We had a great time Saturday at Scrapbook Generation with the 60 gals who took our "Dazzle with Die Cuts" Saturday Seminar. Using Sizzix and AccuCut die cuts, we inked, layered, embellished, and painted them, and also wove them with ribbon. Those simple scrapbooking standbys looked pretty cute after we were through with them.

This Saturday, we're trying something new with our free Sketch Sessions. I didn't have much room in the newsletter to explain things, and we've had quite a few phone calls asking for more information, so I'll try to provide that here. My vision is that we provide a service for two types of scrapbookers, first, those who are so busy that they don't get as many pages completed as they would like; and second, those who would like some help with design and color choices.

A scrapbook sketch is like a blueprint for making a page, and it can make scrapbooking a breeze! For this Saturday, I have designed a sketch for a two-page layout, and the sketch is formatted much like the ones we used in our monthly layout contests the first couple of years we were open.

We're offering three free sessions, at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. During the session, you are given a copy of the sketch (which includes specific sizes of page elements and photos), free. You are responsible for purchasing your own papers at the session. I'll have a sample page made with the suggested cardstock and papers, or you can choose papers in your own color combinations. You will need to bring your own cutting tools and adhesives, although those also will be available for purchase.

You will have time to build your page, using the sketch, and if you want any help, I'll be available to offer suggestions for titles or other embellishments you might like to add. The session will be a quick and inexpensive way to get a designer look! To register, just call us at 886-0440.

I personally love creating scrapbook pages from sketches. I use them all the time, and love how you can use the same ones over and over and get totally different looks, just by changing the color scheme and papers.

New today at Scrapbook Generation, six new colors of acrylic paint by Making Memories! We also have Making Memories' three new glazes (including glitter glaze), but I'm hiding them and going to debut them at the next Free Saturday Seminar, "Cover with Paint" on April 21!