i spy

busy fun times

such ckc fun we have been having. lousiville, st louis, houston, manchester, and now, buffalo! i love teaching and seeing all the sweet sweet scrapbookers who love this hobby as much as me! and the shopping... well, let's just say we have lots of fun!

i am off again this weekend, and have been battling migraines for several days (grr) so i am going to leave you with this post until i return next week. we have many many things to discuss (ai, antm, survivor, etc!) and many pages to share. so june will be a fun one! i will see you next week for all this and much much more...

and mark you calendars for june first... more when i return monday! but for now i leave you with this little teaser!

Goodbye to Simple

In saying goodbye to Simple, I wanted to say one last thank you! One of the greatest gifts that Simple gave me were my finished assignments. I fail in many aspects of my life, but I am a great student. You give me an "assignment" and I will do everything I can do to finish it. And finish it well. For example, because of Simple, I took pictures of Poppy each week for a year. I NEVER would have had the endurance to do that without a deadline. I made a book for Nigel's birthday. I made page after page with products, combinations, stories, perspectives I would not have otherwise used. I pushed myself to grow. I pushed myself to be a finisher. And I pushed myself to try new things.

As Simple becomes a reference for you and not just eye candy, please take the challenges it offers. Be a designer. Copy not just the layouts, but the journaling prompts. Take the minialbum ideas literally and create a book you never would have on your own. I promise, you will love them. And because I am not very good at making my own assignments, come June, there will be a new place to offer challenges. Perspectives. Projects. Because I can only be a great student if I have a greater teacher! Until then, my magazine pile will get a whole new workout!

Toodles!

the winners!

the first winner is Kris B from Rochester, NY, who said.....

When I first discovered Simple Scrapbooks, I think I was most influenced by Stacy Julian's playful take on saving everyday memories but as I devoured each issue, I came to realize that I was a simple classic scrapper and Cathy Zielske's column drew me in every issue. But my overall VERY favorite issue of all the Simple publications to this day (and the most well worn and LOVED) is the special SCRAP PLAY edition! I find myself returning to it over and over again for inspiration (and every time I do, I'm still amazed that I find something I didn't catch before). I will miss getting my monthly SIMPLE updates, but I plan on holding on dearly to all the copies I've saved over the years. Classic SIMPLE will never go out of style!

Congratulations Kris, I hope you enjoy your American Crafts products!

and because you have been so patient waiting for this announcement, the second winner is Jenn who said...

Simple, to me, is a way of life for me when it comes to scrapbooking. From the moment I picked up my first copy to today, I have been freed from the pressures I felt when reading CK. The pressure to make each and every layout an artistic masterpiece. I wasn't in to all the collaging and destressing and painting and etc. I liked the minimal look, the clean lines. I had finally found a group of people and a magazine that liked the same thing.
With all that, I am still a chronological scrapper. That's just the way I roll! And I like me like that!!
By the way, it's been fun to see your family grow through the magazine. I remember when your boy was just a little toddler in the student ward at the U of U.

Jenn wins a Simple DVD. Congratulations!

and more winners!!! These two ladies each win a Photo Album Scrapbooks Special Issue:

Lisa Hausmann who said...

I too, came to SS late. In fact, I came to Scrapbooking late -just three years ago. Here in Europe we are a bit behind. But I remember one of my first layouts was just a simple everyday story about the view from my window. My husband thought it was a bit odd. Where were the birthdays or special ocassions? But I knew these were not where I wanted my focus to be. But I didn't seem to fit with what I was seeing in the British Scrapbooking mags. My life - the small things - were thestorues that were important to me. Then I found Stacy and from there SS. It was like coming home! I cant say that I necessarily have a simple style -much as I'd like it! But the approach to pictures, stories and life fitted me exactly. I devoured every SS igot my hands on. I loved all of it. Every feature, every column, every layout. I loved each and every special issue I have managed to track down. I can't pick out favourites. They are all favourites. I'm sad to say goodbye to SS. But I am a better scrapped because of it. I am capturing MY life and yes, I spread the word as much as I can. German scrapping needs it!!!! Thanks!

and Julie who said...

My love of Simple began with Stacy...and I felt like I became a stalker of her columns and blog. The philosophy resonated with me...and I was always to chicken to send any of my work in. It really doesn't matter. My style is me, and thanks to SS, it's part of my everyday life. I know my happy colors, and so do my children. I share my photos, and have touched others through the simple style of scrapbooking photo album style. Just Sat. I picked up 25 new pics of my 4 kiddos, and grabbed 2 of my color coded embellishment drawers..along with my SS supply kit. In the 25 min. drive to my in-laws, I created a touching little album for my mil to bring with her on her upcoming trip to China. Earlier in the day I had made one for her to bring to my daughter's nannies at her orphanage. Give me 30 min., and I can scrap simply, thanks to all of you...and touch people's hearts around the globe. Thanks for your priceless inspiration. I'll miss all of you!

Please email me (marnie.flores@gmail.com) and I will get your prizes in the mail!

And be sure to stay tuned for more from your favorite Simple designers!

June 1st might me a great day for you to visit our blogs!

friday party sites!

DAY 5

Today the party bus is landing on the editors' blogs. Check out Stacy Julian  Cathy Zielske  Angie Lucas  and Wendy Smedley if you would like to win this

or this


Be back in a bit for my last bit of (official) Simple reminiscing!