Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Happy 102nd birthday, "Uncle" Harry Katsuyama!

My father's uncle, Harry Katsuyama, celebrated his 102nd birthday!
It was a wonderful gathering of his immediate and extended family members.
My second cousin, Jana (and Paul) invited everyone to their home for the celebration.
I had a fabulous time catching up with my second cousins, Jana and Sean, and their parents, Jane and Ron.

Kevin and I are not yet in this picture but here are the rest of the family:

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I took the picture with my Sony Cyber-shot.
The rest of the pictures are still on my Christmas present from Kevin.

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It turns out that the memory stick is not compatible with my computer, so we have to get a external card reader first. Believe me, I was totally floored by this most awesome gift! :)

It's 3:40 in the morning and I'm finally starting to come down from all of the excitement from the family reunion. I'll get to the craft table after catching some zzz's and will post another card or two so come back again later tonight!

Cheers!

Monday, December 29, 2008

2nd Challenge card completed! ** Monday's Fun Day! **

I'm on a roll! I completed yet another set of challenges over at SCS last night. :)
FS99 - Featured Stamper Challenge featuring Barbara (Stampfilled Dreams).
GinaKDec28 - Gina K Challenge #2 "Off Kilter"
SSNoTime67 - Sharon's Stamp Simply Challenge #67 "New Toys"

Here is Barbara's adorable "Just So Hippy" card that I chose to CASE.


I chose it because I haven't used the Hip Hop Accessories stamp set yet and wanted to break it in. I changed the following:

* Color combination
* Stamp set (smaller image and different direction)
* Different sentiment
* Different ribbon
* Patterned paper that I set "off kilter" for Gina's challenge.

Here's my card:

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Stamp set: Hip Hop Accessories (Gina K Designs)
Paper: Bella Rose, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White
Ink: Rich Cocoa (Memento), Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Copic Markers, Pretty in Pink satin ribbon, Chocolate Chip polytwill ribbon, Marvy Giga Scallop Punch, mat pack, paper piercer, vintage brad, Word Window punch, sponge daubers, Stampin' Dimensionals, snail adhesive, paper snips


Ready for Monday's Fun Day?

Check this out!

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Original Copic Marker (R20) Blush - fine tip and chisel tip
Tuxedo Black Memento Dew Drop
Super cute acrylic flower stamp by Imaginisce

You can have your chance to receive this set just by posting one or two of your New Year's resolutions here. If you want to list them all, by all means... please feel free to do so! :) The winner will be picked by random.org and posted Sunday evening.

Memories Live On now sells these fabulous Copic Markers (Original and Sketch) in the store and online HERE!
Terrific prices, great selection, fantastic customer service.... what more can you ask for?

I'll be back soon with pictures from the store! I stopped in today and just LOVE the new additions. Just wait until you see the stuff they got in for Valentines!

OH! I also have a new "toy" to share with you so come back tomorrow for a post on my surprise. :)

Sunday, December 28, 2008

New Year Resolutions

I have been thinking about what I would like for myself in 2009.
Here's my list...

- More time with my family and friends
- Have my home cleaned up and organized by the start of the year
- My new mantra - "Everything has its place"
- Try to post to my blog every day
- Try to make a card a day
- Complete at least one challenge from SCS / blog every week
- Post to my favorite forums on SCS more regularly
- To make each day count
- To go to sleep and wake up with a happy and grateful heart

Come back tomorrow afternoon for a Monday's Fun Day post.
Until then, think of at least one new year's resolution for yourself!

To kick start one of my resolutions, I completed a couple of challenges today.
The first one is from Gina K - "Double Mat".
The second one is from Sharon on her blog, No Time To Stamp?

Here's the card I came up with:

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It's using a 12 x 12" Chocolate Chip textured cardstock that I trimmed to 6" x 12" and folded in half to make a 6" x 6" card.

Stamp set: Owl Always Love You
Inks: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Tangerine Tango (SU), Kiwi Kiss (SU)
Copic Markers (YG03, YG23, YG95, YG97, G99, E29, E37, RV09, RV11)
Accessories: Scalloped Square Nestabilites, Pink Pirouette 1-1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Chocolate Chip 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Word Window Punch, sponge daubers

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See you tomorrow!

Friday, December 26, 2008

Update on Memories Live On and My latest Monday's Fun Day winner!!

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After Christmas SALE
CHA is just around the corner and we plan on bringing in even more new items in 2009 than we did in 2008. To make room for the new inventory, we're taking 30% - 50% off all in stock Fall, Holiday and Winter items. The sale will start Saturday December 27th and run through Wednesday December 31st. (Competitor's coupons will be accepted on Wednesday as usual, but do not apply to items already on sale.) Our inventory is limited, come while it's still in stock!


Kid's Make and Take - December 30
We help your children ring in the New Year with a free make and take on December 30, 2008 featuring a 2009 accordian-style album highlighting their New Year goals. Our kids' make & takes have been quite popular and there is a lot of prep work involved on our teacher's part so we do request that you sign up beforehand. We hope to see your kids there!


January Classes
Cory, KT, Jane, Holly, and Lauren will all be back in January with some fresh new classes. Cory's mini-album will make use of the new Bittersweet collection from Basic Grey. KT will be celebrating Valentine's Day with some fancy 3D cards and a nifty treat box. Jane will be making greeting cards showcasing the cutest Penny Black stamps and Copic markers. Holly will be making an adorable Valentine's Teddy Bear chipboard book. And Lauren will debut our new beginner layout classes. We'll also be bringing a couple of new teachers on board. Lisa has a fun magnetic notepad holder planned and Anita has a double-pullout card that you won't want to miss. Of course we'll have a free kids' event as well. Check our website for more details about all our classes and events.




Monday's Fun Day Winner!!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
4
Timestamp: 2008-12-26 17:13:23 UTC


Savor the Journey said...
I can sense your excitement regarding your January opportunity to partake in the Copic Training. I feel secure in promising that you will be so happy with it! Marianne is so full of talent, and willing to share .. just ask questions and "savor" the day!


That would be BEV!! Congratulations, Bev! Email me your mailing address at:
whoopsie.daisy@sbcglobal.net


Happy "day after Christmas" shopping everyone!
I'm staying home this year, trying to get organized before the New Year.
I get this sinking feeling it's hopeless for me. LOL!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

WD Quickie Cards

JulieHRR over at Paper Trufflez has been inspiring me over and over again with her 5 minute Quickie cards. If you haven't seen them yet, go check them out! Simple and sweet. I just love her enthusiasm too... it's contagious!

So here's my first "quickie" card. It's my Christmas card! :)

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Here's how this "Quickie" card was put together:

Cut 8-1/2" x 11" cardstock in half lengthwise on the long side at 4-1/4" and score each strip at 5-1/2".

Wheel with Jumbo "Snow"
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Distress edges direct to Whisper White craft ink pad
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Color in image and distress edge with a sponge dauber in Ballet Blue
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Use Quickie Glue Pen where you want to add "snow"
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Add glitter
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Add ribbon and the image
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Warm winter wishes to you and yours for a happy holiday season!

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Unity

I have been a fan of Unity ever since I first heard of the stamp company. I adore their stamps and have managed to collect a few sets over the months. If you haven't tried their unique wood AND acrylic "in one" system, you will have to either check it out here online or stop by Memories Live On for a demonstration. It's a simple but brilliant concept that I think is just the best of both worlds! I'm super excited that Memories Live On will be carrying Unity stamps!

Unity will be at Winter CHA in Anaheim and there was a post on SCS for submissions for their display booth as well as a quick and easy make & take.



Let me know what you think! I was thinking of submitting these to Angela.


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Here's how this one looked before I put it together...

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This is what I came up with for a quick make & take...

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I found that I could make this one into different sizes for various sized goodies. This one is a basic square, just large enough to hold one yummy Ferrero Rocher chocolate.

Here's how I made this treat holder:

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Quick and easy! :)
Jane

Friday, December 19, 2008

January happenings at Memories Live On!

3D Holiday Keepsake Album
Saturday - December 20th
11am-4:30pm (lunch break in between)
Fee: $45
Teacher: Cory

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Cory has created an amazing accordian album with a shadowbox cover featuring the latest holiday line from Melissa Frances. This book looks even better in person - the images here really don't do it justice. Don't be deterred by the length of the class. There are a LOT of pieces and techniques involved in making this album and it will move at a brisk pace.

It's a Wrap
Four sessions (drop by anytime during these sessions):
Tues. Dec. 16th 1-4pm, Fri Dec. 19th 4-8pm, Sun Dec. 21st 1-4pm, and Tues Dec. 23rd 1-4pm
Fee: $1 per gift OR $8 for unlimited number of gifts
Teacher: Lauren and other staff members

Dress up your packages with a little extra flair this season. We'll make it easy by providing papers, ribbons, tags, stamps, rub-ons, and other embellishments and a whole lot of IDEAS! All you have to do is bring in your presents and before you know it, you'll have beautifully wrapped gifts that your recipients won't want to open!



My Goals for 2009 - Kid's Craft Project
Tuesday December 30th
2-4pm
Fee: NONE
Teacher: Lauren

School will be out and the kids will be complaining that they are "BO-RED" so why not bring them by to do a little craft project and let them release their creative energies? This project will take about 20-30 minutes (more or less depending on the child). They will be making a fun board detailing their New Year's resolutions or Goals for 2009.
January 2009
We have started scheduling our January and February events. Teachers are busily working on samples and pictures. We will have images posted very soon.


Everyday Greeting Cards Set 1
Saturday - January 10th
1pm-3pm
Fee: $25
Teacher: Jane


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Start the new year with a cute collections of greeting cards that says it all with these ever so-adorable images from Penny Black. This month, you will be making a “Miss you!” card, “Love you!” card, and a “Make a wish!” card. You will be using the Scor-Pal to make the fancy fold cards. As an added bonus, Jane will be showing you some basic techniques on using Copic markers. All skill levels are welcome! Classes are open up to 8 people, so call the store today to register with a friend!

Note: Each project comes pre-cut and includes instructions with pictures. The Nestabilities frames will be pre-cut and pre-embossed for you but there will be a demonstration on how it can be done with a Cuttlebug. Accessories on the cards are subject to change. Please bring your favorite adhesive to class. If you own Copic markers, please bring your own set to class for your personal use.

"Start the Year Right" All-Day Crop
Saturday - January 17th
10am-8pm
Fee: $15

Everyone's always saying "I'm SO behind! I need to get caught up!" Well how about starting the year off with 10 hours of uninterrupted cropping? You can get those holiday pages done and start fresh for the new year! (Okay - so 10 hours may not be enough to actually get caught up, but we can always have high hopes can't we?) As always, we'll provide cool goody bags and fun prizes for the mini-contests we'll have. Our goal is to keep this crop low-key and relaxed so you can de-stress after the holidays. You'll be on your own for meals. However, we will provide drinks and light snacks throughout the day.

Wow! 3D Valentine's Day Projects
Sunday - January 18th
11:30am-1:30pm and 2-4pm
Fee: $25 (for 4 projects)
Teacher: KT

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Make one-of-a-kind Valentine's Day projects for your family and friends, teachers, co-workers, and those who fill your life with happiness. These WOW! PROJECTS include a gold wire heart strung with heads and ribbons, a HUGS AND KISSES gift box using our new line of JustRite custom stamps, a GHIRARDELLI Chocolate V-Day card, and one other unique candy holder.
Classes sell out quickly, so call the store today to register with a friend or daughter (ages 12 and up) and enjoy 2 hours of fun and laughter! All skill levels are welcome. NOTE: All projects come pre-scored, pre-cut and include directions with color photos.
SUPPLIES TO BRING TO CLASS: A bone folder (if you have one), pencil, scissors, and PERMANENT roller adhesive.


Magnetic Notepad Holder
Tuesday - January 20th
11am-Noon
Fee: $8
Teacher: Lisa


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We are pleased to welcome Lisa to our teaching staff in 2009! For her very first class at MLO she has created a fun yet functional notepad holder that would be perfect on a refrigerator door or metal cabinet. Need a quick gift or want to use up your stash of paper? This class is for you! This project is simple and quick and is perfect for keeping that new year's resolution to be more organized! If you are a beginner to paper crafts, this would be a perfect place to start. All materials are provided, paper and ribbons may vary from the sample. Kits will be available if you are unable to attend the class but you must call the store to sign up for one.



Teddy Bear Chipboard Book
Sunday - January 25th
2-4pm
Fee: $25
Teacher: Holly
This chipboard book is so cute you'll want to make more than one! And with papers already pre-cut to the shape of the teddy bear album you can! The book features the newest K & Company Valentine's collection and plenty of eye-catching embellishments.



10 Things I Love......
Saturday - January 31
11 - 1 pm
Fee: $25.00
Teacher: Lisa

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This is a clean line and simple mini book by Lisa. In class you will get all of the pre-cut materials and Lisa will walk you through the assembly. You can then personalize this book once you get it home. It's a perfect book for that someone special in your life and you may want to make more than one. Kits can also be pre-ordered if you are unavailable the day of the class. Just call the store to sign-up or order your kit.


Our Cancellation Policy for Classes and Crops
Cancellations must be made 72 hours in advance and 48 hours before Friday Night
crops. If you cannot make it to a class and there is less than 72 hours before the class, you will get a class kit with instructions. For crops, you may sign up for a different crop night.

My grandmother passed away

I don't think there's ever a good time or way to say goodbye to a loved one. Unfortunately for my mother, she didn't really get that chance. Her mother passed away on Wednesday in Japan and she has been trying to get back home ever since for the funeral. My grandmother was in the hospital for many weeks and her health quickly deteriorated over the weekend. The funeral is today. I think my mother will be going back for the 49th day service and I'll try to join her. I always thought I would be able to take my boys to Japan to meet their great-grandmother. I always thought there would be more time.

I'm rambling now. It's kinda how I have been feeling.
Big apologies to all I owe projects to and pictures will go up later tonight of January's classes at Memories Live On.

Will be back with another post shortly.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

My first Japanese Santa!

I received a very special package last night that really touched my heart. It comes all the way from Japan as a RAK from Siobhan, one of my Monday's Fun Day Winner a few weeks ago. You can find her on her wonderful blog, Adventures from the Monkey Hut, where she has wonderful little stories about her life with her three children and military husband and displays fabulous cards and scrapbook layouts... even has time to do challenges! I don't know how you do it, girl!

Siobhan sent me this package which instantly made me reach for a tissue! Just about the most sweetest RAK ever, my friend! Doumo arigatou gozaimasu! It will be cherished.


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Merry Christmas, my friend!

love,
Jane

Sunday, December 14, 2008

A Sneak Peek, fantastic news, MFD winner, and a new Monday's Fun Day!

Brrrr! It's getting a bit chilly outside! It's official. We have snow in the mountains of Saratoga, Los Gatos, and Santa Cruz! Oh, I know... not as cold as some parts of the world. But this is Northern California! lol!

I've been working on the cards for my January class at Memories Live On. Here's a sneak peek of the images we will be working with!

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Remember to save the date! January 10th, 1pm - 3pm!
I teach at Memories Live On every second Saturday of the month!
The cards for the next class will be posted here tomorrow so stay tuned!


I have last week's Monday's Fun Day Winner to announce!


Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:

9
Timestamp: 2008-12-16 23:58:37 UTC


Hmmm... let's see.

Teri said...
Love your card and peppermint patty holders! Are you liking your copics?

CONGRATULATIONS, TERI!

To answer your question about the copics...
YES!! I LOVE my Copics! As a matter of fact, when Memories Live On got their initial shipment in last week, I happened to get there before the markers went out onto the shelf. I just stood there, running my hands over the pens in their bins. ALL those brand new markers in every color imaginable! OMG! Heaven!

I think I'm getting the hang of using the markers. The images up above of the sneak peeks are all done with copic markers.

I do have FANTASTIC news though.
Memories Live On is sending me to get Copic Certified during Winter CHA in Anaheim!
It really doesn't get much better than that.
Or does it?
Vivian mentioned going into CHA Saturday after the class and Sunday.
Seriously? Seriously! Get out of here! Wow. No way! I love being part of this team!
Thank you, Vivian and Mort, and Memories Live On!

Teri... Send me your mailing address. BTW, are you the same Teri that wanted the Tic Tac snowman?
jane.matsumoto@sbcglobal.net

NEW MONDAY'S FUN DAY!

How would you like to receive this beautiful set by Hero Arts?

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Just leave me a comment here and let me know if you have tried Copic markers.
If so, let me know which ones you prefer... the Original Copic, Ciao, Sketch?
What are a few of your favorite colors that you find yourself reaching for time and time again? What paper do you use with them?

Me? I love the Original ones because of the fine tip. My favorite colors are Cadmium Orange, Sepia, Sand, Caramel, Chartreuse... lots more to be added I'm sure since I have new colors coming on order from the store. I heard Lipstick Red is gorgeous! I use SU! Whisper White. No problems there except that it bleeds through the paper in the back a little. I really want to try Gina K's Luxury White and Neenah Classic Solar White. Does anyone have a suggestion either or? Any other suggestions or comments?

Stay warm!
Jane

Snippets!

I had the pleasure of meeting Lain Ehmann in person yesterday at Memories Live On.

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Lain has a fun little book coming out titled
"Snippets: Mostly True Tales from the Lighter Side of Scrapbooking."

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Creating Keepsakes writes: Giggle. Chortle. Maybe even LOL! Author Lain Ehmann visits the nuttier aspects of scrapbooking in a series of delightful essays exploring everything from getting started and making time for the hobby to stalking scrapbooking celebrities and yearning for a magazine worth scrapspace. Snippets makes a great stocking-stuffer and is perfect for gift-giving at any time of the year; Snippets is perfect for any scrapbooker from expert to novice. Find out how funny scrapbooking can be.

Lain read a little essay from her book for us and I got a good laugh from it. She read just a couple of pages (just a snippet!) and I was hooked! I am really looking forward to the book's arrival. You can preorder through the store now. It's only $9.99! This little 4" x 6" book will make the perfect stocking stuffer for scrapbookers. Just call the store and place your pre-order at (408) 446-9901 or stop by and do some holiday shopping too! They have lots of new goodies up on the shelves! There's more on the way too!!

Thank you for taking the time to do your "book signing" without books (giggle) and the make & take at the store.
See you in Anaheim, Lain!

Hugs,
Jane

Saturday, December 13, 2008

My Make & Take Saturday at Memories Live On

Thanks to all who stopped by Memories Live On today.
I hope fun was had by all!

I promised details on the make & take that I taught this afternoon. Unfortunately, my Word doc is being temperamental so I will post a tutorial here. If you have any questions, just post under comments to this post or email me.

Wallet style photo / gift card holder

Take a standard envelope and score it at 3"

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Glue down flap with and carefully trim off excess.

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Cut one end off at 4"

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Take the open end and punch out a half circle with a 1-1/4" circle punch.

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Cardstock (4-1/2" x 8-1/2")
Score at 3-1/4", 6-1/2", and 6-3/4"

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Add designer paper to the front top and bottom panels:
Top panel: 1-1/2" x 4-1/4"
Bottom panel: 3" x 4-1/4"

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Punch half circle in top panel with 1" circle punch

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Inside photo / gift card holder:

Cardstock: 3-1/8" x 5"
Score at 1" and glue down to inside of "wallet"

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Add more glue to the inside of the 1" flap and attach the trimmed envelope, seam side down.

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Stamp images first and then add designer paper strip. I used my Cutterpede and an interchangeable wavy border blade to create a decorative edge.

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Stamp image and punch out with 1" circle punch. Punch 2nd layer with 1-1/4" circle punch. Glue layers together. Use pop-up dot to attach to card.

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