More Great Scrapbook and Photography Blogs

I found some more eye candy for you. Check out these blogs:

http://gayles-scrapbooking.blogspot.com/
http://moonkophotography.com/
http://www.rachelludwig.typepad.com/rachel_ludwig_photography/
http://suzyplantamura.typepad.com/living_my_dream/
http://4boysandagirl.typepad.com/4_boys_a_girl/

Lots of nice scrapbook layouts and photography here. If you see one you like, please let them know I sent you!

For a Good Time, Call 865-235-9957

Remember going into a bathroom stall and seeing these words on the wall? Well, I'm certainly not promising you the same kind of "good time" that you would see there, but I do promise a great scrapbook weekend!

Maybe you have thought about coming, but you've never been to a scrapbook retreat before, and you're not sure what to expect. I can only tell you what I have experienced: lots of great fun, ideas, good food, and time to get away from it all and crop your heart out! I believe that if you decide to join us, you will not regret it.

So, if you want to be with other people who love to scrapbook, you want to be refreshed and inspired, and you want to eat wonderful food, call me and I'll sign you up! Or, send $60 deposit (non-refundable) to:

Ladybug Memories Scrapbooking
824 Edna Garland Rd
Maryville, Tennessee 37801

Remember, for a good time, call 865-235-9957!

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta

Here is another "foto" for the Fiesta (see Candid Carrie's blog):



This picture sums up my son's personality - rough, rugged, relaxed. He's 12 years old and all boy! I love how it tells a story without even showing a face.

Comments, Please

Since I had no comments on this survey a few weeks ago, I'm posting it again hoping that someone out there will have mercy on me and respond this time. Please?

I want to know: what kinds of "perks" would you like to see in a retreat? Do you like to be able to scrap in your jammies (you don't have to "dress up" to go to the crop room)? Are there some snacks that are better than others (surely you like chocolate, don't you?)? How about the food? And do you prefer a hotel, or is a retreat center/cabin setting just as nice? And what do you like to see in your goody bag? Do you like or not like to play games? Music or not?

Let me know what you think. I want to make your experiences the best they can possibly be. Leave your comments below or email me: ladybugmemories@gmail.com. And if you still haven't signed up for the August retreat, sign up today! We're going to have so much fun.

Scrapbook Layout Display

I was surfin' the 'net today and saw this post on CreativitiE. What a great way to display your layouts before you actually get around to putting them into albums. Of course, you may be the type who puts them in immediately, but for those like me who don't always do that, maybe this will inspire you to at least get them out there where people can enjoy them. Thanks, Erin, it's a wonderful idea!

Handmade Paper Crafts

I have been thinking of ways to expand my business and to reach more people with what I do. I like to make different things with paper, so I have made some things that I hope to sell at some arts and crafts events. Here are a few examples:




The item on the left is a mini photo album and the tin on the right has a different type of mini album inside.

Doodlebug Kits Are Here!

I now have some really cute kits in stock! They are from Doodlebug Designs. Look at these yummy colors:









What do you think? Aren't these great?

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta

It's Friday again. Time for another Foto:





This picture really sums up our vacation in Destin, Florida: sunshine, good food, and a peaceful, relaxing time. What a great vacation. Doesn't my daughter look happy?

I Have a Confession to Make

I think it's time I let you all in on a secret. It's something I've been hiding for a while now. I haven't wanted to tell anyone for fear of the whispers and stares I might get from certain scrapbooking enthusiasts. And, even now, I'm a little afraid that revealing myself will cause all my scrapbooking friends to shun me.

However, I don't think I can hold this in any longer. So, here goes:

I am a .........

scraplifter!

Yes, it's true, I am one of those shameful people who look through scrapbook magazines and books and on scrapbook websites for cool scrapbook layouts and then (gulp!) copy them!

Before anyone calls the scrapbook police, let me explain. I do NOT copy these layouts exactly, nor do I claim someone else's layouts as my own. I really only use them for inspiration. In fact, most of the time, my layouts don't even look like the ones I "copied". And when they do, they have totally different pictures and colors.

So, I'm thinking. Why don't you join me in this "habit"? Come on, it is really a lot of fun. And, if you get very good at it, you can even begin to scraplift your own layouts. I'm telling you, it has made me more productive and my layouts so much more beautiful.

Try it, you'll like it! And when you do, send me a link to your layout and I'll put it in a future post.

Happy scraplifting!

Retreat Still Open for Registration!

I have had a few people ask if I am still accepting registration for the scrapbook retreat in August. The answer is YES! I still have plenty of spots open if you want to come. Just let me know and I'll put you down: ladybugmemories@gmail.com. The more the merrier!

Layouts to Share

Most of my favorite blogs, whether they be scrapbooking blogs or not, have lots of great pictures on them. I love to look at good photography, and I get inspired by other scrapbook layouts. So, with that in mind, I want to share some of my photos and layouts with you. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think:

Scrapbook Book Review: Scrapbook Page Maps

Scrapbook Page Maps: Sketches for Creative Layouts by Becky Fleck (published by Memory Makers)

If you liked Becky Higgins' sketches, you'll LOVE Page Maps! I have been a fan of the Page Maps website for a while and when I saw this book, I knew I had to have it!

Becky Fleck has put together a book chock full of ideas for great scrapbook layouts. There are ideas for double-page spreads, single-page spreads, and even 8 1/2 x 11 pages. I like how each sketch has full-color layouts to show you variations on how that idea can be used.

Possibly the best part about this book is the bonus that comes with it: a deck of cards with one sketch and layout per card that you can take with you to crops and retreats to inspire you as you crop!

Becky Fleck has done a wonderful job with this book. It is a must-have for every scrapbooker's library!

(see bottom of this page to order from Amazon)

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to my father:

And, the father of my precious children:




God bless you both!

Sharing the Blogging World

I have been looking around the internet for new blogs to add to the list on the right and I've come across several to share. Take a look at these and enjoy:

http://danielle-hereiam.blogspot.com/
http://erinbassett.typepad.com/
http://gettinsketchy.blogspot.com/
http://hmitm.blogspot.com/
http://www.kellygoree.blogspot.com/
http://www.sosketchy.blogspot.com/
http://thebirrfamily.blogs.com/confessions/
http://ryzmomplus2.typepad.com/my_weblog/
http://tanyascrapbooks.wordpress.com/ (great tips and techniques for scrapbookers)


Hope you're having a great weekend!

Friday Foto Finish Fiesta

While I was surfin' the net today, I discovered Candid Carrie. She asks bloggers to "include a phavorite photograph (like how I did that?) and a brief description of why it is your phave and I will add a link to your blog within my blog".

So, here goes:

Is this a girl with a 'tude, or what? It just made me want to laugh out loud! And if you knew this girl, you would know that this is not an unusual pose. She really cracks me up!

Thanks for the fun, Carrie!

All Day Crop - September 20, 2008

School Days Crop

Date/Time: Saturday, September 20, 2008, 8:00 AM-10:00 PM
Place: Holiday Inn Express, Alcoa, Tennessee
Cost: $25

The cost of this event includes:

Lunch and supper
Door prizes
Goody bags
4 feet of table space per person
Sizzix and dies
Computer and printer for use
Sewing machine
Circle cutter
Idea books
Drinks and snacks (including chocolate!)

If you bring a friend (someone who is coming for the first time), each of you will get $5.00 off your fee. A $10.00 non-refundable deposit is due upon registration in order to hold your spot. The remainder is due on the day of the crop.

Beginners are welcome! I will have all you need to get started (just bring photos).There will be a table at the crop with lots of supplies for you to purchase. Many of these things will be items you will not see in the local craft and scrapbook stores. If there is something you want before the crop, email me and let me know and I will get it for you.There will be a limit of 10 spaces available at this event, so sign up today!

Email me: ladybugmemories@gmail.com or call me at 865-235-9957

Judy Dudley
Ladybug Memories Scrapbooking - Come Crop With Us!

http://www.ladybugmemoriesblog.blogspot.com/

I Want To Know!

I want to know: what kinds of "perks" would you like to see in a retreat? Do you like to be able to scrap in your jammies (you don't have to "dress up" to go to the crop room)? Are there some snacks that are better than others (surely you like chocolate, don't you?)? How about the food? And do you prefer a hotel, or is a retreat center/cabin setting just as nice? And what do you like to see in your goody bag? Do you like or not like to play games? Music or not?

Let me know what you think. I want to make your experiences the best they can possibly be. Leave your comments below or email me: ladybugmemories@gmail.com. And if you still haven't signed up for the August retreat, sign up today! We're going to have so much fun.

Retreat Deadline Extended

I have talked to the owner of the retreat center for our scrapbook retreat in August. Today was the original deadline for deposits. The deadline has been extended to June 15. So, if you are wanting to go, please mail your check soon. There is still room for you!

Email me for the address to send to: ladybugmemories@gmail.com.

(I will be able to accept registrations after the 15th, but the first 15 people who sign up receive a gift valued at $10.00 retail. So sign up today to be one of the first 15!)

New Product From Hot Off The Press

As soon as I can make contact with the local UPS warehouse and retrieve my package (don't ask; let's just say I'm not too happy with UPS right now), I'll have some new scrapbook stuff to share with you. One of these products will be these beautiful page kits from Hot Off The Press. They are called Almost Done. And that's just what they are: almost done. All you have to do is assemble and add your pictures:

Here are a few layouts that I have done with these kits:

Pretty fun, pretty simple - just the thing for busy scrapbookers. And the price is right: only $8.00 per kit. If you want to order, email me: I'll be glad to send one (or more!) to you:

ladybugmemories@gmail.com

We Cropped, But We Didn't Drop!

Owning a scrapbook business is so much fun, especially since the people you meet are so nice. It is a pleasure to be serving a group of ladies who know how to enjoy life and who show such creativity.

We had a great time yesterday at the all day crop. We talked, we ate, we laughed, and we even managed to get a few pages done! We also met a few Harley-Davidson bike riders....

Thanks to all who came! And thanks so much to Becky, who prepared our lunch for us. The sandwiches were great!

The next all day crop will be on September 20th. If you are interested in coming, just let me know. My email is ladybugmemories@gmail.com. I would love to have you join us!

Crop This Saturday

The next all day crop is coming up this Saturday! If you want to come, there is still room for you. Here are the details. If you want to come, please email me and I'll sign you up:

ladybugmemories@gmail.com

I'd love to have you there!