sassafras

a share from a pal

Check out this beauty from Leah Farquharson using Ellie's Tale and Punky Sprouts.

Thanks for sharing, Leah!

a share from a sassafras pal!

Look at these fantastic layouts from Iris Babao Uy!

Thanks for sharing your work, Iris! You can see more on her blog.

an adorable share from a pal

This one is from Becky Williams. In her own words, "I fell in love with this collection when I first saw it and knew it would be perfect for scrapping my little baby girl. I've mixed it with some older papers and embellishments."  

Gorgeous, Becky! Thanks for sharing!

 

 

a share from a sassafras pal!

This is from Veronica Goh, and she sent in this beautiful page using the Sweetly Smitten line. 

 

Aren't the details fabulous? Send us your favorite Sass projects so we can share!

meet our pal lexi

Name and basic info
Hello there..I'm Lexi Bridges from the Show Me state of Missouri. Blessed to be married to my high school sweetheart and a stay at home momma to two sweet little boys. If I am not hanging out with the family you can usually find me at a local thrift shop or in my craft room, preferably with a steady supply of embellishments and coffee.  

What do you love about Sassafras?
I have always loved hunting around in flea markets/thrift stores and Sassafras features those touches of vintage in a fun, trendy way.  Each line is so unique, yet lots of pieces coordinate. Currently I am loving the Starters patterned paper and all the color and print options in the alphabet cardstock stickers!

Any funny scrap habits?
It is hard for me to just remain at a desk to scrap. I go from sewing machine to misting to cutting and usually cover my desk with papers and embellies so much that I end up in the floor. And I'm okay with that ;)

3 random facts about you.
I twist my hair, always have.
I have never met a cupcake I didn't like.
I would rather be shopping at a flea market than a mall.

Here are some of Lexi's beautiful projects with Sassafras.

 

 

And this sweet layout

And a beautiful card

Thanks for being a pal of Sassafras, Lexi!

meet our pal, nicole

Name and basic info
Hi, I’m Nicole Pomeroy, and I live in beautiful Queensland Australia, with my husband and our 4 children, Charlotte (5.5), Zachary (4), Deacon (2.5) and Adam (1). I started scrapping not long after my second child was born (2007) and truthfully I haven’t really stopped. I’m a self taught artist who loves to experiment, I don’t have a ‘style’ really I think I would become bored if I did. At the moment study is starting to take over my life, I recently enrolled in a University course to help me to eventually become a teacher. Feel free to check out my blog too.
 
What do you love about Sassafras?
What’s not to love ;) to be honest, the colours and that they too like to mix it up. Awesome vintage inspired papers and colours to funky brights. It’s all so perfect for me to use. Right now I’m LOVING the foldies, and I’m loving the versitility of them. You can cut and relayer, just mix and match to suit what you want. Can it get much better???
 
Any funny scrap habits?
Hmmm, I have to scrap standing up and no matter what creating happens in a mess. I’m not a clean scrapper, very messy and I can end up with product from one side of my room to the other. (Maybe that’s something I shouldn’t be telling you all, lol) Apart from that, I don’t snack when I’m scrapping, and when I paint most the times it’s with my fingers, easier that way.
 
3 random facts about you.
-      I’m a solo scrapper. If I’m at a crop I talk too much to be able to achieve anything
-      I was 24 before I went in a plane and I’ve yet to go in a big plane (this was only a 4 seater)
-      I might be Australian but I cannot stand the taste of vegemite ;)

And here are some of Nicole's layouts using Sassafras.

Aren't her layouts exceptional? We're loving your style, Nicole! Thanks for being a fan of Sassafras!

meet kimberly

My name is Kimberly and I am both honored and proud to be a Designer for Sassafras. I Married to my best friend Todd, who is the love of my life. I have 3 beautiful children, Noel, Foster and Olivia and 3 bonus (step) children Mike, from my previous marriage, Lexx and Charlie. I've been scrapbooking for 14 years and enjoy the idea of passing on a legacy of history to future generations to come. I've been honored to be published by Creating Keepsakes, Scrapbooks Etc, Memory Makers, Scrapbook Trends and Pine Cone press. I have a passion to create art, whether it be with scrapbooking or photography and love the challenges they both give me on an ongoing basis. I am thankful for this opportunity to create and inspire using Sassafras products, and happy to do what ever I can to help this AWESOME company succeed in every way. Thank you for taking the time to know me more. Blessings to you!

And here are a few of Kimberly's amazing layouts.

meet one of our sassafras pals!

the amazing Kat Glossop has agreed to share her amazing work with us! Here are her answers to some of our questions.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I am Kathleen Glossop, mummy of Clay (nearly 4, eeek!), wife to Jason (10 years in 2 weeks :) ), I've been scrapping for 6ish years, but more so since Clay came along.

What do you love about Sassafras?

Everything. Seriously, Sass is my absolute favorite manufacturer, hands down, always has been. It's the different things that you do, the little details make Sass so unique, the twine around the flowers, the vintage characters, the deer, the kite, the duck, the elephant, the borders on your papers, the details in the chipboard, the linen on the sticker letters, those metal brooches, and of course the foldies, everything makes you want to reach out and touch it :)

Any funny scrap habits?

Funny scrap habits?? Lol, ummmmm, I can't scrap sitting down, I am lucky enough to have my own scrap room which I designed myself, and in the middle I have a large tall bench so I can stand over my pages. I also scrap better with wine, lollies and friends :)

3 random facts about you.

 Random facts, rightio

1.  I can't whistle...somehow it was never something I could pick up, lol;
2.  I have a botany degree.....but I can't seem to keep plants alive
3.  I cant tie my hair up in a pony tail without hanging my head backwards over the end of the bed...just can't seem to get the bumps out standing up straight :P

And here are a few layouts by Kat. Look at how she used those foldies! Thanks so much for being a fan of Sassafras!

Check out these layers!

More of those little details!

And here is another amazing layout by Kat!

 

 

hello mandie............. (sassafras pal spotlight)

i've got lemons, limes, and georgia on my mind today. all of which remind me of two things: delicious summer bliss and the delightfully sassy craftiness of sassafras pal  Mandie Pierce:

we discovered her whilst on-line gallery surfing (one of our favorite pastimes here at sassafras, as you might know), and haven't been able to keep her projects off our mind since! so much so that we couldn't help but ask miss mandie to let us get into her head just a little bit. so without further ado, we are delighted to share with you some inspirational words of wisdom straight from the mouth of a real life paper crafting goddess...

 

so mandie, tell us a bit about yourself. work? family? where do you live? what kind of hobbies do you have outside of paper crafting?  "I am a 31 year old stay at home mama of 3, and an Air Force wife. My husband and I met while working as cashiers at a Kroger in Atlanta, Georgia almost 14 years ago. We are currently stationed in Sacramento but have lived from Anchorage, AK to San Antonio, TX and a little in between!  I enjoy reading fiction of all sorts.  I do not, however, like non-fiction.  It makes me feel like I'm in a history class. I need to be entertained, moved. I do like historically based fiction, though.    I always wanted to be  a writer. I always wrote short stories growing up, but it's something I've gotten away from. One of these days, I would like to get back into writing. Also, coffee. I think I am addicted.  Is that a hobby?"

sure, let's call it a hobby. except for our resident expecting mommy, the whole sass team is right there with you on that one! so, what are some things that inspire the artist in you?  "I think I take in inspiration all the time, and log it away in my brain.  Often it is scrapbook product itself that inspires me, or a particular photo or two.  I am always drawn in by color combinations":

"This first one is my bedding.  I know it's dorky, but I just love the colors in our bedroom. I find the blues so calming when paired with the white and the espresso finish of our bed.

  It's just so lovely."

I recently added the yellows.  I think it gives a happy feel to the calm.

Another inspirational photo I chose is this cupcake set from Meri Meri:

I love making cupcakes.  These circus ones are just so cute and give me tons of ideas for my boys' birthday parties this summer!  So fun, and the colors are so happy.  They just put me in a good mood.  Wouldn't they go so nicely paired with 'Discover' paper from the Apple Jack line? 

The color combo on this Kaleidoscope bedding from Land of Nod is just calling my name.  Hello, Happiness!" 

 

a woman of impeccable taste, you are! who or what drew you to paper crafting, and how would you describe your unique style? "I have always been a collector of things...ticket stubs, cards, photos, etcetera.  I have always loved office supplies and paper.  I like to go to Office Depot or Staples - just for the smell. (sassafras confession: that's weird...but we hear you sister! nothing makes our noses happier than hot-off-the-press paper.  except maybe freshly brewed coffee...) I was always the kid who got excited about school supplies.  I discovered paper crafting in 1999...I don't remember exactly how I discovered it, but I definitely took to it right away. I went through all of the obligatory phases...the Sticker Sneeze phase, the 'cut-your-photos-in-silly-shapes' phase, the Paperkin phase, the eyelet phase.  I don't really think of myself as having a certain style.  I like a little bit of everything, so I do a little bit of all kinds of things! 

do you have any friends or family who share in your passion? "I do! I have found a wonderful online community and have made friends with a couple of the girls on there.  My cousin Danielle recently became a scrapbooker as well. She and I have had fun chatting via email about all of the fun products and the craziness that happens when you become a scrapper.  (I know you all know what I am talking about!)" 

what do your friends and family think about your paper crafting passion? "My family is supportive.  The kids love looking at their albums, and I find that so rewarding.  It reminds me of how important it is for them, and not just me.  My husband (though not a full-on 'scrubby') is very supportive.  He may not understand the mountain of supplies but he loves me in spite of it."

let's find out some more about you. favorite band right now? any t.v. series you're into? "I love all kinds of music.  But right now?  This instant? Train is ranking right up there along with some old school Beastie Boys, Jason Mraz, and the "Glee" soundtracks.  How's that for a combo?  As for T.V. series...too many! "Dexter", "The Tudors", and "The Shield" (when it was on) are a few of my favorites,  I recently added "The United States of Tara" to that list.  "Glee", "The Middle", "Modern Family", "Amazing Race", "The Office", and "Marriage Ref". (they make me feel oh-so-normal!) 

what's gone on recently that has taught you a life lesson? I can think of one thing right off the bat. It relates to this 'Calamity Jane' thing I've got going on... I think I should make that my legal name!  So my car only runs with the special key made by the dealership, and it came with just one.  They are expensive, so I had never bought another.  Recently the little plastic loop that held the key to my key ring broke.  One day when walking to my car with Collin (my 3 year old) and my friend Dena, Collin asked if he could hold my key.  Sure.  What's the worst that can happen, right?  If he drops it, I'll just pick it up, right? Unless he just happens to drop it in the STORM DRAIN.  The ONLY KEY to my car. What did I learn from this little incident? One: Dena is a fabulous friend who hung out with me even though she had stuff to do. Two: always have more that one car key - even if they cost $200 apiece. Three: the iPhone is invaluable. It will allow you to look up all kinds of phone numbers in an emergency. Four: if you drop something in the storm drain, call the water company. They can most likely come open the manhole and get it out. Be forewarned - they might laugh at you." 

(sassafras note: he may look innocent, but don't be fooled. there is a good chance that's collin the car key culprit in the picture above.)

do you have a paper crafting tip to share? "I know this isn't anything earth shattering, but just do what you like.  You don't have to scrap every event or every photo.  Get the emotions down.  The funny things.  The little things you will forget in 5, 10, years. I let go of scrapping what I felt I had to scrap, and started scrapping what made me happy.  When I did that, I started enjoying it a lot more.  I also started liking my projects a lot more.  Let the paper crafting hippie in you free and let it all loose!"

that is SUPER advice mandie, we couldn't agree more! one last question...what would you say to someone who is hesitant about getting into paper crafting to convince them that it is a must? 

"Just do it.  Do it to remember the fun things.  The hard things.  the little things your kids or spouse do.  The silly things that make you happy.  What I wouldn't give to have that kind of information from my great grandmother - or even my grandmother!  It doesn't have to be what's perfect.  There is no 'right' way or 'wrong' way.  Do it because you think it's fun, and you like the smell of paper.(Wait, sorry. That's me. But I know I'm not alone!)  Don't let the size of the hobby intimidate you with its vast array of products.  It can be such a wonderful, close knit community where you form bonds with women you've never met!

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thank you mandie for being such a great sassafras pal, and for letting us get to know you! 

on that note, here are some more of mandie's projects to feast your eyes on before we bid you adieu...

 

we hope you enjoyed mandie's musings as much as we did!  why not show her some love in the comment section if you have a minute, or check out her super inspiring blog: lemons to limes.  and what exciting treats have YOU whipped up lately?  we would love to see!!  leave us a link...we are always on the lookout for a new sassafras pal to spotlight!
 

hello birgit ........ (sassafras pal spotlight)

hello friends! i know it's been a quiet week here at the sassafras blog... i've missed chatting with all of you. i spent a few days in Moab, Utah on a sassafras managers retreat. it was a great time of planning and i'm feeling very reinvigorated and inspired for the future!

while i was away my in box filled up with spectacular new projects. the sassafras design team and many of you have been busy crafters! can't wait to show you what i have been feasting my eyes on...... which i will do tomorrow..... because today i have the pleasure of introducing you to a sassafras pal, who has oodles of inspiration to share.

nice to meet you Birgit Koopsen....

would you start by telling us a little about yourself? where do you live, work, play.....

"I live in Winsum, a little village in the north of the Netherlands. I'm married to Erik, who still makes me happy after being together for 23 years! We have 3 beautiful children, Anne (15), Lennart (14) and Marlijn (7). When my oldest child was born I became a SAHM. The last couple of years scrapbooking has become my "job". I teach (in my own studio or in/for scrapbook stores or at events), work for magazines and do demonstrations. Besides scrapbooking I love to read, there's always a book on my night table, watch tv (NCIS, Criminal Minds, The Mentalist, Grey's Anatomy) and go on vacation with my family. My favorite countries to go are France and Italy."

so birgit.....what drew you to paper crafting? was it an instant hit, or did it take awhile to warm up and find your own style?

"I learned about scrapbooking in 2003. I'd always been scrapbooking in my own way. Collecting cards, notes, drawings and tickets and put them in albums together with pictures and journaling. Then my BIL got a new girlfriend, she's lived in the US for a year and when she saw my photo albums she told me about scrapbooking. That same evening I was browsing the internet and I knew instantly "this is what I want to do!"  The next day I went to the nearest craft store to get supplies and made my first page. I never stopped! It took me some time to get my own style. I saw a lot of different styles and liked it all, tried it all. My LO's where very diverse.  But after a while I saw certain elements returning in my LO's and I realized I was developing my own style. I call my style graphical with a freestyle touch."

i'm wondering.....do you have friends or family you wish shared in your passion, and what would you tell them to convince them it's a must?

"Unfortunately none of my family members scrapbook. I don't think they really understand that scrapbooking is much more then just a hobby. That it's a way of living. They like what I do and think it's a nice way to preserve my children's history but that's not as important to them. I don't think I could say anything that would make them scrap, except for 1 of my SIL's who has done it in the past. Point is that most of them just aren't creative. As for my friends. The friends I have that do scrap I have BECAUSE I scrap. That's what connected us in the first place. None of my "old"  friends has started scrapbooking. It sometimes makes me a little sad that they have no idea what I'm talking about but I'm happy I found some new friends through scrapbooking that understand what it is all about!!"

would you mind sharing with us something special that has recently inspired you?

"The book is called "De kinderkamer" which means "a child's room". In here you can find all kinds of DIY decorations, toys and other fun stuff for a child's room. But it is so versatile and usable not only in a child's room but in the whole house and even in your scrapbook! Simply a wonderful book!"

 

speaking of around the house, i love these projects that birgit created.

what a beautiful piece worthy of hanging in any room.

and an adorable little key house using new cherry delicious patterns...

do you have a paper crafting tip that you would love to share with the world of sassafras fans?

"I have a trick to get letter stickers on exactly the right spot on my LO. To see if the words aren't too long or too short, if the color looks nice in a specific spot a.s.o. I put the letter stickers on the edge of a transparent ruler. Then I put the ruler on top of my LO and move it around until I found the right spot for my text."

brilliant! i love this tip....... thank you birgit!

 

i asked birgit her favorite band right now....... her answer is much more precious than a top 50's pick....

"I don't really have a favorite band. I like a lot of music. But I have a favorite singer, who happens to be my oldest daughter Anne. Like in ABBA's song "thank you for the music"  she was a singer before she could talk. She's having singing lesson for a year now and she sings all day and when she is up in her room singing with the music I often sit down at the bottom of the stairs to listen to her."

thank you birgit for sharing with us your passion for paper crafting, and using sassafras products! we love to spotlight pals like birgit....... and you could be next! do you have a whole collection of sassafras projects? let me know!

hope you are all having a great week! check back tomorrow to see more clever creativity.

rebecca =)