Hp and Scraps = All good!

I love HP. Got one of their printers. On a whim, there was a snapshot diaries contest they ran. I didn't read close enough and thought the grand prize was for a trip to Sundance this year. That's long gone so I figured nothing else of it. Got an email. Good happy email. Until they contact all the winners, I can't quite say (smile), but wow. Not going to Sundance NEXT year (which is when the prize was actually for) but the prize pack I did get...and the placement I made...sweet! I'll have to link ya to the slideshow. Really.

Long weekend ahead! Loving it!

GASP!!! 801 area code?!

Oh my good sweet things that are dear and sacred! I got a call from the 801 area code. But I don't know anyone in the 801 (Utah folks...UTAH...as in scrap mecca of the world...as in "HOF CALL REALLY???").

Yeah. Not so much. Cause...well, first, you have to enter and make sure your entry is there on time. Second, you have to actually GIVE THEM YOUR WORK NUMBER to call you at. Thirdly, I KNEW I had a friend about to call me. I knew said friend's name was Kristen. But somehow, when I picked up the phone and was like "hmmm...direct line call...I don't recognize the area code" (cause, honestly, I didn't recognize the 801 until after she told me her name) it wasn't until just after Kristen said "Hello Bernadette, this is Kristen X" Pause. As if someone was waiting for something major to happen (ie, a scream) that I even started to think "Are you serious???!"

Then we started talking about my old employer (which she is interviewing with) and I started realizing that I spend way too much time on the message boards caught up in the hype. I mean really now...there are lots of things that have to happen before you get an HOF call. Chief among them...they have to know your number--which usually happpens only after you enter.

I need to lay off the message boards. Really. I do.

They love me, they really do

So then CK karma for the week is exhausted. I submitted this lovely layout:

and darned if it didn't win first place in the CKC-Portland Creating Keepsakes Layout competition. I strongly think it was because of the sappy journaling and circle goodness and the fact that it had a theme. Something that almost didn't happen because I didn't quite read the instructions clear enough. Clearly going back and re-reading paid off (smile).

So I also submitted this layout:

which is of my absolutely adorable nephew. I did this for the simple layout contest. Totally overthought it. wanted to add some more but was like "keep it simple". The winner of that contest had a pretty elaborate layout with a simple message. Really nicely done. And her's was a circle layout too.

That was my scrappy weekend. Got lots of scrap goodies from going to the pub dinner (and buying a bit too much stuff) but totally...totally worth it. Guess I should post a pic of all that momentarily too eh?

Any Day Now...

Creating Keepsakes HOF calls will start. I cannot wait to see the new crop of folks. Everytime I get the mag, I'm like "wow...I can see why she's an HOFfer". They got so few entries this time...which for some is like "wow...better chance (almost 1 in 7) of placing. For others, more like "if I don't get picked I'll feel REALLY bad". I'm just really excited to see all the hoopla over it all. Love how excited people get about this.

But on a more personally relevant note...THIS weekend is the convention. This weekend, I'll probably have to walk a mile to the Convention Center from my parking spot. I'll probably get there late because of crazy weather. But I know I'll DEFINITELY have a great time at the pub dinner. Almost tempted to go down, shop during the day and then go to the dinner at night. And I don't mean scrap shop. Do so much digi lately I really don't find much purpose to buying scrap scrap stuff. Get lots of it for free from my DTs so...really...I tend to just buy really unique stuff now. But that's getting expensive so...that's the thing with digi--you can make it yourself and it is so inexpensive to buy stuff...alas.

Gotta consolidate my digi scrap stuff from the laptop (FINALLY got the adaptor for that...can take that with me to the Convention this weekend...free internet!) and vice versa. Uhhhgh. That's definitely a procrastination thing. It's almost 11, but I totally want some banana nut ice cream. Think my grandmama is visiting me again...she LOVED the stuff. And butter pecan syrup. For the longest, when I went to IHOP, I always had my three pancakes individually--one with strawberry syrup (my fave), one with butter pecan syrup (in memoriam and all) and one with warm maple syrup just because...uhhhmmm...I lived in the Northeast for so long and it just seemed the natural thing to do.

But there I got talking about what I'm going to eat on my blog again. My better half made a yummy cake to boot--I'm not a chocolate cake fan, but he did devil's food and vanilla icing...so tasty. Uhhhhmmmmm....

So why are they picketing the scrapbook convention?

That is the first thought that rolled through my head when I rolled up to the Oregon Convention Center this morning at 10:42 all pleased as punch that I had made it before noon.

"Wow, look at all of this great parking" was the second thought.

"uhhhmmm...these don't look like 'my people' really" was the third thought.

Then when I couldn't find the registration table and I didn't get a wiff of fine scrapbooking wares for sell in the vendor faire area (today, though, the Taekwondo arena)...I knew something was off.

Evidently, CKC-Portland is NEXT weekend.

This is realized after my tantrum yesterday when my pics wouldn't load to Costco so I could take them with me.

This I realized after staying up until midnight to finish a layout for the simple page competition.

This I realized after I drove 2 hours to Portland. Yes...this is the point I realized it was TRULY time to sit back and figure out what is going on in my life. Right after I realized I would have a really tough time back at home explaining this to Robert.

Who, by the way, grinned a huge grin and said not much else. Long time since I've been in a relationship like that...but more on that on the Colored White blog (smile).

Saturday/Sunday

Saturday...CKC portland. Cause like I need an excuse to shop for scrap supplies. maybe more buttons. And ribbon. Eyeing a crop a dile...because what's old is new again yes...no? can't wait to meet folks at the dinner. should print out directions for that--at least it is in my state. Which, unfortuantely, means sales tax.

No classes this time but this time I might (only because I planned on doing it today and didn't so might is looking very iffy now) get to enter the contests. Just the layout ones...I've about given up on cards (smile).

Sunday though, Crop Addict is having the one year anniversary party! I'll be hosting an online crop from 2-4 pm Eastern...11-1 Pacific (my time) just after getting in the door. It will be fun...promise. It's hybrid so make sure to have your computer handy (I promise, it will be easy and only as "digital" as you want to make it...think "print off a journaling block" if that is how you need to roll) and rummage through your stash with the CA store up so that you can see what you have from the shop. That will be a requirement (hint/hint). You'll have 2 hours to complete the challenge and I'll have some regular scrappy happy fun games too...so definiteyl come on by and chat, scrap and win some FANTASTIC prizes!

See ya Saturday in person in Portland or Vancouver. See ya Sunday online at www.cropaddict.com. I'm Imanisasa. Fun it is!

Really...550?

So...life is as it is. Come to find out HOF only had about 550 entries this year. 550. Which is so great and so bad. Great in that that is about the same chances of winning a spot (HOF or Honorable mention) as it is to get admitted to my law school. Bad in that there are about 9 out of every 10 folks who get turned away. Sure the numbers make you feel better about being able to stand out in the sea, but if you ain't got it you just ain't got it.

Some things that stood out for my "application" if you will:

All digital
All 8.5 x 11
All graphic, clean style

Some things that stood out looking back on it that are just either love it or hate it
So totally not CK style
Innovative...so subjective--innovative to me, tried and done by others...
Not every layout was a total WOW--collectively...they flow...some really are my faves, others are not my faves, but then again, every piece I've ever had published (so far) hasn't been my fave either...it's been me, but just not a "wow, look at that technique or that journaling"

Anyhow...overthinking. So to that...such is HOF. About two weeks before they call some really happy folks. And the other 475 of us bemoan that even in a small pond, we didn't have what it took to be CK material.

Alas.

See...I told you...

(smile)...that's why once I've done it okay, I don't do it again. Didn't make it as number 49 this year. Went from Top 20 to...don't know where but not Top 50. Alas. Some of my fave folks did make the 50 so I'll be rootin' for them.

Got asked today what I want to do after work this week. Not like a life "what do you want to do with your life" but a quickie, what are we up to this week. Thought about work and doing more of it. Thought about scrapping and doing more of it. Then really sat down and thought about it. And what I want to do is spend more time living. Now if only I could figure out what in the heck that means!

lol

Anyhow, March 3 -4 Crop Addict is turning 1! Totally cool right? But wait for it.

I'ma host a totally cool hybrid challenge. And of course there will be Crop Addict (aka, coolest kit club EVA) prizes to go with it. So...be on the look out. www.cropaddict.com. Right....So I'll be hosting likely Sunday night in between a hop and a skip here and there. Saturday, I'll be at the CKC-Portland and the dinner that evening. Soon enough we'll get introduced to the new Hall of Famers too...no chance in all get out at that. My style was way too simple once I shipped it out all proud and what not and then thought to myself really...get a grip. Alas...I can stick em in some really great blurb books (seriously--totally cool "print on demand"...check them out at www.blurb.com) and FINALLY get my mama that book of photos she wanted from waaaaaay back when.

Seriously.

Ooops...I did it again.

No silly...I did NOT shave my head. And I already talked about entering HOF again. What I did do again that is the subject of this blog thread is that I entered MMIDOL Season II. Yeppers. I hate doing something well enough the first time and going back and trying again because then I think I'm jinxed and can't top it. So it was quite a push to even get me to submit something. Because this time around people know they have to go big or go home and there were some really neat tips on the blog that gave away my secrets to success (number 1 being that 99% of life is howing up and the other 1% is presentation)...alas.

Lots more talented folks than me out there. I'm still a bit shocked I lucked up on a Top 20 finish out of the thousands of entrants. Here's hoping I might slide to number 49 this time--that would still get me on to the next round because they are taking the top 50 this time. In honor of that, I think a RAK is in order.

All three of the pieces I submitted are somewhere here on my blog. If you can guess the three I turned in , you're a winner! If no one guesses all three correctly, I'll give it to the person who guesses two...or the first person who guesses one. In that order. And what the heck, I'll throw in a RAK randomly as well.

Guess as many times as you like and have your friends guess too--if a friend team (they have to say in their comment or their email to me since every other time I've run these contests I get far more entries via email than comment field--that you referred them) wins, then I'll send a RAK to each of ya.

Happy guessing!

Remember when...

...way back in the day...I told you I had style? Well you have sooooo got to check. this. out.

That's the style book.

And if you go to

http://www.layoutblueprints.com/StylePreview.html

and scroll threw a couple of clicks (page 29 of the actual book, page 2 of the preview)

you might see someone/something you recognize in the top right corner.

How absolutely sweet is that?!

15.95 on pre-order right now.

You better head over to

http://www.layoutblueprints.com/

to pick up a copy now.

Tell them I sent ya.

Not that you'll get a discount or anything...but it's cool in any event!

38 what??!?

38.52. I about smallowed my tongue. So much for keeping promises to self. "No...you can't enter if you can't get it done in enough time to mail it regular. Or priority mail". Yeah...I actually finished last night and maybe could have pushed for earlier. But I hit a bump in the road (the nomojo bump) and was crying a storm that I just couldn't figure out what to do. I did a pure digi entry and I don't know how to incorporate other "crafts" into my work on this kind of timeline. Sure I can do my hybrid beauties, but I so wanted a full digi entry all in 8.5 x 11 so I finally got unstuck with the crafty combo option and instead chose to go with a color layout.

Which scared me at first because they just did a helpful little bit in the Top 10 issue on color and I was like...can I really evoke color in my love of all things streamlined and white? I mean really...I was a finalist in a major color contest by KI Memories (LOVE that album by the way and can't wait to share it!) and here I was afraid of color. Terrified of it as a matter of fact. But it came out to be one of my fave layouts of my entry.

Looking back on it now, there isn't a single layout that I don't love. And across all 10 of the assignments/faves, there is a definitive "style" going on. And I dare say it is like nothing else I have seen before. Which isn't really saying much. Because I've seen little, but it is definitely a different "digi" style than the current stuff. I mean, there's the whole "It doesn't even look digi, it looks 3d" thing that folks love. Me, if I'm doing digi, I'm doing digi. As you see a bit below, I don't try for the 3d deal because it comes across as 2d to me. The eye sees what the eye sees. So instead, I go for a cleaner, more graphic look. We'll see how that goes off.

Regardless, I've got some great pages I can slap in my Christmas book this year. And the assignments, though I was crying over them, challenged me and got some really cool results. I especially love my journaling layout. But then again, unlike most, I love to journal. So...there that is.

tomorrow...before 4:30 pm. 857359988850. Track it with me now.

Got it, get it, good

So...they got the doodle layouts. All is well there and very liked. I figure if the doodle layouts for the Doodle Book got all the way to AL already, then the Simple style layout should have arrived up the road for the Blue Media Style book. This is all so exciting. Being published. In books. That are sold in stores. Totally cool. I can't tell you how cool it was to pick up the first book I was pubbed in. I was walking through the downtown Seattle Borders store and there it was. I was giddy with excitement! For my first pub ever I stalked JoAnns for the Simple Scrapbook issue. And then the so totally nice cashier actually asked for my autograph. I felt so silly and we laughed so hard but hey...it's not everyday you get to see something in print and say "hey...I KNOW that person."

But you know what? Of my pubbed layouts, Simple, CK, the Blue Media book--they were all "me" layouts. And then there is now the doodle layouts. Both are actually rafting pictures. Both two of my faves. I say that a lot. but I like what I create. I was in a groove (smile). Cause my total all time fave layout (and most creative in my opinion) will be in Legacy. That should go over well. I should get back in touch with Alex and let him know he'll be pubbed. Or something.

And more scrappy happy things

And because life is good when you can scrap some, I leave ya with a few fun digi uploads for the night!

Sledding and more sledding--pretty sure you can click to get it bigger and read the journaling.

Gorgeous couple, great wedding. Love how this layout came out. Glimpse it now, it's coming down soon.

Just how most of my relationships start. This one ironically enough, started when Match.com had the Friends version of their site which was really cool. Oh how it bloomed into so much more when I found out the profile was coverted over. Ahhhh...it was so meant to be...

This one still needs a bit of tweaking but oh my WORD there has to be an easier way. But I refuse to go to the dark side--photoshop is for pros. I am no pro. I don't have the patience for the learning curve. But in the meantime...I came up with this. Those curved lines were close to impossible. There has to be an easier way...maybe with my Wacom tablet (smile). Had it for over a week and still have not cracked that baby open... more pro stuff I guess.

This is one of my faves. I will likely use the pictures in this neat idea I have but for now, this here fella is one of my fave people in the world. That's him prepping for his climb of Everest. Really now.

So, I've gotten a pretty good thing going so far. Got to chat about a new venture in scrapping that may just be pretty cool. We shall see. In the meantime, enjoy the goodies for the patient among ya! Tomorrow, I should have some stuff up at Diversity Designs as I'm on the Feb rotation. End of next week, the midmonth at Crop Addict will go up and I'll post some really neat stuff there too. Loving paper scrapping again. Pulled out a not seen fave today when I was mailing off layouts for the Doodle Book call (I get two layouts published in that one!) and resending my layout for the Blue Media Style Book (one of my fave simple layouts of all time--CK even liked that one...it was third place at the WA CK Convention in 2005). Anyhow, I kind of sort of had a layout potential for the CKC Portland, but it is way too busy so I'm going to redo it. I have thoughts of redoing another paper layout as a digi but I'd wanted to do it for something else which I'm running out of space for. My last thoughts on that is that I have this neat album idea that I have to get going on if I want to feature it for my next go rounds in March where I have a full kit with Crop Addict. Time to get on the ball scrapping that!

Good night!

Finally...kit 1

So it is finally up on Ebay. Starts at .99 for ALL of that! All of it! Bid now or forever hold your peace. Only up for one week!

Have fun and be on the lookout for more this week! Sorry...the flat rate shipping is only within the U.S. Shipping outside the US is actual cost.

You can bid on it here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270082160684

Recent Scrap Stuff

Yeah, and so I do indeed still scrapbook. Lots more digitally nowadays but I have a couple of paper kits to work with as well. In the meantime during the move, check this out and have fun!

Where Does Love Bloom?

Love this one...trying to keep it simple.

But it all just started flowing from the layered papers

to the tabs to the inked edges. Love it!

And on that Day, Forever Arrived

This one was quick. Just one photo so it was more about journaling

Not sure if you can read it, but I so love this picture.

Some simple brush work, some thoughts...

simple!

Boy Tired

For the longest time, this was my FAVE layout.

Probably because that is my fave person in the world.

And it was my fave week of my life having him

and my mom here for a visit.

Another very simple layout.

Picture, geographic, journal.

Simple!

The Nuptial Crew

I submitted this one for the CK Wedding layout call.

Love journaling from a different perspective

and I love how well that boy cleans up (smile).

Any Day Now

Not so simple (lots of elements and what not)

but did this from an Amy Teets template

And so love how it turned out

cause, as I said earlier, I love that boy.

See...I still scrap!

Still chugging

So yes, I do still scrap. I'm just in the midst of a move as well.

I owe people some scrap stuff and if it would ever thaw here so that I could get down the hill to my place without having the boyfriend see just how much scrap crap I have (and that's just the stuff I'm keeping!!), I promise, it is coming. It is even boxed up and on my table. It's coming...truly.

I sold out all the pre-packed kits. Yippee! Now, on to the ebay postings. I hope it thaws tomorrow so I can get hom eand get the scrap stuff I'm selling online. Everything from a Sidekick (with alphabet), sew mini, quickutz tool, Ott light...so much stuff. And then I decided to purge one of every two from my PERSONAL scrap supply so I have 14 MORE kits (and lots of idea books in them and what not) that I'm going to post to ebay. I'll start the bidding at like .99 so that everyone can have fun. If a kit hits $40, I'll ship it for free. Otherwise, shipping is $10 first kit, $8.10 each additional one you win. They are all packaged in the 8.10 one price priority mail packages. And they are stuffed FULL of stuff--so full there is no need for "filler" to keep everything from bouncing around. Seriously good stuff. You want an example you say? Stay tuned tomorrow. One more post tonight with pictures of scrap happiness lately.

Postponed

Yeppers--likely, if you asked, you are on my jury. I wanted to get together a mini portfolio to mail to you with the "thank you for offering your services, let's get to work email" but alas, we have no power. Lovely.

I'm at work trying to blog with no walls...living in the fishbowl. Not working so well. Supposedly we get power Monday so I'll get back to you then!

Till then...thanks!

Jury Duty

Your summons just might go out tomorrow. Still looking for a few interested jurists...

Looking for a few good jurists

well, the time has come. I've got a slew of stuff to show and no one to show it to. Why? Because I think I will give HOF one last shot. So this is where you might come in.

See, I'm in need of a jury. Not just a mentor, but a whole jury of folks that I can share my lovely work with. You don't have to be local, I can email it to ya, but I will have to have you sign your first born over to me. Not really, but seriously. I'll need folks who are willing to look at my goods and be honest. Sometimes, I'll send you a slew of stuff and say "pick your fave and tell me why". Other times, I'll send you a few things and a link to the assignment/rules and tell you to tell me which you think stands out within the parameters. No matter. I just need folks who are:

1. honest. Both in regards to telling me what does and does not work, but also in regards to not grabbing and running

2. reliable. I procrastinate. So if you procrastinate too and won't get back to me with feedback, then I'ma be in a world of hurt. Let me tell ya.

3."good" now this is relative. I'll want a link to your gallery of work. I want my jury to consist of folks with various styles/attention to detail and the like. Because I know what I like, that will be on the jury pretty heavily because I want to keep to my style. But I do want input from others as well. So if I don't pick you don't fret--you can look at my public stuff and let me know what you like/don't like and be an unofficial jurist.

What's in it for you? Aside from good karma (word of the moment evidently) all my jurists will be handsomly rewarded for their scrap helpfulness. I won't say with what just yet (cause I don't want you to submit your name just for that), but I promise you WILL NOT be dissapointed.

Okay--so if you want in, you need to email me at henderso@seattleu.edu.

And be sure to link me to someplace where I can see your work and tell me why you want to be a jurist. Let me know if you can do it in person (I live in Seattle) or if you want to do it via email. Most of the work will be during January--expect to do weekly communication via email, daily towards the end of the month. Duties will end January 31. You will be held in strictest confidence--meaning I don't even want you to let folks know you're on my jury. After Jan 31, all is fair game. Including scraplifting of any cool ideas I may throw your way. I would just ask that you not post said scraplifts until March 1.

Be sure to tell the world--you also don't HAVE to be a scrapper to be considered for this. Non-scrappers should let me know such (as you won't have a gallery to link me to) but definitely let me know why you are interested in helping out.

Kay. we're off.

Oh my freaKIng goodness!

So there are those (who know me well) who would say:

"She only entered for the Ipod"

And really, those folks would be so dead on.

But they, nor I, knew what all this would REALLY mean!

Holy good KIness!! I am so in love.

I already loved the letters and "photo corners" (ie, arrows to me)

But the ribbon

and the big box of good KI ness!

Totally cool!