Lofty Goal ~> I'm calling it the Scrap-a-mania 500

I've set myself a real LOFTY GOAL of creating 500... yah that is right 500 scrapbook layouts. Now what in the world possessed me to even think of this challenge for myself? Got me...probably that last insomniac 'bout I had. No sleep generally puts me in total OVERLOAD with "NEW" projects. So with the excitement of the up incoming Close To My Heart Autumn/Winter 2007 Idea book release,I though this would be a great time to concentrate on getting my backlog of photo's onto pages.

So in true Italian fashion...er ok so maybe it isn't an Italian thing but just a my Italian family thing that I choose the number 500. Long story short there are over 500 of us when we gather for family events...instead of trying to develope a name for the event we just call the events "The Castaldi 500".

Time frame is from Sept. 1st, 2007 (Autumn/Winter '07 Idea book release date) to January 1st, 2008 (Spring 2008 Idea book release date) That is 4 months to create 500 pages (125 pages a month or 4 pages a day for the next 4 months) eh what have I done? This is to include any size sb page using any products and including digital pages.

Anyhow ~ I've been stocking up on my coupons and today I took the kadoodles out and used all my 40% off coupons to buy page kits, combined with my once a month 4 page sb group, sb workshops, team meeting projects....and by the grace of God I'll get it done.

Root me on as I will be posting them all...er ok only the decent ones. I'm also going to try and either do a project highlight or a technique highlight on the "Good One's". I've installed a ticker at the bottom of the blog to show my status.

Card Sketch Challenge ~ #1 {BLOG CANDY}

Alright, here is the blog candy being awarded for the "Vote" winning Card.

1. Michael's polka dot ribbon - 3 Yards
2. Darice Finishing Accents circular (matches the ribbon beautifully)
3. Darice Finishing Accents Square (also matches the ribbon beautifully)
4. American Crafts dimensional elements (including ribbon slides, frames and shapes)
5. American Crafts mini MARKS rub on's

Now I hope that whomever wins this blog candy shares what they end up creating with it.

What is in a name?

I've been asked a lot how I came about my blog/web name (What the BUZ is ABOUT) and the why/how sounds so "Lame" (aren't I hip?) to me. So here are my not...er...what is the opposite hip thing to say for not lame? So here are my generation X reasons.

• BUZ was the second son of Nahor and Milcah, and brother to Huz. Abraham being all ABOUT God, hearing the Angel of the LORD and not laying a hand on Isaac. (Gen. 22:7) ...ok far reach
• My favorite food place is in Richmond, VA Buz & Neds Real Barbecue ok ok...so I've never been to Richmond, VA and really who ever heard of real barbecue coming outta Virginia anyhow? I live in Texas for goodness sakes where the B*B*Q is good and fine and all that it needs to be!!!
• My website is my 'personal' expression and "BUZ" is committed protecting the privacy of your personal information....well Buz Interactive is all about YOUR personal information and my website is exactly that MY website...and it is all about ME!!
• I was inspired by the incredible artwork of Buz Kiefer and wanted my blog/website to be an extension of his talent? er no back to it being about someone else. That doesn't work either...although Fog, Tree and Road is incredible and completely inspiring...even in multiples
• Taking the lead from Buz Software I wanted my space to be "effective" and "productive" and all about GOLF?
• For four seasons (1960 to 1964) Route 66 ran weekly on CBS. This TV series was about two young men who traveled across America. I was so taken by this series (being born 3 years after the final episode and all) and the death of George Maharis who played Buz Murdock...one of our two young traveling guys that I decided to make MY blog ABOUT the character BUZ.

I guess the real reason why you come to read the ramblings of me, view the artwork and ideas of me and link it up at What the BUZ is ABOUT is simply because previous to getting married my last name was Abruzi (good Italian girl) and developing a unit of great ladies dedicated to the art of paper crafting and stamping I needed a unit name. I came up with What the BUZ is ABOUT because it tied into ME/MY NAME and someday I hoped that my little Team of ladies would be What all the BUZ was about......naw to lame!

'A Launching Pad for Artists'

I just have to share this awesome news. A great friend of mine, Rebecca Mesple who I haven't seen in over, well over 8 years teamed with her husband, Taylor Mesple; are launching their newest venture 'The Maple Room'. The Maple Room is a new performers theater in Durham, ME. Check out the article that recently came out in the Sun Journal.


Rebecca's CD is a favorite between my daughter, Batya and I. Back when we all lived in MA Rebecca and I worked together and she would on occasion watch my daughter. Sometimes we'd attend one of her performances and she'd let Batya sit on stage and listen. Great memories for us both.

I'm so happy for them to be getting The Maple Room opened and running. If you are ever in Lewiston, ME you have to check this out.

Check out their CD's and the websites when you get a chance!!!

Creative Card Making Group ~ Aug. Project

Last night this group met for the first time. We made 6 cards, 4 greeting cards and 2 gift cards. We used all Close to my Heart products. Everyone had a great time. We still have room if anyone wants to join us. We are meeting every other month at this point.

Floral Tapestry paper pack 3x3 Gift Card

Std. Card

I used the Faith, Hope, Charity stamp set on mine

Std. Card using Free Spirit stamp set.

A Simple Gift Card using Simple Pleasures paper pack and buttons

Aug. Stamp of the Month

Free Spirit with a single pewter brad

We had a lot of fun making these six cards. Hope you enjoy them!

Card Sketch Challenge #1 ~ VOTE HERE

Submission #1











Submission #2

Submission #3

Submission #4

Card Sketch Challenge ~ #1

Please post your vote as a comment onto this post. I will be tabulating the votes and will announce the winner of this Card Sketch Challenge and posting the winners BLOG CANDY on the 24th.