So there was this Historical Lighthouse....

And I wanted to see it, because it I have never seen one before...I don't think...(apparently if I have, it didn't leave much of an impression). Anyway, my friends, Stephanie, Jillibean and I had just left Mount Vernon (more on that at a later time) and were driving down this road and saw a lighthouse across the river. Well, on my GPS system, there was a Historical Lighthouse, so we figured, this had to be it....RIGHT???? I mean if the GPS system says it...it HAS TO BE TRUE. Well, we followed all the wonderful turns to get us to the lighthouse and as we are about .4 miles from it (according to the GPS) we found THIS SIGN.

Well, not one to show defeat...Jill and I get out of the car and walk under the bridge. (Dodging joggers and bike riders along the way) Oh and Steph? Steph stayed in the car...which we thought was sad, because she would miss all the fun.

Well, as we get to the other side of the bridge, we see a sign that says 'Lighthouse' with an arrow pointing down a path. Jill and I can't decide if we should go down the path or not, because we don't know how far away it REALLY is...and we have been walking most of the day, and well, let's face it...we were verging on the edge of exercise here and that is something I don't do often. (BUT, that's another story) Well, this skinny lady comes up out of one of the construction trailers (oh did I mention that the bridge is under construction? If not, 'the bridge is under construction') and we ask her how far the lighthouse is. She says, oh it's just down there and across the soccer field, it's not far at all.

Well, I'm ready to opt out at this point (that whole almost exercise thing) and Jill says, "There is no damn way we aren't getting a picture, I'll go take it". So she takes off down the path. I'm standing there visiting with this lady and all of a sudden out of nowhere there comes a HUGE gust of wind, blowing up dust into our faces and the it just starts POURING buckets of rain....The lady and I jump back and as I'm trying to get back under the bridge. Another gust happens and a stop sign falls over and misses me by inches.

Well, Jill has been gone 3-4 minutes by this time and then there is this big roll of thunder, well it scares me and I'm thinking....I thought it was just down the freaking path where is she. Well, I got scared about Jill being down the path by herself in this storm and the rain coming down and the thundering, etc. So I looked at the lady and said, "I have to go find her, she is going to be scared" And I take off running down the trail (Picture this: Fat lady, running down walking path in pouring rain to rescue her friend....it is NOT a pretty sight) I have to SAVE my friend. Well, I'm walking down the path....and walking.....and walking.....and walking......................AND walking...well, you get the idea, it WAS NOT close. So it wasn't a 'little' like exercise it was 'alot' like exercise.

Well, I FINALLY get to the soccer field and I see Jill across the way heading back towards me. Now remember it is POURING this whole time. We are not talking about a nice gentle warm rain, we are talking BUCKETS of cold water. We both have our camera's tucked under our shirts to keep them dry....(kind of like leaving something in your pocket to wash and hope it stays dry...not hugely successful). I cut across the soccer field to get to Jill. And this is the conversation that took place.

Jill: It was a damn SHACK with a glass globe on top.

Klo: WHAT?

Jill: Yes, a damn SHACK with BOARDED up windows and a glass globe on top.

Klo: You have got to be kidding?

Jill: No, but I took stupid pictures anyway.

What a FRIEND. Can you believe she did this for me. Well, we began our 1/2 mile (yes, you read that correctly...the 'short' path was a 1/2 mile) trek back to the car. Still raining by the way.

Before we got to far, we realized we better take some pictures....since the camera's were really staying to dry under our clothes.

HOURS later...okay, maybe a few minutes later, we FINALLY get back to the car, and where the aforementioned Steph was.

Steph after the rain, nice and warm in the car.

Klo and Jill after the rain...DROWNED RATS...literally wringing water out of the clothes.

Well, we are determined there HAS to be another Lighthouse somewhere, because didn't we see one ACROSS the river??? Well, this guy was jogging by and Jill tries to stop him, to ask him about the one across the river. Well, he kind of jogs by and then realizes Jill was stopping him and he goes to stop and instead TOTALLY wipes out, his iPod goes flying and he basically lands on his face. He jumps up with the "I meant to do that" spring in his step, comes back and lets us ask about the lighthouse across the river. He says, "There is a lighthouse just down that path over there" pointing to where we had just come from. He then proceeds to tell us, the other thing we thought was a lighthouse is not one.

All in all, I don't really think I can consider this lighthouse a HISTORICAL lighthouse....however, maybe it could be a HYSTERICAL one. And the rain gave us a really pretty rainbow.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it...HOWEVER, if you would like to see JILL's Side of the story, go to her blog and read more on our adventures.

My Mail Day ROCKED Today

Look what I got in the mail today....Roxanne, a wonderful lady I met in Seattle last year made this for me. It is two sided, so I can choose the mood I want in there. I will have to be sure and share the 'squirrel' story of how Roxanne, her daughter and daughter-in-law REALLY met in a way that we will NEVER forget.

Roxanne....I don't even know how to say thank you for this amazing gift. So THANK YOU. I TRULY LOVE IT....BOTH SIDES.

A New Addition to our Family

Well, we are adding to our family. As many of you know, we have a son, Jared, that is mentally handicapped with autistic tendencies. Anyway, he does not like to have alot of people around, but we want to make sure he doesn't become a hermit and completely anti-social. So we have been trying to figure out a way to help him. Just by chance, my daughter, Heather, found a little yorkie the other day and she brought her to us to watch until we found her owners. (We contacted the Humane Society and local vets), anyway, while she was here, we noticed Jared coming out and being more social and interactive with the family while the dog was there. So after the yorkie found it's owner, we talked about it and talked with a counselor who thought it would be a great idea. We ended up driving by some friends house that happened to have some puppies for sale. Well, the puppies aren't ready to go to new homes yet, but they are ready in about two weeks. Long story short...we bought a puppy...Her name is Elora Danan Oxford and she will be moving in on July 1st or 2nd. Here is a picture of Elora Danan.

I guess I better get busy making cute cutouts for puppy pages.

My bags are packed and I'm ready to go...*sing it with me*

Well, I'm off to GASC-Arlington, TX tomorrow. I'm so excited. I will be working in the Pazzles booth and teaching classes on Friday and Saturday.

I'm so excited to 'work' with my buddies, Steph, Jill B. and Dona. They are some of my amazingly talented friends. So if you are at GASC....stop and see these talented women and say hi.

Using the Cut Line and Mirror Functions

On one of the groups I belong to, Robyn asked how to get the cut line and mirror to work for an AWESOME file she has been cleaning up. Instead of trying to type it out, I decided to show her how I do it, then I could share with everyone. Thanks Robyn...you are very talented and this is a beautiful file.

Creating Your Own Rubber Stamps

Have you ever wanted a stamp but couldn't find exactly what you were looking for and when you did, it cost $12 (more or less)? Well, now you can make your very own rubber stamps on your cutter. Here is a fun tutorial showing you how to create them and put them together. If you want to do this and don't have rubber stamp material yet, you can get it from Pazzles. If you don't need the acrylic blocks, you can also order the stamp sheets single, for this you will need to call Pazzles or email them direct.

Embossing, Engraving and Pen Fills, Oh My

I show how to create a 'fill' item in your software, so if you want to have engraving, embossing or even your pen tool fill in between the lines you can. Have fun and enjoy!

Another Cool Overlay

I didn't intend to create this. But, I was just messing around, trying a bunch of things and my husband walked in and goes, "Did you make that?" I just said yes, and he says, "Well, it is my favorite so far". So, I decided I better cut it out and add it to my store. The more I look at it, the more I love it. If you like it too, the file is available for download at my store.

Add an Image to the Image Gallery aka Blue Book Tutorial

I'm someone that does alot of designing away from my cutter. I was thrilled to find an easy way for me to be able to save files to my Image Gallery (thanks Melinda) along with organizing them there. This took the stress off of me needing to go hook up to my cutter every 5 saves (although, I love having those saves too, without having to worry about losing a dongle security key)

Anyway, this is a very basic tutorial on adding your designs to your image gallery/blue book. Remember though, if you want to share your file with a friend, you will need to save it in the wpc format in another file area.

Live Class Announcement

I'm going to be doing another live class via Live Video on Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 8pm CST (central standard time), you are welcome to join us.

I am going to be demoing how to create and cut your own rubber stamps, plus there will be question and answer time as well, so we can hopefully learn a lot of great stuff all together.

If you want to join us, you will need to do the following well BEFORE the class.

1. Go to www.livevideo.com (don't be alarmed at some of the pictures)
2. Search for scrappingklo Channel
3. Click on Live Show

If you have not signed up already, you will need to sign up, then go click on my name and request me for a friend. I will check for 'new friends' until about 10 minutes before I start, anything after that and you will miss out. I'm looking forward to seeing you all.

Overlay Obsession

Well, for some reason, I'm having a blast creating these paper lace/mesh overlays. I really love the challenge of them. They aren't really hard, but they are time consuming...anyway, here are two that I did today. The cutting files are at my store.

Out of the Box Tutorial

This should probably have been my very first tutorial. I discuss how to change your blade, how to prepare your mat for it's first use, load and unload the mat and the basics of using the actual Inspiration machine. I hope this will help some of you that haven't actually started using your machine yet....get it out and start cutting, you have an amazing machine and you can do amazing things with it.

Pregnant Lady

I was scrapbooking with friends a while back and one of them needed a pregnant lady that was tall and skinny (obviously, this is NOT a self portrait). So I created this for her. It was so fun to do this and it was so quick to put together. Anyway, I decided that someone might be able to use this too, so I added the cutting file to my store. I may have to do one that looks more like ME when I was pregnant...LOL....or not

Fun, Fun, Fun

Well, I have been working on a few tutorials and having a blast with them, but I think I'm ready to start doing some projects and doing a little more creating, so keep an eye out, I hope I can create and share something you might really like.

Plus, I'm still working on my mom's 80th birthday album (ok, ok, more like THINKING that I NEED to be working on it...since the party is at the end of June....good thing for the last minute, or I'd never get done....)

Don't forget, if you want to be able to download the tutorials, you can go to the Kloriginal Designs™ Store. I also have some files there and I hope to be adding some more over the next week 'between creating and designing' *grin.

Print and Cut Tutorial Part 2

The first part is the setting up the page and printing it out in the Inspiration Software, this is actually doing the cutting part....Have fun!!!!

Print and Cut Tutorial Part 1

Here it is, the long awaited Print and Cut tutorial. Thank you so AMANDA at Pazzles for helping me learn this...You ROCK GIRLFRIEND.

Girl of the 70's

A friend sent this to me and it really brought back a huge flood of memories...I hope you enjoy this as much as I did

IF YOU WERE A GIRL IN THE 70'S...

You owned a bicycle with a banana seat and a plastic basket with flowers on it. Mine was actually orange, but I had it and I LOVED it



You learned to skate with actual skates (not roller blades) that had metal wheels. But when you fell with these...it really hurt...*grin



You thought Gopher from Love Boat was cute (admit it!) I also wanted to be Captain Stuebings daughter so I could be raised on the ship



You had nightmares after watching FantasyIsland. Nightmares? I don't think so...maybe I watched different one....hmmm, maybe time to break out some old shows.




YEAH! You owned a 'Slip-n-Slide' , on which you injured yourself on a sprinkler head more than once. And I have a scar on my knee from it too...LOL

You owned 'Klick-Klacks' and smacked yourself in the face more than once ! I still have mine (sitting right next to my original rubics cube)...and I didn't smack my face so much as smash my fingers...OUCH...I think they ended up outlawing these because they were so dangerous


Your Holly Hobbie sleeping bag was your most prized possession. Confession time, I still have my Holly Hobbie drinking glasses and I have a cool Holly Hobbie plate that hangs on my scrapbook wall.


You wore a poncho, gauchos, and knickers. And don't forget the the coolots (or however you spell it) and the zip up 'faux leather' boots

You spent hours in your backyard on your metal swing set with the trapeze. The swing set tipped over at least once. And then you would try to 'dig' a hole, so it wouldn't do that anymore
You had homemade ribbon barrettes in every imaginable color. (Oh yeah!) With 'streamers' hanging off them

You wanted to be Laura Ingalls Wilder really bad; you wore that Little House on the
Prairie-inspired plaid, ruffle shirt with the high neck in at least one school picture;
And you despised Nellie Oleson! I actually wanted Nellie's ringlets and to be Mary (she was prettier)


You wanted your first kiss to be at a roller rink! While 'slow' skating....him going backwards and you going forward (or vice versa)

PONG! ('video tennis' ) was the most remarkable futuristic game you've ever heard of ! I remember going to my brothers and he was playing this AMAZING game....I sat and played this with him for HOURS.

Your hairstyle was described as having 'wings' or 'feathers' and you kept it 'pretty'
With the comb you kept in your back pocket.
When you walked, the 'wings' flapped up and down, looked like you were gonna 'take off' I remember my mom telling me to flatten my wings....LOL....and don't forget the comb had a handle and 'big teeth'


You know who Strawberry Shortcake is, as well as her friends, Blueberry Muffin and Huckleberry Pie. I was more of a Holly Hobbie girl...but my daughter loves the New Strawberry Shortcake.

You carried a Muppets lunch box to school and it was metal, not plastic.
With the thermos inside some were glass and broke the first time you dropped them. Ok, true confession here....I had a GOMER PYLE lunch pail and yes...I BROKE my thermos.


You and your girlfriends would fight over which of the Dukes of Hazzard was your boyfriend. They were BOTH mine....and of course, Uncle Jessie....


It was a big event in your household each year when the 'Wizard of Oz' would come on TV.
Your mom would break out the popcorn and sleeping bags! AND, you got to pick out soda at the store and have a candy, we would plan on this for weeks.


You spent hours wondering : 'Who will I marry.
Shaun Cassidy, Leif Garrett, or David Cassidy?' David for most of the time...but Shaun did make a pretty good play there towards the end of the 70's.

You completely wore out your Grease, Saturday Night Fever, and Fame soundtrack record album. And the 8 track, then the cassette and now I have the CD. Afterall, Grease IS THE WORD.


You tried to do lots of arts and crafts, like yarn and Popsicle-stick God's eyes, decoupage,
Or those weird potholders made on a plastic loom. The potholders were wierd???? Gee, I thought grandma loved getting them for gifts....


You used to tape record songs off the radio by holding your portable tape player up to the speaker. And then you would get really mad at the DJ for TALKING through the beginning and end of the song...DON'T THEY KNOW, you are trying to record it. Plus, trying to get everyone to be quiet in the house...


You thought Olivia Newton John's song 'Physical' was about aerobics. (?? Its not??) REALLY, it's not????



You glopped your lips in Strawberry Roll-on lip-gloss till it almost dripped off.

Of course, Bonnie Bell was the very best....

Two Ways to Scallop a Square

I have used a new technique while recording this tutorial....let me know if you like the new style...or prefer the old way.

A New Look

So, I decided to play with the look of my blog today....sorry for the temporary 'faux paus' that happened while trying to view the tutorials....but I do believe they are all fixed now.

My right brain and left brain kept arguing about having my picture, etc on the left side of the screen, so I finally had to switch it around and I must say...I do like it better...still not sure who won the right brain, left brain argument...so we will call it a draw.

I'm hardly working today and having a wonderful time....have a great weekend.

Mesh Overlay

I have been having some fun creating an overlay. This is my first 'mesh' style. I have the file on my store website now too, if you like it.

Clean Up with Klo from Jean....Thanks!

Jean from one of my groups shared this awesome file with our group. She asked about her clean up. She did a really great job, but I wanted to show you a few extra things that I would do and a few short cuts. This will help you see my thought process as I clean up to.

Create a Card with Words

Here is a little project for you to create. Of course, it can be for any occasion. Enjoy!!!

Cleaning it all Up

Here is a new tutorial to help you 'clean up' images after you have converted them from an image to a cutting file. Remember, practice, practice, practice.

Don't be Alarmed

Well, I'm home for about a week, so I wanted to put up a WARNING!!!! I'm in the mood to experiment with the LOOK of my blog, so don't be alarmed if it looks a little different over the next few days.

I have this cool book called "Color Index" by Jim Krause and it has fabulous color combinations along with the 'code' that is needed for browsers.

I have been using it in the past to create journaling blocks and titles in the colors I choose, because the RGB numbers that are needed to get an exact color I want are also in the book.

I'm excited to use it for a new venture in my life now....changing BLOG COLOR....bwahahahahaha....*rubbing hands together and looking wildly through book for colors I like.

Creating a Vertical Title

Here is a quick tutorial to show you how to create a vertical title.

NSD---EXTENSION for FREE FILE & what I did

Well, I did a little scrapbooking today. I started on my mothers 80th birthday album. We are having a big birthday bash for her in Idaho at the end of June. I'm pretty excited to see my family. I will see aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews and cousins that I haven't seen in YEARS...some of them since I got married (the first time in 1982) I'm not sure how many people will be there, but I'm hoping alot.

Anyway, I'll share some pages when I get more done....I'm kind of doing a 'power' layout...but then trying to customize each page...I'm really loving the colors.

Also, because there were so many people accessing the free layout file today, I think we had a 'mini' crash. So I'm going to leave it up as FREE until MONDAY EVENING, May 5th, to give you all a chance. If you have troubles, be sure and let me know. Also, check back alot over the next few days...I'm going to try and get the last 18 layouts of Kloriginals up...and then start putting some more of my other creations up.

Happy NSD

When I started scrapbooking (almost 20 years ago) there was no such thing and National Scrapbook Day. I'm so glad that has changed, because that means there are so many people out there that are passionate about preserving memories, old and new.


So I'm going to give you a gift today of a layout with all the cutting files ready to download.(FREE download expires at midnight May 3, 2008) It is called "A Moment in Time" I hope you enjoy it. And I hope you have many happy years of scrapbooking and creating memories.

Just click on the photo, then go to layouts and download your cutting files.

Using a Pen that doesn't fit in the Pen tool

I have made a discovery today. I have wanted to use some of my 'fatter' barreled pens with my Inspiration, but the pen tool doesn't hold all of the pens. I love the pen tool for my gel writers, slick writer, galaxy markers, etc...because it is so easy....but in a pinch and for my bigger markers, I'm pretty excited about the possibilities. If you have trouble viewing it here, or would prefer to download it to your computer, please click HERE

Paper Ribbon-FREE File

Here is a free file for you. I hope you enjoy it.

Click on the picture to have it take you to where the cut files are.

Busy as a Bee creating a Kloriginal Store

I have been very busy creating a place to put ALL the cutting files that I am giving away for FREE I am also adding the tutorials that are here, available for download for a small charge. I will leave them here for those that want to be able to view them freely. The reason for creating them for download, is that I have had people that have had problems watching them, because they have a slower internet connection.

Embossing Tool

The embossing tool is just another fun thing you can do with your Inspiration machine. I have embossed on some soft metal here. With the power of the Inspiration, I can also emboss on cardstock, vellum and I'm sure other things that I haven't thought of yet...*grin.

I would love to see some of your embossed projects.

Using the Pen Tool-Part 2

Now that you know how to put the pen tool....Here is how to set up your cutting file.

Using the Pen Tool-Part 1

Using the pen tool is so much fun, here is a tutorial on how to put your pen in the machine and get the right depth without drag.

Changing it up, in the Image Gallery

The other night in the live video class I did, I showed how to do this. A number of people wanted a tutorial, so here it is....enjoy

Fit Text to Path---Oval

This is to show you how to have your text fit around a path. I had someone ask how to do this, so they can use their pen tool to go around the oval. If you choose to do that, do the pen work first, then cut.

Creating an Overlay

Using the tutorial just previous to this one, you will be able to create your own overlays for sports, dance or anything you choose.

Title in Rectangle with both top and bottom attached Tutorial

This is the second title in the photos below.

Title in a Rectangle with letter tops not attached Tutorial

This is the tutorial for the top title

Upcoming Tutorial

I'm working on tutorials to teach you how to do the following things with your cutter...the easy way. I just want you to see the photo first.

Downloading Images from the Internet and Saving

Ballerina Card Cutter File

After I cut this, I inked the edges, so that the details of the cut would show up better.
CLICK HERE to get the file to make your own card.

Why different Line colors are Important

Pen Tool Example

Here is a very basic sample of using the pen tool. You can use it to write letters, outline...or even add some swirls to a project. I love to use the dash lines. Also, don't forget your scissor lines...you can draw them instead of cut them.
I will share more examples of these as time goes on.



BTW, these are my two youngest children, Heather and Jared. I sure do love them.

Adding an Outline Tutorial

Simple Welded Title Tutorial

The Good Stalker

Well, I didn't know it could happen, but it did. I have my very first stalker...now I should mention, she is a GOOD stalker....not good in the fact that I don't know she is there, but good in the way that she is just so dang fun and nice.





I met Shannon for the first time in Pleasanton, CA a few weeks ago at the Scrapbook Expo. She immediately said..."Hi, I'm your stalker"...which I thought was quite nice...leaving me no guesswork. Here we are...hanging out in the booth.





Shannon has been so good for my self esteem and confidence...because she loves everything I do...LOL





Anyway, Shannon...love you girl and I'm looking forward to many more years of your kind of stalking....*grin





In honor of Shannon, I have created a cutting file...if you click on the picture, you can have it too.

Easter Title File-GSD

I was unable to add the GSD file for download...however, if you will email me with "EASTER TITLE GSD" in the subject, I will be happy to email it to you.

email: klo@scrappingusa.com

New Free File-Easter Title

I have been very busy the past few weeks traveling and teaching. I will share some of those stories a little later....you have to hear about my "personal stalker" (as opposed to "personal shopper"), my one phone call from Alcatraz, my drive down Lombard street, etc...but that will be in future posts...hopefully, not too distant...*grin



In the meantime, I created an Easter title for you to use. You just need to click on the picture and it will take you to the files. Just download the one that works for your cutting system.

Let me know how you like it in the comments section....ENJOY!

PLEASE NOTE: For some reason, I cannot get the gsd format to load for those. I apologize, but hope you can use it in one of the other formats.

My First Video Tutorial-Simple Paper Piecing

I just spent the day learning to create a video tutorial...this is my first one...I hope it works okay.






PLEASE take just a few minutes and leave comments on what you like and what you would like to see.

Thanks so much.

Goodie Box File

I received this little goodie box and CHA and just loved the size and shape of it.



Of course, I 'had' to have it, so I could create my own stuff if I wanted, so I took the box apart, scanned it in and created this cutting file.



If you click on the photo, it will take you to the cutting files....ENJOY!!

Sick of being Sick

I have been sick now for a couple of weeks. I still have no voice, but I do have to admit, I am finally starting to feel a bit better, even though I sound awful.

I had my convention last weekend here in Nebraska and had a great time, even though I wasn't feeling well. I was kind of bummed though, because I didn't get to visit as much as I usually do, because I simply didn't have the energy (or the voice). This is my 9th year of putting on these events, and I have the absolutely BEST people ever come to them. I LOVE when they start arriving and just HATE it when they leave.

Well, off to rest some more, energy is still low. I hope to share some more files very soon. I have been working on a few different things.

It's not easy being "GREEN"

Green is the color of the day...although, I am feeling much better now. I had a friend request a Kermit, so I thought it was appropriate for the way I was feeling today. Although, I'd rather be singing the 'Rainbow Connection'....I have had to settle for being green.....*grin

Click on the photo to get the cutting files and enjoy!!!

"Monkey"ing around with my Pazzle

So, I had a good friend ask me if I had a cute monkey. Well, I was going back through my files from the last few years and found this really cute one. It was handcut by a friend of mine that had a store. Because we were going to mass produce the page, I turned her handcut monkey into a cutting file.



This is what I have. I love that fact that I was able to make it about 1/2 the size of the original by just clicking on all the pieces at one time and making it smaller. Have I said lately that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Pazzles????



Anyway, click on the photo and it will take you to the cutting files and of course, they are saved in the different formats for different cutters.

Free Cutting File Sharing----the attempt

I've been trying to figure out how to share some of my cutting files at no charge with you all. I plan on sharing them in different cutter formats, so they are more readily available to those with cutting machines already.

Please be patient with me as I try to figure out how to do that here.

At this point, this is just on yahoo. Even if you have to sign up, it is a non chatting group, just a place for me to put my files for now, so they can be accessed by you.



This first one is Super Heroes

AHHHHH....the Inspiration

Well, it has finally happened. I found a cutter that I like more than my Pazzles Pro. Now, I still LOVE my pro, but the new Pazzles Inspiration ROCKS for my daily use. (The pro is still my production machine...*grin)

I got to demo it for 4 days at CHA in Anaheim, the for 3 at the Scrapbook Expo in Costa Mesa. This machine is absolutely FREAKING AMAZING. It does it all. I got to 'experiment' and it cuts chipboard, thinner acrylic, cardstock, vellum, vinyl, window cling, rubber for rubber stamps, shrink plastic, glitter paper and MORE.

It has 500 grams of pressure, PLUS, they put in a BIGGER motor, put in a stronger carriage and belt, so it has power going down...AS WELL AS across.

As Simon (one of the owners of Pazzles) likes to say, "It's a monster of a machine, in a sexy little package." and there isn't a truer statement.

Now that is just the machine....there is still the software. It has a different interface (which just means, it looks different...*grin), BUT, the fine tuning is just awesome. I LOVE the way it welds (one step), I LOVE that they have an image gallery BUILT in to it (and if you choose to buy more cd's, {the newer ones} they automatically install into that gallery) so you can see the images you want, the Font area is larger, so it is easier to see what your word will look like, it has color vectorization and there is so much more.

So, if you have the chance....BE SURE and go see this at an Expo, Convention or Mega Meet. Also, DON'T forget...IF you own a Pazzles machine already and want to get the Inspiration, Pazzles has a Customer Loyalty Program (CLP) and you can get a 20% rebate on it...but that expires on April 30, 2008...so if you are going to do it, don't wait.

Off to California

Well, I'm off to California on Friday for CHA-Winter and Scrapbook Expo-Costa Mesa (Orange County).

I'm so excited for this year of travel to begin and a little bit nervous, because I'm going to be teaching at the consumer shows this year. Now I have taught scrapbooking for many years, but this will be the first time that I have taught this kind of a class. It is a lecture style class with instruction of the Pazzles software. I have worked very hard on this and although it is a lecture style, students will go home with all the materials to and knowledge to create the layout that I will be using to teach with.

I'm excited to see what CHA will be offering this year. To me, I haven't seen anything the last few years that have excited me more than the Pazzles Creative Cutters. Yes, there have been some nice new papers, but nothing that just WOW'd be...so I'm hoping there will be something that knocks my socks off.

After tear down of the booth at CHA on the 13th, I will head to Costa Mesa, get in a nights rest and be ready to set up at the Scrapbook Expo at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa.
I'm very excited to see everyone again as I get ready for a year of being on the road. Be sure and stop by the booth and see me. Also, sign up for my class, "Imagine the 'Pazzle'bilities".

My Conventions

I have been putting on scrapbooking conventions for going on 9 years. They are not the BIG ones like Scrapbook Expo, GASC, Mega Meet or CKC nor are they the retreats with 30-40 people, but they are 'in between'. I kind of like to call them "miniventions" because I have some GREAT vendors, awesome classes and the best part....cropping almost around the clock. I have 162 cropping spots avaiable per show.

My registration goes up about 6 weeks prior to each convention. For the first 6 years, it generally took up to the week of convention to fill up...and I didn't always fill up. At that point I started thinking, well, maybe this won't be able to keep going because maybe people don't want to get together and scrapbook like this....WELL....I admit...I WAS WRONG...*grin. For the last few years, my conventions have been filling up quicker and quicker.

I bring this up, because I have just broken a record.......I AM FULL in less than a week for the first time. Now it is the crop portion that is full and there are classes that still have space, but I am so excited about this I just wanted to share.

If you haven't been to a convention, plan on joining us in the Fall or even next year as we CELEBRATE 10 YEARS.

2008----Progress

I know that many people have seen the idea from Ali Edwards about choosing a "word" for yourself for the year.

Well, Edie...one of my extremely talented friend challenged a group of us to do that to and then create a project for it.

I accepted the challenge and I chose the word PROGRESS. Why did I choose this word? Well, 2007 has been a great year and I have made alot of good starts for things I want to do for my life, but I needed to continue doing and adding to those things and after asking my friends for help, we came up with the word PROGRESS.

What I love about this word is that if I make goals and don't complete them, I won't feel like I have failed if I have even done ONE thing towards that goal. I am not going to spend my time beating myself up because I haven't reached my goals, instead I'm going to focus on the PROGRESS that I make in each area.

This works for me in every aspect of my life, I don't have to say, I'm going to lose 50 lbs this year, or I'm going to have a better relationship with my family. I just am going to say, I will make PROGRESS in all these areas, even if it just drinking a glass of water each day to start, or giving and extra hug or kiss each day....or heck even each week....each step is progress.

As I do make progress in different parts of my life, I will share and hopefully help you make progress in your life and I hope you will share your progress with me too.

Here is the project that I did. It isn't done yet, in fact it is just started. As the year goes on, I will add to it and eventually, it will be done, but for now....it is just making PROGRESS.