Don’t forget to enter to win your own set of 6 Jetmax cubes. Here’s the giveaway post, and here’s the survey post for an extra entry! (Simply leave a comment on the giveaway post when you fill out the survey). Clear as mud?

Have a tour of your scrapbook or craft room you’d like to share with us? Link up! Simply add your post or video URL below in the McLinky and lets visit each other…virtually!

At long last (I know…making you wait the weekend is just plain cruel!), I’m happy to reveal the great product I have to share with you!

As I mentioned below, the perfect office/studio/scrapbooking room has alluded me, even though I have a big, wonderful space to work with. I’ve never been good at spacial planning and I tend to change my mind a lot. So it took a while, but I finally have a plan…and just the thing to execute my plan.

Without further ado…meet the Jetmax Craft Storage Collection (in my next post, I’ll show you how I’ve used them in my room…)

Jetmax allowed me the opportunity to try out several of their storage cubes for this review. And here are my thoughts:

• I love the way they look. They have a clean, streamlined design, even with all of their different configurations.
• I love that they are so versatile. For someone like me who likes to change it up a lot, they are very easy to move and reconfigure
• The assembly instructions are clear. You might want to get hubs to help you with some of the screws because they can be difficult if you don’t have some muscles, but you won’t be left wondering where slot A fits into slot B.
• The price is right. (especially when combined with a Michael’s 40% off coupon!).

Each unit has its own configuration and I put more than just my scrapbooking supplies in them. I was able to fit in a lot of my general office supplies as well. That’s the great thing about the versatility with these units…you can find the right storage configuration for just about anything you have.

Jetmax cubes are made of MDF Fiberboard. What’s that exactly? I have no idea. But I do know they are sturdy and will last a long time, from what I can tell from my units. They can be purchased at Michael’s, Hobby Lobby and AC Moore. Storage cubes range from $30-40. Accessories such as desktop and wall pieces are $20-50. Large storage pieces such as rolling carts range from $50-100.

So here’s the skinny. Jetmax wants to offer one of you six different units! They also strive to create the kind of units you would want to use. So, in addition to the entry options below, you can get an extra entry by taking my super short and simple storage survey (say that three times fast). Just leave me a comment that you did. And if you took the survey prior to this post, just leave a comment saying something like “I took the survey previously!”.

WIN IT! Enter to win your own Jetmax storage cubes! Winner will be chosen randomly.

Here’s how to enter:

1. Comment on this post telling me what your craft is…scrapbooking? Stamping? Quilting? A little bit of everything?

2. For extra entries, tweet about this giveaway up to once a day, and/or subscribe to this blog (leave a separate comment for each). And don’t forget the extra entry from taking the survey.

3. Entries must be made by Tuesday, August 31 at 11:59 p.m. MST.

There is still so much to do and one of the hardest rooms for me to do is the one I spend most of my time in…my office/scrapbooking room (or if you want to be very fancy about it, my studio).

I’m super spoiled fortunate blessed to have a big, beautiful space right off the great room. Problem is, there is no door and it is rather visible. The “master plan” has changed several times over the past year, but its finally set.

I think.

One of my biggest challenges have been finding storage for all of my office and scrapbooking supplies. And I’m not talking plastic bins anymore. I’ve done my time with those, you can be sure. I’m talking, permanent, aesthetically pleasing storage.

I have some pretty rigid requirements for a storage solution, too…

• it has to be affordable (my Lovie is a civil servant…enough said?)
• it has to be good quality
• it has to look good
• it has to give me options…one of which is drawers or cabinets I can close to hide my “ugly” supplies

So the good news is I’ve found them. Yes, I can’t wait to share with you! And you’re going to be able to get in on the good stuff too (hint: it rhymes with “diveaway”)! But you’ll have to be patient and wait for the next post to find out all the deets. One more little hint…

For now, though, would you be a dear and take my little survey below (you’ll want to do this if you want to be a part of the “diveaway”)? Its totally easy and anonymous and will take less than 2 minutes. You don’t have to answer every question, but just do your best.

And…stay tuned, cropaholics!

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THIS JUST IN! Receive a free copy of the “Absolute Organization” DVD. See details below.

I have to be honest with you.

When I first saw The Scrap Rack, I thought, “No way…it looks big and scary.”

But I am happy to report, that its not…and its wonderful…and you shouldn’t feel that way either.

Here’s a little background…

You may have read my post about my newly designed, homemade solution for embellishment organization a few months ago. Shortly after that, I was introduced to the Scrap Rack and, like I said,  I was a bit hesitant to try it, especially since I thought I had everything all squared away.

But after deciding to jump in with both feet and use this new system, my scrapbooking in general has changed for the better. You see, the Scrap Rack isnt just another organization product. It comes with the amazing creator, Tiffany’s, thorough and well developed organization system.

I could write on and on about all sorts of aspects of the Scrap Rack and the system behind it, but rather than that, I thought I’d list the top 5 reasons why I would recommend it:

1. It is adaptable and personal to my preferences
2. It makes me use products I forgot I had
3. It actually saves space on my scrap table
4. Set up and clean up is much faster.
5. It is very portable…I could take my entire system with me anywhere I go if I wanted to.

Take a closer look at my Scrap Rack…

Like I mention in the video, the system is based on 4 main sections that are further subdivided based on your preferences, thus covering every kind of embellishment or product you have:

1. Alphabets, Numbers and Punctuation
2. Themes A to Z
3. The Calendar
4. The Rainbow

It is highly recommended (and I second this…) to watch the “Absolute Organization” DVD available from The Scrap Rack for instructions and ideas on using this great system.

There are many accessories and options available for purchase to built the perfect system for you…totes, paper storage boxes, extra embellishment organizer pages, etc.

Follow Tiffany on Twitter! @ScrapRackLady

WIN IT! There will be two winners for this giveaway. The first place winner will receive a $100 credit to The Scrap Rack and the second winner will receive the “Absolute Organization” DVD (see update below!). Winner will be chosen randomly.

THIS JUST IN! The Scrap Rack has just offered a very generous offer to ALL Confessions of a Cropaholic readers. Rather than one winner of the “Absolute Organization” DVD, everyone who enters can receive a copy for FREE! Yes, FREE! To receive your copy, just enter the giveaway below, then go here and enter “CROPAHOLIC” at checkout.  No shipping, no handleing, nada. This is a $12 value, that not only demonstrates The Scrap Rack system but tons of helpful scrapbooking organizational tips. Thanks, Scrap Rack!

Here’s how to enter:

1. Comment on this post telling me how (and if…) you currently organize your scrapbooking supplies.

2. For extra entries, tweet about this giveaway up to once a day and/or subscribe to this blog.

3. Entries must be made by Friday, August 7 at 11:59 p.m. MST.

Good luck cropaholics!

If you’re like me, you sit while you scrapbook (some people do stand…). And if you’re like me, when you sit, it creates an angle between your eye and your layout.

I first saw the F.R.E.D. from myscrappingbuddy.com at last year’s National Scrapbook Day and I thought, “How ingenious!”. The F.R.E.D. is an angled easel that makes scrapping easier and more comfortable. No more sour necks and constant standing to make sure your pictures are straight.

The F.R.E.D. comes with 8 magnets to keep everything in place and a removable metal base. The F.R.E.D. is also expandable and securely links together so you can have two, three or more connected for full page layouts.

Its portable too…I took mine to National Scrapbook Day (and used it all day long). It was easy to fold up and fit into my tote. It was a good sign when woman after women stopped by my table and said “Ooooh…what’s that??”.

Here’s my F.R.E.D. in action on National Scrapbook Day…

The F.R.E.D. is a high quality piece, made of real wood and sturdy metal and sells for $45 through the F.R.E.D. store.

Win It! Thanks to the generosity of the folks at myscrappingbuddy.com, one of my wonderful readers will win one F.R.E.D. of their very own! And not just any F.R.E.D….one made with elm edges instead of standard maple…a specialty wood upgrade. Sweet, no?

Here’s how to enter:

1. Comment on this post telling me how you scrap? Standing? Sitting? A little of both?
2. For extra entries, tweet about this giveaway up to once a day and/or subscribe to this blog. Need a tweet idea? Try this: “Have you met F.R.E.D.? No? You’ll want to…http://is.gd/caG5h @myapronstrings”
3. Entries must be made by Friday, May 28 at 11:59 p.m. MST.

Good luck cropaholics!

Longevity.

I think its under rated. The older I get, the more I believe it.

Tomorrow I turn 40.

Surreal.

Suddenly, 40 doesn’t feel as old as I used to think it was. Funny how that happens.

So for my 40th birthday, I’ve come up with a list of 40 things I want to do before I turn 40. But I only have one day, you say? True. But I’ll do the most wonderful, amazing things…things I can, and do, so often take for granted…

1. Wake up in a warm, comfy bed.
2. Love on the love of my life.
3. Love on my boys.
4. Know I am loved back.
5. Look out the window at my mountains.
6. Take the medicine that keeps me healthy.
7. Take a hot shower.
8. Choose something to wear out of a closet full of clothes.
9. Hear my kids play.
10. Eat something out of a full pantry.
11. Walk safely past a bathroom that no longer has a millipede (3 or 4 or 100 inches long) in it.
12. Throw a load of laundry in a washing machine that works.
13. Snuggle my puppy.
14. Hit “Publish”, and check the stats on a blog I get to write.
15. Drive a safe car.
16. Enjoy freedom.
17. Go to CKC Mesa with my scrap buddies.
18. Breath.
19. Soak in the yellows, oranges, purples of the blooming desert.
20. Walk.
21. Drink clean water.
22. Smile.
23. Get inspired by amazingly creative people.
24. Be at peace.
25. See the sun shining.
26. Not get lost in Phoenix, thanks to the Google Maps app.
27. Be two places at once via text updates on the little league game I’m missing.
28. Visit scrapbook stores in Phoenix.
29. Laugh.
30. Come home to a secure, beautiful home.
31. Park in the garage.
32. Show off the scrapbooking loot to a very interested (?) husband.
33. Fall into a warm, comfy bed.
34. Thank God for loving me.
35. Thank God for my husband, who has dared me to grow and take risks and grounded me at the very same time.
36. Thank God for three strong, healthy children.
37. Thank God for a father who loved me unconditionally and taught me I was priceless.
38. Thank God for good friends.
39. Sleep.
40. And last but not least. offer you a giveaway from a very generous and note-worthy company…

X-ACTO makes a great product. Talk about longevity, take a look at the little trimmer I’ve been using for 12 years…and still use today:

Its been through some rough times, but its still going strong.

Now take a look at this Cadillac of trimmers:

Somethin’ huh? The X-ACTO 12″ Wood Base Laser Trimmer is the perfect stationary trimmer for paper crafters and scrapbookers. X-ACTO sent me one unit to review a few months ago and I can tell you it is by far the most heavy duty and precise trimmer I have ever used.

This guillotine style trimmer bosts an industrial grade laser to ensure that your cuts are accurate to the micrometer, a heavy duty wood base and a locking paper guide.

And the Perpetual Edge self-sharpening system guarantees a clean, perfect edge every time. This is one reason I like guillotine style trimmers…they last for what seems like forever.

Not surprisingly, this blade is sharp. There are several safety systems built in, such as the spring loaded finger guard and the locking handle that only opens when you push the button in with your thumb. But I would caution you…if you have little ones around, keep this out of reach. Better safe than sorry!

The 12″ Wood Base Laser Trimmer retails for around $86. It’s an investment…but a very, very good one.

Ready for the fun part?? In celebration of my 40th birthday, and thanks to X-ACTO, I am giving away one 12″ Wood Base Laser Trimmer to a Confessions of a Cropaholic reader!

Here’s how to enter:

1. Comment on this post telling me what you would use the 12″ Wood Base Laser Trimmer for most…paper crafting? scrapbooking? school projects? office projects?
2. For extra entries, tweet about this giveaway up to once a day and/or subscribe to this blog.
3. Entries must be made by Saturday, May 1 at 11:59 p.m. MST.

Good luck cropaholics!

I have used dozens of trimmers in the past. If you’re a serious scrapbooker or paper crafter, its like an extension of your arm…you want it to be comfortable, exact, fluid and fast.

If you’ve found one you love, you never want it to break or be discontinued so you can’t get replacement blades.

If you haven’t found one you love, you are always on the look out for this basic tool.

I have some wonderful option to share with you from Fiskars. You may have heard of this little company…they make a few things like extraordinary scissors, garden tools and even mowers. They’ve been around a few years too..like 360 or so.

Check out the 12″ Paper Trimmer. Its a stationary blade or “gutter-style” trimmer. It features the TripleTrack rail design which provides for more accurate cuts, a swing out arm that measures up to 16″. Its light and portable and can make up to 1000 cuts on one blade.

Another stationary blade option is the Premium Cut-line Trimmer. It has a handy lock to secure the blade in place and a visible wire “cut-line” indicator so you know exactly where you cut is going to be. I love the easy to lift handle that lifts to the right so you can quickly load and unload paper.

And finally, my favorite, the 9″ Bypass Trimmer. I prefer this type of trimmer because it feels more natural for me to move the blade up and down rather than along a flat surface. Plus, the blade is self-sharpening and lasts a looooong time. The Bypass Trimmer has clear markings and rubberized feet. Its also nice and light for easy portability.

Fiskars provided each of these trimmers for me to use and review. These are just three options that they offer; there are many more on their crafting website, dedicated to crafting products, ideas and tutorials.

(Warning: A bit of a rant below…)

I tend to focus on the big picture sometimes. Probably to a fault.

I also don’t have the luxury of spending however and whenever I want on scrapbook supplies.

Its interesting to me that the scrapbooking industry ranks right up there with the fashion industry when it comes to marketing. Us ladies love our loot, and we’re suckers for girlie, sparkly, pretty things. Its the same pattern as everything else in retail-land. And to be honest, at times I tire of the frenzy.

You know the routine…

…the new iPod that comes out every year, 1/4 inch wider and 5/8 inch longer than the one before

…the new minivan with heated seats and cooled cup holders

…skinny jeans as opposed to boot cut

…the 12×12 distressed polka dot paper rather than the plain polka dot

Now, I’m a consumer like everyone else. In fact, I do a lot of product reviews of some wonderful products. I enjoy newness and advancements and a new spin on the so and so and the such and such.

But really? Is it a must to buy every. single. product. that comes out just because I’m supposed to? I mean, if I don’t, I’ll be left behind, right? Doesn’t it seem that companies are replacing their own product lines at break-neck speed? Especially in the craft industry, there’s not even enough time to use the product before the newer, better, greater, prettier, brighter one comes along. Is better synonymous with new? Do I really buy the latest thing because I love it, or because…I somehow feel I’m supposed to?

I say, its ok to stop, take a breather, ask myself “Do I really love this or need this?”, and possibly pass on it and use the 37 polka dot 12×12 papers I already have in my stash. Then, when something comes along that I truly love, there’s no guilt, no hiding bags from the Mr., and room in my stash for the new addition.

I purchase

because I create

because I want to preserve

because I want to remember.

I want to keep it in that order…not the other way around.

Ok, off my soapbox. How about you…ever feel this way?

Its easy.

Its affordable.

Its fun.

It offers photo embellishments, page elements, digi characters, flowers, cute birdies, bling bling…and more added regularly.

Its for everyone…digital scrappers, hybrid scrappers, new scrappers.

Its the Digi Graphics Shoppe.

Enjoy.