Fond Farewell

We wrapped up a year-long Graphic 45 Cards & Tags class series at The Making Place in Escondido a couple weeks ago and I thought I'd share some quick photos...

Julie, Sandy, Kathy, Cherie, Billee and Joann

We created some beautiful Christmas cards and tags using the December papers from the Time To Flourish collection.

I've got lots more classes up my sleeve for 2016 -- I hope I'll get to craft with you soon! Be sure to check my CLASSES tab in the menu above for details.

Merry Christmas to you all and thanks for your support and friendship this year...

The Scoop

Quick update: if you're in the San Diego area and would like to join the Decorate Your Day planner club, please email me your contact information:

Name
Email
Color of Planner

I will send to you the details: meeting date(s), time, location, access to shared Pinterest board, tools needed, as well as the simple details about this fun new club!

Please click on the CONTACT ME tab above and send me an email.

You can also like our Paper Made Bakery Facebook page.

Planner craze...

...are you in?! Honestly, I was on the fence about this new planner craze. I mean, having an organized planner isn't new, and I do still use a paper calendar to keep track of my days.

Meh, it's utilitarian and does the job. But, it certainly doesn't inspire me.

Now this inspires me!

Carpe Diem line by Simple Stories

Layle Koncar's Planner

Nancy Damiano's Planner

And so, I've jumped on the planner bandwagon! I've been scouring the web for ideas, tips, tricks, hacks, and simply admiring the awesome creativity out there!

I'm in luv with Simple Stories' new planner line called Carpe Diem. Why, you ask? Because the colors and images completely inspire me. The system allows a planner newbie to easily put a simple, but absolutely useful, planner together in no time. The line also allows for as little or as much individual creativity as YOU want to give.

I'm finishing up the details of my new San Diego-based Decorate Your Day planner club. Imagine a super fun book club-type gathering, but our "book" is obviously a whimsical, split-leather A5 planner just waiting to transform into each member's "year in the life of..." At our first meeting we'll introduce and get to know our members, we'll assemble our basic planner, enjoy some delightful treats and spirited conversation -- then embellish and empower the first three months of our planner! We'll meet again quarterly to share tips, ideas and inspiration, as well as continue to build and embellish.

Members will receive the Carpe Diem planner of their choice (platinum, coral, robin's egg blue, aqua, pink or black). Each is lined with black and white polka dotted fabric, with great vertical and secretarial pockets, pen loop, and all the goodies you'll need to get started: A5 tablet, metal charm, foil printed dashboard, 12 monthly dividers, undated monthly spreads, summary pages, and weekly inserts.

At each meeting we'll enjoy all the coordinating Carpe Diem accessories -- creating our own individual planners that will document our lives. This club isn't a paid subscription, but an opportunity to purchase (at a discount) and use the products, receive tips and inspiration, access new products we've found out in "planner world", and enjoy the camaraderie of a group of like-minded planner pals!

If this sounds interesting to you, I welcome your suggestions - leave a comment to share your thoughts on either joining us in person (San Diego area) or...what about a video-chat platform so that our planner pals come from all over?

You'll see more about the Decorate Your Day planner club - I hope you'll join us!

Ho Ho Hope to See You SOON!

Is it possible we had so much fun at last Sunday's workshop that I forgot to take pictures? Yes, yes it is.

So, here are the cards (and a bonus treat bag) we're making this coming Sunday (November 22) in Fallbrook, CA...

All the cards are based on sketches I found online recently and the treat bag is made with new Brenda Walton dies from Sizzix. Click on CLASSES above and find the link to the flyer for a couple more details. There are only TWO spots left, so CONTACT ME if you'd like one or both!

Is it autumn?

Most people wouldn't be able to tell if the season had changed to autumn here in San Diego, but we residents notice the cooler temps and appreciate them greatly. It was a fantastic day to gather with creative friends and make handmade cards and tags using Graphic 45's Time To Flourish line.

Sample Board - Designs by Gloria Stengel

This group of women is the best - Sandy, Kathy W, Kim, Joann, Julie, Kathy, and Katrina. Each brings their own special charms and talents, and our afternoon was filled with laughs and good conversation.

Cutting Cut-Aparts & Concentrating

It's hard to imagine this is nearly the last workshop in this monthly series. Our final class is Saturday, December 5 at 10:30 a.m. I have a feeling that we won't have an open seat. Will you join us? Click HERE for details and store phone number.

You're in luck...

We have TWO spots left at this Saturday's Graphic 45 Cards & Tags class at The Making Place in Escondido. Don't miss out -- this is a rare event -- so grab a friend and join us for an afternoon of crafty friendship. Here are the pretty autumn projects we're making:

Call the store at (760) 739-8605 and register TODAY!

You'll need to bring a 12" paper trimmer, bone folder and scoring board, a variety of adhesives (tape runner, foam tape, strong quick-dry glue), sanding block, scissors, ruler, and Walnut Stain Distress Ink (or similar).

Hope to see you there!

Crafty Is As Crafty Does?

I love to make cards -- love paper, stamps, ink, ribbons, my Silhouette Cameo, the whole nine yards, enchilada, and all that stuff!

When my sister told me about the birthday party my 9-year old niece is invited to next weekend, she said Macy needs to dress like her favorite movie star. Well, Macy doesn't really have a favorite movie star, but she sure likes...

Taylor Swift

We figure out where to pick up the cute heart-shaped sunglasses and a near-enough hat, we gather the beaded bracelets and grab a pair of black shorts. What's left? The t-shirt. This looks like a job for SuperCameo!

Work in progress

I whipped out some Silhouette heat transfer interfacing and a swatch of black cotton from my stash, found a suitable (purdy dern close) font, and went to work.

The prop

While this is surely not a work of art, I love that I could be a part of my niece's life in a creative way. I won't get tired of hearing "That Auntie Shan is pretty crafty!" Stay tuned for a follow up photo of the starlet Miss Macy at her first non-Halloween costume party. I can't wait!

The Great Pumpkin

We had nearly a packed house Saturday and everyone loved making the awesome Graphic 45 cards and tags for October! Gloria Stengel did another outstanding job with these two cards and three ATC tags -- so gorgeous!

Kim cuts apart the Cut Aparts

 Concentration and laughter, in equal doses, was the name of the game. I snapped just a couple photos this afternoon (thank goodness), but kept busy making sure everyone was on the right track...

Rosettes were Lorri's new trick

learned a new trick or two...

Friends - yours, mine and ours!

and just plain had a good time!

Sustenance for the hard working crafters!

Our next Graphic 45 Cards & Tags class, featuring the November products from the Time to Flourish line, is Saturday, October 24 at 10:30 a.m. Call The Making Place today at (760) 739-8605 and reserve your spot -- class size is limited and we generally sell out!

See you soon...

ONE SPOT LEFT!!

Greetings Graphic 45 Fans!

Just a quick post to let you know we have ONE spot open at tomorrow's Graphic 45 Cards & Tags class at The Making Place in Escondido, CA. Give them a call at (760) 739-8605 to save your space -- and tell 'em Shannon sent you!

Here are the gorgeous cards & tags we're making on Saturday, September 26 at 2:30 p.m...

Hope to see you there!!

Fall is falling...

Love meeting new people - glad to have you join us Kathy and Annik! We welcomed autumn with two apple orchard inspired cards and tags featuring Graphic 45's Time to Flourish line.

Gloria Stengel designed these projects and we loved the new techniques and old fashioned takes they provided.

There were quiet spells and bursts of laughter throughout the afternoon. From beginner to expert, we all enjoyed the creative camaraderie and ability to step outside our comfort zone. 

Thank you all for joining me at The Making Place Saturday -- looking forward to our second dose of Cards & Tags on September 26.

Sunny Days of August

The sunny days of summer are beginning to wind down, but we celebrated August at The Making Place this Saturday, creating beautiful cards and tags using Graphic 45's Time To Flourish. I met lots of new crafters and we had a fantastic time together...

Katie and Sue

This mother and daughter team won the prize for traveling the furthest to attend -- they live in Albania!!

Kim and Joann

The dynamic duo from Murrieta once stopped to shop, then came back for more! So glad they decided to join us. Who knew chocolate would play such a big role...cheers!

Michelle, Madeline, Sandy, Geri and Carol

Carol brought her friends on a road trip from Norwalk, and although they didn't win for traveling furthest, they're a great bunch and it was a pleasure to work with these ladies. And don't forget Sandy peeking from behind the "kilted" tag sample!

I thoroughly enjoyed spending my afternoon with this group of creative women. We had a sold out class today at The Making Place in Escondido and our next one is scheduled for Saturday, September 5. Be sure and call the store (760-739-8605) for more information and to reserve your spot. Hope to see you there!

Back To School

Next week our kids go back to school (at least in my school district). It's hard to believe that summer in nearly over! But, at least seasonally speaking, that means autumn is just around the corner.

HERE's my inspiration

We're gearing up for fall colors, turning leaves, cooler weather, and maybe even a sweater or two [NOTE: unless you live here in San Diego where it's nearly 100 degrees and those things are simply happy thoughts!]

So, if you're in the San Diego area and want to enjoy those fall feelings, why not join us on Sunday, September 13 at 1:00 p.m. at our Playful Birthday cards workshop? We've got space for you and a friend to enjoy an afternoon of "playful" creativity and you'll go home with five handmade birthday cards!

Click on the CONTACT ME tab above and let me know to reserve a spot or two for you! Space is limited, but we'll squeeze you in!

Summer Vibe Pocket Album Workshop

My family and I just got back from our Cape Cod vacation and I can't wait to add our photos to my Summer Vibe pocket album! You can make this album, too, just CONTACT ME and I can reserve a spot for you next Sunday, August 9 at 1:00 p.m. or I can ship the kit & instructions to you!

Here are a few more sneak peeks at the project...

Cover

Inside Cover

One of my fave pages!

Love the POPPED bottle caps!

This album has so many pages and elements, with loads of interactive flaps, pockets and goodies!! This is gonna be the perfect, easy-to-make album for your summer photos -- you'll show off this album to all your family and friends!

Here's to more *good times* this summer...

Garden Mystery

Here's another set I used at last weekend's stamp camp. I loved the simplicity of the image and sentiment, but I'm not sure what this flower is.

At first I thought it was an amaryllis, so I went with a coral scheme...

Then I thought maybe it was a rhododendron so I switched to purple/magenta...

I have one more to color -- what is this flower and what color should it be??

Have a terrific weekend and get out to enjoy YOUR garden!

Stamp Camp

I had a great time Saturday at Gail Reed's Ghost Host Stamp Camp in Poway. Met lots of fun, creative ladies and made lots of pretty cards. I especially enjoyed the Market Fresh stamps...

Had to grab those and the Farmers Market DSP, along with a couple embossing folders and the bow builder punch!

I'm spending my summer vacation making cards *for me*, which is something instructors like myself rarely get to do. I love this craft!! Heading back to Laguna Niguel this week to spend some time at Susie Q's. Come back soon to check out the new additions to my collection.

Thanks for stopping by -- have a terrific week!

Get Your Summer Vibe On

Got a BIG order from Simple Stories in yesterday...SO excited!

Summer Vibe collection...brand new YELLOW SN@P album...just beachy!

Spent last night making the cutest darned photo scrapbook sample EVAH! Wanna make one, too?! Join us in Scripps Ranch on August 9 or in Fallbrook on August 23. Check our CLASSES tab for a few more details and "watch this space" for some sneak peeks!

Happy Fourth of July! Be safe and have fun...

SPACE AVAILABLE!

We've just had one spot open up for our Seaside card making workshop, which has been sold out for weeks!

If you'd like to join us in Scripps Ranch (San Diego) on Sunday, July 5 at 1:00 p.m., please CONTACT ME. We're making NINE cards and the class fee is just $25.

Your kit includes everything you'll need (plus a little extra!) Bring your basic tool kit that includes a 12" paper trimmer, a variety of adhesives, and your favorite coloring tools (colored pencils, Copics, markers, etc.)

Here are a few sneak peeks at the cards we'll make...

Try-Fold Card...

Cape Cod boutique-ish

Join the fun -- or order the kit! Space goes to the first person to respond :-)