MPIX Review + Class Update

So, I've been a bad blogger this month. What can I say? July ate my brain! I keep waiting for things to settle down and be normal, which doesn't seem to be happening. Mostly I have no excuse.

One of the reasons I haven't been posting much (or answering emails, or sleeping, or eating, or pretty much doing anything outside my scrap room) is I've been putting all my spare time into getting the Collection Commotion: Theme Albums class finished. We're right on track and ready for its debut on Thursday, August 1, 2013!

Look, the manual even has a cover now - we're getting close, y'all!

Look how pretty it is! I'm so happy with how this class is coming together.

You can pre-order the class now: Collection Commotion.

You can see one of the class layouts on the manual cover. Here's some sneak peeks at bits and pieces of the other layouts:

Speaking of photographs, I've been researching online photo processors lately, and I have a recommendation for you: MPIX.

I did a lot of research on online photo processors, paying particular attention to what professional and very serious amateur photographers had to say about them. It seemed to me that MPIX received the most positive reviews overall (aside from services only available to professional photographers with a business license) so I ordered a bunch of 4"x6" prints from them.

The Good:

The color and detail are excellent! I am just as satisfied with these as the prints I get from my Epson R1900 with genuine Epson inks.

Photos are printed on quality paper with a luster finish, my personal favorite for the best combination of color saturation and no messy finger prints.

Prints are available in a huge variety of sizes - perfect for Instagram photos, Project Life, mini albums, home décor and other scrapbooking projects: 3.5x5, 4x4, 4x5, 4x6, 5x5, 5x7, 6x9, 8x8, 5x15, 8x10, 8.5x11, 8x12, 10x10, 9x12, 10x13, 12x12, 10x15, 5x30, 11x14, 10x20, 12x18, 12x24, 16x20, 16x24, 20x20, 20x24, 20x30, 24x36.

Fast shipping. I placed my order on Wednesday, July 24 at 1:30 PM Eastern USA time and the prints arrived on Friday, July 26. MPIX is in Kansas and I am in the Washington, DC Metro Area. That is really fast, in my opinion. Shipping was $7.95 for 306 prints.

Amazing packaging. Photos were stacked and wrapped in plastic, then covered in foam and taped to a piece of cardboard. This cardboard was then shrink wrapped so the photos would not shift or be damaged during shipping. Everything was then placed in a cardboard box for shipping. I was amazed at how carefully the prints were handled.

The Bad:

4"x6" prints cannot be ordered at the same time as odd-sized photos - you must place two separate orders: one for 4"x6" and one for anything else. You must also upload your photos twice if you want sizes other than 4"x6" - once to the 4"x6" side of the site and once to the other.

I assume this is to streamline the ordering process so it's super quick and easy to load your cart with the most popular size. Not the worst issue in the world - just something to be aware of. The most annoying part about this for me was the double uploading. That could be time consuming if you have a lot of photos to upload.

Value:

Prints are $0.19/print for 4"x6" which makes them more expensive than other online and drugstore photo processors, but I thought they were an excellent value given how much better the quality was.

I'll show you the prints side-by-side with the same prints from my Epson on Thursday during the shows. We have USTREAM every Thursday afternoon from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Eastern USA time and then again in the evening from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM Eastern USA time.

All classes and their recordings will be over on my USTREAM channel: Kathryn Scraps!

To convert Eastern USA time to your time zone, click here: Time Zone Converter.I'll show I recently ordered prints from the wedding

See ya!

Kathryn :D

I'm still here!

I know, I know - I haven't posted in a while.

 

 

A bunch of stuff has happened recently, though!

 

First of all, there was Layout Week. Which on my end is like four weeks of work between getting everything scrapped, filmed, edited, posted, shipped, etc. So we finally got the last of the prizes mailed off from that and Layout Week 2013 is officially over.

 

 

Then my sister got married! And she only gave us two weeks notice! So that was a mad scramble of planning, shopping, Spanx and the like. But it was a great wedding. Here's a pic of the happy couple:

 

 

 

Of course, this means that I now have a wedding album to scrap. That gave me the idea of creating a class around my process for scrapping large theme albums like weddings and vacation albums, so I have been working on that since I got the photos. I'm hoping the class will be ready by August 1, 2013, but don't hold me to that.

 

I'm, calling it Collection Commotion: Theme Albums. It's got everything I do from organizing photos, to how I edit myself & arrange my albums. I finished the written materials, and now I need to finish the videos. There's A TON of video to edit, as this class will be packed with samples, so don't be surprised if you don't hear much from me until the class is posted.

 

Here's a little sneak peek for you:

 

 

 

Today is also Thursday, so that means we have USTREAM today and more fun with the Picture This! Camera Album.

 

Classes are this afternoon from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Eastern USA time and then again this evening from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM Eastern USA time.

All classes and their recordings will be over on my USTREAM channel: Kathryn Scraps!

To convert Eastern USA time to your time zone, click here: Time Zone Converter.

 

 

 

 

So far we have had four classes on this album.

You can check them out at the following links:

Picture This, Part 1

Picture This, Part 2

Picture This, Part 3

Picture This, Part 4

See you later!

 

Kathryn :D

NEW VIDEO: Picture This Class Update!

I'm having so much fun with the "Picture This!" album series over on my USTREAM Channel! The camera looks gorgeous and the whole thing is coming together so quickly and beautifully!

For this project, I am using the Bo Bunny "Mama Razzi 2" collection.

 

 

Here's a look at the front cover:

I love how much it looks like a vintage camera! We'll be binding the album so it looks like a wrist strap.

This approx. 5"x8" chipboard + wood grain album is available in my shop now!

 

 

Click here for a more in depth discussion of the "Picture This!" album and a supply list: Picture This!

 

 

I also filmed a quick video with all the pieces of the album that have been completed so far. Check it out on YouTube here or watch below: Picture This! Album.




Classes are Thursday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Eastern USA time and then again this evening from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM Eastern USA time.

All classes and their recordings will be over on my USTREAM channel: Kathryn Scraps!

To convert Eastern USA time to your time zone, click here: Time Zone Converter.

So far we have had four classes on this album.
You can check them out at the following links:
Picture This, Part 1
Picture This, Part 2
Picture This, Part 3
Picture This, Part 4


Remember, there is no class this Thursday, July 4th, due to a holiday in the United States.

Kathryn :D

WINNER: Layout Week Challenge Five

All good things must eventually come to an end, I'm afraid.

I have the winner of the fifth sketch challenge to announce today, and then Layout Week 2013 will officially be over. I had a blast, though, and I hope you guys did, too.

 

 

Here's another look at the sketch from challenge #5:

 





This sketch is great for two 4"x6" or 5"x7" photos,
OR for one larger photo and lots of journaling (or a big title + journaling).

 

 

Here is my take on the sketch:





This style of layout is very versatile - it works great for multiple large photos, photo + lots of journaling (or a big title) + you still get to use plenty of fun patterned papers and embellishments.

Here's another peek at the prize - one of my camera albums + an EK Success Punch:



 

 

 

The winner of these great misting supplies, as chosen by Random.org, is:

EMMA

Check out her winning layout below:

I love how she layered the circles and rings on this page & this is such a sweet photo!

 

 

 

Congratulations, Emma! A big "Thank You!" to Emma and to every one who joined in the fun and shared their layouts with us this week. I had so much fun looking at all your awesome creations!

 

 

Have a great weekend, everyone, and enjoy the holiday!

 

Kathryn :D

WINNER: Layout Week Challenge Four

Layout Week 2013 may be over, but the fun continues!

I have the winner of the fourth sketch challenge to announce today.

Here's another look at the sketch from challenge #4:

This sketch is a great way to combine horizontal a vertical photos.

Here is my take on the sketch:

There are a lot of bright photos in the background paper and the photos, so I used kraft cardstock and more neutral patterns in between to create some breathing room.

Here's another peek at the prize - clay and molds from Martha Stewart Crafts:

This clay is so fun to play with, and the molds are so versatile.

The winner of these great misting supplies, as chosen by Random.org, is:

KRYSTAL

Check out her winning layout below:

I love how these bright papers and fun patterns compliment these super fun photos of a day at the amusement park!

Congratulations, Krystal! A big "Thank You!" to Krystal and to every one who joined in the fun and shared their layouts with us this week. Remember, you still have one more chances to win, so get scrapping!

Today is Thursday, so I have two live classes on my USTREAM channel. In both classes, I'll be decorating pages in the Picture This! camera album. This album is looking pretty slick already, and I am excited to keep working on it!

Classes are this afternoon from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern USA time and then again this evening from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern USA time.

All classes and their recordings will be over on my USTREAM channel: Kathryn Scraps!

To convert Eastern USA time to your time zone, click here: Time Zone Converter.

See you there & check back here tomorrow for our last Layout Week 2013 winner!

Kathryn :D

WINNER: Layout Week Challenge Three

Layout Week 2013 may be over, but the fun continues!
I have the winner of the third sketch challenge to announce today.


Here's another look at the sketch from challenge #3:





This sketch is perfect for a layout with minimal patterned paper.

Here is my interpretation of the sketch:

I wanted this layout to have both shiny elements + food elements (because he's trying to eat those chocolate roses). I use glitter Thickers, Heidi Swapp Color Shine and Enamel Dots for shine & Lillybee "Sweet Shop" accents for the food. 

Here's a peek at the prize - it's some great misting supplies from Heidi Swapp:

That's a 12"x12" sunburst mask from Heidi Swapp, some of her mistable banners + two bottles of Color Shine!

 

 

The winner of these great misting supplies, as chosen by Random.org, is:

 

 

CANDY

 

 

Check out her winning layout below: 

This is one of my favorite color combinations for a layout: orange + blue. I love how Candy used it here!
It really captures the energy of the sporting event she is scrapping.

 

Congratulations, Candy! A big "Thank You!" to Candy and to every one who joined in the fun and shared their layouts with us this week. Remember, you still have two more chances to win, so get scrapping!

 

See you tomorrow with another winner!

 

Kathryn :D

Scrapbook Mystery Deal!

Just a quick post to let you guys know that the Kindle edition of the scrapbook mystery Cropped to Death (Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery) is on sale at Amazon now for $0.99!

Here's the Amazon Book Description:

"This was a great read that had me reading non-stop from the moment I turned the first page....The writing flowed easily and I liked the cast of characters in this charming whodunit. Christina has written an enjoyable story and I look forward to learning more about Faith and her friends.”

Dru Ann Love, Dru’s Book Musings

Former US Army JAG specialist, Faith Hunter, returns to her West Virginia home to work in her grandmothers’ scrapbooking store determined to lead an unassuming life after her adventure abroad turned disaster. But her quiet life unravels when her friend is charged with murder, and Faith inadvertently supplied the evidence. 

So Faith decides to cut through the scrap and piece together what really happened. With a sexy prosecutor, a determined homicide detective, a handful of sticky suspects and a crop contest gone bad, Faith quickly realizes if she’s not careful, she’ll be the next one cropped.

Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all! Cropped to Death is the first book in the Faith Hunter Scrap This humorous mystery series. Bonus: Includes book club discussion questions.

I just snagged a copy for myself and am about to dive in. I love to read, love mysteries, love scrapbooking and love things that cost less than $1.00, so this should be a fun summer read for me. 

Kathryn :D

WINNER: Layout Week Challenge Two

Layout Week 2013 may be over, but the fun continues!

I have the winner of the second sketch challenge to announce today.

Here's another look at the sketch from challenge #2:



Here is me interpretation of the sketch:

I love the vibrant combination of orange and turquoise with this high-energy photo. The softer shades of the colors in the papers keep them from overwhelming the pictures.

Here's a peek at the prize - some of the My Mind's Eye "Tangerine" goodies I used on my layout:

The winner of the My Mind's Eye prize pack, as chosen by Random.org, is:

JENNY

 

Check out her winning layout below:

I love this beautiful layout Jenny made about her favorite aunt! So sweet and lovely. :)

Congratulations, Jenny! A big thanks to Jenny and to every one who joined in the fun and shared their layouts with us! Remember, you still have three more chances to win, so get scrapping!

See you tomorrow with another winner!

Kathryn :D

WINNER: Layout Week Challenge One

Layout Week 2013 may be over, but the fun continues!

I have the winner of the first sketch challenge to announce today.

Here's another look at the sketch from challenge #1:

Lots of fun layers on this one!

Here is my interpretation of the sketch: 



I used Judikins "Sticky Stuff" embossing powder and American Crafts WOW! glitter

to create the broad glittered stripes in the background.



Here's a peek at the prize: the Hip 2b Square Scrapbooking June 2013 Hip Kit!

June 2013 Main Kit







The winner of the Hip 2b Square Scrapbooking June 2013 main kit, as chosen by Random.org, is:

Dorothee

Check out her winning layout below: 

Love what she did with the Crate Paper "DIY Shop" collection here - gorgeous!

Congratulations, Dorothee! Thanks so much to Dorothee and to everyone who joined in the fun! Remember you have four more chances to win this week, so get scrapping! :D

See you tomorrow with another winner!

Kathryn :D

LAYOUT WEEK, DAY FIVE: When Hippos Had Hair, 12"x12"

I hope you guys had as much fun with Layout Week 2013 as I did! While we may be finished with our daily videos and sketches, there's still a week of prizes to give away, so be sure to finish your layouts and get them linked up!


This layout features goodies from the Studio Calico Sundrifter collection.

 For today's layout, I created this sketch which is perfect for combining a large photo with lots of journaling or a large title:

 





 

 

Here are some photos of the finished layout:





This style of layout is very versatile - it works great for multiple large photos, photo + lots of journaling (or a big title) + you still get to use plenty of fun patterned papers and embellishments.

I love how these intense orange brads look next to the watercolor look of the ombre aqua Thickers - nice, high contrast and lots of shine.

 

 

 

These three banners add depth and texture to the layout + a touch of whimsy. The orange enamel dots keep the color theme consistent. I wanted a third banner, so I just added one and used a pen to sketch in the stitched line - can't even tell!

 

 

 

I love the layers here - the paper with the churning water works with my hippo skull photo, the clouds and scallops keep it light and airy, and my letter stickers give me a fun way to add the location without using more Thickers.



I filmed this layout coming together for my YouTube channel. You can watch the video below, or click this link to watch it over on YouTube: When Hippos Had Hair.

  

 

 

Today's Day Five of our big Layout Week 2013 celebration! Today's challenge is to use the above sketch to create a new, never before seen layout. Once you've finished it, post it below in the linking system so we can all see and admire your work!

 

Challenge closes at 11:55 p.m. Eastern USA time on Thursday, June 27. Prize winner will be announced on Friday, June 28, 2013.

 

This challenge's prize is offered by yours truly, and it is the chipboard camera album + EK Success Filmstrip punch I'll be using on my upcoming "Picture This!" USTREAM series:

 

 

 

See you next week with the prize winners!
Have a great weekend, everyone, and enjoy making your challenge layouts!

 

Kathryn :D

CHALLENGE DETAILS:

Enter the challenge by posting your take on the above sketch either as a YouTube Video Response to the above video OR by posting a link below by 11:55 p.m. on Thursday, June 27th, 2013. In order to be eligible for this challenge, you must use either the YouTube Video Response system or the linking system below.

To use the linking system below, post a photo of your project online in a PUBLIC site (on your blog, flickr, photobucket, my Ning site). Whatever site you choose must be visible to everyone who participates in the challenge.

 

The prize for this challenge is a camera album + large edge punch.

To participate in this challenge, create a layout utilizing the above sketch. Layouts may be any size {12"x12", 8.5"x11", etc.} and can be either a one-page or two-page layout. Layouts must be complete with photos and journaling. One entry per location, per person (i.e. one video response + one blog link entry). Maximum two entries per person. Projects must be new, never before seen and created just for this challenge. If you enter twice, you must use two different projects.

I look forward to seeing what you create!

~Kathryn :D

Please follow these directions CAREFULLY as it affects your eligibility to win a prize:

1. Click the blue "Add your link" button below.

2. Enter the link to your project in the URL field.

3. Enter your first name AND last name in the "Name" field. Be sure to enter BOTH your first AND last names.

4. Enter your email address and only your email address in the "Email" field. Double check to make sure your email address is spelled correctly.

 

Here is an example of correct submission:

URL: http://thescrapbeach.blogspot.com/2013/03/new-video-boys-over-flowers-12x12.html

Name: Kathryn E. Krieger

Email: thescrapbeach@gmail.com

 

IMPORTANT: Please check back in 24 hours to ensure your name and project are still there. Entries that are not completed correctly will be deleted and you WILL NOT be notified if they are removed.

 

Link Party Entries: