HYWWP Newsletter, January 2010

Happy 2010! We made it into another year and I don't know about you, but I am really excited for a fresh start! Im embracing the new year with open arms and all the wonderful pportunities that will come with it.

I'm excited for two scrapbook related resolutions I have made for myself....to journal more and to scrapbook the little things. I see it in magazines and I admire the way the creator catches just the right moment and finds just the right words for fleeting moments that are just as special as a birthday, a scholastic goal and other landmark moments we regularly scrapbook.

But, this year, no more "I wish I would have thought of that!" I'm GOING to think of it, and do it! Wont you join me? Whatever your personal New Years resolution(s) are...document them!

Believe in them! Believe in yourself! You got this! The rest is simply a beautiful page just waiting to happen!

Submitted by Wendi (Punkin)
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Tie It Up!

May Arts was super generous to us as a sponsor this month. The oodles and oodles of ribbon are just fantastic! Why is it that we have to actually touch the ribbon to get the full experience?

As the ribbon fell through my fingers, I was thinking of all the ways to use them. Many of these ribbons are just too special to be used simply on a layout or card (although those would be preserved forever!). I went on a hunt to find some creative ways to use them. Antuanette Wheeler seems to have the most comprehensive list out there. The following are on my “Ways to use the May Arts Ribbons” list ;). I can’t be credited for anything besides the commentary…..

*Tie small bits of ribbon onto a larger piece of ribbon for a unique border.
Uh, yeah, I want to try this!

*Weave ribbons to use as placements, wallhangings, etc.
I have an idea. I hope it works out in actuality and not just in my head. :)

*Use fabric stiffener to make ribbon bookmarks.
I’ve seen this, but I need to actually do it! What great little gifts for the insides of cards! The perfect gesture!

*Use long/wide ribbons to store and display barrettes and pins.
So what if I have short hair, I do wear some barrettes (and am always losing them!). Another great little gift!

*Wrap around an old or damage photo frame.
Don’t we all have these around?

*Sew ribbon to your plain dishtowels.
Yep, let’s embellish those and make doing dishes a pleasure. Ok, I admit, a bit of a stretch…

*Tie large ribbons to the backs of chairs for a fun lunch or dinner.
This makes me want to throw a dinner party just to have an excuse to try this out!

*Tie ribbons onto your hangers, drawer pulls and shower curtain.
Pretty up the everyday!

*Tie a ribbon onto any zipper pulls you have!
Duh, why didn’t I think of this?!?!?! I have the perfect little black purse for travel that screams for some unique-ness! My poor black suitcase could have used a little dressing up too before I took it to Vegas!

Please also see:
50 Ways to Use Ribbon for Scrapbooking, Home Decor, Crafting and Fashion
By: Antuanette Wheeler

Submitted by Erin Bailey (aunt e)
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Sponsor of the Month
May Arts
From the May Arts website:

May Arts is a leading distributor of high quality ribbon products, serving a wide variety of merchants from large retail outlets to home-based business in the craft and scrapbooking, gift, stationery, quilting, fancy food, floral, interior design and jewelry industries. Since its founding, May Arts has built its business on a foundation of quality products, affordability, and outstanding customer service. To read more about our history, please click here.

In 2008, May Arts responded to customer demand by creating a sophisticated online store to combine personalized service with convenient, anytime ordering. If you have any questions about our new online store, please feel free to contact us directly.

We look forward to serving all of your ribbon needs!

Sincerely,

The May Arts Team

Check out the message board and gallery to see what our Design Team creates with the wonderful May Arts products!
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Guest Designer for January, February, and March is.....Krissy Stuart!

We have a fun feature at HYWWP! For 3-month terms, we will be searching for new Guest Design Team Members! Our guest DT members will receive products each month during their term and will be required to make a least 2 creations a month with those products. Guest DT members will be required to be active in our forums and in our gallery. In future months, we will be holding a contest or a call for our next Guest DT member! We would love to see what you have to offer, so get those layouts and projects ready!

For January through March, Krissy will be our Guest DT member! Krissy is sure to inspire you all with her adorable layouts and projects.

If you are interested in being a future Guest DT Member, please join the message board today and start posting. Participation is a key factor in our decision in choosing a Guest DT!
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Ongoing Challenges for January!
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There's always something fun happening at our message board! Chatty contests, RAK giveaways, and more! Come on over to the message board and check out the ongoing list of challenges.
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January Gallery Inspiration

"Our Snowman" by Trisha

"Frosty Beauty" by GrammyScraps

"Tastes Like Winter" by Jen:)

"Let It Snow" by Krissy

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Sketch of the Month

This month's sketch is brought to you by Design Team member and sketch artist, Trisha. Trisha has shared some awesome sketches with us that she has created, and here is one she wanted to share for this month.

By the way, if you haven't checked out Trisha's new sketch community, Sketch Inspiration, you really should! :)

We'd love to see your creations based on this sketch...please upload to our gallery or on the message board to show us what you've done. Enjoy!

Don't forget to check out our online gallery for lots of inspiration and great projects!