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4th of July fun

When I turned 40, my dad gave me the Nikon d80 camera.  It was one of those gifts that was "life changing."  As a scrapbooker, I've taken pictures forever, but I could never really capture the moments that I wanted to keep.  Moments like "blowing out the candles on the cake"  were too dark and blurry.  Baseball pictures could only be taken during the afternoon games.  Christmas was a bust. 

My new camera is not user friendly.  I may get some argument on this, but for a couple of months, I walked around taking pictures with the camera set to "auto."  I have been taking online classes and reading manuals on how to really use it. 

Yesterday, I decided that I would pull out my camera's instruction manual and figure out how to take pictures of fireworks.  I was happily surprised with how well all the pictures came out and I wanted to share them with you --


This is me & Rob.  I was the one adult there who got her face painted.  I couldn't resist -- it's immaturity or playfulness.  I can't decide.  I'm very "into" the blurred background right now. 


Bottom of the pile is Eric, my oldest -- middle is Jake and top is my nephew, William. 


My favorite fireworks shot from the night.  I had the camera up on a tripod, so I was pretty happy that the composition turned out so well.

Today is Scrappy Sunday over on Paper Craft Planet.  I don't usually have time to play along, but I dedicated today to scrapbooking and Jen's sketch was perfect for my pictures from yesterday. 


I love how the sketch turned out - I'm sorry the picture is a little off.  It's hard for me to photograph scrapbook pages.  I haven't figured out my best settings for that yet.  I know it's best to shoot scrapbook pages from above, but that doesn't work out for me.  Anyway, I love the layout -- you'll have to check out Jen's digi version.  She's really the "master" :)

Here's a close up shot of the stickers on the title.  One of the tricks I've picked up from reading blogs is that blending sticker fonts is a great way to extend your stash and add interest to your layout. 


If you'd like to play along this week, I'd love to see what you make.  Upload your layout to Paper Craft Planet and then use the keyword "sb070509".  We choose the best layout each week and they are featured in the Scrappy Sunday group and also in the newsletter!

Scrappy Sunday Challenge, with a PRIZE

Ok - here's a SUPER easy challenge for all you scrappers. Jan Bruno, from Scrapadies.com, has very generously offered up a $20 gift certificate for us to give away to one lucky participant in this week's Scrappy Sunday challenge.

Please check out the Scrappy Sunday group discussion to enter this challenge.

Sketch sb053109
Design by Susanna Boyd

This page is in honor of my grandmother, who died of Alzheimer's Disease.  I felt like it was a good way to wrap up our Stampin' Out Alzheimer's Event this week.  You guys were incredible.  I know that she's smiling right now.

This fun page features three photos (or two and a big journaling block) and plenty of color!! Trade off the muted colors in the main photo with the vintage feel of the background papers.

steps to create:
1) Add a 10” scalloped square from coordinating patterned paper to red background.
2) Layer 5x7 main photo, 3x5 bottom photo and a 4x10 journaling block or additional focal point photo.
3) Adhere additional embellishments and rub on titles (varied angles for added interest).

Upload your version of our sketch into the Paper Craft Planet gallery! Use the keyword sb053109 so that we can pull it into our gallery. You can check out the gallery here.

Scrapbook Saturday: January 10th, 2009

Did you know that about 2,500 people search for the phrase "scrapbook" every day.  Another 2,500 or so search for "scrapbooking".  That's 5,000 people every day who are looking for some kind of starting point or inspiration in their paper craft journaling.    Fortunately, there are a lot of brilliant scrapping ideas floating out there this week and you'll find yourself really inspired reading the list.  Please comment here to nominate your favorite.  More over, if you have a favorite scrapbooker, and you just don't see them here, leave me a note so that I can pass along the blogging goodies.

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere Scrapbooking lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

Scrapbooking Inspiration

Scrapbooking Mini-Books

Hybrid (or "Fusion") Scrapbooking Ideas:

Fun with Photoshop:

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!

Turn your digital photos into custom photo books . View our great selection of photo book samples for ideas. Create photo book memories to last a lifetime.

Scrapbook Saturday: January 3, 2009

2009.  I can't believe it.  Came so fast... where did last year go?  Wow.  A lot of brilliant scrapping ideas floating out there this week and you'll find yourself really inspired reading the list.  Please comment here to nominate your favorite.

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere Scrapbooking lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

Scrapbooking Inspiration

Scrapbooking Mini-Books

Hybrid (or "Fusion") Scrapbooking Ideas:

Fun with Photoshop:

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!

Scrapbook Saturday with a NEW Twist

A lot of brilliant scrapping ideas floating out there this week and you'll find yourself really inspired reading the list.  Please comment here to nominate your favorite and I'll be giving out some awards on my site later this week. 

I'm also adding some new boxes below to hopefully give you some more inspiration --

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere Scrapbooking lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

Scrapbooking Inspiration

Scrapbooking Mini-Books

Hybrid (or "Fusion") Scrapbooking Ideas:

Fun with Photoshop:

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!

Scrapbook Saturday: November 30, 2008

Scrapbook Page of the Week: Circle of Friendship by Jen Caputo

Seriously, I want to force my friends to lay in a circle so that I can CASE this layout.  This is so incredibly fun -- and you know all the smiles would be genuine.  Best part, click on over to Jen's blog and she has a great video tutorial on how to use your computer to do the journaling around the cool scallop.  All my "Hybrid Hottie" girls should definitely be checking this page out!

Runner Up: The Cheer Heart Throughout Blogland by Kelly Goree from Behind the Pages

Kelly and I share a love of McDonald's.  It's funny how you find these crazy ways to link to each other.  Her page really grabbed me because I thought I was the only adult out there who really loved McDonald's!  For Kelly, it's the fountain Diet Coke -- for me, it's the ice coffee.  Either way, it's great to have a super vibrant page all about the things that you love -- it helps the people in your life know you a little better. Remember, we're not just creating scrapbooks to immortalize the events in our lives, but to create memories of the people we love.  That includes us. 

Mini-Book of the Week:  12 Months of Lily by Emily Jones from Who Me?

The best birthday present your can give for a child's first birthday -- a record of how much they have grown and changed in that past year.  Emily totally pulled this off for her daughter Lily.  So many memories recorded here.  One day, when Lily has her own children, she'll look back at this precious book with new eyes, filled with gratitude for her mom.  Click on over to Emily's blog for the inside pages :D

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere Scrapbooking lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

Scrapbooking Inspiration

Scrapbooking Mini-Books

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!

Scrapbook Saturday: November 22, 2008

In the words of Po from Kung Fu Panda, there is no charge for awesomeness.  Read on.

Scrapbook Page of the Week:   Gobble, Gobble, Gobble by Robyn Werlich from Be Creative

Awesome page and perfect timing.  As we all clear the craft supplies off of the dining room table to get ready for Thanksgiving, here is a little inspiration to book mark and save for next weekend (if you're not shopping!).  Click on over to Robyn's blog for details on this great page.  I love the colors, the pictures, the details.  Everything!

Runner Up: Thankful is a State of Mind by Kristina Werner from KWerner Design

One of the things that Kristina does that I really enjoy is scrap-journaling.   Her scrapbook is part journal/diary and part traditional.  I never think about the pages that don't include pictures -- the ones that are more creative writing pieces.  I love it.  It is one of the things that makes Kristina's style unique.   Plus, you have to love a person who thinks  like this and then creates the page :D

Special Photo Gift Shout Out: Altered Canvases by Sharon from Digital Creations

 

I had to give a shout out to Sharon for this project.  I had it tagged under my "scrapbook" list -- because it is like a scrapbook -- but one you'd hang on the wall :D  Precious children and I loved how she pulled the canvases together.  Great work. Hop on over to Sharon's blog to see how she put this together and leave her some love!

Mini-Book of the Week:  Mini -Book Week (yes!) by Kelly Goree from Behind the Pages

Kelly did a mini book every day this week and all of them were amazing.  I couldn't pick a winner, so I'm just whetting your appetite and you'll have to hop on over to her site to get your hunger sated.

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Day Four

Day Five

Stop slobbering on the keyboard and get over there!  Thanks for sharing these Kelly -- they are all AWESOME!

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere Scrapbooking lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

Scrapbooking Inspiration

Scrapbooking Mini-Books

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!

Scrapbook Saturday: November 15, 2008

Scrapbook Page of the Week: Background Basics by Heather Nichols from Pine is Here

This is a beautiful page - I love the soft pastels mixed the kraft paper and the black and white photo.  I can get a "mood" from looking at this page.  Doesn't hurt to have a beautiful girl like this (God only gave me smelly ol' boys...).  What I love about Heather's post is that she shows you how to recreate this page step by step.  I love it when artist's share detailed instructions -- I mean seriously -- we are all looking to learn more techniques.  Here, Heather stamped the background images on different soft pastel papers to create her own pattered paper.  She also shows you how to get the great glittery effect on that heart.  Check it out. 

Runner Up: Flying High by Melanie Douthit from Enjoy the Journey

WOW. What a shot!  Yes, when my boys do this, I'll be a nervous wreak!  However, I hope get rid of the shakes in time to CASE this awesome layout.  I usually scrap multiple photos on a page -- I'm an "events" scrapper -- but when you catch one great moment, you have to preserve the memory.  Melanie can exact her revenge for this teen's disregard for his mother's blood pressure by showing this scrapbook page to her son's children (in several years)!

Mini-Book of the Week:  4th Birthday by Maren from Zany Not Crazy

You'll have to click on over to see the other AMAZING pages in this mini book.  I love how Maren made the photos stretch over 2 pages of the book.  The end result is fun, unique, and special.  Click on over to see the other pages!

Runner Up: 25 Days of Christmas by Bobbi-Jo from It Works for Me

I love this concept -- it's from Ali Edwards. The idea is to have a daily mini book made BEFORE Christmas starts so that it's not another thing on the "pain list", but a way to preserve the memories of the joy and bustle of the holiday season.  I love Bobbi's book and how she designed it -- check out her blog to see the other inside pages.

On the same note - check out this post from Bobbi to show you a similar idea for Thanksgiving.  This is a digi download from Heidi Swap and really a great idea for getting ready for Thanksgiving.  Have it pre-made and everyone can fill it what they are thankful for on "Turkey Day". 

Runner Up:  Thanksgiving by Desiree De Monye from Desiree At Play

Another great Thanksgiving Album, but using all Stampin' Up! products and a clear acrylic binder.  I love how this turned out and it's a keepsake.

one more... I'm on a roll...

Runner Up:  Grateful by Stephanie Howell from Just Me

I'm making this one.  Another daily album for Thanksgiving -- but I love it.  This one is personalized by your guests.  Click over to Stephanie's blog to see the inner pages... you'll be glad that you did!

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere Scrapbooking lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

Scrapbooking Inspiration

Scrapbooking Mini-Books

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!

Scrapbook Saturday: November 8th

Scrapbook Page of the Week: Worst Day Ever By Stephanie Howell from Me & My Two Little Chicks

This entire blog post had me chuckling -- I have had so many days like this!  However, when I have a bad day, I ususally end up floating in my bathtub nursing a scrapbook magazine and a glass of wine -- I don't turn out gorgeous layouts like this one!!!  I love this -- simple style, great butterflies, beautiful baby.  I especially like the doodle letters.  Nice touch.  Go check out Stephanie's blog and leave her some love :D

Runner Up: Quick Share by Kelly Goree from Behind the Pages

OK, I can totally explain why I love this -- it's HARMONY.  The wood paper, the colors, the leaves, all remind me of autumn.  There is a mood set here -- that's something most scrapbookers forget about.  Love it.  Go over to Kelly's blog for supplies and to see some of her other fantastic projects.

Mini-Book of the Week:  Family Gratitude Spinner Project by Ali Edwards

Ali's amazing and I love that she came up with the idea for this project.  This would be a delightful project to have on hand for Thanksgiving.  So clever.  Click on over to see how she puts it together and get the details. 

Runner Up: Nested Flower Mini Album by Ellen Hutson from The Classroom

Isn't this darling?  Ellen shows you how to make it using Nestablities!!!  How easy is that!?!  Love it. 

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere Scrapbooking lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

Scrapbooking Inspiration

Scrapbooking Mini-Books

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!

Scrapbook Saturday: November 1st, 2008

Scrapbook Page of the Week: Big Pumpkin Eats Little Pumpkins by Janet featured on the Designer Digitals Blog

I try not to feature projects from other sites that are featuring artists from other sites... it's like looking in a mirror looking in a mirror... gets too complicated.  However, sometimes I see something that just grabs me and I have to share.  I nearly fell off my chair when I saw this page.  I laughed so hard I choked on my Diet Coke and then I knew it was a shoe in for Scrapbook Page of the Week.  Janet's sense of humor really shines and I love it that she thought to preserve the memory for the rest of us.  I'm totally doing this next year.  Hysterical.

Runner Up: Lil Artist by Gwen from Gwen's Blog

First, Happy Birthday Gwen and thanks so much for sharing this beautiful page!!!!  Such a simple layout and I just love it!  I thought this was digital because of the circular journaling... then I knew it was hybrid because I have those Thicker stickers used for the title.  Brilliant.  Clever.  FAB.  I love it when we can have it all - the convenience of digital and the textures and dimension of traditional scrapping. 

Mini-Book of the Week:  Got Kit by Carla Peicheff from Moralia's Weblog

Carla pulled this gorgeous book together from a kit and some coasters.  I forget sometimes how much versatility there is in a prepackaged kit -- love the idea that all the  papers and embellishments are coordinated for you.  Really, think about it -- this is pretty simple to pull off now that Carla's given us the idea!  Click on over for other views of the album, and for information on ordering the kit.

Runner Up: CHA Summer Album by Emily Jones from Who Me

I'll make you click on over for the inside pages -- it's totally worth it.  This little mini-book is awesome -- using all the new American Crafts travel papers and embellishments.  I'm seriously toying with the idea of going to Winter CHA in California.  I think I'll be CASING this brilliant idea to save those memories!  Adorable book, Emily!

For those of you who love mini scrapbooks and are thinking of making one for the holidays -- don't miss this blog post from MINI-BOOK MASTER:  Ali Edwards :D  http://aliedwards.typepad.com/_a_/2008/10/december-dail-3.html

Now, onto the Best of the Blogosphere Scrapbooking lists. Remember these lovely little boxes don't show up in Google Reader, so if you can't see them, click on over to my site and they will magically appear. (When you see the boxes, there is a small "read more" in the bottom, right hand corner... click it and you can see the list with pictures as a web page!)

Scrapbooking Inspiration

Scrapbooking Mini-Books

Please remember that my site is powered by YOU. Please comment here if you'd like me to read your blog or if you have seen some amazing blog art that I'm missing! Thanks!