Melissa Frances

Drum Roll Please...

It's time to announce the winner of our big giveaway...and thanks to random.org, we now have a winner! Congratulations to...

Please email us to claim your prize!

Today we have a beautiful layout to share from one of our talented design team members, Amber Tosh. On this sweet layout, Amber used the Cheerful and Strong papers from the THANKFUL COLLECTION (remember that a portion of all sales are donated to breastcancer.org). She also used the new crystal clear stamp set, Fontastic stamps.

Also, if you haven't left us a comment in the previous post (remember we are doing a BIG giveaway), please do so by Friday. We will be announcing the big winner sometime Friday evening so don't miss it!

it's time for a BIG GIVE-A-WAY!!!

  Not only does Melissa Frances provide you with beautiful scrapbooking products, but she has some BEAUTIFUL storage pieces that will look perfect in your scrap room. Many of these fun pieces can be seen here. Melissa has graciously decided to give away a big assortment of goodies along with some of these awesome storage supplies to one lucky reader! All you have to do, is leave a comment below. Good Luck!

These Rubber Stamp and Ribbon storage boxes are perfect for nesting all of your scrap goodies inside. I love the beautiful colors printed on the box, but you can also get the boxes in white and alter them to fit your style!

These little hinged boxes are based off an antique box Melissa found. They are a personal favorite of mine, and I love storing all of my embellishments in the boxes. They come in two sizes, and they have three separate compartments with dividers to house all of your treasures.   

   

Melissa Frances Newsletter...

If you're not already on the mailing list for the Melissa Frances Newsletter, then go over here and enter your email info. Each month, Melissa sends out a beautiful newsletter with inspiration and ideas. There is usually a sketch with samples and a guest artist. There is always something inspirational, so don't forget to sign up! Check out this ADORABLE layout from Linda that was featured in the April newsletter...

Getting To Know Amber Tosh...

We are so pleased to be getting to know one of our talented design team members this month. Here is a little more about Amber Tosh...

Name: Amber Tosh

Age: 32

Where were you born, and where do you currently live? I was born in Palmerston, Ontario and am currently living in Nova Scotia .

Tell us about your family: I am married to Ray, my husband of 13 years and we have 5 amazing children, ages 3-11. 4 girls and 1 boy!

Hobbies & Interests: Papercrafting, sewing, decorating and gardening (or maybe I should say "weeding"!)

Pet Peeves: Dust. Why can't it just stay away ?!

Favorite Magazine: Home Companion

Favorite Smells: Baby shampoo - we still use it even though our "babies" are getting older!

Favorite Movies or Books: Anne of Green Gables has always been my favourite movie, and my oldest girls now love it as much as I do.

Favorite TV show: We don't have TV but if I get over to someone else's house, I love to check out the home makeover shows-the transformations are too fun!

Favorite Season: Autumn- love the colours,clothing and foods!

What time do you wake up in the morning? 6:00 everyday !

Do you collect anything? Yes, I have about 45 mismatched teacups! Anything pretty and worn will do!

SCRAPBOOKING:

When and how did you get into scrapbooking?I was introduced to scrapbooking about 6 years ago through a friend who took me to a home party. I didn't really start scrapbooking for myself until my parents gave me the cutting tools as a gift one Christmas and my sister introduced me to online forums about 3 years ago. I haven't stopped since!

What is your favorite Melissa Frances Product? Patterned papers for sure!

What music (if any) do you listen to while you scrap? Scrapbooking is really a quiet time for me, so I don't have music on while working.

What do you like to snack on while you scrap? Does coffee count?

How would you describe your scrapbooking style? Evolving !

What is more important to you…getting the photos into albums, or indulging in creativity? I love to preserve memories, but in truth it's about the creative process for me. I think it's just as important to show my creativity and leave that to my children - what you do with the photos shows your personality too!

Where do find inspiration? In magazines, and from the photos and products themselves!

Do you like to crop or scrap alone? I'm pretty much a lone scrapper because I do most of my work at night when everyone else is sleeping!

How has scrapbooking changed your life? Well, before I started scrapbooking I was always rearranging and changing things around the house - scrapbooking has given me a more "contained" creative outlet ! I've also branched out into other papercrafts as a result ,and my photography is always improving!

What is one scrapbooking tool, can’t you live without? I guess that would have to be a trimmer!

What format do you scrap? (12x12, 8.5x11 etc)?Mostly 12 x 12 .

Which do you prefer? Scrapbook layouts, cards, altered projects? Although you see mostly layouts from me, secretly I love altered items! I think it'sbecause of the freedom to use more dimension and texture!

Do you have any organization or time saving tips you could share? Unfortunately I'm a super slow scrapbooker! I really don't mind taking my time- I just enjoy it more that way. It's always helpful of course to have a sketch for times sake, and I usually choose all my papers and supplies before I even get started.

And here are a couple of inspiring projects from Amber...

A few weeks ago I was asked to be the keynote speaker at our Canadian distributor Open Page  Wholesalers . They wanted me to give an insightful speech about my experience with Breast Cancer . The theme of their gala was Breast Cancer awareness, so all the ladies came decked out in their pinks. They even decorated the tables with our new "Thankful " stickers.  I was so honored being picked to speak at their event. I only hope the guests enjoyed it as much as I did.

Thank you Paula!

-Melissa

New Resin...

I have to say that I have loved all of the fun resin products that Melissa has released, but these new angel wings have to be my FAVORITE...they are so beautiful, and I couldn't resist using them on a simple layout of my sweet niece. You can view these wings and other new resin releases here (scroll down to the bottom of the page).

-Sherelle

Mother's Day...

is just around the corner, and if you're like me, it's not always easy to buy for the mother's in my life. I prefer to make handmade cards and gifts that show a little more meaning for my amazing mothers and grandmothers. Here is a quick idea for a gift card and container to fill with treats...

Carolyn is beyond thrilled to announce that she will be celebrating National Scrapbooking Day with a class at MELROSE VINTAGE in Phoenix, AZ Phone: (602) 636-0300 on May 3rd.  Diane the lovely owner of Melrose Vintage and Carolyn have talked for three years about having her come do a class. The stars have finally aligned and they've done it. Carolyn's ticket is booked, the sample's made and it's all set to go. All that's needed is some of you delightful people to come spend the evening with her.

Carolyn says: 'If you've never been to Melrose Vintage you're in for a treat. I can honestly say that I have never been in a store like it before. It's inspiration on hyper drive. Imagine the home you'd like to have, full of Shabby Chic furniture, beautiful crystal chandeliers and vignettes that inspire you to accessorize and style your own home. But wait, then you round a corner and behold, a carefully selected assortment of scrapbooking products is also available. Specializing in shabby chic and vintage products, Melrose Vintage's scrapbooking department is a hidden jewel for those who adore romantic, vintage style.  Can you tell that I love this store?!! I'm sure you'll find it as wonderful as I do'.

I invite you to join me on Saturday May 3rd from 6:30 - 9:30PM. We will have the store to ourselves and Diane will host us in perfect style. Our class? Designed specifically for those who love vintage shabby, the 'Glittery Memory Board' class is a delight. We'll be working with gesso, acrylic paint, scrapbooking papers, a charcoal pencil, luscious ribbons, German glass glitter, vintage ledger and book pages, a set of classic brocade acrylic stamps and crepe paper. You will learn background collage techniques in addition to 2 different ways to create those popular rosettes that are used frequently in shabby chic projects. Each student will have the choice between completing the project in two different color schemes; soft and pastel, or bold and vintage. Your finished project will be a home decor piece that will look beautiful hung on a wall or door. For those of you who are local, Diane has the class sample in the store if you'd like to check it out!

To register please call Melrose Vintage at (602) 636.0300. Class cost is $65

Thank You...

There are no words to express how grateful I am to the response of the” Thankful” line.

After only 3 weeks we have had to reorder.  I am so touched that my life experience with Breast Cancer has effected so many. With your continued support and part of the proceeds going to BreastCancer.org we will work together to support the fight!

-Melissa Frances