Snow & Scrappin' in St. Paul

{Click on picture to enlarge}

Had a fab time teaching in St. Paul. My second time there...a lovely spot along the Mississippi River, an escarpment reminiscent of Ontario (my old home Province), leaves touched by fall, and a surprisingly beautiful snowfall.

Every time one of us 'southerners', (you should have heard the yelps from the people from Arizona!) ohhh and ahhhh about the snow, the Minnesottans would say, "you're not from around here, are you?". I guess this is the 4th snowfall they had this year so far. I suppose that is a little early. But it sure was pretty!

There's a different vibe in St. Paul than some of the other cities we do shows. A little more reserved, but the nicest people you could meet and boy, they have some serious mad scrappin' skills. I don't think I've ever had so many classes end on time with finished projects. It was great to re-meet some friends from last year and get to know new people as well. Unfortunately, we're not returning to St. Paul next year, but I sure hope you'll make the short drive to Des Moines and maybe I'll see you there.

For St. Paul I taught the Simple Scrapbooking classes. Everytime I do this I'm positively inspired to spend more time scrapbooking. It was such a joy to see all your completed pages with those precious photos and memories. Thanks for sharing!

Until next time.

Visit PC Connection to Win!

For a chance to win one of 5 card-making kits (including the Baby Buggy Bunny Bag), visit the PaperCrafts Blog and leave a comment by tomorrow (Thurs) at midnight.

Founding PC Pro

I'm pretty good at keeping secrets.

Late last year, 3 of the 4 PC Pros at Paper Crafts Magazine decided to 'retire'. I'm one of them.

It's kind of strange to talk about something that for me, happened so long ago, so I'm trying to relive those feelings.

Being a PC Pro and working so closely with the magazine for over 4 years has been an incredible learning experience for me. And well, life is always more enjoyable when I'm learning.

{Teaching at Creating Keepsakes convention is exhausting but so fun!}

I'm not an adrenline junkie, but I have to admit that I like to do things that scare me a little (emphasize LITTLE). That list is simply too long to share here, so I will just thank Jennafer Martin (former managing editor) & Stacy Croninger (former Editor-in-chief) for giving me the job and their confidence.

{the early days. You know, back when we rented Limos.}

Getting to work with them and many other incredibly talented, smart and creative people has been a joy.

{founding Editor Valerie Pingree, Alisa Bangerter, me, Heather White & Julie Medeiros.}

I will miss being a presence in each issue of PC, but I will still be reading it! And hopefully I'll find time to still show up on occasion. I'm very happy to take on the title 'Founding PC Pro' and feel priviledged to have been a part of something so integral to the magazine.

I really don't believe in endings. They are simply beginnings and mine has already started!

Meeting fellow paper crafters, fortunately, is not something I have to miss! I look forward to meeting more like-minded creative people in my classes and hope you are one of them!

Father's Day Blog & Give-away

Please visit the PaperCrafts Blog to see my latest post: MAD DAD SKILLS!

I have a little dedication to the Father of my children, some free downloads, a CRICUT cartridge give-away and a couple of fun cards just waiting to inspire you!




I also thought you might want to see some Father's Day cards I've made over the years for PaperCrafts...

Studio 5: Graduation Card & Panini Party

In preparing this segment I realized what a great opportunity highschool graduation can be for parents to 'fuss' over their child. Really, just birthdays, their wedding (which they share with spouse) and graduation(s).

In some ways this milestone is more than just finishing a course of study, it is moving from childhood to adulthood (at least we can hope!). It's a great time to celebrate their accomplishments but also encourage and support them in their future endeavors.

I hope you enjoyed some of my ideas for cards, invitations, announcements etc...

Below is the free download we mentioned on air. Please visit my download site and enjoy my road card. You could easily make a dozen of these in less than an hour. I have to tell about my road photo. Steve took me to fish at Strawberry Reservoir last May and while we were driving around I noticed a sign on a steep part, got out of the car, took my picture and then noticed how cool the road looked with it's incline, cracks and yellow lines. I lay down on the road to capture this angle.

A few months later Susan Opel at PaperCrafts magazine asked me to create a photo card around the quote (on card). I immediately remembered my road photo and the rest was easy. It's in the current issue of PaperCrafts magazine in the Photo Finish column.

So, don't forget to take pictures of odd things you normally wouldn't and create a photo library. These are easy and effective cards. I am planning on doing a tutorial on adding text to a photo soon, so stayed tuned.



Important note: Rebecca from Montaque Photography alerted me to my mentioning on air about scanning in a professional photograph to copy. I must apologize to all of you. This is illegal; please don't do it. I knew this, but obviously forgot it when I was trouble-shooting my "if you didn't buy the CD scenario". Really, if you didn't buy it, your photographer (if they offer this service) will most likely still have your pictures on file. And please take a moment to visit Rebecca's website, her work is truly stunning.

And here are my yummy panini recipes! We sat around after the show and munched them all up! Crunchy, buttery bread. Melty, crunchy bits of cheese, the zing of mustard and horseradish...you just can't go wrong!

Visit the Studio 5 website for more details about the Graduation card segment and the Panini Segment.

Lastly, the winner of my Studio 5 Sneek Peek Give-away is LeAnn! I guess I need to make my photos a little harder as so many of you got it right!

My 'other' blog

Not sure how many of you knew I also blog for Paper Crafts Magazine (Paper Crafts Connection) specifically on PC Pros Wednesdays. I'd love you to visit! Today's blog is called 'Love Birds". It includes a free download too.

Happy Day! Sue

Stamp it! Cards

Well, isn't this timely? Just finished my Savvy Stamping techniques class and now I get to share our latest special issue, Stamp It! Cards.

If you haven't had your fill of stamping fun, you can pick this issue up at stores near you or at our website for only $5.99!



I taught a very basic background technique with Versamark ink in my Savvy Stamping class and thought it would be fun to show you another, more advanced technique from Stamp It! Cards.

This time I used a large background stamp (anything grid-like: polka-dots, plaid etc...) as my guide to create a perfectly laid out pattern. It's much easier than eye-balling it (even though you know I'm such a fan of eye-balling!), less time consuming than laying down pencil marks and it can add to your overall look.

Next, find some coordinating stamps to finish the pattern. Layer color and designs for a completely custom look. (click on page for a larger image).



All the PC Pros demonstrated a technique, so check out Kim Kesti (coloring stamped images with markers), Alisa Bangerter (Inking stamp with dye ink sprays) and Wendy Johnson (stamp kissing) pages.

My other favorite part of this issue is right at the back. Stamp it 3 ways is always great inspiration on how to use one stamp set 3 different ways. Hey, more bang for you stamping buck!

Happy BELATED Birthday!

Technically Paper Crafts Magazine had her 5th birthday in January, so I'm just a wee bit late. Then again I couldn't find the premier issue in my stash. The earliest I could find was March 2004, so that works.



I still remember when Crafts magazine and Valerie Pingree (Founding Editor-in-chief) made the bold and inspiring decision to concentrate fully on paper crafts. It was an exciting time for all or us and we were thrilled to be part of a creative and fun new hobby.

Not too long ago I did some math. (Yeah, I try not to.) I figured that over the last 5 years, between my work with Paper Crafts Magazine, all it's special issues, on-line content, blogs, swaps, videos, tv segments, conventions, classes etc... I have created close to 1000 paper crafted projects.

Yikes! You would think I might be bored with something I've done so much of, but absolutely NOT. I am still SO energized when it comes to paper.



To help celebrate I'm doing a give-away...this time for 3 birthday cards I did for our PaperCrafting 3 ways special issue last year. Just leave a comment and BE SURE to check back next week. I still haven't heard from Alice, my last give-away winner, so Alice, if you're reading this, please email me with your home address so I can send you your goodies!

Here's to 5 great years for Paper Crafts and my passion for paper. Happy Birthday!

Get Inspired

Do you ever read your magazines backwards?

It never fails, the first thing I turn to when I get an issue of Paper Crafts Magazine is the last page which happens to be the 'Get Inspired' column. It's perfect; a quick read and always fun to see the designer's creative interpretation.

A year ago, I got this very assignment for the Feb. 2008 issue and was matched up with a Hall of Fame (Creating Keepsakes) winning layout. The other day I was looking through my computer files and came upon my work in progress for this column. I remembered how much fun I had working on this and wanted to share with you the process. I did something I had never done before, which, for me, is often the best way to learn.

I really wanted to use this picture of Savannah (my youngest daughter, isnt' she Schweeet!), but also wanted to stay true to the color combo Sheri Reguly had created...love the pink, green and red! The challenge was the photo didn't have the visual impact I wanted, mainly because her dress was a small print (first photo) that was somewhat drab.

Using photoshop, I was able to select her dress and change the color to coordinate with my papercrafting elements. I'd love to re-create this tutorial for you, but wow, I don't have several hours to spare right now! But I will point you in the right direction.

I used the magnetic Lasso Tool and painsakingly selected just her dress. Once that was done, the rest was pretty easy. In fact, it was fun. This is where you can play around and explore your image adjustments either replacing colors or enhancing them.

The same thing can be done in Photoshop Elements and many other photo editing software programs. So, when you have some spare time; play around, get creative (I've even whitened teeth before!) and customize your photos to your supplies instead of the other way around.

~ Sue

A blog within a blog

I'm thrilled to announce that PaperCrafts Magazine's new blog is UP and running! Yahoo!

It's in the very capable hands of P. Kelly, our online editor extraordinaire! Wednesday will be With the Pros Wednesday so I'll be blogging there once a month. There will be lots of projects, tips, techniques and give-aways, so please visit often.



And yes, I'm allowed to 'lift' my blog for my blog. Just think about how much time that saved me today!

a touch of spring

Just had to share our latest issue (March/April) of Paper Crafts Magazine. If you're aching for spring, then pick it up (or open it up!). It's jam packed with baby, bride and spring themes.




The bliss Wedding Gift bag on the cover is mine. I haven't been on the cover in awhile, so that was a nice treat for me. I loved using this October Afternoon paper for this project, the colors are lucious!

Anatomy of a swap & Give-aways!

I've had the pleasure to be involved in two swaps this week. I made 24 of these cute little gift bags (see below - they measure just 4" x 8") in the past few days.

1. I wanted to share with you what exactly a swap is.

2. I wanted to give away a "Christmas is Love" gift bag filled with papercrafting goodies to one lucky reader. (and there just might be some of Steve's famous fudge in it!) Just leave a comment!

3. I want to give EVERYBODY this "Christmas is love" digital image FREE! I designed this for WCMD (World Card Making Day) last year. Just email me and I'll send it to you.

Besides my treasured card group I've been participating in for over 10 years (love ya gals!), I also host PC Pro swaps for Papercrafts Magazine on their website every few months.

This month I hosted a Christmas packaging swap and finally got around (my aching tooth) to swap it all out. Here are a few pictures of how I do this.

First, I patiently wait for all the packages to arrive. 12 participants (I'm one of them). Once they all in-house, I start by making piles of each package; the BEST part is getting to see what everyone made! I Check for return labels, ziplock bags (for protection), extra postage and the little goodies I often get as a hostess (cute little tea bag gift, gum, chocolate and other little scrapbooking gifts...yes, I really SCORED this time).



Carefully, counting more than once, I make sure each person gets one of each, re-package everything, weigh and make sure there is enough postage. Sound easy? Yup, it really is! Would love to have you join any of our many, many swaps we post at the Papercrafts website. A big THANK YOU to everyone who participated...you should be getting your packages by the end of the week.

So, this was my choice for both of my swaps. The challenge with swapping is finding a cute idea without being bogged down with too many steps or time consuming techniques. Digital images are perfect for swaps...let the printer do the work! Add simple embellishments (jingle bells) or texture (Pop pieces up & glitter and Glossy accents to the heart).

What is it about making many of something that makes me smile. I feel SO productive!

I looking forward to the 'productivity' ending though and the 'relaxing' to begin...yeah, like Dec. 25th after dinner, as usual!

Christmas Neighbor Gifts

Here are some fun ideas from the Nov/Dec issue of PaperCrafts magazine. Enjoy!

Just noticed they didn't include the link to the website where I got the tins. it's www.specialtybottle.com. I got together with a few friends to order these and it saves on shipping, although for the size of the box, it wasn't exorbitant.

An Angel to Watch over you

Festival of Trees is just a win-win event for everyone. Even if you're not in the market to bid on some of these amazing creations, you will certainly be inspired to go home and create a Christmas wonderland of your very own.

Not to mention scones...which I deliberately avoided because I'm still rolling around from the Pecan Pie at Thanksgiving!

It gives donors a chance to remember loved ones and all proceeds and I mean every last PENNY goes to Primary Children's hospital here in Salt Lake City.

I can attest to how wonderful a hosptial Primary's is because my youngest daughter spent several months there over several years and we were so impressed with the level of care, both physically and emotionally that we received. It's holds a special place in my heart.

So, when my friend, Heather asked for a little help with her donation, in memory of her Mother, Lila Smith, who died of Breast cancer, I knew I wanted to be a part of it (even in a very teeny tiny way!) I have donated a couple of trees in years past and know just how much work and money goes into this endeavor.

Heather did a wonderful job! You can click on the picture for a larger image. Her remarks on her Mother's memorial were so touching and I know her Mother is smiling up in heaven at the thought her daughter put into this.

These trees would make such an adorable Christmas scene for a girl's room. If you're anything like me, you'll be lucky to get just ONE tree up, but there are many people who literally decorate every room in the house and for them I am grateful because they make this event so successful.

















Thought I'd share just a smidgen of what the floor looked like! Oh my! What a beehive of Christmas activity!As an added note, PaperCrafts Magazine also contributed their own tree to the event and I was able to drop by just as they were putting the finishing touches on it.

All I can say is "WOW". It is a papercrafters DREAM! The tree is adorable with all it's lime green and bright red papercrafted ornaments, but just take a gander at all the papercrafting toys underneath!

What a perfect start to the holiday season. There is nothing like giving to feel the Christmas spirit. Hope you have found yours and if you haven't, go look for it!
Lovingly, Sue

In need of Christmas Inspiration?

Look no further than our Christmas Special issue “Holiday Card & More”…emphasis on the MORE!

I got inspired when I turned to Heather Mellstrom’s Metal Star Card Holder (pg. 147). I thought…

· Perfect Christmas Home Décor – Just my style!
· Fast & Easy to duplicate
· Practical! I never know where to put my collection of cards
· Never mind…where will I ever find that metal star?

Wellllll...I guess at Roberts Crafts (a local craft store here in Utah)! As soon as I saw it, I did a little happy dance and then really started groovin’ because it was on sale! Next challenge? Getting it DONE!







My next piece of inspiration came from the gorgeous new line of Christmas paper from Basic Grey: WASSAIL!

Even though altering is easy it can be a little intimidating at first. Just remember to create your template first and you can't go wrong. Be prepared to use scissors and/or an exacto knife if necessary. I used my ATG gun for adhesive, so I was able to pull off pieces if I didn’t lay it exactly right the first time. Sand paper is essential when altering anything, it can smooth rough edges and make your project look clean & finished.


Project cost: $12 (plus you’ll have a lot of extra paper left for other projects)
Time to create: 90 minutes
Days until I can put this up: 12 days and counting!!

~Sue

Build-your-own Button/bling/tree buffet

Here's my latest Studio 5 segment promoting our Holiday Cards & More issue. Awesome issue by the way, many great ideas that are affordable and do-able.

I just had to laugh when Brooke called it the Build-your-own button/bling/tree buffet! But she's right! That's exactly what it is. Something to graze on without adding any calories!

Need Christmas Inspiration?

Having some problems getting my blog on this morning...and I'm scheduled for Studio 5 this morning...will try to get it on later today, but in the meantime you can see a duplicate post at the PaperCrafts website. It will be on later this morning. Watch for a new post on RH side of page. It's a new website so please be patient with all it's navigation bugs.

Have a great morning! Sue

New on-line swap at PaperCraftsmag.com

Everyone few months I post an on-line swap at PaperCraftsmag.com.

I just finished posting my next swap and I'm pretty darn excited about it. It's a bit of a stretch if you're used to doing card swaps, but this was created out of NEED. Two of my greatest PaperCrafting needs as Christmas approaches is Tags (for all those gifts) and Packages.

You know, for all those little gifts you want to give during the holiday season. For teachers, neighbors, friends, the postman, hostesses etc... It's great to have fun & festive packages to fill with your latest culinary treats (in our house is Steve's fudge...recipe to come soon, if he allows me, lol) or other little trinkets.

Of course, some of the limits of these packages is they need to lay flat for shipping. This mini gable box (Nov/Dec issue) is a great example, as it can fold flat easily.

Another easier example is this little pocket I created for last year's Holiday Cards & More issue. Perfect for some peppermint chocolate bark, candy canes, or a set of tags, which was what it was originally designed for.

Can't wait to see what everyone creates and I'll be sure to share it with you here on my blog.

If you'd like to participate (only 12 spots!) please visit my group page and sign up! Deadline is Friday, Dec. 5th. Plenty of time to get your packages back with 2 weeks before Christmas to spare.

Lucky Winner...and update

I was able to pick up PaperCrafts Gourmet on Thursday, so I've gone ahead and chosen a winner (using my handy Random Number Generator) and she is...SHORTandSWEET (Ann). Congratulations! You will LOVE this book.

Forgive me, but I did 'paw' through it very delicately...WHO could resist. I don't get my issue until later this week. It's really amazing. Just pure EYE candy, not to mention fantastic recipes and great papercrafting ideas.

You can pre-order this book and see for yourself.


So, remember my post-office concerns with my recipe cards? Well, I got them all back! Have to put an additional .20 cents on each one, so I'll be sure to get those off today...again :).

All caught up on House and feeling much better, so thanks for all your well-wishes. Hope you all have a great week...got some fun things planned this week, so check back.

~Sue

PaperCrafts Gourmet is HERE for me & YOU!

Yippee!! It's here! Paper Crafts Gourmet Hardbound BOOK!

I don't think I've ever been this excited about a new publication. When we first did Paper Crafts Gourmet in magazine form last year ago, it was a match made in Susan-Neal-heaven...papercrafting AND cooking all in one place.

So...one for me (of course!), one for YOU (because YES, I'm giving one of these away!), one for my sister, one for my friend, one for my daughter-in-law...oh the list goes on and on! So perfect with Christmas coming. I was able to contribute several of my favorite recipes, so keep an eye out for:

• Mexican Honey Butter Shrimp (original recipe)
• Coconut Croissant Pudding (original recipe)
• Danish Aebleskivers with Butterscotch syrup (compliments of my friend, Sharon Budge)
• A Trio of Brie Appetizers (Original recipes...perfect for the Holidays!)
• French Onion Soup (can't get too original with this, except that I've tweaked this over the years until it's just perfect!
• Minestroni Soup with Brown Butter Parmesan crumble (does that sound yummy or what?)
  

I'm not the only papercrafter who likes to cook though...Alisa Bangerter (fellow PC Pro) contributed this scruptious recipe and it's here for you now!

Melt in your mouth, crispy on the edges, cheesy, buttery...need I say more? Make it tonight!

Cheesy Garlic Drop Biscuits
by: Alisa Bangerter

This is a perfect recipe to pull out if you are short on time because there is no rolling or cutting. The cheese and garlic add extra kick to a plain biscuit, and kids love them. They are the perfect accompaniment to serve with soups or stews, and are great served with a salad.

INGREDIENTS
2 c. flour
2 tbsp. granulated sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2/3 c. butter or margarine
1 1/2 c. grated cheddar cheese
1 1/4 c. milk
Chives (optional)

DIRECTIONS: Mix together dry ingredients. Cut in butter with pastry cutter until mixture is fine. Add cheese and mix well. Add milk and stir until just moistened. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased baking sheet. Sprinkle top with chopped dried or fresh chives if desired. Bake at 400 degrees for approx. 15 minutes.


And just when you thought this blog was done...MORE free stuff. Here's a fun Halloween project by...no other than...Alisa Bangerter. Can a person be TOO creative/talented/nice?

Enjoy Halloween Tag
Designer: Alisa Bangerter

SUPPLIES: Cardstock: (ivory) Dye ink: (Black) Stewart Superior Corp.; (Summer Sun) Stampin’ Up! Specialty ink: (Mango Lemonade color wash) Stewart Superior Corp. Color medium: (black chalk) Craf-T Products Accents: (black brads) Making Memories; (chipboard bat, moon) Melissa Frances Fibers: (black striped ribbon) Pebbles Inc. Font: (Black Family) http://www.dafont.com/ Adhesive: (foam tape) Finished size: 3" x 4 1/2"

1 Make tag from cardstock. 2 Crumple tag and smooth out. Spray edges with color wash; let dry. Apply chalk. 3 Ink chipboard moon; let dry. Chalk edges and adhere. 4 Ink chipboard bat; let dry. Adhere with foam tape. 5 Print sentiment on cardstock; trim and tear edges. Chalk edges and adhere with foam tape. Attach brads. Attach ribbon with brad.

If you'd like to be entered into a random drawing for PaperCrafts Gourmet Book, then please leave a comment on this post...I'll pick a winner early next week (as soon as the book arrives). You can pre-order this book online.
~Sue