:LIFE: Camping...

We had been talking about going camping all summer, but never seemed to quite get it accomplished.

Thanks to a little extra encouragement from Justin's parents, we finally got in a short trip this weekend with them and I am SO glad we did. It was a welcome retreat after an especially long run of extra-hour-weeks at work.

Kaitlin had been looking forward to it for some time as well. She was too young to remember the last time we went camping!

It started out Saturday afternoon with blue skies, beautiful temperatures, tent setup, a little fishing, and some homemade chili for supper.

Later that evening, we enjoyed a beautiful sunset, a warm campfire, toasted marshmallows, and, for Kaitlin, her very first s'more.

The night did get a bit chilly, but we came prepared with plenty of blankets.

The next morning, we woke up to a lake completely hidden by fog.

It was quite relaxing to watch the fog roll off the lake over the course of the morning.

I certainly hope we don't wait that long before our next camping trip!!

:QUOTES: on FALL according to Connolly, Donne, and Sloane

CYRIL CONNOLLY:
"Fallen leaves lying on the grass in the November sun bring more happiness than the daffodils."

JOHN DONNE:
"No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face."

ERIC SLOANE:
"A few days ago I walked along the edge of the lake and was treated to the crunch and rustle of leaves with each step I made. The acoustics of this season are different and all sounds, no matter how hushed, are as crisp as autumn air."

READER RESPONSE:
Vote for your favorite quote and I'll create a word art freebie with that quote to share with you next week. In the meantime, check out my other word art.

:LAYOUT: full of wonder

Every once in a while, I capture a photo that tells me something I don't really want to hear...my little girl is growing up much faster than I would wish.

The photo on this layout happens to be one of those.

I'm sure that many of you can relate.

In color, it was actually kind of a dud. The focus and exposure were off, but there was something about her expression and the position of her hand that wouldn't allow me to delete it.

So, I converted it to sepia tone and added a dreamy filter treatment...and I think this SAVED this photo.

At least for me it did.

The various rub ons and phrase stickers create a frame around the main photos.

Journaling:
These little glimpses remind me how quickly you are growing up. Your beauty – inside and out – fills me with wonder and I am so grateful for you.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Basic Grey
Patterned Paper: My Mind’s Eye, Crate Paper
Rub on: Daisy D’s
Phrase Stickers: Creative Imaginations
Ink: Colorbox
Pen: Zig
Photo Corner Punch: EK Success
Corner Rounder: Marvy
Decorative Edge Punch: EK Success

:GIVEAWAY: Nutmeg Crafting Kit and Mini Deck by Cosmo Cricket

Here's another free fall-themed collection - Nutmeg by Cosmo Cricket!

GIVEAWAY:
Enter for your chance to win not only the complete Nutmeg Crafting Kit, but also the 6x6 Mini-Deck!

All you have to do is answer the following question in a comment to this post by 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 30th, 2010:

What is your favorite thing about fall?

Random.org will choose and I will announce the winner on Friday.

GOOD LUCK!

:SALES: 10% off at Scrapbook.com...today only!

Shop for your favorite scrapbooking supplies at Scrapbook.com today!

This discount applies to sale and clearance prices, saving you an additional 10% off the lowest-marked price on all items in the Scrapbook.com Superstore.

Simply enter coupon code septten in the coupon field at checkout and 10% will be automatically deducted from all items in your shopping cart.

Hurry - this offer expires at midnight PST!

:FIVE FAVES: Fun finds for fall...

A certain chill has certainly entered the air...and if you're scrapbooking some fall-weather fun, you'll have no trouble finding adorable products to highlight your memories.

Ginger Autumn Harvest by Prima Marketing
I love that adorable little yellow flower, don't you?

3 Artistic Trees Wood Mounted Stamp Set by Hero Arts
The first thing I think of when I think of fall is the colorful changes of the leaves on the trees. These sweet stamps allow you to customize to match your layout in style.

Happy Harvest Apple Cider Sticker Stackers by Imaginisce
Used as a title of a fun embellishment, layered chipboard accents add just the right bit of depth to your layouts.

Ash 12X12 Maple Grove Paper by We R Memory Keepers, Inc.
The beautiful deep red, orange and yellow combination of this two-sided patterned paper exude the richness of fall.

Cute Cuts 12X12 One Fall Day Paper by Bella Blvd
Doesn't that little scarecrow look pleased as punch? He's bound to brighten up you fall-themed layout as well.

READER RESPONSE:
What is your favorite new fall-themed product or line to hit the shelves? A link would be great!

:WORD ART: Fall Title Word Art Freebie

Just in time for the first day of fall...here's a little fall-themed word art freebie for you.

I hope you like it and can use it on one of your upcoming fall layouts or cards.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

Be sure to check out my other word art downloads to make sure you haven't missed any.

:LAYOUT: Your Special Light

Here's some favorite photos from early last fall. It was a beautiful day and the sun was going down. This was the first time I'd ever really captured lens flare in my photos and I LOVED the effect.

The three photo corners create a visual triangle on the layout.

I created my own rub on title to include on the photo that has a rub on frame.

The journaling strips utilize empty space on the larger photo.

Journaling:
We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light.~ Mary Dunbar

Supplies:Cardstock: Bazzill
Patterned Paper: Fancy Pants
Die Cuts: Fancy Pants
Rub on: Daisy D’s
Brads: Making Memories
Ink: Colorbox
Rub on Transfer Paper: Grafix
Photo Corner Punch: EK Success
Scallop Trimmer: Fiskars
Font: 1942 Report, Porcelain

:MEMORYWORKS EXPRESS: October 2010 Kit Sneak Peek - "Thriller"

Take a look at the October 2010 "Thriller" MemoryWorks Express Kit...

Watch for further details on this kit coming soon! 

In the meantime, enjoy the details of a few past MemoryWorks Express Kits!

A MemoryWorks Express Kit subscription is ONLY $29.95 (plus $6.50 S&H) per month! They are chock full of the latest and greatest in the scrapbooking industry, the items are always timely in terms of the current season or holiday, and the price can't be beat!

If you are interested in subscribing or would simply like more information, please don't hesitate to contact me!

:WORD ART: Memory Quote Word Art Freebie

Kingsolver's quote came out on top of the votes...

I hope you like the word art freebie that I created with it! Enjoy!

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

Be sure to check out my other word art downloads to make sure you haven't missed any.

:GIVEAWAY WINNER: Fast & Fresh Scrapbooks

Well, I fibbed...I didn't quite get the winners of this giveaway listed yesterday, did I?

This week kind of got away from me. I was on the road for work Sunday through Wednesday and then have a HUGE training session that I am in charge of and will be implementing tomorrow, so tons of preparation work to do.

There's just not enough hours in the day sometimes! I'm sure you all understand, right!?

I'd like to thank you all for reading my review of Fast & Fresh Scrapbooks on Monday and leaving so many great comments!!

HERE'S SOME STATS:

77% of you have NOT tried using a standard photo album to create a customized scrapbook. However, many of you expressed sincere interest in trying the idea.

I did want to clarify, though, that when I said 'standard photo album', I was referring to those with photo sleeves or pockets. AMOM does not endorse using those yucky magnetic or 'sticky' albums...NOT safe for your memories.

23% of you have used a standard photo album to create a customized scrapbook.

Of that 23%, 70% LOVED the result and 13% didn't. 17% were undecided on their feelings for photo album scrapbooking at this point.

For those of you that haven't tried it yet, that percentage of love should be enough to encourage you to at least try it, right!?

Based on the YES comments, however, it does certainly seem that the concept works best when you have a very specific subject at hand such as a vacation or family event. It is also great for creating time-lapse scrapbooks. For example, you might create an album showcasing your children's Halloween costumes throughout the years.

This idea is certainly reinforced in Fast & Fresh Scrapbooks, so if you feeling like scrapping some of these types of subjects faster (or to scrap things that you might not otherwise take the time to record) this special issue really is for you!

NOW, HERE'S SOME WINNERS!

Congrats, Laurie! You were lucky #71!!

Congrats, dragonetta61! You were lucky #17!

Please watch you email inbox for further instructions on how to claim your prize!

Don't miss out on more great giveaways coming soon! If you haven't already, sign up for updates to the AMOM blog by email subscription or your favorite blog reader through the links in the left sidebar.

:LAYOUT: You're the Coolest

I love to take photos outdoors. I can't afford studio lights and natural light is always best.

I live in a fairly small town (about 14,000), so finding fun and fresh photo locations can sometimes be a challenge. I can promise you that graffiti is not a common finding.

However, Kaitlin and I happened to find this awesome graffiti wall in a downtown alley and it was the perfect spot for Kaitlin to share a little bit of her 'tude.

I believe that I've mentioned it before...I am a big fan of PageMaps and I used one of Becky's sketches the put this layout together in a flash!

Supplies:
Patterned Paper: Fancy Pants
Transparency: Prima
Letter Stickers: Doodlebug
Rub ons: Fancy Pants, Basic Grey
Sticker: Basic Grey
Staples: Office Supply
Ink: Colorbox
Corner Rounder: Marvy
Scallop Trimmer: Fiskars
Circle Punch: Marvy
Decorative Edge Punch: EK Success

:FIFTEEN ON THE FIFTEENTH: Top Two Peas picks from the past 30 days...

Another month's worth of great new products have hit the shelves at Two Peas...

Grasshopper Stroll Glossy Chipboard City Park Thicker Stickers by American Crafts
I'm a firm believer that you can NEVER have too many AC thickers! :-)

Wander Collection Chip Sticker Shapes by BasicGrey

Have some summer vacations to scrap? How 'bout these adorable children's book illustration-style chipboard elements from the Wander collection?

Lace 12X12 Restoration Paper by Crate Paper
Playing cards are popping up all over lately! I really love this fun new trend!

Happy Together Collection Kit by Fancy Pants
You'll notice in the next three entries that I couldn't pick just one item for the three of the newest Fancy Pants collections! The blues and browns in this collection are a stunning combination.

Its Your Day Collection Kit by Fancy Pants
This birthday collection is full of vibrance and fun with bright colors and whimsical designs.

Lilac House Collection Kit by Fancy Pants
I'll admit...I'm not usually a fan of purple in scrapbook papers and products. However, FP came up with a way to avoid my usually adversion with this soft and feminine collection.

Blended Beans 12X12 Pasta Fagioli Paper by Jillibean Soup
I LOVE the filmstrip lengths filled with varied colorful patterns!

Kraft Doilies by Maya Road
Doilies are another immerging trends...here's a wonderful non-crocheted version.

Cream & Brown Organza Roses by Maya Road
A trend stolen from fashion or vice versa? I just saw one of my co-workers wearing an adorable top with blooms in this style. Now, we can carry them onto our layouts!

Aqua Sweet Taffy by Prima Marketing
Crocheted flowers...in aqua, no less! Lovely!

Scripts Pebbles With Gems by Prima Marketing
What a beautiful little accent these pebbles would add!

Swirls Flocked Iron Ons by Prima Marketing
Prima is known for bringing amazing texture to life with their products. These iron ons are yet another example of that...I want these just so that I can feel them!!

Sylvia Rossetti Roses by Prima Marketing
Look at the glittered edges! Lovely!

Natalee Alphabet Clear Stamp Set by Studio Calico
I own very few stamps. However, this clean and simple font would be an ideal set for me! It would be amaziningly versital.

Nibbles 12X12 Elementary Collection Paper by Studio Calico
I love the apples themselves, but the fact that there is text is random apples across the page just puts this pattern over the top!

READER RESPONSE:
What's your must-have find from the list above? Or, is there another new item not listed you've seen that you can't wait to get your hands on? If so, share a link!

(Note: The links above lead to further information on the listed products either at TwoPeasInABucket.com or Scrapbook.com. Remember, the Two Peas FREE SHIPPING code for September is LDM908.)

:QUOTES: on MEMORIES according to Irons, Kingsolver, and Savage

JEREMY IRONS:
"We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories. Some take us forward, they're called dreams."

BARBARA KINGSOLVER:
“It’s surprising how much of memory is built around things unnoticed at the time.”

FRED SAVAGE (as Kevin Arnold in The Wonder Years):
“Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.”

READER RESPONSE:
Vote for your favorite quote and I'll create a word art freebie with that quote to share with you next week. In the meantime, check out my other word art.

:REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Fast & Fresh Scrapbooks [CONTEST CLOSED]

"If you've ever found yourself with more photos than time, or if you've ever felt a little intimidated or overwhelmed when it comes to starting - let alone finishing - an album, then this special issue is for you."

This is what Editor Jennafer Martin has to say about Fast & Fresh Scrapbooks, a CK Special Issue and I must say that I believe she's hit the nail on the head.

The issue is divided into 5 chapters:

Chapter 1 - Scrapbooks 101
"With the information & inspiration gathered here, you'll see how assembling an album focused on a single subject is no more difficult - and, in some cases, much easier - than creating a stack of unrelated layouts."

This chapter includes the 4 steps to album success to include BACKGROUND CHECK, BIND IT ALL, PICK YOUR PHOTOS, & ACCENT ON ACCENTS.

Chapter 2 - Photo Album Scrapbooks
"Creating a photo album scrapbook is a simple as tucking photos into pockets - and the creative twists shown here will help you put your own stamp on these time-saving projects.

There are 9 album ideas included in this chapter. All the album ideas included throughout this special issue cover a vast variety of themes, styles, shapes and sizes.

Special section:
Album Express - Includes two album examples from Elizabeth Kartchner.

Chapter 3 - Mini Scrapbooks
"Even if you've never scrapbooked before, mini albums are a fun, approachable way to get your photos out of the box and ready to share."

Eleven album ideas are included in this chapter.

Special sections:
Finish Line Scrapbooking - Shows you how to finish a 40 photo album in 4 hours or less!
Mini Album Helpers - Displays a list of products specific to mini album making.
Go Solo - Options for bare mini albums ready to decorate.

Chapter 4 - Computer Scrapbooking
"If you're like nearly 80% of photographers, you're already shooting most (if not all) of your photos with a digital camera. The logical next step? Using digital tools to collect, preserve, and share those images.

There are 10 albums featured in this chapter

Special sections:
Computer Scrapbooking Basics - Tips for successful computer scrapping.
Photo Book Comparison - Features a chart comparing the features of numerous online sources for creating photo books.

Chapter 5 - Classic Scrapbooks
"Full-sized albums: the classic choice for scrapbooking."

There are 10 albums featured in this chapter that show how page kits, product collections, layout sketches and more can make for hassle free albums.

Special sections:
Scrapbooking Sketch Style - Shows how using sketches can save you time.
Jumpstart Your Projects - Features albums using album kits or those with a little something that makes it extra special.

My favorite album ideas included a recipe album, ideas for customizing a printed photo book, a holiday planner, and numerous vacation album ideas.

My only light criticism of this special issue is that a few projects seemed very familiar...I'm wondering if they've been featured in the magazine or other special issues previously. I would prefer that ALL projects be new and never before published.

If you looking for an infusion of ideas to get your photos scrapped fast (yet beautifully), I encourage you to check out Fast & Fresh Scrapbooks.

GIVEAWAY
Before you make a purchase, however, why don't you enter for a chance to win one of TWO free copies!?

All you need to do to enter is answer the following question(s) in a comment to this post by 5 p.m. (CST) on Thursday, September 16th.

Have you ever used a standard photo album and used it to create a customized scrapbook? If yes, please also address the following questions. Did it make the process simpler? Did you enjoy the result? Would you create an album in this way again?

Random.org will choose the lucky winners and I'll announce them on Friday.

GOOD LUCK!

:GIVEAWAY WINNER: Ella's Essential Guide to Scrapbooking Girls

Ribbon and flowers and glitter, oh my!! We sure do love our girly pages, don't we?

Your answers to the recent giveaway question had me wanting to put together one of my handy little graphs, but my internet connection is being annoyingly spotty at the moment so I going to get our lucky winner posted while I can...

...and perhaps I'll save the graph for another day!

The winner of a free download of Ella's Essential Guide to Scrapbooking Girls is commentor #16!!

Congrats, campcobra!! What your inbox for details on how to claim your prize!!

Don't miss out on more great giveaways coming soon! If you haven't already, sign up for updates to the AMOM blog by email subscription or your favorite blog reader through the links in the left sidebar.

:LAYOUT: Puzzled

Here's a great configuration for including four slightly trimmed 4x6 photos on one layout. There is still even enough room for a simple line of journaling between the photos.

The chipboard swirl and white rub ons on the bottom right balance the title and white rub on on the top left.

Both the chipboard letters and swirl were painted orange and sprinkled with large white glitter granules for a little glitz.

Journaling:
Kaitlin and her cousin Jamison enjoyed some puzzle fun when we were visiting for Alex’s 5th birthday.

Supplies:
Cardstock – Prism
Patterned Paper, Chipboard Swirl – Fancy Pants
Chipboard Letters – Basic Grey
Rub ons – Cosmo Cricket, Basic Grey
Paint – Craft Smart
Glitter – Mainstays
Decoupage – Royal Coat
Pen – Zig
Adhesive - Duck

:FIVE FAVES: Back to school is so cool...

Especially when you have all kinds of fun stuff to scrap it with!!

Midterm Blurbs Journaling 12X12 Stickers by Bella Blvd
These stickers make it fun and fast to add just the right amount of details about your child's back-to-school experience!

Learning Curve Chipboard Stickers by Bo Bunny
Chipboard is the perfect way to add some dimension to your layouts and since these are already sticky, they are easy to add. I love the vintage flair of these designs as well!

School Spirit Sew Brads by Crate Paper
How about some amazing texture? Add these brads and give yourself an A+!

DigiKit - Back To School by Jen Martakis
Here's a great kit that has everything that you need to put together an endless number of school-themed layouts.

Show & Tell Collection School Is A Hoot 12X12 Premade Page Kit by We R Memory Keepers, Inc.
We all know that this time of year can be pretty hectic. WRMK's has offered us some assistance by putting together this premade page kit. Just add a photo or two and you'll have an adorable layout in seconds!

READER RESPONSE:
What is your favorite new school-themed line to hit the shelves? A link would be great!

:MEMORYWORKS EXPRESS: September 2010 Kit - "Playful"

You've had an eventful summer and now is the time to take all of those fantastic photos and memories and create something wonderful! This kit is packed with bright colors and cheerful elements from trend-setting companies like October Afternoon, Girls' Paperie, Jenni Bowlin and Maya Road - and are perfect for scrapping all of those fun summer memories.

So pick one up today and get PLAYFUL...

September 2010 MemoryWorks Express Kit Contains:

Patterned Paper
{1} 12x12 Yellow Bikini - Seaside (October Afternoon)
{1} 12x12 On the Shore - Seaside (October Afternoon)
{1} 12x12 Swim Trunks - Seaside (October Afternoon)
{1} 12x12 Seashells - Seaside (October Afternoon)
{1} 12x12 Vintage Travel - On Holiday (Girls' Paperie)
{1} 12x12 Days Away - On Holiday (Girls' Paperie)
{1} 12x12 Play Date Vintage Label Paper (Jenni Bowlin)

Solid Cardstock
{1} 12x12 Sunflower (American Crafts)
{1} 12x 12 Straw (American Crafts)
{1} 12x12 Powder (American Crafts)
{1} 12x12 Kraft (American Crafts)

Embellishments
{1} 4x4 Mini Chipboard Book with Star (Jenni Bowlin)
{1} 5x7 Play Date Primary Banner Alpha Stickers (Jenni Bowlin)
{1} Red Mini Market Stickers (October Afternoon)
{8} Mini Mixed Banner Chipboard (Maya Road)
{3} 3" Mega Bottle Caps (Maya Road)
{1} Square Kraft Envelope - Assorted Styles (Maya Road)
{3} Kraft Journaling Cards - Assorted Styles (Maya Road)
{1} Kraft Library Card - Assorted Styles (Maya Road)
{3} Jumbo Paper Clips (MemoryWorks)
{10} My Family Buttons - Assorted Colors & Sizes (Fancy Pants)
{3} Red Tye-Dyed Daisies (Petaloo)
{3} Blue Tye-Dyed Daisies (Petaloo)
{3} Yellow Tye-Dyed Daisies (Petaloo)
{1} Yard 3/8" Red Grosgrain Ribbon (May Arts)
{1} Yard 3/8" Yellow Checked Ribbon (May Arts)
{1} Yard 5/8" Blue Dot Ribbon (May Arts)

Bonus Cards
{1} 4 x 6 Sunflower (American Crafts)
{1} 4 x 6 Straw (American Crafts)
{1} 4 x 6 Powder (American Crafts)
{1} 4 x 6 Kraft (American Crafts)
{1} 4 x 6 Rouge (American Crafts)
{1} 4 x 6 Denim (American Crafts)
{6} 4 ¼ x 3 1/8 Clear Envelopes

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

Check out some of the beautiful projects that the MemoryWorks Design Team has created with this wonderful kit and find more details in the September 2010 Idea Express download including exclusive PageMaps layout sketches!

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