2 Scrappy Chix Designs

Life's A Beach!

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:14:00 +0000

Wow - 2 weekends in a row at the beach - how refreshing. There is nothing that calms me more than the sight, sound and smell of the ocean. My store and I spent the last 2 weekends at beaches - first in Kill Devil Hills and last weekend here in VA Beach. KDH was overcast most of the weekend as it recovered from the tropical storm that blew through although we did get some gorgeous sunshine on Sunday. VA Beach was beautiful (through the windows). There were some surfers in wet suits braving the cold water - and funny enough, we had croppers stop their creating to watch the guys getting in and out of their skins. Funny!

Now I get a break to wrap up my Politics 300 class before it's a new year. Melody should be working inventory so we can update the site and get some deals out to my internet friends. Be sure to check back later on. Tomorrow I'll be doing a gratitude post and offering a neat giveaway. See you then!

In Admiration of Bloggers

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:07:00 +0000

When I began blogging, I never realized how much time, energy and creativity it takes to do a really nice blog like many of those I subscribe to.

I'd like to say to all you mega bloggers - congratulations on your devotion and dedication!

It seems I have lots of excuses - no photos, too tired, too busy, etc. Actually, they're just that, excuses. We all find the time to do our A list items. I've decided to try to do better.

What's new?

We had a big tropical storm come through last week. It was inconvenient and there was plenty of rain, but no major damage at my house although others in our area did not fare as well. One friend even had a tree crash into their living room and they have to do some major structural repairs. Luckily, they have family in the area to stay with and lots of friends to help make it happen. Good people seem to be surrounded by other good and generous people, so I'm sure they'll get through it just fine. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

I spent last weekend with my store in Kill Devil Hills, NC. It was really wet for most of the weekend, so the ocean view was kind of a non-event until we were packing out on Sunday. The day warmed up, dried out and the sun was in all its glory. Totally beautiful. Mary Full hosted that crop and there was a good turn out despite the weather. The women who attended were a great mix and very friendly. I had such a wonderful time meeting them and working on projects plus running my shop. The shop did well, but then, I've been working hard to provide a nice selection for my croppers. I'll be taking the show on the road again this weekend to Virginia Beach oceanfront for another event. Janie Crouch does this one at the Sandcastle and her weekends are always nicely done too. I have a few fun classes to offer - 2 Teresa Collins books and a fun apron album book that would be great for gifting. If you find yourself at the beach this weekend, you should pop through and say hi.

Time for me to get ready for my day job. Counselling myself on blog responsibility - will try to post more often and even share photos...

Till next update!

Self Awareness

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:53:00 +0000

Here in Virginia, we had a number of offices up for vote. Myself, my husband, and my two older daughters all voted. Currently, I'm on the home stretch of my Bachelor's degree - taking POL 300 this semester. We're looking at all kinds of past events (Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan) and more and as I'm reading the text and listening to the lectures, I'm wondering where in the world I was that I am so little aware of all that occurred in my adult life?!

Where I am in my life now, I see that life really DOES go in seasons. I guess during my mommy phase, my biggest concerns were my househould work and the health and happiness of my children. Now that they're almost all grown (baby is looking at 15 now), I find myself becoming aware of the bigger world. Things that were once remote in my mind - like politics, economics, world affairs - now actually have an interest and meaning to me. I'm wondering how I went through so many years of life with my head so firmly immersed in my immediate world with no windows looking beyond.

Another part of my life revelations comes from iTunes. Apparently, there is a world of knowledge to be had there for free on podcasts and iTunesU. I've searched up a bunch of topics in a variety of disciplines and subscribed to many. There are some amazing people sharing all kinds of knowledge expanding discussions. I find I can listen to podcasts as I go about my daily work and still get tons accomplished. Suddenly, a whole new world of learning is at my fingertips. Remarkable! I've been listening to PRI (Public Radio International), podcasts on technology, application podcasts, marketing podcasts, casts from Harvard Business School, some fun arts and crafts casts, enterpreneur discussions and so much more. Anyone with an ipod that is not taking advantage is this vast world of knowledge is missing out on more than they can imagine! As a matter of fact, time for me to head to iTunes now and see if there's anything new for my brain expansion project.

So much for good intentions

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:14:00 +0000

Lately, I've been busy on other work and have fallen behind in my online world. Melody is helping me with Farmtown and I've actually missed several days at Slots! Who could have imagined. Co-worker is on vacation and I'm pulling some overflow to help. No issues, just keeps me really busy all day long.

I have yet to unpack the work laptop from the weekend away - I should get my photos uploaded - one of these days. Got 2 events coming up in November and I still need to complete the class packs and sign ups. Some days I am not sure if I'm coming or going.

How about you? Busy much?

R & R

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:53:00 +0000

Had a wonderful weekend away - worked on completing a number of projects I had begun in my recent travels. I was quite pleased with all I accomplished. The weekend was cold, rainy and dreary outside, but inside, I was in a place of peace and creativity. Wish I could have those times more often.

Yes, I know you're probably saying, how about showing us some of these fabulous projects you keep talking about... well, here's the thing - for some reason, editing and printing photos really doesn't excite me. I have Photoshop Elements, but it's still so tedious and there are so many steps. Wish I hadn't lost the web site for that one scrapbooker who tells how to use actions to do some of the basic photo edit steps easily. Without pictures, scrapbooks really can't be considered complete.

Ce la vie... one of these days I'll get "a round tuit" and actually photograph the projects to share.

Hope all is good with you. I'll try to check in again with some photos to share in a few days.

Home from Travels!

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 16:56:00 +0000

I have had the most amazing several weeks taking incredible classes with some fabulous instructors. I now have tons of projects to finish. Part of today's duties - choose my photos and print so I can build some of these awesome starts.

Scrapbooking art classes are all well and good and the new techniques and perspectives I've gotten from them are totally wonderful, but until I add my photos and story, they're just pretty pieces.

How about you? Are your scrapbooks just pretty pieces or are you really getting into the exploring and documenting your life part? When the two come together - then you get WOW.

Back and Gone Again

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:38:00 +0000

Got back from Inspiration Unlimited - you'd think I'd have a good photo of me and Teresa Collins, but I've got to say, while she looks lovely, I think I need my photo guru daughter to fix me a bit before I want you seeing me looking like that.

The event was wonderfully done - smooth, well organized, tons of creative ideas and projects, shopping, and also set in Sunset Station in Henderson Nevada (a casino, in case you didn't know). Needless to say, I had an incredibly wonderful time.

Went to work yesterday. Today, I'm off again to Houston for a store owner training with manufacturer classes and a trade show. Again, I'm expecting to have an awesome time learning new things, hanging out with old friends and making new ones.

When I get back in town, I'll try to get some photos uploaded here to share the fun with you all.

Have a great day!

Creative Explosion with Donna Downey

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 15:28:00 +0000

Had a marvelous weekend with Donna Downey and friends learning some incredible art techiques in 3 different, awesome classes. We did Bloom Friday night - lots of fun new mediums introduced to my scrapbooking. Saturday morning was Fabric Scrapbooking - again, a whole new adventure for me with lots of mixed media art and cool new techniques. Saturday evening, we did the Watercolor, Doodle class and once again, new concepts to play with and develop. Between all the creative input and the fun time with my friends, it was a terrific weekend.

Today's goal, catch up on life and bills and chill before I head for the day job tomorrow.

I love exploring new creative avenues and really enjoyed Donna's "yes" approach. It was very relaxing although my brain was near bursting by the time we closed shop Saturday night. Donna! Thanks for the awesome event - it was fabulous!

By the way, for those of you considering Donna's classes - I can't guarantee you'll actually come away from the class with completed albums, but I can assure you that if you go into them ready to learn and explore new avenues, you'll have a serious growth experience. I ended up getting her (autographed) Fabric Scrapbooking book, one of the skirt pages kits, the tag book kit and this cute pin at the top of the post.

Back to School

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:33:00 +0000

It's official - my last child has had her first day of high school - I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. As I was leaving for work this morning, I happened to be trying to leave my court just as the elementary school bus pulled up to collect the children. Even though it was raining here today, moms were waiting with their darlings and one mom stood under the hatchback of her mini-van to take photos of her child climbing onboard. It's been so long since our first first day of school, it is almost hard to remember. Another reason that scrapbooking is so invaluable. My two older daughters were homeschooled for several years before they all went to public school, so I don't have their first photos, but I did make a charming layout (in one of my many completed layout albums) of Mags. Got a little teary eyed thinking about it today.

How about you? Any firsts for you this season?

Summer Draws to a Close

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:52:00 +0000

I am amazed at how swiftly time is passing. Margaret has gone for her high school orientation. Amanda has begun college classes. Melody is off building her own life. We didn't do much for vacation this summer - a brief trip to visit family in Florida and some cook outs, but that's it. I have most of my work/pleasure planned for the end of the year, though. Soon I'll be off with friends to take 3 Donna Downey classes. At the end of September, I'm attending Inspiration Unlimted with Teresa Collins out in Vegas - just got the cutest luggage tag as a RAK from some mystery person in the group and it's fabulous - it will go perfectly on the new weekender bag I got from my Creative Memories friend. The week after IU, I'm off to Houston for more manufacturer classes and a trade show with some other friends. I love this new area I'm moving into with all these creative connections. They really make it for me.

Also, I've been working on some class projects for the 2 crops I'll be vendoring at in November - one with Mary at Nags Head, the other here in VA Beach with Janie. They do such nice events and getting away for a beach front scrap weekend is one of my fav things to do. Will also be fitting in a bit of personal scrap time with other friends in and in January, we locals are off to our remote country retreat for a 3 day scra retreat that is just the best for catching up and relaxing. Not much out that way for entertainment, so hanging out together having fun IS the entertainment and it's fabulous.

I find the connection with my memories and friends really meets some of my personal socialization needs. Cropping is great therapy for a hectic lifestyle.

Gotta run and get ready for the day job. Will try to upload some photos and post more regularly. Later!

Real World Encroaches

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:51:00 +0000

I know, I know... I used to blog regularly. Then, suddenly I'm being drawn into the physical world, away from the computer. The computer becomes an expensive game machine as I spend hours in the dungeons of Fate (volume 2) battling monsters and gaining skill and attributes... yup, pretty much a classic D&D type of game without the math. And yes, I'm hooked. I've played over 40 levels in 3 different dungeons... but there are still levels to be had.

Other weird distractions - a book! Yes, I've actually completed reading a few novels lately. Before I began my virtual life, I read almost a book a day. Just a voracious reader. Now, if I get 3 or 4 read a month it's a big deal. Melody keeps me up on our current authors and she's usually bought their latest books before I've even finished the last.

The beautiful obsessions - how to find the balance?

Lazy Days of Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:42:00 +0000

True confessions - while others spend lots of time outdoors basking in the warmth, swimming, having fun, I spend most of my free time in my studio. It's kind of a mess - but overall calming - soft blue walls, white trim, white curtain with battenburg lace accents, a narrow stained glass floral window above that my mother in law made, all my scrapbook supplies around me, and boxes and boxes of merchandise for the store.

Overall, it's my place of connection. Oddly enough, though, I've been a bit off with my virtual life. I finished watching all the seasons of Buffy (so sad it's over) and lately have been playing lots of hidden object games on the computer.

Thankfully, my local friends are still scrap happy and draw me out of my self imposed isolation on a regular basis. As a matter of fact, I'll be joining them to crop Saturday. I have yet to come up with a plan for what to do - guess I'll start thinking of that now and see about organizing my stuff tomorrow. I have a few projects in the works - it would be good to complete them. Maybe I can get some photos developed to finish my circle of friends mini book. Not sure what to put in the Betcha Didn't know one... I'm not that mysterious. Pretty much what you see is what you get, from my blunt speech to my actions. I'm not into pretending or speaking things out loud that I wouldn't say in person.

Anyway, guess I've rambled enough to bore you all. Store will be on the road for a crop August 22 in Hampton. Looking forward to hanging with my scrapper buddies and showing them the latest and greatest.

Speaking of latest and greatest, have you been catching those CHA sneak peeks? I'm sure ready for some power shopping for the store. If you're seeing anything awesome out there, please bring it to my attention for consideration. Has anyone figured out what that Cricut Gypsy is all about? That caught my eye...

Crop Hop today

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:35:00 +0000

http://scrapbookingcraftingfriends.ning.com
Scrapbooking & Crafting Friends announces their 1st 24-Hour CROP HOP
Everyone is welcome to participate - newbies to the site and crafting encouraged as well! It will take place online at the site from 12:01am to 11:59 EST, Wednesday, July 22nd.

There are well over 25 challenges - which mean there are over 25 chances to win!

If you have time, pop on by. My store will be one of the sponsors.

If you are wanting a shopping discount, use CROPHOP for 25% off all in store merchandise!

Have a great day!

Love my Fur-Babies!

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 10:36:00 +0000

Somehow, through the years, we've become pet lovers... it starts with a little kitten here, a small pup there and somehow, years later, we have a mini zoo.

My middle daughter, Amanda, has a guinea pig that shares her room.

We've got this massively fat female cat (she was normal size until we got her fixed) black cat Izzie. She was smuggled in one rainy day by my oldest daughter and we ended up keeping her. Speaking of my oldest daughter, she has a nack for picking pets with great personalities. Every pet she's chosen through the years has been wonderful.

Nine years ago, we got this sweet black lab puppy that has grown up to be a crabby old guy with some arthritis.

Earlier this year, Melody got 2 new dogs after her last one was tragically killed. She got a Doberman puppy and this awesome black and white Pomeranian puppy. Melody's last dog was a pom and somehow, seeing the pom and dobie together was just more than she could manage - we inherited the new Pom, Cierra. Cierra is so much fun - happy, friendly personality, tons of energy, loves to play... unfortunately, neither my cat nor dog is much into young dog antics. If our budget was better, I'd go buy her a playmate, but things are tight like for most of us... if anyone knows someone with a Pom that has a good personality and a lot of energy (and is preferably spayed) that needs a good home, we'd love to hear about it. I think Cierra would be oh so much happier with a similar age playmate who would enjoy romping in our fenced back yard or cuddling up on one of the doggie pillows...

Aren't furbabies wonderful?

Graduation Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:22:00 +0000

I'm so proud! Today, my daughter Amanda is graduating high school. She attends Ocean Lakes High - there are over 500 students in her class. She's an honor grad getting an advanced diploma with a civics seal, math and science seal, and a technology seal. She was in a separate 2 year Digital Design program and also received her NOCTI Advertising and Design certificate! Whoo hoo! Lots of toots!

I am so excited. You'd think it was me graduating or something! My in laws and sister in law have also come to visit for our grand event. I am beyond elated!

Amanda is becoming quite the digital talent. She's even built her own site for her designs, although she's really not doing much promoting yet - still working on building up a portfolio.

Fun with Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 10:39:00 +0000

Had a great, laid back weekend. Started out with a crop with some new friends Friday night - that was terrific fun - they were just my type of gals and we laughed so much! I really enjoyed that. Got my butterfly book about 1/2 done... then switched to a Lime Rickey card kit and made 5 cards. I still have a few to go to finish up, but I enjoy working kits and not having to over-analyze what to do next and how to get a nice finished product. These are about just the amount of concentration I need at a social event. It was the hostess birthday as well, so we had some tasty snacks, but the company is what really made this outing special.

I also ended up getting season 4 of Buffy on DVD. Spent a large part of Saturday reading a good book (Jayne Ann Krentz, Sizzle & Burn), then watched the first 2 disc of the season. Mark and I went out for Mexican for dinner. Maggie had left earlier in the day to spend the night at a girl friend's and Amanda went to prom with her boyfriend. She was totally lovely. Gotta get Mark to upload the photos he took of her/them.

Sunday was another day of leisure - knocked out my classwork and took the quiz for my Money & Banking class (wish she'd give us more than 5 questions on a quiz so I could get better grades). Paid bills, then back to the Buffy marathon. I still have 2 discs to watch before I'm all done with that season. Have to wait for next payday for season 5... ah, the trials...

Now it's Monday and it's back to the day job. I think I have enough time for one more episode before I have to leave... whoo hoo!

Marathon phase 1 completed

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:45:00 +0000

I've exhausted the Buffy episodes on Hulu... watched all 56 through season three - they don't have any others on the site at this time (boo hoo!) I understand I can find them for $15/season at Walmart... guess what's next on my to-do list?

Currently in week 8 of my college class Money and Banking. Got my paper turned in and we're screaming toward finals. This class seems to be going by quite quickly to me... then again, so does life! My middle daughter just received her high school yearbook - she's taking it to school today for friends signatures. Hard to believe graduation is right around the corner. So much going on right now... so little time to smell the roses.

Decided to attend an evening crop Friday. I'll be trying to complete my butterfly garden mini book from the current kit. Once I get it done, I'll share some pictures here with you - if it comes out half as cute as my vision, it should be nice. I picked up the photos last weekend so I'm ready to cut, glue and go...

Have you been accomplishing much lately?

Lazy Holiday Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Tue, 26 May 2009 00:07:00 +0000

This one won the prize... watched the whole of season 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It's kind of stupid, but a pleasant distraction. Yesterday was BBQ chicken, today, ribs. I've been cooking (a bit) - practically a miracle!

What have you been up to? Anything exciting? I've got a pile of photos to work with and a few projects on my mind. Need to get some friend pics and get that book finished. Will be working on my butterfly chip book from the current accessory kit - I've got a fun idea... now to get off my chair and actually make them.

Watched Fireproof yesterday on Demand... it was a very good movie - forces you to consider your life. Went to Walmart and bought the book today - seems like it will be beneficial. In it for the long haul...

Do You Hulu?

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:05:00 +0000

The mind rotting alien commercial did it for me...

Since I'm married to a remote hog, I didn't have a lot of choices... in desperation, I turned to Hulu. WOW! I have a new fav web site. Now if my computer would just stay online, I'd be set. Got to watch the premier of Glee - that's definitely going on my DVR list. Then, I thought that since I've come over to the dark side and don't find vampires a problem (I've watched the whole Angel series from A-Z) I'd check out Buffy. Did you know you can watch each episode online with minimal commercials? I just put mine on full screen mode, turn out the lights and I have my own private viewing.

I think I'm in love. Like I didn't have enough things to do, now I have a new and easy way to waste hours of my time.

I Hulu... do you?

Exciting new stuff!

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Fri, 15 May 2009 10:36:00 +0000

My design team has come up with this great blog to easily share our kit designs all together in one place as well as offer challenges, tutorials and other good stuff. Be sure to check it out http://www.iheart2scrappychix.blogspot.com/

New kits are available today and are flying off the shelf - also, be sure to check out all the new Zing embossing powders and your favorite thickers in a variety of colors and styles.

Here are the layouts I did with the kit - I've been aching to share them with you!

The design team came up with even more exciting projects and layouts - this is the easiest kit to design with yet and we even are trying out some add on kits for those who really love to rock their products... be sure to check it out at our store. Also, be sure to pop by the DT blog - we're having a blog party with fun and prizes and you'll want to be a part of that.

Sneak Peek at our May Kit

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Thu, 07 May 2009 19:41:00 +0000

We've got lots of exciting stuff in the works for our mid month May launch and you'll definitely want to be a part. Check out this awesome sneak peek - just a glimpse of one of the incredible project my design team has been diligently creating to wow you with this beautiful new kit...

We're also working on another surprise that I think you're really going to love. Be sure to stay tuned!

National Scrapbook Day Sale @ 2 Scrappy Chix!

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Sat, 02 May 2009 13:21:00 +0000

In honor of National Scrapbook Month - take 25% off your entire order! Time to give yourself a treat! - use coupon code NSD09

Be sure to check out all the great stuff available and get your deals now! Coupon expires 5/11/09

Sharing some layouts

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 10:57:00 +0000

I really prefer scrapping to trying to take decent photos of the layouts to share. Here are a couple I did with my Mark's paper kit - still have a few kits left in the store...

This one is my grandfather at 19 back in 1931. I thought about photoshopping out the caption on the photo, but decided it added character. My grandpa was killed in a mining accident in Pennsylvania many years ago before I left home.

This is a photo of my husband and I before we were married - we were at a New Year's eve party at the enlisted club on the Nato base in Naples Italy December 31st 1981. BTW, I had made the outfit I'm wearing in that photo - I was quite the little seamstress back in the day.

This is a fun mini book I made this past Saturday with a kit from Basic Grey - I only have a handful to sell ($20 each). Now to figure out which 13 friends or stories to share in there... decisions, decisions. BTW, this one comes with a pdf with full color directions for assembly including measurements. I found that using the Creative Memories circle cutter for the 2 main circle sizes worked well - I used the medium circle with the green blade outside edge for the backgrounds and the large circle inside red for the matts.

Need to get ready for the day job - chat later!

Spring around us

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:57:00 +0000

You can tell it's spring by the fickle weather - warm and sunny one day, cold and rainy the next. The trees are all going green and the cars yellow with pollen. Everyone I know is sniffy and sneezing from all the airborne pollen. Flowers, flowering trees and shrubbery are making Hampton Roads beautiful (when it's not storming out).

Had a great weekend with the women at the Newport News Women's Club - we did an American Cancer Society crop for 2 days. Not only did I get some product sold, but I also made 3 layouts with the next kit (that are rather fabulous, but I can't share until we launch May 1) and had some brief outings and fun with friends. Also, the weather cooperated and it was gloriously warm and sunny most of the weekend.

Today is my youngest daughter's birthday. She's now 14. Baby starts high school this fall. Four more years until I've met my baseline mothering criteria. It's fun how the role changes with time. This weekend I'll be at a crop (as an attendee) this Saturday and then having Maggie's ice skating party on Sunday (her choice). I don't skate, but I'll be sure to clear off my memory card so I can take plenty of pics of the kids all having a great time doing it. Now to come up with some "cool" skating party layout ideas. If you've seen any great ones, please send me the link. I need all the inspiration I can get.

Gotta get ready for work. I have a stack of orders to take to USPS on my lunch break for customers and tons of stuff that needs completion. Talk to you later.

Burger King - fun or offensive?

noreply@blogger.com (Theresa Merkling) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:29:00 +0000

When I saw that square butt commercial, I was scratching my head and thinking what in the world were they thinking? Tell me how that sells burgers? Do we really need that kind of inappropriate behavior to lure in children? Do you really want your little sponge bob fans shaking their bootie and singing that obnoxious song? I'm really glad they pulled that one - it's probably gotten more exposure than it needed - and the children sure don't need the repetition...

Enough of that rant - off to the day job...