Making Memories

New Prodcut Sneak Peak

The Memory Trends trade show is coming up – October 10-12 in Las Vegas.  We are busy here at MM finishing up the last minute touches for our new product release.  What does that mean for you? It means that lots and lots of great new products will be released soon including new product lines, tools, etc., etc.

We felt like it was time to do a little sneak peak for you to see.

So here you go.

Check back next Friday for more.

Have a good weekend!

Inspiration Challenge

I know many of you find inspiration from reading this blog, because I’ve seen proof of it in the gallery!  I love to look over the pages submitted and see how each person can run with an idea and make it their own.

As much as you are inspired, we feel the same way!  Sometimes I see a page from another designer and I think to myself, “now why didn’t I think of that?!”. lol  Whether I’m inspired by a technique, topic, photo, or color scheme—I always find something I can use on my own pages.  That was the case when I saw Christy’s fun colorboard challenge on August 17^th…I was inspired to get out my supplies and create my own “road trip” page. Christy and I both used blue and red on our pages, as well as photos of kids in the car. But other than those similarities, the pages are pretty different, don’t you think? Thanks for the motivation to get another page done, Christy!!

erin t.

Giveaway - Celebrations Book

Ok.  Today is the final day to submit to the MM Idol contest.  Hopefully you are done with that and are now just anxiously waiting to see if you are one of the 20 finalists (which by the way will be announced on October 2^nd).  If not, get on it – quickly!

To help calm your nerves we wanted to do a giveaway.  We thought giving away 5 copies of our Celebrations book would fit perfectly with the contest that’s taking place.  To make it better, we are going to give signed copies from some of the designers featured in the book.  We’re going to make this really easy for you.  Just post a comment and tell us what size you usually scrapbook.  Is it 12x12, 9x9, 6x6, etc.  The winners will announced for the Celebrations books on Oct 4th.

What's it like to be an MM designer

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be an MM designer?  We asked Julie Turner what it's like.  Go to www.makingmemories.com/mmidol to find out.

Very Important Week

This is a very important week.  Do you want to know why?  Because it's the last week that you can enter the MM Idol contest.  The countdown is now on.  You only have 2 more days to get your stuff together.  What are you waiting for?

Do you want to see how our current design team is inspired?  Take a look here.

Design Team Then & Now

Have you ever taken a look at your older scrapbook pages and been amazed at how you have grown and how much better you are now?  Are designers are no exception.  Take a look at some of their "then & now" pages.

Slot Punch Challenge – Round 2

Our designers are inspired by other all time.  They even challenge themselves to other designer’s challenges that are given each Thursday. On August 24^th Wendy challenged us using Making Memories new Slot Punch tool.  Maggie took on that challenge and came up with this.

Maggie said “I used it to punch slots in my background cardstock so I could tie the ribbon through it. Then I used the half-circle to create the scalloped edge on the white cardstock.

If you haven’t already, pull out the Slot Punch tool and give it a try.  Post your ideas in our idea gallery.

Have a great Thursday!

Holiday Wish List Winners

Thanks all the comments that were left about your top 5 “Holiday Wish List” wants.  We’ve tallied up the votes and have 5 (very close) favorites for this upcoming holiday season. 

1. Cheeky Collection
2. 12” x 12” Precision Paper Trimmer
3. Shimmer Kits
4. Runway Collection Tote
5. Boho Collection

As promised, we’ve picked 5 winners that will win one of the 5 items they had on their wish list.

And the winners are………

1.  Aimee F who will be receiving the Cheeky Collection

2.  Andrea Wiebe who will be receiving the Decorate Life: Home Décor book. 

3.  Heather who will be receiving the Slot Punching Tool

4.  Janna who will be receiving a Decorate Life: Celebrations book

5.  Charlene Brown who will be receving a photo wreath

Email me your addresses and I’ll get your prizes out to you (long before the holiday season starts).

FAQ for MM Idol

Here is a list of frequently asked questions. I think we have covered them all so far. If you have more questions feel free to email me at: contests@makingmemories.com

If you haven't entered yet please visit www.makingmemories.com/mmidol

Q: How do I post?
A: Follow these instructions:
Click on www.makingmemories.com/mmidol
Click on “enter the contest” which is a link located on the top-right hand side of the page.
You will need to create an account with a user name and password and your contact information (name, email, phone).
Click “Submit”
Click “Add New Portfolio”
Enter a name for your portfolio (we recommend using your first and last name)
Click on “Click to Upload.” Make sure it’s the correct image because you cannot delete it once it is uploaded.
A separate window will pop up which allows you to browse for your image. When you find it click “Upload Image.”
Add a caption to your image (it doesn’t matter what you put as the caption).
Click “Submit” – This will add your first image to your portfolio. You will then see a thumbnail of your project in your portfolio.
Click “Add Another Image” and repeat these steps to add your other two images into your portfolio.

Q: What do I need to submit?
A: All contestants are invited to submit three designs to our web site at www.makingmemories.com/mmidol consisting of two existing scrapbook layouts and one project. With the layouts, you are welcome to create original art, or are invited to select from your existing album collection the pages that best represents you, and fits with the Making Memories brand. Any page size is acceptable. You can upload double page spreads or single pages. The third submission should be a photograph of a project you have created using scrapbooking or any other materials – we’re looking for examples of household décor, gifts, or any other creative material you have crafted over the years.

Q: Is this contest limited to U.S. residents only?
A: No. Anyone can enter, not matter where you live.

Q: How do I enter my phone number, it’s formatted to the U.S. format?
A: This is currently being fixed.

Q: Can I delete, change, or rename my projects once they have been uploaded?
A: No. The uploading system does not allow you to change a layout, rename it, or delete it. You can upload up to 5 images per portfolio. We would recommend adding another image since you cannot delete them.

Q: Can you offer some tips on saving files before they are uploaded?
A: Save your image as a 72 dpi jpeg. Once you upload your image we will be able to click on it to enlarge it. It will automatically resize it on our end.

Q: Will the public be able to view all the layouts that are uploaded?
A: No, only Making Memories will be able to see your submissions at first. On October 2nd we will be narrowing the list of entries to 20. We will then post the 20 entries and open it up for everyone to vote. Over the course of a few weeks, the votes will narrow the field to five, four, three, two and finally, one MAKING MEMORIES IDOL."

Q: When uploading my photos into a portfolio, what do I need to name the portfolio?
A: We suggest that you put your name as the portfolio name. However, we will be able to view your contact information so if you name your portfolio something else, that’s okay, you don’t need to change it.

Q: Will the winner be a permanent member of Making Memories design team?
A: The contestant selected as the Making Memories Idol is not guaranteed a permanent position, unless otherwise determined after and unrelated to the contest itself. Contestant submissions will be included in the Sponsor's next book providing deadlines are met.

Q: If my one of my projects is best shown from more than one angle/view, can I upload multiple images of the same thing to show all sides of the project?
A: Yes, you can upload multiple images so we can see all sides. Please keep in mind that only five images can be uploaded per portfolio.

Q: Are we required to only use Making Memories products on our layouts?
A. No, not at this time. You can submit layouts and projects that you have already done. Initially, we are just trying to get an idea of what your style is.

Q: I have uploaded my first two layouts but I can’t seem to get the third one to load. What is the problem?
A: Check to make sure the file is uploaded. Also check to make sure that you complete all the steps (see How Do I Post comment). If that doesn’t work email me the error that you are getting. Email me at: contests@makingmemories.com

Q: After I uploaded my images, how come only one is showing up?
A: You might not have updated it completely to your portfolio. Check to make sure that you complete all the steps (see How Do I Post comment). If that doesn’t work, feel free to email me at: contests@makingmemories.com

Letter of Appreciation

Every once in a while people will send us emails of appreciation, which we love.  We got an email from Alysha Roesler who won a Cheeky contest on our blog.  We appreciated reading it, so I wanted to share:

When you told me I had won a “sample of the new Making Memories Cheeky collection” I had NO idea what it would entail.  When FedEx arrived at my door with a box of that size, I was just completely taken back!  I am on the design team at theScrapOutlet.com, and aside from earning a spot on that team; I just don’t win things so this REALLY was just so nice.  When I showed our store owners my prizes they were just as excited for me.  I just want to make sure you know how much I sincerely appreciate this prize.  I know it was random but the fact that these are the sort of prizes you award your customers is just so fantastic.  You could have quite easily “cheaped out” and I still would’ve been stoked that I won. 

So thank you again, Jenny and your entire Making Memories family.  It’s funny, in my application for the design team we were asked who our favorite company was, and I actually said Making Memories because I’ve always enjoyed your embellishments.  I don’t think my opinion will be changing anytime soon! 

Thank you!

~Alysha Roseler

Keep posted on all the contests that we randomly have.  You never know, you may be the next winner so make sure to enter them all.