Creating Keepsakes Scrapbook Magazine
 
 
 



 

February 2, 2008: Trend Watch

 
In the January 2008 issue of the magazine, the editors cast their predictions for the hottest trends of 2008. They included:
  • Bright Jewel Tones
  • Old-Fashioned Florals
  • Metallics
  • Plaid
  • Outline Fonts

    This week, I'm asking you to put on the thinking caps and create a layout based on what YOU predict is going to be the next big trend of 2008. Do you agee with the editors? Or do you see something different looming in the future? Think it, scrap it and then share with the rest of us for some interesting discussion.

    Layout by Pam Callaghan, page 92 of the January 2008 issue of Creating Keepsakes


    • January 26, 2008: Colorful Petals

     
    Jackie Stringham added a whole lot of personality to her framed mantra with patterned paper petals (Jan 08, page 89). Wouldn't look nearly as inspired if they were all the same pattern. Translate the idea onto a scrapbook page this weekend and bring some sunshine into your wintertime. Psst...you don't need to use a foam ball!

    Weekend Challenge 12/7/07: BIG Punctuation

     
    Typography is a basic building block of graphic design. Take it a step further than the expression of thoughts and words this weekend by turning punctuation into a design element for your pages. The bigger, the better! And with the awesome products on the market, it isn't hard to get your hands on something that works. In fact, the perfect punctuation symbol is probably lurking somewhere in your stash, just waiting to be placed on a page.

    North vs. South by Kimber McGraySupplies Pattern Paper: KI Memories, Making Memories; Alphas: KI Memories, Basic Grey; Chipboard: Heidi Swapp, Deluxe Designs; Tag: 7 Gypsies; Ink: ColorBox; Pen: Zig.


    Weekend Challenge: Movie Title

     
    2007 Hall Famer Paula Gilarde came up with this fun spin on a challenge. Take your favorite movie title and turn it into the theme of your page. All sorts of possibilities! When you're done, go out and rent the movie of choice and toast your creativity with a bowl of popcorn and a snuggle on the couch. Sounds like the perfect weekend to me.

    Supplies Patterned paper: Scenic Route and Fancy Pants; Stickers: Creative Imaginations; Felt flowers: American Crafts; Brads: Joann's; Chipboard: Scenic Route; Font: AL Uncle Charles


    Weekend Challenge: Use Dingbats

     
    You don't have to look further than your computer to find some useful accents. This week, put those dingbats work on your next page. Use the ones already on your word processing program (Wingdings 1, 2, and 3) or download something new from your favorite font site. You might even luck out and find the exact dingbat (or something really close to it!) used on a piece of scrapbook paper in your stash, like Hall of Famer Linda Harrison did with "Arboris Folium". You'll be left feeling pretty darn clever and your page will be a standout.

    Supplies Cardstock: Arctic Frog; Patterned paper: Arctic Frog; Letter stickers and ribbon : Arctic Frog; Pin: Heidi Grace; Buttons: SEI; Small Leaves: Xyron Personal Cutting System; Font: Teen and Arboris Folium


    Weekend Challenge: No Photo

     
    We have a million photoless stories just waiting to be told. Take time this weekend to get one or two down on paper and enjoy the creative freedom that comes with scrapping only with supplies. 2007 Hall of Famer Wendy Bretz shows just how easy (and stylish!) it can be.

    Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned paper: K & Company; Brads and letter stickers: American Crafts; Letter Stickers: American Crafts; Clip: 7 Gypsies; Circle punch and circle cutter: EK Success; Fonts: Pharmacy; Veranda


    Weekend Challenge: Halloween

     
    Before Wednesday night comes and you add to your pile of Halloween photos to scrap, take some time this weekend to create a page from Halloweens of the past. 2007 Hall of Famer Jill Hornby gets caught up on last year, but you can combine several years to put a big dent in your to-do list. Whatever you decide, just have fun while you get in the mood for another spooky evening looming up just ahead.

    Supplies Cardstock: Provo Craft; Patterned paper, rub-ons, stickers: Heidi Grace Designs for Fiskars; Font: Splendid 66 from dafont.com; Pen: Martha Stewart Crafts


    Weekend Challenge: Scrap Your Screen Name

     
    How's this for a fun weekend challenge by Vidya Ganapati? We all have multiple monikers online. Why you'd pick the one you did? Is there an significant reason or funny story behind it? Sounds like something that's just begging to be journaled!

    SuppliesAdobe Photoshop CS; Century Gothic font


    Weekend Challenge: Use Labels

     
    Labels of all kinds have exploded on the scene over the last year or so. We've got label stickers, label die cuts, even label stamps--so much fun stuff! Be on trend this weekend and use them on your page in a BIG way. Go crazy with them on your titles, for your journaling, or to frame embellishments. Just like 2007 Hall of Famer Mou Saha did, you'll find that you might need not a whole lot else to make your page a winner.

    Supplies Cardstock: WorldWin; Patterned paper: Basic Grey; Label stamps:7 Gypsies; Letter stamps: K & Company; Stamping inks: Tsukineko; Pen: American Crafts, Marvy Uchida


    Weekend Challenge: Lots of Photos!

     
    How many photos can you fit on a scrapbook page? This weekend, challenge yourself to break your own personal record and get as many as you can on your layout. Can you beat 2007 Hall of Famer Tracey Odachowski's count? Scrap, post, and find out!

    Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned paper: Scrapworks; Index tab: KI Memories; Chipboard heart: Heidi Swapp for Advantus; Metal words: Making Memories; Rubon: American Crafts; Font: Impact; Pens: Stampin Up; Other: notebook paper.


    Weekend Challenge: White Space

     
    You've heard about it, but when pressed to define it, do you draw a blank? This weekend 2007 Hall of Famer Lea Lawson is challenging you to learn all about white space and use it to scrap your next page.

    Curious about the definition? Click on over to Wikipedia to see what they have to say. I agree that the effect is tough to pull off, but very sophisicated when you do. Good luck ladies!

    Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill and Doodlebug Designs(black glitter); Diecut numbers and frame: Cricut Machine, Provo Craft; Rub-ons: American Crafts; Brads: Queen & Co.; Pen: Zig Millenium by EK Success; Digital Frame: Rhonna Farrer for www.twopeasinabucket.com; Fonts: Dirty Ego (from internet) & Century Gothic (MS Word)


    Weekend Challenge: Sharpen Those Exacto Knifes

     
    There's been lots of talk about the new electronic die cutting machines on the market today. Love the look, but not the price? Do it all the old fashioned way and achieve the same effect with a little elbow grease this weekend. Practice your Exacto knife skills by handcutting your title like 2007 Hall of Famer Sheri Reguly on this back to school page. Pick a simple font, go slowly, cut the straight edges first, and then work your way around the curves for a nicely cut out word. An excellent skill to have in your scrapbooking arsenal and a great technique to add to your pages. Have fun!

    Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper; Patterned Papers: KI Memories and My Mind's Eye; Chipboard letters and star accents: Heidi Swapp for Advantus; "Learn" embellishment: Making Memories; Chipboard arrow: Deluxe Designs; Brads: Doodlebug Designs; Number Sticker "2": Scrapworks; Corner Rounder : EK Success; Fonts: Times New Roman (journaling) and Brush Script MT (title); Acrylic paint: Delta


    Weekend Challenge: A Different Kind of Travel Page

     
    I like 2007 Hall of Famer Courtney Kelly's idea of scrapping a travel page about a place you haven't been yet, but plan to set foot in one day. All about taking your daydreams and translating them to paper. Download travel photos off the internet (or scan from magazines) to give your page some visual punch.

    Supplies Patterned paper: Scenic Route Paper Company; Stickers and rub-ons: American Crafts; Paper Frills: Doodlebug Designs; Photo corners: Heidi Swapp


    Weekend Challenge: Cut Up the Patterned Paper

     
    One of the cheapest and most coordinated embellishments around are those that you cut out of the patterned paper hanging out in your stash. We're talking pennies on the dollar, if you can go on to use the rest of the paper on another project--can't beat that! You can cut out designs that are intricate (like 2007 HOF'er Ali Davis's sample or more simple. The results are guarenteed to be both beautiful and unique. Try out this technique this weekend and see how you like it.

    Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned paper: We R Memory Keepers; Clear Stamps: Sassafras Lass; Stamping Ink: Close to my Heart; Ink: Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink; Computer Font: GasolineAlleyNF (T1); Buttons: Doodlebug, Making Memories


    Weekend Challenge: Break Out the Erasers

     
    Check out this cool technique 2007 Hall of Famer Jamie Harper created on her layout--she took white core paper and created white swirls with an eraser. Steady pressure and a few back and forth motions and it should be easy to lift up the printed color from your patterned or solid paper. Or alternatively, apply chalk on your project and use an eraser to lift up the color in the same way. Either way, by removing from your page, you leave something unique behind on your page.

    Supplies Pattern paper: Crate Paper; Chipboard: Polar Bear Press; Buttons: Lasting Impressions; Envelope: 7Gypsies; Font: Arial Unicode MS


    Weekend Challenge: Trash to Treasure

     
    Here's a thifty kick in the pants for you this weekend! Scrapbook supplies always seem to come with lots of packaging--some it can be just as intriguing as the actual products. This weekend, test out your creativity by raiding your stash for these "trash to treasure" embellishments. 2007 Hall of Famer Summer Fullerton used the extra packaging from some Junkitz letters as a frame for her photo and embellishments. Now that's getting your money's worth!

    Supplies Cardstock and chipboard circle: Bazzill Basics; Patterned paper and ribbon: Heidi Grace Designs; Flower and chipboard alphabet: Heidi Swapp; Sticker: 7Gypies; Metal compass accent: Karen Foster Designs; Leftover chipboard frame: Junkitz


    Weekend Challenge: Break Up the Journaling

     
    2007 Hall of Famer Sheri Reguly is encouraging you to think beyond a blocky paragraph this weekend. Type it up in strips, go in a circle, frame a photo-do anything that doesn't look like it as printed directly onto the paper into a block. In short, make the oh-so-important journaling into a design element for a creative double duty on your page.

    Supplies Patterned Paper: Melissa Frances, Basic Grey, Creative Imaginations (Narratives); Chipboard Circle: Jenni Bowlin Studio; Glittered Chipboard Flower: Melissa Frances; Cut-Up Letter Stickers: EK Success; Pink Jewel: Creative Imaginations; Tab Sticker, Epoxy Sticker: Creative Imaginations (Narratives); Rub On Stitches: Die Cuts With A View; Digital Birdie Stamp: Katie Pertiet www.designerdigitals.com; Heart Punch: Fiskars; Glitter Paper: Making Memories Beads - The Beadery Font - Will & Grace Other - wire


    Weekend Challenge: Semi Circles

     
    It's all about shape this weekend and we guarentee that you'll have more fun than you did back in high school geometry class! 2007 Hall of Famer Vivian Masket is challenging you break out the circle punches, soup bowls, and anything of the round persuasion to help add semi-circles to your page. There just the thing you need to add some curve appeal to your straight lines. Enjoy!

    Supplies Cardstock: Memories, Bazzill Basics; Stamp: Autumn Leaves; Stamping Ink: Close To My Heart; Rub-on: Daisy D's (black grungy line below photos); Punches: EK Success (circle), Marvy Uchida (corner); Pen: American Crafts Font: Antique Type (downloaded from www.dafont.com)


    Weekend Challenge: Write a Poem

     
    Make it insightful. Or funny...silly...goofy...real. Just take a notebook outside or to a quiet spot and write a poem. No rules other than you enjoy yourself. Then go scrap with it. A refreshing way to change up your journaling and reveal your personality in the pages of your scrapbooks.

    Thanks to 2007 Hall of Famer Vidya Ganapati for inspiring us this weekend and being brave enough to reveal so much about herself.

    Supplies Adobe Photoshop CS and Arial Black font


    Weekend Challenge: Lift the Content Page

     
    This is such a fun idea by 2007 Hall of Famer Paula Gilarde! This weekend, bypass all the great scrapbook inspiration in our latest issue and take a design cue by scraplifting the design of the content page. Clean cut and easy, you're friends will never know you had a little art department help from CK graphics team.

    Supplies From Designer Digitals: White paper from Day Lily kit by Katie Pertiet; Patterned Papers from Elizabeth kit by Lynn Grieveson; Butterfly from Woodlands kit by Lynn Grieveson; Messy Stitches White by Katie Pertiet; Flowers from In My Garden overlays by Leora Stanford


    Weekend Challenge: Jazz Up Your Journaling

     
    Break out of the 12 pt. Times New Roman rut when it comes to your journaling and follow 2007 Hall of Famer Wendy Bretz's lead this weekend by jazzing up your journaling. Here's how she did it:

    To create this layout I used Microsoft Word. You can also use the text tool in Paint Shop Pro or Photoshop to do this. In Word, I first typed out my journaling in a regular, basic font. I then highlighted over random words and changed the font size, text and colors. Next, I arranged my sentences where I wanted the to be on my page and to finish I printed the title and journaling on my cardstock. Another option in Microsoft Word is using the feature "word art." I love this feature!

    Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Brad: Making Memories; Microbeads: Provo Craft; Fonts: Doctuer Atomic; American Typerwriter; 2peas Airplanes; Arial; CK Leisurely; 2peas Frazzled Stencil; Courier New


    Weekend Challenge: 3 Products

     
    Usually we go for a wide-reaching and open topic for the Weekend Challenge. 2007 HOF'er Lea Lawson is asking you to get a bit more specific this time around. The challenge, if you dare to take it on, is to use three patterned papers, a corner rounder, and three embellishments. We're making the big decisions for you, but leaving the fun specifics up to you. Nice to get that every now and again.

    And tell me girls...how cute is that owl in Lea's page? It's her favorite part of the layout and mine too. Plays off the title nicely.

    SuppliesC ardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Paper: Sassafrass Lass; Letter Stickers: Basic Grey; Rub-on letters: Making Memories; Swirl Stamps: Autumn Leaves; Ink: Clearsnap; Embossing Powder: Stampendous; Rhinestones: Westrim Crafts; Ribbon: C.M. Offray & Sons; Font: Century Gothic; Corner Rounder: EK Success


    Weekend Challenge: Clear Accents

     
    No need to be out sweating in the sun this weekend! Stay inside with the AC on, glass of lemonade chilling beside ya, and get some scrapbooking done with 2007 Hall of Famer Kimber McGray. Keep the theme light and airy by using clear acrylic accents on your pages. Either design your own with transparencies or go with some purchased accents. Either way, the results with be refreshing.

    Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Pattern Paper: We R Memory Keepers, Pink Martini; Alphas: American Crafts, KI Memories; Transparency: Hambly Screen Prints; Acrylic Stars: Pageframe Designs; Stamps: KI Memories; Ink: Stazon; Pen: Zig Photo Writer; Brads: Making Memories; Embroidery Thread: DMC; Adhesive: We R Memory Keepers, ThermoWeb


    Weekend Challenge: Scrap a Personal Flaw

     
    Let me just say that I think 2007 HOF'er Jennifer Perks is a brave girl for putting this out there. She calls them "boat feet", her size twelve "ghastly white" footies. All I'm seeing are REALLY cute shoes!

    What trait or thing about yourself do you see as a flaw? The journaling opportunties are loaded with humor, so feel free to poke a little fun of yourself. Finding humor in the situation is really the absolute best strategy for dealing with it. Scrap and post your layout in our gallery this weekend. And you just never know, maybe like Jen's shoes and myself, a fellow CKMB might find something she covets in what you think is a hopeless situation-now wouldn't that be nice?

    Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill Basics and Stampin Up; Brads: Queen & Co.; Photo Corners: Heidi Swapp for Advantus; Die cut letters: Cricut by Provo Craft, Opposites Attract; Font: Love Letter TW


    Weekend Challenge: Multiple Titles

     
    Less is more? Not this weekend! How many times and in how many different ways can you get the same title on a page? The more ways, the better. Can you beat 2007 Hall of Famer Karen Wilson-Bonnar's example of three? Something tells me you're up for the challenge.

    Supplies Gel Letters: Pressed Petals; Letter stickers: Doodlebug Design; Rub-ons: Imagination Project; Other: ribbon and googly eyes, source unknown


    Weekend Challenge: Chipboard Stencils

     
    2007 Hall of Famer Jamie Harper brings us an excellent "in a pinch" technique this week.

    How many times do you go to grab your chipboard letters only to find that you are missing a letter, or two, or three that you need? Well start saving the negative part to your chipboards to use as a stencil. This will save you so much money and you can have just the perfect color every time!

    Just trace the stencil onto your paper on the backside, and make sure that you mirror the letter (so that it is the correct way on the front) and cut out. Flip over and use on your page. No need to erase your pencil or pen marks, no one will ever see them.

    Supplies Cardstock: Bazzil Basics; Patterned paper: Collage Press, SEI; Stickers: SEI; Chipboard alphabet:Collage Chip Letters; Font: Arial Unicode.


    Weekend Challenge: Scrap an Inanimate Object

     
    The pages of my scrapbooks are populated with the images of people I love. And rightly so! But our lives are full of objects that hold sentimental significance to us. Mere things can invoke feelings and remind us of loved ones or events. This weekend, break out your camera and snap a few frames of the personal artifacts your life. Teamed up with insightful journaling (make sure you read 2007 Hall of Famer's Deena Wuest's touching words on her layout), these types of pages might just become some of your most cherished.

    Scrap on and enjoy.

    Supplies Program: Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0; Teen Closet for Boys by Leora Sanford, www.designerdigitals.com; Blank Chipboard Arrows by Katie Pertiet, www.designerdigitals.com; Plainly Negative Frame by Katie Pertiet, www.designerdigitals.com; Avant Garde and Steelfish fonts


    Weekend Challenge: Ribbon Flowers

     
    I think I have enough ribbon in my stash to wrap around the circumference of the Earth at least five times. Hard to resist the colors and textures at the scrapbook store, even if the logical part of my brain is screaming "NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!". What can I say, I'm a sucker for the stuff.

    Tell me I'm not alone? I know that new Hall of Famer Allison Davis agrees with me. Which is why she gives us this ribbon stash devouring technique to try this weekend. Adorable ribbon flowers will use up yards and yards and will make your pages look super sweet.

    Allison's Directions

    Supply List for Ribbon Flowers

  • Big brads ( I used Bazzill Really Big Brads)
  • three 3 inch strips of four different colors and styles of ribbon
  • embroidery floss ( color doesn't matter)
  • needle and/or paper piercer
  • 2 circles cut from cardstock

    1. Cut two circles out of cardstock that will fit under the brad. They don't have to be perfect since they won't be seen. I happened to have a punch that was the perfect size.

    2. Using a paper piercer or needle, hold the two circles together and pierce five holes in the circles. One in the middle, one on each side of the middle hole, and one above and below the middle circle.

    3. Thread a needle with about 12 inches of embroidery floss and tie a knot at the end.

    4. Pull your needle through the middle hole of just one of the cardstock circles.

    5. Pull the needle and thread through the middle of one piece of ribbon. Don't worry about lining the needle up perfectly in the middle of the ribbon, you can trim the ribbon after the flower in complete.

    6. Continue sliding the ribbon pieces down the floss and positioning them into the flower shape as you go. They might slide out of position a little but you can fan it out when you get all the pieces attached.

    7. When you have all the ribbon attached, pull the needle through the middle hole on the second cardstock circle. Start fanning out the ribbon until you get the desired flower shape.

    8. When you get the desired shape, pull your needle through one of the other four holes. Working in a circle, pull the needle through the remaining holes, stitching the two circles together.

    9. Trim the uneven ribbons.

    10. Cut off the two prongs on the brad, (scissors will work), and adhere the flower to the bottom side of the brad.


    • Weekend Challenge: Photo Mix Up

     
    Should I use black or white photos or color on this layout? Why even make yourself choose? Use both! You can get some very spectacular results, as the contrast between the two styles play off each other. Also a good way to create a focal point photo. Just print the one you want to highlight in color, with the rest remaining black and white. Here's an outstanding example by new Hall of Famer Jackie Stringham, working the color tones to her advantage. Shake it up yourself this weekend. Can't wait to see your creations in the gallery.

    Supplies Letter Stickers: American Crafts; Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket and My Mind’s Eye; Page Pebbles: JoAnns; Photo Corners: 3L; Fonts: Distressed Typewriter


    Weekend Challenge: Up the Middle

     
    Make it easy on yourself this weekend and arrange your elements right up the middle of your page like new 2007 Hall of Famer Courtney Kelly. It's all about symmetry, order and ease. We all need some of that in our creative lives, agreed?

    Supplies Patterned paper and chipboard: Scenic Route; Stickers and rub-ons: American Crafts


    Weekend Challenge: Use Your Pens

     
    You all have a drawer full of them, right? They are probably sad, lonely, and feeling a little neglected from lack of use. At least mine are. Use this weekend to bust out your pens and put them to work on your pages. Use a ruler to create crisp straight lines on your layout (like me) or dare to freehand with some doodles. Whatever you choose, know that you are putting your our personal style down on paper. Is there ever a better excuse to just let it all go and create? I think not.

    Supplies Patterned paper and sticker borders: My Mind's Eye; Stamps: Hero Arts and Fontwerks; Punch: EK Success; Rub-ons: American Craft and Making Memories; Journaling tabs: Heidi Swapp for Advantus; Pen: Signo White by Unibal


    Weekend Challenge: Use Circles

     
    This weekend, design a page in which circles take center stage as a design element. 2006 Hall of Fame Winner Greta Hammond used a delicious scalloped circle Bazzill for her background, accented with lots of circular buttons. Or take a more subtle approach and use them as accent elements. There's no wrong way to do it...as long as you're having fun!

    Supplies Pattern Paper: Scenic Route; Shaped Cardstock: Bazzill; Felt flowers, chipboard letters: American Crafts; Buttons: Foof-a-la; Rub-ons: BasicGrey, Daisy D's; Letter Stickers, paint: Making Memories; Die cut letters: Provo Craft Cricut (Opposites Attract); Digi Frame: Rhonna Farrer (twopeasinabucket.com)


    Weekend Challenge: Patterned Paper Only

     
    2006 Hall of Famer Tiffany Tillman is throwing a curve ball your way this weekend. For her challenge, she only used patterned paper for everything, including the embellishments. Budget scrapping at its finest. Look for large print patterned paper for elements to cut out make your page visually interesting and this challenge will be completed in a snap.

    Supplies Photo-editing software: Adobe Photoshop 7.0; Patterned Papers: Phoebe Collection Pack, Basic Grey; Ink: Ranger Industries; Computer fonts: Perpetua, source unknown


    Weekend Challenge: Scraplift a POTD

     
    Everyday I pick an amazing layout from the gallery to feature as our "CKMB Page of the Day". We've got ten months of picks archived on the Hostess Page. Which one is your favorite? Scraplift it and post in our gallery this weeekend. Can't wait to which ones you pick.

    Weekend Challenge: Fun with Paint

     
    You can do a lot more with paint than just brushing it on a page. 2006 Hall of Famer and all around artsy diva Wilna Furstenberg stretches the possibilities with this challenge. When the paint is still wet, doodle designs in it with the back end of a paint brush. The texture it adds is as unique as the photo. Once it's dried, use colored pencils for depth and shading. Try it yourself this weekend and get in touch with your funky, artist side. Can't wait to see the results.

    Supplies Stamp: Autumn Leaves; Paint: Making Memories and Artists Acrylic; Color pencils: Staedtler Ergosoft; Pen: Staedtler Pigment 0.3


    Weekend Challenge: Imperfect Snapshots

     
    2006 Hall of Famer Marla Kress knows how to make the best use of those not-so-perfect snapshots. Forgo the timely and tedious photo editing and print them out anyway. Use punches and cropping to isolate the the fine points of your 4x6. Then collage them together for a cohesive look. Life's not perfect, so why should your scrapbooks be? Way to keep it real Marla.

    SuppliesPatterned Paper: Autumn Leaves; Letter Stickers: KI Memories and American Crafts


    Weekend Challenge: Printing Text on Photos

     
    CK Contributing Editor and digital guru Jessica Sprague is here this weekend to help you learn a very useful skill in Photoshop Elements. Are you a traditional scrapper? No problem! The techique of printing text on photos is still something you can use in your scrapping. Jessica's layout is a perfect example of this hybrid style of scrapping. Just another way of placing your title or journaling on your layout.

    Supply List Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper: BasicGrey; Felt flowers: Scrapologie; Die cut flowers: My Mind's Eye, K&Co; Word strips: K&Co Paper Frill: Doodlebug; Date stamp: Technique Tuesday; Ribbon clips: Heidi Swapp; Other: Ribbon; Fonts: Impact (Microsoft); Marcelle, Marcelle Swashes (dafont.com); Century Gothic (Microsoft); 2peas Journaling Dingbats ( twopeasinabucket.com)

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    Weekend Challenge: Stamp on Felt!

     
    Way cool idea by 2006 Hall of Famer Kelly Lautenbach. I can hardly wait to try it myself! Put what I am sure is a treasure trove of acrylic stamps in your scrap room to use by stamping on felt. Unique embellishments is the easy result. Kelly recommends stamping the image twice as the felt tends to soak up the ink quickly. Cut out and apply to your layout. Love the curves of icing on her "Sprinkles" title.

    Supplies Patterned Paper: Basic Grey Phoebe Collection; Buttons: Making Memories; Ink: Tsukineko Kaleidacolor Pad- Flannel Color; Stamps: Autumn Leaves and Fontwerks; Pen: Sharpie Fine Marker Black


    Weekend Challenge: Break Out the Thesaurus

     
    2006 Hall of Famer Leora Sanford is encouraging you to use synonyms as part of your journaling this weekend. Pick a word, look up similar meanings in a thesaurus, and try to use as many as possible in your layout.

    Supplies Software: Adobe Photoshop CS; Staple by Katie Pertiet, Botanist No. 11 kit; Background paper by Andrea Victoria, Lychee Martini kit; Chipboard letters by Jackie Eckles, Winter Scene kit; Notebook paper by Katie Pertiet, Stitched Note Cards; Heart by Shabby Princess, Seasonal Sampler


    Weekend Challenge: Altered Buttons

     
    Teenage scrapbooker and 2006 Hall of Famer Brittany Laakkonen challenges you to break out the button box this weekend anc alter those little dimensional gems with rub-ons, glitter, patterned paper, and paint. Here is a few of her ideas:

    Rub-ons: This was really easy and the buttons looked so cute!

    Glitter: Cover button with glue and dip carefully in glitter. Allow to dry completely before adhering to layout.

    Patterned paper/chipboard: Glue coaster buttons by Imagination Project to the backs of my clear buttons. This can also be done with patterned papers.

    Paint: paint dots on your buttons using the end of a paintbrush. Or, paint the whole button and then ink & sand it for a rustic look.

    SuppliesPatterned papers: A2Z Essentials, Imagination Project, Creative Imaginations; Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Buttons: Foof-a-la; Chipboard buttons: Imagination Project; Gems, gem ring, chipboard buttons: Prima Marketing Inc.; Rub-ons: Imagination Project, BasicGrey; pen: Zig Writer by EK Success; Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink by Ranger Industries; Ribbon: Making Memories; Digital stitches: Shabby Princess (www.theshabbyshoppe.com); Other: thread, doily, hair pins, paint


    Weekend Challenge: Frame a Photo

     
    2006 Hall of Famer Heather Preckel is challenging you to find an unique way of framing your focal point photo this weekend. Don't you love how she framed her photo with fabric ties? What can you come up with? Can't wait to see...

    Supplies Papers: My Minds Eye; Cardstock: Chatterbox; Bling: EK Success; Fabric: Walmart; Letters: Bazzill; Foam Squares: Therm O Web; Pen: EK Success; Heart Punch: Emagination; Button: Junkitz


    Weekend Challenge: Woven Ribbon Border

     
    2006 Hall of Famer Kelly Lautenbach told me she had a great idea for a ribbon border and I snapped up the idea for the weekend challenge without really knowing what she was talking about. A couple days ago, this gem of a technique shows up in my inbox. Super cute and so doable. I'll let Kelly tell you how to do it yourself this weekend.

    This is a ribbon technique that's kind of fun and it uses up scraps! I have tons of little pieces of ribbon that I trimmed off larger pieces laying all over my studio and sometimes I have a hard time tossing them out. This technique will let you use those little pieces to make a fun accent for your page. All you have to do is cut a piece of cardstock in a strip (mine is 1.25" x 11") and then cut slits in the strip about 3/8" wide leaving a small strip at the top and bottom that isn't slit. Weave fun ribbons in and out of the strips in a eye pleasing arrangement. Carefully attach the strips with small little strips of adhesive and then run the piece through your sewing machine to firmly attach it down. You can skip the machine stitching if you want but I liked the added detail. Attach the piece to your layout and add on a button and maybe a word strip for fun. Hope you enjoy this fun little idea! -Kelly


    Weekend challenge: Hip color combos

     
    Expand the limits of your color comfort zone by scrapping a page using hip color combos this week. The infusion of energy the color lends your page might make you create more than one! 2006 Hall of Famer Mimi Schramm is going to point you in the right direction with some of her color suggestions. Looking forward to seeing which ones you pick.

    Color Combos:

  • dark teal/orange/spring green
  • cherry red/teal
  • orange/light blue
  • orange/red/bright green
  • magenta/lime green
  • mango/lavender/sea blue

    Supplies Cardstock: Prism Papers; Patterned Paper: Basic Grey (solid brights); Plastic letters: Heidi Swapp for Advantus; Round coaster shapes: GinX, Imagination Project; Flower: Bazzill Basics; Clear button: Heidi Grace, Fiskars; Ribbon: May Arts; Thread: Coats and Clark; Pen: Precision Pen, American Crafts


    • Weekend challenge: Journaling materials

     
    Now here's a challenge! Create a page where you journal with items other than your computer fonts or writing instruments. Going to have to put your thinking caps on for this one, but you should end up with some really unique looks. 2006 Hall of Famer Marla Kress came up with this idea for you and created this great example using Basic Grey stickers. Way to make us use our supplies!

    Supplies Patterned Paper: Paper Adventures and Making Memories; Letter stickers: BasicGrey and American Crafts; Circle Sticker: Memories Complete


    Weekend challenge: Use some Christmas mailings!

     
    Here's a fun idea from 2006 Hall of Famer Amanda Probst! Your mailbox is probably flooded with catalogs and mailings this time of year. Some of the graphics on these materials are pretty nifty. Why not use them on some of your Christmas pages? Amanda used a gorgeous metallic ad from Target for her background. If you have some concerns about archival safety in using such items, either spray with a deacidification spray or make sure you back your photos with acid-free cardstock to protect them.

    SuppliesSupplies: Metallic cardstock: Bazzill; Cardstock: ColorMates (red); Patterned paper: Target winter catalog cover; Chipboard letters: Heidi Swapp; Pen: Zig; Jewel: unknown.


    Weekend challenge: Scrap a Christmas tradition

     
    How many Christmas scrapbook pages have I done since last Christmas? Hmmmm...zero! And it's already December. Shameful, I tell you.

    Are you like me in that the season has just snuck up on you? 2006 Hall of Famer Heather Preckel claims this is just the second holiday layout she has ever done. Way to go Heather! If we got the challenger to be challenged this weekend, you can do it too. Break out the Christmas photos and scrap one of your favorite traditions. Get yourself all warmed up for present wrapping, gift giving and merry making by indulging in a little personal scraptime this weekend. And of course, don't forget to share with us in the gallery.

    Supplies Scalloped cardstock: Bazzill; Pen: Uniball Signo; Ribbon: May Arts; Ribbon Slides: Queen and Company; Font: Splendid 66


    Weekend challenge: Shape templates

     
    Personal die cut machines are all the rage. All we seem to hear about on the boards is Cricut, Cutterbug, Quickutz, Sizzix and Wishblade. They make scrapping easier and have a serious cool factor. Just can't deny it. But maybe you don't have one? No need for that to get you down. I'm sure you have something you can use in your stash that will give you the same look by adding just a little elbow grease. Break out your shape templates, blow off the dust, and put them to use this weekend. Check out what 2006 Hall of Famer Vicki Boutin did with some heart templates. It's gorgeous, sophisticated and unexpected. Can you pull off the same? I'm betting on it. Show me by posting in the gallery.

    SuppliesPatterned paper: Fancy Pants Designs; Stickers: Scenic Route Paper Coo, Making Memories; Rain Dots: Cloud 9 Designs; Rub ons- Autumn Leaves; Pen: Sakura; Shape Templates: Fiskars; Tools: Ultra ShapeXpress


    Weekend challenge: Be thrifty!

     
    Some say "it's all about the packaging" when it comes to enticing the scrapbooker to buy cute product. Well, if that's the case, get your money's worth and use some of that leftover packaging on your layouts instead of throwing it away. 2006 Hall of Famer Kelly Lautenbach used the negative space that was left behind in a sheet of Imagination Project coasters on her project. After covering with some festive paper, it's the perfect place to put her title. What can you use this weekend? Make sure you post in the gallery so we can take a look.

    Supplies Coaster "negative" and coaster letters inside of circles, tab: Imagination Project; Letter Stickers and Patterned paper: Basic Grey; Pen: Sharpie fine tip


    Weekend challenge: Use colorblocked paper

     
    I know you have it in your stash. Perhaps a little reluctant to break it out and use it? Now's the time, so go dig it out of the paper pile.

    Colorblocked paper is very handy because it gives your photos, elements and journaling places to be, without any extra thinking on your part. Teamed up with your creativity, you can make it an one-of-a-kind creation in no time. Give it a try this weekend.

    Supplies Patterned paper and diecuts: KI Memories; Stamps and Paint: Making Memories; Rub-ons: Doodlebug; Brads: Junkitz; Charms: Carolee's Creation and Nunn Design


    Weekend challenge: Monochromatic layouts

     
    Thanks to Mimi Schramm for bringing us our challenge this first weekend of November. Create a monochromatic layout (using only one color) for your books and experiment with how one color can set tone and direction. And heck, we'll bend the rules a bit and won't say a word if you add in just a little flash of color, like she did with those brads. Happy scrapping!

    Weekend challenge: Use journaling lines

     
    You can do it with stamps...with a computer...or handdrawn with a marker or ruler. Or, you can go crazy with the concept and do what 2006 Hall of Famer Nisa Fiin did. She used some corrugated cardboard as a stamp and painted some lines on her layout. Very cool. What are you going to do this weekend? I don't know, but can't wait to see in the gallery. Happy scrapping!

    SuppliesPatterned Paper: Chatterbox, Camden Fair; Ribbon: May Arts, Chatterbox; Ink: Ranger; Pen: Sharpie Paint; Punch: McGill; Other: Stapler, Corrugated cardboard, antique stamp (star)


    Weekend challenge: Go vertical!

     
    Thanks 2006 Hall of Famer Amanda Probst for getting us to think outside the 12x12 this weekend with her hip layout. Have you ever tried flipping the orientation of your layouts? It's amazing what a simple 90 degree change will do to your creativity. It's like a whole new world! So give it a try this weekend. Don't worry to much about what it is going to look like in your album, I've found that people will naturally rotate it to get a good look.

    Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper (green), unknown (black); Patterned papers: Scenic Route; Letter stickers: Scenic Route, Sticker Studio; License plate: Creative Imaginations; Brads: Making Memories; White pen: Sakura Gelly; Fonts: Century Gothic, PetraScript; Ribbon: unknown.


    Weekend challenge: Dimensional accents

     
    2006 Hall of Famer Marla Kress created this layout for this weekend's challenge. Create multi-layered dimensional accents for your page. Check out Marla's circles—four layers of scrapbook yumminess. What other shapes and designs can you come up with?

    Weekend challenge: Dimensional stamping

     
    2006 Hall of Famer Vicki Boutin is challenging us to break out our stamps this weekend and use foam tape to add dimension. To duplicate the look, stamp image on various colors of cardstock, cut out the pieces, and layer on top of each with foam tape or popdots. You'll be really getting your money's worth out of some great tools.

    Supplies Patterned paper: Cloud 9 Design; Rub-ons: Cloud 9 Design; Paisley and circle stamps: Gel-A-Tins; Ink: Tsukineko; Adhesive foam squares: Magic Scraps


    Weekend challenge: Three patterns

     
    2006 Hall of Famer Brittany Laakkonen designed this layout to inspire you this weekend. It's time to dig into the patterned paper stash and find three different patterns to use on your page. And when I say patterns, I'm speaking more generically. For example, Brittany used a swirl, a check, and a polka dot in her layout. Using two different striped patterns would only count as one this time around. Good luck girls and can't wait to see what you come up with.

    SuppliesComputer Software: Adobe Photoshop Elements; Fonts: Times New Roman (computer font), CK Ladder (CK "Fresh Fonts" CD by Ali Edwards); Patterned papers, staples, stitches, orange paper, title letters ("Gracie"): Katja Kromann (www.katjakromann.com); Inked edges overlay: ScrapArtist ( www.scrapartist.com)


    Weekend challenge: Use fabric

     
    Somebody must have been looking into the future earlier this week, because there was a thread on the message board about using fabric on your layouts. Little did the poster know they had guessed this weekend's challenge! 2006 HOFer Heather Preckel designed this adorable layout for us to use as inspiration. She used fabric in two great ways—tied up and knotted on the side, and as her title. What can you come up with this weekend using this very versatile supply? Can't wait to see. A little hint: a glue stick is a fabulous way to adhere fabric to your layout. Fool proof, I promise.

    Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper; Glitter Sheer Fabric and Patterned Fabric: Hancocks Fabric; Buttons: Junkitz; Ghost Letters (YOU): Heidi Swapp; Wood Flowers and Sparkle Flowers: Lil' Davis Designs; Colored Pencils: Derwent Studio; Pen: American Crafts; Super Tape and Foam Squares: Therm O Web; Ribbon and Rick Rack: Wrights Company; Staples and Clips: Target; Utee Brightz: Ranger Industries


    Challenge: Lead your eye across the page

     
    2006 Hall of Famer Mary MacAskill came up with a GREAT challenge for us this weekend. Something that is a good skill for everybody to fine tune. On every scrapbook page, there are ways of directing the eye to specific areas of focus. In Mary's example, she used dots and arrows to move your eye across, down and back around the page. In the process, she told the story of a kiss. Cool, huh?

    So this weekend, exercise those design skills and come up with a way to make your page work for you. Follow Mary's lead or come up with your own example. Can't wait to see what you come up with!


    Weekend Challenge: Use Progressive Photos

     
    It's a long weekend from coast to coast. Take a little of your extra time to dig through your photo boxes and find a series of photos taken over time that represent a change. It could be your hairstyle, your garden, your pregnant belly, or your incredibly shrinking dieting stomach! 2006 Hall of Famer and Scrapbooker of the Year finalist Tiffany Tillman choose several pictures that represent the blossoming of her social personality. This lady is shy no more! And neither should you be. When you are finished, post your results in the gallery. We want to see them!

    Weekend Challenge: Use Negative Space

     
    Negative space is defined as the space surrounding an object. In scrapbooking, when something is removed (in this case, the letters), the surrounding paper is acting as the negative space. Other examples of this principle: what is left over after you die cut or punch an object out of paper, or the remaining sticky paper on a sticker sheet when you've used the stickers.

    This weekend's challenge is to use negative space on your layout. Follow 2006 Hall of Famer Jen Adams Donnelly's lead by using it in your title. Or break out some punches on some tags. ANYTHING! I really can't wait to see how you intrepret the idea on your pages. And of course, don't forgot to post them in our gallery. We'd all love to see them.

    Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill; Patterned Paper: Mustard Moon and Making Memories; Die Cut Letters: Quickutz and Sizzix; Ink: ColorBox Chalk by Clearsnap; Pen: Uniball Signo Staples: generic


    Weekend Challenge: Hip to be Square

     
    We posted some great older pages yesterday on our features page. Today's the day we take it a step further and use the ideas in our own albums. 2006 Hall of Famers Nisa Fiin and Wilna Furstenberg had a headstart, completing their inspiration pages earlier this week. See what got their creative juices going and then scrap some squares of your own for this weekend's challenge.
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    Weekend Challenge: Scrapping with Bleach

     
    Ok...ok...ok. Don't freak out. I can see you all right now going, "NOOOOOOOOOOO, not bleach!!! It isn't acid free! No way is it coming any where near my pages." I swear I can hear the collective groans from around the globe. Scrapper's all over are checking out of this weekend challenge right NOW.

    Slow down and breathe for just a sec. Let me clear up a misconception or two. First and foremost, bleach isn't an acid. It's a base, which is the opposite chemically from an acid. But to be honest (and relying perhaps a bit too much on my shoddy chemistry skills), a base isn't any less corrosive than an acid in it's liquid form. Are you not feeling any better about the situation because the bleach isn't base-free? How about this, as the bleach dries, it becomes inert (neutralizes) and is safe to use on your scrapbooks. There's the rub I was looking for!

    Mary MacAskill created this layout for us this weekend. She applied bleach over a Heidi Swapp mask and filled in the negative spaces with chalk once they dried. Pretty snazzy if you ask me.

    The challenge is to use bleach on a scrapbook page this weekend. Follow Mary's lead with a mask, or explore a few other options. You can buy a bleach pen, if you don't already have one, at the grocery store. Use it to hand draw titles and doodles. Alternatively, give bleach stamping a try. In a shallow dish, place a little pad of paper towels, wetted down with liquid bleach. Use as a stamping pad. Just make sure you rinse your stamps off when you are finished.

    Still feeling a bit uneasy about the whole thing? I don't blame you. It just feels wrong on some deep primal scrapbooking level, doesn't it? Try a little mini challenge instead. Test the technique out on some scrap paper. There are even a few paper lines out there that mimic this look. Rusty Pickle is one that comes to mind. Dig out some of that paper and put it to good use. Lots of options this weekend. Can't wait to see your creations.

    Supplies Textured Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper: Daisy D's; Chipboard Letter: Making Memories; Rhinestone Brads: Making Memories; Paint: Making Memories; Gloss Medium: Judikins Diamond Glaze; Metal Tag: Ten Seconds Studio; Mask: Heidi Swapp for Advantus; Chalk: Pebbles Inc.; Other: transparency, bleach pen; Computer Fonts: Times New Roman, Texas Hero


    Color Combo Challenge

     
    This weekend's challenge is a great example of how paper scrappers can be inspired by a digital layout. One of many things I find inspiring about 2006 Hall of Famer Jennifer Olson's page is the delicious color combo. Two shades of orange matched up with a soft purple is perfect for this time of year. Create a page this weekend using the same trio of colors to participate in the challenge. And of course, make sure you post in the gallery for us all to see.

    Weekend Challenge: Dress up your chipboard

     
    While all the new products are being revealed this weekend at Summer CHA in Chicago, make some room for all the shopping you are going to be doing in the next few months. In the meantime, 2006 Hall of Famer Kelly Lautenbach, is challenging you this weekend to mix and match your chipboard alphabets. Push the limits of your eccentricity by altering each letter in a fun and distinct way.

    Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill; Font: Prissy Frat Boy; Chipboard Letters: Pressed Petals, Heidi Swapp, Cloud Nine, K&Co., Lil’ Davis; Heart Coaster Shape: Imagination Project; Rub Ons: Imagination Project, Basic Grey; Brads: Making Memories; "Compliments to the Cook" Chipboard: We R Memory Keepers; Ribbon: Michaels Craft Stores; Ink: Color Box Chalk Cat Eye Pads; Stamp on “H”: Hero Arts

    Click over to the next page to see a close of up Kelly's letters and the descriptions of the techniques she applied to each one.

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    Weekend challenge: Vacation pages

     
    I'm sure when this challenge gets posted on Friday the 14th, I'll be lounging in my big yellow inflatable pool chair, sipping my favorite adult beverage, and enjoying my family. It will be my last day of vacation before the LONG twelve hour drive home on Saturday. Rest assured, my laptop is loaded with hundreds of photos of the adventures we've had over the last few days. Taking new photos is one of my favorite things to do while I'm away. It's fun for me. Hope it is fun for you too.

    Following the adventure and vacation theme, 2006 Hall of Famer Wilna Furstenberg's taking the reins this weekend. She's challenging you to break out the vacation photos and get a little artsy with them. Add some paint, scrub in some ink, or sand some paper for a rustic look. Don't you love what she did with the blue paint and stitching on her layout? I so need to try that. Also love that she's using some older Pebbles in My Pocket letter stickers. I need to break them out and put them to use. Thanks for the inspiration Wilna!

    Can't wait to see what you with the challenge come Monday morning as I log on for the first time in a week! It's going to be a total treat for me. Talk to you soon.


    Weekend Challenge: 7/7-7/10/06

     
    It's all about the journaling for this weekend's challenge. 2006 Hall of Famer Leora Sanford is daring you to scrapbook a conversation you have had (or will have) with a loved one this weekend. Even if you can't remember the words verbatim, just getting the gist of it will be enough. Keep your voice true and the layout will be a gem. For an added treat for your viewer, hide your journaling somewhere on your layout like Leora did.

    Hidden journaling:
    We were taking a family drive around town, looking for the little lake that has not been full for over 7 years. We were stopped by a passing train and interestingly enough, we saw a passenger hitching a ride on one of the cars. Sissie laughed as they pointed it out to us. “There’s a bum on that train.” We all thought this a unique sight to behold since we had seen it many times in the movies, but never in real life. You burst out with laughter and I had to giggle over how funny you thought the situation was.

    Fast forward to 2 weeks later:
    Grandpa was taking you to his house for the night. The following statement from you puzzled Grandpa: “Papa, we saw a butt on da train.” After a moment, Sissie realized what you meant by this peculiar statement and soon they were all in stitches, as they laughed about your confusion. Of course, NOW I realize why the train incident was so funny to you, after all, you thought that there was a BUTT on the train.

    Try a fun twist to the topic. A few years ago I did this layout about my husband and I. Back in our dating days, we'd communicate via instant messager a great deal. Hey...it's what you do when you live a few hours away from each other. With the idea of including some "instant messager" journaling on a layout, I made Matt sit down at the computer one day and we just started typing back and forth, as if we were back in school. The result is totally off the cuff and 100% real as we just responded to each other's comments. And the best part? It was already typed up when we were done!

    If you decide to play with us this weekend, be sure to scan your page and post in our gallery so we can see how you were inspired. It's always my favorite part of Monday morning to see what everybody has done.


    Weekend Challenge: June 30-July 2

     
    I told 2006 CK Hall of Famer Brittany Laakkonen that I needed a challenge that put a nice twist on a basic technique. When she emailed me her idea and subsequent layout, I was simply blown away by how clever it was. Taking the doodling trend that is so popular, she made it her own by sewing over her swirls. I think I need her to do the same for a few homemade purses. Doesn't it look fabulous?

    Follow Britt's lead this weekend and stitch down some doodles. You can scraplift her example by hand- drawing some designs and sewing over them with a machine or you can go a different route by hand-stitching over Versamark inked doodle stamps. A little or a lot, this technique will add personality to any layout. Can't wait to see how you intrepret it. Scrap on, ladies!

    Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper; Patterned papers: BoBunny, BasicGrey; Sticker letters: Chatterbox, American Crafts, Creative Imaginations; Chipboard letters, gems, flowers: Heidi Swapp; Ink: Stazon; Stamps: Fontwerks; Pens: Signo, Sharpie; Other: thread, fabric


    Weekend Challenge; 6/23/06

     
    2006 Hall of Famer Jennifer Adams Donnelly created this weekend challenge for us. It's all about numbers and finding ways to use them as page accents or to jazz up your journaling (think lists and sequence of events). It is simply adorable how she used photo editing software to place the numbers on her son's face in the exact same spots she likes to kiss. Great idea! What can you come up with using numbers on your layout? I'd like to see. Make sure to post your pages in the gallery if you play along this weekend.

    Weekend Challenge: June 16-June 18

     
    We're going to do things a little differently this time around. Instead of one challenge layout, you have three that I've selected from the June issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine. The challenge is to take one element or idea from each and combine them in your own layout, making something totally new and unique. Anything goes.

    You can pick the same patterned paper off of one and the sticker useage off another. Or choose the theme of Allison's page, copy Ali's pen work, and go with the title treatment on Kolette's. What is so fun about this exercise is that there is so many different combinations of elements that no page will look the same.

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    Weekend challenge: 6/9-6/11/06

     
    2006 Hall of Famer Nisa Fiin constructed this awesome layout for our weekend challenge. What is that blue background paper she used? Not something you can buy in the store! She used a piece of phone book and painted it with colored gel medium. Way cool.

    There was a great thread on the mesage board this week about the crazy things we do as scrapbook addicts. You know we've all been there. Don't go looking over your shoulder to see if I'm talking to somebody else, because I'm talking to YOU, girlfriend. Giggle. I think we can now add 'destroying phone books' to the list, thanks to Nisa. If you wonder where I've gone this weekend, I'll be in the basement playing with the Bell South Edition from last year.

    The challenge this week? Create your own background. Use paint, chalk, ink, various mediums, and other assorted things you find around the house. Whatever! The only limit is your imagination. Have fun with it and make sure you let Nisa and I know what you did!

    Supplies Patterned paper: Chatterbox, SEI, Creative Imaginations, Every Iota; Ink: Ranger Ink Tim Holtz Distress Ink; Rub-ons: Chatterbox; Embellishments: Chatterbox photo corners; Punch: circle punch by Marvy; Adhesive: Tombow Mono and Golden Gel; Pen: Zig writer; Paint: Plaid; Stamps: antique (my own collection)


    Weekend Challenge: 6/2/06-6/4/06

     
    2006 Hall of Famer Heather Thompson created this darling layout for this weekend's online challenge. She was inspired by the photos of her son and the "monster" living inside a grated hole in the grass. Check out that photo with the arrow....a complete hoot and a half! By numbering the photos and corresponding journaling, she was able to capture the silliness of the situation, while elaborating on the mini timeline created by the sequential shots. The resulting layout is whimisical and highly amusing.

    Take Heather's lead this weekend and break out some of those storyboard photos of any given event. Number the photos to match your journaling and make sure you ham it up a bit. This technique just begs for a humorous perspective!

    I've created a special "weekend challenge" category in the gallery. Make sure you check that little box when you load up your layout, so people can quickly reference the challenge layouts. Most importantly, however....have fun with it! Can't wait to see what you come up with.

    Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper; Patterned Paper: KI Memories, Scenic Route Paper Company, SEI; Chipboard letters: Creative Imaginations; Chipboard arrow: KI Memories; Stickers: SEI; Rub ons: Basic Grey; Pens: Sharpie; Computer font: Decker, downloaded from the internet.


    Weekend Challenge: Ribbon Techniques

     
    It's time for another weekend challenge. Good news, Monday's a holiday. That's an extra day for you to participate. I hope you get some extra scrapping time between picnics and dips in the newly opened pool.

    I called on 2006 Hall of Fame winner Mimi Schramm to help out this week. She created this beautiful page featuring two different ribbon techniques. On the top border, the orange ribbon is folded over in tabs and stapled to the patterned paper. By applying rub-ons directly onto the ribbon, she creatively added her title. Mimi sewed little ribbon flags along the curve of the paper to serve as a bottom border. So fun. Great balance there between the two lines of ribbon.

    We all have a large stash of ribbon just begging to be put on a scrapbook page. More than some of us are willing to admit. Time to break it out and put it to use! This weekend's challenge is to follow Mimi's adorable example. Use two different ribbon techniques on the same page. Feel free to use Mimi's ideas, or come up with your own. And make sure you post your layout in the gallery!


    Easier Than Ever Challenge

     
    Easier Than Ever Scrapbooks is going to be hitting the shelves soon. If you ever want to just get down to business with your basic supplies and photos, this is the book for you. All the layouts featured use 4x6 or 3 1/2 x 5 inch photos and a handful of simple supplies. Literally, it couldn't be easier to be inspired by this book!

    We thought we'd have a little pre-release challenge here at CK online with one of the fabulous layouts published in this book. I was blown away with this layout by Traci Turchin when I first saw it. The title out of the photos? Pure genius! A great way to use those scenery and detailed shots. How would you take this idea and make it your own? Come on over to the message board and join the discussion on how to achieve this cool technique. Then, challenge yourself to put it to use. Post your Traci Turchin inspired page in the gallery and fill out the online entry form for your chance to win a library full of quick and easy techniques.

    Plus, see 8 more layouts from Easier Than Ever Scrapbooking through Sunday, May 28.


    Weekend Challenge: 5/20/06

     
    We keep revealing new ways for you to participate in the online community here at C