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!

I’m not much of a card maker or stamper. That whole rubber stamping phase just kind of passed me by. But since I got my Cricut, I find myself making homemade cards a lot more. Its fun, economical and scores you some big points in the “thoughtfulness” department…people love to receive handmade cards.

But one of the things I dead about making homemade cards is finding a envelope to match. An ill-matched card and envelope is like plaid and stripes…they just done work.

Enter the new Martha Stewart Scoring Board.

Not only can you quickly, cleanly and easily create envelopes, the crafting possibilities are endless.

The Scoring Board retails for $19.99.

WIN IT! One reader will receive a Martha Stewart Scoring Board of their very own!

Here’s how to enter:

1. Comment on this post telling me how you typically score your 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 Friday, August 3 at 11:59 p.m. MST.

Good luck cropaholics!

If you’re new to scrapbooking, you may not have learned all the super secret scrappy society code words yet…like digi, die cuts, masks, brands, eyelets, and setters. But don’t worry…you’re about to.

I remember when embellishments like brands and eyelets first came on to the scrapbooking scene. It catapulted the craft into 3D and away from flat stickers, paper borders, etc.

In the video below, I demonstrate how to use brads and eyelets. I also show you how to set them using several different setters…in particular an oldie but goodie, the Silent Setter by ProvoCraft.

Though they are no longer are available on ProvoCraft’s website, you can still find them at retailers and all over the internet with a simple Google search.

To see how the Crop-A-Dile works, go here to see a photo tutorial.

WIN IT! One reader will receive a Silent Setter of their very own!

Here’s how to enter:

1. Comment on this post telling me if you’ve ever used an eyelet setter before.

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: “Shout it from the rooftops and win a Silent Setter! http://is.gd/dlTTS @myapronstrings”

3. Entries must be made by Friday, July 23 at 11:59 p.m. MST.

Good luck cropaholics!

There are several tools of the trade that papercrafters will swear by. We have our strong opinions on certain brands, models or manufactures when it comes to the things we use over and over. Just to mention a few…paper trimmers, albums, scissors, eyelet setters aaaand…adhesives. Am I hitting a nerve?

If you’ve been a scrapbooker or papercrafter for long you’ve probably used a myriad of adhesives. There are so many on the market today. I recall the days when you had to actually trim your own adhesive on the roll, then pull off the backing…its a little easier now with automatic adhesive runners (is THAT an understatement…).

Everyone wants the same things from an adhesive runner:

• it has to be easy to use
• it has to be good, strong adhesive
• it has to be comfortable to hold
• it has to be economical

GlueArts sent me a GlueGlider Pro to review. Take a look at a quick overview:

Not only is the GlueGlider Pro cute (because we know how important that is…), its a quality product that works well, consistently. There are cheaper adhesives out there, and though you get a lot out of each cartridge, each costs around $9. Yet, for the overall quality, I for one don’t mind paying an extra few pennies for a well working, easy to use tool that I use all the time.

Want to follow GlueArts on Twitter? They are @gluearts!

WIN IT! GlueArts has generously offered a GlueGlider Pro and the other goodies I mentioned in the video to one lucky reader.

Here’s how to enter:

1. Comment on this post telling me what is a MUST for you when it comes to an adhesive tool?
• it has to be easy to use
• it has to be good, strong adhesive
• it has to be comfortable to hold
• it has to be economical

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: “Stuck on what adhesive is best? Enter to win @gluearts giveaway! @myapronstrings http://is.gd/cUPm1”

3. Entries must be made by Friday, July 2 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!

Amy over at The Paper Life has been so kind to feature me in an interview today on her blog. Head over and listen to our little interview about blog design, scrapbooking and more. And, the best part…enter to win a $25 credit to my digi graphics shoppe or a design of a twitter page, blog button or business card!

Over on the Tip Junkie Community on the BlogFrog, there’s lots of great discussion going on about digital scrapbooking. Join in the conversion and enter to win a $35 credit to my digi graphics shoppe.

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 love when art and technology get married and have a baby. Like the Cricut, or the Gypsy and the (drumroll, please) Wacom Bamboo Craft Tablet. I’m a total sucker for technology, especially when it involves the world of creative arts.

I was lucky enough to get to review the new Bamboo Craft Pen & Touch Tablet by Wacom. I’ve used a pen tablet for my work in the past and let me tell you, this technology has come a long way. Many of the graphics I created in my digi graphics shop where created with the Bamboo Craft. If you have any inclination to do digital scrapbooking, you should think about making an investment in this wonderful tool. The Bamboo Craft Pen & Touch retails for around $129.

How about a quick introduction to the Bamboo Craft…

Some Helpful Links:

Installing Bamboo Fun On A PC

Installing Bamboo Fun On A Mac

penscrappers.com/learning-center

Starting with the Bamboo Fun

Bamboo: What Is Pressure Sensitivity?

I plam on doing many more detailed tutorials on the Bamboo in the future, so check back often, or even better, subscribe!

Now for the really fun part…Wacom has generously offered one Bamboo Craft Pen & Touch Tablet to one lucky Confessions of a Cropaholic reader. Sweet huh? Here’s how to enter:

1. Comment on this post telling me if you have ever used a pen tablet before.
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, April 16 at 11:59 p.m. MST.

Good luck cropaholics!