When Cristina asked me if I would like to take this month‘s Hybrid Corner I gladly agreed, because I absolutely needed to get started on my vacation planner if it was supposed to be useful for the planning process of our summer vacation at all. And it was a good thing I did! Life is so busy at the moment, that I had to put in some nightshifts to get it done for today.

To justify the investment into my Bind-It-All I made my planner from scratch, but if you do not have the tools or want a quicker project you can just as well take spiral notebooks apart to decorate the covers and to add a few custom pages/dividers, and put it back together after. Or you could use a ring binder and decorate the front, or bind your book with binding rings or even ribbon.

So, let’s get started. I first searched a kit that I wanted to use and found Jady Day Studio’s wonderful new travel kit: Summertime Fun – On Travel . I just love the vintage feel to this kit.

The next step was to figure out the size I wanted my planner to be so I knew what the right size of my canvas for the covers would be. – I chose international size A5 which is about half a legal size page. And this is what my digital cover looks like.

I copied this image onto a new blank A4 (~ legal size) canvas to print.

On the back cover you can see the shadowed part in the middle. That’s the actual cover. The extra width is to wrap the cover paper around my chipboard. I shadowed the actual cover part so I could better see the boundaries of my cover for the placement of embellies and such. It would be good to remember to take the shadows out before printing, though. (*cough cough) Fortunately they are not really visible on the finished project.
One thing to remember is that the canvas for the back cover needs to be decorated on the opposite side from the cover page. On the cover the binding will be on the left, and on the back cover it will be on the right side.
But I also just now realized that I actually flipped the document over for the back cover and did not renew the background paper so the printing is now a mirror image *lol* . What is the saying, a few mistakes make a project more charming?

After printing my cover sheets, I sanded the edges of my chipboard so the edges would be a little smoother in the hope that the wrapped paper will not break so easily at those edges, positioned my chipboard on the printed cover sheets and adhered it with Modpodge.
I then cut the corners off, put strong sticky tape on the edges of the printed sheet and wrapped the paper around to the back…

…decorated it with a strip of another of the kit’s papers, and covered the inside with a piece of matching cardstock.

The same with the back cover

I then printed some extra pages that I scored and folded down the middle of the long side to use as dividers.
And I also made two pocket dividers to store receipts, tickets and other stuff you collect during trips. To make these I also printed on whole sheet of paper that I scored down the middle. But instead of just sticking the two sides together like with the divider pages I glued one strip of paper between the fold to close the bottom of the pocket.

Then I took a longer strip that I punched with a border punch, put sticky tape right next to the punched edge and aligned this with the edge of the pocket page. That way the pocket will be wider than if you just glue shut along the edge, and will also stick out a bit so that it can be used as a section divider as well.

I alreaday designed the inside pages for last year’s book, and I was quite happy with that book, so this part was easy as I just needed to print out some more of them. Two of the inside pages fit on one sheet of my printer paper and I printed double sided. The headers of the pages are: To Do, Shopping List, Packing List, The Trip (to journal about the long drive there, things to remember, and as reference for next year’s trip – good or bad rest stops etc ), This was Week…(the part where I journal about our activities etc.), Addresses, Notes, and some pages without header for anything that comes up unplanned.
On the picture the printed pages are already cut in half.

Here’s all the divider and pocket pages. For the second pocket page I used a paper that I love from Wendy’s (WM[squared]) travel kit The Great Escape. I also punched three tabs for the divider pages

Now that I had prepared all the parts needed for the book I could start the assembly. As I already said I bound my book with my bind-it-all. What I also like about this way of binding it is that I can store the pen inside the rings and always have it with my book.
And this is my finished vacation planner and journal. I have some extra papers and elements printed so I can add some more embellishments later on if I want to. A diary is a work in progress and that also goes for the decorations, right?

And some images of the inside pages

As you can see we already started using it.

It is really fun to have and use your own custom made vacation planner/diary and I hope you enjoyed my tutorial today.

Karen (bydelstorp)

I came across a ‘new-to-me’ scrapper while perusing the gallery tonight and I got lost in her gorgeous pages, I thought she would be perfect to use for our GTL this week. Mother Bear’s pages are gorgeous, with lots of clustering but also a great use of white space. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to scraplift one of her pages and post it here (with a link to the gallery so we can leave you some love!).

Here is her gallery:  http://scrapmatters.com/gallery3/showgallery.php/ppuser/5947/cat/500

I lifted this page:

And this is my lift:

I used the fabulous Destination: Vacation by Jeanine DeOre and Elise’s Pieces.

Here are some great examples from the SM team:

Ophelia (navaja77) lifted this one:

Here is her interpretation using Stolen Moments’ Going Places and Date Go Rounds:
.

Cami (Camijo) lifted this one:

And here is her version using Zoo-pendious by Chelle’s Creations.

Fran chose the same layout I did:

Her version, using Going Places and Round About Alpha by Stolen Moments

Simona (light mistress) lifted this:

And came up with this gorgeous page, using Beautiful by Jady Day Studio and The Cutting Edges by Chelle’s Creations.

And last but not least, La Shawn (shawnbear) lifted this page:

Here is her version, using Chelle’s and Elise’ In Harmony and Chelle’s In Harmony: Felties Add-on

Challenge reminders:
-You will receive one point for posting in this thread & in the Grand Theft Layout 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 June to complete this challenge for June MOS points or wait to post in July forJuly 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!

It’s “just another Manic Monday” at ScrapMatters.com!!! Monday ONLY!! Select items for $2 or 50% off!! Visit theScrapMatters Shop for more details!!

*Manic Monday sales go into the shop early Monday morning and will “disappear” around midnight! HURRY! What are you waiting for!?! *

Vintage Summer by WM squared Designs:

Boardwalk Reloaded by LDrag Designs

Rain Showers & Flowers by Sherry Ferguson

Berry-licious by Happy Scrap Girl Designs

Boho Chic by geniaBeana Scraps

Candy Box: Template by Krisi’s Kreations

This week I have the pleasure of featuring a newer member to ScrapMatters and she recently became one of our ScrapMatters Girls too!  Read what Shelle (dreamynest) had to say when we asked her a few questions! =)

1.   Your screen name? Your real name?

Screen name: Dreamynest. Real Name: Shelle. My screen name is from my BBC (Before Breast Cancer) blog that I used to have by the same name. Now it’s just sitting out there in cyberspace, waiting for me to come back.

2.   What is your main job/career?
In my “former life” I am a writer, a copywriter. I got laid off in 2009, like a lot of people did. Now I’m a SAHM of three great kids who drive me insane.

3.   Are you married/children/pets?
I’m very blessed to be married to my rock of a husband, Scott. He’s military, so sometimes he’s away for days, weeks and even months to a year at a time, or longer. We’re all very proud of him and he kinda rocks. <3 Three kids (14, 12 and 4) and we just added our newest addition, Dexter, a sweet pug!

4.   Where is home for you?
We live in the South, in Mississippi. It’s home, but I’m ready to move and spread our wings. To me, home is where my family is at, as long as we’re all together.

5.   What are your 3 favorite foods?
Oh man, what ISN’T my favorite food? I love pastas, sushi and breads. Give me all three at once and I’m in heaven. I could live off of that!

6.   What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Rocky Road, baby! Nuts, chocolate and marshmallows! YUM-O!

7.   Snacks…Salty or Sweet?
Mostly salty, nuts, crackers and sometimes chips. But then I usually have to add a little bit of sweet to the mix. I love candy!

8.   Beverage of choice?

Dr. Pepper or Orange soda.

9.   What’s your least favorite food?
Crab and lobster and scallops. *shudder*

10.  PC or Mac? What program do you use?

PC – but I really, really want a Mac. I think I’ve almost convinced my hubby to let us get one when our PC dies. *crossing fingers*

11.  How long have you been digi-scrapping? How did you get started?

I haven’t been digi-scrapping for long at all. I tried paper scrapping but with kids in the house it was too hard to pull everything out and then put it all back. I really enjoyed it though. But, it was also expensive! I had read about digi scrapping so I started digging into and researching digi-scrapping in November and December last year while I was going through chemotherapy. I was able to get my hands on a PSE 8 software disc and I just started messing around with it and watching a lot of videos. HA!

12.  What was your 1st LO about?

My first layout ever is one about being thankful. My family and I have been through so much in the last year that I wanted to commemorate how special my life is with family. These pictures were taken about 2 weeks after my first chemotherapy round. I had cut all my hair off in anticipation of losing it. I was at a hat/scarf party with family and friends. It struck me how blessed I was to have all of this support. So I had to scrap about it.

13.  Do you have any other hobbies besides digi-scrapping (are there other hobbies)?
I’m what you might call a dabbler. I’ve tried a LOT of things. Painting, DIY stuff, sewing, traditional scrapping, etc. I love it all! Maybe I should call myself DIY-Jane. LOL

14.  What is the most challenging part of scrapbooking for you?
Right now it’s time. I had sooooooo much time while I was going through chemo and radiation but now that it’s over, I’ve jumped back into living my life again and I miss the hours I had to play. I’ve got to find the balance somehow. I mainly want to refine my skills and learn how to do all of the amazing things I’ve seen in the gallery – blending, using frames, clustering, shadowing… the list is endless.

15.  What would you like to learn to do (or do better) not related to scrapbooking?

Uhm, is photography related to scrapbooking? I really would like to take a photography class. I barely ever move my camera off of Auto.

16.  What are your favorite movies/TV shows?
What?! There’s more on TV than Nick Jr.?! No one told me!!

17.  Describe your “scrapping” environment.  Music? TV in the background? Drinks? Snacks? Where?
I scrap at my PC, which is in the living room, usually after my youngest goes to bed because I hate being interrupted. I’m usually scrapping to the History channel in the background because that’s what my hubby watches.

18.  If you only had 2 elements to use on a LO, what would they be?
I’m falling in love with stitching and fasteners (staples, clips, brads, etc).

19.  Would you like to share a little known fact about you…?
I’m a published writer, in magazines and a few non-fiction books. Crazy, huh?

20.  Can you tell us a little about your scrappin’ style?
I’m still trying to find my style. I know what I’m drawn to, which is clean neutrals. Right now I’m exploring a lot of different kits and finding my way. So far, out of the few layouts I’ve completed, I love my simpler, cleaner layouts best.

21.  Favorite LOs that you have done?

DASHING

This is one of my favorites, mostly because I love the photos, but I also did this layout without a template (first time on my own) and I’m kinda okay with it.

BLACK TIE

I like this one because it’s the first one where I tried to keep it minimal and figure out clustering. I discovered that clustering is an art! And I’m not sure I understand it yet!

DIRT DIVA

This layout is my first where I tried to mix and match kits to create a vision in my head. It’s not the vision I had… LOL But it turned out okay.

22. How long have you been a member at ScrapMatters?  How did you hear about us?

I was a lurker for quite a few months, absorbing information and scrolling through the gallery trying to figure out how you guys did that. I found ScrapMatters doing searches on the ‘net. Everyone’s been so great and welcoming!! I’m really enjoying it here. I even love that no one has pointed out my floating text in several of my layouts.

23. Do you have any suggestions for kits you’d like to see in the SM store?
Wow, I don’t know. So far I’m just grabbing freebies and buying kits that strike me. I haven’t actually sat down and tried to find a specific kit before. I have noticed that it’s hard to find pre-teen and teenage boy kits though that reflect more than sports and in something other than blue and orange. Something like cellphones, facebook, guitars, books, science, microphones, some of the vernacular and texting word art, etc. Grays and blacks and more subdued colors would be awesome. Those kits may exist, but I haven’t exactly gone out searching for them.

How great to get to know one of our newer members that has just jumped right in and has become such an amazing community member!!  Way to go, Shelle!

-Lisa (kelseyll)

Congrats to .megan. on this stunning layout!  It has so many nice layers, bright colors and realistic shadowing! I really like how she colored some of her journaling text too!  Nice work, .megan. =)

Image is linked!  Please go leave her some love in the gallery! =)

-Lisa (kelseyll)

I am always amazed by the hybrid projects in our gallery and loved the idea of this Teacher Gift submitted by tpowers!  What a beautiful way to say “Thanks!” to a teacher and make a meaningful gift!  Way to go tpowers!

Image is linked!  Please leave her some love for this amazing project idea! =)

-Lisa (kelseyll)

Look What’s New at ScrapMatters.com 6/24/2011!!

Hello! Summer has arrived with a bang at ScrapMatters! Jady Day Studio has the ultimate travel bundle for you and your summer vacation photos, Wendy and Liz have teamed up for an adorably fantastic patriotic kit and there’s are some must have CU goodies in the store this week. But first a yummy summery kit from Erica Zane.

 

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Hi Everyone!
Carina here from The ScrapMatters Hybrid team. I´m so looking forward to run this challenge again!
No rules besides using the template.

Click on the preview to get to download…

Here´s my version of the template using Be Vibrant by Amy Stoffel, ScrapMatters:

Challenge reminders:

-You will receive one point for posting in the It´s In the Cards thread & in the gallery for It´s In the Cards
-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 June to complete this challenge for June MOS points.
-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!

I can´t wait to see what you come up with! So have fun and I hope you like my template!

It’s time for another Grand Theft Layout Challenge! You can find out all of the details by visiting the forum here. This week we will be lifting the uber talented Emma – aka hobbes130 in the forum! She has a fantabulous gallery and is a great inspiration to me! For this challenge, just browse through her gallery and choose a layout that inspires you. Once you have completed a layout upload it to the Grand Theft Layout Gallery. Then come back here and post your layout as well as the layout you lifted from her gallery.

Here is a page I lifted:

Here is layout I did using Dad’s Day by Elise’s Pieces.

Here are some great pages from the amazing creative team that are sure to inspire you.

Carina lifted this one

and came up with this beauty using Shabby Chic by WM[Squared] Designs

Heidi lifted this one

and created this layout using geniaBeana’s Layer Upon Layer Collab Grab Bag and Sugar Fancy’s new kit Treasured Moments.

LaShawn lifted this one

and created this sweet little number using Fairytale from The Design Girl.

Chel picked this one

She used Monster Truck Madness from Dream Big Designs to create this stunner.

Melissa nabbed this one

And used Splendiferous Splendor and The Chimney Sweep Alpha both from Graham Like the Cracker to create this page.

**Challenge Reminders**

- Don’t forget to include the lifting details in your credits.

- You will receive one point for posting your layout in the forum thread and in the Grand Theft Layout gallery. You will receive an additional point for using new ScrapMatters products. Please make a note of new products in your post in the forum. At the end of June, you will be entered into a drawing to win a bonus point!

- You have until the end of June to complete this challenge for MOS points.

- 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!

Hello gals!! Wendy here with your Tuesday Template!

As always, 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!

The template:

Here’s *MY* LO:

Credits: School Days – WM[squared], School Days – Extras – WM[squared], Back 2 School – Chelles Creations, Fall Semester – Chelles Creations

Here is some inspiration from the ScrapMatters CT/DT & Admin Teams:

Layout By: Carina

Credits: Sultry Summer collab by LDrag Designs and Erica Zane

Layout By:  Lee Andra

Credits: Backyard Play by Jady Day Studios

Layout By: LaShawn

Credits: A Boy’s Treasures and Words Matter: A Boy’s Treasures by Andilynn Designs

Layout By: Kayla

Credits: Whim-silly by Haynay Designs

Layout By: Heidi

Credits: Make A Wish by WM[squared] Designs

Feel inspired? Good! Now go download the template –>> here and lemme see what ya got! I’ve included both the .psd, tiff & .png files for you!

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

You only have the rest of June to complete the layout – so get it in quick! Upload it to the gallery, and leave BOTH the image and a link in the challenge forum–>>  HERE!

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

Happy Scrapping!!

Wendy

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