Friday, January 30, 2009

Open Crop & Free Make-and-Take!

This past Saturday was our open crop and free make-and-take day. Many of you stopped in to make this sweet Valentine. Candi showed customers different kinds of adhesive that are available and let them test all of them while making this free card.



If you missed out this time, never fear! You will have a chance every 4th Saturday to come and crop with us from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Grab a friend and bring anything you would like to work on. Candi will be here from 1:00 until 3:00 to show you a new technique and to answer any questions you might have. Each month we will be covering a different topic. This is especially great for beginning scrapbookers or those who are confused with all the choices of product and tools out there.

So mark your calendars for Saturday, February 28th, for another chance to crop and learn new ideas. Our February topic is "Trimmers." Candi will give you the opportunity to try every trimmer we sell as well as some other cutting tools such as circle cutters and craft knives. With so many trimmers on the market, this will be a great chance to "test drive" one before you buy!




Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Die Cut of the Month


The weather outside is frightful! So why not stay in and create some warm memories? Our "Hot Cocoa" die cut of the month may be just the thing! Use it to embellish layouts or create a mini album. Here are some cute ideas to get you started:




Twist and curl thin wire so it appears as if steam is rising from the mug. Embellish it further with die cut marshmallows and snowmen cut from patterned paper.



To chase the winter blahs away, why not create a small mini book full of hot chocolate recipes? It would make a great gift to run down to the neighbor to brighten their day!



You can add as many pages as you want. Just die cut the mug from cardstock, fold it over, and glue it down. Embellish as desired.



Do a search on the internet for some gourmet hot cocoa recipes. Print them on chocolate colored paper and slip inside each mug.



Now doesn't this make you want a cup of your own?

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Scrapbooking Class this Thursday!

It's that time again! Join us this Thursday, January 29th, at our Rexburg store for a night of scrapping! Classes start at 6:00 p.m. and go until 9:00 p.m. Each kit includes everything you see here (except for the photos, of course). So bring your basic scrapbooking supplies and tools, grab a friend, and plan on spending a girl's night out.




Kathy's class is focusing on an "All About Me" theme. She has made a time line from some of her childhood photos through her life right now. It's a great way to start an album about you that your family will cherish for years to come!



Stephanie's class focuses on heritage layouts and ways we can bring the past and present together. This layout would be great to showcase the changes made to the family home through the years. But if heritage isn't on your list right now, think outside the box! You could scrap photos of things in your house (home decor, trinkets, items that have been passed down from generation to generation) that make it feel like home to you. Document the process of building a new house. There's lots of possibilities out there!

Any scrapbooking level is welcome to come, from beginners to the pros! We are there to help you with anything and answer any questions you might have. We hope to see you there!

Monday, January 26, 2009

New Imaginisce Products!

Check out these two great new product lines from Imaginisce! If you love little birds, foxes, and flowers, then Twitterpated is for you. And for those fresh summertime layouts, try Summer Cool. Both lines come with double-sided patterned paper, matching flowers, ribbons, pebble brads, and the cutest little $1 stamps you've ever seen!

We still have the princess line, "Fairest of Them All" in stock as well. So if you're in need of a little springtime boost, treat yourself to some Imaginisce! Check out their gallery online for more great ideas.


by Kathy Davis


by Kathy Davis

by Stephanie Frisby

by Stephanie Frisby

Saturday, January 24, 2009

January 2nd Saturday Recap

January is drawing to a close. Hopefully those of you participating in our 2nd Saturday program have been busily working on your projects for February. But just in case you need a boost, here are some ideas on scrapping the theme of
"On Schedule."


We often get in the habit of scrapping "events" instead of the day-to-day activities. Spend some time focusing on the little things. They are part of our everyday lives that put together, make up the big stuff.

Put a spin on the traditional birthday page by journaling about your feelings regarding the event. Is is exciting, sad, or bittersweet that your young ones are growing so fast? Write it down! They will thank you someday.

Here's a great example of scrapping without photos. Write down your daily, weekly, or monthly schedule and preserve it for your posterity. I'll bet it will even be interesting for you to look back at your own life in a few years and notice how much things have changed.

Create a layout using time-lapse photos of a special event in your life. The pictures say a lot, but don't forget to include your thoughts and feelings as well.

Momentous occasions, like bringing home a new baby, can cause us to reflect on the small details of life. Enjoy the journey!


Capture what is going through your head right now. I created this layout after an hour-long struggle to get my boys in bed. Although I was tired, I felt the need to record my thoughts...that although I was frustrated and exhausted, I still loved them and wanted them to remember that.

Create a checklist of things you want to accomplish in your lifetime. This could vary from places you want to travel to your heart-felt dreams and goals.

What do your teenagers do with their time? This fun layout will be a treasure in years to come, especially when we look back and say, "Can you believe how far technology has come?"


Did you ever really think you would get old? Time definitely has a way of changing our perspectives.

And last, but not least, I wanted to share a fun layout regarding the strange phenomenon that seems to surround all mothers...not being able to have even 60 seconds of alone time in the bathroom! Now bathrooms aren't something we normally scrap about, but why not have a little fun with it? Write about the notes the kids slip under the door or the way the phone always seems to ring the minute you step in the shower. Sometimes, even the family pet wants in. Tell the funny story and let your personality shine through!

Hopefully, these suggestions have helped you come up with some ideas of your own. We can't wait to see your spin on "On Schedule." See you in February!


Friday, January 23, 2009

Clock Kit of the Month

We've put a new spin on kits by adding a new Clock kit of the month! Our talented designer, Tara Lehmann, has created this sparkly, wintery clock face for January.


You can buy the basic clock for $9.99 (regularly priced at $16.99), which has a blank background. Then assemble the pre-designed clock kit (all the stamping has already been done for you!) and insert it inside the clock base. Add your photos and enjoy a personalized timepiece for each month!

This month's clock kit is on sale at the Rexburg store for only $4.99. There's a limited number of kits, so hurry in and ask for yours at the scrapbooking counter.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Layout Swap!

Are you interested in a way to double your scrapbooking time? Are you inspired by other people's work? If so, then the layout swap might be just the thing for you! Here's how it works:


You will create a two-page 12x12 layout every two months. Then prepare 9 other kits. Your kits will consist of all the items shown on your completed layout along with a color photo or color copy of your design. You will only need to provide instructions if you need to explain how to finish some part of your layout.

On the designated days, you will turn in the 9 kits that you created in exchange for 9 different kits from 9 other designers. So you will end up with 10 new layouts every two months, including the one you designed yourself.

Sound like something you would like to try? Then read on for more details!

1. On each kit, include your name, email address and phone number. This way a member of the swap group can contact you if they have a question about your layout.

2. Kits should be ready for quick and easy assembly. All papers should be pre-cut to exact size. A full or partial sheet is acceptable for photo mats.

3. If you want to include stamping, all stamping and coloring must be complete for each kit.

4. Small parts such as photo corners, eyelets, brads, swirl clips, etc. are required to be placed in small ziploc bags. (These can be purchased in the craft department at Porter's or you can use sandwich or snack size Ziploc bags purchased from the grocery store).

5. You MUST include a color photo of your finished layout. It should be a minimum of 4x6. You may have a photo made for each packet or you may print it off at home. Keep in mind, it is hard to make a two-page layout by squinting at a 2x2 photo.

6. You may use any product you desire...stamps, stickers, die cuts, paper piecing, etc. You must use original stickers or die cuts--no color copies of them are allowed. If paper piecing, you must include a copy of the pattern in each packet as well as any instructions needed to put it together.

7. You must include at least two embellishments or accessories in your kits. Please feel free to try new things. Accessories would include but are not limited to ribbon, brads, eyelets, clips, beads, glitter, embossing, metal-rimmed tags, metal embellishments, vellum, buttons, etc. Be creative!

8. All kits should be packaged individually in a 12x12 ziploc bag. You may purchase them from Porter's for this swap at $0.15 each. You can save and reuse the same ones all year if desired.

9. You need to commit to the group for the year. That is a total of five layouts (and kits) you will create per year. If you choose to opt out, you will need to continue until a replacement can be found.

10. Layouts will be due:

February 14th
April 11th
June 13th
August 8th

October 10th

We will not swap for the month of December. Packets must be turned in at Porter's on the 2nd Saturday of the month (see dates listed above). They will be available for pick up on the 3rd Friday of the month.

12. Porter's is not responsible for lost or stolen packets. We will only be the central location for drop off and pick up.

13. Please do quality work. You don't need to be an expert, but you expect to receive good layouts, so please return the favor. :)

So, if you've read this far and it still sounds like something you would like to participate in, contact us at the scrapbooking department in the Rexburg store. It's a great way to get a lot of scrapping done in a short amount of time. Just think...by the end of the year, you will have 50 new layouts!

Take a look at some layouts from previous swap groups:





Card Class Thursday!

Card Class
Thursday, January 22nd
6:00 p.m.
Rexburg Store

Shelly has designed these terrific Valentine's cards for you to create during class using a beautiful Rhonna Farrer stamp set. And for that night only, you can purchase the stamps at 30% off! So now you have one more reason to come and enjoy a girl's night out!
















Stamps regularly priced at $14.99
On sale during class for 30% off!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Join Us!

2nd Saturday
February 14th
8:00 a.m.


What a perfect day to come to class and talk about LOVE! Scrapbooking is a wonderful way to preserve your memories, but it's also a wonderful place to show people in your life just how much you love them, or even educate them on what you love.

We look forward to seeing you at class and sharing some different ideas on scrapbooking. "Love," after all, is an all encompassing word.

We will also be learning different techniques on using punches and die-cuts. We can't wait to have you come!


Super Scrappin' Saturday!!

Do you have scrapbooking kits and supplies stashed at home that you haven't had time to work with yet? Are you a beginner looking for ideas and unsure of where to start? Mark your calendar for this Saturday, January 24th, and join us for an open crop at our Rexburg store from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Bring your own supplies and whatever snacks you might want and settle in for a relaxing afternoon of scrapbooking and socializing.

If you've ever been overwhelmed by the amount of different adhesives to choose from, Design Team member, Candi McFadden, will be on location from 1:00 to 3:00 to let you try before you buy! She will have answers for you regarding which adhesive is best for applying vellum, cardstock, buttons, ribbon, etc. You can test out different applicators as well to see what works best for you.

So pack up those supplies and head on in to Porter's for a Super Scrappin' Saturday!

Monday, January 19, 2009

New 3 Bugs in a Rug Product!

3 Bugs has delivered line after line of wonderful products and these two new lines are no exception! Create pretty, swirly, girly layouts with "Color Me Pink." Looking for something for the boys? Then check out the "Playtime" line with dinosaurs and spaceships. There's something for everyone!

3 Bugs is great about coordinating double-sided papers, cardstock stickers, rub-ons, and tags. It's easy to create projects for all kinds of occasions! Check out these great layouts designed by Kathy Davis. And for even more ideas, click here. Happy Scrapping!










Thursday, January 15, 2009

Scrapbooking Class Tonight!

Join us at 6:00 tonight in our Rexburg store to create these great layouts! Each class includes all the papers and emellishments shown here. All you need to bring is your basic scrapbooking tools and a smile! (You can add your photos when desired). There are only a few spots left. See you there!



Genuine by Kathy
Make scalloped accents in a variety of ways...using punches, die cuts, and decorative scissors.
Snow Fun by Stephanie
Have you noticed our great price on the QuicKutz Revolution Die Cutter? If you are still hesitant about purchasing, come try it during class. The snowflakes and title are made in a snap!



Monday, January 12, 2009

Scrapbook Journaling from 2nd Saturday

One of the most important aspects of scrapbooking is journaling. You might know what each picture represents, but those who read through your scrapbook don't and words help to enhance the pictures. You can just add the basics or you can tell a whole story.

You might be tempted to skip a journal on a particular page because you are certain that you will not forget the significance behind those pictures. But stop and think about the picture you took ten or twenty years ago. Record your thoughts and feelings while they are fresh, and the journaling will keep your scrapbooks and pictures fresh and lively for years to come.

Simply start writing. Find a book or magazine and start copying a paragraph. Get your fingers moving. It some how activates your left-brain activity and your own words on scrapbooking journaling will start arriving.

Start With What You Know
The 5 "W's"
Who- What are the names of the people present in the pictures? People change throughout the years, especially children. So helping the viewers to identify them will help trace the children's growth. And who took the pictures?

What- What's the occasion, special event or memorable moments taking place? What happened at the event?

Where- Where did the event take place? Background information will help paint a clearer picture.

When- Obviously giving dates will help place the photo in proper context. And people like to know when things happened.

Why- Why did you choose this photo and not another? Any special meaning to this photo?


You do not have to restrict yourself to complete your layout and scrapbooking journaling all at once. Creating layouts takes more of your right-brained activity while writing takes more of the left-brained. So dividing the two activities might work in your favor. You can do several layouts and come back and do all the journaling at once. A good guideline is to leave about half a photo space per page for your journaling.


Hints For Journaling
Keep a little notebook with you at all times. Write things down whenever inspiration strikes, perhaps a catchy quote, an inspiring poem, even a sentence fragment. You may not know exactly where to use it right now but it's there for the future. You could also keep this notebook with your camera, to jot down details as you take photos.

Hand write or type your journaling, keep in mind that what you say is more important than the journaling method used.

If you are serious about improving your journaling, Write's Digest offers two online workshops devoted to meeting the needs of scrapbookers.

Following are several websites that you might find helpful:

http://www.everything-about-scrapbooking.com/
http://www.scrapbooking.lovetoknow.com/
http://www.everlastingscrapbooks.blogspot.com/
http://www.scrapbooking-online.com/

Thursday, January 8, 2009

"Boys Only" Mini Album



Making a mini album can be fairly simple, especially when working with a coordinating line such as Just Dreamy 2 by My Mind's Eye. Try using their pre-made embellishments and double-sided papers for a quick and easy project.


Just because a product is designed for a certain theme doesn't mean you can't think outside the box a little. When seeing the title "Boys Only," I naturally thought about creating a mini book about my boys. However, as the project evolved, I decided to take it one step further and journal about my experience of growing up with just boys as friends. I used to joke that since there were never any girls my age in my neighborhood, I was doomed to only have boys when I became a mom. Well, that proved to be true! And although at one time I yearned for a little girl, I have decided that having all boys is pretty easy so far. That's what this mini book is about.


A pre-cut frame has been backed with thin chipboard to make the album cover. The title fits perfectly in the opening of the frame.



Using chipboard as the backing for each page increases the chances of it surviving rough handling by little fingers.


Pre-designed journaling blocks are a fast and easy way to include a short story.



Get creative with the binding! Use rings, ribbon, a ball chain, or string.


Make small embellishments pop by placing them on foam squares for added dimension.

Use a journaling stamp or rub-on to create a place to sign and date your mini album.

Don't limit yourself to a "Boys Only" album. There are lots of girl and family-themed items from My Mind's Eye as well. Come in and see what you can put together. We have project sheets available to make it even easier for you!


Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Amy Butler by K&Co.

Let your creativity take shape with these beautiful Amy Butler products from K&Co. The Lotus collection includes patterned papers, double-sided die cut ephemera, fabric tags, chipboard alphabets, punch-out butterflies, fabric covered buttons, and more! They are great for creating all kinds of projects!

What's more, the packaging includes words & shapes you can cut out to embellish your projects, making it completely reusable!