Valentine's Cards from our friend Kim & a Tutorial

Hi Everyone!  Before I get to the heart of my post tonight, I wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for the heartfelt thoughts and warm condolences you have sent to me and my family concerning the loss of my beloved Boston.  The one thing I have always cherished about the paper crafting world is the amount of compassion there is between all of us gals (and guys).  You have all helped me so much over the past few days.  My heart still aches, but I continue to be strong and wait for her ashes to come home.  I know I'll feel better when she is home with us again.  Again, a thousand thank you's, hugs, and kisses to each of you!  You gals are truly THE BEST! (wiping the tears).

Now, on to more fruitful things...

My dear friend Kim B. was kind enough to offer sharing some of her beautiful Valentine's Day cards.  I love Kim's work, it always puts a smile on my face when she comes to the store with projects to share.  Thanks so much Kim for sharing and inspiring us!

I just love all the pink and browns (yeah, I'm partial to those colors!).

Kim was also gracious enough to share a brief tutorial on this last card.  I love the effect this technique made.  If you happen to try this out, please let us know so I can tell Kim.

The roses on this card aren't just any stamped rose.  Here is what Kim sent me about the technique...

The cards with the roses was made using a technique suggested in a Martha Stewart Living magazine. To make the large roses, I used an 8" length of corrugated cardbord from a box, rolled it (this takes a bit of patience as rolling cardboard is not as easy as you may think) and held the roll in place using a rubberband (placed it about an inch from the top of the roll). I stamped the end of the roll heavily with craft ink and pressed it firmly onto white cardstock. I would suggest making trial roses on scrap CS to get the desired effect. I found I had to re-roll the cardboard to get the center just right for me. I also did the exact same rolling technique with a 6" length of corrugated cardboard for the smaller rose. I used a leaf stamp with green ink and a matching marker in green to draw the stem by hand.

Thanks for dropping by!

Letting your best friend go....

I just realized the my scheduled post didn't post, so I'll get that up a little later.  Today I'm am sad.  Yesterday was one of the most difficult days of my entire life.  Yesterday I had to say good-bye to my best friend and my companion for nearly 20 years.

If you have kept up with my blog, you may remember when I took my cat Boston to the vet several weeks ago.  She had been diagnosed with renal failure.  She has been getting worse over the past several weeks.  Her arthritis prohibited her from getting up and down the steps, or even getting into the litter box - of course it didn't stop her from sleeping on her "perch" on top of the couch.  I suppose she saved her energy to get up and down from there several times a day - most time it wasn't graceful.

She recently began drinking lots more and eating less.  Her cries of pain were becoming more regular.  Although she has always remained in good spirits.  Yesterday afternoon I made the dreaded call to the vet.  Deciding the fate of my old girl.  Part of me feels guilty, the other feels at peace.  Renal failure doesn't cause them to become lathargic or "out of it".  She remained the same loyal friend that I have loved and counted on.  I couldn't let her suffer and watch the pain get worse. I hope I didn't act too soon.  I miss her so much - and the tears haven't stopped.

So how do you say good-bye to someone that has been with you through every up and down in your life for the past 20 years?  She came to me 3 weeks old, helpless and dying.  I poured my heart into taking care of her.  She was a fighter and returned the favor by sticking by me through all of the ups and downs in my life.  I know what your thinking, she's only a cat... but she was the one constant in my life that I could always depend on, just like a loyal dog... I don't think she realized she was a cat.  She even licked the tears off my face while we were waiting for the doctor yesterday.  I hated saying good-bye...

I can't find manydigital pictures of her... she wasn't photogenic and hated the camera.  Here is what I could find.

This one was when Lindsay was a few months old.  She loved the kids and didn't mind getting her tail tugged and her fur pulled.

I tried to fix the typos, but I can't see through the flood of tears.  My post today was like writing in a journal, or a eulogy.  I could honestly sit here and type all day about her, the kids, my life, and how she always made everything alright.  This post is more of a means for me to help cope with my loss.  If you've stuck around to read, thank you dearly for listening.

I love you Boston!  I'm sorry, and I MISS YOU!

XOXOXO

Oliver the Dog Mulberry Paper "Tear Bear" Pattern

Hi Everyone!  If you live in NEPA, could you believe the weather?  It was like spring today.  I could live with that every day until summer... even with the rain.  It was refreshing!

I've got some exciting news!  Oliver the Dog is now available for pre-order!  I know, you've all been waiting so patiently for him. *wink*.

Oliver will begin shipping on February 1, 2010.  You can pre-order your "Oliver" today.  A tutorial will be posted on the blog no later than February 7, 2010, but either way, if you already paper piece, Oliver is pretty simply to put together and the color image on the packaging is a great reference.  I'll even tell you how I created the adorable hearts that look flawless on his back paws!

I'll be back tomorrow with a post and cool tutorial from my friend Kim who made the most beautiful Valentines Day cards!  You won't want to miss this.

XOXOXO

Sugar Rush Card Class...

Hi Everyone!

If you haven't checked the Class Schedule for February... you'll want to see what we have started planning.  It's getting filled up.

I'm very excited to announce that we have a new designer/instructor on board with us!  Tracy's impressive bio is posted on our designers pager HERE. ... I'm still waiting for a picture to share with you.

Tracy's first class is planned for Saturday, February 6, 2010.  Here's the details:


When: Saturday, February 6
Time: 1:00 to 3:00
Instructor: Tracy
Students will need to bring the following supplies:

• Scissors
• Ruller
• Permanent Adhesive (Tape Runner)
• Paper Trimmer
• Glue Dots
• Black Medium Point Pen
• White Gel Pen
• Xyron X (if available)

Come and spend some time with our new instructor Tracy! She's fun, innovative, brilliant... and she makes a wonderful addition to our team here at The Beary Scrap. We are so happy to have her with us!

Tracy has put her own spin on the Basic Grey Card Kit and created this wonderful class for you to learn some stylish, yet simple techniques for creating your cards and scrapbook pages. For those of you that have never created cards, now is a good time to start. You never know when you'll need one... and who want to run off to the Hallmark store all the time. Besides, there is just something about a handmade card that makes them so much more meaningfun. Best of all, you'll look differently at all those little scraps of paper you have left over. Remember, everything you learn can be used for any paper crafting project and incorporated into any scrapbook page.

You'll be creating 5 cards during this session, and a bonus card if time permits. Students wil get the opportunity to play with some border punches, chipboard, stamps, rub-ons, jewels and more.

You can stop by the store for more details and to register for this class.  These beauties are also on display in the store for you to get a better look at these gorgeous cards that you will be creating.

Thanks so much for stopping by! 

Design Team Call!

***** EDITS and CLARIFICATION BELOW... PLEASE SCROLL DOWN *****

I am so excited to finally announce our first Design Team Call!

We are currently looking for 5 talented ladies to showcase their amazing creations both online and in our store. We are looking to fulfill positions for 2 local designers and 3 national designers (of course, that ratio may change).  Our design team positions are open to US and Canada residents at this time. If you have a passion for creativity,  good communication skills, offer a unique style, work well with others, are willing to help teach others, and have a love for paper crafting we would love for you to apply. You can choose to create your projects in the areas of expertise where you are comfortable with.

What we expect from our Design Team Members:

• Commit to a 6 month term beginning March 1, 2010 and ending August 31, 2010.
• Designers will be required to submit at least 4 newly created projects per month using papers, stamps, and/or embellishments from our store. This will average out to 1 project/week where each designer will be required to post on the design team blog on your assigned day. One of these projects must be a page layout (1 page is okay; however, a 2 page layout even better).  Projects must be posted to the design team blog, your own blog if you have one, our gallery (when up and running), and anywhere else you like to share your work. Blog posts must contain “recipe information” including links back to our store to help people find the products.
• Each DT member will be required to post 1 tutorial on the design team blog during her term. Local designers will be asked to host their tutorial as a Make-n-Take project at the store.
• Designers are required to participate in and promote our store events, contests, blog hops, and challenges.
• Proudly and actively promote The Beary Scrap on your blog and other places where it is acceptable to do so.
• Design Team members may not be represent another US scrapbook or paper crafting internet store that sells products similar to those found in our store during their term.  The keyword is "store".  Challenge Blogs, Manufacturer, digi teams, stamping company teams are all acceptable.

What will you get out of all of this....

• We don’t want to limit your creative ability or style, so our designers will receive a $25.00 voucher each month to use in our store for creating their projects. Vouchers must be used in full every month… balances are not transferrable. This voucher will also include free shipping.
• DT members will receive an additional 20% off merchandise in our store, including sale items. These purchase will ship free when ordered with design team supplies. (Voucher and discounts may be combined together - that's a HUGE savings!)
• Other perks and Free goodies from us, our suppliers/vendors that we cannot post here.
• DT members will be featured on our blog(s), website and newsletters.
• A pretty little badge to proudly display on your blog and past reference experience for your creative resume.

How to apply:

• Send us Your Name, Mailing Address, Phone Number and Email Address.
• Submit at least 1 original layout and 3 paper crafting projects that best represents your style. Paper craft projects may include altered items, cards, mini albums, etc.
• Tell us a little bit about yourself! Please answer the following questions and include any other information you would like to share with us. Don’t be afraid to “brag” about yourself either.
• How would you describe your style and what you enjoy most about paper crafting? (scrapbooking, stamping, card making, etc)
• How would others describe you?
• How and why you began scrapbooking/stamping/card making?
• Why you would like to be part of our design team?
• What are you most interested in hosting? (blog hops, challenges, blog candy sponsored by us – give us your best ideas or suggestions)
• Any past or current design team experience you have.
• Any links to online communities message boards, forums, galleries, etc. where you post regularly.

Guest Designers positions will be available in the future with a shorter commintment term.

Since this is our first team, we may be looking for one of our talented ladies to eventually head up this team and keep up with the design team blog if myself or Sandy are unavailable.  Our coordinator or co-coordinator will be required to work directly with us on a regular basis.  We will need to see how things start out, but if you think this is something you may be interested in, please let us know. Either way, we are looking for your input and assistance.  This is a joint effort and all suggestions will be considered.  Be sure to include in your application what you quanilites you have that would make you a good Design Team Coordinator.

Please submit the above information to kimm@thebearyscrap.com. Include in the subject line “DESIGN TEAM SUBMISSION”. Local designers may call the store or email us to schedule an appointment. All entries must be received no later than Monday, February 1, 2010. We will announce our first Beary Scrap Creative Design Team on Saturday, February 6, 2010.

I think I got everything covered – LOL. If you have any questions, please email me directly. We (the rest of the gang) are looking forward to seeing your creations.

*** Some clarification ***

We encourage our local girls to help us with some make and take projects, but it is not necessary to do so. We are asking for a brief tutorial that can be shared with the public. If we use a project as a make and take, we would love your assistance, but again, it isn't necessary.

Secondly... of course you can take vacation and go away on weekends! LOL. We are looking for girls with a passion for paper crafting. Most of us already create random projects during the week... we would love for you to show off those projects and share your beautiful works of art and inspire others. We understand that life happens. We would like for you to help (by sharing) as much as you can, but don't make it your life's priority. This is something for everyone to have fun with... this is not a job. Best of all you get a bunch of perks and benefits for sharing with us and everyone else.

Please feel free to email me with any other questions... those were definately good ones.

Weekly Specials & A "partial announcement?"

Hi Everyone! 

I was on a roll there for about 2 days... then life happened - LOL.  To top it all off, I had no internet service for almost 14 hours - OH DEAR!  Well, at the shop I did, but not at home when I do all my internet "work".  Comcast was here bright and early Saturday morning to evaluate the situation.  Turns out the melted snow was getting into the "splitter" and freezing (in 9 degree weather, I can see why).  This caused a bad conection and explained why our internet service was so spotty and why we were constantly fighting for to keep our connection.  Hopefully it is fixed now :)

First... here are the weekly specials....

Sunday, January 10, 1020 --> Saturday, January 16, 2010 (EST)

25% Basic Grey Nook & Pantry

No Coupon Code Required... Already Marked down for your shopping convenience!

 Sale Sunday, January 10, 1020 --> Sunday January 16, 2010 (EST)

15% off

Robin's Nest Dew Drops!

No Coupon Code Required... Already Marked down for your shopping convenience!

DESIGN TEAM CALL COMING SOON!!!

Alright girls... get your best work ready!  We are going to be formally announcing a design team announcement in the next few days.  I told you there was LOTS planned for this year - LOL.  My dear hubby and I have been working on the details for several weeks now and we think we have it just about ready... No, this isn't all about the "tear bear" either (haven't you heard.... I'm "tear-beared" out - LOL.).  It's anything and everything related to our store.  That means scrapbooking, card making and any sort of paper crafting.  My son is into "origami" and asked if he could do this too.  Of course I told him I would be happy to "publish" his little works of art - LOL.  And, yes, tear bears may be included, but they are NOT necessary - LOL.  

This call will be open to all US residents nationwide, and of course our LOCAL gals alike.  The number of girls we will be scouting for will be between 5-8... depending on how much "LOCAL SUPPORT" we receive.  A "gallery" is almost ready to be launched too.  Everything has to be timed out just right. So, get ready!  I'll have all the details ready in the upcoming days!

In other news, we have just found out that Dream Street Papers will be closing their doors after 4 years of business.  We are so sad to see them go.  I certainly hope bigger and better things await for them!  Good Luck in your future endevours!  You will be sadly missed. :(

Until Next Time.  Thanks for stopping by! 

Hello Dear Friends!

I did another card!  I'm on a roll!  This card I created using a sketch created by Bev for the Create 4 Fun Challenge Blog.  If you get a chance, be sure to check out her blog.  She's on several stamp company design teams.  Her work is so inspirational!

For this card, I used another neglected stamp from my collection.  This is one of Penny Black Stamps.  I hope to be adding them to the line up sometime in the near future.  The adorable elephant was color with none other than Copic Markers... C1, C2, C3, C5, C7, R20, R22... and I can't remember what greens - LOL.

The flowers were adorned with some Sunshine Yellow Flower Soft, The cardstock is Bazzill, and the Papers are from Bo Bunny's Sweetie Pie Collection.  Prima Flowers are from our "Grab Box" (please see Crop Post below - LOL) and some pink Bazzill Tulle.  Of course I used my nesties to cut out the image.

Thanks for stopping by.  Being a "store owner", I have a have a moral dilema submitting entries to challenge blogs, but I love to participate - in my own way (to challenge myself of course).  Most of all, I love sharing with you.  I hope that I can inspire you to participate in one of these events and challenge yourself.  Please let me know if you get the chance to.  Besides, I love seeing your works of art too.

Thanks for swinging by!  Your comments are always welcome.

Sketch Saturday....

Hello fellow papercrafters!

I made a few New Year's Resolutions and one of them  is to make time in my crazy life to participate in at least one challenge blog per week.  Sounds like a lot for me no doesn't it.  I haven't had much "creative time", so I thought this would be good for me to keep my creativity flowing.  Believe it or not,  I actually got 2 done this weekend. - GO ME!!!

This card is for the Sketch Saturday Challenge Blog.  The sketches their design team creates are simply beautiful and can easily be used for scrapbook layouts too.  You can find a link to their blog on my right hand side bar... just scroll down.

Here is my card.

For this card, I used an adorable Magnolia Tilda Stamp that has been feeling a little neglected lately.  She's been colored with the following Copic Markers:  B91, B93, B95, E29, E11, E000, E00, R20, R22.  I have found the Magnolia's need some serious concentration when coloring.  There are lots of little areas to get into... but with the Brush tip of the Sketch Markers, it was a breeze.

For the rest of the details... I used Bazzill Pinecone for my card, layered with some Vanilla Bazzill to accent and then those yummy papers for Basic Grey's Nook and Pantry Line.  I just love this color combination.  I finished it off with some Bazzill Ribbon, Adhesive Pearls from KaiserCraft, and some gorgeous Prima's I had in my stash.  Although it's hard to tell in the photo, the Prima's were spritzed with some Bronze Glimmer Mist.

Now, the reason for using this cute stamp... We have just opened an account with Magnolia and will be carrying their stamps right in our store!  Isn't that exciting news?  That's just one of the new product lines coming.  Stay tuned for more updates!

Thanks a bunch for stopping by!  Your comments are always welcome.

First Crop of 2010!

We started off 2010 with a Bang!  Tonight was to first crop of 2010.  We had such a great evening and the girls made out on a Prima Binge!

Now that the holidays have come and gone, Sandy and I simply didn't have the energy left to prepare games for tonight... so we gave the girls a box full of Prima Flowers and told them to "have at it!"  And they did...

Just dump the box on the floor and have fun!  I love Prima Flowers, and did the same thing myself just the other day!  Whoo hoo!

Don't those flowers look YUMMY?

The Girls got lots accomplished tonight too.  One of our favorite pages of the evening was created by Charlotte.  Charlotte has been scrapping with us for a few months now.  She started off as a beginner scrapbooker.  And now... well you be the judge...

She's been putting together their family's Disney Vacation for her granddaugher.  Watching the progression of this album has been amazing.  Charlotte, keep up the amazing work!

I'll be back tomorrow to post a card that I was working on tonight.

Feel free to post a commet or drop us an email.  Of course, we love seeing your creatings, so feel free to send us your pics and we will be happy to post them here for the world to see.

Next Crop:  Saturday, January 30 from 5pm to 11pm

Mommy & Me Crop:  February 13

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  Morning Class:  10am-Noon
  
  
  
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  Afternoon Class:  2pm-4pm
  
  
  

Thanks for dropping by!