Reminder: Volume two of Scrapbook Generation's hugely popular Sketches for Scrapbooking book will go on sale tomorrow. The book contains 30 sketches by Allison Davis and Debbie Sanders. All the sketches from January - June 2008 sketch sessions are included, plus 15 new sketches!

Scrapbook Generation has just added over 75 papers and matching "jotters" journaling die-cuts by Luxe Designs to our supply of goodies. All the papers are double-sided, and there are eight different collections, ranging from classic black and white to a green and poppy Asian-themed group called "Sarong." Four of the groups are geometric/linear/simple designs with the positive design on one side and the negative of the same design on the back. Tons of fun!

Just wanted to let you know that the photos of Scrapbook Generation's July classes are now posted on our website, scrapbookgeneration.com.

We laughed when we opened the latest paper collection to arrive at Scrapbook Generation. The Get Happy group from Cosmo Cricket reads..."Acid free. Lignin free. Fat free. Sugar free. High in fiber. Get Happy." Anyway, after you laugh, you notice how bright and cheerful the papers are...perfect for boys or girls!

New and beautiful groups of papers continue to arrive at Scrapbook Generation!

-- My Mind's Eye's cute and colorful Garden Party collections of papers, die-cut sheets, paper packs, and matching buttons;

-- the Roughing It camping collection by Moxxie;

-- the Hot Mama collection by Glitz, a new company for us;

-- Bo-Bunny's knock-out softball and baseball collections.

FREE Saturday Seminar:

This Saturday, we're going to make 6x6 double-page layouts decorated with Doodlebug's new flocking powders. We're also going to try out their new adhesive shape and alphabet sets -- all you have to do is add glitter or flocking! During the seminar, everything is furnished for you, including adhesives! Just call to register for one of the five time slots.

Sketch Books:

I've spent most of my time this week in the office in front of the computer, working on the last few sketches for volume two of Sketches for Scrapbooking, featuring 30 original sketches by Creating Keepsakes Dream Team member Allison Davis and her goofy mom. Just like our first book, volume two will have 30 sketches, and will sell for $12.99. The books will be available beginning Tuesday, July 1.

New today at Scrapbook Generation...the Freedom collection by Reminsce, which features awesome red, white, and blue patterned papers accented by glitter! Also, for all of you who love the sugar-coated (glittered) Doodlebug cardstock, we just got in all 12 colors of Doodlebug's new patterned glitter cardstock!

A reminder about Scrapbook Generation's two fall retreats in Branson...sign up quickly if you want to attend! We have less than 15 spots available between the two events, Oct. 3-5 and Oct. 24-26! Non-refundable deposits of $50 can be paid in-store, by phone, or by mail.

BasicGrey's new Euphoria collection arrived at Scrapbook Generation earlier today! It's out and ready for purchase. Also, we have a new group called Cabana by Fiskars, which is very eye-catching, and comes with chipboard embellishments, rub-ons, stickers, and more.

We also have several great new chipboard sets by Maya Road, including flourishes and swirls, frames, arrows, crowns, and new letter sets.

I wanted to post photos of some of our newest products at Scrapbook Generation, and tell you about a few other things as well.

Shown in the photos...

-- several new styles of clear stamps by Autumn Leaves;
-- a new summery/beach collection by Flair;
-- the Passport collection by Making Memories, plus their "puffy" alphabet sets;
-- a camping collection by Rusty Pickle;
-- Fourth of July collections by Bo-Bunny, Scenic Route, and Rusty Pickle (they're are all so pretty that it's hard to choose!)

On the way, by two of our top vendors...
-- the new Euphoria collection by BasicGrey;
-- two new smaller groups called Garden Party, by My Mind's Eye.

Allison news...
I received an email about the Creating Keepsakes Convention in Tulsa yesterday, and when I went to the site to check it out, I discovered that Allison is listed as a "celebrity" who will be at the convention. She will be teaching classes at the convention, and also at CKC-Kansas City in October. It was quite fun to see her labeled that way, but weird at the same time. And if it's weird for me, I'll bet it's really a strange feeling for her! I'll be going to Tulsa with her, and hope to see some of you there!

Activity news...
In September, Scrapbook Generation will be participating in ScrapPink, a national event that benefits the Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast cancer foundation. We already have lots of great activities planned for the three days of the event, and can't wait to tell you about them. We'll be announcing all the pink fun we have planned in our next newsletter, August-September!

Father's Day...
I just wanted to take a minute and mention my dad. This will be the ninth Father's Day without him, and I still miss him greatly. He's missed so much during that time, but especially getting to know his great-grandsons, Drew and Jackson. Sometimes when I look at them, it makes me sad that he didn't live to see them, and that they won't know how wonderful he was, this side of heaven.

I also wish that he could have been around to witness the birth and growth of Scrapbook Generation! I'm not sure if he would have thought Karin and I were crazy to have plunged ahead with such a big venture, but I know he would be proud of us now!

My dad had many personality traits that I long for, including the ability to be easy-going, slow to anger, and quick to praise. He never sought out the limelight, but was the kind of person whose opinion was valuable to any group he was a part of, because he was so rational and good-natured and wise.

I know that the reason he isn't here today is because he smoked all of his adult life. He tried to quit so many times, but nothing ever worked for long, and eventually it damaged his heart. I nagged and nagged him, and I know he tried, but he always went back to smoking. I wish there had been some way that he could have quit when it still would have made a difference. My world just isn't the same without him. He was the greatest!