Journaling Challenges

Thanksgiving and the holidays are fast approaching and it's easy to get caught up in all the "hoopla" that goes along with it,   I'm usually guilty of  not taking time to appreciate the everyday & take time for myself,  I stumbled on 2 daily challenges that I was interested in focusing on.

The first one Scarlet Namvong challenged us to focus on the things we are thankful for this month.  When I take the time to look at what I am thankful for no matter how bad things get I seem to feel differently about things because I can clearly see how trivial the bad is & the good far outweighs the bad.

I like how Scarlet leaves it open how elaborate each person wants to get with the challenge.  I will be making an altered book journal for mine so it will be something I can encourage myself with if I get down.

Here's what Scarlet wrote on her blog about joining in.

how you can participate :: 

write a sentence, tell a story, take a photo...

blog it, tweet it, facebook it, journal it, scrapbook it...
share your gratitude daily or summarize it weekly...

The second challenge is...

Rhonna Farrer is hosting a 21 day challenge coaching us to make or break a habit.  She is an absolute delight and full of energy.  I'm looking forward to reading her blog posts & watching the Wednesday live show for inspiration to achieve this.  Focusing on a specific thing makes it do-able.  Here's the details from her blog...

1. Choose 1 habit you want to make or break in the 21 days.

*we'll end on Thanksgiving Day here in the U.S.*

2. Choose an art journal of some kind. old book, notebook, scrapbook, sketch book...something! 

OR you can make the little book  out of the NEW House of 3 21 Challenge kit. There's a tiny book that you can make 5x 2.5. I love it. I've found that sometimes you don't have the time to do a full blown art journal, but you do need 5 min. of creative time....a small canvas is much more do-able at times.  But, you may choose to have a larger book..whatever inspires you!

3. Meet back here on Friday, November 5th for your daily motivational coaching!  I'll have art from the kit plus quotes, motivation & a kick in the can for you! *and me*. LOL. 

*note: this week's Wednesday Web Show will be an intro to The {21} Challenge. I'll share some of my past journals with you, my experiences & my tips for your successful 21 day journey!

July's Paperclipping Monthly Challenge Winner Spotlight

We are getting so many great entries for the Paperclipping Monthly Challenges.  Thanks everyone for supporting us & getting involved again.

For July we had over 30 entries & so many great ones (check them out here)... this page just made me say WOW and litterally stop and stare.  Congratulations to Jamie Leija who submitted this page we chose to highlight this month! She submitted a response to challenge topic #1: Altered Backgrounds

So many things to love abuot this page... color, misting, all that journaling scattered around... not to mention how creative the cut up photo design is.

Here is Jamie's creative thought process

Jamie’s Explanation:

I was very inspired by the colors of the photo, the yellow in my sweater, the blue in my mama’s shirt and that so bright green in the plant behind us. I have these favorite masks that I use over and over again, but the thing is, they aren’t actually masks. Prima makes these great felt stems, that are beautiful in their own right, but just screamed mask to me the moment I saw them. I arranged them on my background paper and hit them with green, yellow and blue Maya Mist and outlined a few of the edges to give them dimension. The title of this layout is actually from a song lyric of Taylor Swift’s. I’d already decided to use that photo of me and Mama when I realized that this song would be a great way to journal about us, this day and our propensity for giggling.



Journaling reads: “We were in Rome, touring the Papal Residence, soaking up the gorgeous Italian sun, and were just taking a break from all the walking we’d been doing. I have no idea why we were laughing. Who knows with the two of us! We’re always giggling about something or other, which is why this is my favorite photo of the two of us. What a wonderful day to remember and what equally wonderful memories of so many seemingly small moments with my Mama.”

“I love you for giving me your [Asian] eyes. For staying back and watching me shine. I didn’t know if you knew. So I’m taking this chance to say…that I had the best day, with you, today.“

What the judges had to say:

It was the colors that first grabbed our attention — bright and bold, more heavily sprayed toward the bottom of the page, emphasizing the colors Jamie loves in her picture. On a closer look, here is what we found…

•Repetition, Continuity, Contrast
The grid design is unexpected on such a playfully themed layout, but it works well and is balanced by the plants and mists used for the altered background. We like that there is continuity in the repeating grid pattern, from the two different pieces of patterned paper, to the grid of patterned papers plus the photo itself. While it seems scary to cut that picture like that, the faces fit nicely into their own squares and she actually highlighted them this way.

She chose a good mix of patterns to group together: organics, geometrics, solids (or almost solid), loose patterns and tight patterns.

•Sections, Lines, Titles
A great element on the page is the zig-zag strip of paper that not only anchors the grid but also creates a line at the third mark and a separate space for the title. And the title — the title work is fabulous with its mix of size and colors.

•Balance
Jamie has balance around the entire page: a visual triangle of black text (three spots) and a visual triangle of butterflies that add dimension. She also balanced an artsy organic look (splashes of color mist with plant-like masks) with a bit of linear design (the grids and title-work).

•VIsual Mood-Expression
Overall it creates a happy, carefree feel balanced with stability. We think that’s pretty great visual story-telling, considering the story she revealed through her journaling.

Find Jamie Leiha

You can find her in the Paperclipping community, The Crop Circle. She also has a blog.

Join us for the August Challenges here for your chance to be in the spotlight on the Paperclipping website, Lesley's blog & her on my blog.



August Monthly Challenge

Want to join in on a challenge? Every month we issue a challenge based on recent tutorials and discussions. Anyone can participate. We choose one layout from the submissions to highlight here! Give it a try!  Here is the August forum thread to join in.

It's my Birthday

Another year older and wiser... at age 47 (yikes that sounds old - that is so pushing 50) .  I am blessed with a fantastic husband, loving sons, caring family & dear friends.  That really is what matters in life.  I can't wait to move at the end of the month.  We'll have double the space & I'm treating that as my HUGE b'day gift this year. 

Today while checking my blog email I see something from Bobbie at Simply Renee (the Clip it Up people).  Last week they had a giveaway & I left a comment.  Well it seems I was the winner of 2 hanging Clip it Up products!  I'm so excited since today is my birthday I'm thinking of it as a fantastic gift.  I chose the hanging one & the swing out one.  They will be perfect for my new scraproom.  Their blog has some great topics - not just organization (yes that is there) but lots of techniques & tutorials.  Here's the link if you'd like to check it out.

These are really going to solve a lot of storage/organization issues I have.  Thanks Bobbie & Simply Renee

Now for some updates....

Everything Scrapp'n will be blog hopping a day early this month. We usually hop on the 14th of every month but Heather thought that since it's Valentine's Day & most of us will be snuggling up to our honey we'd post on the 13th. So remember to check back then for inspiration & a chance to win a great prize with just a comment.


Have you entered the Monthly Challenge at Everything Scrapp'n? The topic is "Show the Love" in honor of Valentine's Day I wanted you to do a layout focusing on loved ones.... Here's all the details - remember to post by 11:59 on Feb 7th for your chance to win a $20 gift certificate to Everything Scrapp'n Online Store.

Speaking of challenges... I posted the February Monthly Challenges over on the Paperclipping Forum.  I hope you will join us.  There are some great topics to get your creative juices flowing & the winner will be spotlighted in the newsletter that is read by scrappers all over the world - it's like being "published".

Speaking of Paperclipping. have you been listening to the Roundtable?  I can't believe there are 5 shows already.  Noell Hyman (of Paperclipping) & Nancy Nally (of Scrapbook Update) are the dynamic duo of information.  The shows are so packed with great info, guest celebrity scrapper insights, & keeping us in the know about everything scrapbooking.  I love that it's an audio show as I can listen while I'm checking email, blogging, or scrapbooking.

Well that's all I have for now... hope you have a fantastic day!

Everything Scrapp'n Blog Hop

It's the 28th so that means it's challenge time at Everything Scrapp'n!.  Once again it was my month to choose the topic.  So in honor of Valentine's Day approaching I am calling this challenge "Show the Love".  Scrap about  a relationship of a loved one.  It can be with you or their relationship with another.  Did I mention the prize? Every layout entered gets you a chance to win a $20 gift certificate to the Everything Scrapp'n Store! Check the store blog for more details & all entries are due by 2/7. Good Luck & can't wait to see your take on the challenge.

I went a bit out of the box scrapping the relationship of two of our dogs (lol).  Yes we're those kind of crazy dog people - but if you are a regular reader you already know our critters are family. 

The design team is showcasing Nikki Sivils papers from the Everything Scrapp'n Store.  As always each of us will link you to some products & pull out a couple we like the best.

The whimsy of the "Cherries on Top" background paper was the driving force behind turning up the fun in my design.  Adding the brads on each scallop helped to define the beautiful edges of the paper.  I further defined the frame by stitching next to the brown border.  Nikki's paper is perfect for distressing to make my circle layered "flowers".

Adding the brads on each scallop helped to define the beautiful edges of the paper.

I further defined the frame by stitching next to the brown border.

 Nikki's paper is perfect for distressing to make my circle layered "flowers". To keep continutity with other elements - a bit of stitching adds dimension and the buttons were topped with more brads over one of the border flowers. 

Shhh - don't tell that I was out of the letter "e"... I cut the "&" sign to make it work.  The fun design of the Jewelry Box font by American Crafts fits with the other letters.

I pleated the ribbon by running a basting stitch by hand then gluing with some liquid Tombow Mono Adhesive. 

I always love the dimension that Martha Stewart punched butterflies add to a page - the quick addition of a couple of gems define the bodies.

Supplies: Cardstock (Bazzill); Paper (Nikki Sivils - Cherries on Top, Nikki Sivils - Cherry Strips for You, Nikki Sivils - Cherry Sweet, Nikki Sivils - Cherry Blast, & Nikki Sivils - Cherry Tree); Letters (American Crafts - Thickers Jewery Box & Pink Paislee - Cardstock Alpha Stickers); Ribbon (American Crafts - Backyard Stem 1); Brads (The Paper Studio); Punch (Martha Stewart - Butterfly); Bling (Hero Arts); Die Cut Edge (Doodlebug - Frills); Circle Cutter (Creative Memories); Buttons (Misc Stash); Thread (Coats & Clarks)

For my next project I was in the mood to do some Valentine cards.  I don't have a lot of holiday stamps so I try to make it work with the everyday sentiments I have.

You all know what a Pink Paislee fan I am... This Love Potion paper in the Cupid line is a sure stand out & is very versitile.  LOVE it - I bought several to keep in my stash.

Supplies:  Cardstock (Bazzill - Kraft & Bazzill - Chocolate); Paper (Pink Paislee - Cupid Love Potion, Pink Paislee- Cupid Bow & Arrow, & Pink Paislee - Cupid Bullseye); Lace (Prima by the yard); Trim (Wrights); Thread (Coats & Clarks); Punch (Stampin' Up - Tiny Scallop); Stamps Card 1 (Hero Arts); Stamps Card 2 (Unity Stamp Co); Ink (Ranger, Stazon & Colorbox)
 
I'm sure you will want to see what the other designers did with the challenge... head on over & leave them a bit of love.
 
Jana
Michelle
Tracy
Teresa
 
Thanks for stopping by!

Thursday Fun

I am about to float away from drinking water.... I think I'm getting better but have to go back to the doctor this afternoon. This kidney stuff is really messing with my creative time! This month has been quite a stinker. Reading back on the posts for the month I can't believe how much I've been sick & what are the chances of 2 trees falling on utility lines in the same month! My grandpa would say in these times the only luck I have is bad luck... he was Irish.

Well I'm hopping at the Unity Blog Hop today. Check it out there are lots of prizes thru the day in the forum. I love their stamps & use them all the time.

Here's a card I made for one of the challenges.

The challenge was to create a birthday card without using traditional birthday images. I love this owl journaling spot stamp. It is so versatile & is not limited to a layout. I think my sister will love this card since her b'day is coming in May.

I'll be posting some more Unity tomorrow as I'm participating in the Hip Hop Hangover Blog Hop. So check back for more projects.

I hope you are working on your layouts for the Everything Scrapp'n My Mind's Eye Giveaway. There have been some great entries so far. Hard to believe it's already April 22 - so there's still time to enter before April 30th if you get busy. Check out the Everything Scrapp'n Blog for more details.

There is also time to get in on the challenges over at the paperclipping forum. The topics are very broad & don't limit your creativity but really encourage it. I hope you'll join in the fun & look forward to seeing your designs.

I have to say that the Paperclipping Live show on Tuesday was too fun! We had lots of new people. Even Stephanie Howell came & she loved it! See I've been telling y'all about the best way to spend an hour or two on Tuesday evenings is on Ustream. Next week we will be working with a scraps we exchanged during a scrap swap. It's always fun to create with stuff from other scrappers.

Don't forget to leave a comment for another entry into my month long RAK contest for more details see this post If you haven't already done it sign up as a follower for more entries.

Challenges Everywhere....

The monthly challenge for April is up over at the Paperclipping forum . Head on over there to see the topic for the month.

Everything Scrapp'n Blog has another new challenge up this time it's from the talented Jana. Remember these challenges go toward entries into the huge My Mind's Eye prize for the month. Don't miss your chance to win this prize.

Scrapperie has their month long card making challenge

I'm posting this Tuesday night because I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow & will be in a rush.... I may even stop by my LSS if I get a chance it's been forever since I've been up to EMI to see Susan the owner - she's such a doll & so fun.... I think I may have some paper up there I asked her to put back for me. I love that Making Memories green small floral paper that was in the Paperie Line.

Speaking of Making Memories.... I wrote them an email since I'm having withdrawal because my favorite papers have been discontinued & I can't find a source for any more. Which ones... if you look at my layouts I'm sure you know my love affair with the cream colored lined noteworthy papers. The scallop blue edged one & the teal edged noteworthy shaped one were my go to papers... now I'm down to 1 sheet of each & dying to use it but being a hoarder.... I told them in the email that these are a good basic & they should keep them as a staple of the noteworthy line... who knows if one lonely email will make a difference but I'm hoping they bring them back because they are so me.

I thought I would share one of my Flashback Friday layouts with you. (for those of you who don't know about the group it's over on the 2peas pub board & we do a weekly heritage challenge) this weeks topic was something you did as a child (I think--- it's late & I've been a bit bird brained all day today) Feel free to join us if you're looking for a great heritage group.

I have always been crafty & loved to create. I wasn't the best at drawing so I got this purse/jewelry making kit for Christmas when I was 7 years old. I credit that kit with the beginning of "craftysuz". That's what my family always called me because I was always getting into another new craft. It's really been a way of life for me. Yes some of the stuff over the years when I was in my country phase in the late '80's was a wee bit tacky.... but all in all it's fun & I love it - that's what counts

I think I've tried everything but the ones that still stick with me are:

--scrapbooking (of course)

--knitting (I taught myself how to do that in the last couple years while watching Knitty Gritty on HGTV on Demand - I just kept hitting pause & rewind until I got it. Perfect to keep me occupied while I was recovering after surgery)

--quilting (I started in 1980 & made 100% hand stitched quilts - now I do it on the machine. With the rheumatoid arthritis in my hands I can't get those pretty little stitches anymore)

--jewelry making (I love making earrings & have started making necklaces that are a natural magnetic stone mixed with turquoise - they really help my neck muscles & spasms & I was a doubter but they work for me... anything not to take more medicines. I've been thinking about putting them on Etsy this photo shows the necklace... what do you think?)

Sorry got a little long winded there....

Don't forget to leave a comment for another entry into my month long RAK contest for more details see this post.

Have a great Wednesday & take some creative time for yourself.