Cosmo Cricket

Flashback Friday Lindsay style!

 

 

Very first, I have been going through my trip to Europe, and found this interview I did at a chic little Belgium Chocolate Shop. Its a little over two minutes. I hope you watch the whole thing. I had fun! With a guy that had amnesia, even two months ago would be considered a flashback. ( maybe even two minutes ago) Eric and Jule tease me about these video's. Let me know if you would like to see more. (lol)

Okay it's Friday-Hooray!!!  We have lots to do today. Thank you all for your comments yesterday. That was really fun and maybe a little painful at times, especially by those who reminded me of the famous "mouse in the house" episode. For those who haven't seen it, if you go back to, I think either September or October of 2008's blogs, you will find it. You may have to google Blogger Cosmo Cricket, because we switched soon after that to Typepad. It stills gives me hives watching it!

Someone made the comment that they are happy to see that we read every comment that our friends post. This is true and we love doing it. You think we crack you up? You guys have it going on and we love it.

Next Jennifer J. Ingle (aka Jingle) has a very cool project that i don't think she would mind us sharing check out at the link: Link to My Gnomescape This is way cool and a lot of fun!

Next, here are the winners from yesterday: Candace Robichaud and Catherine who commented at 10:46PM yesterday. Simply email kristen@cosmocricket.com your address and as always, start stalking the UPS man. Because it's been a long week for all of us, and you guys are the best people, I think we should have another drawing.

How about 5 winners? We will be giving away 5 Early Bird Mini Decks, 5 Nutmeg Mini Decks, and 5 Boyfriend Mini Decks. In other words the lucky 5 will receive all 3 Mini Decks.

Pinch hitting and Free giveaway!

First, things first. Check out the terrific layout that Sarah Eclavea put together from her Simply Obsessed October kit (www.simplyobssesed.com). Great project!!!! Sarah is married to Ron and she teaches High School Biology in Chicago. Sarah and Ron have a 10 month old daughter and three dachshunds. I gotta tell you, I love this layout! Great job Sarah!

As most of you know, I'm the "back-up blogger" for Cosmo Cricket. I know.....It's just not quite the same as when Julie blogs.

 In baseball I would be referred to as the "pinch hitter." This is the guy who comes off the bench and the team expects something special to happen. And in baseball, you never take your best hitter and pinch hit for them unless they need a day off.

Well....Our best hitter is taking a couple of well deserved days off.

 Julie is the President of Cosmo Cricket for good reason. Her days start very early and finish very late. Saturdays and most holidays at the Comstock home are work days. Honestly, I work hard, but I feel like a slacker when I'm around her and Eric.

  She does the work of four people. She's the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker.

 If any of you could spend the day following her around, you, like me, would be exhausted.

Let's see, she has four really great kids, a super husband that she cares for, housework, cooking, design work, class projects, the blog, product development, while trying to get her daily workout in, learning spanish,providing direction for the company, doing art projects, designing fabric, signing checks, training employee's, leaping tall buildings in a single bound and much much more.

Sometimes I think she is Wonder Woman, minus the magic lasso, and the invisible plane (I'm pretty sure on the lasso, but need to check with Eric on the plane thing). 

She appreciates  very much each of you. Julie talks every single day about the comments that you leave that make her laugh and smile. She reflects about your concerns and she loves the fact that you offer shared experiences and insights to everyday life.

Okay, I don't want any of this to go to Julie's head, so it time to move on to more important things. Have a nice couple of days off Julie and no working!

Last, let's do a giveaway. Leave a comment either about one of your favorite past Cosmo Cricket blogs or just leave a comment.

 Here's what two lucky people will win: Earth Love Paper Crafting Kit and a Nutmeg Paper Crafting Kit with the Ready Set Chipboard. (retail value over $40.00). 

Have a really great day today!

Cosmo Cricket FAQs

Our brand has really grown a lot over the past three years and just when we think we have answered all the questions for the last time, a new fan comes around and asks again. We love it! I think we just really enjoy talking about ourselves or something?

Anyway, I thought that there may be many out there too shy to ask, but are wondering some of the same things. So, I have put together a list of frequently asked questions along with their answers and some projects just for the fun of it.

1. The most frequently asked question is definitely if Lindsay is my husband.

We have addressed this many times, but like I said, it still comes up. So, no, he's not. Lindsay is married to a lovely and talented woman named Tehawna (tea•on•uh). Besides that, he is 14 years older than myself and actually tells me when things make me look fat!

By Laura Craigie using The Boyfriend

2. Are you related to Lindsay?

We were asked this again just last week, and there is a bit of a story here. Eric and I are actually related to Lindsay by marriage, but we didn't know until about 6 months after we had started Cosmo Cricket. We were originally referred to him through a business consultant (the best $200 we ever spent, but don't tell Lindsay). Then, at a Memory Trends trade show, we found out that Lindsay's cousin is married to Eric's sister. I can hear you all saying, "only in Utah", right?!? Well, they are actually from Star Valley, Wyoming..... I think it must be like Utah, but worse.

By Debbie Olson using Be Good

3. How did you come up with your name?

Cosmo Cricket is Eric Comstock re-arranged. That's right, the technical term is that it's an anagram.

4. Why is it Eric's name and not yours or Lindsay's?

My name scrambles into Occultism Joke and Cute Jock's Limo. I am thinking that our next venture could be a limo service or Halloween supply store, but for scrapbooking we liked Cosmo Cricket. Lindsay's name scrambles into Side Arm Looney....... need I say more?

By Wendy Sue Anderson using Girl Friday

5. Where can we buy your fabric?

Our fabric is distributed by Andover Fabrics in New York. If you have asked your local quilt shop and cannot find it there, you will most likely need to purchase it online. We are hoping to have our own consumer shopping site for fabric available soon.

By Dannisdoodles using Nutmeg

6. Can I use your products in items I sell? / What is your Angel Policy?

All Cosmo Cricket products are protected by copyright. We do allow our products to be used in items for sale (cards, pre-done layouts, collages, etc) as long as it is the original product that is being sold and credit to Cosmo Cricket is given. You may not reproduce our products in any way without written permission. If you would like to request written permission, you can email us through our website's contact page. We consider each request on a case by case basis.

By Yukari Takanashi using Flueriste

7. How can I get on your design team?

When we have openings on our design team, we advertise this through our blog. I don't know when the next call will be, but I'll be sure to let you know here, well in advance.

8. How can I submit projects to you for your online galleries and blog features?

Email your projects to us through our website's contact us page (I don't post the email here because it generates tons of spam). We love to see your projects and are very grateful to you all for helping us show others how to use Cosmo Cricket products.

9. Does Cosmo Cricket offer digital scrapbooking products?

All our digital artwork is available through scrapblog.com. Sometimes we have free digital downloads on our blog, you just need to keep your eyes open for them.

10. How do you come up with your designs?

My husband, Eric and I design every Cosmo Cricket product. We work together in an office in the basement of our home and inspire each other to do our very best. Eric is very in touch with the latest trends in design and color. I focus more on the concepting of new lines and product ideas. We are influenced by our everyday surroundings, friends in the art world and even our moods.

By Laura Craigie using Snorkel

11. Is it as much fun to work at Cosmo Cricket as you make it look and how can I get a job?

It is a lot of fun working at Cosmo Cricket, in fact, it is written as a requirement in the contract between Eric, Lindsay and myself. If you would like to work for us, send us your information. We don't have many openings, but when we do, we look through the resumes that we have on file first.

12. Can I buy product at wholesale for teaching classes at my local scrapbook store?

You betcha! We love to work with designers that love our product so much they want to share it with others. If this is something you would like to do, please contact us through our website contact page with the details. You will need to meet minimum ordering requirements of $100, so please keep that in mind.

By Gudrun Loennecken using Snorkel

13. How can I get Cosmo Cricket to come teach a class at my local scrapbook store?

We love to teach classes, unfortunately we are not a large company and Lindsay and I actually like spending some time with our own families. If we are going to be in the area for other events, you are more likely to get one or both of us at your store. Contact Lindsay for more information on requirements and our schedule.

14. What if I have a question that wasn't answered here?

Feel free to ask! You can leave a comment here and I'll update as needed.

By Amy Parker using Girl Friday

Ground Breaking News!

Cosmo Cricket is building a warehouse! That's right, Eric, Lindsay and I have signed our lives away, no, not to the devil, as some of you surely think...... but to the Cache Valley Bank. We bought some land and we will own a warehouse and office space soon!

If you are in the northern Utah area, it gets even better..... there will be a Cosmo Cricket outlet store complete with all our products, including fabric.

But that's a few months away. Here's what it looks like right now.

Can you imagine it? It's going to look great!

The whole project from tractors to dirt to money to ownership has brought out the masculinity of Eric. Here's his new photo pose! I can't get him to pose any other way anymore. He's got his sleeve rolled up like he's been tough at work, but don't believe him...... notice the sleek black loafers?

Nutmeg!

Nutmeg should have arrived at your local scrapbook stores by now. Have you seen it there? I hope so!

If you are having trouble locating this fun line, it is now available for purchase here. Just a reminder, when you place an order through the Cosmo Cricket website, it will be the store nearest you with the product in stock that will ship your order.

By Natasja Verbeek

I am updating this post with these great layouts from Jen Benoit. Lindsay just sent them to me and I think they are fabulous!

Now for the winners of Lindsay's contest.

Congratulations:

Christine H. who said, "Welcome back to the blog! I really do love this blog. It makes me laugh. 2009 is winding down. Hopefully, you had enough excitement in 2009 to carry over into 2010....shoot for boring next year. It's really underrated."

Cathy K. who said, "Glad you're feeling better - sorry about the hospital experience, but you almost make it sound comical - makes you appreciate the comforts of home, doesn't it?"

Jen who said, "Lindsey, glad you're doing well, safe and sound at home! Pick me!"

Aimee who said, "LOL. Thanks for the giggles tonight :) Hope you are getting on the mend!"

Laura who said, "Glad to hear that things went well with the surgery and kudos for having a sense of humor about it all (can't be easy sometimes). Happy weekend!"

OK, you lucky ladies, send your address to kristen@cosmocricket.com and she'll send you your prize!

Thanks for playing everyone and have a great Monday!

Lindsay's Life Lately.

I have received several emails from many of you wondering where I have been and If i'm still alive.

I appreciate very much your emails and your concerns.

This year has been crazy! I feel like I've been on the Amazing Race and Grey's Anatomy at the same time.

I have traveled a ton of places this year and been to the hospital twice.

Once for my amnesia episode and the other, two weeks ago, for emergency Gall Bladder surgery. 

 Prior to this year, I have never had a surgery before, never really had to stay in a hospital before.

The surgery went well and I feel really good. So here's a few things I learned while in the hospital:

#1- Because of the acoustics in a hospital when you throw up, everybody on the first five floors can here you, even at 3 in the morning. People were coming in to my room, that I never saw on my floor saying, "hey were you the guy throwing up last night?" My wife says I'm a loud thrower-upper.

#2- That when you have to use the bathroom, and no ones around, you have to figure out which things to disconnect and unwind.

I felt like each time it was like playing with a Rubik's cube. "This wire goes here, this wire goes there", and then repeating it when I made it back to my bed.

Then when people are around, pushing the I.V. roller, holding all the wires, lifting the I.V. roller over the wires,which would be okay, if I wasn't trying to keep the back of my gown closed so I wouldn't moon anyone.  Look I only have two hands.

You almost need to be an engineer to figure things out.

#4- I'm a hairy guy. When they shave your chest and other area's, that they are in a hurry and don't tend to the details. It looked like someone had hurried, ran a lawnmower over my chest, and forgot to use the weed trimmer.

I think it was a male nurse who did it, because my chest was shaved in the shape of a football field and he left lines of hair as yard markers. Go team!

#5- When they need you to go. You can't. I don't understand this. It's like they say, "okay we need you to go to the restroom to get a sample" ,and you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders. Here's my chance to be a Super Hero  It's almost like everyone in the hospital is counting on you.

Then you freeze. It's like someone brought out the Kyrptonite. I can go almost anytime. Never a problem. Then they ask me to and I can't.

 I say to them,," I'm not sure I can go."Then there are three nurses standing by like cheerleaders giving you encouraging words and cheers. (They treat it like it's "on demand T.V.)

  They teach you all of the tricks- They turn the water on in the background, they tell you to drink some water, they even try having you run your hands under warm water.

Then  when you can't "save the world", they make you feel bad by saying, "You shouldn't have any problem going, you've consumed 4 I.V. bags. "

It's like your body is a stubborn little kid saying, "i'm not going and you can't make me."

#6-And last, that Bob Barker is no longer on the "Price is Right", Rachel Ray ( I love Rachel Ray) has some great recipes that I want to try, and that Ellen Degeneres is fun and crazy!

Have a great weekend. Since I'm doing the blog, and since no one's looking, and since it's almost Halloween, and since I'm technically still recovering from surgery, and Eric and Julie will show pity on me, lets have a drawing for 5 Haunted Paper Crafting kits.

Leave a response and be entered for a chance to win!

Have a great weekend

If you respond,

Keyhole Photographs

I took these really cool photos at my daughters' ballet school last week. One is of Abby's classroom and the other is of Kate's classroom.

My girls take ballet in what was once a schoolhouse. The building was built in 1908 and it's simply beautiful. These photos were taken by putting my cell phone camera up to the keyhole of the doors and pressing the button.

 

Then, I caught these pics of Kate as she was thinking about something. The combination of the keyhole photos and trying to peek into Kate's mind gave me a great idea for a layout. I wrote some journaling for it already.

"Looking through the keyhole, I cannot see you there.
Standing just around the corner in tights and pulled back hair.
And it leaves me wondering what's hidden from my view
Beyond the keyhole to your soul that I am peeking through."

 

 

Well, yesterday at dinner, I got to peek into my kid's lives a bit.

A little while ago Abby had looked at her friend's test and copied an answer. She felt bad and asked me to tell her teacher. I told her that was something for her to do. She said that she was too afraid and I told her that was her choice.

Apparently, her conscience caught up with her and she confessed yesterday. I asked her what happened and she told me that the teacher gave her two chocolate eyeballs for being honest and that she wasn't even mad. My oldest son then said exactly what I was thinking........ don't even think about trying it again because she won't give you candy the second time. 

Abby went on to tell us that "the funniest thing ever" happened in her reading group...... they had a substitute and it was a MAN!

Ethan said, "So, I have lots of boy teachers."

Abby said, "His name was Mr. Swab."

Kate said, "Was he a doctor too?"

Abby said, "No, why?"

Kate said, "Well, that would have been interesting..... A doctor named Mr. Swab."

Those are pretty much the highlights, except to mention that Kate passed off a math timing and met her reading goal! Ethan's lid to his pot doesn't fit because he glazed the inside edges and now it's too tight. Abby's homework got thrown away by accident...... after she had done it. Jack has taken an interest in styling Suki's hair much to the dismay of his sisters that don't think the dog should be wearing their hair clips.

Oh yeah, you are all probably waiting to hear if you won the fabric or not. Congratulations Stephanie H who said, "WOWOWOW!!!! Loving this!!!!! Pick me! Pick me!!! I can't wait until these are available in the shops! I may have to take up quilting again LOL" Send your address to kristen@cosmocricket.com and she'll send you your prize.

For those of you that didn't win, the contest on my sister's blog is still going. And, for those that are looking for our fabrics in stores....... we need your help! Call your local quilt shop and tell them you want them to carry Cosmo Cricket fabrics. Until they do, you may have to shop online.

Have a great day everyone!

Girl Friday Fabric Giveaway!

Yes, you read that title correctly! We have Girl Friday fabric and we are giving away a set of fat quarters. But, before we get to that, check out this cute little boy quilt my sister designed with the Cogsmo fabric. I think she is a fantastic quilt designer, and I especially love to see her patterns done up in fabric that I've designed. It's just so fun for us!

If you would like to win this pattern and the fabric to make this quilt top, pop on over to her blog and leave a comment today.

Now for those of you that have never seen the Girl Friday fabric, here is a pick of the strike offs. The "real" fabric is so new, that the fat quarters are down at the warehouse and I haven't even seen them yet!

The colors in these photos are a bit off, but if you think you like what you see, leave a comment. You could be our next winner!

Thrifty Gifty Wall Decor

All you bloggers that have been reading our entries for more than a year may remember our thrifty gifty ideas from last season. Well, I was sent a couple projects from our fans that would make perfect, inexpensive gifts.

This project is by Sue Jade. I think it is beautiful. You can buy inexpensive frame sets at lots of stores. I just picked up some really cool ones at IKEA. Then, simply put in a mix of your favorite photos and paper (Sue used Earth Love papers) to match your decor.

 
This project is by Katie Watson (removed for publication). I think it's fabulous. All you need is a frame you can paint and distress to your liking, some scrappy stuff (Katie used our Clothesline paper from The Boyfriend) and clothespins. Now, if it would get my kids to actually do the laundry, I would be making one, "like, yesterday!"

Maybe you would like to sew some gifts for your loved ones, well, check back tomorrow for a fabric-y sort of giveaway.

Christmas Cards with Jolly By Golly

I know lots of organized women that are going to have all their Christmas tasks completed by the end of this month. However, I am not one of them! No, not me. I'll still be figuring it out late Christmas Eve when I realize that I forgot batteries, need more clear tape and that nobody left out cookies for Santa... or even made any for that matter.

Oh well! There is a little corner of my mind where I imagine that one day I really put Martha to shame......... A place where the cards are handmade and sent out the weekend after thanksgiving, the lights on the house are all spaced perfectly and pointing the right direction, the children are all happy with clean, bright faces and everyone loves my thoughtful gifts. In other words, I have a great imagination!

It looks like several of you are well on your way to that happy place with your cute, hand-made Christmas cards. Take a look...... I'm so jealous!

By Karola Witzack

 

 

And the same line done in a totally different way by Dannisdoodles.

And yet another look by Anthea McConachy.

 

 

Here's Debbie Olson's take.

 

 

So, how about you? Are you getting ready for Christmas already, or are you like me and you haven't even bought your pumpkins and candycorns yet? I know, I'm hopeless!