:MEMORYWORKS EXPRESS: October 2009 Kit - "Wicked"

Join me in doing something wonderfully wicked this Halloween season!

The October MemoryWorks Express kit is perfect for all of your spooky Halloween memories! Treat yourself to one today!

This amazing kit includes:

Patterned Paper

{1} 12x12 Quoth the Raven (Dream Street)
{1} 12x12 Sleepy Hollow (Dream Street)
{1} 12x12 Midnight Dreary (Dream Street)
{1} 12x12 Spine Tingler (Dream Street)
{1} 12x12 Hoot Hoot (Dream Street)
{1} 12x12 Witches Brew (BasicGrey)
{1} 12x12 Spook Alley Die-Cut Newsprint (Making Memories)

Solid Cardstock
{1} 12x12 Papaya Puree Dark (Prism)
{1} 12x 12 Sugar Cream (Prism)
{1} 12x12 Spring Willow (Prism)
{1} 12x12 Black (Prism)

Embellishments
{1} 12x12 Sheet - Twilight Postcards (Pink Paislee)
{1} 5 ½ x9 ½ Sheet - Spook Alley Word Fetti Sticker (Making Memories)
{1} 6x12 Sheet - Superstition Die Cuts (Dream Street)
{1} 6x9 Sheet - Tucker or Jargon Black Rub On Letters (Scenic Route)
{2} Novella Gallery Roses (Prima)
{1} Spook Alley Trims & Treats Embellishment Kit (Making Memories)
Includes the following:
8 - Dimensional felt ghost shapes
12 - Embossed paper bat shapes
12 - Gems
40 - Buttons in assorted sizes
1 - Yard orange and black twine
1 - Yard ¾" Black lace trim
1 - Yard 3/8" multi color dot cream grosgrain ribbon

Bonus Cards
{4} 3x6 Papaya Puree Dark (Prism)
{4} 3x6 Sugar Cream (Prism)
{4} 3x6 Spring Willow (Prism)
{4} 3x6 Black (Prism)
{4} 3x6 Wizard Dark (Prism)
{5} 3 ¼ x 3 ¼ Clear Envelopes

ALL FOR ONLY $29.95!! (plus $6.50 S&H)

Take a look at the amazing projects the MemoryWorks Design Team created using this yummy kit in this month's free Idea Express download!

If you are interested in this kit or subscribing to the MemoryWorks Express Kit Program, please contact me today for further details!

:LIFE: The girl with sparkly ears...

So, I finally gave in...

Kaitlin's been asking for awhile now to get her ears pierced, but I've always found a way to put it off. However, we went for an impromptu trip to Sioux Falls with my parents and sister for some shopping and to go out to dinner with my little brother.

We were at the mall and happened to walk by Claire's as someone else was getting their ears pierced.
She instantly looked up and said, "Mom, please..."

My sister piped in. "Yeah, mom....please...". Thanks, Sis!

So, here she is before.

Although you can't tell, she did have a few moments of hesitation once she actually got in the chair.

But the girls didn't give her too much time to think about it...first she cleaned it...

...and marked the spot...

Then it was time.

On three. One...two...

...THREE! Notice the little grimmace?

Thankfully, she was still smiling afterwards.

And anyway...a sucker always makes everything better, right?

Now she's known as 'the girl with sparkly ears'!

:LAYOUT:

One of my favorite activities in the fall is going to the pumpkin patch with Kaitlin!

It's always a great adventure to pick out the perfect pumpkin (or two...or three...) to adorn our front steps until it's time to carve them for Halloween.

(click on the image to see it bigger)

Supplies:

Cardstock: Prism

Patterned Paper: Fancy Pants

Ribbon: Michael’s

Rub ons: Basic Grey

Ink: Colorbox

Fonts: JI Hidden Vines, Journaling Hand

Corner Rounder: Marvy

Adhesive: Duck

Journaling:
We’ve been going to Garrity’s Prairie Gardens each fall to pick out a pumpkin or two for several years now, but this was the first time that Daddy went along.

Kaitlin had a great time showing him around…the goats were feeling friendly and they both had great time exploring the hay maze.

Dad especially came in handy when it came time to carry the pumpkins back to the car!

Comments & Techniques:
This is a great design for strictly 4X6 photos. The two horizontal photos were trimmed down only slightly to avoid cutting through the subject in the photo to the left.

The vines associated with a pumpkin patch are repeated several times throughout the layout – the viney text of the title, the rubons, the design in the accent ribbon as well as the patterned paper itself.

The journaling was printed directly on the patterned paper by trimming it down to fit through a standard printer and setting it up to print in landscape format.

:QUOTES: AUTUMN according to Lawrence, Eliot, & Horowitz...

Today is official the first day of fall...my favorite season of all. In honor of it, here's a few quotes in honor of the greatness of autumn!

ELIZABETH LAWRENCE:
“Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.”

GEORGE ELIOT:

"Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."

 

STANLEY HOROWITZ:

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all."

:LIFE: What a scrappy weekend...

Kaitlin didn't have school today, so I decided to take a 3-day weekend and dedicate it to scrapping!

My sister and one of her friend also came over for Saturday and part of Sunday to scrap along with me.

I completed 12 layouts total - with seven of those being double page spreads!

It was FUN!!

I'll be sharing some soon...as soon as I have a chance to get them pictured which will probably be later this week.

Stay tuned!

:QUOTES: on DREAMS by William Longgood & Edgar Allan Poe

WILLIAM LONGGOOD:
"Dreams and dedication are a powerful combination.”

EDGAR ALLAN POE (poet, author; 1809-1849):
“Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.”

WALT DISNEY (animator, film producer; 1901-1966):
“All our dreams can come true - if we have the courage to pursue them.”

:LINKS: Fun...and useful!

Here's a couple things a ran accross recently that I wanted to share...

SHAPED PHOTO COLLAGE TEMPLATES:

Scrapbooks etc. has had some really great free templates on their website for a while now for creating photo collages. The 100 series includes square templates, the 200 series includes rectangle templates, and the 300 series includes 4x6 photo card templates.

However, they recently came out with the 400 Series which currently includes 15 differend SHAPED templates (circles, stars, arrows, road signs and more)! What fun! Download them today and create something really unique for your next scrapbook page the quick and easy way...

SCRAP BY COLOR:

Scrapbook.com just received an amazing new tool called Scrap by Color!! Here's their description:

"Have you ever had trouble matching photos with products and finding color schemes for your layouts? I certainly have...but not anymore. We've just unveiled a FREE, online color matching tool that will change the way you prepare to scrapbook, create your projects, and think about color in scrapbooking. Scrap by Color helps you find the perfect color schemes and coordinating products for your projects. Upload your photos and we'll suggest matching color schemes and layout ideas."

You've just got to play with this one!

:REVIEW: Playing with Paper: Innovative Ideas for Using Patterned Papers in Your Scrapbooks by Angelia Wigginton

I started scrapbooking in 2002 and started subscribing to Memory Makers magazine shortly thereafter.

I still remember Angelia Wigginton's layouts as being ones that really stood out to me. Back then, I used to tab pages that had layouts I especially liked with little post-it notes and pages featuring Angelia's layouts often got a tab so that I could easily visit them again for future inspiration.

Of course, Angelia is a great photographer and designer; however, even more than that, I think it was her unique and inspiring combinations of patterned papers that really inspired me...probably because pairing up patterned papers was certainly something that I felt was a weakness for me.

So, when I saw that Angelia was coming out with her very own book on that very topic - using patterned papers on layouts - I was thrilled!

Playing with Paper: Innovative Ideas for Using Patterned Papers in Your Scrapbooks is perfect for any scrapbooker who needs a little guidance and confidence-boost in this aspect of scrapbooking!

The book is divided into the following 7 chapters:

1. A Little Goes a Long Way: As the title suggests, it doesn't always take a multitude of patterns to create a successfull layout and sometimes just one or two can be just what the topic or theme at hand requires - whether that means using a full sheet or just bits and pieces of pattern.
2. Mixing Three Patterned Papers: Wigginton prefaces the chapter with, "Three is one of those magical numbers that pops up in fairytales, stories, myths and even in design." and shows how this concept is no different when it comes to scrapbooking. She discusses successful formulas for combining various patterns such as the Quart/Pint/Ounce theory.
3. Bits & Pieces: Don't you dare through away those scraps! In this chapter, Wigginton demonstates how even the smallest bits and strips and lead to terrific design...and help to stretch your scrapbooking budget!
4. Divine Details: Another way to stretch your scrapbooking budget is to create your own layout accents from your healthy stash of patterned papers. Examples are given in this chapter to demonstrate how everything from simple circles and squares to intricate swirls and flourishes can be fashioned from your stash.
5. Lots of Layers: "The world around us is full of layers," says Wigginton. That's what makes things interesting. Adding layers to your scrapbook layouts can only add visual interest as well as depth and texture.
6. Inspiration Station: This chapter gives proof that anything can be an inspiration for a layout - even the patterned paper itself!
7. Anything Goes: When you're ready, this is the chapter to reference when you're ready to kick it up a notch. It highlights ways to use 4 or more patterned papers on layouts in a variety of ways.

Each chapter of this book also features a special "3 Way" section. Some topics covered include three ways to scrap the same three photos, three ways to scrap the same sketch, three ways to use the same three patterned papers, and more.

In addition to the amazing layouts of the author, this book also includes the creativity of the following scrapbook artists: Linda Albrecht, Amber Baley, Christine Durmbeller, Davinie Fiero, Irma Gabbard, Jennifer Gallacher, Greta Hammond, Cari Locken, Mary MacAskill, Jenn Olson, Kelly Purkey, Nicole Samuels, Lisa Storms, and Susan Weinroth.

(Note on links: For those that do not have a link to a blog or gallery, it's probably because I couldn't easily find in with a google search. However, I would be happy to add links if anyone can tell me where to find them. Just leave me a comment.)

READER RESPONSE:
Have you read this book? Tell us what you think of it in the comments below.

WANT TO READ MORE OR PURCHASE?
Visit the Playing with Paper page at Amazon.com. You can also read more of my reviews for other recommendations.

UPCOMING REVIEW:

The Scrapbook Embellishment Handbook by Sherry Steveson

:LIFE: Where were you...

...on September 11, 2001?

I remember where I was.

I was fairly new to my job as an enrollment counselor and out on my very first recruitment trip.

I had stayed the night of the 10th in a little town called Ainsworth, NE because there was a college fair scheduled at the high school the following morning.

I hadn't watched the news that morning, but when I arrived at the high school at about 9:30 a.m. that morning, many of the other counselors were already buzzing with the news.

The fair went on, but we were all wondering if the fair scheduled for later that night in Broken Bow, NE was cancelled - it wasn't. We all spent the day watching the news in disbelief.

We were also all a little concerned considering they had announced that the President had been flown into Nebraska - exactly where we all were.

Thankfully, we all made it through the fair and safely home again.

It's hard to believe that this event took place eight years ago. Considering the effects we still see on our society today, it sure still seems a whole lot more 'recent'.

READER RESPONSE:
Where were you on September 11th, 2001??

:LAYOUT: Welcome to Kindergarten

It's so hard to believe that Kaitlin is already a few weeks into her 1st grade year!

Looking back on this layout that I created about her starting Kindergarten a little over a year ago really has me eager to scrap the 1st day pictures from this year that I just had printed.

I created my own die-cut paper (on the right) by tracing another sheet and cutting it out by hand.

I chose the paper with the large, brightly-colored circles because it reminded me of the rug that the children are sitting on in the supporting photo and then outlined the letter stickers in black to help them stand out against the bold patterns.

The strips help to break up the journaling and allow the background to show through.

Journaling:
In mid-August, Kaitlin got to visit her new classroom for the coming year at Beadle Elementary. She would be in Mrs. Neu’s (on the right in the photo below) Kindergarten class and was excited to meet her. Mrs. Kunkle (on the left) would be her teacher for the first six weeks because Mrs. Neu would be taking maternity leave as she just had a new baby daughter. Kaitlin couldn’t wait to start out the year at her new school where she will finally be in the same place for awhile. She will attend Beadle through the 5th grade when it will be time to go to the Middle School.

Supplies:
Adhesive: Duck
Cardstock: Bazzil
Patterned Paper, Letter Stickers: Making Memories
Ink: Colorbox
Pen: Zig
Corner Rounder: Marvy
Deco Edge Trimmer: Fiskars
Fonts: Ali’s Writing, Cambria

:BE INSPIRED: Creativity Prompts - August 2009 Winner

We have a winner for the August 2009 :Be Inspired: Creativity Prompts drawing!

By random drawing.....................

CONGRATS goes to Meghan C. of California!!

And for all her crafty efforts, Meghan will soon be receiving a sweet package with over $25 worth of Making Memories goodies in her mailbox!!

Maybe I'll see an entry or two for this month's drawing featuring some MM goodness, Meghan? :-)

REMINDER:

The September 2009 :Be Inspired: Creativity Prompts are already available for download, so head on over and get scrapping! You have until Monday, October 5th to submit for this month's prize - the complete Mr. Campy Crafting Kit by Cosmo Cricket!!

:HAPPY LABOR DAY: a few quotes...

LEONARDO DA VINCI:
"God sells us all things at the price of labor."

MARC CHAGALL:
"Work isn't to make money; you work to justify life."

DOUGLAS PAGELS:
"Sometimes it's important to work for that pot of gold. But other times it's essential to take time off and to make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of choosing which color to slide down on the rainbow." ~from These Are the Gifts I'd Like to Give to You

:MEMORYWORKS: September 2009 Kit - "Homespun"

Let's face it! Life is busy this time of the year and here is your chance to slow things down and simplify.

You'll adore the rustic, eclectic look and feel of this month's kit. The warm and cozy creams, browns, and deep greens are perfect for all of your homemade handcrafted projects so bring one home today!

Patterned Paper
{1} 12x12 Orange You Beautiful (Webster's Pages)
{1} 12x12 Change is Good (Dream Street)
{1} 12x12 Season of Change (Dream Street)
{1} 12x12 Rock On (Dream Street)
{1} 12x12 Exquisite Beauty Paper (My Mind's Eye)
{1} 12x12 The Rouge Bird Paper (My Mind's Eye)
{1} 12x12 A Bit o' Dots Paper (My Mind's Eye)

Solid Cardstock
{1} 12x12 Papaya Puree Dark (Prism)
{1} 12x12 Suede Brown Dark (Prism)
{1} 12x12 Sage Light (Prism)
{1} 12x12 Tawny Light (Prism)

Embellishments
{1} 12x12 Hello Beautiful Die Cut Stickers (Webster's Pages)
{4} Mini Trees Chipboard (Maya Road)
{4} Metal Blossoms Trinkets (Maya Road)
{1} 6x6 House Chipboard Shapes (Scenic Route)
{1} Home Canvas Tab (Prism)
{1} Glass Pebbles - Definitions (Prima)
{2} Homespun Bittles Pink (Prima)
{1} Captivating Sticker Book (Pink Paislee)
{1} Teal/Aquamarine Pearls (BasicGrey)
{3} Orange /Kraft Round Sprouts (Jillibean Soup)
{3} Brown /Kraft Round Sprouts (Jillibean Soup)
{3} Orange /Kraft Square Sprouts (Jillibean Soup)
{1} 18" All Fall Woven Ribbon (Fancy Pants)
{1} 18" All Fall Ball Trim (Fancy Pants)
{1} 18" Happy Holiday Gingham Ribbon (Fancy Pants)

Bonus Cards
{1} Papaya Puree Dark (Prism)
{1} Suede Brown Dark (Prism)
{1} Sage Light (Prism)
{1} Tawny Light (Prism)
{1} Sugar Cream (Prism)
{5} 5 3/4 x 4 3/8 Natural Envelopes

ALL FOR ONLY $29.95!! (plus $6.50 S&H)

Take a look at the amazing projects the MemoryWorks Design Team created using this yummy kit in this month's free Idea Express download!

If you are interested in this kit or subscribing to the MemoryWorks Express Kit Program, please contact me today for further details!

:SPONSORS: September 2009 AMOM Sponsors

FEATURED SPONSOR:

GET IT SCRAPPED!
They took a bit of a break in August, but they hit the ground running for September with four great new classes!! (Course descriptions taken from the Get it Scrapped website. Please visit there site today for further information.)

YOUR LIFE: CAPTURED THROUGH THE LENS with Katrina Kennedy
Sept 1 to September 18
You crop and compose your scrapbook pages, how about exploring the same techniques with your camera? Learn to see through your viewfinder the photo you want on your page and take control of the buttons and knobs on your camera for results you love.

SCRAPBOOKING WITH FABRIC with Tania Willis
Sept 7 – Sept 24
Get the warmth and texture of textiles onto your scrapbook pages. You’ll learn a diverse range of techniques as you add fabric to your projects in both big and small ways. As always, Tania will have you pushing the boundaries of your creativity while encouraging you to reduce, reuse, and recycle castoff fabrics so they’re useful once again.Anyone who has taken a class with Tania knows that her lessons are BIG and full of original and inspiring ideas.

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS with Sherry Steveson
Sept 16 - Oct 24
We all find ourselves with a lemon or two. You know those photos you get when the lighting is bad or your child runs out of the frame. When they happen to be the only images of an important event or special memory--that’s when things can get sour. It may be impossible to perfectly capture every moment, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your flawed photos only fabulous scrapbook pages. In this class, you'll learn how to: • Work with many types of “lemon” photos to enhance the theme of a page • Use embellishments, transparencies and journaling to disguise photo flaws and minimize distracting backgrounds • Infuse page designs with energy to draw the eye away from the imperfections • Learn editing tricks in Photoshop Elements to correct your most common photo mistakes

FUN PHOTO EFFECTS with Lynn Weber
Sept 22 - Oct 9
Are you ready to enhance your photos with fun and interesting Photoshop techniques? In Fun Photo Effects, you'll learn ways to play with text on your photos, incorporate edge and sketch techniques, add some artistic flair, and much, much more. As with her other classes, Lynn will be in the forums and gallery providing support tips, and feedback.Fun Photo Effects is for paper and digital scrappers who have taken Beginning Photo Editing or who have basic experience with a Photoshop product. It will be written for users of Photoshop Elements 4 through 7 and Photoshop CS through CS3.

NICOLE LOMBARDO

Nicole is an amazing artist and every month she's got some great new custom designed die-cuts in her etsy shop.

Here's one new one that caught my eye on my last visit (and, yes, I've already got Halloween on the brain...we've already started shopping for the perfect costume this year!).

WOULD YOU LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BECOMING A SPONSOR OF THE AMOM BLOG? If so, please contact me and I would be happy to provide you with further details.