Challenge #24

I hope everyone has had a chance to go through the 12 Gifts of Christmas on the forum. My challenge for you is to make one of the amazing projects and crafts that have been posted.

You will earn one ballot for each project that you do. Email them to me at: thynner5@yahoo.ca to earn your ballor fo this months draw.

~Tara~

Challenge #23

I have been posting the "12 Quotes of Christmas" on the forum and there are some really great quotes there.

I would like to see you chose your favorite Christmas Quote from those posted and use it on your next layout or card. Scrapping Christmas layouts and cards sure helps to put you in the mood for Christmas.

Email your creations to me at: thynner5@yahoo.ca to earn a ballot for this months draw. Please put "Dango Blog Challenge in the subject line. You have until December 31st to send in your creation.

Happy Scrapping!

~Tara~

Getting to Know....

It is time to Get to Know.....................................Colleen!!

1. When did you first start scrapbooking and how did you get into it?

I have actually always done some sort of cut I paste I think, but I really started in the early 90s when a friend of mine started selling Creative Memories and got me interested. I didn't have a lot of money then, but got a few things and started. Then, I really got going when I moved to Japan in '94 and wanted to start scrapping my life overseas.

2. Looking back into your creations is there one you really dislike and would you change it or leave it?

There are always some I like more than others, but I never redo anything as I figure it's always part of the evolution of my scrapping. I equate it to looking back at old clothes or hairstyles and wondering "What was I thinking!?!"

3. What does scrapbooking mean to you?

This is sort of a hard question for me because I use it as an outlet for a lot of things. It's really about me getting some time to myself and being creative, but also about keeping memories alive for us as a family. Even now, I look back at things I've journaled and have memories come rushing back. I think it can be used to document good times and back as well as just the everyday!

4. What is your can’t live without scrapping tool?

I have to pick just one? Probably now this would be my Basic Grey Precision Magnetic Mats. I have 2 for doing double page layouts even and don't know what I'd do without them. My recent fav would be my Tim Holtz ruler too though!

5. When beginning a layout are you the kind of person who has to work off a sketch or you can throw anything together and it all works?

I think I do a little of both. I rarely actually draw something out ahead of time unless I have a sketch I'm working from (which I like playing with too), but I typically have a mental picture and sometimes it comes out like that sometimes it doesn't! C'est la vie!

6. How did you find Scrapdango and what do you like most about it?

I was lucky enough to have Terri invite me and have loved it since the day I got there! So many welcoming and talented women! I can't tell you how much I enjoy being a part of the Scrapdango community and the amazing team here!

7. Show us a couple of your favorite layouts. What makes them a fav?

As for favourite layouts, this was hard, but...

Playtime - I like this one of my niece because of all the fun colours and it was one of those layouts where I was playing with a few things and it just seemed to all fall together in a way that I loved.

366 Days - I like this layout of Nathan because the pictures just happened to work out perfectly for this topic and I know it's going to be wonderful to look back on as he gets older too. I also had fun playing with the masking of the KI lace for the background.

Lights, Camera, Action - This last one of Kyle is one of my favourite pictures of him lately and these Scenic Route papers make me happy!!

You can check out more of Colleen on her blog: Random Ponderings in Canada

Thanks Colleen for letting us Get to Know you!! I am happy to have you as a fellow DT member as I am sure everyone else is too.

~Tara~

Spotted in the Gallery

Eye spy with my little eye.............. lots of eye candy!!

Ginni G created an amazing mini album that really caught my eye. It's awesome!

I also spied this wonderful layout Carrie did of Jovanna. The design is awesome and I am loving Bella Blvd! Look how grown up her sweet daughter looks now!

Julie also used the Bella Blvd for this great layout of her and her beautiful daughter. Love seeing a picture of her on the layout. Look at the proud Mama!

When I saw this layout by Heather.... I knew I had to post it. It is so fresh and funky. I love the black and pink combo. Rugged and beautiful!

The cover for Kathi's mini album is so sweet and pretty. I love the Basic Grey papers and the sweet birds in the paper:

I am in love with this layout my Rebecca (mamakven). I love the whole theme of the layout, the photo and the design. I think this may be my favorite of hers so far!

When I saw this photo in the gallery I knew I had to post it. Why?? Michelle Galloway's son is so darn cute!!

Back to a fantastic layout by Lucy Chesna. WOW...I am entranced by it. It is so beautiful, soft and full of details. I must find out how she altered her chipboard. Stunning!

Tracy (Momhinman) created this truly lovely layout. The papers are a PERFECT match for her photos. Notice the little bow in the hair? Great job!!

My last pick is by Tallgirl_msu. Look at all the wonderful eye candy on Jana's layout. It is full of color, has a fantastic focal picture and lots of wonderful layers!!

Be sure to check the blog next week to see what I have spied in the gallery!

**Keep loading up the gallery with your scrappy creations! I have decided that for every layout I spy in the gallery and post on the blog.... will earn a ballot for the monthly draw!! This month it is some lovely Maya Road stamps!

~Tara~

Tip Time ~ Challenge # 23

Let’s talk about scissors. I don’t know about you but I have my very favorite, must have, scissors. I was upset yesterday when my girls used them to cut sticky food with. Yup… they gunked them up so bad that I couldn’t use them. I cracked open my unDu and removed the goo but they were so dull they wouldn’t cut paper anymore. Now I am on the hunt for a replacement pair. I can’t seem to find them anywhere…. at least not yet.

I have several pairs of scissors. I use them for different jobs. My first pair I ever bought were Honey Bees by Cutter Bees. These have a great Teflon coating and work great for cutting through sticky glue dots, double sided tape other such sticky supplies.

When it comes to cutting any type of fabric I have my straight blade and my pinking shears. They work the best for fabric and felt. I find any of my other scissors aren’t sharp enough and snag. Fiskars makes great scissors for cutting through felt and fabric.

I like to work with wire, metal, acrylic and plastic. I have some strong Titanium scissors. They are extremely durable and strong. They seem to cut through anything and remain sharp.

Now… my favorite pair are spring loaded. I adore them because they are extremely comfortable and my hand doesn’t cramp or get sore when I plan on doing either a lot of pages or a lot of fine detailed cutting. They are always sharp and have a fine tip for detailed cutting. Alas…. they are wrecked. *SIGH* My Tim Holtz, Tonic, Spring Loaded, Fine Tip Scissors are sad too.

Quick Tip#1: If you are finding that your scissors are sticky just use a little dab of unDu and it will disappear.

Quick Tip#2: If you find that your scissors aren’t cutting like they did when you first bought them you can cut a sheet of aluminum foil or you can get them sharpened professionally.

Quick Tip #3: If your scissors are getting sticky but not because of goo or glue, you can cut through waxed paper too!! ** this tip was from Ginni. I have just given her a ballot for the draw. Thanks for the tip!**

Blog Challenge:
I would like you to use some decorative scissors on your next layout or card. You can email me at: thynner5@yahoo.ca and please put Scrapdango Blog Challenge in the subject line.
Remember that this month I am offering a cute set of Maya Road Stamps!

~Tara~

Getting to Know....

It's time to Get to know another great Design Team member!

I would like to introduce to you .....................................................

Heather Lough!!

When did you first start scrapbooking and how did you get into it?
I started scrapbooking 8 years ago when I was pregnant with my first child. I was invited to a Creative Memories party, and I reluctantly went. I didn’t want to get into it, but I knew I wanted to display our family photos in a more creative way than just putting them into photo album sleeves. I had no idea that this hobby would become what it has today. While my main goal is still to preserve my family’s memories, it has also become my creative outlet and form of artistic expression.

Looking back into your creations is there one you really dislike and would you change it or leave it?
There are many layouts in my early years of scrapbooking that I don’t like, but that is mainly due to the products that were available back then and the styles that were prevalent. They still tell the story that I wanted to tell though, and I have no intention on going back and changing any of them. Some layouts I’ve done more recently have also not turned out as I’d envisioned in my head, but I don’t dwell on them. I have a get it done and move on philosophy.

What does scrapbooking mean to you?
Scrapbooking has brought so much to my life. I grew up with a very creative and artistic mother. She can do just about any type of craft possible from sewing and any needlecraft to painting to wood carving. I always tried my hand at various crafts but never felt like I was very good at any of them. It wasn’t until I discovered scrapbooking, that I realized I could be creative and artistic. It has given me my creative outlet, which with all the other busyness going on in my life with taking care of a family, is something I desperately need. Scrapbooking has also given me a passion for recording my family’s memories. If it weren’t for scrapbooking, I’m not sure that I would keep track of all the little moments in our lives, which I know I would regret later on in life. The other thing scrapbooking has brought to me is many friendships—mainly online, but friendships nonetheless. I get so much encouragement and support from all the friends I have met online like those at Scrapdango.

What is your can’t live without scrapping tool?
It’s not very exciting, but my can’t live without tool is my paper trimmer. I don’t complete a single project without it.

When beginning a layout are you the kind of person who has to work off a sketch or you can throw anything together and it all works?
I rarely work off a sketch. I always start with my photo and usually use the colors and theme from it to choose papers and embellishments. Then I just start playing and moving things around until I’m happy. If I have a lot of photos I’m trying to include on a layout or just get stuck, then I will pull out one of my sketch books or find one online to get inspiration.

How did you find Scrapdango and what do you like most about it?
I found Scrapdango by seeing a call on the Pubcalls blog for the design team contest this past summer. I loved that the contest went on for a month because it really gave me a chance to get to know the people on the site and vice versa to make sure that it was a good fit. Since becoming part of the DT, I have thoroughly enjoyed the members on the site. They provide such great encouragement and support and are so appreciative. Everyone is so genuine. I have never seen anything even slightly unkind posted on the site.

Show us a couple of your favorite layouts. What makes them a fav?

All I Want—I love this layout because of the funny photos. I was trying to get that perfect pic of me with my kids on Mother’s Day but that just never happens. This layout shows real life. I love the bright colors with all the buttons and the mixed up journaling.

4-Ever Family—This is a very recent layout I’ve done and one of my all-time favorites. The main thing I love about it is the photo. I love that the layout is simple, keeping the focus on the photo and the rich colors of the paper

Silly Boy—My style is usually very linear and clean, and this layout represents that perfectly. These are some of my favorite photos I’ve ever taken of my son, and I love how I was able to include so many of them without it becoming overwhelming. Also, these papers from the Scrapdango October spice kit went perfectly with the photos.

I sure am grateful that Heather found her way to Scrapdango!!

~Tara~

Spotted in the Gallery

It's time to post what I spotted in the gallery this week. There is so much eye candy that it is hard to chose. :)

Here are some wonderful layouts I spied this week:

The first one I found is an amazing layout by Kathi. I love the deisgn of the layout and the cool pictures of the Wicked Witch!

Next I came upon this one by Anne Marie (sisterbug). I love her journaling and the color sceme she chose:

You can't help but be drawn to the "Piggy Back" layout by NubiaR1. The oversized star elements commands attention:

This card by Scrappygirl is amazing. I can't say enough things about the fish and the cool effect it makes. Nicely done.

Finally my gallery quest brought me to this wonderfully, creative layout by Mamakven. All I can say is.... WOW! The tree element is stunning!

Be sure to check the blog next week to see what I have spied in the gallery!

**Keep loading up the gallery with your scrappy creations! I have decided that for every layout I spy in the gallery and post on the blog.... will earn a ballot for the monthly draw!!

I'll post the latest winner tomorrow!

~Tara~

Spotted in the Gallery

It's time to post what I spotted in the gallery this week. There is so much eye candy that it is hard to chose. :)

Here are some wonderful layouts I spied this week:

First of all I saw this amazing layout by Shykiwi called "A Smile So Sweet". I just love the sweet smile in the photo. Here is a girl who loves life! The mix of patterned papers are perfect and I love the scroll accent.

I spied this wonderful circle layout by Kelly Yowler. I am a sucker for anything done with a circle and I just love how she used the black circle element in her design. I love the entire mix of embellies and her pics.

Next I came across this fresh and funky layout by Momhindman. I love the color combination and her clean and crisp design is perfect. I am drawn to all the shapes in the layout. Great job!

I really love the photos in this layout by Mamakven. They just jump out at you in the layout. Great overall design and flow to the layout. I am also loving the colors as well.

Next up is a fabulous creation by Lucy Chesna. I stress how hard it is to create a layout without using pictures but Lucy mastered it with her layout called. " I Will". I love her journaling and the way she displayed it on this!!

Be sure to check the blog next weekend to see who was spotted in the gallery.

~Tara~

Challenge #22

Time to post another challenge since October is flying by.

I have deiced it's time to post another quote challenge. So many people have been commenting on the quotes I post everyday but I rarely see anyone use them on a page. So... please go and find a quote that you love and create something. Quote Forum

I posted one today that I intend to use on a layout: "It doesn't matter where you go in life, what you do, or how much you have...it's who you have beside you." ~unknown author

There are so many great ones to chose from. I really love combing cyberspace to find wonderful quotes to share with you. Now... it's time to use some.

You can email them to me at: thynner5@yahoo.ca and please put Scrapdango Blog Challenge in the subject line. For everyone that you do you will earn a ballot for the next draw!!

~Tara~

Getting to Know....

Today we are Getting To Know.................................

...........................Kerryn!!

1. When did you first start scrapbooking and how did you get into it?

I first started scrapping in 2004 after my son was born. My Mum had started an album while we were still in hospital, which I just adored.
My first project was a memory album for my daughter, which I still add to.
In early 2007 I joined my first forum and haven’t looked back since.

2. Looking back into your creations is there one you really dislike and would you change it or leave it?

I would never change any pages; they are all apart of my journey. How could you see how far you have come, if you don’t keep where you started?

3. What does scrapbooking mean to you?

Where do I start, after loosing a child, you realize how precious ever single moment in life is and for me it is about capturing the smaller things.
I want to remember the faces Harry pulled at the age of three, the mess he made trying to give himself his medicine and the fun we had under the sprinkler. The big events get scrapped, but just don’t stand out as much.
Scrapping is “MY” time to sit quietly and create; it keeps my brain ticking over and allows me to express myself better than I ever could.

4. What is your can’t live without scrapping tool?

My Basic Grey Precision Mat would be on top of my list and my guillotine would be right next to it.

5. When beginning a layout are you the kind of person who has to work of a sketch or you can throw anything together and it all works?

I don’t use sketches unless it is part of a challenge or contest, I am definitely thrower and it usually works for me.

6. How did you find Scrapdango and what do you like most about it?

I came across it when scanning Pubcalls; I joined up for the crowned contest and have stayed around. I love the different people on the site, the fabulous kits and the general day to day chatter.

7. Show us a couple of your favorite layouts. What makes them a fav?

Here are 2 of my all time favourites, Beautiful was created for a song contest, and I loved how this turned out, especially the photo. Funny though, I have submitted it to a few mags and all have rejected it, just goes to show.

Pieces of Me allowed me to focus on the parts of me that I can live with LOL!! Loved working with these papers.



I am so glad that you decided to try out for the Design Team here at Scrapdango!! I love your work and enjoy having you on the board!!

Thanks for letting us Get To Know You Kerryn !!

~Tara~

Spotted in the Gallery

It's Saturday and time to post what I spotted in the gallery this week. There is so much eye candy that it is hard to chose. :)

Here are some wonderful layouts I spied this week:

First of all I saw this amazing layout by Tallgirl_msu. I just love the sequence of photos on the layout. I also am loving the cool title. The whole layout really jumps out at you:

I spied this wonderful circle layout by Lucy Chesna. Check out the wonderful splashes of orange. It is so delicate and beautiful:

Next I came across this fresh and funky layout by Jazzescrapper. I love how she used the Piggy Tales Sugar kit to make a wonderful, masculine layout.

I really love the photo in the next layout by Niknik. It just makes you smile. Great overall design as well:

Be sure to check the blog next Saturday to see who was spotted in the gallery.

~Tara~

Challenge #21

I have been a little lax lately in posting challenges for the monthly contest. I do apologize for that. The last two weeks have been crazy in my house. Everyone has been quite sick.... even me. :)

My challenge for you is a Title challenge. I thought that since I have gotten behind that I would start with any easy challenge. I would like you to use "Smile" in your title. Yup... that's it.

Here is my layout using the wonderful, bright Sugar Kit:

You can email your creations to me at: thynner5@yahoo.ca to earn yourself a ballot for this month's draw. What is it?? A set of Maya Road stamps. Please put Dango Challenge in the subject line so I don't lose it.

Happy Scrapping!

~Tara~

Spotted in the Gallery

I have been thinking that I would like to do a weekly "Spotted in the Gallery" feature. Check the blog every Saturday to see what creations caught my eye this week. There is so much eye candy right now, especially with the September Contest still running!

Here are some wonderful layouts I spied this week:

I just love all the details in the following layout by Gina. I know that it can be hard to scrap in a circle and Gina did such a fantastic job!

Lisa's layout about summer treats is so beautiful. I love the color scheme and the lovely picture of her daughter. Check out the cool flowers and butterflies!!

I love the distressing on this card by Keely!! I also love the layering! Great card.

The next layout I chose was created by Angie. I love all the design elements and the colors she chose. It is simply stunning!

Here is a fun, fresh and funky card by Rebecca. I love her paper choice and the fun felt embellies!

Thanks again to everyone who loads their creation in our gallery and share their wonderful work with us. Check back next Saturday and see if your layouts or cards will be featured! Every layout I feature will earn a ballot for the monthly blog draw!! So... keep loading those layouts up girls!

~Tara~

Sketch Puzzle ~ Challenge #21

I love making and solving sketch puzzles. I haven't posted one on the blog for awhile and I have had a request for a new one.

Since we had our wonderful chat with Kelly Shults I thought in keeping with the theme that I would use one of her great sketches. Yes... Kelly is a sketch artist as well. She wears many hats!! You can check out her sketches on her blog: Kelly Shults Designs.

I have made two versions of the same sketch:

Medium Version

Hard Version

Once you are done solving the puzzle, print it out and use it as the foundation of your next layout or card. Then, email it to me at: thynner5@yahoo.ca and please put Scrapdango Challenge 21 in the subject line. I will then put your name on a ballot for this months Blog Prize Draw...... a Widget Kit. The lovely Bazzil Stitch set!!

If you have any problems printing it off I will gladly email the sketch to you!

Have fun and Happy Scrapping!

~Tara~

Getting to Know....

Today we are Getting To Know.................................

Kathi aka Kathi Minikatie!!!

When did you first start scrapbooking and how did you get into it?

I started scrapbooking in late 2005 after my parents’ passed away. While my siblings and I were cleaning out my parents’ home, we kept running across boxes of photos in all areas of the house (basement, attic, cabinets, and closets), and none of us recalled ever having seen some of the photos, primarily my parents’ heritage photos. I began cataloging the photos and putting them in date order as best I could. I also knew I wanted a way to document (almost none where and we still don’t know the who, what, when, where of most) and feature the photos that had special meaning to me. After a trip to Michael’s and JoAnn’s, scrapbooking happened and has been going strong ever since.

Looking back into your creations is there one you really dislike and would you change it or leave it?

Seriously, my first couple of LOs were really NOT good. I don’t know why I felt the need to cut all the photos in shapes, but I did and thought that was what scrapbooking was all about! After those first couple of LOs, I discovered scrapbooking magazines and realized that there were so many possibilities that I had yet to explore. I then discovered a group that met once a month at a local Archivers to scrap and joined in the fun and also found a few message boards online. I then sought out my first LSS and discovered better quality pattern papers and the obsession truly started then. So, even though my first couple of LOs are not my favorites, I’ll never change them.

What does scrapbooking mean to you?

Of course, all the standards like documenting and preserving memories, but far more importantly to me is that scrapbooking is my creative outlet. Scrapbooking has replaced numerous other hobbies in my life and it supplies all the creativity I need right now. Scrapbooking has also expanded my circle of friends since I have met numerous friends in the Atlanta area through this craft.

What is your can’t live without scrapping tool?

My Tonic guillotine trimmer, ATG gun/adhesive, paper piercer, micro tip scissors and tweezers. I use these tools all the time.

When beginning a layout are you the kind of person who has to work of a sketch or you can throw anything together and it all works?

I have to admit that I never really think to use a sketch unless I’m participating in a sketch challenge. I didn’t start scrapbooking with sketches and they are just not part of my usual process like they are for some. On occasion, and it’s pretty rare actually, I’ll sketch an idea I have in my head before starting on a LO.

How did you find Scrapdango and what do you like most about it?

I knew of ScrapDango’s existence but had never participated on the site. I was visiting PubCalls and saw the Design Team call, so I visited the site to check it out. I was a late comer for the DT call, so had to post my design for the first challenge immediately. I then took time to participate during the next week and the duration of the DT call and found that ScrapDango offered the type of community that I wanted to be a part of.

Show us a couple of your favorite layouts. What makes them a fav?

XOXO – I love the LO because it documents a special moment/bond between my sister, Kimberly, and her cat. We both have senior cats, so capturing moments like this with them is a priority for us.

Embrace – I’ve had this framed photo in my bedroom for as long as I can remember (me and my mom when I was one month old) and it’s always been my favorite photo. I kept the LO simple so the photo and journaling could take center stage and I love how it turned out.

Beach Bums – Of course, I also love scrapping vintage, whether my childhood or my parents before children or even their childhoods. I recently ran across this photo of my mom and her parents and I love it! What fun they had as a family together.

I am so glad that you decided to try out for the Design Team here at Scrapdango!! I love your work and enjoy having you on the board!!

Thanks for letting us Get To Know You Kathi !!

~Tara~

Complete Mystery Envelope Reveal

It has been a long haul to get them all posted. I have had a few requests to post the reveal in one post. I agree... it would be nice to have them all together. I am so happy with all the wonderful layouts everyone did using the envelopes I mailed out.

First up was Suzanne who had some Love Elsie to play with:

Next in line was Audrey who created two lovely layouts using Crate Paper:

Taryn created this lovely layout with some Making Memories goodies:

Next was Amber and she created this lovely layout also with some Making Memories:

Finally a very patient Jessie made this great layout with some goodies:

Thanks again girls for your patience and hard work.

~Tara~