The Art of Scrapbooking™ by Melissa Samuels

Washington DC Tour & $20 gift certificate giveaway!!

I have lived in Virginia my entire life, but I have never been to the Cherry Blossom Festival or visited the monuments in Washington DC.  I have heard a lot of people say the same about where they live.  There's something about feeling like you can't be a tourist in your own backyard.  Every single year since I can remember, my hubby and I say we're going to see the cherry blossoms, but we never have.  When Chris was little, we took her to the Smithsonian several times, but we never made the cherry blossoms or walked the extra distance to the monuments.  The official Cherry Blossom Festival doesn't start until March 20th, but we decided to beat the crowds.  It was beautiful.  For those of you who don't know, in 1912 Japan gifted DC 3,000 cherry trees.  This year is a special celebration because it is the 100 year anniversary.  For more info visit http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/about/2012-centennial/

It was well worth the wait, and didn't disappoint.  We walked to the Tidal Basin to see the trees, then we headed back up the National Mall to see more monuments and the Capitol Building.

Bob holding the whole Washington Monument in his hand.  Pretty impressive. 

Thomas Jefferson Memorial (being from Charlottesville, I liked this one a lot)

Capitol Building

Orchid exhibited at the US Botantic Garden

It was so much fun, I can't wait to start a scrapbook!!!  That's right, scrapping is a thought that's never far away.  It just so happened that 2 very perfect collections from Pink Paislee  just arrived in the store that would be perfect for a mini album to commemorate my trip.

London Market would be the perfect mix of travel and shabby chic.  But...

Spring Jubilee is the perfect spring collection with cherry blossoms on it!!

I NEED your help!!!!  Which collection should I use????  Click on the collection images above to view the entire collection.  Take a look, then leave a comment on this blog post telling me which collection you think I should use.  You have until March 29th to leave a comment.  On Friday, March 30th I will pick a winner to receive a $20 gift certificate to www.melissasamuels.net that you can use toward scrapping your spring trip!!!!

Birthday Project

Hey Everyone!  If you are a friend on Facebook, you already know March is my birthday month.  I have to say, having so many wonderful friends and a marvelous family has made getting a year older not quite so bad.  I appreciated each and every friend on Facebook who took a moment to wish me a happy birthday...so very sweet and touching!!  I visited my family a couple of weeks ago for a birthday celebration (a little early).  It was great to see my Mom, Dad, brothers, sisters-in-law, and niece.  My hubby took me on a romantic getaway the weekend of my birthday.  It was fabulous.  We had spectacular dinners out, listened to live jazz at the WineLoft, brunch at Millie's, afternoon tea at The Jefferson Hotel, a luxurious facial, shopping... it was amazing!!!  Just like him!! 

After we got back, my girls took me to PF Chang's for lunch, and cupcakes afterwards.

My very good friend Nikki sent me these beautiful flowers!!  And, my girlfriend Carol Paige sent me a dozen roses!!  They spoil me!!!!  A big thank you to them!!!  My cropping girlies gave me a gift card to Flemings, can't wait to use that!  Thanks Pat, Rose, Margaret, and Brenda!! 

It was truly the most special and memorable birthday I have ever had.  I started a book this week to add the photos that I have (unfortunately only camera phone photos) and to document my wonderful adventures.  I started with a Prima Mixed Media Album.  I just wanted to give you a little peek.  I'll be posting more as I finish. 

ATC's

Hey Guys!  Here are the ATC's I made for the March swap with the group I get together with.  I thought you might enjoy seeing them. 

Supplies Used:  KaiserCraft 6.5" Pad Vintage Timeless, Prima Gillian Coffee Flowers, Webster's Pages Designer Trim Western Romance, Maya Road Trinket Pin Heart, and  Ranger ATC Manila.

Dylusions Ink Sprays and Stencils & Webster's Winner

Hey Everyone!  Just wanted to do a quick blog post about the new Dylusions Ink Sprays and Stencils that just arrived from Ranger.  They are perfect for art journaling, canvas, cardmaking, tags, scrapbooking, you name it.  The inks come in 12 vibrant colors, and the stencils come in 6 designs.  They're flying off the shelf, so get yours today!

Here's a super cool video to boot!  They're in stock now at www.melissasamuels.net so go check it out!

 

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Winner Announcement of the Webster's Pages Sparkly Challenge

Wow Melissa just love your pretty design and your pictures are so adorable.....you cluster of flowers are STUNNING.
Hope you like mine lo too....
http://websterspages.ning.com/photo/february-challenge-you-always-sparkle?context=user
Have a great sunday
Amy :)

Posted by: Amy32 | Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 10:43 AM

 

Congratulations, Amy!!  Please email me your info at melissa@melissasamuels.net to claim your prize!

Have a great weekend!!!!

ATC Swap Challenge & Gift Certificate Giveaway @ Birdnuts Mixed Media

Hi Everyone!  I have a treat for you today!  Denise Phillips, from over at Birdnuts Mixed Media, and I are co-hosting a ATC Swap Challenge & Gift Certificate Giveaway!!!  We had so much fun last month, we are doing it again! 

To inspire you, Denise has created some gorgeous ATC's using napkins, gel medium,  and Picket Fence Distress Stain!  That's right, I said napkins!  

Are you intrigued??  She even has a tutorial on her blog.

Did I mention there's an ATC swap challenge and $25 gift certificate giveaway to MelissaSamuels.net??  That's right!!  To find out the theme, how to enter, deadline, and all that good stuff head over to Denise's Blog! (click here)

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In other blog news...

If you are interested in entering the Webster's Pages Sparkly Challenge, the deadline is midnight (EST) tonight.  We'll be selecting a winner tomorrow. (Click here for details)

Store News- Prima, Ranger, and BoBunny

It's been a wonderful week of beautiful new products arriving at the store!    I thought I'd share with you some of the scrappy goodness that is now here, and waiting for a good home.

Prima is in the house!!!  We have 4 of their gorgeous collections as well as lots of flowers, vines, and Say It In Crystals:

 

 
I did a little video peek for you of some of the Prima flowers and embellishments.

All 37 Distress Markers colors are in stock!  The set is sold out, but will be back in stock soon!  We also have both size water brushes by Tim Holtz...speciality stamping paper...collage glue stick... nib holder

                         

Tim Holtz's brand new book!!  All 12 of the new Ice Stickle colors (on sale!)!

4 gorgeous collections  that include 12x12 collection packs, chipboard stickers, layered stickers, dimensional stickers, buttons, brads, trim packs, jewels, trinkets, cardstock stickers, 6x6 paper pads, stamp sets, rubons, Noteworthy, and chipboard mini albums:

I hope you'll stop by the store and do a little browsing.  More new products are on the way for next week, so check back often! Have a wonderful weekend!!