UPrinting Giveaway!

I am excited to share with you another great giveaway this week.  It's kind of odd, having awesome giveaways on my blog, but I have been lucky to have been contacted by these lovely companies.
UPrinting is one of those companies!  They are a printing company that can meet all your advertising and marketing needs!

They have everything from Business cards to Calendars and everything inbetween.  You seriously need to check out their website for their large array of items that they can print.  It's a businesses dream!

Another great thing they print are Brochures! 

Do you know what you could do with brochures?
Well, for one, it's perfect for a new business wanting to get the word out!
You take them around local businesses and have them available to customers.
These brochures can be customized with the highest quality printing.  It will be a perfect addiction to your company.

I haven't told you yet but I am starting a photography business, Lyssa Beth Photography and these brochures will be perfect to help me grow this little venture of mine.  They make it really easy with their brochure templates.  I can't wait to get started on designing them.  And when you are done, order them off and no more worries.  Their print brochures are wonderful.  I can't wait to see how mine turn out!

Sooooo UPrinting is giving one of you 50 custom brochures!!!

That's right, you get:
-50 pcs Brochure printing for One (1) Winner
-8.5" x 11"100lb Paper GlossWith Folding (Half Fold, Trifold/Letterfold, Z-Fold, Roll Fold, Accordion Fold),
-Outside and Inside Printing
-2 Business Days Turnaround
-*Free shipping

Restriction: Limited to *US residents 18 years old and above only

So in order to win, i'm going to make it really simple:

Leave a comment and tell me what you would do with your 50 brochures.
That's it.

If you want extras:
Spread the word about the giveaway via Twitter or FB (there are buttons for those beneath this post, super simple!).  Leave a comment for each.

Giveaway ends Aug. 31st at midnight :)


Disclaimer: This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting and I will receive brochure printing services for hosting. Visit UPrinting.com for more information about brochures and available brochure templates.

My Memories Suite giveaway.

One of the things I love about digital scrapbooking is that I can download a picture on the computer and immediately scrapbook it!  I have done digital scrapbooking mainly through free sites, like scrapblog.com until the end of last year, when I got a photo editing program on craigslist for a killer deal.  That has helped me to get more familar how things work on the computer.  Yet the program I was using wasn't digital scrapbook friendly...BIG learning curve!

Well recently I was contacted by My Memories about their digital scrapbook software called My Memories Suite.  My fears and confusions are out the window folks.

The program is so simple.  It immediately downloads into your computer so you can access it right away.  Do you want to see what I made in 5 minutes after downloading the program?  Seriously, i'm not kidding.  This thing is so easy and user-friendly...

And this wasn't even their papers and embellishments that are found on the program!  So you can imagine how much easier and faster it would have been to make something already in the program!

Speaking of stuff, their designs are adorable and so fun to play with!
I made a chore chart recently from them just to show you that there are many things to do with their scrapbook software:

Inspiration is from here.

Do you want to hear GREAT news?

My Memories is giving away a My Memories Suite Scrapbook software package to a lucky reader!!

That's a $40 value for free :)

So how do you win?

1- head on over to My Memories and pick a favorite digital goodie they have :) come back here and tell me!

Extras-
1 - Follow My Memories Suite on Facebook, Twitter or their Blog.  Leave a comment for each.
2 - Follow yours truly via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Blog. Leave a comment for each.
3- Tweet or FB about this giveaway!  LEave a comment for each thing you do.

Giveaway will be open for one week.

So for those of you who can't wait and want the software right now, have I got a deal for you...

My Memories is giving you readers your very own coupon code that provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software AND a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!!!

Coupon Code:  STMMMS33862

You will not regret having this product in your home.  It makes digital scrapbooking a snap.  Think how much family history you can do with this thing?  ;)

Handmade Gift Exchange aftermath.

I finally participated in the Handmade Gift Exchange over at Craftaholics Anonymous.  I have been wanting to for years but the timing was never right.

So I was excited when I got my partner, Karri over at House of Tubers.  I think it was a matchmade in heaven.  Our interests were identical, from crafting, scrapbooking & photography.

So I ended up giving her some adorable earrings:  (photo courtesy of Karri :) )

In the mail, She sent me an adorable necklace and ring.  She even packaged them adorably too.

So glad I did this and look forward to doing it again!  Thanks again Karri!  I am happy to have found a new friend in blogland!

Utah Shop Hop: Day 1 & 2

Back in June, when I visited family in UT, my mom, sisters and I went on a little excursion around Central UT to hit all the Quilt Shops participating in the Utah Shop Hop in hopes to win a Bernina model #330 Sewing Machines valued at $1300.  When you visit each shop, they stamp a card to show you were there.  At the last shop, you turn it in to be put into the drawing and you get a little gift...which I will show you tomorrow.

We were so confident that one of us would win it ;) but if not that, win something right?

So here's the lowdown of the stores, Brigham City down to Springville, even over to Tooele!  From June 15-18th, each Shop had a book theme so it was fun to see each store and how they decorated.  

The best part of this 3-day challenge was being in the car with them for that long.  Especially the long drive to Brigham City & Tooele.  But it was so fun to have spent that time with them since I live in WA.

First day, we started in Sandy at Quilts Etc, which had a "Sherlock Holmes" book theme.  But I couldn't help take pictures of their beautiful quilts and fabrics!

Next we drove down to Springville to Corn Wagon Quilts Co.  They did TWILIGHT.   My favorite.  end of story.
They had such fun decorations that my sister's and I just couldn't help ourselves!
Edward, Me, Katie, Ashley, Penny &....Bella.

Sigh...he looks so real huh?
They even had a contest when we were in the store and I got pick to do a "Minute to Win It" game.  It is hard to explain what I had to do with a stack of plastic cups but let's just say the other competitor was cheating....cough cough...don't tell her I told you...

Anyways, after Springville, we went home to eat dinner then we went back down to The Stitching Corner in Orem , which did  The Secret Garden & American Quilter in Orem, which did Anne of Green Gables.  Sorry, no pictures of those.  But both stores were decorated up nice with their themes.

We were wiped out at that point.  Especially the last half since we took our kids..yikes!  Don't recommend doing that ever...ever ever ever ever ever.

Alright, on to Day 2:
We headed out to Tooele to Sew Sweet.  They did 2000 leagues under the Sea.  The whole store was covered in Ocean paraphernalia.  They had an Eye Spy game & demos.  Great little shop :)

On the way back home, we hit Broadbents in Lehi.  They did Great Gatsby.  They had quotes all over the walls and served treats with ginger ale.  Broadbents is a fun store and have been there before.

I will be posting  up our busy Day 3 and all the goodies I got from all this.  Are you excited to see?  I am excited to share!!

business card stash.

I still can't get over that I was able to go to Bloggy Boot Camp earlier this month.  I learned so much about me and my blog and what I want for it.  I didn't think I would get so much out of it!

Not to mention all the wonderful people and bloggers that I met, like Denise, Kim & Jenny (to name just a few!)

And practically everyone had a business card to pass out and trade.  I came home with a wonderful stack.  I don't know about you but I love looking at everyone's cards and seeing what they designed or created.

Here are some fun-shaped ones! There were lots of mini cards!

Here's one that made and sewed on her card like me!

I loved the colors on these ones!

These ones had fun pictures and designs!

I wish i could highlight them all but I seriously got like 50 or so.

What do you like in business cards?  The colors?  Texture?

PS-yes I am back from vacationing.  I haven't even touched my blog since i've been gone so I still need to do some changes.  :)  Thanks for sticking around!  I hope your summer has been fun-filled and chaotic like mine!

introducing Liz Marie.

Have you guys heard of Liz Marie?Yes No?Either way, you are in for a treat.I first heard of/meet Liz a few months back, when i just started out my "Thrifty Thursdays" party.  Her link appeared and so I clicked on it. You know those blogs when you get to them, you instantly find the "follow" button and click on it?  This is that kind of blog.  Liz is amazing.  Liz is talented.  Liz is the sweetest girl you will ever meet.  So genuine.  Make you feel like a million bucks.can you tell I have a crush?I seriously do.  Every post she does is amazing.  Even her photography rocks.I want to show you a few of my favorite things she has done:
This is her newest creation.  Love those adorable little clips she uses!Chicken Wire Window

LIke me, she loves mason jars!

Mason Jar Love

I love what she did to this shutter!

She does amazing furniture Redos too!

Liz Marie is definitely a blog you guys need to check out.  She will not disappoint!

being featured!

I know!  It's the end of the day and I feel bad for not letting you guys know that today, I was over at 

Faith Hope Love teaching her readers how to make the Vintage Sheet Bubble Dress!

She's got such a fun blog.  You have to go check out Laura!

I was also featured today over at Naptime Crafters!

What  a great blog that is too!  Great ideas

So if you are surfing the blog scene this evening, check out those two great blog!

a "how to" over at Young & Crafty

Hey I have some more awesome news!I'm over at Young & Crafty today to show you how to make these:

Cute HUH?  Those are my three little ones.  sigh....

Head on over HERE to learn how to make these WITHOUT photoshop!!

PS voting is still going on over at Vintage Revivals and still need your help!Only take a second to go HERE and vote for # 10!!Thank you guys!

Not So Homemade Feature!

Hey Guys!

Wanted to let you know that i'm being featured over at

Not So Homemade!

Courtney is uber talented.  She does recipes, photography, blog designs and so much more!!!  Her blog is awesome (well, duh, she's featuring me!)  and she even have a "Sunday Spotlight" linky party where you can spotlight your blog!

Head over HERE to check it out!

Thanks Courtney!

super surprise that starts with an "e" and ends with a "craft"

Guess what JUST got to my house...just guess....

EEKKK!

It's here!

That's right, my friends.  I made the decision and went with a eCraft!!

Can you blame me?  Seriously?

I mean, the "no mat" alone hooked me in.

I've done that game and was just sick of being dependent on if I had a sticky enough mat to use it.

well NO MORE!

And now I have all weekend to learn how to use this bad boy.

Hopefully I can show you guys a thing or two, eh?

Ya, that sounds like a wonderful idea!!

Oh and if you are wondering, I got the Purpleberry :)

I am loving purple these days and don't know why....

Ok that is all.  I was just too excited to hold that in!

FlowerBomb Designs Giveaway.

Yep, it's giveaway time!

You are all in for a treat as I introduce Goldie from FlowerBomb Designs.

Goldie & I go way back...i'm saying WAY back to 2nd grade.  Yes, 2nd grade!

We've been friends through Bears Cheerleading, Awkward Junior High and High School.

Well fast forward to the present.

She has a beautiful family with 2 beautiful little boys.  

And did I mention that she, herself, is gorgeous?  Ya it's true.

In her free time, she creates these beautiful accessories.

"Accessorizing You. One Flower at a Time."

These are just a few of her designs.

She uses top quality fabrics and bling.  You will not be disappointed!

I was so happy and excited when Goldie wanted to do a giveaway here on born-again crafter.

So Goldie has graciously given one of you readers a chance to win a  headband of your choice!!

Lucky you!

Such a tough decision, if you ask me because they are all "da bomb"...yes, I just typed that...

Anyways, you ready to win?!

Manditory Entry:

Head on over to her BLOG and pick your favorite item she has listed then come here and tell me in a comment.

Optional Entries:

-Follow FlowerBomb Designs HERE

-Post this giveaway on FB or Twitter (1 point)

-Blog about this giveaway ( 2 points)

-Follow born-again crafter (1 pt)

Leave a comment with each entry you do.

Giveaway ends 4/16 at midnight.

thank you & reminders.

First and foremost,

Thank you.

Yes, you. the one reading the screen :)

With out you, my blog would not be possible!

Thank you for your comments and participating in my posts.  I love to read them, to get to know you more.

So thank you!

Just to give you a heads up, there will a few giveaways happening soon here.  So watch out for that.

Thank you for getting me up to almost 260 followers!

Okay so reminders:

 Impel Clothing is having a Great Escapes contest where 50 winners will get a free 3 day 2 night trip to over 15 destinations of their choice!

And it ends in 2 days!  So head on over there and sign up!!

*********

And tomorrow I will be posting up the things i'll be selling at the craft fair!

They are all handmade and I am contemplating to maybe start selling them online...

I would love your opinions on them.  I know you are excited to see what i've made and are selling :)

********

And remember those shoes I wrote about about a month ago?

Lucha Shoes?

well I ordered myself a pair of grey ones and should be getting them in the mail any day!

I am very excited!!

I'll do a full review and let you know what I think of them.

But I highly recommend you checking them out!

**********

Other than that, check out the weekly parties going on here, like Thrifty Thursdays & Scrapbook Sundays!

Have a good night!

eCraft Q & A

Just from the Silhouette VS. eCraft post, there's been a few questions from readers and i want to set it all straight and pass that along:)

So first question:

Does the eCraft cut fabric?

YES.  It does!  The following is cut and pasted from the official eCraft site:

What can it cut?
"Paper (standard, flocked, glitter, magnet, adhesive backed), card stock, vellum, vinyl, felt, organza, grunge paper, grunge board, wood veneers, chipboard, Fun Foam, and many other materials under 1mm thick. Want to decorate cake or cookies?...no need to buy a separate machine. Use the eCraft to cut Lucks Edible Image Food Decoration Sheets and easily add edible designs to cupcakes, cookies and much more!"

So from that, YES, it cuts all sorts of materials, specifically anything under 1 mm.  I watched a few demos around the web and found that it also cuts cotton too!  

And not only does it cut fabrics, it cuts decoration sheets for cakes and cupcakes too!?  That's something new!  Well, no need for the Cricut Cake machine now ;)

During my research, I found another blog that tested the machine with fabric and did a marvelous job!

So I feel good about that.  My creative well-being will not be hindered by this machine.  It will only blossom and grow!...wow, that was a bit cheesy...sorry about that.

Next question that I was asked:

Can you download your own designs to the eCraft? 

Yes you can!  Here's a snip from the website:

"Bring your creativity to life with the eCraftshop Design Software. Connect your eCraft to your PC to access even more features than the eCraft offers as a standalone machine. Create banners 12" by any length, personalize images from your SD Card, customize and import your own SVG designs, and more! You can weld, flip, stretch, rotate, size, shadow, and control your own virtual cutting grid for perfect image placement and an economical use of space and material."

Can I use my own designs? 
Yes, using our eCraftshop Design software. The software will allow users to import SVG files and access True Type and Open Type Fonts, then establish draw and cut lines, or create your own images within the software using our design tools.

And just in recent months, the softwares SCAL (sure cuts a lot) & MTC (make the cut) have made it compatible with the eCraft!  If you do not know those programs, they work with electronic cutting systems in helping the user design and then cut them.  It's really user friendly and it's really used widely.  

So that's a plus too!

So for  now, my research continues...

What's your favorite thing about the eCraft that you've found?

What other questions do you have?

Silhouette VS. eCraft

So after 5 years of owning and using a Cricut Expressions Electronic Cutting machine, it has died.  It was a sad day...sad sad day.  I used that baby religiously.  All my LOs had something from it.  It was a great machine.

But now that my options are open, I want to see what is out there to weigh my options because of course, I am getting another one...right, husband? 

So i've been researching and doing my homework.

I decided to look at 2 more popular cutters that fell in my price range, The Silhouette & the eCraft by Craftwell.
Here's what I found:

My first opponent: 

Silhouette Electronic Cutter, retails $299.99:

The Silhouette SD from Silhouette America is a digital cutting tool for personal use that cuts many materials. It connects to your computer just like a printer, but instead of printing designs it cuts them with a small blade. With the machine connected to your computer, you'll get access to all of the fonts on your PC plus the thousands of cuttable designs. The Silhouette is a digital cutting tool can also use pens to draw. These pens are called sketch pens. Similar to the functioning of a home printer, it cuts paper and other materials like cardstock, adhesive vinyl, heat transfer material, rhinestone templates and other specialty media with a blade instead of printing onto it. The creative possibilities are endless with the Silhouette SD

What Can it Cut?

Paper and cardstock

Adhesive vinyl

Fabric

Heat transfer material

Rhinestone templates

Specialty media

And the competition:

eCraft by Craftwell, retails around $299.99

Craftwell is proud to bring you eCraft...
The first and only electronic cutter that allows you to cut without a mat.  Its ease of use combined with advanced technology makes the eCraft the perfect cutting system for all consumers- beginner to expert. It is ideal for scrapbooking, banners, paper crafting, card making, fashion designing, home decor, and so much more.  The eCraft's unique design and paper feeder system make it easy to cut materials automatically, without the use of a cutting mat. Use the Paper Tray to stack multiple sheets at a time, or use the Roller to cut 12" by ANY length.

The eCraft is ultra slim, and its lightweight design and onboard storage compartment let you take it anywhere. Use it on its own with SD Image Cards, or attached to a computer with the eCraftshop Design Software that comes in the box! With the large selection of fonts, shapes and designs, anyone can be an expert in minutes. Making great looking projects has never been easier!

• 3 ways to feed paper: from the front, the paper tray, and the roller. (no more messy cutting mats)
• Handles materials up to 12" wide by ANY length
• Draws and cuts without changing from a blade to a pen
• 2.8" backlit LCD display for easy navigation and image selection
• Works off of easy-to-store SD Image Cards, with hundreds of shapes to choose from
• No computer required, but eCraftshop Design Software included for greater versatility.
• Adjustable pressure settings for kiss-cutting (vinyl) and multi-cutting (thicker materials)
• Clear Cut Indicator lights up when the blade cuts all the way through your material
• Pause button allows you to adjust the pressure setting mid-cut (less mistakes = less paper wasted

What can it cut?

Paper (standard, flocked, glitter, magnet, adhesive backed), card stock, vellum, vinyl, felt, organza, silk, cotton fabrics, grunge paper, grunge board, wood veneers, chipboard, Fun Foam, and many other materials under 1mm thick. Want to decorate cake or cookies?...no need to buy a separate machine. Use the eCraft to cut Lucks Edible Image Food Decoration Sheets and easily add edible designs to cupcakes, cookies and much more!

Well, quite the comparison!

This was harder than I thought!

So let's break this down to pros & cons:

Silhouette:

Pros: 

Cuts all types of materials

Connects to computer for endless cutting options

Use pens to draw as well!

Unlimited Creations!

Cons:

No catridges, dependant to computer

must have a mat to cut.

ECraft:

Pros:

No Mat!

Cuts all types of materials

pen & blade is same so you don't have to switch them out

Endless length to cut.

No computer required, uses SD images cards
Comes in pretty colors :)

Cons:

software needed for personalization

Hmmm, after sorting through those pros & cons, I think I have my choice.

I'm leaning towards the eCraft.  And my main influence is the No Mats!  Having the Cricut for 5 years, that's what bothered me the most.  If I needed to do something, I had to make sure I had a mat that was sticky enough for the job.  If not, I had to run to the store and spend $15 for more mats!  It got really annoying to keep throwing money out like that.  They do SD images cards which is similar to the Cricut's cartridges but they aren't as expensive and they have MANY more options!

But I want to ask you guys, Do you have a Personal Electronic Cutter?

Which one do you use?

Which one would you want?

My research continues....