Scrap~tures First Ever Blog Hop!!!

WELCOME to Scrap~tures first ever Inspirational Blog Hop!!!

We have a great lineup of inspiration from our fabulous team~

Our ‘Inspiration’ this month is a sketch from Sarah De Guzman &
http://www.redoaklines.com/

To take part all you have to do is visit each of the blogs in the order given!

We have no doubt that you’ll be inspired by the different takes on the sketch from each team member.
Leave a comment on all six blogs, and then return here (Scrap~tures blog).

Post a message letting us you have completed the blog hop and your name will be put into a draw for RAK!

Here’s how you can get MORE entries in the drawing. Leave a comment (with a link) to let us know you have done any of the following:

** 2 for posting a link advertising the hop (blog/Facebook)

** 3 for adding a link OR the button (above) to Scrap~tures Scrapbooking in your blog sidebar
**4 for doing the sketch and uploading it to the Scrap~tures gallery
** 5 for joining our forums and introducing yourself (new members only)

The blog hop will run from June 1st until June 3rd until.

Prize drawings will be done on June 15th and announced here on the blog. Be sure to check back!

This will give ample time for people to do the sketch if they want to~
Oh, along the way you may also have chances to win prizes from the individual blog owners, so read each blog post carefully!!

Here is the order in which you hop...

Scrap~tures

Denise

http://pajamascrapper.blogspot.com/

Ellen

http://elcrafty.blogspot.com/

Laurie

http://mycreativenonsenseandotherscrap.blogspot.com/

Lisa

http://sassyscraps.blogspot.com/

'T'

http://just--t.blogspot.com//

then back here to Scrap~tures

HAPPY HOPPING!!!!

Shutterbug Monday!

We have 3...yep I said 3 shutter bug challenges going on right now at Scrap~tures. Ultimately you can't scrapbook without pictures, so we've decided to give you lots of ideas to get you snapping all summer long.

2010 Summer Shutterbug Challenge is a list of 100 ideas to get you snapping.

ABC's of Summer is a cool idea from our forum member Jen..check it out~~

105 Days Of Summer is a photo a day challenge with layouts required. This one started a couple of days ago, but I'm sure if you are interested, you can catch up quickly~


Don't forget ...Tomorrow is Scrap~tures very first Inspirational BLOG HOP so be sure to pop in and check it out. For all those that participate, your name will be put in a random drawing for a rak~~

Sketchabilities #17 Sketch Reveal

Go on over to the Sketchabilities blog to view the latest sketch and the fabulous layouts that the DT has done with it...wow!!

http://sketchabilities.blogspot.com/

Here is my layout I did with this sketch. Can you guess what is in store for the Scrap~tures June kit?

Finally Friday Sketch - May 28th

Stickers...friend or foe??

Like most scrapbookers, we all have lots of stickers in our stash, and I'm sure like most we hardly use them anymore. Here are 24 ideas for some of those stickers taking up space ...

1. use pop dots to five dimension
2. Use repositional stickers as ghost shapes, then chalk or ink over top
3. Rub them with a sanding block to give a worn look
4. Make a scene with an entire sheet
5. Make a wreath around a picture with flower stickers
6. Make a frame around a picture by cutting out the centre of a large sticker
7. Use stickers to create a border
8. fill in templates with stickers for a unique look
9. make a collage
10. Weave border stickers
11. decorate die cuts and punches
12. use stickers to cover up something on your layout you don't want seen.
13. Use them as adhesives to stick something else down on your layout or card
14. decorate album covers
15. use under page pebbles
16. Create pattern papers
17. crop stickers
18. add movement - put a sticker onto cardstock then hang it on your layout
19. use them for rebus journalling..for example..use a sticker of a kite, rather then the actual word
20. combine with photo's...for example..use a photo of a head and put on a sticker body for a fun page accent
21. Change the colour of a sticker with inks/chalk/paint to match the project you're working on
22. Layer stickers using small pop dots for dimension


and if those ideas aren't enough...here are 14 other ways to use stickers.....

1. Decorate a glass jar with stickers then put flowers or a candle into the jar
2. Use stickers as labels or tags
3. on greeting cards
4. give them to young kids as treats on Halloween
5. personalize stationary with letter stickers
6. decorate gift wrap
7. Make an activity chart then use stickers when something has been accomplished
8. decorate clear Christmas ornaments
9. decorate party decorations
10. Make jewelery
11. make magnets
12. use on calendars to mark special events
13. use at photo mats in frames
14. decorate Easter eggs


Who would have thought there were so many ways to use up old stickers. If you have used stickers in a unique way, we'd love to hear about it!!

Wonderful Wednesday Sale!!

If you have not tried one of our scrapbook kits yet, today is the day! The scrapbook kits are put together with the latest and greatest of scrapbook supplies and allows you to scrap on a budget!! Why not try one? Today only ALL of the 2010 scrapbook kits are 40% off!!!

Visit the store to check them out...http://www.scraptures.ca/store/

Have a wonderful wednesday!!!

Featured Scrapper Tuesdays!!

Today's featured scrapper is *PEGGY* I absolutely adore this layout. The huge title letters and the bling just catches your eye!!

To check out the other awesome layouts in Peggy's gallery over at Scrap~tures..just click here

If you would like to be featured on our blog...all you have to do is go to Scrap~tures and start uploading your amazing creations to the gallery~~We would love to have you as part of our family.

Congrats Peggy!!

Shutterbug Monday!

Starting today and every Monday we are going to discuss all things photography. This could be anything from tips to getting better pics, or even showcasing pics our members have taken! Today's post is about camera's, because lets face it, withouth them scrapbookers wouldn't exsist!

Camera's--> The first step in getting great pictures is choosing the right camera for you and that doesn't mean buying the highest priced item you can afford. You can get great photo's with any camera; the key to success is understanding your camera's capabilities and learning how to use them.

Point and Shoot (both digi and film)--> The fully automatic nature of most point and shoot cameras makes them perfect for the photographer who doesn't mind giving up creative control (although many models offer a manual override on some settings).These make great starter camera's for those who want to test the waters before spending a ton on gear. Point and shoots take the photo through a lens that varies from what you see through the viewfinder, making the result look slightly different then expected. Some photographers take their point and shoots countless places where they wouldn't take their SLR's because of the bulk.

Digital SLR--> The traditional SLR's manual settings and interchangeable lenses combined with immeidate viewing and printing capability of digital technology make this type of camera a great choice for anyone who wants to explore advanced photography techniques. Some digitals provide a summary of the settings used for each shot so you can make adjustments and retake photo's on the spot.

SLR--> The SLR (single lens reflex) camera gives you more control over your photo's if you are willing to invest time and practice into learning how to use the settings and features. SLR cameras are generally bulkier and pricier then point and shoots. Through the lens viewing lets you see the exact same shot your lens 'sees'. Interchangeable lenses give you even more creative control but adding lenses can be expensive.

Disposable-->These single use cameres come already stocked with film, usually 27 exposures. After you've snapped all the photo's you take the entire camera to the processor for developing. There are lots of different types, from black and white, water and sport, indoor, outdoor, zoom, panoramic to even spicially decorated wedding-themed. Many processors now recycle the cameras rather then throw them away.

Underwater--> Whether you're shooting your kids swimming lessons or a Hawaiian snorkeling trip, underwater snapshots are easier these days. For an inexpensive option , try one of the many disposable underwater cameras on the market or look into a waterproof housing that will work for your camera. Personally, I would go disposable, i'd be too nervous to use a housing for my good camera.

Phone--> For on the go pictures, camera phones have become a surprisingly competent alternative. Many cameras now allow you to change the resolution, white balance and colour effects before you shoot. Make sure you know how to get your photo's off the camera though. The methods vary from camera to camera and not all are offered as a free service.

One thing to remember...If you shop for used camera equipment online, be sure to look for a company that rates the equipments condition to be sure to get what you are willing to pay for~

Scrap~tures First Ever Blog Hop!!!

Stay tuned for information on the first ever blog hop here at Scrap~tures. The team members are working on some amazing inspiration for you all...and it'll all take place JUNE 1ST...you won't want to miss it!!

Are You The Family Hirstorian?

I bet you haven't thought of scrapbooking as being the historian in the family. Some are interested in census data while the rest of us collect photo's and stories that are sometimes just as important if not more so to document! These records often serve as pieces of an intriguing puzzle as we uncover family connections and discover why we are who we are. Scrapbooking these stories make for some of the most interesting and unique pages in our albums. Here's are some very neat ideas on things to document for generations to come!

1. Those Quirks--> Dictionaries define "quirk" as a peculiarity of action, behaviour, or personality; an idiosyncracy or mannerism. These quirks define who we are and where we came from. Which quirks define your family members? Do you act just like your mother even though you swore you never would?

2. Lessons Learned--> Quite ofen we take our parents and all they do for us for granted. It is when we face challenges ourselves or have an 'a-ha' moment that we begin to realize how grateful we should be to our parents for teaching us their values by example. Why not document some of the examples your parents have taught you. To add a twist, what about a layout about something your kids might have taught you!

3. It's Genetic-->Inherited traits are undeniably the most important links in our unique family connections. They not only explain the unibrow, the hair loss, the dimples on your chin but also some of your talents and passions. Sometimes the genetic trait will skip a generation but they are not easily lost. What a fun thing to do a layout about, so that someday your kids or maybe your grandkids will see why do some of the things they do or are they way that they are!!

"If the family were a fruit, it would be an orange, a circle of sections, held together but separable--each segment distinct"~~Letty Cottin


Taken from Creating Keepsakes - May/June 2010 issue

We Now Have A Blog Boss!!

Please welcome our newest addition to the Scrap~tures Team...T!!

As you know, for the past couple of months T has been posting some fabulous stuff here on the blog. She has been doing such a bang up job that I thought we should make her a permanent fixture here at Scrap~tures!

T will be known as our "Blog Boss" ...she will mostly be looking after the blog, Facebook group and whatever else she is willing to take on!

Stay tuned for some great ideas for blog activity that T and the rest of the ST has in store for us.

Welcome to the team T!! So happy to have you aboard!

It's a Long Weekend Finally Friday!!!!

Woohoo!! Here is a great sketch from Scrapbooks Etc. I hope you enjoy...

btw, if you leave a comment here with a link to your layout using this sketch, you will be eligible for a little prize!! Who doesn't like to win a prize right? Have fun Ladies! Can't wait to see your creations!

Scrap~hour

Please join me on Friday May 21st at 7:30 p.m. in the forums for Scrap~hour!! We will be creating a project just in time for Father's Day!

Here is a list of supplies you will need...

double sided pattern paper suitable for a man. Preferably something that is pattern on one side and plain on the other.
2 colours of coordinating cardstock
3 small matching buttons
adhesive
a corner rounder
bone folder
trimmer
stamps and inks (optional)

This is a little glimpse of what we will be creating.

I hope you see you there!

Wonderful Wednesday Special!!!

If you have not tried one of our card kits yet, today is the day! The card kits are designed in a way that the focus is on products needed to make wonderful cards, but you can also use all of the supplies for scrapbooking!! Why not try one? Today only ALL of the card kits are 40% off!!!

Our May kit is Bo Bunny Jasmyne as shown in the photo.

Visit the store to check them out...http://www.scraptures.ca/store/

Have a wonderful wednesday!!!

Featured Scrapper Tuesdays!!

yay...it's Tuesday and that means it's Featured Scrapper Tuesday~~

Today's pick is ST Team member Laurie - Wally~~

Here is one of her awesome layouts. These colours are great , the entire layout just screams fun!!

Be sure to click HERE to see the rest of Laurie's great projects. There is even a link on the right to her blog to check out what else she has been up to!

Congrats Laurie :)

Are you in need of a challenge???

Have you checked out the May challenges at Scrap~tures yet? There are lots of great ideas to keep you going. Why not check these out, upload to the gallery which puts you in the running for a prize at the end of the month~

Laurie's Sketch Challenge Lets see your interpretation!!
Ellen's Card Challenge It's not too late, this day happens every year!!
Lisa's Project Challenge Wouldn't this make an amazing gift?
Denise's Layout Challenge Great idea to document the people that you care about!
Lisa's Layout challenge What a cool technique...come on , give it a try~
Lisa Kit Challenge Let's see what you can do with your leftovers!
Lisa's Alter It Challenge The possibilities are endless...show us your creations
Ellen's May Technique Challenge Let's see those amazing ideas!


Now that you have a list, there is no excuse for not being motivated!!!

Have fun :)

Sketchabilities Reveal Sketch # 16

Check out the Sketchabilities Blog for another great new sketch!

http://sketchabilities.blogspot.com/

I created my layout for this sketch using the May card kit- Bo Bunny Jasmine. Who said we had to limit using the kit to just cards? Our card kits are designed where they are not only perfect for card making but the contents can easily be used for scrapbooking as well!

Have a look at this month's card kit...

http://scraptures.ca/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29&products_id=123

It's Finally Friday Once Again!!!

Check out this terrific sketch from the Card Patterns Blog...

http://cardpatterns.blogspot.com/

Happy Friday Everyone!!

Have you ever submitted your work?

I haven't...not sure why..maybe I hate rejection..hahahahaha but you'll never know until you try..so here are a few pub calls to check out if you are interested.

Canadian Scrapbooker - Winter Calls

– Deadline July 15, 2010
We are currently looking for pages in the below themes:
Layouts that use the colour NAVY BLUE
Layouts inspired by stained glass
Projects with an "I Love You" theme
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend – i.e. layouts that use diamond shapes or that are about diamonds
Christmas ornaments
What are you reading?
Going green for Christmas
General winter and Christmas Scrapbooking your faith
We are also looking for that perfect photo for our Winter 2010/11 cover. If you have a photo that you have taken and you feel it would look fantastic on our magazine cover, please send it to us!

Scrapbook & Cards Today -Fall Calls

Scrapbook & Cards Today would love to see your artwork—including layouts, cards, and altered projects with the following themes:
• Back to School
• Halloween Haunt
• A walk in the park
• Giving Thanks
• Celebrating Grandparents
Scrapbook & Cards Today is also looking for:
• fall cards
• layouts that incorporate children’s artwork
• well-balanced, double page layouts
• projects that feature fall foliage
• altered projects that integrate seasonal photos
We are always looking for innovative designs, ideas and techniques to share with our readers. Be a part of the fastest growing scrapbook publication! Submissions can be made at www.scrapbookandcards.com/submission1.html or at ideas@scrapbookandcards.com. Please include your name, address, phone number, email address and supply list. Please ensure that all files sent are under 500KB. This call ends July 6th, 2009. We look forward to seeing your work!

There are plenty more out there in the scrapping world if you are interested. If you've ever been published,let us know, we'd love to hear about it!

Wonderful Wednesday Special!!

Do you need to stock up on cardstock? Well today is the day!! For today only save 30% off of your cardstock with a minimum store purchase of $10.00. Discount will apply during check-out.

***For kit subscribers, just click on the "store pick-up" and "cheque payment" options to have your order added to your monthly billing and sent with your June kit!

Featured Scrapper Tuesdays!!

Wow, time flies..and here we are again back at Featured Scrapper Tuesday!!! This week our Featured Scrapper is Kelly. Look at this beautiful layout she has created!Click HERE to check out the rest of Kelly's gallery at Scrap~Tures. There are some amazing layouts and she'd love to see your comments on her work I'm sure!

Congrats Kelly!!!

Does your mojo need a boost?

Here's a list of things that might just help~~

1. Use a "colored" CS background
2. Use a card sketch
3. Make a birthday layout
4. Stitch
5. Hand journal
6. Do a single photo layout
7. Make a "thinking of you" card
8. Use pp as your background
9. Use 4 different patterns on a layout
10. Do a DT challenge
11. Use buttons
12. Digi anything
13. Use only CS
14. Use pink
15. Do a Scraptures challenge
16. Do a layout with 4 pics
17. Use a transparency
18. Use a LO sketch
19. Lift something from the gallery
20. Include a bird
21. Use blue
22. Make a list
23. Scallops baby
24. Use "shaped" paper
25. Black and white photo
26. Use a piece of clothing as inspiration
27. Use your scraps
28. 3 word title
29. Use polka dots
30. Earth tones only
31. LO about YOU
32. No kids allowed
33. Use stickers
34. Scrap an object
35. Do a 6X12 LO
36. Use a number
37. Be thankful
38. Use green
39. only straight lines
40. Tear your edges
41. Ad inspiration
42. Do another DT challenge
43. Scrap food
44. Use 10 embellies
45. Use a quote
46. Use 3 photos
47. No title
48. Use yellow
49. No CS allowed
50. Use your stamps
51. Use stripes
52. Lift a magazine cover
53. Do a sketch challenge from a blog
54. Scrap an animal
55. Do an 8.5 X 11 LO
56. Use cardboard
57. Scrap a baby
58. Paint something
59. Make a mini album
60. Scrap a man
61. Use ribbon
62. Computer journal
63. Use blossoms
64. Alter a frame
65. Color something
66. Use an altered photo on a LO
67. Something that flies
68. Use orange
69. Use hearts
70. Scrap song lyrics
71. Use the ocean as inspiration
72. Use a frog
73. Bling it up
74. One word title
75. More than 10 brads
76. Punch it
77. CB alphas
78. Use rubs
79. Stars
80. Sports
81. Use blue
82. Eyelets
83. Go monochromatic
84. More than 3 layers
85. Staple it
86. Pom Poms
87. White space
88. Die Cuts
89. Something fuzzy
90. Metallic anything
91. Use something REALLY old
92. Use a bookplate
93. Use black as a dominant color
94. Scrap something sad or angry
95. Emboss
96. Hand cut
97. Foil
98. Glitter
99. Ink
100. Scrap your accomplishment!!!

May Kit's Reveal!!!!

The reveal for both the card kit and the scrapbook kit are up in the gallery!!! The team has done an absolutely amazing job with these kit and it's something you really must check out.

Follow this link to see the layouts created and follow this link to see the beautiful cards Ellen has created!!

The team loves to hear what you think of the job they've done so make sure you leave them some comments!


Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there

Tag--> You're It!!!

Tags...I'm sure we all have them and likely lots of them! They come with kits, you can buy them at scrapbook stores as well as office supply stores. They are so versatile..but yet are rarely used anymore. I am quilty of this too. I even have a tag template for my Coluzzle and a tag punch...so I think I'm going to try harder to incorporate tags into my layouts and cards.

Here are some awesome idea's for using tags
-->Write journalling on them
-->Create a tag mini book (this I have done!!)
-->Use them to frame a photo
-->Dry emboss onto them
-->Glue photo's on them
-->Embellish them then use as gift tags
-->Use them as a layered element on your layout(put flowers on them, or other embellishments)
-->Place your titles on a tag
-->Create a collage of several tags containing photos or letters(to spell something) and then frame it
-->glue photo's on them then embellish and use as a gift tag
-->cover them with PP to match your layouts
-->Stamp on them to create either a subtle background or a striking pattern

Tags aren't as popular as they once were, but I bet we'd have a hard time finding a scrapbooker without a tag in his/her stash!!

It's Finally Friday!!!

It's Finally Friday and I am sooooo HAPPY!!! I am finally going to get some creating time in this weekend and I intend to use this sketch! This sketch is intended for a layout but it can easily be used to make a card. Let's see what you do with it Ladies!

This week we are happy to use a sketch from www.pencillines.com.

Unusual Embellishments!!

Has anything every caught your eye that you thought would make a great embellishment on a page or card...but it has nothing to do with scrapbooking at all?

I've grabbed some tongue depressors at the doc's office, I thought they'd be great to put rub on's on. Here are a few other ideas...

-->Cardboard..it can add lots of dimension
-->Wall paper samples
-->Fabric from clothing you plan to toss out--> Sometimes the clothing isn't good enough to be passed on to anyone, but cut a small swatch out and I might just look amazing on a layout~
-->Zippers
-->small twigs--> would this be great for outdoor layouts~
-->what about the outer piece to chipboard...after you've taken the chipboard and already used it. If the shape is square or round it would make a great frame~
-->Playing cards
--> fish hooks--> what a great way to accent a fishing layout~
-->I've even seen a relfector from a bicycle used on a layout
-->tin foil-I've seen someone use decorate scissors and cut out a piece of tin foil for instant bling~

The possibilities are endless...your house might be the perfect place to 'shop' for embellishments

Tell us what you've used that you might consider 'unusual'. We'd love to hear~

Wonderful Wednesday Special!!!

TODAY ONLY- Visit the store to sign up for either a scrapbook kit subscription or a card kit subscription and get ANY past kit of your choice for FREE!! :)

Featured Scrapper Tuesdays!!

Today's Featured Scrapper is Jen Hoover!!!!!!!!!!Isn't this Magnolia card just adorable~ I love the colours she chose , anyone would be lucky to receive this card from Jen. Click here to see the rest of Jen's awesome gallery over at Scrap~tures! CONGRATS JEN

Have you registered in our gallery yet? The only way to become on of Scrap~tures Featured Scrappers is to upload your creations to the gallery...so what are you waiting for? We'd love to see your projects~

Have a great day~!

Sketchabilites Sketch #15 Reveal

I had so much fun with this sketch! I used the brand new Scrap~tures May kit to create my layout for this sketch. Here is the sketch and my layout. Stay tuned for the May kit to be revealed by our Scrap~tures Team on May 10th. In the mean time, check out all of the beautiful layouts that were created with sketch #15 on the Sketchabilities blog...


http://sketchabilities.blogspot.com/