lol!

What did YOU do this weekend?

We had a fantastic few days here in the Cates house.  Not only was it gorgeous weather all weekend {and today TOO!} but do you realize what FRIDAY was? 

March 5th!

March 5th 2010!

Did you go?!  Did YOU?!  We did!  And guess what!  So did a LOT of other folks! “Alice in Wonderland took in an astounding $116 million in its first few days ($210 million worldwide). It marks the biggest opening weekend ever in March, and the sixth highest opening weekend of all-time!”

Can I just tell you that I skipped around the house all day like a giddy little girl?  LOL

I wanted to DRESS UP like the Hatter,

but I was informed by my ENTIRE family that “if I dressed all crazy I was going ALONE”  so sadly, I attended this event in a ultra conservative sweater and mom jeans.  *sob*  LOL!

So off we went!  As a family!  To see!  Tim Burton’s!!  AiW!  woohoo!!!!!!

On the way there I was totally bummed I did NOT get to see this in 3D.  Once the film started though, and Alice was falling into the hole, I was totally HAPPY I was not watching it in 3D because at that moment – I would have hurled all over the place.  I am the person, at the county fair, that everyone laughs at because they SPEW while riding the stupid kiddie swings!  BLUH!  LOL

We loved it!  Well, Sis and I did.  We ended up splitting up once we got there and the males saw some Percy Lighting something or other.  So much for a FAMILY night!  But a GIRLS night was fine with Sis and I!  We were EXCITED!

The graphics and effects were nothing short of amazing, and the “artistic” component of the “set” was BREATH TAKING!  Look, Im tearing up a little just thinking about it!  LOL!

During the movie, I can say we literally – laughed, cried, cheered, boo’d, and in the end the entire audience APPLAUDED!  

I have re-discovered my love for Johnny Depp.  I haven’t liked him for quite a while now.  Not since he decided he shouldn’t have to bath or groom. LOL  But, I love him again.  Like I fell for him when Edward Scissorhands came out.  His ability to convey emotions with his EYES and face and not just words is… *shivers*  LOVE HIM!

Sis’s favorite character I think was the Cheshire Cat

I also loved the blue caterpillar (they called him Ansenthiam or something like that in the movie.  I’ve been googling for two days.  Cant find it!)  Anyway, he made me cry at the end.  You have to watch the movie to find out why – Im not telling!

If you haven’t taken your kids to see it, I say GO.  Go. GOOOOO!

I noticed, while we were waiting for the movie to start that most of the audience when WE were there – were fathers with younger kids.  SOOO sweet.  Some of my best memories of growing up were hanging out watching movies with my dad.  He used to take us to the DRIVE IN every weekend.  LOL.  Yea, Drive-In.  Yes, I am THAT old.  bwahaha! 

Anyway-

We had a FANTASTIC weekend!  So now I will just have to sit and stare at my desktop while I wait for the DVD.  LOL

Family night to the movies: $27
Snacks at the concession stand: $26 (omg! 4 cokes and 1 popcorn!  are you kidding me?!)
Grabbing supper at Sonic on the way home: : $25
Seeing my daughter fall in LOVE w/a movie for the first time, WITH me! –> PRICELESS!

><

4 minute clip

First up:  Kim and my SPRING THEMED Grab Bag

available for ONE WEEK ONLY!
Spring CU Collab
$43.00 $6.00
Save: 86% off

Contains:
Bloomers 6
Itty bitty bloomers
Doodled craft flowers
Itty bitty Ferns
Bright Buds
Playful petals 3
Flowers and Leaves
and a Spring bonus pack.
7 full sized products in PNG + Bonus pack.

49 PNG @ 300ppi

available HERE at DSO
and HERE at DSV

Our goal for the bag was to give everyone a chance to ‘freshen’ up their flower stash.  Using the same flowers over and over again gets repetitive and boring, KWIM?  So, since we both already had several flower packs in the works – we decided to do a bag.  This works out great for you guys because you gets TONS of product at a HUGE discount.  The only down side to bags, so far as I can tell, is not knowing what you’re getting!  So here I am – going to show you one.   How’s that?  I’m SO sure everything in the bag is versatile enough and usable enough that I’m taking away the “unknown” factor! woohoo! 

For today’s reveal:

Close up of the morning dew on the leaves…
Certainly not wet enough to ruin any scrap pages!
*wink*

Close up of the big pink “artsy” flower…
Doesn’t that center almost look like macaroni noodles!?

Next up: A layout!

{Credits:  Southern Comfort March Collab Kit @ DSO}

For a long time, I’ve wanted to find challenges or just challenge myself to make sure that my layouts actually had some “meaning”.  All the challenges out there are more “artistic” then “documentarian/historian/biographical”.  Pretty pages, and all have meaning to the creator, but I wanted something MORE then just an aesthetically pleasing page.   I mean, I love ALL KINDS of scrapbooking, but I just wanted to add the “STORY” too… if that makes any sense.  Since I couldn’t find the inspiration I was looking for I decided to make it for myself and so I started the Be A Life Writer Blog.  

It took for ever for me to get up the courage to make the first post, the first challenge.    I have even found someone who has agreed to help me if I need it, so… Have blog, have help, whats the problem…  OH man, since the whole goal behind the blog is MEANINGFUL pages it’s really hard to get up the courage to POST THEM ONLINE!  LOL!!!!!!!   I hope some of you will be brave and join me over there. 

There are no “freebies”.  No gimmicks.  The prize offered is the inspiration to get you “Telling your own story”.  I hope you stop by over there.  I really do.

AND: PIMPAGE UGHHHHH  STUFF!

LoL!

Have you seen this month’s collab at DSO ?  Its called Southern Comfort and its AWESOME.  I used it to do my layout above.  Our monthy collabs are divided by designer so You don’t have to take the whole kit – you can buy what ever parts you want.  Heck the designers aren’t even required to participate in it, they just like working together! LOL!!!!!!!!

and of course I have new stuff out!

GlitterMaster – Shamrocks n Sprinkles
Manufacturer: Bunny Cates
Price: $3.50 $2.80
Save: 20% off

Leafing
Save: 25% off this week only!

Realistic leaves to build your clusters and accent your creations! 
This purchase contains:
6 full color PNG files @300ppi

+ 1 bonus file!

**Shadow on preview only

Faux Show – set one
Save: 25% off first week only!

Faux Flowers to accent your creations

This purchase contains:
5 full color PNG files @300ppi

**Shadow on preview only

Faux Show – tiny accents
Save: 25% off first week only

Wee Faux Flowers to fill in and accent your creations 
This purchase contains:
7 full color PNG files @300ppi

**Shadow on preview only

Rustic Bits
Save: 25% off first week only!

Realistic rustic hinges and bits to bring realism to your creations. 
This purchase contains:
6 full color PNG files @300ppi

**Shadow on preview only

ok, I gotta run.
><

I wanted to tell you about some specials stuff today – like my sale, and how you can get some FREE STUFF from me!

First the sale:

http://tinyurl.com/mjw6vp

35% off ALL Bunny Cates products

(regularly priced $1 or more)
Commercial Use items INCLUDED!

VALENTINES DAY ONLY!!!!

*services and classes NOT included.

and my new stuff:

GlitterMaster – Hearts n Sprinkles

$3.50
Sale: $2.28
Save: 35% off (Valentines Day ONLY!)

*Limited Edition* 
Paint on glitter anywhere you need it! Glittermaster provides you with a line of glitter. Glittershapes in the Hearts n Sprinkles tube include: oval,chips,hearts,and squares. Use the size and step settings to have TOTAL control over the look and flow of your glitter! GlitterMaster Tubes are created at 300DPI! 
Optimal Settings Guide included! 
This item will be for sale during FEB only. 
Tested in PSP 9 ONLY. 
This purchase contains:
1 – psptube file 
1 – optimal settings tips 
1 – installation guide

**THIS PRODUCT IS PAINT SHOP PRO COMPATIBLE ONLY!  It will NOT work in other software!**

USAGE LICENSE: PU and Limited CU allowed

and somesing spayshul fo u!

TODAY ONLY – if you spend $10 or more on my products, I will give you one of my products free.  Which product? ummm.. YOU CHOOSE!  (no services or classes though, sorry – a girls got her limits!)   This offer is for VALENTINES DAY ONLY – PURCHASES MUST BE MADE TODAY!!!!   {pssstttt… add me as a friend on FACEBOOK and you can even double dip – my facebook friends are getting a free template set OF THEIR CHOICE with their $5 purchases today!} 

So – buy $10 of my products + make sure you’re my friend on facebook.  FORWARD ME your invoice as proof of purchase, and be sure to tell me what FREE ITEM(s) you would ilke!  I’ll send you a coupon and you get free goodies!  whoot!  Please note that this offer is valid TODAY ONLY – VALENTINES DAY! 

Where to email?

Have a HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Today’s blog post is brought to you by Bug aka “Littlesall” on youtube!

This is Bug’s, err… Littlesall’s first crafting tutorial for kids.  We hope you enjoy it as much as she enjoyed making it!

  Filmed, edited, and Produced by: Littlesall
Starring: Littlesall

Thanks for watching!

Preproduction Outtakes:

Products used in this video:

Cardstock: The Paper Company 8-1/2”x11” Value Pack Papers Neutral 50-pk
Stamps:  Bitty Basics by Stampin’ Up!
Inks:  Mrs Elizabeth {bought at the DOLLAR TREE! whoot}
Ink Cleaner: Ranger 2 oz. Inkssentials Clear Stamp Cleaner

Thanks for watching!

I’m putting together some Business Binders for the DSO Girls, and I thought I would put the offer out there to my Digiscrap Designing friends.

This is NOT a digital download.  Actual binders will be shipped to those who order.

Basically, my business binder is a tool that will help organize your business in every aspect from planning products, creating them, tracking their sales, managing deadlines, planning promotions, tracking income and expenses, tax prep *You’ll be COMPLETELY READY come tax time! Just pop out a section and GO!* , and MORE.   The binder won’t help you DESIGN, but it will help you manage just about every other part of the business. 

The cost of the binder is $45.  This does NOT include shipping.  Shipping will be billed separately and is based on your location.  I will consult with the post office to get the best rate possible for you, which I believe will be MEDIA MAIL for those in the US.  To expedite shipping you can request flat rate which will be $10.80 (USA), but I think that is at least DOUBLE what media mail will cost.

I do not have a photo of a completed binder, I am in the process of putting them together at this time.  They will not be decorated, I’ll leave that up to the new owners.    What they will be is either a 1” 3-ring binder or a 2” 3-ring binder, stuffed with stuff to help you run the business (Over 100 pages of charts, tips, ledgers, and more!).  

I will also provide either in seminar setting or one-on-one in Skype – a “How to use this binder” class.  At NO additional charge to those that purchase the binder.   We’ll go over each section in detail, and discuss how to use each section.

Additionally those who purchase this first batch of binders (Purchases from the month of FEBRUARY 2010 only!)  will receive free supplements thru Nov 2010, of anything I decide to add between now and the 2011 release. 

Please note: This binder is for a single user.  Copying and redistributing (online or otherwise) is STRICTLY PROHIBITED!

If you would like to order a binder, please click the BUY NOW BUTTON.  Please note I am purchasing supplies to make the binders as they are ordered, so please allow 2 weeks for assembly and shipment of your binder.

Here are some quick shots of partially assembled binders, I’ll add more pics when I get them completely assembled.  Who knew hole punching would be such a PAIN!  lol!!!!!

PS:
If you try to order and it says “Sold out” just email me.  I have it set to stop after a certain amount, as each batch of supplies will make X number of binders.  I’ll reset it so you can order, it just means I need to order more supplies.  

PSS:
If you have think you may want one, but are unsure and have questions please don’t hesitate to email me!

Just poppin on for a sec a minute ok, a few.  I wanted to drop some pc knowledge on ya.  LOL!

There is some pretty heavy new virus’ out this past week or so, and they are definitely going around.  I’ve had several pc repair calls this week (3 of the 4 ending in reformatting!) and also our kimmie had to do a little refomatting.  So this is just a general – pc maintenance/care post/guide thingy. 

Edited to add: I tried really hard to not get too technical.  PC stuff can be pretty intimidating, and I know most folks don’t care HOW their computer runs, as long as it runs.

My advice (for what its worth)

• Your antivirus — Having antivirus on there isn’t enough.  It needs to be with a company that updates their virus definitions often.  Most antivirus programs will “auto” check for new updates.  That’s great.  BUT, for what it’s worth, I would STILL manually click to check for new updates, EVERY day.  It takes LESS then a second to do, and then you KNOW for a FACT your definitions are up to date.  That is one less worry.    [what I use for antivirus:  I have Norton Security Suite on my graphics computer and both the kids’ computers.  I have AVG – FREE version on my internet pc, both laptops, the studio pc, and the hubs pc.]
  • To manually check for updates in both Norton Antivirus & AVG – simply RIGHT CLICK the icon for the software down by the clock and click on UPDATE
• FIREWALL—Antivirus is not enough.  You need a GOOD firewall setup.  If you aren’t using one, your internet connection is opening your pc to the masses. [ PC TOOLS has a good FREE one.  It is what I used before I went to the full suite from Nortons, it is also on all the pc’s with the AVG – FREE]
• Cache Cleaner/Temp files deletion — huh? lol.  Without getting to geeky on you.  I’ll just say that virus’ can hide in places that aren’t even intended to be PLACES.  The whole purpose of .tmp files is to be a temporary file.  You computer stores  info there WHILE its writing the REAL file.  .tmp files are supposed to disappear once the REAL file is done writing.  Sometimes, a lot of times actually, Windows forgets to disappear the .tmp  So you need to delete those out yourself.  Also, virus’ can hide in your browser cache.  Say you go to site abc.  Site abc is a safe site but they have a ton of banner ads.  Well if banner ad 4 links up to an infected site, and when you go to site abc banner ad 4 happens to be displaying for you… guess what!  Yeah, sucks don’t it?  So what do you do?  Well.  You can manually dump your cache and search/delete your .tmp files or you can download a free utility to do this FOR YOU.  Kim and I both use CCleaner.
  • To manually empty your cache in IE simply click on TOOLS>INTERNET OPTIONS>GENERAL click click on DELETE under the BROWSER HISTORY heading
  • To manually empty your cache in FF simply click TOOLS>CLEAR RECENT HISTORY
  • To manually empty your cache in Safari simply click RESET SAFARI in the Safari menu
  • To manually delete .tmp files  go to START>SEARCH,   All files and folders, directory C:, and in the search box put *.tmp   Delete everything it finds.
• SPYWARE —  bluh.  Spyware sucks.  Software “Spyware Blockers” can be used to help insure you do not become infected with spyware.  I highly recommend SPYBOT Seek & Destroy.  It is FREE.  Spybot runs in the background protecting your pc, much like an antivirus software.  You should MANUALLY check for updates every day though.
  • To manually check for updates simply RIGHT CLICK the icon for the software down by the clock and click on SEARCH FOR UPDATES
    • I also just BOUGHT a program called Super AntiSpyware Pro.  I had downloaded the trial, and it found a few things my other programs had missed So I bought it, just to “have it” incase of emergency.  They do have a FREE version.
• HINKY —  and when it starts running hinky, then what?  There is some GREAT – and I do not use that term lightly – software out there called TUNE UP UTILITIES.  Sometimes Windows “gets confused”.  There can be little bits left in the registry, or little files go hinky.  This program will scan your pc and fix them right up!  I have been a faithful user of PC Tuneup for, hmm… 10 years now guess (Since windows 98 was new and exciting stuff!).  It has saved my computer MORE then once. 

Now, even WITH all the precautionary software above, it is a fact… shit happens.  With that said, I’m going to tell you BACK UP, BACK UP, BACK UP.  BACK UP – to a DISK!  

“I don’t need to back up to a cd, I have 3 500-gig external harddrives…”  

well, whoop-dee-doo… 

External hard drives are great for “quick” “temporary” back ups.  They are great for moving info from one computer to another.  They are not, however, reliable.

External hard drives (MOST of them) do not have cooling fans in them.  That means, they get hot.  [TIP:  To make your ehd last longer – ONLY plug it up when you are actually USING it!  If you aren’t using it UNPLUG the dang thing!  When hd’s get hot, data gets corrupted.]  Hard drives FAIL.  it happens.  Having a back cd (or 50) is not a bad thing.  Even that is not “fool proof” Cd’s scratch, wear, etc… but relying SOLELY on an ehd for backup is not very smart.  Also remember to “close” your back up cd after burning.  If you find yourself having to replace pc parts, and then try to use the backup, if its not CLOSED the pc may not be able to READ the disk!  There IS software that can do backups FOR you.  FREE SOFTWARE.  They can even backup to an ONLINE SERVER,  and you dont have to do ANYTHING.  Check out COMODO.  I have not tried their service yet, but they are one of the most trusted companies for WEBSITE SECURITY out there.  I can’t imagine they would risk losing the big corporation website accounts by offering shoddy software.

“OMG, So much stuff to do!  How can I remember to do it all?!”

Get on a ROUTINE!
Do what I do!  Get yourself on some kind of doable schedule!  For me, the 1st day of every month is PC MAINTENANCE day.  Even if I haven’t done anything all month long, I DO do it on the first.  I also change ALLLLLL my internet passwords on the first.  Forums, blogs, galleries, stores, banks.  I keep a little tablet on my desk with all my favorite/most used sites and the passwords to access them.  Passwords should always be 8+ characters.  They should contain letters (both upper and lower case) and numbers! For example  the password: ItTickles could become:1tT1ckl3s  Never ever ever use: birthdates, kids names, pet names, or social security number as your password.  

So what should you do on PC MAINTENANCE DAY:

• Update Antivirus Software. 
  • Run FULL “DEEP” Antivirus SCAN
• Update SPYBOT
  • Full scan and IMMUNIZE
• Empty Trash bin
• Run CCleaner
• If you have it: Run Tune-Up Utilities ONE-CLICK TUNEUP  <-  I <3 this!!!!
• REBOOT  (if you’re like me your pc stays on ALL the time.  Sometimes a quick reboot can fix tons of issues!)
• Change all passwords

There, that’s not so bad is it?

I’m not posting this to look like some kind of PC wizard.  I AM smart enough to know, that I surely DON’T know, more than I know.  Ha.  Work that one out for yourself.  LOL!   I really just want to help you.  I would really miss you if your pc went down.  So, I share what I know.  Its up to you whether you do any of it or not.  I hate it when someone emails/calls for help and it was something silly they could have done to keep it from happening.  I hate even more that most of the time, I’m too far away to help FIX the problem!   KWIM? 

If you want to do this stuff but need help, holler!  Have questions?  A pc story to tell?  Whatever.  Just click COMMENT and type away.  We’re all here, reading… so TYPE. 

SUMMARY:
For quick reference here is a list of software mentioned in this post

• AVG – FREE version
• Norton Security Suite
• PC Tools
• CCleaner
• Spybot Seek & Destroy
• Tune Up Utilities
• Super Anti-Spyware Pro
• COMODO

*DISCLAIMER:  Please note that I am NOT degreed, accredited, or certified in ANYTHING pc related.
I am just a chick, who digs computers and everything related to them.
I dig putting them together, taking them apart, and figuring out how they work.
so take this post for what it’s worth. 
I am not responsible/liable/accountable for ANYTHING
YOU do to your pc.

To me, good writing is like good sex.

While you are reading (and if you’re lucky while you’re WRITING it) you are so engrossed in it that the entire world around you disappears and all that is left are you and the words.  You become ignorant to everything around you as the words stroke and evoke each of your senses.  Each phrase, each stanza pulling you further and further in until you reach the end.  When its over, if it was “good”, you sit back and as you lift your cigarette for that wonderful drag of satisfaction you secretly wish you could go back in for just a second longer, all the while knowing going back probably wouldn’t be the same.  Completely satisfied, and left with the hope that the next time will be just as riveting, just as exciting, just as intense.

It really doesn’t matter WHERE you do it,  it doesn’t even matter how long it lasts.  What does matter, is that for the time you have it, it is the most enticing, emotional, stimulating experience it can be. 

For all parties involved.

Tons tons tons to tell you about so grab a cuppa coffee and lets go!

First:
I have new classes available!  Yay!

This quick and simple card class will teach you how to create 4 cards using a minimal amount of supplies (only 3 sheets of cardstock to make FOUR complete cards!). These cards are a variety of shapes and will fit into a standard 4.25 x 5.5 card envelope.  The example cards (above) use Stampin’ Up! stamps and ink, but ANY products you have will work.

Its even available as January 2010 Card Class  and January 2010 Card Class – for Demos  The difference is what’s included.

and the class for demonstrators

I really tried to include EVERYTHING I could think of in these packages so I hope you check them out!

the next thing…

I want to tell you about…

If you haven’t read THIS POST about Andrea’s loss and how you can help, PLEASE take a moment to read the post.  This family is really hurting and every little bit helps.

the main thing…

I want to tell you about is…………

DSO is having a blog hop, and even if you didn’t know about it — YOU’RE ON IT!  woohoo!

Basically, we wanted to celebrate the New Year with a bang, so EVERY designer at DSO is post a freebie on their blogs today!  Not only that, but one random commenter on one of the blogs will win a $25 gift certificate to DSOs store, so MAKE SURE TO COMMENT, and make sure your using a working email address when you do!

So from me, I made you guys this little freebie.  Its a few papers and a couple of odds and ends elements.

You can download these free bits right HERE.
as always, please do not share my files.  They are given to you freely for a limited time ONLY and then they go into the BARGAIN BIN at DSO.  So if you would like your friends to grab them, send them a link to my blog instead of sharing the file.
–THANK YOU!

Remember to hit all the other DSO DESIGNERS Blogs, and leave comments EVERYWHERE so you will be entered to win the $25 Gift Certificate!

Thanks for stopping by today!  Remember to comment on THIS POST so you will be entered to win a $25 Gift Certificate to DSO!  If you didn’t come here from Di’s Legacy4Life Blog  you’ve missed a stop somewhere!  You may want to start at the begining of the hop so you get all the freebies today!  Your next blog stop is Charlie’s Digiscraps.

Here’s wishing you a fantastic 2010!!

>Im outtie<

I cant find my list of things I mean to blog about either, so I am SURE there is something I should be telling you right now.  Instead, I’m just going to give you a freebie and tell you “how to” use it, roughly.  Then I’m going to THANK  YOU for stopping by and reading my rambling.  THEN I am going to wish you a very MERRY Christmas, just incase I don’t make it back before then. 

I love it, and am always so flattered when designers ask me if I would like to work with one of their products.  Sometimes, I even get brave enough and email my designer friends and ask them if they would like anything worked with.  Such is this.  I love Mrs Randi Oh .  She is one of the sweetest people I have met online.   I also enjoy her products.  So the other day I emailed her to see if she had anything I could do because I was bored and wanted something to do that wasn’t a “have to”,  you know?  She said Sure and sent me a couple of kits to play with.

The first one, the Bella Joy Bundle at scrapbookgraphics.com , I knew exactly what I wanted to do as soon as I unzipped it.  The reindeer and the journaling stack were PERFECT for a project I have been wanting to try.

Have you ever seen a tag sized notepad?  or an altered notepad?  Well, I saw one at a craft fair and LOVED the idea of it, so I had planned on attempting the project myself.  Here is what I ended up with.  I can’t tell you how much I LOVE how it turned out!!!

This is a hybrid project, so most of the planning happens on the pc.

I mocked up all the bits to fit on a 4 1/4 x 2 1/8 sized tag.  Once I was happy with sizing I printed it out on a heavy white piece of cardstock.

and gathered all my supplies

Notice I printed the reindeer twice. Ha.  This is because I knew I would screw up one of them cutting them out!  hehehe!

Next I cut everything out, and attacked it with my new favorite product – Mod Podge SPARKLE!

look how the Mod Podge makes everything bling!  It also makes it all a little more sturdy and moldable

Some of my photos did not turn out, so I will just have to type it all out for you and try to creatively crop the pics I do have.  Sorry.

First:  For the tag back, I Mod Podged the peice of paper I printed, to the tag.  Once dried and sanded it and grunged it up with a sanding block.  And then inked the edges with Distress Vintage Photo and my Ink Blending tool with a felt pad, not foam, I inked up my label.   The mod podge will help make the base extra sturdy for all the stuff we’re fixing to put on it.

While that ink was drying, I used a swirl stamp and embossed the reindeer with black INKITUP Pigment Ink and black embossing powder from SU!.  Then used my inking tool and did the edges up with the Distress Vintage Photo

Set the deer aside and assembled the notepad.  For assembly, I roughed up the edges with the sanding block and inked it up with Distress Vintage Photo.  Then rimmed it in Encore ink – Gold.  I also cut out several pieces of paper for the pad.  The white white of the papers was too much against my vintage looking pad, so I inked them up lightly with Distress Vintage Photo .  To attach it all I used a hole punch and made 2 holes at the top exactly where Randi had placed them on her element, and threaded them with some craft thread.  Tied in the back so you can not see the knot after assembly.

For assembly I attached the swirl using Tombow Mono Aqua Glue.  Using dimensionals I attached the notepad I had made.  Using dimensionals I attached the JINGLE BELLS label. 

Then using dimensionals again {doubled to make it extra high} I attached the reindeer.  I used some of the crafting thread to attach the 2009 tag to the top.  Then glued the butterfly down with Tombow Mono Aqua. 

To add the flower at the bottom, I drew on the leaves with Spica Clear Glitter Pen, and inked the edges with Distress Vintage Photo.  Then I glued the leaves down to the tagback with Tombow Mono Aqua Glue .  Next I placed 1 dimensional square and place the flower, and with my fingers bent all the petal edges up for a natural curl look.  Then I adhered the tiny red circle to the center to make the flower “pop”.

Randi Oh is so nice!  I asked her if I could give you guys the print out I used for my tag.  She said YES!  So if you would like to attempt this project, just print out this pdf and get to assembling!

Complete Supply List for this project:
Digital Kit – I used Bella Joy Bundle by Randi Oh!

Papers:
White Cardstock
manilla tag

Inks:
Distress Ink: Broken China **
Distress Ink: Vintage Photo **
InkItUP: BLACK pigment ink
Spica Glitter pen
Encore Ink: Gold
Embossing:
SU! Black EP

Adhesives:
Mod Podge Sparkle **
Glue Glider Pro **
Tombow Aqua **
foam dimensionals

Tools:
hole punch – I used Making Memories Toolkit
sanding block
Tim Holtz Inking Tool **
scissors

ok, I have to get SOMETHING accomplished today.  Thanks for reading!

><

TODAY is product receiving day down in the Studio!  Very soon, you will be able to purchase not only digi stuff in the store but tangible items too!

I’m so excited!  I’ve wanted to do this for about 2 years now, if not longer.   But you know that whole fear of “what if…”  After talking to KimB and the hubs, and the hubs, and KimB and Shanna-banana, I finally swallowed my gut and stuck my toes in the water!  {Nope, I didn’t jump in head first.. just sticking my TOES in for now! lol}  YAY!

We won’t have a lot of products in the Studio at first.  I really only intend to carry stuff I myself have used – and LIKE!  So we might not have a LOT, but we’ll have what’s good.

So what’s in this first batch? 

Well, I went with Tim Holtz yumminess and a few other things.  As soon as I get it all inventoried and up in the shop I’ll post the link for you to CHECK it OUT… {ha! Check out, get it? haha!}

Anyway, just popping in to say HI!  I know I haven’t posted a lot this week, but it’s kind of crazy around here.

HUGS to YOU!

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oh shoot…
PS
If there are product you would like me to try to carry in the Studio, please let me know!  If I can get it in for you, I sure will!