Write. Click. Scrapbook.

Welcome, January!

Happy New Year!!

We hope that you all had a safe and a happy celebration as we watched the ball drop and the year change from 12 to 13. (Y2K seems like a distant memory as we move into the thirteenth year since we waited and paused wondering if our computers woul still turn on. While some of you won't remember the panic, for those that do, have you scrapbooked it? Hmm. Note to self: make a Y2K page.)

As we begin a new year, we want to tell you that we have some fun things in store for this next few months. Watch for some fun changes and additions! That's all we are saying for now... the excitement, the anticipation... (Note to self: write. click. scrapbook. is awesome!)

Did you all get signed up for Jessica Sprague's new Project Life class? If you haven't yet, click on over and check it out. It is a sure way to help you get off to a good start with your PL goals. (Note to self: take a moment and write out my 2013 goals.)

Are you excited for a new gallery? Goodness, it is a lovely one. Come see! (Note to self: get a sketchpad for jotting down ideas as inspiration strikes whilst looking through the gallery!)

 

This month, our theme is Note to Self. (Heehee! Did you see all the clues up above?) We were inspired by the Note To Self stamps we have been seeing and thought it would make a perfect theme for starting out our new year. We hope you enjoy our gallery filled with resolutions, understandings, and random thoughts. We hope you love it as much as we do!

As a reminder, if you would like to see the layouts in full size with the journaling provided, click over the photo album using the link in the column to the left! 

 

-ING Words | Francine Clouden

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Pink Paislee) + chipboard letters (American Crafts) + letter stickers (October Afternoon) + phrase stickers (Glitz Design) + journaling spots (Glitz Design) + die cuts (Anna Griffin) + vintage button + fabric yo-yo

A Note from Francine
This page was based on a blog post about all the action words at that particular time in my life. It's a great reminder to me all all that I do and enjoy.

 

Hey, You! | Aliza Deutsch

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Studio Calico, American Crafts, My Mind’s Eye, October Afternoon, Crate Paper) + embellishments (Elle’s Studio, Evalicious, Studio Calico, October Afternoon, Pebbles, Cocoa Daisy) + stickers (Lily Bee Design, American Crafts, Jillibean Soup)

A Note from Aliza
This layout is a bit more frenetic than I am used to making. I even used three exclamation points! My, goodness, that’s a lot. But it’s a fun and playful layout, so it feels right here. This really is an ongoing goal for me, though; getting over (or just owning up to) “looking bad” in pictures, but also being assertive enough to hand over the camera and to give instructions.

January Fun Fact
I do hope it snows around here sometime this winter. I detest feeling cold, but I love winter weather. I just wear lots and lots of clothes. (Really, absurd amounts of layers.)

 

Everyday Adventures | Francine Clouden

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12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Studio Calico, Crate Paper) + stickers (Authentique, Glitz Design) + chipboard stickers (Crate Paper) + acrylic stamp (Jenni Bowlin) + stamping ink (Ranger) + acrylic paint + ribbon

A Note from Francine
To make the painted background I used an expired gift card as a sort of palette knife to scrape acrylic paint on the page.

January Fun Fact
This year I do solemnly promise that I will get all my layouts into albums. Really!

 

read | Celeste Smith

12 x12 | materials stitching (Stitches and Pieces by The Doodle Queen ) + tape (Fabric Tape by Valorie Wibbens) + template (Transformers 14 by Lauren Reid at One Story Down) + kit (Mila's Spare Time by Peeps & Milo at One Story Down)

A Note from Celeste
This layout ,while not written like a note to myself, is a good reminder that once in awhile I need to just slow down and curl up with a good book!

January Fun Fact
Season 3 of Downton Abbey starts in a few days and I am beside myself with anticipation!

 

We Love Daddy | Marnie Flores

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper, elements (Echo Park) + frame (Crystal Wilkerson) + fonts (Century Gothic, Janda Silly Monkey, JB Cursive)

A Note from Marnie
I hit the jackpot on husbands. Truly. Oh, we have our troubles, please don't think me plastic, but I feel incredibly blessed to know what a wonderful father he is. This page is about my good fortune, as you never truly know how a young man will be as a father until he becomes one.

January Fun Fact
We have already had more snow that all of last year. This month, I am hoping to find a good sledding hill for my littles to learn the thrill of the whoosh!

 

quirk #47 | Celeste Smith

12 x 12 | materials Amy Jaz Jingle All the Way paper and elements at The Lilypad, Gina Miller Elf paper at The Lilypad, Amy Wolff Winter Washed paper at The Lilypad, Sahlin Studio Jolly Ole paper & elements, Sahlin Studio Trimming the Tree elements at The Lilypad, Little Butterfly Wings New Start elements at The Lilypad, Emily Merritt Big Number Week Cards at The Lilypad, Laurie Ann Reflecting Elements at The Lilypad

A Note from Celeste
This layout sprang out of one of the photos from my November 12 on the 12th photo collection. My lists are really my little notes to myself. I keep them everywhere and have no idea how I would function without them!

January Fun Fact
This year I'm resolving not to resolve!

 

Note to Self | Lisa Ottosson

A5 | materials patterned paper (Art Deco alpha with graph (here) +chevron printable/digital papers (here) + Peppermint Twist (here) + stickers (Pink Paislee) + accent (Printable Mason Jar here)

A Note from Lisa
This layout is going in my 2013 Project Life album as one of the start pages. I want to have it in there to remind me that I shouldn´t take anything for granted. After a year of losses (both my grandfather and grandmother) and other personal events, I need a reminder that life is fragile.

January Fun Fact
The A5 size is about half of a 8.5x11” paper and is my new size for the new year!

 

Joy Everyday | Katie Ehmann

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (American Crafts, KI Memories, Authentique) + embellishments (Simple Stories, Studio Calico, Darice, Inc) + stickers (Pebbles) + stamps (Studio Calico, American Crafts) + ink (Hero Arts) + die cutting machine (Silhouette Cameo)

A Note from Katie
This layout is all about me on 12/12/12. I took this photo at exactly 12:12pm and knew that I wanted to use it in my note to me layout. I love the touch of sparkle American Crafts POW papers and the sequins add, and it complemented my theme of joy.

January Fun Fact
I love snow for Christmas. But after Christmas, I’d be perfectly happy if it was 70 and sunny everyday. Too bad for me, though, because I live in the great white tundra that is Michigan, where winter lasts half the year!

 

Note to Self | Jennifer Larson

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Echo Park, Basic Grey, Studio Calico, October Afternoon) + cardstock (Stampin’ Up!, Bazzill) + embellishments (Studio Calico, Basic Grey, Pink Paislee, Queen & Company) + stickers (Basic Grey, Jenni Bowlin, October Afternoon) + punches (EK Successs) + sandpaper (Basic Grey) + floss (DMC) + templates (Bazzill, Stampin’ Up!)

A Note from Jennifer
My mother recently gave me a box filled with photos of myself as a child. I scanned them, so now when I want to do a layout about my childhood, I edit and print one of those photos to use. Here I reflect more on my life since my childhood, reflecting on some of my insecurities when I was a child as well as some of the things I wish I’d done differently or known when I was younger.

January Fun Fact
I love the month of January, even though it’s super cold here in Minnesota. It’s my birthday month!

 

Sushi | Kathy Martin

12 x 12 | < b>materials patterned paper (October Afternoon) + alphabet stickers (American Crafts) + accents (Maya Road)

A Note from Kathy
Note to self, if you don’t like something the first time you try it, don’t wait 25 years to try it again!

January Fun Fact
Surprisingly, even the hubs, who doesn’t like cooked fish and seafood, likes sushi! Go figure?!?!

 

Remember | Deb Duty

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (My Mind's Eye, Studio Calico, Basic Grey) + embellishments (Studio Calico, American Crafts) + stickers (Pebbles) + alpha (Basic Grey, Studio Calico, Cosmo Cricket) + stamps (Studio Calico)

A Note from Deb
This layout is about a very recent photo of my boys. When I was thinking about the theme for this month, I thought about this photo that I captured with phone. When I took the photo I was thinking about how I wanted to remember how much fun they were having together playing basketball and joking around.

January Fun Fact
I'm very excited to be attending my first CHA show this month!

 

Thoughts From Today | Valerie O'Neall

8.5 x 11 | materials cardstock (Wausau) + patterned paper (Crate Paper, My Mind's Eye, October Afternoon) + stamp (American Crafts) + flair (Ormolu) + wood veneer (Studio Calico) + enamel dots (My Mind's Eye) + chalk ink (Prima) + pen (Copic Multiliner) + Silhouette SD (fonts: Matchbook & Novocento Wide)

A Note from Valerie
I planned this layout in Silhouette Studio, loaded an 8.5 x 11 sheet into my Silhouette SD to cut out the title and phrase and built the layout around those two elements. I threw around the idea of adding photos, but decided to leave them out this time and make the layout completely about the journaling.

January Fun Fact
I'm so proud of my mom. She lost almost 70 pounds last year! Way to go, mom!

 

You Will Be | Jennie McGarvey

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Glitz Designs, KI Memories, American Crafts) + cardstock (Bazzill and American Crafts) + glitter paper (American Crafts) + embellishments (American Crafts, Studio Calico and Cosmo Cricket) + Washi Tape (Glitz Design)

A Note from Jennie
This layout features a photo of me when I was 2 years old with my Grandpa. This photo sits on my dresser and I look at it daily, and have, for basically all of my life. I have done a bit of deeper journaling (not too much!) and have hidden it in the glassine bag.

January Fun Fact
I do not drink warm beverages. Very, very occasionally a hot latte or hot chocolate, but that is rare!

 

Note to Self | Amy Coose

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Echo Park, Basic Grey, Studio Calico) + embellishments (Studio Calico, Silhouette Cameo, Prima) + tags (Chic Tags) + stickers (Washi from Freckled Fawn) + twine (The Twinery)

A Note from Amy
This layout was built around our Christmas card picture from this year. Seeing us all together reminded me how important it is to enjoy each and every moment we have together.

January Fun Fact
We always set New Year resolutions as a family, and promptly forget about them by the next week. I am hoping that posting it here on the wcs blog will help hold me accountable this year. :)

 

I am Brave | Diane Payne

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (American Crafts, Glitz, My Mind's Eye) + embellishments (American Crafts, A Flair for Buttons, My Mind's Eye) + stickers (Glitz, American Crafts) + stamps (American Crafts)

A Note from Diane
I love quotes so I thought it would be fun to feature a favorite one for the theme this month. It is a quote that I try to remember when I'm faced with doing something that I resist, simply because I'm afraid of the unknown. The title was inspired by the quote.

January Fun Fact
January always puts me in the mood to purge! Purging and organizing the things that make the cut always makes me feel so good.

 

Know This | Emily Spahn

8.5 x 11 | materials Gossamer Blue January kit: cardstock (American Crafts) + patterned paper (My Mind’s Eye, October Afternoon) + brads (My Mind’s Eye) + stickers (My Mind’s Eye) + chipboard (My Mind’s Eye, Studio Calico) + die cut (October Afternoon) + washi tape (My Mind’s Eye) + doily (Gossamer Blue)

A Note from Emily
It’s crazy to me that as of last month, it’s been 10 years since I graduated from college. Time has truly flown! I wanted to make a layout that included some things I’ve learned in the past ten years, as well as a bit of advice to my younger self!

January Fun Fact
We are the family that is busy, busy, busy every weekend from about June until December. We are constantly on the move. I LOVE January, because for the first time in ages, I can just relax on the weekends!

 

Remember This | Christine Newman

12 x 12 | materials "Happy Gram" digital kit (One Little Bird) + "Note To Self" digital kit (Echo Park) + fonts (Bebas, Lobster 2.0, Covered By Your Grace) + phone app (Incredibooth)

A Note from Christine
I love mixing things up with scrapbooking. I like doing all paper layouts, hybrid layouts, or all digital layouts. Since my last two gallery layouts were paper layouts, I decided to go with a digital one this time!

January Fun Fact
In January of 2011, I started a project called "New 52". I did at least one new thing each week and documented it on my blog. At the end of the year I had 52 blog posts of photos and stories of new adventures. It was fantastic!

 

Note to Self | Paula Gilarde

12 x 12 | materials LayerWorks No. 154 (Studio DD) +Alison kit (Maplebrook Studios) + Curled Journal Spots No. 6 (Katie Pertiet) + Readymade Journalers Note to Self (Studio DD) + Simple Collage Frames No. 1 (Katie Pertiet)

A Note from Paula
An emergency necessitating a call to the fire department resulted in me reverting back to my childhood - I called the number for emergency services in Ireland (999) instead of 911! I quickly discovered my mistake and dialed the correct number. The fire was out before the fire department got there.

January Fun Fact
I'm hoping to learn how to cross-country ski this year.

 

Eighteen Year Old Me | Christa Paustenbaugh

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (American Crafts) + patterned papers (Studio Calico, Simple Stories, Scenic Route) + die cuts (Elle’s Studio, Ormolu, Simple Stories, Evalicious for Cocoa Daisy) + stickers (Pebbles, Simple Stories) + button (American Crafts) + twine (Ormolu) + flair (Ormolu) + wood veneer (Studio Calico) + mist (Studio Calico)

A Note from Christa
As soon as I saw this month’s theme I knew exactly what I would do. Amazing how much you think you know at 18 when actually you know nothing! When I look at that photo from nearly 22 years ago I almost don’t remember her. Things definitely change and in my circumstance the change is good and a learning process too.

January Fun Fact
It’s a big month in our household – a Grandma is making the big journey across the Pacific to come visit us in Japan and while she’s here we get to celebrate my youngest daughter’s birthday. She rarely has anyone visit for her birthday since weather is so unpredictable so she is beside herself that grandma will be here!

 

Note to Self | Erin Sweeney

 8.5 x 11 materials patterned paper (Amy Tangerine/American Crafts, My Mind’s Eye) + embellishments (Ormolu) + stickers (American Crafts) + punch (EK Success) 

A Note from Erin
For me, it’s easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of day-to-day life: cleaning the house, running errands, making dinner, laundry, homework, activities and more before you know it bedtime is here and another day is gone. While those things are necessary, they’re not the important things, they can wait. The important thing is spending time with my family –p laying with my kids, being with my husband, all of us being together. And I know this. Yet it’s easy to forget it while doing all the aforementioned things. So my note to self is to remember what’s important, to put my family first, and to enjoy being with them.

 

Memories Shimmer | Amy Sorenson

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Basic Grey, Echo Park, My Mind's Eye) + alphabet stickers (Studio Calico) + alphabet stamps (Studio Calico) + stamping ink (ColorBox) + fonts (KG Ways to Say Goodbye, LD Remington Portable)

A Note from Amy
The idea for this layout's journaling came from a conversation I had with my mom last month, when I was feeling anxious about my Christmas-making efforts. By reminding me that it would all turn out OK, she helped me put things back into perspective and calmed my nerves. I hope I can do the same sort of things for my kids as they turn into adults---but now it's written down just in case!

January Fun Fact
Last January was fairly pathetic, snow-wise, around here. I am SO hoping for lots of snow this year!

 

Note | Kelly Jeppson

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper, felt snowflake (Stampin' Up) + crepe paper + book page + felt embellishment (K&Company) + letter stickers (American Crafts)

A Note From Kelly
Sometimes I have to be more like my daughter, Josie, who always has something to celebrate. This is my little reminder that "There's always something to celebrate."

January Fun Fact
I got a new computer for Christmas! And a root canal. One of them is more fun than the other.

 

Note to Self | Marnie Flores

12 x 12 | materials paper, notecards (Crystal Wilkerson) + fonts (TwoPeas Magic Marker, Jenna Sue, KG Ray of Sunshine)

A Note from Marnie
I'm so aghast that I have been missing from my photo albums. I used to teach CKCs and my biggest mantra was be in more photos. Be in more photos. And yet... Sheesh. The good news is that my 8 year old got a camera for Christmas so now there are two of us taking pictures!

January Fun Fact
Today we begin a new 52 books in 52 weeks! I began the effort two years ago, and haven't made it all the way there yet, so maybe this will be the year!

 

just remember | Lisa Ottosson

8.5 x 11 | materials patterned paper (American Crafts) + font (Blackout) + stickers (Panduro Hobby)

A Note from Lisa
This layout came to be the very last one I did 2012. My life forever changed just before Christmas and I felt like I needed to do another “Note to self” page. This time with a message that all will be ok, eventually.

I added a small journaling tag to the page with some hidden journaling behind the photo. I went looking for something to bling out the tag with and happened upon a pair of vintage earrings I thrifted a while ago. I simply attached it like I would a brad and cut of the stem on the back, preventing it from poking holes in my album.

January Fun Fact
I am so ready to start a new year!!!

 

Thank you for stopping by! Happy New Year!!

In Review

Hey everyone, I am thrilled to be posting the in review post for December.  Our theme for December was favorite photos, and it was really fun seeing each designer's take on the theme.

There were so many amazing photos!  Sit back and let's take a look at our amazing Favorite Photos Gallery!

Aliza's layout contains not only powerful pictures, but a powerful subject as well.  The photos really hit home along with her journaling as she shared her feelings about surviving Hurricane Sandy.

Did you see the precious photo on Vivian's layout?  She did an amazing job using the layout design to frame her photo, and went on to embellish it perfectly.

There was so much I loved about Christa's layout! First, the photo was amazing, she balanced her design with such fun embellishments across from the photo, and I loved the title placement!

I don't think it's possible for Celeste's boys to be any cuter!  I loved that she used a black and white photo which just pops with the gorgeous colors she picked for her layout.

Monika's layout was so soft and beautiful.  It was obvious that this photo is special, and all the details she included make for one amazing layout.

I love that Lisa picked her favorite recent photo, and she highlighted it perfectly.  I love the softness of the doily and the grounding of the fun patterned paper strips.

Diane's layout was just full of fun, special details.  I loved the layering, the twine, the flair, the wood stars, but I have to say that the photos were definitely my favorite part.

Jennie's favorite photo was one great shot!  The colors match the photo perfectly, and her handwriting...it's just WOW!

I adored Kathy's sweet photo!  Her layout was just so much fun, with great patterns and I really loved how she added the machine sewing.

I thought Francine's photo was just precious.  I loved the smile on her and her little one's face.  The black and white photo just pops against that gorgeous green background.

My layout is next, and I knew I wanted to use this picture of my husband and I as my favorite photo. We don't have many photos of us together, so it was an easy choice for me, and it turned out to be one of my favorite layouts I've ever made.

Talk about an amazing photo-Valerie's layout is perfect for this priceless photo.  I love how she covered her journaling with vellum creating softness, and she kept her embellishments to a minimum, which highlights the photo even more.

Sarah's layout was amazing, and her photo was gorgeous.  I couldn't get over how many amazing details she added, and the dreamy colors with pops of red made quite a spectacular layout!

I just love Katie's photos so much!  I love that she recreated such a great photo, and included them both on the layout. The title work and fun patterns she included really worked perfectly with the photos.

Christine used such a fun photo, and I loved the banner she created for her layout. Using the brown as her background really works well with the purples and blues in the photo and patterned paper she used.

Jenny's amazing layout design really draws me in to the fabulous photos of her boys.  I really like how she added her embellishments in a cluster above the photos, leaving the photos to shine on their own.

Amy's layout reminded me that what we do is important.  Taking photos capture special moments and memories, just like this photo of Amy with her mom and sister did.  I love the quote she added, and the gorgeous font she used for her journaling.

Deb's layout was so much fun, just like her photo!  I loved the subtle stamps, and the way she added the date to the flag at the bottom of the layout.

Paula's photo was so sweet.  The banner she used along the bottom of the photo was amazing, and putting the title on top of the star really made it pop.  What a fun, fun, layout!

Emily's photo of her sweet puppy was heart-wrenching. I thought it was a great tribute to her amazing family pet.  The layering, fun stamping, and wood chips really draw your eye to the photo, and you can tell Maddie was something special.

You can't help but to love Erin's photos!  She did a great job of making those photos pop by her choice of color, her design, and wonderful journaling.

Emily's layout is design perfection.  I was immediately drawn to the photo with that cool arrow, and I loved the way she added hand stitching to her journaling.

Marnie's layout was the perfect fit for all the personality in her favorite photo.  I love that she used such bold colors, but on a smaller scale so they don't overwhelm the photo.  

Walking through the gallery again, I realized that I really missed so many of the special details each designer included in their layout.  I hope you enjoyed our walk as much as I did!

 

Before I go, we have our monthly freebie to help you create a favorite photographs page as well. Here it is

You may download it here if you would like. Thank you, always for your kind comments and daily visits!

scrapbook!

Hi! It's Marnie, also known as shopper, wrapper, baker, and general holiday elf. In all the excitement of the season, it's sometimes so hard to find/take time to scrapbook. But sometimes taking just a moment away makes all the difference. And gets a page done, which is a perfect holiday gift to ourselves!

Today we have three ideas to help you get a photo and memory preserved.

 

SKETCH

This month's sketch comes from Katie's layout in our December gallery. 

Diane created a sketch for us based upon Katie's layout.

If you prefer, she also created a layered downloadable template that's available here.

 

Diane used the sketch to create a wonderful layout. We did a secret Santa exchange and she got a box of washi tape! How fun, right? It didn't take her long to dig right in and put it to good use!

I love everything about this layout. With such lovely and fun photos as a starting place, the horizontal lines create a terrific backdrop. And Diane's layout truly proves that you don't need traditional colors for a lovely holiday page.

 

When I went looking for a tall rectangle and a square photo, I found two in the Christmas batch from last year. I thought Crystal's funky Christmas kit was the perfect place to start for colors and embellishements. I quite like the result. Thank you, Katie, for a terrific starting place!

If you would like a layered template, all ready for a quick layout, just click here!

 

ROGYBIV

This month for our color palette, I was hoping or something with a bit of holiday mixed in with a bit of winter and I found just what I wanted in Sarah's layout.

Doesn't it look lovely with its grey skies, chilly blues, and berries?

I couldn't wait to see it on paper...

 

 

TRENDING

This month our gallery has 17 layouts that showcase photographs with relationships. Looking through, I saw moms and sons, fathers and sons. I saw moms and daughters. Siblings. Families. And love. So much love. This month I thought our third prompt would be to find a photo that showcases the love in a relationship. 

Here is mine. Thank you for giving me a reason to put it together.

Thank you for stopping by! I hope that you can put the sketch, the color palette, and the phototrend to use on a layout or three!

Santa Claus is Coming to Write. Click. Scrapbook!

With the holidays coming ever closer, we thought perhaps a shopping list would be fun and helpful. We want to introduce or reacquaint you with some fantastic products. Shall we get started?

 

Epson R2000

We all know that often our photographs are the heart of our layouts. We research and research and pick out the best camera we can afford. Then we study and study to take the best photographs that we can. And then, we send these cared for, belabored, beloved photos to the drugstore to have them printed. And while it is cheap and easy, it doesn't quite give our photos the love they deserve.

Did you know that my best photos are printed at home? Truly. I can control the color balance and the sharpness so much better than when I send them away. And I can control the paper they are printed on. Let's talk about each.

The Epson R2000 is a beauty to behold. Measuring 25 inches wide and 13 inches deep, its majesty will be evident from the moment the box arrives at your door. Setup is easy, and it is wifi, which means that it doesn't need to sit right by your computer to work! I love that!

 

My favorite part of this printer is that it prints 13 inch wide paper and can handle a photopaper roll. Did you know you can print a photo that is 13 x 44? How cool is that? Imagine the possibilities.

 

Now, I must tell you, that paper matters. And Epson has so many to choose from. I would suggest their Velvet Fine Art Paper if you have something to print that will double as art. A print, a beautiful photo. Anything where you would love to see the depth of color. And for every photograph hanging in your home, be sure to try Ultra Premium Photo Paper Luster. You will love the richness of the image, the thickness of the paper, and the clarity of the picture.

Here are some noteworthy items for those who like the details. When you use Velvet Fine Art Paper, you load the paper manually from the back. (And you can't forget as the printer dialogue box sends you a kind reminder! Hooray!) The instructions say to push the paper in as far as you can, and then wait. I set it politely on the tray and waited. And nothing! You really do need to slide the paper down as far as you can. It disappears about halfway. Really do push it in. This is not the time to be a mambi pambi. And then be sure to have a chair ready to sit down in as you might swoon when you see the results. Just sayin'... This paper is THICK. Think of the chipboard that comes in a paper pack for protection. Nearly that thick. Really. It is meant for display, too, so have place ready to go--you are going to want to put up your artwork immediately! And be patient once it comes out. Let it dry. Really dry. And then hold it gently by the edges and marvel. That you really did take a photo that was THAT good.

The Ultra Premium Luster paper reminds me of the first pack of photo paper that I bought long long ago, back before everything went cheap and light. It is as thick (or a bit more even) as the paper that your photo processing stand uses. Having read all the reviews that talked about how good this printer was for oranges and reds, I opted for a green photo. (Really,me? testing the rules, really? :) ) It was more than I could have hoped for. Which of course meant that I suddenly had to print a fall photo, too! The directions say to remove the printed photo from the tray, cover it with plain white paper, and let it sit for a minute. I did exactly that, letting the colors cure and that they did. 

Honestly, I know I am a paper snob, refusing to buy the cheap bulk stuff even when money is tight. But I really believe that it is worth it. Otherwise I may as well send my photos to the random guy down the street. I don't skimp on butter or paper!! heehee.

 

There are a couple of other things to remember about printing at home. First, you can do it in the middle of the night. Second, you don't have to wait 30 minutes for your photos to print. Third, you can make them any size you want. Fourth, as you get to know your printer and how it looks compared to that which you see on your screen, you will learn the adjustments to make to get exactly what you want. And no matter how much you love your photo guy, he is not going to see it like you do. Isn't it time you took control over getting your photographs to look as good as they do in photoshop? I just know you will love the R2000 as much as I do. 

Cricut Mini

Cricut has a new player in town and it is small and sleek and easy to use! The Cricut Mini has two switches, two internal adjustments, a lid and a couple of cords. That's it! It weighs a mere 5.5 pounds and sits prettily on any desk awaiting crafting fun.

As soon as I took it out of the box, I loved it more than the original. It takes up much less space on my desk. And I don't need cartridges! What?? I know. 

Now rather than storing all my cartridges in my desk, I just set up an account in the Cricut Craft Room. You can load all your cartridges into your Craft Room account and put them away. You can buy more while you are there and they will be stored and kept safely away in your account.

In your Craft Room, you will see a virtual cutting matte. This becomes your project background. Here you can add shapes, or type words or phrases. Then you can resize, skew, flip, or rotate your images with a click and a drag of your mouse. You can see exactly where it will cut, allowing you to move your images close together to maximize your medium. Imagine using less vinyl as you can now put all your projects on the matte at the same time!

Not only can you place images side by side, but you can also layer them up, so that you can see how they will look stacked. When it comes to cutting time, they will cut one layer at a time, just as you have come to expect.

Even though the Mini is not a standalone machine (as you need your computer and an internet connection to use it), you will love what you can do. My two favorite features are having my cartridges linked to my account, and getting to see on my screen what is going to be cut. It helps me feel more brave when I can plot it out exactly. A close runner up for favorite features is that when I push the cut button, it prompts me as to my trimming settings. I no longer have to look up what depth, speed, or pressure is proper for my paper, vinyl, or fabric.

Lastly, Cricut is currently offering a rental program for their holiday cartridges. Holiday Rental Bundles are available for purchase until December 31 and you can choose between two 60-day rental options: the Holiday Basics Bundle (700 images of holiday-themed digital artwork and Cricut Craft Room exclusive images) for $19.99, or the Holiday Deluxe Bundle (Basics Bundle plus nearly 500 additional images from previously released Christmas cartridges) for $29.99.

 

Scrapbook & Cards Today

Have you though about a subscription to our favorite scrapbooking magazine? Scrapbook and Cards Today is a wonderful stocking stuffer. (One you could buy for yourself! This Mrs. Clause loves to surprise others with the delights in my own stocking!) For the mere price of shipping, you could have the lustrous and wonderful Scrapbook & Cards Today in your hot little hands four times a year. And you will love everything about it. Don't forget to stop by to see the new edition which is hot off the presses today!

 

Jessica Sprague Project Life Class

It is no secret that Project Life has transformed the scrapbooking world. Much as her original scrapbooking how to books offered us permission to scrapbook with clean lines and lots of photos, Becky's new system offers us permission to enjoy more and record more, with less. Less time. Less guilt. And less stuff. Imagine how fun it would be to give the gift of Project Life this year!

Becky Higgins (creator or Project Life) has given Jessica Sprague her exclusive stamp of approval to teach a Digital Project Life in Photoshop class! This online, video-based class will teach the basic Photoshop tools to create Project Life pages that integrate photographs, templates, embellishments and type. The class will run from January 7 – 13, 2013. But don’t worry if that week is a busy one for you – all class content that you purchase from JessicaSprague.com is available to you forever! Awesome, no?

 

Support Local Artists

We have some favorites we thought you might like!

Who wouldn't love a print or mini album from Monika Wright's etsy shop? 

Francine Clouden has some delightful peekaboo journals in her shop, Callaloo Soup Designs.

You might also want to stop by Rebecca Cooper's site and download her free holiday cards, or she has others for purchase as well!

Crystal Wilkerson has her 2013 Planner available for purchase. If you haven't seen it before, stop by and check it out. It would be a wonderful present for someone you love in your life.

Melissa Kaiserman is making terrific cash budget wallets that will help a friend stay on budget in the new year!

And lastly, our favorite irreverent, Cheryl Overton, has a delightful new holiday print that is sure to make you snort.

 

And for the extra news... Today is a surprise holiday

We have three lovely items for you today. One of you will take home a new Cricut Mini, thanks to the generosity of Provo Craft.

One of you will take home a free subscription to Scrapbook & Cards Today, as well as their 2013 Calendar.

And our third lucky number will receive a seat in Jessica Sprague's Project Life Class. But wait, there's more! We all want amazing pictures for our Project Life Projects, so the giveaway also includes Jessica’s new Photo Editing 1 class. This new and improved version of Jessica’s most popular class will help you take your photos from good to great! This course, which is the first in a photo editing series, focuses on global editing - things you can apply to an entire photo. You'll learn the basic photo editing techniques to take your photos straight from the camera through simple transformations that will have you (and your loved ones) saying WOW!

 

If you would like to be considered for our amazing holiday giveaway, please leave us a comment telling us your favorite WCS blog features (i.e. monthly gallery, printables, giveaways, etc.) If you would like extra comment opportunities, please like Cricut, Scrapbook Cards & Today, or Jessica Sprague on Facebook. Or you can follow Cricut on their Pinterest page. Then pop back by and leave a comment telling us that you have stopped by the other pages!

 

We will leave comments open through Sunday evening. Three lucky numbers will be drawn at random and posted on Monday morning. Please remember to check back to see if yours is the lucky number. If it is, please claim it by email (writeclickscrapbook at gmail dot com) by the time the clock strikes twelve on Tuesday night!

Happy Hanukkah tomorrow! 

A special thank you to Epson for providing the R2000 printer and papers, and Provo Craft for providing the Cricut Mini for trial and review. We appreciate their sponsorship for our fourth annual WCS For the Holidays celebration!

Welcome, December!

It's December. Which means more good food, family gatherings, and a break from school for the kids. December also has a tendency to bring madness, and chaos, if you let it. Which we will not, right?? 

This month we return to December Dailies with each day a new author. We will have layouts, cards, home decor and more. All to help you through your holiday scrapbooking and preparation. It begins Monday with Celeste and a printable. You loved it last year, so don't miss it this year!! 

But for now, today is a new gallery! Did you see our new countdown banner? Do you love it? We do, too! And the countdown has ended which means it is time for you to see some new layouts!

This month, we are scrapbooking Our Favorite Photos. December can be very busy but those photos that we love seem to draw us in, no matter what the todo list, no? We hope you enjoy seeing some of our most favorite photos turned into favorite layouts!

As always, if you would like the see the layouts a bit bigger and to have the journaling to read, click over the photo album! Enjoy! And we always love your comments telling us how much you love us!

 

NYC After the Storm| Aliza Deutsch

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Basic Grey, Studio Calico, Echo Park, Lawn Fawn) + embellishments (Crate Paper, Amy Tangerine, A Flair for Buttons, Paper Source, My Mind’s Eye ) + stickers (American Crafts)

A Note from Aliza
In the days following hurricane Sandy, while we went a few days without some basic amenities, I was overwhelmed by feelings of gratitude for all that we usually have. I knew the experience would find its way into some layouts. So, you know, I made sure to photograph it.

December Fun Fact
It’s my birthday this month! 

 

Cherish | Vivian Masket

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (Bazzill Basics) + patterned paper (Crate Paper) + wood embellishments (Crate Paper) + ribbon (May Arts) + die cutting machine (Silhouette) + fonts (Pacifico, AL Uncle Charles)

A Note from Vivian
I really wanted to use this gorgeous baby-themed patterned paper with my photo but it didn’t match. A simple fix – I converted the photo to black and white, which enabled me to use these papers.

December Fun Fact
Is it wrong that I am already thinking about Christmas cookies when there’s still Halloween candy left?

 

A New Favorite I Christa Paustenbaugh

12 X 12 | materials cardstock (American Crafts) + patterned papers (Crate Paper, Echo Park) + stickers (Jillibean Soup, October Afternoon, American Crafts) + wood veneer (Studio Calico) + brads (Crate Paper, SEI) + die cuts (Maya Road, Banana Fish Studio) + chipboard (American Crafts) + flair (Ormolu) + buttons (Crate Paper) + tape (Bella Blvd.) + twine (The Twinery) + stamp (Banana Fish Studio) + embossing powder (American Crafts)

A Note from Christa
Since our move in May I have been making a conscious effort to put myself in front of the camera more often instead of hiding behind it. Even on those days that I don’t feel like I look pretty or have make up on or my hair done. My kids and family don’t care and just want to see me in those photos. This is one of my new favorites from a recent spur of the moment photo shoot. I treasure this photo!

December Fun Fact
Many people can’t imagine Christmas/the holidays without cold and/or snow. I’m luckily not one of those people! I’m looking forward to enjoying Christmas outside in my shorts and possibly a light sweater if I get cold. 

You're My Ocean & Stars | Celeste Smith

12 x 12 | materials digital kit (Ahoy Love by Audrey Neal, Retired) + tags (Toolbox Tags vol 1 by Gennifer Bursett, retired) + template edges (Beautiful Memories by Erica Coombs, retired)

A Note from Celeste
My favorite photos are typically staged photos that include both boys looking at the camera and smiling. It is rare to get the two of them in the same place, sitting still, and in a mood to cooperate! By converting my photo to black and white, I was able to make it work with the colors in this kit. My older son's orange shirt would have clashed terribly!

December Fun Fact
Christmas break is coming! 11 days to just veg out and re-read the entire Harry Potter series for the sixth time!

 

Joy | Monika Wright

8.5 x 11 | materials patterned paper, embellishments, stickers, twine (My Mind’s Eye) + paper doily (craft supply)

A Note from Monika
Even though I’ve scrapped this photo before, it just speaks to me. Even though we have tried to have more children since this photo was taken, this is our first official family photo as a family of five. My son is now taller than all of us and no longer lives at home, but we remain a family of five.

December Fun Fact
This photo was taken 6 weeks after our youngest was born and she just turned 7!

 

My Current Favorite | Lisa Ottosson

8.5 x 11 | materials patterned paper (Panduro Hobby) + embellishments (Dear Lizzy) + stickers (Websters pages, Pink Paislee)

A Note from Lisa
I went with my current favorite photo. First I thought that I might do a page about what I think are the most important photos, but I came to the conclusion that all my photos are important for different reasons. This one is important because it is my favorite right now.

December Fun Fact
I love photos! I do. I love taking them. I love looking at them. I love to play with them. I love finding them in thrift stores. I love photos!

 

Joy | Diane Payne

8.5 x 11 | materials patterned paper (Studio Calico) + embellishments (Studio Calico) + stickers (Studio Calico)

A Note from Diane
I've scrapped this photo before with a series of other photos but I love it so much I wanted it to be the main focal point of a page. From a technical standpoint, this photo isn't fabulous but I captured the excitement of the moment in this candid shot and I smile every I look at it.

December Fun Fact
Christmas is my favorite time of year. I enjoy spending more time at home with my family and always put up the Christmas tree right after Thanksgiving so we can enjoy the lights and decorations for several weeks.

 

These Moments | Jennie McGarvey

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (Bazzill), patterned paper (Lily Bee Designs, Echo Park) banners (Elle's Studio) stickers (American Crafts) stamps (Cocoa Daisy) Embossing Powder (American Crafts)

A Note from Jennie
I was holding onto this photo because I love it. It's not a masterpiece, as it was just taken with my iPhone, but it's the boys and I -- with true expressions in a lovely setting. I'm happy to have it and it's definitely a current favorite.

December Fun Fact
I am absolutely not a fan of the cold. Bad for a girl living in the midwest.

 

Oreo | Kathy Martin

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Pebbles) + alphabet stickers (American Crafts) + accents (Pebbles)

A Note from Kathy
My favorite kind of photo is the everyday kind that capture the little moments of our lives. While posed pictures are beautiful and there are so many great photographers today, I still prefer the shots we take at home. They aren’t always the best quality, but they are the real deal.

December Fun Fact
We currently have three cats, two parrots and two sugar gliders.

 

I've Grown | Francine Clouden

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Making Memories) + die cut butterflies (Making Memories) + glitter letter stickers (Making Memories) + journaling spots (Making Memories)

A Note from Francine
Since Kieran came along I take way less photos of myself. I know it's really important for me to be present on the scrapbook pages, so photos of the two of us are really special to me. I just need to try to take more like this!

December Fun Fact
I'm currently obsessed with Instagram. I know, I am late to this party, but better late than never right?

 

Love You | Amy Coose

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (Bazzill) + patterned paper (My Mind's Eye, October Afternoon, Lawn Fawn) + embellishments (Simple Stories, October Afternoon, Kaiser Craft) + stickers (Simple Stories) + Silhouette Cameo

A Note from Amy 
I don't have many pictures of my hubby and I so when I get one, it's very special. We snapped this one before a party and it's one of my favorite photos that we have together.

December Fun Fact 
I am a homebody by nature, so winter is one of my favorite seasons. I love having an excuse to stay in my warm clothes, snuggled by a fire, drinking coffee all day.

 

So Tiny | Valerie O'Neall

8.5 x 11 | materials kit (Studio Calico Poodle Skirt) + patterned paper (American Crafts) + die cut shape (American Crafts) + alpha stickers (Pink Paislee) + stamp (Studio Calico + Hero Arts) + vellum (Office Depot) + ink (Staz On) + other (striped washi, sewing machine, thread) + font (St. Marie)

A Note from Valerie
So tiny! Look at that perfect tiny, little hand! I thought it would be cool to use vellum as my background, so I printed out my journaling on a sheet and went from there. Everything is from Studio Calico's Poodle Skirt kit except for the washi and the vellum.

December Fun Fact
We always get a real Christmas tree every year. I think it's such a great tradition, and it's one less thing we have to store the rest of the year.

 

Captured | Sarah Pendergrast

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (American Crafts, Studio Calico, Basic Grey) + embellishments (Studio Calico, Sodalicious, Basic Grey, American Crafts, My Minds Eye) + stickers (Jenni Bowlin, American Crafts)

A Note from Sarah
This month's theme was photos that matter. I chose this photo because I think it captured the love between these two in a natural unforced way.

 

 

30 Years Later | Katie Ehmann

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Studio Calico, Bazzill Basics, American Crafts) + embellishments (Studio Calico) + stickers (Studio Calico) + stamps (Studio Calico) + ink (Hero Arts)

A Note from Katie
This layout means a lot to me because last Christmas my sister, cousins and I re-created a photo that was taken 30 years ago. The idea that 30 years went by so quickly is both fascinating and frightening to me! I used my Silhouette Cameo for the title and backed it with POW paper to give it a little punch. All patterned papers and embellishments are from Studio Calico's Darling Dear line. I love how it works with the colors and vintage feel of my photo! I tucked some hidden journaling on the tag that says "pull".

December Fun Fact
I love December! Family traditions, holiday crafts, Christmas movies, Christmas presents, Christmas songs, Christmas cookies...you get the idea ;-)

 

You're My Favorite | Christine Newman

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (American Crafts) + patterned papers (October Afternoon, BasicGrey, Studio Calico, American Crafts, Echo Park) + vellum paper (Strathmore) + embellishments (Freckled Fawn, BasicGrey, My Mind's Eye, American Crafts, October Afternoon, Studio Calico) + twine (The Twinery) + stamps (Studio Calico, American Crafts, Freshed Baked Paper Goods on Etsy) + ink (Momento, Prima) + digital graphics (Lauren Grier, Elle's Studio) + die-cut machine (Silhouette) + font (Blackout) + Photoshop Actions (Totally Rad)

A Note from Christine
This layout has one of my very favorite photos of my husband Todd. He just looks so handsome. Plus, he was standing in front of Ghirardelli chocolate store in San Francisco. Which makes two of my very favorites in the same photo! :) This also might be the first time I've used a dark background for a layout. I would love to do more of them.

December Fun Fact
I hate shopping in the crowded stores in December, so I do almost all my holiday gift shopping online, or I make handmade gifts.

 

Brickmasters | Jennifer Larson

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (Stampin’ Up!) + patterned paper (My Mind’s Eye, Simple Stories, Pebbles, Jillibean Soup) + embellishments (Simple Stories, American Crafts, October Afternoon, Lego Club, Stampin’ Up!) + punch (EK Success) + chipboard (American Crafts) + ink (Stampin’ Up!, Jenni Bowlin) + stamps (Studio Calico) + fonts (Gill Sans)

A Note from Jennifer
The journaling says it all: I’ve taken the boys to Lego Club for the past three years, but these two photos are my favorites. I took them on my iPhone with Instagram, and I love them because of how grown up they look. And for the first time ever, I’ve used one of their Lego Club stickers they get but never use. Stolen for a good cause!

December Fun Fact
I always make a Lego advent calendar for Christmas. I buy two small Lego sets, about 250 pieces each, one for each boy. I made a Karen Foster drawer calendar for this, and every day I insert a clue into the day’s drawer. (My boys trade off days: my older boy gets odd days because his birthday is odd, my younger boy gets evens because his birthday is even.) When the boys figure out the clue and go to where the clue leads them, that boy finds a few Lego pieces. That lasts until Christmas, and on Christmas morning each boy finds the directions for the Lego set he’s been collecting under the tree. It’s so much fun for them, though they’re getting better at figuring out which set they’re getting.

 

Beauty is a Light | Amy Sorensen

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (My Mind's Eye, Basic Grey) + large alphabet stamp (Close to My Heart) + small alphabet stamp (Studio Calico) + ink (Close to My Heart) + Sunshine in my Soul font

A Note from Amy
I read a challenge somewhere on someone's blog recently to let your children hear you compliment yourself. This layout grew out of that challenge—it really is something I need to work on. The photo has me, my mom, and my younger sister Becky; my daughter Haley took it for us. It's a photo that matters for several reasons to me, but mostly because I don't have enough pictures with me and the people I love. I need to work on that too!

December Fun Fact
I think dark chocolate Lindt truffle balls are one of mankind's best creations!

 

Sock Monkey Joy | Deb Duty

12 x 12 | materials patterned paper (Basic Grey) + stickers (Basic Grey) + stamps (Basic Grey, Technique Tuesday)

A Note from Deb
This layout is about one of my favorite photos from last Christmas. I love how Mason is smiling proudly with his sock monkey and Alec is still looking his over trying to decide whether or not he likes it.

December Fun Fact
I'll be finishing up my third year of Project Life soon. I'm excited to start again in January!

 

My Boys | Paula Gilarde

12 x 12 | materials Alison Solids (Maplebrook Studios) + Messy Stitched Borders Green No. 1 (Katie Pertiet) + Splatters No. 3 (Katie Pertiet) + Readymade Banners For Dad (Studio DD) + Essential Words No. 2 (Ali Edwards) + Wooden Alpha No. 5 (Katie Pertiet) + Doodle Do Frames No. 1 (Katie Pertiet) + Staple Its (Pattie Knox)

A Note from Paula
We had a photo shoot with a local photographer earlier in the year - this is one of my favorite shots, of my two boys.

December Fun Fact
I'm a big fan of advent calendars. One year we had 5 going at one time - I think that might have been a few too many though!

 

Every Single Day | Emily Spahn

8.5 x 11 | materials patterned paper (Pink Paislee) + chipboard alphabet (Basic Grey) + wood stars (Studio Calico) + stamps (Sodalicious, Becky Higgins) + pin (Maya Road) + tab (October Afternoon) + wash tape (MT) + sticker (Authentique) + mist (Studio Calico)

A Note from Emily
This is one of the hardest layouts I’ve ever made. This is my dog Maddie, who we lost this past January to Lymphoma. She was six years old. This photo was taken two days before she passed, exactly three months after she was diagnosed. She was suddenly so sick and weak. Her eyes were filled with sadness. It still breaks my heart to look at these photos, and this is the first time I have scrapbooked a layout about her since she’s been gone. She was so much more than a dog. She was our family…our baby. And, like the layout says, I miss her every single day.

December Fun Fact
December is a month of traditions! One of our favorite December traditions is going as a family downtown (Chicago), having breakfast, and visiting the Christkindlmarket. This year will be our sixth (or maybe seventh!!) year! I can’t wait!

 

Live Out Loud | Erin Sweeney

8.5 x 11 | materials patterned paper (My Mind's Eye, Basic Grey) + stickers (7 Gypsies) 

A Note from Erin
This layout is not new. In fact, it’s been posted here on wcs before. But I love it. And when I saw the theme was favorite photos I knew I had to use it again. I LOVE these pictures of my daughter Mackenzie. They are so her. They capture her spirit, her personality. And these pictures perfectly accompany the journaling, describing who Mackenzie was when these were taken. She’s five now, and still just as spunky!

December Fun Fact
Today I’m running a 5K with jingle bells on my shoes and reindeer antlers on my head. Merry Christmas!

 

Twenty Years | Emily Pitts

12 x 12 | materials cardstock (American Crafts) + patterned paper (My Mind’s Eye, October Afternoon) + journaling card, stickers, green alphabet stickers (Simple Stories) + chipboard alphabet (American Crafts) stamp (Kelly Purkey for Cocoa Daisy, Cocoa Daisy) + washi tape (My Mind’s Eye) + adhesive (Glue Arts, Recollections) + embossing powder (American Crafts) + pen (EK Success) + floss (DMC)

A Note from Emily
I was going to scrap a very old photo, but then I took this one and it captures the relationship my husband and I have so well that I had to scrap it instead.

December Fun Fact
My scrap loft is finally clean! It only took me a year, but it’s all cleaned and organized in a huge IKEA cabinet. I got rid of about 50 pounds of stuff in the process, donating and recycling it. I’m a much happier person. Over Christmas break, we are going to pull the white carpet out and install hardwood. I’m so excited!

 

Happiness | Marnie Flores

12 x 12 | materials banner (Michelle Underwood) + tape (Michelle Underwood) + ribbon (Michelle Underwood) + word strip (Lori Whitlock) + fonts (KG Ray of Sunshine, Letter Gothic)

A Note from Marnie
Favorite photos for me are often the last ones taken. I'm incredibly fickle that way. So when I went hunting for one that was more that just the most recent favorite, I remembered about this one. I love that it captures emotion. I realized as I was picking favorites that most are the ones that capture my kids just as I see them. A face, or a muted sound, or a look--just a little something that gets it right. I love that.

December Fun Fact
My kids have never ever ever wanted to sit on Santa's lap. Instead, we go to the mall with the second floor, and wave to him from upstairs. One year he waved back. They were five hundred and sixteen times more excited than I could have imagined. The write letters for the real Santa and feel no need to sit upon a strange impersonator's lap. Why sit when you can wave from afar? Silly mites.

In Review

I love write. click. scrapbook. Saturdays. I love taking time to look back through the galleries. I remember back when a Simple Scrapbooks magazine would arrive in my mailbox, how I would turn the pages as fast as I could to see all the layouts. Then I would go to sleep and dream of all that I saw. Then over the next few weeks, I would go back through and study it. I would look through the layouts and ear mark those that sang to me. Then I would study them to see how and why.

Now that everything has gone online, I sometimes feel like information and layouts come at us so fast and so furiously, that it is hard to slow down and do what we used to do. That's part of why I love gallery walking. It just lets us take time to look again. Slowly. Purposefully. Shall we begin?

 

Rather than make lists, this month we are going to go layout by layout and look at the colors of each layout. Color is a true starting place for many layouts. Let's look and see how our team put things together.

Francine's layout is lovely in yellow and grey. Current color trends certainly affect our pages. As you put together your wardrobe each season, look to see if the colors would translate well onto a page.

Aliza's page talks about her love of black clothes. Notice how she uses stark black elements to help support her journaling. The ink drips. The stitching. The small graphic papers. That she used them in such sparse measures, makes you notice them all the more.

We have learned how impactful repetition can be. Vivian's layout is a perfect example. She uses color families as repetitive elements. The lettering of her title, the photos, and then the painted veneer cameras. First, the repetition is visually soothing. Then the colors help you notice the vibrance color in the photos. And lastly, the contrast of the darkest brown provides a backdrop for the colors to shine. Perfect. 

Lisa's layout shows how much she loves color. Have you taken a moment to document the color in your life? As a side design note, Lisa's journaling inserted on the diagonal is wonderful! And the teeny heart on the photo is one of those Lisa elements that just help her pages to ooze likability.

Next, let's look at Katie's layout. She added her favorite colors in equal proportions. Equal? I know. The pink/red takes up the whole page. But the blue is so saturated, compared to the spritz of the pink. So really they are quite balanced. Your mind will gather up all those spritzy dots and combine them to look the same as the blue. Really. Pop back over and look and tell me which one you see in greater proportion. Neither, right?? I knew it! Katie is a genius. And you can be, too. Then next time you have two equally bold and bright colors that you want to include, add one through mist. The diffusion will be just what you need to keep things balanced without having to resort to actual balanced use.

Did you read through Deb's notes? There she tells us how she is drawn to soft blue. I love that when she made her layout she didn't drown us in it. In fact, when you first see Deb's layout, I would venture that you, like me, first noticed the bright, warm yellow. But do you know what sets that yellow off so well? You guessed it, the soft blue that she loves. When you love something, don't force it to be center stage. Sometimes it can play a more powerful role in the background. I guarantee that had she used a bright green in place of the soft blue that the beauty of the yellow would have been lost.

Diane and color are like bread and butter. They just go together! (Just because I am that way, I am curious about her home decor and how she incorporates her bright happiness throughout her living spaces!) For the color on Diane's layout, look to how she has muted brights rather than bright brights. If the colors were all saturated, it might have screamed too loudly. Rather, the yellow in the middle draws our eye right in and the dark red peeking out from behind the photo grounds it. Then the other four color stripes are fun and happy without overwhelming.

From bright to muted, let's next look to Celeste's layout. This is a terrific example of how color doesn't need to be vibrant to be impactful. And also how a neutral can help push a color forward into the spotlight. Celeste's use of greige (grey-beige) serves an important role in highlighting the star of the page and the story, orange. Before we go on, have you made a page documenting your favorite color yet?

When I first noticed Kathy's work, I must admit I was smitten by her ability to use bright colors and lots of patterns. I love how she didn't shy away from them and incorporated them with ease and delight. This month, Kathy's layout stayed true to her talent. Let's look. The first thing that catches the eye of course is the myriad colors. The next is that the patterns are all small, which makes them evenly weighted. Lastly, the white space on the right and from the kraft in the center offsets the bountiful color. Lending a hand to that is the black in the title as well. And see how Kathy didn't add the center to the middle of the letters? Those stark black circles do the same to Kathy's layout as Vivian's brown camera did on hers. Solid grounding. It is these touches that help keep everything so visually pleasing.

My layout is next. Usually when we think of color on a layout, we think of the paper and embellishments. But color can also be found in the tint that we put on our photos. We can change the mood of the photos by adding a filter to a photo. This one is muted and rosey with a filter from Willette Photography. I use it often. Probably too often. Rebecca Cooper and Marcy Penner are masters at putting an individual stamp on their photos by the tints they add. It's fun! You might want to try it!

Do you sometimes recognize layouts before you even read the name attached by the colors and hues? Alexandra is that, for me. It's not a particular color exactly, but that her pages and photos have a lovely vintage glow. Alexandra's layout this month is true to her style. As you study her layout, tell me if you could identify the date the photos were taken. I know I cannot! And I love that! She, more than anyone, finds patterned papers that support her aesthetic. In color, in texture, and in design. It's an art. And she is an artist, for certain.

When I read through Jenny's notes, I learned that she had to dig back into her summer photos to find some that fit her favorite colors. And it got me thinking, I wonder if there is a time of year that photos are easier for me as the colors better fit my favorites? And I think there is! How about for you?

As you look at Jenny's layout, do you see how there is a subtle pattern on her background yellow paper? This pattern helps to diffuse the yellow, which otherwise might be too much. Remember how we talked about the pink on Katie's layout being less saturated as it was spritzed? The same is true with Jenny's yellow having a lighter graphic design. So when you love a color that is a bright one, look for it on a b-side of a patterned paper. That's where companies like to hide their cool graphic subtle tone on tone patterns.

Erin's layout is an example of how well she incorporates the colors in her photos into her layouts. I usually reach for white to be my background paper. Erin grabs a color. And is do good at it. I am going to try harder to follow her lead!

Christa's layout shows how color families can make it easy to use color. If you find a similar color on several patterned papers you have a great start to selecting the papers. This lets you use various patterns without trouble. Then, once you have a handful of patterns with like colors, you can branch out to other differently colored papers with like patterns. A formula for certain success!

Jennie's layout isn't a favorite colors layout as much as a favorite color combination layout! And what a terrific combination it is: blue/aqua/turquoise and red. Have you a favorite combo? How did you stumble upon it? Has it always been? Did you find it in a patterned paper family? Once you find it, don't worry about reusing it often. If you vary the combination proportions, you can get miles and miles out of your favorite without it seeming repetitive. If you don't believe me, look through Jennie's blog. You will see her favorites and see how well she uses them. And never will you think, gosh, I'm tired of aqua and red! Promise.

Kelly's layout is a good reminder that it is okay to stray away from typical colors. Girls don't need pink. Boys can have it. It's okay! You can look to the photo, to your kids, or to your favorites. The colors on your layout should support your story, or at least not detract from it. Other than that, there are no rules. Just a million and one shades to choose between!

When I saw Amy's layout, I fell in love with the bits of red. In their varying shades, and proportions. In their saturated hues. In their patterns. And their subtleties. I love how the strings of the threads trickle across the pages. I love how the radiant sun in the top left of left photo moves the red into the yellows. And just like that I am moved from red to yellow and now see all the golden yellows. Do you ever get lost in the color of a layout? I do. And it moves me.

Celeste's layout is so lovely in its springy hues and peachy pinks. It's a sweet side of Celeste. I love how she layered, not just her patterns, but her colors. And mixed in a multi-colored paper which ties all of them together. Using flower centers in different colors also helps to tie them all together. If ever you are stuck for a color scheme, finding a digital kit is a terrific start. All of Celeste's elements are from one kit. It helps tie things together so nicely.  Digi kits are a bit more eclectic that a regular paper release. Even if you don't scrap digitally, there is terrific color inspiration to be found on a pretend shopping spree.

Christine's layout's color scheme is based upon the sun and ocean. And what is not to love about that? Looking outside for colors can be very helpful. It can provide the background to a photo that is cropped too closely to see. It can provide a mood. It can be a starting point for layout that is having trouble finding its place. And if that outside in color scheme means something to you, it can even spill over into your journaling. Just like it did Christine's!

Sarah's layout is filled with the color spectrum, in rainbow form. Not only does she use the colors in her patterned paper, but then Sarah adds a rainbow flair. And a spectral title. And adds in the colors missing from the balloons as embellishments in the lower left hand corner. I wonder if she even knew that red and yellow were missing from the balloons. Sometimes color is so intuitive it can be tricky to put into words.

The colors in Emily's layout are her favorites. And some of mine. Compare the yellow and blue to that on Christine's layout. Isn't it crazy the difference of hue can make? The colors here take center stage as they appear from the bottom. The idea of them being framed makes them so much more impactful. And surrounded by all that yummy white white space makes it even more so. Do you see how she has created color vignettes in the left upper and right lower corners? and on the photo? Having each color represented in the vignettes gives the layout a equal balance, top, middle, and bottom. If a color had been left off, then your eye would have kept moving to find it. But with each there, instead, then you are satisfied at each visual stop.

Amy's layout about black orange and purple being associated with Halloween reminds us how our holidays and festivities are tied to colors. Test time. Christmas colors? Hanukkah colors? Valentines? Easter? See? Why is this do you think? Have you thought about your emotional responses to color? and holiday color combinations? Or even wider, just general combinations. My high school was royal blue and white. My town's now is maroon and gold. And I have lived in three red/white college towns (though to be exact, OSU's colors are scarlet and grey. The names are very important!) Red and white makes me think of football. Just does. Have you refrained from putting two colors together on a layout because the combination made you think of something other than the subject of your layout?

Emily's layout uses a mist name Fig Magenta. Which is apparently her favorite even though she doesn't like purple or pink. Curious, no? Have you a non-favorite color that seems to make repeat performances on your pages?

When you know that Paula loves both green and blue and the in between teal, don't you love how she blends the green and the blue letters to make teal ones in the middle? I love that Paula's layout pays homage to her favorite colors without it being the subject of her layout. 

 

Thank you for walking through the gallery with me! I hope you enjoyed our stroll!

 

For our printable this week, we have an album cover for your gratitude album. I hope you had a terrific turkey day and that you had a chance to fill out your gratitude cards! Here is a link for your album cover.

Enjoy your day! and thank you for stopping. We are truly grateful for your time and loyalty!

scrapbook!

Welcome to scrapbook Saturday! It's Marnie and I am so excited to be with you today. I love scrapbooking with a purpose, and always feel so motivated by our Saturday challenges. Lately I have had found myself pushing photos around and around and around the page. Unless I have a purpose. And then the pages seem to come right together. Do you ever have that? It seems when I have a long todo list and little rest that my creativity seems to hide away. But I have always loved good grades, and so scrapbooking with an assignment forces my juices to flow, if just a tiny bit, and somehow pages get made. I know my motivation should be intrinsic, but, well, it isn't always. Please tell me you have this, too, sometimes. 

 

Today we have three new challenges to inspire you. I hope that you will find a reason to create a page or three from what you see, be it the sketch, the color palette, or our trend alert.

 

SKETCH

This month's sketch comes from Christa's layout in our Pinterest Made Me gallery. Diane is our new sketch director and she did a great job picking this layout and turning it into a sketch for us. Thank you, Diane!!

 

Here it is transformed into a sketch.

With its chevron stripes and roomy journaling box, this layout is perfect for Thanksgiving, fall, or anything you need.

 

And to help you see how versatile it is, we have four layouts for you which all began with the sketch.

O' Christmas Tree | Diane Payne

While Diane followed the sketch closely, her signature style can be seen in her tilted photos, and layered, colorful, embellishments. I like that she put her journaling in a flourish'y not-box. And the star at the top of the round embellishment above tree is very reminiscent of the star on the tree. So pretty.

Next up we have a layout from Jennie. She forwent cutting chevrons from patterned paper, opting instead to have paper with chevrons!

Fall Party | Jennie McGarvey

As you use a sketch, don't worry about incorporating all the details. Use what you like and leave the rest behind. Just don't post it online or the scrapbook police will come find you! heehee! Just teasing. That's just it. You can do what makes you happy. Maybe you use it exactly. Maybe you let it start you and then leave it all behind.

 

Amy kept the basic design, combined the two photos into one larger one, and opted for a chevron-less layout, like Jennie's. Amy, our local wordsmith, even found a little extra room for details on the subtitle circle! Good job, Amy!

Nathan Right Now | Amy Sorenson

 

I thought for certain that I would stay true to the sketch. Usually I do, and I love chevron. But... I didn't. I picked the photos and then couldn't find a trio of patterned papers that I liked alongside them. So I switched out the matte for a pattern and left off the chevrons. And love it so much more. (Though I am certain that I will indeed create another layout with this sketch that incorporates my beloved chevrons.)

If you would like a layered template, all ready for a quick layout, just click here. We would love to see your layouts if you make one!

 

ROGYBIV

This month for our color palette, there was only one choice. Celeste's lovely oranges from our gallery were too much to resist.

 

Here are the colors put into a paint sample.

And here is a layout using them. Oh, how I love orange. Mmmm.

 

TRENDING

This month our gallery has 7 layouts with misting/spritzing. A trend we adore as it adds just a little teensy bit of color, texture, and graphic element.

Even in greys, the spritzing adds just a bit of decoration. I like using drippy drops as a means of creating or emphasizing visual triangles. How do you love using them?

Thank you for stopping by! I hope that you can put the sketch, the color palette, and the drippydrop trend to use on a layout or three! 

Thanksgiving Week

Today we conclude our Thanksgiving day preparations and celebrations week. We hope you have enjoyed your week and have found inspiration for all aspects of the day. Today we have all the extras that will make your holiday special.

 

Invitations

There is little as lovely as a formal invitation. Here is an example of one that you can use. The fonts are free: Parma Petit, and Quickier Demo.  With joined parentheses, seasonal colors, and a heart banner, this one conveys a sweet message as well as the important parts of time and invite.

We love how this one is a bit of a love letter, too. Even if they couldn't come, your invited guests would feel your love for them.

If you don't want to put one together on your own, please stop by wcs friends, Pearenthetical Press, and let them make one for you! Look how beautiful it is. They do such lovely work.

 

Table Decor

Megan Atwood, friend and artisan, put together a tablescape for us today. We love the pumpkins and the simple beauty.

As you put your placesetting together, remember to keep an eye on textures. Look how she combined a more dense weave, with a looser one on the layered placemat. And then how the napkin is smooth.

For a napkin, you don't need to spend a lot. Rather stop by your fabric store and find a print that appeals to you and fits your color scheme and style. If the fabric is all cotton, tear it into squares by hand and then just run a quick straight machine stitch along the edges. A quick run through the wash will give it a nice homespun look.

Adding the name tag to the napkin will save you a step and a purchase. No need for a napkin ring and a placecard, when you can do a two-in-one! Get out that twisted twine, too. With a terrific texture and pop of color, you will love what it does.

Megan found the tumbler at her dollar store. 

Using her Cricut, she cut out vinyl letters to represent the occasion. For this price, you could store them away each year, and keeping them unique to the holiday. 

 

Placecards

Nothing says fancy like china and a place card! We will have to rely on you for the china, but put together two placecards for you to choose between.

You may download the polka dots here and the acorns here.

 

Shopping List

After the turkey has cleared, many of us will turn our attentions to the ads and inserts for Black Friday ads. Fighting the tryptophan sleepies, we chart our course for the early morning making lists of what we want and from where. Then we map out the stores according to need and deals. We thought maybe you might like some help. We put together a page of cards hoping to have all you need in one place.

You may download a copy here.

So that's it! You are officially ready for Turkey day! Thank you for spending your time with us this week. We hope you feel more prepared. Now a stop by Pioneer Woman for recipes and you will be good to go! Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Week

We hope that you are enjoying Thanksgiving prep week! With only a week to go, we hope you are finding inspiration and looking forward to your own festivities.

 

On Tuesday, one of finest readers, Sue, left us a comment telling us about an album she made last year from her family's gratitude lists. We loved the idea and wanted to help all of you to make something so wonderful. So Marnie put together a printable for you. It is a 4x6 card with room for a photo and journaling.

First, download the printable. (You may download it here.) We put three on a page to make it easy for you!

Next, print as many as you will need for all your guests. Trim them apart and have them ready for everyone. The grey rectangle is 2x3 and is waiting for a photo, so be sure to ask everyone to smile!

Once you have collected your cards, you can spiffy them up or leave them plain. Once you add a cover, you will have a wonderful memory album!

And, if your family happens to be apart, no worries! Each household could download a page, fill it out, and then send to the designated assembler!

 

Next up, we have an album that will be a Gratitude-In-Pictures album. We put together a set of photo overlays for you that will fit on 4x6 photos. SImply gather photos that fit the themes and then cut and paste the overlays on top. It's a quick and easy way to put together a gratitude mini of another kind.

You may download the overlays here. This is how they will look. (Your photo will take the place of the brown background.) 

 

Marnie put together a few pages for her album to give you an idea of how it will look on your photos.

 

We hope you enjoy these ideas for putting together a shared album and a picture album! We would love to hear if you enjoy them! Thank you! See you for our final day tomorrow!

Thanksgiving Week

Thanksgiving is filled with tradition. The foods we eat, the prayers we say, the time we take to express our gratitude. Add in lush autumnal colors, and the love of family and friends, and our layouts will nearly make themselves.

But in case you need a little push in the right direction, we have a few layouts to help you get started.

Let's begin with a gorgeous layout from Christa.

How many of you were relegated to the kiddie table as wee ones? Do you remember the transition to the big table? Christa's layout captures the moment for her daughter helping her to remember how it felt. What a truly great idea.

 

Diane put together a wonderful layout itemizing the toasts of the season. The number paper adds a feeling of counting to help support the title, Count Your Blessings.

To recreate a picture like this for your own book, pull out your tripod or set your camera on a counter and set the timer. Chances are you will get some great grins as people start to laugh as you hold your glasses still and raised and your arms begin to shake waiting for the timer to go!!

 

Next we have two layouts from Diane, both capturing her gratitudes for the season.

From these layouts we see how fall photos are fantastic for thankful layouts, too. There is no rule that you need to use pictures from the meal! And using envelopes with hidden journaling means you can be honest and heartfelt without worrying that others might read it.

 

Now, let's talk turkey!! Knowing all the hours that you spend on your turkey, and your decorating, don't forget to take some photos and create some ambiance layouts, too!

Snapping photos of the table, the place settings, and the centerpieces, Marnie used a two page layout to fit them all on one layout.

 

 

If you can refrain from diving in immediately, it can be fun to have some photos of the food. Not only did Marnie snap photos of the food spread, but also her plate filled (and her festive drink in a red can!!). (This doesn't always happen--sometimes hungry tummies forget to take a picture first!) Again using a two page design, Marnie kept all the photos trimmed to the same size for ease of use, and ease of viewing.

Mmm. Are you getting hungry? We are! Bring on the tryptophan stupor! We are ready!!

 

And if you want to start putting layouts together, it's never too early! Remember a few months ago, when Marnie got her seasonal layouts together? Here is a reminder of her Thanksgiving layout ready and waiting for photos.

 

If you would like to use this as a basis for a layout of your own, here is a basic sketch.

And you may download a layered template here.

 

We hope that you are looking forward to your holiday! Only nine more days 'til turkey!! Thank you for stopping by--we look forward to seeing tomorrow!