Label Tulip Blog

November Pages

2009-12-22T21:31:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share my November pages here on the blog with you, until Jennnifer is able to get them all posted up on the main page.

I really loved this kit, and it was quite fun to make these pages!

Thanks for looking!

I hope you have a great day. :)

November Kit MiniBook

2009-12-22T21:22:00.000-08:00

I made a little mini book using the November kit and I thought I would share all the details here with you.

The main book pages were cut using my Making Memories Slice machine. The 4 inch setting is perfect for a little book like this:

I think minibooks are a great way to use up your scraps and to try out techniques or page sketches before you commit to something larger like a 12x12 layout.

I hope you have fun crafting!

Watch Label Tulip on PAPERCLIPPING LIVE Tonight!

2009-12-01T16:46:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone! Here's a quick note to catch Label Tulip on Paperclipping Live tonight at 8:30EST, 7:30CST. I'll be on to show off the new November kit, talk about some reallllly cool changes coming up (Design Team?), and to even show a few of my own humble pages (and believe me, they ARE humble!).

As a little hint, give yourself a few extra minutes to set up your computer to make sure you can catch the show from the very beginning. Hope to see you there!

November Kit Reveal

2009-11-16T11:24:00.001-08:00

For important information from Jennifer regarding shipping updates, PLEASE CLICK HERE AND READ THIS POST.

Hurray! It is time for the November Kit reveal!

This month's kit is called Silver and Gold.

Isn't it lovely? There are so many possibilities with all of this pretty product! Here is the full list of products included with the November kit:

Patterned Papers
- Prima -- Blooming Retro -- Cotton Clouds
- Prima -- Blooming Retro -- Apple Tree
- Prima -- Blooming Retro Cocoa
- Cosmo Cricket Nutmeg Maple
- Cosmo Cricket Nutmeg Cinnamon
- Cosmo Cricket Nutmeg Clove
- Cosmo Cricket Nutmeng Autumn
- Cosmo Cricket Nutmeng Elements Journal and Picture Cards

Specialty Paper- Hambly Transparency Woodgrain in Aqua

Embellishments
- American Crafts -- Thickers, Glass Slipper, Mint
- Making Memories -- Copper Charms -- Nature
- Making Memories -- Specialty Paint Glaze, Silver
- American Crafts -- Zing Glitter, Gold
- Tattered Angels -- Glimmer Mist -- Coffee Shop
- Prima -- Say it in Studs -- Amber and Gold
- Prima -- Paper Flowers -- Bloomin' Retro
- Making Memorires -- Paperie Brads -- Mocha

Etsy Extra- The Scrappy Shack -- Original Die Cut Custom-made for our kit!

And of course there are beautifully coordinating cardstocks available....
- American Craft Cardstock: Butter, Chocolate, Cranberry, Mint Aqua

And a special add-on called Snowflake Sparkle!

Isn't it pretty? I can definitely see myself making something a little special with this one. Here are the contents:
- Tattered Angels -- Marshmallow Glimmer Mist
- Tattered Angels -- Masks, Winter Crystals
- Creative Imaginations -- Velvet Red Medallion Snowflakes by Christine Adolplh
-Creative Imaginations -- Christine Adolph Ruby Gem Brads

I am super excited to get to play with these kits!

November kits should begin shipping as normal this month, starting between the 20th and 24th of this month.

More information on this month's challenge will be available soon.

And again, if you have experienced any problems with billing or shipping with prior orders, or if you simply have a question, please email info@labeltulip.com.

Have a great day!

An Important Message

2009-11-12T09:37:00.000-08:00

Hello Label Tulip customers and friends! I am deeply sorry for the time it has taken me to communicate to everyone -- I know many of you have tried to contact me and have been unable to do so. I have been sick for quite some time and unable to look at myself type on the computer -- I saw a dr on Monday and although I need testing to confirm it, he thinks I have Meniere's Disease, a form of motion sickness. I have been taking Dramamine for several days now and it seems to be working. Thank goodness! I have had a lot to catch up on but can assure you that by the end of this weekend, everything will be on time. I have also hired someone to help me kit and ship each month; in retrospect I should have done this when I took over, but I wasn't sure if I would need the help or not -- part of the learning curve in taking over a new business!

The October Kits are shipping out today and tomorrow. I had a usps pickup scheduled for Monday but the postman did not show. Although members are billed between the 10th and the 14th, kits normally ship between the 20th and the 24th of each month -- this gives our customers enough time to add any additional add-ons or products you might want for a minimal additional fee for shipping. So, I'm running about 2 weeks late on the shipment and I truly apologize for that and greatly appreciate your patience and understanding. If you are still uncertain about Label Tulip's schedule, or if you would like to see additional dates, please visit http://www.labeltulip.com/schedule.shtml

November kits are on time and scheduled to be released on the 15th, with our customer-only pre-release scheduled for the 14th. November kits will be shipped during regularly scheduled shipping dates, 20th-24th.

This message will be posted on our message boards as well. I again appreciate everyone's patience and understanding throughout this month as I've struggled to figure out what is going on, it has been a hard month and I feel so bad that many of you have not been replied to in a timely manner. I can assure you that this will not continue to happen.

Many Thanks and Hugs,
Jennifer

**Update
There have been a few questions regarding the September kits: All of the September kits have been shipped; if you have not received your September kit or a shipping notice regarding your kit, please email us and let us know at info@labeltulip.com Thanks!

A quick tip.

2009-11-06T05:44:00.001-08:00

It’s no secret that I love misting, spraying or whatever the formal term is. Any colored liquid, I’m not picky and if it does not already come in a spray bottle I will put it in one for sure!

I have been known to stay up until the wee hours of the morning working away in my studio.

It is my quiet time, a time that I can have un-interrupted with my i-tunes or Pandora to listen to in the background.

When I started to really have a love affair with inks and spray bottles I ran into a little situation, especially when it was one or two o’clock in the morning.

I would be working on a project, wanting to add that extra little touch with my inks, but not wanting to go outside to “spray”.

This dilemma went on for a couple of weeks before a little light bulb went off in my head on how to accomplish using a spray bottle inside the house without getting

it all over the place. I use this box.

Now, it does not even have to be in the middle of the night when I use this box. These are the October Label Tulip layouts that I sprayed inside the box.

I would love to know what your “spraying” tips are.

Loves.

Tulip Girl

Dedra Long

Re-visiting a layout or project....

2009-11-03T20:34:00.000-08:00

I hope I'm not the only one out there that can look at a layout and know something is "missing". Recently I created a layout that I felt was just not quite "there" yet. It was for a challenge site and it was one of those times I had to just walk away and e.mail it the way it was.

Now, let me say I totally agree with the saying that sometimes we should embrace the imperfections we might see. I do it on a frequent basis. But, we are telling OUR story and I say, if you feel as though your story is incomplete, go ahead and finish it up!

I would walk by this layout everyday and it finally "hit" me. I knew what I needed to do to make the story complete. I'm the type of person that expresses my feelings with words (hence, the LOVE I have with song lyrics). Words can evoke deep feelings for me.

Here is the layout before:

Here is the completed layout:

On the updated version of this layout I stamped onto the tags and added them off to the side of the photo. Having such meaningful phrases and words next to Jon and I hit just the right spot.

I never "re-visit" layouts but having done so with this one, if I feel a story just isn't quite told yet I will be looking at the layout/project again.
So, do you re-visit layouts or projects, adding little details here and there that support your story after you thought it was complete?

Loves.
Tulip Girl
Dedra Long

Happy Halloween!!!!

2009-10-31T17:07:00.000-07:00

It's Halloween YAY!
.....so I thought I'd bring you all a very special TREAT! :)

Take a look at this AWESOME technique by our very own Leslie Ashe! She created an AMAZING LO, that is LOADED with techniques to do and try! I know I will be! :)

Now...I hope you all have a wonderful and SAFE time tonight what ever you are doing on this Halloween night! :)
xo
Loves,
Kimberly

More Halloween goodies for you...

2009-10-30T06:29:00.001-07:00

I'm sure many of you are getting ready for Trick or Treating tomorrow! Unfortunately, we are supposed to get rain for Halloween. We might be trick-or-treating at the mall this year! Here's hoping for a dry day for you.

If you need to make some last minute cards, check out these cute vintage postcards:

www.astheclevercrowflies.com

www.silvercollectblog.com

http://z.hubpages.com

www.clevercrow.com

www.silvercollectblog.com

And check out these fun spinners! These would be fun using the die cut web paper that was in one of the add-0n kits this month!

Have a safe and happy Halloween!
Danielle

Lollipop bouquet...

2009-10-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

It's not too late to create a quick and easy Halloween gift for those special people in your life! How about a Lollipop Bouquet? I made this one with Dream Street's new Superstition line of chipboard, papers and rub ons.I found a box at the craft store and covered with paper, added chipboard around the top of the box and a "trick or treat" rub on. Next, I inserted some floral foam down into the box (you can glue it in with a hot glue gun) and covered the top with some webbing. Lastly, I poked the lollipops into the foam. You can add little signs as I did here by adhering little chipboard sayings to bamboo skewers.
To create the lollipop creatures:
1. Spider - Cut a circle from the patterned paper about 2 1/2 inches around. Distress edges. Punch 2 small circles in the lower body of the spider to slide lollipop through. Add chipboard photo corners for legs with glue dots adhered to the back of the body. Lastly, punch hole in the chipboard tag and tie it onto the lollipop with a bit of twine.
2. Ghost - Cut a ghost shape from patterned paper. Punch 2 small circles from black paper for the eyes. Punch 2 small holes near bottom of ghost to insert the lollipop stick. Cut "beware" strip from patterned paper and attach to bottom of ghost. Add chipboard piece to ghost.
You can just poke these little guys into the foam and they are a cute addition. Or you can make the lollipop creatures just how they are to hand out to the children at school!
Danielle

Create your own ribbon flowers...

2009-10-27T06:10:00.000-07:00

I've recently discovered how to create ribbon flowers, and can't stop making them now! I want to attach them to everything...pages, cards, sweaters....you name it!
Let me show you how:
1. Cut any width of ribbon about 12" long or so. The ribbon I used is 1 and 1/2" wide.
2. Thread a needle with embroidery floss. You can use any color of floss, because it will not show.
3. Run needle up and down all the way along the length of the ribbon about 1/2" from the edge. Leave a tail of floss at each end.4. Pull the floss and gather the ribbon up into a circle.5. Overlap ends of ribbon. Tie ends of floss in a knot very tightly. Trim extra floss away.
6. Add a button to the center, if you wish. I use glue dots to adhere the button to the flower. You can also sew them on if you wish.

Here is the finished page:I attached the flower to the large tag and journaled underneath.
Hope you enjoyed this little tutorial. Have a great day,
Danielle

Picture This

2009-10-23T15:28:00.000-07:00

So often you find yourself using the same picture on a layout. Or well okay I do ha ha. I tend to do that because I love to edit my pictures and or playing around with different softwares I have such as Photoshop Elements 7, Adobe Lightroom 2 and CS3. I try and also find quicker ways to play with photo's when I have no time.

One website I love love to use alot especially when I am designing my blog, playing with photos and just need a quick watermark is Picnik. I love Picnik. Honestly I use to use Big Huge Labs for all my mosaic tile pics but now I go to Picnik for everything. You can also use Picasa 3.

Here is an example of a mosaic photo of Elijah using Picnik the washes I used were Cross Process and 1960's option (fading the tint in and out as I wanted):

Now below I took some of the same pictures and used the duo-tone option in Picnik to play with the colors depending on what papers I wanted to use and or what I plan on doing with the layout especially when using sketches.

So remember there is so much you can do with photos and layouts. Especially if you do not own some of the pricier photo editing softwares . . go and use the free ones. Now I will say this yes Picnik is free but you can use ALL the options for a small fee for the entires year under $30.

Happy Editing.
Sasha Holloway
Tulip Girl

See and Scrap ...

2009-10-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

What draws you in to a layout?

Is it the scrapbooker themselves?

The style that they use to do their pages?

I often find myself drawn to the style and or just overall scheme of it all .. there are so many talented ladies out there in my opinion that you have no time to follow a name. I honestly look at the layout, I gasp and shake my head in amazement and then I look to see who this diva is that has completely left me speechless .. of course I am a fan of many .. but I am open minded to the fact that everyone has a different interpretation of expression using paper and glue dots.

Take this month's kit for example:

we all received the same kit .. but what amazes me is how we all had a different take on the same paper .. and each produced great layouts that are still inspiring and incredible. The team is so diverse that each style expressed a different vision but left you feeling and or having the same emotion.
So what is your take on a layout? Do you feel revived and refreshed when you receive that new kit in the mail and you just take in a deep breathe and start creating .. or do you get nervous and take a step back before you indulge in the goodness .. how often do you find yourself saying .. dang I wish I could scrap like her?

Once you realize you can and stay true to who you are .. you will find and keep the fun in creating and still feel good about what you did .. no matter how many papers you can fit on one layout.

Just remember no matter what you think .. have fun creating for YOU!

Later this week I will discuss bringing life to pictures .. until then I am on quarters for 2 days with the flu.

xoxo
Sasha Holloway
Tulip Girl

Card Festival...

2009-10-17T18:18:00.000-07:00

Hey all,
I hope you are enjoying your weekend! I just wanted to stop in and mention that there is an add-on kit available with the main kit called Card Festival. For those of you who are not into cards, don't worry, it's not JUST a card kit. This is a 12 x 12 add-on kit that goes with the main kit that you can use for pages ~ but as a bonus when you purchase this kit ~ you will receive free directions and patterns for 4 cards made by me. Included are extra tips, ideas, and title/sentiment ideas as well! Let me share some of the cards and ideas with you...

Included are some cute felt flowers and new KI Memories chipboard! Here I cut the flowers into a point to create hearts and turned the little arrow die cut edges into houses.
On the "Special to Me card", I wanted to use all of these patterns, since they were so adorable. I decided to use the blank spot for the rest of the sentiment...
On this card, I will explain how to use your computer to print a sentiment very easily onto a scrap of patterned paper...
And last, but not least a little shaped card! The pattern will be included along with a ton of other fall sentiments that you can use on this card and tips for machine stitching...
Hurry and grab one today HERE before they are gone!
Danielle

Gallery Favorites: October

2009-10-16T10:52:00.000-07:00

What an amazing reveal! I wanted to pick some favorites of mine to share with you! If you'd like to pick some favorites too, I'd love to hear about them!

From Sasha's Gallery:

Sasha is an amazing scrapper. And she certainly has a huge fan in me. I loved everything in her gallery, but this one has to be my fave! That cluster of embellishments and circles is just too awesome!

From Leslie's Gallery:

Lovely Leslie. How much do I love the bow she tied around her layout?! So much! Great design! Great execution! Just awesome!

From Lain's Gallery:

The title is genius. I love the way the uneven letters echo the sentiment of the layout, plus it's a clever way to get a long title on a page. So cool!

From Kimberly's Gallery:

This layout makes me feel so calm and serene. I adore the stitched ribbon frame. And the way she cut up those clouds and used them...wow! This is one of those utterly perfect layouts. I especially love the brads drifting through the sky in the upper right corner!

From my (Julie's) Gallery:

I think this is my favorite layout just because I managed to turn a problem into a solution. I really, really wanted to type my journaling. But my typewriter won't take anything wider than 8.5 inches. So, I cut out the center of the paper and cut it down so it would fit in the typewriter. I added a piece of red cardstock behind it, before I reinserted it in the center!

From Dedra's Gallery:

Um...have you seen that handmade flower? Seriously! It's AMAZING! And her handwriting is some of the coolest I've ever seen! I love it! Plus, who doesn't love a vertical title?! I do!!!

From Danielle's Gallery:

This card blew me out of the water. I mean, I know that Danielle is a master cardmaker, but wowza! Those puffy hearts are cut from flowers!!!! That is the coolest thing ever! By the way, don't forget that you can buy the card kit and get Danielle's instructions for free! What a deal!

From Charity's Gallery:

Charity is one of the most innovative and clever scrappers around. I'm always impressed with her cool projects and this one is no exception. These lunch bags just made me swoon! They are too too cute! I want someone to pack my lunch in one of them!

From Amy's Gallery:

I'm a sucker for spray ink. LOVE that bold yellow splash of color! And the clever bowling ball in the title just made me smile!

I love the bright colors and bold patterns from this kit! All the layouts are so amazing! Be sure to choose your favorites too!

Sneak-a-Palooza

2009-10-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

Oh, baby, have the Tulip Girls been busy! The October kit reveal is almost here and have I got sneak peeks for you!

From Danielle:

From Charity:

From me (Julie):

From Kimberly:

Only one more day left until the big reveal! I can't wait to share!

2009-10-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is having a great Monday and that at least some of you got to enjoy a day off from work today -- what did you do? I have been busy busy busy playing catch up here at Label Tulip headquarters (i.e., "home")! My 19 month old caught my Swine Flu, UGH, *and* it went into pneumonia for her. It definitely put life on hold for us for a few days -- she had to do breathing treatments to stay out of the hospital. I really appreciate everyone's well-wishes, Label Tulip has the sweetest members around! I also want to extend a special thank you to our International customers for your amazing patience in awaiting the September kits; the final ones are being sent out tomorrow and you will be receiving a tracking number (if you haven't already!). And let me just say, this "late shipping" incident was definitely "first month snafus" and it will *not* happen again. And how could it? There's no way I could keep the October Kits in my hands any longer than possible...they are SO CUTE!

...Card Kits! To tempt your tummies and tickle your scrappy fingers on this Monday, I have a little something to share with you. As you may recall, when I first came on board Label Tulip I announced one of our new additions would be a Card Kit and October is our first month! Our Card Kits will be "lead" by Danielle, one of our most expert card-makers. Along with heading up a Card Kit club with another kit club no longer in operation, Danielle has been published numerous times for her adorable yet practical cards that she hand-makes. The kits will contain *everything* you need to make many cards, and you will also be provided access to our online forum where Danielle will have pictures and instructions for many cards that you can make for yourself. The instructions are exclusive only to those that purchase the kit and will be available online for access at anytime. So, for anyone feeling like you might not be very good at making cards or you need a little assistance, it's right there online anytime you need it -- the cards are yours to duplicate! One of the greatest aspects of the Card Kits is that they will be versatile enough for scrapbooking layouts as well -- the kits will contain 12x12 cardstock so that you could just as easily create a layout as you could a greeting card, but I think once you see how adorable Danielle's cards are, you're going to get card-fever!

So, now, to the good stuff....here's a little sneak peek of what you'll be getting:

Oh my gosh, can ya stand it? And when you see how Danielle came up with such an original card, you will be amazed at how easy it will be to make your very own! I really hope you will enjoy October's Card Kit and those months to come; November will be very very special because we will be featuring a Holiday Card Kit and Danielle will have plenty of quick and easy ideas for you to hand make cards before the big holiday!

...Newsbreak! Keep your ears open for Label Tulip on the net during November! I can't announce anything official yet, but I should in about a week be able to tell you that we'll be featured on two web interviews -- how exciting to be able to talk about my new baby to some new, and hopefully existing, listeners.

...Contest! Don't forget that each and every month we have a "Challenge" and the winner of that challenge receives a $10 gift certificate to Label Tulip. IN ADDITION, we decided that we'd also like to feature our Challenge winner on the blog and in our newsletter as well! Look for more information in the Challenges forum!

In closing, I'd again like to thank everyone for such a warm welcome to Label Tulip. My first month was crazy, fun, stressful, emotional, and most of all -- exciting! I am so glad to be here and to be at your service; I appreicate your patience while I took my "baby steps" and I hope that you'll be even more happy with each kit.

Hugs,
Jennifer

The haps at Label Tulip

2009-10-05T23:55:00.000-07:00

Well hello there!

The beginning of the month is always an exciting time for Label Tulip. Namely because of the sneak peek for the new kit! I love seeing the new kit sneak peeks.

What? You haven't seen them yet? Well, you better get on over to the main page and check them out!

Looking super cute and fun to play with!

Also, if you haven't signed up for the newsletter, I highly reccomend that you do (on the bottom of the main LT page). Our fantabulous new Tulip Girl Coordinator Julie just rocked out a new design and it looks great!

Another benefit of the newsletter is that in addition to getting all the pipin hot LT news and updates, you get to find out who our Etsy Extra Artist is (a very cool one this month) as well as our guest designer!

And don't forget about our monthly challenge! September's challenge info is here. Remember you have until the 20th of October to play along.

And that's the haps for today. Hope your week is going well!

Patience is a Virtue -- albeit a hard one to endure!

2009-10-03T02:29:00.001-07:00

Hey there you wonderful, talented, Label Tulip ladies! I can't believe it has been so long since I have blogged because usually I blog every few days, but you know, I haven't been feeling well the past few days. I blew it off to some other health issues I have, but when I brought my daughter in to the dr today with the sniffles and a fever, I got some bad news -- I have the H1N1 virus (otherwise known as swine flu)!! Can you believe this?! Now,the good news is that it's not nearly as bad as the flu's I've had in the past, but I must say that I'm still feeling pretty crummy and my body aches.

So, here's the good news...ALL the October merchandise except for my Prima flowers which will be here tomorrow are sitting here in my house ready to be kitted and sent to you. Gals, you are going to love love love it...we are going with a Festival theme this month and are also introducing Danielle's card kit club so it's a BIG month for us.

That being said, it IS a big month for us! This is my first month billing/shipping and as many of you know, I've had some setbacks with shipping...not necessarily setbacks, they're just taking a lot longer than I thought. I need a thermal printer (the inkjet literally takes 10 times as long to print a shipping label)! I have posted about this in the blogs, forums, everywhere I could think of to tell you how absolutely embarrassed and wretched I feel that your kits are running about a week late this month. I promise to you, I vow, that this will not happen again.

Speaking of setbacks, I have decided to move reveal day back 2 days. This is mostly in order to give the Tulip Girls the fair amount of time that they need to complete their amazing projects for the Gallery. I owe it to them to have enough time to work on the kits, and since I can't ship til Monday, well, I felt it was only fair. PLEASE NOTE: This will NOT affect October shipping!! It will be on time!

It is my first month and there is so much to running a kit club it's unbelievable -- I feel like I have earned an entire college degree in one month! But I have met each challenge with vigor and confidence and I know that I can get done what needs to get done, I just need a few more days. I am so proud of my September kit, my first "little baby", but I have to tell you girls, the October kits blow it away. More paper selections, more embellies, and AMAZING Etsy artist, wow, it's just awesome. So get ready for some really fun Halloween scrappin'!!!

Once again I want to say how AWESOME all of you have been in your kindness, prayers, and understanding regarding the shipping issues. I can't believe how amazing LT's customers are and I have really enjoyed chatting with so many of you. In closing, b/c I've eaten so much time here, don't forget a few new things: we have new tulip girls!; there's 2 contests going on right now, did you know about them? (check the blog!), and get ready for a super October!!

As always, I'd love to hear any comments or feedback from you, feel free to email me at info@labeltulip.com

HUGS!
Jennifer
ps -- this will be reprinted on the forums ;)

September gallery reveal favorites!

2009-09-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, I realize it's been over a week since the September kit gallery was revealed... BUT ... it's like a tradition here at Label Tulip to highlight a few gallery favorites so here I go! Also, the two add-on kits are not sold out yet so you may want to check them out!

First, our guest designer for September, Tina- 1995 Wiser.
Love the design with the large white strip of journaling, small photo and pops of color! perfect~

Holly's thankful card just puts me in a Fall mood! Love the pretty layering!

Anabelle's hey girl- gorgeous design and just look at the intricate cutting work she did!

Christina- 18. - Amazing work. I love how she took apart the large Prima flower and used it on this page! Ingenious!

Dani- Kiss Me. I'm such a sap about men and their children. This page is sweetness and beautiful design rolled into one!

Julie- Day Dusk Dark. Love the photo progression here and fun design!

Kimberly- Poppy's rule. What a gorgeous page with the pink and all those amazing butterflies!

Leslie- dear Leslie. Love the techniques and layering on here! So much eye candy!

Be sure to check out the Challenge area for this months challenge, member lift, close ups of the projects and lots of fun tips!

Also, be on the look out for some little hints at October's kit!

Paper Wreath Tutorial!

2009-09-29T05:54:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! A sweet lady showed me this simple way to fold a punched circle at CHA... she showed me how I could make a flower from the folded circles. I have since had this idea pop into my head. I went out the other day and got everything I needed for this project. The beauty of this project is that it's not really that difficult and it can be changed based on the holiday or season. You could make a valentine wreath, easter wreath, halloween wreath, fall, etc. by simply changing the color/pattern of the paper you choose and changing the embellishments you use... maybe some easter eggs for easter or some stars for the fourth of july!

First, the finished product:

OK.
here's what you need:
1. Patterned Papers (you need at least 2 sheets and possibly more if your wreath is large)
2. Styrofoam wreath (I used a small one - aprox 8.5 inches across). I also chose a white wreath but you could probably save time by getting one of the green colored ones.
3. Paint- if you need to paint your syrofoam
4. Hole punch (mine is 1 3/8")
5. Mounting double sided tape (or your favorite craft glue)
6. Brads, sequins or embellishments of choice
7. Straight pins
8. ribbon

I used Piggy Tales patterned papers, Creative Imaginations brads and flowers. Making Memories leaf straight pins, WRMK glittered brads.

Instructions:
I painted my white syrofoam green with pebbles inc acrylic paint and allowed it to dry completely.
Cut many, many circles from patterned paper using your hole punch. Then, fold them all...

If you want to hang your wreath with a ribbon then start by tying and securing your ribbon around your wreath.
Cut your mounting tape into thin strips (I found that the scotch mounting strips I was using were too thick). Place the folded circles inside one another and mount onto foam wreath. Cover the entire wreath with folded circles as seen.

Next, embellish away. I found that I needed to add a bit of adhesive to the base of some of my brads to make sure they stayed in place. Then I used straight pins to pin my "poinsettia" flowers in place up at the top. Hang and enjoy!

As far as storage goes- My wreath is small enough that I carefully placed it in a gallon ziploc storage bag. Just make sure the wreath isn't placed under something that could squish the leaves.

Be sure to show me your creation if you choose to make one of these!

Card Kits are coming to Label Tulip!

2009-09-28T05:20:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

As you may have heard, Jennifer and I have decided to put together

card kits that you can purchase monthly here at Label Tulip! The card kits will begin next month in October and are just going to be sold as an add-on kit right now. No subscription needed! You pick and choose which card kits you want to buy. This kit is going to feature 12x12 papers, so please feel free to use it for layouts, or anything your heart desires to create. However, a bonus that you get when you purchase this kit is a full set of directions including photos and patterns to make 4 cards created by me! You will NOT need to purchase the directions separately. Upon purchase, you will be sent a code to go on-line and obtain the directions.

I wanted to show you a sample or two of what you will get with your card kit, so here are directions for two cards that I made last month with the add-on kits!

Hi Butterfly card:

Cut pink paper from kit 6” x 9 ½”. Fold in half for card base.
Attach 2 butterfly stickers near top of card base. Cut around butterflies, cutting the extra paper away (see photo).

Cut purple paper 4 ½” x 4 ½”. Cut floral paper with butterflies on it 4 ¼” x 4 ¼”. Attach to purple paper.
Cut a 5 ½” length piece of the Prima flower sprig and adhere to card with glue dots. Attach a piece of the felt leaf sticker near the top also. Attach letter stickers to spell “hi” (or any sentiment you wish). Zig zag stitch under the sentiment with sewing machine.
Wrap finished front piece with ribbon and tie in a bow. Cut a tiny square of ribbon to attach to the dot of the I in “hi”.
Adhere finished card front to the card base.

Finished size: 6”high x 4 3/4” wide (with butterflies hanging off the top).

I *Heart* You card:

Fold green Prima packaging in half for card base. You may have to cut the bottom edges slightly to make the card stand up straight (the scallop on the bottom of the Prima packaging). Just trim straight across with scissors.
Cut kraft colored Prima packaging 4” x 3 ¼”. Brush edges with white paint. Zig zag stitch with sewing machine along the bottom left edge. (see photo above) Attach to card front.
Cut arrow using pattern that is included from the black floral paper. Fold ribbon over onto itself several times, every ½ inch or so. Tuck under edge of arrow and stitch onto arrow with sewing machine. Adhere a pearl to the point of the arrow. Attach finished arrow to card.
Pop out letters to spell “I” and “you”. Adhere them to the right edge of card, so they hang off the edge of the card.

Using a heart shaped punch from your supplies, punch red plaid paper into a heart shape. Tuck heart under kraft paper and adhere between “I” and “you”.

Finished size: 4 ¾” x 4 ¾”. (with everything hanging off the edges.)

We hope you will enjoy the lower price point to these ($20-25). Please let us know if you have any wishes for particular items in the card kits as well!

Danielle

Label Tulip Kits...get SHIMMER(Z)--ized...

2009-09-27T00:33:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!!
I'm just here today to show you how much FUN I had using September's Label Tulip
kits with my favorite embellishment right now....spray on shimmer, paint on shimmer...
SHIMMERZ!

For instance...this layout:

I cut the large butterfly from the Hambly paper (in the add on kit) and
used temporary adhesive to hold it down as I sprayed Shimmerz (spritz)
on top of it, leaving the butterfly image. I sprayed the entire kraft (packaging)
paper and let it dry. (it dries really fast!) then I traced around the butterfly
and used it as my journal box. I also painted Shimmerz paint around the edges
for dimensional effect.

In this project:

I sprayed Shimmerz Spritz on the white frame I used for my fall art piece.

and for this layout:

I used Shimmerz paint to paint my letters and sprayed Spritz on top for more of a "shimmer" feel.

The gorgeous kit this month was so fun to play with and "Shimmer(z)" right UP!

I think I **might** have heard there **might** be some fun tutorials coming up?

Hmm.....

On that note...I hope your have a very Shimmer(z)-ized day as you tiptoe

through Label Tulip...

xoxo,

Leslie

Our New Design Team Coordinator and September Kit Info

2009-09-26T11:44:00.000-07:00

Hey there Tulip fans! I hope you all are having a GREAT weekend with your friends and family. After the torrential downpours of rain we've had lately, we actually have a beautiful, sunny, not-too-hot day here in Austin. Of course my daughter wants to go see "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs", but hey, at least it's family time!

Our New Design Team Coordinator!

As you know, I announced our new Tulip Girls on the 24th, but mysteriously, there was no mention of our new Design Team Coordinator. ;-) Well, that's because our new DTC deserves her own special day, dontcha think? Our previous DTC, Holly Hanks, has left Label Tulip after a year and a half to pursue some of her other interests, but I am pleased to announce that our *new* DTC is none other than Ms Julie Fei-Fan Balzer! I am sooooo excited and proud to have Julie as our new Coordinator, she's just the perfect fit. Julie hails from NYC and is one busy lady -- check out her bi o to read about all the amazing projects she's involved with on a daily basis. Due to our mutual love of the theater, arts, and scrapbooking, it makes me sad that we don't live closer because I know we'd be hanging out all the time! I have no idea how she finds time to scrap, but her designs are so edgy, original, and gorgeous. Julie has definitely earned this title and I hope all will give her a warm welcome as she "moves up" in the Label Tulip team. I am truly honored that she has accepted the position and am so lucky to have her!

Status on Kit Shipping
I also wanted to take a moment to update you on the September kits. Normally, as our schedule states, we ship anywhere from the 20th-24th of each month. Well gals, I have to tell you, out of *everything* that I have learned in the past month, billing and shipping are by far the hardest part of running Label Tulip. The kits will be shipped out no later than Monday (some are on their way out the door right now) and should arrive by the end of the week for sure. I really appreciate your patience and understanding during this crazy first month of owning Label Tulip. I want you to know I've had several moments where I've sat in front of the computer and just cried out of frustration; I feel so bad that the kits are late because I pride myself in delivering the highest quality merchandise in the highest quality way. I promise next month everything will be running smooth as buttah and your kits will be shipped during normal shipping dates. If you have any questions at all, you are always more than welcome to email me at info@labeltulip.com.

In closing I'd like to say that the October merchandise has begun to arrive and you all are going to be so THRILLED at what I have in store for you. There are 4, yes 4, different paper vendors in the main kit and the Etsy Extra has been handmade *especially* for our kit. And wait til you see the Card Kit that Dani is putting together -- to die for! It's so hard to keep the secret! I hope you all have a great weekend.

Hugs,
Jennifer

Announcing the New Tulip Girls!

2009-09-24T15:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's the moment you've been waiting for! Our new Label Tulip Design Team members have been chosen. Boy, was it a tough job! We had a total of 189 entries; unbelievable! I saw some of the most beautiful layouts ever, and it was soooooo hard in making this choice. In fact, even though we only had 2 spots open, I decided to create a third position because I liked one of our entrants so much and thought she'd be perfect to help me out. In addition to the 2 members that I will introduce you to below, we have a third member coming on as our Marketing Coordinator. This position was created so that the individual with the job can help spread the message of Label Tulip ("Your Scrapbook Home"), recruit new members to our message forums, assist with advertising, contests, and all in all in be a communication source for the Label Tulip team. I realized after owning the company for less than a month that I was going to need some serious help! I want to be able to communicate every day with all of our great subscribers and forum members, but I was running so low on time and energy because I was also busy spreading the Label Tulip message. With this new position, I'm now able to focus more on being here for YOU, our Label Tulip fans and customers. So, without further adieu, here are the new team members.......

Dedra Long | Tulip Girl with a heart

My name is Dedra Long and I live in Gilbert, Arizona. I'm married to the love of my life, Jon and we have a teenage daughter named Shelby and Ellie who is almost 7. I started scrapbooking in 1996 after my oldest daughter was born and then I stopped. I then started a candle making business with one of my best friends. We eventually got burned out (no pun intended. LOL!)

After being diagnosed with Stage III Cancer and the birth of our second daughter I remember walking into a craft store and picking up a magazine called Creating Keepsakes. I remember thinking: "This is how I can document our family and the love we share." "This is how my children will know who we are and what they mean to Jon and I." That was 2003 and I have been hooked ever since.

I have had the opportunity to participate on design teams both on.line and local scrapbook stores, as well as teach various classes.

My passion has always been creating and designing in my studio. I currently work at scrapbook.com and love it.

When I'm not in my studio I can be found making candles, traveling to little cities outside of Phoenix or shopping for antiques.

I have a SERIOUS LOVE for old cameras. My Grandmother gave me quite a few a couple of years ago. Needless to say I have them throughout our home.

One of the great things about this passion I have for scrapbooking is meeting such amazing, talented ladies that become friends. I'm so honored to be apart of the Label Tulip community.

Blog | Between Us

Sasha Holloway | Tulip Girl with some sass

... I was born overseas to Army parents that named me Sasha

.. I met and married my dream guy in the Air Force 23 yrs after that and we have 2 children

.. I am almost 4 scrappy years old at the age of 33 ..

So now that we have the particulars out the way .. I love to scrapbook for me and certain things for my kids. I honestly love to shop for the new papers out there and mix them all up with different lines and “make it work”. I consider my style free balling and very daring at times. I love to journal and write my real and true emotions down. I feel that not all scrapbooking topics have to be all fancy, clean and smoldered. I think and believe it is okay to be you and allow at times your soul to flow on paper with a little color.

I am currently stationed out here in NM and I am looking forward to moving back overseas in a few months to the UK. I have been very grateful for opportunities that the military has given our family and my previous life before my own kids. I have been to almost every country and I fluently speak 2 other languages. I do have 2 degree’s and wonder honestly which one I am going to eventually use. I am currently focusing on my Photography business that is literally 9 yrs in the making. I am definitely a keep it real kinda girl .. who at times could give a flying .. oh wait let me stop right there. As I was saying .. I tend to just be a little too honest for some.

I currently design for Graphic 45, Glitz and my new challenge blog Point Blank Period which I created for scrapbookers, art journalers and other artist of all kind to stop caring and just create and be free .. with no judgments. I have been a guest designer in the past for Making Memories, Noel Mignon, Creative Scrappers and next month October Afternoon. I am very honored and grateful to be a part of such a fabulous team of talented ladies and wonderful company. Thank You Label Tulip for the opportunity to do what I love .. while eating my Core Skittles and Hot Tamales .. oh and I dare you to touch my butterfly punch .. .. all the while creating.
Blog | SassySasha

Amy Coose | Label Tulip Marketing Coordinator with the 411

My name is Amy Coose and I am a transplanted Texan living in Virginia. I have a wonderful hubby who's put up with me for almost 14 years, a son Austin (see you can't take the Texas out of the girl) who's 10 and a daughter Georgia who is 8. I also have a very stubborn schnoodle named Lily. I have been scrapbooking for almost 10 years, and love what this hobby has become to me. I use it not only to preserve my memories, but also as a creative outlet, and I can't imagine going a day without it. I have met some wonderful people and made some amazing friendships through scrapbooking and I am truly thankful for that.

When I am not scrapping, which is not very often, I teach a preschool class a few days a week. I am addicted to coffee, seriously addicted, and I spend way too much time on the computer. I am thrilled to be a part of this adventure with Jennifer and the Tulip Girls and can't wait for all the fabulous things that Label Tulip is going to bring.
Blog | Amy Coose

Our Very Own Leslie Ashe is a Celebrity!!

2009-09-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

Hey Gals!
Just popping in to let you know that Leslie is being featured over at A Paper Life. She has a brand new Podcast interview where you can listen to her talk about all her scrapbook adventures, including her amazing work with Label Tulip. Leslie is so clever, smart, and articulate -- you don't want to miss it!

Click here to link to the interview and listen to the Podcast!

Design Team Call Confusion -- Deadline TONIGHT!

2009-09-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Ya'll!
So, my bad...that's what happens when I lay in the sun for a day -- my brain gets friend! I mistakenly said that the Design Team Call ends today instead of when it was supposed to end on Friday, but hey, that means it's your lucky ducky day! You have until 11:59PST tonight to get your submission in and we will be announcing the winner on Friday September 25th. I would announce the winner sooner, but ladies, I have over 100 design team submissions to review!! OMG, it's amazing! How am I ever going to chose? You all are the most talented bunch of gals out there, I wish I could take you all...but please, no matter what the results, continue to post in our gallery and remain a member of our forums; we have grown leaps and bounds in the past few weeks and there's such a sense of family and crazy art-making going on -- let's keep it up!!

Share Label Tulip With a Friend and WIN!

2009-09-20T21:05:00.000-07:00

**Don't forget deadline for Design Team Call is 9/21 11:59pm PST. Email: dtcall@labeltulip.com**

Hello Everyone and I hope you have had a GREAT weekend! After taking in a little summer sun, things are all a-buzz here at Label Tulip! The September kits sold out so fast and there are only a few cardstock and add-ons left -- hurry while they last! With an AMAZING October kit right around the corner (I spent the weekend planning the kit, it's amazing, 4 different varieties of paper, amazing embellies, you're going to LOVE IT!), the deadline for the Design Team Call ending tomorrow 9/21 at 11:59pm PST, and so many new ideas running around in my brain I want to introduce to the club, I thought maybe it's time to have a CONTEST and get some of these ideas goin'!!!

Yes, that's right, it's contest time. For the next 2 weeks, we are featuring the "Share Label Tulip With a Friend" contest. This contest has 2 ways to win, so please make sure you read carefully so you don't miss out on your chance to pick up one of these FABulous prizes!

1. Forum Freebie RAWK
--For every friend that you can encourage to sign up for and "play" around in our forums, both you and your friend will be eligible to win a Label Tulip RAWK (photo to be released later this week on the blog, but I promise you, it's a good one!). Here are the rules: when your friend signs up for the forums, please have them send me a PM with their name and your name. During the next 2 weeks, they must post at least 10 times in the forum; on October 5th, we will announce the winners and each one will receive the RAWK kit. So, for example, if you encourage your friend Jenny to sign up, Jenny will PM me with her name and yours after registering in the forums. You are eligible to win for each friend that enters. Our online community continues to grow leaps and bounds and this is just one more way we can share our wonderful Label Tulip Message Forums with as many friends as possible.

2. Have a Friend Subscribe and Receive a Free Subscription!
--This is a truly amazing giveaway! For every friend of yours that signs up for either a 3 month or 6 month subscription, you will be eligible to win your own 3 MONTH FREE SUBSCRIPTION in addition to your current! When your friend signs up, have her mention your name in the PayPal comments and you will be automatically entered to win. A few rules:
a) You must already be a kit subscriber to be eligible for your friend to sign up and for you to win the free extension
b) If your friend cancels the subscription, then your free extension will be canceled as well

What am amazing deal to get 3 EXTRA MONTHS of Label Tulip kits -- a value of $118!!!

Both of these contests end 10/5/2009 so get your friends' entries in as soon as possible.

Good luck to everyone and I can't wait to see who wins! Please feel free to leave your comments here, as I'm ALWAYS happy to hear from you all, I read every single comment you leave! I'm sooooo excited for October, you're doing to die when you see the kit!!

Hugs,
Jennifer

Butterfly headband tutorial...

2009-09-18T06:04:00.000-07:00

Hey, everyone! Have you visited the Label Tulip girls' gallery yet this month? Amazing creations by the team, and I'm always amazed at how different everyone's work is!

I wanted to share how I made the headband with the beautiful Etsy butterfly and gorgeous ribbon in the September kit. It's extremely easy and I really love the custom look.
I used a store bought headband and a hot glue gun! I simply wrapped the ribbon around the headband, hot gluing a little bit at a time and hot glued the butterfly on last.
My daughter just loves it and has been wearing it non-stop! I will have to make more of these. Thanks for stopping by!
Danielle

Gratitude, Kindness, and Karma

2009-09-17T00:15:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to each and every one of our devoted customers, subscribers, and Tulip Girls for making my first month such a huge success here at Label Tulip. The kits sales were more than I could have ever dreamed for -- cheesy as it is to say, you like me, you really like me! I'm so glad you are finding the kits beautiful, intriguing, and challenging. Because more than anything, I want to bring out the inner artist in all of us.

Check out the Gallery!
The Design Team, or Tulip Girls, have done some amazing work and you can catch it on the gallery at http://www.labeltulip.com/gallery.shtml . Seriously, don't miss their amazing creations....a headband? a box? a framed work of art? These girls know how to be paper artists, and that's always what I've encouraged and loved. And the WONDERFUL challenge to write a letter to your 18 year old self -- how amazingly introspective and personal a challenge, way to go! I can't wait to see what all our members come up with.

October Already?!
You all have made this the best month of my life since the birth of my daughter last year; thank you so much for that! I can promise you that October is going to be even bigger and better! I already have the Etsy Artist lined up, our Guest Artist set to go, and the kits are almost finalized...this month we will feature 4 paper vendors and a slew of embellies, 6 of them custom made just for Label Tulip. October is definitely a can't miss!

Karma
As I reflect on the past month and all the amazing support I have received from my "scrappy family", I can't help but think about Karma and the role it plays in my life. No matter what spirituality you practice, most of us believe that whatever we give comes back to us ten-fold, and whatever we take, is taken away. I have worked very hard the past year to become a better person, a giving person. I volunteer every week to answer a helpline; I give back at my child's school; and I always try to be understanding when customers have special situations. In essence, I treat others the way I would want to be treated. As we quickly move through September and into the Fall and Holidays, let's take a moment to remember to always treat as we'd want to be treated, and give as we would want to be given. It's not an easy request, but together, through our sharing and discussions on the Forums, I'm sure we can all grow in the next few months. I am going to be working on a layout about this that I will hopefully post soon.

I'm sending you all the biggest HUG possible! MWUAH!
Jen

Peek into September's Kits...

2009-09-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

September's kits mark new owner, Jennifer Chau's, first kits for Label Tulip. And people, let me tell you, they look fabulous! I'm still elbow deep in mine! (And don't tell anyone, but I made a - gasp - two-page layout last night!)

I don't want to leave you hanging, so how about some peeks from the Tulip Girls?

From Charity:

From Kimberly:

From Danielle:

From me (Julie):

Doesn't it make it even harder to wait for the big reveal on the 15th!?! Just a few more days...become a subscriber so you don't miss out on any of the goodies!

September Daily in Progress...

2009-09-09T20:32:00.001-07:00

Last month, I made the bones of my September Daily Album. Here's the cover:
...and a few pages from inside:

This is such an easy way to use up the bits and pieces left over from your kit. Nothing goes to waste and you've got a head start on your next project. Plus, you know it all works together, so there's no need to even think about it!

Every day this month, I've been adding photos, text, memorabilia, and whatever supplies are lying around. It's only the 9th, but here are a few of my favorite before and afters:

On the left, the bare bones page. On the right, the finished product. I used a grouping of Hambly rub-ons to add journaling spots to the top of my page.
The top is the bare bones page and on the bottom, the finished product. Notice how I tucked my photo underneath the long Chatterbox tag running across the center of the right hand page. I love the seamless look that creates!
On the right, I created an overlay page from a Hambly transparency. I love the way it frames the photo. You can see the overlay page a bit better in this photo:

This is such a fast and fun way to do your memory keeping. The next time you have kit leftovers, I hope you'll consider making a daily album!

Multi Photo Layouts Are Awesome!

2009-09-07T21:36:00.000-07:00

I adore layouts with multiple photos. But, sometimes they're harder to do than layouts with one perfect photo. There are just more moving parts, you know? Luckily, there a ton of talented ladies who have posted their *amazing* multi photo layouts in our gallery! Here are a few of my favorites:

I love this layout by Amy Welch:

I like the flower she made, the use of paint, and all the layering!

This layout by ElizabethC caught my eye:

I love the way she cut the sun from a piece of patterned paper. And the little collage at the bottom right corner is so beautiful!

This two-pager by AnnaMarie is fabulous:

I love the way she mixed so many patterns. There's such lovely texture on the layout, and yet the photos remain the focus!

Naoko has so many great multi-photo layouts:

This layout has EIGHT photos! And it feels so clean and graphic. Plus, I love the cupcake!

Great summer layout by Leigh:

I love how she used the patterned paper as such a strong design element!

Four photos on this beauty by Susan C:

The paper ruffle, the tilted focal photo...just fabulous!

This layout by Hannah made me laugh out loud:

It's full of fun and whimsy. The photos in the little circles are very clever!

I hope you feel inspired to create some multi-photo layouts! I know that I do!

Announcing...Design Team Call!

2009-09-05T22:51:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone! I hope you are having a GREAT holiday weekend! It's finally here, the big announcement you have been waiting for! Label Tulip's Design Team Call! Please click here for all the requirements and info and I encourage each and every one of you to apply. I know already it's going to be a tough decision and I look forward to viewing the amazing art coming my way. Good luck!

Shhhhh! I have a secret...

2009-09-04T17:56:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! I'm just popping in to tell you a little secret! Our newsletter comes out tomorrow evening with all the new sneak peeks and information for what's new and exciting in September, but if you'd like an advanced look at our new kits, please check out Label Tulip's spotlight on Amy's Paper Life and you will find some exclusive new sneak peek pics for the September kit. Additionally, don't forget to comment on the original Spotlight post for your chance to win a free main kit for September! Want a second chance at winning? Post your reply here on what your favorite fact was from our Spotlight article and have another chance at winning the kit! Hope you are off to a great holiday weekend! Hugs, Jennifer

A Warm Hello and New Label Tulip Features!

2009-09-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Label Tulip fans! Wow, I cannot believe the day has finally arrived, my dream career has come true! It seems like only yesterday that I was having my first conversation with Cathy about owning Label Tulip and now here I am! I cannot tell you what an honor and privilege it is to be here to serve all of you; I really mean that, it truly is a privilege to continue providing the level of quality and service you have come to love each month in Label Tulip and our kits. I feel like the luckiest pink-haired girl in the world! I have spent the last several weeks training with Cathy, Label Tulip's previous owner, so that I can continue to run Label Tulip as amazingly as she has for the past two years. Cathy has been a teacher, confidant, and friend these past several weeks and I cannot thank her enough for the exquisite training she has provided to me. Cathy, THANK YOU and I know all of the fans will miss you; I hope you will come say hi every now and then!

Many of you are probably wondering who I am and what I plan to do with Label Tulip; good questions! As for who I am, I'll tell you a little bit about me now, and I know that as you spend time with me here at the Blog and on the Label Tulip forum, you will get to to know me very well. I believe that Scrapbooking is from the very heart and soul of each one of us, and there's just now way I can run a Scrapbooking kit club without sharing my heart and soul with all of you. I look forward to getting to know all of you and I know that I'm destined to make lots of great life-long friends.

About Me

I grew up in Atlanta, GA as an only child with divorced parents. Having a large amount of "solitude" seemed to nurture a creative mind; I spent a lot of time participating in theater both on stage and off as a young person and throughout my teenage years. I spent the latter part of my high school years in the darkroom where I grew to love the art of Photography and everything to do with it (this was in the days before digital!). I graduated from college with a BA in Film and Television and was all set to work in the film production industry when I discovered that I really didn't have the heart for the "cut-throat" personality the industry seems to demand. So, I went to work in the IT industry, following in the footsteps of my computer-geeky Dad. I worked for IBM for a number of years, during which time I met my future husband; he was living here in Austin, and as I worked my way up the company, I traveled out here more and more to meet with my managers and teams. I finally decided to leave the city I had lived in for over twenty years and took a leap of faith and moved out here to Austin in September of 2000, exactly 9 years ago! My husband proposed shortly thereafter, and the rest is history. I continued to work in the IT industry and found Scrapbooking about 3 years ago after I burned out on my jewelry-making hobby. I fell in love instantly; the beautiful papers, the sparkly embellishments, and the appreciation for a wonderful and memorable photograph all instantly made me realize that this was more than a hobby, and it was here to stay. Last year I lost my job two weeks after returning from maternity leave; my second child, Izzie, was born with severe reflux and was still in the NICU because she wasn't eating; it was a terrible time. During my unemployed days I created paper art more and more until one day, late last year, I realized I have to be in this industry. I knew that with my background in photography and film, internet technology, and my love for the craft would be a perfect fit for this business. And now here I am! I currently live in Austin, TX with my husband, 2 beautiful daughters Sophie (almost 6) and Izzie (19 months), and...get ready...5 cats, 3 dogs, and too many fish to count!

What's New for Label Tulip (including some important news!) **Giveaway**!!

As for Label Tulip, we have some amazing new services coming your way! This month I am introducing the "Etsy Extra"; each month we will feature an Etsy Artist right alongside our Guest Designer and each main kit will contain the artist's one-of-a-kind handmade item exclusively for the Label Tulip kit! It's hard to keep September's beautiful Etsy Extra a secret much longer, so I know I'm going to have to post a Sneak Peek soon! Additionally, starting in October, we will be carrying on with Danielle's card kits that she used to make for another kit club that is now closed -- this is exciting news for our Label Tulip card-making customers! Each month, in addition to our main kit and any add-on kits, we will feature a card kit that contains all the supplies to make several cards; as a bonus, each card kit will also come with a link to Danielle's beautiful cards and complete directions on how to make them. Stay tuned in September for more information on the card kits, we're so excited to be able to being this feature with Danielle! Also, although we will forever be first and foremost a Scrapbooking club, our Design Team will begin to feature a few projects that are atypical of your basic layout; after all, it's not just Scrapbooking, but Paper Art! Look for some amazing new designs in September, October, and every month -- I hope they bring you oodles of inspiration! And speaking of the Design Team...stay tuned! There might just be an announcement in the next few days about a Design Team Call...check back here to the Blog for all the details this week!

Also, please look for Label Tulip to be featured this week on Amy's Paper Life! We are so honored and excited to be highlighted on Amy's blog; she has such a passion and talent for everything paper, and holds many of the same beliefs and values that I do regarding the art of papercrafting. And don't be surprised if you find a Label Tulip giveaway lurking around her Blog (wink!).

In closing, I just like to say thank you for the amazing warm welcome so many have you have already sent my way. I am so blessed and lucky to be able to have this opportunity, I cannot wait to get to know each and every one of you! I encourage you all to join us in the Message Boards if you haven't already; we have a great online community at Label Tulip and it's growing by the day. I'd like to think we have the best, most talented, and sweetest group around! Please feel free to share your comments below as I always welcome any communication whether it be a hello or a friendly suggestion. I will be back to the Blog soon, so don't forget to check here tomorrow or Thursday for a VERY BIG ANNOUNCEMENT...'til then, HUGS!

Jennifer

Winners

Thank you all for posting and I'm so happy with your comments; you are going to be very happy with September's kit !

Cathy's Farewell contest winners are:

Nichole wrote: you will be miss cathy... but enjoy the next phase of life.
and welcome jennifer! i would love to see more sassafrass and my favorite part of the kits is always the non-traditional stuff... not necessarily for scrapbooking.

Shannon Hatfield wrote: I'm sad to see you go but I wish you all the luck in the world Cathy! I would love to see the new Jillibean Soup in future kits!

Please email me at info@labeltulip.com with your mailing addresses! I will notify Cathy to send you your kits!

Thanks for everything!!! Giveaway!

2009-08-31T07:23:00.000-07:00

Today is my last day with Label Tulip. I am so grateful for all of your heartwarming comments on the blog, forum, and Facebook! Thanks to everybody who e-mailed me to share your love of Label Tulip and your best wishes!

Since this is my last post, how can I NOT do a giveaway?

Please suggest ONE NEW ITEM that you think is a MUST HAVE for Label Tulip's future kits by midnight PST today (Monday, August 31, 2009). I will be selecting TWO winners who will receive some new CHA goodies I personally selected at my favorite local scrapbook store!

Your answers will also help Jennifer, Label Tulip’s new owner, make future kits the best they can be!

I look forward to seeing Label Tulip continue to grow and flourish, and wish Jennifer the best! I’m also looking forward to traveling, another interest I have not been able to pursue while dedicating my days to running a business. First stops - Vegas and Canada!

Jennifer will announce the two contest winners tomorrow here on the blog and introducing herself. Please join me in giving her a warm welcome.

Thanks for everything!!!

Lots of xoxo,
Cathy Nagai

Gallery Inspiration!

2009-08-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to pop in and share some of my favorite recent creations in our gallery by our members! We have received many new talented members and our gallery is growing. I hope you will come by and check out the gallery and changes to Label Tulip! We would love to have you join us.

Watching TV by Naoko

Amazing by Leigh

Things by ElizabethC

Hoot by Keelyyowler

Still Hangin' Tough by JenniferYates

Thank You & Cathy’s Farewell…

2009-08-24T17:38:00.000-07:00

It’s with mixed emotions that I write to you about my departure from Label Tulip. It’s been an absolute dream come true for me to take Label Tulip and build the brand and create the kits for you every month. Scrapbooking has been a long-time passion of mine, and I feel very fortunate to work in an industry that I love!

As some of you may know, another brave endeavor that I took head-on this year was planning for my wedding. While learning about all the do-it-yourself components, I realized how much I loved the projects and the industry! Someday, I thought to myself, I’d love to apply my passion and creativity to a role in this industry. As months went by, the possibilities grew more and more appealing. I began to contemplate a life after the scrapbooking business.

As Alanis Morissette sang once, “Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you … and helping you out.” In July, I received an offer from Jennifer, who shared my passion for scrapbooking. She’s ready to translate that passion into owning a kit club, but not just any kit club – she wanted to own Label Tulip because, well, she simply thinks LT is the cat’s meow. This was a very difficult decision for me. Ultimately, I decided to accept Jennifer’s offer so I can pursue the next adventure. Parting from Label Tulip feels bittersweet, but at the same time, I am hopeful and excited about the future. I hope you will support my decision.

More about Jennifer…

She lives in Texas with her husband and two children and has been scrapbooking for three years. Prior to this, she worked as an e-mail administrator for high-profile corporations such as IBM and Dell for the past ten years. She has a strong artistic background, having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and a minor in Theater. I believe that her love of scrapbooking, academic background in the arts and strong technical experience are a perfect fit for not only continuing the operations of Label Tulip, but also taking the business in new directions and to new heights.

There are many things that had to come together to make what Label Tulip is today and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has supported me through the years.

A heart-felt {Thank You} goes out to…

Our incredible designers, the Tulip Girls - from the very beginning, all of them have gone above and beyond in creating gorgeous, inspirational artwork and new ideas for Label Tulip! I am so honored to have had this dream team of designers – they’re truly best of the best. I will miss working with them. And I can’t wait to see their masterpieces in the future! Thank you, Tulip Girls, for joining me in this journey and inspiring all of us! Keep in touch!

Holly Hanks, TG coordinator – What can I say about Holly? It’s difficult to describe in words how much I appreciate her hard-work and dedication! You all know how creative she is, not only from her gallery, but also from the monthly challenge ideas and the Label Tulip newsletter! I wouldn’t have survived without her by my side, each and every step of the way. My gratitude goes to you, Holly, for being a lifesaver in so many ways!

Julia, my friend – Who created our Facebook community and helped Label Tulip grow! I still can’t believe that almost 1,200 members have joined We Love Label Tulip, our Facebook group, since July! Thanks for the love everyone!

My mom and Jinyong, another friend – Who generously set aside time the past several months to help me assemble the kits.

My husband – To whom I’d like to extend a special “Thanks, Honey!” He supported me in many aspects of running Label Tulip and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that things run smoothly.

Last and most importantly, YOU, Label Tulip’s customers – Thank you for supporting Label Tulip with your patronage of our products, giving us valuable input, reading our blogs, sharing your beautiful creations in the Member’s Gallery, and actively participating in our Forum, challenges and giveaways, Facebook discussions. Thank you from bottom of my heart for your continuous support and for making my life with Label Tulip so rewarding and fun!

My last day with Label Tulip will be Monday, August 31, 2009. Jennifer will assume her role as the new owner of Label Tulip on the next day. Jennifer and I have been busily working together to ensure a smooth transition. She is working hard on building her first kits, starting with September, which will include beautiful, new products from CHA. You will hear from Jennifer shortly via the Label Tulip Blog and Forum! I hope you all will support her as you have supported me!

This is my farewell, but not goodbye. I look forward to sharing each other’s creations (now that I wil have time to enjoy scrapbooking as a hobby again!).

As an endnote, I’d like to share with you some memories from my wedding. I eagerly look forward to discovering what awaits me in the wedding industry!

I really enjoyed my DIY wedding which includes: Wedding invitations (letter pressed), wedding favors (200 handmade organic soaps), programs, menus, place cards, table number, guest book, ring pillow, candy bar, out-of-town guest bags (some of them are shown in the above photos)

Thanks for letting me share them with you!

With gratitude,

Cathy

Label Tulip Owner

August's kits and gallery!

2009-08-17T05:04:00.000-07:00

The kits this month at Label Tulip are so gorgeous. Be sure to check them out here if you haven't seen them yet! Some of our Tulip Girls received their kits a little later than others so they will be sharing their galleries tomorrow! Check back tomorrow to see!

I wanted to share some of my favorites so far in the gallery!

First up. Our guest for this month, Layle..
I love her August 3, 1940 page. The vintage looking photo, lovely butterflies combined together for a gorgeous page!

Anabelle created this gorgeous page called Ducky!
So many sweet details that are a hallmark of her style!

Danielle's page "going back" has such a crisp, clean and gorgeous design I want to keep looking at it over and over!

Julie's bold and fearless describes her style to me! Her pages are always so cool!
and how cute was she in the picture!

Kimberly's Always Remember has so many neat details like the photo framed by the scalloped paper and the dew drops on the flower!

Leslie's love love love has so many layers, textures, colors and patterns that just meld together into a rockin' page! love it

Reveal Day and a tiny preview!

2009-08-15T04:40:00.000-07:00

As soon as I opened the box containing this month's Label Tulip kit I thought to myself... wow! This kit is goooorgeous! You will not want to miss grabbing this kit because I have a feeling they're going to be a must have for everyone!

So, here's a few more peeks at the main kit this month! Don't forget to check back tonight for the reveal!

{1,000} Members of Facebook Contest Winner + More Sneaks!

2009-08-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

After poring through more than 300 wonderful, devilishly delicious entries, all describing Label Tulip in a single, perfect word, we have selected a winner!

Nitasha Griffin wrote: "Blooming" - "That's the word I would use because Label Tulip is blooming into such an amazing company and by following your tips and advice, and of course, purchasing your kits I am blossoming into an even better photographer and scrapbooker!" We couldn't be happier to hear those words. Thanks Nitasha.

Thanks, Nitasha for making us smile :) You will receive this lovely prize pack from us. Congrats~!!

Thanks again to everyone who participated!
Have a fabulous weekend...

PS: Oh, more sneaks are up on our homepage :)

Final Sale - Up to 50% off !!

2009-08-12T17:30:00.001-07:00

Who knew Christmas would come twice this year? Available kits for unbelievable prices up to 50% off – just a little gift from us to you~ !

Shipping and handling is $7 flat for domestic addresses, no matter how many sale items you order. (International charges vary depending on weight. Please see the sales page for details!)

{1,000} Members of Facebook Giveaway !!

2009-08-10T00:36:00.000-07:00

* I just added this as people seem to be confused...
** Since I am still getting some post here, I just wanted to make sure that you will need to make your post on our Facebook, NOT ON THIS BLOG to win the prize, thanks!! :)

Our Facebook group, WE LOVE LABEL TULIP has reached 1,000 members!
And what better way to toast this achievement than another giveaway?

Are you ready? This one is as easy as 1, 2, 3 ...

1) Think of a single word you would use to describe Label Tulip - be imaginative!
2) Go to our Facebook group, WE LOVE LABEL TULIP* and post it as a reply to this discussion topic by midnight PST on Thursday, Aug. 13. Feel free to submit as many as you'd like.
3) One lucky winner will receive the following prize pack!

We will make the announcement in our Facebook on Friday, Aug. 14.

In order to qualify to win, you have to be a subscriber of the Label Tulip e-mail newsletter. Visit LabelTulip.com and sign up at the bottom of the homepage.

Good luck everyone!

Sneak Peek

2009-08-06T13:58:00.000-07:00

I hope you've been enjoying all of the new items from CHA! I know that our future kits are going to be packed full with lots of the things you've seen here.

Today I have a sneak of Add On #2 from the August kit. It's a really fun one with a great eclectic mix.

Can you spot 7 items from the kit???

Enjoy the peek!

nikki sivils/kaiser crafts CHA 2009

2009-08-01T13:56:00.000-07:00

First a look at a brand new manufacturer, first time at CHA- Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker.

Next up is Kaiser Crafts.

new bo bunny, fancy pants and doodlebug designs!

2009-07-31T08:53:00.000-07:00

Hi again! Had another minute to share some more photos from CHA.

First up is Bo Bunny....

I have one photo from Doodlebug Designs...

and then Fancy Pants...

I think I have a few more to share tomorrow!

Another look at new CHA summer releases!

2009-07-30T19:39:00.000-07:00

Hi ladies! It was so exciting to be able to attend my first ever CHA this past week! What fun to be able to work the show, meet wonderful scrappy friends, see the new products and enjoy this hobby we all love! I was able to meet Anabelle and Julie from our very own Label Tulip Design Team!!!

OK. enough gushing.. on with what you want to see...I will be back with many more photos so be sure to check back~

First up. Sassafras. Their booth was too adorable!

New Sass Stuff:

CHA Goodies!

2009-07-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello from CHA!! My feet are aching from walking the floor, but we've been having a wonderful time. It's so fun getting to see everything up close and personal. There are so many great things! Plus, being here at Disney World is an extra added bonus. ;)

Before I drag my tired body to bed, I wanted to share a few of my favorite releases.

First up is the new Basic Grey! I just love the gorgeous colors and embellishments of this line, Eskimo Kisses.

Nook and Pantry is my other favorite one. The colors are so soft and sweet.

Next up is Pink Paislee. I love the shabby style this release has. Plus, the holiday colors are pretty non-traditional.

October Afternoon's lines are really sweet, as well. Love them!

So, that's just a little peek into what we've seen. We have a lot more ground to cover! Thanks for letting me share some of my favorites with you.