:BE INSPIRED: Creativity Prompts - September 2009

Here it is...

The September 2009 edition of the :Be Inspired: Creativity Prompts is now ready for free download!

PLEASE SHARE:
If you like what you see, please share!! I have also created a couple banners for the :Be Inspired: Creativity Prompts, so if you'd be willing to share on your own blog or forum signature, I greatly appreciate it! Go here to download a banner!

THIS MONTH'S PRIZE:
Were there any camping, fishing, or boating trips for you and your family this past summer? If so, then this month's prize is the perfect kit for scrapping those memories - it's the complete Mr. Campy Crafting Kit from Cosmo Cricket!

Download the FREE September 2009 :Be Inspired: Creativity Prompts now and start scrapping!!

I have also updated the :Be Inspired: Creativity Prompts Information & Instruction Sheet which includes all the steps for submitting your entry for the monthly drawing, so be sure to download that as well.

REMINDER:
It's not too late for your chance to be inspired and win the August 2009 Daily Inspirations prize! Layouts can be submitted until Saturday, September 5th, 11:59 PM (CST) for a chance to win!

:FIVE FAVES: Schools in session...

...or if it isn't yet in your neck of the woods, it will be soon!

This has me thinking about scrapping another layout about my daughter's 1st day of school (I took the picture, of course). It's also reminding me that I really need to get started on that school-only album I've been meaning to get started for her...this is her fourth year of school already!

One thing is for certain. Whenever I do get around to these projects, there are plenty of school themed products out there to choose from.

Here are a few favorites!

#1 - Imaginisce - Teachers Pet Collection - 12 x 12 Double Sided Gloss Embossed Paper - My New Pencil Box
The Teacher's Pet Collection has to be my favorite new line that is completely school related. There are papers, rub ons (see on set below), stamps, stickers, felt pieces, ribbon and flowers. I may just have to do some 'stocking up' on this line for that school album for Kaitlin.

#2 - Daisy Bucket Designs - Shabby Green Door - Farmer's Market Collection - Acrylic Stamps - Journal Block
What could be more perfect for adding some handwritten journaling to your school pages than this penmanship lines stamp.

#3 - Deja Views - C-Thru - Little Yellow Bicycle - Say What Collection - Journal Tablet
I've been a long-time fan of LYB and these journaling blocks are just simply sweet!

#4 - Jenni Bowlin Studio - Bingo Card Set - School Days
What a great way to add classic school colors and fun to a school-themed layout!! You could also use the numbers on the card to highlight your child's age and/or grade level.

#5 - Imaginisce - Teachers Pet Collection - Rub Ons - Teacher Talk
I'm a sucker for great rub ons and these certainly fit the bill. They could act as page titles or a supporting design element.

See more great school-themed products in the right sidebar under SCHOOL PICKS.

READER RESPONSE:

Do you have a product that you just can't wait to use on your next school-themed project? Give us a link!

:BE INSPIRED: Creativity Prompts Snippet

Here's a snippet for the August :Be Inspired: Creativity Prompts:

If you'd like this and other great scrapbooking inspiration free for the taking, download the FREE August 2009 :Be Inspired: Creativity Prompts now and start scrapping!!

You've also got 10 days left to submit entries for the August drawing, so don't miss out on this sweet prize...

For complete details and instructions, check out the :Be Inspired: Creativity Prompts Information & Instruction Sheet.

:QUOTES: on LEISURE according to Grimutter, Harris & Watterson

LESLIE GRIMUTTER:
“My own prescription for health is less paperwork and more running barefoot through the grass.”

SYDNEY J. HARRIS:
“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.”

BILL WATTERSON:
“Weekends don't count unless you spend them doing something completely pointless.”

:LAYOUT: Native Colors

We enjoyed the music of Brule again this year on the banks of the Missouri River during Riverboat Days. I didn't take any pictures this time, but here's some I took last year of the accompanying native dancers.

This is one of those pieces of patterned paper that I never thought that I would use, but for this layout it was PERFECT! The bold pattern is a great compliment to the colors and designs in the main photos.

The title treatment further emphasizes the importance of color by making each letter of the word ‘colors’ a different color.

Journaling:
A highlight of Riverboat Days each year is to listen to Brulé perform at the west end of Riverside park. Sometimes they will have Native American dancers perform during a few of their songs and the dancing and costumes are just so beautiful.

Supplies:
Adhesive: Duck
Cardstock: Prism
Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket
Rub ons: Basic Grey
Stamp: Autumn Leaves
Ink: Colorbox, Stazon
Font: Cambria, Bleeding Cowboys

:LIFE: What a week...

Phew...

When I said in my last post that my posts might be a little sporadic, I guess I should have said nonexistent!!

Here's my week in review:

Monday: Work from 8 a.m. to 5:55 p.m. Lunch at my desk. One campus visit, one registration appointment. Get to daycare just in time to pick up Kaitlin before closing time. Home to change. Then back to work until 8:45 p.m.

Tuesday: Work from 8 a.m. to 5: 25 p.m. Lunch at my desk. One registration. Pick up Kaitlin and go home to change. Visit Kaitlin's school for the open house and book fair. Haircuts for Kaitlin and I. Grocery shopping. Home at about 9 p.m.

Wednesday: Kaitlin's 1st day of 1st grade. Early to school to take first day pictures. Kaitlin said, "Mom, I'm scared." Work from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Lunch at my desk. Four registration appointments. Home to change (Justin had picked up Kaitlin). Kaitlin said, "Mom, school was GREAT!!" Back to work until 8:30 p.m.


Thursday: Work from 8 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Lunch at my desk. Transfer/Adult Learner Orientation (about 40-50 of the students I've worked with over the past several months all on campus at the same time!) Three registration appointments. Pick up Kaitlin from after school program. Home to change. Back to work until 8:30 p.m.

Friday: Work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Day 1 of Freshman Orientation. About 100 traditional freshman moving onto campus. Two registration appointments. Out for annual celebratory drink (or two) with co-workers after move-in day for new fall students. Home at 7:30 p.m. to change and have some supper. Justin, Kaitlin and I go down to the river for the Friday night fireworks to kick off Riverboat Days.

Saturday: Downtown at 6:15 a.m. to help with annual MMC 5K walk-run as part of Riverboat Days. Home by 7:15 a.m. to wake up Kaitlin and get her ready to go to her check in point by 8 a.m. for the Children's Theatre float for the RBD parade. Home to wake up hubby to go to RBD parade. Parade at 9:30 a.m. Down to the river for arts in the park, food and music for a few hours. Home to change. Back to park by 3:30 p.m. for Kaitlin performance at the amphitheatre (they did about half the songs from the School House Rock show from this spring). Found out that the Children's Theatre float won first place in TWO divisions (People's Choice and Non-Profit)! Kaitlin was interviewed by a reporter from the Sioux City Journal. Home to CRASH!

Sunday: Slept in a little (Kaitlin still woke up too early). Couple load of laundry. To the mall at 12 Noon for the craft booths at the mall. Down to the river for more food and music. Home to finish laundry. Found article featuring Kaitlin's quotes on the Sioux City Journal website. Justin wen't out to get the paper. Print version also included a super cute closeup of Kaitlin. Watched a movie - "21" (good movie).

It's Sunday night and I still feeling simply worn out.

Too bad it's back to work (and another crazy week) tomorrow. It might be the first day of school for MMC, but I'm not done registering students yet...wish me luck.

:LIFE: Just a little busy...

August is always a little bittersweet for me...

Fall is my favorite season and I love all that it brings - cooler weather, the start of a new school year for Kaitlin, falling leaves...so on one hand I am looking forward to all of that.

But to get there, I have to get through the few weeks prior and after the start of the new school year at work, which can be quite stressful.

Don't get me wrong...I love my job. Helping students start on their college journey by assisting them with admissions, financial aid and enrollment is fulfilling in many ways. However, it IS a lot of work...especially with the all the last-minute students and issues that seem to materialize during this time frame.

So, if my posting is a bit more sporadic in the coming weeks, I hope you understand.

ON A LIGHTER NOTE:

This morning, to give me a much needed break (and a quite, quite house...nice...), Justin took Kaitlin fishing, which is always a treat for both of them.

(Note Kaitlin's crazy hair...I don't think she bothered to give it a comb after she got out of bed this morning because she was so excited about going fishing!)

Although she can be quite the girly-girly, she sure does love fishing with her dad. She's not afraid of worms either! She's even starting to bait her own hooks!

No surprise...she caught her fair share of fish.

She is also no longer in need of a 'casting daddy'...she does just fine on her own! She could show her mother up any day!

Another catch...

Evidently, she also decided that it was time for her to unhook her own catch this morning as well!

I just LOVE this little fisher-girl!

:LAYOUT: Wedding Memories

When I call the request last February for this layout from Beth over at Memory Makers, I was super excited!

(click photo for a larger view)

I created this layout to commemorate all the great photos I had after my sister's wedding last fall.

I created two 8x10 photo collages in Picasa and put them together to create a two-page spread. I've used this trick a few times now...it's a great (and fast) way to scrap a lot of photos on one layout.

The room left on each side is perfect for a large title and extensive journaling.

The pearls and gems added to the title and flowers add a little ‘bling’ which is often associated with weddings.

I received my extra copies of the Memory Makers issue that the layout was supposed to be in the other day (the September/October issue) and I must admit that I was a little disappointed when I couldn't find it.

Initially, I thought that perhaps it just didn't make the final cut considering this was to be Memory Makers final issue and perhaps they couldn't include everything they had hoped.

With a little further investigation, I realized that they decided to include the extra layouts in an online gallery! So, you can view this layout and some other amazing wedding layouts online here.
If you're looking for a little wedding layout inspiration, this is a great source. Be sure to download your free copy today!

:REVIEW: The Scrapbooker's Creativity Kit by Claudine Hellmuth

I can honestly say that the The Scrapbooker's Creativity Kit: Prompts And Ideas To Jump Start Your Layouts by Claudine Hellmuth is unlike any scrapbooking idea book I've ever had the pleasure of enjoying!

I didn't do a whole lot of research into the the book before purchasing as I knew the author is a well-known collage artist and expected great inspiration, but I must say that I was a little surprised when I received my order in the mail.

Housed with an approximately 7" x 9" hinged box (with the cover image shown here) was a 6" x 6" book with the look of a high school composition notebook, 30 double-sided word cards (each side has 2 words for a total of 120 word prompts), and 30 double-sided color cards (for a total of 60 color prompts).

The idea behind this 'kit' is that the user would draw one card from the word cards and a color card or two and use those prompts to spark the inspiration for your next layout or project. There are a seemingly seemingly endless number of inspirational combinations that could be drawn from these little decks.

Included in the mini book are layouts of the contributing artists based on six possible prompt combinations just to give the user an idea of the variety.

The six example combinations featured include:

• Food + Pink + Red
• Change + Blue-Green + Celery Green
• Twist + Orange + Coral Pink
• Play + Cyan + Purple
• Dress + Yellow + Green
• Shine + Blue + Orange

Each prompt combination starts out with artwork from the author herself, Claudine Hellmuth, and is followed by one layout from each of the contributors - Kal Barteski, Ashley Calder, Donna Downey, Rhonna Farrer, Christina Lazar-Schuler and Genevieve Simmonds - for a vast range of scrapbooking style and technique. Each layout also includes a short statement explaining how the artist used the prompts and interpreted them into a successful (and beautiful) layout.

After the contributing artists layouts are presented, there is an additional 4-page gallery featuring layouts by other talented scrapbook artists inspired by each of the prompt combinations.

If you're looking for something a little unconventional, yet hugely inspiring, this book is for you! These prompts really allow you to explore your own stories and creativity!

The great thing with this kit is that even though scrapbooking styles, techniques and more may change, the value of these cards never will because of their general nature. No matter how things change, these simple little prompts can be the start of your next great project today...or some day five years from now.

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 The Scrapbooker's Creativity Kit page at Amazon.com. You can also read more of my reviews for other recommendations.

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

:BE INSPIRED: Creativity Prompts Snippet

One of the main new features of the recently released :Be INSPIRED: Creativity Prompts is the addition of sketch prompts (by popular demand).

Here's the :Be Inspired: Sketch #1:

If you'd like this and other great scrapbooking inspiration free for the taking, download the FREE August 2009 :Be Inspired: Creativity Prompts now and start scrapping!!

You've also got 25 days left to submit entries for the August drawing, so don't miss out on this sweet prize...

For complete details and instructions, check out the :Be Inspired: Creativity Prompts Information & Instruction Sheet.

:FIVE FAVES: Just the right amount of flourish...

Swirls and curls have always been a favorite embellishment for scrappers and these days you can find flourishes in every size and medium imaginable.

Here are a few of my favorite options for adding a little flourish to your designs.

#1 - Flourish Edge Craft Punch by Martha Stewart
This flourish punch is the perfect way to add a unique edge to numerous parts of your layout. Don't stop with just cardstock or patterned paper. How about using this punch on your photos?

#2 - Clear Swirls Say It In Pearls by Prima
Use these gems to some sparkle with a more elegant touch.

#3 - Heart Flourish Wood Mounted Stamp by Hero Arts
The little hearts add the perfect touch to this lovely swirl stamp!

#4 - Actopus To Zelephant Octopus Swirls Flat 12X12 Paper by K&Company
While this design of bubbles and sea creatures certainly isn't your typical flourish, it's perfect for a fun and summery theme.

#5 - DigiKit - Garden Vignettes Collection: Swirly Brushes by Carina Gardner

Use these digital brushes and you can make them any size or color to suit your needs.

READER RESPONSE:

What is your favorite flourish tool or product on the market right now? Give us a link...

:LAYOUT: The Artisan

In a couple weeks, we have our annual community festival - Riverboat Days. It's filled with fun activities...a parade, arts in the park, fireworks, music and more. (You can see pics from last year here.)

I always look forward to it.

This was a layout I completed with a couple pics I took while taking in the arts in the park last year.

I thought the kraft, die-cut paper added a certain ‘craftsman’ flair to the layout and supports the theme. The circle shaped paper and sticker mimic the shape of the bowl in the photos and the strips break up the journaling and allow the photo to show through better.

Journaling:
Even though I don’t usually make any purchases, I still like to walk through all the craft booths during Yankton’s annual Riverboat Days.

This year there was a man making pottery next to his booth and it was quite captivating to watch him. Even Kaitlin didn’t want to leave his booth until he was finished with this bowl. Pottery is one craft that I’ve always wanted to try…maybe someday I’ll give it a spin.

Supplies:
Adhesive: Duck
Cardstock: DCWV
Patterned Paper, Letter Stickers, Circle Sticker: Creative Imaginations
Rub ons: Making Memories
Ink: Colorbox
Font: Cambria

:QUOTES: on TRUST according to Meir, Goldberg, and that 'unknown' guy

GOLDA MEIR (1898-1978; 4th Prime Minister of Israel):
“Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.”

NATALIE GOLDBERG (author, motivational speaker):

“Trust in what you love, continue to do it, and it will take you where you need to go.”

UNKNOWN:
“Follow your heart, but be quiet for a while first. Ask questions, then feel the answer. Learn to trust your heart.”

:DAILY INSPIRATIONS: July 2009 Daily Inspirations giveaway winner...

We have a winner for the July Daily Inspirations drawing!

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

CONGRATS goes to JENNIFER C. of Illinois!!

Jennifer submitted four layouts for last month's contest (which certainly didn't hurt her chances for winning the random draw) and has graciously agreed to allow me to share her submissions with you, so here they are!

For the Red, White & Blue Color Prompt:


For the Create a Wave Technique Prompt:


For the Black/Teal/Green/Pink Color Prompt:


For the Thread the Needle Day Prompt:


And for all her crafty efforts, Jennifer will soon be receiving the complete Cosmo Cricket Honey Pie Crafting Kit in her mailbox!!

Have fun and be crafty, Jennifer!

REMINDER:
The August 2009 :Be Inspired: Creativity Prompts (the NEW & IMPROVED version of Daily Inspirations) are already available for download, so head on over and get scrapping! This month's prize is a grab bag of amazing Making Memories products with a retail value of over $25.00!!

:SPONSORS: August 2009 AMOM Sponsors

FEATURED SPONORS:

GET IT SCRAPPED!
Their taking a bit of a break this month as there are no new classes starting until September, but don't let that fool you. Get it Scrapped is still a hopping place!

They have a ton archived classes available that you can take at your own pace and still get assistance from the instructors when needed. Check out your options:

Embellishments: Beautifully Handmade with Tania Willis
MORE Mad Digital Skillz with Pattie Knox
Product Pizzazz 102 with Doris Sander
Product Pizzazz 101 with Doris Sander
Mad Digital Skillz with Pattie Knox
Digital Templates with Pattie Knox
Beginning Photo Editing with Lynn Weber
Intermediate Photo Editing with Lynn Weber
Art Journaling 101 with Dina Wakley
Art Journaling 102 with Dina Wakley

NICOLE LOMBARDO

Another very talented creator of handmade goods, Nicole specializes in custom designed die cut scrolls, 12x12 lace papers and more. They are amazing and nothing you'll ever find at your LSS or big box store.

She's adding new designs and colors all the time, so don't miss out.

:MEMORYWORK: August 2009 Kit - "Untamed"

Have an adventure on the wild side!

With bold, brave colors and courageous, confident designs, the August 2009 MemoryWorks Express kit is packed with just enough wildness and wonder to untame your most rough, rowdy, and riotous adventures.

Patterned Paper
{1} 12x12 Actopus to Zelephany - Wood (K & Company)
{1} 12x12 Actopus to Zelephany - Alphabet (K & Company)
{1} 12x12 Actopus to Zelephany - Alphabet Quilt (K & Company)
{1} 12x12 Scallop "Root Beer" (Collage Press)
{1} 12x12 Knave of Hearts - Charming (Collage Press)
{1} 12x12 Knave - Journaling Cuts (Collage Press)
{1} 12x12 Sundowner Motel (OctoberAfternoon)
{1} 12x12 June Bug - Aggie (BasicGrey)

Solid Cardstock
{1} 12x12 Nautical Blue Light (Prism)
{1} 12x12 Tawny Dark (Prism)
{1} 12x12 Candle Glow Medium (Prism)
{1} 12x12 Spring Willow Medium (Prism)

Embellishments
{1} Adrian Magnetic Clips (Creative Imaginations)
{1} 1/4 oz Dark Red Round Buttons (Creative Imaginations)
{1} 1/4 oz Gold Round Buttons (Creative Imaginations)
{1} 1/4 oz Green Round Buttons (Creative Imaginations)
{2} Dark Red Flowers.(Creative Imaginations)
{2} Green Flowers.(Creative Imaginations)
{2} Gold Flowers.(Creative Imaginations)
{1} Chocolate Connection Words (Creative Imaginations)
{1} 97% Complete Sticker Family Matters (7 Gypsies)
{2} 97% Vintage Journal Pages (7 Gypsies)
{1} Captivating Alphabet Stickers (Pink Paislee)
{1} 18" Red Felt Ric Rac (Creative Imaginations)
{1} 18"Gold Twill (Creative Imaginations)
{1} One Yard Olive Green & Ivory (May Arts)
{1} School Chipboard Box Set (Fancy Pants)

Bonus Cards
{1} Nautical Blue Light (Prism)
{1} Tawny Dark (Prism)
{1} Candle Glow Medium (Prism)
{1} Spring Willow Medium (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 Idea Express!

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