As in all stories, this smidapaper one has a plot. In fact, as it unfolded, it became more of a play. So of course there were actors, lead & supporting. Director and stage hands.A hero . Maybe more than one. Bad guys, definitely more than one. If only to make the story more colorful . From humble beginnings the story evolved and in the last act, everyone was transported to a grand set. And with all stories or plays, there is an end. This story has played a long run.

I made this layout mostly with My Mind’s Eye paper from their Lost & Found 2 collection. I added bold embellishments from Crate paper’s Random collection and swirly bling from Prima somehow found its way to lend some glamour to the page. As if to celebrate the role of the subject and how precious a part of my life it has been. And it has.

We will begin to phase out the smidapaper story. If you have always wanted or thought about running a creative business, maybe you would like to talk to me or drop me a line. In the meantime, we will continue to serve with as much gusto as ever, right up until the time the curtain falls.

sheila.

Simple Stories is a scrapbook product brand that is all about making your scrapbooking simple and letting you tell your stories simply. Sounds good eh? This time around we’ve got two really great product ranges in store for two of the most scrapbooked themes; birthdays and babies!

Happy Day is a collection that’s great for birthday projects or just about any celebration really with its happy palette and party designs. Here’s a peek at the collection.

and then there’s also Baby Steps, with its soft, muted tones perfect for scrapbooking those dreamy baby photos, bound to ignite nostalgia in years to come.

Both collections available at smidapaper now. Happy Scrapping!

So I must admit I haven’t been too diligent about keeping up with every CHA release of new and exciting goodies, but I have been somewhat keeping tabs and slowly hoarding a mass of products but can I ask you all; WHEN DID CRATE PAPER GET SO AWESOME??  It is now vying for favourite brand in my books alongside MME and I have had a long love affair with My Mind’s Eye.

The colours of Crate Paper’s collections are now more vibrant and the designs just perfect for ANY project you can imagine. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s going to be gracing the happy shelves at smidapaper…

FARMHOUSE COLLECTION

Barnyard reds, pumpkin oranges, hay yellows, field greens and other happy colours make up this collection. The shades of fall and a little homey goodness are going to make this collection one of your favourites I’m sure.

RANDOM COLLECTION

Fuchsia pink, navy blue, teal, vintage motifs, grandma’s tablecloth type florals and a medley of textures characterize this collection. Because random means you can use this for just about anything, like when you need a little something different to make your projects pop or to balance out the predictable.

PEPPERMINT COLLECTION

It’s that time of year again when Santa’s red suit begins to edge itself out of the closet, and candy canes, baubles and gingerbread men dance across your dreams. The prerequisite emblems of Christmas and winter are taken to new level with Crate Paper’s unique brand of quirky modern vintage.

Note: Our hot faves from these collections are the layered wheel embellishments and chipboard embellishments. You have been warned.

New In Store : My Mind’s Eye – Lost & Found 2

My Mind’s Eye has done it again. Introducing latest collection – Lost & Found 2.
When the first collection of Lost & Found was introduced, the response was overwhelming. Everyone loved the colors & gorgeous designs from My Mind’s Eye’s Lost & Found Collection.
Get hold of the whole collection from Lost & Found 2 at Smidapaper today. You wouldn’t want to miss it!

Lost & Found 2 Blush Collection

Lost & Found 2 Collection – Breeze

Lost & Found 2 Collection – Rosy

Lost & Found 2 Collection – Sunshine

How’s it going crafters? I came across these papers while spring cleaning the classroom, which now doubles up as my office. =) Lots of space and one swivel away from tea making facilities. Anyway, these papers are from Cosmo Cricket  ’Odds & Ends” collection , I must have missed them out so they are going out on the shelves right now.

Lots of new ribbon and trim on our ribbon racks, starting from RM1all the way up to RM15 for the really fancy ones. Sold by the yard. All the smida folk have their eyes on some of the pink & turquoise ones.
After the excitement of CHA we are awaiting new arrivals this month ! Expect to see goodies from your favorite brands marching in soon. Look out for updates here.

We started making these 3in by 3in accordion kits this year thinking that they would make a neat, almost do it all yourself gift for someone special or as a keepsake of your favorite memories. After the first one sold out, we decided to make a it a monthly special. Here we highlight some of the earlier kits and last month we had some young creative energy to design for us. Our current kit, (almost sold out) was designed by Sarah Lim.

Sarah didn’t disappoint with her boldly distressed style and her eclectic choice of colors, putting together sweet and flowery with bold and arty prints, with the confidence of a true artist. She insisted on distressing every single page and every single element herself. This one was called ‘ Our great adventure’. Great job!
We have our kits all lined up for the next 2 months, so if you’re a collector, we should be releasing our next kit soon, I-Mei’s ‘My heart is always with you’. This one will appeal to the hopeless romantics among you , or the smitten or those  shyly setting foot on the dizzy path of love. I- Mei’s experienced hand and her more is more approach makes for a kit packed with goodies to help you express your undying passion. oooooh… Wink!

It has been an interesting summer and lots of fresh faces have come through our Emerald doors (ok blue, Karyn), to become part of our team and to add color and soul to the smidapaper family. Sadly, one of our members will be going back to her studies soon but she leaves with us a piece of her creative self . Karyn collaborated with her buddy/ soul mate?? (hee) on this project and Mr Backpacking, as we fondly refer to him injected his brand of wit & charm (not to mention a lot of talking) into their offering, of sunny skies and happy things. ‘Rays of  love shine’ is a one time only, whimsical appreciation of life & love, that you will want to keep for yourself. Thank you guys! Clap clap clap.

Wow! This is turning out to be a long update. Oh, one more thing classes are back. We’re easing back into the groove and if you are unable to attend one of our classes, talk to us about one on one sessions. More updates coming up as we go along. Have a great month!

Big smile!

Sheila

New workshops for August.

Moments : Altered Project Class      *NEW*
Date & Time :  6th Aug, Saturday, 2.30pm
15th Aug, Monday, 2.30pm
Fee                     :  RM 65

Take 2 hours out of your busy workweek and join us to make a sweet and simple altered project which will hold some of your favourite moments.

We will work with Sizzix and chipboard, lovely papers and stamps and come with a little vintage inspired keepsake that you can hang on your inspiration board or even on your door or fridge. at home, try a twist and recreate the box to hold all your ‘to dos ‘ and reminders for the week. Great for a gift but I’m guessing you might want to keep it.

BRING : sharp precision scissors ,adhesives, especially a wet adhesive such as Beacon glue and double sided foam tape or squares, 3-5 photos, 3R or smaller.

Style Finder | Scrapbooking Class
Date & Time : 13th Aug, Saturday, 2.30pm – 5.30pm
19th Aug, Friday, 2.30pm – 5.30pm
Fee                    :  RM 70 (3 layouts)

Not sure if you want your layouts to look cutesy, clean & graphic, or shabby & vintage? There are loads of scrapbook styles to explore before you decide, let’s try out 3 and see what we like.3 simple layouts that are totally different. Let’s play ‘‘what’s my style?’’…

Caution: this class is fast paced. (PLEASE bring your photos to get the most out of this class.)

BRING : Glue Runner, glue dots/zots & 6 pcs 4R photos. All other materials are provided.

Cardmaking – Featuring Windows
Date : 20th Aug, Saturday
Time : 2.30 pm – 5 pm
Fee : RM 50

Cindy will be sharing 2 window cards this time. Learn how to make precise windows on your cards. This session also teaches ink blending techniques, background stamping & punching. Looks easy?  Well, you’ll see.

BRING : Glue Runner, glue dots or zots, pop up squares, liquid glue & precision scissors. All other materials are provided.

For all workshop registrations, call or text: +604 898 1737 to book a seat or send an email to smidapaper@mac.com. Registration is only CONFIRMED WITH PAYMENT.

* Reminder : Adhesives, precision scissors and other required materials are NOT provided.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING ITEMS THAT ARE REQUIRED TO FULLY BENEFIT FROM THE CLASS.*

New in Store – Beautiful & elegant stickers from K & Company, Anna Griffin, Basic Grey, etc…

Bright & Vintage-y patterned papers from Lily Bee Design- This & That. Also, cute & fresh pastel colored collection from Fancy Pants – Baby Mine, & much more. Check them out at the store today!

The smidapaper SALE ends on Tuesday, July 19th 2011.

It’s been awhile since I wrote an update for the blog. The girl’s have been doing a great job keeping the blog updated and vibrant and it just dawned on me that I haven’t stopped by to say “Hey!” So Hey, everyone. hope you are all keeping yourselves real well. If I were to ask you, ‘Why are you doing this? Why do you you scrapbook or make cards or gifts for people? ‘

What would you say? Maybe it’ll be a really long answer. Because you love beautiful things or like to express yourself. Maybe to preserve your memories or make someone happy. Or maybe it feels good, getting you hands dirty and creating something and then saying to yourself, “I made that!”. Maybe it’s fun especially when you get together with friends and chat and create. There could be a hundred reasons why you do this just as there are so many reasons why I do. When I create, I don’t think of myself as someone who has a store. That’s left behind. Anyway, I wanted to start this update with a few pictures not of products but of works from the heart. I made the layout and the card last week and Sarah made the welcome sign, she made a bunch for the store. Also I wanted to invite you to my new blog – modern vintage. http://www.sheilamonteiro.com Here you will find more creative things and not so much shop stuff. E mail me your creations and I might just share, just so others may be inspired.

Last month we launched our first ever newsletter. It was good fun and I hope you liked it. If you have not signed up to be on our mailing list, click on the button on the left so you won’t miss out on any news and updates.

So on to news and updates.  I know some of you have been asking about classes, please be patient with us while we reshuffle things about a bit . We will get to your requests as soon as we are able. As for new stuff, which I know makes everything all the more fun… we have some new October afternoon in the store and a lot of Sizzix, with more coming in in a few weeks.

Ok, ok, I can’t wait anymore to tell you about our sale. =) Starting Tuesday 5th July everything in the store will be on sale for 2 weeks only, so if you’ve been meaning to get your hands on a Sizzix Big Shot, or some other goodie…now is the time.

We will have a ridiculously outrageous discount section, with items added daily. This section is cash only and you are not going to believe it when you see what’s up for grabs.

So I hope I’ll be seeing you all soon, we have a load of new stuff which we will release  throughout the month. Some sneaks below and lots more coming. I’m sure you’ll notice the collection of butterfly stickers and things in the last pic. Seems that our love for these pretty winged creatures have not waned, so look out for these on the shelves mid month together with replenishments of all your favourite Martha Stewart butterfly punches. Remember, that’s mid month. In the meantime, break those piggy banks and head towards the Big Sale!

Have a truly inspired July!

=)

Sheila