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DCWV = OMG!

For those of you who have not been to your neighborhood Michaels recently ~ you should probably print this entry so you can read it on the way before it’s too late.

Die Cuts With A View (DCWV) has released what I can only assume to be a private Michaels line (I have searched the Internet frantically for these page pads to no avail). They have about 4 or 5 lines of fabulous new paper packs! I was there the other day and went NUTS! I literally bought one of everything (I’m glad I did, too, since the store by my house is now out of stock!)

I remember sitting at every red light on the way home, flipping through each stack. Glittery pages beaming off the car beside me. Drivers looking confused and blinded by the brilliance.

The layout above is one of the new lines (The Family Collection). I really wanted to use this paper, so I had my son and his faithful side-kick pose on the couch (don’t act like I’m the only one here who takes pictures based on what paper/embellishments I want to use!) 

I simply added my photos and some Prima bling ~ easy as pie!

Here are some of my favorite pieces so far:

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Shabby Chic Dreams in a Neon Reality

Living in Las Vegas with a Vintage, Shabby Chic spirit can be challenging at times.  I dream of lovely overgrown acres where children run barefoot while dancing with fireflies.  Chipped white paint.  Antique tea cups with mis-matched place settings.  Dining outdoors under a chandelier suspended from an overgrown tree.  That’s not much to ask for right?

Well, these are the things I think of when photographing my crafts.  I want to inspire that sense of warmth and snugly appeal.  A few of my favorite tricks:

*Lightening up my photos*
Even when I take outdoor pictures (I almost always do them outside now), I still take the time to lighten them up a bit.  It makes everything look a little brighter and softer.

*Close shots with some “props” in the background*
I like to add to the style of card I’m working on.  On the pieces below, I wanted to use a little nature and some old books.  I’m so happy with the results!

These cards are available at my hubby’s, Just Write Blog, this month:

Now I can imagine a babbling brook in the background, instead of a topless boggle tournament billboard.  Much better…
Don’t forget to register for my Spring Scrapbook Giveaway!  Contest ends March 5!
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Lent

The beginning of Lent is a reminder that Easter is not too far away!  I’m still trying to get used to writing 2010 (so many scratched out checks…)

Here we are ~ weather getting warmer, birds chirping, bees chasing me when I take product photos outside.  Awwwwwwwwwww, Springtime must be around the corner!

I love walking through the local craft stores and seeing all the happy decor! The background props in these photos is from a cute Vintage looking egg wreath. I think it really adds a little extra coziness to the cards. 🙂
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Spring Scrapbook Giveaway!

Welcome to my first blog giveaway!


This Spring inspired scrapbook lot has everything from card stock to flowers! Ribbon to butterflies!

In order to enter, simply add a link to my blog on any of your own websites (your blog, My Space, Facebook, etc) and then post a comment here as well.

You’ll receive goodies from LOTS of fabulous, as well as some Vintage Easter sticker collages by yours truly.  Here are just some of the name brands included in the lot:

My Mind’s Eye

Prima

Webster’s Pages

Queen and Company

Basic Grey

Cosmo Cricket

Making Memories

Bazzill


The lucky winner will be chosen by a random number generator on Friday, March 5th.  Thanks so much, and good luck!!