June Workshop: cards return!

"Stash Management... Strips & More"

Sunday, June 22

Nishida residence in Aiea

Kit Cost: $15

RSVP by Friday, June 20

bring your tape runner

Bliss is making good use of her "stash" of assorted printed paper for this month's workshop.  Hope you can join us for another relaxing afternoon of card making!

Trying Out Ahni & Zoe Albums

Letting go of the traditional scrapbooking method of starting with a blank page has been difficult for me, as I've been making albums since my sophomore year of high school.  So I was a little nervous when I tackled my first Ahni & Zoe Fast2Fab album last month. However, I resolved to fully embrace the new method of completing albums...

Once I opened my "Tangerine, Plum, and Then Some" album, I realized that pre-printed pages help immensely with the design process. It was nice to already have the basic layout done. After I completed a few pages, I was addicted... 

Sample page from a A&Z "Fast2Fab" album.
Looks pretty simple, right?

What a difference a few pictures makes!
I even went "outside the lines" on the bottom with two photos...
Gotta love that you can still add a little creative touch to these pages.

Along with Fast2Fab albums, Ahni & Zoe has also developed a new "Slide-In" album (similar to CM's "PicFolio albums).  Pocket pages come in vertical and horizontal packs, and just like the name implies, photos simply slide in the pockets... no adhesive required!  One of our workshop participants decided to showcase her pictures in a Slide-In album, complemented nicely with "Tangerine, Plum, and Then Some" slide-in packs. These double-sided 4x6 fillers are the perfect way to finish a page!

The simplicity (and joy) of completed album pages!

Hope this post inspires you to think about what photos you have that can now make their way into albums... I'm definitely excited to finish my Fast2Fab album, and I already have plans to begin a Slide-In album.  Stay tuned for updates!

Baby Card and Gift

With the loss of all the traditional Creative Memories products, I have to be a little more innovative with my gift giving... I used to love using Paper Albums for group cards, as the multiple pages affords enough space for everyone to write a note.  So when I wanted to make a baby card for my co-worker and his wife, I remembered a booklet/journal that my friend created from several pieces of 12x12 paper. All I needed to do was cut the 12x12 papers in half to make my own version of a 6x6 book.  Since I used some of the old CM "shimmer paper," I added cardstock inside to make it easier for writing messages with any type of pen. Love this simple project!

Finally... March Workshop: Flaps & Patches

"Flaps & Patches"

Sunday, March 16

Nishida residence in Aiea

Kit Cost: $15

RSVP by Wednesday, March 12

bring your tape runner

We skipped our card making session last month, but we are ready to go in March!  Hope you can join us to make this cute set of cards that incorporate flaps and some simple patchwork designs.  Here are Bliss' samples... love them!

A Retirement Party Album

Last year, I helped my good friend and her family celebrate her father's retirement by designing the invitation, journal cards, and favor labels.  I was also asked to complete an album, incorporating pictures from the party as well as the journal cards that guests filled out.  Although it has taken me a year to tackle this project (my album making skills are a little rusty), once I started, I was able to complete it within a week!


So most of my projects start off like this...

Thankfully, pages always seem to come together with a little inspriation.

 

I finally incorporated slide loading pages and CD pocket into an album... fun!


Putting together this album realized how much I miss this... Looking forward to my next album project!  What will it be?  Not sure, but I'm excited to use the new Fast to Fabulous albums to keep the process simple and fast!  

January workshop = crafts + coupons

For our first workshop of the new year, we did something a little different... I was inspired to combine my two favorite hobbies at the current moment: crafts and coupons!  The workshop was designed to give participants a chance to personalize their very own coupon binder. Every kit came with printed paper to insert into the binder's protective front, spine, and back sleeve.  A large monogram alphabet sticker added a simple, personal touch.  I had so much fun prepping for this workshop!  I also included a tip sheet ("Couponing 101"), summarizing everything I've learned from this unique past time.   



Yup, those are coupons in the back.  Each person selected a few,
as I encouraged everyone to practice what they learned!

Every kit included a zippered pouch, protective sleeves,
tabs, and a binder clip... those are just the essentials!

I loved how simple this project was! Here's a peek at our finished binders...

 

Gifts for the co-workers

I'm always a little nervous when I plan to make something for my co-workers for Christmas.  The pace inevitably picks up during the holidays, so I worry that I won't be able to follow through on my idea.  This year, I planned a very doable craft - a mini clipboard with a personalized post it pad.  I did my shopping early for the supplies and even spent Thanksgiving cutting and decorating the "clipboards." After unsuccessfully trying to design a post it from scratch, I selected one of the templates from Vistaprint... When all the components came together, I was quite pleased with the end result!

I snapped this shot of the clipboard on my co-worker's desk, ready to be used. Yay!

Because packaging always matters...
I also included a mechanical pencil as part of the gift.

 Yup, this is how many I made...

This is a custom order for my mom.  She'll be using it as a favor
when she has a Christmas brunch with her friends.

Ahni & Zoe Preview Day

I was so excited to receive my new Ahni & Zoe kit, just in the nick of time before our preview party on December 15.  Loved the new branding on the box, and I couldn't wait to dive into its contents...

 

We had a small group join us to check out the new products, but they were just as enthusiastic about the new line!  We were able to show off the new Fast to Fabulous and Slide-In Albums... We quickly realized that finishing albums would now be a stress free and simple process. Yay!

 

 

I'm looking forward to starting my new journey with Creative Memories in 2014.  My goal is to finish up all my pending projects and complete some new albums.  What will your goal be in 2014 to share your photos and all your beautiful memories?

2014 CD Case Calendars

The calendars are back!  This year's edition comes in two designs: Joy and Sunshine.  Perfect for any office desk or workstation.

calendars are $7 each

Introducing... Ahni & Zoe by Creative Memories

 

The new company is here! Ahni & Zoe ("Beautiful Life") by Creative Memories launched last month, and I'm excited to finally share the details about the fresh, re-branding of my beloved Creative Memories.  The heart of Ahni & Zoe remains celebrating life through sharing photos.  Although streamlined, the new product line provides us with the tools to complete albums - fast and simple. 

inawink | Ahni & Zoe's first app!  Coming soon... This app for iPhone is the first program that will take your pictures from "snap to finish." Inawink allows you to snap, edit, tag, and enhance your photos.  With print plans starting at $8, flagged photos will be printed and shipped to you automatically!  No more uploading and driving to the store to pick up your photos.

Fast2Fab Albums | Available in 11 themes, these 12x12 albums are predesigned, ready to showcase your beautiful photos!  One album can hold 70-75 photos (or more with refills).

Slide-In Albums | Similar to the retired PicFolio line, these 12x12 albums come with either vertical or horizontal pocket pages and can hold up to 144 photos.  Add a slide-in pack to journal and enhance your page.

Magnetic Displays | A 16x16 inch frame provides an elegant base for you to display your photos and memorabilia.  Change the display as often as you like to keep the look of any room fresh and cheerful.

Hope that gives you a peek inside Ahni & Zoe! Pens, tape runner, and photo storage boxes are also available.  Check out the full product line here.  I look forward to sharing more updates with you in 2014 and completing my first Fast2Fab or Slide-In album! 

 

Insta-Instructions

With the popularity of smartphones, Instagram, and collage/picture apps, I thought I would try to incorporate these digital tools into my November workshop instruction sheet.  We always try to prepare a guide for our cards, as many people will pick up kits to complete on their own time.  For each card, I created a "mini collage," which included a picture of the card and a key pointer or two.  I had so much fun creating collages in the "PicCollage," "PicFrame," and "A Beautiful Mess" apps (thanks, Rae!).  Here are my creations... I hope they were helpful for our workshop participants!

 

November Workshop: Pocketful of Fun

"Pocketful of Fun"

Sunday, November 17

Nishida residence in Aiea

Kit Cost: $15

RSVP by Friday, November 15

bring your tape runner

 

Do you feel the Christmas season quickly approaching? I sure do!  But before we switch gears to Christmas, we'll be creating a new set of cards perfect for sharing a thankful sentiment this month.  The theme for this batch is "pockets," as all of the cards incorporate a pocket or an envelope into their design (some even have secret pockets!). Papers used are from the Vintage Chic paper pack.  Here's a sneak peak at some of the cards... Don't worry, I still have some finishing touches to make on a few!

 

 

We'll also be making a "magic envelope card" - it's a card and an envelope all in one!  Hope you see you on Sunday.

Happy Halloween!

Last month, one of our most loyal workshop attendees, Brenda, shared with us this amazing haunted house paper project! She created it at a Ben Franklin workshop, and it took her hours to complete.  I love all the details incorporated into this 3D house, from the chalking around the doorstep/porch to the windows/shutters! And yes, you can remove the top piece, lending itself to a surprise box.  The back of the house also opens up, so you can insert a light source to illuminate it.  So cool!  I love that our monthly workshops can be a time of sharing and a source for new inspriation.  Thank you, Brenda!

 

 

 

Personalized iPhone Cases

One of my last projects that I completed under the "old" Creative Memories was redeeming my iPhone product credits.  I had two available, so I created personalized cases for both me and my mom.  My latest favorite artwork is the Nancy O'Dell "Joy" digital kit, so I was excited to incorporate it on something that I use every day.

I love my new phone case... Thank you, Creative Memories! Well, tomorrow is the big reveal day, as the "new" Creative Memories will launch.  Stay tuned for updates!

October Workshop: Holiday Potpourri

"Holiday Potpourri"

Sunday, October 20

Nishida residence in Aiea

Kit Cost: $15
RSVP by October 15

bring your tape runner

Bliss has once again created another adorable set of cards for us!  Come have some fun creating cards to put you into the holiday spirit.  We'll be working on two sets of four different types of cards.  One set will be an assortment for Christmas while the other is a variety set including Halloween, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, and Mother's Day greetings.  Here's a sneak peak...

Christmas Set

Assorted Set

 

September Workshop: 2014 Calendar

Another month has whizzed by!  This month we did our annual PicFolio calendar refill inserts.  Here are my quick designs for 2014... I didn't have to do much as the Peacock Power Palette (one of CM's last designer papers) was already beautifully designed.  I decided enhance each month with a simple flower theme, and I loved how all the colors came together!

Stay tuned for a version two of the 2014 calendar, as I had to use up all my papers for our workshop attendees, but I will need to make a new set for my mom's PicFolio... Looking forward to tweaking these designs!

Baby Shower Favors

One of my favorite crafting challenges is to create favors to match themed parties or showers.  Last weekend, we celebrated my friend's second child with a baby shower at The Veranda.  Since her baby boy's room has a jungle/animal theme, I tried to capture the same idea in the favors.  I knew I wanted to fill a plastic container with animal crackers and decorate it with ribbon/paper and a cutout using the Cricut.  I decided to keep things simple and go with an "it's a boy" tag...

The previous week I was shopping at Celebrations for the perfect favor container.  Although they didn't have my first choice in stock, they were so extremely helpful in finding an alternate solution for me. I also stopped by Ben Franklin to look for ribbon to match, and I was so delighted to find the perfect design.  Here is the finished result...