scrapnspire

Tick Tock...CHA officially opens doors TOMORROW...

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:34:00 +0000

Taken by the lovely Stephanie Hunt (Bella Blvd).

Last minute touch-ups are happening on the booths.

The last nails are being hammered in.

Decorations to showcase product are being displayed so meticulously.

All the display boards and design team samples have arrived in crates and being assembled "just-so" on walls and shelves.

This is the EPIC "Christmas" for artists, scrapbookers,

mixed media lovers', painters', bead lovers', and just so much

to the imagination in the world of arts will be happening up

under this convention center roof in sunny Anaheim, California.

I remember my first CHA show and I thought I would drop to my

knees at the entrance...

it was better than all of Charlie's chocolate in

"Charlie & the Chocolate Factory".

[which literally was my fav fav movie growing up,

for some weird reason that book was on repeat on my library card]

Maybe because this boy of little means had such big dreams

and compassion for his family.

Well, CHA is rather a parallel in so much eye "candy" to the

imaginations and just literal dreams that have come true

in product development and now the final product/prototypes

are on ready for the world to see!

Many come from near & FAR for this show!!

{and the January show is larger than than the July show]

so, BIG DEAL, for those new to hearing all about this hype!

Also, for those attending, don't forget there is an

iPhone app to locate all the booths and plan your walking feet

to the max because those "puppies" will be screaming at the

end of the day. Ha! :)

So, in checking out blogs & Facebook friends pics of

booth setup, here are a few random pics to show you

all the work that goes into the "behind-the-scenes"

from scratch process before the BIG day tomorrow

when all is nice, organized & pretty. :)

The coming together of Bella Blvd booth.

All above photos source: Stephanie Hunt (Facebook)

Cool floral wall display happening by Emily Pitts
for the Maya Road booth.

Photo Source: Maya Road (Facebook)

Prima booth is all ready.

Photo Source: Prima (Facebook)

WHO doesn't love the Tim Holtz?

His booth is ALWAYS killa' eclectic!

Photo Source: Tim Holtz (Facebook)

BIG BIG day tomorrow
and
I'll be revealing up my full projects for Simple Stories!
[unfortunately, I don't have any setup pics to share from their booth, hopefully, they will roll in soon with an update...]

Simple Stories // NEW additions for Year.o.graphy Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:22:00 +0000

All this week we showcased the new album pages for our new collections...

but we also wanted to show you the album pages for our Year.o.graphy collection.

This is a definite must have for your year-in-review, project life, week-in-the-life projects and albums!

Remember those NEW 6x8 albums we revealed up here?

Well, we've added in some Year.o.graphy too!

{Year.o.graphy Journal/Scrapbook Album Pages}

So, if you're attending CHA, you'll see several new projects

created by us on the design team!

Here's a sneak at a new project I worked up for the CHA show...

I'll come back tomorrow to start sharing up my FULL projects

created for CHA!

All the booths are being assembled now

and the big kickoff happens tomorrow

and what better way to celebrate!

EXCITING times!! :)

Who knows...{wink wink}

I might come back to blog later tonite

to show up some "behind-the-scenes" pics of booth prep

I've seen while scouring the blogs & Internet.

Bella Blvd // DAY 12 CHA Reveal (oops, ONE more reveal): Collection Kits

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:45:00 +0000

We made it!

Yesterday was the last day of our two week long

Sneak Peek Week feature!

One more to share...

We've had request after request for more than a year now to sell Collection Kits! We are happy to introduce these 7 collection kits, including the newest paper collections we've revealed over the past 2 weeks and also the more recent Winter Wonder, Spring Flings and Easter Things and Sophisticates collections also!

These new Collection Kits feature papers and stickers from the collections!

Contents are a bit different in each kit and are geared at a retail price of $15.99 with exception of the Sophisticates Collection Kit which includes slightly more products for your everyday needs, retailing at $19.99.

GREAT deals!!

Here are the collections -

And now for giveaway time!

You KNOW we had to go there :)

We want to give TWO lucky blog readers a chance to win one Collection Kit of their choice, before they even hit the stores. Just leave us a comment to be entered HERE.

One comment per person, please. :)

All of our giveaways for our sneak peeks will be left open until Saturday, January 28th.

All winners will be announced on Sunday, January 29th, which is the first day of the Winter CHA show!

Remember to check over at the Bella blog on Sunday, when we will announce ALL of the winners from the last 2 weeks of giveaways.

Also, starting next Monday 1/30, we will be kicking off our two week long "Inspiration Unlimited" feature.

We will be sharing tons of projects from our CHA designers, using all of the new collections and embellishments!

You won't want to miss it!

Simple Stories // CHA REVEAL #4: Documented Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 06:09:00 +0000

I had to travel out of town for a bit of work travel

to Louisiana, so sharing this release up a bit late...

but it's worth the wait,

if you haven't check it out yet over at the Simple Stories blog

Let me introduce...

"Documented"

[not to be confused with "Life Documented"]

This collection is a whole new world of "krafty" color

which I LOVE & the neutral tones really add so much possibility to spice it up with some color

or leave as neutral.

Unfortunately, this release came out a bit later for us on the team to create up some

CHA projects in time for the show

BUT

soonnnnn you will see me using this collection in Simple Stories + other projects.

Here are some of my fav elements from this collection...

This group of 6 images are actually 4x6 transparencies

that can be layered as overlays over your photos, etc.

LOVE the transparencies in the Simple Stories collections!

and

we can't forget about the coordinating

UNITY STAMPS

(co brand Simple Stories)

for this collection....

I'm especially in love with this first set.

But all of them are just must.haves. :)

OH, and a "little" FYI -

these stamps

(and the other CHA release stamps from Simple Stories)

AVAILABLE NOW

at the Unity Stamp Co website here!! :)

[no waiting until after CHA] :)

Ok, be sure to check out a closer look at the papers

in this collection over at the Simple Stories blog here

AND

there's a give.a.way happening for this one too!

Leave a comment HERE

and let us know what moments you love to document

(and of course don't forget to tell us what you love about our new "Documented" collection!)

We'll choose one reader to win the entire new collection - contest ends Friday, February 3

(Winner will be announced Monday, February 7!)

GOOD LUCK!!

Bella Blvd // DAY 10 + 11 CHA Reveal: DOUBLE SMAK - Flags & Crochet Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:07:00 +0000

So, we're doubling it up today to bring you

the last TWO reveals from a couple of CHA reveal weeks!

Can you believe the show is around the corner?

Those attending out in Anaheim, California

can check out all the goodies, inspiration, and fun-ness! :)

CHA is always a blast!

I've been about 4 times and maybe

I can make it to the next one in Chicago this summer

[as my work travel schedule allows...]

Let's get to these last two reveals from Bella Blvd...

Now for a closer look...

You know those flags you've made with toothpicks & paper scraps?

Well, these are a bit different with

such a sweet little pearl on the head of the pin

and the flags are just perfectly matched to the Bella Blvd collections.

Fun, eh?!

And now for giveaway time!

We want to give one lucky blog reader a chance to own 10 Flags of their choice, before they even hit the stores. Just leave us a comment to be entered.

One comment per person, please. :)

Leave your comments to win these flags HERE.

All of our giveaways for our sneak peeks

will be left open over at the Bella Blvd blog until Saturday, January 28th.

All winners will be announced on Sunday, January 29th, which is the first day of the Winter CHA show!

AND

NEXT REVEAL

[last but certainly not least]

I just adore the handmade spin on these crochet flowers!

The colors are just so colorful and lovely!

And now for giveaway time!

We want to give one lucky blog reader a chance to own a set of these lovely crochet flowers, before they even hit the stores. Just leave us a comment to be entered.

One comment per person, please. :)

Leave your comments to win them up HERE.

All of our giveaways for our sneak peeks

will be left open over at the Bella Blvd blog until Saturday, January 28th.

All winners will be announced on Sunday, January 29th, which is the first day of the Winter CHA show!

WHEW!

Those were a LOT of Bella Blvd CHA reveals!!

Be sure to check out the Bella Blvd booth #1287 at the show.

Good luck on the give.a.ways peeps!

and remember to post in the comments linked up for you in my

blog posts.

You can share some love here on my blog but

I have no goodies [yet] :(

((hugs))

myStampBOX // Color Challenge: Ocean Tide & Lilacs

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:23:00 +0000

photo source.

Hi All!
Wendy here to share up a beautiful Color Challenge for you for myStampBOX!

I find a lot of inspiration in color, patterns, and beautiful quotes….over at Pinterest. This color challenge I picked up over there with some beautiful palettes & images linked up in this post. I live near the beach (only 30 min+ to be exact) so the color of the ocean is just so soothing & relaxing. I also love purple and lilacs are one loveliest of flowers (in my opinion) along with orchids (I likey like too) and roses….ok, yep, I love flowers. (wink wink)

Here are a few more pics that inspired me for this challenge -

photo source.

So, using this inspiration & some fabulous myStampBOX stamps, here’s my color challenge project share -

“Go. Go. Go. See”

12×12 Layout

Now for some details…

A few months back, Canvas Corp so generously blog hopped with us on the myStampBOX design team. Unfortunately, I was out of town on vacation to NYC and couldn’t do the hop but was itching to use these super cool mini canvas shapes on a project – i.e. hearts, circles, ATCs – so many possibilities!! So, I used these with some Ranger Distress Stain + water to create the effect on these canvas shapes. I just love the watercolor & splotchy effect to them. Also, I used the myStampBOX set, Seal It, on the corner of the canvas heart. I stamped it using Staz-On black ink. The peek of embossed metal tin you see I embossed with my Big Shot Sizzix machine + embossing template + metal tin foil.

On a side note, these photos are inspired from my travels – NOLA (New Orleans), Italy (Torino), and Florida (Destin)….love travel and to “go go go see” the world…near & far.

Here I also used the Ranger Distress Stain + water again along with a heat tool and some parts of this I just allowed to air dry. Such a beautiful & dreamy effect. Stamped up with Seal It and Road Trip stamps. Also, I accented with some coordinating bling, brads, and clear dewdrops.

Using some large chipboard letters (deep in my stash – ha!) along with some different colors of mist in blue & purple for the effect on this page. Stamped (“you are here”) above the mini photo with the set Road Trip. I repeated the “go go” with the alpha set, Rough Copy. Such a fun alpha set you can leave as outlined or color/fill in.

Here are a few more close up pics…

Supply List -

myStampBOX Stamps

Road Trip

Rough Copy

Seal It

Other – Cardstock – DCWV, Paper – Advantus (Tim Holtz-Idealogy), Canvas Mini Shapes – Canvas Corp, Letter Stickers – American Crafts, Distress Ink, Distress Stain, Archival Ink – Ranger, Ink – Tsukineko, Mini Clothes Pins – Stampin’ Up!, Tags – Avery, 7 Gypsies, Metal Foil – Ranger, Mist – Clearsnap – Smooch Spritz (Majestic), Tattered Angels – Glimmer Mist (Purple Pansy), Studio Calico (Mister Huey Bonny Blue), Baker’s Twine – The Twinery, Cork Letter Stickers – Prima, Stickers – Creative Imaginations (Wildberry), Punch – Fiskars, Clear Dewdrops – The Robin’s Nest, Rubons – Making Memories, Brads – Basic Grey, Pearls & Bling – Basic Grey, Kaisercraft, Staples & Stapler – Advantus (Tim Holtz Tiny Attacher), Mini Paper Clip – Advantus (Tim Holtz).

Hope you enjoyed my Color Challenge project share!

Simple Stories // CHA REVEAL #3: Awesome Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:28:00 +0000

Yesterday, we gave a "fabulous" shout out to the girls

and

now, let's give some claim to the guys out there!

[you know they would be screaming for a spot in all this too]

[note, you can click on images for a larger view]

The name for this collection is just per.fec.tion.

so many AWESOME elements

that are just killa' cool!!

Here's my sneak peeks using the

"Awesome" collection...

[and yep, "this guy" [clearing my throat] is pretty AWESOME

although I've told him

~~more than onceeeee~~

he needs some new moves]

12x12 Layout

"Hey Mr DJ"

Here are some of my favs from this collection...

and check out the coordinating

Unity Stamps for this one.....

Hop over to the Simple Stories blog

to check out an up-close view of ALL of the collection

[there are SO many additions to this collection, it's insaneeee]

and

Leave a comment here and let us know what you think!

We'll choose one reader to win the entire new collection -

contest ends Friday, February 3

(Winner will be announced Monday, February 7!)

GOOD LUCK!!

Oh, and come back here tomorrow for CHA Reveal #4 reveal :)

Bella Blvd // DAY 9 CHA Reveal: Sophisticates New High Five Alphabet Stickers

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Seriously, Bella Blvd is kickin' crazy

with all these new releases!

and

you know you want each & every piece, right? :)

Well, as mini album designer for Bella Blvd,

I'm kinda' lovin' these new alphas...

it's like Stephanie just loves us too much

maybe she can read minds,

because we on the team kinda' "hinted" that we would LOVE some

more different alphas & in mini versions

and

TA-DOW

look what "magically" happened....

[note, you can click on image for a larger view]

I mean there were PREVIOUS cool versions of Sophisticates alphas

(i.e. Quattrofina alphabet stickers)

but

this is stepped up a notch

to give a BIG "high five"

of FIVE different font styles of cardstock stickers on one sheet for under $4. YEP! :) [smile big]

Don't you just love how colorful they are?

Skittles candy gone EPIC!

["taste the rainbow"]

ok, that was cheesy.

Ha!

Jump over to the Bella Blvd blog HERE

to post up your comments

and WIN these colorful alphas!!

GOOD LUCK!! :)

Oh, and come back here tomorrow for Day 10 reveal :)

We still have TWO more days of great things yet to come!!

Simple Stories // CHA REVEAL #2: Fabulous Collection [photo heavy]

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:38:00 +0000

Let's cut to the chase

[LOTS of photos to share]

because seriously these sneaks are long overdue

[well not really but I know you have been waiting]

and I know you are itching itchingggggg

to see the collections!

[if you haven't already snooped this one out

over at the Simple Stories blog today]

BUT

I have even something better...

SNEAK PEEKS of my CHA projects using this collection!

Yeahhhhhhhhhh baby!!

Sharing sneaks today then come back this weekend,

when the official CHA show kicks off,

I'll share up the full projects!

Agreed? :)

Ok, girls first &

this collection is JUST for the girls

Here are my sneaks using "Fabulous"...

12x12 Layout

"Doodle Girl"

Mini Album

"Groovy Girl"

Here are some of my fav pieces in

this Fabulous collection -

....and some coordinating

Unity Stamps

Hop over to the Simple Stories blog

to check out ALL of the collection

[there are SO many additions to this collection, it's insane]

and

Leave a comment here and let us know what you think!

We'll choose one reader to win the entire new collection -

contest ends Friday, February 3

(Winner will be announced Monday, February 7!)

GOOD LUCK!!

Oh, and come back here tomorrow for CHA Reveal #3 reveal :)

Bella Blvd // DAY 8 CHA Reveal: Sunshine & Happiness Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

and the sneaks continue...

Sunshine & Happiness

[note, you can click on images for a larger view]

LOVE this collection!!

So BRIGHT, COLORFUL, and FUN!!!

You can get a closer look at the

Unity Stamps Itty Bitty stamps

blogged up here.

NOW

Jump over to the Bella Blvd blog HERE

to post up your comments

and WIN this colorful collection!!
{plus you can see all the papers & embellishments over at the Bella Blvd blog]

GOOD LUCK!! :)

Oh, and come back here tomorrow for Day 9 reveal :)

Simple Stories // CHA REVEAL #1: Documented: Mix & Match 6x8 Album and Page Protectors; This & That Album Pages and Odds & Ends Memorabilia Pockets

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:25:00 +0000

At LONG last....

CHA reveals for Simple Stories started today

and I'm SO excited!!!

This reveal today was TRULY hard to keep under wraps,

lock & key, and without squeaking a peep...

and since I'm a MAJOR mini book lover

this one was BEYOND the jaws of death to keep secret.

Warning: All you Project Life, Week in the Life, December Daily lovers' are gonna squealllllll for joy!

Beginning today, Monday, January 23 through Thursday, January 26 we have a new collection we'll be revealing each day and we can't wait to show you all that we've been working on!

We're starting our first reveal with something BIG...the new chapter for Simple Stories! It's been something we have been working on behind the scenes for quite awhile and have always wanted to do since the launch of Simple Stories! And the time has finally came when we can share these new memory-keeping tools with our wonderful customers...we hope you're as excited about it as we are!

Introducing...

An all-inclusive mini-album system that allows you to share your story your way, including:

[note, you can click on images for a larger view]

{MIX & MATCH 6x8 ALBUM} This 6x8 Kraft chipboard D-ring album is absolutely beautiful...and super strong and sturdy so you can load your memories inside! It features a wonderful linen spine with decorative book plate label on the spine, and ultra thick chipboard with a Kraft cardstock covering (no naked grey chipboard here), so you can leave as is for quick and easy crafting or decorate to your hearts desire! It also inlcudes tons of goodies inside so you can create a one-of-a-kind keepsake, including album pages, chipboard dividers and a variety of 6x8 divided page protectors!
{MIX & MATCH DIVIDED PAGE PROTECTORS} These little divided page protectors come in a variety of styles and formats so that you can mix and match your memories to tell a story that's all your own. These 6x8 page protectors are divided into mini pockets that work PERFECTLY with your photos and our signature elements, including the 6x8 photo mats, 4x4 cards, 3x4 flash cards, 4x6 journaling cards and 2x12 strips (these can be trimmed to 2x8 to easily slip in the 2x8 / 4x4 page protector option!) You will LOVE these page protectors - super clear, thick and heavy, and archival safe! Plus you can add to your full-size 12x12 3-ring albums for a fun, playful look!
{THIS & THAT ALBUM PAGES} We've also included journal/scrapbook album pages that you can "smash" on your photos. memories and mementos and insert into your album any way you'd like - and we're giving you lots of options with 4 different sets to match our newest collections, including our popular Year.o.grapy line (you'll see all of these sets in detail over the next week!) These album pages are AMAZING - printed on heavy-weight cardstock and double-sided - they match our elements perfectly so you can easily mix and match with the divided page protectors too!

{ODDS & ENDS MEMORABILIA POCKETS} We're also introducing a collection of memorabilia pockets for all of your little bits and pieces and odds and ends! These pockets come in a variety of sizes, including full size for your 12x12 albums and page protectors, and smaller sizes like 6x8, 4x6 and 3x4, which are designed to fit perfectly into divided page protector pockets! You can decorate your pockets to match your project, and insert into page pockets, add to your pages and layouts or even hole-punch to insert into albums for pocket pages..the possibilites are endless!

{Estimated Ship Date: March 2012}

So, what do you think?

Let us know, leave us a comment over at the Simple Stories blog HERE, and you could be entered to win an album prize package that includes a variety of these fun goodies.

See you tomorrow as we reveal our newest paper collection...it's simply FABULOUS...
you won't want to miss it!

Bella Blvd // DAY 7 CHA Reveal: Sophisticates New Piece - Sprinkles & Lace, New Chipboard Embellishments

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Rolling along to Day 7 CHA Reveal...

[note, you can click on images for a larger view]

Sophisticates

"Sprinkles & Lace"

and

Sophisticates

NEW Chipboard Embellishments

NOW

Jump over to the Bella Blvd blog HERE

to post up your comments

and WIN some of the great goodies!!

GOOD LUCK!! :)

Oh, and come back here tomorrow for Day 8 reveal :)

Sneak Peeks // myStampBOX & Gauche Alchemy

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:42:00 +0000

With CHA projects complete,

rolling along with NEW projects....

myStampBOX

Color Challenge

[using blue + purple]

and

Gauche Alchemy

full reveals coming soon... :)

Bella Blvd // DAY 6 CHA Reveal: NEW Itty Bitty Stamps w/ Unity Stamp Co

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:29:00 +0000

Are you liking the reveals so far?

We have more papers, stickers, and chipboard to show you in the next week, along with even more brand new embellishments.

Can you believe there is MORE? ha! :)

ok, so I "thought" the designer tapes were my

fav BUT then again I'm a sucker for some

stamps, all.the.time.

so, these new Itty Bitty stamps co-brand with Unity Stamp Co

are pretty much a.MUST.have.

and

if you have not tried Unity Stamps, you are missing

out on a rubber stamp of per.fec.tion. & quality

and they typically have some incredible sales & deals.

Cuteness!! I really love the pears above! :)

And now for giveaway timeeeeeee!

We want to give one lucky blog reader a chance to own a few of our new Itty Bitty Stamps from Unity Stamp Company.

If chosen, you will receive 3 stamps of your choice, before they even hit the stores.

One comment per person, please. :)

Jump over to the Bella Blvd blog HERE

to post up your comments

and WIN up some Bella stamps!!

GOOD LUCK!! :)

Come back here tomorrow for Day 7 reveal :)

Oh,

All of our giveaways for our sneak peeks will be left open until Saturday, January 28th.

All winners will be announced on Sunday, January 29th, which is the first day of the Winter CHA show!

Bella Blvd // DAY 5 CHA Reveal: Designer Tapes

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 05:19:00 +0000

and now for one of my favorite releases

CHA pool of happiness...

previously sneaked here -

Calling all Washi tape lovers...

this one is JUST for you.

Available in 8 different styles and 2 different widths,

these Designer Tapes include versatile designs like sweet polkadots, hip chevron and more!

and now for a closer look -

Here's the 8 different patterns,

all matching Bella's signature bright & happy color palette!

So these four styles are .25" in width.

Each roll has 30 feet of tape!!

Pink Stripe:

Jail Bird:

Teal Stripe:

Red Dot:

And these four styles are .5" in width!

Yellow Chevron:

Pink Flowers:

Blue Gingham:

Pickle Juice Dot:

NOW

Jump over to the Bella Blvd blog HERE

to post up your comments

and WIN this cute batch of designer tapes!!

GOOD LUCK!! :)

Oh, and come back here on Sunday for Day 6 reveal :)

AND

a ~~little~~ congrats is in order

for Stephanie Hunt

{the "power woman" & owner behind Bella Blvd)

on getting ENGAGEDDDDDDD today!!!!

SO, happy for her & wishing her the best on wedding planning!

Girlie, that rock on the finger is KILLA'!

CONGRATS Stephanie!! :)

Simple Stories // WELCOME: Facebook Fan Blog Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Hiya there & welcome!

Perhaps you have traveled from the talented Kate Blue's blog

OR

those that are just joining me, 

you will want to go to the Simple Stories, 

so you can start at the beginning of the blog hop. 

Trust me, you don't want to miss anything.

[AS IN SIMPLE STORIES DESIGN TEAM CALL, 

SIMPLE STORIES MINI ALBUMS SERIES....*clearing my throat*]

Told ya'. GOOD STUFF.

We are making this Friday a super duper special one in dedication to our Simple Stories FANS!

I mean you all "SIMPLY" keep us iNSpIreD with lovin' all the 

amazing collections from Simple Stories

so we thought let's pay back to the fans!

Yep, YOU, peeps!

[go ahead & pat yourself on the back]

So, we 5 design team members (DT) + Simple Stories (of course)

have teamed up some pretty spiffy fans to blog hop today.

There's lots of inspo & talent to be found within the 13 blogs in blog hop dedicated to the FABULOUSLY ADDICTED FANS 

of Simple Stories!!

So, without further ado...

You have now arrived at Wendy's stop for the blog hop.

For the next stop on the hop, roll along to the lovely Naomi Armenta's blog.

Simple Stories <--Start here/go here if you lose your way)

Marth Saenz

Kim Holmes (DT)

Amanda Albright

Cindy Pittman

Emily Pitts (DT)

Sara O'Shea

Allison Landy (DT)

Kate Blue 

--> Wendy Morris(DT) <-- you are here

Naomi Armenta

Michelle Brekke

Liz Qualman (DT)

YOU WANNA' WIN SOME SIMPLE STORIES?!!

Of course, WHO throws a blog hop without some loot?

It would be a sinful. Just sayin'.

Well, the Simple Stories "powers that be" are pretty generous with us on the design team and we wanna' pay tribute to YOU.

And

they even want to reward us design team members too!

This girl WILL NOT refuse that offer. :)

SO....

HOW CAN YOU [AND I] WIN IT UP?

YEP, YOU READ THAT RIGHT.

I'm sneaking in on this one too.

All you need to do is

leave me some LOVE in the comments to THIS post

(and you can tell me if you like my card too, if ya' want, no pressure, plans for the weekend, your fav collection of Simple Stories, how many collections you have...just chat it up, little/big :)

Oh, yeah, I "might" win something too :)

Can I butter you up to say I love reading your comments!? xo

AND

then go over to Simple Stories blog here

to duplicate some love there too!

THEN

for YOU, we will draw ONE random winner from the Simple Stories blog and from one of our blogs with the MOST comments :)

SO, "DOUBLE" the opportunity to win big!
*[open to ALL worldwide]*

So, with all that said -

See, I shared the treat BEFORE I shared my project

because I'm nice like that. :)

Here's my project -

a quick & fun card whipped up in a few minutes...

"Road Trip"

(featuring Destinations collection)

Thinking this would be a cool card to give to a friend/spouse/boyfriend

for an invite on a road trip/plane trip

with the tickets tucked away inside or

reveal of a sweet road trip together!

FUN!

Supply List -

Paper - Simple Stories - Destinations - Journey #1307

Stickers - Simple Stories - Destinations - Fundamentals Cardstock Stickers #1302

Stamps - Unity Stamps (co-brand Simple Stories)- Travel Notes, Go.See.Do.

Other -

White Cardstock - Source Unknown, Ink - Ranger - Archival Ink - Jet Black, Pop Dots - Glue Arts, Stamps - Technique Tuesday.

Simple Stories // Facebook Fan Blog Hop - 1.20.2012

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:38:00 +0000

Hiya Simple Stories fans!

We LOVE ya & wanna' show ya!

So, we have invited a sweet bunch of talent to blog hop with us design teamer's tomorrow!!

Starting in the morning @ 7AM CST

This is gonna be a "double doozy" give.a.way type of thing!

meaning

You comment HERE on my blog

AND

you hop over to comment at the Simple Stories blog

to win up big time!

So, you basically have TWO chances to WIN WIN! :)

...and I'm ~~not fishing for some love~~ here or anything on my blog

[alright kinda' sorta']

All the details coming in the a.m.

Bella Blvd // DAY 4 CHA Reveal: We're Expecting Mini Series

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:21:00 +0000

and first off,

NOPE, I'm not pregnant, not even in the zone

SO, wanted to put that out there before I get a major

write-up in a gossip column, TMZ, or Us Weekly

BUT

Bella Blvd is honoring the "mothers-to-be"

in this sweet new collection

There's a nice mix of pinks, blues,

and non-gender

[as in no pinks, blues, if you don't like that sorta' thing,

not meaning male/female

because "hopefully" it will be one or the other - ha!]

[note, you can click on images for a larger view]

AND

and don't forget to LOOK closer at those 2 stamp sets in the pic above that coordinate with the collection too!

FUN!!!

NOW

Jump over to the Bella Blvd blog HERE

to post up your comments

and WIN this cute collection!!

GOOD LUCK!! :)

Oh, and come back here tomorrow for Day 5 reveal :)

Can you believe we STILL have another WEEK of reveals

from Bella?

TOLD YA it would BLOW' YA MIND! :)

Bella Blvd // DAY 3 CHA Reveal: Baby Girl Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Just for the girlie girls...Day 3

[note, you can click on images for a larger view]

AND

and don't forget to LOOK closer at those 2 stamp sets in the pic above that coordinate with the collection too!

FUN!!!

NOW

Jump over to the Bella Blvd blog HERE

to post up your comments

and WIN this cute collection!!

GOOD LUCK!! :)

Oh, and come back here tomorrow for Day 4 reveal :)

Simple Stories // An Oldie but Goodie: Destinations.

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:42:00 +0000

Simple Stories sneak peeks of CHA new product releases

will start next week

and as we know you are chomping at the bit....

for me to throw you a bone...hmmmm. I can't. :)

BUT

I can share up an "oldie but goodie" collection

and one of my FAVS from the Simple Stories family,

"Destinations"

[maybe because I can't get enough of that fab houndstooth paper]

Check out my full post here.

Simple Stories // CHA eagle has landed in the warehouse!

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:49:00 +0000

Have you peeked over at the Simple Stories blog today?

Well, if not you have yet to see these pics....

and

NEXT WEEK we start popping out some reveals!

Yep, it's time! :)

GET READY.

Plain & "SIMPLE".

WARNING: That shrink wrap reminds me of the pallets

at Wal-Mart on "Black Friday" :)

Yep, there just might be a huge stampede in the mix too.

Bella Blvd // DAY 2 CHA Reveal: The Button Market

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:32:00 +0000

Are you ready for Day 2!?

It's time for some crazy KILLA' embellishments!

Bring on the buttons....

We've produced 20 different button items for you including plastic buttons, wooden buttons and button mix collections!

You're going to love how affordable they are!

All the plastic and wood button items will retail for only $1.75/each and the Button Mixes for only $2.99.

Don't you want to have them all?!

[note, you can click on images for a larger view]

How about a closer look at these cuties?

You likey like?

ME LOVESSSS.

NOW

Jump over to the Bella Blvd blog HERE

to post up your comments

and WIN this cute collection!!

GOOD LUCK!! :)

Oh, and come back here tomorrow for Day 3 reveal :)

Bella Blvd // LET THE SNEAKS BEGIN...DAY 1 CHA Reveal: Baby Boy Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Let's get ready to rumbleeeeeeeeeeeee.....

[ok, seriously, this is no wrestling match, WWF hasn't recruited me YET but you get my point]

The Bella Blvd design team is ready to rock & roll with these BEYOND insaneeeeee

sneaks for the BIG CHA show....

Ok, here's the drill,

let me just fill you in on how all this hoopla works...

Many on the design team have been burning some midnight oil,

red eyes, chocolate attacks at 1am...

maybe even skipping a shower [gosh, I hope not]

but

anyhoo, cranking up projects to BLOW YOUR MIND!!

So, we wanna start sharing the love EARLY

spinning out a "Sneak Peek Week" starting TODAY - Jan 27

where we will share up a NEW Bella Blvd product

EACH day!

[meaning get your behind to my blog, the Bella Blvd blog...just don't skip a day, or IF you snooze, sleep with one eye open to watch for all the amazing-ness each day]

ONE FULL SET

of whatever we are revealing for that day

will be given away EACH day!

I mean you have a chance to get this fab stuff scooped off Stephanie's desk

& HOT OFF THE PRESS peeps!

No.joke.

[yep, that put you all up & perky, eh? HA!]

Yep, Stephanie has pulled off another layer of duct tape!

About time, right? :)

Now, those give-a-ways will happen over on the Bella Blvd blog.

So, if you post your comments

[giving me all sorts of love & affection, which I love]

here on my blog, thinking I have some of that new loot,

well, you might be well.....hmmmm....disappointed

BUT

I WILL be showing you the sneak collections,

bits & pieces here on my blog.

[however, I add in that I DO LOVE comments from you ScrapNspire peeps]

So, you can post comments in both places -

just for the love, ya know? Just sayin' ;-)

So, now with all that said, yada yada yada - let's get to it....

[note, you can click on images for a larger view]

AND

and don't forget to LOOK closer at those 2 stamp sets in the pic above that coordinate with the collection too!

FUN!!!

NOW

Jump over to the Bella Blvd blog HERE

to post up your comments

and WIN this cute collection!!

GOOD LUCK!! :)

Oh, and come back here tomorrow for Day 2 reveal :)

Gauche Alchemy // IT'S LIVE!! Affirmation ATCs Video Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 07:25:00 +0000

It's NOW live, up & posted over at the Gauche Alchemy blog

my first gig with Gauche as tutorial videographer & designer!!

Here's my video with some inspo for you...

AND

also be sure to subscribe to our
Gauche Alchemy Mixed Media channel

over at YouTube here

as well as our Flickr page linked up over at Gauche here where you can play along with us to share up your fab projects.

I'm already planning my video for next month! :)

Hope you are iNsPiReD & enjoy!! :)

In Honor & Remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King

noreply@blogger.com (Wendy) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

We have a come a long way in the Nation...

Many new paths have come,

regardless of personal political & religious views,

with such a great icon of representing

universal love & growth & hope for the African American race.

Today in the States

in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s

birthday, I share his speech.

"I Have a Dream"

Truly inspiring.

Words that always live in my heart.

Inspire. Give strength. Sustain. Equality.
Confidence in having a voice.
{which still lives strong in many parts here in the Southern states}.
My parents lived at the time of the deep racism and experiences.
Yes, a dream still being unfolded...
many years after his death.

video source.

"I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

But one hundred years later, the Negro still is not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize a shameful condition.

In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check -- a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quick sands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to a distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as the Negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality. We can never be satisfied, as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as our children are stripped of their selfhood and robbed of their dignity by signs stating "For Whites Only". We cannot be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow jail cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.

I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!""