Last Minute Gift...

My mother-in-law loves magnets and has quite the collection. I had intended on ordering a magnet kit from Quick Quotes for her Christmas gift. But, being the miser that I am I didn't want to pay shipping and my order didn't qualify for free shipping. So, while I was in Hobby Lobby I picked up a 3 pack of blank 5x7 flat back canvases. They are a little larger than I had wanted but I think it turned out nice. I used Making Memories Strawberries and Cream paint to cover the canvas and layered Making Memories Noteworthy striped paper and Creative Imaginations Scallop paper. The picture doesn't show it very well but on the top and bottom lines of the striped paper I laid a line of the Terrifically Tacky tape and covered it with clear micro beads. The "cherish" is the insert from my Heidi Swapp acrylic stamp. I had originally stamped in onto vellum but I wanted something more transparent and since I couldn't find my Staz-on ink I just swiped the transparency from the stamp. I added some Making Memories flowers and buttons from their Noteworthy collection and a turquoise jewel for the dot of the "i". There are some heavy duty magnets on the reverse side. A cool thing about working with this canvas is that on the back side, there is a place for you to title your artwork and add your name and date. I hope she likes it! Merry Christmas!

A Holiday Project

I have to admit that I have not made many holiday projects this year. I know, shame on me. But, in my defense, I was busy kitting and teaching classes and I am also making two twenty-page scrapbooks for Christmas presents. I have one completed and the other is about a quarter finished. I know, only a few days to go. They'll be done, don't worry! But, I did make a few cards and I also made this cute little door hanger that I gave to my mother-in-law to take with her to work. I used SU!'s Snow Time (which is retiring SOON) on a 4" chipboard coaster. I stamped the snowman and masked to ink the sky, then colored, glittered, and pieced the trees. Then I stamped the sentiment and hung it below the coaster with jump rings. I really like how it turned out and almost kept it for myself! LOL! Thanks for looking and Happy Holidays! Katie

6 more days....

I honestly cannot believe that there is only 6 more days until Christmas. I have all my shopping done, or should I say all the shopping I'm going to do is done. I still have some wrapping to complete. I'm glad I held off though because while we were at Grandma's during our power outage, Cody opened one of the only two presents under the tree. He and Shelby enjoyed playing with her new dish set though! LOL! My BIG wish for Christmas this year is for a Cricut Expression. I KNOW I would get tons of use out of it. I know it will not be under the tree but I am hopeful that I can save my Christmas money (or gift cards) and be able to get one afte the first of the year. But, then again, I would really really love to have those Nestabilities dies too! LOL! Does a crafter's wish list ever end? Not mine. I wish you all much love and happiness this holiday season! Blessings to all and Merry Christmas! Katie

Holiday Acrylic Album

Well, the Holiday Acrylic Album was a great success! The first class filled up so quickly that we opened a second date. I used the fabulous Sugarplum Paisley collection from Daisy D's 2007 holiday line. There was lots of bling, ribbon (of course!) and a giant white poinesettia on the front cover. I'm very pleased with the way the album turned out and can't wait to fill it with this years Christmas pictures. Here's a look at the cover:


And, I am usually really bad about journaling so I added a page dedicated to it in this album!



And here's the page that's probably my favorite in the book. I just love the red and blue combo and this paisley pape is beautiful! I added some Sparkle Blue Bazzil Bling tags that tuck in behind the paisley photo mat.



Happy Holidays to you all! Katie

Open for Business

Well, I've been working for months (far longer than necessary) to get my online shop open. But I'm finally open for business! I have already sold 6 t-shirts! YEAH! There are only two designs available now but more are on the way! Check it out at www.cafepress.com/ScrapGear or just click on the link on the right! Thanks to my family and friends for all of your support! Katie

This just in....

Yippee! I finally got my scrappy little hands on some of the fabulous new Sugar Coating Glitter from Doodlebug Design! When I saw the release of this I knew immediately it was something that I would have to add to my ever increasing stash. I love the vibrant colors...but, one shouldn't expect anything less from Doodlebug! Seriously though, don't they just look yummy? I can't wait to play with them. Stay tuned for some shimmery projects! Katie

Cardmaking

I consider myself a "scrapbooker" more than anything. Last year I got pulled in to the world of "papercrafting" and began altering and more. I love taking something and making something totally different out of it. Honestly, cardmaking has never really been high on my list. I usually have to work twice as hard to get a decent card than I do to get a scrapbook page. There are soooooo many things available to a papercrafter today. When I started almost 8 years ago, supplies were limited. I jumped into the world of Cuttlebug owners and LOVE the A2 card size embossing folders. My mother-in-law needed a birthday card for a friend the other day and here's what she got.



I really just love how this card turned out. It just screams femininity! The pink scalloped card front and brown cardstock are from DCWV. I ran the card front through the Divine Swirl Cuttlebug embossing folder and lightly chalked the swirls with my SU! pastels. The ribbon is Offray, flower is Making Memories, and the woven label is Anna Griffin.

On November 15 I'll be teaching a card class at The Scrappin' Pad in Tahlequah. Participants will complete 4 cards of 3 different designs for a total of 12 cards...a great jumpstart to your holiday card list! Stay tuned for a peek at the cards we'll be creating there. And if you're interested in attending classes a The Scrappin' Pad call Christi at 918-453-8166 to reserve your spot! Hope to see you there!

The Scrappin' Pad

Well, it has been almost a month now since our PCMB Friends Retreat. We went to an awesome place in Tahlequah, OK called The Scrappin' Pad. Let me tell you, this place has it going on! It has such a wonderful, cozy feel. There was a huge room set up with 15 4ft. tables for our individual crop space. The food was catered in by a Tahlequah local and it was so delicious! The Scrappin' Pad is now offering classes taught by your's truly! So, if you're in the market for a weekend retreat with your friends, a weekly crop event, or you want to take some classes to learn some new skills and create some fun projects, The Scrappin' Pad is the place to be. Check out the link below for some great pics and more information! Classes are forming now so reserve your spot while the gettin' is good!
http://www.scrappinpad.com/

QuicKutz All Honors

I submitted a layout to QuicKutz for their "The Right Tools Make a Difference" contest at the CKC-Tulsa convention. I received a phone call from QuicKutz telling me my layout was chosen as one of the All Honors Winners! WOW! How amazing! I'm still in shock! A big thank you to my family and friends for their support and to QuicKutz for this honor! Click on the link below (or copy and paste it to your address bar) to see my winning layout! Scroll down to "Tulsa Winners" to find me!
http://www.quickutz.com/public/croproom/contestresults/2007/ckc.asp

Having Fun

I've been a busy little crafter lately. PC Mag is having their monthly online challenges and as usual, I have a few entries. I was lucky enough to have won one before. And they always have something happening on their blog. It seems like I win something every month! So, here's one of the cards I made for this month's challenge. I used Bazzill cardstock and Daisy D's paper and cardstock sticker. And of course, I had to add some ribbon.




I really love how this turned out! Daisy D's is a fav of mine and the colors really speak to me! Hope you like it too! TFL, Katie

Embellish It: Hardware

The first Embellish It class seemed to be a big success. I asked everyone what they would like to see and most everyone said Hardware! There were a few who specifically requested eyelets. So, in this month's Embellish It class we will work with eyelets, photo anchors, and label holders. While there are soooo many ways to use eyelets, I kept it very simple and made some small tags to line up along the bottom of the page for jounaling spots. We'll discuss other ideas for eyelet use during the class. Each attendee will also have the opportunity to demo various eyelet setters that are available in the market place.



Thanks for checking it out! Hope to see you in class!
Katie

Making Memories Contest

As most of you may know, Making Memories is one of my most FAVORITE manufacturers. I love their stuff. MM is having a contest and the person who signs up the most friends to their monthly newsletter will win a prize package! So, I ask you all to PLEEEAAASSSSEEEEE sign up (if you're not already) and use me, Katie Piotrowski, as the person who referred you! Visit http://www.makingmemories.com/ and click on 'sign up for newsletter'. I greatly appreciate any help you can provide!

XOXO,
Katie

The Bear Necessities

We all love bears, right? I have started making "tear bears" to add to my scrapbook pages. They are so very cute! These little bears are lots of fun and pretty easy to make. You can put bows in their hair to make a girl bear or a ball cap for a boy. You can dress them, or not, or whatever you choose! The possibilities are endless. Here are some pics of layouts I've incorporated the bears into.

Busy times mean Good times, right?!

Well, things are definately picking up for me. My classes have begun at the store and seem to be filling quickly. Next Thursday is the Embellish It class. In this class we will use the popular and sassy Making Memories Cheeky Abby collection to create a 2 pg layout and a card. We'll cover chipboard with paint, ink, and patterned paper and learn how to adapt patterned paper to create customized accents. Plus, not only will we use the fun and playful metal clips, each student will receive a NEW package of MM Texture Tape! Here's the layout:



Not only am I busy teaching, I busy customizing! I have created a few items and sold them on Ebay. Well, I just received my first special order! It is for an altered ABC Lunchbox Tin for a toddler. I have the alphabet list ready to go and will begin the project today! Exciting times here!

Katie

Back to Normal....

Whew! I've gotten so behind on everything it seems. I had joined a few too many swaps that were demanding my time plus I was designing sample pages for my upcoming classes. We haven't had anyone sign up for the beginner's class yet but we have decided to keep that class on the books on as an available class. This next Thursday, June 14th, is my Scrapbook 102 class. Here's the layout...


My mom was here for a two week visit! I hadn't seen her in a year so it was really good to hang out with her and get caught up. She came to realize how much my hobby plays a part in my life! I made some gifts for her and my aunt and even made a special page for my mom. She was in the newspaper for her volunteer work so I made a page and framed it for her to hang with her plaque. Now that she has returned home and I've completed my swap obligations, I'm hoping to spend some more time designing and preparing for more classes. Thanks for stopping in! Katie

Back to Basics

As some of you may know, I am now an instructor and design team member for my LSS, Dreams and Memories. I have a Scrapbook 101 beginners class coming up on the 31st of this month. For this class we are going to create a 2 page 12x12 layout using a page kit from Karen Foster Design. Page kits are great tools to get a beginner going. They usually have plenty of paper and embellishments in them and since it is all coordinating, it takes the guess work out of it for a newbie. I don't consider myself a pro by any means, but I have been scrapbooking for over 7 years now. I love 3-D embellishments and adding dimension to my layouts. Well, since this is a beginner class, I had to take a few steps back and get "back to basics." For this layout I used the paper and cardstock stickers from the kit and added 1 cardstock photo mat and a brad. Here's the finished product!

Happy Monday!

Well, I hope everyone had a Happy Mother's Day! I know I did. In the coming weeks school will be letting out and children will begin their summer vacation. I don't know about you, but that means more work for me (us). We MUST get the pool ready...for our children could not survive the OK heat without it (or so they think!). And of course, there's the lawn mowing and all of the regular household chores. As your summer unfolds and you head out to your events, don't forget the camera! Take all the pics you can and capture those moments! Katie

Happy Friday!

Well, it is finally Friday! As I'm sure you all know, tomorrow is National Scrapbook Day. I will be heading out to a crop with my LSS. I have to put the finishing touches on my make-n-take; we will be doing mini-beaded pens. They are sooo cute! The lids have holes in them so I have binder rings they can put through it and decorate with ribbon or hang charms from it!

Pam is actually hosting her NSD crop at her church (for more room) and a portion of the proceeds will go to help pay for the children to attend summer camp! Isn't that great?! I love it when I see others using this wonderful hobby as a way to help others! And let me tell you, I see it alot. I am amazed at the love and support in the papercrafting community! Do you have any stories to share about how you and/or your LSS have come together for a community effort? If so, leave me a post...I'd love to hear about it! Whatever your plans are for tomorrow, enjoy them! And, don't forget the camera! I'll post pics of our fun when I return. Katie

Moving Forward

Well, I am recovering from my bout with strep throat and now have plenty of housework to keep me busy today. It has been raining here since Tuesday afternoon and my yard is a swamp! I completed my class schedule for May, June, and July and am very excited to get started. My first class is Scrapbook 101 on May 31st. I haven't taught a beginner's class in years so this will be a nice challenge for me! Do you have a favorite class you have taken or is there a specific class you really want to take? Katie

Well, here I am.

I have to admit that this is my first blog post...as a blogger, that is. I love reading blogs, especially those of my favorite manufacturers. Since I have been asked to teach classes and design for my LSS, Dreams and Memories, I thought this would be a great way to keep in touch with everyone! As the month of May progresses I will be uploading sneek peeks of my upcoming classes and will have a gallery section where you can view my work. Things have become very busy for me all of the sudden. Most of which is self induced. Not only am I desinging and instrucing at D&M, I am also in the process of opening a t-shirt shop online. The link is up but until I get my graphics working, my shirts are not ready so be sure to check back! Hopefully, as time goes on I will get better at blogging! Have a great day! Katie