Hello ladies! I hope you are having a fantastic week! I am loving doing layouts
right now with lots of layers and clusters so I hope you enjoy this template I
made with just that! Can’t wait to see what you make with it!

http://www.4shared.com/file/tN4iZpm0…o_may10_2.html
Here
is what I came up with I used the kit called Slice of Summer by Wimpychompers
and Ellie Lash

Here
is what the Creative Team did

Melissa used It’s a Boy Thing By Haynay Designs & WM[squared]

Serenity by Happy Scrap Girl

fonnetta
used the kit Spring Into Easter by Jady Day Studio

ami
used the new kit Timeless by SM Team Collab.

Jennifer
used the kit Capture a Memory and Sclatters: Capture a Memory by Stolen Moments

tronesia made
this beauty!

And the fine print!
? You will receive one point for posting in this thread &
in the Tuesday Template gallery. You can receive an additional point for using
new ScrapMatters products but, please add a note in your post here to say that
you used a new product to ensure you receive the extra point. At the end of the
month you’ll be entered into a random drawing that could earn you some bonus
points!
? You have the entire month of May to complete this challenge for MOS
points.
?Remember no double dipping, your layout must be unique to this
challenge.
? You don’t have to use ScrapMatters products, but we love it when
you do!

Hey there!  LuAnn here with this month’s Home Matters project.  But first, an update on the Home Matters postings.

Starting in May, there will be only one Home Matters post monthly – these will occur on the 2nd Monday of the month.  Our goal is to give you some new ideas on how to incorporate your scrapbooking talents (and digital supplies!) into your home.

Let’s get started with this month’s Home Matters project!  This project is one of the easiest projects to do if you are wanting to give Hybrid a shot!  I know, I know… I’ve said it before in my postings, but this one is really easy!!!!

Today, I’m going to show you how to create some decor that is perfect for a nursery or young child’s room.

My niece just recently had her first baby.  He was two months early and his nursery isn’t quite ready for his homecoming.  Erin sent me a photo of the bedding that she had for the nursery.

I decided to create some wall decorations for the nursery as my gift.  And Chelle’s Creations’ kit Zoo-pendous – combo was a perfect match with both theme and colors!

And here’s what I created to match the nursery bedding:

To create the wall art, I picked up three 8 x 10″ brown photo frames from a local discount store.

Next, I opened my photo editing program and created an 8.5 x 11″ blank canvas – this is the size of regular paper/cardstock.

note:  I always create my own “template” whenever creating a project.  After I create my template, I then go about filling the template much like a scrapbook page layout until I have the results that I want.  You could print full sheets of the paper of your choice, cut an 8 x 10 piece of from the patterned paper and then a 5 x 7 piece with the focal element centered, layer them and be done!

Using the rectangular marquee tool, I drew an 8 x 10″ shape on my canvas.  After adding a new layer, I flood filled the 8 x 10 shape with black.

Next, I drew a 5 x 7 shape, added a new layer and then flood filled the 5 x 7 shape with white.  Center on the black layer.   This will be my template.

After adding the giraffe element from the kit to the center, I picked out the background paper for the matting of my pictures.

I decided to leave the 5 x 7 area white as I had special paper I wanted to print the giraffe.

Before printing, I added some slight contrast and saturation to each layer. This helps tweak the printed color a little.  I then added a shadow to the giraffe.

I printed the background patterned paper on Epson Matte presentation paper and the giraffe element on a piece of Red River paper canvas paper.  Below, you can see the texture of the paper.

After trimming my papers, I adhered the paper canvas with the giraffe in the center of the background paper to create my picture before slipping it into the frame.

note:  you could also add a shadow the the giraffe element and also to the white 5 x 7 area before printing and then print as a flattened digital image to slip into the frame.

I designed the elephant and lion pictures in the same way as described above except that after creating my template, I rotated my canvas to the left so that those pictures were landscape.

Here are all three of them individually:

Didn’t they turn out darling? And I have to say they match the bedding nicely!!!  I’m totally stoked about how they turned out and can’t wait to mail them to Erin.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and are inspired to use your digital supplies to create something beautiful!

The winner this week is Hybrid Dragon by SandyPie!  I loved this little guy from the moment I saw it . . .

The image is linked so head over to the gallery and leave her some love! Congrats on the great project!

-Susan (froggie)

Our winner today is Wish by Browneyedsusan!  I love the cut out dots in the background/ the simplicity of the layout as well – so pretty!  And the crops on her photos are Excellent!

Congrats on the awesome LO!  The image linked so head on over to the gallery and leave her some love!

-Susan (froggie)

Happy Mothers Day everyone!! I hope you have been able to participate in our INSD festivities!  (and do some shopping..lol!)  Today is my favorite part of the month when we get to learn more about our guest designer!  This month it is Elise’s Pieces!  I adore her style and had so much fun learning more about her!

Your screen name? Your real name? I’m pretty boring with the screen name– it’s EliseH– my first name, Elise (pronounced E-leese), and the first initial of my last name, Hansen.

2. What is your main job/career? Sometimes it feels like my main job is driving to and from school, sports, music, orthodontists, and the grocery store– I’m a mom! We’re a pretty busy crew, so if I had to give myself another title, it would be something like “Executive Household Manager.” Sounds like it should come with a six-figure salary, doesn’t it?!

3. Are you married/children/pets? My funny hubs, Chris, and I have been married for almost 13 years and we have three crazy boys: Thomas is almost 10, Gordon will be 6 this month, and Neil is 2. We also have a whiny bengal cat named Murray.

4. Where is home for you? I live in Idaho Falls, ID– it’s freakishly windy here, but it’s a great place for families. We love being close to Yellowstone and Teton National Parks and my boys are learning to love potatoes.

5. What are your 3 favorite foods? Mmmm… I love anything with peanut butter and chocolate, specifically Peanut Butter and Chocolate ice cream from Baskin Robbins. My favorite fancy dessert is creme brulee and I love a good pulled pork sandwich. I’m married to kind of a foodie, and his love has food has grown on me– literally, unfortunately.

6. PC or Mac? What program do you use? Mac! I use Adobe CS3– mostly Photoshop and a little bit of Illustrator.

7. What is the most challenging part of designing for you? The hardest part of designing is definitely getting my design time and my mojo to line up! Too often I have some good ideas going, but too many life things in the way, or I have a few good hours of quiet and can’t seem to get started! It’s pretty frustrating, but I keep a notebook with me to brainstorm wherever I am when the ideas are coming and when I have time, I try to just work from the notebook. When everything lines up, though, those are my favorite moments!

8. What would you like to learn to do (or do better) not related to
scrapbooking? I took five years of Spanish in high school and college, but I really don’t understand much and I speak even less. I’d really love to learn and be able to actually communicate in Spanish!

9. What are your favorite movies/TV shows? I’m seriously trying to swear off TV– I just don’t have time! I do love funny shows like Seinfeld, 30 Rock and Parks & Rec, and if I get sucked into a crime drama, I have to watch until the end. For movies, I love all sorts– mostly light, fun stuff. Any time I’m sick, I watch Sliding Doors with Gwyneth Paltrow.

10. Describe your “designing” environment. Music? TV in the background?Drinks? Snacks? Where? My computer is in the family room so that I can work and keep an eye on the kids at the same time. Most of the time I work in little spurts between kid management, but I really prefer a quiet house, maybe a little Pandora going, and some red vines!

11. If you only had 2 elements in a kit, what would they be? Can’t live without a frame, and probably some kind of paper heart or flower.

12. Would you like to share a little known fact about you…? Hmmm… I was in a couple of pageants in high school and for my talent, I did comedic monologues. Pretty hilarious.

13. When did you start designing? How did you get started? I’ve been designing for almost three years now and I started fiddling around with design as soon as I started digi scrapping. Back in my paper days, my husband and I were asked “if money were no object, what would you do for a career?” and my answer was “scrapbook!” Designing feels like that wish came true. I made my first freebie for my blog in June of 2008, then signed on with a store in late August. I’ve been at my current home since April 2009.

14. How would you describe your design style? I think I’m very influenced by my paper scrapping past and my designs have a paper-y look to them. I tend to design things that I would use on a paper page.

15. Where do you get your inspiration/motivation? I love color sites like ColourLovers and Design Seeds, so I’ll often browse those just to get things moving around in my head. I do a lot of themed kits, and those ideas come from my own life– my boys, my family, my own interests. I guess I’d say I’m motivated by the fact that I really enjoy designing– it’s theraputic for me. I occasionally get stressed out by a deadline or a long list of projects that need to be completed, but when it comes down to it, I really love what I do and I can’t stay away for long.

16. Which of your products in the ScrapMatters Store showcases your style the most? All Natural is a fun kit– the papers have a lot of great texture and there are some paper and real elements in there.

17. What is your favorite color scheme to design with? I have a hard time with super brights and to lean toward more muted palettes. Right now I’m really into a teal/turquoise/blue-green color– I think it fits into nearly any palette!

18. Favorite kit you’ve designed for ScrapMatters? I had a blast doing the May Mix-a-kit– the colors are beyond fab and I really like that little dandelion seed doodle.

Thanks Elise!  It was great to get to know you better!  I love hearing that you have your dream job in designing!  Be sure to check out Elise’s full store here and pick up some of her amazing goodies before the end of the month!

-Amanda (panders77)

To celebrate, we’re having games, prizes, a huge sale & more! Check out the iNSD Forum and come play along with us! Right now you’re here because of the amazing blog train we have put together! Our Design Team & Creative Team have come together to bring you all kinds of goodies made with our special iNSD kit “Timeless”. Isn’t it amazing?

Now without further ado, I hope you have an amazing time riding the train, should you get derailed, I am posting a master list here for you to come back to. Be sure to say hi and thank you to our designers & CT members for their generosity! Your next stop is my blog!!

2. WM[squared] – Wendy: http://wendys-craftycreations.blogspot.com/
3. Krisi’s Kreations – Krisi: http://krisiskreations.blogspot.com/
4. Band Geek Designs- Liz: http://bandgeekdesigns.wordpress.com/
5. Jady Day Studio – Yari: http://jadydaystudio.blogspot.com
6. Jennifer Labre Designs – Jenn: http://www.confessionsofadigitalscrapper.com
7. Wyld Web Designs – http://wyldwebdesigns.com/wordpress/
8. Chelle’s Creations – http://chelles-creations.blogspot.com/
9. Stolen Moments – http://stolenmomentsdesign.blogspot.com/
10. Haynay Designs – http://www.haynay.blogspot.com/
11. Plum Dumpling Designs – http://plumdumplingdesigns.blogspot.com
12. Jeanine DeOre Design Studio – http://jeaninedeoreblog.blogspot.com/
13. Inspirations from Day – http://www.digiinspirations.com/blog/
14. geniaBeana Scraps – http://geniabeanascraps.blogspot.com/
15. Wimpychompers Creations- http://www.wimpychompers.com/
16. Simply J Studio – http://simplyjstudio.blogspot.com
17. Erica Zane – http://zane-escraps.blogspot.com/
18. Scrapmuss Designs http://scrapmuss.ru/
19. Graham Like the Cracker http://gltcblog.wyldgrahamcrackers.com/
20. Kimbytx- http://kimbytx.blogspot.com/
21. jubeejewels – http://jewelleslayouts.blogspot.com/
22. TanyaH666 – http://crossbonecuts.blogspot.com/
23. Kat http://katdesigned.blogspot.com
24. Heidi (scrappurple): http://myfamilyscrappings.blogspot.com/
25. Jenn (jk703) – http://thetypativescrapper.blogspot.com
26. Cami (camijo) http://camijoscraps.blogspot.com/
27. Jen (jendavey) http://thedaveydaily.blogspot.com
28. Fran (Fran98765) http://franscraps.blogspot.com
29. Melanie (scrappymelly) http://scrappymelly.blogspot.com/
30. Heather (snowdrop) http://heatherw25.blogspot.com
31. Cheryl (gonewiththewind) http://cherylisadomesticgoddess.blogspot.com/
32. Fiona (canadianmommy) http://mydigaddiction.blogspot.com/
33. Amanda (abhall76) http://mandasmemories.blogspot.com/
34 Fonnetta (fonnetta) http://www.icedlatteprincess.blogspot.com/
35. La’Shawn (shawnbear) http://the3cbears.blogspot.com/
36. Ami (steami) http://ofnofixedaddresscards.blogspot.com/
37. Sarah (sporte91) – http://growingupsharp.blogspot.com/
38. Cara (colson) – http://caraolsondesigns.blogspot.com/
39. Sharon (quietangelsb)- http://quietangelsb.blogspot.com/
40. Kairyn (Kairyn Lisa) – http://kairynlisadesigns.blogspot.com/
41. Cathy (scrappycath) – http://scrappycath.blogspot.com/
42. Chel (Chel) – http://scrappingchelcreations.wordpress.com/
43. Kayla (keepscrappin) – http://www.keepscrappin.blogspot.com/
44. Annisa (lionsimba) – http://www.themeyersfamilystory.blogspot.com/
45. Kelli (kellig) – http://adayinthelife-golden.blogspot.com/
46. LeAnn (scaccogirl) – http://scaccofamily.blogspot.com/
47. Crystal (Sugar Pie Scraps) – http://www.sugarpiescrapping.blogspot.com
48. Amanda (dznyscrapper) – http://mhkscraps.blogspot.com
49. Down This Road Designs (Angie) – http://www.downthisroaddesigns.blogspot.com

Happy Scrapping!!

Hi everyone, Karen here with the Getting Hybrid Challenge for May. This is the very first time that I am hosting a challenge so I am very excited and also a bit nervous.

This month’s challenge is about gift wrapping ideas. These can be as simple as decorating a paper wrapped package with a hybrid flower or some cut out element, or using printed wrapping paper etc. Or you can make something more elaborate like a box for example.

Our hybrid designers have some beautiful box templates in their store that can be used to put small or even larger gifts inside.

I gave one of these Big & Tall gable boxes to my mother in law for easter stuffed to the brim with her favourite and hard to get easter eggs. She’ll probably just have finished her stash when the Christmas candy hits the stores.

Or look at this fun Popcorn Box Template
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And this pretty Jewelry Box

I decided to decorate a recycled soup can that I opened at the bottom.

and took the paper off to measure it

I then created a Photoshop document in that size and decorated it using some April Mix A Kit items: Sprung: Patterns from Stolen Moments Designs, Footloose and Fancy Papers from Graham Like The Cracker, Carefree Tags & Metal Wordarts from Jady Day Studio, and Springy – the elements from WM[squared].

I then created a new document in my printer paper size (in my case A4) and printed. As you can see I printed some more paper than just the cover for the can. I do not like to waste my good inkjet cardstock and that way I can always make and add some more embellishments. I was not sure what I wanted to add to the design later so I printed a little more of the pretty papers. After printing I gave it a little protective cover with acrylic sealant spray.

I then cut the cover out, put some strong sticky tape around the edges and glued it to the outside of my can

And here’s my embellished can ready to be filled. I intend to fill it with some seed packets and a gift card to our local flower store.

Just remember to put the gifts in upside down, because you are filling the can from the bottom. After the gift is put inside the can bottom needs to be sealed and I found that the glue gun works best. It may need a few tries to get the bottom on straight before the glue gets hard (wonder how I know? ), but the result is worth it.

And here’s what our amazing Creative Team came up with for this challenge:

I was totally blown away by this stunning gift set Jaime from Simply J Studio made using the ScrapMatters Collab Up, Up and Away and Krisi’s Kreations’ Big and Tall Gable Box.

Aren’t those Paper Pom Poms darling? Jaime got the idea from Nicepackageblog.com

And just look what Ami (steami) came up with. She put her gifts in a package that is a gift in itself and sure to be treasured even after the gift inside is taken out.

She used Boxed Up: Templates (hybrid) by Stolen Moments and Only The Sky Is The Limit by Amy Stoffel

Sharon (quietangelsb) used the Fry box template and Simply Labeled Vol 2 from Simply J Studios and Serenity by Andilynn Designs  to create this lovely gift box.

Isn’t this lovely? So much prettier than just putting the gifts in a simple bag. I just love the center medallion on top of the ribbon.

I hope we got you inspired. So get out your scissors and glue and join us in the forum.

And here’s the fine print, the ScrapMatters Challenge Guidelines:

-You will receive one point for posting a photo of your finished project in this thread & in the Getting Hybrid gallery. You can receive an additional point for using new Scrap Matters products; please make a note of new products in your post. And at the end of the month you’ll be entered into a random drawing that could earn you some bonus points!

-You have until the end of May to complete this challenge to earn MOS points.

-Remember no double dipping…your photo and/or layout must be unique to this challenge.

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

Welcome to another addition of Grand Theft Layout!  This time we are going to be lifting someone that has never been lifted before! I was shocked to find this out because she is such an amazing scrapper!  AND it is almost her birthday!!! :flowers: Ready to find out who it is???!!!!????  It is Krista (norton94)!!  You can find her AMAZING  gallery here.

I am going to attempt to lift (or should I say copy) this amazing layout … I loved EVERYTHING about it.  It was from the ADSR challenge with Krista & kv2av. I love the theme, the composition, the fact she wrote about driving everywhere and had a pic of herself.  When I saw it in the gallery I immediatly tagged it and now I get to lift it! so here is her Krista’s layout:

My lift:

And here is what our fab CT created:

Her LO:

The pick for this week is Chemist Birthday by tsmspt!  I just how she used the Periodic Table to spell out the greeting! So creative!

The image is linked so please head to the gallery to leave some love!

-Kim (kjrogers01)