Keepsakes by Design

We've moved!!!!!

2010-03-18T11:55:00.001-06:00

Keepsakes by Design is now

Simply Fresh Arts!!!!

We are now located at 2622 W. Main, Suite 1-A
in beautiful Bozeman, Montana.

Our phone number is still the same (406) 586-9249

Our new blog address is http://simplyfresharts.blogspot.com/

Stop by and see us today!!!!

2009-11-11T19:59:00.029-07:00

Keepsakes is having a

Holiday Celebration

and you're
Invited!!

Join us!!

Saturday, December 5th
10:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Wingate Inn, Bozeman.

Come shop for the latest products, create a beautiful project to keep or give as a perfect holiday gift, and shop our great selection of pre-made crafts and goodies.

A fun and special day just for you!

Project Information: We will have 8+ projects available with no set time for any of them. Simply select the project or projects you would like to do, select & purchase the necessary products & directions, sit down with the project instructor and complete a beautiful gift or treasure just for you!

ONE CATCH--project supplies are limited and are available on a first come first serve basis. When they're gone, they're gone!!

If you see a project below you must have, please email us right away with your request. We will do our best to make sure you get the supplies.
Our email is keepsakes@mcn.net

Shown below are the project examples. Your finished project may differ slightly depending on changes you make or availability of some of the products shown. Please make note of the extra supply list posted after each photo. You will need to bring these items to complete each project.

Pocket Star

These darling stars come in two sizes and colors. Cover and embellish with your choice of papers, select a complimentary ribbon, and hang them on your wall to hold your Christmas cards, bills or anything you choose. These stars compliment any decor and are a perfect gift for anyone.

Supplies to Bring: Pencil, scissors, sanding block, ink with applicator for distressing, a throw away foam brush, and decoupage medium if you want something other than matte medium.

Vintage Purse Book

This wonderfully vintage, shabby chic book has a distressed metal handle and is filled with beautiful 7 Gypsies papers and embellishments. A perfect book for all your heritage photos or any sepia or black and white photos you may have. A project not to be missed if you like the vintage arts!

Supplies to Bring: Adhesives, inks for distressing with applicator, cutter, pop dots and any extra embellishments, rubons or stamps you would like to incorporate.

Beautiful Glass Ornaments

Using the wonderful mica powders and medium from Luminarte and just a little glitter, create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind ornament for your tree or make a bunch for a beautiful centerpiece. These turn out beautiful every time and are so fun and easy to make you won't want to stop.

Supplies to Bring: None

Shadow Box Frame

A surprise technique awaits you when you re-create this awesome 8 x 8 frame. You can use papers shown or select a theme and color scheme to your liking. A perfect gift for someone you love or for your wall at home.

Supplies to Bring: A 4 x 4 photo or one you can cut to that size, pop dots, sanding block, ink for distressing with applicator and a throw away sponge brush. We have used black acrylic paint, if you would like a different color bring that.

Graphic 45 Christmas Cards

Ideas for beautiful cards taken from the Graphic 45 blog. Create two similar cards plus two more to send to your family and friends. These cards are beautiful, fast and easy.

Supplies to Bring: Cutter, adhesive both tape runner and glue dots, brown ink for distressing with applicator.

Recipe Photo Stand

Fill this beautiful photo stand with Graphic 45's new Domestic Goddess papers and tags shown in the second photo. Take your completed project home and add your favorite recipes. Store on your counter for quick reference or if you can bear to give it away, give it to someone you love.

Supplies to Bring: Adhesive (tape runner or glue stick), scissors, cutter, and inks with applicator if you like distressing.

Artist Printers Tray

Once again 7 Gypsies has outdone themselves with their new vintage inspired Artist Printers Trays. Fill each section with special memorabilia, hang it on your wall, and enjoy. You can create yours similar to the one below or shake it up, its up to you. Trays come in two colors and two slot sizes.

Supplies to Bring: Strong adhesive, tape runner, cutter, ink with applicator and any special embellishments you want to add.

Holiday Ornaments

Using solder, glass, copper tape and whatever photo or gorgeous paper & embellishment (flat) you want to incorporate, create a beautiful ornament. Then choose beautiful ribbons to hang them on your tree or like I do, hang them around the house year round. My friend did these for me as a gift and I loved them and thought they would be a great project. More examples will be at the function.

Supplies to Bring: Small photo (2x2), or any totally flat item you want to incorporate. This can be a rub on, sticker, stamp or anything completely flat.

Note: All projects will be on display at the Wingate. If you can't stay to create, directions will be available with your project kit so you can complete them at home.

Here's a few other ideas that will be on display.

Christmas display using a game board & Graphic 45 papers

Decorative Christmas trees using Graphic 45 paper

Star covered with Graphic 45 papers

Another example of the shadow box frame

Canvas Album

2009-03-03T09:45:00.003-07:00

Canvas Album Class
Saturday, March 7
12:00 - 2:00 pm
Taught by Elizabeth Wickland

Botanical Shabby Chic Cards

2009-02-27T12:17:00.002-07:00

Tuesday, March 10th -- 6 - 8:30

These beautiful cards, using one of our favorite lines from Graphic 45, were created by our own, very talented Kristii. Don't miss out on this great class!

All classes will continue in our current location until April 1. We'll keep you posted on what's happening after that.

Thanks much, Sheila and all

More class project photos!

2009-02-17T16:51:00.003-07:00

Here's a project you won't want to miss!

This 12x6 album can be any theme you want. Goes perfect with sepia or black and white photos, but you can use color too! Lots of techniques to be learned here! Moving parts, surprise elements, and so much more! Here are some of the details!

Have you got those perfect photos for this album? If not, go out and take them! That's what I did! Join us March 18th at 6 p.m. for this one. Remember to call the store and get signed up, space will be limited!

And the Keep It Simple by Sassy class includes this beauty:

Join us for this an one other scrapbooking page on Februery 25th at 6:00 p.m. Again, remember you have to sign up in advance and space is limited!

You've been asking about classes, and we've got them. Come join in on the fun!

FEBRUARY CLASS PHOTOS

2009-02-16T21:41:00.003-07:00

Urban Prairie Pages .............................Tuesday, Feb. 24th

Beautiful & Masculine Pages...............Thursday, Feb. 26th

Stairstep Vintage Cards ....................Saturday, Feb. 28th

Keep it Simple & Sassy.......................Wednesday, Feb. 25th

Photos for this class will be posted tomorrow.

UPCOMING EVENTS & HAPPENINGS AT KEEPSAKES

2009-01-30T10:59:00.007-07:00

We've just returned from CHA, the Craft Industry's largest trade show. We hope you enjoy these photos of just some of the new products coming and ideas using them.

WANT TO SEE MORE OF THESE FABULOUS IDEAS? From Saturday, January 31st through Saturday, February 7th purchase $50 worth of products and leave with a FREE DVD of photos from the show. With over 1600 photos of new products and ideas by all the top designers, this is better than any idea book out there and its yours FREE when you purchase $50 in products. This disk is not available anywhere else.

Our new schedule of classes and events is coming soon!!!

FINAL CLASSES for 2008

2008-11-27T16:10:00.007-07:00

The following are our final classes for 2008.

Get signed up today at 586-9249.

Christmas Pages I

Tuesday, December 2nd

Christmas Page II

Thursday, December 4th

Christmas Pages III

Monday, December 8th

Christmas Cards that hold gift Cards

Wednesday, December 10th

2008-11-26T07:13:00.002-07:00

October Afternoon Cards

2008-11-17T20:13:00.003-07:00

Register today to attend this class on Thursday, November 20th @ 6:00 where you will make these beautiful cards with our new line of paper from October Afternoon.

As always, Kristii has outdone herself on these cards with beautiful papers, embellishments and techniques.

In Loving Memory of our Friend ROSIE FAUST

2008-11-13T14:04:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday, November 11th our dear friend Rosie left us to tend her beautiful garden and to create more beautiful projects in our Father's kingdom above. We love you Rosie and will miss you dearly!

You have been such an important part of Keepsakes for longer than most. I remember many nights when the store was still in Livingston and you would drive through terrible snow storms just to get to a class. I always knew if I could count on one person to be there, it would be Rosie. When retreats or special events were scheduled I would automatically put Rosie at the top of the list.

It was always a joy to see you come through the door, you were always so happy and so friendly with everyone you came in contact with. You made everyone feel like they had known you for years. We will not soon forget you!!!

Until we meet again my friend!!

Sheila

SERVICES are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, November 19th @ 11:00 a.m. at the Dahl Funeral Home off Highland Blvd. If plans change, we will post here.

Please feel free to post a memory you have of Rosie. We would love to read about it.

WE HAD FUN!!!!!

2008-10-05T15:12:00.003-06:00

Making books from cardboard and mica sprays was a blast! Sorry if you missed out on this. Here are a few photos - no finished projects because everyone decided to finish theirs at home.

It was a fun fill day with great company! A little messy compared to many classes, but fun all the same.

Ladies from the class, I appreciate you and what a terrific class you made this!

For some pictures of the sample of what we made, go to my blog and see all the details! But remember, each student had her own color scheme and theme, so they all look different! some of the students have promised to bring their finished projects to the retreat, so that will be a chance for you to see their creative goodness!

If you don't want to miss out on any of this kind of fun, get over to the store (or call) and get signed up for some of these wonderful fun classes!

Up-coming classes at the store

2008-10-01T21:29:00.007-06:00

Prima Board Pages
Monday, October 6th
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Cost: $22.00
Using paints, inks, ribbons, embellishments and much more, Peggy has created two beautiful pages each using the embossed chipboard pages from Prima. Don’t miss out on these fun, technique filled pages.

Fall Cards & Wall Hanging

Tuesday, October 7th

6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Cost: $20.00
In this class create beautiful fall cards and a darling Halloween wall hanging using the new papers from Pink Paislee and Chipboard shapes, ribbons and so much more from Maya Road. A must do to get in the mood for fall and decorate for Halloween.

Art Journal

Thursday, October 9th

6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Cost: $22.00
Or whatever you want it to be. Create the front and back covers for a journal, date or address book, mini-album or whatever you want it to be. Your finished project will be something worthy to give as a fabulous gift and the techniques learned are easily repeated in the comfort of your home! Lots of fun and different products will be used.

Halloween Pages

Tuesday, October 14th

6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Cost: $20.00
Once again, Kristi has created pages that are worthy of those little ghost and goblin photos you have so many of. Using the new Pink Paislee papers and embellishments, these are pages and techniques to treasure and use over & over

Hope you can join us for these classes! Call and reserve your spot now!

Retreat Excitement

2008-10-01T20:42:00.005-06:00

Are you signed up for our fantastic fall retreat? If not, you should be. So much fun coming everybody's way just by going to this three day event.

Here are some of the classes we've got lined up for the retreat:

Girl Pages:

Got a daughter as beautiful as this one? Then highlight her personality with this wonderful set of pages! Jenn Claar has outdone herself with these great fall themed pages. Your daughter, sister, mother or friend will be thrilled to see you made her the center of these awesome pages!

Vintage pages:

Can you believe what a beautiful job Kristii did putting together these pages to show off your beautiful children. This Graphic 45 line of paper is amazing, and these pages are incredible!

Christmas Pages:

Its never too late to scrap your photos from last Christmas, and never too early to get ready for this holiday season. These pages using Tinkering Ink's wonderful Yuletide line are versatile and fun.

Butterfly Banner:

This banner is just perfect for fall decor or general vintage decor in your home. It expresses the universal sentiment of love, and is beautiful on the eye. Kristii always rocks the Graphic 45 lines, and this is no exception!

Fence:

For something unique and fun, use some landscaping materials to make a little decorative picket fence. This is one of those heirloom items that will shock you with it's ease, and makes a wonderful gift for your family and friends.

Remember you can see all these classes at the store! Stop by and sign up, or just call and we'll get you in the class - but, you have to be signed up for the retreat to take any of these classes!

Sneak Peek Recipe Album!

2008-09-28T11:36:00.002-06:00

Here's a sneak peek of Wednesday's Recipe Album class. The papers hadn't come in for the open house, so there was no sample. So if you were waiting to see what it looks like to sign up, better stop by on Monday and check it out!

More sneak peeks

2008-09-10T10:57:00.002-06:00

And, if you want a great sneak, click here and scroll down to see what Kristti has done for you to enjoy! There is so much goodness coming up it is amazing!

Hopefully some more sneaks tomorrow too!

Excitement is Mounting!

2008-09-09T11:17:00.002-06:00

The Open House is almost here. The Design Team is running around like chickens with their heads cut off getting class samples ready for you to see. Are you ready? We have such a great full schedule this fall, and hope that you can be part of it.

Here are a few sneaks at classes Jen Claar has in store for you. First, take a look at what she has done with the hot new line from Cosmo Cricket called "Mr. Campy"

Isn't that amazing!

And here is a prototype for the Christmas Planner. The exciting papers she'll use for the class have not arrived yet (boo hoo!), but you can see that this is going to be one awesome project!

Hope to see you on Saturday!

If you can't make one of the classes, be sure to ask about ordering a kit!

Oh, and look for more sneaks tomorrow . . . and the next day . . . and maybe even the next day too!

Peek-a-Boo, Sneak-a-Boo!

2008-08-28T11:59:00.000-06:00

Coming soon to a class you can take.

Back to School is Here!

2008-08-26T20:27:00.003-06:00

It's that time of year again! Time to record those precious memories of children starting and returning to school!

Here is a beautiful sample of a layout documenting these fun events by our design team member, Kristii Lockart.

Kristii used new papers from SEI that are available in the store now! Come in and get them for your own enjoyment, and get right to documenting important school events!

Sneak, sneak, sneak!

2008-08-24T17:09:00.001-06:00

As the start of school sneaks up on us, and summer is sneaking its way out, thought you might enjoy another peak at what we've got on the fall line-up. Fun for every one!

Another sneak peek!

2008-08-18T11:59:00.002-06:00

This will be in a class we offer this fall! Exciting, huh!

A Day Spent Ordering New Product

2008-08-14T09:58:00.003-06:00

Yep, it's that time of year, and we spent a day looking at and selecting great new products for the store. The reps were here, the catalogs and samples were many. Some of the design team joined in the excitement. There will be new stuff from Basic Grey, Scenic Route, Graphic 45, Fancy Pants, Fiskars, and so much more. Over the next three months there will be new stuff flooding the store! Some of it before the end of this month!

Come on in and check it out!

Next week more sneak peeks at up-coming classes!

Are you ready for some Sneaky Peeks?

2008-08-09T15:29:00.003-06:00

Here are two of the lines of paper that we don't have in yet, but will get in for classes this fall and early winter:

For those of you planning way ahead and looking for something Christmas themed, a scrapbook page class will be taught both at the retreat and in early December using this line of paper from K and Company (click on the highlighted link to see the paper)

And to bring in some rich and beautiful fall colors, on September 16th at 6 p.m. we'll teach a class using these papers from Scenic Route (again, click on the highlighted link to see the paper).

These are early peeks ladies, as we don't even have these papers in our hands yet. But it sure is exciting that we will get them soon!

Look for more peeks, including looks at projects already developed for the classes in the next couple of weeks! And, maybe a little give away for or blog users - more on that early next week!

Come back soon!

WooHoo!

2008-08-07T12:48:00.003-06:00

Our classes for next week are filling up! The card class, unfortunately was canceled. The scrapbook page class is full - to capacity, can't take any more, can't do any kits because we've used up all the product set aside for this class! Wow! That's exciting! And the luggage case class is close to full - call right away to see if you can still get in!

We are really looking forward to seeing all of you students there on Monday and Tuesday!

Our fall schedule will be coming out soon! Look for sneak peeks on those projects starting next week! Remember to get signed up for classes right away so you don't miss out on these fun opportunities!

And did you get that email about our retreat? OHHHHH! Time to get signed up for that too. It starts on Thursday, October 23 and goes through Sunday October 26th (Thursday is optional!) Call the store to get signed up because spots for this retreat will go quickly! Our retreats are so fun - good friends, good give-a-ways, great classes, wonderful food, and just a great time to get lots done! Don't miss out on this opportunity for scrapping goodness!

We've Had A Change Of Plan!

2008-07-24T15:42:00.002-06:00

The card class scheduled for August 13th at 6 p.m. will consist of these Scenic Route cards instead of the transparency cards shown previously. Here is a nice peek at them.

Note you'll be making four cards instead of three, and there is lots of good summer color here! Come and enjoy!

Gate-fold Transparency Cards

2008-07-22T07:42:00.003-06:00

Here they are! Super cute cards. As usual, Elizabeth has done something very special!

The class is August 13th at 6p.m. Give us a call, or stop by and sign up! You'll learn a lot! And have a lot of fun too!

Watch for some "sneak peaks" coming soon for the fall classes! It's getting exciting around here!

The Classes are Coming! The Classes are Coming!

2008-07-16T22:42:00.004-06:00

Are you ready for some classes? We are! Coming August 11th - 13th, three amazing classes to suit your fancy! These are special session classes as we usually take August off. So, just this quick little spurt, and then we won't be back with classes until after Labor Day. Hold on to your hats, because we have got it going on for you!

First, on Monday, August 11th, at 6 p.m. you'll have the opportunity to make this darling little hat box. This sample was done by our phenomenal design team member, Peggy Lucas, who will be teaching this class. The box is just full of so many fun details! It is on display in the store, so go check it out - the pictures do not do it justice. Once you see it, you're sure to want to sign up for the class! And, you'll be able to select your own papers, so you can make it to match your own decor, or as a special gift for a friend!

On Tuesday evening, again at 6 p.m., we'll be offering a class with these two pages (you saw the sneak peaks last week). They are both very detailed, with a little rustic mixed with some vintage, and a whole lot of fun thrown in! You will learn to use the Ranger Distress Inks, try a couple of paper distressing techniques, incorporate denim, break out the micro beads, create your own letters from naked chipboard, use the Cricut machine, do a little doodling, and so much more! Plus, we've used at least two recycled materials to make one of these projects very "green." These pages are available to enjoy at the store as well. Stop in and take a look!

And on Wednesday, August 13th, again at 6 p.m. we'll have a card class by Elizabeth. Sorry photos not currently available, but we are working on it - hope to have them by Friday! But, with Elizabeth, you almost don't need photos because you know her cards are outstanding! You'll enjoy every one of these cards and learning to techniques to make them!

Mark your calendars! Call the store and reserve your spot in these wonderful classes! We can't wait to see you there!

The Keepsakes By Design Team

Sneak Peek!

2008-07-05T09:40:00.002-06:00

Got a few classes in development! Getting excited! No specific dates yet, but we're working on it! Check these out:

2008-07-02T13:03:00.002-06:00

Have you seen some of the cool summer-time papers we have in the store?

Take a look at this line from Scenic Route!

You don't want to miss out on using these fun bright colors! But the line has more to offer than that. Look here:

The classic stripes and plaid make for some wonderful details in any fun summer layout!

And what could be more summer like than a trip to the sea shore. That is exactly where Christine Adolph takes you with her new papers and embellishments from Creative Imaginations. Here is a fun way to turn those papers into a page:

Cool and refreshing to look at! Fun for all ages. Beautiful papers to enhance your beautiful papers.

Come on in and check out these papers and so much more!

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 14: Summer is Here!

2008-06-27T08:29:00.002-06:00

Summer Is Here! And it is our last challenge. Have you stayed caught up? Are you playing catch-up to get ready to submit your projects to Keepsakes so we can get you your prize? Sure hope so! Now that it is officially summer, lets get some projects that reflect the warm, long days of sunshine and lemonade, of children running through the sprinklers and families camping! Go to town on this one people!

This Week's Classes

2008-06-24T09:41:00.002-06:00

We're down to the last couple classes for the schedule, so if you really wanted to take a class this month, you'd better get busy! Here's what's coming up this week:

The Story of Me
Taught by Kristii Lockart
Wednesday, June 25
6:00-8:30
$20

Sommerset Watercolor Album
Taught by Susan Beth Breuner
Thursday, June 26
6-9 pm
$25

Stop by Keepsakes to see the class sample!

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 13: Three's Company

2008-06-20T08:26:00.000-06:00

Your challenge this week is to...

Combine Products From at Least Three Companies

Come and see how well so many lines coordinate with products from a completely different manufacturer. Pick at least three and take them home to do a little something special for us! Be creative! Be inspired! Have fun! Make something unique!

This Week's Classes!

2008-06-15T19:53:00.000-06:00

Friend Pages
Taught by Jan
Tuesday, June 17
6-8:30 pm
$20

Mom and Me Class
Taught by Elizabeth
Saturday, June 21
11-1 pm
$20

Intro to Design #6 - Bridge and Ground
Taught by Jan
Saturday, June 21
2-4 pm
$20

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 12: Prolific Poetry

2008-06-13T08:19:00.000-06:00

A Rose By Any Other Name... would smell just as sweet. Let poetry inspire your card, page or other project. Use the poem or series of poems for your journaling, or just as a jumping off point. Put a little punch of romance and sweetness with a classic Shakespeare poem, or try a funny children's poem from Shel Silverstein to narrate that great photo of your child or grandchild! Or better yet, use a poem you wrote!

This Week's Classes!

2008-06-07T19:46:00.000-06:00

Surprise Techniques
Taught by Susan Beth
Monday, June 9
6-9 pm
$20

Come and see what surprise techniques Susan Beth brought back from the Donna Downey workshop!

Shabby Chic Cards II
Taught by Elizabeth
Wednesday, June 11
6-9 pm
$20

7Gypsies Layouts
Taught by Peggy
Thursday, June 12
6-8 pm
$20

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 11: Clearly Colorful!

2008-06-06T08:09:00.000-06:00

Your challenge for this week is to...

COLOR A PREPRINTED TRANSPARENCY!

Get out your pens and paints, maybe even a few stamps and some ink and go to town on a pre-printed transparency. We've got a ton of them in stock just waiting for you to work some colorful magic to enhance your pages, cards and other projects! Check out transparencies from Hambly, Creative Imaginations, Fancy Pants and others! What fun!

Thank You!

2008-06-04T22:37:00.003-06:00

I just want to say "Thank You!" to those of you who attended tonight's Artsy Butterfly Cards class! It was wonderful to meet a lot of you for the first time and I hope to see you again! You are all so wonderful to work with and I love seeing how you changed up the cards to make them your own!

For those of you who were interested in more information about the paper ribbon from Little Black Dress Designs, you can find information on their product page. They have the ribbon in all sorts of colors and also have ideas for what to do with it. From reading on their website I learned that you can activate the adhesive used in the manufacturing process by wetting the ribbon and pressing it to your paper. I tried it, and it works! You have to hold it down for a few seconds to get it to stick, but then it adheres nicely. It's a neat trick!

Thanks again for attending the class tonight. I hope you had a nice time - I know I did, thanks to all of you!!

Elizabeth

How to enter the challenges...

2008-06-03T16:37:00.003-06:00

We were asked how to enter the weekly challenges by leaving a comment on the blog, so here is a step by step process for anyone who wants to enter but doesn't know how! The blog challenges will continue through the end of the month, and there is a prize awaiting one lucky winner who finishes them all! You can always drop your layout / project off at the store to have it entered, but if you want to enter online, here's how to do it...

1. First you will need to post a picture of the project online somewhere. It can be anywhere, from your own blog (free, and easy to set up at blogger.com), to a photo sharing site (like flickr), or an online gallery (like twopeasinabucket). It's free and easy to set up an account on one of these sites and it just takes a second.

2. Once your project is online, make sure you can see it in your web browser and then highlight the web address (the WHOLE thing) and copy it. If you are using a Windows based computer, the easiest way to copy is to hit while the line is highlighted. You can also right click and select "copy" from the drop down menu.

3. Once you have copied the link, go to the post on the Keepsakes blog and leave a comment. In the comment box you can say whatever it is you'd like to say and then paste the link into the comment. To paste, you can hit or right click and select "paste" from the drop down menu.

4. Once you have finished posting your comment the web address should be visible and we can go see your great projects!

Can't wait to see what you all come up with now that you know how to post a link!!

This Week's Classes!

2008-06-01T07:13:00.000-06:00

Birthday Cake Book
Taught by Jennifer
Monday, June 2
6-8 pm
$20

See store display for class sample!

Travel Pages
Taught by Jan
Tuesday, June 3
6-8 pm
$20

Butterfly Cards
Taught by Elizabeth
Wednesday, June 4
6-9 pm
$20

Intro to Design #5 - Balance
Taught by Jan
Saturday, June 7
1-4 pm
$20

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 10: Dream Vacation

2008-05-30T08:03:00.000-06:00

Vacation season is upon us. Are you going on your dream vacation? Did you already go on it? Maybe you don't get to do it this year, but you still have a dream vacation to look forward to in the future! Do a project that reflects this dream (whether it has come true or not!).

Here are a couple pages from DT member Elizabeth's album from her dream trip to Alaska a few years ago!

Upcoming Event: Crop 'Till You Drop!

2008-05-26T18:40:00.000-06:00

Don't forget that this Friday is

CROP 'TILL YOU DROP

from 6:00 - 10:30 pm!

Bring your projects to work on and a snack to share and come join the fun!
The cost is free, but workspace is limited, so call (406) 586-9249 to let us know you're coming!

This Week's Classes!

2008-05-25T11:02:00.002-06:00

Baby Pages
Taught by Kristii
Monday, May 26
1-4 pm
$20

Vintage Photo Cards
Taught by Elizabeth
Tuesday, May 27
6-9 pm
$20

Stop by the store to see the class samples!

Prima Boy Pages
Taught by Jan
Wednesday, May 28
6-8 pm
$20

Let's Create A Party
Taught by Peggy
Thursday, May 29
6-8 pm
$20

Stop by the store to see the class samples!

Mom and Me Class
Taught by Elizabeth
Saturday, May 31
1-3 pm
$20 for mom and child
$10 for each additional child

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 9: Flower Power!

2008-05-23T02:42:00.000-06:00

We're looking forward to a season of wonderful flowers - from sweet peas to roses to paintbrushes and sun flowers. Now is the time to put them on your pages! You know what that means... this week's challenge is to:

Go flower crazy!

We've got flowers from Prima, Bazzil, Bo Bunny, Imaginisce, and other manufacturers! Grab a bunch and put them on your project! Or use one of our many flower punches and make your own! Alter them with ink, glitter, paint, whatever you'd like! Enjoy the flowers and share them with all of us!

Don't forget that you get a 15% discount on the flowers you buy for this challenge - all you have to do is let us know which challenge you're working on! And remember to leave a link in the comments so we can all praise the great work you've done with your flower power!

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 8: Class Act

2008-05-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

Have you taken a class at Keepsakes? If so, thank you! We hope you enjoyed it. If not, check us out! We've got a variety of fun classes, projects and teachers for you to pick from. Whether you've taken a class with us or not, please join us in this week's challenge! Your challenge is to...

Think of a class you've taken, whether scrapbooking/crafting related or from your formal education and use it as an inspiration for a project.

Don't forget to post a link in the comments so we can see your work and be inspired by you! Let us know which class inspired you, too... knowing the back story is part of the fun!

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 7: Mother of Mine

2008-05-09T08:00:00.001-06:00

How does your mom inspire you? We've all got a mother. She's got her strengths, and probably her weaknesses. She gave us life, and probably oh so much more! Your challenge for this week is to

Make a card, page or other project expressing how you feel about your mother!

Don't forget to link in the comments so we can all appreciate your mother, just in time for Mother's Day!

Mother's Day Sale!

2008-05-07T20:55:00.000-06:00

For Mother's Day, send your loved ones to

Keepsakes by Design

On Thursday May 8th - Saturday May 10th

we will add 25% to the total

of any gift certificate purchased

Our way of saying -- We Love you Mom!!!

Happy National Scrapbooking Day!!

2008-05-03T21:15:00.004-06:00

Today was National Scrapbooking Day, and we celebrated in style at Keepsakes! If you weren't at our all day extravaganza, you missed a real treat! Chrissy Doolen, a representative from Fiskars, came and shared 6 projects with us over the course of 7 hours. Thank you, Chrissy! We came away with 6 finished projects, lots of great ideas, and door prizes galore!

Chrissy showed us step by step how to complete each of the projects.

Just one of the great projects we made today!

The crafting crowd.

Everyone hard at work and tuckered out by the end of the day.

Chrissy usually comes to do a day like this for us once or twice a year. It's worth it every time!

This Week's Classes...

2008-05-03T14:41:00.000-06:00

Transparent Planning Board
Monday, May 5th
6:00 - 8:30
$20
Taught by Jenn

Wedding Planner
Tuesday, May 6th
6:00 - 9:00
$40
Taught by Peggy

Wedding Pages
Thursday, May 8th
6:00 - 9:00
$20
Taught by Susan Beth

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 6: Magazine Mania!

2008-05-02T08:00:00.001-06:00

Here's your challenge for the week...

Head to Keepsakes and check out the many inspiring magazines. Choose one full of ideas and projects you like! Then relax as you settle in at home with a nice cup of coffee, flip through it, and get inspired. Then, take it a step further and act on that inspiration by making a project inspired by the magazine. When you link it to the blog, be sure to let us know what magaizne and what page inspired you! We can't wait to see what you liked!

What's New: Maya Road!

2008-05-01T02:18:00.000-06:00

Have you seen all the beautiful new things from Maya Road at Keepsakes? If not, you will want to stop by to check them out! Some of the things are going quickly, so don't delay! Just look at these beautiful velvet ribbons...

and these clear ribbons..

shaped translucent albums...

tins of shaped chipboard...

and these glorious velvet, corduroy, and crocheted flowers!

And just look what design team member Susan Beth did with these beautiful flowers and velvet ribbons! Her work is always beautiful, but this layout is particularly stunning!

April Book Club

2008-04-28T14:08:00.000-06:00

by Susan Beth

Last Monday night was our monthly meeting, and we were a crowd again - what fun! However, we were short on members who had actually completed their projects - oh well. Fortunately for us, one member provided so much inspiration that the rest of us just know we'll do better next month!

You may remember that this month we were reading and working from "Designing with Recipes" and Autumn Leaves publication. Everyone agreed, it is a very nice book. In fact, one of our members actually purchased the book three times - that got us off to a start with a laugh as to how she could look at it, not recognize it, and like it enough to buy it three separate times.

Let's start with Rosie's project. It is based on one of the sketches in the "3 Photo Layout" section of our book.

These women in the photos are friends of hers from way back and were taken during a recent trip to the town where she grew up. Rosie used stamps to make the flowers and the flourish stems. Beautiful job Rosie!
Barb provided this wonderful "out of the box" example inspired by the canvas on page 27 of the book, but Barb went way over the top with her techniques. She used a gel medium transfer technique to transfer the photo to the canvas. The metal piece in the corner is a real sickle from the combine on her family's farm Very unique and wonderful project. Thank you Barb!

The rest of the projects were from Jennifer Claar, who found many items of inspiration in this book.

These photos are of a page she did inspired by the Star layout on page 12 of the book. The details are wonderful!

There are supposed to be three of these layouts using different papers and different title presentations, but the same sketch and photos. Jennifer has four children, and scrapbooks for all of them in separate books, so she painstakingly scraps many events three times. The reason I cannot present the other two layouts is I am having challenges with Blogger uploading, and I'm just out of time to keep fussing with it. So sorry Jennifer!

This is a page Jennifer did based on the layout on page 26 of the book. Lots of yummy details here!

The rest of these pages were inspired by the book, but I did not record where. They are all beautiful pages, don't you think! Time to get this book and enjoy how it can inspire you!

So, that is the report on book club for this month. Next month we are reading and being inspired by "Imperfect Lives" which is a big change in style for us, so it will be exciting to see what kind of projects result from this effort. Join us - the book is available on line from Amazon, but not at Keepsakes this time. The meeting is May 19th at 6 p.m. Hope to see you and your projects there!

This Week's Classes

2008-04-26T20:56:00.000-06:00

Graphic 45 Cards
Monday, April 28th
6-9pm
$20
Taught by Kristii

Birthday Banner and Decorations
Tuesday, April 29th
6-9pm
$20
Taught by Susan Beth

Theresa Collins Mini Album
Wednesday, April 30th
6-9pm
$20
Taught by Elizabeth

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 5: Back to the Future!

2008-04-25T08:00:00.000-06:00

This week's challenge is all about the future. Are you inspired by what is yet to come? Excited? A little nervious? Maybe down right terrified? Your challenge is to

Create a layout, card, ATC, or project about the future!

Make a prediction, record what you're looking forward to in your child's growing experiences. Create a mini album to fill in as your children grow through their school years. Anything goes! Then, share it with us so we can contemplate the future too!

Don't forget to mention this challenge to receive 15% off the materials you buy to complete this project! And don't forget to leave a link in the comments so we can see what lies in your future!

Here is a layout by DT member Elizabeth Wickland to give you a little inspiration.

Upcoming Class: Graduation Accordion Tin

2008-04-23T08:26:00.000-06:00

Saturday, April 26
10-12:30
$18
Taught by: Elizabeth

Know someone graduating this year? This is the perfect gift! Fill it with pictures or give it ready for their graduation pictures. There is a pocket in the lid for a gift card or cash for the graduate, too!

Extreme Store Makeover!

2008-04-22T07:38:00.000-06:00

Have you seen the "NEW" Keepsakes? If you made it to the open house, you no doubt noticed that everything has been moved and rearranged to create a whole new look for the store! So check out the new displays...

... and the new work area...

... and all the new stuff that's coming in!

Upcoming Class: Build-a-Frame Layouts

2008-04-21T08:20:00.000-06:00

Thursday, April 24
6-9pm
$20
Instructor: Susan Beth

Learn tips and techniques for using the beautiful Prima Build-A-Frame stamps and receive a mitering tool to use with the stamps!

Upcoming Class: Vintage Wine Holder

2008-04-21T08:06:00.000-06:00

Wednesday, April 23
6-9pm
$20

What a great way to take wine or cider to your next dinner party! Learn new techniques for altering items and leave with this beautifully finished container!

2008 Spring / Summer Schedule

2008-04-20T18:28:00.002-06:00

There are a couple changes to this schedule:

Vintage Photo Cards - May 7th - CANCELED. This class is on the schedule twice but is only offered on May 27th. Please cross off your schedule.

Butterfly Cards - June 4th - ADDED. In this class, make the spring butterfly cards that were offered as the March card kit. If you missed the kit and would like to make the cards in a class, this one is for you! If you already ordered the kit last month, then you'll want to pass and take one of our other great card classes instead! Call the store for more details.

It's HERE!

2008-04-19T08:58:00.003-06:00

TODAY is the Open House at Keepsakes! If you want first dibs on the classes, if you want to see the fabulous things we have planned for the next 3 months, if you want to check out the completely redesigned store, then you won't want to miss today!

And remember... if you sign up for classes today with a friend (and today only!) you will get a discount on your purchases the day of the class. So grab a friend and come on in!

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 4: Inkadinkado It!

2008-04-18T08:00:00.000-06:00

The challenge for this week is to....

Use an acrylic stamp by Inkadinkado!

Inkadinkado has some fabulous stamps and we've got a great supply of these at the store! Stamp a card! Branch out and stamp on a layout! Alter a birdhouse or other little item! Show us what you can do with these babies! Remember, if you buy a stamp set for this challenge, you can get a 15% discount on it! If you've wanted to give them a try, this challenge is the perfect incentive!

Don't forget to leave a link in the comments of this post to show us what you've done!

SNEAK PEEK! SATURDAY IS ALMOST HERE!

2008-04-17T08:30:00.008-06:00

Take a look at some of what we've got in store for you! Come on Saturday to see the rest!

OPEN HOUSE!

2008-04-16T12:10:00.003-06:00

Want to see what new products are in?

Want to see the new classes for this quarter?

Just want to get away and take in some inspiration?

Then come to our open house!!!

Saturday, April 19th
10am to 5:30pm

SEE YOU THERE!

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 3: dissapointment

2008-04-11T14:03:00.000-06:00

A Dissapointment... Now we all have them, whether its the great sweater that accidentally went through the dryer and shrunk or the relationship that crumbled before our eyes. Maybe its a dream that did not come true. Whatever it is, it is part of the fabric that makes up your life. Put it in a page, mini album, ATC, card or altered item and let the world know that your tapestry of life is full of experiences!

Don't forget to leave a link in the comments of this post to show us what you've done!

National Scrapbooking Day!

2008-04-10T07:57:00.002-06:00

National Scrapbooking Day

SUPER EVENT

Please join us

Saturday, May 3rd

9:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m.

Enjoy a day of Fabulous Projects, Prizes, Food and FUN!!!

Our creative Rep, Chrissy Doolan, will once again be here to share great new products, projects and techniques!!!

Cost: $80.00

This includes: Supplies for all 6 projects, (basic class kit will be needed), a yummy lunch, great prizes, snacks and lots of FUN-FUN-FUN!

Space is limited to 20 so sign up today!!

Call 586-9249 to register!

Customer Corner

2008-04-01T00:39:00.000-06:00

We love to see the things that you guys are creating! These tiles were brought in by a customer last week and we wanted to share them with you! By layering patterned paper onto heavy chipboard and coating with diamond glaze you can make beautiful glossy embellishments customized for any project! This would be a great way to use some of the new Graphic 45 papers from the Times Nouveau collection.

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 2: Pick a tool, any tool!

2008-03-28T12:46:00.005-06:00

This weeks challenge is an easy one!

Use one tool you bought at Keepsakes
or buy a new one and show us what it does!

For this challenge you need to pick a tool - as simple as a punch or stamp, as new fangled as the Zutter and make a project with it. Come on, you can do it. In my stash of tools I've got: the Basic Grey distress tools, a Heidi Swapp distress tool, punches of all sorts and sizes, a circle cutter, a xyron machine, a glass mat for use with various cutting machines, a hot air gun for embossing, altered edged scissors, an eyelett setter, and the list could go on an on! Get the idea? Pick one you have and put it to good use!

Don't forget to leave a link in the comments of this post to show us what you've done!

Spring Challenge Inspiration....

2008-03-28T00:34:00.003-06:00

Don't forget about our Spring Challenges at Keepsakes By Design! Our first challenge was posted last week and a new one will go up tomorrow! If you missed the first week, don't worry! It's easy to get caught up and get in on the fun! Susan Beth has provided us with some inspiration for the first challenge. Here is her Spring layout:

A Note from Kristii

2008-03-26T13:29:00.001-06:00

Your projects all turned out beautiful! I love all the little touches that you added to your projects to make them your own! You all rock!! Here are pictures of the projects that you can print out for referernce. Thanks again ladies!! I appreciate all of you!

New SPRING Challenges!

2008-03-21T08:35:00.004-06:00

Don't forget that tomorrow is the last day to turn in an entry for the March challenge! With the end of our March challenge, we will be starting a new challenge series for Spring! Here are the details...

Join us in a 14 week long challenge series. All you have to do is make a paper craft project once a week using the prompt we will provide on this blog. Post it to an online gallery (such as twopeasinabucket or your own blog) and then leave a comment on this blog and link us to your post - we'd love to see what you made! Save your projects, because for those who complete all 14 weeks and bring their completed set of projects to Keepsakes by Design by June 30th to put on display we will have a special prize package. Also, just to get you going on this, you get 15% off any products you buy at Keepsakes by Design for use in your challenge projects - be sure to let us know which challenge you are purchasing for and what your project is going to be. We love hearing about all your beautiful crafting adventures!

Our first challenge is... The Signs of Spring!

Yesterday Spring arrived in Bozeman wrapped in a thick white blanket. Take the time to think about or even get out and see some of the signs of spring. It make take a little hunting for some of you. Or, it may be something so obvious we almost take it for granted. You may see Spring's arrival in nature, or in your mail box, or on your calendar, or in a certain product you can now find in the store. This weeks challenge is to tell us how and where you see "A Sign of Spring." We can't wait to see your projects!

March Book Club

2008-03-18T21:20:00.003-06:00

by Susan Beth Breuner

We had our official book club meeting for this month last night at Keepsakes by Design. And unfortunately, the gang was not all there. In fact, we were at a little over half force with just six of us making it. Not sure where two of our missing members were, one was flying to California because a relative died, another was just missing in action also, and one lady actually came, but before the group got going she was called home because her husband locked himself out of the house. Ah! Well . . . that's life of scrapbooking ladies!

We were using several years old (but classic) Designing with Texture by Autumn Leaves as our inspiration this week. Before showing you any of the projects, let me just say that this was my first ever scrap booking book, and I loved it. By the time this meeting came around my book had pages falling out from over use. But, I ran out of time this month and did not do any new projects from the book - just brought an album with old (3 or more years) layouts. What a wimp I am - slap me on the wrist with a wet noodle and hang me out to dry!

So, Rosie picked this wonderful book, so we'll show her page first.

These are her parents.

She put a lot of little details into this page - micro beads, rub-ons, corrugated paper, watch parts, buttons, stickers, and some killer letters and stamping. She said she was looking and looking for a watch face that she knows in in her stash someplace, but couldn't find it, so she stamped one onto some fabric instead - definitely a great way to add some texture to her page! Nice Job Rosie!

Next is Christi Small (who I mistakenly called Christi Smith, and she graciously corrected me!) She started her project just two hours before our meeting started. She did a little mini album much like the one featured at the top of p. 39 in the book. Here it is:

As I recall, she's using it as a gift for a family member, and she will decorate it for that purpose. I love the beads! And she said she used the big bite crop-a-dile to get that giant eyelet into the middle of the cover - for those of you wanting one, Keepsakes by Design will be getting those in soon! Supposed to be super cool!

The rest of the projects to show this time around are from Erika. You see, Tamara, who usually doesn't do a project because she is time crunched, but we love her so much we don't care, well, this time she did do a project - a page as I recall. But guess what! SHE LEFT IT AT HOME ACCIDENTALLY! And she lives too far away to run home and get it, especially with the price of gas these days. Bummer, because I was really excited to see it. She said its about her daughter in T-Ball and has denim on it. Now, doesn't that intrigue you?

Also, just a quick comment that Jan, our usually super strong always produces lots of great projects - well, she didn't have anything this month, although she came. She's been focused on other things - like finishing the pages from her trip to Japan. So, we'll forgive her this one time and expect something great next month!

Now, onto Erika's projects - and there are three of them, so she's our super-star by volume this month! First we have a mini album that she is doing for the Faith Sister's/Patter Cross challenge (learn more about that here: http://faith-sisters.blogspot.com/). She gets one word a week and then makes something scripture based using that word for inspiration. This is really cool! I was going to do this challenge, and then life got to me and it fell by the way side! So, without further blabberin on from me, here is her super cool project:

This is a year long project/challenge, so eventually this book will be 52 pages long! Wow! She brought this because it is full of texture! And boy is it ever. I spotted Ranger crackle paint, distressed and inked edges, ribbons, fibers, rub-ons, buttons, and a whole lot more! Super cool! I so wish I had started this challenge the first week in January. Now it seems sort of . . . well, hard to catch up. Maybe if I find an extra day in each week I could manage it!

Oh, I almost forgot! Erika order her copy of Designing with Texture on line weeks ago, and it was lost in the mail! =(, Then, suddenly two days ago i showed up in the mail. So, the mini-album book was just partially inspired by the idea of texture, not anything in the book. Then, she got the book and did two pages. So, on to Erika's first page:

This one was inspired by pg. 54 of the book - I think that's what my notes say - and is full of texture even though it is relatively stream lined as to the number of elements. Notice that crackle paint again! Such a cool product! And love how she brought out the texture of those letters by inking them lightly to show the pattern!

And here is her last page, again inspired by a page in the book that had so many stripes! Nice and bright too! Cute little girl is Erika's daughter Zoe - what a smile! And look at that cool hair!

So, since the projects are relatively few this month, I though I'd give you a peek at some of our members.

If you are in the group and weren't able to make it this month, we all missed you so much and hope to see you there in April - especially you, Jenn C. as you have been sick or out of town for way too long! We need you to come back soon and inspire us with your many talents - and make us laugh with your special way of telling a story!

Calling all new comers too! We will next meet on April 21 at 6 p.m. in the back room at Keepsakes by Design. We will be doing projects out of the Designing with Recipe book which is currently in stock at the store, and is a great book. Then, in May we'll be doing a book called Imperfect Lives, which is a big change in style for us - it is just a fluke that we did so many Designing With . . . books in a row. We really do other books. And then, in June we're looking at a home decor book, which will be a real challenge. So, come and join the fun! Remember, except for the cost of the book, its free!

This week's classes...

2008-03-16T11:31:00.002-06:00

This week brings a new set of class at Keepsakes by Design as we near the end of the winter schedule. Kristii Lockart will be teaching a Memory Wall Hanging class with a bonus card included on Monday from 6-9 pm. The class cost is $20, and wouldn't this look GREAT hanging in your home??

On Wednesday from 6-9 pm, Elizabeth Wickland will be teaching you how to make this cute gift set out of frappuccino bottles and holder. Please remember to bring your own frappuccino bottles and the holder they come in. The class cost is $20. What a great idea for an Easter basket!!

Our final class of the week is taught by Susan Beth Breuner. Join her Thursday night from 6-9 to make two great layouts using clear elements! The class cost is $20.

To sign up for classes, stop by or call Keepsakes by Design. Hope everyone has a fantastic week!!

March Card Kit

2008-03-12T09:59:00.003-06:00

This month's card kit was designed by Elizabeth Wickland and is a four card set to get you in the mood for spring! The kit utilizes papers from the Tres Jolie collection and paper ribbon from Little Black Dress designs. The kit also includes 3 Heidi Swapp ghost butterflies and this great stamp and bling set from Hero Arts!

The kit is $15 and includes everything you need to make these beautiful pink and orange butterfly cards, perfect for Spring! Customize them using whichever sentiment fits your needs best and keep the stamps to use for many cards to come! Kits will be available for pickup the first couple weeks of April. To order, call or stop by Keepsakes by the end of March!

March Mini Album Kit

2008-03-12T09:35:00.002-06:00

This month's project kit is an envelope album, perfect for filling with photos and letters for someone you love. Designer Elizabeth Wickland chose to fill this album with letters for her daughter, but it would make a beautiful mother's day gift and keepsake as well. You will receive a complete set of instructions in addition to the kit supplies, so you can customize this album however you want, using different papers if you so choose. This album is made using the Tres Jolie papers, overlays, buttons, journaling squares, and border stickers from My Mind's Eye. Each album includes three envelopes with inserts and 3 overlay pages bound with the Bind It All system. The kit costs $20 and will be available for pick up the first couple weeks in April. To sign up for the kit, call Keepsakes or stop by before the end of March.

March Scrapbook Kit

2008-03-12T09:10:00.006-06:00

Susan Beth designed these beautiful pages for our March kit! She utilizes the beautiful Two Scoops line from Basic Grey and flowers from Prima to make these pages you will want to make for yourself for sure! The kit costs is $20 with Stickles and a Krylon pen available in an add-on kit. Call the store or stop by to get signed up for this kit! You have until the end of the month to order and kits will be available for pickup the first couple weeks of April.

Inventory Clearance Sale!!

2008-03-06T17:30:00.003-07:00

HUGE INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE

Monday, March 10th

Thru

Saturday, March 15th

20 to 75% off storewide*

Big changes are coming and we need the room--so it's gotta go!!!

Don't miss out, we only do this once a year!!

*certain items excluded

What's New Graphic 45 Papers

2008-03-06T08:00:00.001-07:00

Graphic 45 is a new paper company with an artsy feel... and Keepsakes has both their paper lines in stock! Times Nouveau has both funky/artsy papers and some timeless classics. This line is perfect for altering items. Perhaps a cigar box to hold antique costume jewelry?

The Baby 2 Bride line has a completely different feel and is absolutely gorgeous. It has soft colors that are perfect for baby albums or bridal pictures. All of the papers are double sided for versatility and all of the designs are breathtakingly beautiful. The pictures don't do them justice - you really need to stop in to see them!

What's New Theresa Collins

2008-03-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

If you haven't seen the new papers by Theresa Collins, you've got to check them out. She's has a heart for journaling, so her products make it easier! All of the papers are double sided, which makes them versatile for many projects, including mini books! Her Journal-It line is designed to work with the Zutter Bind-It-All, which makes it even easier to make a quick album! (If you haven't had a chance to see the Bind-It-All in action yet, stop by Keepsakes for a free demo!) These punch outs bind together to make a quick album - all you have to do is add photos and journaling!

These journaling cards are double sided, which makes them perfect for a mini album or an accent or pull out card on a scrapbooking page.

Her calendar sheet is PERFECT to be bound into a tiny album.

In fact, she even offers a free downloadable class to make this awesome project!

When I first saw this calendar page, I thought it was awesome!

I bought it and as I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with it, I came across Theresa's layout. I love seeing what designers do with their own products. And her work is amazing!

If you want to know a little more about Theresa Collins and the drive behind her designs, check out this interview with her. If you're a blog addict like I am, you can follow her blog, too. She's got so many great ideas and design, it's incredible. And once you've fallen in love with her designs like I have, stop by Keepsakes and pick up some new Theresa Collins - then get creative!

Product Review: Zutter Bind-It-All

2008-03-04T09:25:00.003-07:00

by Elizabeth Wickland

Keepsakes recently received a shipment from Zutter, including their personal binding machine, the Bind-It-All. I'd heard of them before, and heard people rave about them, but didn't have any real interest in one. I assumed they cost hundreds of dollars and weren't something I would use much. I didn't think much about it again, until it was time to bind a project I was working on for the store. So Friday, I tried the Zutter Bind-It-All for the first time.

WOW. First, the Bind-It-All is compact. It's small enough to sit on an out-of-the-way shelf until it's needed, and it doesn't take up a whole table while being used. Second, this little machine does both the punching and the binding, which is nice. Third, it is very easy to use, even without instructions. I have used other binding machines before when I was teaching, and they were not at all intuitive. This little machine is easy to figure out, even the very first time. It has a practically fool-proof slide to adjust the settings and allows for a freestyle sort of punching, continuous punching, and two depth adjusters so you can create books with pages that nestle perfectly inside the covers. I am impressed.

Once I was sold on the functionality of the tool, I reluctantly looked at its price tag. As I said before, I expected it to be hundreds of dollars, simply because most high quality, heavy duty scrapbooking tools are. And this is a high quality, heavy duty scrapbooking tool with a lifetime warranty. But much to my surprise (and delight!) the Bind-It-All retails for about $65, making it an affordable investment!

I originally thought it was something I wouldn't use often, but the more I thought about it, the more uses came to mind. Obviously, it was perfect for mini albums, which I am making a lot of these days. But then I thought... why stop at mini albums? It would be simple to put my scrapbook pages in page protectors, decorate two chipboard covers and bind the whole set together to make my own full-size custom albums! The Bind-It-All works with cardstock, chipboard, acrylic... even as thick as a standard CD.

All in all, I think it's a great product. It was easy to figure out, easy to use, and created a professional-looking binding in seconds. It's a quality tool at a reasonable price . And everyone I know who has one absolutely loves it.

February Kits Available for Pickup!

2008-03-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to come into the store and pick up your February kits this week! If you bought one of the scrapbook page, prayer journal, or card kits, they are ready for you!

Also, stay tuned to see the March projects coming soon!

What's New Distress Crackle Paint

2008-03-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

For those of you waiting for the crackle paint from Tim Holtz's distress line to arrive at Keepsakes... your wait is over! The shelves have been stocked with all of the distress colors we love and they're going quickly, so hurry in soon!

For a look at what you can do with these cool crackle paints, check out Tim's blog tutorial on how to make this tag:

Crackle paint comes in all the great ranger distress colors and is sold in a 1.1 oz bottle with applicator brush right in the cap! Unlike other crackle paints, Tim Holtz's crackle paint is a one step process - paint it on, let it dry, and watch it crack. You can speed the process up by heat setting the paint with an embossing gun. It's a great way to add texture and a weathered look to your projects!

March Challenge!

2008-03-01T21:54:00.002-07:00

One of the new features on our blog will be a monthly challenge! Using the parameters we give you, you'll have about 3 weeks to create an original project for the challenge. Bring it into the store and we will display it there and on the blog. The last week of the month people can stop by the store or blog to vote for their favorite project. The winner will receive a prize! And that's how it works. So to kick things off, here is your first challenge...

Create an original layout or card using OVERLAYS!

There are lots of different overlays and transparencies out there - Keepsakes has some of my favorites from Hambly and the Narratives line. Use one of those or pick up a clear transparency and make your own! Have fun, play, and don't forget to drop your project off at Keepsakes for a chance to win the prize! (Please label the back of your project to ensure its safe return!)

You have through Saturday, March 22nd to turn in your layout or card to Keepsakes. Voting will take place March 24-29 and the winner will be announced on Monday, March 31st!

How to Post a Comment on the Blog...

2008-02-28T08:11:00.005-07:00

A few of you have had trouble posting a comment on the blog, so I thought I'd write up some instructions on how to do it and put it over in the side bar --------------------------------------->
so you can reference it whenever you need it! After all, with the recent prizes hinging on leaving comments, we certainly wouldn't want anyone to be left out because they couldn't get a comment to post! So here's what you need to do...

1. Find the post you want to leave a comment on. At the bottom of the post, click the link that says "__ comments" (there will be a number in the blank, depending on how many comments have already been posted.)

2. A new window will open containing the previous comments and a blank comment form. Scroll down to the bottom of the existing comments to see the comment box.

3. Type your comment in the box.

4. Below the comment box, type the random letters you see. This just ensures that you are a real person leaving a comment, and not a spammer. =D

5. In the "Choose an identity" section, you can choose any of the options, but the easiest is to make sure the "Anonymous" option is selected. Click the circle next to "Anonymous" to select.

6. Make sure you sign your name in your comment so we know who posted!

And that's all there is to it! It seems like a lot of steps, but once you do it a time or two you'll see that it is really pretty easy. So go ahead... practice a bit and leave us a comment on this post!

Thank you to all who took last night's Cricut class!

2008-02-28T07:38:00.001-07:00

By Kristii Lockart

I want to take a minute this morning and thank each and every one of you who took the Cricut class last night. I had a great time with all of you! I hope all of you who have a cricut, will take it out this week and have some fun with it. It really is a marvelous machine! Any of you who want to try it again, let me know on my blog here, and I would love to bring my machine back to the store and play some more!

Please, take time to post a message on the blog to let me know what you thought of the class. I am always striving to make my classes better, so your input is important to me! I will hold a drawing for those of you who post an opinion and one lucky winner will win a prize! So please let me know what you think!

I am posting the pictures of our projects so that you may copy them if you would like! Once again, thank you all for coming to the class and I hope to see you all soon!

And the winner is...

2008-02-27T21:43:00.004-07:00

Margo Mosley!!

I used the random integer generator to choose a number between 1 and 3 from the comments on the previous post. Here are the results:

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2008-02-28 04:43:03 UTC

So congratulations, Margo!! Stop by Keepsakes to get your prize!!

Transparency card variation

2008-02-27T15:25:00.002-07:00

This card is Margo Mosley's take on what we did in class last week! She used one of the Tres Jolie cards to draw out the brown of the paper and ribbon combined with the cream of the flower. Isn't it beautiful?! Thanks for sharing, Margo!

Tranparency Card Class

2008-02-20T22:52:00.004-07:00

by Elizabeth Wickland

Thank you to all who came to the class tonight! It was so nice to see fresh faces and to get to know some of you a little better! I hope you had a wonderful time, too. I loved seeing how you adapted the cards to your own style, including turning some of them on end. You inspired me and each other - thank you! Here are the pictures of each card for your reference. Feel free to print them out and use them as inspiration for more transparency cards! Try using different transparencies and papers to make similar cards. I know Rosie is planning to stamp her own transparencies to use. Let us know how they turn out!

Please leave a comment* on the this post to let me know what you liked/didn't like about the class or what you would like to see more of in the future! We'll leave the commenting open for a week, then draw a name for the door prize! (Don't forget to put your name with your comment, or we won't know who to give the prize to!)

* to leave a comment, click the link that says "0 comments" (or 1 comment or whatever) below the list of labels at the very end of this post. It will open a new window where you can type your comment. Click the "publish your comment" button and your comment will appear on the blog! Don't forget to check back in a week to see who wins the door prize!

February Book Club: Designing with Details

2008-02-18T22:46:00.000-07:00

by Susan Beth

It was a great fun meeting tonight! There was much laughing, some munching, and lots of encouraging and oohing and ahhhing. I managed to lose my notes, so I can't tell you what page inspired each of the projects, but I'll try to remember as much detail as I can. Unfortunately, there was not good lighting in the back room, so my photos do not do any of these projects the justice they deserve. In fact, the photo of my project is completely unusable! Many photos were unusable, but here is what we've got, with comentary below the photos:

Jan was inspired just by the whole concept of details, and she put that all together in a mini-album for her son. It is so beautiful! Remember, the colors are just not right because the lighting was poor!

Barb shared this project from an on-line scrapbook class! It is really cute, even if it isn't from the Designing with Details book.

This is another project from Barb, this time it is inspired by the Designing with Details. It features her daughter Sarah and her dancing experience one year.

Here's the detail on the pull-out from this page.
And one more from Barb, inspired by a layout from Marlette, one of the Autumn Leaves Desinging With authors. Barb commented that making these metal rimmed tags is done with a tool she does not enjoy, and doing this did not change her mind about that. Oh well, glad she went to the trouble for this one!
And, if I remember right, this is a page that Barb really likes because it got her a nice complement from her on line instructor. It is also nice and bright and full of great photos!
This is Rosie's layout, which is not from Designing with Details, but actually from last month when we did Nic Howard's "That's Life." Rosie was not hear that meeting, and brought this to show us this month. It has some moving parts, shown below.

Rosie let us know that doing this detail on the photo did not go as she expected. She was dissatisfied with the way the stamp ink went on, so she went over the image with a black pen. Way to recover Rosie, because it looks great now!

This is from one of our two new members tonight, Christi -sorry, don't know her last name! She says she is a card maker, not a scrapbooker, but then she got a great grand-niece recently, and decided to use this BoBunny book to make a little scrapbook. It isn't finished yet, but it has lots of details.

Here you can see the baby that inspired Christi to step out of cards for this project.

But, fortunately for us, Christi allowed herself to be inspired by the Designing with Details in her card making, and she had this to share with us.
Yes, those are little die cut tags that were alternated to make the closure on this cute card!

It is a wonderful little card!

These next three layouts are by Rachelle, and they are of her with her husband before they got married. The photos are beautiful! The layouts are beautiful! My photos suck! Sorry to say, but you are not able to enjoy the beautiful purple and plum colors that she used because I just can't seem to get them edited in a way that shows them off. My bad!
Rachelle said she loves ribbon, and was inspired by a page in the book that did strips of ribbon as the details to highlight the photos. This is just beautiful!

And this one I remembe was from page 38 of the book. It is a great one! I only wish youcould see the colors as they really are!

So, that does it for this month. There were three people who came who for one reason of another did not have a project to share, and we love them anyway. Oh! And Kristii L. had a great layout that she was finishing up by putting blanket stitching around it with floss. She ran out of floss before the meeting was over, and did not want it photographed without being finished. But trust me, in true Kristii style, it was beautiful and full of oh so many lovely details to look at.

So, for next month we are taking inspiration from Designing with Texture, an old but really great book! Kind of a classic, you might say. That meeting will be on March 17th.Then, on April 21st we will be presenting projects inspired by The Designing With Recipe Book, a new publication that many of us are very excited about. On May 19th we'll be showing work inspired by "Imperfect Lives," a Memory Maker's publication. Then, yes, we know our June book already too. It will be another Memory Maker's publication called "Home Decor." There are so many books to select from! And so much art to be inspired by! Join us if you'd like. There is not cost outside of the cost of the book. We always meet the third Monday of the month, and we have a great time!

This Just In: BUTTERFLIES!!

2008-02-18T16:27:00.004-07:00

The beautiful Heidi Swapp butterfly masks and ghost shapes are finally in! Kristii has shown us some beautiful ways to use these winged pretties, so they're sure to fly out of the store quickly! The masks come in a single long mask with 5 butterflies (which can be used together or cut apart) or a smaller set with two individual butterflies. The ghost packages include 6 butterflies - 2 each of 3 designs! You can save one set to use as templates and use the rest on your projects!

Today's Card Class...

2008-02-16T15:57:00.000-07:00

By Kristii Lockart

I want to take a minute and say "thank you" to the most wonderful group of ladies that took my class this morning!!! I enjoyed each and every one of you!! Your cards, envelopes and pockets turned out fantastic!!! I loved all of your ideas and came home with a few new ideas myself!! Thank you again!!!

Here are the projects and please feel free to print them out and make them again. I hope to see your spin on this class. Please share your ideas and finished projects with me!!! I can't wait to see what you will create!!

Product Review: Build-A-Frame Stamps

2008-02-13T11:54:00.003-07:00

by Elizabeth Wickland

When I saw this Build-A-Frame stamp set by Iron Orchid Designs, I had to have it. It's a huge stamp set, and for about $20 it was a good deal! I loved the designs and planned to use the images separately, since I'm not big into frames. I took it home and played with it in a few different ways to create this layout...

1. I stamped the corner and side stamps to create a frame around the patterned paper. IOD advertises that the pieces go together for a seamless look, and I have to say that they were right. The way the corners are designed lends itself well to blending with the side pieces for a seamless frame.

2. I stamped a stripe down one side and across the bottom of my page, then stamped an edge stamp around all four sides. IOD claims their stamps fit together just right for stamping on a 12x12 layout - and they do! I love what they look like as a distressed edge in distress ink!

3. I stamped the butterflies in the corners to see how they stamp on textured cardstock. They stamp beautifully, even over layers!

3. I stamped the butterflies and flowers on patterned paper and cut them out to use as embellishments. I loved the result!

This is a stamp set I will use over and over again. With several corners and edge pieces to choose from, I can create a custom frame for just about any project. The edge stamps will be great for cardmaking, too. I love the coordinating accent stamps, like the butterflies, heart, and flowers. The stamps themselves are high quality. They stamp crisp images, adhere well to a clear block, and resist staining, even when used with Staz-On ink. They clean up nicely and are easily stored back in the original packaging. This is the most versatile stamp set I have seen in a long time and I'm looking forward to using it a lot!

Upcoming Class - Sentiment Cards and Holder

2008-02-12T17:37:00.003-07:00

Saturday, February 16
10-12
$20
Instructor: Kristii Lockart

Create a variety of beautiful sentiment cards, matching lined envelopes, and a holder using papers from Bo-Bunny, stamps, ribbons, and more. A great set of cards to keep or give as a beautiful gift.

For more information or to sign up for this class, please call the store!

NEW Iron Orchid Designs

2008-02-09T17:25:00.001-07:00

Have you seen Keepsakes' newest products from Iron Orchid Designs? In the last year Prima Marketing (maker of the all-favorite Prima flowers) has come out with some wonderful things, but these two take the cake...

Transparent Scrapbooking Tape

For less than $6 you get a dispenser and 3 rolls of clear tape (one of each design shown above). And with almost 33 meters of tape, there's a LOT of playing room with this stuff! It dispenses cleanly and can be used for anything you would use tape for - and more! Use the tape to cover the seam of two abutting papers for a beautiful transition. Tape around the edges of your photos to adhere them to a layout and frame them at the same time! This tape is beautiful, versatile, and best of all it peels away from your paper and photos without tearing them if you don't like where you have it positioned! It will quickly become a favorite adhesive and design element!

Build-A-Frame Stamps

These beautiful stamp sets include corners and straight edges that can be used individually or combined to make a variety of frames. Use them together on acetate to create your own clear frames! Stamp the corners on your photos to give the look of a digital layout! The frame strips are designed to stamp end to end seamlessly so you can create 12 inch frames - try framing an entire 12x12 layout! Add your own frame to your favorite patterned paper for a custom look! The possibilities are just about endless...

Paper Clearance!!

2008-02-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

Stop by Keepsakes to see the selection of paper Sheila is clearancing out! The sheets are going for 10 cents apiece, so this is a great time to stock up for cardmaking or making a coordinated album! These papers are great for altering items, too! The patterns lend themselves well to being torn and layered, so if you've wanted to try altering an item, this would be a great time to give it a try! The selection will be changing weekly, so stop by often and check the clearance rack at the front of the store!

(Last year when Sheila did this Elizabeth Wickland thought ahead to stock up on paper for her Christmas cards - what projects do you do every year that you could stock up on paper for?)

February Kit Club - Scrapbook Page

2008-02-06T15:40:00.000-07:00

Dive into the fun world of rub-ons with this month's scrapbook kit designed by Susan Beth Breuner! This bright, cheery page promises to brighten up your winter and get you looking forward to spring. The kit includes everything you need to make the page seen here, plus a complete alphabet so you can customize the title to your own pictures!

For more information or to sign up for this kit, call or stop by Keepsakes!

February Kit Club - Prayer Book

2008-02-06T15:34:00.001-07:00

The project kit for this month is this wonderful prayer book designed by Peggy Lucas. Designed with beautiful black, red, and cream papers it is sure to be a display piece for your home as well as a reminder of those who are dearest to you! The book has a magnetic clasp and several pages that can be tailored to your individual use. Here's a peek at the inside!

For more details on this kit and to sign up for February's kit club, call or stop by Keepsakes!

Febrary Kit Club - Stella Ruby Cards and Holder

2008-02-06T00:32:00.000-07:00

Something new is happening at Keepsakes! Starting this month we will be offering 3 different kits each month for you to enjoy! Each kit will be complete with all you need to do the project, including instructions, papers, embellishments, and products! These kits are not offered as classes, and the only way you can get them is through our store! Each month there will be a card kit, scrapbooking kit, and project kit. They are beautiful and you won't want to miss them! Order all 3 and get a discount.

Here is the February Card Kit. Four cards and a tote made with the beautiful Stella Ruby papers. Call Keepsakes for more details and to sign up!

Stay tuned for February's Scrapbook and Project kits or stop by the store to see them all and sign up!

Mom and Me Valentine's Class!

2008-02-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

This quarter we are introducing a new kind of class - for moms AND kids! If you'd like to share your love of scrapbooking and cardmaking with your kids in a new way, these classes are for you! The first Mom and Me class is this Saturday, and we'll be making valentines - perfect for kids to pass out at school! Each mom/kid pair will make 10 valentines, 2 each of 5 designs. We will learn a few new techniques, and have fun together! The valentines are simple enough to be duplicate at home and all 10 can be made from one sheet of Scenic Route paper, plus cardstock. If you'd like to join in the fun, call the store to sign up! Here are the details:

Mom & Me Valentine Class
Saturday, February 9th 1pm – 3pm $20 ($10 for each additional child)
Instructor: Elizabeth Wickland

Bring your child and come for an afternoon of fun. With your child create 10 fun
valentines for them to share with friends, family , or whoever. A great chance to
include your child in crafting!

Next Week's Classes!

2008-01-29T10:49:00.001-07:00

Our first classes of the Winter '08 schedule are next week and they should be fun! The first is:

Hero Arts Valentines
taught by Sheila
Wednesday, February 6th
6-8:30pm
$20
Create darling Valentine cards appropriate for loves ones
and friends. We will be using a new set of clear stamps by
Hero Arts which will be yours to keep. Please bring your
own acrylic block.

Altered Edges
taught by Susan Beth
Thursday, February 7th
6-9pm
$20
Create awesome pages using different edged papers, fun
embellishments, and more. A very artsy class you won't want
to miss!


Call the store to sign up for these great classes or stop by and
see the projects in person!

Winter 2008 Class Schedule

2008-01-28T00:26:00.000-07:00

The Open House was a success! Lots of you stopped by to see the projects and sign up for classes and plenty of you took advantage of the store wide sale. If you missed the Open House, newsletter, or still haven't decided which classes you want to take, here is the Winter '08 Class Schedule. (Click on the image to open a full screen version)

Another Sneak Peek

2008-01-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

Only 2 days until the Open House!

Keepsakes by Design

We've moved!!!!!

Canvas Album

Botanical Shabby Chic Cards

More class project photos!

FEBRUARY CLASS PHOTOS

UPCOMING EVENTS & HAPPENINGS AT KEEPSAKES

FINAL CLASSES for 2008

October Afternoon Cards

In Loving Memory of our Friend ROSIE FAUST

WE HAD FUN!!!!!

Up-coming classes at the store

Retreat Excitement

Sneak Peek Recipe Album!

More sneak peeks

Excitement is Mounting!

Peek-a-Boo, Sneak-a-Boo!

Back to School is Here!

Sneak, sneak, sneak!

Another sneak peek!

A Day Spent Ordering New Product

Are you ready for some Sneaky Peeks?

WooHoo!

We've Had A Change Of Plan!

Gate-fold Transparency Cards

The Classes are Coming! The Classes are Coming!

Sneak Peek!

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 14: Summer is Here!

This Week's Classes

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 13: Three's Company

This Week's Classes!

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 12: Prolific Poetry

This Week's Classes!

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 11: Clearly Colorful!

Thank You!

How to enter the challenges...

This Week's Classes!

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 10: Dream Vacation

Upcoming Event: Crop 'Till You Drop!

This Week's Classes!

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 9: Flower Power!

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 8: Class Act

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 7: Mother of Mine

Mother's Day Sale!

Happy National Scrapbooking Day!!

This Week's Classes...

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 6: Magazine Mania!

What's New: Maya Road!

April Book Club

This Week's Classes

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 5: Back to the Future!

Upcoming Class: Graduation Accordion Tin

Extreme Store Makeover!

Upcoming Class: Build-a-Frame Layouts

Upcoming Class: Vintage Wine Holder

2008 Spring / Summer Schedule

It's HERE!

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 4: Inkadinkado It!

SNEAK PEEK! SATURDAY IS ALMOST HERE!

OPEN HOUSE!

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 3: dissapointment

National Scrapbooking Day!

Customer Corner

SPRING CHALLENGE WEEK 2: Pick a tool, any tool!

Spring Challenge Inspiration....

A Note from Kristii

New SPRING Challenges!

March Book Club

This week's classes...

March Card Kit

March Mini Album Kit

March Scrapbook Kit

Inventory Clearance Sale!!

*What's New* Graphic 45 Papers

*What's New* Theresa Collins

Product Review: Zutter Bind-It-All

February Kits Available for Pickup!

*What's New* Distress Crackle Paint

March Challenge!

How to Post a Comment on the Blog...

What's New Graphic 45 Papers

What's New Theresa Collins

What's New Distress Crackle Paint

NEW Iron Orchid Designs