:MEMORYWORKS EXPRESS: August 2011 Kit Sneak Peak - "Best Day Ever!"

Watch for further details on this kit coming soon!

In the meantime, enjoy the details of a few past MemoryWorks Express Kits!

A MemoryWorks Express Kit subscription is ONLY $29.95 (plus $6.50 S&H) per month! They are chock full of the latest and greatest in the scrapbooking industry, the items are always timely in terms of the current season or holiday, and the price can't be beat!

The monthly kits are often sold out by the time the full details and contents are released, so if you are interested in subscribing or would simply like more information, please don't hesitate to contact me!

:GIVEAWAY WINNER: Scrapbooking Tips & Tricks - Summer Fun & Travel

I have a lucky winner for a free copy of Scrapbooking Tips & Tricks: Summer Fun & Travel...

CONGRATS, MIWA!!

Watch your email inbox for further details on how to claim your prize!

Don't miss out on more great giveaways coming soon! If you haven't already, sign up for updates to the AMOM blog by email subscription or your favorite blog reader through the links in the left sidebar. Maybe Random.org will make your number lucky next time!

:LAYOUT: Bieber Fever

Here's just a fun one to share with you today...

This layout was so much fun to make…I wanted to record this infatuation so that she could look back on it with a chuckle when she gets older.

THREE THINGS TO TRY:

#1 - Create a long strip of small, detail photos that span the width of your page.

#2 - Use a list as part of your journaling. Use brads as your 'bullets'.

#3 - Put a fun spin on a current infatuation or obsession and write the journaling as if it was really an illness or disease by listing the ‘symptoms’.

(click for a larger view)

Journaling:
Yup! She’s got it…and it’s a bad case, too! Like many young girls in the past year or so, Kaitlin has contracted Bieber fever. We’re not sure how she got it, but she’s got all the tell-tale signs:

• images of his face plastered all over her room
• a complete collection of his CDs and memorization of lyrics
• a vast knowledge of Bieber trivia, including his favorite color (It’s purple!)
• recent searches after she has used my laptop always includes ‘Justin Bieber’
• her favorite shirt sports his name and image

We’re not sure how long this is going to last, but we’re hoping the fever will break soon. Of course, we’re praying that it’s not terminal. (I’ve heard he’s kind of a heart-breaker.) All prayers for her recovery would be greatly appreciated.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Core’dinations, unknown
Patterned Paper: My Mind’s Eye, Bo Bunny
Brads: We R Memory Keepers
Chipboard: American Crafts
Scallop Trimmer, Heart Punches, Fiskars
Corner Rounder: Marvy
Ink: Colorbox
Font: American Type

:SIMPLE STORIES: Summer 2011 Reveals...

As a MemoryWorks independent consultant, I am very proud of the line of products that the MW founders have begun to create in recent years under the brand name of Simple Stories. They rolled out their first collection in January 2010 and since then have had four great collections introduced:

Life Documented
Ele.men.tary (not currently available at Scrapbook.com)
Destinations
100 Days of Summer

Well, since then, they have really stepped it up and have FOUR NEW COLLECTIONS recently announced and available within the next month or so...and I think each and every one are just stunning!

Happy Day is set to be released on July 25.

Go here for more close up images of items and sample layouts.

Baby Steps is set to be released on July 25.

Go here for more close up images of items and sample layouts.

Generations is set to be released on August 22.

Go here for more close up images of items and sample layouts.

25 Days of Christmas is set to be released on August 22.

Go here for more close up images of items and sample layouts.

LET'S TALK:
Since Simple Stories as a brand is still relatively new, many scrappers have not yet heard of them. Have you? If so, have you purchased products from any of their collections yet? Which is your favorite of the four new collections?

:QUOTES: on MARRIAGE according to De Angelis, Luther, & McLaughlin

BARBARA DE ANGELIS:
“Marriage is not a noun; it’s a verb. It isn’t something you get. It’s something you do. It’s the way you love your partner every day.”

MARTIN LUTHER:
“There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.”

MIGNON McLAUGHLIN:
“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.”

READER RESPONSE:
Vote for your favorite quote and I'll create a word art freebie with the 'winning' quote to share with you sometime next week. In the meantime, check out my other word art downloads.

:GIVEAWAY: Scrapbooking Tips & Tricks Summer Fun & Travel [CONTEST CLOSED]

I am so excited about Creating Keepsakes latest Scrapbooking Tips & Tricks issue...this one focusing on Summer Fun.

The timing couldn't be better considering I'm on my way home for a great family vacation in the Black Hills today and have tons of pictures to scrap!

Here's the description:
Summer is the perfect time for adventure, fun, and travel. In Scrapbooking Tips & Tricks: Summer Fun & Travel you'll learn the best ways to capture all those memories in your scrapbooks. You'll see ways to take and use scenic photos, learn colorful ways to enhance your summer and vacation layouts, and discover money-saving ideas for using found objects, maps, and travel memorabilia on your layouts. In addition, you'll be inspired by a gallery filled with 94 ideas for scrapbooking your summertime adventures. Make the most of your summer by checking out this issue today!

In the meantime, here's a wonderful sneak peek in case you'd like a closer look.

Open publication - Free publishing - More photography

I can't wait to get my hands on a copy! CK is also offering coupon code good for free shipping in the US on all orders of $25 or more until August 8th, 2011. The code is CKFUN10.

GIVEAWAY:

Thanks to the generosity of the CK staff, I have one free copy of Scrapbooking Tips & Tricks: Summer Fun & Travel to give away to one lucky AMOM reader! All you have to do to enter for your chance to win is leave a comment to this post answering the following questions by 5 pm on Thursday, July 28th:

What is the most enjoyable thing you've done so far this summer?

Random.org will choose and I'll announce the winner on Friday.

GOOD LUCK!

:WORD ART: Summer & Swimming Word Art Packs

Summer is not over yet and I hope you have lots of plans to enjoy every minute you have left!

I have two new word art packs available that are themed to help you with your summer scrapbooking.

Summer Word Art Pack

Swimming Word Art Pack

Check out this and all my other word art packs available through MyMemories,Scrapbook Boutique and PrintMaster.

While these designs are in available in several formats for use with any digital software program, if you are looking for an easy and affordable digital scrapbooking software, you should definitely give My Memories Suite a look. It is great for digital scrapbookers of all levels or even traditional scrapbookers that are looking to supplement their paper crafting in order to complete more layouts and/or be able to craft even when away from home and supplies.

My Memories Suite is currently the #1 rated digital scrapbooking software on the market.

Read more about all the great features of My Memories Suite here.

GET $10 OFF!!

My Memories Suite already has a great price, but I have a $10.00 OFF coupon code for you to try it for yourself! Simply copy and paste the code STMMMS74998 at checkout to receive you discount.

:GIVEAWAY WINNER: American Crafts Campy Trails Prize Pack #1

CONGRATS, VICTORIA H!!

You will soon have a great prize pack of American Crafts Campy Trails products on their way to you! Watch your inbox for details on how to claim your prize.

If you didn't win this time, don't worry...the Campy Trails collection is still available at Scrapbook.com.

Also, don't miss out on more great giveaways coming soon! If you haven't already, sign up for updates to the AMOM blog by email subscription or your favorite blog reader through the links in the left sidebar. Maybe Random.org will make your number lucky next time!

:WORD ART: 4th of July Word Art Pack

I have a new word art pack available...this time celebrating the 4th of July.

Yes, I know that the 4th was several weeks ago, but if you're anything like me, you might not even have your photos off your camera yet...let alone scrapped. So, hopefully, this set will still come in handy for you.

4th of July Word Art Pack

Check out this and all my other word art packs available through MyMemories,Scrapbook Boutique and PrintMaster.

While these designs are in available in several formats for use with any digital software program, if you are looking for an easy and affordable digital scrapbooking software, you should definitely give My Memories Suite a look. It is great for digital scrapbookers of all levels or even traditional scrapbookers that are looking to supplement their paper crafting in order to complete more layouts and/or be able to craft even when away from home and supplies.

My Memories Suite is currently the #1 rated digital scrapbooking software on the market.

Read more about all the great features of My Memories Suite here.

GET $10 OFF!!

My Memories Suite already has a great price, but I have a $10.00 OFF coupon code for you to try it for yourself! Simply copy and paste the code STMMMS74998 at checkout to receive you discount.

:BOOKSHELF: Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson

I usually read before I go to sleep...not every night, but most...generally just a chapter or two.

However, with Before I Go to Sleep: A Novel by S.J. Watson, I had a hard time putting it down each night. There always seemed to be some twist around the corner that I found myself wanting to read 'just one more chapter'!

Here's an overview from Publisher's Weekly:
Memories—real, false, and a bit of both—are at the heart of British author Watson's haunting, twisted debut. Christine Lucas awakens each morning in London with no idea who she is or why she's in bed with a strange man, until he tells her that his name is Ben and they've been married for 22 years. Slowly, Christine learns that she has amnesia and is unable to remember her past or retain new memories: every night when she falls asleep, the slate is wiped clean. Dr. Nash, her therapist, has encouraged her to write in a journal that she keeps secret from Ben. Christine realizes how truly tangled—and dangerous—her life is after she sees the words "don't trust Ben" written in her journal, whose contents reveal that the only person she can trust is herself. Watson handles what could have turned into a cheap narrative gimmick brilliantly, building to a chillingly unexpected climax.

While in the end I ended up LOVING this book, it the first few chapters, I did have a nagging concern.

Basically, every chapter starts the same. Christine wakes up and doesn't know where she is and thinks she is 20+ years younger than she is, but is soon confronted with the fact that nothing is as she thinks. I thought, "How can the author possibly relive this realization in every chapter of the book and keep it from getting painfully redundant.

Well, it didn't take me long to realize that Watson is an amazing storyteller and there is nothing redundant about the unraveling of this plot line. In fact, it's hard to believe that this is Watson first novel, but it is.

I have to admit, I thought that I had the 'don't trust Ben' plot twist figured out about half way through the book, but still had an inkling of doubt that made me keep reading. In the end, the twist was totally NOT what I thought it was and something oh so much more sinister (and genius!).

I've read some great books, but I do think Before I Go to Sleep is my favorite so far for 2011! I definitely recommend this novel who is looking for a suspenseful page-turner.

NEXT ON THE BOOKSHELF:

The Katyn Order: A Novel by Douglas W. Jacobson

:LAYOUT: The Gnome Project

Here's one more vacation layout from last year.

We are taking off on our Black Hills vacation in just a few days...I can't wait!!

THREE THINGS TO TRY:

#1 - Overlap a die-cut paper over the break in a two page spread to 'connect the canvas'.

#2 - Cut a lines of a large journaling block into strips to allow the background to show through. Make sure the lines of the journaling are different lengths for added interest.

#3 - Make photo corners to use in the top two corners with a pattern used elsewhere on your page.

(click to view larger)

Journaling:
During our visit to the Reiman Gardens in July 2010, they had a collection of the cutest little gnomes painted and decorated by 24 different Iowa organizations scattered throughout the gardens. It was fun to try to find them all hiding among the flowers! Not only that, but the collection also included the World's Largest Concrete Gnome at 15-feet-tall and nearly 3,500 pounds! It wasn’t hard to find that gnome…AMAZING! Garden gnome figurines date back to the 1800’s and are a good luck charm for gardeners and farmers.

Supplies:
Cardstock: American Crafts
Patterned Paper: Pink Paislee
Letter Stickers: Fancy Pants, October Afternoon
Flowers: Petaloo
Brads: Bazzill
Photo Corner Punch – EK Success
Border Punch: Martha Stewart
Ink: Colorbox
Font: Century Gothic

:SPONSOR GIVEAWAY: American Crafts Campy Trails Prize Pack #1 [CONTEST CLOSED]

I am proud to have American Crafts as a sponsor of the AMOM blog for the month of July!

Since July and August are prime months for camping in my neck of the woods, I requested to host prize pack giveaways of AC's amazing Campy Trails collection.

Here's a preview of ALL the items I have to share with two lucky readers of the AMOM blog. Half of the pack will be given away this month and the half next month.

Prize Pack #1 will include:
12 patterned papers
2 sets of chipboard thickers
1 stamp set
3 packages of various coordinating embellishments

TO ENTER:
All you need to do to enter is answer the following question in a comment to this post by 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 22, 2011:

What is your favorite camping memory?

Random.org will choose and I'll announce the winner on Friday.

GOOD LUCK!

:SALE: 15% OFF All Vintage & Retro-Themed Products at Scrapbook.com...TODAY ONLY!

Do you have a heritage album that you've been meaning to start (or finally get finished)? Or, do you just love retro or vintage-themed patterns?

If so, today is your day to stock up as Scrapbook.com is hosting a sale. You will be able to get 15% off the lowest marked price on ALL Vintage and Retro-Themed* products, today only!

No coupon code is required. The discount will appear automatically in your cart.

Shop Vintage and Retro-Themed items for this great discount.

Hurry - this offer expires at midnight PST!

*All products where theme equals "vintage" and all products where theme equals "retro" are eligible once they are added to your shopping cart.

:GIVEAWAY WINNER: The Big Book of Scrapbook Pages

And we have a winner!

CONGRATS, BARBARA!!

You'll soon have a copy of this wonderful book jammed packed with scrapbooking inspiration! Watch your inbox for further details on how to claim your prize...

If you didn't win this time, don't worry...The Big Book of Scrapbook Pages is also now available at Amazon for only $16.49!

Also, don't miss out on more great giveaways coming soon! If you haven't already, sign up for updates to the AMOM blog by email subscription or your favorite blog reader through the links in the left sidebar. Maybe Random.org will make your number lucky next time!

:WORD ART: Room without Books Quote Word Art Freebie...

While the Norris quote is lovely too, the race really came down to the Cicero and Lewis quotes. In the end, the Cicero quote won by a hair...

I hope you like this word art freebie...

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

Be sure to check out my other word art downloads to make sure you haven't missed any.

If you'd like to make sure that your voice is heard in the quote vote for my next word art freebie, subscribe by email or your favorite reader using the options at the top of the inner right sidebar.

:LAYOUT: Down the Garden Path

Justin, Kaitlin and I are looking forward to a little weekend vacation in just a little over a week.

We're going to the Black Hills. Justin and I have been there many times, but this will be Kaitlin's first time and I am so excited to share all the nature, history and attractions with her.

Here's a layout I completed after our weekend trip to visit Justin's sister and her husband in Boone, IA last summer. We visited the Reiman Gardens on the campus of the Iowa State University in Aimes. If you're ever in the area, I definitely recommend it...BEAUTIFUL!

THREE THINGS TO TRY:
#1 - For a layout in which you have LOTS of photos, create multiple 4x6 collages - some with 2 photos and some with four. Arrange on your layout in a grid format for an organized design that doesn't overwhelm the spread.

#2 - Create a visual triangle between your title and two other elements on the page (such as the rub on borders here) to move the viewers eye around the page.

#3 - Use mini-alphabets to supplement a long title and stretch the life of your more expensive chipboard letters.

(click for a larger view)

Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill, American Crafts
Patterned Paper: My Mind’s Eye
Letter Stickers: Making Memories, October Afternoon
Rub ons: Bo Bunny
Scallop Trimmer: Fiskars
Pen: Bix

:FIVE FAVE: by PATTERN...Plaid...

PLAID:
A design that consists of crossing bands or stripes of color, almost always at right angles.

Plaid is such a historic and classic pattern that it's only natural that it would show up in scrapbooking.

Here's a few of my plaid favorites available now...

Authentique Paper - Margie Romney-Aslett - Splendid Collection - Richness
I was so sad when I heard that The Girls Paperie was no more, but with the release of Romney-Aslett new Authentique collections, I am sad no more. This cream, green and brown has such a masculine vibe to it...perfect for the rugged men in your lives.

BasicGrey - Oxford Collection - Preppy Plaid
BasicGrey likes plaid so much that they included a couple different designs in their Oxford collection. Again, this color palette may be better suited to boys, but this one has a softer feel

Doodlebug Design - Nifty Notions Collection - Sew Plaid
The color combination in this pattern screams Easter to me.

Fancy Pants Designs - Beach Bum Collection - Hammock
LOVE this distressed blue/yellow combination!

Prima - Madeline Collection - Parfait
While this one might initially throw you off because of the pattern incorporated into the design, it still certainly meets the definition of plaid given at the beginning of the post. Not only is it a winner for this little twist, but the  teal/green/brown color combination is stunning as well.

LET'S TALK:
Of the five featured above, which is your favorite plaid? Or, is there another lovely plaid pattern available now that you adore? Please share a link.

:GIVEAWAY: The Big Book of Scrapbook Pages: 500+ New Designs for Capturing All Your Memories [CONTEST CLOSED]

I posted a review and giveaway of The Big Book of Scrapbook Pages: 500+ New Designs for Capturing All Your Memories not too long ago (you can read it here) and lucky for you I have one more free copy to give away!!

We'll keep this one simple...

Just leave a comment to this post by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 14, 2011 and you'll be entered for a chance to win a copy of a book bursting with scrappy eye candy!!

Random.org will choose and I'll announce the winner on Friday.

GOOD LUCK!!

:SPONSORS: July 2011 AMOM Sponsors

AMERICAN CRAFTS



I'm proud to have American Crafts is a sponsor for the AMOM blog again this month.

You'll want to stay tuned again this month for another great giveaway of wonderful American Crafts products as I've got a box of goodies from their Campy Trails line on the way to me right now.

Don't miss out...

GET IT SCRAPPED

Scrapbooking Travel is one of the newer course offerings available at Get it Scrapped!

Here's a brief description form their website:
"Chronicling your travels on scrapbook pages allows you to relive the trip even when you’re back home. Photos, memorabilia, facts and journaling impressions are all part of making scrapbook pages that capture the trip."

In case you missed it, I posted a review detailing a bit more on the contents of the class last month. Check it out here.

See other current class offerings in the Get It Scrapped! box in the right sidebar!

NICOLE LOMBARDO

Nicole's always got great new die cut designs available at her Etsy shop...and old favorites in new colors and textures as well.

This month, this Heart with Wings Scroll design caught my eye. This particular scroll design is currently available in black and red as well.

Check out her store for more great items!

ELLA PUBLISHING CO.

Scrapbooking Your Single Years is the newest eBook offering from Ella Publishing Co.

Ella description:
Alternate title: An eBook about loving your life while looking for love.

CAUTION: This eBook is only suitable for those who are either currently or formerly single. (Luckily, that means everyone!)

Newcomer author Stephanie Baxter brings you a 30-page guide to capturing all aspects of your single years—whether you're in the midst of them or they're long in the past.

See great ideas for scrapbooking whom you spend time with, where you live, the things you love, your hopes and fears, your greatest achievements, and more. Enjoy beautiful layout examples from crafty singles in their teens, 20s, 30s, and 40s! You'll also love seeing layouts from a few former singles who are scrapbooking about their past lives as singletons.

The ideas in this eBook can be adapted to any stage of life, helping you scrapbook about yourself right now, or back then, and capture memories that matter.

Keep an eye out...I'll be posting a review and giveaway on this new ebook soon!

--------------------------------------------------------

WOULD YOU LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BECOMING A SPONSOR OF THE AMOM BLOG? If so, please contact me and I would be happy to provide you with further details.

:QUOTES: on BOOKS according to Cicero, Lewis & Norris...

MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO:
“A room without books is like a body without a soul.”

C.S. LEWIS:
“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”

KATHLEEN NORRIS:
“Just the knowledge that a good book is awaiting one at the end of a long day makes that day happier.”

READER RESPONSE:
Vote for your favorite quote and I'll create a word art freebie with the 'winning' quote to share with you sometime next week. In the meantime, check out my other word art downloads.

:LAYOUT: At the Pool!

THREE THINGS TO TRY:

1. Use a patterned paper that enhances the theme of your layout...such as a wave pattern for a pool or beach layout.

2. Mat your photos and journaling on a solid cardstock block and adhere in a central location on your page.

3. Embellish your title with rub ons and gems.

Journaling:
After an extremely busy spring for Kaitlin (and therefore, for mom, too) with school, two plays, dance and more, we both decided we wanted a low-key summer. So, that meant NO extra activities for Kaitlin and a few extra days off for mom. Since Kaitlin became such a fish this summer, we spent a lot of time at the pool with Kaitlin splashing away and me usually enjoying a good book or magazine on a lounge chair in the shade. Not a bad way to spend free time on a warm summer day!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper, Letter Stickers: American Crafts
Rub ons: Fancy Pants
Gems: ZVA
Ric Rac: Wrights
Font: CK Journaling

:WORD ART: Love More Quote (Swedish Proverb) Word Art Freebie

Hands down...the Swedish proverb was the winner this time and I decided to get a little more colorful than I usually do with my freebies. Consider it an extra little summer treat!

I hope you like it!

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

Be sure to check out my other word art downloads to make sure you haven't missed any.

If you'd like to make sure that your voice is heard in the quote vote for my next word art freebie, subscribe by email or your favorite reader using the options at the top of the inner right sidebar.

:MEMORYWORKS EXPRESS: July 2011 Kit - "Independence"

Stand up and wave that American flag with pride...here comes the4th of July!

Independence Day picnics, parades and fireworks - and packed full of the good 'ole Red, White and Blue.

Celebrate your summer time memories and the 4th with our July 2011 MemoryWorks Express kit!

Check out the inspiring projects created by the MemoryWorks Design Team with this beautiful kit in the July Idea Express!

The July 2011 MemoryWorks Express Kit Contains:

Patterned Paper
1} 12x12 Liberty (Bo Bunny)
{1} 12x12 Freedom - Liberty (Bo Bunny)
{1} 12x12 Stripe - Liberty (Bo Bunny)
{1} 12x12 Patriotic Polka dot (My Minds' Eye)
{1} 12x12 the Day We Celebrate (My Minds' Eye)
{1} 12x12 Shindig (BasicGrey)

Solid Cardstock
{1} 12x12 Cherry Splash (Bazzill)
{1} 12x12 Moody Blue (Bazzill)
{1} 12x12 Walnut Cream (Bazzill)
{1} 12x12 Almond Cream (Bazzill)

Embellishments
{1} Package Liberty Buttons (Bo Bunny)
{1} 12x12 American Made Die Cut Accessory Sheet (My Minds' Eye)
{1} 5 ¾ x 12 Life of the Party Mini Mono Stickers (BasicGrey)
{1} 5 ¾ x 12 Oliver Micro Mono Stickers (BasicGrey)
{3} Mini Triangle Banner Canvas Pieces (Maya Road)
{2} Mini Pennant Banner Canvas Pieces (Maya Road)
{2} Star Trinket Pins (Maya Road)
{3} White Ledger Transparencies - Assorted Shapes & Sizes (Maya Road)
{5} Chip Art Chipboard Stars - Assorted Shapes & Sizes (GCD)
{1} ½ Yard 5/8" Navy & White Dots Ribbon (May Arts)
{1} ½ Yard 5/8" Cream & White Dots Ribbon (May Arts)
{1} ½ Yard 5/8" Red & White Dots Ribbon (May Arts)
{2} Yards Natural Burlap Twine (May Arts)

Cards
{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Cherry Splash (Bazzill)
{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Moody Blue (Bazzill)
{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Walnut Cream (Bazzill)
{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Almond Cream (Bazzill)
{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Coconut Swirl (Bazzill)
{5} 5 3/4 X 4 3/8 Natural Envelopes

ALL FOR ONLY $29.95!! (plus $6.50 S&H)

Due to high demand, it is quite possible that this month's kit is already sold out! If you are interested in subscribing to the MemoryWorks Express Kit Program and guaranteeing you spot for next month, please contact me today for further details!

:HAPPY 4th OF JULY:

"Freedom is the oxygen of the soul."

Moshe Dayan