Cord Scrapbook Studio

A Basic Grey Thursday

Someday I should take a picture of the dry erase board here in my office where I have all of the Design Team projects mapped out for posting on the blog. There's so much good stuff to share with you--it's exciting! So without further adieu... here's a few more Basic Grey projects and a little Page-of-the-Month info for you!

"Brothers" Layout by Mary Pat Siehl

Supplies Used:
    Basic Grey Plumeria Paper: Budding Lavender, Wild Grape Bistro, Dusk,
            Cleopatra, Floweret
    Basic Grey Plumeria Cardstock Alphabet Stickers
    Basic Grey Plumeria Mixed Brads
    Basic Grey Plumeria Cardstock Element Stickers
    Basic Grey Plumeria Layered Stickers

"Hi" Card by Mary Pat Siehl

Supplies Used:
    Basic Grey Plumeria Paper: Floweret, Wild Grape Bistro, Dusk
    Basic Grey Plumeria Cardstock Element Stickers
    Basic Grey Plumeria Layered Stickers
    Basic Grey Plumeria Mixed Brads
    Basic Grey Plumeria Cardstock Alphabet Stickers

"My Heart Belongs to My Mon" Layout by Emily Lanham

Supplies Used:
    Basic Grey Konnichiwa Paper
    Basic Grey Konnichiwa Mixed Brads

"Hi Friend" Card by Emily Lanham

Supplies Used:
    Basic Grey Konnichiwa Paper
    Basic Grey Konnichiwa Mixed Brads

Special thanks to DT Members Mary Pat Siehl and Emily Lanham for sharing these projects with us! These projects, along with all of the yet-to-be-shared-on-the-blog creations from our Design Team are on display in stores NOW (for a limited time only!) And let me tell you... photos of their cards, layouts and altered designs just don't do these things justice--next time you're in town, stop by to see them all in person!

Also, just a quick note... we are now accepting registration for June's Basic Grey Page of the Month, featuring the PB & J collection! Class takes place Friday, June 29th at 5:30. 

You can read more about the Page of the Month (POTM) program and find out what photos & supplies you'll need to create this month's layout here. (This link is updated monthly so you can see past classes, which classes still have kits available and what's coming up for the current month!)

The instructions that come free with each kit will help you complete the project as-shown, even from the comfort of your own scrapbook table at home. But keep in mind that you're not obligated to completing the page exactly as it's done for class! Vicki--our Indianapolis Scrapbooking Coordinator took the same materials provided in the kit (you really do get a good sampling of product) and created this layout instead:

Same product... totally different result, both kits leaving lotsa product leftover for additional cards, layouts or what have you! Kinda nifty, eh?

So anyway... that's some of the "buzz" we've got going on with Basic Grey!

Happy Thursday!

Summer Layout w/ Mary Pat Siehl

So with last Friday's post, I gave a quick rundown of some of the classes we're offering in stores this June. (If you missed it, be sure to check out our class calendars posted here!) Well...  remember how at the end I eluded to some additional Design Team Classes coming up?

I don't know what happened, but I think I had a bit of a brain blip. See, Design Team Member Mary Pat will be joining us for a Summer Layout + Card class, Saturday June 30th at the Graceland store... but for some reason, in my head her class was taking place in JULY. Not June. When her class samples passed by my desk the other day, headed to the Graceland store for display--it finally made sense!

Oy vey. I am really losing it. (Or perhaps "it" ... is already lost.)

But enough rambling from me... let's take a look at the class!

Join Mary Pat in making a two-page, 12x12 layout and two cards using Echo Park's Hello Summer collection! Students will need to bring a paper trimmer, adhesive (including dimensional adhesive), scissors, a scallop border punch (any style), a scallop circle punch or a 2" circle punch and a corner rounder.

Kits will be available if you're unable to attend class, but those in class will get a little bonus "quickie" project to complete!

Mary Pat is a member of several different design teams and you can see her projects in stores and/or on her blog--Siehled With a Kiss. Most recently, Mary Pat's been named as one of Jillibean Soup's guest designers for the "Bean Talk" blog this Summer!

Having DT Members join us for classes is a real treat for us--and for you, too! Come on out and chit-chat with Mary Pat next month at the Graceland store! Or visit with Emily Lanham during her classes on the same date at the Nora store!

When it comes to classes, it is our goal to provide you with variety, technique and plenty of fun! You can view ALL of our upcoming--FABULOUS--classes with Vicki, Ruthie, Diana, Martha and Debbie by clicking on your store's calendar here. And if ever there's a class technique and/or topic you'd like to see offered... just let one of them know! They're always up for a challenge!

See you in class!

June Classes & Events

In case you haven't already noticed, June calendars have been posted online and print versions are making their way to stores shortly! Here's just a few of the highlights...

(Click on the calendar image for a link to print the full pdf...)

Ruthie's ever-popular Recipe Swap & Layout Club continues in June with BBQ recipes, using Authentique's Carefree collection! Just bring yourself, your supplies, and several copies of your favorite BBQ recipe to share. When all is said and done, you'll leave class with a completed two-page, 8" x 8" layout and a variety of new BBQ recipes to try out when you get home!

In Diana's Copic Cards class, you'll create six 3" x 3" summer cards using simple two and three step Copic coloring techniques! These all-occasion sentiments are perfect to have around for those last minute card-giving moments!

Our Indianapolis (Nora) store has a few card classes in store for you as well!

In Martha's Copic Cards class, you'll be celebrating Summer with a bunch of totally fun stamps & super unique stamps and your Copic Sketch pens! You'll make five cards suitable for a variety of occasions and get in a ton of practice with your Copic coloring technique! All of the markers you'll need are listed in the class description--just click on the photo at right.

Thursday's Cards with Vicki features another set of Summertime favorites using the Makin' Waves collection from Imaginisce and the infamous Marci & Luka from La-La-Land!

I just love all the bright colors and how those Copic markers can really make those stamps POP right off the background!

Both stores will be offering Basic Grey's Page of the Month class--in June, the featured collection is PB & J! You can read more about this series of classes (as well as see past projects) by clicking on the POTM layout above!

And finally, we've got a special treat coming up at the end of June at the Nora store. Scrapbook Studio & Simple Stories Design Team Member Emily Lanham will be offering not one, but TWO project classes using two of the latest-and-greatest collections from Simple Stories--Summer Fresh and Fabulous/Awesome!

Looking for a bright & cheery mini album?! Well, she's got it. And depending on the photos you have waiting to be scrapped at home, you can either fashion one for girls using the Simple Stories Fabulous collection, or one for the boys using the Awesome collection!  

You'll try out new products and test drive some new items never before featured at Cord--and we'll be anxiously awaiting your feedback! Now's your chance!

And the Simple Stories Summer Fresh collection never looked more darling than this adorable multi-dimensional banner! Lots of different tips & tricks are in store--you don't want to miss it!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Phew! That's a lot of fun stuff! What a great way to kick off the summer season, don'tcha think?!

Class registration is OPEN now for ALL of the June classes you see here as well as those you'll find on each store's calendar. When you open the calendar in your browser, just click on the class date to see an image of the project you'll be making with a complete description and a list of all of the supplies you'll need to bring with you!

Already our instructors are hard at work preparing their classes for July. And I can hint hint that we've got another Design Team member (or two) popping up on the roster at the Graceland store! It's going to be a GREAT Summer!

See you in class!

What's New Wednesday: Basic Grey

Two new Basic Grey lines arrived in stores this week--PB & J and What's Up. Though uniquely different from any other collection I've seen from BG, they hold the same quality standards and offer the same basic staples as any of the others! Let's take a look...

 
  
  

 
Both collections include a variety of double-sided, heavyweight patterned papers, coordinating cardstock stickers and unique embellishments like toothpick flags, layered felt stickers, metal flowers and more!

  
  

 
So now that you've seen a couple of collection snippets... how 'bout a lil' sneak peek? It just so happens that What's Up and PB & J are the two featured collections for the Page of the Month classes in May and June!! Since we don't usually post the project until the month before the class date, I figured you'd enjoy seeing things a little SOONER...
Am I right?! *smile*

Here's the May class, featuring What's Up:

And the June class, featuring PB & J:

For more information on Basic Grey's Page of the Month series, click here. This link is updated monthly with POTM info, dates & times and class supply lists so you can see what's coming up, when and what you'll need to bring with you to class. You'll also be able to view past classes so you can see what sorts of pages BG brings to the table month after month!

What's more is, at the end of the year we'll have a special gift for anyone who's particpated in the program throughout the 12 month stretch!

Fun, fun!

Hope you're having a great week!

Basic Grey's Page of the Month - January & February

With yesterday's post, we introduced the latest collection from Basic Grey--Kissing Booth.  For those of you who enjoyed the collection preview on the blog, you might also be happy to hear that this collection will be featured in both January AND February's Page of the Month class!

Here's a quick look at January's layout...

This one was created by Basic Grey designer Lynn Ghahary and it's a wonderful example of how out-of-the-box thinking when it comes to holiday collections and seasonal products can really help you get the most out of the supplies you purchase! You can read more about this particular class and the supplies needed here.

February's layout is a little more seasonal, but no less adorable!

Created by Basic Grey designer Kelly Goree, this layout is perfect for celebrating not just Valentine's Day, but everyday relationships! In the example, Kelly's highlighting a brother and sister, but keep in mind that with your layout, titles and journaling can be modified to reflect the subject and themes YOU choose!

Sadly, these are the last two layouts from this year's Page of the Month term, sponsored by Basic Grey! It's been a fantastic year! You can read about upcoming classes and review old classes here.

For those of you who have stuck with us throughout the entire program, we thank you! Just think--you've finished at least TWELVE two-page layouts this year! The details for next year's Page of the Month term have yet to be released, but we promise to pass along the news as soon as we hear!

Happy Scrappin'! 

January Classes

Another month of classes has been planned and January event calendars are available in stores now! You can also view & print a calendar at home if you'd like... just click on the calendar image below that matches up with your local Scrapbook Studio and you'll be good to go!

In the meantime, here's a couple of this month's highlights...
At the Graceland store, Ruthie's starting up something new--a recipe club! Each month there will be a new category featured and you'll create a two-page, 8x8 layout featuring a favorite recipe within that category! Everyone brings a recipe to share and afterward you leave with two new pages for an 8x8 recipe album and a bunch of new cooking ideas! The Recipe Club would be a great way to scrapbook family recipes you've created and/or collected over time and completed recipe albums make great gifts for newlyweds, neighbors, you name it!

At the Nora store there's one class that sticks out month-to-month and that's Vicki's calendar class! This two-page, 12x12 layout presents a sure-fire way to document each month's memories and activities in your scrapbooks! There's no obligation to participate each month, but once you get started it's hard to stop! Due to the growing demand for this class, spaces are limited so you'll want to mark your calendars and sign up ASAP!

Our instructors are already planning classes and workshops for the month of February (we work about 6-8 weeks ahead!). If there's a topic/theme or technique you feel is missing from our calendar and that you'd like to see offered in stores, we'd LOVE to hear from you! Feedback can be posted on our Facebook page or emailed to [email protected]. 

Hope you're having a great week! 

Featured Class: December's Page of the Month

This month, Basic Grey's Page of the Month class features the "Little Black Dress" collection which arrived in stores back in October. Since its arrival, it has quickly become one of the go-to product lines for scrapbooking weddings, anniversaries, homecoming, prom, graduation and more!

"Little Black Dress" is unique in that even though it's geared toward weddings & anniversaries, the black, white and cream color palette goes with just about everything.

And with the release of this collection came the introduction of a new embellishment category from Basic Grey--tissue paper flowers.

These babies are incredibly unique and lend themselves well to dimensional pages and altered arts. With the two-page layout you'll be making in class, you'll see these babies in action--up close and personal, too!

Class takes place at our Graceland and Nora stores, Friday, December 30th from 5:30 to 7:30pm. If you're unable to attend class but would like to purchase a kit, we'll have those available first come first serve after class.

Have a great weekend!

Featured Class: Framed Art!

When you think of preserving your memories through the art of scrapbooking, usually you think - "Create Page. Put in Album." But with this unique Framed Art class taking place at the Nora store with Vicki this Sunday, you'll learn yet another option for sharing those layouts in your home--FRAMED ART! 

It's all about taking the pages & projects you love and putting them on display for all to see! And it's a fun way to not only decorate your home with a touch of your creative side, but a good way to showcase your papercrafting talents and giving yourself a little much-deserved pat on the back.

  
We've got a selection of 12x12 frames and shadowboxes just waiting to help you display the layouts that mean the most to you in someplace other than inside an album! Not only that, but frames make a good, solid background for other crafty projects like these two we "pinned" on Pinterest:

 

Simple frames. Simple projects. And as a little insider FYI for you... all regular-priced frames are 25% off in all Cord Camera stores now through Saturday, December 10th! So if you're intrigued by any of these projects and are looking for a bargain--look no further!

In other news, I believe we've got THREE more Holiday Wish List winners to announce today! Our Day #8 Winners are...

Debbie Duvall
Susie Hickman
Liba Pressner

Congratulations, ladies! You'll want to be sure to contact your local Cord Scrapbook Studio TODAY to claim your 30% discount off any ONE regular-priced scrapbooking item from your Holiday Wish List! We'll have more winners to announce tomorrow and throughout this weekend, so stay tuned!

December Classes

Handmade gifts for the holidays is a hot topic among papercrafters this month and our instructors have packed in a variety of gift-giving classes & workshops to help you get a jump start!

At the Graceland store, Ruthie's hosting a class for kids where they'll create two festive door hangars and a variety of photo ornaments to give away as gifts! Class fee includes all of the supplies necessary to complete the projects as well as printed photos of each child to be used for their ornaments! Class takes place Sunday, December 4th at 12:30pm and is $15.

Another one of Ruthie's gift-giving classes is the Stocking Stuffers session on Friday, December 9th at 5:30pm. You'll learn how to use patterned papers and simple accents to decorate stocking-size treats and goodies to give Santa a helping hand come Christmas Eve! Candies & Chocolates are included in the class price ($15) and all you need to bring with you is your favorite--durable--adhesive!

At the Delaware & Graceland stores, Wendy's treating students to a new perspective on Gift Card Enclosures! You'll make four adorably unique enclosures, learning several new ways to display gift cards that will really "pop"! Class takes place Friday, December 2nd at 5:30pm in Delaware and Saturday, December 3th at 1:00pm in Graceland! The class is $15. Please bring are your basic scrapbooking supplies and pop dots.

On Tuesday, December 6th, Stephanie will be teaching a 6x6 "12 Days of Chritmas" chipboard mini album using patterned papers and embellishments from Echo Park's Season's Greetings collection. Album includes 12 spots for pictures and would make a great gift for just about anyone! The class is $15 and all you need to bring with you is a charcoal inkpad, pop dots and adhesive!

Over in Indianapolis at the Nora store, Vicki has cued up a Vintage Style necklace class using Tim Holtz products & embellishments in a non-traditional way! Class takes place Saturday, December 3rd at 1:00pm. Space is limited, so if you haven't already called in to reserve your space, you might want to do that ASAP!

Also at the Nora store, Debbie will be teaching this unique Christmas Binder Book using patterned papers from Graphic 45's Christmas Emporium collection! Not only would this be a great way to capture this year's holiday memories, it's the perfect gift item for extended family members! Class takes place Saturday, December 17th at 10:00am.

To review the details for the above classes and to check out the others we have available in December, click here for a complete listing per store. Registration for classes is taken in advance either in person or over the phone and kits are available for most classes upon request.

Happy crafting!

Kits, Kits and More Kits!

When things get pretty hurry-scurry this time of year, it can be a difficult task to stay inspired! And that's where some of our pre-made project kits can really come in handy--helping you stay on top of your scrapbooking while in the midst of one of the busiest seasons of the year!

Scattered throughout stores, you'll find a variety of kits that include all of the materials & instructions you need for mini albums, handmade cards and scrapbook page layouts. My personal favorite is this "Welcome Home" project kit from Bo Bunny which would make for a nice little handmade gift for a neighbor or for someone you know that recently moved into a new home!

At our Graceland and Nora stores, you'll also find some Basic Grey Page-of-the-Month kits, which come with a color copy of a layout, full instructions and lots and lots of extra pieces & parts you can use on future projects!

A lot of times our instructors have class kits available for those unable to attend class! If you haven't seen your local store's stash of these kits, just ask a Scrapbook Studio associate and we'd be happy to let you know where they can be found in the store! The layout shown here is from Vicki's "Playing with Patterned Paper" class at the Nora store! It features Echo Park's Apothecary Emporium and it'd be perfect for some of this year's Halloween photos!

At the Graceland store, you'll find a "25 Days of Christmas" album created by yours truly. It's a 36-page cardstock + acrylic album designed for documenting your December--day by day! I used Jillibean Soup's Christmas Eve Chowder collection and the album comes with complete, color, step-by-step instructions for assembly.

Ruthie from the Graceland store also has a mini album kit available--her "Celebration" paper bag album! This album would be a great way to share your support of family members, friends and loved ones who have served or are currently serving this great country!

And these are just a few examples of what's available! If you're interested in any of the kits mentioned above, just contact the Scrapbook Studio nearest you and we'll do what we can to get a kit for you--regardless of where the class/kit originated!  And if you're looking for kits in general have any feedback as to which types and/or themes of kits you would like to see in stores, let us know!

Happy Scrappin'!