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What’s New at My Michaels – May 2016

Scrapbook ObsessionUpdated on May 22, 2016May 23, 2016

Are you sitting down? Because what I have to tell you is going to drop you if you’re standing:

I haven’t been to Michaels in over a month.

Say whuuut?! I know. What is this world coming to? Better question: How are they staying in business without me?

I finally made it over there because I’d heard tell that some of the items I wanted from CHA were spotted.

Because it’s been so long, I’ll give you a little tour of my Michaels, how some of the layout has changed, and what new things I saw.

The first endcap to the scrapbook section seems to always have Heidi Swapp stuff and this time was no exception. The Instax cameras have been around for a while, of course, but some of the HS “Insta” stuff was new. I saw those square albums at CHA (see my post HERE). I talked about that cute ocean Instax album HERE.

Everything was 40% off. Can you guess which item I snagged? Hint: It’s not one of the things I already mentioned.

The 12×12 paper pad section in my Mike’s has always been pretty small, maybe 1/4 of one side of an aisle. (I’ve been in another store where paper pads took up one whole side of an aisle and I was so jealous!). These 4 pads looked new – but none were my taste, so I was safe there. Phew!

This arrangement is fairly recent. From Left to Right, it used to be Martha Stewart for the first 3 or 4 panels, then the washi tapes. Now the washi has been moved to where Martha was and all this DIY party favor / papercrafting stuff sorted by color for the rest of the space. I have nothing against basics (there’s some cute washi and clothespins in there!) and was never much of an MS fan so this change is fine with me. I say that like Michaels Corporate gives a flock what I think, LOL.

Some of the famous washi tape sets are here on the bottom – so pretty! But I think I like the row above even better. Got my eye on that green set ;)

The Project Life section looked mostly the same. I think there are some new smaller sets on the top right since I was last here but none were up my alley. Again, phew!

Some cute new Studio G stamps on the side of an end cap. I just got rid of a bunch of “dollar stamps” in my last purge so I had to resist these and the page flags weren’t tempting. Not a color scheme I would use. Dodgin’ bullets, people!

So that’s where all the Martha Stewart went? An end cap by Project Life. Looked like it was all on clearance.

Another new item to my store were these Mambi Makers items, like the ones I saw at CHA. My scrapbooking criminal history contains a long record of buying project kits like these and then never making anything with them. Must. Resist.

More Instax including the “mini 8” which I hadn’t heard of before. And more Heidi Swapp.

This whole section used to be wood-mounted stamps and Tim Holtz, grungy stuff. I NEVER shop from this section so whatever. MORE Heidi Swapp! I wish they’d consolidate all her stuff into one place, for scrapbook sakes! Jeez.

Oh, you have GOT to be kidding me!! MOOOOORE Heidi Swapp stuff on another end cap. Can we just change the name from “Michaels” to “Heidi’s” and call it a day? Everyone complains that Recollections is taking over Mike’s but I beg to differ.

This is now one whole side of an aisle of stickers by topic. Rad. It used to have a section of alpha stickers smack in the middle but they’ve been moved to the other side. Having all the embellishment stickers in one place makes me breathe easier. Ahhhh…. Ease and flow, ease and flow. Much better. And, yes, since you’re thinking it anyway, I’ll confirm that all the canned goods in my pantry have the label facing out. :P

New (to me) tiny washi rolls on the side of an end cap. Washi roll, washi roll, washi roll. Hee hee, that’s fun to say!

Here are the aforementioned alpha stickers. I have a lifetime supply of Thickers but even if I didn’t, I wouldn’t buy them from Michaels. Their buyer has a glitter addiction and I don’t do glitter. If I can help it. Sometimes glitter attacks and you have no choice, am I right?

Wowser, 12×12 albums on an end cap for only $3.99. I just purged a ton of postbound albums from my stash so it would be crazy to buy any more. Wellll, call me CRAZY! (Hangs head in shame …. mumbles “I’ll tell you about it later.”)

I don’t usually buy loose 12×12 paper at Michaels either but I took a peek. The white Recollections papers were the only ones that looked new to me.

So that takes care of the 3 scrapbooking aisles. Now for the “islands” (I think they’re called) in the back of the store. Here are all the items from the Recollections line of planners and supplies.

These are way too small for me but I love the varitey of colors and add-ons.

If I had a dime for every time I said this lately, I’d be on a scrapbook cruise and taking you with me!

More washi tubes … the shortage is over FER SHURE!

Another island had all the pastel watercolor-y stuff called Made By Me by Recollections …

But the piece de la …. peace della … best flippin’ part were all these Happy Planners and accessories from MAMBI! Yep, I saw all this stuff at CHA and I’m excited it’s finally here to buy. Good timing too because this version is an 18-month planner starting in July – so it’ll carry you through the end of 2017. Yep, I just did math there. Not bad for an English major.

The smaller version of The Happy Planner above is also too small for me and I don’t like the gold discs.

However: This is the 8.5 x 11 version. I think I’m in love. Um, “Journey” AND a heart and teal blue (my favorite color) discs? SOLD! I don’t know if I even need this but SOLD!

I’ll show you what I walked out of the store with next time.

What was that you asked? Did I PAY first? Um, yeah. I know shoplifting is a problem at Michaels and that they won’t even chase or report you if you take their stuff but sure, I paid. Like I’d miss a chance to use sales and coupons? Yeah, right.

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HSN Scrapbooking 03-24-14

Scrapbook ObsessionUpdated on March 23, 2014March 23, 2014

Well, unbeknownst to me, it’s National Craft Month on HSN. They failed to include me on the memo :D

And apparently it’s also National Wicked Cool Manicure Month!

Starting at midnight on Monday 03-24-14 (or 9pm Sunday night for those of us in the PST), HSN will be airing crafting and scrapbooking shows by (among others) ANNA GRIFFIN, MARTHA STEWART, and my personal favorite, LISA BEARNSON – check out the (4) new PROJECT LIFE kits for HSN she is debuting!

Project Life “HAPPY”

Project Life “AZURE”

Project Life “DAYDREAMER” by DEAR LIZZY

Project Life “STYLE BOARD” by MAGGIE HOLMES

You MUST click over the Lisa B’s BLOG and see tons more photos. Well, I mean, click over there if you’re ready to buy something because you’ll want to after seeing all her great pics. Word.

Luckily for me, I’m broke. Ha! If I wasn’t, I’d be getting the “Daydreamer” and “Style Board” kits. OMBRE & WATERCOLOR & BOKEH, oh my!

Did you know you don’t have to wait for the shows to air to buy these kits? You can get them on HSN.com now {if they’re not already sold out}. I usually find things that are about to air in the crafting NEW ARRIVALS section.

The only problem is if we buy them all up before the show, Lisa won’t have anything to demo again, LOL. {Yes, that happened in the past}. Then again, things selling out before they even air shows HSN and other companies {I’m lookin’ at you, QVC!} that we scrappers are serious shoppers when you bring us new stuff at a decent price. Am I right?

To see when and what shows are airing, check out the HSN PROGRAM GUIDE and change the drop down menu to your time zone. Then set that DVR and get to recording! Or if you’re lucky and don’t have to be anywhere else, grab a bowl of popcorn, some coffee, and get to watchin’!!

And if you’re stuck at work on Monday – okay, do NOT tell your boss I told you this – but you can watch HSN live online RIGHT HERE. Just sayin’ . . .

Will you be watching HSN Crafting this time around? Do you think you’ll buy anything? What’s your favorite item?

ETA 03-23-14: Someone mentioned on Two Peas that Amazon had some of these kits without the extra stuff, if you don’t want that. I went to check and found that (as of this second) AZURE, DAYDREAMER, and STYLE BOARD are listed for good prices but sold out. I can’t find “Happy” on Amazon; someone mentioned it was maybe an exclusive to Australia?

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CHA 2014: Adventures of a Newbie at Scrapbooking’s Biggest Event (Quick Look Part 1)

Scrapbook ObsessionUpdated on January 14, 2014January 14, 2014

So now that I’ve done the INTRO POST, today I want to say, “CHA: Day One”.

But.
There was only
one day
for me.

Sooooo . . . “CHA: First Part of THE Day.” See? Doesn’t sound as impressive. Oh well. Here we go.

On CHA Day, I woke up at 3:30am. It was like I was 8 and it was Christmas morning. I did need to get up early but that was RUH-DIK. I left my house at 5:20, prepped with a full tank of gas and a large coffee. There were some very good omens that signaled a great day. When I turned my car on in the morning, the radio was playing the beginning of a Journey song. Dude. So awesome. {If you’re new here, I’m obsessed with JOURNEY}. And I got to watch the sun rise over Santa Barbara.

Later, as I drove through Hollywood, on the other side of the freeway there was a cascade of bougainvillea hanging over the tall cement wall, like these.

And they were in a heart shape :) {I’m so obsessed with HEARTS, they also have their own Pinterest board}.

Yeah, I felt like it was going to be a very good day indeed.

I arrived in Anaheim around 9:30. The convention center is right by Disneyland and normally I would’ve been SO sad that I couldn’t join all the people going there. But, hey, I was going to Scrapbooking Disneyland and that’s even better! I was so excited that I totally forgot which direction the parking lot lady said to go so I went straight and it all worked out. Phew! After parking (again, still so excited I forgot to note which section I was in = regret later), I asked the guy entering the stairwell before me, “Which way do we go, up or down?” and he said, “I always just follow the light so that means up.” I thought that was a good match for my feelings of the day: I was going toward the light. {The sound of angels singing}. I was about to enter scrappy heaven!

The conference center lobby is huge so I just followed people who looked like craftsy types, LOL. Lots of people had brought rolling tote bags, which is wicked smart. I only had my purse and, like a dummy, I had even downsized it so it would be lighter. {I would later regret this, too}. I checked in which you don’t even have to talk to a real person for! The week before CHA, they e-mail you a QR entry code and, using the CHA app, you just hold it up to the machine. I got my badge, checked out the big board, loving how everything was so bright and cheerful and the scene was buzzing!

Note: I’m apologizing now. Most of my photos were taken with my iPhone because I was having camera problems. The photo quality is not great; I realize that and I’m sorry! But like I said in my LAST ENTRY, there are TONS of great CHA photos and videos online. My goal is to share photos that illustrate my day and so I can reference scrapbook products I’m commenting on. I hope that’s not too much of a bummer!

I stopped to take a few pics as I walked into CHA for the very first (and hopefully not last) time! And who was there, front and center??? MARTHA, of course! It’s always Martha, Martha, Martha!

First, I decided to take a cruise around and get the lay of the land, and note the booths I wanted to go back to.

Okay, I’m going to stop photos here for now. As you can see, the place is massive. All these scrapbooking companies are interspersed with other crafts – beads, sewing, yarn, paints, etc. You get a workout, that’s for sure! I made use of that charging station area because my iPhone died and, as I was counting on it to be my camera, that was NOT acceptable, LOL! There were plenty of food vendors right in the CHA area; I got a fruit cup for $5 but they had lots of good-looking hot food, too. I got an Aquafina from a vending machine for $2.50 (just giving you an idea of prices for when YOU go :). I was surprised that the Fancy Pants booth was so small but it was cute!

Okay, I’ll have more “quick look” photos next time, then we’ll start getting in depth with specific companies in the posts after that. Talk soon!

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HSN Scrapbooking ALL DAY Monday 9-26-11

Scrapbook ObsessionUpdated on September 21, 2011September 21, 2011

Either call in sick to work or set your DVR, missy!

Midnight-2am: Cricut world launch
2-3am: Martha Stewart
3-4am: “Scrapbooking Steals Under $25”
4-6am: Crafty Solutions
6-7am: Paper Crafting
7-8am: Card Making
8-9am: Paper Crafting
9-10am: Scrapbooking
10-11am: Anna Griffin
11-1pm: “Scrapbooking Featuring Designer Showcase”
1-2pm: Martha Stewart
2-4pm: Sewing & knitting
4-5pm: Anna Griffin
5-6pm: Scrapbooking with Sandi Genovese
6-7pm: Scrapbooking Featuring Getting Ready…
7-8pm: Martha Stewart
8-9pm: Singer Sewing
9-midnight: 24-hour Craft Day Finale

Please note these times are all EST. Please look HERE to find your own time zone if needed.

It will be fun to see Sandi Genovese again, won’t it? I used to watch her scrapbooking TV show religiously when I first started scrappin’. And HEIDI SWAPP will be demo’ing a gorgeous new Halloween kit.

Happy shopping!

scrapbook shopping scrapbook websites

HSN Scrapbooking for National Scrapbook Day 2011

Scrapbook Obsession May 5, 2011May 5, 2011

It’s time for HSN SCRAPBOOKING again! Although maybe my post title should say dayZ since there are two days of shows!

Friday, May 6th
6am: Martha Stewart
10am: Martha Stewart
3pm: Martha Stewart
4pm: Scrapping & Cricut

Saturday, May 7th
2am: Anna Griffin
6am: Scrapping & Cricut
Noon: Scrapping & Cricut
3pm: Anna Griffin
4pm: Scrapping & Cricut

These times are Eastern; please adjust for your time zone if needed :)

I have my DVR set and ready to record! How about you? Do you watch the HSN scrapbooking shows? And speaking of NSD, are you doing anything to celebrate this year? There’s a local crop but my mom is here visiting so we’re going to just take over the dining room table and scrap this weekend whenever we’re not busy with other fun stuff and enjoying our Mother’s Day Weekend.

Btw, President Obama STILL hasn’t answered my (many, annoying, begging, pleading, stalkerish, fully outlined, and factually supported) letters asking him to make National Scrapbook Day a Federal Holiday. Yeah, I want the banks and post offices closed, the whole schlemeel.

I’m so baffled as to why he won’t enact this no-brainer of a law. And, NO, I *have NOT* been sniffing my Glossy Accents … (sniff) again. Srsly. (sniff) I haven’t!

kbai

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WDYT? 1 Million Views of “Scrapbook Obsession” by 12-31-11?

Scrapbook ObsessionUpdated on May 1, 2011May 1, 2011

Can you believe it? My little ol’ Scrapbook Obsession blog has been around for almost 4 1/2 years and, as of 4/30/11, has received over 874,000 hits. I *know*, right? Pretty cool.

Hold up for a second. Do you ever watch the Miley Cyrus skit they do on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE? “Pretty cool.”

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GsVX2OdEIY&feature=related]

Okay, now you see why saying “pretty cool” made me think of Miley, right? But back to the actual topic of this post …

Let’s cut to the chase: I want to hit the 1 Million Views landmark by December 31, 2011. That will be just prior to my five-year blogiversary in January 2012. Do you think we can do it?

I thought I’d look at my stats from the past and see if this is even a do-able goal:

2007: 56,218
2008: 240,095
2009: 250,702
2010: 241,045
2011: 86,364 (as of 4/30/11)

I’ll need to get 126,000 more hits in the next 8 months. I’m thinking it can be done! Here are some topics I predict would help generate enough clicks to put me over the top:

Donna Downey Contro #3
Photos of new items at Michaels, Tuesday Morning, Big Lots, etc.
Anything Martha Stewart

Hee! That’s all tongue-in-cheek. But my blog definitely gets more looks when I post about scrapbook industry controversies, fo’ sho’. Other popular posts are the shopping ones. Yeah, there are a bunch of you scrappers after my own heart. The shopping is a VERY crucial part of scrapbooking, no doubt about it :)

There have been 4,307 comments left and I have 145 active subscribers (THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!). I hope to reach 5,000 comments and 200 subscribers by my deadline of 12/31/11. These goals might be harder to reach but I’m going for it.

What kinds of posts are your favorites or what kinds of things would you like to see here?

Other than this kind of thing, I mean …

Because I don’t post gratuitous beefcake photos. This is a scrapbooking blog, people! Stay focused!

{Wait. Maybe we could get Patrick Dempsey to pose shirtless with a scrapbook. That would work, right? Okay, I’ma have my people call his people and see what we can work out}.

Okay, now let’s get started on this million hits project, shall we? Sheesh.

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Nate Berkus: How to Make a Memory Book

Scrapbook Obsession December 14, 2010December 14, 2010

I found this via Creating Keepsakes Editorial on TWITTER (@CKeditorial). They linked to THIS article on Nate Berkus’ WEBSITE about how to make a “memory book,” or what we Scrapbook Obsessed would call a “scrapbook.” ;)

I have to say, when I go to read something about scrapbooking by a non-scrapbooker, I prepare myself to cringe. On time, there was an article similar to this memory book one in our local paper. They talked about things like using newspaper clippings, paper trimmings, and other random craft supplies on your pages with no mention of Archival Mist, acid-free, or the like. ACK! Scrapper Alert! Must. Say. Something.

Yes, I was so “upset” about it that I wrote a letter to the editor explaining the oh-so-propuh way to scrapbook items like that so that they don’t yellow with age, infect your pages/photos with acid, etc. Yeah, I’m a scrap geek like that. And proud of it! LOL

Anyway, I was fully prepared to cringe at an interior designer’s take on scrapbooking, much as I’ve been shocked at some of the things MARTHA STEWART has suggested in the scrapbook segments on her show. I’m glad to report there was no need to worry … Nate “Cutie Pie” Berkus got it right, as far as I can see.

He talks about scanning your photos and items (although I missed any mention of scanning them onto acid free paper or acid-free in general, right?), and recommends a binder ring over a spiral bound scrapbook, which I also agree with … and he (or whoever wrote the article) articulates the reasons very well. I’m a postbound/SNAPLOAD scrapper for the most part, so I’m not sure why those weren’t mentioned but, hey, it was a concise article with the major points covered, not a doctoral presentation on the matter, so that’s forgiven.

Anyhoo, it was nice as always to see any mention of scrapbooking in the wider media and to have Cutie Pie Berkus – who is one hot tamale right now, if you didn’t know – is a special bonus. Great job, Nate!

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NSBR: Closet Organization

Scrapbook Obsession November 3, 2010November 3, 2010

I organized my bedroom clothes closet recently. Well, one of my clothes closets. I have part of another closet where I keep my hanging stuff, luggage, and some storage. This closet is more like a walk-in dresser, LOL. Hey, I work from home. My everyday wardrobe mainly consists of tees, jeans, and sweats.

It’s a miracle that deserves an annually-observed holiday, because it was sooooooo long overdue. You couldn’t pay me enough to show you the Before* … WAY too embarrassing … but here is the After.

* Then again, maybe you could.

This picture is also embarrassing to show, because I realize that I have a Normal, Boring, Person with No Money Closet … as opposed to a Martha Stewart Closet or an HGTV Perfect Closet or even a Decorator Blog or Becky Higgins Closet. So I’m sorry if it’s underwhelming, LOL.

But I’m for real. I can’t afford fancy bins and baskets from POTTERY BARN nor awesome customized closet systems by ELFA or IKEA. I have cheap wire cubes from TARGET and older hanging shoe and sweater organizers made of cheap plastic which have sagged over time.

And I’ll replace those when they physically fall apart, LOL. Srsly. I’m the only one who goes into this cave and I couldn’t care less if it looks pretty, as long as I can find stuff. In the morning. In my half-lidded stupor. Before coffee.

Here is a closer view. Shoes in their place. I can see the floor again. “Ohhhhh …. so THAT’S what the floor looks like!?!?”

So I was proud of myself nonetheless. It took ALL DAY on a Saturday. I guess it looks like I still have too much, and maybe I do, but I filled 8 trash bags and 10 donate bags. I let go of a lot and yes, it did feel good! It had probably been 5 years since I’d done a thorough clean-out of my closet, so older clothes and things I no longer wore were just stacked and stacked and stacked. It was entirely ridonculous.

Like HOARDERS ridonculous.

Then it got to the point where it was so intimidating and daunting to confront, that I just … didn’t. I lived with it. I made sure to keep my closet door shut so I didn’t have to “see” it, except for the few minutes a day it took me to choose and put away clothes.

Anyway, saying that I’m glad it’s done is a huge understatement. I just hope I can stay on top of things better from now on. I know the tees in ROYGBIV color order won’t last long but that’s okay. As long as I can keep long sleeve tees together, my shoes in their holders, etc., I’ll be quite happy.

Is there a big job in your life you’ve tackled lately? Any organizing photos or stories you’d like to share? I’d love to see some blog links showing me what you’ve done, or your favorite organizational sites. Whatever you wanna’ talk about or comment on or share :)

Just don’t tell me I have too many shoes :) I mean, DUH.

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Michaels Halloween Scrapbook Stuff * Now on Clearance

Scrapbook Obsession November 1, 2010November 1, 2010

I was in Mike’s last weekend and noticed that a lot ~ if not all ~ of their Halloweenie stuff was on Clearance. Cuz, people, they are makin’ room for Christmas already! There were lots of empty shelves and the Mike’s employees were busy moving and shaking thing up.

I took these photos back in late August 2010 and never did get around to posting them. I assume your shelves, like mine, will be less full of Halloween stuff at this point, but it gives you an idea of some items they might still have …

Last weekend, I got these 2 Martha Stewart “Cracks” Around the Page punches. I went in there with another of my “50% off all Martha” coupons, found these punches on the clearance rack, and proudly marched up to the cashier knowing that I could use my coupon on the more expensive edge punch … because Mike’s coupons don’t work on sale items from the ad, but are okay on Clearance items (at least they used to be; I haven’t tried it in a while).

HOWEVAH … the Mike’s clerk got me in a smackdown! She pointed out that the Martha coupon specifically says that it’s not to be used on Clearance items. Touche’, Mike’s Girl, touche’.

But I still got a great deal … the corner edger for $5 and the border edge punch for $7; even as a combo pack, these retail for $25 … so I saved over 50% anyway.

FINAL SCORE: Michaels chick 1, Scrapbook Obsession 1

HERE is a cool video showing how to use this punch. Check it, homegurl!

Have you picked up any of these great Halloween deals?

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What Did You Get with Your 50% Off Coupon?

Scrapbook Obsession October 12, 2010October 12, 2010

I didn’t see it, but I guess MARTHA STEWART was on the OPRAH show last week. There was a related coupon at MICHAELS for 50% off her products. {Um, Martha’s products, not Oprah’s, silly! But, hey, who knows? Everyone seems to be jumping on the bandwagon of having a scrapbook line lately. Oh, wait, Oprah hates scrapbooking and scrapbookers. So that wouldn’t work, would it? But I digress …}

My friend ABBY was nice enough to clue me in to this cool coupon, and sent me a copy when I was remiss in printing it before it *poof* disappeared. Man, scrappy-shopper friends have your back like no other friends, don’t they?

I used mine to finally get the MS LARGE CIRCLE CUTTER that I’ve been eyeing for a while, but didn’t want to pay 25 snaps for.

I don’t know what the frick is up with those 3 little dangly earrings. What? They want you to dress up to use the thing? Sheesh, Martha! We’ve always known you to be a demanding little priss, but this is a bit much! SRSLY

I was going to use my Labor Day 50% off coupon on one of these, but then horror of horrors, I never got to Mike’s that week. I can’t BELIEVE I let a 50% off coupon go to waste, LOL! Yep, put me in scrap shopper jail because I committed a big crime.

Michaels also had Buy One, Get One Half Off their stickers so I got 2 packs of Recollections bling flourishes ~ purple and clear ~ so pretty. I’m going to add the purple flourishes to my Wicked layout to pump up the volume (DANCE! DANCE!) (Sorry, I couldn’t resist).

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY4ntrZh7qY]

HERE is what the Peas got with their coupons. Looks like popular items were the fringe scissors, scoring board, large circle cutter, and around the page punches.

What did you spend your recent “50% off all that is Martha” coupon on?

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Michaels: Labor Day Weekend … Did You Use Your Coupon?

Scrapbook ObsessionUpdated on September 6, 2010September 6, 2010

I have less than 24 hours to spend my 50% off Michaels coupon. Because NOT using a 50% off Michaels coupon is like giving away a nice chunk of money. I mean, you can use your coupon and save $5, $10, even $20 depending on how you use it. So why wouldn’t you?

I haven’t been to my Mike’s very much recently, but the last time I was there, I took these photos …

Lots of Martha Stewart Halloween stuff:

I think most of this is by Recollections.

I love all of these flowers, and those pretty little bats. In fact, I think those $6.99 flowers qualify as “coupon-worthy.” And I don’t say that lightly.

There were lots of new Martha edge punches or “around the corner” punch sets, as these are. You get an edge punch and a corner punch of the same thing which allows you to punch “around the corner” of your paper. I’m so glad they put a sample on the package of what the punched paper looks like because I have a really hard time visualizing it myself.

If these aren’t already on sale, I think tomorrow I’ll spend my 50% off coupon on a Martha Stewart LARGE CIRCLE CUTTER.

It got some good reviews HERE. According to THIS HSN VIDEO DEMO, this cutter just launched in July (2010). Guess that’s why I haven’t heard too much talk about it.

HERE is what the Peas are spending their coupons on, if you need some ideas-slash-enabling, LOL! Although this review of the MS Large Circle Cutter was discouraging:

“well, i did get the new martha stewart circle cutter, and it is going back.. it doesn’t matter if i go all the way around without stopping, the ends do not meet up properly, and it looks ugly…” {Now, I don’t know what to do}.

What did you spend yours on? What new things have you seen or bought at Michaels lately?

scrapbook blogs scrapbook shopping scrapbook websites

Walmart Scrapbooking Section

Scrapbook ObsessionUpdated on July 15, 2010July 14, 2010

There has been much talk recently on the scrapbook message boards about what in the heck is going on with the scrapbooking section at Walmart? HERE is one such thread. Scrappers are reporting some variety of the following:

It has shrunk.
It has disappeared.
It has been moved somewhere else in the store.
There are lots of clearance items.
There are the same old things being restocked.
There are new items being stocked.

I’d pretty much given up on the Walmart scrapbooking section at my store years ago because the inventory hardly ever changed. Also, while it originally was a good place to get basics like adhesives and tools for a good price, their prices over time became pretty much retail. So why bother walking ALLLLLL the way to the back corner of my Walmart, behind the tire and automotive section where I had no other reason to go, right?

But with all this talk, I decided to see what the status of my WM scrap section was and this is it:

~ It has shrunk.
~ There are lots of clearance items.
~ There are new items being stocked.

There used to be about a side and a half (not quite a full aisle) at my WM of scrappy stuff. Now there is just one side of that, so we lost about 1/2 of one side. Well, technically, since they have clearance items in other places in the crafts area, I guess it’s not a net loss … yet. There is a cart of clearance items and some in the regular section also. There are a bunch of new Colorbox items and some new K&Co. and Jolees.

So here are the pictures to prove it {would I lie to you?} …

Colorbox paper pads including cardstock, patterned paper, and along the bottom row are theme kits. I think they were all about $5.

Matching Colorbox 12×12 post albums for $10

Jolee’s bling and other color-coded embellishments, along with some new things by K&Co. Everything is $3. This is the entire thing …

Top half only …

and bottom half only.

A closer look at the red blingetty bling.

CLEARANCE!!! MARTHA STEWART punches and other tools, stamps, adhesives, etc.

A closer look at the punches. See any you want/need? Good prices :)

And I know you won’t believe this so I hope you have your Big Girl Panties on while I break the news to you …. Walmart still has: THE WALL OF JOLEES!!! In fact, I think they added some new packs. Check it out, in all its glory.

On the Cart o’ Clearance, there were lotsa the cheaper CRICUT cartridges. I really wanted to snag this one for only $24, but resisted. And was glad. I came home and Googled that cart to find out that $24 isn’t even a good price. Sheesh.

Clearance 12×12 albums on the bottom of the cart.

End of tour.

“Thank you, Ladies and Gentleman, for keeping your hands and feet inside the ride at all times. That ends our tour of the scrapbooking section at Walmart. We hope you enjoyed the tour and will come to visit us again sometime soon.”

Oh! So here is the only thing I bought that day: A new bone folder by Martha, Martha, Martha! As you can see, my existing PC bone folder was quite gucky with adhesive and the tip broke years ago. I think I was due for a new one, don’t you? I paid $6; retail was $12.

I don’t really know what to say about the changes at my Walmart. I mean, “I love clearance.” There. I said something nice. I think it’s interesting that they went the more generic, color-coded route with their papers and embellishments. Colorbok is a good company as far as I can tell, and the prices are good. I reeeaaaalllyyy wish they’d use all that Jolee’s real estate for something else. I just don’t use those 3D Jolee’s stickers … at all … ever.

Okay, that’s all I got.

So what do you think of the changes at my Walmart? Good, bad, or who cares? What’s going on at yours? Have you bought anything there recently?

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I’ve Got Photos of the New Scrapbooking Stuff at Michaels!

Scrapbook ObsessionUpdated on April 29, 2010April 29, 2010

I have one of the best scrappy friends in the world. She lives in another part of the country and we’ve never met in person, but she always has my back. To that end, when she was at her Michaels today and saw all the new stuff and the new store layout … she KNEW I’d want to see pictures, and she knew I’d want to share them with you.

So, here are photos provided by “mah gurrrll” Abby …

This is new Jolee’s. Can you believe it?!?! Totally different packaging from their usual. I’ve never really been a Jolee’s girl, but there are some really cute things here. I might just become a convert …

Some pretty and unique Jolee’s border strips …

Finally! Some new THICKERS!! Suh-WEET! And those look like some pretty textured papers in nice colors.

Here’s one of the new “themed” sections: Christmas.

A wider view … This looks SO different from how my Michaels is set up. Mine has the really tall racks with shelves on top where they store extra stock. This store has lower racks and pretty little signs.

Here’s a new kit called “The Merry Days of Christmas” by MY MINDS EYE …

… and a new 8.5″ x 8.5″ paper pad called “Sleepy Tree” (I think) by K&COMPANY. I can’t read it perfectly in the photo, and there’s nothing called “Sleepy Tree” K&Co’s website … but that isn’t saying much. Sometimes the stores have things that aren’t on the manufacturer’s website.

Looks like some new kits and stacks, and down in the bottom left corner, did you see? BASIC GREY “Ambrosia” and “Eva” paper stacks! My Michaels has had these as open stock papers but not as a stack.

New Recollections single papers. I see some really pretty colors and designs there. Does your Mike’s have tall racks sitting out in the middle of the floor like this? Mine doesn’t. Gasp! That almost resembles and LSS!

Here’s the new MARTHA STEWART Scoring Board. Apparently, this is the hot new item to have. I’m plugging my ears and singing “la la la” because I don’t NEED another expensive tool in my life. I don’t, I don’t, I DON’T! {But it does look cool!}

Remember when I posted HERE and HERE about the themed sections that were “coming soon.” Well, they’re finally here, LOL! In THIS discussion at 2peas, there seems to be a general dissatisfaction with the whole “sorted by theme” idea. Some scrappers feel it’s being done to cater only to the beginning scrapbooker who wanders in to solely do a baby, wedding, Christmas, or travel scrapbook. The feeling is that more seasoned scrapbookers (get it? seasoned? Christmas? huh? huh?) like us shop not by theme but by brand name and/or by item type.

Now I know this is a selfish perspective but, wth, this is my blog and my opinion: I want Michaels sorted the way my scrapbook room is organized, which is to say, by brand name for the most popular brands, then by item type and color beyond that. But, no, Michaels Corporate did not ask ME, did they? Boy, they’d better not ever ask me stuff … ‘cuz I will tell them! Huh. They would rue the day, baby.

Okay, say Michaels corporate ever did ask me. Here are the top 5 things I would tell them:

1. Less Jolee’s, more Thickers.

2. Bring back coupons on books and magazines. At least on books, come ON!

3. Do NOT. Under any circumstances. Organize by theme. And keep all the alphas in one place.

4. Make “knowledge of scrapbooking” a condition of hire.

4a. Better yet, hire me. Make me Director of Scrapbook Buying, Merchandising, Publicity, and Employee Training.
I will make you millions and jillions of dollahs.

5. Anything that has been on your racks for more than 6 months … CLEARANCE. Then get new stuff.

I swear to G, they still have things in Michaels that were there when I first discovered it back in two-thousand-ought-two. Hello? Take the loss already and move on, Mike’s.

Okay, this was not meant to turn into a MIke’s Rant Post, so very sorry. This is actually a Happy Mike’s post. Yay! We are so happy they got some new stuff! We are happy we have new things to bust out our coupons on! We are so happy they are getting OCTOBER AFTERNOON! Rah rah, Mike’s!

Okay, now tell me about your Mike’s. Got all this new stuff yet? What have you bought recently? What new items are you most looking forward to if, like me, you still have the same old stuff?

Oh, and tell me your feelings on the whole “sort by theme” debate. Don’t be shy … yea or nay?

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Michaels, CK December, and Starcrack Strikes Again!

Scrapbook Obsession November 13, 2009November 13, 2009

Now that I work from home, um, I’m home … A LOT. Like, I haven’t put gas in my car for two weeks. Like, my sweats get more wear than my favorite jeans. Like, I now know what my dog does all day. Yeah, like I said, I’m home a lot, LOL!

My very DH works “outside the home” so he’s gone all day for the most part. When he came home from work yesterday, the kids and I turned the lights out and yelled “AHHHH!!!” when he opened the door. He didn’t even flinch. He just yelled over us, “Why is the dog barking? Why isn’t someone making the dog stop barking?!?” Hee. NOT the effect we were hoping for. But as I explained to him, the neighbors were working on their fence in the dark and since the barking was only going to bother them, and since it was their fault Landry was barking, I was done yelling at him to stop. After the eleventy-millionth time.

I told DH that the “scaring” him was stress relief for all of us because, although I know he thinks I have a cush job at home and have a blast at home all day, it really IS hard sometimes. I was moody, the kids were moody and tired, I was tired of being nagged at, they were tired of me nagging back, we were ALL tired of the dog barking, yadda yadda.

He said, “Oh, I don’t think you have it easy AT ALL! I know it’s hard to be in the madness all day.” And then he said, “Hey, go shopping or something. Get out of the house.” {Swoon!} See why I love that man? He knows when I clearly need some Mommy Time, you betcha’. I wasn’t able to go out that night (as ordered) because I got a call to do some transcription work, plus I had signed up to work a few hours overtime.

But Thursday night was the night. I went to Michaels first because I had two 50% off coupons and one expired on Thursday. I was also on a mission to find this stamp/punch set….

…. for a friend at SCRAP SISTERS STUDIO (my favorite message board where all my Scrap Homegirls hang out). She said in a post about new stuff at Michaels that she really wanted it, but her Mike’s is 2 hours away (which should be a crime, in my opinion) and didn’t know when she could get there next. So I offered to pick up the punch and ship it to her if I could find it….and I did! It was even on sale for 30% off, so she only paid 9 dollah for it. I also found the December CK finally, which I plan to snuggle down on the couch with as soon as I finish writing this.

Since I had been banished from the house, I knew they certainly didn’t want me back anytime soon so, for once, I was NOT in a rush and just took my time strolling through the aisles. I ran into a friend out front and we chatted. I looked at all the pretty Christmas ornaments and looked for a new tree angel (no luck). And I took the time to flip through each and every one of the new paper stacks they have. So wanna’ guess which one I ended up buying?

BLADOW!

* Picture courtesy of SCRAPBOOK.COM, who I hope some of you will link to and buy stuff (or at least click over there and increase their number of hits). Because the Cosmo Cricket website, which I would’ve PREFERRED to link you to, has some stupid “using our stupid images stupid policy.” Go Scrapbook.com! They know how to do business!

But I digress….Yes, I got the Cosmo Cricket “Earth Love/The Boyfriend” 12×12 double deck stack. You can see both lines HERE. Honestly, there is one pattern in Earth Love that kind of freaks my deak ~ they look like weird space mushrooms to me ~ so if anyone wants them, let me know (I can cut them into 6×6 and ship ’em to you in an envie). It’s the pattern under the birds.

I ADORE the entire Boyfriend line. Some really cute papers in there for school layouts, and they also make me want to find some photos of DH from junior high and high school to scrap. There are cassette tapes, Atari joysticks, banana seat bikes, etc. Totally kewl, dude….

Anyway, got that stack for 1/2 off ($10 instead of $20), and used my other 50% off coupon towards a Christmas card kit for which I paid $8.50 instead of $17. Comes out to about 47 cents per card. As my dear old grampy used to say, “It’s better than a sharp stick in the eye!” Okay, I didn’t really have a grampy… I just made that up. But, yeah, I just outed myself. I’m a scrapbooker who cheats on her Christmas cards. I actually did stamp and make my own cards last year but, man, that is for chumps! Or for people not as lazy and selfish as me. WhatEVER! But it was WAY too much work and at the busiest time of year. What was I thinking???? So this year, I’ll do the traditional boring family Christmas letter, a 2009 photo collage, and *gasp!* cards made from a kit. I hope Scrapbook Santa will forgive me :)

From the clearance section, I got some Martha Stewart “Memory Labels” (18 pack) which are self-adhesive, come in orange, pink, and green, and say “Who, What, Where, When.” They could be used to make some cute invitations but I’m going to use them for journaling, of course (I have a journaling spot fetish). They were $2 instead of $4.

I went on to enjoy some more “me” time shopping at Target. {Nothing new in the scrap aisle…yeah, of course I looked!}. Prescriptions, Christmas shopping, a new Maeve Binchy book, etc. It was a nice, relaxing evening … even if I was doing a mommy job while I was there. You can relate, right?

On my way home, I stopped at the Starbucks drive-thru to get a latte for re-heating in the morning (remember, I work from home….I never. leave. the house) and got a big shock. My venti-sugar free vanilla – quad – breve – latte….now costs SIX BUCKS! Seriously? For shizzle. My ever so charming barista told me that they just raised their shot prices. So I now drink a six dollar coffee. Am I insane?

Um, yeah. Don’t answer that.

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30% Off ALL Martha Stewart Crafts

Scrapbook ObsessionUpdated on November 7, 2009November 7, 2009

4 days only! { November 8 through 11, 2009 }

Sounds like a good time to get some of those sought after Martha punches….or the cool MS peg stamps that my SSS bud, KELLI, showed us. She made this card with them….isn’t it GORGE!?!?!

Also, a $100 credit if you buy the Gypsy before 11/30/09

If you’re signed up for their coupon and weekly ad e-mails, you can get a 40% off AND a 50% off coupon to be used those 4 days also.

For the love of all that is scrappy….you have got to look at all the Mike’s eye candy HERE! OMG, so glad I saw this. Now I’m REALLY excited because… If all goes as planned, I’m headed to the Big City tomorrow for my monthly Costco run. Which also means Michaels, Tuesday Morning, Barnes and Noble (December CK is out!), and the craft store. For some reason, I LOVE Costco Run days :)

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Cropping, Journaling, Inking and Decisions…

Scrapbook Obsession June 29, 2009June 29, 2009

I went to a crop Saturday, the one I talked about HERE. Only 4 of us ended up being able to go. I talked more than I cropped, and we stopped to eat twice (lunch/dinner) so I didn’t get much done. I completed 5 pages and started a 6th, and I was there from about 11:30 to 9. One thing I did different this time is that I promised myself I would get the journaling done AT the crop. I can’t tell you how many unfinished layouts are sitting on my desk from past crops, that were done, they “just need the journaling.” Ya’ got any of those on your desk? I mean, they’re, like, 30 minutes of effort away from being in a scrapbook for everyone to enjoy and yet…they’re on my desk. Why is journaling something I put off? I really do like to write, it’s not that. It’s like I lose my mojo to work on that layout once I leave the crop. But anyhow, that’s why I forced myself to journal these layouts and I’m glad I did. They are going straight into the album, baby!

Another new thing I tried was a technique that’s been around awhile but I’m always late to the party. I had a white Bazzill background, and I laid out the title of my layout with letter stickers (a block style of cardstock sticker alpha by American Crafts; $1 from Big Lots, LOL!). Then I went over the title in a circular motion with deep turquoise chalk ink by Martha Stewart (it’s just like the kind by COLORBOX). Then I removed the stickers and, voila! The white Bazzill showed through the turquoise ink and it looks rad. The only problem was some bleeding around about three of the letters, but it’s not that noticeable. At least, that’s what my sweet crop friends told me, LOL! I learned my lesson, though…make sure those suckers are stuck down pretty well before you rub the ink on. I like this technique so much, I used it again when I started that 6th layout. I used a different kind cardstock alpha sticker, made sure the letters were stuck down really good, and it came out great.

The Memory Works “party” part of it didn’t work out because, like me, everyone is broke, LOL! The hostess ordered some things and I’m going to split shipping with her and throw in something with her order. I can’t decide….the new Basic Grey ‘Junebug’ or ‘Lemonade’ (see them HERE and HERE), or Little Yellow Bicycle ‘Traveler’ (which I shared HERE). Tough decision. If you could get something from these lines, what would you get?

I’ve also been eyeing this for a while…THE COTTAGE Theme Set by Scrap Within Reach, which is a company that’s new to me and I have nothing of theirs yet. I’m curious what the quality is like/what it’s like in person. I love the colors and it seems a very versatile set to work with. And the price is good ~ you get six 12×12 sheets of double-sided patterned cardstock paper for $5.75, so less than a dollar a sheet for double-sided cardstock PP…not bad.

Yeah, decisions, decisions…

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Thickers and Martha Stewart Wedding at Big Lots

Scrapbook Obsession June 17, 2009June 17, 2009

Finally! Some THICKERS showed up at my Big Lots. Not that I was stalking it….because I wasn’t….I mean, not that you can prove….

Here are the ones I bought. I wasn’t thrilled with the selection, especially compared to what I’ve seen others post from their BL. But, hey, 2 bucks for something that normally goes for $4-5? I’ll take it, mama!

Did you know that Big Lots also has a bunch of MARTHA STEWART wedding stuff right now? There are packages of tiny bling and pearls, cake topper frames, garlands, etc. As one would imagine, Martha’s items are very tasteful and of good quality. I was tempted by some MS 12×12 postbound albums that were marketed as a Wedding Guest Book. I don’t need one of those, but I figured for 2 bucks a piece, I could pull out the guest book pages and insert a bunch of page protectors. Alas, I decided against buying any. Here is what I DID get. These MS heart tins I got the last time I was there. Only $2 for 24 pretty little tins. I’m going to put candies in them and give them away at my crop in July.

The daisy coasters are stinkin’ adorable. Think I will keep a couple for me, then give the rest out at the crop, too. Don’t you think they make a great embellishment for a Spring layout? The scalloped ones are so much cuter (and less orange) in real life. I flipped one over so you can see that you could just use the white side for a journaling box. In really faint print, it has a tiny logo in the middle but you can easily write over it.

I’ve been having a really rough week so that was a nice little surprise. I got a screamin’ deal on my favorite shampoo at Big Lots, too. Me likey that store….

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New Making Memories and More at Michaels!

Scrapbook Obsession January 13, 2009January 13, 2009

Now how’s that for alliteration?!? LOL But really what I need to say is……GET THEE TO MICHAELS AND FAST! Yeppers, they have some more new items. And thanks to my trusty iPhone…because you would NOT see me whipping out my bulky Kodak Easyshare in a STORE, for gosh sakes….I have PHOTOS!! Okay, I probably so WOULD take photos in Michaels with my big Kodak but, see this way, I don’t get arrested.

Today, we have for you….Chloe’s Closet by Making Memories….

See the cute spiral journaling notebook in the second row for $4.99. Got me summa’ that, for 40% no less! And I already used that front orange and yellow one on a Gratitude Project layout. Bla-DOW!

I almost got this here 8×8 album, because I had originally wanted to do my Gratitude Album in 8×8 size but knew a postbbound wouldn’t hold 26 pages nicely. Well, my lovelies, this is an 8×8 three ring. And so googly cute! I left it there, thinking if I really wanted it in my heart of hearts, I would get it on my next trip. {PS: I then proceeded to Walmart where I got an 8.5×11 binder to use for my GP album instead, LOL!}

Here’s some fun and pretty new MAMBI paper pads and Soft Spoken embellies. Loved them all and got none. This time.

This is the collection they were talking about recently on 2peas. There seemed to be mixed reviews but I thought it was pretty cute. Not much I can use in my everyday scrapbooking but I love the stamps. My online scrap buddy, JINGLE, is all into woodland creatures so I think she’ll be fan. {Hi Jings!}

Love the poppies, so striking….

And this is cute…all pink, black and white by Making Memories again…As you kin see, they were still filling the rack.

All new Prima flowers, bling, etc. Lots to love here…

This bling-y flourish will eventually belong to my collection….

Strangely enough, the rack where I found all this loot was in the back before you get to framing and such. It’s the rack that used to be in front of the scrapbooking area so, whatever. I’m sure Michaels has some grand master plan up their sleeve and someday that will all make sense. Right?

Another hot item at Michaels – that I was somehow not informed of until AFTER my trip there (ahem) – is this Valentine Lace border punch by Martha Stewart. The Peas are talking about it HERE.

So, see anything you like? What will you buy at Michaels?

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What’s @ Mike’s These Days…and a Coupon Too

Scrapbook ObsessionUpdated on June 20, 2008June 20, 2008

HERE is the latest Mike’s coupon, good for 40% off any item (except Cricut) through June 28, 2008.

And speaking of Michaels, I wandered through there the other day and took some photos with my iPhone. Come on a tour with me, won’t you?

Ladies, it is a momentous day in scrapbooking history. My Mike’s got their first ever sets of acrylic stamps. Well, I mean large sets, not just the little dollar sets. These are pretty rockin’. I’ve heard others talking about them on CKMB and such but never thought I’d see them in my lifetime, but there they were. And $4.99 seems like a good price…

These are on my list…oh, the journaling possibilities!

And these too…wouldn’t they be fun to stamp in any different color, and then use Stickles in the dots??

One of my favorite words ever is in this pack…can you guess what it is?

These epoxy alphas with some bling were new; they come in black or silver. There were other sets that were patterned and brighter colors too. I’d never seen this brand at Mike’s before…wow, they’re living dangerously over there, aren’t they?

Next was a row and a half of new bling. Oh, what to choose, what to choose??

The border punches are multiplying but, nope, not a one of the ever popular FISKARS THREADING WATER PUNCH.

All kindza new Prima flower goodness…

I saw this bottle and immediately thought….”beach layouts”. The colors are so soft and ocean-y. I’ll be back with a coupon for these, oh yeah.

Still not a big Martha Stewart fan, but I thought these gift tags would make cool journaling spots.

My Mike’s still had plenty of Skittles, and on Clearance no less! They were in two different sections of the store so if you’re looking for some in your Mike’s, you might need to make the rounds of the entire store.

I went looking for “uh” foam sheet or three {cuz I’ve heard several places lately ~ including HERE ~ it makes your stamping sharper if you put some under your work}. but didn’t want to shell out 8 bucks when I only needed a few. Hmmmm…maybe I could sell them on E-Bay for a dollar a sheet, LOL. Nah….

Well, about the time I took my second photo of Skittles, store employees started giving me the stink eye. Did they think I was some kind of Skittle Spy? I dunno but the iPhone went back in my purse. I checked the mags and the dollar bins, with nothing new. You probably won’t believe me but I left the store empty-handed. Yes, I really really did! Um, no cash, no coupon, no want hubby to see another Mike’s charge on the debit card. Like any good member of the Scrapbook Obsessed, I took photos and made mental notes, all in preparation for future trips to Michaels.

Our tour is now over. You may return your seats to the upright position and please exit to the left over the wing. Thank you for flying Scrapbook Obsession…