You must... check out SMASH by K&Company for EK Success!!

So while Cindy, Julie and I work at working our way through over 1200+ photographs we took , I had to show you one of the coolest items coming out at CHA!!  It's called SMASH and we are IN LOVE!!! ♥  It's a journal that comes with a pen attached!! but it's not just a pen, it's a pen on one end and a glue stick on the other!! :) The only reason I didn't show you this immediately on the blog or facebook, was it is best shown by this video:

Hard to find on my iPhone it was so new!  Super affordable and super cute!!  They also had a really fun booth with all six of the different styles of SMASH journals for us to check out and an Instax (think old school polaroid only itty bitty!) photo booth with props:

Left to right: Cindy, myself and Evelyn (our fabulous hostess and honorary Flamingo Scrapper!!)

And afterward we SMASHED the wall in the booth with our photo!!

We had fun again at CHA and are looking forward to showing you more fun things we saw on the floor.  We plan on showing you all the pretty things we saw, the scrap celebrities we sighted (a few we met too!) and, of course, all the fabulous products we will be carrying in the store!!

Updated to add: While we LOVE this item, due to K&Company being a part of EK Success, it is not feasible for Flamingo Scraps to carry these items at this time. However, we thought this was one of the coolest items at CHA this year and we wanted to share it with you because we wanted you all to feel like you were at the show along with us!  This item will be in stores in April and we are certain you will be able to find it at your local big box stores like Michael's, Hobby Lobby and Target!

Guest DT Cindy deRosier: Looking forward.... it's a blast from the past!

Hi everybody! Amanda, Julie and I are here in LA for the Craft and Hobby Association tradeshow. They're CHA veterans, but I'm a wide-eyed newbie. So what's my first impression? In a word, awesome! There really aren't adequate words to describe the experience of seeing every craft material in the world under the same roof. All my favorite manufacturers are here, along with dozens I'm learning about for the first time. There are scrap celebrities at every turn. This is truly a crafter's paradise.

One of my favorite things about CHA has been seeing all the new releases and trying to figure out what trends we'll be seeing. I had some ideas of what I might see from the sneak peeks that came out before the show, but now that I'm here it's even more apparent what is hot in 2011.

1920's: Motifs from the 1920's are huge. Graphic 45, Cosmo Cricket, Pink Paislee are among the many with paper lines that feature images from the era.

Circus and carnival: Images from the circus are everywhere, as are big fair ribbons.

Dress forms: This trend has been here for awhile and it's stronger than ever. Many of the booths have dress forms on display, and I'm also seeing them in new stamp sets, paper lines, and embellishments. Everything about sewing is going strong- needles, spools, buttons, sewing machines, etc. are all showing up in multiple booths.

Banners: Huge before, even more huge now.

Bicycles: This is another trend that has been growing. I saw lots of bicycle images today, along with some tricycles too. Most of the bicycles are old-fashioned, tying in the trend of hearkening back to simpler times.

Berries/Fruit: Strawberries, cherries, watermelon, lemons... they're all over the place.

Lobsters: I noticed one really cute lobster, then another, and another. In my mind, that qualifies as a trend!

Clouds: In the past, rain clouds have been a fairly common, but the clouds I saw today were happy, cutesy clouds with no rain in sight. Think white and fluffy, not dark or dreary.

Dragonflies: Butterflies are still going strong, but dragonflies seem to be gaining on them! Some are cute and whimsical, others more realistic.

Nostalgia: This incorporates some of the other trends I've already mentioned, but it bears emphasizing. For several years we've been seeing images from Grandma's house, such as old typewriters, sewing machines, and clocks. Those are still going strong, along with some new additions. Crate Paper is introducing an adorable collection called "Toy Box" featuring all sorts of retro toys and games.  October Afternoon's entire booth had a charming retro look.

So what's on it's way out? I was on the lookout, but did not see nearly as many chandeliers, chairs, keys or birdcages as we've seen in the past. I think those trends are on the decline.

What do you think? Do you agree with what I've seen? What trends excite you most?

To see more of Cindy's work, please visit her gallery!

Weekend Whimsey -- ANNNDDDD They're Off!!!!

Living in the Sunshine State does have its down sides -- like being all the way across the country from CHA Winter 2011!!  But never fear!  Flamingo Scraps is well represented by Amanda, Cindy and Julie who will be blogging up a storm and posting on our Facebook Page about their first hand experiences at the show!

Meanwhile, Susan and I will be doing some armchair shopping for new goodies for the store based on sneak previews and reports from our team in the field!  The BEST news is that you can join us by posting and letting us know what you are loving from the new releases.  Check out blogs and Facebook Pages for our faves and yours and let us know what you would like to see at Flamingo Scraps!!!  We really want your input, so post here, click on our Facebook Page and comment or even shoot us an email at flamingoscraps@yahoo.com!

AND to console those of you who are also watching the CHA goings on from afar -- Flamingo Scraps is having a HUGE HUGE CHA Clearance Sale!  One category in particular you might want to check out is the LIVE WITH PRIMA KITS.  At 35% off, these kits, for example the Altered Photo Frame and Little Missy Door Hanger, are perfect for Valentine's presents!

In addition, there are new listings from Basic Grey, Tattered Angels, Maya Road and Prima, and more new listings from Maya Road and Tim Holtz are coming in the next few days!  Most of these new listings are late season releases from these FABULOUS companies and are right along the lines of the new releases being shown at CHA!!!!

So, stop by the store and check out the sale and stay tuned here and on our Facebook Page for scrappy goodness from FLAMINGO SCRAPS!!!!

Guest Blogger Heather Landry: Pink Paislee Cupid!

Heather is no stranger around here at Flamingo Scraps!! While we have been busy getting ready for CHA, Heather's been busy scrapping!! She sent us these fabulous projects she recently created with items she bought at Flamingo Scraps!!

 

From Flamingo Scraps: Pink Paislee Cupid Collection (patterned papers, brads, stickers, rub-ons), Fancy Pants Wishful Thinking Collection (patterned papers); Maya Road Maya Mist (Metallic Red); Prima E-line White Flower Grab Bag; Tim Holtz distress ink 

We thank Heather for joining us yet again to share even more of her fantastic work with us!!  To view more of her layouts and read about her adventures of three adorable kiddos, please check out her blog! 

Simply Adorable!

We all know I'm biased, but isn't my niece Abby cute?!  This is her first scrapbook page too... awww. :) 

From Flamingo Scraps:  Pink Paislee Sweetness (patterned paper); Prima Say it in Crystals bling

Other Supplies: Bazzill Basics cardstock; We R Memory Keepers (baby Girl Foil Glitter Flock Adhesive Rub-Ons); Sharpie Fine Point Marker

This fabulous Sweetness line from Pink Paislee is perfect for pictures of this sweet little lady!!  Make sure you swing by the store and get some for yourself!! :)

Guest DT Janet Zeppa: Looking at Gifts

I still had enough if the beautiful Websters Garden Gala collection to create another page about my Mom's 80th birthday party.  It's about my Mom looking at some of her gifts.

From Flamingo Scraps:  Webster's Pages Garden Gala (patterned papers); Kaisercraft Pearls; Tim Holtz Distress Ink;

Other Supplies: Martha Stewart border punch; Making Memories (stickers); Savvy n' Sassy (Ribbon); Spellbinders Nestabilities dies; sewing machine + thread

I really like how my journaling spots turned out. I die cut some of the pretty paper to make them.

More of Janet's work can be seen here on her blog!

Guest DT Diana Fisher: Basic Grey Curio

Hi there!

I luckily got my hands on some of the gorgeous Basic Grey Curio papers and embellishments before they were scooped up and sold out in so many places online. Flamingo Scraps, though, has some in-store and at a great price, too!

Here is the page I made using Curio, as well as some wonderful Maya Road chipboard flourishes and snowflakes, and even some Prima E Line Pearls & Crystals.

Using a few different sized and shaped punches, I put together my own embellishments using the scraps from the Curio paper and some vintage book paper I had laying around. Topped with the pearls, the look is complete!

I really hope you enjoyed seeing the Curio papers in use. Now what are you waiting for… swing by the Flamingo Scraps store and claim yours!!

More of Diana's work can be seen here on her blog and make sure you swing by Sketchy Thursdays to play along with her fantastic weekly sketch challenge!

Guest DT Tiffany Morgan: Love at First Sight

From Flamingo Scraps:  Websters Pages Lullabye Lane (patterned papers) and Bloomers; Prima flowers and pearls

I made this layout with some ultrasound pictures of our little girl. She is due in May. I wanted something to capture how I felt when I saw her for the first time.

I used Websters Pages Lullaby Lane paper. It is perfect to capture those precious moments. I also used some Bloomers and some fabulous Prima pearls. I also used a fabric fancy. I put some vintage lace around the whole layout. My plan is to put it in a shadow box. I hope you enjoy.

I also would like to thank everyone for their sweet comments on my posts and to Suzanne and Susan for making this a great experience and, of course, to Amanda for putting together all our posts.

Thank you to you Tiffany, the pleasure has certainly been ours!! More of Tiffany's work can be seen here on her blog/gallery or here on her youtube channel!

Weekend Whimsey: Got Scrappy Mojo?

Image via here.

So this has been a hot topic behind the scenes at Flamingo Scraps lately!  With some scrappy mojo MIA.... we aren't naming any names.... but we've all felt this in recent days... what do you do to get yours back?  Inquiring flamingos want to know!  So please, share your tips with us.... help us bring some scrappy mojo back!!

Guest Blogger Jeana O'Laughlin-Pigott: Teresa Collins Stampmaker

Please welcome Jeana to the blog today -- she was our lucky winner of the Teresa Collins Stampmaker back in October!!   We invited her to share her experience with the machine and her super cute card she made with her stamp!! :)

It was about 5 a.m. I don’t remember why I was up that early but I was, so I logged into Facebook only to see the final prize for Flamingo Scraps 2nd anniversary celebration giveaway. The Teresa Collins Stamp Maker Machine, and who had won!? I had!! I could hardly contain my excitement; I literally had to keep myself from screaming out loud and waking the whole house haha. Once I received the machine I was quite intimidated by it. I read over the instructions, multiple times, and finally got up the gumption to try it out.

First I tried to make one of the stamps that comes with the machine, I followed the directions to a T. And…. Nothing. It turned into a big hard rectangle. So I tried to make some expression stamps and while you could make out the expression, they weren’t deep enough to actually stamp with.

After many, trials of leaving the stamp under the UV light for different amounts of time, and going through almost all of the Stamp packs that came with the machine I decided to call it quits for the day and try another time.

This is what I learned, pay attention to the directions!! When I tried again and left the stamps in for the amount of time recommended (3 minutes) they came out perfect!!! So here are some tips for you when using the machine:

• Make sure if you are printing out your own transparency, that it is completely black EVERYWHERE except what you want the stamp to be ( I tried preserving paper/ink and trimming it down and the stamps do not come out nearly as nice!!)
• Definitely do not leave the stamp pack under the UV light for more than 3 minutes as it will harden the entire stamp pack.
• Larger images are much easier to make than small words or expressions!!

Here is the first project I completed with one of the stamps I made!! It is a simple Valentine’s card for my hubs. Hope you enjoy and thank you again Flamingo Scraps for the amazing prize!! Be sure to check out their store, they have incredible prices and beautiful stuff!!

We thank Jeana for joining us and thank her for sharing her work with us!!  To see more of her work and read about her life as a stay at home mom and army wife, please visit her blog!!

Who Loves to Color?

My nephew of course!  Who doesn't love to color though?! :)  He's so cute -- he has his own rules of how to color right now and I wanted to capture it of course!  Pink Paislee Old School's plaids and graphs were perfect to use as the backdrop for this layout:

From Flamingo Scraps:  Pink Paislee Old School collection (patterned papers); Pink Paislee Cushies Alphabet Stickers in Cocoa; Prima Marketing E-line bling

Other Supplies: Bazzill Basics cardstock; Stampin' Up! Notes & Details stamps, Ink in Early Espresso and Stampin' Write Marker in Early Espresso

Notice the crayon over the ears?  All him.  No one knows where he got it but we suspect from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  I know I'm biased, but isn't he the cutest?! :)

Tools!

Oh the joy of being two and a half years old on Christmas!  My nephew really understood the idea of presents this year, so he was excited to open every package.  One of his favorites seemed to be his tools!  Such a boy!! :)

From Flamingo Scraps: Pink Paislee Old School (patterned papers & canvas borders) and Cushies Alphabet Stickers in Cocoa

Other Supplies: Bazzill Basics cardstock, phillipshead screw brads, sewing machine + thread

Isn't this patterned paper fantastic?!  Pink Paislee Old School is versatile.  I'll be back to show you another layout I made using the same patterned paper collection in a non-school layout!

HUGE Clearance Sale and NEW Basic Grey Curio

It is cold all over Baby -- even here in the Sunshine State!!!  But things are HOT at Flamingo Scraps where we are having a HUGE Clearance Sale and introducing Basic Grey's Curio!!!  Curio is sold out at Basic Grey, so get this beautiful collection while you can!

In addition, we are offering $5.00 maximum shipping* -- buy as much as you want and pay no more than $5.00 in shipping -- free shipping on $70 purchases* is still offered as well!  PLUS -- buy $40 in merchandise and get a Maya Road mini coaster album (our choice) FREE!!!

Also back in stock are selected Prima E-line Pearls and Crystals, a classic must have for paper crafters.

So snuggle up with  your computer and heat up your scrappy life with goodies from Flamingo Scraps!

*free and discounted shipping offers are good in the continental US only

Card: Maya Road Doily Stamps

Have you seen them?  I'm in love!! :) 

From Flamingo Scraps:  Maya Road Doilies Stamps; lace trims

Other Supplies Stampin' Up! (cardstock, ink, scallop punch, Crystal Dimensions, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, stamp); EK Success (Real Estate Sign punch); sewing machine & thread

So how did it come together?  Here's a few close-ups of how this card came together.  First, I made my own patterned paper from the stamps using four different colors of ink:

Basically, I assigned four different stamps a color and went for it!  Then I glued down and stitched my patterned paper to my card base:

Up next, I stamped my sentiment on a scrap piece of cardstock, then punched it out with a punch, ran some clear glue around the edge and added glitter:

Hmmmm..... what to do while the glue + glitter dry....

Punch out a border, glue it down, stitch across the top, then add some lace and, finally, add my sentiment with some pop dots of course!

No go, hurry!!  There's only one set of those stamps left in the store and a HUGE sale this weekend.  It won't be there for long!! :)

Have a great weekend!!