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January 1, 2008
From the Helm - Welcome to SSR!
Cap'n Dawn Heath,Publisher
I am so excited to tell you that we have a very special introduction to Hong Kong for you this month! Aparna Sordi has joined the SSR crew and is sharing her home with us for her first official issue! So, without any further delay let me share with you what makes Hong Kong so special to Aparna!
About Hong Kong by Aparna...
First off I would like to list some reasons why I really like living in Hong Kong:
Hong Kong is divided into three parts: the actual island of Hong Kong, the peninsula of Kowloon and the New Territories. All these together are referred to as the HKSAR or the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong: The name means ‘fragrant harbor’ in Cantonese, the local dialect of the Chinese language. Hongkongers usually refer to it simply as ‘the island’. The island was captured by the British during the 1940s. This island has the highest concentration of international businesses with ‘Central’ being the main office area. The Victoria peak, also called ‘The Peak’ is worth a visit via the peak Tram. And surprisingly, even though it has a population density of 91,500 / square mile, the island has many nature parks where one can go for hikes.
Kowloon: This is the part of the land just across the Victoria harbor from the Hong Kong Island. The name means ‘nine peaks’. The area actually comprises of eight real mountain peaks. Emperor Bing was shown respect by being referred to as the ninth peak. Because HKSAR is such a hilly terrain, landslides are a common occurrence and one sees large mountain sides, from where roads have been cut out, covered with cement and then cleverly camouflaged in green plants. Kowloon was also part of the territory ceded to the British under the Treaty of Nanking, 1842.
New Territories: All the areas of HKSAR, except HK Island, Kowloon & Stonecutters Island are part of the New Territories or NT. Lantau Island, where Hong Kong built its superb new airport is also part of the New Territories. NT is packed with beaches, country parks and more than 200 outlying islands that afford a diverse range of places to escape to from the humdrum of daily life. To make their position in South China more secure, in 1898 the British leased this area from the Qing rulers for 99 years. When the lease to the New Territories expired in 1997, the UK found it easiest to give up sovereignty of HK Island and Kowloon as well – everything was handed over to China. However the HKSAR would not become communist – it would have political autonomy up to a certain degree for the next 50 years. Currently on July 1 Hong Kong celebrates ‘Handover Day’.
For now I cannot think of living anywhere but Hong Kong! Everything, from its lenient taxes to the simple bureaucracy to the vibrancy of life here, has spoilt me thoroughly!
Happy New Year!
Aparna
Our online community is completely optional, SSR is still free and available for you 24 hours a day 7 days a week. You do not need to join the various groups we have to enjoy SSR we just like to encourage everyone to do so as it is a lot of fun! We have also just created a Facebook group! This group is literally brand new but if you have a Facebook account we'd love to see you there!! I'm new at these groups and I'm looking for all advice and ideas you may have to have fun with these groups! I think I'm kind of overwhelmed by them?
Our Designer’s Challenge sponsor this month is Debbie's Die Cuts You can visit Debbie Bankston, the owner, at http://debbiesdiecuts.blogspot.com/. There is a ton of information on her site, including ideas, tutorials and the opportunity to purchase kits of the examples that you see. The artwork you’ll see on SSR is exceptional and will get you moving in the right creative direction! The project to the right was designed by Cindy Roland!
Here is the picture from December's contest:
The winning quote is
"Wish upon a Star".
Submitted by Chris Gill
Congratulations Chris!!
Now, if you'd like to see the January 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 Pages for sponsoring the January Caption Contest! We at SSReflections appreciate our sponsors so much!
With the New Year here and the old year gone, it is a time to remember and reflect. I was looking back at all the layout and art work I have done over the year. I also thought about all the new art projects I have planned to complete this year. I thought it would be really great this month, if you shared your favorite pieces of art from the last year or shared with us a layout based on your New Years Resolutions. It is your choice. I’m entitling the January challenge...
"Reflect or Remember"
The holiday season has been a whirl wind of activity for my family and me. It is so nice to have a little time to slow down and admire the great art work that was submitted last month to our gallery contest.
If you want to see who the winner of the December Reader's Gallery Contest you'll have to visit Brook's Gallery page and see all the fabulous designs submitted for December! 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 altered book round robin. The page featured to the right was created by Flo Hollingsworth for the Elvis book! 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 Valentine Images!
#113 HIT Valentines
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.
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!
First, I can't wait to tell you that we have two brand new crewmembers on the Scrapping Deck! Please join us in welcoming Aparna Sordi from Hong Kong and Kelli Capps who is returning to us! Aparna is well known on the internet for her fabulous designers and well...you may remember Kelli as she was with SSR a few years ago! We are so happy to have both of these amazingly talented ladies on the SSR crew!
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 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! 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:
Aparna will be sharing a gallery of her layouts with us each month! If you have any questions about any of Aparna's layouts please don't hesitate to email her personally. I just know you will love all that Aparna creates for you!
Kelli is back with SSR after taking a couple of years off! Kelli started her own business a few years ago and sold her half to her partner just before the birth of her daughter Sam! We are very honored to have Kelli back with us now that life is settling down a bit for her! This month Kelli is sharing a specail gallery of wedding layouts she created of her nephew and his wife! Just check out the layout above for a taste of what Kelli is creating!
On our Digital Deck this month:
Cricket is taking the plunge and learning Adobe Photoshop Elements 4 and is inviting you to join her as she explores this software! This is a wonderful opportunity for you to learn the basics of digital scrapbooking with this fabulous software! Of course, Cricket isn't new to digital scrapbooking but she makes it so easy to learn how to start!
Ramie has been working on all sorts of fabulous digital layouts and is sharing a special gallery of some of her work with you! You won't want to miss these fabulous layouts of my favorite subjects...Ashleigh and Aiden!
Tracy has created a tutorial for you this month on how to create your own faux wax seal digitally! The fabulous layout to the right is the finished product of this easy technique for you to learn! We'd love to see your layouts on the Photo Gallery using this awesome technique!
Tricia is brave enough to share her New Years Resolutions with all of you! So, lets join Tricia and start 2008 by getting organized!
Now it's time for the Stamping Art Deck!
Cindy Seabright has brought our trip to Hong Kong, China to heart and has created a very special “lu1quin3 nengajo” green card with a gorgeous Asian magnolias.
Flo is getting almost grungy this month and having just way too much fun! I want to go and play at Flo's house! Be sure to check out these fabulous thank you cards that Flo has created and print them out for yourself and share your own versions with us on the Reader's Gallery!
Judy's DVD review this month is on "Millefiori Story" with Judy Belcher! Millefiori cane work is a time-honored glassmaking technique that easily translates into polymer clay. Judy offers you the most basic to more intricate designs to inspire you; plus, she teaches you how to create jewelry, home décor and more. Just in case you can't wait until you see the fabulous samples Judy has made take a look to the above right!
Now for the news on the Altered Arts Deck!
Michaela is going to do special year long features using playing cards! The first project she has made using playing cards was this New Year’s Eve scorecard for a fun night of games and playing cards with friends! Just take a look to the right to see Michaela's sample!
Wendy is starting the New Year with a brand new Art Journal! Her first page is about her New Years Resolutions and we're going to hold Wendy to them since she's made them public!!
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! I rarely share projects that I do as I don't seem to have much time to create these days which is frustrating because I created SSR so I could combine stamping and scrapping in my projects as they truly belong together and I was told I wasn't allowed to do that for a magazine I used to design for. The message board to the right was created by me! I made this gift for my friend Bunnie in a Secret Santa exchange we had on a small friends yahoo group we belong to. The only requirement was that the gifts had to be homemade! This was such a fun swap!
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!
As we begin 2008 with a bang. I ask that you keep our own Wendy in your prayers as she shared with the Ezine group a couple of weeks ago that she was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer. As Wendy shared her story with the Ezine Yahoo Group I wanted to share her request with you in my Final Thoughts space.
Wendy found a pink themed journal which also has clear pocket page inserts and she would love to have some pages from other people to insert into these pockets too. All of us at SSR want to help Wendy in any way we can and as she is in New Zealand it's not so simple so we were wondering if anyone would like to decorate a page - pink themed - maybe with a quote or two and mail it to Wendy? If you are concerned about the cost of mailing to New Zealand our own Ramie Ahlstrom has volunteered to send a pkg to Wendy the end of January. You could just mail your page to Ramie! Please email her for her address when you are ready to mail it. The page size would need to be approx 5 inches across and 7 3/4 inches down. If you are mailing directly to Wendy (email Wendy for her address) there is no time limit on when it needs to be done. Wendy has even offered to mail you an Artist Trading Card in return.
We would love to encourage Wendy with hugs in person but as that is rather difficult let's send her all our words of friendship and love and inspiration through the mail!
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 New Year!
Cap'n Dawn
publisher@ssreflections.com
Publisher
Reflections Publishing Group
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