Hello everyone,

It’s Kayla, aka keepscrappin here with today’s challenge.  I hope ya’ll are having fun with the new challenge system here at ScrapMatters.  Go here for the full list of challenges for December.  It’s fun and easy to win great prizes, so make sure to check it out.

Okay, enough chit chat, let’s get to the challenge.

#5 – The northern hemisphere is starting to be covered in snow. Use a white background for your page.

Easy Peasy – right!  Here’s my layout with a white background.

Layout credits:

Template – Gratitude Freebie 11 from Memory Clips
Kit – Christmas Blues from Diana’s Creations  (new 12.2.11)
Font – century gothic

And here’s some helpful tips I use when making layouts with white backgrounds.  Just use the ones that work for your layout.

1. Add your shadows as you go, so you can see how it’ll look.
2. Let your photos be the focus of your layout.
3. Make sure there’s enough contrast between your background and any white elements, so they’ll show up.
4. White backgrounds variy from snow white (white) to grayish or creamy whites. So if you use a gray or creamy white background, use white elements in the same white color family to make it pleasing to the eye.
5. Add an overlay/ texture to your background to give it more ummph.  Here’s a whole section that are available in the SM shop.
6. Sometimes it’s fun to play with subtle brushes or paint splats on a white background like I’ve done on the above layout to give it a little more interest and draw your eye to the photos and across the page and down to the title.  Boy, that’s was a mouthful!  LOL

Well, that’s it for today, so get scrappin those white background layouts and win yourself some great prizes.

keepscrappin’

Kayla

Hello, It’s Cathy here to host the It’s In The Cards Challenge for 09/22/2011. I’ve got a fairly simple card template that you can dress up to your liking! I took this template and created a gatefold card as my sample. Here’s a preview of the template and sample:

Download the template here or on the linked image above.

And here’s a close up look at my sample:

My sample card was made using Chocolate Frosted Snowflakes by Stolen Moments.  Here are some great samples made up by our awesome creative team.

Tracy made this adorable daisy card using Denim and Daisies - Papers and Elements by Jenn Labre.

Sarah used My Magical Place Add-On Kit and My Magical Place: Add On Alpha by Haynay Designs to make this magical birthday card.  The Mickey silhouettes were a participation prize that she got at another site.

Tamara used  Funky Lane by Sugary Fancy and the all over bracket punch by Martha Stewart to create her cute card.

OK here’s a review of the challenge rules:

Remember that September is double points month!!

-You will receive two points for posting in the “It’s in the Cards Challenge 9/22/2011″ thread and in the “It’s in the Cards” gallery
-You can receive an additional 2 points for using new Scrap Matters products; please make a note of new products in your post. So I can give you the correct credits!
-You have until the end of September 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 Scrap Matters products, but we love it when you do!

I hope you’ll join us for this challenge! Happy creating!

~Cathy~

Happy Saturday! I hope everyone’s had a great week! Day from Inspirations here and today I’m going to share with you one of my favorite tricks for making a quick title to coordinate with any page or kit you are working with!
I’ve worked this in PS CS4 but you should be able to do similar with other programs

1. Choose a chunky font and type out your title in the size you want. Don’t worry about color as that’ll be changing! Once you’ve got it, right click the layer in the layers palette and choose “Rasterize Type” (This is called “Simplify Layer” in PSE)

2. Pick a paper to fill your alphabet with and drag it onto a layer above your title. Right click the paper layer in the layers palette and choose “Create Clipping Mask”. (In PSE group the layers by pressing CTRL+G with the paper layer selected)

3. You should now see your paper in the shape of your title. You can move around the paper layer to get whichever part of the pattern showing that you like. When it looks the way you want it, right click the paper in the layers palette and choose “Merge Down” to make your title all one layer.

4. Now you can use your title as is if you like, but you can also play around with some effects to make it pop a bit more. In the effects menu (the little round f button at the bottom of the layers palette) inner or outer glow or shadow, bevel and emboss and stroke would be my main choices.

5. For this I’m using a stroke to give the alphabet a sticker-like look. Adjust the size of the stroke, the placement (in the letters, out or straddling the border) and the color.

6. Now add your title to your page, give it a drop shadow and finish your LO!

Here’s mine, I used the colab kit Vintage Surf Shop, a few elements from my kit Catchin’ A Break and my Tiny Alphabet

and here’s some inspiration from the SM creative team!

Kayla

Tamara

Ophelia

It’s time for another edition of the Saturday Special. Are you a blocking junkie? I certainly am a fan of blocking! Do you ever wonder how to make a row of ellies perfectly line up on a page? Today I am going to show you how to align elements/papers on a page. Let’s get started.

This little trick saves loads of time when used for lining up the alphas in a title.

1. Place all of the elements on the page that you want to align.

2. Link all of the layers together in the layers palette. You can do this by highlighting at least one of the layers to be aligned, then clicking the link button on all of the other layers to be aligned.

3. Next click one of the align buttons from the tool bar. I generally use align bottom edge. This will line up the items that are linked.

There you have it. Perfectly aligned ellies! Note: It is sometimes necessary to unlink the layers to adjust for spacing.

Okay, now it is your turn to give this technique a try. Join us in the forum to play along! I can’t wait to see what you create. Go forth and align!!

Challenge reminders:

-You will receive one point for posting in this thread & in the Saturday Special Gallery. You will 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 August 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 remember your SM gallery must contain at least 50% SM product beginning July 8, 2011.

Hi everyone and welcome to another “issue” of the Saturday Special. The thing I like most about this challenges is that I often find some tutorials and tips that are new to me and teach me more tricks for learning scrapbook deeper.
This Saturday I also have a small tutorial for you. Some time ago I bended a lace into a circle for a CT layout and some CT member asked me how I did it. So I thought maybe it will be useful to someone out there, too, to see how to do it!

Let’s start with our small tutorial! First pick the lace, ribbon or element you want to bend and drag it into your empty page.

Now you should increase its height a little… well, you will learn it from experience, anyway, I increased my height to 160%.

Now in the top bar look for the Filter Menu –> Distort –> Polar Coordinates

It will open up another little window: Rectangular to Polar (yes, if you have a round object, for example a frame, you can convert it to a straight line with the other option!).

And voilà:

Your nice lace turned into a super cute circle to be used as a frame or a different element of your taste.

Your chance for this Saturday Special challenge is to create a layout using a bended element, so simple!

I hope you enjoyed the small tut!

This is how I used my new circle lace:

Credits: FuchsiaLime : sweet deal by LDrag Designs

And here’s more inspirations from our wonderful CT ladies!
Ophelia (navaja77) picked a scallop and used the technique in GIMP. It created a flower type element:

Credits: In The History of Ever by Amy Stoffel

Melissa (prettypeaches) used the technique on the stitches:

Credits: Lovebirds By Jeanine DeOre

Kayla (keepscrappin) turned a white ribbon into a circle:

Credits: Holly Jolly from Band Geek Designs

Fran (Fran98765) took a straight scallop clip of one of the papers and turned it into a circle for the scallop mat under the journal mat:

Credits: Summertime Fun – At the Zoo by Jady Day Studio

Amanda (dznyscrapper) turned a ribbon into a circle:

Credits: Summertime Fun – At the Zoo by Jady Day Studio, Around the Block Template Pack by Haynay Designs

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Challenge reminders:

-You will receive one point for posting in this thread & in the Grand Theft Layout Challenge 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 July to complete this challenge to earn MOS points.

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

-You don’t have to use Scrap Matters products, but remember your SM gallery must contain at least 50% SM products.

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!

Today is my amazing husband’s birthday so as a tribute to him I based my layout on him in his Air Force blue! A few weeks ago he was awarded the Senior NCO of the Quarter for the entire base here at Yokota Air Force Base, Japan: that’s a big deal in the military world! I am a very proud and doting wife so yes I am bragging!!!! So happy bday to the most amazing man I know, my rock ALAN!!!!!

There are no rules for the template, just have fun!

Download here: http://www.4shared.com/file/PFwfQv1r/TT_24_May.html

Here are some examples from our amazing CT to inspire you…

My page that inspired the template:

By Carina:

By Fonnetta:

By LeeAndra:

By Melanie:

By Sharon:

Challenge reminders:
-You will receive one point for posting in this thread & in the Tuesday Template 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 May 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 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!

So help me celebrate my hubby by making your own page inspired by my birthday man!
Jami

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!

Hi everyone, Sylvia here with our new IT’S IN THE CARDS challenge!

Your template:

You can download the template HERE

I’ve made a sample card using ‘Tis The Season’ by Man in the Moon Designs:

And here’s some great inspiration from our wonderful CT:
Cathy aka Scrappycath made this gorgeous pinwheel card using Happy Scrap Girl’s Sunshine and Showers

This beautiful card was made by Tanya aka TanyaH666 using Frolic by Jenn Barrette

And another wonderful card for your inspiration: Amanda aka Abhall76 made this super duper cute winter card using Winter Waddles by Belly Gypsy

And more hybrid magic from Heather aka interstitchal. She used Some Summer Night by Belly Gypsy to create this beautiful card

Aren’t these wonderful examples? I hope you are now ready to play along and can’t wait to see what you’ll come up with!

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 – It’s In The Cards gallery by September 22nd. Then come back here and post it in our It’s In The Cards Challenge thread (you can find the thread HERE). Make sure to let your hostess know if you used 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!*

Happy cardmaking

It’s Wednesday, so that means it’s time for another round of Grand Theft Layout!  Annisa (lionsimba) here to show you a fabulous gallery to lift this week. There are so many talented scrappers here at Scrap Matters who I admire every single day and I find so much inspiration from each of them. It was tough to decide who to lift for this challenge because I want to lift everyone! I noticed that there are a few scrappers whose layouts I “favorite” regularly, so I chose to pick the one who really has been shining in the gallery lately. That fantastic scrapper is . . . Debra, a.k.a. 4noisyboys! I’m seriously in awe of her mad scrappin’ skillz – she is SO creative! Check out her gallery HERE and then pick one of her gorgeous layouts to lift. It may take you some time to do this . . . all of her layouts are divine!

After much debate, I finally chose this beautifully layered layout to lift:

And here is the layout I created:

And here’s what the super-talented CT did:

Jen (jendavey) chose this:

and created this stunner using the NEW Vintage Carnival by Jennifer Barrette and Sahlin Studio:

Jenn (jennamy82) snagged this cool layout:

and turned it into this beauty using Queen of Scrap by the ScrapMatters Design Team, Just the Basics: Cardstock by wm [squared], and Doodley Loops and Doodley Borders both by Sahlin Studio:

and created this great one using Bella Gypsy’s *NEW* Brooklyn and Boston:

Heidi (scrappurple) opted for this wonderful page:

and made this fun one using The World Smiles with u by Jennifer Barrette:

and then made this gorgeous page using Jenn Barrette’s Feet in the Sand, Growth Spurt, Autumn Blush, and Technotronic:

And Melissa (profiler mar) found this eye candy to lift:

and created this cute page using Dirty Laundry Paper Pack; Dream A Little Dream; He’s The Man; In Spring; Big Chip Alpha; and Markered Up Alpha, all from geniaBeana:

Amazing pages, right? There are LOTS more in Debra’s gallery to choose to lift, so go check it out and have fun!

Now for the rules and reminders:

* You have until the end of September to complete this challenge. Please upload it to the GTL gallery and post both your layout and Debra’s (both linked) in the GTL 08/25/10 thread. This gives us all a chance to leave love for both you and Debra!

* You will receive one point for completing the challenge. You can earn an additional point 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 at 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!

Have fun with this one! Can’t wait to see what you lift and what you create!