A Closer Look-Distress Ink Tutorial By Angela Ploegman

Supplies needed:

Cardstock or Patterned paper

Paper Crimper

Wet Glue (I prefer Beacon Zip Dry or Fabri Tac)

Circle Punch

Paper Trimmer

Optional Supplies:

Tim Holtz Distress Ink

Tim Holtz Distress Powder

Brayer

Terrifically Tacky Tape

Heat Emobss Tool

Xyron Creatopia

Instructions

1. Cut a strip of cardstock 2 – 2.5 inches wide…the length (and less so the width) of the strip will determine the diameter of the flower…I generally use a 12 inch long strip. If you cut the strip too wide, forming the flower becomes difficult. 1 strip will form 2 flowers.
2. Ink the paper strip using the distress ink. Apply the Distress powder and emboss. When cool, remove the ‘excess’ embossing powder by rubbing with your fingers.

3. Cut the strip in half using a decorative edge strip cutter on the Xyron Creatopia. You can use your paper trimmer for a straight edge.
4. Run the strips through the paper crimper. Fold the strip accordion style on every other ‘crimped’ edge.

5. Attach the two outside edges with wet glue or Terrifically Tacky Tape to form a ring.
6. Punch 2 circles from cardstock. For this size flower, I use a 2 inch circle punch.
7. Apply a generous amount of wet glue to the outside edge of one of the punched circles. Flip one edge (the straight edge) of the folded paper ring into the center of the ring and place the flattened ring onto the glue on the punched circle. Place a weight on top and let the glue dry.

8. Apply a generous amount of wet glue to the outside edge of the other punched circle.
Place face down on the flattened ring. Place a weight on top and let the glue dry
9. Embellish your pinwheel flower as desired! Embellish your pinwheel flower as desired!

Finished Layout (so you don't have to scroll down! :) )

Thanks Angela! This was fabulous!

Now go stop by Angela's blog and say "hey"! :)

Thanks for stopping by!

And remember! Subscriptions available NOW, and the March Kit available for shipping and pick-up on March 5th!!!

Full layouts from the designers will be posted on the 5th also!!

And the winner is...

Thank you to everyone who participated in the sketch challenge! It was fun to do some blog hoppin and see all the great layouts everyone created with the first kit!

And now for the winner...
Keely!!!
Contact me with your address @ meganklauer{at}yahoo{dot}com and I'll get your prize to you asap!

FEBRUARY KIT SOLD OUT!!!!

You can start your subscription NOW, and you will receive the MARCH kit (the "buy" link to the right!)

If you wait until March 5th (when March goes on sale and ships) to start your subscription, it may very well sell out FAST!

The fire is spreading!

Already SO much inspiration! Can you imagine the inspiration when we launch our website with gallery and forum!?!

-Still time to join in on the sketch challenge! Scroll down to check that out!
-Show us what you did with your distress embossing powder! Give us a link to your creation in the comments!! Or email me your creation pennyscrapbooks@aol.com!
-Don't forget! The SNEAK PEAKS are BELOW for March! YUM!

March Sneak Peek!!

Check out the colors that are SO neutral they can go with just about any subject, yet SO yummy, you can't resist!

Here is a look at our March Kit-on sale March 5th at 10am CST!
Still just $24.99, with free pick up option for local customers.

Those who got a kit in February will receive this kit via their subscription.
(Just a COUPLE February kits left, so jump in on the fun and start your subscription TODAY!)

Featuring paper from Jillibean Soup, more custom buttons from The Button Box, and a vintage milk cap!

You will see more and more just released product in each kit, until it is ALL new product by MAY, when we plan our GRAND OPENING event with the opening of our website!!

So be sure to grab a kit! Limited edition kits, but anyone that subscribes is always promised the next months kits!!

Check out the slide show for peeks at the designers inspiration!

How are those sketches coming??

You still have time! So get your kit out and CREATE with the sketch Megan provided, and you could win some FREE product for your efforts!!

We are PAINFULLY close to selling out February's kit.

Come back soon for some kit inspiration use the distress powders, but in the meantime, check out this technique video by Tim Holtz demonstrating just how cool distress powders are!
And you got one in your kit! (Or will have one if you buy one of the last few!!)

Check it out!


And TOMORROW is Sneak Peek day!!

Sketch challenge!!!

Sketches are a great way to get a creative jump start!
So...here's one to get you going with your new kit!

My original layout:

The Sketch:
It can be a 12x12 or 8.5x11...change it up or flip it around...what ever gets your creative juices flowing!

On this layout I flipped it around a bit and got a whole different look!

{Link your TSM kit layouts below for a chance to win a prize! You have until Sat. Feb. 20th...winner will be announced Sun. the 21st}

Tune in tomorrow...

...but for today some more inspiration and an update!

There are only a FEW kits left! So hurry and get yours ordered today before they are sold out!

Order HERE

We're excited to share this great layout from local kit club member Mindy Murray!

She went right to work with her kit! Love that! Thanks for sharing Mindy!

I'll be back tomorrow with a sketch challenge and another layout!
~Megan

KIT FOR SALE!!!!!!

Update Friday Evening: Sales are going great!
**We wanted to point out to those new to The Story Matters, that this kit club is owned by Scrapaganza the largest store located in Eastern Iowa!
Scrapaganza has been in business for over 4 years, having to move to a LARGER location just last year!
So feel secure knowing we are backed by a history of good business!

OK, girls! Time to buy! Time to CREATE!
Let's get our scrap on!!

(PRODUCT LIST & FAQ's ON POST PRIOR!)

If you need shipping, click "Go" below and choose the "February Kit - Shipped" button.
If you need local pick up, click "Go" below and choose the "February Kit - Store Pick Up" button.

WHEN IT SELLS OUT, you will be directed to a page that says "Subscriptions-Next Month"
That means you will be PROMISED a March kit that will sneak Peek on February 15th.
I know, I know-trust... but I CAN tell you it is the first kit with a couple BRAND NEW products debuted at CHA! So take a chance. Ya know you want to!

If you wait for March, they might just sell out!!

OK.... on your mark... get set.....

GO
(click the "go")

And FINALLY, the full pictures of some of the layouts and projects from the first of the design team members that had this FABULOUS kit!

Megan:
(*minimal other items added to emphasize versatility with other colors and products)

YEAH she did! She used the Stamp packaging and a border punch to make that little embellishment! CLEVER!

Wall hanging for Megan's laundry room!

Penny:
Angela:
Angela's Journaling: I always wanted to have two children...of that I’m certain...there may have been a time when I dreamed of having more, but that was long before I was married and the possibility of children even existed. After I got married, I pretty much knew I only had time (biologically) and resources to support two children. It almost didn’t happen too. After Devon was born, we waited about a year and then started trying again. I did get pregnant fairly quickly, only to miscarry at 8 weeks. That was a hard time in our lives. And after another year of unsuccessful trying I had just asked my doctor about my fertility options when I got pregnant again. 9 months later, Devon had a baby sister and I wondered why I ever wanted 2 children...it was super HARD work. I spent some time being angry at all those people who had told me how much easier two children were than one, and how obviously they had LIED to me. Those thoughts quickly changed to admiration for those who willingly chose to have MORE than 2 children, including my parents, my in-laws, my grandparents. WOW-I’m not sure how they coped...and even though now that Maia is 2 years old, it is easier (easier than before she was two, NOT easier than having only 1 child) I have come to appreciate fully what having two children means. I do enjoy twice the unconditional love, twice the hugs, kisses, snuggles and the “i love yous”. I also get to enjoy the many shared moments my children have together, whether it’s Devon helping Maia with a task, reading to her or simply ‘hangin out’ together watching TV...those moments never fail to make me smile...and more than make up for the WORK of having two children...I’m so glad there’s two of you for me to LOVE (and no more than two!!)

Watch for another designer layout using the Distress Powder in the kit!
AND we hope to get a couple video's out to you soon featuring some of the techniques seen in our designers layouts!

9 Minutes Left... Tick, Tick, Tick...

Can you STAND it?? :)

TOMORROW is the day! AND FAQ's

We are SO excited!
The response to the kit has been great, and we will show work of the three designers that worked on this first kit - full pictures (not just those mean sneak peeks) tomorrow!

TOMORROW at 10am CST you can order the FIRST "The Story Matters" kit!
1-Jenni Bowlin Black Flight Red/Black
1-Jenni Bowlin Coupon Red/Black (not shown in picture)
1-Jenni Bowlin Clover Vine Red/Black
1-Fancy Pants Rough and Tough Grunge
1-Graphic 45 Lady of the House
1-Graphic 45 Die Cut Domestic Goddess Alpha's
1-My Mind's Eye Life Stories Journaling Sheet
1-Pomegranate Bazzill Cardstock
1-Kraft Bazzill Cardstock
1-Black OP Bazzill Cardstock
1-Linen Bazzil Cardstock
15-American Crafts brads (multi-coordinating)
1-Making Memories Copper Glitter Bookplate
1-Tim Holtz Black Soot Distress Embossing Powder
1-Imaginisce Flower Tag Clear Snag 'em Stamp
3-Asst. Jenni Bowlin red/blk journaling cards
1 yard-Black Velvet ribbon
1 yard Black sheer Ribbon
1 yard red/black wired ribbon
1-raw chipboard heart (~4 inches)
1-page vintage Mother Goose nursery rhyme book page
6-Custom handmade buttons by Charlene Easter

Come to this blog, and there will be a link to check out.
It WILL be via Pay Pal. It is the most common way to pay, and offers us the most options and safety.
If you do not have a Pay Pal account, you might want to set that up before tomorrow.
You can pay via Credit Card or Bank Account via Pay Pal. It is SO easy!

FAQ's:

Anyone buying a kit starts a subscription. That is $24.99 plus shipping and handling (USA) a month for the "Main/Core" kit.The total each month will be $32.94. (Local sales can pick up at the store at no S/H costs.) International shipping is not available until AFTER the Grand Opening. This main kit is the only kit we will offer until Grand Opening. You can cancel any month as long as you do it by the 20th of the month prior to the next month's kit. The Sneak Peeks for the coming month will be on the 15th, which then gives you the chance to decide if you want that kit. They are all going to have some new CHA product starting this very next month! YAY!

Why sell kits via the blog? Will there be a website? Yes, there will be a website. Buying our kits for the first few months via this blog gives us a chance to work out the "bugs"! AND to really listen to feedback! So that also gives us a chance to change and to offer what the majority of you want! We are so grateful for the response so far! THANK YOU!

SIDEBAR!!!
The WINNER of the I-Top for taking the time to fill out the survey and be a part of the beginning of The Story Matters IS:
(Random Number Generated): #2 Colleen Flathers!!

Our commitment to you is: Fabulous affordable kits that COME ON TIME!! We want to start out slow with few distractions. We will launch The Story Matters website in May, during out GRAND Opening. (and don't get all sneaky trying to figure out where it is! :) We are gonna HIDE it!) But we thought we would get the hang of this before dealing with message board issues, galleries giving us grief, etc. There is plenty of time for THAT! :)

You are a part of the start of The Story Matters!
Thank you for your support!

Each month more of our FABULOUS design team will be creating with the kits. All will be designing by the Grand Opening!

Tell your friends, tell your family...

TELL YOUR STORY!
It matters! ;)

See ya tomorrow!!

Announcing our FABULOUS designers!!

You can't imagine, right?
So much talent in one place!
This new kit is going to be something to watch!
From blog to website in a couple months, keep a watch on us!

FRIDAY 10am CST this months kit goes on sale.
Remember, this is a "soft" opening. Meaning the website isn't done and we are just sellin' some kits to get rollin' and see what you all think...
If you miss this kit before it sells out, and want in on the next kit, subscribe-you'll be guaranteed a kit for the next month.
If you wait to see what the kit looks like to order (trust me, you'll like it!) ya just might not get it!
Sneak Peeks will be on the 15th of each month. We will order for all subscribed, but there will only be so many available for new subscriptions.

REMEMBER, all subscribe on first kit purchase BUT you can cancel any month-BUT then you just might not get the next month! Each months kit is $24.99+shipping/handling. In the future there WILL be add-ons, project kits, themed kits etc... depending on what we develop.

Each of the next two months will include new CHA releases, with some of the greatest stuff prior to CHA.
Starting in May-ALL products will be new CHA releases... nothing prior.
Keepin' up to date.

AND each month we will include something not available at your local store or chain. Whether it be handmade buttons or flowers or ephemera. Their be something special in each!

OK, OK... so the kits will be fab!

So who will be designing for The Story Matters?

Get to know our designers:
(I sprung this announcement time on some of the designers, so some may not have a TSM post up at the moment-but say "hey" anyway!)

As you know, we are already SO fortunate to have:
Megan Klauer
Angela Ploegman
Me (Penny Smith)
Candi Ladwig
Bree Tetz
And ANNOUNCING (in NO particular order):
Shelley Haganman {scrappergirl}
Tania Willis
Andrea Wiebe
Lain Ehmann
Michelle St. Clair
Amy Coose
Kim Garner

SHUT UP, right?

I KNOW! We are the LUCKIEST girls...

Visit each of the designers blogs, say "hey" and come back here and comment, and you could win a pack of Imaginisce Sweet Cheri to scrap your "Love" layouts!
You share the love, I share the love! :)

And start counting down! Cuz the first kit is comin'!! Limited quanities, so be ready on Friday!