| In this issue: |
| 1. Scrap It Simple |
| 2. January Newsletter |
| 3. Miley's Newsletter |
| 4. Some Layout Eye Candy |
| 5. Artist Spotlight--Elsie Flannigan |
| 6. Garden Girl Scrap Space---Lisa Brown Caveney |
| Scrap It Simple |
I hated dealing with posts, screws and straps, so... One of the things I disliked most about current albums was that in order to add a page, I had to have three hands; one to hold the page down, one to push the cover over the posts, and a third to turn the screws. There had to be a better way! Over the last two years I perfected a totally new scrapbook album and page protector system. My album is called the Scrap Wrap™. It is based upon a hook & loop binding system. Pages can be added or removed in seconds, and my protector pages lock your designs in place so that nothing can slide out. Embellishments have more room, and your pages have clean edges that don't gape. At the right you can see an example of three of our albums and our binding system. 20% Member Discount |
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Scrap It Simple
Inc. |
| January Newsletter |
Happy 2006 to everyone!
This year marks Two Peas' 7th birthday. It is hard to believe that it has been seven years since we started this little website. Every year as we approach another birthday, I reflect on the site we began and how much it has changed over the years. It often feels like it is our first year, not our 5th or 6th or whatever. We have learned so much, evolved a lot and made huge changes. Each year, we always acknowledge our mistakes, things we tried that just didn't work. Plans and dreams we had every intention of fulfilling, that we could not seem to make happen no matter how hard we tried. I am one of those 'honest to a fault' kind of people, and always seem to make a big deal out of our mistakes. I often have troubles seeing the positives, the good things that we have done, and tend to focus on the mistakes instead. "Perfectionist" is a perfect word to describe me and how I wanted to run Two Peas. Unfortunately, "Perfect" is not a word that could be used to describe our 7 years. But I certainly pushed us enough to attempt perfection. I feel badly about the things we intended to do, wanted to do, but were unable to do. I know that I always approached each year with the announcement of excitement over the things we were planning to do, the great way we were going to change and the avenues we were taking to correct our mistakes. And, then at the end of the year, always wished I had been able to achieve all of those goals.
I want to really thank everyone who has supported us, and stuck it out with us while we made attempts to correct our mistakes. Everyone at Two Peas acknowledges that we could not be where we are if not for all of the users on our site.
2006 marks a big year for Two Peas in a Bucket. This is the year we correct those mistakes. This is the year that we take all of those dreams, ideas and plans and make them into a reality. I can say with a good amount of certainity that this is the year I will be able to express my excitement over what we will do and actually watch it all happen over the course of the year. During 2006 we are going to amaze you, excite you, and change the way you think about scrapbooking. And I can not wait to begin. Watch and wait. You will not be disappointed. I promise you.
Later this month, we will be making a big annoucement about what we have planned! I can't wait to share with you!
Jeffrey, Jamie, (Chris) and myself will be attending the CHA Winter trade show at the end of this month in Las Vegas. If you are there, and see us, stop us, say Hi. We want to see you! We want to talk to you!
While we are at CHA, we will be completely restocking our inventory! It's going to be amazing! Because of this, I am not going to follow my usual standard email format. There will be a Coming Soon, and New and on Sale sections in the next newsletter, following CHA.
| Miley's Newsletter |
This is Miley's January Newsletter:
You might have expected to hear from Kristina as usual in this publication, but I decided that I wanted to hijack the newsletter this month.
I decided that I needed to take a minute and express a few things that make me appreciate and love being a part of 2peas. And while making the list…something happened. It turned into a list of intentions so to speak, of how I can better participate and utilize 2peas as a scrapper in 2006. Imagine the timing…intentions and resolutions…in January.
1. spend more time in the gallery. By spending more time, I mean taking the time to actually read the journaling that people write, enjoy the photos, discover scrappers that I haven’t noticed before. It is amazing to me the amount of talent and heart that is poured out day after day in the gallery. Take it a step further. Spend the extra minute to log in and praise people. I can remember posting my first layout ever at 2peas. I sat and watched it move further and further down the first page, hoping someone would find something nice to say about it. I can remember the first time I received praise from someone that I reeeeally admired as a scrapper.(ehem…Karen Russell) I sat and smiled about it all morning long. It meant so much to me. I remember posting a page that was extremely difficult to scrap, because of the subject, and feeling like I was understood when people posted with hugs and nods of encouragement, and “I’ve been there”. I remember the first time someone peamailed ME and told me that MY praise meant a lot to them. No, we don’t scrap for praise, but it is something that is fun to do..and a way to get to know other peas better.
2. Eat more Pea Soup. Cook more Pea soup. Have you discovered the soup? It a fun section under resources. Holy cow, if you are looking for a quote or a title..or a poem, this is a good place to look. I want to take it further and actually cook some soup of my own this year. I have a little file folder of quotes and sayings, and I need to share them if they aren’t already there. Do you have a favorite quote? Put it in the soup…someone might find it perfect for a project they are working on.
3. Figure out this digital scrapping phenomenon. I admit it completely. Digital scares me. I am not very good at motoring around the computer, so creating pages or using digital images has been incredibly intimidating to me. I lurk on the digital board and gallery from time to time, and I am just in awe of the things digi scrappers are doing. My new goal is to figure it out. I might not go totally digital..but I am going to dabble. I figure a good place to start is by watching and learning. Then maybe I can be brave enough to try a digital challenge or two.
4. Join a challenge. I love a challenge. I fail miserably at the “don’t spend anymore of the grocery money on scrap supplies” challenges, but the weekly challenges offered up by the Garden girls every month, I think I can handle those. I might not get to do them every week, but it’s good to know they are there. They are great for jump starting your creativity if you are in a rut. And while I am at it..I am going to work on getting involved in the different board challenges too. The fashion file challenge, the effer dares, the scraplift challenges, soo many good ways to get your scrapbook mojo flowing on the boards every day.
5. Finally. Try more recipes from the NSBR board. Seriously. Recipes is only one thing to learn and pick up at the board. I have gotten movie and book reviews, daily celebrity gossip (who can resist that?), and so much more from this board. But the recipes. Oh the recipes. Search for the Italian crockpot chicken. Your family and your belly will thank you. J
6. Take the time to tell Pea and Geek that I appreciate the hard work they put into the site. I know that I have become rather dependant on 2peas, and have made it a part of my daily routine. (don’t tell my DH exactly how MUCH of my daily routine it is) I can’t imagine not having it as my home page. I have met so many good friends through the site, and it has totally changed the way I scrapbook. So THANK YOU. I appreciate all you do and give to the scrapbooking community, and to this place so many of us call home.
So that is just a few of my intentions for 2006 in regards to my participation at 2peas. At the top of the list and certainly not least, is to continue to try and come up with layouts that measure up to the level of talent that is soo plentiful among the Garden Girls. I still find myself being totally blown away every month by the work these girls do. They really are the most incredible group, both as scrapbookers and as women in general. I still can’t believe I am in their company. If you are new to 2peas, and haven’t discovered the creating garden yet. Check it out. It is a priceless resource that I have become soo dependant on. It’s like getting a free idea book every month, filled with layouts that will totally knock your socks off. Included in this newsletter are a few layouts that reflect the January theme of wishes and goals. Take the time to look at these layouts and ask yourself…what do you want to gain from 2peas in 2006? Sit down and make your list. Then do what we do best, scrap it!
| Some Layout Eye Candy |
" Friendship"
by Leslie Lightfoot
" Snack Time ::New and Heidi Swapp::"
by Maria Grace Abuzman
" You - Up"
by Jen Lessinger
" Boy"
by Marie Cox
" [boy] :: GARDEN NEWSLETTER:: "
by Rhonna Farrer
" finking- newletter theme!"
by Jamie Waters
" Silverman's Farm"
by Anne Heyen
" Bag to display a layout (Christmas gift for my MIL)"
by Jen Lessinger
" I Wish You Enough"
by Joy Uzarraga
" 6 months from now"
by Amy Grendell
" Goal Accomplished"
by Shannon Tidwell
" Everyday Flowers"
by Maria Grace Abuzman
" Bring it On 2006"
by Rachel Ludwig
" Create Yourself (Themed Newsletter)"
by Shannon Montez
| Artist Spotlight--Elsie Flannigan |
Elsie Flannigan
When did you start scrapbooking? How were you introduced to it?
I scrapped my very first page in January of 2003! I scrapped one day a week with a friend of mine’s mom for a year… then I started to get even more severely addicted and scrapping became a part of my daily routine! J I still remember the very first idea book I bought was DW Words. It really changed my perspective and see all of the possibilities of scrapbooking in a new way!
What are your sources for inspiration?
Photos I love, ideas from fashion and print ads… colors, trying new things….
How do you get started on projects (layouts, etc)?
I ALWAYS start with the photo. I put it where I want it and create everything else around it! J
What things do you like to communicate through your work?
I love this question! I like to commicate emotions… feelings of joy and of closeness. I like layouts that show real life, random… pretty… fun!
What have been your biggest achievements or greatest layouts or moments with this hobby?
In these past nine months I have had so many amazing experiences… I feel so so blessed to be a part of the Garden, here at 2peas. It was seriously a crazy day of excitement when Kristina e-mailed me! J I also have had such a great time working with CK this year on some articles and projects! Such a thrill! I really love them so much! I have also had fun working with Fontwerks (designing stamps), Autumn Leaves (on the Me book) and KI (on their DT)! It has been such a fun year!
What kind of goals do you have with your scrapbooking?
Right now I am really trying to focus on the magazine, contributing as much as I can. I am also getting really into teaching and I am in the beginning stages of developing a product line.
My personal goal is to have a baby, so I can make more scrapbooks!!!! J lol!
Where do you scrap? do you attend crops or conventions?
At home. In my room.
Where does scrapbooking fit into your life? do you scrap in the morning, evening, late night? when do you do your greatest work?
Honestly, I feel like I scrapbook all the time! J I do a lot at night and in the morning. I like to work in the morning best though.
What does your family think of your scrapbooking?
They are really into it. But they have always been really supportive! They love to look at my books and even better they always want them as gifts! My husband is the best ever! He is really sweet and he will always talk to me about my pages and tell me his opinions… and once in a while, he will scrap with me, which I LOVE!
Do you have a favorite product line, paper, sticker, or cardstock color?
Not really. I like to mix everything too much! I like LOTS AND LOTS of different product and ideas on my pages. Mixing patterns and styles… plus there are SO MANY great brands! It is crazy!
What do you want the peas to know about you?
I want peas to know that I love what I do. And that all that really matters is that you enjoy the process of creating and give something from your heart to your family! That is what I am trying to do! J LOVE LOVE LOVE! Elsie
| Garden Girl Scrap Space---Lisa Brown Caveney |
My old scrapbook room was just 7' wide and had no closets so I am in love with this 13'x13' space and its two closets. I also love that I have a lot of natural light (two walls of windows) and hardwood floors. When we moved in the room had earthtone striped wallpaper and tan trim. It took me a long time to remove the wallpaper and paint the walls, ceiling, and trim. As the room is coming together it is starting to feel worth it. Now I can't wait to scrap in it!
1. This is the west wall where I have my desk set up. The two sets of drawers under my desk are where I keep my punches and stamps. To the right of my desk is a door out to a balcony and I have a nice view out of my windows (when it is daytime!). The south wall is covered with windows and I don't have anything on that wall right now.
2. I got the vintage paper cutter (hanging on the wall) from an estate sale. I painted the photo carousel (from Target) red to match my room.
3. I found the vintage children's sewing machine at a roadside stand on Portobello Road in London. I found the vintage coffee, tea, and sugar tins at a thrift store and spray painted them red. They hold my rub-ons and 7gypsies hardware.
4. This is the east wall. I found the literature holders at the Ann Arbor Reuse Center for $10 each. They were an ugly tan/grey color so I spray painted them white. I have all my cardstock organized in them. I stacked my Ikea bench on top of the literature holders and keep photos, fabric, etc. in the metal tins.
5. I painted the drawer unit (from Ikea) and use it to store adhesive. My ribbons on spools are stored on this wall along with my Coke bottle collection. I love soda, so I like to collect Coke bottles from different countries when I am on vacation.
6. This is a close-up of another one of my finds from Portobello Road. I just love this camera.
7. I covered my Ikea bench with a striped table runner. I keep my cut ribbons in jars here. I found carousel spice racks at Target and keep all sorts of embellishments in the glass jars
8. To the left of my bench is a set of canvas bags that I use to store my scraps. To the left of that is the door to the hallway.
9. Working around the room on the north wall in the corner (between the hall door and the first closet) I have patterned paper storage. I found the wire LP storage stand at an estate sale for $2. I cleaned it up, spray painted it white, and added a red striped placemat to the top. I have patterned paper stored in the LP rack as well as in a basket on top of the stand. On the wall I have a shelf that I found in the bathroom section of Target. When we were unpacking I discovered all sorts of mismatched glasses which I filled with embellishments and placed in the cubbies of the shelf.
10. In the middle of the north wall (between the two closets) I have a bookshelf filled with metal tins. The tins hold everything from acrylic paint to photos. On top of the bookshelf I have another basket of patterned paper.
Still on my to do list: paint drawers and bookshelves white, paint another coat of white on the inside of the closets, sew red curtains, find a more comfy desk chair, add labels to the metal tins, wire a new ceiling light, and move my computer into my scrapbook room.
" My New Scrapbook Room (In Progress)"
by Lisa Brown Caveney
