Wow wow weeeee!!! It’s been such a mad mad week!!! :O It took us a total of 2 whole hours to close on Christmas Eve with hoardes of walk-in shoppers sneaking under our half-closed shutters and thronging our place for last minute Christmas gifts!!! We thought we’d never be able to make it back home in time for our Christmas Eve dinners with our families … … :( But we did, eventually, not without A LOT of ranting from all 3 of our hubbies as Sandra, Swee Ching and i were the only ones helping out at Made With Love on Christmas Eve. We felt the rest of the team really deserved a much-needed break. Fortunately, Chenta, slogged it out with us, managed to somehow juggle supervising the our cafe operations and chipped in to help plenty of walk-in shoppers with their scrapping needs. Bless her!!! :)

Well, we’re back from our short one-day Christmas break and it was a miracle that we managed to rush out what we did considering the shipment only arrived yesterday evening!!! Well … … just in time to fill out the shelves as plenty of goodies depleted over the past week with everyone’s mad rush to finish up shopping for Christmas gifts whilst many of you stocked up on supplies so as to work on projects over the Christmas break. We trust it’s been a fruitful past few days for all of you who scrapped and for the rest of you who did your rounds of gift-giving, we’re sure your loved ones must have been absolutely over the moon with all the lovely gifts you made with love with supplies from us!!! Keep uploading pictures and details on our online forum and share your joys with us!!!

… sorry about rattling but it certainly seems like ages since we got to chat with you online this past week having been such a crazy busy one!!!

But back to the topic a hand, a grand total of 7 glorious brands with 325 different new arrivals will greet you the minute you step into our place TODAY!!!

from COLLAGE PRESS

Margot and Grayson Hall are 2 brand new collections released by one of our fave brands – Collage Press!!! We’ve been waiting anxiously for these to arrive and can’t wait for you to have a look at them!!!

We hope like us, you’ll totally swoon over the delightful patterned papers that are reeeally pretty. Great for the shabby chic style and what we like to call the ‘office supplies’ look! :P Check out their crafting kits and alphabet stickers in super yummy colours!!!

 

from MAMBI

At last!!! This shipment met with a whole load of hiccups and we’re so glad that this astonishingly bright and atractive range of patterned papers and embellishments have made it over to us!!! We love their Sanctuary and Ellen Krans collections!!!

And never fear, more unbelievably cheerful Christmas themed stuff if you’re disappointed that much of our hot fave Christmas themed collections have been swiped up!!! So it’s time to get all your lovely photos taken over the last few days printed for your 2007 Christmas Celebrations albums!!!

 

from BO BUNNY

Do not underestimate the potential of these nondescript-looking chipboard albums. From the My Word collection, doll up these unique albums for a most fun way of preserving your precious memories. Just take a look at the possibilites below!!!

 

And these came in time for Valentine’s Day celebrations … …

 

from MY MIND’S EYE

The KISSandTELL and ADORE collections are 2 peeer-fect collections that will not only be great for Valentines’ Day projects but equally apt for any scrapbook project that you want to add a touch of warm fuzzy sweetness to!!! :)

 

… … from KISS and TELL - a very pretty and pink collection … … And next we have, the ADORE collection below … …

… … and check out these lovely pre-shaped, pre-die-cut Valentine Card Packs!!! Aren’t they simply fab?

We’ve also replenished numerous rub-on titles and brought in new ones - a grand total of 63 different titles for you to choose from that will take away your headache of thinking up and designing a title. Perfect if you’re in a rush but still want to keep scrapping in a snap!!! :)

 

from 7 GYPSIES

A massive load of new stuff and replenishments from one of our all-time favourite mainstay brands that we have throughout the year has arrived!!! Look at what we have here!!! :)

Rub-ons galore that we just can’d do without!!!

Retractable interchangeable stamp base sets have arrived, together with all new interchangeable stamps in rectangle, circular and oval shapes that boast fab designs. Interchangeable ink pads in black red , blue, green and pink are all here too!!!

We love these stamps!!! You get so much out of a single stamp. Seeing is believing. It’s heaps of fun!

ATC card holders and tags … ….

… … fabric labels with really fun quotes … …

… photo turns that we need all-year-round in designs that are signature of 7 gys only!!! :)

… … tag corners and lotsa 97% complete tags have come in … …

… … composition  books and chipboard albums that are real fun to alter have arrived as well … …

… … aaaaand stickers galore!!! Back in all their glory are our all-year-round fave 7gs 97% complete stickers from A-Z!!!

from MAYA ROAD

New stuff and replenishments from Maya Road in the form of coaster chipboards, scallop, arrow, transportation chipboard sets, vintage purse chipboard albums, card boxes and cards, calendar books and sheer 5-ring tab albums are here too!!!

from WE R MEMORY KEEPERS

First the pink and now the green … … replenishments of the much-loved Crop-A-Dile are back, this time in green. It comes complete with a cute plastic organiser that contains not only the tool but metal eyelets you’ll want to use with your Crop-A-Dile!!!

from MAKING MEMORIES

Storage solutions that keep your scrapbooking stash neat in such a pretty manner that youll have problems wanting to fish them out for use. Fully alterable, the embellishment storage box would make a wonderful jewellery or trinkets organiser too!!!

Hugely popular just like the Making Memories’ Sweets, these decorative brads are a real hoot too!!!

from MEMORY MAKERS

 

Latest mag to arrive, it makes a good read if you’d like to try out some of the challenges they’ve suggested in this issue of Memory Makers.

So how’s that for a bit of post-Christmas fun!!! Come visit us again if you can!!! With slightly less than 5 days left to use your Candy Cane Blessed Dip Christmas Treats coupons, we’re sure you’ll be able to pick quite a few things from this shipment that you can use your precious coupons on!!!

And as always, till we meet again … … keep on lovin’ and keep up the scrappin’! :)

Lotsa luff
{e}

Wooohoooo!!! It’s Thursday again and we’ve got lots to update you on our newest arrivals. This week, be prepared to be awed by the sheer number of books that will be lining our shelves as well as new arrivals from Fontwerks, Jenni Bowlin and K&Co. Read on to find out more!!!

IDEA BOOKS

Features unique formats for creating scrapbook albums using materials like paper bags, tags, file folders, fabric,cigar boxes and much more.

Combining learnable techniques with strong, inspiring artwork, Type Cast will teach readers how to get the most out of their tools, supplies, and even their own handwriting to create fabulous pages that fully integrate text into successful designs.

The Christian rock of scrapbooking, Scrapbooking Your Faith will help you express your own faith in a personal and modern way through your art. Author Courtney Walsh, an accomplished scrapbooker and writer in addition to being a pastor’s wife, works with eigh other scrapbook artists to create well-rounded, accessible approach to this subject. Project themes include “What I Believe”, “Meditations and Prayers”, “Inspirational People”, “Symbols of Faith”, “Faith Traditions”, and “Blessings”.

A world-wide phenomenon, Artist Trading Cards (ATCs) are the rage among all types of creatives. With this book, readers will find a spectrum of techniques–collage, painting, metal working, stamping, and more–for making the cards and albums to store them, as well as suggestions for fostering a community of friendship and technique sharing and card trading.

Feel like a challenge–a scrapbooking challenge? Then open the pages of this book and get inspired to create some of the most personal, funny and random layouts you’ve ever made. Since 2005, the authors have posted scrapbook challenges–scrapbook Dares–on their web site… challenges designed to really get you to think about your life, your art, yourself. In this book, the authors showcase some of the best challenges from their site along with over 25 new challenges to get your creative juices flowing. And the layouts inspired by the Dares, created by the authors and their amazing contributing artists, are the perfect jumpstart to get you thinking about your scrapbooking in a whole new way. “Are you ready to take your art to the next level? This book is for you. These fantastic women will encourage you, challenge you, push you, and move you to tell your story through your art. You won’t be able to resist. Highest recommendations.” Ali Edwards, Creative Editor Creative Keepsakes.

From learning to talk, to moving from the crib to the big bed, to playing superhero, to watching the same episode of Dora the Explorer over and over, there’s much to be documented about the toddler years and this book covers it all.

It’s an established fact that a well-designed page is the key to a beautiful scrapbook. Design principles and color theory can be intimidating. Well known Memory Makers magazine columnist Kari Hansen takes the fear and trepidation out of understanding and utilizing design principles and color theory so that all scrapbookers can feel comfortable with these concepts. Her unique ability to convey such concepts in a hands-on, user-friendly manner allows scrapbookers to unleash their own creativity while following established design concepts to create expert layouts.

Addresses fifty top reader challenges, problems and conundrums and presents solutions from the Memory Makers Masters team of experts.

The Memory Makers Masters have done it again. In this inspiring book, they’ve pooled their talents to provide creative and fresh uses for everyday scrapbook supplies. As any scrapbooker can tell you, a stash of supplies can pile up fast. You will be inspired by innovative uses for brads, eyelets, patterned papers, charms, ribbons, cardstock scraps, cutting templates, and much, much more. As the Masters demonstrate their favorite use for each item, they’ll give you multiple ideas to try. Tons of techniques, ideas and step-by-step instruction make this guide accessible to scrapbookers of all skill levels.

One of the pleasures of scrapbooking comes when your artwork is viewed–maybe even oohed and aahed over. And nothing is going to solicit this kind of reaction like interactive pages. These are pages that viewers can touch, flip, spin, shake and play with. In Flip, Spin and Play, you will learn to create engaging pages that beg to be touched. Step-by-step instructions and sidebars about making pages stable enough for handling ensure your success.

Scrapbook materials aren’t just for scrapbooks anymore. Crafters of all stripes have fallen for the gorgeous patterned papers lining craft-store aisles, and this book features exciting new ways to put those materials to use. Readers will find a wide variety of gorgeous step-by-step projects to enrich their everyday lives or make special occasions even more memorable. The only problem they’ll have is deciding which one to make first!

Journal Revolution: Journal enthusiasts of all levels will learn how to cut through the daily clutter in their minds to access deeper emotions, creatively express a wide range of moods and boldly record their deepest secrets. The authors’ honest humor and extreme affirmation will entertain and reassure you as you participate in fun, easy projects.

Quick & Easy Scrapbook Styles: You will learn the tricks and techniques for making quick scrapbook pages in a range of popular styles including graphic, romantic, fun & funky, distressed, and classic.

Celebrates scrapbook pages that tackle honest, raw and realistic subjects and the courageous scrapbookers who record real-life situations in their pages.

Plushy fibers, handmade papers, chicken wire, delicate molding paste…when elements like these are used on scrapbook pages, you just can’t help but be drawn in. These are the kinds of pages that reach out and beg to be touched. They’re also the kind of pages Trudy Sigurdson is known for. In this book, she shares her favorite tips and techniques for Tantalizing Textures.

Sometimes we keep doing the same thing over and over again with only so-so results. It’s called being in a rut, and this book offers suggestions for breaking out of it. You’ll see that sometimes it’s as easy as flipping through page after page of inspirational layouts like the ones you’ll find here. Like a creative aphrodisiac, Find Your Groove will get your blood pumping and your pages jumping!

This idea book introduces new ways of recognizing, celebrating and chronicling everyday living, from the mundane to the little moments that make the daily grind worthwhile.
:: FONTWERKS ::

This week’s arrivals from Fontwerks include restocks of our favourite clear stamps as well as new releases.

:: Jenni Bowlin ::

And many of you have more reasons to celebrate this week!!! All-new collections and products from JB have landed in our store. Well, you asked for them and here they are!!!;)

Cutesy journalling cards and scallop tags…

4×4 mini paper sets.. perfect for those mini albums or quilting projects. :)

Bingo cards.. :)

Alpha Block Cards…

Sticker labels and rub-ons…

Paper tickets and chipboards…

:: K & Company ::

More quick and easy projects and gift ideas from K&Co this week… just in time for those last minute Christmas gifts. :)

Speaking of last minute Christmas gift ideas, we’ve got another one for you. If you’re in a bind and have given up trying to hand-make Christmas prezies for every single one of your scrapping friends, then we have a solution for you -  Made With Love Gift Vouchers!!! But we’ve gone one step further to lessen your headache if you’re short on time. Check out our cheery hand-made gift voucher envelopes!!!

Well … … hows that for this week’s new arrivals? We hope you’ll have heaps of fun shopping for these fab scrap supplies that we’ve managed to bring in.

And as it’s gonna be Christmas in a few days’ time.. on behalf of everyone at Made With Love, we’d like to wish all you dear scrapper friends of ours a Blessed Christmas!! Have a great holiday with family and friends!! :)

luv,
am

Aida, Emeline and Lia got to play with some Making Memories Vintage Hip last week. The soft colours of this collection certainly makes it one of the more evergreen collections. Here’s what our DT did:

:: AIDA ::

Using the beautiful Vintage Hip MM papers. Texture on the layout is in the form of the crushed velvet ribbons, lace and MM decorative pins and the irresistable Prima blings for a special touch. The title **’Cause You’re Beautiful** is hand written with AC’s Photo Marker, then glazed with Ranger’s Glossy Accent. The journaling are lyrics from India Arie’s song Beautiful Flower, a favourite.

 

 

:: EMELINE ::

Mainly Making Memories’ (MM) Vintage Hip, overlaid a KI Lacecardstock over a Hambly transparency. Other accessories include buttons, ribbons and lace from MM, Heidi Swapp Alpha stickers, american craft thickers, prima bling, prima flower, 7gypsies gaffer tape, MME frame.

 

 

:: ERLIA ::

Papers and embellies from Making Memories’ Vintage Hip collection - I so love the English touch of this collection. Other supplies are American Craft Thickers, EK Success alphabet stickers and American Craft Foam Hearts.

 

Many of us were sooo looking forward to the last crop of 2007 - the MWL Christmas Crop. Spaces for the crop was quickly taken up within a few days of registration opening, and we’re sorry we had to turn some scrappers away.

Nonetheless, we got down to preparing for the crop and decided that this crop would be a rather relaxing one, so that everyone had the time to mingle and scrap. :) The day of the crop soon came and we had some excited scrappers coming in as early as 12pm to ‘chope’ their seats. :) The gifts were prepared, the goodie boxes were ready…

It being the season of giving, we had 25 beautifully-wrapped gifts who awaited scrappers who completed any layout or project during the crop. The gifts were sponsored products and included embellishments from Making Memories and Prima, to the grand prize of a K&Co Calendar Kit.

In our goodie boxes, we included a beautiful hand-made tag (designed by our talented Kelly! :) ), an idea swatch for quick and easy Christmas gifts, and free products as well.

The crop officially started at 2.30pm with a welcome and announcements of the day’s activities by Elvira. It turned out that we had quite a number of ’seasoned’ crop attendees, but we also had a number who were attending a crop for the first time. Nonetheless, everyone was excited and ready to ‘get cropping’.

Some scrappers brought their own layouts or projects to complete… for those who needed some inspiration to get going, there was a scraplift challenge hosted by our DT, Aida. Scrappers could scraplift her LO and stand to win a RAK at the end of the day!

Elvira announced the much-awaited Shopping Special at about 5pm. Scrappers were able to get 25% off their purchase of up to 25 products if their purchase contained certain ‘mandatory’products. It was indeed a tempting offer! :)

So throughout the day, our scrappers scrapped, shopped, chatted, laughed and of course… ate….

We are always spoilt by Chenta and her team who continually amaze us with their themed food creations. Today we had a marshmallow Christmas tree, crab & sambal crackers, sandwiches and more.. yum!

And then there was more scrapping…

We squeezed in a Christmas Gifts Idea demonstration in the mid-afternoon. We wanted to give the scrappers so really quick and easy ideas for Christmas gifts… and these included hanging mobiles, a photo snowglobe, and … this one was reeeaallly fast and easy to make … coasters using the K&CO Coaster Kit. Elvi managed to complete all 3 coasters in less than 10 minutes!!!

What’s a crop without games right?? We had only one game today and a rather ’stress-free’ one too! Scrappers had to don a pair of mittens and open the foil wrapper of a Hershey Kiss and pop it into their mouth. The catch? It was a team relay and the team that won would win some limited edition products from Imagination Project. And of course, the 2 teams wasted no time and got down to strategising…

Ready….

Set…

But oooppsss… what’s Swee Ching doing here??!?!??

Nah… she wasn’t playing, but we were all happy she popped in to say ‘Hi’! Ok.. back to the game… and …. GO…

So our scrappers sportingly popped Hershey after Hershey and in the end, scrappers in Scrap Lab 2 eventually won!! YAY!!!!

A great team effort there! :)

All too soon, it was time to say good-bye but not until the announcement of our winner for Aida’s scraplift challenge. There were a total of 9 scrappers who took part in the challenge.

There was definitely a diversity of styles displayed but each with certain elements from the original scraplift layout. Our guest, Aida, didn’t have an easy time I’m sure. :)

Our scrappers also had a nerve-wrecking time waiting…

Whilst there were some others who weren’t so ‘kan cheong’ and were destressing a little from the day’s activities… :)

Before Aida announced the winner, she gave each scrapper acknowledgement for their LO and told each one what she particularly liked about their LO. Finally, the winner was announced and it was ….

FABIAN!!! He did an awesome job with his LO with some very intricate paper cutting.. here is the winning LO…

And here is the very-happy winner receiving his RAK from Aida herself. Well done Fabian!!! :)

It was soon time to say ‘goodbye’ and this marked the end of our last crop for the year. It’s indeed heartwarming to see so many scrappers wanting to come for the crops at MWL. We will definitely be organising more of such crops in 2008, so watch for it!!! Till next time…

{ am }

Seasons’ Greetings Everyone!

And if you’ve been following closely all that’s been going on at Made With Love since the beginning of this month then you’ll know about our SURE-WIN Candy Cane Blessed Dip where every $80nett purchase entitles you to a try at our this Blessed Dip where you could win any one of 12 Christmas Treats each time which range from 

25% discounts off your purchases up to $250 worth of Made With Love cash vouchers!!!

And there are 4 of such Christmas Treats to be given away!!! That’s a whopping $1000 worth of cash for scrap supplies shopping at Made With Love which some of you will be blessed to receive!!! And ALL 4 of these top-notch Christmas Treats have yet to be won!!!

Buuuuuut!!! Have we got a special surprise planned for you … … true to our names … as many of you have refered to us as the queeeeeens of suspense … … our

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

 decrees that as long as you’re a

Scrapaholics Anonymous

 or

Scrapaholic For Life member,

JUST A $40nett PURCHASE

entitles you to a try at our SURE-WIN Candy Cane Blessed Dip!!! That’s

DOUBLING

your chances of getting all those Christmas Treats you’ve been eyeing!!!

So come visit us today, as our 12 Days of Christmas Special is on from now till 24 Dec ‘07 ONLY!!!

And oooops…we forgot, it’s DOUBLE STAMPS for all Scrapaholics Anonymous members for a minimum $40nett purchase from now till 24 Dec ‘07 only.