BLOG GIVEAWAY while We're Away

Our final blog entry before leaving for our Crop and Cruise the Caribbean 2009 and it 's going to be a giveaway!!! This is for all Canadians not joining us on the cruise, but wish you were!!

You will win a lovely sampling of products from some of our amazing sponsors!! I'd take a photo, but it's all down in Miami right now waiting to be loaded on the cruise ship!!

To enter, please leave a comment telling us where you think the next Crop and Cruise Scrapbooking Cruise for Canadians should sail to????

It may take some time before your comments will appear as internet access on a cruise ship is not optimum, but know that we will pick a winner on Friday, March 6!! Meanwhile, we look forward to sharing some goodies and some memories from our trip once we return!!! They may look something like this...

MY PALMS ARE SWEATING . . .

...my heart is pumping, my bags are packed and I am walking out the door. Just said 'good-bye' to the kids & hubby. Can't believe it's here already and we are all gonna be partying together really -- REALLY -- soon. I can't wait to meet every single one of you -- and I'm incredibly excited to see all of you that were with us last Crop and Cruise!!!! Woohoo...............what a Blast we are gonna have!!!!
Not long now................!
happy travelling,
jill

a little eye candy...

so the countdown is here. we leave in 2 days. can't wait. So I was reminiscing about our fabulous companies. we are blessed to have such fabulous support. so I thought I'd show you a few of my favourite layouts I've done in the past few years with some of our sponsors product. Look for new stuff after the cruise, we will have lot's to show. until then...

the above layout is one of my favourite ever. So simple, showcasing the awesome Hambly. LOVE the teal circles!!!! Then I added a little Luxe jotters for my journaling, their rub ons for decoration and obviously the fabulous Prism cardstock!




this layout, I spritzed and sprayed, multi colours of Glimmer Mist all over this layout. I used Prima felt for a border and loads of their flowers, Rose Moka papers layered and layered. Of course Clearsnap Colorbox ink!love that goodness.

• here is one full of Luxe patterned papers, ribbons, letter stickers and Prima flowers. (see a habit???)

• This one I did for Basic Grey's website a few years ago. I loved it. the picture is so full of fabulous memories. Basic Grey patterned paper & chipboard. Making Memories rub ons. They are still my #1 rub on ever made. Ranger glossy accents. great product!

• This is an assignment I did for the Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine "all about me". Lots of Prima flowers. Ranger alcohol inks.

• this one is so fun! A mix of Hambly transparencies that go with any product line. In this case a2z. but the Luxe rub ons again.

• This one is created with all different colours of Clearsnap Colorbox Ink, the Scor-It board, Gelatins fabulous stamps. you will get to play with these on the ship!!!!!! yummy!

• This one I did for Stampin Up! It started out as a plain white sheet of paper, I used their stamps to layer and create a background.

• The Scenic Route paper is fabulous!!! They always have such great stuff. I also loved using American Crafts thickers for the title. such clear, well made alphabet stickers.

• here's another Rose Moka page.fun patterned paper and Prism cardstock.
  

• more Luxe pages, I have lot's of Luxe stuff, love their pp, rub ons,jotters. They are a fun colourful company.
  

• hambly rub ons are awesome for Halloween. they are simple crisp designs. artsy type and fun!!!
  

• Here are some Stix 2 projects using foils. I think you guys will get a chance to play with some glitter and foils!

• these Christmas balls show the foils too!

• Another Luxe...pp, jotters,rub ons

• This page is covered in Clearsnap Top Boss embossing powder, Making Memories rub ons (LOVE these!!!!)

• A oldie but a goldie using Crate Paper pp. Love it!

Checking in one more time!

Yup--I'm here to say Bon Voyage to everyone and safe travels to Florida!

Hubby and I are out of here very early Tuesday morning (like 4am early!) and off to Miami.  We are planning on spending a couple of days touring the Keys before hooking up with you all!   I'm super excited to meet everyone and get to PLAY with you all soon!  

Before I leave I thought I'd share one of my CRATE PAPER cards with you! Crate Paper is a PLATINUM sponsor and we will be using this line, Prudence, in our Technique Treasures--thought it would be fun to give you a sneak peek at a card using it.  Some of you have posted that it would be great to make Thank You cards for all of our amazing sponsors, so this card is fitting!  I'll also be bringing a limited amount of card kits to sell and this is one of the four cards in the kit.

Hope you like it and travel safe everyone!

Bon Voyage!

Deanna

Jackie Ludlage and the Steven & Chris show

1, 2, 3 ays till WE leave! woohoo. I am soooo excited. but first I thought I'd tell you about an exciting thing happening tomorrow afternoon. We are very excited to have Jackie Ludlage & Katharina Doyle (editor/publisher) from Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine coming on the cruise with us. Let me tell you, they are a blast! LOVE them dearly!!!! Anyways, TOMORROW, Jackie is on the Steven & Chris show talking about scrapbooking. Tune in if you are available!

FABULOUS NEWS!

Countdown is well upon us--I leave on Tuesday!!  Woohoo!

I just wanted to pop in and share some terrific news with all of you croppers! 

As you all know from my previous post--I will be bringing along 2 SLICE MACHINES from Making Memories to share, use and demo during the crop nights.  This is a fantastic opportunity for you to get your hands on this amazing machine and actually die cut your heart out!  

Well, the fabulous Jodi from Making Memories has now told me that we can GIVE THEM AWAY!!! So on the last night of the cruise, TWO of you will be the proud owners of your very own SLICE machine! What an amazing souvenir!! And let me tell you--I've had a sneak peek at all of the amazing new cartridges coming out and you will FREAK OUT!!  seriously!  

So who wants to adopt a Slice machine?  do I hear any volunteers??

What would YOU do for a new baby:)

talk to you all soon!

Deanna

9 more days, 8 sleeps...

The time has sure has gone fast! Can you believe we set sail next Saturday??? awesome.
thought I'd leave you with a little photo to remind us how wonderful paradise is going to be!!!!
can't wait to scrap with you guys!
Leica

okay seriously I just can't stop blogging...

someone pull me away from the computer....please! haha just joking!

WE DON'T THINK YOU NEED TO BRING ANYTHING BUT YOUR BASIC TOOL KIT & PHOTOS, BUT IF YOU FEEL THE NEED TO HERE IS MY HELPFUL LIST:

Basic tool kit:
camera & manual
pencil,eraser, ruler
black/brown journaling pens
favourite adhesives
your must haves, cannot live without.

items sponsors are GIVING you to keep:
marvy trimmer with interchangeable blades
scissors
bloom titanium knife
adhesive
patterned paper
loads of embellishments & treats!~


okay let's get done to the nitty gritty. This is exactly how I pack for events when I was pregnant (why did I say pregnant? because you CANNOT carry too much due to injuring your baby, so you have to pack much wiser. I got good at this since I seemed to be pregnant non stop for the last 5 years. LOL!!!)

I sit down and think, how many layouts do I realistically do on an average night of hanging with my friends? Be true to yourself. If you only do 4-5 , don't plan for 20 a night cause the cruise ship does offer LOT'S of fun stuff to tantalize you, WE are going to offer lot's of fun extras to do. you re going to want to mingle, laugh, go on adventures. So I look at my pictures that i want to get done. Pick ones that will keep you really interested in scrapbooking. if you always scrapbook chronologically maybe spice it up by doing some layouts that are from recent photos in between your older ones. This will keep your interest as well as giving you some recent memories to reflect upon, and new family photos to share with your new friends on the boat...everyone wants to talk and get to know their neighbors, whether it is chatting about your kids, husband, friends, pets, work, etc. Then I take those pictures, go to my patterned paper stash, pick papers I would probably use with those pictures. I do give myself a selection incase, but I DO NOT take 10-15 pages I might use. I take maybe 3-4. Then I go to my cardstock stash and pick my staples. black, brown, white and the a few extra for choice. I especially bring any "colours" that really match my photos. Then I go to the "embellishment" area. I pick out a few, but I DO NOT take too many of these. Cause I may need one 5 letter word of chipboard letters, and end up taking 2-3 different packages of chipboard letters. NOW I have just packed way too much. Instead take alphabets like " American Crafts thickers." They provide lot's of choice for less weight and bulkiness in the suitcase. Remember it is all about the bulk. do NOT bring bulk. I find that maybe I didn't bring something that I know would've been good on the page. I flip the page over and write myself a note, then I add it and finish the page when I get home. I don't ever take my albums, they for one could get wrecked, and 2 they are HEAVY! So I plan paper holders to hold my finished results.

So quick summary of what I said:

• plan exact photos you'd like to accomplish, and then bring a few extras.
• pick out your favourite patterned papers and cardstock , and then bring a FEW extras
• bring a few coordinating embellishments, especially things that take less space and weight. maybe use stickers, rub ons, bling versus chipboard, acrylic, metal. or be select on what you bring
• if you want to bring ribbon, ribbon maybe 14" of each colour, DON"T bring entire rolls. UNLESS you are making mini albums where you will use that ribbon throughout. I scrap pretty intensely and I have NEVER used a whole roll at a crop before.
• bring essentials like black/brown markers for journaling, your favourite cannot live without adhesive, but remember we have a huge Diamond level adhesive sponsor, so just keep that in mind...

Things I like to share between friends:

• acrylic blocks
• crop a diles
• staplers
• ink colours
  
• stamp sets
• multi coloured watercolours, pencil crayons, gel pens, journaling pens in other colours
  
• slice machines
• cricuts, etc
  
• magazines/idea books
• embossing guns/powder

items that will be available for use in classes & crops:

• westcott cutting mats
• scor-it boards
• acrylic stamp sets (even more from other companies than what I am bringing!!!!)
• a few acrylic blocks
• crop a dile
• a few stamp pad colours
• staplers
• a few random embellishments: flowers, ribbon, brads, etc

there is probably more, if you think of any please add to this list. Just keep in mind, you probably will not be using these items at all times, so why not share?

JUST KEEP THIS IN MIND, DO NOT TAKE ANY GLUES, SCISSORS ON CARRY ON, THEY WILL BE TAKEN AWAY!!!! I SPEAK FROM EXPERIENCE!!!!

Here's a few of the stamps I am bringing that you are welcome to use:
please click their links to see the images of the stamps

Stampin Up
Central Park-2 step stamping
Fifth Avenue Floral
Petal Pizzazz
Playful Petals
Flower Fancy

My Stamp Box:
Alphabets:
Lots of Dots
Letterboxes
Rough copy
Other:
Colorful Companions
He loves me
Seal it
Neighborhoods
All Year Round
Just add Notes
Your Story
small boxes:
Small greetings (small box)
Happy Birthday (small box)

Daisy Bucket
You & Me
Heart Seal
Loves Me
With Love
( There might e a few more surprises we were chatting about for stamps, but I won't know till Florida)

Magenta
There are a whole bunch of stamps here to play with:
15 different flowers in all sizes
5 leaf sets
3 art deco sets

Gelatins- this one I haven't receied them yet, so they might be a surprise! LOL! surprises are good.



Okay, hope that answers some questions!!!! If you have any more keep asking, love to help in any way I can!!!

Leica's optional classes

Leica here.... are you guys getting excited???? I just came back from my brothers wedding in Hawaii, it was absolutely fabulous. But it did put me back in check for airline rules. They really are cracking down on weight guys,. so please please don't bring the "extras". I know it is tempting, because that is how you scrap at home, but for real, the charges are pretty intense if you are overweight. so here is a few hints for you so that you feel more reassured that we are really providing the best experience as possible. So I thought I would tell you a few things that I will be using in my classes that I would love to lend you!

• stamps from a plethora of companies.
• blending wands
  
• mica pigment colour
• scor-it boards
• ribbon
• embossing powder
• ink
• crop-a-dile
• stapler
• edge distresser
  

This is just a few things I can think of, I know the fabulous Jill has treats up both sleeves for the crop nights too!!!! So don't worry, talk with your friends, or ask on this blog before packing so that everyone doesnt bring all the same stuff. heck if I can let the can out of the bag for a minute... LEAVE your scissors at home! I DARE YOU!!!!!! okay I better stop being a naughty girl and leaking the goodies, I might get in trouble, but seriously, LEAVE them!!!!LOL.


So here's a little more about my optional classes:

My " Let's make you the designer" class is very hands on using a range of different stamps from lot's of companies, having an assortment of stamps, such as flowers, abstract pictures, alphabets, I'm sure there is something that will meet your scrapbook needs. In this class we will start with totally white canvases, then we will go through lot's of different techniques on how to apply ink to create the background colours. Using many different stamps of your choices we will layer them over the background, learnng how to determine which ones should be in prominent colours and which should be subtle detail in the background. Taking the same stamps we will create embellishments that we will "colour" with mica pigment colours. This creates more intensity in the designs. When we are ready to assemble the project the real fun will begin. Break out those Scor-It boards! Have you ever tried these? Well I am going to show you ways to use them, no card making here, all creative design!!!! Then let's do some distressing, raising elements, this class is totally TECHNIQUES!!!!!Come create your own custom mats for photos. This whole project will be an extnsion of you. I guarantee that no 2 will look the same. This class is a complete continuance from Vol.2 & 3 of Canadian Scrapbooker Basics Series. Can't wait to see your masterpieces. Keep in mind there will be NO KITS available for this class, as it is exclusively hands on.


I am bringing all the different colour palettes so you will hae a great selection of colours.


Don't forget that in our classes we are giving so much extra product to play with. We want to make sure that you leave with an abundance of fabulous products!

My second optional class is really just playing with more patterned paper in one sitting than anyone knows what to do with. Come one, let's get those pages done, kicking it a little Leica style. Combining colours, different patterns, go crazy or stay in your comfort zone. I am all about YOU loving your page!!!! Create your own twists on my design.

Layouts, layouts, fabulous layouts!
Join our mission to create beautiful layouts, catch up with scrapbooking our favourite photos and learning new techniques! Do you have trouble wondering where to start when creating a layout, how to combine different patterned papers, or maybe you are looking for a new way to include multiple photos on one page? In this class, we will create 3 layouts in all skill levels. We will work with "negative" space, patterned paper layering, and a layout that has neat techniques with multiple photos. Just think... 3 beautiful completed layouts!!

I just received this week the gorgeous Daisy Bucket "Loves Me" line that we will be using to make a double page layout and Rose Moka sent me their papers to create a single page (however, I have a secret... There is soooooo much extra paper in this class that I designed more pages if you don't want the fun to end! tee hee. )for the same class too. So this week I am going to have so much fun preparing the kits!!!! So come play with me in this class as we dabble with stamps, ink, magic mesh, ribbon, buttons, LOT's of patterned papers, cardstock and flowers.






Keep in mind, that sign up for the classes is coming to an end soon. So if you want to take any extra classes make sure you don't leave it too long, because we are all busy cutting and kitting. Due to the weight issues we will only be making a certain amount of class packages so be sure to reserve yours today!!!! There will only be a handful of extra kits available on the ship.

Pinch me--am I dreaming?

Hey Everybody!  Deanna from Beautiful BC checking in!  

Hope everyone is getting as excited as me--I can't believe we are all heading out so soon--am I dreaming??  A mid-winter SCRAPBOOKING break in the Caribbean--are you sure I'm not dreaming?

We've all been super busy putting all the final touches and details together--products to be shipped, kits to be made, and most importantly FUN to be had!  You will not believe what is in store for you on this cruise!!

By now, most of you should have received your "welcome" package--this is where you will find tons of answers to all those little questions you've been thinking about.  I've been studying my cruise ship map so I won't get lost and I have my "NCL" tattoo ready to wear!  My husband will be joining me (yippee) and our next course of action is getting our excursions planned. Between all the scrapbooking and sightseeing, we're all going to need a vacation by the time we get home!

So let's talk SCRAPBOOKING!  In your package you will find your supply lists which will cover everything you will need for your classes.  Remember to pack light as we are sending you home with a bunch of goodies!  You'll also find your Itinerary with your class times and crop nights--yippee--is it feeling real now??  

I'll be teaching a couple of classes with you on board.  My feature class will be a two page layout with my amazing sponsor MAKING MEMORIES!  You will not believe all of the product you will get in this class and how much you will have leftover to create more layouts, cards and treasures!  They have been extremely generous and you guys will all be thrilled.  We will be using their new "Poolside Paperie" and it is yummy!!  The layout I have designed specifically for the cruise is called "Paradise Found" and it will be perfect for all of those great Caribbean pictures you will be taking.  This double page layout is designed to showcase 10 of your fav photos of Paradise--from 2x2 up to 5x7's!  Here's a little sneak peek--don't want to give too much away:)

The other exciting news is that Making Memories has given me TWO SLICE machines to bring on board for YOU to use!!!  I'll be demoing them during the crops and you'll be able to use them to put those finishing touches on all of your layouts!  How cool is that--a personal digitial diecut machine to create your titles, shapes and extras!  I LOVE my SLICE and if you've never tried it before, get ready to fall in love!  It's the best thing since sliced bread--hahaha, sorry corny joke:)

Next up, I'll be teaching one optional class on the Thursday at sea.  This is a 12x12 canvas class and will be an amazing souvenir of your cruise.  If you've never tried a canvas class before, this is a must!  But be forewarned--they are addicting (and super fun and easy!)  All materials, including the 12x12 canvas, will be provided in this class and you will be able to add in some of those "special" seashells you collect on the beach too!  Take a little piece of heaven home with you;)

To see all of the instructor's optional classes as well as more photos, check out the "Add-ons" on the Crop and Cruise website.  Space is very limited in all classes, so don't delay!

Lastly, will be our super fun and crazy Crop Nights--more projects and more playing!  I'll be working with the fabulous Crate Paper and your Technique Treasure is an entire layout! WooHoo--you will be shocked at all of the goodies they have given each and everyone of you--over $20 value.  Here's a sneak peek of that layout--loads of layers and dimensions--that's my style!

This layout is perfect for absolutely anything and you'll get to personalize and change things up to make it all your own--you'll love it!

So hope everyone has started packing!  I figure it is highly unlikely that I will be wearing any shorts and tank tops in the next week or so, so they may as well get into the suitcases!  

Happy Packing and we'll talk with you all soon!

Deanna

2 weeks and counting!

Hey everyone!

Trisha here again... just thought I would pop in to say "hi":) It is soooooooo hard to believe that in 2 short weeks we will all be in Miami getting ready to board the Norwegian Dawn for a week of Fun in the Sun while visiting all of those beautiful islands!!! Paradise awaits us... it'll be pure bliss I am sure:)

I know that we have a been busy co-ordinating the shipments of product that has been generously donated by all of our sponsors to make your Crop and Cruise experience truly spectacular! Thank goodness we can have a lot of the stuff shipped directly to the boat as I don't know how we would ever get it all there otherwise.

We have aso had a few last minute sponsors jump on board too! I know that I personally have worked with Quick Quotes, Acme United (Westcott) and Serif this past week or so to secure some more goodies for you lucky gals:) The list of amazing companies continues to grow and we are so very thankful to everyone that is participating!!!! Your generosity truly is appreciated!

As an instructor, I feel blessed to have the opportunity to share with you participants some super cool techniques using products by my favourite companies! Know that in my classes and Technique Treasures you will have the opportunity to play with products by Luxe, Prima, Tattered Angels, Ranger, Sakura, Hambly, Riff Raff Designs, Quick Quotes and Stix 2! Each teacher has worked with their companies to put together some AMAZING classes that are sure to thrill you to bits!!!

So as we count down the days until we depart on this ultimate scrapping adventure, know that I am looking forward to meeting each and everyone of you! Be prepared to have a fabuous time (I know that I am!!!)

Luggage Allowance!!

Imagine this... 4 ladies at the end of CHA trying to fit excessive luggage and ourselves into a PT Cruiser and praying not only that it fits, but also that we are not over our luggage allowance for our flights back home!! I had to sit with my legs up (suitcase under my feet) and my last bag on top of me as I squished into the little spot beside my new friend Nancy!! Believe it or not, we were within a few pounds on all our boxes and bags so we made it without extra charges!! What they didn't know is that my "purse-like-tote-bag-carry-on" weighed about 30 pounds!! Perhaps they thought such a little person wouldn't be able to carry that much still with a smile on my face!!

So... the moral of the story? There are several!

First of all, know what your airline's luggage restrictions are before leaving!! Unfortunately, many airlines have recently changed their policy on checked luggage and are now charging a fee for EVERY piece!! Here are the websites for most airlines for easy checking!

www.aircanada.com
www.westjet.com
www.nwa.com
www.united.com
www.continental.com
www.aa.com
www.delta.com
www.usairways.com

Second, it might be wise to have along a hard copy of the luggage allowance to show at check-in. Last year, the attendees were unfamiliar with my husband's "Elite" status and weren't going to allow us our full limit. They ended up checking online, but from now on, we always have a hard copy.

Third, pack lightly with only the essentials and share when possible. If you are staying with friends, perhaps only one of you brings a straightening iron or Crop-o-dile or even a suitcase! You will notice in your package of information, that you really do not need to bring along much for scrapbooking as we are providing so much and more sponsors are still coming on board! As much as we think you will love all the stuff you are getting, we're trying hard to help you avoid paying extra on the way home!

If anyone has any other helpful suggestions, please post them here for all to read!!

The countdown is on!

Hi Cruise gals... Trisha here checking in (finally!)

I am back from CHA and now focusing like mad on all of the fun things we have in store for you on the Crop and Cruise which is only a couple of weeks away!!!!!!! OMG! Doesn't that seem crazy? It was only one short year ago that we were looking at applying to become a part of Allison's Dream Team and here we are, only a couple of weeks from setting sail aboard this ultimate adventure! Can I tell you how excited I am to be a part of this event?! Seriously... I am like a giddy little school girl!

So as many of you know, I was one of the lucky gals at CHA last week in Anaheim. I had the honour and privilege of not only working for some of our Cruise sponsors but getting to know many of the companies/ people coming with us.

Here is a pic of Allison with Nancy (Scrapbook Pantry) and Christy (Monday Night Class) at our Crazy Canuck Night at CHA. We laughed till it hurt!!!


Katharina (Canadian Scrapbooker) and I... having too much fun!

Below is a pic of Christy (Monday Night Class) and I... we had so much fun and this was the first time I met her!!!! I felt like I had known these gals forever!!! I think we will all form a bunch of instant friendships that will provide a million and one photo ops JUST LIKE THESE!!!

Miss Allison... you were a blast as always and I am honoured to be a part of your team! Here's to a smooth couple of weeks as we all prep to set sail.

Anyways, feel free to contact me personally if I can be of any assistance! Introduce yourself, link me up on Facebook... whatever! I am looking forward to getting to know you ALL! Be sure to stop by my blog too for more pics of our Crazy canuck night in California... this will give you an indication of how much fun these ladies are!