Changes

Well, Fall is in full swing and I can’t help thinking about all of the changing that takes place – seasons, weather, clothes – even the drink flavors at Starbuck’s! So, I pulled out some photos from a recent change in my life. I’ve recently gone from two households (because of a job assignment) back to one. No more living in two different time zones! This seemed like a perfect time to make a layout with the photos.

The photos aren’t the best, but I’m so glad I remembered to grab my camera before the moving men cleared the place out. For 4 ½ years I called this my "home away from home" and tried to make it as cozy as I could. This layout will always remind me that I persevered and made it work!

Don’t forget to capture and document the changes in your world!

Win This Sweet Teresa Collins Stamp Storage Album!!!

It's time for another FABULOUS SOC Giveaway!!! Woot! Woot!  This week we are giving away this pretty stamp storage album from Teresa Collins.  This one is for all of you savvy stampin' sistahs who need a bit of extra storage!

This handy storage album comes with 10 storage sleeves for easy storage of your clear and rubber stamps.

Great!  How do I win?  It's easy just:

1. Make sure you have signed up for the Scraps of Color Scrapbook Magazine email updates (TOP right side bar).  
2. Next be sure to visit the Teresa Collins web site and check out her cool stamp maker!  You can create your own stamps! Wow!
3. Lastly, come back here and leave a comment telling us why you "need" this storage album by Sunday, October 2, 2011, 11:59pm est!

While here be sure to check out pages 9-10 of the August/September Issue to learn more about Teresa Collins Stampmaker and be sure to visit their web site for more project ideas and giveaways!!!

Please note:   All prizes will be mailed at the end of the month  Winners are chosen by random number generator.  Due to shipping costs giveaways open to US/Canada residents only.   Be sure to check the blog to see you are a winner.  Announcements will be made via the blog only.  Unclaimed prizes will be forfeited. 

EnJOY!

Geek Is Chic

Happy Hellos Everyone:

For the past five or six years, I have sent my son off to school accompanied with a back-to-school note card wishing him the best school year ever. This year was no different. Last year, I discovered my son has come to really appreciate my little first day of school note cards. Boy did that make me feel good. I usually place the note card some where in his back-pack or notebook where I am sure he will discover it before the end of the school day.

This year was no different. If any thing, this year's card was most important. Kevin entered the eight grade this year. Every thing is changing and the most important thing I wanted him to remember is being a 'Geek' is truely chic. I wanted him to remember that geek is not a dirty word, but a compliment to his academic discipline.

Now, that you know what it is I have done for that special student in my life, what is it that you do for the special student in your life?



Peace & Blessings to
You & Yours

Lorie

Back to School

Hey everybody, Barb here. With school back in session, many of us with school-age children, may be able to carve out a block of time to get some serious scrapping done and that is super exciting to me! I always take a first day of school picture of my girls. I like how fresh and hopeful they look, I like the excitement on their faces and the anxious gleam in their eyes. Putting together a ‘first day’ page can be really fun and easy. I let my girls choose the photo they want showcased, that way I know they’ll appreciate it later, and then I choose my supplies. I try to keep my pages age-appropriate, as well. Since this daughter is in high school now, I used subtle hints of school…lined paper in the title area and small embellishments around the journaling.

 

First Day of 9^th Grade by Barbara Walker. Supplies- template-Shabby Princess; Digital Kits:Hop Scotch, Hop Scotch School Additions, Barefoot-Shabby Princess

Many digital scrapping sites offer school-themed kits. Browse thru your favorite site and see what they have to offer. Or visit your local scrap book store and take a look at their school selections. I know some stores stock paper, card stock and embellishments that coordinate with the local schools', theme and colors..you could make an entire album of your students’ school times, what a keepsake that would be! No matter the type of scrapping you choose, just grab some photos, create a page or two and share them with us in SOC gallery. We love looking at your artwork!

Need of some inspiration? Download your FREE copy of E:spire, and take a look at the wonderful school-themed layouts on page 35.

Now go on...then go create something beautiful!

Scrapping school portraits

Pre-K by Tena Ellison. Supplies - Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket, Fancy Pants; Cardstock: Kraft; School Embellishments: Reminisce; Punch: EK Success, Fiskars; Distress Ink: Tim Holtz.

4th Grade by Tena Ellison. Supplies - Patterned Paper: Sassafras Lass, Cosmo Cricket, Simple Stories; Foam Letters: American Craft; Felt Ribbon: My Mind's Eye; Punch: EK Success; Flower: Misc.

Okay, if you're like me with a child that's all grown up now but you still have all his/her old school photos...you know the ones that you have left over from being taken twice a year, every year and no matter how they turn out you end up buying them anyway LOL. Well I've got plenty left over after sending to family and friends.

I've been working on a 6 x 12 landscape album just for these photos and since I already have all the school photos I want to keep in frames or my own albums, this album will go to my daughter. I'm also adding an educational quote on each page and using any old school memorabilia from each year that I still have.

It's a great way to have all those school portraits together in one place and finally all scrapped.

I would love to hear how you're planning to scrap your kids, nieces or nephew school photos. You can always post and share your layouts in the SOC gallery. If you need some inspiration, check out the great back-to-school layouts in the Seasonal section of our current issue starting on page 35.

Remember with school already back in session "Picture Day" is coming very soon!

...and the winner is.....

An'Jenic!!!!

Woohoo!  You are the winner of this great wonderful 12x12 Fairyopolis Paper Pack from Crafter's Companion. Congratulations!   Thanks for entering.  Be sure to check out their web site for more chances to win, more crafty ideas and more shopping for your creative inspiration!


Please email me your mailing address before September 25, 2011 to receive your prize. 

Please note: All prizes will be mailed at the end of September.  Winners are chosen via random number generator.


Stay tuned for our next great giveaway, coming soon!!!

Classygirl!

How About A Hybrid?

Summer is nearly over *sigh*. Hopefully, everyone took full advantage of Labor Day weekend a couple of weeks ago to squeeze the last bit of summer fun out of 2011. For me, this summer flew by and I didn't really have a moment to do anything summery. So, I was delighted to hear that my Mom was throwing an improptu pool party and cookout on Labor Day weekend.

Here is a hybrid layout that I created using a photo from that weekend and the free digikit that I shared in the August/September issue of the magazine. It was very simple, I printed out two of the patterned papers, recolored the journaling tag, and used Make The Cut software and my cutting machine to create the Bathing Beauty embellishment.

What can you create with the kit? Be sure to download your copy of the magazine for this freebie and many other scrapbooking and cardmaking ideas.

There's still time to win...

...this wonderful pack of 12x12 Fairyopolis Patterned Papers!  All you need to do is share a link to the recent issue of the Scraps of Color Scrapbook Magazine on your blog or Facebook page.  Get the details here!  But hurry this giveaway ends tomorrow, September 12, 2011 11:59pm est.

Good Luck!

In Remembrance

As I prepare this post I pause to reflect on the significance of this day in our history. Most anniversaries, especially after ten years are celebrations of bliss and harmony. Today, I leave you to your own thoughts and reflections and step away from our usual post of creativity and inspiration. What I will share is a poem I have referred to many times as I sat and pondered the world in which we find ourselves:

The American Hero

by Roger Robich

The American Hero always comes through To capture our hearts with a spirit so true Some proudly are soldiers who march in harm’s way Insuring our freedom, courageous they stay While others come forth as civilians so brave Determined in purpose, so steadfast to save We should always keep clear a place in our heart For each has a value beyond precious art Their duty to country will not be surpassed Please honor their courage, for some it’s their last We live in a world which can be hard to bear Thank God for these people, how greatly they care Do ponder new heroes and what they will face And pray for their safety no matter their place Our heritage brings out the best, we all know Our great book of heroes is destined to grow

Seasonal Inspirations at SOC E:SPIRE

Trying to find a reason for that season of crafting? Get a cup of coffee or tea, put your feet up, and enjoy the newest issue of SOC E:SPIRE.

My inspiration painting this background was the ocean. The sound of the ocean ... the look of the ocean ... it enhances everything it touches .. even our moods when we hear it.

Page 26 shows you how to create a fabulous background to add to your crafting projects. It's so simple - I'd love to see you try. And don't just limit yourselves to using your painted elements for traditional paper crafting - think outside the box!! ... think DIGITAL.




Digital seems to be all the rage ... but like traditional scrapbooking, template use can sometimes give the "same ol' same ol'" look and feel to various projects. Painting your elements, sanning them and incoporating them into your digital layouts is a way to make your work standout.

TIP: In this age of digital templates and limited use angel policies, you can always be assured that painting your own elements and backgrounds make you and your project stand out as being truly unique.

Get Published in our Oct/Nov 2011 Issue!

Submit your work for your chance to be published in the October/September issue of Scraps of Color Magazine!

We want to see your layouts, cards and other paper crafting projects.  Submit your work to our current page call and you may be published in the upcoming Oct/Nov 2011 issue of Scraps of Color!

You may submit one or more projects to each of the calls below.  We are currently looking for:

• Halloween - Ghosts, goblins, tricks and treats.  Share your Halloween creations with us.
• Thanksgiving - Be grateful! Share your layouts of gratitude, family gatherings and feasts.
• SOC Inspired Creations - Have you been inspired by a sketch, layout, card or altered item presented in an issue of Scraps of Color.  Share your creation!
• Your Scrap Space: Big room, small space.  We want to see your fun, creative scrap room or space.  Where do you create?  Share your photos or your creative space and you might be featured on our blog or in the magazine.
• Crop Happenings:  Having a charity crop?  Let us know.  We just might share it with our readers!  Had a fun scrappy gathering?  Met up with some scrappy pals?  Share your photos and we might feature you in an upcoming issue.
• Our Voices: We want to hear from you.  Do you have questions or comments about Scraps of Color Scrapook Magazine.  Are you excited about the current issue or upcoming issues, blog features etc?  Have you been inspired by one of our Creative Team Members?  Share your work and/words and you might be featured on our blog or in the magazine.

Submissions are due by September 20, 2011! 

Be sure to follow our submission guidelines listed here:

• Submissions must be never before published items whether in print or online.
• Submissions must be a high quality photo, or scan(scan preferred).  If photographed, please photograph with a light or white colored background.
• Save as 200dpi, 
• By submitting your creations for possible publication you agree to the terms as provided here. 
• Include the call subject in your email subject
• Email each submission separately to: classygirl at mac dot com
• Submission must include:  project title, your name and supplies list.  Pay particular attention to the supply formatting. 
• Submissions that do not STRICTLY follow the guidelines will not be considered.
• All submissions will be entered to win a prize pack from our sponsors.  All published artists will also receive our highly coveted, "I've Been Published" SOC Button to display on your blogs, web sites and/or signature lines. 

SAMPLE SUBMISSION.

Definitely Not Routine by Tena Ellison.  Supplies Cardstock: Bazzill Basics; Patterned Paper: Basic Grey; Rub ons: Fancy Pants; Pearl Flourish: Prima; Vellum: The Paper Studio; Font: JI-Cutins.

Fairyopolis Stamps are dreamy

Have you read the latest issue of Scraps of Color? Well, I surely hope so, but if you have not just click the icon on the sidebar and it will take you right the e-zine! There was so much information and inspiration in this issue that it's hard for me to focus on just one thing for this post! So, I made a birthday card that incorporates a couple of the topics from the issue.

I had the pleasure of working with Crafter's Companion's Fairyopolis stamps for this issue. The images are super cute and produce very clean images. The stamps are so versatile and the design team used them in so many projects which are featured on pages 16-18. Please, go and take a look at all of the projects! I really enjoyed working with the stamps and thought they would be perfect for creating a birthday card for my little cousin who's going to be 5 next week. For this card I stamped the image with Versamark on kraft paper for an instant 'fairy of color' and embossed it with bright purple. In this issue there is also an article on stitching, so I added some hand stitching to bottom of the card and a little faux stitching around the sticker, too. Please go check out all of the fab projects on pages 22-25 that the ladies created with stitching.

The fairy that I used on this stamp is one of my favorites from the collection because her hand is uplifted and it is so easy to add 3-D elements for her to hold. For the banner that she is holding I just cut a scrap piece of paper, misted it with water, and rolled it into a little pole to hold the hand cut banner. Bending the banner and embossing the sentiment also add texture to a very simple yet sweet card.

Would you like a chance to create with the Crafter's Companion Fairyopolis stamps? Well, you are in luck because there is a giveaway in the current issue of SOC! Go check it out on page 6 for information on how to enter to win! Oh, and there is a giveaway for a Fairyoplis 12x12 paper pack, too! Wow! So, what would you like to create with these cute stamps?

A Great New Issue of Scraps of Color Magazine!

Enjoying the August/September Issue of Scraps of Color Magazine? I definitely am. There are so many wonderful layouts, 3-D projects and cards inside to inspire so much creativity. In this issue we focused on wedding, summer, and water fun themes. We also included a seasonal layouts section, which inspired me to create this card.


Greetings from Paradise Card by Karen Jiles. Supplies- Patterned Paper and Borders: K and Company; Cardstock: Close To My Heart; Ribbon: Making Memories; Ink: Vintage Photo Distress Ink; Corners: Martha Stewart.

Summer is always a wonderful time to vacation, enjoy outdoor activities, and take cool pics. Sending a card filled with photos of your vacation to family or a friend is the perfect way to let someone know that you are enjoying your vacation. It also gives them an opportunity to share in the moments. This card measures 6 x 6 and a great size to slip photos into before mailing.

Tip: Position a layer of your card at an angle and add photo corners to get a “postcard” feel. This really enhances the look and presentation.

Enjoy the new issue and let us know what you think of it!

Karen