:WORD ART: Play Quote Word Art Freebie

Each of the Emerson quotes were quite popular and it was an extremely close vote. Nevertheless, one had to be chosen for the freebie, so here it is.

I hope you enjoy it!

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

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

:HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY:

"The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name 

and the inheritance of a great example."

Benjamin Disraeli

:FIVE FAVES: By Color...Orange

I would have never thought that I was a major fan of the color orange, but it seems like it's popping up more and more everywhere lately (in home decor, scrapbooking products...even cars) and my eye is ALWAYS drawn to it.

I think I might just  have to declare myself as an orange addict!

GCD Studios - Melody Ross - Soul Food Collection - Soul Petit - Orange
On this first design, I love the floral pattern featuring white on orange on one side and orange on white on the other. The distressing on the backside is also lovely...makes me think of wallpaper in a lonely abandoned house.

Jillibean Soup - Watermelon Gazpacho Collection - Orange Juice
With a lightly distressed text on one side and a colorful dot on the other, this design is sure to add a little fun to your layout.

Kaisercraft - Bubblegum Hills Collection - Orange Pop
You might not notice on first glance, but this pattern features some super cute little butterflies.

Lily Bee Design - Stationary Collection - Tangerine
With dots on one side and a faint grid on the other, this sheet offers lots of versatility.

Zva Creative - Self Adhesive Crystals - Delightful - Orange
And, to end with a little sparkle, I had to add this lovely little orange-hued swirl from ZVA to the list.

LET'S TALK:
Are you a fan of orange - in scrapbooking supplies or otherwise? If so, what is your favorite crafty orange item?

:GIVEAWAY WINNER: American Crafts Margarita Prize Pack I

Congrats, Kim M!!

Please watch your email inbox for further details on how to claim your prize and the following AC Magarita prize pack will be on its way to you very soon!

If you didn't win this time, don't worry...the complete line of American Crafts' Margarita collection is also now available at Scrapbook.com.

Also, don't miss out on more great giveaways coming soon (such as a second prize pack of Margarita line products)! 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!

:MEMORYWORKS EXPRESS: June 2011 Kit Sneek Peak - "Just the Boys"

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!

:QUOTES: The wisdom of Emerson on his birthday...

Ralph Waldo Emerson was born on this day in 1803, so in honor of his birthday, here are three little bits of wisdom credited to him.

Quote #1:
“For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”

Quote #2:
"It is a happy talent to know how to play."

Quote #3:
"Life is a series of surprises.”

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: Feelin' Squirrely

We have baby squirrels again this spring and they provide LOTS of entertainment!

Here's a layout I created about our outdoor friends last year.

THREE THINGS TO TRY:

1. Use kraft paper as a background for a layout with a animal or nature theme.

2. Create custom embellishments by punching shaped from patterned paper.

3. Use a circle punch to make an 'opening' to house an embellishment for extra interest.

Journaling:
June 2010 ~ We had a mother squirrel and her four babies move into our tree this spring. Justin got some corn from dad and we’ve enjoyed watching them fatten up!

Supplies:
Kraft: Unknown
Patterned Paper: Scrap Within Reach
Chipboard: American Crafts
Ink: Colorbox
Pen: Zig
Circle Punches: Marvy
Scallop Trimmer: Fiskars

:SPONSOR GIVEAWAY: American Crafts Margarita Prize Pack I [CONTEST CLOSED]

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

AC has generously offered some of their amazing new Margarita collection up for giveaway to one lucky AMOM reader. This line is perfect for all the summertime fun we'll all hopefully be scrapbooking soon!

This lovely prize pack includes:
12 patterned papers
1 set of chipboard thickers
1 stamp set
1 booklet of rub ons
1 package of dimensional stickers
1 package of diamond brads
1 package of decorative tags
1 package of layered embellishments
1 package of journaling cards

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, May 26th:

What is your favorite summer drink?

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

GOOD LUCK!

:SALES: FREE SHIPPING @ Scrapbook.com...today only!

Place any order $50 or more at Scrapbook.com and get FREE SHIPPING!

Enter coupon code shippingfreemay in the coupon field at checkout and your shipping will be automatically deducted from your order of $50 or more.

The free shipping offer only applies to US residents; however, Alaska, Hawaii and international shoppers can use this same code for $6 off their shipping costs. Still a good deal!

Hurry, this offer expires at midnight PST tonight!

SHOP NOW!

:PRINTABLE: Spring Fever Quote Printable

LOVED this spring quote and decided to make something a little special with it, so here is a printable for you.

Simply print, frame and you've got some instant seasonal decor.

Enjoy!!

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

If you have a Pinterest account, and you like this, I would love it if you'd give me a pin. Just click the red 'Pin It' button below. (If you don't have an account yet, I highly recommend it! It's my newest online addiction!!)

:GIVEAWAY WINNER: Tips & Tricks: Fabulous Flowers from Creating Keepsakes

CONGRATS, Barbara!!

Watch  your inbox for further details on how to claim your free copy of CK's newest special issue - Tips & Tricks: Fabulous Flowers!

Remember, the Fabulous Flowers Tips & Tricks issue is available on newsstands soon and online at the Scrap & Paper Shop for $6.99 and will start shipping out on June 1st. They are also offering a coupon code for free shipping in the US for orders over $25 through June 3, 2011. Simply use the coupon code FLOWERBB at checkout.

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!

:MEMORYWORKS EXPRESS: May 2011 Kit "Simple Pleasures"

There are few things in life better than taking the time to enjoy the most simple things.

Quite mornings, long walks, and time with loved ones are what make the difference.

The bright colors and simple patterns included in this month's kit blend to take your mind to those memories that always mean the most!

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

May 2011 MemoryWorks Express Kit Contains:

Patterned Paper
{1} 12x12 Hello Sunshine - 100 Days of Summer (Simple Stories)
{1} 12x12 Endless Summer - 100 Days of Summer (Simple Stories)
{1} 12x12 Camp Stove - Campfire (October Afternoon)
{1} 12x12 Tent Trailer - Campfire (October Afternoon)
{1} 12x12 Fly Kites Die Cut "Soar"- Lime Twist (My Minds' Eye)
{1} 12x12 Kites "Soar" - Lime Twist (My Minds' Eye)

Solid Cardstock
{1} 12x12 Dragonfly (Bazzill)
{1} 12x 12 Cherry Cheesecake (Bazzill)
{1} 12x12 Festive (Bazzill)
{1} 12x12 Lemon Drop (Bazzill)

Embellishments
{1} 12x12 Flash Cards - 100 Days of Summer (Simple Stories)
{1} 12x12 Sheet Fundamentals Cardstock Stickers - 100 Days of Summer (Simple Stories)
{1} 12x12 Sheet Expressions Cardstock Stickers - 100 Days of Summer (Simple Stories)
{1} 3x4 ½ Fly a Kite "Soar" Title - Lime Twist (My Mind's Eye)
{1} 3x6 Fly a Kite "Genuine" Journal Card - Lime Twist (My Mind's Eye)
{1} 3x3 Buzzzz Mini Clear Stamp (We R Memory Keepers)
{8} Wooden Buttons - Assorted Sizes (Maya Road)
{4} Wooden Mini Spools (Maya Road)
{5} How's the Weather Mini Chipboard - Assorted Styles & Sizes (Maya Road)
{5} Tootsie Flower Pot Flowers - Assorted Styles & Sizes (Bazzill)
{5} Envy Flower Pot Flowers - Assorted Styles & Sizes (Bazzill)
{5} Flat Broke Flower Pot Flowers - Assorted Styles & Sizes (Bazzill)
{1} Yard Lime Bakers Twine - Lime Twist (My Mind's Eye)
{1} ½ Yard 3/8" Aqua & White Gingham Ribbon (Creative Impressions)
{1} ½ Yard ½ " Lime with White Dot Ribbon (Creative Impressions)
{1} ½ Yard Jumbo Orange Rick Rack (Creative Impressions)

Cards
{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Dragonfly (Bazzill)
{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Cherry Cheesecake (Bazzill)
{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Festive (Bazzill)
{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Lemon Drop (Bazzill)
{1} 5.5 x 8.5 Lemon Lime (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!

:WORD ART: Successful Aging Quote Word Art Freebie

It was a very close vote between the Regan and Burroughs quotes, but Regan won out by one...and here is your word art freebie.

I hope that you like it!!

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

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

:LAYOUT: Beautiful Dancer

Kaitlin just had her dance recital's this past weekend. She performed with her dance team class during the Saturday afternoon performance and with her tap class during the Sunday afternoon performance.

I must admit...I LOVE watching her dance and honestly can't wait to watch her grow and learn in this area. Each year, I watch the Senior dancers perform their solos and dream about it being Kaitlin up there one day...although, I don't want it to come too fast...I can wait. :-)

Anyway, all this dancing prompted the layout I'm sharing with you today. This is from her ballet class in 2009-2010.

I have basically stopped submitting layouts recently (just too time consuming), but I was lucky enough to have this particular layout in the February 2011 issue of Scrapbook News & Review.

THREE THINGS TO TRY:
1. Use left-over chipboard sheets (often comes with paper orders and saves your pop dots for smaller items) to 'lift' large elements (as I did with my focal photo) off the page.

2. Embellish a rub on design with gems to give it some extra pizazz.

3. Create a leading line with a variety of elements on you layout to help guide the viewer's eye as I did here with the left edge of the patterned paper strips, title treatment, and gem/butterfly grouping starting at the bottom left and moving to the top right corners of my layout.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper, Rub Ons: Bo Bunny
Letter Stickers: Making Memories
Chipboard Letters: American Crafts
Gems: Doodlebug Designs
Butterflies: Jenni Bowlin
Scalloped Trimmer: Fiskars
Photo Corner Punch: EK Success
Ink: Colorbox
Pen: Zig

:REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Scrapbooking Tips & Tricks: Fabulous Flowers...a Creating Keepsakes Special Issue [CONTEST CLOSED}

Creating Keepsakes has a new issue of its Tips & Tricks series available and this one is devoted entirely to flowers!

Description of Tips & Tricks: Fabulous Flowers from CK:
"Are there any scrapbooking accents more versatile than flowers? Definitely not! They're the perfect pick to freshen any page. In Creating Keepsakes magazine's new special issue, Scrapbooking Tips & Tricks: Fabulous Flowers, you'll learn how to add flowers to layouts of every theme—and in a way that will enhance the design of your page. You'll learn how to use pre-made flowers in a creative fashion, easily make different flower accents, and learn lovely ways to photograph flowers for your layouts. And to top it off you'll even find ways to display and organize all of the beautiful flowers in your stash."

Here's a sneak peek of the amazing ideas including in this issue:

Open publication - Free publishing - More flowers

The Fabulous Flowers Tips & Tricks issue is available on newsstands soon and online at the Scrap & Paper Shop for $6.99 and will start shipping out on June 1st.

They are also offering a coupon code for free shipping in the US for orders over $25 through June 3, 2011. Simply use the coupon code FLOWERBB at checkout.

GIVEAWAY:
Lucky for you, I have one free issue of Fabulous Flowers to give away to a lucky reader. All you have to do is answer the following question in a comment to this post by 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 19th, 2011:

Do you prefer to use pre-made or homemade flowers on your projects?

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

GOOD LUCK!

:FIFTEEN ON THE FIFTEENTH: Top scrap product picks from the past 30 days...

Here's fifteen more great products to create some one-of-a-kind creations!

7 Gypsies - Mykonos Collection - Chipboard Pieces - Alphabet and Numbers

7 Gypsies - Clear Acrylic Stamps - Numero

BasicGrey - Lauderdale Collection - 12 x 12 Alphabet Stickers

Cosmo Cricket - Odds and Ends Collection - 12 x 12 Double Sided Paper - Eclectic

EK Success - Jolee's Boutique - Parcel Refresh Collection - 3 Dimensional Stickers with Gem and Glitter Accents - Spring Rosettes

Hambly Studios - Screen Prints - Decorative Washi Tape

Jillibean Soup - Alphabeans Collection - Alphabet Chipboard Stickers - Newsprint

K and Company - Watercolor Bouquet Collection - Fabric Art with Gem Accents - Butterfly

Kaisercraft - Chapter One Collection - 12 x 12 Double Sided Paper - Motivate

My Little Shoebox - Heartfelt Collection - 12 x 12 Double Sided Paper - Angel

Maya Road - Wood Pieces - Alterable Buttons

Prima - Raffia Collection - Flower Embellishments - Bottle Brush

Tattered Angels - House of Three - Glimmer Mist Spray - 1 Ounce Bottles - Favorites

Unity Stamp - Jillibean Soup Collection - Unmounted Rubber Stamp Set - Blossom Soup

We R Memory Keepers - Sew Easy - Large Stitch Piercer Attachment Head - Pennants

LET'S TALK:

Which is your favorite new item in the list above?

:FIVE FAVES: Banners, Pennants, & Flags OH MY!! - Part III

Here's the third and final installment of the best of banners, pennants and flags!!

Maya Road - Chipboard Collection - Half Circle Banner

Sassafras Lass - Sweetly Smitten Collection - Cardstock Stickers - Flag Banners

Spellbinders - Shapeabilities Collection - Nested Lacey Pennants

The Girls Paperie - Jubilee Collection - Pins - Pennant

We R Memory Keepers - Yankee Doodles Collection - Pennant Doodle

:GIVEAWAY WINNER: Creative Spaces from Creating Keepsakes

CONGRATS, joanvanc!!

Watch your email inbox for further details on how to claim your prize of a free copy of Creative Spaces from Creating Keepsakes.

For the rest of you, remember that it is available for $14.99 on newsstands and also online through Scrap & Paper Shop. They are also offering a free shipping in the US if you order by May 27th. Just enter the code SPACESBB at checkout.

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!

:FIVE FAVES: Banners, Pennants, & Flags OH MY!! - Part II

Here's part two of my favorite new products featuring the banners trend.

Glitz Design - Afternoon Muse Collection - Banner

Hambly Studios - Hand Silk Screened Rub Ons - Banners and Pennants

Hero Arts - Clear Acrylic Stamps - Friendly Flags

Jenni Bowlin Studio - Chipboard Shapes - Flag Banner - Small

Maya Road - Canvas Collection - Mini Canvas Pieces - Triangle Banner