Let's go cropping

Now that fall is here and the kids are back in school, the LSS’s are getting pretty busy on weekends with cropping events. Whether you are a newbie to scrapbooking or a seasoned veteran, for scrappers, crops are where the action is!

A crop is a gathering of scrapbookers at a home, scrapbook store, or special event. Each person brings their own materials to create pages while they socialize with friends and other scrappers. A crop could be considered the modern day equivalent of a "quilting bee". It is a time to share supplies, ideas, inspiration, lots of laughs and could be a good therapy session as well! The crop can also provide spouses stress relief. When they hear the words "Honey, I'm going to crop” they know the loved one will be occupied for at least 5-6 hours outside of the house.

When you go to a crop there are no rules about what you should take. People arrive with several rolling carts and storage boxes or just a few bags and files with photos. Some bring large or small die cutting machines, computers and special lighting. Others bring basic tools, pictures and paper. What you bring is your own personal preference. Remember though, you will be the one who has to bring it in and pack it up to take home after the crop, so plan wisely.

One thing we haven’t mentioned about crops is the food. Food is an important part of any gathering and that is no less true at a crop. At the very least you will probably need to plan for dinner while you are there, so food can be the determining factor in where you crop. Some LSS’s supply dinner, some don’t. This is usually the difference in the fee you will pay to go to that stores crop. Prices range from Free to $14/crop and each stores website will give you the details

Archiver’s, Scrap Tales, Scrappy Chic, and The Scrapbook Zone all sponsor crops almost every weekend, so check out their schedules, join the group and let’s go cropping!!

To comment or make suggestions for topics you would like her to write about email her at: scrappysharon26@gmail.com

How scrapbooking can lead to other addictions

It seems as though taking up the hobby of scrapbooking can lead to other equally addictive activities. There are many reasons for this, some plausible, others – well? Let's look into these phenomena.

Once you have created a number of layouts with your scrapbook supplies you will begin to realize that you are accumulating too many scraps and leftover embellishments. One of the tenants of a true scrapbooker is you never throw out a scrap. Who knows, you may need it to cut out titles, or mat a picture, or as a journaling block. While all of these are admirable reasons, the reality is you will probably end up with more scraps than you can use for your pages.

Enter hobby number two – card making. What better way to use up those extra supplies than on a handmade card you can send to a family member or friend? Beware! Card making can become just as addictive as scrapbooking and can require the addition of more supplies. Once you have created your lovely card, what are you going to use to add the sentiment?

Now comes stamping. Great phrases and titles can be found, often at the LSS’s, in the form of a rubber or acrylic stamp. While looking for the perfect letters or words to complete your card you will inevitably see some really pretty stamps with pictures of flowers, birds, animals, you name it. So, why not get some of these to use on cards in place of the paper scraps? And don’t forget the variety of ink pads and pens you will need to create your colorful stamped images. This is hobby number three.

These are just two of the new addictions that can develop from scrapbooking.  Obviously, the possibilities are endless. Stitching, painting, paper making and altered books, to name a few. Does this have to happen? No. Does it happen? More often then not, so be careful. Once you get started scrapping, you may not be able to resist the temptation to go for more. It’s all fun though!

Cricut Club at Scrappy Chic

If you own a Cricut, or have a friend who does like I do, you might want to think about joining The Cricut Club at Scrappy Chic in Livonia. It is really a great deal for the price and a fun time as well.

Membership is $30/year and there are many benefits that come with the price. There is one crop a month for at no additional cost, monthly sales for members only, special prices on Cricut machines and 15% off all Cricut brand merchandise . Best of all, on the day of the crop, you can use the stores cartridges for your creations.

It is a fun time and well worth the price. Stop in at Scrappy Chic and check it out!!

Cricut announces the new Cricut Imagine

Today, September 14^th, Cricut introduced it’s newest die cut machine on HSN the Cricut Imagine. It is a combination of the original Cricut and an HP inkjet printer to do print and cut die cuts without the use of a computer.

The special offer today includes the Cricut machine, three cartridges, and black and color ink cartridges. The machine will work with your original cartridges and Gypsy and cuts from .25" to 11.5" and is on sale for $499.95 with 5 payments of $99.99 until midnight tonight.

Looks like a great idea!!

Michael's Lowest Prices Sale

Usually, I quickly look at the Michael's flyer that comes in the mail, tear out the coupon and throw it away. This week, I did look it over a little longer because it said "Lowest Prices of the Season" and I wondered if they really were. Some items were not sale priced any differently than usual, but there were a few that I thought were worth sharing. Albums are 45% off, punches and scrapbook storage is 50% off, photo boxes are 2 for $3 and they have a 50% off coupon as well. Some exclusions apply so check your local store for details, but I think these are some pretty good sales!! Check them out for yourself this week thru Sept. 18th.

Snapfish extends free shipping

As I was rushing to get my photos edited so I could get my order in by midnight tonight, I received an email from Snapfish saying they have extended the free shipping offer until 9-13. The offer code is FREELDSHIP. Prints are just $.09 ea, so it is a pretty good offer. Thought I would pass it along. I went ahead and finished my order anyway:)

September 10 – 12 Weekend Scrapbook and Support Our Troops Events

This weekend the Archiver’s stores in Novi and Sterling Heights will have a “Hero Arts Free Demo”. See the new Hero Arts holiday stamps and learn heat embossing techniques.

On Friday, things will be freaky at The Scrapbook Zone in Farmington Hills. “Freaky Fridays” offer savings on essential scrapping and stamping supplies. Saturday, drop in and create a set of FREE cards that the men and women in our military can use to send home to their loved ones. There is no cost for this event. When you participate in the card making you will receive 25% off your total purchase that day. They will also accept donations of used cell phones for soldiers and unwrapped toys for “Toys for Tots”.

Saturday, Scrappy Chic in Livonia will start their “Fall Scrapbook Leagues” and will have “Competitor Coupon Day”. They accept coupons up to 40% off, with some restrictions. Call to sign up for a league.

Be sure to check the schedule of classes at each store. There are a lot of new holiday classes starting.

Looks like we'll have a busy weekend!! Enjoy!