A Surprise Visit, New Echo Park, & Last Stop Clearance

Hello Friends!  I hope you are having a great weekend so far.  Mine has been FAB-U-LOUS so far.

Today, I was taken by surprise when my dear friend, and our DT Coordinator, Susan came walking into the shop without any notice.  All I can say is I was filled with JOY and the tears were running from my eyes.  She had been at a bead show in Philadelphia and decided to drive the extra 2 hours north to visit.  This was the first time we've been able to meet in person.

Some of the ladies (an gentlemen) had the luxury witnessing this highly emotional moment and had the pleasure of meeting one of our Beary Sweet Celebrities.  Susan brought a few of her cards to show us.  OH, the internet does them no justice... seeing them all up close and in person was amazing.  The detail she puts in every one is amazing.  There is no doubt she invests hours when she's creating them.  Intricate cuts and loads of layers Most of her images are cut and layered with 3D effects.

We got to spend most of the afternoon together.  In between customers, we *drooled* over paper sample we received from various manufacturers.  I showed her a few of the lines that are coming in next week.  We admired all the layouts created by our in-store designers, Sharon, Michelle and Suzie.  Their layouts are displayed throughout the walls in the store.  Susan even got to see how much of a mess I made out of our work room.  Yes, I managed to pile up all sorts of stuff on 4 tables to the point that I can't find them any longer - LOL.

It was an AWESOME day!  After she left, it dawned on me that I didn't have my camera... I'm sure neither one of us gave it a thought until after the fact.  That's okay.  I'm sure we will be getting together more often... even if I have to find my way to Maryland.  Susan, I'm sending you more {{{HUGS}}}.  I'm still excited about our visit today!!!

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Product News:

We have two (2) new Christmas lines by Echo Park coming early September.  I am lovin' these papers!  They are too pretty to even cut.

Merry Christmas

Everybody Loves Christmas

We have more goodies coming in next week too.  Don't forget, Happy Halloween by Echo Park is coming..  I can't wait to get my hands on it.  I haven't found the time to load it on the website.  I promise to have it up by the end of the weekend.

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Website Updates:

We've added a new section to our website.  It's the LAST STOP Clearance section.  All items in this category are marked down 40% to 60% off the MSRP.  New items will be added daily.  You won't want to miss out on these great prices!

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In just a few days, I will be announcing something fun that will be taking place at the store. We will be sending out newsletters and posting some info on the blog.

Thanks for stopping by.

♥ Hugs ♥

May's All Day Crop Highlights!

Hi Friends!  I finally have a few photos to share with you from our All Day Crop this past Saturday.  I had forgotten my battery in the charger at home, but luckily, Cheryl has the same camera as I do.  She had a battery for me to use!  Our Cropping Queen came through for us!

Thanks Cheryl! 

Here's Kim and Jackie hard at work...

A few giggles happening here...

Between digital Scrapbooking, Jackie opted to tackle Patty's tutorial on a Tri-Fold Card for our "Fancy Folds" Challenge.

She even had the directions printed out. :)

She even created a beautiful layout that I couldn't help but take a photo of to share with everyone.  Hmm, I think this one qualifies for Fancy Folding too!  Just look at those pinwheels.  Now, if I only got a picture of how much glimmer mist she was wearing after this layout - LOL.  Luv Ya Jackie!

A layout created by Charlotte that she already entered into our Fancy Folds Challenge...

How about this gorgeous layout created by our very own DT Member Michelle...

All day cropping tired these girls out.  We only had 2 croppers standing by 10:30pm.    Although, we had so much food that filled us up.  I certainly couldn't think of doing anything with paper.  We had lunch catered by the fabulous Angela from Angela's Everyday Gourmet  in Shavertown.  Oh, the sandwiches were De-li-cious!  Thank You Angela!

I wish I had some more pictures to share with you.  There were so many wonderful pages created that day!

Thanks for stopping by!

♥ Hugs ♥

Basic Grey Origins Card Class

When: Saturday, February 27
Time: 2:00 to 4:00
Cost: $20.00
Instructor: Tracy

Come join Tracy and create these 4 beautiful cards using the Basic Grey Origins Line... our HOTTEST seller in the store. You will learn how to "doodle", paper piece, and much more. Don't miss out on the fun!

Supplies to bring will be posted soon :)

Spirelli String Art Card Class This Saturday!

When: Saturday, February 20
Time: 1:00 to 3:00
Cost: $25.00
Instructor: Tracy

Come join Tracy as she shows you how to make these unique embellishments for your cards and scrapbook pages. You will be creating 2 cards with embellishments that you will make with your own two hands. Take home instructions so that you can recreate these Spirelli's any time.

If you haven't registered already, please call the store or email me at kimm@thebearyscrap.com to register.

More posts to come today!

Magnolia Stamps available for Pre-Order! Special Pricing!

We have some of the new "Raising the Ceiling" 2010 Release of Magnolia Stamps on order.  These are expected to ship to retailers mid-February.

I just loaded these cuties to the website (click HERE).  Magnolia's are available for pre-order at a SPECIAL PRE-ORDER PRICE!  Not even in stock and already on sale just for you!  Once we have them in stock, these stamps will return to the regular retail price.  Don't wait, order yours today.

A special note about pre-orders:  If you purchase pre-order items with "in-stock" items, your entire order will NOT ship until this item is available. Unless you are willing to wait for your entire order to ship, it is recommended that you order ANY PRE-ORDER ITEM SEPARATELY.

Hugs!

Last day to apply...

Hello Friends! 

Today we celebrated my little girls 3rd birthday.  Where does the time go?  I think my dear hubby looks more depressed since our little girl is growing up.  I had to make some serious red-eye adjustments to this image since everyone was behind me with cameras too - LOL.  I may have to make some other tweeks to her eyes before I print this photo.  They just aren't "blue" enough.

And believe it or not, Lindsay's  hair was cut today - LOL.

On another note... I am REALLY jealous that everyone south of us is getting snow.  Feel free to send some up here to NE PA!  Girls, please don't yell at me tomorrow for saying that.  Seriously, all I want is one (just one) REALLY BIG snowfall before the end of winter.  We haven't had enough snow to take the kids out sleighriding.  I remember when we used to get LOTS of snow, they kind of snow they are getting in Maryland, Virginia, and so on.  The past few years it has been nothing but rain, sleet and ice.  Send us some snow, please... and most importantly, you gals stay safe, keep warm, and don't go out driving unless you absolutely have to.  If you have kids... go out and be a kid yourself.  Build a few snowmen, have a snowball fight, hop on a sled and fly! 

Speaking on snow, class is still on for tomorrow unless we get 5-6 inches of snow.  If you can't make it, just call the store.  Traci will glady teach the class again for anyone that will not be able to attend.

And finally, don't forget that tomorrow is the DT submission deadline.  We've received numerous applications and have seen amazing work from so many talented ladies.  I'd like to thank everyone for submitting to our first DT Call.  It has been an amazing process. I'm excited to see who our first online designers will be! 

There is still plenty of time to apply.  Just click on the "DT Call" logo on the right hand corner of this blog to read about the details.

Thanks so much for stopping by.  I'll have class highlights tomorrow night.

HUGS!

A Quick Edit...

I'm back... here is the edited eye color photo:

Can you tell the difference?  Wanna know how I did it?  There are so many ways to change eye color in Photoshop.  I used Elements 8 to make this adjustment.  This is a very simple and natural effect.

1.  Zoom in on the eyes.
2. Select the magnetic lasso tool.
3. Make sure "add to selection" is chosen.
4. "Lasso" each iris.
5. Once you have the iris lassoed (is that even a word?),  go to "Layer" on the top, then "Copy via Layer", or click Ctrl "J".  This will create a new layer with just the selection you created. 
6. On the layers panel, click on the "eye" or view for the main image.   You should see just the eyes now.
7. Next, click on "Filter" from the menu bar.  Scroll down to other and click on "High Pass".
8. For this image, I adjusted my setting to "20.0" and clicked okay.  You may need to play with it a bit.
9. Bring the original image back by clicking in that same box so the "eye" or view reappears.
10. Save and/or print your image.

I know this works well for blue eyes.  My girls have blue eyes and my son has brown eyes.  I have not had to make any adjustments to his eyes yet, but when I do, I will be sure to share.

I apologize for my lack of "technical terms" in this brief tutorial.  I'm an certainly not a whiz at photoshop, but I LOVE to play.  If you happen to stop by the store, I'll be happy to show you the demo.  For those of you in internet land, just google "photoshop eye tutorials" and you'll find tons of techniques.  I can't remember where I found this one but it is one I use regularly.

Highlights from our Saturday Night Crop

ello Friends.  Thanks for dropping by.  I had some time tonight to finally upload some photos from our Saturday Night Crop.  As usual, we all had a good time.  I didn't get home until 1:00am.  Oh, was I dragging on Sunday.

The gals all agreed it was okay to publish their photos, and I know they will all be thrilled to see themselves and their favorite pages displayed.  I'm honored that they have all allowed me to share with you.

Here are Michelle, Sharon, Shirly and Karen working hard on their pages!

Cheryl and Charlotte taking a break and admiring each others pages.

Tanya and Heidi... These girls are always prepared.

Next I asked to the girls to show off their favorite pages they created that nit. 

Charlotte displays these adorable pages of her Granddaugher.  She matched the blue shades to her granddaughters blue eyes, and boy did it make a statement! 

Karen had a hard time picking her favorite.  She says there isn't a page she's done that she doesn't love. They are all her favorite! This layout features her daughters pond... it is beautiful!

Shirly is ready for warm weather too.  I wanted to be where those pictures were taken!

Michelle shows off her favorite for the night too.  These pages were of her son with painted mustache... totally adorable.  The colors flow so beautifully.

And Cheryl, our Queen of the Crop!  I've gotta sneak in a few of my pictures for her to scrap.  I hope she doesn't notice - LOL.  Cheryl worked with the Origins line from Basic Grey all night.  These papers fit the theme of her trip to Tennesse so well.  I love those doily papers.  They look so elegant and make such a statement!

Last but not least, here is Sharon.  She created so many beautiful pages that night.  I had a hard time picking which one I liked the most.  These pages are for her daughter's B-day party.  You'll be seeing some more of her work in the upcoming weeks as she will be joining our in-store DT and inspiring all of us!

Heidi and Tanya said they weren't quite done.  They scrap like I do... I'll do what I can to get the layout together, then I take it home and add my title and journalling... but those pages always seem to sit longer than I anticipate - LOL.

Thank you kindly for swinging by.  A big "THANK YOU" to our croppers for allowing me to share with all of you!  {{{HUGS}}}

Don't forget... Sugar Rush Card Class this Saturday with Tracy.  We still have a few spots open.  The following Saturday Tracy will be featuring an Origin's Card Class.  Be sure to check out our class calendar for all upcoming events.

Design Team Call Extended!

Hi Everyone!  I'm making a really quick post tonight... believe it or not, I'm going to bed early. - Miracles do happen - LOL.

We are extending our Design Team Call until Saturday February 6.  I had several emails this weekend from many of you talented ladies that just caught the DT Call details.  Everyone is still welcome to submit their information.  We will be making our formal announcement pics on Monday, February 8!  WOW, the time has just flown by!

Thanks a bunch for all the wonderful submissions so far!

I'm off for some shut eye.

Hugs!

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! 

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!

Our weekend croppers braved the snow!

Hello Friend!

What a weekend we had!  All of our little croppers and our Mom's braved the snow and came out for a morning and afternoon of FUN!  Yep, Sandy hosted 2 sessions.  There is no doubt that we have some budding diehard scrappers in the making.  Oh, and the talent!  Mom's, you certainly do a great job passing on your creativity to your little ones.   I was only able to get one picture from our afternoon group.  Charolette stayed for the morning session even after other things came up with her granddaughter... so she took some pictures for us too.   I can't wait to see them.

Here's our budding scrappers from the afternoon group...

They had so much fun... and Sandy spoiled them silly!

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We were supposed to have only had 2 inches of snow, but I think it was 5 by the time it was all said and done.  Now, it's freezing cold outside!  Spring can't come soon enough.  One snowfall is all I need.

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How about this darling Ribbon Tree Created by Sandy!  This would make a great Teacher's Gift, or a cute centerpiece on a table. 

 

To create the ribbon tree, Sandy used a styrofoam cone and covered it with ribbon. I believe she said each piece of ribbon was 4" in lengh. The ribbon is then looped and tacked in place with a pin. The star she picked up at one of the craft stores. You could make this with paper strips instead of ribbon. What a way to use up some of that paper stash we all have laying around. How about creating them smaller and decorating your place settings on your holiday table.

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Here's a card I finally finished!  I'm still trying find 4 extra hours in a day - LOL.

This card was created using an adorable Bear and Robin Stamp from Stampavie.  The image was colored in with copic (and I'll be darned if I can remember what colors I used - sorry).  I added some Polar White Flower Soft to his Santa Hat and the base of the image.  Makes him look like he's sitting in the snow instead of "floating in space" - LOL.  The sentiment if from Kraftin' Kimmie's Holiday Sentiments.  With 44 sentiments in this set to choose from, it was hard to decide what one to use.  I think this one fit well. 

Cardstock is Bazzill, Patterned paper is Basic Grey's Eskimo Kisses (my favorite line!)

Thanks for stopping by!