Showing Off on Saturday!

Okay, so I hosted an SS last night, and the basic concept was to re-do one of your old layouts.. I'm SO pleased with how mine turned out.. 

Here's the original {scrapped Dec '08}..

http://scrapmatters.com/gallery3/showphoto.php/photo/18638

 And here's the re-make..

http://scrapmatters.com/gallery3/showphoto.php/photo/116692/ppuser/906

Seriously!  What a difference 17 months makes!  So just for fun, {and to celebrate a little} post a comment linking me up to a remake of yours, and I'll draw names next week for someone to win a $5 GC to my store.. :D

And lastly - a few weeks ago, I finished this project that was 8 months in the making.. I meant to post it then, but totally forgot.. 

It's a wee quilt for my little one, and while it's not the most beautifully made quilt, it's made with love, and that's all that matters, right?  

Now - have a great holiday weekend, and I'll see you back here next week.. :D

Quick Pages, Templates & Alphas - Oh My!

Happy Friday, scrappers!  First off - pull up a seat, 'cause this is a long one... Any big plans for the Memorial Day weekend, my fellow Americans?  Not a whole lot for me .. DH is working, so I'll just be home like every other day.. Maybe we'll do a picnic or something.. Hey, maybe even a little scrapping. ;)  For those of you participating in QOS, this weekend is the last big push to finish up as many layouts as you can - with a whole slew of speed scraps..  I'm hosting one TONIGHT at 10:30pm ET.  We'll be hanging out in the the forums & chat room, and here's the fun little prize you get for participating...

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Now, if speed scraps aren't your thing - honestly, I still struggle with them - but you'd love to knock out a few fabulous layouts quick, I have some stunning new templates for you.  These are inspired by my CT member, Amanda - aka panders77 - and I've got to tell you, they might be my favorite set yet!

Scraps by Number: Just Call Me Amanda

I love the way she can fill up the whole page, yet still let her stunning photographs take the spotlight.

 

I'm also officially releasing my SewNon Kraft Alpha that was a participation prize for one of the QOS challenges earlier in the month.  This fun little alpha is so versatile, it can go for just about any page, and because it's pre-shadowed, you just need to plop it on your page and go - easy as that!

And finally, Cheryl - known to the digiscrap world as gonewiththewind - has created some beautiful quick pages out of the (carry my heart) collab with Graham Like the Cracker.  She also designs fabulous templates under the name Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs, and sells them at The Digi Chick - so be sure to go take a peek there, too..

 

These pages are truly so classic and beautiful, and because they were all created by the same person, they come together perfectly as a complete album with matching shadows to boot.. Be sure to take a look at the detailed images to see them in action using some of Jen's stunning wedding photos.

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Now - before I get to your eye candy, I just wanted to put another plug in for my CT call...

I'm super excited to add a few new faces to my already awesome team, so get those apps in quick!  :D

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And finally - some totally fabulous pages from my CT using the new products this week.. And don't forget, all three of these new releases are 20% off Friday and Saturday.

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Now after all that, I think you deserve a freebie.. But first - the winner of Kate's sneak peek contest.....

kimfernald 

{email me at the address in my sidebar letting me know if you'd like the templates or the alpha}

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Okay - now your freebie... I had so much fun with Amanda's layouts that I just couldn't stop at four, and she graciously said I could just give one away!  So here's another template for you inspired by one of her awesome layouts..

DOWNLOAD

I'll see you next week, but until then, Happy Scrapping!  :D

CT CALL!

That's right - I'm having a CT call.. Here are all the gorey details...

Requirements:

1. Join me for a 6 month term.
2. Create 1 layout or hybrid project with each new release - 3 to 4 per month.
3. Showcase my kits on your blog if you have one.
4. Upload layouts to the ScrapMatters gallery and 2 others of your choice.
5. Post in 2 ISO threads per month.

To apply, email the following info to: stolenmomentsdesign@gmail.com
Please put CT CALL in your subject line.

1. Are you a layout or hybrid artist?
2. A list of all other commitments you have - specifically CT and design related.
3. Links to your blog, most current gallery, and 2 of your favorite layouts that best represent your breadth of style and skill
4. A short bio and any user names you use in the digi community

Deadline to apply: June 1st.

New team will be announced June 4th. All applicants will receive notification either way.

I'm excited to see who comes to play, so let's see those apps!  :D

-------------------------------------------

Also - don't forget about my speed scrap tomorrow night @ 10:30pm ET..

And here's the prize everyone gets for participating..

Hope to see you there!  :D

Sneak Peek 5/26

Hi Everyone!! I'm just stopping in to show you a little sneaky peek of the two new products that Amber is releasing this Friday and to offer you a chance to win one of them! Amber has created a gorgeous template pack this week as well as a super cute and versatile alpha set (if you've been over at Scrap Matters recently.. you may have seen it somewhere in the gallery).

Now onto how to enter to win your choice of product. I have been having a blast participating in the Queen of Scrap challenge over at Scrap Matters, I've managed to create more layouts this month than I think I have in the past 6 months combined! To enter your name into the "hat" just leave me a comment with one of your favorite layouts in your Scrap Matters gallery that you've created this month. It doesn't have to be Queen of Scrap related as I want everyone to be able to participate. I'll make sure to come back and leave you love on your layout - who doesn't like getting a little love - and enter you to win!! Easy peasy right?? Amber will be back Friday morning with a winner and the new releases along with some gorgeous layouts from the girls on our team!

Pssst.. Don't forget Amber's hosting a Speed Scrap on Friday.. we'd love to see you there!!


Have a great rest of the week!

~Kate

Spotlighting Niki

Hey all!  Jewelle here to bring you this weeks CT spotlight.  I'm excited to tell you more about...

Niki

{aka alahnasmommy}

1. How long have you been scrapping?  about a year or so (is that really it? It feels like much longer!) since April of 2009. Have you ever paper scrapped?  Yes, off and on over the course of 11 years - nothing too intense like I am with digi-scrapping, though!  When did you make the switch to digi and why?  I started playing around with Photoshop in October of 2008 because I liked a bunch of the siggy's on our birth board. I made siggy's for myself and our birth board for a few months and then stumbled upon the scrapping community and became addicted fast!!!
2. What do you feel is your strongest scrapping skill?  I honestly don't have a lot of confidence yet....I see sooooo many layouts that are absolutely stunning and I know I don't measure up.  I have worked hard to get where I am in the past year though and strive to learn new techniques with each layout.....so with all that being said (hehe!) I would say my strongest is uhhh,  ummm, maybe shadows?? Your weakest?  My weakest by far is photo editing.  I wish I could get the most important part of scrapping right one of these days!
3. What advice would you give someone just starting out digi-scrapping?  I would say to find some great tutorial sites and read, read, and read some more, because there is sooooo much information out there! I would also say to join a scrap site forum and jump in and ask questions! There are so many wonderful girls in this community who can help you along the way! That's how I have learned - through new friendships.  There are some great classes that are offered through various sites also. 
4. Describe your scrapping "system"... What program do you use?  I just upgraded to Photoshop CS4 and am in love!!!  Where do you start first - photos, papers, elements, journaling?  I start with the kit and then find the photo(s) to match the kit (I typically go by colors in the photos and kit), and then the first thing I do is papers - background and then shapes.  Do you always have something in mind when you start, or do you let your creativity guide you?  I do both...it depends on the kit.  Some of them I see and know exactly what I am going to do, and others I have no clue and have to browse galleries to get some inspiration before I start.  How long does it take you to complete a layout?  I would say I am a slow scrapper....it take me around 2 hours to get a layout done.
5. On average, how much time do you spend scrapping each week?  I do about 5 layouts a week so I would guess 10 hours.
6. Describe your perfect scrapping environment - coffee? soda?  music?  snacks?  I scrap when my daughter is napping or in bed for the night so its almost always dead-quiet (not by choice - however, I sometimes remember to grab my IPod).  I also have a sugar-free redbull beside me during nap and a glass of water at night! ;)
7. What's your favorite thing to do BESIDES scrapping?  Traveling!  I love to visit new places and do new things with my family!
8. What is one thing you would love to do, just so you could scrap it?  This is a hard one! I would say traveling to either New York or Greece and Spain!
9. Who inspires you in the scrapping community?  Any person or site in particular that you look to for inspiration?  There are soooooo many fabulous scrappers out there, and they all inspire me!!  I typically go to DSA for inspiration because it has a wide variety of styles and talented scrappers from all the sites! 

Niki has amazingly high quality work!  I  love all the whitespace she uses on her layouts.  Check out these layouts she has shared with us.

First Layout

 Favorite Layouts

Using Stolen Moments Products

Most Recent Layout

Awesome layouts don't you think?  To see more inspirational layouts by Niki check out her BLOG and GALLERY.

Mark Your Calendars...

I'm hosting a speed scrap at Scrap Matters!

Friday, May 28th @ 10:30pm ET.. Come join me in the forums or chat room.. See you then!  :D

Beautiful NEW Collab with GLTC!!

I'm back this week - after a mini-break - with a gorgeous new kit for you.. I've teamed up with a long-time digi friend, Jen - the master mind behind Graham Like the Cracker, to bring you . . .

Jen's wedding colors were red, white and blue, and since she still has the majority of her wedding pics to scrap, we figured - why not? I'm really pleased with how it turned out.. and the CT layouts are just to die for!

The kit is 20% off this Friday and Saturday only, so be sure to grab it quick for a bargain... And now before I get to your freebie, I have a winner to announce from the sneak peek contest...  First of all, the answer:  The 3 most popular months for weddings are - June, August, September.. A lot of you had 2 of the 3, but I don't think anyone got them all.. No matter, though, I promised it would be a random draw, and the winner is... 

Rochelle - email me for your prize :)

Now - the freebie you've all been waiting for.. A few little labels to add a detail or two to your pages... Enjoy!  And don't forget to stop by Jen's blog to grab a little something from her as well... :)

 DOWNLOAD

That's it for me now, but I'll see you next week with some more yummy goodies.. Happy scrapping!  :D

Sneak Peek

Good morning one and all.. :)  I'm here with a sneak peek of my latest kit.. 

As you can see, it's a collab with Graham Like the Cracker... She's guesting at SM this month, so it's an extra special treat to be able to work with her.. :)  So - you wanna' chance to win the kit?  Leave a comment here telling me what you think the 3 most popular months for weddings are.. I'll randomly choose one winner on Friday - regardless if your answers are correct.. See you then!  :D

Spotlighting Alli

Happy Tuesday everyone!  Today on this fine Tuesday I have the pleasure of bringing you a spotlight of the other guest CTM for May.  Let me introduce...

Alli

{aka AlliJ2008}

  

1. How long have you been scrapping?  Have you ever paper scrapped?  When did you make the switch to digi and why?  I have been scrapping since about 1999 when I discovered Creative Memories (paper scrapping).  I made the switch to digi scrapping somewhere around 2008 but really got into it during Scrap Matters Queen of Scrap contest in May 2009.  It has been all digi since then! 
2. What do you feel is your strongest scrapping skill?  Your weakest? I think one of my strongest scrapping skills is keeping the focus on the photos.  My weakest area is probably placement of elements.  Sometimes I feel like I have to move them around a million times before I figure out where I like them! 
3. What advice would you give someone just starting out digi-scrapping? Don't give up!  Read (and watch) the tutorials.  Print your layouts so people around you can enjoy them too! 
4. Describe your scrapping "system"... What program do you use?  Where do you start first - photos, papers, elements, journaling?  Do you always have something in mind when you start, or do you let your creativity guide you?  How long does it take you to complete a layout? I use both PSE and CS4.  I choose my photo first, then pick a kit/kits to match the colors and/or theme, then go from there.  I add the papers first, then the title, then journal, then add elements last.  Sometimes I have an idea in mind or scraplift but usually just open and go with it!  The time frame depends on my mood and the layout.  Sometimes I can finish in 30 minutes (I loooove when everything just falls right into place) and sometimes a LO can take hours (when I get stuck). 
5. On average, how much time do you spend scrapping each week? Depends, but usually about 2-4 hrs per week. 
6. Describe your perfect scrapping environment - coffee? soda?  music?  snacks? I don't get much quiet time so I actually love being able to just sit with my laptop and scrap with no background TV or music! 
7. What's your favorite thing to do BESIDES scrapping? Read. 
8. What is one thing you would love to do, just so you could scrap it? Run a full marathon.  I have run a few half marathons and scrapped about them but a full marathon would be wonderful! 
9. Who inspires you in the scrapping community?  Any person or site in particular that you look to for inspiration? I love looking through the gallery at Scrap Matters.  There are just so many different styles of scrappers and I can always find inspiration. 
10. If you could have Amber create a kit just for you, what colors, theme, etc would it be and why? Boy kit, bright, fun colors...ummm...not sure on a theme...can I get back to you on that one?  :-)

I love pouring over Alli's gallery over at ScrapMatters.  AS she said above she EXCELS at keeping the focus on the pictures.  She was kind enough to share some of her layouts with us.  Check them out!

First Layout

Favorite Layouts

Most Recent Layout

Aren't those amazing layouts?  Check out Alli's GALLERY to see more inspirational layouts.  I'll see you next week with a fellow CTM spotlight.

Spotlighting LeeAndra

Hey all!  Jewelle here to bring you a spotlight of one of May's guest CTMs.  I've really enjoyed working with this person so far this month.  She has such a upbeat cheerful personality that warms everyone else.  So let me spread some of the sunshine by introducing you to....

 LeeAndra

 

1. How long have you been scrapping?  Have you ever paper scrapped?  When did you make the switch to digi and why?  I've been digitally scrapping since February 2003 when I saw some digital pages Ali Edwards had posted at Twopeasinabucket.com and thought, 'Hey, that is MY kind of scrapbooking!' Scrapbook-Bytes.com had just opened up a couple weeks before and when I stumbled upon it, I was hooked. I attempted to paper scrap in the summer and fall of 2002 with little success; I think I completed a whopping 8 pages. I was so frustrated that my pages didn't look like the ones I saw online because I didn't have the eye-hand coordination or time it took to create all the different layers and techniques I wanted. Digital scrapbooking combines my love of storytelling and photography in a format that is both familiar as I've had a personal computer for the last 15 years and satisfying to me as someone who loves results but hates process. I love that I can always count on the lines to be straight unless I purposely make them crooked! *lol*
2. What do you feel is your strongest scrapping skill?  Your weakest?  I think my strongest scrapping skill is my journaling. I've always loved to write and have a B.A. in English and Creative Writing, so I at least hope that I am a pretty good writer. I am also usually a one kit scrapper which really helps when I am CTing for someone. I like knowing that everything will match if it's one kit so I don't have to 'waste' time recoloring, perusing my gigantic stash, etc. My weakest scrapping skill is likely titlework. I'm pretty witty in real life, but for some reason, I draw a big blank when it comes to titlework and often end up with a very generic lame-ish title. Ironically, one of the deciding factors for me when I am purchasing or choosing to use a kit is the alpha!
3. What advice would you give someone just starting out digi-scrapping?  I would advise her to get a mentor who has been in the game for a couple years and has a style she would like to emulate in her own work. I would give her a quick rundown of general digi etiquette: piracy, CTs, scraplifting, credits, etc. as well as a list of stores and designers I have personally found to be high quality. I would strongly encourage her to decide on a system of organization for both her files and photos that really works with the way she thinks and scraps.
4. Describe your scrapping "system"... What program do you use?  Where do you start first - photos, papers, elements, journaling?  Do you always have something in mind when you start, or do you let your creativity guide you?  How long does it take you to complete a layout?  I use ancient Photoshop 7. I do mostly CT work, so my process usually starts with a kit I need to use. In the last year, I have found that I am much happier with and prouder of my work when I start creating the page before settling on pictures, so I start pulling the elements I like from the assigned kit and placing them on my page. I shadow as I go and usually have a cluster somewhere on the page. When the page is at least halfway complete, I will go through my photos to find one/some that will work. I get everything else done on the page before I choose a background paper. I never know what to do with all the pretty papers in a kit, so I usually end up using just one for the background. After I've chosen the background paper and maybe a mat, I will add the journaling. I try my best to scrap more story photos than pretty photos, so there is usually at least a few lines of journaling.
5. On average, how much time do you spend scrapping each week?  I try to scrap at least every other night for a couple hours before bed. Sometimes I can sneak in a little scrapping when my daughter is napping, but I don't count on it. I have a hard time starting a page and setting it aside to work on later, so that's why I'd rather wait until everyone is asleep before I attempt to scrap. I often will get several pages done in a couple days and then not scrap at all for a day or two.
6. Describe your perfect scrapping environment - coffee? soda?  music?  snacks?  The perfect scrapping environment for me would be set up on the love seat with a blanket and/or slippers, Crystal Light Fruit Punch and chocolate on the end table beside me, TV on with a show I've DVRed, and everyone else in the house, including the dog, in bed! *lol*
7. What's your favorite thing to do BESIDES scrapping? I wish I read and wrote as often as I did when I was younger. As an adult, I spend a lot of time cooking. We have gone gluten-free in the last few months for my husband's health, and while it can be a pain to have to read every label to make sure it is GF, I am also having fun finding GF recipes or translating non-GF recipes into ones we can enjoy. I only wish my husband loved to do dishes as much as I love to cook! *lol*
8. What is one thing you would love to do, just so you could scrap it?  I would love to travel to Ireland and make a coffeetable book of all the beautiful pictures I would take.
9. Who inspires you in the scrapping community?  Any person or site in particular that you look to for inspiration?  I think Denise Beatty is a scrapping goddess. *lol* And she has six kids!! Incredible.
10. If you could have Amber create a kit just for you, what colors, theme, etc would it be and why?  I have no idea what kit I would request. Honestly, I've been scrapping so long that I have just about every theme I could imagine, so just more beautiful kits would be what I'd like. :)

 LeeAndra has kindly let us peek at some of her layouts and told us about them.  Check these out!

First Layout

This was the first layout posted in the oldest online gallery I have. It was created in February 2003, and as you can see, digital scrapbooking was much different back then! There were no professional designers; people would create stuff for their own pages and share it with everyone else. Try not to be too jealous of my shadowing! *lol*

 Favorite Layouts

This is one of my favorite layouts because it's rare to get a photo of my daughter and me. Even though she didn't cooperate with our photo shoot, looking at these pictures makes me smile and reminds me of the special bond we have. I really love the composition here, too, and any layout where I get to use CD's alpha ranks right up at the top of my book.

 

I love this layout because it is very different from my usual style. It's also my favorite photo of my husband and me from our wedding day.

Most Recent Layout

This is the latest layout in my gallery. I took this picture a couple weeks ago of my daughter and just had to scrap it.

 

Wow, thanks for sharing those LeeAndra.  If you would like to see more amazing layouts by LeeAndra check out her GALLERY.  Stay tuned next week for another guest CTM spotlight!

The Happiest...

Happy Friday, everyone!  This might just be the best Friday of my life, lol.. DH is getting his MFA in about 5 hours, and I can't even begin to say how glad we will both be to finally have him done with school!  I'm so proud of him!  :D  

Although the theme of my grab bag kit wasn't planned to coincide with this exciting time of happiness, it certainly applies.. but I also have an add-on today that is perfect for other exciting times in your life.. like, say.. with a certain mouse friend, for example, but also many others.. Check it out.. 

While it's not as super-themed as it could be, there is definitely an element of "magic" to it that rounds out the Makin' Me Happy kit quite nicely.. However, it's still plenty generic to be used for your everyday photos as well..  Take a look at these CT layouts to see what I mean.. 

And if you didn't happen to snag the grab bag while you could, but think you might like BOTH of these kits - who wouldn't? - you can get them at a bargain as well, when you buy the bundle.. That's 25% off buying them individually!

Now ... as you may recall, I have a few winners to announce..

First up, the winner of the new add-on from Kate's sneak peek contest...

Congratulations to Becky! 

Second, everyone who purchased my grab bag this past week was automatically entered to win a $10 coupon to my store.. and the lucky lady is...Kelsi aka kelsic

And finally, the winner of a $20 coupon for spending $10 or more in the Stolen Moments store over the iNSD sale is.. Tanya aka Ellie

If you can all email me at the address in my sidebar, I'll get your prizes right to you..

And one last thing.. Several of the staff at Scrap Matters weren't able to come play during the iNSD celebrations, so we wanted to have a bit of an after party so they - and anyone else in the same boat - could have some fun, too.. Be sure to come check out all the games and prizes you can win this weekend..

Have a great weekend, all.. I'll be seeing you next week.. :D

Grab Bag Reveal!

Well - I'm back, this time to show you all the goodies from my grab bag.. but first...

In case you haven't heard, Scrap Matters has extended their 40% off sale until TODAY to try and make up for all the problems..

 

 

 

What does that mean for you?  There's still time to sneak in and get any of those items you were holding off on.. But act quick, this sale will be gone before you know it! 

 

And lucky you, although all of our grab bags have been split apart and are being officially revealed today, you can swing in there fast and still get a great deal on the individual pieces.. Wanna see what was in mine?

 

These pieces are SO versatile!  A true assortment of great stash-builders you'll go back to again and again!

Don't believe me?  Here are only a few of the AWESOME pages people have already created with the bag...

 

by loribear

by ktanker

by scrappymelly

 

And there's also still time to win a $20 coupon good for any Stolen Moments products.  Simply spend $10 or more on SMD goodies, and you are automatically entered - easy as pie.. :D  

 

 

Be sure to check out the blog tomorrow, for when I announce the winners... I'll see you then...I'll also be back with my newest release, which you can enter to win by checking out the post right below this.. See you soon!  :D