Category: saving photos

Learning can be FRUSTRATING!

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Learning can be fun and frustrating!  I love to challenge myself by exploring new things.  My latest has been learning the ins and outs of Adobe Premiere, the video companion to Adobe Photoshop Elements.  I decided if I were going to be serious about my new venture as a ©Stampin’ Up! demonstrator I would try my hand at videotaping my craft.  It’s amazing how so many YouTubers out there make this look like such an easy process; but, it’s a learning curve that can be quite frustrating.

It took me a total of 3 days of trial and error to produce my first YouTube video.  Why? Because I wanted to use what I had on hand and not use my phone.  I have owned Adobe Photoshop Elements 15 and it’s companion Adobe Premiere for years.  I enjoy using Adobe Photoshop Elements for most of my photo editing.  I hadn’t had a project that made me want to use the Adobe Premiere until now.  So what do I do?  I learn, my friends.  I went into the depths of a program I knew little about and just did it.  But, it was not easy.  It was a far cry from easy.  For someone who loves trying new things, this had to be one of the most frustrating projects I challenged myself to in a very long time.

It took 3 days; 3 LOOOOONG days of trial and error with lots of errors! I managed to get my first video completed and uploaded to YouTube.  Ahhhhh.  Well, sort of.  Ha!  As I viewed it on my phone I noticed all kinds of hiccups.  Especially the audio.  It wasn’t bad; but, it wasn’t crisp like other YouTube videos I follow.  If you are curious, you can take a look at my very first YouTube video .

I’m still working on learning how to manipulate the audio during the editing process in Adobe Premiere.  I don’t have the PRO version, so I may be limited to what I can do.  If you have any suggestions on how I can improve my audio, please leave me a comment.

These are the cards I made as I filmed my video.

Two additional cards are in my second YouTube video!

 

I hope you will consider becoming a Paper Pumpkin subscriber.  It is an affordable papercrafting kit that is easy and fun!  It’s especially great for new crafters who want to explore new things! Please use this link to order your first kit.  You can cancel at any time or place your subscription on hold if your life gets too busy.05.11.18_JUNE-BROADWAY_IMAGE-SHAREABLE2_US

Please use this link to order your first kit.

One more promotion I have to share—the brand new (c)Stampin’ Up! annual catalog went live yesterday, June 1st.  It’s full of beautiful stamp sets and other crafty goodies. IMG_7288 If you would like a catalog, please contact me.  It’s FREE with a purchase of $50 or more in my (c)Stampin’ Up store here.

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YOU Can Do THIS, TOO!

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There’s always a learning curve in new ventures.  Recently, I’ve been learning more about the world of direct sales through ©Stampin’ Up!  It’s ©Stampin’ Up’s 30th Anniversary this year and I’m awe of the quality products.  In April I was fortunate to attend the “ON STAGE” event in Fort Worth, Texas.IMG_6866

Seeing ordinary people getting recognized for growing their direct-sales business was electrifying. Those who presented and walked the stage for an outstanding achievement makes me realize that it is all in reach.  I’m not talking about movie star people walking that stage!  These ladies have what I want and they figured it out.  My biggest take away is NOT that they have a special personality or gift, but that they have a “stick to it” attitude.  They have paid their dues per se.  And yes, some now have huge businesses with a glowing on-line presence; but, it’s not what got them to where they are today.  These ladies did the work.  They had the gatherings in their homes.  They hosted classes in their communities. They stuck with what they knew and that my friend is getting out there in front of people to show them how rewarding it is to watch others create beautiful handmade cards.  That’s it my friends.  That was my biggest take away from “ON STAGE.”  But you know what? I’m going to stick this one out and keep doing the little things to build this little business. After all, I LOVE creating cards and giving them away!

 

This is Kristina Rees, my friend. She’s been doing a great job with her business. Check her blog out.
The night before dinner out with Kristina Rees and Francine Wilson, my upline ladies.

These ladies give me energy and a strong will to succeed in the direct-sales world.  You can visit their blogs —  Kristina Rees, Creating with Kristina and Francine Wilson, Stampscrapgo

Speaking of creating, here’s some of the cards I’ve created using the latest Paper Pumpkin subscription kit.

 

Two additional cards are in my second YouTube video!

The subscription kit for May is called “Manly Moments” just in time to get those Father’s Day cards ready!  Everything you need comes in the kit and it’s such a great deal.  Only $19.95 a month and that includes shipping!!! This kit makes 20 cards! Yep, 20 cards and they come with coordinating envelopes.  Check out how to get your Paper Pumpkin kit by going Here-My Paper Pumpkin

Here’s a SNEAK preview of the coming JUNE kit.  Sign up before June 10th to get your JUNE kit!File May 25, 10 22 19 AM

If creating cards is even remotely an interest that intrigues you, please consider becoming a ©Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator.  I’m a new to this, but having a blast learning the ropes.  Let me be your encourager.  I would love for you to walk this journey with me.  And who knows!  You could be walking that stage with me next year.

Go HERE to be my first ©Stampin’ Up! Downline.  Ha! That’s direct-sales speak!  Yeah, that learning curve.  Ya’ gotta start somewhere!!!

Ahoy! April 2018 Paper Pumpkin

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YOU ARE MY ANCHOR, April 2018’s Paper Pumpkin kit did not disappoint.  This is my second Paper Pumpkin kit since I became a ©Stampin’ Up! demonstrator this past January.  I had already seen postings of the kit and even a couple of YouTube videos showing the assembly of the kit project.  Even so, it was still so much fun putting together.  The kit, YOU ARE MY ANCHOR, makes four gift boxes that hold 5 cards each and their matching envelopes.

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I have found that many ©Stampin’ Up! demonstrators will make an alternative to the instructions for those who want to stretch their kit.  It is a fun challenge and of course it is perfect fit for me.  I love dreaming up new ways of working with a kit.  So, I am featuring 3 alternative A2 card designs for you today.

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The first card I created is made with a card craft background.  I was thinking sandy beaches when I put this one together!  I used ©Stampin’ Up’s cardstock color ‘Crumb Cake’ cut to 5.5” x 8.5” then scored to make a side folding vertical card.  I always make side-folding cards because I like the way the stand up when displayed.

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The technique to add the ‘starfish’ stamp to the background is an easy one.  I used a watermark stamp pad by ©VersaMark, which is a sticky clear ink pad, to simply stamp the starfish randomly on the front of the ‘Crumb Cake’ cardstock. You can always stamp with VersaMark ink whenever you want the background cardstock color to show through; just leaving the stamped image.  I used one of the small envelopes for the striped paper edge; yep, I cut apart the envelope to reveal that wonderful blue and white nautical stripe.  Then I attached the two punch-out die cuts and added the provided rope-looking twine behind the life-preserver and down the side of the striped paper edge.  The stamp set that is provided with the kit had several sayings, plus a few extra words like “Thanks” which I used to create banner.  This card came together very quickly and looks so fun!File Apr 26, 10 17 13 PM

The second card is made using ©Stampin’ Up’s ‘Calypso Coral’ cardstock cut to 5.5” x 8.5” then scored to make a side folding vertical card.  I added a white panel using ‘Whisper White’ cardstock by Stampin’ Up cut at 4”x 5.25”.  I cut one of the provided box tops in half then laid it across the bottom.  That stunning 3 x 3 gold foiled card did the rest of the work for me.  All I had to do is add the lighthouse die cut, 2 tiny gold foiled hearts and some rope again.  Even the gold foiled banner was part of the punch out dies!  All I had to do was stamp a sentiment using that lovely ©Stampin’ Up inkspot color, ‘Island Indigo.’  This card makes me so happy!

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And lastly, my third card was a small artsy adventure!  Again, I used the inside of one of the small envelopes to reveal that gorgeous blue wonky striped paper.  I decided to ink up a 4’ x5.25 white card panel by sponging on some light blue ink.  This is a dry sponging technique that I’ve seen many card-making experts do.  It doesn’t have to be perfect because all the layering of the paper and little elements steals the show!  The sponging gave me a soft sky background I was after.  Next, I went digging for those shaped scissors from the olden days.  I snipped the waves paper from the insides of another envelope.  I just had to play with it until I had it laid out to balance the bottom.  After that I stamped ‘Ahoy’ and the ‘wheel’ image onto a foiled accented round die cut.  I added the punched-out orange die cut anchor and tied the round tag and anchor together with the rope. Lastly, I stamped the ‘seagulls’ image using black and added the tiny clear sequins for extra interests. I glued this card panel to an A2 sized white card base.  I had so much fun putting this one together. File Apr 26, 10 28 13 PM

I’m hoping to create a couple more cards from this April 2018 Paper Pumpkin kit before the next one arrives.  Please leave me a note if you decide to CASE one of these alternative cards.  I would be so appreciative and flattered.

Remember, you still have until May 10th to order your first 2 Paper Pumpkin kits for 50% off!  What a great way to find out if you can meet the challenge of creating an alternative design with the kit.  Please go here to get your 50% off kit!

 

March Paper Pumpkin

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It’s almost time for another Paper Pumpkin kit.  I can hardly wait to see what is coming next!  But as promised here are my creations from the March Paper Pumpkin kit.

The first two cards I used the instructions from the kit.  I followed the instructions exactly since this was my very first kit to assemble.

 

Below are my alternative designs using the kit supplies.  I had fun making use of the envelope scalloped flaps.  The envelopes are beautiful, but I knew I wouldn’t use them, so I cut them apart and waited for some inspiration to come.  It’s funny how I need to touch the pieces many times before an actual idea comes to mind.

I had fun with this kit and now ready to get the next one.   Order your kit HERE  

There’s a great promotion to get your first 2 kits for 50% off!  Hurry!  Offer good ’til May 10th.03.11.18_SHAREABLE2_50OFF_PP

Hey Pumpkin! Let’s Get Started!

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I got my FIRST Paper Pumpkin Subscription today!!!!!!  Want to learn to paper-craft but don’t know where to start?   Paper Pumpkin is Stampin’ Up!’s all-inclusive paper crafting subscription program.

Now’s the perfect time to get this fantastic program because right now it is 50% off your first two months for new subscribers!

Whaaaaatttt?

Yes, that’s right, and what a great way to give a try to see if it’s your thing.  To me, it’s a no brainer!

It comes with everything you need plus easy-to-follow instructions. You can order here

I show my unboxing of my FIRST kit on my YouTube channel here. Hey, no judging.  If you would have seen how I had to balance my phone to record it you’d think I was a genius!  NOT!  LOL.

Come on, friends!  I’ll be crafting right along with you!  Let’s do this!

Springtime brings a New LOVE!

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springI have a new LOVE.  Yes, a new LOVE for card making.  I’ve been scrapbooking for the past five years working with the physical products and doing a little digital scrapbooking, too.  I have a FAVORITE online group, http://www.ScrapHappy.org that inspired me to tell stories through scrapbooking.  ScrapHappy is a group of ladies who share the passion of this art and storytelling.  It’s more than just putting photos on a page with a few stickers.  It’s creativity with depth.  Yes, I love it.  As a member of ScrapHappy, I volunteered to post the group’s birthday announcements on the group’s Facebook page.  It makes sense to add more than just WORDS when you’re a “crafter”, so, to show off the group’s talents we ask members to share birthday cards they have made.  I use these created cards to help celebrate the group members’ birthdays.  I’ve overseen this task for over a year now, and there have been times when we ran low on cards to share.  To fill in the gaps, I began making cards myself.  I love the small canvas; 4.5”x5.5” is the standard A2 size.  The more cards I made, the more I enjoyed making them.  It was fast and easy, plus I didn’t have to add a story to my creative layout. Then I found Jennifer McGuire, Laura Bassen, and Kristina Werner on YouTube.  Oh, MY, GOODNESS!!!  That led me into a whole new world of card making in which I consider these ladies to be ‘holy grail’ of card makers.  After a year of practicing card making, I was approached by my friend Kristina Rees about becoming a demonstrator for ©Stampin’ UP!   ©Stampin’ UP! as I learned has been an international leader in card making for over 30 years.  Who knew?  I did my research and decided to take the plunge into the world of ©Stampin’ UP! and launched my own home based business.  This is SO fun!  Did I tell you I’m a former school teacher?  Well, I am, and this teaching is so much more fun than teaching math!  Ha! I love the creative side, plus this gives me an outlet to get to know more ladies.  As a retired school teacher, I couldn’t think of anything that gives me more pleasure…a reason to get together with like-minded women and create something to give away! It’s a perfect fit for me.

Now that Spring is in the air, I’ve decided to have an Open House in my neighborhood.  We’ve only been in the neighborhood for a year, so I want to know more of my neighbors anyhow.  I put out a FB invite on our local neighborhood site inviting ladies, their kids and/or teens to come make a card FREE of charge with NO sales pitch.  Truly, I want to meet more ladies.  You can never have enough friends, right?!  Anyhow, it is scheduled for Wednesday, March 21st from 10am-6pm.  I’m very excited and look forward to the creating and planning of such an event.  Wish me luck!

If you would like to take a peek at the ©Stampin’ UP! catalog and possibly place an order, go here: shop Use WORKSHOP code:   28822541  (good thru March 31st) when placing your order.

Thank you for stopping by my blog.  I hope to be sharing my card making adventures with you along the way.

Jeanette Collins

Cloud Storage BEST EVER!

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Holy Toledo!  OK, don’t mind me, I’ve been away for a good bit because I had some surgery.  Now I’m feeling better and ready to share my passion.  If you follow me, you know I have many passions so this time I want to talk CLOUD storage.

Why is this a passion for me?  Because I’m a memory keeper/ scrapbooking enthusiast and love photos.  I’m also learning more and more about genealogy.

In the world of CLOUD storage, not all are the same.  It’s quite a convenience to upload blindly into these clouds until you read their TERMS of SERVICE.  Yikes!  Did you know some companies will own your content?  Yes, you heard me right.  Is that really where you want to have your most precious memoires and generational photos?  Not me!

I want them in a SAFE place.  Most people think the safest place is to upload photos to a web-based company and have a backup on external hard drives.  At least that’s how I USE to handle all my media. Trained professionals will tell you to have your photos and media backed up in 3 different locations, preferably one be off-site, like a friend or family in another place.  Yeah, I get it.  But do you know how hard that is to do?  It is OVERWHELMING!  And then if you’re anything like me, every time I’m looking for a photo I have so many places to look.  I know, I know….workflow.  Get a plan and stick to it. Well, easier said than done.  And that’s just the problem with it all.  It’s NOT easy or we wouldn’t be ignoring the problem in the first place.

Forever.com solves this issue for me.  Forever.com is a permanent CLOUD storage where all your media is in ONE place with no need to worry about hard drives, flash drives, cd’s and extra back ups.  Oh thank you FOREVER for making things simpler.

We all need life to be simpler.  We want to know all are most precious documents and photos are SAFE and not being shared with a third party or being hacked into by creeps out there.

Go sign up for a FREE account at www.Forever.com/ambassador/savephotosforever and learn how easy this system of collecting, curating and sharing of your photos can be with peace of mind.  It’s like buying insurance for your photos.  Stop paying rent to drop box, google and many other clouds out there.  Read the terms of agreement.  You will be shocked how they cannot protect your photos.

I’d love for you to see my one YouTube video.  Ha!  I tried!