*****EXCITING NEWS*****

Well Ladies, you may not have noticed this yet but here at Scrap~tures,

we are constantly trying new and fun ideas to help keep you motivated and keep things fresh around here!

Well guess what?

Starting with our April Card Kit, we will be including a Copics Marker with every month's kit!! Since Copics seems to be where it's at in the stamping world these days, we thought we might as well jump on that band wagon.

So again, starting with our April kit we will be including a Copics marker in every month's kit. Also, since you apparently need more than one marker to properly do shading and blending and to use these markers to their full potential, we will be offering a Copics add-on that will include two coordinating shades of markers.

This will only be available to kit subscribers.

To help us kick off this new and improved card kit, we have asked Wendy (Wendance) who is a certified Copics instructor to help us by doing a month long Copics tutorial for the month of April! How about that?! the Copics Class will be posted here & in the forums for all to see.

To help celebrate our new card kits with the Copics, starting today (March 1st), we are doing a card kit promotion!

Sign up for a card kit subscription to start with the April kit and you will receive...

as always our card kits include enough supplies to create at least 5 cards and include 4 sheets of paper, 4 sheets of cardstock, a stamp set, an ink pot, 5 A-2 envelopes, embellishments and ribbon, a card technique item and now a coordinating Copics marker! A six month subscription price is $35.00 plus shipping and you get your 7th month free upon subscription renewal. You may also sign up for Copics add-ons for $10.00 which include two coordinating Copics.

That's not all!!

New subscribers will also receive a FREE gift with your April kit!

This is a very special gift!! I can't tell you what that gift is yet but you definitely don't want to miss out!! We will announce what it is once details have been confirmed.


So do not hesitate Ladies! Sign up for a card kit subscription today!!

Are You Sick of Winter??

If you are anything like me, you are tired of seeing snow when you wake up in the morning.

There is only 20 days until spring, and I know that doesn't mean only 20 days of snow left but a girl can dream right???

I've been counting down to spring since there were 90 days left, so 20 sounds pretty good to me.

Stay tuned for a MARCH BLOG CHALLENGE to help us get into the mood for spring!!!

There will be a few really cool challenges, and on March 20th..which is the first day of spring I'll announce a winner.

Are you excited??? Lets bring spring in with a bang!!

It's Finally Friday!!!!!!!!!!

Which means two things....our 'Captured Member' and our Finally Friday sketch!!!!!

Today's sketch is a beauty from Creative Scrappers!

If you decide to do something with this, we'd love to see it!!!

Our 'Captures Member' this week is Wendance

She has a knack for making amazing cards and the colouring is so perfect. I love the images she uses, the card are alway so elegant looking.

In order to be one of our Captured Members, you need to have a gallery within our forum.

You can sign up here--> http://www.scraptures.ca/gallery

Do You Want A Free Scrap~tures Kit????

Of course you do, I mean who wouldn't!

We are looking for people to be guest team members for a month. That's it..no long term commitments. In exchange for a free kit, you need to create with it..simple as that.

Every scrapbook style is welcomed. Each person has their own style and we want to showcase it!

You can choose from either a card kit or a scrapbook kit. Both kits are amazing and contain the latest and greatest of products.

You DO NOT need to become a forum member either. We also understand that not everyone likes to be a part of a forum...that's ok! All we ask is that you have a blog or Facebook so you can post the creations you've made using our kit.

Interested?? email denise@scraptures.ca

What are you waiting for????

We Want To Know??

Every day in our message boards, one of our ST members posts two questions of the day called "We want to Know (WWTK)" One is paper craft related and the other is a general question as a way to spark conversation or even to get to know our members better.

Here are some of this week's questions that were posted by our Blog Boss T...

Have you scrapped pictures of your childhood?

What is something that you used to use when you first started scrapping that you would NEVER use now or haven't used in a very long time?

How many cards or layouts have you completed so far this year?

Have you ever gotten a traffic ticket?

When you go for long drives, are you content to sit and look at the scenery or are you fidgety and have to be doing something like reading a book or looking at maps?

Come and join us in the forums and check out the WWTK questions sometime! We'd love to have you there!

February Layout Tag REVEAL!!

It's here...the reveal!!!

We started with this layout by CherylWhich was sent to Denise who created this...(with the awesome February kit as well)
Denise's was then sent to LauraLee who created this

LauraLee's layout was then sent to Shannon who created this

Shannon's was then sent to Kelly, who created this

Kelly's was sent to Chelle who created this... and finally Chelle's layout was sent to Tracy who created this

As always, these ladies did an amazing job. The transition from the first layout to the last always amazes me.

Stay tuned for March's Layout Tag Reveal!!

It's February 15th....and that means-->

We announce today who our March Guest ST members will be!!!

Working with our awesome scrapbook kit in March will be

JENNS

and working with our equally awesome card kit will be

CRISTA

Congrats ladies...It'll be fun working with you!!

Remember, if any of you (Canadian residents only) are interested in becoming a guest Scrap~tures Team Member for a month, send Denise and email and she'll give you all the particulars

Cricut-Using The Fit To Length Button

Here is a YouTube video to explain how to use this feature!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdNPviGeUWs&feature=player_embedded

We hope you are learning lots from these Cricut Tips & Tutorials!!!

stay tuned for more

Using Different Features on your Cricut!

If you have ever wondered how to use the Multi-Cut Feature, check out this YouTube Video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzQ8L5VmWg0&feature=player_embedded

Here are a few YouTube links for using the Fit To Page Feature

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjpVXO-is1Q&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuvQl4BH-24&feature=relmfu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SVdbhuePx4&feature=player_embedded

10 Things I Have Learned About The Cricut Mat

Shannon posted this the other day, it's not hers but she wanted to share it with everyone!

Thought I would share 10 things I have learned about the cutting mat.

1. Do NOT wear a long-sleeved chenille robe while using the Cricut
2. Do NOT drop the cutting board on the floor sticky side down.
3. Do Not put the cutting board in the Cricut upside down.
4. Do NOT use glitter immediately before using the Cricut.
5. Do NOT absent-mindedly put the clear cover oover your paper before loading the Cricut.
6. Do NOT leave paper on the cutting board for two days while you work on other stuff.
7. Do NOT forget that you have adhesive on a piece of cardstock and put it on the cutting board.
8. Do NOT scratch your head while holding the cutting board.
9. Do NOT try to cut handmade paper.
10. Do NOT forget to put the paper on the cutting board before you load the paper and begin cutting.

Too Funny!!

Scrap~tures Captures!!!

Scrap~tures Captures is a new feature where

every Friday we will be featuring of of our members by

choosing one of their projects from the gallery and showcasing it.

It's our way of letting our members know we really love what they do!!

This week, Denise has chosen this layout by Ruby/Inspired Scrapper

Here is what Denise has said about it....
"As soon as I laid eyes on this layout I was wowed!!! I love love love how she cut the squares of paper to appear as birthday gifts. And to top it off with the cake piecing was just pure genius!! the colour combo of the pinks and greens is just the perfect touch for a baby girl's birthday. And did you notice how the colours match the lettering in her t-shirt? And and and....I could go on and on! "

Congratulations Ruby!!

Check Out These Amazing Creations!

This layout was done by our fearless leader Denise..
using the scrapbook kit.

This beatiful layout was created by our February Guest St

Shannon using the scrapbook kit.

Our Alumni ST Ellen made this beautiful card using the February card kit

And this card was also created using the February card kit and was
made by our February Guest ST Bobbi!

There is so much more to be seen that these ladies and others have done with these kits.

Check it out in our GALLERY

Stay tuned for tomorrows post...we have a new weekly feature that we are busting at the seems to show you!

February Kit Reveal IS HERE!!!

I bet you've all been waiting for this moment!!

I for one absolutely love these kits. The papers are so much fun to work with.

Here is February's Scrapbook Kit

The scrapbook kit this month is Fancy Pants Hot Chocolate

1 sheet each of Fancy Pants New Bird, Chocolate Swirl, Wrapped In Chocolate, Iced Mocha, Chocolate Ice, Dark Chocolate,Glistening Snow, Chocolate Cards and Chocolate Strips
1 12x12 sheet each of Bazzill Prismatics White, Pomegranate and Java
1 12x12 Fancy Pants Flower Die Cut
1 pk. Fancy Pants Hot Chocolate Element Stickers
1 Zva Creative Snowflake Crystals
1 pk. Petaloo Colour Me Crazy Upper Case 3D Foam Letters
1 Tsukineko Frosty Pssst! Shimmer Spritz

Your Deluxe Add-ons include…
1 We Are Memory Keepers Sew Easy Stitch Piercer & Straight Stitch
1 WRMK Sew Easy Scallop Piercer
1 WRMK Sew Easy Blue Floss
1 WRMK Sew Easy Needles

Here is February's card kit.
Unity Stamp Co. Forever Friends/ Basic Grey Marjolaine

1 Unity Stamp Co. Forever Friends stamp set
1 12x12 sheet each of Basic Grey Marjolaine Hazelnut, Tuxedo Pie, Espresso Souffle and Fudge Truffle
1 12x12 sheet each of Bazzill Hillary, Blue Jean, Java and Sea Salts
1 pk of BG Marjolaine Pops Layered Stickers
Part pack of BG Marjolaine buttons and ribbon
1 Maya Road Leaf Green ink pad
1 We Are Memory Keepers Heart Attack Distressing Tool

Stay tuned to see what the team has done with these amazing kits!!

Happy Crafting!!

Are You Getting Excited???

The February kit reveal is just 3 days away.

These kits are so yummy...you will definitely want one when you see this reveal!!

We have some exciting things to come with the card kits starting in April...it's something you will not want to miss out on! I can't tell you just yet, but soon ;)

Have a great Monday!

Cricut Mat Tips!

1. When you get a new mat you may find that it is REALLY, REALLY sticky. When it is like this you risk ripping your ever-so precious paper. To help prevent this you can "condition" your mat. To do this, all you need to do is pat you mat ALL over with CLEAN hands (like playing patty cake on the mat). This removes enough of the sticky to help keep you paper from ripping

Here is a tip from one of our members:Cheryl

2. I have found a way to make my mats sticky again.
I wipe them down with a baby wipe and use my cricut scraper tool to get all wee bits that might remain.
I let it dry for 5 minutes.
I then apply a thin coat, in even strips, of ZIG 2 WAY glue, on the mat.
I let it dry overnight and in the morning put the clear acetate cover back on the mat.
The first time I go to use the mat after I have "zigged" them, I gently pat my clean fingertips all over the mat to "condition" the mat.
I have been using the same 12x12 mat for about a month now by using this method.
Believe me, it works!

Stay Tuned!!

Circut Class # 1

Introduction to you your Cricut!

Denise (and company ) have asked me to get them acquainted with their Cricuts. So I thought that I would start off with a few helpful hints that I wish I knew when I started out....

1 Tools that are helpful.
~A Criucut spatula or Exacto knife for getting your cuts off your mat (you can clean this with GooGone every once in a while as it can get coated in adhesive from the mat.
~ A scraper (or even an old gift card) to scrape little paper bits off your mat after you are done cutting
~ A piercer is handy for poking out those pesky little bits still stuck in your letters/designs

2 What adhesives work for adhering my designs?
~ Xyron - I have the personal sticker maker and the Xyron 501. To me these are the most useful in adhering my cutouts, especially the more intricate kind.
~ Zig 2 Way Glue - I have 2 kind of this. A chisel tip for bigger pieces and a pen tip one that's great for Teeny, tiny pieces.

3 How do I keep my mat clean?
~ I like to use baby wipes on my mat when I am done for the day to clean any fuzzy's off my mat. Let it dry before putting the plastic protective sheet back on.

4. Is there a right way for the plastic protective sheet to go back on my mat?
~ The answer is YES! When you get your new mat, write something on the plastic first. This will help identify which way is the right way up. One side of the plastic protective sheet is slightly oily to allow it to release from the sticky mat easier




5. Is there some way to know what all the settings are for?
~ Yes, Here is a chart that i have printed off and put directly in the lids of my machine for a quick reference. See bottom for the link



Here is a link to a more detailed chart that you can download and print off for future reference

http://www.aboverubiesstudio.com/the-cricut-cutting-guide/

6 Can I make my mat sticky again so that I don't have to keep buying them?
~ Yes, although I have not done this yet. I do plan on doing it in the near future and will post the procedure and my results.

Stay Tuned for More!!!

Do You Have A Cricut?

This month we have Shannon as our Guest ST and are very lucky as she is our resident Circut specialist! She has agreed to give us a month long tips and tutorial on them. Many of us have one but haven't yet used it very much or to it's full potential. This is what Shannon is hoping to change.

I'll repost her tips and tutorials here so if any of you have one and need a few tips, you won't miss out!

So...you have a Cricut...NOW WHAT?

Do not panic!!!

The first thing that you need to do is to take your new treasure out of it's box.

There, now it wasn't that bad, was it? When I got my first Cricut as a Christmas present, I briefly played with it to show my DH what it was and then put it back in the box. The poor thing just sat there for months and months. I have to admit, I was a little scared to take it back out. What if I wreck a piece of paper trying to cut something out? GASP!

The best way to learn how to use your new toy (tool) is to play with it. I know that can be a hard concept to grasp because we don't want to waste any of our precious scrapbooking paper, but if you follow what I am going to "teach" you in the next few weeks, wastage will be at a minimum.

My first "class" will be this Thursday night and while we may not be doing any cutting in that class, there will be lots of information floating around. Here are my class themes for the next few weeks...

Feb 3rd ~ Introduction to your Cricut
Feb 10th ~ Using your Cricut to making a title
Feb 17th ~ How to use different mediums with your Cricut
Feb 24th ~ Using your Cricut with your computer/Gypsy. The focus will be on the Gypsy as that is what I have (but am still very new at .)

I will also be posting tips and tricks throughout the upcoming weeks.

If you have any areas that you want covered, please feel free to post them here or send me a personal message. I will try my hardest to cover what you ask.

A Note About The Guest ST Program

Just a note to say that this program is only open to Canadian residents. We do regret this, but at this time with shipping costs and timing, it's just not a feasible program to open up to other countries.

Sorry for any inconveniece this may have caused.

The Scrap~tures Team

Heyyyyyyy It's February!!

and it's groundhog day!! The little rodent didn't see his shadow which means an early spring. It's actually 6 weeks until the first day of spring anyway!!!!

Lots of us are under a wicked winter storm so what a better way to stay home and scrap!

The February kit reveal is just 8 days away..and the team is working hard to bring you some absolutely amazing projects.

With February comes two new Guest Scrap~tures Team members.

We have Bobbi working with the card kit and Shannon working with the scrapbook kit.

Shannon is also doing a 'workshop' on the Cricut this month so show us some tips and tricks in using this amazing tool!

Also with February means we had to bid farewell to January's guests...Kristine from Creative Scrappers and Laura-Lee..they did an amazing job with their challenges!

The February kits are simply yummy...you won't want to miss this one :)

Looking for Guest Team Members

If you are interested in becoming a guest designer for Scrap~tures and being able to use one of the fantastic kits , send Denise an email and she'll tell you what's involved. Her email is on the right!

It's only a one month position so you have nothing to lose!!!

Give it a shot, we'd love to have you join our team!!

These kits are simply amazing, and what a better way to check it out, then to get a FREE kit!!!

We hope you'll join us!

WINNERS WINNERS WINNERS

Here is the post I'm sure a lot of you have been waiting on!!!!

Here are ALL the winners from our fabulous January Anniversary Celebration!!

3rd prize --for participating in our forum celebration is

JAX

2nd prize--for participating in our forum celebration is

WENDANCE

1st prize--for participating in our forum celebration is

JODYJOGIRL

MAMMY2ONE--for participating in the Scrap~tures blog hop

LISAP--for becoming a Scrap~tures blog follower

ROXY-for doing some of the challenges posted on the Scrap~tures blog

PAM WAGNER-for liking us on Facebook

If you ladies could email me at

steeles4u@aol.com

with your full names and addresses

I'll get your prizes postal ASAP!

Thanks so much for making our celebration such a huge success!!