New Loyalty Program!

New Customer Loyalty Programs from Erica’s Memory Solutions!

• For every $250 you spend on Creative Memories products, you will earn a $25 gift certificate
• For every $250 you spend on Forever products and services, you will earn a $25 gift certificate
• Attend 9 Crops, and get the 10^th FREE!
• Referral bonuses: When you refer a friend to me, you will earn credit based on their first purchase! And you will earn a bonus credit on your crop card for their first crop.

The Fine Print (there has to be some right?):

• This program is exclusive to me, Erica Meyer. It is completely separate from any incentives, coupons, or other programs offered by either Creative Memories or Forever. 
• Creative Memories purchases and Forever purchases will be tracked separately.
• Purchase credit is based on the retail price of the product or service, after any discounts and/or coupons have been applied and excluding sales tax and shipping and handling.
• Customer is responsible for keeping track of her own loyalty cards.
• Value of the free crop will not exceed $10.
• Other conditions may apply

Pick up your loyalty cards at my next crop, or when you place your next order. I'm really excited about this program and I hope you will be too!

Not Craft Related, but Something AWESOME Anyway!

Some of you know that I've been working as a long-term substitute since last Thanksgiving, essentially. I taught kindergarten for most of last year and then started this school year in 3rd grade while the teacher was out on maternity leave. Full time working, especially teaching, means lots of hours away from home, and lots of work at home too. My family manages pretty well and I'm fortunate that I have a husband who supports my passion for teaching despite the pitifully low pay and crazy hours. I digress.....

I generally shop at Smith's (part of the Kroger family with Fred Meyer and some other stores), and I really like doing the grocery shopping, but when I'm working, I have to let some things go. So I tried ClickList, which is Smith's version of internet grocery shopping. You click, add things to your cart, put in your credit card and you're done! Then you go pick them up, where some lovely people load them in your trunk and off you go! They usually bring me a bottle of water and some kind of snack, like a granola bar or a banana.

I find that I don't spend as much money on impulse purposes. The flip side of that coin is that I'm not reminded to grab this or that as I'm wandering through the store, so I do have to make the occasional run in between major trips. However, this program has been a LIFESAVER for me! There's a $5 fee for the service, but I often recoup that in the form of substitutions. See, if they don't have a small tub of the hummus I want, they give me a larger one for the same price. And I can take in my printed coupons! Plus, the plastic bags they use for ClickList are stronger and larger than the ones you normally get at the check stand.

If you get a chance to try this service, go for it! I'll never look at grocery shopping the same.

Denim Cards for All Occassions!

This is the next card kit we'll be making on Friday June 16. I'll have everything all sorted out for you and ready to go so you won't have to do anything other than put them together! You'll even have some extra sentiments and embellishments left over! The cost of the class is $25 and spaces are VERY limited. Please RSVP right away if you plan to attend.

Cards for Spring Fling

Here are the exclusive cards you'll receive when you join me for Spring Fling on April 21 & 22. These beautiful cards are perfect for thank you notes, birthdays, or just a note to say hello to a friend, and the ONLY way to get them is at Spring Fling!

You'll receive everything you need to create these darling cards--cards, envelopes, pre-cut paper, embellishments, bling, and more!

For details and registration information, see the previous blog post, or click here.

I hope to see you soon!

Spring Fling is Coming!

You're invited to my biggest crop of the season!

This is a fabulous opportunity to spend time with other scrapbookers and work non-stop on your albums for 16 hours over the course of two days!  

            When:             Friday night, April 21, 2016 from 7 pm – Midnight

                                    Saturday, April 22, 10 am – 9 pm.

            Where:            My home, 5317 S Wildflower Lane, Murray

            Fee:                 $40.00. 

            Deadline:        Friday April 14  BONUS! When you prepay by April 14, you’ll receive a $5 ticket to my paper buffet where you can choose your own 5 paper variety pack from the papers I have on hand. This will be a really fun way to see and sample what’s new from Creative Memories!

The easiest way to Register is to comment below and then mail your payment to: 

Erica Meyer

5317 S Wildflower Lane

Murray, UT 84123

Your fee includes:

• Plenty of space to work
• Lunch and dinner on Saturday
• Use of all of my tools and idea books, including my Cricut machine
• Wi-Fi access and power for your laptop
• An EXCLUSIVE Friendship/Thinking of You card kit
• And much more!

If you'd like to double your workspace, you may do so for an additional $20.00.  

Space is limited, and seats are reserved on a first-come, first-paid basis, so get your registration and payment in promptly! 

Visit my Creative Memories website for all of the latest products. New Wedding and Graduation items will arrive Monday, April 3rd at 2 pm. Click here to see what's new. Please let me know by Wednesday, April 19 if you'd like to order anything and I'll have it waiting for you at Spring Fling!

Here's a sneak peek at the paper I'll be using for the exclusive card kit. I just LOVE IT! I do have limited quantities of the paper pack available as well. It includes 12 sheets of double-sided paper, 3 sheets of eggplant cardstock, a coordinating sticker sheet, and a Project Recipe which will help you create 4 double-page spreads. All for just $18! It's just perfect for the season!

Through Erica's Memory Solutions, I offer organizing workshops, digital photo organization and digital scrapbooking through my affiliation with Forever, as well as monthly crops, power layout workshops, and more!  Please pass this invitation along to anyone who might benefit from the services I can provide, invite them to come with you (earn more free gifts!) or just to drop by during the event.  I appreciate YOU!

April Specials at Forever

Over at Forever, in the world of digital scrapbooking, photo gifts and permanent storage, we have the following specials happening this month:

APR 1-31: Do What You Love Artkit for $5  PROMO CODE: NSDLOVE 

This is a bundle of digital content that is normally $20, but you can get it for only $5 during April with the promo code NSDLOVE.

APR 1-31: 50% off Deal of the Day Artkit  PROMO CODE: DEALOFTHEDAY 

Every day a different artkit is on sale for 50% off.  The deal changes at 8am, so make sure to look at the deals each day to see the kit of the day.  Make sure to check in to see which kits are on sale!  Use promo code DEALOFTHEDAY to receive the discount.  ****Check on April 6 and 26 for a special surprise!****

APR 1-15: SAVE 25% on Photobooks  PROMO CODE: SPRINGBOOK
Save 25% on printing of photobooks but only for the first half of April!

APR 1-30: SAVE 20% on Forever Storage  PROMO CODE: IMREADY
Save 20% on a one time payment of Forever Permanent Storage.  Put your precious memories in a permanent, safe home.

APR 1-30: SAVE 50% on Forever Artisan when you spend $50  PROMO CODE: READYTOCROP
Save 50% on Artisan when you spend $50.  

APR 14-20: $49.99 April Afternoon Storybook Legacy Bundle  PROMO CODE: APRILAFTERNOON

APR 14-20: $29.99 Graduation Party Storybook Legacy Bundle  PROMO CODE: GRADPARTY

Get these bundles of artwork for a drastically reduced in price April 14-20.

APR 15-30: Save 25% on all print with a yearly Pixels2Pages Membership  PROMO CODE: GRADPARTY

Need help with Artisan?  Pixels2Pages is an awesome site that offers so many helps and ideas.  Buy a yearly membership to Pixels2Pages and save 25% on any printing.

Croptoberfest is Coming!

At Croptoberfest, you'll have plenty of uninterrupted, distraction-free time to: 

•  Bring your laptop and organize your digital photos with Historian. 
•  Get started on your very own digital album in Artisan. 
•  Bring the stacks, bags, and boxes of photos that have been lurking in your home and get them organized into a photo sorting box.
•  Upload your precious photos to a FREE 1 gig Trial Account at Forever
• Slide your pictures into a Pocket Page or Fast2Fabulous album and complete it with journaling in just a few hours (My Mexico book is proof that it’s possible and I’d love to show it off!). 
• Work on your traditional albums with all the newest products from Creative Memories.  

Whatever you need, I'm here to help, and my Croptoberfest is the perfect place to get it done! 

And, of course, there will be lots of great gifts waiting for you when you arrive, PLUS an exclusive All Occasion Card Kit, designed especially for YOU!

(A sneak peek at the cards we'll be playing with)

Bring-A-Friend Bonus!  When both you and your friend (who's new to me and/or CM) register and pre-pay, I'll have a fabulous BONUS free gift just for the two of you!

Please let me know ASAP if there are any products you'd like me to order and have ready for you at Croptoberfest.  Visit my website to see all the latest products! 

To register for Croptoberfest, fill out the registration form, or email me, and then mail me your payment

When:             Friday October 7, 7 pm – Midnight.

Saturday October 8, 10 am – 9 pm

Where:           My home, 5317 S Wildflower Lane, Murray

Fee:                 $40.00.  Includes lunch & dinner on Saturday, plus use of my tools & idea books, plenty of space to work, power and wi-fi for your laptop, free gifts, the All Occasion card kit, and more!

Deadline:        Monday, October 3^rd

Space is limited, and seats are reserved on a first-come, first-paid basis, so get your registration and payment in promptly!

I'll see you there!

Elegant Cards for Life's Difficult Moments

These simple and elegant cards are perfect for letting someone know that you're thinking of them when they're experiencing one of life's more challenging times.

These exclusive cards use photos with vellum sentiments plus ribbon, trim, bling  and other embellishments.

Class will be Friday, September 23, starting at 7:00 pm.  The $25 fee includes everything you need to make these beautiful cards, including cards & envelopes, pre-cut papers, embellishments, and more.  Please bring your own adhesive.

Please RSVP by Monday, September 19th to reserve your spot in this class.

Cards to Welcome that Precious Bundle of Joy!

My next card class will by Friday, June 10, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at my home in Murray.  We'll be making these ADORABLE baby cards!

Your $25 fee includes everything you need to make these 13 special cards, including pre-cut papers, embellishments, bling, cards and envelopes.

Please RSVP by Monday June 6.  I look forward to seeing you soon!

What I've Been Creating Lately

I have been quite busy lately.  I had a long-term substituting assignment for a dear friend while she was out on maternity leave.  I had a great time, but I was completely exhausted when I gave her class back to her.

Here's my cute Shannon holding new Baby Teacher, at just 3 days old.  So precious!

Then there was Senior Ball.  Shannon went with a group of friends.  She had a vision for her hair, and the dress and such, including long lacy gloves which were nearly impossible to find.

And, because I'm me, I made the boutonniere as well I refuse to pay big bucks for this when it's SO easy to make!!  Just don't ask me to do corsages.  Thank heavens I only have girls at home from now on, so, hopefully, no corsages necessary.

Next up, skate show, with Shannon skating a solo.  We ordered her skating dress online (I can only dream of being that talented), but we needed to do her hair.  She skated to "White Out" from "Frozen," so we were trying for an Elsa look.  We didn't get the front poofy enough, but the back turned out cute with the flowers in her hair.  And she did a great job!

Obligatory proud mom photo of Shannon during her solo.  Photo taken by Eric Shramm.

Spring Fling is Coming!

It's my biggest crop of the season and you don't want to miss it!

Hours of uninterrupted cropping and crafting time, plus fabulous gifts and delicious meals!  Who could ask for anything more?  

This year, my Spring Fling will be held on Friday and Saturday April 15th and 16th.  We'll start Friday night from 7 pm to midnight and then come back Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm.  I'll have some fantastic gifts for you, plus this adorable set of 10 mini cards, perfect for gift giving or little notes to friends and family.  

Aren't these just the cutest? Designed exclusively for this event, and yours free when you register by April 10th.  

Spring Fling is $40 and includes plenty of space to scrapbook, use of all of my tools and idea books (CM has some super fun new border cartridges!), lunch and dinner on Saturday, plus those adorable cards and more!  

Space is limited, so register soon.  

To register, shoot me an email at mamaerica@hotmail.com or give me a call at 801.699.1279. 

I can't wait to see you and catch up on all that you've been doing!  

Cards For Her

These are my latest card creations, designed especially for YOU!  

This set includes 10 cards, perfect for the women in your life.  

The card class will be held on Friday, March 18 from 7 to 9 pm at my home in Murray.  There are a limited number of kits available so you'll want to RSVP as soon as possible.  You'll assemble 10 cards for just $20!  I do all of the cutting and sorting, making these cards quick and easy to put together.  You will LOVE them!  

Please RSVP by Monday, March 14th to hold your spot.  

*General crop policies, including cancellations, apply to this event*

"Crop 'Til It Stops" Fundraising Crop

I have details for the Soroptimist's annual fundraising crop, raising money to help prevent domestic violence and assist those who have been victims of it.

When;  Saturday, January 23, from 9 am to 7 pm (or perhaps later)
Where:  The Sons of the Utah Pioneers Building, 3301 E Louise Avenue, Salt Lake City (it's north of the Smith's on 3300 South and about 3100 East, near 215).
Cost:  $20-40, depending on how long you stay.  There are classes you can attend for an additional fee.

The registration form can be found here, and you'll find contact information for Diane McCarty if you have any questions.  More information can be found here and here as well.

I'll have a small display at the event, but I mostly just love to go and crop!  Let me know if you're attending and we can sit together.

Super Cute New Products from CM

They've added a MUSIC NOTES Border Maker Cartridge!!  I'm *so* excited about this!  All three of my kids are involved in music, from school orchestras to church bell choirs, and lots in between.  This cartridge will get a TON of use and I can't wait to get my hands on it!

CM is also adding some new ABC/123 stickers, plus two new lines of paper, stickers, and embellishments.  The first is "A Year to Remember," with stickers, paper, and calendar grids, all designed to make preserving your memories simple and quick!  The second new line is called "Fresh Picks."  It's features soft pastel colors and watercolor images.  It speaks of spring and new life and I love it!

You can order any or all of these things through my Creative Memories website, or contact me and I can order for you.

Memory Manager & StoryBook Information

For those of you still using Storybook Creator or Memory Manager...This is a good time to remind you to get your backups done - MM vault, SB projects, content, activation codes. Always good to have everything in at LEAST 2 different places...

I'm sure you know the software (Memory Manager and StoryBook) is no longer supported - meaning no further bug fixes, enhancements or compatibility fixes are being made by any company - CM, Panstoria or Forever.

If you have all the updates for SB you can easily print your projects to Panstoria Print Shop shop with the Order/Purchase button and life is good.

Effective 1/31/2016 the Panstoria store and print shop will shutdown. 

After 1/31/2016 your SB software will no longer upload directly to Panstoria print shop or Forever print shop and you will not be able to purchase content or software from Panstoria store.

All purchases will need to be made at www.forever.com/ambassador/skyecranor

If you LOVE Storybook Creator and want to continue creating great projects, you have 2 options:

1 - Continue using SB at your own risk. Create projects and save them as jpgs and print locally or elsewhere. This functionality will NOT change after 1/31/2016, but please realize that the solution to any SB problem you may experience going forward will be to upgrade to Artisan4 (if you have a 32bit machine) or Artisan5 (if you have a 64bit machine).

2 - Upgrade to Artisan. Artisan4 (if you have a 32bit machine) or Artisan5 (if you have a 64bit machine).

My personal suggestion, do this upgrade on your own timeline and not when your machine crashes and you have to reinstall SB (you won't be able to - even now), or when a Windows update interferes with how SB works with your operating system.

Forever has provided another opportunity to purchase Artisan and Historian at a discount...but there won't be many of these discounts offered going forward. You can now use coupon code MERRY20 for 20% off software, art kits and permanent storage from Forever (coupon good through 12/30). 

Even if you aren't ready to run the upgrade today or this weekend. Consider purchasing it on sale and having it ready to go when you are - hopefully before 1/31/2016. Please put my name in the ambassador spot at checkout. I've included screenshots of where you put your coupon code in (before credit card) and where you choose an Ambassador (same page as credit card).

There's a fabulous FB resource for those making the move to Artisan5. You can search to learn from others who have already upgraded and post new questions if you have any.https://www.facebook.com/groups/A5.Good2Know/

What have *I* done?  

Well, I've upgraded to Historian and Artisan 4 several months ago.  The transition was smooth and seamless.  All of my photos, organizing, tags, and folders came over.  In Artisan, all of my digital content transferred and opened just fine.  I have not upgraded to Artisan 5 yet, but I will down the road.  

Why am I linking you to Skye's Ambassador account?  Because I have not chosen to become an ambassador with Forever.  So I'm no longer earning any commission on digital products.  My friend Skye is with Forever, and she's AWESOME with all things digital.  :-)

Please feel free to email me with any questions you may have.  

Holiday Crops

Upcoming Crop Dates:

Saturday, November 21

Saturday, December 5

We'll be making these darling Christmas gift tags at my November crop, and I've got a second set of 3 for December.  Aren't they fun?

Your $7.00 fee includes plenty of space to work, snacks and drinks, power & Wi-Fi for your computer should you need it, plus these exclusive Make & Take Cards.

Please RSVP by the Thursday before to hold your spot. 

See you soon!  

Christmas Cards!

I know.  I know.  It's barely fall.  My grass is still green and so are my trees.  But.  Fall is in the air and the holidays will be upon us before you know it.  And I KNOW you don't want to miss this!  These cards are so cute and fun!

With this class, you will make a "Crafter's Dozen" (13) Christmas cards, PLUS 10 tags, for just $25!

The fee includes cards & envelopes, pre-cut paper, all necessary embellishments (including bling and foam squares), plus instruction from me and snacks and drinks!   Please bring your own adhesive.

The class will be held on Friday, November 6th from 7 to 10 pm at my home in Murray.  Register early as space is limited and this class WILL fill up!  To register, simply email me at mamaerica@hotmail.com and then send me a check to hold your spot.  Payment is due by October 31.  After that, I'll move on to my waiting list.

Please don't wait!

Fall Festival is Just Around the Corner

Aren't these cards so much fun?!  This is the card kit you'll receive when you attend Fall Festival.  There are four baby cards, plus two wedding cards, perfect for those special moments in life.  You'll get everything you need to make them--cards & envelopes, pre-cut embellishments, bling, ribbon, sentiments and more!  All you add is the adhesive!  And all you have to do to get them is show up at Fall Festival!

When:             Friday September 18 from 7 pm to Midnight & Saturday, September 19, from 10 am to 9 pm.

Where:           My home, 5317 S Wildflower Lane, Murray

Fee:                 $40.00.  Includes lunch & dinner on Saturday,  use of my tools & idea books (including my Cricut), plenty of space to work, power and Wi-Fi for your laptop, exclusive card kit, grand prize drawing, and more!

Deadline:        Monday, September 14^th

To register, simply email me and let me know that you're coming and then drop a check in the mail!  It's that simple.  I've also uploaded a registration form, if you would prefer.  You can download it here.  You can also find it on the Documents & Resources Tab.  

BIG NEWS!!

Hello again my friends!  BIG NEWS.......

I've signed as an Advisor with the New Creative Memories.  Yep, I'm taking the plunge again. 

The product line is MUCH simpler, so I can once again offer you, my loyal friends and customers, the quality tools and supplies I know you've been missing.

Things like pages & protectors, new fun albums, trimmers and Custom Cutting System blades, plus the high quality paper and cardstock you've come to expect from Creative Memories.

To visit my website and see the newest offerings, click here.

What I've been up to lately

I've been scrapbooking, of course.  I'm currently working on 2012 in my family album.  I'm also trying to complete The Boy's high school years.  He and I sorted through a mountain of memorabilia during my crop last weekend, which was a lot of fun.  There were lots of smiles and "You saved THAT?" from him.  I also discovered that I'd saved approximately 52 of his graduation announcements.  I'll probably only need 2-3, so I'll keep that in mind when the Gluten Free Girl graduates next spring.  Her album will be the next on my list, and I'll hopefully be organizing and working on it by fall.

We've done some camping as a family, with a trip to Mt. Rushmore and Devil's Tower ("*gasp* It's BEAUTIFUL," said Thumper).

And I've been crafting too.  Playing with paint and paper and the like.  I've got a lot of patriotic decorations for summer, but not much else.  I've been remedying that.  I stopped into Wood Creations and found some absolutely adorable projects and ideas.  I chose two projects and here's how they turned out.

I'm SO excited to have these!  The pinwheels were a kit and then I added my own paint and paper from my rather large stash.  The squares were based on a display in the store.  The employee was very friendly and helpful, making sure I had everything I'd need to complete the projects.  I can't wait to play some more!  

And, I painted.  Yep.  I made a painting.  The outline came from an image online, but then I did the rest.  I think it turned out pretty cute.  Don't you?

And now I have some fun, unique summer decor!