Hey everyone! LuAnn here with our next It’s in the Cards challenge!

Before we get to the template – have you checked out the Hybrid Bootcamp put together by the ScrapMatters’ Hybrid Team?  It’s never too late to stop by and pick up some tips and techniques to take your hybrid projects to the next level!!!

Remember: the rules of the challenge are:
*To earn your Matter of Scrap point for the month you need to photograph and upload your card to the Hybrid Challenge gallery by the end of March – yepp, you get more time since it’s just about the end of February.   Then come back here and post it in this thread as well. Make sure to let your hostess know if you use a new product within a week of it’s release – if you do, you get an extra point!  One random winner will be chosen to receive an extra point!*

Here’s our template:

Download HERE

Here’s my card using Man in the Moon Designs’ Carousel Ride kit

And check out this wickedly cool card by Julie:

I can’t wait to see what you come up with using my template!

The other night I was relaxing in a bubble bath, browsing through the December issue of Scrapbook TRENDS magazine.  The front cover features a layout with an adorable little girl obviously thrilled about Christmas.  The journaling reads something like “You are a believer.  I love to see the delight in your big brown eyes.”   I really didn’t take much note of it until I turned to page 12.  A page titled “Cover Story” where Stephanie Howell, the author of the cover layout had written:

“This past Christmas will be one I will remember for a long time for several reasons.  My husband was in Afghanistan and I was bound and determined to make the holiday very special for my girls.  Harper, being two, was really old enough to enjoy and anticipate Christmas.  She brought tears to my eyes on several different occasions during the holiday season.  The first time was when she saw Santa Claus and ran through the mall screaming “Santa!  It’s me!  Harper!  I love you!”  The second time was when I had the joy of witnessing her big brown eyes grow wide as she saw the Christmas tree at my parents’ home for the first time.  That is when I snapped these photos.  Watching her, I longed for the days when I believed. (I do still believe in the meaning of Christmas, but being an adult can be complicated.)  Oh to be two, and to purely believe with all of your heart – to feel the magic and the joy and to feel it with abandon.”

That is what matters.  The story. The story that should be part of that layout.

A while back, Kate shared this quote with us:

If you don’t journal, then you aren’t scrapbooking, you’re just showcasing a photo

Hmm….maybe I have a few too many “showcase a photo” layouts.

Shortly after I was married, my mother-in-law asked me to help her organize her photos. As we sorted through photos, I discovered a hospital newborn portrait. I could tell it was one of her two youngest sons, but when I asked her which one, she couldn’t tell either. In photos where the children were older, it was obvious. However, when we got to the photos of her husband’s aunts as young women, once again we couldn’t tell who was who. Remember you won’t always be around to show off your scrapbooks. Recording those stories, those details, is almost more important than preserving the photos.  Recording the stories is what matters.

If journaling on your layouts is intimidating, here are a couple of tips:

Check out this WMM blog post from Jen.  She has a short list of ideas to jump start your journaling.

Tell Me More (a journaling class) is starting today at ScrapMatters.  It’s not too late to join us.  You get this fabulous mega kit, 20 daily lessons, weekly freebies, access to a private class forum, and encouragement and support to make journaling a habit in your scrapbooking.  Sign up here. Oh,  and use this code to get $5 off: tellmemore_5

Remember to record the story.  It’s what matters.

–Chelle

It’s “just another Manic Monday” at ScrapMatters.com!!! Monday ONLY!! Select items for $2 or 50% off!! Visit the ScrapMatters 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!?! *

Holiday Cheer by WM[squared] Designs:

Summer Sailor by Stolen Moments

Benjamin by Jeni Hopewell

“It’s Christmas Time In The City” by Britt-ish Designs

Bead Happy by Happy Scrap Girl Designs

Three of our designers at ScrapMatters will be closing their shops at 11:59 pm on October 31st Pacific time. This is the last time you can get their treats at SM for now.

Please join me in saying so long and best wishes to:
Heather (Dirty Feet Designs)
Dacia (Fluffy Bunny Feet Designs)
Brianne (Hafen Creations)

Two of these designers are expecting additions to their already busy families and one of them recently had a new baby.
Congratulations to all three of you on your growing families. We wish you nothing but the best.  We hope to see you around and pictures of your families in our galleries.  You will be missed.

Let’s Get Together by Erica Zane and Denise Beatty Originals

Greatest Hits templates vol. 3 by Trixie Scraps Designs

Fabulously Negative – Templates by WM[squared] Designs:

1st and Park Way

Vellum Alpha by GG Digital Designs

“A Knight’s Tale” by Britt-ish Designs & Man in the Moon Designs

Thankful Blessings Word Art by Stolen Moments

Thankful Collection by Jennifer Barrette

Thankful Kit by Jennifer Barrette

Thankful Alpha by Jennifer Barrette

Thankful Quickpages by Jennifer Barrette

EZ Templates 7 by Erica Zane

CU Grunge brushes #1 by AnnaBV Designs

CU Grunge brushes #2 by AnnaBV Designs

CU Crayon brushes by AnnaBV Designs

CU Grungy tiled pattern brushes by AnnaBV Designs

CU Grungy tiled pattern brushes by AnnaBV Designs

Just Treats by Purple Tulip Designs

Space Case by Chelle’s Creations

Space Case Bonus Alpha — FREE with purchase of Space Case through 11/5

black or white alpha by Gwenipooh designs

Pixie Pals Alpha by Happy Scrap Girl Designs

Halloween Printables Pack by Sharon Dale

So This is Love Quickpages by Sahlin Studio:

My layout was chosen Layout of the Week at ScrapMatters

First of all I owe everyone an apology. I totally forgot to come back and post the LOTW last week. So today we have 2 LOs First is a LO by bahamagirls called Suspect Grin. I love the bright colors of this LO and awesome title! Plus those baby pictures are just adorable!

Next we have a LO from alahnasmommy called I Love You. The patterned paper is what drew me in, and then I started notice all the little aspects of the page – the curled ribbon, the bracket, the paper strips under the photos, the fun photos, the fabulous journaling, the shadowing, the tiny sprinkle of roses and leaves. Just fabulous.

So congrats you two for your amazing LOs and for being choosen as last week’s and this week’s LOTW. Make sure you check out the forum and leave them some love.

and now it’s time for…

1. Your screen name? Your real name? My screen name is rxdawg97 (my name everywhere online since college) and my real name is Melissa.

2. What is your main job/career? My main job is SAHM to 3. I am also a Relief Pharmacist for a Mass Merchandiser on the weekends.

3. Are you married/children/pets? I have been married to my husband, Chris for ten years this November. We have three children: Nathan (5), Gillian (4), and Erin (2). We are also expecting our fourth child in the Spring of 2010-SURPRISE!

4. Where is home for you? We currently live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia-but I am originally a South Jersey girl (family still lives there)

5. What are your 3 favorite books? Oh..not much time to read these days. Some that stand out from my school days are Night by Elie Wiesel, Great Expectations, and Pride and Prejudice.

6. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Definitely coffee (and it’s got to be Haagen-Daz)

7. Snacks…Salty or Sweet? I am more of a Sweet girl-I love my candy. Although pretzels are a favorite too!

8. Beverage of choice? Mountain Dew-not so much right now though!

9. What’s your least favorite food? Eggs-ick!

10. PC or Mac? What program do you use? I am a PC girl-I scrap in PSE 5.

11. How long have you been digi-scrapping? How did you get started? I have been digi-scrapping since May of 2008. I started out about 2 years ago designing logos with digital elements and progressed into full layouts. I have been a paper scrapper since 1999 – when I scrapped my honeymoon to Bora Bora.

12. What was your 1st LO about? My 1st layout was of my dd Erin. I thought I did such a great job with the photo enhancements back then. Looking at it now-it’s just frightening!
Cute Erin

13. Do you have any other hobbies besides digi-scrapping (are there other hobbies)? I like to cook and get a fabulous bargain!

14. What is the most challenging part of scrapbooking for you? With three little ones at home, my biggest challenge is finding TIME to scrap!

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

16. What are your favorite movies/TV shows? My two favorite movies are Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (the original with Gene Wilder) and The Color Purple. I am pretty hooked on Grey’s Anatomy, Ghost Whisperer, Medium, American Idol, America’s Got Talent, Behind the Music (on VH1), The Good Wife, and Mercy. Most have to be TIVOed though!

17. Describe your “scrapping” environment. Music? TV in the background? Drinks? Snacks? Where? I scrap on my laptop on my dining room table. It’s centrally located so I can see the kids. The TV is usually on-Nickolodeon or PBS Kids. I do like to have a handful of swedish fish every now and then!

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

19. Would you like to share a little known fact about you…? When I was in college-I worked as a telephone operator on the graveyard shift at Trump Taja Mahal in Atlantic City. I had the chance to talk to lots of celebrities. I never did get to chat with the Donald though-just lots of disgruntled and intoxicated gamblers!

20. Can you tell us a little about your scrappin’ style? I tend to dabble in a little bit of everything-although simple layouts with lots of white space seem to be a favorite of mine right now.

21. Favorite LOs that you have done? Well of course to be fair- I had to choose one for each kid!
Over the Rainbow

My Sweetness

Bend Little Willow

Thanks Melissa for letting us get to know you better! You can see her full gallery HERE!

Indian Summer by Trixie Scraps

Be Inspired – Amanda – Templates  by WM[squared] Designs:

Boo Bash by WM[squared] Designs:

Just Sayin’ – Halloween by WM[squared] Designs:

Boo Bash Bundle by WM[squared] Designs:

Be yourself by AnnaBV Designs

Be yourself alpha by AnnaBV Designs

Whispers: Fall by Sahlin Studio:

You Are Mine

The WA

Fall Frolic by Andilynn Designs

Words Matter: Fall Frolic by Andilynn Designs

Fall Frolic Add On by Andilynn Designs

Fall Frolic Bonus Alphas by Andilynn Designs

Scraps by Number: B.L.O.C.K.E.D. {vol. 1} by Stolen Moments

Scraps by Number: R.O.U.N.D.E.D. {vol. 1} by Stolen Moments

Scraps by Number: Circles & Squares Bundle by Stolen Moments

Fall Journal Boxes by Haynay Designs

Pop Dot Alpha: Fall by Haynay Designs

CU edge 1 by MickeyB Designs:

CU Edge freebie By MickeyB Designs:

Spot of Tea collab by Denise Beatty Originals and Erica Zane

Abbalicious by GG Digital Designs

Fright Night Blog Wear by GG Digital Designs

October Road Blog Wear by GG Digital Designs

Hocus Pocus Bundle by Jennifer Barrette Designs

Hocus Pocus Kit

Hocus Pocus Alpha

Hocus Pocus Quickpages

Scribble Scrabble Alpha by Plum Dumpling Designs

Fair and Square by Sya’s Blueprints

Fair and Square *CU Version* by Sya’s Blueprints

Be yourself QPs by AnnaBV Designs

The Botanicals paper pack by AnnaBV Designs

The Botanicals CU Brushes by AnnaBV Designs
by AnnaBV Designs

“It’s Good To Be Bad” by Britt-ish Designs

“You Can Quote Me: Villains” by Britt-ish Designs

Play the Game by Chelle’s Creations

Whimsy by Purple Tulip Designs

it’s beauty [fall]  by Pouyou designs and Gwenipooh designs

Judy here to bring you this week’s layout of the week is by Lime titled Water Season. The colors, the blocking, the absolutely amazing photo really make this layout a stand out. Congratulations Lime.  You can leave her some love in the gallery or in the forum.

Now onto the

1. Your screen name? msbrad (everywhere, so I don’t forget)

2. Your real name? Michelle. I also answer to Michi or m.

3. What is your main job/career? Teacher (I retired after 30, returned part time, and just finished year 35). I teach elementary computers.

4. Are you married/children/pets? Married to Bill (27 years). 2 DD + SIL’s, 1 grandson. Our pet baby, is over the rainbow bridge.

5. Where is home for you? Tampa, Fl.

6. What are your 3 favorite foods? Any salad, Pizza, Seafood

7. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream or favorite dessert? Butter Pecan

8. What are your favorite movies/TV shows? TV- sports or action

9. Do you have any other hobbies besides digi-scrapping (are there other hobbies)? LOL…photography, sewing

10. Would you like to share a little known fact about you? I’m really shy, but no one believes it.

11. How long have you been digi-scrapping? Since Oct 2006.

12. How did you get started? From PET (now Elements Village). I wanted to learn how to make a bow for my paper page.

13. If you were a paper-scrapper first, how long had you done that first? Started paper scrapping when I was 10.  I always collected stuff, to scrap. Then ‘officially’, when creative memories first started. Oh, what a page, creative memories home party! (Don’t laugh tooo hard)

(picture was removed)
14. PC or Mac? What program do you use? PC. I use CS3. Also have: Elements -3,4,5,6, as I teach, and test tutorials/actions.

15. Describe your “scrapping” environment.

Music? sometimes
TV in the background? no
Drinks? of course
Snacks? sometimes
Where? (the 4th bedroom) I LOVE ‘my room”. It is combo: sewing, craft, scrap and now have a computer in there.

16. What was your 1st Digi LO about? Grandson. My first ‘whole’ real digi LO:

17. What is the most challenging part of digital scrapbooking for you? Negative space. I like big pics and lots of them. I’m getting better, though. Also, figuring out various site rules.

18. If you only had 2 elements to use on a LO, what would they be? Hmmmm, I love the dodads…probably flourishes, and frames.

19. Can you tell us a little about your scrappin’ style? Golly, that depends on the album or page. It can vary. Probably not ‘fantasy’ or ‘purple’–eventually, all my pages get printed.

20. Have your ever designed or considered becoming a designer? I have designed, when I have to. However ZERO interest in being a ‘real’ digi designer.

21. How long have you been a part of the Scrap Matters community and how did you find us? Sep 2008. I googled digi sites that allowed a scrapper to mix designers kits. And I stayed. Love it here.

22. What is your favorite challenge or event at Scrap Matters? There are so many! Love the scrap lift (so much inspiration here). Also: Tuesday Template, Matter of Snap (photography), Roadmap to Scrap, Saturday Special.

23. Favorite LOs that you have done?

and also

24. I wanted to interview you because I really think you help make it a great community! This is a wonderful site. I am really glad I found it.