Hello...ello....lo.....o.....

Okay, so I have TOTALLY neglected my blog followers...what is up with that?!?!?!  Well, if you follow me on Facebook or YouTube, you know that I have been incredibly busy. 

I can't believe it has been over a year since my last post!  Well, since that time, my shop has grown significantly...if you surf the many crafters' channels on YouTube, chances are that you have heard of ButterBeeScraps' Artistic Treasures on Zibbet :)

Not only has my shop grown, I now have a design team that offers many creative ideas of what you can do with all the lovely yumminess in the store, and I have created and do a decent job of maintaining a Facebook page for the business.  So, I thought it was time that I resurrect my blog.

I have been working extremely hard at giving this baby a complete and total makeover, so stay tuned.  You will be able to find the new website at the same url address - www.butterbeescraps.com; however, I will be using a new website platform, so if you are a follower of this blog you will not automatically continue to get updates. 

On a positive note - all of the blog posts (minus the comments) will be moved over to the new website.  The old blog will also be available for a short while at a different url address for a short while during the transition.  Don't worry...I will link this blog to the new one so you can find it easily :)

Cheers!

A New Venture...

So, I've been thinking about opening an on-line store for quite some time now, but just didn't have the gumption to do anything about it.  Well, that has changed and I've jumped in with both feet.  The majority of what I have listed so far is filigree embellishments - these pretty little ladies can be used for scrapbooking, or jewelry making...and I'm sure many other things.  I also have a few wire wrapped keys that I made.

BUT...keep an eye out...I will be adding several products in the next few weeks as they arrive.  I'm focusing mainly on my true love...METAL!!!  However, I will also be listing some of my own creations.  Wish me luck, and I hope to see you there!  I know the prices will not disappoint you ;)

You can find my store by clicking on the zibbet sign on the right, or just by clicking on the following link:
http://www.zibbet.com/butterbeescraps

Something a little different...

Well, last night I decided to try my hand at art journalling.  In my daily life, I tend to be a bit of a perfectionist...ok, ok, ok...a LOT of a perfectionist.  That said, I have found that throughout my creative journey in the scrapbooking/art world, I have begun to love the little imperfections in my work.  A friend of mine was expressing some concern over her work a few days ago, so I offered her a bit of advice:

"Art does not have to be perfect...that's what makes it perfectly interesting".

So, last night I thought, "what a great first page for my art journal!"  I feel the page took me way longer than it should have, but I had a ton of fun creating it.  I hope you all enjoy :)

Cheers!

I've made some changes :)

Hello, everyone!  I just wanted to point out a few changes I've made to my blog.

First, I now have free downloads available :)  All you have to do is click on the tab labelled "Free Downloads" along the top of this page.  There is only one download currently available; however, I am sure there will be more to come :)

Second, you no longer have to wait for me to email any mini album patterns that you purchase...that's right!  No more wait time!!!

Please be patient with me - there may be a few bugs along the way, but together I'm sure we'll get them all ironed out quickly.

Cheers!

Say what? For real?!?!?!

I did it!  I finally did it!  I finished writing the pattern for my Vintage Gramophone Mini Album...yippee!!!  The pattern includes instructions for building the gramophone box assembly only; however, I did include pictures of the completed mini album I created to go inside my gramophone, so there's lots of extra inspiration included.

If you click on the "Patterns & Such" tab at the top of this page, you can place your order for a copy of the pattern.  All patterns are emailed in .pdf format.

If you need a refresher as to how the gramophone looks, you can check out the following video:

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone for being exceedingly patient!

Cheers!

Vintage Gramophone Mini Album Pattern Update

I thought it was time for an update on the pattern...yes, I've been crafting like crazy, BUT I have also been working on the gramophone pattern...woo-hoo!!!  It's coming along nicely, and still on track to be published by the end of the month :)  Thank you to everyone for your patience!!!

Cheers!

Where have I been?!?!?!

Okay, so I've been so busy with life (and crafting) that four months has gone by since my last post?!?!?!  I feel so negligent!

For those of you who do not know, I am now a member of the Wild Orchid Crafts design team...yipee!!!  Yes, it's official - I'm a wild one...lol!  What does this mean, you ask?  Well, it means a lot more projects and videos :)  I do love my minis, but being on the WOC design team will push me outside of that little box (because I couldn't possibly create a mini album every week!)  So, you can expect to see a lot more variety on my YouTube channel :)

I know that many of you are wondering...what about that gramophone pattern you promised us?  I haven't forgotten...I've just been negligent :(  However, I am striving to get back on track and hope to have the pattern written by the end of the summer (but hopefully sooner).  It is so close to being finished that it is crazy that I haven't published it yet!  Be sure to stay tuned here for updates on the progress of the pattern.  I will also post a video on YouTube announcing my triumphant victory over writer's block :)

If you'd like to see what I've been working on, be sure to check out my YouTube channel at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/ButterBeeScraps?feature=mhee

Cheers!

Vintage Gramophone Mini Album

OK, so I couldn't wait any longer!  I have to share my vintage musical themed album...anybody guess it was going to be a gramophone?  Check this out, I just love how it turned out:

To create the mini album, I used cd's as a base for the pages.  As many of you will probably recognize, the paper I used was Graphic 45's "Curtain Call".  I decided to add a splash of red, and created all of the flowers using organza and satin fabric and Tim Holtz's tattered florals die.  I really like how the grunge and glitzy sparkle work together in this mini.  It's definitely my favourite so far :)

I will be selling a pattern for this little beauty, but I'm not quite finished writing it yet.  It should be done within the next couple of weeks.  I'll post a video on my YouTube channel showing all the details once it's done ;)

Cheers!
Monique

The music in the video is titled "DeTacHmEnt" by destinazione_altrove, and was obtained from ccmixter.org and is available for use under the Creative Commons Noncommercial Sampling Plus License

Graphic 45 Tiny Treasures Altered Box and Micro Album

If you've been following the Graphic 45 blog, you'll already know that I didn't make the short list for their design team this year :(  Well, that won't discourage me from trying again next year, and you can probably guess what that means...you're going to see a TON of Graphic 45 projects from me this year :)  OK, maybe not a ton (because I'm so slow...lol), but the majority of my projects will be created using Graphic 45 products.

Unfortunately, I've been hoarding almost all of my Graphic 45 papers, so most of the projects I submitted in my audition video did not use their products.  This wasn't a requirement, but when you have over 250 people applying for a spot on the team, I can't really blame them for weeding out those who haven't been brave enough to cut up their papers.

So...I've already finished two projects - the first being that "vintage musical themed mini album" I keep hinting at, which I am going to continue to be a bit cruel about and reveal in a few days.  I'm just trying to finish up the pattern so it will be available right away...I'm sure this one will be at least as popular as my Vintage Camera Mini Album..It turned out way cuter than I thought it would, and is definitely one of my favourite creations yet :)  I will tell you that I used graphic 45's "Curtain Call" paper stack for the mini album.

The second project I finished is what I call my "Tiny Treasures" Micro Album.  First, I altered a small balsa wood box I purchased from my local dollar store.  Then I created a teeny tiny album to fit inside...it's even smaller than a toilet paper roll album.  If you're familiar with my work, I'm sure you can imagine how difficult this was for me considering I LOVE texture and bulk.  I used the scraps I had left from the Steampunk Debutante mini album I gave to my friend for Christmas.  I think it's adorable:

I'll be posting a video this weekend that will show the album in more detail, so I hope you make it over to my YouTube channel.  Stay Tuned, and I just may be revealing my vintage musical themed album this weekend, too ;)

Cheers!
Monique

The music in the video is titled "Feeling Dark (Behind the Mask)" by 7OOP3D, and was obtained from ccmixter.org and is available for use under the Creative Commons Noncommercial Sampling Plus License.

Graphic 45 Design Team 2012 Audition

It's that time of year again - Graphic 45 is having another design team call!  I absolutely love all of their papers, which are very well-suited to my design style, so I thought I would give it a go this year.  As part of the application process, we are to post our submissions on our blogs.  Here are the projects I am submitting:

Thank you to Graphic 45 for your consideration of me becoming a member of your design team this year!

Cheers!

Monique

The music in the video is titled "Ice and Chilli" by Ghost, and was obtained from ccmixter.org and is available for use under the Creative Commons Noncommercial Sampling Plus License.

Say What?!?!?!

Holy cow!  I don't believe it!  I posted my "Gypsy Market" kit for sale so late last night I was nodding off at my computer...AND it sold by the time I woke up this morning!

If you caught a glimpse of the video and are disappointed that you didn't get to it fast enough...don't worry.  I will be creating more kits in the future.  I'm thinking my next project will be using the 7 Gypsies "Off the Wall" paper, and I just may be able to create more than one kit for sale.

Like I said in one of my previous posts, this is a new venture for me.  I will slowly ramp up and see how it goes.  Thank you to everyone for their very kind comments and support :)

Cheers!

Gypsy Market Mini Album & Kit For Sale...

I've had some feedback on the Moulin Rouge kit that I posted for sale last month, and would like to try something a little different this month.  I put together another mini album kit using the absolutely scrumptious 7 Gypsies "Gypsy Market" paper stash...BUT, this time I created 2 kits, and used one to build my own album.  I made the album using the small Michaels "Celebrate It" bags, and based the design on Laura Denison's "fold over paper bag" mini album with her "stack the deck" binding method.  Check it out:

You can view the full album by clicking on the following link and watching my YouTube video of the mini:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CXoMdrCv6I

If you're at all interested in purchasing the kit I have available, please click on the "Patterns & Such" tab at the top of this page.  A detailed description and photos of what is available in the kit will be given there.  In addition to the supplies for the kit, I will email a pdf document with detailed pictures of my completed mini album if you're looking for a little extra inspiration.  I will not be including instructions on how to build the album itself, as it is not my original design.  If you're looking for help on building the pages and binding system, please go check out Laura's videos by clicking on the following links.

Laura's "Stack the Deck" binding system:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Z_6pe2ZhDI

Laura's "Fold Over Paper Bag" mini album:

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/19701928

You can also purchase a pattern from Laura by visiting her website at:

http://www.followthepapertrailwithlaura.com/

Cheers!

Testing, Testing..."Moulin Rouge" Kit for Sale

So I thought I would try something a little different.  I figured that it's time to share some of my stash...I know...crazy, eh?  Sooooo...I put together this mini album kit for sale to see what the response would be like.

This kit is packed with absolutely everything you could possibly need to build a mini album...except your tools and adhesives, of course.  Check it out:

Here's a little closer look:

The kit includes:

• 21 - 6" x 6" Moulin Rouge single-sided papers
• 6 - Moulin Rouge notecards
• 6 - 6" x 6" coordinating cardstock
• 6 - 5-1/2" x 8-1/2" neutral cardstock (black, kraft, and manilla)
• 6 - No. 6 coin envelopes
• 2 - 2-1/2" x 4" mini paper bags
• 6 - No. 8 shipping tags
• 2 - No. 4 shipping tags
• 2 - No. 1 shipping tags
• 4 - 1-11/16" x 2-3/4"marking tags
• 2 - ephemera
• 1 - Tim Holtz journalling tag
• 2 - Tim Holtz adage tickets
• Medium weight chipboard covers, spine and die cuts
• 18' of various laces, ribbons, fibers, pearls, and sequin
• 9 - leaves (variety)
• 14 -various I am Roses flowers
• 16 - various mulberry scrapbooking flower petals
• 2' of 22 ga. wire
• 2 - stick pins
• 25 - various glass beads and swarovski crystals
• 26 - various metal findings and jump rings
• 1 - pkg of 36 eyelets c/w setter
• 20 - various charms (some metal, some beaded)
• variety of small paper clips, pins, and brads

For a closer look, you can click on the following link to access my YouTube video showing the kit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSnWp6X1hsQ

There will only be one of these kits available, so act fast if you're interested.  All you have to do is click on the "Patterns & Such" tab at the top of this blog.  You will be able to access all pricing information, and be able to pay for the kit via PayPal there.

 If I receive a favourable response, I will definitely be posting more kits for sale.  I am also open to suggestions.  If you're looking for a particular theme, or would prefer fewer items to create a less expensive kit, please send me an email by clicking the "Contact Me" tab above.

Cheers!

1000 YT Subscriber giveaway WINNER!!!

Thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway draw!!!

Check out my YouTube video to see who won the draw:



So what next???  ...I had a week off work and cranked out a ton of tutorial videos (most that still need to be edited).  Just click on the "Sneak Peak" tab at the top of this page to see what I've been up to.

1000 YouTube Subscriber Giveaway!!! *CLOSED*

Thanks to everyone's support, I'm almost up to 1000 subscribers on my YouTube channel...I can't believe it!  Please go check out my YouTube channel to see all the goodies I'll be giving away:
http://www.youtube.com/user/ButterBeeScraps?feature=mhee

As usual, the draw is open to internationals; however, I do have to ship overseas via ground transport, so it will take up to 3 months to receive the package.  If you're okay with that, please feel free to enter the draw.

Each person can gain up to 5 chances to win.  Here's how:

1. Leave a comment on my "1000 Subby Giveaway" video on my YouTube channel AND be a subscriber to my YouTube channel.
2. Leave a comment on this blog post AND be a follower of my blog.
3. Post a video response to my "1000 Subby Giveaway" video to let all your friends know, and I will enter your name into the draw 3 additional times!

The draw will remain open until January 1st, or until I reach 1000 subscribers...whichever is the latest.  Thanks and good luck!

An Update and A Merry Christmas to All!

Well, I feel I've dropped the ball a bit on my newest pattern.  I'm sure many of you are in the same boat - frantically scrapbooking your way to creating a bunch of gifts for your loved ones for Christmas, and not quite getting everything you had hoped accomplished.  I've finally drawn the line, and pulled the plug...I'm as ready for Christmas as I'll ever be.

My plans for January include first cleaning up the incredible mess in my scrapbook room - oh yeah, I know you all can relate!  Then it's back to the pattern I enticed everyone with over two months ago...a vintage musical themed mini.  You'll be happy to know that the mini album is complete, and I am about half done the box.  I hope to release the pattern by mid-February, so I hope you all stay tuned.

For now, however, I am going to kick back and relax with my spiced rum and egg-nog, and wish all of you a very merry Christmas, and a spectacular new year!  Cheers!

Pink Minis for a Cure 2011 Silent Auction

Laura Denison is holding a silent auction to raise money to benefit the Susan G Komen Foundation through the Passionately Pink for a Cure Program.  Bidding will start on October 30th, and will continue through to November 5th.  To view all of the minis up for auction, and to place bids on any of the albums, please go to the pink minis website by clicking on the button on the sidebar of my blog, or by clicking on the following link:
http://www.pinkminis2011.blogspot.com/

I have donated one album that will be up for auction.  Please go check out the pink mini blog for pictures, or view a complete video by visiting my YouTube channel at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIVXJyQBPNk

Thank you to everyone for your support :)

Think Vintage and Music...

So, you've seen my vintage camera and vintage chuck wagon mini albums...what next?  Well...if you like the vintage style and you like music, you'll love my next project!!!  I don't want to give too much away, but stay tuned and I may just post a few sneak peaks here on my blog :)

YouTube 750 Subby Giveaway WINNER!!!

Thank you sooooo much to everyone for their comments and interest in my channel and blog.  Due to the incredibly positive response to my giveaway in the last week, I added a second kit to give away.  therefore, there are two names that I drew last night.

The winners are...my3girlz602 AND bearynice2u...congratulations!!!

I hope everyone has a great weekend :)

YouTube 750 Subby Giveaway!!!

Well, I missed the mark a bit (I actually hit 750 YT subscribers a few days ago), but I don't care - I'm in the mood to give something away :)

So, here's the deal...you have up to 3 chances to win:

1. Leave a comment on this post and become a follower of my blog;
2. Leave a comment on my "750 Subby Giveaway" YT video and be a subscriber to my channel;
3. Create a video response to my "750 Subby Giveaway" YT video directing other YouTubers to visit my channel and telling them about the giveaway.

So...what am I giving away, you ask?  I've put together a small kit that includes the following items:

• 12 - 6x6 MME double-sided papers (Lost & Found - Madison Ave)
• coordinating cardstock
• #6 coin envelopes (3-3/8" x 6")
• a variety of tags in different sizes
• I Am Roses flowers and leaves
• ribbon, lace, and fibers
• metal hardware, charms, brads, and beads
• bling
• Sizzix Originals "Frames, Stamp Combo" die
• your choice of one of my patterns

Here's a couple of pictures of what you'll receive:

 

To see what I am giving away in more detail, you can click on the following link to view the YouTube video I have posted:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfirjDyBE_U

This giveaway is open to anyone...internationals are welcome; however, please understand that shipping costs overseas is extremely expensive, so I will have to ship via surface mail, which can take up to 3 months to reach its destination.  if you don't mind the wait, please feel free to enter :)

This giveaway will be open until 9:00 pm Pacific Standard time (PST) on Friday, Octeber 14th.  Thank you so much for all your support, and good luck to everyone!!