I’m Off!
- posted by: Kelly Jo
- posted in: My Life, Challenges, Contests
- on: July 3, 2009
The car is almost packed and then we are off to Cape Cod for a week of sand castles, crab catching, kite flying, bike riding and just plain beach bummin’. We won’t have internet access so I’m going to miss all my Fisk-a-Friends. This is the first time that I will be away since I joined in Dec. 2006.
I am plaining on taking lots of pictures that will keep me scrappin for quite some time. Emily is already talking about the mini-album that we are going to make together. Very exciting!
So here’s a challenge for You. I love red, white and blue pages and I love stars. Have You seen the sketch of the month on the Fiskarscrafts site? And look at what Lisa Storms did with Stars. Use these for inspiration or work on your own and create a NEW scrapbook page or two cards or an altered item with red, white and blue and stars on it. Upload it to the gallery and leave a comment here with the link before I get back on July 13th. And You can enter more than once so have Fun crafting!
Almost forgot, I have to announce some winners!
The winner of the Upper Crest Border punch and fingertip craft knife from this post is… Congratulations, Holly #5486. Email your address and phone number to me at kellyjo@fiskateers.com. I’ll get your prize out to You when I return.
And the Welcome Wagon has a winner, too! Congratulations, Ann 6306! Please email me your info, too!
Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July!
‘See’ You when I get back!
A Year Filled with Fisk-a-Friendships. Thank You.
- posted by: Wendy Jo
- posted in: Uncategorized, My Life, Inspiration
- on: July 2, 2009
THE FISKATEER WAY
I, (your name), accept the duties that come with being a Fiskateer. I promise to encourage other crafters I meet along my journey and pass on the techniques, knowledge and love that have been shared with me. I will always be upfront and transparent about my membership in the Fiskateers. I am here because I choose to be here and reserve the right to freely express my views to Fiskars and the ambassador community in an honest, respectful manner at all times. Above all, I vow to have fun fellowshipping with my fellow crafters and, if the opportunity presents itself, as others to join me as a Fiskateer.
It’s hard to believe that just one year ago Kelly Jo, Rebecca, Angela, and I joined Cheryl on a new journey together as the Lead Fiskateers for the Fiskars Craft Ambassador program for the 2008-2010 term. I have experienced so many things in my job over the last year. But the one joy that stands out above the rest is meeting so many new Fisk-a-Friends along the way. Who would have thought that I would find so many new friends both on-line and in person who all have on thing in common… The love of crafting with Fiskars tools.
So, to everyone who is reading this post…. I say Thank You.
- To Holly, May, Stephenie and Cheryl, our original Lead Fiskateers. It was you who built the foundation for a community that has grown to over 6,300 members, and continues to grow each day. EVERY Fiskateer is here today because of your hard work, your vision, your creativity and your dream… Thank You.
- To the gang at Brains on Fire and Fiskars. You have given me the opportunity to help spread the Fiskars Love in so many ways by just allowing me be me… Thank You.
- To Kelly Jo, Rebecca, Angela and Cheryl. Thank you for… well… Everything! I love working with you!… Thank You.
- And finally…To EVERY Fiskateer reading this post. It’s your talents, thoughtfulness and kind spirits that have inspired me and other members in our community to let our creative juices flow freely. Our gallery is filled with a variety of treasures and masterpieces that delight the eye over, and over again. Our message board and chatroom is always filled with love an laughter… Thank You.
It is our creed, The Fiskateer Way, listed above that made me fall in love with our community back in 2006 when I became Fiskateer #99. (Who would have guessed that not only would I be the last of the double digits, but how did they know that my Fiskateer number was my actual weight too?!)
This past year as a Lead Fiskateer has been a year that I will always cherish. I know that Kelly Jo, Rebecca, Angela, Cheryl and I along with the gang at Fiskars are busy planning a lot of fun filled events both in-person and on-line for the next twelve months. After all, we are some wild and crazy gals… you never know what might happen next!
Coming Soon to a Store Near You
- posted by: the leads
- posted in: Uncategorized
- on: July 2, 2009
It’s our favorite part of the summer- Fiskars has released sneak peeks of the new products they have in production for this season. In other words, it’s CHA sneak peek time! Here are some images that will give you a hint about what we have to look forward to (and if you’re like us and love taking Fiskars’ design surveys, you’ll recognize a lot of the designs you helped Fiskars choose to put in their new production line-up)…
So tell us, what do you think? See any future favorites?
Gardening at the Daniels House
- posted by: Angela
- posted in: Uncategorized
- on: July 1, 2009
Last month, we Lead Fiskateers had an opportunity to sit with Brent McHenry from Fiskars Garden and learn about gardening tools. It was pretty interesting for a non-gardener like me. Sometimes I approach a hobby from the “it has cool tools” angle so I can see getting into gardening if I had all the right tools for the job. Funny thing is, I was most excited about Fiskars new rain barrel- and I live in the high desert (check out the rain barrel and, my favorite, the animated rain here: http://www.rain-barrel.com/). Anyway, we do garden a little bit at the Daniels house. This is our second year to have a vegetable garden. I put it off for years because I wanted to read every gardening book, build raised beds, have a fully functional compost bin and put 110% into the garden but, jeeze, that sounded like too much WORK. My husband convinced me that we could basically just scratch up a bit of dirt, plant a small amount of vegetable plants and just see what happened. Miraculously, it worked last year. In fact, the kids and I were getting pretty excited to see that we had a few nice-sized cantaloupes going. Our dog Hamlet (who we had just gotten at the local animal shelter a few weeks into our new garden last year) was impressed too, apparently. He’s one of those dogs who is obsessed with playing ball. He’ll actually come and put his favorite tennis ball in our open hand to encourage us to throw it for him. So guess what our baby cantaloupes looked like to him? Just when we were starting to get excited that we had grown cantaloupes, Hamlet ripped them out and ran all over the yard with his new “toys” one day when we weren’t home.
This year, it was my 8 year-old son, Parker, who had a plan. He decided to string empty soda cans around the perimeter of our little garden and add little pebbles to the cans so, in case Hamlet decides to make a dash for our cantaloupes again, he’ll hit the cans, they’ll rattle and, hopefully, scare him off. Now, it may be because Hamlet’s older but, so far, Parker’s plan seems to be working. We’ve had one bird peck at a strawberry but so far, the rest of the garden has been safe. I can’t tell you how many questions I get about our row of cans, though- everyone wants to know what they’re for. I actually think they’re pretty in an artsy-recycled kind of way.
Crafting in the Morning
Emily and Ben are very good sleepers, normally sleeping until at least 8:00 am. But these past few weeks they have been up at 7:00 on the dot! So this morning when I woke up at 6:00, I figured that I might as well get up. And guess what? They Both decided to sleep until 8:30! Oh well. At least I got some crafting done. Priorities, right? 
I finally finished this layout. I have had these photos printed and the basic design was set, but I hadn’t found the time to get the finishing touches on it. So this morning I went to work and I love it!
I used the Upper Crest border punch. I love layering this punch to help the border design pop. I also used my Fingertip Craft knife to cut the little monsters out of the October Afternoon Louie paper. Love these little monsters! Then I wanted to sew around the border but I didn’t have any orange thread. So I got a little crafty and dyed my white thread with my orange Staz-on ink. Very clever for 6am.
Would You like to win an Upper Crest border punch and Fingertip Craft knife? Please leave a comment here with your favorite time to craft, be sure to include your Fiskateer number. I’m leaving for vacation on Friday morning so I’ll try to draw a winner before then.
I normally craft at night, but I felt very productive this morning. Maybe 6am is the new midnight.
Standing Next to Heroism
- posted by: Cheryl
- posted in: Uncategorized, My Life, Scrap Life
- on: July 1, 2009
I had the absolute blessing attending a very special event on Friday. I had the opportunity to attend a Change of Command Ceremony on Camp Pendleton. I have gotten to know a very special gal through scrapbooking (the Lucky 13 circle journal group) www.theluckythirteen.blogspot.com.
Her name is Candice McLean and she is a doll and beautiful inside and out. She is one talented gal let me tell you and has designed her own paper line as well as worked with Rusty Pickle and many other scrapbooking entities. Candice and I have gotten to know each other a little better (thank you Elena) and one thing we have in common . . . we are both married to Marines.
My husband is out of the Marine Corps but there is a saying ‘Once A Marine, Always a Marine’. You never say, ‘You used to be a Marine?’ No, “once a Marine, Always a Marine.” Candice and her husband Chip are getting ready to start a new chapter in their lives and relocate. But before doing so, the battalion that her husband leads says goodbye to their great leader and he reliquishes his command to the next officer chosen to lead this fine group of men and women. I’m sure it has to be bitter sweet . . . leaving part of the family to start a new chapter but I’m also very excited for Chip, Candice and the family. Well, I wanted to support Candice and attend and it was such a priviledge and honor . . . completely ours.
Somehow, my camera got switched to sepia half way during the ceremony but kind of looks cool and historical.
We arrived and had assigned seating. The Marine Corps band played prior to the ceremony. It was a perfect afternoon with a breeze sitting underneath the tents. Then the ceremony began . . . it began with singing the ‘Star Spangled Banner’. The ceremony was incredible . . . with the display of equipment, to the Marines in the battalion marching in unison, to the words expressed by the commanding officer, to the playing of the Marine Corp hymn. It was absolutely awesome. Tears were shed and a since of incredible pride and thankfulness to be a citizen of this country was on my heart. I wish I had more opportunity to have taken photos but I just wanted to take it all in and I didn’t want to disturb any portion of the program. I was standing next to men and women who are heros. They and their families give of themselves for our freedom each and every day.
There were many officers (Generals, Colonels, Lt. Colonels) present as well as enlisted men (Corporals, Sgts., Gunnery Sgts. and others). Everyone was so nice . . . even the Generals where just so personable. After the ceremony we introduced ourselves to a few young Marines and also thanked them for serving our country. One individual introduced another to an officer by saying . . . ‘He is the one who got blown up’. It was like it was a regular occurance. The young Marine was scarred on his arm but I hadn’t noticed it until something was said. Can I just say I am thankful for each and every serviceman and woman who has served (and continues to serve) in our military past and present (that includes my husband, my dad, Chip and his men and women). I think it was a neat opportunity for my husband as well to be back in the military culture after 16 years or so. He enjoyed it a great deal.
After the ceremony which I will remember for years to come, the McLean’s had a reception near the Ranch House. The Ranch House is a historical landmark there on Camp Pendleton and when my husband was in the service, it was known as the “General’s House”. It’s where the General lived up until a couple of years ago . . . going back many years. It also has rich history pertaining to missions (remember my recent missions trips . . . keeps on coming). I’m learning a lot about California history. It was a wonderful afternoon in a historical place.
It was wonderful to sit back and watch the camaraderie between the men and women. We enjoyed talking with people who have been touched by the McLeans. I know the McLeans leave a footprint on many hearts as they leave their current post but I also know they will be used to touch others as they look forward to the next chapter in their lives. Thank you for your service to the Marine Corps and to our country.
Thank you each and every one of you who have served in our military. A reoccuring theme you will hear from me . . . but I have lived overseas in countries so less fortunate. I am so grateful for the freedom we have and for our country. As the Fourth of July approaches . . . remember all we have and be thankful. Thank that serviceman or woman in your life, clap loudly for the servicemen and women in the parade, or send that card o package you’ve been meaning too . . . remember the sacrifice and faithfulness they have displayed.
Having been a Marine Corp wife (gratefully and proudly I might add) I can say as they do in the Marine Corps . . . Semper Fi (Always Faithful). And that is what our servicemen and women are to us as a country and to it’s citizens.
A ‘Big’ Thanks from the Kids Crafts/School Fiskamittee
- posted by: Cheryl
- posted in: Uncategorized, Crafts
- on: July 1, 2009
Thank you everyone for participating in the Big Top Crop! We (Amy E. #1764 and Maya #351) had a great time hosting and meeting so many new and young friends this past weekend! We hope you picked up new ideas that you can incorporate into your scrapbooking and crafting projects. We wanted to also thank “Let’s Party Hearty, Inc.” ~ http://www.letspartyhearty.com/ for the generous prize donations for the crop.
Even though the crop has ended, you can always join us at the Crafting for Kids Message Board for more fun, great ideas and prizes every month! Until next time . . .
GASC was a Blast!
- posted by: Wendy Jo
- posted in: Uncategorized, My Life
- on: June 30, 2009
As most of you know, I spent this past weekend at the Great American Scrapbook Convention in Chantilly VA. I look forward to attending this consumer convention every year and this year did not disappoint.
During GASC this year, I discovered a very cool vendor… Deals from Wisconsin. This booth was filled with nothing but Fiskars products including a huge selection of Heidi Grace and Cloud 9 papers and consumables. I was totally amazed by the selection of retired Fiskars tools that Brad and Carol had available at their booth. What’s even more exciting is that they have a shop on-line.
This year, Fiskars sponsored several classes during the convention taught by Making Memories Master, Author and Fiskateer Crystal Jeffrey Rieger. But she wasn’t the only Fiskateer in attendance. During the Friday night crop, 20 Fiskateers joined me at my crop tables and we had our own little Fiskars Birthday Party complete with orange party favors and a Birthday cake. At this crop, over 350 scrapbookers were introduced to our Fiskateer community. Nifty-Fifty Fiskateer Kelly #127 helped me distribute Fiskars goodies to all the croppers that night. Three lucky crop participants, including Fiskateer Kelly Ann Lewis, won a brand new Fiskars trimmer.
I also hosted several Make-It-Take-It’s on Friday and Saturday right in the middle of the convention floor at the new Learning Pavilion. Several local CFD’s (Certified Fiskars Demonstrators) assisted me both days. One MITI featured several Fiskars Squeeze Punches and coordinating stamps. To put a twist on things, I set up this MITI up in a progressive assembly line fashion since it had 21 parts. That’s right, twenty-one separate parts! But would you believe that in a combined time of 60 minutes, we had over 90 participants complete the project. It was fast… and it was fun!
After two days of demoing and roaming the convention floor, I had one more task to complete. I wanted to make sure that everyone knew that the Fiskateers were in the house. So, with the help of my noisy cow bell (and my big mouth) I gave away more Fiskars goodies to some lucky convention participants.
The weekend flew by very quickly. It was fun to see some familiar Fiskateer faces and meet some future Fiskateers too. To all the Fiskateers who helped me spread the Fiskars love in Virginia this past weekend… this was a convention that I won’t forget thanks to all of you!
Guess Who’s Teaching Summer School?
- posted by: Rebecca
- posted in: Uncategorized
- on: June 30, 2009
WOWZA! It’s Jenni Bowlin! You’d better get to class NOW before you miss her! She’s got a beautiful layout and article on the Fiskars Crafts website right here: Jenni Bowlin
Isn’t this gorgeous?
Make sure you check out ALL of the summer school classes, or I might have to put a note on your permanent record! hee hee hee
“It Feels Like Home”
- posted by: Kelly Jo
- posted in: My Life
- on: June 30, 2009
This past Saturday, I had the opportunity to visit a new scrapbook store (new to Me!), A Time for Memories in North Grafton, MA.
If You live in New England (or have been reading the message board or follow the Weather Channel) You know that the weather this June has been horrible. It’s pretty much been cloudy and rainy every day. (Last week there was even a tornado one town over from me!) So when I woke up on Saturday to a bright, beautiful, blue sky, I was very excited to see the sun. But I thought this might cause a lot of crafty folks to choose outdoor activities rather than join me inside for a demo.
I was pleasantly surprised!
When I pulled up, I was greeted by Teresa #6345. Teresa is a new Fiskateer and she also joined me at the 2nd Happy Birthday, Fiskars! crop so I was very excited to see her. She had read about how my husband and I met at Fenway Park and she brought me the most thoughtful gift.
And then new Fiskateer, Gwen #6346 arrived. And I know Gwen was glad she came out, she won the raffle prize basket!
Linda #4949 drove almost 2 hours and she arrived just in time to join in and become a CFD with Carla-Rae #6049.
It was a wonderful day filled with Fisk-a-Friends. We were able to chat about the Fiskateers and play with lots of Fiskars tools.
During the day we were chatting with some customers about the Fiskateers program and how it is such a wonderful place full of inspiration and friendships and Teresa said, “I’m new, but it just feels like home.”
Well said, Teresa. Welcome Home!