The countdown to the holidays is really in full swing… It seems like everywhere you turn there are lights and beautiful colors to highlight the many winter holiday celebrations. The weather is definitely frosty, freezing, frigid here up North. Snow hangs in the air in many parts of the world. If you are one of the lucky people enjoying balmy, warm weather right now I’m sure many of our readers would love to trade places with you!  So where are you on the map?  Do you live in the Northern or Southern, Eastern or Western Hemispheres?  When you look at the SM community on a map you realize how diverse our community is and yet how we are all connected.  We would love to have you introduce yourself and put your location on the SM map, click here for more information.

Have you checked out the daily download at ScrapMatters? Several of the SM designers got together and created a fabulous kit called A Christmas to Remember.  A little traditional, a little retro with a bit of kitsch thrown in it will work for a wide variety of layouts and it’s yours free with new pieces everyday–directly downloaded from the SM server. Below are just the two latest days.  If you’ve yet to check it out, here’s the link.

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ScrapMatters Bingo is a hit. Many of our community members are “scrapping by the numbers.”  Our new challenge system is a fun and visual way to get those important memories scrapped while stretching your skills at the same time. You can jump in anytime during the month. Want to know more?  Just click here to start having some challenging fun.

We have a new designer at ScrapMatters this week–Memory Clips by Ramona . Love her templates!  And we’re happy to announce that Lina of LDrag Designs is back at ScrapMatters. It’s wonderful to have her fantastic designs in the shop.

Now onto the new products:

Hi Everyone! Cathy here with an interactive card for this “It’s in the Cards Challenge”. There is a window and a dial so that you can change up what display’s on the front of the card. I’ve included instructions in the download file.

Here is a preview of the file and a sample card.

My sample was made using the ScrapMatters Design Team Collaborative kit “Cupcakes and Candles”

Here you can see a different item showing through the display window:

Download the template HERE.

Let’s get a look at some other samples made up by our awesome creative team.

From Carina using Footloose and Fancy Scatters by Graham Like the Cracker and the Rainbows and Butterflies kit by WM Squared Designs and Graham Like the Cracker. I love the little birdie peaking through the window.

If I got this card I’d be intrigued to find out what else I could see when I turn the dial!!

Karen has created this very colorful and fun vacation greeting. She used Heat Wave: Beach Fun by Band Geek Designs I just love all the sweet treats that are hidden in the window.

Rebecca used the wonderful ScrapMatters Design Team Collab kit Tropical Float to create this ultra happy celebration card. Check out the spirits awaiting the recipient on her card!

Look at this wonderful creation by Sarah. She used Just Peachy by GeniaBeana Scraps. I just love how she changed up the template to use the window to display her sentiment!

The card that Tracy made is such a sweet way to celebrate a special anniversary. I just love all the sweet hearts! She used A Dreamy Day by The Design Girl.

Here’s a review of the challenge rules:

-You will receive one point for posting 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.
- since this challenge is starting so late in the month, it will run through August. At the end of July or August (depending on when your project was posted) 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 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!

Hi everyone! Sarah Bennett here bringing you my very first Tuesday Template challenge. There are no specific rules for this challenge other than having fun and making this template your own! Here is this week’s template:

Here’s the page I did using guest designer Melissa Bennett’s ABC-123 kit.

Wendy did this page using  “Around The World” by Brittish Designs & Sahlin Studios and “Taste of Mexico” by Brittish Designs & Sahlin Studios

This layout was created by Annisa using Connie Prince & Bella Gypsy’s “I Wuff You” and wm[squared]‘s “D is for Dog”

Melissa’s page uses Messy Little Bubby from Wimpychompers Creations

Becca created her page using WM[squared] Spring is Here kit

You can go HERE to download the template!

And, HERE is the forum where the challenge is located!

Now before you go, just a few quick reminders:

* Post your layouts to the Tuesday Template gallery, then link us up here so we can leave you lots of love !
* You will earn one point by participating in this challenge. You can receive an EXTRA point for using a product that has been released in the seven days prior to your post – be sure to make a note of this in your post so you receive proper credit!
* Your layout must be unique to this challenge – no double dipping..
* You have the rest of April to complete the layout.

Happy Scrapping!

Hi everyone! I’m here with another Tuesday Template challenge for you! This template was really fun to put together for you all – and there are no rules for this one – just have fun with it!

And here’s what the wonderful CT ladies have done with it – as you can see, the template is very versatile and each of these ladies really made it their own!

First up is this pretty layout by Jen (jendavey) using Arabian Adventure by Britt-ish Designs and Get Real Drop Shadows by Jennifer Barrette.

Shari made this adorable 2-page layout using Bunny Foo Foo by Britt-ish Designs, Birthday Mania Collab by Designs By Tator and Keep Scrappin Designs, Slim Metal Alpha by Gwenipooh Designs and a wordart by K. Nelson

Jami (alansrock) made this PHANATICAL layout using Batter Up by Chelle’s Creations – so cool – love those photos!

Amber (jeffsamber) pulled this bright and happy layout together with Birthday Mania from Designs by Tater & Keep Scrappin’ Designs

LeeAndra made this beautiful layout – I’m not sure what she used, so please check her gallery for credits when she posts her layout!

Last but not least, Kathleen (kv2av) also used Stolen Moments Designs’ and Man in the Moon Designs’ collab Easter Morning to put together this adorable layout – love how she broke up the photo spots to accomodate more photos!

A quick reminder of the rules:
- You will receive one point for completing this challenge and posting your layout in both the gallery AND the forum thread. You will receive 1 extra point if you use a new release product within the week it was released. You must make note of this in your post in the forum to get the point.
- You will have until the end of Aprilto complete the challenge.
- No double-dipping, your layout must be unique to this challenge only.
- FYI: you don’t have to use ScrapMatters products to complete this challenge- we just like it when you do!

And that’s it – go download the template and have some fun with it!! I can’t wait to see the layouts you all create!

Golly, sorry that I am running late here.

Anyway, Alamama here to bring you one of my favorite challenges!  There’s no rules, use the template anyway you want.

http://www.4shared.com/file/23299090…ttemplate.html

Here’s mine:

Using Sarah Bennett/Judet *Storytime*, Sahlin *Explore, Learn, Grow* and Jennifer Barrette *Autumn Bliss*.

Here’s some inspiration from our awesome new CT.  I only posted a few here.  The rest will be posted in the forum.

by kim21673

Using  Tough Boy by Sarah Bennett

by loribear

Using Connie Prince’s – Forever Kit – “Cherished”

by jeffsamber

Using Erica Zane’s Backyard Buddies

A quick reminder of the rules:
- You will receive one point for completing this challenge and posting your layout in both the gallery AND the forum thread. You will receive 1 extra point if you use a new release product within the week it was released. You must make note of this in your post in the forum to get the point.
- You will have until the end of March to complete the challenge.
- No double-dipping, your layout must be unique to this challenge only.
- FYI: you don’t have to use ScrapMatters products to complete this challenge- we just like it when you do!

It’s Tuesday Template time! Wendy here with another template! It’s practically 2010, which seems completely crazy to me!! 

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!

Here is the template:

Here’s *MY* LO :

Credits:

“1st & Park Way” by Pressed Petals
“In The City” by Sahlin Studios

Here is some inspiration from the ScrapMatters CT/DT:

Layout By: JenDavey

Credits:

Vintage Christmas by WM[squared] Designs
Vintage Christmas Bonus Alpha by WM[squared] Designs
Simply Dated v.5 by WM[squared] Designs
Doodle Borders by Britt-ish Designs (recolored)
JH_Amy Font by Jeni Hopewell

Layout By: jami

Credits:

Resolutions kit by AnnaBV Designs (new on 1/1)

Layout By: Becca

Credits:

Sahlin Studio’s Season of Giving

Erica Zane’s Border Dates

Layout By: Jill

Credits:

Innovation by Sahlin Studio

Layout By: Natasha

Credits:

Feel Free by Juno

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

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

You have the rest of December to complete the layout, and all of January as well, since this challenge starts the last week of December! Upload it to the gallery, and leave BOTH the image and a link in the challenge forum–>>  HERE!

You will receive one point for completing the challenge. You can earn an additional point for using a new product from the ScrapMatters store (PLEASE indicate you have used something new when you leave us the link in the forum), and one lucky winner will receive one more point – I will be doing a random draw!

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

Happy Scrapping!!

It’s my FAVORITE Challenge!! It’s Tuesday Template time! Wendy here with another template!  I haven’t hosted a challenge in like 2 months, and i’m SOOO excited to get to host one in October, my FAVORITE month of the year!

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!

Here is the template:

Here’s *MY* LO :

Credits: Kits:  “Autumn Blush” by Jennifer Barrette & “Feeling Fall” by WM[squared] Designs, Alpha:  “In the City” by Sahlin Studio

Here is some inspiration from the ScrapMatters CT/DT:

Layout By: alansrock

Credits: “Octobers Daily Download” by The SM Design Team

Layout By: happyscrapgirl

Credits: “Explore, Learn, Grow” by Sahlin Studios

Layout By: jillyfish

Credits: “Everyday Elegance” by Stolen Moments

Layout By: jennamy82

Credits: “With Dessert” by Juno Designs

Layout By: jendavey

Credits: “Punky” by Erica Zane, “Date Labels” by Erica Zane
“Chatter” by Plum Dumpling Designs & “JH_Krisi Font” by Jeni Hopewell

and last, but certainly not least…

Layout By: loribear

Credits: “SM Collab Friday Flea Market” by the SM Design Team

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

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

You have all of October  to complete the layout. Upload it to the gallery, and leave BOTH the image and a link in the challenge forum–>

You will receive one point for completing the challenge. You can earn an additional point for using a new product from the ScrapMatters store (PLEASE indicate you have used something new when you leave us the link in the forum), and one lucky winner will receive one more point – I will be doing a random draw!

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

Happy Scrapping!!

ScrapMatters is Turning Two--Birthday Bash Starts on Friday!

Hi everyone, Andrea here. I hope you’ll join us starting on Friday, August 7th for all kinds of digital/hybrid birthday goodness. There will be a sale August 7th-9th: 30% off on personal use and 10% off on commercial use, as well as 20% off on Kaiser Craft hybrid albums.
If you spend $15 dollars in one purchase you can have the design teams newest MEGA kit, A Perfect Picnic. Look at all of the goodies it has:

Hello All!  Can you believe that it’s already September?  WOW!!  At any rate, Wendy here, bringing you September’s first installment of “Words for Wednesday”.

I’ve been wanting to do this “challenge” for a while now, so I’m super excited I get the chance now!  It’s all about you and your name!  How did you get your name? What’s the story behind how your parents named you.  What does it mean?  Is it significant as far as your family is concerned (i.e. is it your Great Grandmas name?).  Your challenge, should you choose to accept it is this:  Create a LO about yourself and your name!  You must have at least one picture of yourself *you can have others in the picture as well*, and include some journaling regarding your name!

Simple enough, right?    If you accept this challenge, and post it in the forum –> HERE, then you will receive a participation gift!

The participation gift is this Mini Kit!  I LOVE fall colors – hence the Kit Name – “Fall In Love”!

Can’t wait to see your LO’s!!   Please be sure to post your LO in the forum so I know to PM you your participation gift!   You have until Tuesday, September 9th to submit your LO in the forum!

Hello Ladies! Wendy here again, this time with the Saturday Special Challenge! I’ve been wanting to do a layout of how my astrological sign describes me for a while now, and figured that this would be the perfect time! Now, I don’t know about you all, but when I read up on what a Gemini is…it usually describes me to a “T”! Do I follow my horoscope? No. But it’s fun to see all the Gemini traits, the good and bad.

There is a wikipedia page –> here, that lists all the astrological signs, if you scroll down, you can find your sign and click on that to learn more about it.

Now the rules of the challenge:

*You must include a picture of yourself.

*I’d also like to see a couple of descriptions about your sign and what you think about how your sign describes you.

Here is *my* LO!

I am including the 12 Zodiac signs as “rub-on” freebies.

The freebie can be downloaded –> HERE!

Here are a few LO’s the wonderful CT made:

There will be two $5.00 gift certificates given away, one to my favorite LO and one will be a random drawing.

I can’t wait to see what y’all come up with! You have until midnight MST Thursday, June 26th, to complete your LO. Please post your LO in the gallery and link it to the forum!