The ultimate challenge

How many Speed Scraps can you scrap in a scrapping day? How many Speed Scraps can you scrap in a scrapping day? How many Speed Scraps can you scrap in a scrapping day? How many Speed Scraps can you scrap in a scrapping day? Ok... enough! I participated in TWO SPEED SCRAPS today. One right after the other... and I actually like both layouts.

First up was a Speed Scrap at ScrapMatters. Great instructions on this one. I used a new kit that just hit the store at My Scrap Shop called Whimsical Wonderland (BOY) by Ladybug Pages. This kit is adorable. I didn't even come close to using all the elements, but there is a dragon that is almost as cute as my kid. :) There is a girl version also... I will post a LO with that tomorrow. Right now you can get a FREE add-on kit. Go check out Ladybug Pages blog and remember to say thank you.

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Immediately after uploading my layout at ScrapMatters, I got an IM from Nicole to go to Gingersnap's forum, where they were having a Speed Scrap also. So off I went and it was already 45 minutes into the hour. Yikes, but "gotter done". I used a cute kit I had been hanging onto (there are sooo many of those). The kit was called Bonheur dans le pre by Chriscrap. She sells at Digital Crea and ScrapMalin, both of which have the best freebie kits!! Chriscrap also has freebies on her blog and an occasional extra for newsletter subscribers. The extra large word art is from Bethany at Elegant Word Art. She offers great word art FREE almost daily, along with a good dose of life.

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And I did a Speed Scrap on Tuesday but totally forgot to post my layout. I really, really love this one. I used a mini kit called Mystic from Chris Greiser (Sketch me if you can). If you like the look of this kit, make sure you check out her shop at Divine Digital. A few things are from Ellie Lash's Bubbalicious collab and others. You can check out the full credits here.

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Ok... next Speed Scrap this week is FRIDAY at Digi-Designs by Nicole Forum... see you there!

Finally... a speed scrap

Ahhh... I feel so much better after having a Speed Scrap. Now if only my cold/flu/bug thing would go away. I haven't been this sick in years and it is wearing on me. Well, it was a challenging Speed Scrap. Here is my LO.

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Just Stuff around the digi-world

So I got my copy of the SAS newsletter today and showcased was this amazing layout. I have never seen a foot show thru like that and am in total awe over it. I keep staring at it - little wonders of our life! WOW. Click on the layout to leave some love on this beautiful photograph.

You can also check out her shop at SAS - here or her blog - here.

In other news
~Nicole from Digi-Designs will finally be back this weekend and there will be a new release on Monday. Stop by her blog and welcome her back.

~Amber at Stolen Moments will have a new kit out on Monday. If you haven't stopped by to grab Midnight Interlude, get going. You will enjoy it.

~Have you been to FaithSisters. This site is has so many designers, it is like going to a supermall! You have to check it out and while you are there - take a look at Nikki Painter's stuff (she just had a baby girl on Friday - Congratulations Nikki)

~Are you looking for a cute non-traditional Christmas kit? You have got to check out Sweet Treats by Ladybug Pages over at MyScrapShop. Actually you should check out all her great stuff and you might even find a freebie or two in there. Keep an eye out for some LO's from me with this kit.

~Snap and Scrap has lots of great challenges going on, including the COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS which is all about Hybrid gift projects. I was supposed to do a cookie sheet advent calendar but the site had some issues, I didn't like the way my project turned out and blah blah - but there are lots of great stuff there and I am making a NEW PROJECT (I just need some 2009 calendar templates - any takers??) If you haven't been to Snap and Scrap GO - they have a super friendly staff.

~Digitals has lots of great stuff also, remember Bannerwoman's sale is there along with many other designers. This month I get to work with two designers - Alessandra Designs and Michelle Pieters (a new designer at Digitals but also sells at Gotta Pixel). So expect some layouts featuring these two great designers.

~Pretty Scrappy is having a blog train... follow it for free QP's and bragbook pages (2 are from me)! See the link at the top of the sidebar!!!

OH...HOW COULD I ALMOST FORGET! Scrap Matters is having a daytime speed scrap on Friday, December 5th... check out the forum for all the time zones - I only know that it is 10AM for me. Hope to see you all there.

I could go on and on - I have my nose in so many sites...
Ok, now off to bed. Not feeling well today. I think Pam of Ladybug Pages passed her kids tummy bug to me thru the internet - Yuck - I slept from noon till 9pm and now better head back to my comfy bed with the built in heater - ahhh... my DH! Good night all.

luv my grlz

Ha Ha ha... I did a Speed Scrap today at Scrap Matters. Cyndi hosted and I am not sure if it was her idea to have one this week or not but thank goodness! I wasn't sure I could go a whole week without one - and this is one hectic week for sure. Today's Speed Scrap was a blast. Cyndi gave us super easy instructions and I was able to get this cute LO done.

Check out my LO. Is this cute or what? Kit is called Luv my girlz by Nikki Painter and is available here at Faith Sisters. This kit was so much fun... I had to stop myself from putting all the elements on my LO. There are so many cute papers, lots of different flowers and tons of glitter.

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Speed Scrap 11.18 with a super awesome kit!!!!

I had bought a new kit called Comfy Cozy from Chris Greiser over at Divine Digital earlier this week and have been just waiting to use it. I actually couldn't figure out which pic to use and what papers there were so many great elements and papers in this kit! I will have to make at least 2 more LO's. I am in love with the striped paper and the dotted one! Brown, cream, orange and greens - love the combo! Oh wait, it sounds like the combo on my new couches - Ha! This kit is on sale for $2.00 so hurry up to Divine Digital and grab it - NOW! Plus if you use this kit to make a layout, you can get a free mini kit - just post your link on Chris's blog...check it out. Ahhh... Speed Scrap! I got my fix - I know, I sound like a junky! There is another Speed Scrap tomorrow at 6pm PST so write it down, don't forget and see you there. Today's SS was hosted by Monique and she was so kind.

Here are our great instrucions (if you want to try it at home):

1. Pick one photo and crop it into a square shape or use a square(ish) clipping mask.
2. Use both solid and patterned paper in your layout; you can pick how many!
3. Blend an embellishment into the background, using ‘overlay’ or ‘soft light’ blending mode
4. Make sure there is something repeated in your layout. It can be a shape, text or an embellishment, as long as it’s there at least twice!
5. Use stitching on your layout.
6. Give your page a single word title and make it stand out!
7. Add at least 2 lines of journaling.

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Just news

First up... Speed Scrap @ Scrap Matters on Tuesday. Hope to see you there!


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Need to get started on Chrsitmas gifts? Go check out the Christmas Countdown happening at Snap and Scrap. A new gift giving idea each day.

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I made a new CT - for Nikki Painter. Nikki sells at Faith Sisters along with many other talented designers. Go check out the shop and jump in the fun on the forum. Click here to see Nikki's store.

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Lastly, a BIG thank you to all of you who left me encouraging comments regarding the CT contest at Scrap Orchard. Unfortunately, I did not make the CT. I am sad, but its ok. I got to work with two fantastic kits and I had a blast doing so.

Veteran's Day

A little late posting this today but I had to dig out pics and scan. I knew all day that I wanted to make a layout for Veteran's Day and most importantly, one with my grandpa Al.

I also scanned in pics of my Father-in-law, who served in the Navy. He retired as a Master Chief. And I scanned in pics of me from my stint in the Navy.

I hope each American took a brief moment of their day to remember those who have fought for our freedom - in the past, the present and those who will do so in the future. Don't take freedom for granted - it can disappear.

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I made this LO during a Speed Scrap at Scrap Matters tonight. For me, knowing exactly what I wanted made it very easy. A special thank you to Bethany of Elegant Word Art for the great saying - in Loving Memory - that I used in this LO. Perfect fit for a perfect day.

Speed Scrap 11.10

It does seem like this is the only thing I do, huh? I just love it. Today's Speed Scrap was at 9AM (PST). Way to early in the morning for me but this is what I was able to create. I am working my way thru all those photos that are collecting dust on my hard drives. Last year for Mother's Day I got a new Sony camera - a cybershot. I wanted something small so that I would remember to take pics, rather than something bulky that no one wanted to carry around. I took these pictures that day of things I loved! So there you go... and NO- I don't eat sushi and M&M's at the same time... uh, gross!

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Speed Scrap 11.7

Ahhh... I was so lucky this week. I was able to do TWO speed scraps. Well, I almost forgot the second one...Thanks Nicole for the email reminder!! I was a half hour late but still got this cute LO done. I like it. I had downloaded this free kit a while back from Deb F Designs and it was in my "kits to scrap" file. I love the dots and stripes and flowers. Isn't the alpha adorable also?

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Speed Scrap 11.5 (yea... I'm slow)

Ahhhh.... I was able to fulfill my speed scrapping addiction! I participated in a great speed scrap at Scrap Matters. If you still haven't tried it, what are you waiting for???? These are so fun and challenging. Are you afraid of a challenge? Don't be because this one benefits you. You have to stretch your imagination at times and it is worth it.

Below is my LO from the speed scrap. The story behind this: last week I was on my computer and I hear my 3 year old calling me. Hey Mom! help me. I'm hanging. At that word, I turn around only to see him hanging from the edge of our dresser that is in the living room. He learned to pull the bench from the kitchen table over to the edge of the table... walk to the end and jump about a foot only to grab hold of the dresser... and PULL himself UP!!! Aggghhhh... nothing is safe anymore.

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Speed Scrap 10.30

WOW! I love these Speed Scraps. They really challenge my creativity sometimes. Here is tonights LO. I love how it turned out - so girly!

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The kit used is the Breast Cancer Awareness Mini Kit from Christina Renee Designs (CRD). You gotta check out the full kit - Think Pink. If you purchase the full kit, 100% of the proceeds go to charity!! It was priced at $3.00 but guess what - IT IS ONLY $2.10 RIGHT NOW. Do your good deed for the day - purchase this kit, help find a cure and have fun scrapping with a super cute kit!

Last shout out - heya - Vicki at a work in progress! I have downloaded stuff now and then from her and never really played with it (uh, because I sucked) but I LOVE this alpha. Thank you Vicki!

Speed Scrap 10.29

I am so loving these Speed Scraps. I think there should be at least 4 a week! :) Anyway, here is today's layout. I was very excited while making it because I used the GGGRRRRR kit from CHRISCRAPS. It is a dino kit but look how versatile it is. I used it for football! I need to make more...more!

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Here are the instructions for today's LO if you are playing along (in your own time):

1. Choose your photos and your papers. At least 3 of each.
2. Arrange your photos in a cluster. No lone photos. All must be touching at least one other pic.
3. Choose at least 2 shapes or elements and use them each at least twice on your LO.
4. Pick at least one: 2 lines of stitching 2 staples 2 paint splats
5. Take some time and add shadows to your work. You can also embellish more if you’d like.
6. Add a couple lines of journaling or some word art
7. Add a title and/or date if you’d like

Upcoming FUN...

ScrapMatters is having two Speed Scraps this week so get ready to scrap!

The 1st one is Wednesday. This is a DAY scrap. Check out the awesome participation price from Britt-ish Designs.



The 2nd one is Thursday. This is a NIGHT scrap. Check out the great participation prize from Jeni Hopewell.

I hope to see some of you there. It is so much fun!

Speed Scrap 10.23

Yup... you read it right! Another one. 2 layouts in 2 days during 2 speed scraps...
what fun!

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Today's instructions were:

Choose 3 papers. Two solid and one patterned
Choose at least two pictures; place them in a row. Any direction is fine
I’m telling you this now, so you have time to work with it…Your title needs to be creative. Use at least one alpha. Have fun with your title.
Add some string
Add some kind of stitching
Add something from nature…example: flowers, trees, leaves, stars, etc
Put an initial somewhere

Now this seemed really easy compared to last night but it was so much harder. Maybe because we had much more freedom. I actually got mine uploaded with 2 minutes to spare and posted in the forum on the DOT. Whooooo!

Are you wondering why one would put themselves thru all this drama in a short amount of time? Did I tell you that if you complete your layout and get it posted in the forum and gallery in time (keywords there) you get a participation prize (pp). These vary and are all created by the designers at Scrap Matters.

Today's pp was this:

Speed Scrap 10.22

Well, another exciting night for me! I participated in another GREAT speed scrap at ScrapMatters. I really love these. I think because I don't know what is coming that I have to think harder (did that make sense?). And sometimes it just turns out great - like tonight!

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Isn't this so adorable? Do you know how hard it is to get a great pic of a puppy? This is Koda. He is now 9 months old and is at least 2-3 inches taller than my female - Kasey - who is a year older. Koda is so goofy. He slips and slides when trying to run, falls over his own feet and has an abundance of hair which makes him look like a large teddy bear (until today when I gave him a haircut, now he looks like a mangy mutt). But everytime I see those eyes of his, I just stop. How can I get mad at that face????? He is just like one of the boys... even with the whining!

Ok, here where the instructions for tonights Speed Scrap.

1. Pick one picture and use this as your main photo on your page. Then take that same picture and crop it so we can see only part of the main picture and use it as a secondary picture on your page. The secondary picture should be smaller than the primary picture.

2. Pick two background papers…One solid and one patterned. The patterned paper should not use up more than 50% of your background.

3. ok...this one is a weird one but had to keep you guys on your toes. Add some circles to your page…to figure out the minimum amount of circles you should add take the first number in your age. Now I am not going to ask you your age…just be honest. For example, if you are 35, add at least 3 circles to your page.

4. Frame both your pictures and attach them with some sort of clip. (hanging clip, paper clip, clothes pin type clip, etc

5. Add at least one ribbon, one string and stitches. Embellish any other way you would like.

6. Add a title. The title must be more than one word and one of the words MUST be in an alpha, the rest must be font.

7. Date your page and journal if you wish.

Try it for yourself and see - it really does make you think (come on, it doesn't hurt). Then head over for the next speed scrap. You can check HERE to see when the next one is... there is usually two a week. One is a daytime scrap and the other is at night.

The next one is 10/23 at noon PST! Hope to see you there.

Speed Scrap 10.15

Well I am so proud of myself tonight. I completed, as in created and uploaded, a full Speed Scrap at Scrap Matters. I have tried 3 times I think and never got it done in time so huge achievement for me. Woohoo! I actually love my LO too. Most of my LO uses Ellie Lash's Edward freebie from her blog. Go check it out, especially if you are a Twilight Fan!!!

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Here are the instructions we had (and they started out scary):

1. Choose ONLY one photo. Crop it an unusual way…make it an extreme close up, or narrow, or even cut part of your subject off…just make sure it’s cropped. AND make it pop…work on the color, the shadows, the depth, etc…make it shine.
2. Choose as many papers as you want, but they must be solids, no patterns. Make sure they REALLY complement your photo.
3. I want to prepare you for the next steps, so, rather than telling you what to do, I am going to tell you what NOT to do. No frame for your photo, no journaling, no word art, and no quotes. This is going to be all about your photo and the embellishments. Take this time to make your photo really stand out.
4. Create an element cluster (any size, any elements) and place it on your page UNDER your photo.
5. Choose an element or two (it can be the same element in different colors) and scatter it across your page…glitter, sequins, flowers, whatever. BUT, you must keep at least 1/3 of your page EMPTY.
6. Embellish as much as you want, over, under, whatever….but don’t forget rule #5 and keep at least 1/3 of your page empty. Embrace the white space.
7. Add a small tag and attach it to your photo. Add the date. If you want, you may add a SHORT title (no more than three words).

My 1st Speed Scrap

Tonight I participated in my first Speed Scrap at Scrap Matters. Sheesh, not only does one have to do the LO fast (2 hours or so) but there are all kinds of requirements, like certain elements or don't use journalling!

Actually, it was fun once I got the hang of it - I couldn't get logged in... couldn't enter the chat room... couldn't load my LO on time... didn't win the participation prize :( Ahhhh... oh well... next time I got it.

Check out my LO - don't laugh either!

You can view it larger here