Monday, May 31, 2010

:HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY:

Whether you choose to celebrate the day formally or informally, I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day!


JAMES A. GARFIELD:
"For love of country they accepted death..."

:HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY:SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Sunday, May 30, 2010

:REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Design Workshop by Lisa Dickinson (Ella Publishing Co.) [CONTEST CLOSED]

Ella Publishing Co. has another great release this month called Design Workshop by Lisa Dickinson.

There are many reasons that I love scrapbooking, but the ability to be creative through design is certainly at the top of the list. Any time I have a chance to learn something new or be inspired by good design in the form of scrapbooking, I'm eager to take it all in.

Who better to learn from than professional graphic designer Lisa Dickinson...who just also happens to be an excellent scrap artist as well?!

In her introduction, she states:

"Recently, I've realized that scrapbooking supplies and trends found in magazines and online can sometimes act like demanding clients - bombarding you with new techniques, ideas, and materials to try. It's natural to want to try the latest and greatest approaches, but it's also very easy to get overwhelmed."

How true!

In this eBook, Dickinson offer her 10 favorite design concepts with an clear explanation on how to put them to work to create stunning layouts. She also includes two wonderful layout variations to illustrate that there are many ways to make a concept come alive on your layouts.

Tip #1 - Achieve instant unity by using a grid
"Quite simply, a grid creates instant visual organization" and Dickinson shows you how to achieve the look without feeling 'boxed in'.


Tip #2 - Learn to combine patterns effectively
This has even been a struggle for me at times and Dickinson offered my new tricks to help overcome my inhibitions by offering two no-fail ways to combine with confidence.

Tip #3 - Include memorabilia to personalize your pages
There are many things that can make including memorabilia difficult (and sometimes impossible), but Dickinson has a couple tricks up her sleeve that make anything possible!

Tip #4 - Cluster elements for maximum impact
"When you group similar items together...your page accents are more noticeable and often more pleasing to view." However, there are certain things to keep in mind when creating successful groups and Dickinson will clue you in to great grouping!

Tip #5 - Add depth to your designs with layers
Dickinson offers strategies for adding dimension to a craft that is largely two-dimensional - instantly adding interest to your layouts.

Tip #6 - Create harmony with the right color combination
"Color is a powerful design element." Yes...one that can quickly go awry if not used effectively. Dickinson shares two tried-and-true techniques to successful color palettes.


Tip #7 - Vary your textures for visual interest
Dickinson says that one should "never underestimate the richness texture can add to a design" and shows exactly how much impact it can have in her layout examples.

Tip #8 - Turn a font into a dramatic design element
While I try to keep the number of fonts that I have on my computer at any one time, I am still a total font junkie! Dickinson gives me more reason to love my fonts (and more ideas for using them) in this chapter by proving that they're not just for titles and journaling.

Tip #9 - Reinforce your page theme with savvy use of lines
Use of lines is a important technique in photography. Why not apply it to layouts as well? They can be used in many ways and can actually help to achieve the 'mood' your hoping to express.

Tip #10 - Bend the rules to suit your goals
Dickinson shows that sometimes the best layouts can result from 'fudging' the rules a bit and includes 4 sample layouts in this final section to prove it.

Overall, there are 22 samples layouts to drool over and each one comes with an addition product or design tip which points out an additional factor that lends to the layouts successful design.

If you're looking for a little inspiration on putting it all together, Design Workshop is for you!!

GIVEAWAY:
Want a chance to win a free download of Design Workshop just for you? Leave a comment answering the following question:

When it comes scrapbook design techniques, do you consider yourself a pro, amateur or novice?

Leave your comment by Thursday, June 3, 2010, 11:59 p.m. and Random.org will choose the lucky winner.

Be sure to check back to see if you're the winner!

GOOD LUCK!
:REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Design Workshop by Lisa Dickinson (Ella Publishing Co.) [CONTEST CLOSED]SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Friday, May 28, 2010

:GIVEAWAY WINNERS: Quick & Easy Scrapbooking by Scrapbook Trends

Wow! I loved reading your comments about your time-saving tips! Some were favorites techniques of my own, but Ialso picked up a few new ideas that I might have to give a try as well.

I think I want to elaborate more on the subject of your time-saving tips, but I'll save that for another post.

What's important in this post is the two lucky winners of a free copy of Quick & Easy Scrapbooking by Scrapbook Trends!

For this drawing, Random.org liked the numbers 19 & 5.


And, if I count out those numbers, I come up with Teresa Jaye and Elizabeth D. as the winners! 



Congrats, ladies!! Watch your email inbox for further details on how to claim your prize...

If you didn't win, but still want to get your creative hands on this special issue, don't despair. Quick & Easy Scrapbooking is still available for purchase here.

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.
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Thursday, May 27, 2010

:LAYOUT: Ashfall Fossil Beds

For quite some time, we've had the tradition of going on a picnic with my parents on Memorial Day. We used to got to the same spot every year along the Missouri River, but then a few years ago, we decided to try to go somewhere different every year. This year's destination has yet to be determined, but we're discussing a couple different options.

On this particular Memorial Day, we went to Ashfall Fossil Beds in Nebraska.

This is a great design for multiple 4x6 photos. The strips of patterned paper at the top and bottom frame and ground the photos.

I wanted to include the brochure on the layout, so layered my main photo over the brochure. The photo is only attached to the brochure itself (not the red cardstock base), so the brochure itself is still able to be opened and read.


Journaling:
On Memorial Day 2008, Justin, Kaitlin & I went on a day trip with my parents and Lynn.

We had a picnic lunch. The weather was less than ideal - quite chilly and very windy. It was a 'hold on to your plates' type lunch, but the food was good and that’s the main thing.

Then we went to The Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park in Nebraska. I hadn’t even known that this park was there until my parents had suggested that it might be a neat place to visit.

The fossils were amazing! The following is an excerpt from the Ashfall Fossil Beds website:

About 12 million years ago, a volcano in southwest Idaho spread a blanket of ash over a very large area. One or two feet of this powdered glass covered the flat savannah-like grasslands of northeastern Nebraska.

Most of the animals which lived here survived the actual ashfall, but as they continued to graze on the ash covered grasses, their lungs began to fill up with the abrasive powder. Soon their lungs became severely damaged and they began to die.

The smaller animals died first (smaller lung capacities) and finally, after perhaps three to five weeks, the last of the rhinos perished. Their bodies were quickly covered by the blowing and drifting ash.

Undisturbed except by an occasional scavenging meat-eater, the skeletons of these animals are preserved in their death positions, complete with evidence of their last meals in their mouths and stomachs and their last steps preserved in the sandstone below.

On the way back home, we went for a drive through Niobrara State Park and also went for a bit of a nature walk in some wooded areas and over the river on an old bridge.

A great day with family!

Supplies:
Adhesive: Duck
Cardstock : DCWV
Patterned Paper, Chipboard Sentiment: Chatterbox
Chipboard Journaling Spot: Scenic Route
Ink: Colorbox
Font: Calibri
Corner Rounder: Marvy
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Wednesday, May 26, 2010

:WORD ART: Family Quote Freebie

Here's a little word art freebie for you on this fine Wednesday! Hope you like it!


:WORD ART: Family Quote FreebieSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

:LINKS: A few random links...

Here's a few web discoveries that I've come across lately that I've found fun, functional, inspiring or some combination thereof.


Pioneer Woman Actions for Photoshop Elements
While Pioneer Women has had Photoshop CS actions available for free download for quite some time, Elements users (like me) have been left out in the cold. Well, NO MORE! Now she has a set for us, too!

Search Stories Video Creator
It all started with a Super Bowl commercial! Certainly a fun diversion on a boring day. It's difficult to explain...you've just got to try it. But be careful...you might become addicted quickly and be writing quirky search stories for the rest of the day!


Good Look Cookbook
This is a fairly new blog and I do sincerely hope they keep it going. It is fun, functional AND inspiring. Basically, the authors (who I believe are all professional designers) take some design element (a book cover, a magazine ad, etc.) and use it as inspiration for their own project. They tell you what they're going to use such as fonts, images and colors and also how to achieve the look yourself. It's just great and could easily be applied to scrapbooking projects!


Incredibox
Another wondrous time waster! I don't know about you, but I've always had a certain respect for beat-boxer and this is a fun application that let's you create your own beat-box ensemble...just fun!

Kinsey Wilson
Another great blog I've discovered recently featuring some great scrapbooking-related tutorials, sketches, freebies and more.

READER RESPONSE:
Which link above do you find the most fun, functional or inspiring?
:LINKS: A few random links...SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Monday, May 24, 2010

:REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Quick & Easy Scrapbooking by Scrapbook Trends (CONTEST CLOSED)

Northridge Media is notorious for putting out some stellar crafting inspiration in its extensive lineup of magazine and idea book titles.

Their recent Quick & Easy Scrapbooking Idea Book is certainly no exception to this rule.

The idea book is sectioned into 10 parts - each with many featured projects and the editors are always sure to point out special, yet simple, techniques to make your projects shine.

FAMILY: Includes 7 layouts with various themes to help you showcase special relationships.

PROJECTS: Includes 7 ideas for wonderful home decor and gift items - including one sweet display item that takes less than 15 minutes to create.

QUICK & EASY SKETCHES: Includes 8 steps to success when using sketches as a starting point. There are also 3 sketch designs shared, each with 2 variations - one in a 12 x 12 format and the other in an 8 1/2 x 11 format.

MINI ALBUMS IN AN EVENING: Features 5 great album ideas to help you record what you most wish to remember about you favorite season, a year in the life of someone you love and much more.

CARDS: Includes 13 cute card designs including everything from 'just because' to birthday wishes.

4x6 PHOTOS: This section of 11 layouts proves that you don't have to go BIG to create a fabulous layout.

2 PAGE LAYOUTS: 7 layouts are featured that showcase simple ways to feature lots of photos. I was very lucky to have a layout of my own featured in this section of the book (called "gallery of a year"). I'll share the layout with you in a separate post later this week.

EMBELLISHMENTS: Often the adding of embellishments can be the most time-consuming part of scrapping, but these 9 layouts show that embellishing doesn't have to be tedious.

ONLY 5 PRODUCTS: Sometimes the best way to speed things up in the craft room, is to limit your choices. These 9 layouts show that you can still create a stunning layout with limited supplies.

SIMPLE THINGS: Includes 7 layouts that showcase simple techniques that can add serious pizazz.

If you tally that all up, that's EIGHTY-ONE amazing projects to inspire some speedy, yet sensational, crafting!!

GIVEAWAY:
Don't ask me how, but I've had this idea book review in my line up for a few months and somehow forgot to post it!! Crazy!

Now that I've discovered my mistake, I feel I must make up for the delay.

So...I have not one, but TWO free copies of Quick and Easy Scrapbooking to send off to two lucky readers.

Just leave a comment telling me your favorite time-saving tip when it comes to scrapbooking by Thursday, May 27th, 2010, 11:59 p.m. and you'll be entered for your chance at one of the two free copies!! 

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

GOOD LUCK!!
:REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Quick & Easy Scrapbooking by Scrapbook Trends (CONTEST CLOSED)SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Sunday, May 23, 2010

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

Do you have the urge to do some scrapbook shopping? Are there some essentials you'd like to stock up on?


Today would be a good day to do it. Scrapbook.com is offering 10% OFF all orders placed today with the following coupon code: maytenmay.
:SALES: 10% off at Scrapbook.com...today only!SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Friday, May 21, 2010

:QUOTES: on FAMILY according to Brault, Howard, & Mother Teresa

ROBERT BRAULT:
“Family life is a bit like a runny peach pie―not perfect but who’s complaining?”

JANE HOWARD:
“Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.”

MOTHER TERESA (1910-1997; Founder of The Missionaries of Charity):
“Smile at each other, smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other - it doesn't matter who it is - and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other.”

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

(Image Source: http://www.collectingpapermemories.com/images/iStock_family-tree-symbol_picnik.jpg)
:QUOTES: on FAMILY according to Brault, Howard, & Mother TeresaSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Thursday, May 20, 2010

:PRODUCTS: NEW collections from and old favorites & a NEW manufacturer

I am very excited about a few new collections coming out soon!!

Two of them are from an old favorite of mine...Fancy Pants Designs. Rarely do they release a collection that I don't love...it's happened, but not often.

This one called Wishful Thinking is certainly my favorite of the two.

Remember the banner trend I blogged about the other day? Well, there's a sheet in this collection that features them, too! We can always count on FP to keep up with the latest trends!


Like Father Like Son is another great collection and will be perfect for boy layouts or for commemorating Father's Day which is coming up soon.


Check out the Fancy Pants Spring 2010 Catalog which features both collections in greater detail.

Another familiar face in scrapbooking, Basic Grey also has two new collections called Oscar and Olivia. At first I thought it was ONE collection with the way they have it featured on their front page, but it is in fact TWO different collections. Oscar is clearly more 'boyish' and Olivia is more 'girlish'. BOTH are adorable!!

AND...there's banners!!


To view the full lines, go here for Oscar and here for Olivia.

THEN, I discovered a NEW MANUFACTURER the other day called Echo Park Paper and if this first collection is any indication of where they're going, they're going to be around the scrapbooking industry for a long time!

There first collection release is called Sweet Summertime and it is fun and bright and vibrant! I LOVE IT!

(By the way...do you see the banners!?)


You can see this collection featured in greater detail here.

READER RESPONSE:So what do you think? Do you like these new collections? Which one is your favorite and why?
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Wednesday, May 19, 2010

:MEMORYWORKS EXPRESS: June 2010 Kit Sneak Peak - "Debonair"

Take a peek at the June 2010 "Debonair" Express kit...


Watch for a post with further details on this kit soon!

A MemoryWorks Express Kit subscription is ONLY $29.95 a month!! (plus $6.50 S&H)

If you are interested in subscribing to the MemoryWorks Express Kit Program, please contact me today for further details!
:MEMORYWORKS EXPRESS: June 2010 Kit Sneak Peak - "Debonair"SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

:REVIEW: Design Basics Index by Jim Krause

What is one of the basic elements of a successful scrapbook layout?

Clearly, there are several correct answers to this question. Color, journaling, photos… Another element that can’t be forgotten is design.

Without a solid design, these other elements wouldn’t have a foundation on which to come together.

I read Jim Krause's Photo Idea Index years ago and enjoyed it. With the recent lack of specifically scrapbooking-based design idea books, I thought it might be time to expand my horizon for knowledge and inspiration once again.

So, I picked up Krause's Design Basics Index.

While some concepts were familiar to me, just as many were new and enlightening. He'll often recognize a design obstacle and then present you with ways to avoid or correct it.

Also, Krause's delivery is understandable and engaging. To showcase this, I will share some of my favorite quotes from each section below.

Also, Krause illustrates his topics extensively with examples, so if you're ever unsure of what he's trying to express in words, he'll have multiple visual representations as well. One thing that I especially appreciate is that he will often not only offer a visual on the 'right' way, but also the 'wrong' way so that you can truly see the difference using an element correctly can make.

First, he divides the contents of the book into The Three C's of Design - Composition, Components, & Concept.

Composition:
Krause covers elements such as placement and divisions, grouping, harmony, emphasis, alignment and flow.
"Every layout begins as empty space. When we add a visual element to that space, its success or failure as a carrier of the piece's message depends on three factors: the quality of the component, its relevance, and its relationship to other elements in the design. The placement of elements within a composition determines the spatial relationships between those elements and gives the viewer clues for determining their relevance and significance within the layout."
"Harmony means agreement. Visual harmony means agreement between elements, both aesthetically and thematically. This kind of harmony can be achieved through the intentional repetition of elements...and through echoes of theme, color and style." 
"Emphasis is a lot like coals in a campfire-when the embers are collected into a pile, their concentrated heat can ignite a log in seconds. Spread thin, their energy can barely warm a pair of cold hands."
"Just as a person might feel uncomfortable in a confined space, the eye also feels uneasy when it finds itself presented with no way out. Many viewers, when confronted with trapped visual space, feel a distinct, though difficult to define, sense of unease."
Components:
In this section, Krause covers shapes, icons, supporting elements, images, color and typography.
"Every viewer of a photo or illustration sees that image differently. An image that is likely to catch and hold a particular viewer's attention is one that possesses at least one of the following qualities: content that is informative or relevant; content that is intriguing or worthy of further investigation; content that is aesthetically or emotionally appealing. Given one or more of these qualities, there is yet another critical consideration to take into account regarding the ultimate success or failure of an image in reaching its audience: presentation."
"Creating harmonious and effective combinations of color is a matter of instinct (honed through practice and observation), awareness of trends, and understanding of color theory basics."
"Typefaces give voice to words." 
"A musical duet or trio that is made up of different instruments is able to achieve a quality of sound that could not be replicated if all of the instruments were the same. Similarly, when fonts from different families are combined in a logo, layout, or publication, an interaction occurs that can deepen and enrich the composition." 
Concept:
This section is made up of three main topics - conveyance, theme, and the creative process.
"Concept is King. Concept is also Queen, Court Jester, Czar, Prime Minister, Head Honcho and the Big Kahuna. Concept is abstract, intangible and untouchable-and yet, without its binding influence, the elements of a design fall from the page and land in the gutter."
"Theme is the envelope in which concept is sent. Theme is the tone of a piece, its emotional appeal (or lack thereof), its style of presentation...Theme is a powerful and influential force that speaks to the viewer on both conscious and subconscious levels."
"There is no neutral state when it comes to creativity....Observation, study, practice and play are all essential elements of creative growth. Each has to do with expanding our creativity through either nourishment or exercise."
Another great element about this book is that there are also exercises scattered throughout the book to help you explore and experiment  with the principles discussed in the book in a very hands-on way. Applying the concepts and techniques only helps you to better implement them in your next scrapbook design.

While not written specifically with scrapbooking in mind, design is design. There is no denying that there is much to be learned in this book for any scrapbooker who wishes to improve their own knowledge and understanding of good design.

If this sounds like you, adding Design Basics Index by Jim Krause to your bookshelf would be a very wise choice!

READER RESPONSE:
Have you read this book or any others by Jim Krause? Did you find them useful to you in the realm of scrapbooking? What other non-scrapbooking specific design books have you read and enjoyed?

OTHER GREAT RESOURCES BY JIM KRAUSE:
1. 
Photo Idea Index
2. Type Idea Index: The Designer's Ultimate Tool for Choosing and Using Fonts Creatively
3. Color Index
4. Photo Idea Index People: Ideas and Inspiration for Creating Professional-Quality Images Using Standard Digital Equipment
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Monday, May 17, 2010

:LAYOUT: IF...

This is a fun type of layout that can be reinvented time and time again as answers will generally change as people age...or there are a multitude of new questions that could be used to highlight the subject's personality at that point in time.

I wanted to print the journaling on the die cut paper and used a text box to make room for my title treatment of chipboard letters layered on top of journaling block.

I printed the questions in red to match the patterned paper and also to help distinguish the questions from my daughter’s answers.


Journaling:
If you were an animal, what animal would you like to be? A monkey.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? I would fly.

If there was something you wish you never had to do again, what would it be? Clean up!

If you could go on vacation anywhere you wanted next year, where would it be? Hawaii…because I can hula [insert demonstration].

If you could have any pet you wanted, what would it be? A cat, a dog and a hamster.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you like to live? In a castle.

If you had a million dollars, what is the first thing you would buy? Princess clothes, a crown and high-heel shoes.

Supplies:
Adhesive: Duck
Cardstock: Prism
Patterned Paper, Journaling Spot: Jenni Bowlin Studios
Rub ons: Basic Grey
Chipboard Letters: American Crafts
Ink: Colorbox
Scallop Punch: Fiskars
Font: Journaling Hand
:LAYOUT: IF...SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Saturday, May 15, 2010

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

Here's a few of my favorites to hit the shelves at Two Peas in the past 30 days.

Remember, you can get FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $50 during the month of April with the code MMSDAY.


Turquoise Tiny Type Stickers by Cosmo Cricket
I love using mini alphabet stickers to add journaling to my pages these days. These cute turquoise ones coordinate perfectly with the new Delovely collection from CC.


Heidi Swapps 1Oz Color Kits by Tattered Angels
I must admit that I haven't tried glimmer mists yet (yes...I'm aware that I'm probably the only one), but I am definitely getting this beautiful set of colors and will give it a whirl.


Paper Route Flower Market by The Girls' PaperieI love the simple, homemade feel of these blooms made to coordinate with the new Paper Girl collection from The Girls' Paperie.



DigiKit - Grunge Swirls 02 by Vinnie Pearce
Another beautiful digi kit item from Vinnie...could be used in so many ways.



#1 - Ecriture Paper by 7Gypsies
I love green and I love patterned paper featuring script text...there you go. This sheet is part of the beautiful new Avignon collection by 7Gypsies.


#2 - Roma Book Cover by 7Gypsies
Another stunning item from 7Gypsies. I've always been a book lover and this cover would make any book one I'd want to pick up!


#3 - Basics White Label Stickers by BasicGrey
Great labels! Simple design, wonderful shapes and the perfect pop of red! These great labels are only the tip of the ice burg as part of their new Basics collection.


#4 - Basics Black Greetings Rub Ons by BasicGrey
BG has always been one of my favorite rub on manufacturer (second only to Daisy D's...who are no longer around...so sad). They always have such great designs and they transfer so well!


#5 - Premium Personal Paper Trimmer 12 Inch by Fiskars
I've tried several different trimmers in my years of scrapbooking and I currently have their purple trimmer and portable rotary trimmer and love both. I like the look of this one for the fact that it has a larger base and more detailed cut lines. When it's time for me to upgrade, this one might just be it.


#6 - Never Enough 3X6 Accessory Card by My Minds Eye
Love these cute tickets which is part of the HUGE and fabulous So Sophie collection.


#7 - Shooting Star Die Cut Paper by Pink Paislee
Here's a great new collection called Starlight from Pink Paislee. I know it's early, but it has me eager to take some fun 4th of July shots this summer!


#8 - Little Things Stamp by Tim Holtz
LOVE this quote and the grungy font!


#9 - Seaside/Garden Gala Trim Card by Webster's Pages
The textures and colors of these trims are amazing, which isn't at all surprising if you check out the rest of the Seaside and Garden Gala collections.


Flowers 3D Sizzix Bigz Dies by Sizzix
How cute would these little flowers be on your next project!



Max & Whiskers Paper by BasicGrey
This particular pattern is called Simon. I just love the colors and shapes!
:FIFTEEN ON THE FIFTEENTH: Top Two Peas picks from the past 30 days...SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Friday, May 14, 2010

:GIVEAWAY WINNER: American Crafts Letterbox Collection Sampler

Well, I can't say that I'm surprised that none of you said that you most love to receive BILLS in the mail! :-) Who does! Certainly not me.

Of course, we all love getting scrappy stuff in the mail (supplies, mags, etc), but there was a overwhelming response from those that love the handwritten letter or card, which have nearly gone extinct with advances in technology.

I'll admit it...I've sent an e-card instead of a real one many times. BAD!! I have to try to be better about that for sure.

Anyway, someone pretty lucky will soon have something pretty sweet arriving in their mailbox.


And that would be lucky commenter would be #37....

Congratulations, Alisha! Watch your inbox for further details on how to claim your prize!


Don't miss out on more great giveaways coming soon! Sign up for updates to the AMOM blog by email subscription or your favorite blog reader through the links in the left sidebar.
:GIVEAWAY WINNER: American Crafts Letterbox Collection SamplerSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Thursday, May 13, 2010

:WORD ART: Quote Freebie

Churchill's quote was the winner...and here is your free word art download. Hopefully you'll be able to use this on your layouts and projects celebrating mothers and motherfhood. Enjoy!


:WORD ART: Quote FreebieSocialTwist Tell-a-Friend

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

:FIVE FAVES: Banners, banners, everywhere...

There is just something fun and flirty about banners that makes one dream of spring and summer...


1. Banners for Semana Santa, 2. fabric_bunting2-shimandsons, 3. vintage fabric flag banner, 4. Red White and Blue bunting, 5. Strawberries & Cream bunting banner, 6. banners, flags or fun, 7. don't ever leave me..., 8. brown birthday banner, 9. fabric USA banner, 10. holiday banner 3, 11. Circus banners, 12. DSC_5316-1, 13. Fabric Banner, 14. doily flag garland, 15. pennant banner-fiesta, 16. Fiesta Banners

AND, they can be the perfect embellishment to add to your seasonal layouts as well.

You can create your own or utilize the great banner-inspired products that have been popping up all over in the scrapbooking scene lately.


#1 - American Crafts - Dear Lizzy Spring Collection - Sunny Spot Paper

Isn't this paper adorable? Triangles, hearts, and a line of sun-dried laundry thrown in for good measure!


#2 - Clear Scraps - Clear Acrylic Banner - Pennants

A truly clean canvas on which to create a beautiful banner.


#3 - Jenni Bowlin Studio - Cardstock Stickers - Red Banner

Create your title or short journaling on these adorable banner stickers.


#4 - Maya Road - Chipboard Mini Set - Mixed Scallop Triangle Banner

These mini chipboard banners have just the right amount of texture and dimension.


#5 - Sassafras Lass - Apple Jack Collection - 12 x 12 Cardstock Stickers - Flag Banners

The colors and patterns on these cardstock border stickers would be a fun and vibrant addition to any page.
:FIVE FAVES: Banners, banners, everywhere...SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend