Making Memories

We are ready for your submissions…

We are SO EXCITED to announce that we are now accepting submissions for the MM Idol contest.  Take a look at the MM Idol website for an overview of the contest, rules, etc.  If you have questions send an email or post a commet and I'll be sure to answer them.  Good Luck!

Attention all Utah Blog Readers

We are having another warehouse sale at the end of this month.  If you live in Utah (or close driving or flying distance) you definitely won't want to miss it.  Everyday at lunch I walk by and see them setting product out for the sale.  It's some great stuff!  Here is some additional information on it.

Yea, it's Friday.  Have a good one.

Inspired by YOU!

I can’t tell you how much I love posting a challenge and then browsing through the consumer gallery to see how you (the blog reader!) were inspired by our challenge pages. It is so fun to see how you can take an idea that we present and then completely make it your own.

What you may not realize is that you also inspire us!!  I love to see how fans of the Making Memories brand use the products on their own pages, so it is always great to see a new page posted in the consumer gallery.

And just to show you how much I love your pages, I wanted to show off a page that I created thanks to inspiration from MIYUKI K. from JAPAN!!  Miyuki, I love your “Believed” wedding page—it’s so beautiful. The colors and papers you selected work perfectly with the stunning photos, and it is simply an outstanding page!!

I created a 1 page layout based on the right-hand side of your 2 page layout. I love the way you created a collage of b&w photos mixed with color photos of various sizes, and then matted them all as one square. I also love the look of the defined stickers on top of the photos. For my layout, I created a page that combines photos from an entire year’s worth of weekend trips to the lake. I wanted to show the different people who had joined us at the lake, some of the fun activities, and the changing of the seasons. The collage was a perfect way to fit everything in. I added my journaling around the outer edges of the photo before I printed it. The photos say so much, that there is really very little need for journaling or embellishment—and I love pages like this!!  I added a few stickers and rub-ons over the photos, and that’s pretty much it.  Thanks, Miyuki, for inspiring me to create this fun page that I love so much.

erin t.

Are you the next MM Idol???

Is there an artist in you just screaming to get out?  Have your friends told you that you should become a professional designer?  Do you have a secret desire to have your work published and enjoyed by a huge audience?

Move over, singing stars. We’re looking for the next MAKING MEMORIES IDOL! We’re launching a six-week competition, pitting talent against talent, to find the next great scrapbooking and paper crafting designer. Beginning on September 18, we’re asking you to sift through your favorite pages and projects, select a few of each, and upload them to the Making Memories Idol site. Our Design Team Judges will analyze, scrutinize, and prioritize the designs, ultimately selecting 20 finalists who will compete to become a book contributor, and to win some fantastic prizes!

So check the MM Idol site beginning on September 18^th for more information on how you could come become the first …MAKING MEMORIES IDOL.

Zipper Pulls for Backpacks

Here’s a fun and easy craft for parents and kids: use Making Memories paints, foam stamps, and jump rings to create custom zipper pulls for backpacks.

1.       Let your kids coat various foam stamps with paint and stamp the designs onto the special "Shrinky dinks" plastic paper (available at craft stores.)

2.       Cut out the designs and punch a hole near the top of each one so that they can be attached to the zipper pulls after baking.

3.       Bake the shrinky dinks according to the package directions (generally each batch bakes for about 3 minutes in the oven.)

4.       After the shrinky dinks have cooled, slip jump rings through the pre-punched holes in the charms before adding to the chain or string the charms directly onto the chain itself.

Enjoy creating.

Joanna

What do you want for the holidays?

We want to hear what will be on your wish list this holiday season (it will be here before you know it – crazy).

Place your vote by posting a comment.  Pick 5 products (see the list below) that will most likely be on your holiday wish list this season?  As an incentive, we are going to pick 5 winners to receive one of your wish list items.  Voting ends on September 20^th, so don’t delay!

Here is the list:

Boho Collection

Cheeky Collection

Vintage Hip Collection

Paint & Foam Stamps

Shimmer Kits

Photo Cubes

Slot Punching Tool

12” x 23” Self-Healing Mat

Decorate Life: Celebrations Book

Decorate Life: Home Décor Book

Decorate Life: Scrapbooks Book

Photo Wreath

Tag Maker Kit

Tool Kit Deluxe

Distressing Kit

Instant Setter

Runway Collection Tote

12” x 12” Precision Paper Trimmer

Runway Collection Roller

Other: ________________

Thanks for your help.  We can’t wait to see what you want.

What’s New – September?

A variety of new Making Memories products will be arriving at your local retailers any day.   In addition, all products are available for purchase on our web-site very soon. 

Decorate Life – Celebrations

The must have book of 2006.  A beautifully designed but informative guide to planning, and perfectly executing every celebration.  From showers and birthday parties to holiday events, this book is sure to leave all of your guests wondering – “how’d she do it.”

 

Halloween Collection –

Making Memories limited collection of Halloween products is now available.    This year’s product line includes flat clips, new trims, foam stamps, paint, velvet stickers in Halloween shapes, glitter stickers, word fetti, cardstock tags, charmed enamels, colorboard stickers, large chipboard shapes, and coordinating papers and kits.  Get yours soon, before it is all gone.

Textured Tape

If you liked our Cheeky version, Making Memories has made textured tape available in 4 additional color lines – Vintage Hip, Boho Chic, MM Kids Max and MM Kids Emma.  These sticky back ribbon tapes offer patterns and prints that will liven up any project, and they’re super easy.  Just peel and stick. 

There will be more great products arriving at stores in October.  Check back soon, so you don’t miss out. 

Switching Photos Challenge

For this weeks challenge Keisha and Maggie switched their photos.  They wanted to do a “back to school” theme since everyone seems to be in that mode right now.  They each had lots of school photos that they wanted to start putting in a scrapbook. 

 

Keisha decided the Cheeky program would be perfect to create “The New Preschool Star” page for Maggie’s son Mathew.  To create more visual appeal, Keisha used shapes such as chipboard and paper stars, circles, and corners.  The arrangement of those shapes really brought everything on the page together.

 

Maggie used more primary and basic colors for her layout.  She used one photo of Keisha’s daughter Amira so it would be the dominate focus on the page.  She also used something that reminds all of us about school – notebook paper.  Great idea.

Great job girls!  So for this weeks challenge, switch photos with your friends and see what they come up with for your photos.  When you are done, upload your layouts to MM’s idea gallery. 

Photo Tips for Back-To-School

I don’t know about your kids, but my daughter loves the first day of school!  She talks about it for weeks and can hardly wait for it to arrive. When that day finally comes, she is a little bit apprehensive—but mainly excited!  I snap a photo of her each year before the first day of school, and it is so fun to look back on those pictures to see how she has changed.

If you’re taking back to school photos, here are some shots you might want to capture:

*shopping for back to school supplies

*new school clothes and supplies (it is fun to look back on the clothing trends!)

*your child waiting at the bus stop or climbing on the bus

*your child standing outside the classroom or with the teacher

Remember, your children may be anxious about the first day of school, so don’t stress them out even more by insisting on perfect photos! Be sure to have your camera ready so you don’t have to fumble around at the last minute. Even better, take photos at the END of the day, when they’ve gotten over their anxieties.

Good luck! erin t.

Cheeky Party

We’re rounding out the week with Cheeky Party Prep 101. Follow our suggestions, then round up some friends for a gathering not easily forgotten.

First things first—your party palette. When choosing colors, don’t be shy; it’s a party after all! Go bold for an instant impact. This goes for decorations, party favors and more. Even intrepid music selections can draw guests out of their shells and promote a loose, more party-centric atmosphere. Be sure to check out our selection of décor that will liven up any celebration. Put Making Memories playfully bold Cheeky collection to use.