Happy New Year! Cuttlebug's are here !!!

Well, I bit the bullet and used a 50% off coupon at Michael's today and bought the new cuttlebug. The main reason I succumbed was that it works with any die out there (or so they say). I have the old dinosaur sizzix machine that weighs a ton and frankly I just didn't lug it up and down to use it on a consistent basis. That's another plus for the cuttlebug, it's compact, light weight and easy to store!

I have been experimenting with it the last couple of hours and have to say that it was well worth the money. I really am impressed with the embossing folders, it gives a deep impression that is awesome! I didn't buy any of the dies at this time, since I have so many sizzix dies. But I bet I'll end up buying some with the Joann's and Michael's 40% off coupons periodically.

So, if you haven't been bitten by the "bug" yet, check out all the discussions and praise at Split Coast Stampers and many of the other scrapbooking and stamping forums.

SCS vs. ASB

I have been posting my cards and scrapbook stuff on SCS for a couple of months. A couple of Angel's that do so too, pointed me to ashadeofblue.net that has an Angel's only forum. I have seen a few interesting threads there and might start frequenting the site more. To this date, I have been a big fan of splitcoast stampers. This is because there are a lot of people on the site and more info., techniques and pictures than a shade of blue.

Here's the dilemma, though. There seems to be a lot of drama going on lately. Lot's of bad mouthing other stamp company's and just plain old nastiness. I wonder if this is healthy competition between all the different stamp companies or what? We all tend to have our favorites and get pretty loyal about defending them. But, at some point we all just need to learn to grin and bear it. We have bigger things to worry about in the world than which stamp company is bigger or better.

Cardstock

Just discovered this site to buy cardstock. They have a great selection and very fast shipping. Not to mention they have some great sales, too. I just love the selection of bazzil paper they carry. Click on the link below.

Scrap-a-faire

I just received my Scrabooks Etc. magazine in the mail and have to comment on their ad on page 79. They are hosting a scrapbooking extravanganza from 2/28/07 thru 3/4/07. Basically it's an online virtual scrabooking festival. They're offering classes, shopping (vendor booths) tips, techniques and a place to "chat". Sign up at www.scrap-a-faire.com.

Watermarks

There's been a lot of talk on SCS about adding a watermark to your cards, scrapbook pages, and basically all your art work. I guess that there has been some folks out there stealing people's stuff and posting it on their web sites without giving the artist credit. Well, by accident I finally figured out how to put one on mine. YEA ! So, from here on out, my name will be prominently displayed on my stuff. (not that anyone would steal my amateur art work, but, hey...ya never know!)

Giving it a try

Hello....well, I've decided to take the plunge and create a blog, just like everyone else is doing. I've had the opportunity to read a few very good ones and thought I would join the ranks. Not that mine will be as good as the one's I've seen, but what the heck, let's give it a try!

I will try to keep this up to date with pictures of my stamping, scrapbooking and miscellaneous works. Plus any cool sites, techniques and what not that I run across.

-Laurie