Tuesday, July 14, 2015

More Retiring Items


Item Description Publication Family Sub Family
Z1940 B&B Chain-Faux Silver AI 14-15 Crafts Jewelry
Z1954 B&B Chain-Faux Gold AI 14-15 Crafts Jewelry
Z1955 B&B Dreamer Charms Asst AI 14-15 Crafts Jewelry
Z1957 B&B Free Thinker Charms Asst AI 14-15 Crafts Jewelry
Z1958 B&B Craft Queen Charms Asst AI 14-15 Crafts Jewelry
Z1959 B&B Storyteller Charms Asst AI 14-15 Crafts Jewelry
Z1962 B&B Square Pendant-Faux Silver AI 14-15 Crafts Jewelry
Z1963 B&B Square Pendant-Faux Gold AI 14-15 Crafts Jewelry
Z1964 B&B Circle Pendant-Faux Silver AI 14-15 Crafts Jewelry
Z1965 B&B Circle Pendant-Faux Gold AI 14-15 Crafts Jewelry
Z1978 B&B Rhinestone Charms AI 14-15 Crafts Jewelry
Z2007 B&B Oval Pendant-Faux Gold AI 14-15 Crafts Jewelry
Z2008 B&B Oval Pendant  Faux Silver AI 14-15 Crafts Jewelry
Z2014 B&B Journey Charms AI 14-15 Crafts Jewelry
Z2024 B&B Signature Charms AI 14-15 Crafts Jewelry
Z2025 B&B Rectangle Pendant-Faux Gold AI 14-15 Crafts Jewelry
Z2026 B&B Rectangle Pendant-Faux  Silver AI 14-15 Crafts Jewelry
Z2034 B&B Oval Cuff-Faux   Gold AI 14-15 Crafts Jewelry
Z2035 B&B Oval Cuff- Faux   Silver AI 14-15 Crafts Jewelry
Z2502 Enchantment EI® Mini Pigt Pads Set AI 14-15 Ink Pigment
Z2201 Reinker Autumn Terracotta AI 14-15 Ink SOLD OUT
Z2204 Reinker Barn Red AI 14-15 Ink SOLD OUT
Z2230 Reinker Indian Corn Blue AI 14-15 Ink SOLD OUT
Z2237 Reinker Olive AI 14-15 Ink SOLD OUT
Z2240 Reinker Outdoor Denim AI 14-15 Ink SOLD OUT
Z2245 Reinker Ponderosa Pine AI 14-15 Ink SOLD OUT
Z2247 Reinker Smokey Plum AI 14-15 Ink SOLD OUT
Z2101 Stamp Pad Autumn Terracotta AI 14-15 Ink SOLD OUT
Z2104 Stamp Pad Barn Red AI 14-15 Ink SOLD OUT
Z2130 Stamp Pad Indian Corn Blue AI 14-15 Ink SOLD OUT
Z2137 Stamp Pad Olive AI 14-15 Ink Stamp Pad
Z2140 Stamp Pad Outdoor Denim AI 14-15 Ink Stamp Pad
Z2145 Stamp Pad Ponderosa Pine AI 14-15 Ink Stamp Pad
Z2147 Stamp Pad Smokey Plum AI 14-15 Ink Stamp Pad
1245 Cardstock 12x12 Olive AI 14-15 Paper Product Cardstock
1270 Cardstock 12x12 Autumn Terracotta AI 14-15 Paper Product SOLD OUT
1275 Cardstock 12x12 Outdoor Denim AI 14-15 Paper Product Cardstock
1276 Cardstock 12x12 Ponderosa Pine AI 14-15 Paper Product SOLD OUT
1284 Cardstock 12x12 Indian Corn Blue AI 14-15 Paper Product SOLD OUT
1291 Cardstock 12x12 Smokey Plum AI 14-15 Paper Product Cardstock
X5637 Cardstock 12x12 Barn Red AI 14-15 Paper Product Cardstock
X5934 Enchantment Cardstock Combo Pack AI 14-15 Paper Product Cardstock
Z1939 Paper Fundamentals Basics Asst AI 14-15 Paper Product Fundamentals
Z2031 Paper Fundls Enchantment Asst AI 14-15 Paper Product Fundamentals
Z2032 Paper Fundamentals Adventure Asst AI 14-15 Paper Product Fundamentals
Z2033 Paper Fundamentals Whimsy Asst AI 14-15 Paper Product SOLD OUT
Z1686 Cricut Art Philosophy Collections AI 14-15 Tool  Cutting
Z1790 Cricut Artiste Collections AI 14-15 Tool for  Cutting
Z1906 Cricut Artbooking Collections AI 14-15 Tool  Cutting
Z3017 Cricut Artfully Sent Collection AI 14-15 Tool  Cutting

Monday, July 6, 2015

How safe are your pictures?

Edit July 28, 2015:  This is a great article and part of what inspired me to write this post.


Recently I had yet another friend lose years of pictures due to a technology failure. Even if you don't scrapbook, no one wants to lose their photos, images or home videos. How do you know what method is best and what choices do you have for long term storage? If you haven't already, be sure to read the article I shared on my Facebook page, them come back here for more info and discussion.

I think I have a good system. There are built in redundancies and for the most part, I keep up with the organization. Here's my method...

Stand Alone camera (also takes video)

After the event, images (and videos) are transferred to computer.
     PRO:  Now there are two copies of my pictures.
                Easier to share, print, organize, etc.
                Harder to physically lose than small SD card or even a camera.
                Ready to use for digital/online scrapbooking.
                Free
     CON:  Relies on my memory and actions.
                 Is only as safe and secure as my computer (vulnerable to failure, damage, theft, fire, etc.)

When I add new pictures to my computer, they are automatically backed up to a cloud.
     PRO:  One less thing to remember.
                Creates a third copy of my pictures.
                Accessible from any media device and/or Internet connection (with login).
                Site can be used for sharing, printing, organization, editing, etc.
                Free
     CON:  Some vulnerability to hacking (could be bigger concern for copyrights, children, etc).
                Takes time, especially for large photo events.
                Unable to access without Internet connection.
                I don't use this for videos.

At the end of the year, images are saved onto media device for storage. I've been using CD/DVDs. I need to switch and copy my old copies onto flash drives. On my computer I have the current year to date and last year's pictures.
     PRO:  Creates a fourth copy of my pictures.
                Can be stored "off site" or in a more protected environment (safe deposit box).
                Does not rely on Internet connection to view.
                Shareable, portable, can be used on other devices.
     CON: Can be damaged by media failure, damage, theft, fire, outdated technology, etc.
                Requires technology to view.
                Time lapse of up to one year. Ideally should be done monthly or after each major event.
                With this many copies, do you save everything? Raw picture data? Edited pictures??
                Storage device costs money.

I print in large batches (sales) and/or by event when I need them for scrapbooking. I used to wait until I was scrapbooking to print because it seemed like I was not using all the prints and/or printing enlargements more often than I was using the 4x6 prints, and reprinting the same event more than once if I wasn't organized. Now I'm swinging back to the getting them printed ASAP and reprint if necessary.
     PRO:  Another copy of my pictures.
                Requires no Internet connection, technology or electricity.
                Ready to add to scrapbook!
    CON:  Easily damaged by common events:  liquids, children, sunlight, as well as fire, etc.
                Prints cost money.
                More "stuff" to organize and keep track of, both the prints and what has already been printed.
             
Smart Phone camera (also takes video)
Automatically backed up to a cloud.
     PRO:  Creates a second copy of my pictures.
                Easy to share from phone or social media.
                FREE
                Accessible from any media device and/or Internet connection (with login).
                Site can be used for organization, editing, etc.
                Least amount of time between first and second copy.
                Least amount of user action needed.
                Probably the fastest back-up and least vulnerable to loss method.
                Can be used for MMS limited videos.
     CON:  Not on my computer unless I download from the site or upload from camera.
                 Not accessible without technology.
                 Requires Wi-Fi (per my settings) for back-up.
                 Can drain battery time.
                 Can be hard to remember which pictures are where (multiple sites). I try to get everything to one site and use it primarily. I make file notes when pictures are taken on phone.
                 Most difficult to print (for me and my technologies).
                 Could be the most vulnerable to hacking.
               

Products I have used:

Snapfish
I have used this site for over ten years, I have over 500 albums with 23,000+ pictures stored. It would be inconvenient to switch for a random reason. I do need to check periodically to make sure the quality is still acceptable. They have frequent specials and coupons, plus almost every other feature I need. Snapfish has recently updated their site. I haven't had enough time using it to give an opinion on the changes but it appears you can have multiple projects going at the same time (reprints and enlargements, etc.).
  • Free, secure, unlimited online photo sharing and storage
  • automatically transfers images from computer with PictureMover 
  • upload from mobile phone or order from the app
  • easily share individual pictures or entire albums via email, link, group rooms or Facebook
  • multiple organization options:  date, album title, image caption, face tag, favorites, etc.
  • print options:  home, store pick-up (Walgreens, Wal-Mart), mail order from $0.09
  • on-line editor to rotate, crop, remove red-eye, color correct, fill flash, borders, etc.
  • print size options 
  • glossy or matte
  • video sharing and storage plans available
Contact me if you'd like my referral with a 40% off your order code!! 




Compare the prices; Studio J can be very cost effective for prints! I keep a reprint/enlargement project going at all times. 
  • Use "No Limits" design from custom layouts. Add photo wells in desired sizes.
  • Use "Photo Collections" from Express Collection for pre-designed reprint layouts.
  • Easy way to add single page or double layout to order.
  • no software to buy or download
  • Free to try and play; pay only for prints or JPEGs.
  • Free JPEG with print order.
  • create custom photo cards, invitations, thank yous, etc. 
  • mail order 12x12 sheets custom-printed to the highest quality and made to last a lifetime
  • editor includes brightness, contrast, hue, saturation, sharpness, airbrush, red eye, blemish, glare, toothbrush, wrinkle
  • great for odd sizes
  • matte 
UPDATE: Studio J has been discontinued. We are still in mourning...


This is my phone back up. I prefer the editor for copyrighting my pictures and it's easy to share to my Pinterest page. I have never used their printing services. 
  • automatic, secure backup for Windows, mobile and Facebook, hashtag
  • 10.0 GB free storage
  • 10.0 GB free bandwidth/month
  • private or public sharing; connect and follow friends
  • auto-share to Facebook and Twitter
  • share single photos or entire albums
  • Pinterest share
  • organize by album, sub-album, title, description, like
  • mail order prints from $0.15
  • on-line editor also includes text, resizing, focus, draw, individual editing components (eg sharpness) 
  • print size options
  • glossy or lustre
  • video storage and sharing 


Really great idea but I don't have enough phone pictures to print 100 each month. You can transfer from your computer to phone and use it that way, however.
  • receive prints of your phone pictures without any transfer
  • shows which pictures were previously ordered
  • mail order prints $2.99/month subscription includes shipping for 40-100 prints
  • 4.5"x 6.5" prints on thin paper 
  • glossy 
  • option to automatically ship extra copy to family 
  • cancel anytime
Contact me if you'd like a coupon code for a FREE GrooveBook!


How to select the best services:
  1. Make a list of the features that are important to you.
  2. Try multiple services at the same time using the same devices and same images.
  3. Compare the quality of prints first. Cheap and fast are irrelevant if the quality is poor.
  4. Consider features that are important to you. Do you use your phone more often than your camera? Do you take a lot of photos of growing children or only occasional holidays?
  5. Look at the history of the company. Is the price low because it's a start up? Will it be around in five years? 
  6. Are your favorite features free or do they require an extra fee?
I've seen some great science fair projects done to explore the options and possibilities. This is a fun way to get the kids involved, and maybe save yourself a little time too!

             

What do you think?
         Are there holes in my plan?
                What services have you used?
                          Which features are your favorite?
                                      Share your photo nightmare to help others.
                                                 What new technology has you excited?







Thursday, July 2, 2015

More Throwback Thursday Graduation Layouts

More celebration of Graduation season and Throwback Thursday...
in 2013 Tommy paper (still available on Studio Jcame out in the perfect colors for my son's graduation!

Layout #8 from Make It From Your Heart Volume 1.
Info on how I used Flip Flaps to make the announcement interactive can be found on my Facebook page.
"Liberty" die cut from Artbooking.


Notice the color I added to the white cardstock using our Spray Pen? I  previously wrote a blog post about this technique.


"Sideline Surprise" layout from Imagine. This one can be a little complicated with the angled photos. You can always change them to squares. Mine got a bit busy so I used ribbon to separate the two photos on the left pages and highlighted the action with frame shapes on the right side.

Diplomas are just rolled paper tied with Baker's Twine.

"Simple Contrast" from CherishFlip Flips on both right side photos; instead of three, I have seven photos. This layout also includes paper from Lucky, and it too is available in Studio J.


"Contrasting Elements" from Cherish
Borders cut using Art Philosophy cartridge.

Flip Flaps on the photo and the program.