ÿþ<html> <head> <title>StoryTellers Monthly Newsletter&mdash;January 09</title> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> </head> <body bgcolor="#E0E9E4" leftmargin="0" topmargin="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-image: url(../common/NLBG.jpg); background-repeat: repeat-y;"> <tr> <td> <TABLE WIDTH=700 BORDER=0 CELLPADDING=0 CELLSPACING=0> <TR> <TD COLSPAN=4> <IMG SRC="images/january_01.gif" WIDTH=700 HEIGHT=40 ALT="" BORDER="0"></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD ROWSPAN=10> <IMG SRC="images/january_02.gif" WIDTH=48 HEIGHT=334 ALT="" BORDER="0"></TD> <TD ROWSPAN=5> <IMG SRC="images/january_03.gif" WIDTH=313 HEIGHT=177 ALT="" BORDER="0"></TD> <TD> <IMG SRC="images/january_04.gif" WIDTH=280 HEIGHT=64 ALT="" BORDER="0"></TD> <TD ROWSPAN=10> <IMG SRC="images/january_05.gif" WIDTH=59 HEIGHT=334 ALT="" BORDER="0"></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD> <IMG SRC="images/january_06.gif" WIDTH=280 HEIGHT=53 ALT="" BORDER="0"></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD> <a href="#1"><IMG SRC="images/january_07.gif" WIDTH=280 HEIGHT=21 ALT="" BORDER="0"></a></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD> <a href="#2"><IMG SRC="images/january_08.gif" WIDTH=280 HEIGHT=19 ALT="" BORDER="0"></a></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD> <a href="#3"><IMG SRC="images/january_09.gif" WIDTH=280 HEIGHT=20 ALT="" BORDER="0"></a></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD ROWSPAN=5> <IMG SRC="images/january_10.gif" WIDTH=313 HEIGHT=157 ALT="" BORDER="0"></TD> <TD> <a href="#4"><IMG SRC="images/january_11.gif" WIDTH=280 HEIGHT=21 ALT="" BORDER="0"></a></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD> <a href="#5"><IMG SRC="images/january_12.gif" WIDTH=280 HEIGHT=20 ALT="" BORDER="0"></a></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD> <a href="#6"><IMG SRC="images/january_13.gif" WIDTH=280 HEIGHT=19 ALT="" BORDER="0"></a></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD> <a href="#7"><IMG SRC="images/january_14.gif" WIDTH=280 HEIGHT=21 ALT="" BORDER="0"></a></TD> </TR> <TR> <TD> <IMG SRC="images/january_15.gif" WIDTH=280 HEIGHT=76 ALT="" BORDER="0"></TD> </TR> </TABLE> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center"> <table width="590px"> <tr> <td valign="top"> <a name="1" /> <img src="../common/n1.gif" width="29" height="27" /> </td> <td style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"> <b>Hello from StoryTellers Club:</b><br /> <br /> <p>Welcome to the year 2009! We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season, filled with friends, family and lots of good memories. Now it s time to preserve those memories in your scrapbook, so you ll be sure to remember all the details for years to come. Because now is the time for resolutions and goals, we d like to recommend adding scrapbooking to your list to consider. (As if you need an excuse!) Imagine if you set a goal to do a set number of pages each week. Even if you complete just one layout a week, that s 52 layouts a year! The trick is setting a reasonable goal, setting aside a specific time, and sticking to it. Have fun and good luck!!!</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> &nbsp; </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <a name="2" /> <img src="../common/n2.gif" width="29" height="27" /> </td> <td style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"> <b>Members Only Blowout Sale:</b><br /> <a href="https://secure.storytellersclub.com/login.asp" target="_blank"><img src="images/blowout.jpg" alt="" style="float: right; border: 0;" width="250" height="229" /></a> <p>Whether you ve resolved to catch up or keep up with scrapbooking this year, we ve got just the thing! We ve put together some great products at members only pricing. For only $10 plus shipping and handling, you can receive our April 2005 AND February 2006 Seasonal Product Packs. That s 8 great cut-out themes for one low price. And it gets even better! These packs make great gifts so to make it even more affordable to get additional packs, for every 3 Combo Kits you purchase you ll receive 1 Combo Kit for free. If you d like to see what s included in each pack, <a href="https://secure.storytellersclub.com/login.asp" target="_blank">Click Here</a> to log into your account, view the products, and make your purchases.</p> </td> </tr> </table> <table width="590px"> <tr> <td> &nbsp; </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <a name="3" /> <img src="../common/n3.gif" width="29" height="27" /> </td> <td style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"> <b>Monthly Tip of the Trade:</b><br /> <a href="images/12_cozy_patchwork.jpg"><img src="images/tip.jpg" alt="" style="float: left; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; border: 0;" width="250" height="227" /></a> <p>This month we have two tips for those of you looking for a way to add a vintage look to your pages or projects. The first idea is to create a quilt-like background for your page. You can create a background for your pictures that has the same feel as an old quilt by selecting several coordinating prints and piecing them together to create a background. You can start out by cutting 2" or 3" squares and then cutting some or all of the pieces into 2" triangles. Use your adhesives to adhere to a 12x12 backing in whatever pattern looks best to you. You then have the option of actually sewing along the joints in a criss-cross pattern, or achieve a similar affect by making stitch marks using a pen. Once you have your vintage background, you re ready to add some great photos. Have you come across a black and white print, perhaps in a calendar or card that is partially tinted? There is an easy way to apply this old-timey technique to your scrapbook. Start with a black and white photo and use photo tinting paint pens to apply color to the desired areas.</p> </td> </tr> </table> <table width="590px"> <tr> <td> &nbsp; </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <a name="4" /> <img src="../common/n4.gif" width="29" height="27" /> </td> <td style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"> <b>Creative Expressions Workshop:</b><br /> <a href="https://secure.storytellersclub.com/NewsLetter/Tutorials/" target="_blank"><img src="images/muffin-tin.jpg" alt="" style="position: relative; float: right; border: 0; padding: 0 0 0 20px; margin-top: -40px;" width="140" height="253" /></a> <p>We gave you December s creative expressions workshop last month to give you time to create it for your holiday celebrations. It s a count-down calendar using a muffin tin, and would actually work for any occasion you re counting down to. A child s birthday, a special vacation, or anything that may be exciting to anticipate. If you haven t done the <a href="https://secure.storytellersclub.com/NewsLetter/Tutorials/" target="_blank">creative workshops</a>, they are all located on the website, with step-by-step instructions and photos that make doing something creative a lot of fun. It s a great place to look for gift ideas or fun projects to let out your creative genius.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <a name="5" /> <img src="../common/n5.gif" width="29" height="27" /> </td> <td style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"> <b>New Year's Resolutions:</b><br /> <img src="images/newyear.jpg" alt="" style="float: left; padding: 0 20px 10px 0;" width="200" height="211" /> <p>Do you make resolutions? Many people do, but there are very few people who actually accomplish the goals they set at the beginning of each year. Do you remember your resolutions from last year? The website eHow has a great article titled "How to stick to your New Year s Resolutions." The following steps are taken from that article and are sure to help you be more successful with your goals this year.</p> <p><u>Step 1</u> Be very specific about your resolution. Don't say: "I want to lose weight." Do say: "I want to lose 5 pounds a month so that I look hot in my new swimsuit on the fourth of July." Make realistic, measurable goals and don t forget to write them down. <br /> <u>Step 2</u> Prioritize! Limit the number of resolutions you make. It's better to do one thing well than several things poorly (or not at all). <br /> <u>Step 3</u> Post your list in a visible place to serve as a reminder and encouragement to yourself. It will also allow other people to see your resolutions and provide support. If you want to keep your resolutions private, record them in a journal. <br /> <u>Step 4</u> Enlist the support of your friends and family. If you're lucky, they'll have similar goals and you can work on your resolutions together. Encourage people to be helpful and supportive. <br /> <u>Step 5</u> Take action immediately. Make important appointments with a doctor, dietitian or counselor. Sign up for a gym membership or buy any equipment you need. <br /> <u>Step 6</u> Practice new behaviors that encourage success. If you want to stop smoking, don't hang out in smoke-filled bars or casinos. If you want to lose weight, don't bring desserts, junk food, candy or ice cream into the house. Limit your exposure to people who are likely to encourage resolution-breaking. Surround yourself with good influences. <br /> <u>Step 7</u> Set incremental goals and reward yourself for partial successes. If you're working on saving more of your income, for example, reward yourself with a small splurge at each significant step. Each time you squirrel away another $1,000, take yourself to a favorite restaurant or get a massage. <br /> <u>Step 8</u> Substitute a good habit for the bad one you want to break. If your goal is to eat less junk food, find a healthy food you love. If you want to spend more time with your family, establish a special time during the week when everyone is together. <br /></p> <p>We know you can do it! Check out this <a href="http://forum.storytellersclub.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12545" target="_blank">Discussion Board</a> link where you can post your resolutions. You ll also be able to see what others would like to accomplish and you can even offer tips & tricks, suggestions and encouragement.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> &nbsp; </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <a name="6" /> <img height="27" src="../common/n6.gif" width="29" /> </td> <td style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"> <b>Discussion Board News:</b><br /> <a href="http://www.storytellersclub.com/Community/FMhome.asp" target="_blank"><img src="images/angela.jpg" alt="" style="position: relative; border: 0; float: right; padding: 0 0 0 20px;" width="200" height="211" /></a> <p>January s Featured Member is Angela (board name AJCsmom). Congratulations Angela! Come get to know Angela a little better by visiting her <a href="http://www.storytellersclub.com/Community/FMhome.asp" target="_blank">featured member page</a>. She has some great work there and in her gallery. Angela will also be the star of two of our contests this month so be sure to peek in on those.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <a name="7"></a> <img height="27" src="../common/n7.gif" width="29" /> </td> <td style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"> <b>Member Challenge:</b> <p>Let s start the New Year out right with a challenge from StoryTellers. We re starting a new year and I want you to use a new scrapbooking technique. Think of something you haven t done or haven t used before and use it on your layout, card or other scrappy creation. Upload your creation to the gallery and then link it into the <a href="http://forum.storytellersclub.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=11180" target="_blank">January Challenge thread</a> and let us know what new technique you used. For directions on how to upload to the gallery and post a link, check out our <a href="http://forum.storytellersclub.com/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=17" target="_blank">How To</a> forums. We can t wait to see what you create!! At the close of the challenge we will draw a first place winner and two runners up!</p> <p>In keeping with the New Years theme, we ve created a section in our Discussion Board for you to post your New Years Resolutions. <a href="http://forum.storytellersclub.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12545" target="_blank">Click here</a> to post your resolutions. You can also view other s resolutions and offer encouragement and support.</p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> &nbsp; </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> </td> <td style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"> <b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.storytellersclub.com/contact.asp">Contact Us</a></b><br /> <br /> For any questions, comments or concerns regarding the monthly Newsletters, Creative Expressions Workshop, or any related topics, please send an e-mail to <a href="mailto:Suggestions@StoryTellersClub.com"> Suggestions@StoryTellersClub.com</a>. We value your opinions and ideas; don't hesitate to let us know what you are thinking. </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <img src="../common/NLBtm.jpg" width="700" height="96" /></td> </tr> </table> </body> </html>