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December 1, 2007
From the Helm - Welcome to SSR!
Cap'n Dawn Heath,Publisher
We are visiting Russia for Christmas! Brrrr...it's cold outside! But, that won't stop us from putting on our warm woolies and exploring as Russia has a rich cultural heritage, that comes to life in all the cities, the countryside and the small towns. So, let's put our boots on and go exploring. I can tell you that I want to see the Russian Ballet and the Opera while we are here. The Russian people are well educated with an appreciation for the finer things in life. I want to see it all!
Moscow has the Tretyakov Gallery that features some of the most famous Russian icons, Saint Petersburg on the river Neva with it's famous 'white nights' and art collections of the Heritage Museum and the Russian Museum are just some of what Russia has to offer. Then we can take excursions out to the countryside with the many little towns, each with its own old cloisters and castles that are rich in culture. Russia has dozens of ethnic groups, each with their own forms of folk music, languages and religions. This contributes to a country of great cultural diversity, a country where there is always something to be learned or discovered.
Our Designer’s Challenge sponsor this month is Hearts in Touch, Rubber Stamp Designs by Frances Naeve and you just have to check them out at www.heartsintouch.com! Hearts in Touch is based in Murphy, Texas. Frances has a complete and well laid out website with lots of merchandise for purchase and enough inspiration to keep you busy for a very long time! She has a very talented Design Team and a Gallery with beautiful examples to help you get the most out of your stamp art! There is a Hearts in Touch Yahoo group, and, as well, Frances also hosts a chat twice every week and offers advice and a chance to meet new friends with your same obsession! Frances’ home page has the quote "Friendship keeps Hearts in Touch" and you will feel very much among friends on this site, for sure! The card to the right was created by Judy!
Here is the picture from November's contest:
The winning quote is
"Some days we have to make our own rainbows."
Submitted by Marilyn Pfeifer
Congratulations Marilyn!
Now, if you'd like to see the December 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 Hearts In Touch for sponsoring the December Caption Contest! We at SSReflections appreciate our sponsors so much!
I hope all of you had a blessed Thanksgiving. It was so nice to be able to see all of my family and friends. Spending time together reflecting on our blessings was so wonderful. I am also thankful for those of you that have supported my little challenge. I was certainly thankful that SSR has so many talented artists.
December's Theme is:
There is nothing that I love more that a good celebration. One of my favorite celebrations every December is “Tuba Christmas.” All over the world, groups of tuba and euphonium players gather together to play Christmas carols. It is truly a sight to behold. There is nothing that sounds more glorious. My son, Luke, now plays the tuba and last year he was able to participate. I was moved to tears. I told my friend, Fantacy Bryant, that I wanted a special kit for my celebration layouts. She really came through for me. She created this kit, “Santa’s Vintage Suspenders,” with me in mind I’m sure.
If you want to see who the winner of the November Reader's Gallery Contest you'll have to visit Brook's Gallery page and see all the fabulous designs submitted for November! All entries must be based on the theme for the current months contest. All entries must be uploaded to the SSR Reader's Gallery!
The winner will be announced when the upcoming monthly issue is launched! The winner will receive prize package valued at $25 which is sponsored by Keepsake Designs. Thank you Becky!
Donalda has been busy organizing such awesome swaps on the Ezine Yahoo! Group. The swap featured right now is from the Christmas card swap. The card featured to the right was created by Cindy Roland for this swap. 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! We'll update the swaps gallery mid-month with the most recent swap images to share with you so be sure to come back!
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!
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!
Altered Pages: What's black and white and red all over? Our new Kit of the Month - you have to see it! The new Kit of the Month is gorgeous if I do say so myself! It's fun to look at, fun to make, and looks like you spent a fortune on it! See this gorgeous kit and all the other beautiful Altered Pages kits! http://www.alteredpages.com/kitofthemonth.html
Don't forget the Collage Sheet Club - shipping now! Get all 12 new collage sheets from Altered Pages before they're even released on the website. Prepay for six months and receive free shipping for six months.
With any purchase of $20 or more, receive the Mini Flowers Collage Sheet - see it on the New Products Page http://www.alteredpages.com/newproducts.html
Jackie had a special offer for all new customers! $5.00 off any first order with the coupon code NEWCUSTOMER
Hearts in Touch has new images available and more coming soon!
NEW RUBBER COMING SOON:
#111 Flower Seed Packages
Join our 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.
Hearts In Touch" is now carrying WorldWin Papers". http://www.worldwinpapers.com/. Email Frances for price list.
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!
Would you like to be part of the best online magazine on the internet? Are you interested in hanging out with the best designers out there? What about being part of the fun we have on SSR and off? 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 we do have a deadline each month that is necessary and by applying you agree to stick to the schedule.
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! If you applied once before don't hesitate to apply again.
We've shared all the exciting features on the Editorial Deck above so we will no longer include it in the "News On Deck" feature of the Welcome page.
Let's start with the Scrapping Deck:
Stacie did not do a sketch challenge this month because after being with SSR since our launch she is taking a break. I will personally miss Stacie a great deal. Over the past 7+ years Stacie and I have become great friends. I've stayed at her house a few times when visiting the great state of Texas and we've share so much of our lives with each othere. As this is Stacie's last feature with SSR she's going out with a bang. Stacie is sharing a very special Wizard of Oz album she created to honor Jordan's participation in the play last Fall! This album is absolutely fantastic and I'm just as excited about Stacie sharing this with you as she is!
On our Digital Deck this month:
Ramie has created a fabulous clock with step by step instructions for you to make your own! Of course, it involves a kit but the good news is that you can pick up the kit at your local discount store and alter it any way you'd like! Ramie has created hers digitally and it features my favorite subject...Ashleigh and Aiden!!
Tracy using a quick mask in Photoshop with step by step instructions and even a sample photo for you to download as you learn this fun technique!! So, don't hesitate now is the time to jump in and enjoy the fun of using your computer to create!
Yvonne has created a fantastic bird book for her son Dawson with a template from the "Maya Road Bird Chipboard Book". This fabulous project was created partly digital and partly using your traditional craft supplies. When I see what Yvonne creates for her boys I wish she would adopt me so I can be the recipient of her wonderful ideas!!
Now it's time for the Stamping Art Deck!
Cindy Seabright has brought our trip to Russia to heart and has created her own Faberge Egg and sharing the process with you so you can make your own! I love how Cindy gets to know each country we visit and brings it alive in her art.
Flo has created a very special template for you this month includes a template for the Matroyshka (Russian Nesting) Dolls cards that she designed to share with all of you! The card to the right is a sample of what Flo has created this month!
Judy's book review this month is on "Pop-Up Paper Structures" by Heidi Pridemore. Judy has created some extra special pop up cards to share with you with her review. I'm sure this will be another book that you will definitely want to add to your collection!
Now for the news on the Altered Arts Deck!
Michaela has a mission to be organized for Christmas and as she's going away for Christmas she has a lot to get done! Well, she has some fabulous ideas to share with you and I can't wait to see your own designs with the ideas Michaela is sharing with you this month!!
Robin and Wendy have teamed up to do two separate reviews on the Cuttlebug. Just wait until you read Robin's opinion on this fabulous little machine and what she has created! The card to the right is one of my favorite projects of Robin's!
Wendy is back from her fabulous trip around the USA and we are so happy to see all that she brought home with her! One of the little goodies is the Cuttlebug and she has so much to share with all of us! Wendy has discovered just how versatile the Cuttlebug is!
Our Interactive Reader's Gallery! is not just for showcasing your scanned images, its also for your photos and your digital layouts! We want to see everything that you are proud of! So, come on board and share what you are most proud of! Altered clipboard to the right was created by Johanna!
So, don't be shy...share your ideas with us!! You just never know what we'll feature next or who we'll ask to be a guest designer on SSR!! IT COULD BE YOU!!! The photo gallery is so much fun and filled with fantastic designs...stamped art, digital layouts and scrapped layouts not to mention the photo gallery! You can upload all the designs that you want to share with us ANYTIME you'd like! We have an opportunity to make comments and talk about the products you used and the techniques! You'll want to definitely add this to your favorites and come back often!
December is upon us already. Where did 2007 go? What did you accomplish this year? This has been a strange year. Full of ups and downs but that's life in a nutshell isn't it? If I could do this year over again would I do anything different? Probably but we should learn our lessons shouldn't we? Wouldn't it be nice if we could see the results of the decisions we might make before we make them? Some would call that a gut instinct ;-)! Now this year is only a month from being over and we get to start a new year fresh. I know...we are all so busy this month preparing for the Holidays but start thinking about what you want life to be for you. 2008 is just a month away so there isn't much time to plan. It's time for changes. Time for a different way of thinking. Each new day is YOUR day. Make your day what you want it to be. You have the control to make each day special.
Thank you once again for bringing SSR into your home. Can you do me a favor and pass on the link to SSR to 5 people this month? We already know we're the best on the net, now it's time to tell everyone about what we have to offer! Just 5 people over the next month!
Happy Holidays to you all!
Cap'n Dawn
publisher@ssreflections.com
Publisher
Reflections Publishing Group
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