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From the Helm - Welcome to SSR!
Cap'n Dawn Heath,Publisher
We are visiting Chili, Peru and Colombia in South America this month! Now, at this point of the welcome page I talk a little and share beautiful photos of the area off the world we are visiting. I'm not going to do that this month. Instead, I will make a promise to you that we will visit these countries again next year. I am doing this because we have such an enormous issue this month that I don't want to distract you from all the goodies we have to share!
In honor of our special 5th anniversary we have lots and lots of surprises in store for you! First, we have some of our original crewmembers back to share some recent projects with you! Please welcome back, Purnima, Suzanne and Cricket! Aparna has created a special extra gallery to share with you! We have a brand new Digital Designer so please welcome Tracy Sundling on board our Digital Deck! We have a scavenger hunt for you to participate in and it's not too late to share your thoughts of SSR on The Wall! I'll add your words to the page as the month goes on! So, put on your seat belts, we have a fabulous ride in store for you this month!!
Cap'n Dawn
The winner of our front page collage contest for October was once again Carolyn Miller!! Carolyn won a fabulous set of snowflake unmounted stamps by Kodomo Inc.! Congratulations Carolyn! We are discontinuing the front page collage contest for at least this month as we have enough to keep you busy! But, keep an eye on this spot for news on when it will start up again! I hope you love our front page look this month. I wanted to try something different with the front page look this month and share some of the beauty in our world in photos taken by our talented crew!
Now, for our Scavenger Hunt news...As this is our 5th Anniversary we have the number 5 placed all over this issue. So, you will need to count EACH 5 and email me at publisher@ssreflections.com the count that you come up with! The winner will receive a nice selection of papers and stamps to play with! So, start counting...you'll find the number 5 in any context, in the base of the articles and in the artwork! We did NOT count 5's that may be listed in supply lists though so that should make your hunt easier...so happy hunting!!
Dee Gruenig has made a very special appearance on SSR in honor of our anniversary. Dee was our featured Celebrity Headliner in our premier issue 5 years ago and has come back each year to help us celebrate! It is a great honor for me to call Dee and Warren my friends and after all these years they both have been wonderful friends to me and to SSR. Their support and encouragement have gotten us through some tough times and it's been fun to celebrate the best of times with them at our side. It truly is a great honor to have Dee with us this month as she now embarks on yet another chapter in her career!
Our Designer’s Challenge sponsor this month is Starform Stickers! Starform Stickers has shared their new line of Doodle Design stickers and Transparent Glitter stickers! Starform B.V. is based out of the Netherlands and we've had the privilege of featuring them here before on SSR. The design featured to the right was created by Robin Willis!
The Writings on the Wall shipboard reflections from you is live and we'd love to include your thoughts and reflections of what SSR has meant to you over the past 5 years. How did you find us? What keeps you coming back? What makes SSR special to you? We've already had a few emails sent to us and you can read them on The Writings on the Wall . It's not too late to share your thoughts of SSR on The Wall! I'll add your words to the page as the month goes on! So hop on board and be part of all the fun!!
Here is the picture from October's contest:
We have two winners for October's Caption Contest!
Carolyn Miller - "I'm dog tired!!"
Debbie Ebat - "You man bring me the paper and my bone."
Congratulations Carolyn and Debbie!
Now, if you'd like to see November's Caption Contest card, you'll have to visit Cindy's Caption Contest page! We can't wait to hear your captions! All entries must be sent to our yahoo group, just click the link below to join and be part of the fun and have a few laughs! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SSReflectionsezine/
Special thanks to Altered by Design for sponsoring the October and November Caption Contest! We at SSReflections appreciate our sponsors so much! Thank you Carol!
Donalda has been busy organizing such awesome swaps on the Ezine Yahoo! Group. The swap featured right now is from the Coaster Book Swap from this past September. The coaster book featured to the right was created by Snow Davidson! Congratulations to all the ladies who participated on a job well done! If you'd like to participate in one of Donalda's swaps all you have to do is join the Ezine Yahoo! Group and sign up! We'd love to show your work too!
As you finish reading this jam packed issue of S.S. Reflections, please make your way to our Making Waves page and visit our advertisers! We have revamped the page to make it more accessible to you and easier for you when you are shopping! Some of our Advertisers have wonderful specials and announcements just for you! We have also changed our COMM policy on the Ezine Yahoo! Group and the Forum Message Board! We are now allowing COMM's from all vendors on the Ezine Yahoo! Group and message board on Mondays!
If you would like to come on board as a VIP Sponsor on the BEST online magazine for stamping and scrapping anywhere on the internet. Please feel free to view our ad rates and sponsorship information by clicking here! You can email Dawn at publisher@ssreflections.com if you have any questions. Please click here to read our terms and conditions for the legal information when advertising with SSR.
S.S. Reflections: SSR has created a store directory listing for you and if you don't see your favorite store listed, be sure to send them our way! We have two separate directories for easy access to anyone interested which includes an alphabetical store listing and location listing. Please contact Cap'n Dawn at info@ssreflections.com for more information. There is a minimal fee to be included in our directory program of only $100 for one full year! SSR keeps it's costs low as we are committed to supporting the small business!
SSR is celebrating it's 5th anniversary next month. SSR is a free magazine for you to enjoy and that isn't going to change. We will continue to offer SSR free of charge to you, our faithful readers. SSR's mission when we launched was to provide a quality magazine with an ad rate affordable to the small and large busineses. We will not change our mission but we would certainly appreciate your donations to help offset the operating expenses. If you are in a position to help by donating something towards our expenses ther is a paypal button below for your convenience. Thank you!
Everyone's Secretary is the answer for small businesses! Now you have the option to only pay by the hour for needed office assistance. Everyone's Secretary only charges for the work you require. Whether you need two hours a week or two hours a month, you only pay for what you need!
This is a confidential and personalized service. Please email Dawn at esecretary@charter.net or call 262-374-1491 for rate information.
Hearts in Touch HIT has started a new "Free Stamps" program. For every full sheet of stamps you order Frances will enclose a CIRCLE DIE CUT. When you get 10 circles, mail them back to Frances with the name of the free sheet of rubber you want. That's it!
YOU MUST EMAIL FRANCES at fnaeve@heartsintouch.com TO SIGN UP FOR THIS PROGRAM!
Be sure to join the HIT Yahoo! group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeartsInTouchRubberStamps/ and keep up to date on all the new products coming along very soon and meet a lot of wonderful crafting friends.
We also have free, online classes at the HIT website chat room. Anyone is welcome to join.
PaperArtsy: New from PaperArtsy this past spring are the mini stamps. These are on EZ mount and perfect for ATC's, small gift cards and 'inchie' art.
Also new from the 'Urban Snapshots' Stamp Collection is the Fancy Dress series and Wrought Iron series of 4 plates in each of these families. Check out www.paperartsy.co.uk
Stamp and Scrap Canada: Stamp and Scrap Canada: Read our latest newsletter online - http://www.stampandscrapcanada.com/papercraftnewsletter.html
See what's new in the shop (items added regularly) - http://www.stampandscrapcanada.com/new.html
We've got a HUGE clearance sale going on - 25 to 50% off on lots of items (most are 40% off) - http://www.stampandscrapcanada.com/sale.html
And if you're buying regular priced products here's a couple ecoupon codes you can use. Type the ecoupon code in the text box on the shopping cart page.
To get $5 off an order that includes $40 @ regular prices type: ssreflections5
To get $15 off $100 @ regular prices type: ssreflections15
If you would like to see your company spotlighted please contact us at info@ssreflections.com for information!
Be sure to check our sponsors websites often for monthly specials! Remember, without the VIP sponsors we wouldn't have S.S. Reflections for you to enjoy!
Our November issue is being sponsored by Altered by Design and Worldwin Papers! I hope you visit their websites and remember the SSR VIP Sponsors when you are ready to purchase your own Altered by Design collage sheets or Worldwin papers! Be sure to tell them how much you enjoyed what you saw on SSR! Each month SSR will have a new sponsor or sponsors. It could be one company or 5, we never know!! But, we are having fun creating great designs and art for you using these fabulous products! If you are a manufacturer and would like to sponsor a month of SSR and be featured through out the issue please email Robin at SSRproductreview@ssreflections.com an see what is available in our editorial schedule!
We also have a new program available for Digital Design websites. Please contact Laura Lou at SSRdigitalproductreview@ssreflections.com if you create digital designs and would like to be a sponsor of our Digital Deck!
Would you like to be part of the best online magazine on the internet? We are actively seeking Scrapbookers and Rubber Stampers . If you are interested in joining the SSR crew please send 5 samples of your work and a sample of your writing. Just write as though it will be your first article on SSR! You can write about a product you love, a subject that means a lot to you, or even using a color theme or a favorite technique. Send your writing sample in Word format (preferred) and your designs to editor@ssreflections.com
Please size your jpgs to 475 pixels (the longest side) so it is easier to send through email. You need to be aware before you apply that if you are chosen to be a member of the crew you agree to commit to our deadline for your submissions each month.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to email me at editor@ssreflections.com and I will do all I can to help!
Go on...you can do it!! Take a chance and be part of what makes the heART of SSR! We welcome the opportunity to feature new designers as we all have something new to learn and share fresh ideas!
Aparna has two features for us this month. Her first feature is using corners and borders on her layouts! I fell in love with Aparna's photos which is partly why there are two of her features on our front page this month! Aparna's photos are gorgeous and I know you will love her special gallery this month!
Aparna's second feature this month is a gallery of Christmas cards she created using collage sheets from Altered by Design. This gallery of cards is perfect timing for you as you begin to create your own Christmas cards! I'm sure you will agree that these cards are just fabulous!
Kelli has some fabulous ideas for creating your own packaging and with Christmas around the corner (gasp!) it's nice to have new ideas for gift presentations this year! Kelli has all sorts of wonderful projects for you to try!
Michaela also has some wonderful projects to share with you in celebration of our 5th anniversary! Michaela is also celebrating her own wedding anniversary this month that she's having lots of fun preparing for!
Yvonne's next chapter for her faith book is about the music that is part of our worship. The music is within us and reflects part of our soul. Yvonne has done a wonderful tribute to the music in her soul in her latest chapter!
Bonna is treating us to a special journal idea of hers...she's creating a journal of 5's and he's got a whole list of subjects to tempt you to create your own journal of 5's and she'll keep you chuckling as you create!
Cricket is joining us for our special 5th anniversary issue! She has a project for the three decks that Cricket has been part of! The layout featured to the right reflects all that SSR is about and I'm just thrilled to have Cricket back with us this month.
Dyan teaching us how to create a digital kit this month! She goes through the process and even has a kit to give away to you on her blog so you won't want to miss this awesome project!! Dyan has been an integral part of SSR. She's an HTML guru (as far as I'm concerned) and she has been a wonderful help to me over the years in taking on projects as we update and progress and create the premier online magazine!
Laura Lou has lots of digi digital gift ideas to share with you as you finish up your Christmas gift shopping! She has lots of ideas for you to choose from with some images to share! Laura Lou will be taking a few months off after this feature as she has some health problems that need to be dealt with. We will miss her so much as she's such a wonderful part of our Digital Deck!
Ramie is joyfully celebrating our 5th anniversary with us this month! Ramie has been with us since the very beginning and not only is she my best friend she's been my sounding block, Managing Editor and right hand along with Robin, Cindy, Dyan, Cricket and Tammy. This is the team behind SSR that makes it the wonderful magazine you enjoy each month.
Tracy is a brand new Digital Deck crewmember so please join me in welcoming her on board! She's also a dear friend of mine for many years and it's a privilege to share her work iwth you! Tracy has joined us in the past as a guest and I'm just so excited to have her with us on a permanent basis!
Judy has done a book review this month on "Spectacular Cards!" by Sue Astroth. Judy has once again blown us away with her in depth review and card samples this month.
Lea's sharing all that she has accomplished over the past 5 years. This 5th Anniversary issue is all about reflecting over the past 5 years (I got the number 5 in there 3 times...um 4 times if you are counting!). It such a pleasure to have Lea with us and to read her background in the industry! I've known Lea professionally for many years and I enjoy working with her now!
Purnima has returned in honor of our 5th anniversary to participate in our celebrations! She has created some gorgeous cards to share with you! If you are part of our Ezine Yahoo! Group then you know that Purnima is an active member of the group and shares her art with us regularly! But, it's still wonderful to see her back on SSR in an official capacity again!
Nettie hasn't been with SSR all that long but she's already part of our heART. Did you know that Nettie lives in South Africa? Did you also know that we are both from the same city in England? Yes! Nettie is from Peterborough and that is the same city that my family is from. I was actually born in Stamford (10 miles north of Peterborough) because my Dad was stationed at Whittering Air Force Base and we lived in Stamford back then. My Mom was born in Peterborough, my parents were married in Peterborough, in fact, I was too! So, Nettie and I have a very special connection and having on on board is a very special blessing. Take a look at the card to the right that Nettie created in honor of our 5th Anniversary!
Robin's created a fabulous article celebrating our 5th Anniversary this month. I first met Robin when she joined our design crew and she's been an invaluable asset to the crew since day one. On top of her amazing talent as an altered/mixed media artist, she's one of the nicest people you will ever have the pleasure to meet. Robin does so much more than create for her article each month. She organizes our monthly sponsors too and she does a wonderful job of organizing!
Sandi's been busy creating some gorgeous Christmas cards to inspire you as you create your cards this year! She has also created a gorgeous bracelet for a special Christmas present to inspire you even more!
Suzanne has also returned to help us celebrate our 5th Anniversary! Suzanne was also with us at the start of SSR and I'm honored that she was able to join us for this very special issue! I know how much we have missed her gorgeous projects and you won't be disappointed!
Wendy also has a drop dead gorgeous accordian book to share with you this month as an awesome idea for a Christmas gift! The accordian book is actually a folder for ATC's or photos depending on who you are creating the book for!
We need more images on the SSR Interactive Reader's Gallery! So, share your work with us! We want to see all that you are doing at home! The Reader's Gallery is for you to showcase your scanned images, your photos and your digital layouts, stamped cards and altered projects! We want to see everything that you are creating! So, come on board and share what you are most proud of! I've done something different for the featured artwork this month because the coaster books swap was so huge I thought it would be fun to feature another page! This page was part of Wendy Carr's coaster book! We hope that you are inspired by all that was shared this month by both our professional designers and by our faithful readers who participate on the Yahoo! Ezine Group, and the Interactive Reader's Gallery!
I want to take a few minutes to say Thank You to the people who work behind the scenes to make SSR such a special place to be. Ramie, our Managing Editor for all her hard work in keeping us on schedule. Cindy who is our Creative Director, Cindy works hard to keep each issue unique! Robin, our Product Review Coordinator and organizes our monthly sponsors. Tammy does our proofreading faithfully each month and she does a fabulous job! Dyan is behind the scenes working on new code to keep SSR fresh and fabulous for you. Cricket has been behind the scenes helping me with mailings, organize our convention participation and helping me with the physical work and trying valiantly to help me get out there and create once in a while. Of course, each of our designers are also included as they are as much the heART of SSR as any of us. Without these faithful friends SSR would not be what it is each month...fabulous and the premier online magazine.
If you've been following the saga of my son Alex. He got his casts off last week! YIPPEE!! He has to wear a brace on both arms for a month but his wrists are healing very well. He's finding it hard to listen to the doctors orders...no sports, no running and no lifting anything over 5 lbs but he's doing pretty well. Thank you for your prayers and good wishes! I am trying to keep up with my blog but I'll be honest, my work schedule has really been kicking me in the behind when you add the raising of three active boys on top of my day! I'll try and do better though. Don't forget to share your blog space url with me and I'll add it to my own list of favorites! I have a list of the crew's blog web addresses on my own blog and a list of some of our readers! I do have music on my blog though as it's important to me. Be sure to turn your speakers down if you aren't interested in hearing some of my favorites! You can find my blog by clicking Here! I've just added a guest book at the bottom of my blog so please stop by and say hi! I'd love to hear from you!!
The next page you come to is The Writings On The Wall...Shipboard Reflections from You...If you would like to share something it's not too late! I'll be adding stuff during the month as it comes in so don't be shy and be part of our Wall!!
Calm sailing,
Cap'n Dawn
publisher@ssreflections.com
Publisher
Reflections Publishing Group
http://dawntheath.blogspot.com/
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