Projects I LOVE ---- and my attempts to scrap-lift!

Hi everyone! We've attempted a blog numerous times at Scrapbooks Too, but we all get so busy with other things that it seems to “fall off of the radar screen." Lately, I’ve been thinking about more ways to stay in touch with you all, and what I could possibly have to share - I came up with an idea last week! I am always looking for ways to get great card, scrapbook and other samples in my store. Those of us who work here occasionally make them; I get them from other stores in “sample swaps;" customers sometimes make them; I get them from manufacturers.     

I’m going to take a sample I’m getting ready to display in the store, tell you about the person who made it, and show you what it inspired me to do! I have found that I am much more “inspired” to be a good store owner when I get time to craft, so each Tuesday I’m going to try to make the day my “blog, copy and sample” day. I’ll write blog posts, I’ll copy other people’s great designs, and make a stash of samples for the store. Oh yes---and I’ll make sure we have the products you need to replicate these ideas!

This first week I am featuring a card from a swap in which I recently participated. It was a “Spellbinders” swap with stores in the Crafters Home network. I put all the cards on the table in front of me, and I turned it over to see who made it---it was created by Gail Borstelmann, the Crafters Home office manager, and former Scrapbooks Too sales associate (and current customer). She can often be found at the store on Tuesdays, sharing  lunch with Kathy!

This card used a few of my favorite products --- Spellbinders Rose Creations die and paper from the Authentique “Journey” collection (still one of my top 5 favorite lines of all time). I also love the tag she made using Spellbinders Ribbon Tags Trio Three die (I love the fact that it’s designed to have the ribbon go through it)---and WOW---love the effect of the alcohol ink on glossy cardstock!   

From the same swap, another card was made using the Rose Creations die. This one was created by Missy Brozek, who is the Crafters Home Creative and Marketing Director. She also does all the design work on our beautiful newsletter. I think it’s so funny that she and Gail used the same die AND the same rub-ons!     

Since I love the Journey collection, I pulled out my 6x6 pad, and I called Gail to borrow her Rose Creations die (yes, I actually own 2 of them---one at home and one for the store---but of course I can’t find either one!). I decided to add a stamped image to mine---for a note to a friend I had lunch with last week –which I’ve been ready to use for awhile. My style isn’t quite as “clean” as Gail’s is, but I’m pleased with the result!     The stamps are by Riley and Company (I LOVE the moose!), and the Stickles, well they’re just Stickles! I couldn’t find my Glossy Accents (a new bottle is on a pile of stuff awaiting me at the store), so I embellished the flowers with some Crackle Accents instead. Similar to Gail’s, but with my own-self relfected.  

I was still inspired to do a little more, making use of all 7 pieces of the Rose Creations die set like Missy did. My 22nd anniversary is coming up very soon, and can you believe I’ve NEVER made an anniversary card for Ed? I've been playing a lot with the Echo Park“Times and Seasons” line, and inspired by it, I created something I love, which “feels” like my husband, even with the rose! My 17 year old told me a man should never get a card with a flower on it---WHATEVER! 

The stamped image is from an old ATC (artist trading card) set of Tim Holtz’s - Ornate Collages. Check the closeup image---perfect for the man I love. Now I have a week and a half to write something inside!

Last step---return the die to Gail’s office. I’ll slip over there before she gets in tomorrow (and before I have a chance to lose it!).      

I hope I’ve inspired you all a little bit---take some time to craft today. It doesn’t matter if you copy these exactly, or if you don’t copy them at all---remember why we all love paper so much! It’s because of the fun we have playing with it! We always love to see what you’ve created---bring your art to the store with you and show it off!

Do you feel inspired to inspire me? Every week I'll be picking something to copy---a sample in my store, one of the cards I see a customer make, a scrapbook page I feel like lifting... Want me to copy you? Please talk to me at the store, I'd love to feature different people each week!  

~ Sue

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What do you get when you take an old-fashioned clip and add paint, metal and embossing?

You get an awesome creation by Allie!

Yep, that's right. This Thursday Technique will have you painting wood, embossing and distressing that fabulous Ten Seconds Studio Metal Paper!

Just think of the possibilities!!

(Supplies Needed For This Technique: Wonder Tape (red-lined tape)! If you don't have any - we will have sheets available for purchase. Honestly this is some great stuff you really should have in your craft stash!)

Wild n' Wacky Wednesday!

It's another "whoop it up" Wednesday at Scrapbooks Too Wed, April 27th!

Come on over to Scrapbooks Too wearing your fuzzy or sexy robe (over your clothing please!!!) and sporting your fuzzy bunny slippers (or other...) and get an American Crafts Dear Lizzy Album Kit for ONLY $5!!!!!

YES - I SAID ONLY $5!

That is a $50 value for ONLY $5!

But there is a catch!

YOU MUST WEAR YOUR ROBE AND SLIPPERS (or have the slippers in hand) AND GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN!!
(These pictures will NOT appear on Facebook or YouTube but they WILL appear on our website- no names will be mentioned!). I, Laura, don't work that day but I PROMISE I will be there with my robe and my slippers!!!! And YES, I will have my picture taken for the website - anyone have any cool curlers I can roll up in my hair just for fun???)

Feel free to put your robe on over your clothing before coming in the store so you don't have to drive all that way and have all those other drivers "gawking" at you - although wouldn't it be fun?????!!!!!!! I can just see myself now getting pulled over by our friendly law enforcement officers - just how do I explain that???

The American Crafts Dear Lizzy Album Kit contains the following:
~12x12 Cloth post bound album
~10 page protectors
~20 sheets of 12x12 patterned paper
~100 thickers
~24 patterned chipboard shapes
~34 phrase stickers
~4 flair badges
(Retail value is $50)

NEW Tim Holtz Sizzix Dies

These new Tim Holtz Sizzix dies are "to die for"!

We have the Mini Tickets, the Tiny Tabs and Tags and Mini Openings!

Perfect for all of your crafting, scrapbooking, ATC and book-making needs, these magnetic movers and shapers Sizzix dies easily cut through both thick and thin materials, including cardstock, chipboard, fabric, foam, magnetic sheets, leather, metallic foil, paper, sandpaper, and everyone's favorite: Grunge!

These Magnetic Dies are full of endless possibilities. Because they are magnetic, they can be placed anywhere within the Movers & Shapers Base Dies (sold separately) for a custom look, and they will stay put until you decide to change the layout again. Use with base Tray L as shown below. Measuring 6" x 8 3/4", the Movers & Shapers L Base Tray can accommodate of the Movers & Shapers Magnetic Dies.

The movers and shapers dies are compatible with the Vagabond, BIGkick, Big Shot, Big Shot Express, and Big Shot Pro die cutting machines!

The 3/50 Project! Pick 3. Spend $50. Save your local community!

**All it takes is just one person to start a trend...will that person be you?

When you think of the community that you live and shop in, there are 3 very important things you need to consider.

1) What 3 independently owned businesses would you miss if they disappeared?
Is it us - Scrapbooks Too? What about your mom n' pop grocery store that you "just run into" occasionally for those last minute items? How about the cute little clothing boutique where you bought your favorite outfit? Or the cool little pet supply store on the corner where you got those awesome toys that your animals just adore?

2) Did you know if half the employed population spent $50 each month in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. Imagine the positive impact if 3/4 the employed population did that!

3) Are you aware that for every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that money in a national chain store, only $43 stays here. If you shop online, nothing comes home!


The 3/50 project idea is to commit $50 each month to locally owned businesses, total. Maybe that means rethinking where you currently invest your money, opting to pick up that birthday card or pair of jeans in a locally owned business instead of the big box you’ve been going to. Or maybe it means eating out just once a month because you realize slamming the brakes on all spending stalls economic recovery. It’s just that simple.

This Project isn’t an “all or nothing” campaign that insists consumers stop shopping in chains or franchises. Instead, the message is about balance-—of the money you currently spend each month. We simply ask you to redirect an affordable $50 back to the locally owned independent businesses that have been forgotten of late. Just as there are things in a locally owned store that you can’t find in a big box, there are also things in a big box you can’t find in a locally owned store. We simply need to think about where our dollars are best invested, consider the greater amount of revenue local businesses return to the community, then purchase accordingly. Otherwise, local economies suffer irreparable harm - as we have seen lately with lots of empty buildings and stories on the news.

For more information, please copy & paste the following link into your web browser:
http://www.the350project.net/home.html

It's Monday! Make a Card for just $1!

LIFE IS SWEET!

And you can really make someone's day with this sweet little cupcake card!

Susan and Amanda really outdid themselves with the cuteness on this one! Done in a fabulous blue/pink background, our smiling and waving,"Hello Cupcake", literally leaps off the page with the help of the T.H. Rosette underneath it!

So easy to make - you can use this for birthday, Valentine's or maybe even to "pop the question"!!!

All proceeds benefit VEAP - and yes, you can make extra cards for $1 each!

(please bring your favorite adhesive to this event)

*Hot Buys* This Week!

"So Sophie" Grab Bags from My Minds Eye - only $7.99 or $8.49! Sue put together some fantastic grab bags - there are paper, stickers and other fun stuff. "So Sophie" is made up of 4 different collections - "Charming", "Clever", "Graceful" and "Savvy"! These grab bags would normally retail for $20.00 but you can take one or two home for only $7.99 or $8.49. Shop early for best selection of course! (Note from Sue---I snuck in some $4.99 collections, too!) *Here is a link to see the different collections: http://www.mymindseye.com/SS/021-SS-Line.asp ***************************************** Martha Stewart Halloween & Christmas Paper Punches - 75% OFF! Yes, you read that correctly! Come get "bats in your belfry", "cauldrons in your kitchen" and do a little "hauntin' through a scary graveyard" (complete with requisite raven) - these are just some of the spooky delights that await you! But wait...there's more! You can also "deck the halls" with ornaments and wreathes and if you didn't get enough of gift-giving - there is a cool little gift punch that you just oughta have! Get back into the spirit of the holidays and stock up for next year! These will go QUICKLY---so grab 'em while you can!

INTRODUCING the 9 new Stickles from Ranger!

These amazing new colors are incredibly vibrant and beautiful, and they are sure to become some of your favorites! (And yes, I already bought every single gorgeous glittery color!!)

Here they are in all their glory - from left to right - as shown in the picture:
Tropical Tangerine
True Blue
Firefly
Midnight Blue
Paprika
Thistle
Mystic Green
Lagoon
Glam Pink

At only $2.00 per bottle you can let your art "sparkle" with this acid free glitter glue! Easily write, dot, dash, draw and embellish on paper and rubber stamping projects, candles, memory album covers and more! WOOT!

Limited Edition Valentine Card Kit - Designed by Amanda!

Limited Edition Valentine Card Kit - Designed by Amanda!

You probably don't know that Amanda is our "best kept creative secret". Alot of kits and other fun things you see in SB2 have been designed by this talented young lady!

This Valentine Card Kit is no exception! For only $10 you can easily assemble 6 fantastic cards!!

Now, I was looking at these and with just a little "tweaking" (and no big amount of creative thought needed thank goodness) these cards could easily be transformed into Anniversary, Wedding or even a "just because I care" card for your best friend!

Grab a kit today and streamline your card-making - leaving more time for YOU!

5 for $5 Saturday, Jan 29th

We know that the end of January can be dreary, cold and boring so we decided to spice it up a little and host another 5 for $5 Saturday.

On Saturday, January 29th come on over to Scrapbook Too from 11am-3pm and make 5 terrific cards! June designed them so you know they are just as cool as can be!!

(please bring your favorite adhesive to this event)

Accordion Fold Technique

Wednesday, January 19th (12pm-7pm)
- Accordion Fold Technique $5
(bring a strong adhesive)

Today (1/17) - Veap Make a Card Monday $1

Just a reminder that the garage sales is NEXT WEEKEND - Friday, January 21st, Saturday, January 22nd and Sunday, January 23rd.

We still have spaces left in our "roster" of 80 sellers so if you want to participate I suggest you get your labels soon!

Buy a set of 60 labels for $10, gather up your cast-off treasures, price them, and drop your things off at the store on Tuesday, January 18th (all day), Wednesday, January 19th (all day) or Thursday, January 20th (only until 5pm).

If you don't want your items to go to half price (Sunday) OR if you don't want them to be donated when the sale is done (Monday) - you are responsible for picking them up on Saturday, January 22nd, BEFORE 6PM (we lock the doors right at 6pm) or BEFORE 5PM on Sunday, January 23rd (we'll be locking up at 5pm).

AFTER FEBRUARY 2nd - gift certificates will be available. (Please do not call or stop in before then - it's a big accounting project to make sure everyone is paid correctly). Woohoo!

Buyers: The Early Bird sale starts Friday, January 21st at 6pm. Unless it is snowing like crazy, or freezing cold, we will NOT be issuing numbers, so just come and line on up!

Admission to this event is a $10 donation to The City of Lakes Sweet Adelines Chorus Young Singers Fund AND a bag of groceries or toiletries for VEAP

On Saturday, we will open promptly at 10am. Again, no numbers unless it is snowing or freezing cold. Sunday - half price day - we will open promptly at Noon. Same deal on the numbers.

SUNDAY (9/19) - AWESOME HAPPENINGS!

First off - All day on Sunday (FOR $2.00) you can come over to SB2 and make Sample Boards of all the cool products listed below. Each board is $2.00 (Cash please) and this donation actually goes to our local VEAP!

Distress Inks
Stickles
Ranger Adirondack Paint Dabbers
Distress Stickles
Memento Inks

I am putting my sample boards in a 3-ring binder. These are awesome to have!! I can pull the sample board out and look at the colors quickly and easily versus sorting through my craft drawers looking for just the right color of something!

**THEN**
We have Nonnie's spectacular Alcohol Inks w/A Twist of Autumn Class from 12pm-2pm ($25). THESE ARE JUST FABULOUS!!! My name was first on the list for this class! WOW!!!! The samples say it all!!!!!!

**RIGHT AFTER THAT**
We have a new instructor, Rhonda, who is just not quite ready to let summer go and has created 4 wonderful cards that include a googly-eyed owl, kite, pinwheel and a sun. These cards would be perfect for anyone...even that hard to find a card for, male in your life. All of these were so cute I had to sign myself up for this class too!!!! 3pm-5pm ($25)

SATURDAY 9/18 CROP IS FULL....BUT!!!!!

Okay, so our "We Love Tim Holtz" Saturday crop is full - waiting list only! HOWEVER! There will be make-n-takes and sales and demo's and other fun stuff so it is worth your while to stop on in and say hello there!!!

We would absolutely love to see you!!!

FRIDAY CROP AT SB2!

Our Friday Night Crop is $30

WE HAVE 2 SPOTS OPEN!!

Sue & SB2 are now "sponsoring" the crop this night! SHE HAS AN AMAZING GOODY BAG PLANNED!!!!!

I will be hosting the crop from from 5pm to Midnight! There will be hourly sales, a free make-n-take and with Sue and Susan hanging around...you just never know what will happen! IT WILL BE A BLAST!!!!

Call 952-884-0885 to reserve your spot now!

Today's (Thurs 9/16) Events at Scrapbooks Too

LITTLE YELLOW BICYCLE HALLOWEEN ENVELOPE BOOK TODAY!!

Today, September 16th, 2PM to 4PM $25

SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE---HELP US GIVE A WARM SB2 WELCOME TO our LYB friends!

Join Sue’s friends Thom, Lori and Sharon (as in Sharon Ann) from Little Yellow Bicycle as they take you through the steps making an amazing Halloween Envelope Book using their brand new Booville Collection! The kit bag you get will have lots of goodies---well over the cost of the class! And did I mention---there will be giveaways?

Again, for those taking the class, you'll get 25% off of all the Little Yellow Bicycle products so you can make all your Halloween goodies at a fraction of the cost.

Lori and Sharon do all the designing for LYB, and Thom does all the selling---so what a great opportunity to tell them what you love and find out all about the creative process involved in bringing a line to market.

(Please bring a Crop-a-Dile or Big Bite to class - if you have one)

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TONIGHT'S CROP SPONSORED BY OCTOBER AFTERNOON!

5 SPOTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!!!

Tonight...Thursday, beginning at 5pm we'll be cropping with October Afternoon!

**IF YOU PLAN TO ARRIVE EARLY - PLEASE CALL AND LET US KNOW!! We have a class in the afternoon and would like to adjust the seating chart in advance so we don't have to keep moving you around!

October Afternoon is another one of the hottest companies in the industry, and they are located in Apple Valley! They've agreed to sponsor our crop, and provide our customers with a goody bag and a fun make and take!

A few spots remain---the cost of this crop is $20 Includes above mentioned treats, snacks, beverages---and sales, including "Croppers only" prices on the October Afternoon Seaside and Thrift Store collections!

8/26-8/29 HOT DEALS AT SB2!

Thursday, August 26th through Sunday, August 29th - All Stickles are 20% off! These are fabulous for outlining titles, adding bling to scrap pages or cards and whatever else you can dream up! I hate to admit this but...I own one of EVERY color! How about you?

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Make Your Own Stickles Sample Board on Sunday, August 29th!!!! For ONLY $2 you can make this sample board and start your own book of all the colors of stickles, paints and whatever...so you can know what the colors already look like when you are creating your works of art!
The monies go to a good cause - VEAP - which is a local non-profit organization serving the communities of Edina, Burnsville and Minneapolis!!
- We do these sample boards every Tuesday and Sunday!!! Tuesday, August 31st will be Adirondack Paint Dabbers!!!!

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Mark Your Calendars!!! Next Wednesday, September 1st and Thursday, September 2nd we are having a "Need More Space Sale"!!!! We will have boatloads of 25 cent paper and tables packed full of clearance merchandise!! We have not done a sale like this for YEARS!!! There will be something for EVERYONE!!!

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Impression Obsession Trunk Show COMING AGAIN!!!! Please join us Wednesday, September 8th from 2pm-8pm with host Mary Lou and participate in a free make-n-take! Come check out the catalogs - with over 4,000 stamps I am sure you will find something you have just got to have! During this event all Impression Obsession stamps will be "Buy One ~ Get One Half"!! This includes special orders!!!

8/19-8/22 HOT DEAL AT SB2

DISTRESS INK SALE---NOW THROUGH SUNDAY AUGUST 22nd

All Tim Holtz DISTRESS INK PADS are 20% off! In Stock Only. Now's the time to try out a few new colors!
There are 36 colors for you to choose from so come on over and find a new favorite!

8/16-8/18 Hot Deals

ALL IN-STOCK SPELLBINDERS are "Buy one, get one HALF". (Valid until Wednesday, August 18th)

**We moved more items to the Dollar Bills section!

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Zing Embossing Powder STILL BUY ONE ~ GET ONE FREE

Martha Stewart Glitter Jars STILL BUY ONE ~ GET ONE FREE

American Crafts Ink Pads STILL BUY ONE ~ GET ONE FREE