:NATIONAL SCRAPBOKING DAY: Top 6 things to do on NSD...and a giveaway...

Happy National Scrapbooking Day!!

Whatever you do today, I hope that you are able to celebrate in a scrappy way!

Here are the TOP SIX THINGS TO DO ON NATIONAL SCRAPBOOKING DAY:

#1 - SCRAP!
Obvious? Maybe. But still, you have so many options.

If you prefer a solitary scrap, put on your favorite tunes, grab your favorite drink and dig into your stash.

If your more of a social scrapper, this holiday is made for you. There are literally thousands of scrapbooking events and crops going on all over the country (and world) this weekend at scrapbook stores and other venues.

However, even if you don't have a LSS, or by some odd chance they're not joining in the fun, you're certainly not out of luck. Head online and take part in one of the online crops popping up all over the place to find inspiration and some new online friends.

Here's just a couple sites hosting NSD crops including inspiration, challenges, prizes and more: Two Peas in a Bucket and WeScrap.

#2 - SHOP!
With so excitement surrounding this crafter's holiday, we're also likely so see some pretty darn good sales going on! NSD might just be the perfect time to stock up on basic supplies or try some of those super cute new embellishments you've had your eye on since they hit the shelves.

Here's of few of my favorite online shops based on their selection and sales:

• Two Peas in a Bucket (yes, I'm a BIG Two Peas fan)
• Scrapbook.com
• Joann.com

#3 - ORGANIZE!
I know that I feel MUCH more in the mood to create and productive if I have a clean and organized space to start with. It certainly won't end the creative session being clean and organized, but that's part of the fun.

If you need to do a little more than putting a few sheets of cardstock and punches back in their places, here are some great resources to get your scrap space back on track:

• The Organized & Inspired Scrapbooker
• Where Women Create: Inspiring Work Spaces of Extraordinary Women
• Organization Tips for Scrapbookers
• How To Organize Your Scrapbook Workspace

#4 - LEARN!
One of the most wonderful things about this hobby is that there is literally always something new to learn and techniques to try to help improve or enhance your creativity.

Many LSS offer many opportunities for classes so check out your local store, but there are also many great learning opportunities online as well. Here's just a few of the best to get you started:

• JessicaSprague.com (Jessica's offering a free class right now!)
• Get it Scrapped!
• Big Picture Scrapbooking

#5 - DOWNLOAD
Not only are their some great sales going on this weekend, but there are also a lot of great freebies ready for download to inspire or to use on your next project.

Memory Makers mag has a 31-day Creativity Challenge for May available for free download (it's on the same order of my own Daily Inspirations challenges - make sure you download those, too!) and Two Peas is offering this super cute digital kit for free download.

#6 - WIN
Remember those prizes I mentioned up in #1?? Well, with just about every crop you'll find a chance to win some really great prizes. The two I mentioned are certainly no exception.

You'll also find many general giveaways out there in honor of NSD such as this one from Memory Makers magazine. Another great place to visit today would be the Creating Keepsakes blog - they have giveaways planned for every couple of hours!

Ladies (and scrappy gents), this is really just the tip of the ice burg, so regardless of your plans for today (or the weekend) there are plenty of scrappy options to keep you more than occupied and having a great time!!

GIVEAWAY:
Speaking of prizes...why don't we have a giveaway right here? Yes, I think we'll just do that in honor of NSD!

I have a review of Jessica Sprague's new Computer Tricks for Scrapbookers 3 coming soon and she was so generous as to offer me TWO issues to give away and I think I'm in the mood to give one of them away a litttle early!!

Just leave a comment to this post with the following:

NAME:
EMAIL:
TELL ME: Your NSD weekend plans AND/OR link your favorite NSD crop, sale or freebie find.

Leave your comment by Sunday, May 3rd at 11:59 p.m. CST and I will announce the winner early in the week.

Have a great weekend!!