Melissa Frances

Tomorrow is the First of June...

and that means that many of us will begin the long lazy days of summer. Well...It's probably going to be the hot, sweaty, chaotic days of summer, but we can pretend can't we??? Linda has a great summer layout to share with all of our blog readers. We're hoping it will inspire you to take lots of great shots this summer, and spend even more time scrapbooking those memories...

"We're gearing up for summer and along with that comes some scrapping projects.  The photos are of my son, Cort and it was one of the first times in the pool for him.  The colors in the photos went perfectly with the Melissa Frances papers -- nice cool summer blues and greens.  I painted and glittered the "Summer Daze" chipboard to both highlight and add a pop of bright contrasting color." 

 

"Summer"  layout

 

Melissa Frances Supply List:

Papers- Piper, Amanda, Matilda, Trudy, Abigail

Summer Daze Blank Chipboard (SUMMER word and sun)

Numbers and Frames Stamps

Celebrate Cardstock Stickers (Laugh)

Designer Glitter (Regal Collection- Orange, Classic Collection- Lime Green)

 

Other:

Bazzill Cardstock

Buttons- Creative Cafe

Star brads- Paper Studio

Trims- Wrights

White and Green Acrylic paint

Making a Difference

While doing a breast cancer make and take at the CK Manchester convention the weekend of May 16th, Melissa met a fellow breast cancer sister who is in the middle of chemo and was sporting the cutest wig. When Melissa told her about the 'Thankful'  line and that part proceeds are being donated to www.breastcancer.org, she made Melissa smile so big when she said that she uses the site all the time.   For those of you interested in finding out more about breast cancer, or looking for a support group, Melissa would highly encourage you to check this site out.

Our prayers go out to this amazing woman and her family for a smooth recovery.

Meet Melissa in Buffalo

We're excited to share that Melissa Frances will be a part of the vendor faire at the Creating Keepsakes Convention in Buffalo, NY May 30-31. Be sure to stop by for some great deals and to meet Melissa herself!

  

Here's a coupon for those of you planning to attend. Simply print out and present at the door.

   

For more information please click here: www.ckscrapbookevents.com/buffalo2008

Here's a quick and easy gift idea using the new Thankful Collection...

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...