Hi, Andrea here. I am excited to announce that SM will be having two extremely talented guest designers coming to visit us for the month of August. In fact we are so excited we couldn’t wait until August and snagged them starting today. Look for their new products with our “What’s New This Week at ScrapMatters” news update later today. If you go peek in the shop you will find out who our guest designers are…enjoy!

We have a 5th Thursday this month so we are going to take this opportunity to show off some of the new (and old) hybrid goodies available in the shop.   Our new hybrid designers have been busy bee’s and have loaded the shop up with some serious hybrid goodness.

One of the new designers we have in the store is Kristie of Snipettes Inc. and she has created these templates which work perfectly with our new Kaiser file tab albums.

Here is a completed project – isn’t this just fabulous? Be sure to click on the image as she has detail images of each page in the gallery posting. Don’t forget to leave her a little love too! You can also pick up this album as quick pages ready to place your photos and place on the Kaiser Craft File Tab Album, you can see that in the store here.

If you are wanting a different type of album be sure to check out the other Kaiser Craft albums available in the store here.  But if you are wanting another already prepared ready to put together album here is another option for you, created by Sharon Dale.

This fits with the Kaiser Craft Scalloped Tag Album found in the store. Here is a picture of finished project (linked to the gallery).

Here are a few other hybrid products that can be found in our store. These “Paper Dice” and Shopping Bag template are great for party favors, wedding favors, giving small gifts, etc.

And just one last thing , who likes to give homemade cards? I know I do but they take time. Well Kari has created these card templates to help speed the process up!

With so many great new things in the shop we are seeing lots more in the hybrid gallery. So head over there and see for yourself all the hybrid stuff in action!

Hello everyone! This week we will be lifting a very active member of the SM community. If you haven’t seen her in the gallery, then you’ve had your eyes closed!  LOL!  We are lifting Kim (kimbytx).  You can browse her awesome gallery here.   Make sure to bring a drink and a snack to look through her gallery, there’s no lack of choices there!  Thanks Kim for all the great inspiration:)

I lifted Kim’s Dad:

 And here’s my take…changed to circles!

And here’s additional inspiration from our fabulous CT:

alamama lifted Kim’s I Love You:

alamama’s lift:

littlehiccup lifted Kim’s Garden Girl:

littlehiccup’s lift:

And emileem lifted Kim’s America the Beautiful:

emileem’s lift:

The rules:  Since this is the last GTL of the month, you have the rest of this month and all of August to complete the challenge.  Upload it to the GTL gallery and leave your LO image, Kim’s LO image and both links in the 7-29-09 GTL thread in the challenges forum. You will receive one point for completing the challenge. You can earn an additional point for using a NEW product from the SM store! (Please indicate that you used something new with your LO/link in the forum.)  And, I will draw one lucky winner (random) to receive an ADDITIONAL point!   Remember no double dipping…your layout must be unique to this challenge!  

See you in the gallery!

It’s my FAVORITE Challenge!!  It’s Tuesday Template time!  Wendy here with your latest template!

There is no specific theme or set of rules for today’s template, just have fun!! Use the template as is, or switch it up…it’s all up to you!

Here is the template:

Here’s *MY* LO :

Credits: “Artistic License” by Britt-ish Designs, “Motor Mania” by Britt-ish Designs

Here is some inspiration from the ScrapMatters CT/DT:

Layout By: alamama

Credits: “Summer Solstice” by Scrapmuss

Layout By: littlehiccup

Credits: “Imperial Girl” and “Good Fortunes” by Britt-ish Designs, “Mini-Glitz Alpha Pack” by Plum Dumpling Designs

Layout By: kimbytx

Credits: “Sunshine in my Soul”  by Britt-ish Designs, “Mini Glitz Alpha” by Plum Dumpling Designs

Download the template –>  HERE! I’ve included both the .psd and .png files for you!

The “Fine Print” aka the Matter of Scrap Challenge rules:

You have all of July and all of August (since it’s the end of July!)  to complete the layout. Upload it to the gallery, and leave BOTH the image and a link in the challenge forum–>  HERE!

You will receive one point for completing the challenge. You can earn an additional point for using a new product from the ScrapMatters store (PLEASE indicate you have used something new when you leave us the link in the forum), and one lucky winner will receive one more point – I will be doing a random draw!

Remember, no double dipping…your layout must be unique to this challenge.

Happy Scrapping!!

Hi Everyone!  Christy here with this week’s Saturday Special.  This week we are going to focus on creating layouts with lots of photos!  I don’t really have a fancy tutorial for you…but I do want to share some tips and tricks and encourage each of you to give a multi photo layout a try!

When I am making a LO with lots of pics, the first thing I do is edit and crop my photos and then throw them all onto a blank page.  I really believe in “fidelity to my photos”…I encourage you to crop your pics in the way that best suits the PHOTO and not to try to make them a certain size or shape for the sake of a layout… After all, the photos are what’s important here, right?  I LOVE multiphoto layouts with photos of varying shapes and sizes. I think that adds great energy and dimension to a page… so don’t be afraid to mix it up.   Once the photos are on the page, I start arranging them.  I think it almost always works best to keep the photos in a group/cluster (e.g. touching or close together) rather than spread out randomly across a page.  So, work on grouping your photos together.  This can be in a more side by side, linear kind of arrangement or in a cluster type arrangement.  My favorite (and I think the easiest) is to just kind of overlap/cluster them. Sometimes I give each one a little twist or turn, just to add some fun and energy. Sometimes I also add a thin white border around each photo to add some definition. Next, I shadow my photos.  Shadows are really important in multiphoto layouts because they will further define and distinguish your photos. Pay attention to the visible edges, and try to make those the ones with the shadows. You will need to play with your layering a little and see what looks best. Once I have my photos placed, I then add my paper, and finally I start adding some embellies.  You can still use lots of fun embellishments on a multiphoto layout… You just need to play with your layers. I sometimes cut some paper strips or shapes and tuck them here and there… As far as embellies, I will look for a spot that seems a little bare, or an edge that looks like it needs some more dimension and add a button or a flower, or whatever. Don’t be afraid to tuck and layer…. And make sure you play with your shadows… Make the shadows on your flowers and “bulkier” embellies bigger than those on your photos and papers.   Ok… last, I usually add my title and journaling. If, at this point, you feel like you have run out of room, here’s a trick that often helps… Group everything except your background paper and shrink it down a bit.  (This is a useful trick for adding more white space to your page as well.) You can scoot the grouping a little to one side or the other… or do whatever you need to do in order to make room for your title and journaling…  I love a good title… so spend some time shadowing and adding embellies to the title…. And of course, take a minute to journal.  You must have SOMETHING to say about all of those photos!

Alrighty, that’s about it. Are you ready to give it a try?  Your Saturday Special Challenge this week is to create a layout using AT LEAST 6 different photos. That’s the ONLY rule… not so tough, right?
Here’s a layout I just did:

Using “Life’s a Beach” and “Life’s a Beach — Snipettes” by Sahlin Studios.

And here’s some inspiration from our fabulous CT:

From Plum Dumpling Designs

Using: White Christmas and Boys of Summer by Britt-ish Designs, Holiday Cheer by WM[squared] Designs, and Mini-Glitz Alpha and Iconology: Christmas by Plum Dumpling Designs

From VirginiaJen

Using: Kit is Patriotic Pride by Trixie Scraps. 2009′s are from Double Dates by Fluffy Bunny Feet. Stitches are from In Stitches: Basics by Brittney of Britt-ish Designs. Staple is from Half Moon Bay by Chelle’s Creations. Font is Monster Paparazzi

From Kv2av

Using: Sahlin Studio’s Lots of Photos Blocked Templates and Happy Scrap Girl’s NEW kit Sense of Adventure.

From Cyndi146

Using: Jingle all the Way by GG Digital Designs; All Stitched Up Alpha by Chelle’s Creations; Mini-Glitz Alpha, Iconology: Christmas & Messy Christmas by Plum Dumpling Designs

From Cristina

Using: In the Summer Time by Juno Designs. We’re Just Dating v. 2 by Britt-ish Designs. Font: Pea Olson

Have fun! I can’t wait to see what you come up with.  I am always looking for great new ideas for multiphoto layouts… so, I expect I will be scraplifting some of you!  Happy scrapping!!

Hi everyone! This is Cristina and I’m here to host my first challenge ever.

For this Dazzling Decor challenge, I want you to create a hybrid project that includes a frame. There are endless possibilities for incorporating a frame in your project: you can simply frame a LO after printing it out, or you can decorate a frame with digital goodies, or build a frame with chipboard or another recycled support and embellish it, or.. the sky’s the limit!

Our wonderful hybrid CT team has worked on a few examples (well, actually, they’re a lot and they’re just gorgeous!) for you to use as inspiration.

I decorated a wooden frame using the gorgeous Tropical Escape kit by Erica Zane and Mari Koegelenberg and a few physical supplies:

Sylvia framed a lovely Christmas sentiment using Santa’s Workshop by Trixie Scraps Designs and Words Matter: Traditional Christmas by Andilynn Designs

Kari also created a Christmas decoration using Very Merry by Britt-ish Designs:

Kimberly (tgmousechick) used a slide to create this pretty Christmas ornament, also with Very Merry by Britt-ish Designs:

and again Kim used slides to create this adorable triple frame, using Sunshine in my Soul by Britt-ish Designs:

Krisi used a CD sleeve to create this gorgeous frame using School’s out for Summer, the add-on and the Elementary Paper Pack by Haynay Designs:

Heather (interstichal) used Birds of a Feather by wm [squared] Designs to create this one – look at those fun epoxy elements!

Finally, look at the cool magnet board Jaime (ocmath) created using Motor Mania and Boys of Summer by Britt-ish Designs

You only have until the end of the month to complete this challenge, but what I love about hybrid is that you can choose to make it as easy or complicated as you wish, so I hope you give this challenge a try!

As always, here are the guidelines for the challenges at Scrap Matters:
- entries must be posted in the hybrid challenge gallery, and you must post in the corresponding thread in the forum with a preview and a link to your project in the gallery
- entries must be posted before the end of the month (July 31)
- you’ll get 1 point for completing your project and posting it. Plus, you can get an additional point if you use a new product within 7 day from its release. Also, I’ll select one entry for a bonus challenge point at the end of the month.

Hello Ladies!! Wendy here for your newest installment of “Grand Theft Layout!”.  Can you believe next week is almost the end of July?!  At any rate, we’ll be lifting becca372′s LO’s.  I just love her clean style, and I just know you’ll get some inspiration when thumbing through her gallery!

You can find her gallery –>  HERE!

Please remember to post your inspiration LO along with your LO!

Here is my inspiration:

Here is my LO:

Credits:  “Stars & Stripes Forever” by WM[squared] Designs, Chelles Creations & Designs by Tater

Inspiration from our CT:
Emilee lifted:

Here is her LO:
Credits:  “Snow Day” by Trixie Scraps

Kim lifted:

And created this:
Credits:   “Everyday Moments” by Juno and Chelle’s Creations,  “Just Frame Crazy”  by Britt-ish Designs, “Back to Basics alphas: White and Bold” by Denise Beatty Originals

Aren’t they amazing? Ok, now it’s your turn!

Here is the “Fine Print” aka:  the Matter of Scrap Challenge Rules:

You have the rest of the month to complete your layout! Upload it to the gallery and leave BOTH the image and a link in the challenge forum –>  HERE!

You will receive one point for completing the challenge. You can earn an additional point for using a NEW product from the SM store! (Please indicate that you used something new with your LO/link in the forum.) And, one lucky winner (random) will receive an ADDITIONAL point!

Remember no double dipping…your layout must be unique to this challenge! Can’t wait to see your lifts!

Happy Scrapping!!

It’s Tuesday, and that means template time! Here’s the latest LO I’ve turned into a template for you. It’s a vintage summer picture of my older sister and I on her birthday. I’m pretty sure I’m jealous of her new bike! LOL! As far as the template goes, no themes or rules, just have fun creating! I can’t wait to see what you come up with.

(Click image for template link.)

 Check out what our CT made:

Stefanie used Deeper Conversation by Sya’s Blueprints:

Monique used Holiday Cheer by WM [squared] Designs:

Kim used Land of Fantasy by Britt-ish Designs and Sahlin Studio, Snipettes: Life’s a Beach by Sahlin Studio, and We’re just dating vol 2 by Britt-ish Designs:

Christine used Old Glory by GG Digital Designs:

Here’s Britt’s using So This is Love by Sahlin Studios:

And Kim (tgmousechick) used Using Tiny Dancer by Britt-ish Designs, Jeni Hopewell, and Fluffy Bunny Feet Designs:

Now it’s your turn! Upload your LO to this gallery. Matter of Scrap rules apply as always, so one point for a LO, another point for a LO with a newly released product, and one lucky winner will be randomly selected to get a bonus point! Happy Scrapping!

Alamama here with today’s photography tip.  We have a digital point and shoot camera.  I was really fine with it until, while on a field trip, I saw another mom snapping rapidly away, catching each move of her kids.  Then my hot little point and shoot didn’t seem so grand!  My kids are at the age where they don’t like their picture taken, so I get a lot of turned heads, half of their running bodies, etc.  However, a new camera is not in the forecast yet, so I have grown to love and appreciate our point and shoot.

If you have a point and shoot too then this is for you.  Here are some of the tricks I do to get good photos.

*Take a lot of photos.  You’re bound to get some good ones.

*Crop, look at your photos in a different perspective.

*Use your settings.  My favorites are the close up, auto and the setting for action.

*Have your camera nearby.  When you see your kids doing something memorable turn your camera on and have your finger on the button.  Hopefully you’ll catch them before they realize you have the camera.

*Hold your breath, especially for the close up shots.

*Have fun. 

I hope this helped!

For today’s Saturday Special Challenge we are going to borrow a technique from paper scrapping – paper punching. There are many ways to digitally punch shapes in your papers. I’ll show you one way using Photoshop Elements 5.0. Feel free to use this way or any other way that works for you.

Select the area you would like to punch. I used the magic wand to select the inside of the circles. You can also you the marquis selection tool, lasso tool or even select an element or shape layer.

Choose the paper layer that you would like to punch. Hit delete.

That’s it!

There are endless possibilities with digital punching. You can punch as many shapes as you can create (or find in your stash). You can even use the “discarded” punch shape as an element on your LO too. I’m a stickler for not having any waste (hehe!). You can place elements in/on/around your punch or use your punch as a frame. Maybe you can even use your punch in your title. Oh the possibilities!

Here Monique punched the 07 from the paper and photo and then reused the 07 on the top of her LO.

Products: Jingle All The Way by GG Digital Designs, Dynamic Duo Set 4 template by Sya’s Blueprints,  Messy Christmas Wordart by Plum Dumpling Designs

Here’s one from Cristina. She punched the flowers from the frame and then used the punches for her cluster on the bottom.

From emileem. She punched some hearts out of a red piece of paper and scattered them throughout her LO.

Products: Gingerbread by Chelle’s Creations, Word Art by Andilynn Designs

Here’s my completed LO where I cut out the inside of those circles from the template.

Products: Template from MEGA Template Pack by SM CT and DT, Let’s Camp S’more by Chelle’s Creations

Your challenge this month is to create a LO where you digitally “punch” your paper. Have fun and be creative!

This challenge will end on July 31, 2009.

For a refresher on the Matter of Scrap Challenge system, please visit this thread.