Using PageMaps to Prepare for the Swarm

If you are having trouble figuring out how to layout your pages or just need inspiration, try PageMaps. They have several for free online at:

http://www.pagemaps.com/pdfsketches.htm

Here is an idea: Print out your favorite page maps and put them in your bags as you create your page kits for the swarm. Then you will know how the page is to be laid out and you don't have to create your own sketch (I lack this ability).

What is nice about these is unlike the pretty pages in the scrapbook magazines these give you more flexibility in building your pages because if you are like me I want the exact same stamp, flowers, brads, etc that they use in the magazines. Although everyone says I have A LOT of scrapbooking stuff, I never have what I need to duplicate the layouts in the magazine. I don't know about you, but I can't afford to go out and buy stamps and chipboard and glimmer mists, etc just to create a page. With the page maps you can decide if you use paper, ribbon, or stickers to create a design element they show. Now if I can just get myself to prepare my kits like I'm suggesting you do!!

Preparing for Branson

The Branson swarm will be here before we know it!! Below are some links to help you pack and prepare for the swarm.


http://organizedscrapbooks.com/got-photos-packing-page-kits-photos-finished

http://ezinearticles.com/?Getting-Ready-to-Crop-Create-a-Scrapbook-Page-Kit-in-5-Steps&id=1994964

http://danandsherree.com/2006/03/06/preparing_for_a_scra.php

http://www.ehow.com/how_2050192_pack-crop-weekend.html

Vacation Memory Organizer

Here are some pictures of a "Vacation Memory Organizer" I made for my partner in a swap on the Cricut.com messageboards. I got the idea for this from Gina on stamptv.com. Here is the link to the tutorial. It is a 2-part tutorial and really very easy to do. The purpose of this organizer is that she can take photos, document what was happening at the time and then when she gets home she can print out the photos and put them with the note cards until she is ready to make a scrapbook or she can keep them in this organizer as a mini album.

The Front of the Organizer - kept close with a ribbon but a magnetic catch or button and loop would work well too.


The Back


Inside


The journal cards

My New Puppy - Harley

We just got a new puppy on January 9th. His name is now Harley and we LOVE him. He is now 14 weeks old. He weighed 3 lbs at 12 weeks and should be a max of 6 lbs or so fully grown.

Tags for a Swap

Here are a couple of tags I made for a swap on the Cricut messageboards. I hope you like them.

Still Looking for Location for 1 Day Swarm/Crop

I am still working on a location and date (that is even harder to figure out) for our 1 day swarm/crop. Right now Fort Collins is seeming to work out the best as all my other options have fallen through.

I found a group on MeetUp.com who is having a 4 day/3 night crop at the Chocolate Moose Lodge in Fairplay (near Breckenridge) October 22- 25. The cost is $175/person and you have to provide food and cook 1 meal for 10 people. If you are interested in finding out more, email me at tammy@iplanitmeetings.com. I have not booked yet (and may not be able to attend), but I wanted to let everyone know just in case you are interested.

Don't forget that we have June 11-13, 2010 on hold at Traditions Mountain Lodge. We also have an October or November date, but for some reason I can't remember it. As soon as I can recall the dates, I'll update this post.

Awesome Tip for Rub Ons

I was doing some blog hopping and cricut message board surfing yesterday I came across a really cool tip for rub ons on KellpieJo's blog. You can use your cuttlebug to apply rubons and they come out perfectly. Use your normal embossing sandwich, except put your paper under the embossing folder with the rub on where you want it. A plate, B plate, cardstock or papern paper, rubon, any cuttlebug embossing folder, b plate, run thru your machine, when it comes out the other side your paper will have the rub on nicely adheared and you shouldn't have any missing or lifted spots.

I'm now a MemoryWorks Consultant

I just wanted to let you know that I've just become a MemoryWorks consultant. They carry a great line of products including BoBunny, Rusty Pickle, 7 Gypsies, 3 Bugs in a Rug and many more. They have a beautiful monthly subscription kit for $29.50/month plus shipping and taxes.

I have a website (http://tammywhite.memory-works.com) where you can place your order or you can email or call me. You can pay via credit card (via paypal), check or cash. I hope to have some catalogs in time for the retreat but if not you can see all of the products online.

If you want to be on my email/mailing list, let me know. I will not add you unless you let me know you want to be there.

Need Ideas for the Goodie Bag?

4 weeks from today and we will be on the 2nd day of our swarm! Are you ready???

Don't forget to be thinking about what you want to put in the goodie bag. Also, if you are bringing a door prize and haven't already let me know, please do so.

I know many of us are having a tough time financially in this economy. Don't feel like you have to buy something for the goodie bag. I know I have a ton of scraps and left over stickers and embellishments from old projects. Here are some ideas for card fronts and tags (they don't have to be the same) and you can use up your stash:

Father's Day (it's the next weekend)
Birthdays
Friendship
4th of July
Get Well Soon
Sympathy
Thinking of You
Halloween
Christmas (yes I said Christmas)

You know I've just given myself some ideas!

4 Weeks Until The Swarm

OMG guys! Just 4 weeks and 1 day until our swarm!! I can't believe how this last month has flown by. I'm starting to put together my page kits but so far have just gotten a few pictures printed.

Mandee B is organizing a name tag contest and determining interest in massages. Keep watching this blog for more details.

Don't forget to be thinking about what you want to put in the goodie bag. I am currently looking for the bag that will serve as our goodie bag. If you have 13 bags that would be great for our swarm let me know.

If you have an item for a door prize, please let me know.

Here is a list of our attendees (we still have 1 opening):

Name (Cricut ID)
Tammy White (Twhite)
Alison Beck ( ScrappingCieraBug)
Diana Hakenholz
Pat Shultz ( AltonGrandma)
Amy White (AmyW)
Jo Beth Steinhaus (Ziasoul)
Carol Lathrop
Mandy Barnett (MandeeB)
Lenita Hartman
Ellen Steiner (EllenSteiner)
Casandra Lucero (Casandrascreations)
Ann Buys (AnnBuys)

Using PageMaps to Prepare for the Swarm

If you are having trouble figuring out how to layout your pages or just need inspiration, try PageMaps. They have several for free online at:

http://www.pagemaps.com/pdfsketches.htm

Here is an idea: Print out your favorite page maps and put them in your bags as you create your page kits for the swarm. Then you will know how the page is to be laid out and you don't have to create your own sketch (I lack this ability).

What is nice about these is unlike the pretty pages in the scrapbook magazines these give you more flexibility in building your pages because if you are like me I want the exact same stamp, flowers, brads, etc that they use in the magazines. Although everyone says I have A LOT of scrapbooking stuff, I never have what I need to duplicate the layouts in the magazine. I don't know about you, but I can't afford to go out and buy stamps and chipboard and glimmer mists, etc just to create a page. With the page maps you can decide if you use paper, ribbon, or stickers to create a design element they show. Now if I can just get myself to prepare my kits like I'm suggesting you do!!

Rocky Mountain Swarm Just 6 Weeks Away

Now that we are about 6 weeks out it is time to start organizing your thoughts and materials so that you can make the most of your swarm time. Below are some links to some sites that you might find helpful:

http://organizedscrapbooks.com/got-photos-packing-page-kits-photos-finished

http://ezinearticles.com/?Getting-Ready-to-Crop-Create-a-Scrapbook-Page-Kit-in-5-Steps&id=1994964

http://danandsherree.com/2006/03/06/preparing_for_a_scra.php

http://www.ehow.com/how_2050192_pack-crop-weekend.html

Just a reminder that we will have goodie bags for each attendee. If you can, please plan on bringing at least 1 item (quantity of 13) to put in the bag.

Don't forget that final payment ($115) is due on May 26th. You can make your payment online at www.traditionsmountainlodge.com.