Happy Fall, y’all!! At least that is how we greet the season here along the Kentucky border! I am so excited for all that fall brings..apple picking, pumpkin patches, jumping in the leaves and just the smell of the cooler weather in the air! That is why I thought it would be perfect to do fall themed quickpages for this month’s exchange! I am absolutely in love with our sponsor kit this month, “Harvest Happiness” by Jady Day Studios! It is chock full of unique fall elements and papers that are perfect for almost any fall activity! The exchange will run from October 11th until the end of the month. Harvest Happiness will be 30% off during the run of the exchange. I can’t wait to start scrapping fall!

And here is the full kit…

When you unzip this kit you will not believe all the awesome stuff inside!! Pick it up here and then head over to the forum for all the info!

I can’t wait to see all these amazing QPs!!

-Amanda (panders77)

Happy Sunday Everyone!!  I am so excited to share these interviews with two of our fabulous guest designers, JennCK Designs and Faith True!  Are you ready for some interesting stuff?  Let’s get right to it!  First up is JennCkDesigns!

1. Your screen name? Your real name? I go by JennCkDesigns or catgoddess. My real name is Jenn

1. Your screen name? Your real name? Faith True/Faith True

4. Where is home for you? Anywhere my family is   We live in Southeast Georgia and we love it.

16. Which of your products in the ScrapMatters Store showcases your style the most? All of them   I am alsways doodling and it really shows in my work.

17. What is your favorite color scheme to design with? I am always using some version of primary colors.  I can’t help it!  Someone help me, LOL.

18. Favorite kit you’ve designed for ScrapMatters?

Thanks Faith for taking the time to talk to us!  Check out all her doodley goodness here until the end of the month!

-Amanda (Panders77)

The Project of the Week is this amazing Halloween banner by mfallis. I love the fun colors, the edging, and the scattered pumpkins on the banner!

Congrats Mfalllis!  Head on over to the gallery or the forum and leave her some love!

-Heather (snowdrop)

This week’s layout of the week is this sweet layout, Sisters by fonnetta. I love the pastel colors, the fun blocking, and the border.

Head on over to the gallery or the forum and leave her some love!

-Heather (Snowdrop)

Amber here {Stolen Moments} and for this week’s Saturday Special, I thought we’d discuss how to get the most out of your templates. I LOVE templates, and use them ALL the time, so being able to use them over and over again {with a different result every time} is very advantageous to me.. Hopefully this will also be helpful to those of you on CT’s who sometimes get stuck with a template set you don’t really know what to do with.. come on – you know you’ve all been there.. As an example, here are two pages I did using the same template..

So, let’s go through this one step at a time..

1- This is the template I wanted to use – I liked the stacking of the papers and clustering of elements, however, the photo I wanted to use was tall and not wide….

2 – So I flipped the template and filled in the papers and photo.

3 – When I put the title where it was “supposed” to go, it just didn’t look right.. It got in the way of some of the element clusters, looked off-balance, and because the alphas I used where kind of hard to read, I thought it needed to be right side up..

4 – Switching the title placement worked wonders! But I also had another photo I wanted to use, so I put that in the place of the circle element cluster.. Remember, the different pieces of templates should be thought of as suggestions for composition – not a hard and fast rule written in stone of what should go where. I also got rid of the yellow paper strip, because I thought the horizontal line of the title took the place of that.. And just for fun, I moved one of the elements from the lower right corner of the photo closer to the bottom of the page to see how it looked for balance.

5 – I dressed things up a bit with a few more elements I knew I wanted to use, but it still looked really top heavy with all those other elements still left from the template. You’ll also notice I decided to put that yellow paper strip back in. {This is why digi is so awesome, and why I could never do paper scrapping – too indecisive}

6 – I replaced some of the elements with the foliage, and moved those from the upper right down to the lower right to help keep things balanced.. I did want something up top, though, so I opted for a “lighter-weight” element and used the string. I also replaced that element at the bottom of the page with something from the kit.

Finally – I flipped the journaling and replaced it with my own, decided against the sheriff star, and changed the color of the blue string to something a little less distracting. So now you can see how you can start with one template, and end up with something totally different that works for YOU!

And here’s my final using Happy Trails and Roped Alpha from our guest Faith True, as well as Scraps by Number: Just Call Me Sara by Stolen Moments..

Here are some awesome inspiration pages from our super cool CT. Check it out..

from Liz aka mommy22girls –

uses lower left temp

“I flipped the template and then rotated the photo, moved the stitches down, got rid of the journaling, moved the title, added a frame and additional elements.”

from quietangelsbob –

uses upper right temp

“I enlarged the size and shifted the boxes to the center and created a layout using School Boy by The Design Girl”

from Heidi aka scrappurple –

uses upper right temp

from Bonnie aka cursivesmile –

uses lower left temp

So show us what you’ve got.. If you use a ScrapMatters template, we’d love to see which one – simply use the shop image in your post, or if you use an off-site template, just show us your finished page.. Either way, let us know what you changed..

A few rules to remember…

-Post your pages in the “Saturday Special” gallery and link it back to the thread in the forum. You can receive an additional point for using new Scrap Matters products; please make a note of new products in your post.

-You have until the end of October to play along, then I’ll choose my favorite to receive an extra point.

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

-You don’t have to use Scrap Matters products, but we love it when you do!

Happy Scrapping!

Hey there!  It’s Cathy (Scrappycath) here with the October Getting Hybrid. This month we are going to continue what we started in the September ScrapMatters Newsletter…. getting organized! {Need to sign up to receive the newsletter?  Click HERE}  In particular, getting organized for the holidays!  You can feel the change in the weather coming, and before you know it, the holidays will be here. It’s never too early to get started on all that you want to accomplish for the holiday season.

So our Getting Hybrid project this month will be a Holiday Organizer.  Now you’re probably wondering, what is a Holiday Organizer?  Well, really it is anything that helps you to keep yourself organized and on track for this busy time of year.  Maybe you want to make use of the Jr. Legal Pad Wrap Template by Krisi’s Kreations to make a stylish pad for keeping a gift list or menu.  Maybe you’d like to follow the tutorial in the Newsletter by Cristina to create a pocketed organizer like she did using a file folder.  Anything that helps you stay sane (or close to it) through the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

Cristina’s Holiday Organizer using Cotton Candy Christmas by Stolen Moments:

For me I thought a 3 ring binder with pockets would work best.  I had one of those binders with a clear pocket on the front left over from recent school supply shopping.  There are some great organizing tips and guides available at The Organized Christmas. Instead of re-inventing the wheel, I’m making use of some of the print-outs available in the sections of my organizer.

I used One More Sleep by Graham Like the Cracker and Stolen Moments for the cover.

I created tabs using a journal spot in the  One More Sleep kit.  I used a pack of pocket dividers that I dressed up with papers from the kit for each of my sections.

I’ve got sections for Calendars, Cards and Gifts.  I used elements from various kits to make up the calendars including 2010 Calendar Grid Overlays by Geeky Diva Designs, With Thankful Hearts by Chelle’s Creations, A Spooktacular Evening by Wimpychompers, and more items from the One More Sleep Bundle.  You can see the rest of my calendars in my gallery.

Here’s an organizer that LuAnn (Wildblueyez) made that will serve a dual purpose, she can keep track of her scrappy tools and easily provide a wish-list to people looking to get her special gifts at the holidays.  I just love this idea as I never know what to say when ask “what do you want for Christmas?”  The Design Team Collab Queen of Scrap kit and the EZ Date Edgers by Erica Zane made EZ work of it for her!  Hmmm… I think I’ve got some items for my wish-list now!

Ami (steami) made an organizer for an upcoming holiday trip.  She is going to Disney at the holidays (I am so jealous!) and created this awesome take along that will keep her organized on the trip and make easy work of recording her memories when she returns! She used the My Magical Place kit by Haynay Designs

Are you ready to have a more relaxed holiday season? Then let’s get it started with a little organizer to keep you focused on enjoying the season!  Some other ideas that you could create an organizer for are:

• A holiday card list
• A holiday menu list
• a journal that organizes your holiday memories
• A gift ideas/purchase list
• Birthday list organizer
• This can be for any holiday

Here are the ScrapMatters challenge guidelines:
- Entries must be posted in the Getting Hybrid challenge gallery, and linked to the challenge thread
- You will have until the end of the month (October) to complete your project
- You’ll get 1 point for designing, printing and putting together your project, and then posting the photo of it in the gallery. If you want some pointers about photographing your hybrid projects, see this thread here. You will get a bonus point if you used a new release within one week of it’s release to complete your project.  Just remember to let me know if you used something new when you post it in the forum thread. Plus, I’ll select one entry at random for a bonus challenge point.

Don’t forget – you get double points during October as we celebrate our 2nd anniversary!!! So that’s 2 points for your project, 4 points if you use a new release!

OK, let’s get organized!  I can’t wait to see your creations!

I didnt even need to look to know who I was choosing! I chose to pick Caits . Not only does she just rock her pages but i always stalk her gallery for inspiration!!!

I lifted this one!!!

and came up with this!! Using Second Spring By Stolen Moments and Captivated Visions

Here are some lifts by the Fabulous SM team!!!

Melissa lifted this::

and got this stunner:

using Vintage Shabby-Sweet Deal from LDrag Designs

LeeAndra lifted this:::

and did this killer page::

using Tracy’s Every Day with You

JenDavey Lifed this::

and rocked out this page:

Using: Beautiful on the Inside and True Beauty Word Bits by Stolen Moments

A few quick SM guidelines:

- You will have until the end of October to complete this challenge. Please upload it to the GTL gallery and leave your LO image and Caits LO image (both linked) in this GTL 10/6/10 thread.

- You will receive two points for completing the challenge. You can earn an four points for using a NEW product from the SM store! (Please indicate that you used something new with your LO/link in the forum.)

- I will choose one lucky winner (random) who will receive an ADDITIONAL point!

- You don’t have to use SM products in this challenge, but we LOVE it when you do!

- Remember no double dipping…your layout must be UNIQUE to this challenge!

Looking forward to seeing which layout inspired you!

Hello scrappers! It’s Jen (Graham Like the Cracker) with a Tuesday Template for you!

Download Here

Here is my layout:

Made with the Jen Graham and WM[squared] collab, FamilyMatters: The Family Tree Collection

From the CT

Jan

Cara

Sharon

Lori

Fran

and from my CT

Kim

Becka

The Rules and stuff:
You have all of October to complete the layout. Upload it to the gallery, and leave BOTH the image and a link as a reply to this thread in the forum.

This month only, You will receive two points for completing the challenge. You can earn an additional two points 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! I can’t wait to see what you do!

I’m very excited to bring you today’s Sunday Spotlight!  Today we will be learning more about one of the ScrapMatters CT members!  Read on to hear more about jeffsamber!

1. Your screen name? Your real name? My screen name is jeffsamber and my real name is Amber.

2. What is your main job/career? I work part-time as a pediatric occupational therapist. I am in home health so I get to visit my little angels in their homes to work with their families too. It’s the best job ever!

3. Are you married/children/pets? I have been married for 11 years and have a 7 year old daughter, Olivia Ryan, and a 5 year old son, Aidan Kelly. I also have a 12 1/2 year old greyhound named Princess.

4. Where is home for you? We live in Carrollton, TX, which is a suburb north of Dallas.

5. What are your 3 favorite foods? That’s a tough one because it changes. I’m usually game for pizza and I love a really good sandwich. The avocado BLT from Chocolate Angel is the BEST!

6. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Butter Pecan but I can be swayed. Just no chocolate.

7. Snacks…Salty or Sweet? Yes. I like both back-to-back, but not at the same time.

8. Beverage of choice? Unsweet tea with cinnamon. Mmmmm…..

9. What’s your least favorite food? Mushrooms. Don’t like anything about them. The sight, the smell, the texture. It’s all gross.

10. PC or Mac? What program do you use? I’m a PC. I use PSE 7 right now.

11. How long have you been digi-scrapping? How did you get started? I’ve been digiscrapping almost 2 years. I got started when I was trying to finish a Disney paper scrapbook. I searched on-line for some Disney clip art to print out and discovered Britt-ish Designs which led me straight to ScrapMatters!

12. What was your 1st LO about?  Oh, ugh. My first LO was about my son at an animal safari birthday party. I had NO idea what I was doing. I’m pretty sure there aren’t even shadows on this.

13. Do you have any other hobbies besides digi-scrapping (are there other hobbies)? I like to read and I enjoy window-shopping.

14. What is the most challenging part of scrapbooking for you? Definitely getting started is the hardest part. Making myself sit down at the computer is a big hurdle because I’m so busy at home.

15. What would you like to learn to do (or do better) not related to scrapbooking? Of course, I would love to improve my photography skills. I love having beautiful candid photos of my family.

16. What are your favorite movies/TV shows? I love to watch Bones, Burn Notice and So You Think You Can Dance. Don’t get around to movies much but when I do I enjoy watching Harry Potter movies.

17. Describe your “scrapping” environment. Music? TV in the background? Drinks? Snacks? Where? I usually scrap in our office at the desk. I don’t generally have anything else going on. I scrap after the kids go to bed so by that time I’m looking for some quiet!

18. If you only had 2 elements to use on a LO, what would they be? Long string and flowers

19. Would you like to share a little known fact about you…? I can play the Hawaiian nose flute.

20. Can you tell us a little about your scrappin’ style? I’m not really sure that I have a style. I still think that I’m figuring that out. I go back and forth between wanting lots of goodies stacked, layered, & clustered and then wanting a really sleek, streamlined page. Most of the time I think I fall into the middle somewhere.

21. Favorite LOs that you have done?

Thanks Amber for letting us interview!  Check out Amber’s full gallery HERE!
~Jewelle {jubeejewels}

Hey everyone!! We have decided that we wanted to showcase some of our amazing hybrid goodness that is filling our gallery!  So we have a new addition to the Layout of the Week!  INTRODUCING.. the Project of the Week!  This will be featured here and in the forum  just like the Layout of the Week!

Here is Dznyscrapper’s (Amanda’s) pick for this week!!

Not only is our gallery full of awesome pages, but it is also home to some of the most amazing hybrid projects! Have you all checked them out? If not, next time you are perusing the gallery make sure to take a peek at the hybrid gallery to see the great projects that are being created!  I just had to point out this great project by rtoose. Isn’t it just the cutest? I love how she put the girl’s name on the front with the cluster in the corner, which she repeated on the back. Who wouldn’t love to get a storage box like this to store their things?

Congrats rtoose!  Head on over to the gallery or the forum and leave her some love!

-Amanda (Dznyscrapper)