Studio

Thickers!!

Thickers are such a versatile product and we wanted to see just what our design team could come up with featuring them. And they didn't disappoint! From cards and layouts to topiaries and banners, we must say, our American Crafts Contributing Design Team ROCKS! So check out the Thickers Gallery right now to see what fun things you can make with your Thickers stash. We know you have one :)

Class Photo 2008

The Warehouse Sale Continues!

We've decided that you can never have too much of a good thing - especially around the holidays! And so, we're extending the warehouse sale until Christmas Eve. Are your in-laws coming to town? Want to kick them out of the house? Then send them our way! We've still got great deals on all of your scrapbooking needs, and with Christmas just a week away, we've got everything you need to wrap your presents and make your holiday cards. Merry Christmas to you from us!

 

Designer Spotlight: Doris Sander

American Crafts is pleased to spotlight one of our talented Design Team members: Doris Sander.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up on the gulf coast in beautiful, sunny Florida just six miles from the ocean. After college, my dormant gypsy blood surfaced and I began my wanderings; I've lived in Guatemala, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Honduras. My vagabond ways were tempered when the little guy came along. Gabriel is my world and life is wonderful with him in it. We're currently calling Tennessee home where I stay quite busy keeping up with Gabriel's social life, teaching English as a Second Language, and scrapping of course.

How did you get into scrapbooking?
I have always enjoyed photos and the stories they tell. As a child I had so much fun digging through my mom's collection of old photographs and wondering what the people in them would say if they could talk. I love that scrapbooking allows me to share our stories with my son, family, friends, and future generations. I also love that scrapbooking has given me such a wonderful community of friends that are so supportive and share my passion to create.

I already loved photography and stories. And of course I enjoyed being around others who shared these common interests. The first time I was formally introduced to scrapbooking was when my mother gave me a kit for Christmas that she'd picked up at Walmart. Scrapbooking was really a matter of fate for me then. A couple months later while on the way to my friendly neighborhood Walmart I noticed a billboard pointing the way to my new friendly local scrapbooking store. The friends I made there are wonderful and have nurtured me and my joy in this hobby. After that, it wasn't long before I found even more great friends at a couple online communities and the addiction blossomed. Scrapbooking fulfills many areas of my life, from creativity to friendship.

Luckily, I got into scrapbooking a couple years before my son was born. He is, of course, my favorite subject to scrap. I think it's so wonderful that scrapbooking gets me more involved in his life and more aware of the little things that happen in his world each day.

What is your scrapbooking process?
I would describe my pages as structured freestyle; basically a hodgepodge of fun with a solid foundation. There are several essential items that I need when beginning my creative process. I always start out with a piece of neutral cardstock, usually kraft these days. Next comes my photo(s) and title. Thickers are usually my go-to in the title department. Believe it or not, no matter how messy my pages turn out, there's usually a ruler involved at some point in the process. Gotta have my ruler! I gave up on my computer a long time ago, so now no layout is complete without some handwritten journaling using a precision pen.

Here's the very first layout I ever posted online; it's from back in 2004...

 

And here's a layout from just last week...

I still value a good story, good photos, and a good title. I'm pleased to note that a lot of design study has paid off. I really feel that good design let's the photo and story shine through.

Thanks so much for sharing a little bit about yourself Doris!
- AC

Christmas Music

In the American Crafts Studio, we love the holidays and we love playing Christmas music – some of us have to restrain ourselves from listening to it year round (Richard!). Here are some of our favorites.

Marlene:
A Christmas Together by John Denver and the Muppets

All my brothers & sisters & I would listen this record every Christmas when we were growing up.

Jennifer:
Elvis Christmas by Elvis Presley

I'm not the biggest Christmas music fan, but Elvis makes for the perfect mix of fun and classic traditions.

Richard:
Wintersong by Sarah McLachlan

This album includes traditional Christmas favorites like Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, What Child Is This?, and Silent Night. Tracks that I was not too familiar with were River and In A Bleak Mid Winter, which are now among my favorite Christmas songs – not to mention Christmas Time Is Here, which features another one of my most listened to artists Diana Krall. A good Christmas album to have on hand to celebrate the season.

Paige:
Elf Soundtrack

It only makes sense that the best Christmas movie ever has the best Christmas music ever!

Courtney:
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector

This is the Christmas album that started it all, and has inspired a host of imitators. Many music critics say it's “unarguably the greatest Christmas record of all time” and I happen to agree. It features so many original classics like, The Ronettes singing I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus and Sleigh Ride, Darlene Love singing Marshmallow World and Winter Wonderland, and The Crystals singing the song everyone knows Santa Claus is Coming to Town. If you don't own it already, I promise you won't be sorry to add it to your holiday collection.

Kim:
White Christmas by Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby has to be my favorite album just for the song White Christmas. As a kid in our small terrace house in Stotfold, England we would dance together to Bring Crosby's tunes. It was always fun to giggle and sway with all 5 of us bumping into one another, it was a really fun time.

Alisha:
The Christmas Song by Nat "King" Cole

These are songs I remember from my childhood, and how my dad would always sing these songs to us while making Christmas morning breakfast. Also they bring up memories of family and friends. And I still listen to them with my family; despite the fact that it drives them nuts.

Ben:
In the Christmas Mood by Glen Miller

I've just always had a love for old radios, books, objects and things. When I listen to the Glen Miller Christmas album it is just another way to enjoy what I love about that era.

David:
A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi Trio

I'm not cool enough to really understand or get into jazz music, but I love this album and it happens to be jazz. Maybe I just love the Peanuts gang and have fond memories of watching the Christmas special as a kid.

Lindsey:
Christmas Portrait by The Carpenters

The carpenters bring back so many memories when I was little. It reminds me being home with my family and creating memories during the holidays with them.

Nichole:
Christmas Portrait by The Carpenters

To me Christmas is about memories. Remembering the good, the bad and creating new memories. If i close my eyes and float back I remember tons of warm treats and tasty food. Delivering presents to neighbors. Vacation from school being spent sledding. And decorating the apartment with my mom with The Carpenters playing in the background. Although much has changed, somethings never do.

Mandy:
Christmas Portrait by The Carpenters


I know it is ultra cheesy, but it is the album I can listen to over and over again and I never get tired of it!

We'd love to hear what your favorite Christmas album is and why. Please drop a comment and share your thoughts.

Warehouse Sale Extended!

For those of you who missed the American Crafts warehouse sale, don't worry! We keep finding new stuff to stock the shelves so we're extending the warehouse sale until Saturday December 20th. Trust us, it's worth the drive no matter how far away you live (especially at these gas prices!)  We've got Thickers, albums, ribbon, wrapping paper and more, all at an average of 70% off. See you soon!

American Crafts Warehouse Sale

Christmas Cards

Need some inspiration for your handmade Christmas Cards? Look no further! Our amazing Contributing Design Team has come up with an entire gallery of ideas. From clean and simple cards which can be reproduced in minutes, to more elaborate cards to give to your closest friends and neighbors, these cards are sure to inspire you. Check out all of their creations in the Christmas Cards Gallery.

Happy Holidays from American Crafts