Win $7 on the 7th

Want to win a gift certificate for our Etsy Shop or ArtFire Studio? We’ll here is your chance.

Here is your assignment: Tell us about your favorite Summer memory. Add your memorable moment as a comment at the end of this post. Be sure to sign into Blogger or leave your name with your comment (How else will we know who the winner is?).

At least four (4) different people must post comments in order for the gift certificate to be awarded. You are allowed to post more than one comment (Just like a lottery!). All comments posted by September 6, 2009 will be eligible for the gift certificate.

A random number generator will be used to determine the winner. The winner will be posted on the Blog on the 7th of the month. If you are the winner, be sure to email us so we can send you your gift certificate.

By the way, everyone is only eligible to win a dM prize once every three months.

Good Luck!

Go Green with a Shopping Envelope

Lately, instead of taking project goodies home in the store plastic bags, I’ve been using my own Shopping Envelope. These are great because I don’t worry about my paper getting bent in this sturdy envelope. I keep one in the car for unexpected stops.

I use the Craft Keepers Envelopes by Generations. These envelopes are acid-free and durable. They are 12” x 12” and have a 1-1/2" expansion capacity and a secure string & button closure. So the next time you are out shopping, pick up your own shopping envelope.

Buying Adhesive

Try out new adhesives before you buy them. It’s just like buying shoes; you want to make sure it fits right. Test your friends’ adhesive or see if the store has a demo for you to try.

Use your grocery shopping skills when buying adhesive. Compare the unit prices of the different adhesives you use. Some buys may be better than others.

Take advantage of sales. Look out for adhesive sales and stock up on your favorites. You can never have enough.

Pretty in Pink & Green Cards

For those of you who love the colors Pink & Green, these cards are for you.

Email us if you would like a custom card in the color scheme of your choice.

Pre-made Layouts by Distinctive Moments

Save time by purchasing Pre-made Page Layouts.

We offer generic and theme specific layouts. A personalized title may be added to the generic layouts at no extra cost.

The following sizes are available 8” x 8”, 81/2” x 11”, and 12” x 12”.

Buy one layout and get one half off when you purchase your pre-made layouts by August 22.

Five Money Savers

Below you’ll read about five money savers. Try one, some, or all and continue to use the savers that work best for you.

Use Your Scraps It is very rare for me to use all the products I purchase for my various products. I may only use half a piece of pattern paper or a foot of a yard of the ribbon I purchased. This process leaves me with tons of scraps (cardstock, paper, embellishments, ribbon etc.) at my disposal. All of the scraps that I save are futile unless I make use of them. The key to saving scraps is remembering that you have them and using them. I recommend coming up with a storage system that will encourage you to use your scraps often.

Make More Than One Card Often I make a card for a specific person or event. Usually if I’m making just one card I’ll have products leftover. Similar to using leftover scrapbook products when I scrapbook, I make several cards at the same time using the leftover products. This process actually saves money and time.

Cut Back on Embellishments I know embellishments add a lot to your layouts and cards but when you are using a lot of them they become quite expensive. A lot of times your embellishments are the bulk of your project cost. So I try to incorporate more generic (colored, non seasonal) embellishments in my projects. The generic embellishments can be used numerous project not just one. I still use seasonal embellishments, just not as frequently.

Scrap Out of Season Just like shopping for clothing, you can find some great deals when you purchase scrapbook products out of season. Usually the prices of seasonal products will be reduced shortly after the season (holiday, event, etc.) has past. This shouldn’t pose a problem for scrapbooking but it may for card making if you were planning to make cards in season. Many times I make cards for the next season with the reduced scrapbooking products I purchase. You can also just save the products for the next season. To save or use the scrapbook products is totally up to you.

Share Tools I know when you read the latest Creating Keepsakes or see a product demonstration at your local scrapbook store you just have to have the NEW tool that you saw. Let’s face it; many of the latest and greatest tools are not needed to fulfill the majority of your scrapbooking needs. A lot of times it’s not cost effective to purchase a tool that you are only going to use for a small percentage of your projects. A solution to this dilemma is sharing your tools. Get together with a friend or two that you normally scrapbook with and purchase the tool together. You could use the tool at your scrapbooking sessions and/or work out a usage schedule. This option would get you the NEW tool but not hurt your checking account as bad.

Altered Frames

Add a little pizzazz to you photos with these altered frames.

We have wood frames as well as acrylic block frames. We’ll add your photo the acrylic block frame for you. Just send us a digital photo when you place your order.

Email us if you would like a special custom frame made just for you.

Dot 'n' Roller Adhesive

The Dot 'n' Roller Adhesive is an awesome adhesive from Kokuyo.

This adhesive:
· is a micro-dot dry adhesive that is acid free.
· provides instant holding power with no dry time needed.
· does not wrinkle or leave unsightly bumps under paper.
· has an applicator that allows for smooth adhesive lay down with easy starts and clean cuts, even around curves.
· has a retractable cap to protect the adhesive from dirt and other debris while not in use.
· has refills that are one piece drop-in cartridges. Can’t be any easier!
· is available as a permanent or a repositionable adhesive.
· measures 1/3 in. x 43 ft.
· is great for use with scrapbooks, paper crafts, card making, gift wrapping, and more.

You have to try this adhesive.