Random Ramblings of a Scramping Addict

Jackpot June: Today's Deal Make A Wish

This is just a reminder that the Jackpot June is ongoing through the end of this month.  Today's Jackpot item is the My Acrylix® Make a Wish Stamp Set (retail value $16.50) pictured below.

To win the Jackpot and get the Make A Wish stamp set for free, order one or more of the products listed on this page.  All of today's discounted items are Dimensional Elements chipboard shapes, and are priced at just $4.00 per package - that's 30% off the regular retail price.  One of these items is a mystery Jackpot item.  If you are lucky enough to choose correctly and order the mystery JACKPOT item, the Make A Wish stamp set will be delivered to you!  Want to ensure that you hit the Jackpot?  It's easy, just order all 5 of today's discounted items!  {For complete Jackpot June campaign details, click here}

Do you want to hit the Jackpot?  Shop my CTMH Online Store today!  And remember, to check back daily through the end of this month to see what other deals we have in store for you.

Linkworthy: Journaling 'on' Your Photos

Every once in a while, I like to share something that I deem 'Linkworthy'.  Today's link is an article, which is all about taking photos specifically with the intent to journal on them, and is written by Ali Edwards.

Digi scrappers should see the relevance of this information immediately, but if you're a paper scrapper, don't discredit what Ali has to say.  You too can incorporate this technique into your scrapbooks. All you'll need is an image editing program like Adobe Photoshop Elements that you can use to add your text before you send your photos to print.  Even Picasa, the free image software by Google gives you the ability to add text blocks to an image, although the formatting options might be a bit limiting in comparison.

One of my goals for this week will be to take on Ali's Creative Challenge and take some photos with the intent to journal on them.  Will you be taking the challenge also?

Link:  Creating Room To Write With Photos

Scrapbooking the Everyday

I've spent the last couple of days dealing with the chicken pox.  They are not affecting me personally, but my daughter - poor thing.  All I can say is Yuck!

Thursday night, she was complaining minor headache she'd had for a day or two (this was the first time I head of it), and sore throat.  Admittedly, I kind of blew her off - suggesting that perhaps we needed to get her eyes checked (since strained eyes cause headaches), and that maybe she just needed a drink to ease her dry throat.  It's not that I'm a sympathetic to my children's trials and troubles, it's just that I HATE it when they are sick!  I'm always hoping that there is an alternative explanation that will explain their symptoms away - one that will simply not involve them feeling crappy, being contagious and missing school.

Friday morning.  She sits to have her breakfast mumbling that her throat still hurts a bit.  I encourage her to eat, as again, maybe she's just dry. (I knew even then that this was wishful thinking).  Next, she complains that there is a bump in her mouth that is bothering her.  Curious, I check it out, and see what looks like a canker sore, but it's on the roof of her mouth way at the back.  Hmmm.  Now, I am extremely curious. Then, I take a step back and see what appears to be a blister on her cheek.  BINGO.  Immediately I suspect this is the chicken pox.  I check her out more thoroughly and see a handful more elsewhere on her body - maybe 5 in total.  So as I should, I keep her home from school.

Well, it's a good thing - because this is what she looked like by 9am Saturday morning.   Doesn't she look sad?

So....I have to laugh just a bit because as most people will tell you that Chicken Pox don't normally show up first on the face.  They are usually on the torso, under the arms and in generally 'warm' areas.  So why did my girl not follow the pattern?  Here's what I figure.  God works in mysterious ways.  Since he had me pegged for someone who's always looking for alternative reasoning - he had no choice but to put the first sign that I could not ignore right out there in front of me!  Honestly, had I not seen this, I would have sent her to school for sure!

So why is my post titled Scrapbooking the Everyday?   Because I have been snapping pictures all weekend and plan to add a page to the album (once she's all better of course).  Life can't always be happy right?  And this is an important event right?  So I'm definitely going to scrapbook it!  Keep that in mind the next time you or a member of your family falls on a tough time.  Each and every event helps to shape who we are and is an important piece of the whole story.  Future generations will appreciate looking back and seeing life as it happened, as opposed to a reality show-like depiction of a life full of smiling face and happy times!

Tim Holtz @ Buffalo Stamps!

I'm getting super psyched now!  Only one week left before I got to Buffalo to take Tim Holtz classes!  I absolutely adore Tim's work (and products) and can't wait to learn from the master himself.

The morning session is a "Journey Journal"

 and the afternoon session is a "Generation Grunge"

I'm certain that the day will be full of fun and I'll learn A LOT!  I will definitely be sharing my creations (and any tips I pick up) upon my return.
 
 

FAQ {Friday}

CARE & CLEANING OF ACRYLIC STAMPS

Q: What is the correct way to care for, clean and store my acrylic stamps?

A: Buying stamp sets whether traditional rubber or acrylic, is an investment - there is no doubt about that - so you want them to last.  Here are some tips for proper care, cleaning and storage of acrylic stamps.

• Clean your stamps after each use to avoid staining.  First, you should stamp off excess ink to scrap paper and then, moisten the thicker side of a Double Scrubber with a few squirts of CTMH My Acrylix Spritz Cleaner or equivalent. While your stamp is still on the block, swipe it across the damp surface several times to remove any remaining ink.  Then, swipe it a couple of times on the other side of the Scrubber to dry it off.  If you don't have a Double Scrubber & Spritz - make your own using a small pile of baby wipes and a soft cloth. Clean the ink from the stamp with the baby wipe and dry using the cloth.  Be sure however that your baby wipes are alcohol free (most are these days) and lotion free, and that your cloth is lint free.  Alcohol should be avoided as it will dry your stamps. It should be noted that staining, while unattractive, will not affect the stamp's performance.

• Avoid direct exposure to light (both sunlight and artificial) as light will cause the stamps to discolour, turning them yellow.  While the yellowing will not affect the 'utility' of the stamp (i.e. you'll continue to get a great stamped image), it just doesn't look as nice and they can be a bit more difficult to see through.  This is why Close To My Heart My Acrylix stamps are packaged in a frosted envelope - the 'frosting' helps to minimize the light passing through the packaging, yet you can still see what's inside.  If you are looking for similar storage for your non-CTMH acrylic stamps, try the CTMH Paper/Stamp Organizers - 3 sizes are available.

• Store your stamps somewhere that is cool and dry.  Excessive heat can cause a break down of the polymer stamp material making them gooey and difficult to stamp with, or they could become brittle and crack.
  
  
• New stamps should be 'conditioned' prior to use in order to remove any manufacturing residue which may 'resist' the ink.  To condition, simply ink up with a light colour ink and stamp off on scrap paper a few times until you see a nice even stamped image.  You can even rub the surface of the stamp gently with a white eraser if your find that the stamping off process doesn't work. I've even been known to use my thumb - giving the surface of the stamp a good swipe before I use it.
  
  
• If you use stamp with bleach, solvent inks or acetone - be sure to clean your stamps immediately. These harsh chemicals can damage the polymer stamp material if not removed.
  
  
• If you're acrylic stamps lose their 'stickiness' simply clean them with mild dish detergent and let them air dry and they'll be good as new!  Losing stickiness is not a defect - it just means that dirt and oils from your skin have transferred to the sticky surface.  The dish detergent you choose should NOT contain lotions, but should be of the 'clear' variety.  To minimize the transfer of oils etc, try not to handle your stamps immediately after you have applied hand lotions etc.
  
  
• When removing your stamps from the carrier sheet, especially intricate designs, peel them away gently using your thumb and index finger, a bit at a time, to avoid tearing.  When acrylic stamps are new, they can be quite 'stuck' to the sheet.  The good news is that if you accidentally tear an acrylic stamp you can still use it, since you can reassemble the design on your block for a flawless stamped image (you definitely can't do that with wood mounts!)

Do you have a craft-related question you'd like the answer to?  Drop me an email, or leave a comment below and I'll feature your question on a future FAQ {Friday} installment.

A Craft Supply Sale Extravaganza!

2nd Annual Craft Sale Extravaganza!

When:   Friday July 16th 8am - 8pm
             Saturday July 17th 8am - 6pm
Where:  301 Parkwood Crescent
              Hamilton, Ontario (view map)

Do you have craft supplies that you're not using?  Don't keep them - sell them! Make room for more!

We are currently accepting items for consignment sale.  We'll take:

• Stamps
• Paper
• Tools
• Dies
• Inks
• Embellishments
• Storage
• Handmade Items
• Kits
• And More!

How it works:

You gather your un-loved craft supplies or handmade items, price them, label them, package them up and bring them to me and I'll add them to the tables at the sale.  Once all is complete, you receive the proceeds from sale less 20% to cover administration and advertising.

It's that easy!

If you're interested in contributing items to the sale, let me know and I'll send you ALL the details and the forms you'll need to submit with your stuff.  You can reach me by email me or you call me at 905-317-8823.  All 'for sale' items must be in our hands no later than Friday July 9th (one week prior to sale).  

Last year's sale was a huge success, and this year is shaping up to be even better!

Even if you don't have items for sale, be sure to mark July 16 and 17th on your calendar and be sure to stop by and see what's available.  You just might find exactly what you're looking for at a fraction of retail prices!

June Card Class: Fancy Folds

June 17, 2010 (7:30pm  - 10pm)

What is it?

* learn some new techniques
  (including how to make this beautiful Rose)
* do some fancy folding that has big impact
  (ever heard of a Tri-Shutter Card?) and
* one of the cards doubles as a gift card holder

*PLUS!  You'll receive detailed PDF instructions
 for each card's construction to take home so
 you can duplicate these styles again and again.

When:   June 17, 2010
Time:     7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Where:  Hamilton, ON (email me for directions)
Cost:     $15 per person

What to Bring:  Scissors, Adhesive (Liquid & Dry - contact me for my recommendations), Glue Dots

Class seating is limited and reserved. Class fees are due in advance (no later than June 13).  Register now by clicking through the PayPal link below, or contact me by email or telephone 905-317-8823 to reserve your seat.

Jackpot June! {means a Deal a Day}

I admit, I've been a bad bad blogger lately.  Things have been crazy busy with summer sports starting up for the kids, lots of meetings at work, cleaning up the yard and planting the veggies...the list goes on and on. Today though, I've got an exciting announcement that I just have to share.  Today, June 1 marks the beginning of Jackpot June with Close To My Heart.

What is Jackpot June you ask?  Well it's a great opportunity for you to shop online and stock up on some great CTMH products at great prices and you might even get some additional products for Free!  Here's how it works.  Each day in June will be either a Jackpot Day or a Goodie Box Day and each of these days works a bit differently.

1. On Jackpot Days...
2. 5 products will be offered for sale at discounted prices. One of the 5 products is the mystery jackpot item for that day, but we’re not telling which—exciting, isn’t it! If you happen to order the mystery jackpot item, we’ll reward you with one or more FREE Close To My Heart products, with shipping included on the free items! If you purchase all 5 products, you’re guaranteed 
3. to hit the jackpot! There’s no purchase limit—if you order multiple secret jackpot items, we’ll send you the same number of free items.
   
   
4. On Goodie Box Days...you can purchase one box filled with popular products at 50% or more off retail value! Each goodie box day will feature different surprise items, so you can score a wide variety of current and recently retired products.
   

These special offers even include discounted shipping and handling. On Jackpot Days your discounted deals will ship for just $1.99 Canadian per item and Goodie Boxes will range from $13 to $20 depending on contents.

You can only take advantage of Jackpot June by shopping online and be sure to check back every day this month to see what specials we have in store for you!  All offers are while supplies last!