created the search engine that covers only Splitcoaststampers Blogs!
At the top of the Splitcoastbloggers blog under the banner there is a search engine box.
Put in a few search terms here when you are looking for ideas about a stamping or scrapping product. The results you will get will amaze you! Article upon article of our blog posts on your topic will be listed along with the link to the blog posts!
For example, entering the word "Cuttlebug" will give you these results. Are you looking for Cuttlebug articles written ONLY by the current and past members of the Splitcoaststampers Dirty Dozen Design Team? Click the link that says "Search Dirty Dozen Only, Click Here" and your search results will narrow to Dirty Dozen blogs only like this!
Think of these search results as your own customizeable online magazine of articles!
At the top of the Splitcoastbloggers blog under the banner there is a search engine box.
Put in a few search terms here when you are looking for ideas about a stamping or scrapping product. The results you will get will amaze you! Article upon article of our blog posts on your topic will be listed along with the link to the blog posts!
For example, entering the word "Cuttlebug" will give you these results. Are you looking for Cuttlebug articles written ONLY by the current and past members of the Splitcoaststampers Dirty Dozen Design Team? Click the link that says "Search Dirty Dozen Only, Click Here" and your search results will narrow to Dirty Dozen blogs only like this!
Think of these search results as your own customizeable online magazine of articles!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Sidebar stuff re-uploaded
One of the benefits of a three column blog is the additional space for posting links and widgets near the top of the blog.
I really liked my three column blog. It worked well for me.
The reason I've changed looks is because the 3 column template I created was not designed to be used with the updated version of Blogger - I was one of the last blogs to make the switch to the new Blogger upgrade due to the size of my blog.
Therefore, I had outdated code in my template that was causing some problems for me when I tried adding newer elements. There were also some problems with newer browsers reading my old code. I needed to completely get rid of the old style code for newer widgets to work.
I miss my 3 column blog already. I don't have enough space for all my cool links.
For now, however, I will stay with this 2 column blog. I will be able to upload larger photographs. With my previous blog, I was not able to upload photos larger than a certain size or it would throw my columns out of wack.
I will get the remainder of my links posted soon. I think I put all the important stuff back up for now... more tweaking later...
I really liked my three column blog. It worked well for me.
The reason I've changed looks is because the 3 column template I created was not designed to be used with the updated version of Blogger - I was one of the last blogs to make the switch to the new Blogger upgrade due to the size of my blog.
Therefore, I had outdated code in my template that was causing some problems for me when I tried adding newer elements. There were also some problems with newer browsers reading my old code. I needed to completely get rid of the old style code for newer widgets to work.
I miss my 3 column blog already. I don't have enough space for all my cool links.
For now, however, I will stay with this 2 column blog. I will be able to upload larger photographs. With my previous blog, I was not able to upload photos larger than a certain size or it would throw my columns out of wack.
I will get the remainder of my links posted soon. I think I put all the important stuff back up for now... more tweaking later...
New look for the 4th anniversary of this blog!
Four years! That is how long this blog has been around. Four Years of my life...
Trends have come and gone in those 4 years...
Stay tuned in the next few weeks for a nostalgic look back at some of my best posts from times gone by.
Also, be patient while I re-add my links and dust away the cobwebs...
Trends have come and gone in those 4 years...
Stay tuned in the next few weeks for a nostalgic look back at some of my best posts from times gone by.
Also, be patient while I re-add my links and dust away the cobwebs...
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
"Craft Critique" now added to the Splitcoastbloggers search engine!
FYI,
For those of you who read the Craft Critique you will be happy to know that it has been added to the search engine over at Splitcoastbloggers!
Remember, those of you who are new to the blogging community, the Splitcoastbloggers search engine searches only the blogs at Splitcoastbloggers.
If you read something on one of these blogs and now can't find it, use the search engine box at the top of the site posts!
For those of you who read the Craft Critique you will be happy to know that it has been added to the search engine over at Splitcoastbloggers!
Remember, those of you who are new to the blogging community, the Splitcoastbloggers search engine searches only the blogs at Splitcoastbloggers.
If you read something on one of these blogs and now can't find it, use the search engine box at the top of the site posts!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
My Spring Gallery!
Good afternoon!
It is 45 degrees today, the snow is melting and I'm in an early spring mood today. I decided to post my Spring SU gallery today. Please pay a visit! Fresh, Pink and Purple!
It is 45 degrees today, the snow is melting and I'm in an early spring mood today. I decided to post my Spring SU gallery today. Please pay a visit! Fresh, Pink and Purple!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Blogger RAKs
Are you a blogger? Would you like to send RAK's and get featured on other blogs?
Then the Blogger RAK list is for you!
Here's the deal:
You mail an RAK to anyone on the list. Then, when they receive the RAK, the receiver posts it on their blog and links back to you!
Wanna participate? Send me an email!
Then the Blogger RAK list is for you!
Here's the deal:
You mail an RAK to anyone on the list. Then, when they receive the RAK, the receiver posts it on their blog and links back to you!
Wanna participate? Send me an email!
Plans are being made for this blog's 4-year anniversary!
I'm planning to have some fun Anniversary treats for you at the end of April to mark my 4th year as a stamping blogger!
Stay tuned...
Stay tuned...
Monday, February 05, 2007
My Stampedia has its own domain
I've been making some changes at My Stampedia. The project ended up at a standstill ever since blogging took off and my time has been consumed with building the Splitcoastbloggers.
I now have the domain set up ... so if your blogs link to the old link, you should change it now to its permanent home at http://www.mystampedia.com
As always, I'm looking for link contributors. If you are reading this and you've done your own tutorials on your blogs, feel free to contribute the link to your tutorial for our stamping encyclopedia. You just may get more hits to your site if you do!
cheers! (and if you are not aware of what My Stampedia is, take a look around. It is a work in progress.)
I now have the domain set up ... so if your blogs link to the old link, you should change it now to its permanent home at http://www.mystampedia.com
As always, I'm looking for link contributors. If you are reading this and you've done your own tutorials on your blogs, feel free to contribute the link to your tutorial for our stamping encyclopedia. You just may get more hits to your site if you do!
cheers! (and if you are not aware of what My Stampedia is, take a look around. It is a work in progress.)
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