The Year Ahead...

The new year approaches and there is so many good things in store. New beginnings, new relationships and the wonder of what "might be". What are your scrapbooking resolutions? After all, a thought without a plan is merely a dream.

Plan to make time for your craft.
Plan to organize your stash, even in small collections.
Organize your photos.
Try a new technique.
Tackle your wedding photos, heirloom photos, baby photos.
Purge the stuff that no longer tickles your fancy.
Donate the leftovers.
Sell the stuff that you never opened.

These are great ways to start your New Years' resolutions.

(Another great resolution is to try to socialize and get out more...that's what our Go All Night Scrapbook event is all about! Enjoy your craft and give to a great cause! )

Happy New Year everyone! The best is yet to come!

Bonnie

The Gathering

This is the stage of organizing an event of this magnitude that always gets our hearts pumping! In amongst the excitement of the holidays, the joy and cheer, we manage to squeeze in a request for the fundraiser.

This past week, I have touched base with people from Southern Alberta, the West Coast, all the way down to Illinois! It always amazes me that no matter where in the world we scrapbook, we all speak a similar language. We all love to support the greater good!

We also have some of our first registrants booked for March! Way to go! We are optimistic that it's sure to be a good one!

Also, for those of you that load the registration form, and would like to jump on the "lunch card" bandwagon, bear with us, we will load the "order" sheet in the next week or so. You can also contact me and I can email it to you at smith.scraps@gmail.com

Have a great weekend! And stay tuned!

It has begun...

Our registration forms are in circulation. The form is posted to your top right. It is a pdf.
The dates are March 2-4, 2012. It is the beginning of our 5th Annual Go All Night Scrapbook event!
WOW!

Some donations have arrived! They are delicious! Some of our goodie bag treats are in the mail! Some raffle items are on ORDER! Whew! I don't know if I can make it through Christmas!!!

Start planning to attend one of the best crops of the year! Heck, put it on your Wishlist!

Till next time!

Bon

We will remember them...

November 11th is one week away. Where will you be at 11:00 am?
Take time to remember wherever you are...

Looking to connect our craft to this day? Make a personal layout about Freedom. What does freedom mean to you? What makes you feel free? What does a poppy represent for you? What legacy do you want to leave behind for your children, when they think of Remembrance Day?

Record your thoughts, and Remember our Fallen...

Lest We Forget

All Revved Up...

Whew! We just returned from a wonderful crop event in Peace River, Alberta. The crop was hosted by Jennifer Thietke & Megan Curry. Classes were instructed by Stepheny Fenton. What a great time!

We booked a room at Third Mission. What a fabulous place! Worth a stop when you are overnighting in P.R.
http://www.thirdmission.ca/

Anyway, this weekend just pumped me up to get the planning underway for our fabulous March event! Stick around and see what's new in the start of November here at the blog!

Enjoy!

Bon

http://www.timholtz.typepad.com/

As the spooky season approaches, get in on a great halloween project from Tim Holtz himself!

Check out his blog! Feel free to let him know that you got there, from here!

Happy Halloween!

Wow! The weather is turning cooler....the leaves have fallen, and the ghosties and goblins are getting geared up to come a 'knockin'

How about a great crafty project, from a super-crafty guy?

http://www.timholtz.typepad.com/

Check out Tim's Blog, and see what he shares when he teaches you about halloween tags, distress inks, and, of course, some kraft-resist paper!

Good luck with your tricks!

Till next time,

Bon

It's A Date!!

Dig out your calendar! Save the date! The date for the 5th annual Go All Night Scrapbook Event is March 2-4th, 2012!
It is sure to be our best one yet!
All night Scrapbooking & Crafting, complete with great food, prizes, services and pampering! We are always imitated, but never duplicated!
Stay tuned for more info as we start the planning for our fifth and most fabulous event ever!

A decade...

It is hard to believe that ten years have past since that dreadful day when the Twin Towers fell. This is just a wish and a prayer of hope for our neighbors to the South, as the sun rises tomorrow.

Stay safe,
Bonnie

I'll Make Ya Famous

This is one of the best movie quotes ever! Spoken by William H. Bonney in Young Guns.
Well,the quote is not new. What is new is the Fall issue of Canadian Scrapbooker!
And nearly every attendee from our 2011 Go All Night scrapbook fundraiser is in it!
That's right! Pick up your issue today and check out our moment of fame!
Make sure to drop into the CS Facebook page and thank them for "makin' us famous"

Till next time
B

Great Times, Great ideas!

Hot Hot Hot! Hope your summer is going great! I apologize for the delay in posting, but sometimes you have to live your life and document it later!

First off, I want to share that we took in a fabulous crop down in Grande Prairie, AB with Tanya Fix and her team at Artully Inspired. A nice store, with great food service and a perfect location to the rest of the city! It was a weekend filled with friends, shopping, great food and some interesting scrapbooking.
One thing Tanya shared, was her love for the new Tim Holtz Distress Stain. Here is a link to the ever-popular http://www.scrapbook.com/ that shows how you can apply this fun stuff to your next project: http://www.scrapbook.com/videos/?m=view&v=2049

Then, I want to share another fun opportunity for those of you ready to attend a scrapbook weekend in September.

Scrapbook for a Cure
September 16/17 in High Level, AB at the BEST CANADIAN MOTOR INN
Early Bird registration is only $50!! before August 26th!
They will feed you and treat you all weekend!
T-shirts and classes are available!
Great room rates for out-of-town travellers!
Call Cindy at 780-841-8568 for more info!

(Psssst! I think they might even show you a few tricks with distress stain..................)


Finally, I just wanted to let everyone who will listen know that our Relay for Life team for the Canadian Cancer Society (a.k.a: Fighting Down Under) is presently selling teal rubber bracelets to share awareness of Cervical Cancer.
We will be actively fundraising throughout the year to support the team. Whether you are a scrapbooker, or not, if you would like to show your support, please drop me a line and let me know at bonnies@fvsd.ab.ca .Any ideas are welcome!

Take care, and enjoy the sun!

Summer is Approaching...

Are you a summer scrapbooker?
Summer is a fabulous time for taking pictures! The natural daylight and sunshine, mixed with the all the excitement of children, gardening, and barbeques, make for amazing photo opportunities!
Consider taking an online digital photography course, or even just re-reading the instruction manual for that awesome camera that you have.
This summer, get the best out of your camera, and your photos! They will make for wonderful scrapbook projects in the fall!

A New Technique!

This is just a little tidbit I happened to find interesting!

What a fun way to play with tissue!

http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2011/06/make-it-monday-18-adding-texture-with-tissue-paper.html

Enjoy! Till next time!

B

Sisters For Life - All Day Crop!

Last year, as the date approached for the Canadian Cancer Relay for life, in Whitecourt, AB, my sister was invited to participate on the "Survivor Lap". She had taken up a battle with cervical cancer and was overwhelmed by the closeness and connections she made through this event.

She decided that the Relay would be her mission in the next year (2011), and that she would enter a Team. (Now, at this point, you need to know that although we are a family of 8 children, we are spread out over 15 years within our family, and have lived in different parts of Alberta and British Columbia for many of those years. During my time, I have ventured into many strange hobbies, projects, and travels and my Sister has always jumped on board, no matter how goofy the adventure might be. She has given me a place to rest my head, and even the much needed proverbial kick in the A**. This makes the next part more understandable to some, although I rarely feel that I need to explain myself on most days.)

It was at this point, Team Fighting Down Under was born. It was to represent the fight inside of each of us, and the battle that she had won. There is multiple members, but they include myself, my 2 sisters, and my mom of 75 years of age!!

I have learned a few things about this relay...

• It's mostly at night


• It's a ....RELAY, which may involve me out there...at times...by myself?!?!!


• It connects people that have a common goal: to beat this disease we call CANCER!


• Our team needs to raise a minimum of $3000 to enter the Relay.

I would like to exceed the goal, however, we have to start somewhere. Since her decision to build this team, my Sister has found out that her battle is not over. The cancer has returned in another form and her fight with this disease has once again become our fight.

When you have the feeling that there is nothing you can do to help and make a difference, you can only do what you know...and this is my way of doing what I can, from where I am....This was the moment when Sisters For Life was born....

On Saturday, May 28th, we will host an All-Day Crop in High Level, at the High Level Learning Store. The fee is $30 per person, payable by May 23rd. We will provide some thank you gifts, lunch and a place to work on your projects! There will be random door prizes, 50/50 and raffles to help support the cause. Please email me at bonnies@fvsd.ab.ca or call me at 780-841-7712 for more info.

All proceeds will be going to support the Team. Donations are welcome, and appreciated. Join us as scrapbookers, as Sisters coming together to fight this wicked disease, that we know can or has affected so many of our friends and families.

Till Next Time,

P.S: Please feel free to learn more, or make your donations online here:
http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFL_AB_odd_?pg=team&fr_id=9409&team_id=246625

-B

Hail, Hail! The Gang's All Here!

Well, almost, I think we are short one person in this group photo taken at the Go All Night event held last month! What a great lookin' bunch!

(Photo credit: Lacey Reid - High Level Echo)

Till next time! Keep Scrappin'

B

Upcoming Crop!

Woot! There is a great crop coming up in the "north" country! Put this one on your Mother's Day wishlist! Make THIS weekend, YOUR National Scrap Weekend! Treat yourself!
Tanya promises it will be worth it!

In Grande Prairie, AB: (May)
http://www.artfullyinspired.com/index.php/events.html
This amazing lady was a fantastic contributor to our Go All Night event! Hope to see you up here next year, Tanya!

I hear talk about one in Peace River, AB: (April)
I will post more info as I recieve it!

You can also check out a great site for planning almost a year or so in advance! Watch for our annual notice there...
www.cropacrosscanada.com


Have a great day!

B

Scrapper's Block?

A friend of mine told me today that she didn't have the "get up" and scrap feeling lately. That she hadn't done much for projects at home, or even worked on organizing her new scraproom!

If that isn't a cry for help, I don't know what is?!?!?

Here is a fun post to help kick start some ideas. Always remember: you can scrapbook anything! Good times and bad, with pictures or without...this craft is a great outlet to release our frustrations as well as our highlights.

Here are 50 greatplaces to start to chip away at the "block"!
http://www.everything-about-scrapbooking.com/simple-scrapbooking.html

As for the scraproom...

• Take it out! If the chaos of the room is overwhelming, take one part of it out of the room to organize. Try one drawer. Take just the ribbon. Break down the task. Do it while you watch T.V., if your family does that sort of thing (wink)
• Start at one side of the room and work across.
• Get a Big garbage bag, and a Salvage box. That room will have items that should just go in the bag, and others that can be donated, given away or sold. Let them go, and make room for the stash you will actually use.
• Always keep one table/spot clear to scrap. The interest of organizing can dwindle if there is no room to practice the craft in between.
• Always keep a crop bag packed in case the opportunity to attend a crop arises. It's not fun to miss out because you are unable to find the tools you really need amongst the mess.

Good Luck! Enjoy!

Sweeten up your space!

Here is one of the companies that showed their support on our Auction table! (The ladies LOVED the scissors, Shaylenne!) Check them out!

********************************************************

Wall Sugar Co. is an Alberta-based business. They bring you unique, creative wall and craft decor that allows your personal touch! To place an order or ask questions, email them at wallsugarcompany@gmail.com or call (780) 298-9106.

Find them on Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wall-Sugar-Co/156005687742819?ref=ts

They blog at:

http://www.wallsugar.blogspot.com

They even accept paypal!

They have great promotions, including...

20% OFF Monogram letters until March 15th, 2011!! This is only valid through direct purchase! Sorry, no wholesale discounts will apply to this order.

***********************************************************

Love it!

Chat soon,

B

Our Sponsors

Please take a moment to review the list of Sponsors we had for our recent Go All Night event. The list is shown at the lower right hand side. These are the people that make our cropping world turn.

I hope I haven't missed anyone. If you are on the list, and would like us to feature your website, or information, please drop me a line at bbsmith@telusplanet.net .

We are always looking for great stuff to spruce up the blog!

Take care, chat soon!

Drumroll please....

Just a quick note to announce the total of our proceeds from our march 2011 crop...
We made a whopping $9009!!!
That means each of the 3 girls groups will receive $3003! We are so proud of ourselves, and thankful to all our contributors!
We could not have done it without you.
Stay tuned as we reflect on the event,and maintain the blog as a cropper's area of interest into next year!
All the best, keep croppin'
Bonnie

What an amazing weekend!

We are all still reeling from the events that took place at our 4th Annual Go All Night Scrapbook Fundraiser! We gave away some fabulous products including:

The Cricut Create

Tassimo Coffee Maker

The Teresa Collins Stampmaker

Flip-Pal scanner

and some Tutto Luggage!

It was a whirlwind of excitement and we could not have done it without all of you that attended or contributed!
Watch our thank you list on the right hand side, as we collect and update our list of this years sponsors.

A few things that you can bank on for next year....

1. the same great price for this all inclusive weekend!
2. the All Night expereince guaranteed!
3. a similar time of year, pending the availability of our venue.

A note that I would like to share....I apologize to those that signed up for hair services and treatments, that did not recieve them. Not really sure what the story was on that one. Hope you managed to use that time for some serious scrappin' while you were here!

To every person that put their family or life on hold to make this happen, or join us from near AND FAR....thank you! It warms my heart to know that we exceeded our expectations in fundraising, and made some little girls very very happy.

Here's to a smooth weekend, and we can't wait to see you all again next year! Bring your friends !

Bonnie

Twas the Night Before Cropping.....

ONE MORE SLEEP!

I can't believe it. Feels like we were just starting the planning process, and here we are!

There are a few last minute questions that we have been asked, and I just want to share a few tips!

• This event is in a PEANUT FREE FACILITY!
• There is a fridge and shower on site. Please label your stuff and bring your own towel)
• Slippers are a great idea for a weekend in a school gym!
• We will have a table to "give n take" items that you are no longer needing. Great for stickers, embellies from the project you have completed. One mans garbage...another mans treasure.
• Sleeping quarters are a classroom floor. Bring a mattress!
• There is no public phone for incoming calls. Please make arrangements.
• Visitors are welcome for brief periods of time.
• The vendors are open for shopping from 2-4 pm on Saturday.
• We will close the event promptly at 12 noon on Sunday, because the location is booked for another event.

Thanks for your support! We can't wait to see you!

Something new?

We have a new addition to our event this year. Actually, we have a few, however, one special addition is our Organizer Auction!
In the tradition of a Purse Auction, in which a range of handbags are contributed from many sources and auctioned for charity,we have designed an activity for scrappers!
Do not be late! We plan to blow the doors off this auction as soon as you walk in the doors!
It is filled with bags, totes, sorters and more!

Just another perk when you attend the Go All Night Scrapbook Fundraiser!

See you next weekend!
Bonnie

10 days to go!

It's all rolling in now...
We are surrounded by gift certificates, page kits, gift baskets, and products fresh from the line! We have products made in local homes to the coast of California to Okotoks Alberta to Utah USA!

The prizes are great,the location is optimal, and the food is being planned as we pack our bags for this amazing crop! Wow!

At the root of all this is a thankful group of young ladies. They start at the age of 5, and go to the age of 11. They are young, ambitious, and impressionable. A few of the leaders are lucky enough to guide them each week. I am truly excited to show them that an entire scrapbook community cares enough to give,and that this is a skill that can last them a lifetime, in knowing that adults care about them and their program!

Thanks for the support, whether it be in showing up, or just staying informed through the blog!

Till next time, get packin'

Bon

Great contests, great prizes!

This year we have been very lucky to have some generous supporters to our event! Local sponsors that have made sure that we have some great prizes to give a way in our auctions, and raffles!

Our prizes include a Cricut Create from Micheals in Grande Prairie! Don't miss your chance to get in on this contest! It is sure to be one our best raffle prizes yet!

The list also includes beautiful luggage sponsored by High Level's own Century 21! Another great reason to get in on the draws!

And what is scrap booking with coffee? How about a chance to win a spanking brand new Tassimo Coffee System?

Get registered today to get your chance to purchase tickets exclusive to our crop attendees!

We look forward to seeing you!

Early Bird Deadline is approaching!

We are less than a month away from the crop! Here are a couple things we just can't wait to share! These are 5 reasons to get registered, and come prepared!

1. Get in on the Smooshing class, and see what Glimmer Mist can do for you!

2. Do not miss our Organizer Auction! This is a new event for us this year, in the traditional Purse Auction style. Here is one of the great items that you will see in our shining star line-up: 3. There will be make'n'takes available at no cost to attendee! One of these quick, easy projects include the ever-popular A.T.C's (Artist Trading Card)

(Sample only - does not reflect actual session)

4. Copics, Copics! This is going to be a great place to learn about the Copic Marker! Whether you take in the Copic Creations class, or quiz our Funked Up Crafts vendor, Jessie, you are sure to learn more about this hot item!

5. Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner! There is a range of items available to be won at the crop! From Door prizes to Auction, to raffles, what a haul there shall be for the lucky attendees! Have a look!

How about some Cosmo Cricket?

Plus, some great products from local vendors including:

Gold Canyon Candles

Close to My Heart Scrapbooking

Partylite Gifts Ltd.

Nancy O'Dell Product from Creative MemoriesIt's so good, we can barely stand it!

Stay tuned! Get rested!

Do you got Soul?

When you register for the Go All Night Scrapbook Event, you will get a chance to see the amazing new keepsake products from Silver Soul.

Presented by High Level's own, Annette Piche, Silver Soul Creations is Alberta-based artwork at it's finest!

See more at http://www.silversoul.ca/ and see why it makes a great gift for others, or yourself. Not to mention why it is a great embellishment for any scrapbooker who is in love with preserving the past!

You can also email Annette at apiche@live.com for more info.

She will be available on site at Go All Night on Saturday, Feb 26th from 11:00 am to 3:00 p.m.

Hope to see you there!

32 SLEEPS TO GO!

B

The Copic Marker

This seems to be the one product that keeps coming up in papercrafting conversations everywhere. They are the sought after item, each one considered a treasured gift.
They are the Copic Marker.

I, myself, do not claim to be knowledgeable about The Marker, however, here are some people who realy know their stuff:

www.copicmarker.com

We are lucky to have more information for you at our Go All Night event, and with any luck, you may even go home with one of these special treasures to start your own collection. Or perhaps, you are the cutting edge scrapper that just needs to add to your stash! Either way, find out what all the fuss is about, and learn more about this wonderful obsession.

Till next time,

B

Massage, Facials, Foot Soaks, oh my!

Make sure to take advantage of our personal services at the crop in February!
Local vendors will be available on site to offer the following:

• Facials
• Foot Soaks
• Massage
• Hair Treatments
• Hand massage

What a great line up! Take time out and pamper yourself!

WIN a Cricut Create!

We CAN'T WAIT for the Go All Night Scrapbook Fundraiser! We CAN'T WAIT to GIVE AWAY a brand new Cricut Create machine to one lucky person registered at our event, in our new contest!

As noted on the www.cricut.com website: the regular retail price on this item is $269.99 U.S!
How awesome is this!?!?!
Don't hesitate! Fill out your form today for a chance to win this amazing papercrafting tool!

Stay tuned!

B

Good things!

There is some amazing support rolling in!
It is great to see new faces signing up for the crop, and old friends making plans to attend!
We can't wait to see you all!!

We have secured some great services to entice you to come out and be pampered!
These services include
Facials
Foot soaks
Hand massage
Hair treatments and massage!

There will also be some classes you won't want to miss!

Call us today, or stop in and get that registration to Karen before February 1st for our Early Bird offer of only $100!

It's going to be the best one yet!

Happy Thursday

B

53 days to go!

Our Go All Night Scrapbook Event is approaching, and the donations are rolling in!

• Gift Certificates
• Album Kits
• Chipboard & Embellishments
• and more!

Some of our Sponsors include our Vendors, Scraps from Heaven and Funked Up Crafts!

Our crew is working hard to collect the rewards and prizes, and scouring the scrapbook community for doantions to this GREAT cause! Check out the program at www.girlguides.ca

Plus, see our post about the event at www.cropacrosscanada.com . I love this location for great scrapbook adventures all across our great region and country!

Did you know? This year's registration INCLUDES your custom designed T-shirt! Sign up today and see what's in store!

Stay tuned for more info about our Services available at the Crop!

Later,