:BE INSPIRED: Creativity Prompts - January 2010 Color Inspired

Here's two wintery color schemes to use on your next layout:

:LAYOUT: Snow Angel

Plenty of snow still around these parts, but it's not so pretty anymore. After a while, it just gets dirty and looses its charm pretty quickly.

Here's a layout of Kaitlin enjoying some fresh powder last year to make some snow angels - always fun!

I used the thin strips of pink patterned paper to frame the left half of the layout which helps to balance the pink lace paper on the right.

Journaling:
Kaitlin and I went out on this wintry morning in February and even though she wasn’t much in the mood for pics, we still enjoyed the view. 2-28-2009

Supplies:
Adhesive: Duck
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: My Mind’s Eye, Basic Grey
Lace Cardstock: KI Memories
Chipboard Alpha: My Mind’s Eye
Alpha Stickers: Making Memories
Scalloped Trimmer: Fiskars
Corner Punch: Marvy
Ink: Colorbox
Pen: American Crafts

:GIVEAWAY WINNER: Die Cuts With A View La Creme

Based on the comments from my post featuring a couple of the new premium paper stacks from Die Cuts With a View last Sunday, there's little doubt that DCWV is a favorite of many scrappers!

With their wonderful quality and variety, they're sure to have something to please every scrapper.

However, there's only one lucky scrapper out there that is soon to have the classically elegant La Creme stack to add to their stash.

That lucky scrapper would just happen to be commenter #40!

Congratulations, Deb! Please be watching further instructions on how to claim your prize in your email inbox.

Stay tuned for more great giveaways coming soon!!

:QUOTES: on HAPPINESS according to March, Nietzsche, & Washington

FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE (1844-1900; scholar, writer, philosopher):
“There is one thing one has to have: either a soul that is cheerful by nature, or a soul made cheerful by work, love, art, and knowledge.”

MARTHA WASHINGTON (1731-1802; First Lady of the United States):
“I've learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions and not on our circumstances.”

PEYTON C. MARCH (1864-1955; General, US Army):
“There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the three things we crave most in life—happiness, freedom, and peace of mind—are always attained by giving them to someone else.”

:WINTER 2010 CHA SNEAK PEAKS: Bo Bunny & My Mind's Eye

Winter CHA is now in full swing...some exciting new things being revealed all over the place!

Bo Bunny has six new paper collections and you can view them all here. Here are my three favorites: Flower Child, Mama-razzi, and Sophie.

Flower Child's beautiful greens and blues are all the more stunning when paired with the vibrant reds and yellows.

Mama-razzi honestly makes me just a little...my daughter probably would say this collections fits me quite well. Again, I love the blues and distressed textures.

This ones simply just pretty! I love the brown mixed in with these girly shades and floral patterns.

My Mind's Eye always amazes me with the shear number of new designs and collections it releases each and every show.

You can see all of their releases here, but something a little different that caught my eye this time was their Lush collection. There are six color groupings - black, red, brown, pink, blue, and green - offering simply stunning patterned papers as well as coordinating alphas, ribbons, brads and more.

Green and red are my favorites!

:GIVEAWAY: Die Cuts With A View Premium Stacks

Die Cuts With A View stacks have come a LONG way since I first started scrapbooking in 2002, that's for sure. The quality of their patterned papers is now just as high as any of the other major manufacturers and I would venture to say that their variety is unmatched.

While all of their stacks might not be for you, you are certain to find at least a few that you'd love to add to your collection. They have TEN new stacks coming out for 2010 and you can see the full line here.
Linen Closet and Mi Casa are a couple of my favorites.

Linen Closet's soft colors and vintage florals would be perfect for so many themes - baby, heritage, and so much more. I look at these delicate patterns and I can't help but think 'Martha Stewart'. It's a good thing. (Sorry...couldn't help myself!)

The combination of slightly muted and distressed colors in this stack - red, orange, green, yellow and blue are just devine. Initially, this stack makes me think of fall, but again, could be used for so many different themes!

GIVEAWAY:
While were waiting to get our hands on some of these new stacks, how about a giveaway of one of my favorite stacks from last year's releases - La Creme. The combination of black, white, cream and grey is simply stunning and 6 of the patterns feature a rich and velvety flocked texture!

To enter, go here to view each of the ten new 2010 stack offerings, come back here and leave a comment telling me which is your favorite and why by Wednesday, January 27th, 11:59 PM (CST).

Random.org will pick the winner and I'm make the announcement on Thursday!

GOOD LUCK!

:BE INSPIRED: Creativity Prompts - January 2010 Date Inspired

January 23: National Handwriting Day
Lots of scrapbookers shy away from using their own handwriting on layouts.

Whether or not you fall into this group of scrappers, use this day to commemorate a very unique and special part of you - your handwriting - on your next layout!

It's also a great opportunity to show your children's progress in learning to write or improving their handwriting.

Here's a few ideas to get you started:

Photo:

• your handwriting
• your child practicing their penmanship
• signatures of the same person at various points in their life

Title:

• Write On!
• The Writing on the Wall

Quote:

• “Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “Handwriting is autobiography.” Carrie Latet

Journaling:

• Complete this free online handwriting analysis on yourself and share some of the key results.

Product:

• Use a patterned paper with a ledger or notebook style design.

Technique:

• Handwrite your title and/or journaling.

I encourage you to share the layouts you create from this prompt in the NEW :BE INSPIRED: Creativity Prompts Flickr group pool!!

:WINTER 2010 CHA SNEAK PEAKS: Pink Paislee & Fancy Pants

I always look forward to the weeks leading up to each Craft & Hobby Association Show.

Not that I'm lucky enough to be able to actually attend a CHA show, but I can certainly drool over all the lovely sneak peaks of the new scrapbooking supplies to soon be hitting the shelves that appear online.

Here's a couple manufacturers that seldom let me down - Pink Paislee and Fancy Pants.

Pink Paislee has three new paper collections coming out, but 365 Degrees and Queen Bee are definitely my favorites. Click the links to go to the Pink Paislee blog posts to see complete pics of the collections.

Fancy Pants is releasing four new lines - About a Girl, My Family, Road Show, and Rusted Sun - and to be honest, I love all four of them. Again, you can click the links to see the full collections...

There are a few days left before the start of the show, so there are bound to be more great sneak peaks...can't wait!

:LAYOUT: One Dirty Snowman

Although I create mostly single page 12x12 layouts these days, I do still occasionally add in a few double page spreads for good measure - especially when I have several 4x6 photos that I want to share.

(click photo to view larger)

Journaling:

Winter got REALLY long this year. Usually by the end of March we’re beginning to see the signs of spring, but at least something good came out of all our late season snowstorms - Justin and Kaitlin FINALLY built a snowman together!!

He sure ended up being a dirty old snowman! The previous snow had melted, but the ground was still wet. Then, a very wet, heavy snow came down so when they rolled up the snow, the whole layer right down to the ground came up and all the mud, leaves and dirt with it!

But Kaitlin didn’t care – she was thrilled to just be building a snowman with her dad and cheered him on when it came time to lift up the second ball (which was a bit heavier than daddy expected!).

The weather warmed a bit and 5 short days later all that was left was a tiny mound of snow, a soggy scarf and hat, and his wooden limbs and facial features.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: American Crafts, KI Memories
Chipboard Letters: Creative Imaginations
Letter Stickers, Rub ons: Making Memories
Snowflake Stickers: Kelly Panacci
Font: Journaling Hand
Adhesive: Duck

:QUOTES: on VISION according to Miller, Swift, & Thoreau

HENRY MILLER:
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”

JONATHAN SWIFT (1667-1745; author):
“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.”

HENRY DAVID THOREAU:
"It's not what you look at that matters. It's what you see."

:FIVE FAVES: A little scrappy love...

What better time to record everything you cherish about your family members and friends than Valentine's Day!

And, as it's only three short weeks away, there is no shortage of scrap supplies to help you do it.

#1 - Red With Love Sugar Rush Sparkling Rubs by BasicGrey
Rub ons by Basic Grey are definitely one of my favs and these rosy swirls and hearts would be perfect for any lovey layout. You can view the entire Basic Grey Sugar Rush collection here.

#2 - Die Cut Circle Love Struck Paper by Making Memories

This die cut paper from Making Memories has a stunning quilt-like pattern. Love Struck is my FAVORITE Valentine's collection this year and you can see the rest of it here.

#3 - Love Seat I Heart You Flair Adhesive Badges by American Crafts

American Crafts badges are always a fun way to had a little depth to your layouts. Of course, they coordinate perfectly with the bright and graphic style of the rest of the I Heart You line.

#4 - Sweet Love 10 Things Pocket by Little Yellow Bicycle
This pocket is a cute and interactive way to include journaling on your next page. Use it along with other items from the Sweet Love line and your sure to have a hit.

#5 - Postcards Cupid Collection Paper by Pink Paislee
The Cupid collection by Pink Paislee is my second overall favorite Valentine's collection. Not only does this particular piece of paper have a great pattern on one side, but also 12 individual journaling or accent carts on the other!

You can also see some other great Valentine's Day items under :: VALENTINE'S PICKS :: in the right sidebar.

READER RESPONSE:
What's your favorite Valentine's Day item or collection? Leave us a link!

:BE INSPIRED: Creativity Prompts - January 2010 Design Inspired

Take a cue from this page out of the January 2010 issue of Martha Stewart Living! Use your various stash of numbers to create a fun list on your next layout.

Here’s a few ideas:

• resolutions
• favorite memories from the previous year/month
• to do list for the coming month/year
• little known facts about you or someone you love

With or without photos (small photos could be added at the end of each line, for example), this design will lead to a great layout!

I encourage you to share the layouts you create from this prompt in the NEW :BE INSPIRED: Creativity Prompts Flickr group pool!!

:REVIEW: Kick it Up: Adding Spice to Your Scrapbook Layouts by Greta Hammond & Angelia Wigginton

Every now and then, I'll 'finish' a layout and can't help but feel that it isn't really finished. It's missing something, but can put my finger on what it is. Does this ever happen to you?

If so, the book co-authored by Greta Hammond and Angelia Wigginton - Kick It Up!: Adding Spice to Your Scrapbook Layouts- might be just what you're looking for.

If you'll looking for ideas on how to spice up your layouts and give them that little extra something, you can't find two better scrap artists to take a few tips from than Greta and Angelia!

The book is divided into 6 chapters. The first five each focus on a single element of a successful layout while the final chapter is a gallery chock full of layouts further demonstrating the concepts covered in the book.

The first five chapters include to versions of each layout - the original (explaining that elements that created a solid design) and a kicked up version (explaining elements and techniques that take the original to the next level).

Chapter 1 - Backgrounds
"It all starts with the foundation of the page-the background papers and elements." In this chapter, there are 12 examples of how the background you use on your layout can make all the difference.

Chapter 2 - Photos
"They are visual reminders of our memories and often say more than any words can...Just because a phote is shaped like a box doesn't mean your ideas have to be square." Learn some cool photo tricks to spice up your layouts with the 12 layouts included in this chapter.

Chapter 3 - Titles
"Titles can do so much to add pizzazz to a layout. They can tantalize or excite. They can add warmth, glitz or humor. A terrific title can also create a link from the photos to the journaling and help set the mood for the page." Take a few cues from the 16 layouts included in this chapter to make your titles oh so much more successful!

Chapter 4 - Embellishments
"Embellishments aren't required of coure - a page can be complete with just a title, photos, and journaling. But a layout sure looks better with embellishments attached!" Be honest now...part of the reason you love scrapbooking is all those beautiful buttons, brads, ribbons and more. Use them more creatively and effectively on future layouts!

Chapter 5 - Journaling
"Words are powerful. They have the power to make us laugh or cry, to recall emotions, and to move us in many ways." Pick up a few trips to evoke just the right mood through your words.

Chapter 6 - Gallery
No more before and after versions in this section, but by this point in the book, you will be better able to reconize the elements that help a layout shine. But, if you're at all unsure, they still include labels to tell you which element(s) of the page have been "kicked up." This leaves more room for layouts - 37, in fact, and this chapter also includes 8 double page spreads not found elsewhere in the book.

In addition to the wonderful designs of Greta and Angelia, you will also find layouts by the following talented scrap artists in the first five chapters: Christine Drumheller, Jennifer Gallacher, Linda Harrison, Nic Howard, Marla Kress, and Denine Zielinski. In the gallery section, the following scrap artists also have 1 or more featured layouts: Amelia McIvor, Amy Peterman, Summer Fullerton, Nancy Damiano, Sherry Steveson, Kim Moreno, Gretchen McElveen, Cari Fennell, and Liana Suwandi.

If you feel you're layouts are missing that little extra something, I do encourage you to check out Kick It Up!: Adding Spice to Your Scrapbook Layouts!

:BE INSPIRED: Creativity Prompts - January 2010 Sketch Inspired

Here's a little challenge for you sketch lovers out there.

I encourage you to share the layouts you create from the above sketches in the NEW :BE INSPIRED: Creativity Prompts Flickr group pool!!

Have fun!!

:LAYOUT: misty morning

This layout is from a while back, but we woke up to a morning somewhat like this today. I'm not a fan of winter really, but I can't deny the beauty of frosty trees.

The papers were perfect for these wintery shots and I loved the soft texture that the felt letters and bracket frames added to the layout. However, the original color was a bit too bright, so I brushed them with a brown inkpad which coordinates with the paper as well and muted the color a bit.

The teal felt embellishments as well as the brown rub ons create visual triangles on the page.

Supplies:
Cardstock - Bazzill
Patterned Paper – My Mind’s Eye
Felt Letter Stickers & Embellishments - Making Memories
Rub ons – Basic Grey
Epoxy Snowflake – Kelly Panacci
Marker – American Crafts
Ink – Colorbox
Adhesive – Duck

:QUOTES: on OPPORTUNITY according to Collier, Hansen, & Sandburg

ROBERT COLLIER (1885-1950; motivational author):

“Start where you are. Distant fields always look greener, but opportunity lies right where you are. Take advantage of every opportunity of service.”

MARK VICTOR HANSEN (author, speaker):

“Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.”

CARL SANDBURG:
"Nearly all the best things that came to me in life have been unexpected."

:SPONSORS: January 2010 AMOM Sponosrs

FEATURED SPONSORS:

TESSA ANN

Tessa Ann's handmade buttons are just the cutest thing EVER!

Her unique designs and vivid colors make them truly an element that will add that little something that makes your layout or crafting project extra special!

Here are just a couple of the new sets that she currently has available that caught my eye this month.

The first set of buttons on the left is called Love Birds and the second is Cherry Blossoms.

Don't they just have you dreaming of Valentine's Day and spring!?

You MUST check out her etsy shop today!

NICOLE LOMBARDO

Nicole is an amazing artist and every month she's got some great new custom designed die-cuts in her etsy shop. She is always adding new designs and colors just perfect for the season and/or holidays ahead.

Here's one new one that caught my eye on my last visit. It's called Love Scroll and will be perfect for any Valentine's Day themed layout!

Visit Nicole's shop and find something perfect for your next layout today!

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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.

:LINK: What type are you?

I stumbled across something today (during another SNOW DAY at home...I am getting very tired of shoveling, by the way) that you've just got to try!!

It's called "What type are you?"

It is a interactive questionnaire of four simple questions and then informs you of your own personal type...typeface, that is.

As a scrapbooker, I have a little bit of a facination with fonts, so I have to admit that I was quite curious as to what typeface the headless man with the Freud-like accent would assign to me.

The result was Baskerville Italic...

...and I LOVE it...so much so that I immediately had to find it and download it! I mean - just look at those lovely, soft serifs and that it's worth a download for the 'and' symbol alone!

Once you're done with the quiz, you can also view the other 15 type possibilities and Baskerville Italic is exactly the one I would have picked myself. While there are other fonts that are interesting...no other one is quite 'me'.

I challenge you - check out "What type are you?" and come back and tell me your results. Do you think this quiz pegged you right? (You'll need a password and it is 'character'.)

Have fun!!

:LAYOUT: fall fun

In true form for my hubby (God bless him), one of his Christmas presents for me was significantly late due to the fact that he didn't place the order until two days before Christmas.

However, he was completely redeemed as soon as the package arrived a week later containing the following:

**the Fiskars That's Amore punches in medium and extra large...

**three SWEET Bazzill Dotted Swiss Trio packs - Cloverleaf, Blissful, and Phoenix...

**these even SWEETER chipboard alphabet stickers by Pink Paislee in four colors - Limeade, Cherry, Licorice, and Berry Blue.

The package included a few other items and some cute papers that had been on my wish list for awhile as well, but I wanted to highlight these three in particular because I put them to use right away on several of the layouts I created this past week.

For example, take a look at this one...

I've never been one for punches other than a few favorite deco edge punches and my oh-so-versitle circle punches, but these hearts punches are simply adorable!! I've used them on four different layouts already!

Also, I love the added texture that the little dots add to the Bazzill cardstock. It was the perfect compliment to the dotted pattern of this patterned paper by Pink Paislee.

Finally, the letters...oh, these letters are just scrumptous. I must admit that I am addicted to my alphabets - especially chipboard ones. I still love AC Thickers, but I think I might like these particular letters even a little bit more (if that's even possible :-))! I've already used every single one of the four colors!!

I created the word art in Photoshop and it reads:
“Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leave fall.” Elizabeth Lawrence

Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Pink Paislee
Chipboard: Pink Paislee
Ink: Colorbox
Photo Corner Punch: EK Success
Corner Rounder: Marvy
Circle Punch: Marvy
Scallop Trimmer: Fiskars
Heart Punch: Fiskars
Font: American Typewriter, Aquarelle

:REVIEW: Time to Scrap by Kathy Fesmire

Just from the title alone, I knew that Kathy Fesmire's recent book - Time to Scrap: Techniques for Fast, Fun and Fabulous Scrapbook Layouts - would be a good fit for my needs.

Then, I identified an immediate bond with her when, in her introduction, she described scrapbooking as her 'creative outlet', but that family and work responsibilities didn't allow her as much time to scrap as she would like.

That's me! Exactly!

This book offers ideas for putting layouts together quickly, but with techniques and designs that you can still totally be proud of AND, in many cases, don't look quick at all!

The book is divided into 4 main chapters.

Chapter 1 - FAST
This chapter includes many great ideas for page creation in as little as 15-90 minutes. There are 9 featured techniques, each with 2-3 variations to keep your layouts looking fresh and original.

Chapter 2 - FUN
This chapter is full of interesting new techniques or unique twists on not-so-new ones. There are 8 featured techniques, each with 2-4 variations.

Chapter 3 - FRUGAL
Just as I don't have the time to match my desire to scrap, I also don't have the budget to match either. I'm sure I'm not the only one with this issue and Kathy offer several techniques in this chapter to help us stretch our stash. There are 9 featured techniqes, each with 2-8 variations.

Chapter 4 - FABULOUS
Here, Kathy focuses on how to use the principles of good design to make every page fabulous. There are 9 featured designs, each with 2-6 variations AND an accompanying sketch to highlight the fundimental elements of the design.

There are a few other fun features of this book. For example, there are 29 pictoral step-by-steps in the book that help the reader achieve the techniques featured int he book. All are achieved in 2-6 detailed steps.

All layouts include a clock icon that indicates the time necessary to recreate the look of the sample layout.

Scattered throughout the book are 'Make it Fast' (7), 'Make it Fabulous' (16), and 'Make it Frugal' (7) boxes that offer further useful and creative tips for making stunning layouts.

There are a total of 120 sample layouts included in this book. The talented contributing artists include the author herself as well as Jennifer Gallacher, Julie Johnson, Shannon Taylor and Shaute Wadley.

Even if you're short one scrapping time - perhaps especially - it's worth your time to take a gander at Time to Scrap by Kathy Fesmire.