It's Here! The Premiere Issue of SOC Scrapbook Magazine!

On behalf of the entire SOC Creative Team we are proud to bring you the Premiere Issue of the Scraps of Color Scrapbook Magazine!    Chock full of over 70 pages of scrappy inspiration!  In this issue you'll get great tips for creating fabulous layouts and cards, step by step instructions for  fun, crafty projects, cool giveaways and so much more!  May you find inspiration on every page!

Please download your FREE copy here today!


EnJOY!  And don't forget to tell us what you think!  Leave us a little love!

And be sure to spread the word!  Post on your blogs!  Share on Facebook! Tell all of your scrappy pals to stop by to download their FREE copy too!

Happy Scrappin'
Classygirl!

Love is in the air!

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s time to dive into the love-themed products for my layouts. This is another one of the ways I get layouts finished quickly. Taking the guesswork out of the process by using things that add instant visual appeal – a page kit, pre-made 3-D stickers, fun ribbon and flowers. And, of course, gotta have my bling!

This is a super simple layout using just two sheets of patterned paper and some embellishments. This is Baxter, our funny rescue dog, who is truly loved and spoiled! I had snapped a photo of her in her Valentine’s bandana (that’s a story for another post!), and wanted to use that.

So, how did I dress it up? First, I inked all of my edges. It’s something I started doing probably a year or so ago. It adds dimension and it just makes a layout look “finished” to me. If you have border punches you’re not using, break them out! Or, if you haven’t purchased any, you may want to use a coupon and get started. They are hot, hot, hot right now!. And they’re also one of the easiest, fastest ways to make a project element stand out. Something else I’ve gotten into lately is mixing up the fonts in my titles. This helps tremendously when you don’t have enough of a particular font for your full title. It’s also another place to add some creativity to your layout. Using a sticker as a flower center and the decorative elements in the top right-hand corner complete my “love-themed” layout.

I hope you try one or all of these simple, fast ways to create a fun Valentine’s layout. Happy Crafting!

Moanica

Puppy Love by Moanica Caston. Supplies Patterned Paper: unknown (from a Scrap Mania kit from Archivers); Cardstock: American Crafts; 3-D Stickers: K&Company; Flower gems: Bo Bunny & Kaisercraft; Silk flower: Prima; Paper flowers: Prima; Rhinestone Flourishe: Prima: Alphas: American Crafts Thickers; Pom-pom ribbon: Bazzill; border punch: Fiskars Apron Lace

SOC Creative Team Call! We're GROWING!

If you are creative, dedicated, enjoy inspiring others and like to work with new and exciting products then this call is for you!

Scraps of Color Magazine is looking to add several new members to it's Creative Team beginning with our April/May 2011 Issue!

We are looking for artistic, motivated, creative individuals who feel they can bring great ideas, inspiration, artistic flair and fun to our publication.

We are looking to fill the following positions:

• Paper Designers
• Digital Kit Designers
• Stamping Designers

Interested?  Please check out our creative team requirements here.

We want to see your creations!  Apply today!   The deadline has been extended to Monday, February 28, 2011, 11:59pm est. 

Share the news!  Tell your friends!

Good Luck!

Organize those Photos!

Do you ever have the New Year’s resolution that reads, ”ORGANIZE MY PHOTOS”. Ever since I got a digital camera in 1995 I have been promising myself to organize my digital photos. It’s quite an overwhelming task when you look at the thousands of photographs on your computer hard drive, camera card or phone. Here are a few steps to help you conquer all of those digital images:

1. Upon taking a photo or downloading, immediately delete bad shots.

2. Rename your images so that searching will be easier. (extra step, learn how to “tag” your photos)

3. For each calendar year, sort into major categories such as:

a. Events (Kwanzaa, Christmas, Summer Vacation)
b. People (Friends, co-workers, neighbors)
c. Places (Baltimore, Top Sail Island, Pittsburgh, Bali)
d. Family (individual folders for immediate family members)
e. Heritage (images collected throughout the year)

4. Select an on-line photo developer

5. Upload photos by folder identified above, order at least 10 photos from each folder (sooner rather than later)


Now, race over to the sidebar and order your FREE subscription to Scraps of Color Espire, you’ll need it for the next phase.

Once you receive your hard copy prints you can try the following tips:

• Make an date with these photos (set an appointment date for when you will sit down and handle them appropriately).

• Pull up the premiere issue of Scraps of Color Espire and dream of the possibilities or;

• Insert photos into safe “slip in” photo albums so they can be enjoyed while they await be scrapbooked or;

• Purchase a photo album kit (my favorite is Creative Memories Pic folio) Paper comes pre-cut and decorated…you can complete a year (120 photos) in an afternoon or;

• Create what I call “Personality Profiles”, enlarge and print/develop one photo to 8”x10” and scrapbook it anyway you like, include the journaling on the page or tucked away, but accessible behind the photo, be sure to include descriptive language about the subject of the photo in the journaling.

• If none of the above ideas inspire you, attend a crop and scrapbook every single one of those photographs and make sure you share them on-line for a much deserved applause!



What are some of the challenges you face in managing your photos?

Lisa A.K.A. "Ethnic Scrapbooking"

Are scrapbookers always happy?

Is it just me or does it seem like scrapbookers are the happiest people in the world? As I look through scrapbook layouts in magazines, online galleries and blogs I usually see happy faces, happy occasions, and happy articles. At times I thought these folks were always happy. At one point it bothered me because I was not feeling so happy in life and was therefore, having a difficult time creating happy layouts. Then I thought about using this awesome hobby to express the real me and the real life my family and I lead. That means documenting some of the not so happy events in our lives. I may not share all of these layouts with others, but I will definitely include some in our family scrapbooks. That way, years from now, when we look back at our scrapbooks, they will be more representative of the “normal” life we had, full of ups and downs, happy occasions and not so happy occasions. Here is a layout I recently created.

NOT SO happy days by Camille. - Digital Paper & Elements: LittleDreamer
 Designs (So Charming) and Nisa Fiin (Splendid Fiins @ the office).

Have you ever scrapbooked the unhappy events in your life? If not, why not give it a try, it can be a very therapeutic experience.

Camille

Just 10 Days...

...until the premiere issue of Scraps of Color Scrapbook Magazine is released!

• Over 70 pages of scrappy inspiration!  
• Beautiful "LOVE" card ideas, just in time for Valentine's Day.
• Heritage layouts to help you celebrate your history.
• Step by Step instructions for making beautiful works of art.
• Great tips and ideas you can use on your next crafty project.
• FREE digi kits, template, stamp and a cool cutting file for all you die cut divas and dudes!
• A chance to win fantastic kits from Apron Strings Kit Club, tickets to a Paper Crafting Extravaganza, a super kit from The Treasure Box Club and so much more.

Best of all it's a FREE, eco-friendly, downloadable magazine! Inspiration instantly available at the click of a button!

Stay tuned this is an issue you don't want to miss!  Let the countdown begin!

Classygirl

Happy Hellos

Happy Hellos Everyone!

I hope today greets you at a point where joy and laughter begins and peace and tranquility never ends. It’s hard to believe over half of January 2011 has already come and gone. Before you know it, March will be here—at least that’s what I’ve been thinking. So, this year I decided to celebrate my birthday doing something I would really enjoy. I decided to have a ‘Birthday Crop.’ So, I choose a date, secured a venue, and selected a theme & a menu. The only thing I was missing were my guests. I pondered and pondered and pondered and for as much as I pondered, I came up with three people I was able to invite. Did I mention each person lives at least 40 miles away?  I thought, ‘That’s not a party. That’s a regular crop.’  I decided to throw caution to the wind and invite my non-crafting friends. Well, I sent out the save-the-date notices and was I ever surprised. The first five responses I received were from my non-crafting friends. Their responses warranted telephone calls and sure enough, there was sincerity in the voices I heard. They genuinely had an interest in the process and not just the finished product.

That led me to think, "Will I convert any of my non-crafting friends at my Birthday Crop?" Who knows? What I do know is, in my small area, more and more people that look like me have become more receptive to the idea of scrapbooking and cardmaking. I hear less and less of this wonderful hobby being only an interest for our lighter sisters.

That prompts my question to you. Would you consider inviting your non-crafting friends to paper crafting event? Do you think they would show? How many of your family and friends have found interest in your hobby? When you’re shopping at your local craft store, are you beginning to find more people that look like you in the scrap aisles? Now that I’ve shared my thoughts, I’m curious to know yours.

Peace & Blessings,

Lorie

10 Things I Love about Everyday Life

Happy New Year!! I trust your all renew and ready to start 2011! I have been so inspired by the recent posting here on SOC E:spire!! What are things you JUST love about everyday life?? Rejoicing that God gives us a new fresh start everyday. Oh that's enough to make me smile and think happy thoughts. Really it sounds all fuzzy and good, it's a struggle to be positive! I created this layout a while ago and, it is one of my favorites. Ten things I love about everyday LIFE!

1) God's Love                             4)Freedom          7)My Soy Lattes             10)Music
2)Family                                     5) Laughter          8) Making other's smile
3) Teaching my students              6) Creating           9) My new Canon        
                                           

                                           
                                                  I leave you with this wonderful quote:
                                     I have been absolutely terrified every moment of my life
                                            but I have never let it keep me from doing a
                                                              Single Thing
                                                   That I have wanted to DO!!
                                                         Georgia O' Keefe
                                                                Be Brave
So what do you love about EVERYDAY life? Take some time today and be thankful for all of life's blessing.
                                                                 xoxo
                                                              Chalese                 

One word!

As we near the midway of the first month of this new year, I wanted to follow up on Tiara's word for her year with my own...and hopefully get you thinking about your own word!

Digital Layout Supplies-Papers: One Word texture paper by Kim Klassen ; Email Inspiration 1211 paper from Kate Pertiet; Embellishments: Email Insipiration 1211 shimmer cluster from Kate Pertiet; Brushes: 10things2heart brush #6 from Anna Aspnes; Font: VT Portable Remington

The journaling reads: One little word....2011 SPARK...light, start, begin, ignite, move, fire, passion.
It's amazing how such a small thing can make such a large impact. When you find that one little word, or rather, when that word finds you, you will sooon find the power to follow through, carry on, and move, like you never have before. One little word is a powerful thing. What is your word?

Please do share your word with us throughout the year!!!

Did you know that January...

is National Hobby month? What better way to start off the New Year than doing something you already love. I know a lot of us like to start the New Year off with goals or resolutions on health, financial matters and spirituality. And I know all those things are important for a happy, healthy mind, body and soul.

But since most of us are crafters/artist in one form or another, National Hobby month gives us the perfect occasion to do what we love doing anyway. So whether you're into paper crafting, digital designs, altering items, reading, beading or sewing...you get the picture LOL just have fun and remember to make it enjoyable. It's also a great chance to start a new hobby that maybe you've been putting off for awhile.

a Smile is curve by Tena Ellison. Supplies Patterned Paper: Scenic Route, SEI, Webster's Pages; Cardstock: Bazzill Kraft; Kraft Envelope: Maya Road; Flower Punch: EK Success; Title Letters: American Craft, Cosmo Cricket; Cricut & Lyrical Letters cartididge.

I haven't been very productive so far but the month isn't over yet. Here's one of my most recent layout I created for a challenge last week using a mono-chromic color scheme. I would love to hear about your favorite hobby or if you have plans to try out something new...please share!

The Legend, The Legacy, The Dream

As the calendar resets itself we find ourselves in the midst of January and just days away from Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Although it has been a Federal Holiday since November 2, 1983, unfortunately many of us don't get the day off from work or it is considered a "floater" holiday...whatever that means. It is easy to forget the significance of the day and the man that it honors. So, I wanted to take a moment to salute our Peaceful Warrior and thank him for standing, speaking and fighting on the front line in the battle for civil rights. Spoken so many years ago, his words are so powerful that even today they inspire hope, positivity and a promise for a better tomorrow. So let's not let his day just "float" on by.

I created this "The Legend, The Legacy, The Dream" overlay in honor of Dr. King. Feel free to use it for your crafting and scrapbooking projects.

Love is in the Air!

I'm not one to hurry Father Time. But, as a paper crafting community we know how important it is to plan projects a few weeks ahead of the normal 30 day calendar. We are nearing the season of love. We love our significant others and families. We're proud to be able to include our Scraps of Color community, its members, readers and contributors to this embrace of affection. And, the best is yet to come! In a few more days we will be able to add just how much we will love E:Spire.

In just a few weeks our color palates will migrate from the ice blue, silver and glittering pale hues of winter crystals to the vibrant warmth of Valentine love. It's never too soon to celebrate love. So, I thought I'd post this card creation as a little heartfelt inspiration to stimulate your romantic projects. Step away from the pale pinks and scarlet colors this season. Dare to cross over to non-traditional colors. They can still communicate feelings of the heart. And remember that these themes can carry you into wedding celebrations also. Ahh, the affairs of the heart. Remember to bring another to Scraps of Color in time for the debut of E:Spire.

Materials used: Black and gold cardstock, "Love you Heart", from The Artful Stamper

A Perfect Pairing: Paper and Painting

I love painting on products traditionally created for paper crafting. I especially love the chipboard books and binders from Maya Road. As you saw in my first post, I am in the process of creating an art journal, and so far, I've been having a lot of fun creating it.

Where some may be inspired by the many embellishments to create scrapbooking masterpieces - I love to use those same embellishments to enhance my painting projects.

Henry Ward Beecher said, ”Every artist dips his brush in his own soul and paints his own nature into his pictures.”

That's how I'm inspired when I see all the scrapbooking goodies. I want to embellish from my soul using my paintbrush. I truly believe paper and painting are the Perfect Pairing for artists and crafters alike.

It may be over for you...

...but here in New Orleans we're just getting into the swing of the holidays.  All of the Mardi Gras festivities have started up...as a matter of fact, our CHRISTMAS activities aren't over yet!  We have a few events like Celebration in the Oaks which end this week.  Another extended holiday activity is the Miracle on Fulton Street.  This is a real street in New Orleans and the "miracle" is that there is snow for kids (old and young!) to play in!  Since it's 67 degrees right now, you can IMAGINE how amazing it is for us to see snow!  This event has been held for a few years now but this is the first time we took our kids out.  I'm SOO glad that we did because the boys were able to see REAL reindeer up close and a HUGE Gingerbread Superdome!  And of COURSE the snow was a hit with my babies!  I took about 150 pictures (not EVEN joking!) but I had to choose just a few for this page:

A New Hollyday Tradition-Cardstock: The Paper Source; Patterned Paper: The Girls' Paperie; Alphabet Stickers: American Crafts; Felt Scrolls: Prima; Chipboard: Maya Road; Glitter Paint: Tulip; Floss: J & P Coats

Did you notice the snowflakes I cut and adhered right next to the two "Y's"?  That's because they started out as "X's" that I cut one side from!  I LUUVE utilizing  letters that I normally don't get to use!

 I chose pictures which show the joy that we all experienced that day.  I would share a few more pictures with you all but by the time I post again, it'll be shots of king cake and floats!  What traditions (old and new) did you celebrate with your family during the holiday season?

What are your New Year’s Resolutions?

Happy New Year!!!

I am still amazed how fast this past year has rolled by. Now it’s time to think about New Year’s Resolutions- What will we do more of? What will we change? What will we do better? In 2011, I will create more, share more, use more of my stash, buy less, and enjoy Life as much as possible. I think that is a good start. We always start out with good intentions…LOL!!

Day 3 of the New Year and I am still following through-Using my stash and making great use of my scraps. I created this little card with scraps from my scrap bin. The sentiment, “Wishing you a Fabulous Day” by Papertrey Ink is so appropriate for this time of year. We are sending Wishes to so many of our family and friends. So, today I am wishing you a Fabulous day -Today and Always…


Wishing You…by Karen Jiles. Supplies - Patterned Paper: K and Co; Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Stamps: Papertrey Ink & Stampin’ Up!; Ink: Tim Holtz & Stampin’ Up!; Ribbon: Stampin’ Up!; Flowers: Prima.

So, what are your New Year’s Resolutions? What will you do more of? What will you do better in 2011? Please share…

JOY! My Word of the Year!

Happy New Year Scraps of Color!

Each year on the SOC Message Board we are challenged to chose a word of the year.  The purpose is to chose a word which encompasses your goals for the year.  Well, finally today...I have chosen my word.  My word is JOY!  I think JOY encompasses who I am and how I live.  I simply want to continue to lead a JOYful life and share it with others.  My plan is to create several altered projects and/or find premade items that say JOY to place around my home to remind me daily of my JOY!


I found this online regarding JOY:

We feel joy when we appreciate life-when we contemplate nature, when we recognize our freedom, and when we dwell on our successful relationships with other people; we feel joy when we have faith in something larger than ourselves.

Joyful people are often healthy, both physically and mentally, they value strong positive relationships, and they don’t allow the extremes of life-sudden highs or sudden lows-to influence them unduly. Joyful people lead a more stable life. But these abilities do not just arrive; they have to be worked at.


I am JOY! ( I chose to share the above photo, from our New Year's Eve Party, because when I look at it, it fills my heart with warmth, emotion and what I define as an overwhelming feeling of JOY.  We look so happy and at ease.  It will no doubt find it's way onto a layout this year....I just haven't gotten to it yet.  LOL!)


How to lead a more JOYful life!
Because we now recognize the connection between emotional health and physical health, teaching ourselves to be joyful may be one of the greatest things we can do to enhance our overall health. However, it is important to understand that joy is an emotion that arises from within us and is not affected by the things that happen to us. Instead of looking for external things to provide happiness in our lives, we must strive to find the joy within. We must educate ourselves about joy and work to enhance it in our lives. One way to start is to make a decision to wake up every morning and find joy in our lives. Think about a special person or a devoted pet. Think about the joy derived from a bird’s call or the joy of a day in a forest. It is our choice to be joyful or fearful. Let’s take the time to train ourselves to be joyful-our lives will be both happier and healthier for it.

info. excerpted from alive.com

It brings my great JOY to bring you the premiere issue of Scraps of Color Magazine coming soon...February 2011.  Stay tuned!  It is chock full of love and inspiration!

My wish for each SOC reader is to have a happy, healthy, prosperous, creative and JOYful 2011!


Now, what is your word of the year? Share.

This is it!!! 3 Winners Announced

Well, our weeklong Kwanzaa Giveaway has come to a close.  I have enjoyed seeing your posts and sharing my Kwanzaa album with you over the past week.  Thanks so much to everyone for playing along and for visiting the Scraps of Color Blog daily.  You all are wonderful!  However, I know you are ready to hear who our day 7 winner is.....drum roll please...and the winner is TIFFANI!  Woohoo!  Tiffani you have one this wonderful set of scrappin' goodies.  Just remember to email me your mailing address so I get your goodies to you.  Yay.

And I cannot forget the wonderful Kwanzaa Kreation entries.  Thanks so much for sharing.  However, there can only be one winner and that winner is....KAMI SHALOM!  Woohoo!  Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful Kwanzaa Kreation and be sure to email me your mailing address so you can receive your fabulous prize provided by Apron Strings!!! 

Ahhhh...yes we've got one more winner!  The winner of the posting giveaway...just for making someone's day and posting a comment on our Creative Team Posts TREVA is going to receive the yummy pak of scrappy goodness!  Yeah!  Treva be sure to email me your mailing address so you can receive your fabulous prize

Thanks again everyone, for playing along!  Happy 2011!  We've got a year of fun, creativity and inspiration headed your way!!!

Stay tuned as the team shares New Years, Resolutions, Goals, Winter and all things January throughout January...Whoa!  We've got a GREAT month planned!


Classygirl


  

Kwanzaa Giveaway Day 7 & Winner Announcement!

Another day, another winner!  Our winner for day 5 is the creator of JUST MUSING!!!  Woohoo!  She shared a recent creation on yesterday's post and just for doing so she is our winner!  Yay!  You'll be receiving this fabulous set of stamps!  Just email me your mailing address.  Remember prizes go out at the end of the weeklong giveaway!

Today marks the 7th Day of Kwanzaa. Today's principle is Imani (ee-MAH-nee) meaning Faith.  

WONDERFUL! Now tell me, how can I win?  

It's easy!  For today share your belief that the Scraps of Color Magazine is worth a try!  Change your status and tell your friends on Facebook to subscribe!  It's FREE!  Tell them to visit www.scrapsofcolor.com for their FREE Scrapbook Magazine Subscription.  Come back here and share the link to your status update!  If we are not friends on FB you may want to send me a friend request so I can see your post.   That's it!   Yay!  Tomorrow I'll announce the winner and share a picture of their prize! So be sure to check back tomorrow and stay all month long for some great Winter/New Year 2011 Inspiration and prizes!!! Woohoo!

BONUS!  Don't forget that we're giving away an additional prize just for sharing your Kwanzaa Kreations!  Get details here.

Please note:  Winners are chosen by random # generator at http://www.violetcottage.com/random/. All prizes will be mailed at the end of the giveaway, because each day you enter you could win and I just want to send 1 package to each winner!  Also, due to the cost of shipping, this giveaway is limited to US & Canada Residents only.)