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August 1, 2007
From the Helm - Welcome to SSR!
Cap'n Dawn Heath,Publisher
click on the image to see all of Sam's special photo gallery of Italy
We have a special treat for you this month as we visit Italy. Sam Monte is a friend of Flo and is joining us this month to share his own photos of Italy. To see Sam's gallery please click on any of the images of Sam's of Italy featured. Sam is a world traveler and excellent photographer and we are very fortunate to have Sam share his love of Italy with us. Sam has written up a special description for the pictures he's sharing with us.
Off the Bay of Naples is the island of Capri. It is an island where many romantic movies were made and is the island where the Blue Grotto is. A high speed boat will take you from Naples to Capri. The small town is romantic and beautiful. The restaurant near the top of Capri’s mountains gives a spectacular view of the island and the blue Mediterranean Sea. From the bay of Capri a short boat ride takes you to the famous Blue Grotto. You are met by boatmen in small boats. Once in the boat you must lie down in order to get through the small passage into the grotto. The beauty inside the Blue Grotto is amazing. Light from the outside turns the water in the grotto to a glowing blue color.
Photo compliments of Sam Monte
click on the image to see all of Sam's special photo gallery of Italy
Naples is located in southern Italy at the edge of the Bay of Naples and lies in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius of which the Italians call “Vesuvio”.
On the harbor lies a fortress used to protect the harbor. On the bay side of the fortress you can see were it was hit by shells from invading ships.
The narrow streets of Naples are lined with friendly shops that cater to any taste. The shop keepers like to haggle about prices. In the end, both the shop keeper and the customer are satisfied.
Each morning the woman of the house goes to the market and shops for fresh vegetables and meats for the evening meal. Each meal is made fresh that day.
In the afternoon most Italians relax between the hours of 1:00-3:00pm to have their lunch. Many shops will also close during this time. Italians seem to enjoy life much more than we do. The say, “Americans live to work...Italians work to live.” In the evening we strolled along the bay where we could see numerous Italians relaxing with a cup of cappuccino and enjoying the evening.
Photo compliments of Sam Monte
click on the image to see all of Sam's special photo gallery of Italy
No one would visit Rome without seeing the Vatican and St. Peters Basilica. The art within them is beautiful.
The Vatican contains a statue of St Peter, Michael Angelo’s La Pieta, and the tombs of the deceased Popes. It also contains many other works of art including statues and paintings.
St. Peters Basilica contains the magnificent Chair of St. Peter, and its ceiling is lined with beautiful art. Unfortunately, picture taking is restricted, although I did capture a few good pictures.
Coliseum
The Coliseum is one of the top tourist sites in Rome. It was built in 72AD and could hold over 55,000 spectators. Under the Coliseum’s floor contained the rooms for the gladiators and the cages for the wild animals. Elaborate pulleys and wenches moved elevators containing the gladiators and animals to the Coliseum’s arena above.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is the most preserved ancient building in Rome. Originally a temple of worship, it is now a museum containing many ancient works of art.
Spanish Steps
In the early 19th century the steps were filled with artists. It is also where the poet John Keats died. Today it is mainly filled with tourist.
Trevi Fountain
The fountain is a recent addition to Rome and was built in 1762. Visitors can be seen frequently tossing coins into the fountain. It is said that if you toss a coin into the fountain your wish will come true and that you will someday return to Rome.
Not far from Naples lies Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. Most of Pompeii was destroyed in 79AD by the eruption of Vesuvius. More than two feet of molten rock and ash filled the city. Inhabitants had little time to run. It wasn’t until 1748 that they starting excavating the site. Also uncovered during excavation were the remains of some of the cities inhabitants.
To the northeast of Naples is the city of Caserta. Within the city is a beautiful castle containing over a 1,000 rooms. The castle’s grounds are decorated with waterfalls, ponds and statues. A carriage ride will take you from the castle’s gate to the garden’s waterfall. It is absolutely beautiful.
Thank you Sam for the privilege of sharing some of your photos of your beloved Italy with us! Your photos are fabulous! Welcome aboard SSR!
Cap'n Dawn
Snow's granddaughter Maddie was diagnosed with a very fast growing cancerous tumor in her abdomen. Maddie is 7 years old and the SSR Ezine community has rallied to send Maddie and her family cards of encouragement. We have created this very special gallery to showcase as many of the cards as we are sent scans of so that wherever Maddie is, she can see the cards and all the heartfelt prayers we are sending her way.
If you would like to participate in Maddie's page please send me a scan of your card to Maddie and her family to editor@ssreflections.com. Please size the scan to 475 pixels before you email it to me and include your first and last name. I will update this page as often as possible with news from the family on Maddie with what they are comfortable sharing with us. This is all to encourage Maddie and her family and we will respect their privacy at all times. No information will be shared on this page without the full consent of the family.
August is here and I will soon be going back to school. So, for our August theme I would really like to...
"Get Back to Nature."
It has rained so much in Texas that I haven’t been able to get out and play. I would like to see layouts, altered items and cards filled with different elements of nature. Flowers, trees, camping trips, picnics in the park, you get to choose! If you want to see who the winner of the July Reader's Gallery Contest is then you'll have to visit Brook's Gallery page and see all the fabulous designs submitted for July! 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!
Here is the picture from July's contest:
The winning quote is
"Sweet summer, I love thee flowers, but not thy heat!"
Submitted by Melodee DeStefano!
Congratulations Melodee!
Now, if you'd like to see the August 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 Alluring Impressions! for sponsoring the August Caption Contest! We at SSReflections appreciate our sponsors so much!
Our Designer’s Challenge is sponsored by Altered Pages. Jackie Garbarino, the owner of Altered Pages started scrapbooking and rubber stamping about ten years ago and has been creating altered art for five years. She’s been in business for four years and has really enjoyed this time! Altered Pages has over 1500 collage sheets with vintage images - in transparency, vellum, woven Bazill, parchment, cardstock, fabric, and glossy photo. The collage sheets are perfect for altered books, scrapbook layouts, collage projects, and artwork. Jackie even has some great coordinated kits you just HAVE to check out!
In honor of our trip to Italy this month Jackie provided our team with items from her Tuscany kit. The design to the right was created by Anita Faull!
We hope that you are taking advantage of our program to actually purchase the designs created by our amazing designers! All you need to do is click on the thumbnail of your favorite design, and if it is for sale it will be listed at the bottom of the supply list. You can email the crewmember directly for information about purchasing the design featured! Shipping and handling are not included in the price of the design. Insurance is required on all sales. Our featured piece of art for sale this month was created by Judy Cantrell!! Please be sure to read her feature and see all the gorgeous projects she has created!
Last month we welcomed Donalda Cox on board SSR as our new swap hostess on the Ezine Yahoo! Group. Donalda just completed the first swap which was an Altered CD Swap and we have created a special swap gallery to showcase all the beautiful work done by everyone who participated! We'll be updating this page when each swap is completed. The beautiful artwork to the right was created by Jackie Bednar! Congratulations ladies on a job well done! If you'd like to participate in 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!
Korbyn's Korner - S.S. Reflections Sponsor Spotlight!
korbynmay@ssreflections.com
Director of Sales
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 adsales@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
Authentic Memories: has an unprecedented offer of scrapbook supplies valued at $350 for only $90 and they will pay for the shipping!
Exclusive papercraft designs as well as the digital scrapbook package you’ve been dreaming of to create beautiful layouts in no time at all. Easy enough for beginners to look like pros and flexible enough for pros to love as well.
Click thru to see a photo and complete list of all the wonderful goodies waiting for you; white chipboard, bling, textured-papers, rub-ons, cards, ribbons and so much more!
Hearts in Touch has new images available and more coming soon!
AVAILABLE NOW:
#102 Framed Florals
#103 A & B Peacocks
#104 Birds
COMING SOON:
#105 Oriental Silhouettes
#106 Oriental Scenes
#107 Thanksgiving
#108 Christmas 2007
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 May 2007 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 either Korbyn or myself at adsales@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!
It is with great sadness that I share the news that this issue will be Debi's official feature with SSR. Debi will join us as her schedule permits but she is leaving the SSR crew in an official capacity as a designer and as the Ezine List Mom. So, I have taken on the position as Ezine List Mom once again. If you have any ideas to share with me for another program for the Ezine Group please feel free to write to me at editor@ssreflections.com!
SSR is making a Call for Designers!
We are currently looking to expand all of our decks! The Scrapping Deck, Stamping Deck, Digital Deck and the Altered Arts Deck! We want to bring in the fall with a bang and wondered if you would be interested in joining our crew?
If you are interested in applying for a design position please send 5 samples of your work and a sample of your writing. Please write as though it will be your first article on SSR! You can write about a product you love, and subject that means a lot to you, or even a use 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 editor@ssreflections.com and we will do all we can to help! If you applied once before don't hesitate to apply again.
On our Editorial Deck we will be featuring the swaps from the Ezine Yahoo! Group with our hostess, Donalda Cox. You won't want to miss this fabulous gallery of beautiful artwork! The design to the right was created by Sandra Christen!
You'll not want to miss all the fun with Cindy's Caption Contest! You'll need to join our Yahoo! Ezine Group to post your caption ideas! The August contest is sponsored by Alluring Impressions So, start sharing your captions on the Ezine Yahoo! Group!
"Get Back to Nature." is the theme for Brook's August Reader's Gallery Contest! Keepsake Designs has provided a prize valued at $25 for the Reader's Gallery Contest!
Now on to the Scrapping Deck! Anita has truly been inspired by our trip to Italy and has created some gorgeous architectural themed layouts. The layout to the right was created by Anita!
Jill is revisiting her childhood and has created some beautiful cards using her chalks. She has some wonderful ideas to share with you this month!
Stacie's sketch challenge this month is sponsored by 2 Mad Scrappers! You won't want to miss the wonderful layouts submitted for Stacie's challenge this month! Great job everyone!! If you'd like to participate in Stacie's challenge all you have to do is upload your creations to the Interactive Reader's Gallery!
On our Digital Deck this month Tricia is back after taking a few months off! Phew...if you only knew Tricia's schedule you'd be exhausted just hearing about it! But, Tricia is sharing her obsession with mini albums this month and I'm sure you are going to just love her subjects!
Yvonne is travelling to Idaho this summer and has created some fabulous travel boxes to keep her boys entertained during the trip. I know you are just going to love this project...the project featured to the right is one of Yvonne's boxes!
Now it's time for the Stamping Art Deck! Debi's last feature with us has her enjoying the "dog days of summer" creating gorgeous tags! The tag to the right is one of Debi's beautiful designs! BTW, all of Debi's tags are for sale if you are interested!
Flo has discovered a new technique that she calls "Target Embossing" and has some beautiful designs to showcase this fabulous technique. I hope you will give this technique a try and share your creations with us on the Ezine Yahoo! Group or our Reader's Gallery. I just love Flo's ideas!
Judy's DVD review this month is "Keepsake Impressions - The Ultimate Collection - The Story Continues by Babs Scarlett & Kathy Mills!" This is the second DVD by the "Glitter Girls" and Judy has some fabulous projects to share with you inpsired by this DVD! All of the "Glitter Girls" products can be purchased through Hearts in Touch. Judy has featured Starform Stickers in her designs this month and all of them are for sale if you are interested!
Now on to the Altered Arts Deck! Robin is doing a solo this month! Wendy is in the process of moving and planning her dream trip to the USA so she has taken the month of August off as she has just so much going on right now! Michaela is taking a few months off as she is planning a big move for her family too! Well, I for one know just how much work moving is and this is a priority! But, they will both be back soon and in the meantime Robin is by herself on the Altered Arts Deck!
Robin's feature this month is sharing some fun photo altering ideas. Robin is challenging all of you to a task. She would love it if each one of you would share an altered photo technique with her after you read this article. You can share it on the ezine Yahoo! Group or you can email Robin and share it with her. The card featured to the right is one of the projects that Robin created!
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! The fabulous Bernie Berlin card to the right was created by Michi Michaelson! Michi had major surgery just last week and we are sharing this card so she knows that she is in our thoughts and prayers as she recovers.
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!
Summer is almost over already. We still have one month left but August is busy with doctors appointments, dentist appointments, school registrations and back to school shopping. Soccer starts up again in just 2 weeks and then we have our Walworth County Fair! I'm such a fair-a-holic...I just love the fair! Then it's back to school for the boys and back to a set schedule again. I had a working vacation this summer. I spent a week working Country Thunder again. It was a fabulous week and I met so many of the artists! I work backstage doing all sorts of projects, organizing anything from basic transportation to lodging to actually running some of the artists on various errands! This year I brought two of my boys with me and they helped out quite a bit. They were able to eat backstage with some of the artists and enjoy the entertainment. It was completely exhausting and we were all very glad when it was over. It's taken us a week to recouperate!
I hope you are able to sit and enjoy reading this very special issue of SSR as we visit Italy. Please keep Maddie in your prayers and be sure to send a scan of the cards you send to Maddie and her family. Remember to take a moment in each day and count your blessings. I know that you are all a very special blessing to me. Fall will be here before you know it so take a few minutes to sit and enjoy a special sunset or sunrise depending on your schedule!
Happy summer,
Cap'n Dawn
publisher@ssreflections.com
Publisher
Reflections Publishing Group
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