Can you believe that it is June already? Where is this year going? Hey there everyone, Cathy here to host the June 2011 Getting Hybrid Challenge. This month I thought it would be fun to help get people involved in hybrid crafting by challenging you to make flowers. You can make any type of flower that you want, from simple to extravagant.

There are so many options for how to make hybrid flowers to go with your scrapbook pages, cards and other crafts. With the use of digital papers, the possibilities are endless! You can simply print out some digi papers and use your flower punches to create blossoms. You can make use of some of the hybrid helpers we have in the shop as templates for fussy cutting or cutting with your electronic cutter.

These flower templates by Krisi’s Kreations are a great place to start. The set includes files types that you can use right in your digital designs, or for cutting with a machine or by hand!

I’m going to share a tutorial for creating some beautiful paper roses. For my project I’m using Summer Lovin’ Prints by Kim B and Summer Breeze by Jennifer Labre. They are both part of the June Mix-a-Kit which is on sale through June 7!!

You’ll need to cut 3 6-petal flowers for each rose that you are making. The Sizzix Flower Layer #5 die works great for this. It includes a large and small flower die so you can make 2 different sized roses.

You will need to snip between each petal to allow for curling the petals into shape. You will also need to cut the first flower one time, straight between 2 petals all the way to the center. The second flower you will cut on either side of one petal into the center and separate that petal. Save it, you will be using it. With the third flower, you will cut to the center on either side of 2 petals and separate the double petal. Save this too, you’ll be using it.

You should have what is pictured above for each rose that you are going to create.

Once you have your flower parts cut, ink the edges. Since I am using digital papers that I printed, I also inked the backs.

With the first flower (slit cut to center), place some Glossy Accents glue on one petal at the slit that was cut to the center. Manipulate the petal on the other side of the slit to cover over the glued petal, creating a cone shape with the flower as you do this. Use a paper clip to hold this in place to allow the glue to dry. Repeat this process with the remaining 2 flowers, creating a cone shape and gluing the overlapping petals. Secure with paper clips while you wait for the glue to dry.

Take the double petal cut from flower #3. Curl the petal to the left toward the back of the flower piece. Carefully curl the flat side in toward the curled petal. Curl it tightly creating a center petal for the rose. Pinch it together with your fingers and glue. Hold it together to allow the glue to set momentarily. Sticky fingers are a good sign of hybrid crafty goodness!

Take the single petal that was cut from flower #2. Curl each side of the petal in towards the center as shown above.

Curl the petals back on each of the cone shaped flower pieces. I like to use the handle of a small paint brush to do this. For the larger petals I can use the thicker part of the handle, and for the smaller petals, I can use the thinner part. You can also snip a small piece from the tip of each cone. You may need to snip slightly more on the 2 smaller cone pieces to help them set into the rose as you assemble it.

After you’ve curled your petals, begin to assemble the rose. Start with the largest cone piece and then insert the medium one inside it. I turn it so that the petals are a bit offset. Place some Glossy Accents into the center of the cone to glue in place. Repeat with the third cone piece nesting it inside the rose and gluing in place. Then take your 2 center petal pieces and set as the center of your rose. I have no magic suggestions here, I play with it until I like the way it looks. Sometimes I have to snip a bit more off the bottom of these pieces in order for them to sit down in the rose the way I want them.

Now comes even more fun! You can dress up your flowers. I sprayed mine with some Tatter Angels Bronze Mist. Then I added some glitter to the edges of the petals for extra bling. Some Stickles glitter glue in the center of one of the roses added a little pizazz!

I used the roses on a picture frame that I had covered in paper from the Summer Lovin Prints pack. Here is a closer look at the flowers:

I’m showing these flowers on a finished project, but you don’t have to for this challenge. You can just make some flowers and share them!

Here are some wonderful samples that our talented Creative Team made for you:

Look at this stunning cake that LeAnn made. I think the cake is gorgeous on it’s own! Then she added a beautiful rolled rose bouquet, amazing! She used Kim Brodelet’s Roche kit. The little white flowers are simply cut-outs of elements from Kim’s kit. (Special thank you to Mari Koegelenberg for the rolled flower template).

Tracy made these brilliant flowers by printing out a bunch of the digi flowers from Jennifer Labre’s Sunkissed: Sunset. She then layers them to create these beauties!

She used them to decorate a card. Isn’t that sweet?

Melanie created this bouquet using papers and flowers from It’s Midnight by WM[squared] and GeniaBeana Scraps. I see a few different types of flowers in there, some print and cut from the kit, some rolled and some using the scrunch technique. She adhered them to the lid for a mason jar. Would that make a super cute gift package?

Tamara made this flower using the April Mix a Kit, a paper flower and some ribbon. The perfect addition to her super sweet project!

This flower by Karen is just so cute! She combined a few techniques to create it from the Mix a Kit April: Footloose and Fancy Papers by Graham Like The Cracker, Springy – the Elements by Wm squared, Carefree Solids paperpack by Kim B, Sprung patterns by Stolen Moments

Wow, that’s a whole bouquet of blooming creation!!! I hope we’ve planted the seeds and have you wanting to let your hybrid skills blossom! (you saw all those puns coming, didn’t you??

OK so here’s the scoop on the challenge:

-You will receive one point for posting a photo of your finished flower/s in the Getting Hybrid Gallery and then linking it up to the Getting Hybrid Forum thread HERE . You can receive an additional point for using new Scrap Matters products; please make a note of new products in your forum post to help me give you the correct credits. 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 to earn MOS points.
-Remember no double dipping…your project must be unique to this challenge.
-You don’t have to use Scrap Matters products, but we love it when you do!

And don’t forget, you don’t have to use your flowers on a completed project, but we would sure love to see it if you do!

So, let’s fill the gallery with some beautiful flowers!!!

Welcome to another edition of the Tuesday Template Challenge here at ScrapMatters!  There are no specific requirements for this template, except to have fun with it. 

Download here.

Here is the page I created with the template using Fairytale by The Design Girl and If You Give a Girl a Castle by Erica Zane.

And check out these great layouts the CT did with it.

Ami created this page using Captured by Jenn Labre.

Here is one from Tronesia using Blossom by Jennifer Labre.

And one from Kat using Little Fish and Splish Splash by The Design Girl.

Here’s the rules:
*Use this template to create an awesome layout. Post your layout into the Tuesday Template gallery AND to this post to get one point for completing this challenge!
*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!
*Your layout MUST be unique to this challenge, no double-dipping!
*You will have until the end of June to complete this challenge.
*You do not have to use ScrapMatters products, but we certainly love it when you do!

I am really excited to host this months last hybrid challenge. It is my very first template and I hope you like it.

I am giving you two download links. One will be for a 5×7 inch template and the second one for the international A6 format that I made my sample with.

Here’s the template:

Download 5×7 template from 4shared

Download A6 template from 4 shared

I made my card using My History, My History – Extras, and My History – Bonus Alpha from WMsquared. My dad is a big fan of old cars, so I thought this might be perfect.

Our wonderful CT ladies have been really busy, so I have loads of wonderful inspiration to show you.

Sarah (sporte91) made this gorgeous card using  A Little Sunset by Jeanine DeOre.

Isn’t this flower just fabulous?

Sylvia (SylviaB) used the May Mix a Kit sets ‘Shabby Elegance Alpha’ by Whimpy Chompers Design and ‘Silver Lining ~ The Papers’ by Jeannine DeOre for her lovely card. That patterned paper is so beautiful and when I grow up I want my bows to look like hers.

Ami (steami) wanted to get a head start on her christmas post and made this totally cute card. LOVE that snowman and her idea of getting started early. Maybe my cards would actually get sent out if I had them done in  time.

She used Doodle Me Christmas by Erica Zane.

I love the folded flower and fun elements in Tamara’s (tsmspt) card. She used What’s Cooking? from Erica Zane

Tracy’s (sunshinetk) card is pure elegance, so beautiful. I love the colors and patterns she used and that big layered flower. She used Timeless Elegance by KimB.

LuAnn (wildblueeyez) used Haynay Designs’ Into Spring kit for her totally cute card. The sweet sentiment in that whimsical font is just perfect with that fun little bug with its shimmering wings.

Amanda (Abhall76) used Bug Catcher by Chelle’s Creations for her cute card. I love that big glittery firefly – perfect for the sentiment.

Just look at the fun scene quietangelsb created  and the fun sentiment. I am a sucker for blue and all things maritime. I love to go sailing, but I get awfully seasick pretty often – I guess you could call me slightly masochistic. *lol*

She used Harbor Bay and SOS- Harbor Bay Add -on by Dream Big Designs as well as Stampy Alpha v1 by Geniabeana Designs.

And last, but absolutely not least, Cathy (scrappycath) made this awesome pick-me-up card. Just look at that ribbon flower! And I love how she used Oh Snap and the coordinating Wordart from WM Squared Designs for her sentiment.

Wow, that was a long post, and I hope you’re feeling inspired enough to join us here in the forum. I can’t wait to see what you’ll come up with using  my template!

And here’s the fine print:

-You will receive one point for posting a photo of your completed card in this thread and in the It’s in the Cards 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 for May’s MOS points or wait to post in June for June’s MOS points!

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

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

Welcome to another addition of Grand Theft Layout! I was browsing the hybrid gallery this week because I love hybrid though I can’t do that myself. While most of the artists who do hybrid don’t seem to do “plain” digital I noticed one that does both, and I should add, she does both great! So my pick for this week, and for you to scraplift is iScrap. Go on and check her gallery HERE, I’m sure you’ll be inspired as much as I am!

And without further ado, this is my own pick:

And this is my scraplift:

Credits: Serenity by Happy Scrap Girl

Check out what the ScrapMatters team did, too!

LeeAndra’s choice was:

And came up with this:

Credits: Forget-Me-Not by Andilynn Designs

Fonnetta was inspired by this one:

And did this:

Credits: Oh Snap Mega Mini, Oh Snap Word Art & Oh Snap freebie by WM[squared]

quietangelsb choose:

and came up with this:

Credits: The Design Girl’s Spooky, SM Designers’ Wizarding Magic Word Art and Jady Day Studios’ Must Have Tags

Tronesia (aka Diamndprincz) lifted:

And made this wonder:

Credits: A Girl’s Perfect Birthday and A Girl’s Perfect Birthday Add-On by Jady Day Studio

Melissa (aka prettypeaches) took this one:

And came up with this:

Credits: Preppy Girl 101 by Meg Mullens & Amy Stoffel

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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 May to complete this challenge for May MOS points AND until the end of June 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!

Hi there! Melanie here to host this installment of It’s in the Cards! I’m so excited to be hosting this challenge as my first ever challenge as a CT member. So let’s not waste any time and get to the template!

And here’s some more inspiration from our fabulous CT!

From Tracy using Only The Sky Is The Limit by Amy Stoffel

From LeAnn using Boys’ Treasures by Andilynn Designs (from Andrea’s 2011 iNSD Grab Bag)

From Ami using Don’t Bug Me by Erica Zane

From Karen using Just Married by LDrag Designs (part of Lina’s 2011 iNSD Grab Bag)

From Jennifer using Sunkissed: Sunrise by Jennifer Labre Designs

From Sharon using iScream by Plum Dumpling Designs

From Sarah using Wonderful Tonight by Jady Day Studio and Julie Billingsley

Challenge reminders:
-You will receive one point for posting a link to your project in the It’s In The Cards 5/12 thread & in the It’s In the Cards 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 project must be unique to this challenge.

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

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!

Hey there! Cathy here to host the April 28, 2011 It’s In the Cards Challenge. With the warmer weather approaching (at least in my part of the world it is supposed to be getting warmer!), and our thoughts heading towards summer and swimsuits, I was thinking about getting fit. And that inspired me to create a card template that is long and slender! Hehehehe!!!

The image is linked for the template download, or you can click HERE.

Here is the sample card I made using the new design team collaboration kit “Up, Up and Away”

Now to help get you motivated, here are some samples from our amazing creative team!

Tracy (sunshintk) made this bright colorful birthday card using Celebrate! (bold) by Chelle’s Creations

Ami (steami) used Cover It Up: Invitation – Krisi’s Kreations and Month By Month: Pregnancy – WM Squared to make this wonderful card to welcome a new baby! Check out the quilling she did too!

Tamara is really getting us ready for summer with her card featuring Beach Bum By WM Squared Designs

Heather used Seize the Day by LDrag and KimB to create this great all occasion card. I really like the way she photographed it, really shows off the tall and slender look. I think I’ve got a new angle for when I’m being photographed! LOL

This one by Bonnie is so striking with the bright poppy on the black background!  She used The Poppies Collection by Jeanine DeOre.

And this one by Jewelle Using:
Oh Boy! by geniaBeana Scraps and Nikki Epperson Designs
BIG! Chip Alpha by geniaBeana Scraps

Reminder of the challenge rules:
-Upload your photographed card into the Hybrid Gallery (It’s in the Cards Challenge). Then link it to the It’s in The Cards Challenge forum thread, this will get you one point. You can receive an additional point for using new Scrap Matters products; please make a note of new products that you used in your thread 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 2011 (yep you get some extra time since this challenge falls so close to the end of the month!) 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!

OK – let’s see your tall slender cards!!

Hi there, Simona here! I am so nervous because this is my first challenge ever as a SM CTM!

For this challenge I thought about something which was challenging for me as well. This week I am challenging you and myself (!) to do a layout using a photo collage. What’s the difference between a photo collage and a multi photo layout? Well, basically, a multi photo layout can be more well ordered than a photo collage. Image yourself with a bunch of photos in your hands, leave them falling on the table, the way they naturally land on the table, overlaying each other, that is my meaning of a photo collage.

For this challenge you have to use at least 7 photos, the photos can be all different or the same ones repeated. Each photo must be touching at least one other, no singles allowed!

Since I am normally a single photo scrapper so this one was out of my scrapping comfort zone and a way to get a page with lots of pics done for my 2009 vacation album, too!

Using Capture a Memory by Stolen Moments Designs:

And here’s some more inspiration from the amazing ScrapMatters creative artists!

By Kelli using Belle of the Ball from Band Geek Designs:

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By Ami using LoveBirds by Jeanine ~ The Kit by Jeanine DeOre:

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By Fiona using using Heartbreaker, Retro Clear Alpha and Round About Alpha, all by Stolen Moments:

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By Kim using Great Escape and Family Matters Alphas by WM[squared]:

And by Trista using Autumn Splendor Collab from the Scrap Matters Design Team:

I really hope you were inspired by these amazing creations and willl play along and overwhelm me with all your pages full of pics!!

———————

Challenge reminders:

-You will receive one point for posting in this thread & in the Saturday Special 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 April 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!

It’s once again time for another fun filled “It’s in the Cards” challenge!!!

Let’s get right to it!  Here is our template:

You can download the template here

My card was made using Plum Dumpling Designs’ Easter Sunday kit – I printed out the bunny silhouette in the kit and traced it onto felt.  His tail is the cut off end of a Qtip 

Here is a close-up of the details:

How about some inspiration from the team???

Hybrid Team Guest Tracy (Sunshinetk) created this fun one using Monkeying Around by Jenn Labre & Kate Hadfield :

Ami (Steami) came up with this gorgeous card using Mr & Mrs by WM [squared] & Haynay:

Jewelle (jubeejewels) did two cards with the template – one using For the Love of Girls by Stolen Moments and JadyDay Studios:

and another using For the Love of Boys by Stolen Moments and JadyDay Studios:

I just love the hot air balloon that Sarah (sporte91) used on her card – it’s from the ScrapMatters Design team collab kit Up, Up & Away:

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 [COLOR="Red"]April[/COLOR] – then come back here and post it in the comment section of this post as well. Make sure to let me know if you use a new product within a week of it’s release – if you do, you get an extra point!*

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

Hello digiscrappers!! I am so happy to bring you this week’s edition of Tuesday Template!

I have a template for you that I hope you will like and have loads of fun using. It’s available in PSD, TIFF, and PNG.

Download here

Here’s the layout I made with it using my collab with the fantastic KimB Designs “What Matters Most”:

And here’s some gorgeous inspiration from the SM Creative Team:

By Fonnetta:

By Kairyn:

By Becca:

Aren’t they all so gorgeous?! Love them all!

Now here are the rules!
* 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 March to complete this challenge for April 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!

Ready? Show me watcha got. Can’t wait to see how you use this template. Hugs!