Monday, March 31, 2008

A Dango Girl

I have a special treat for every one. I am introducing you to a Dango Girl today. Let me inrtoduce to you............. Suzanne!!





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

About 5 years ago, my best friend became a Creative Memories consultant and wanted to “practice” a home show. I invited a few of my friends and ended up buying the entire $350. kit. A couple of months later, this same friend convinced me how much money I would “save” by becoming a consultant myself. :rolling eyes: I was a consultant for about 2 years, but then fell squarely off of the CM wagon because of a bit of ribbon that was given to me. When my scrapbook page didn’t flame, I never looked back. LOL

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

Sure, there are lots of pages that make me cringe, but I wouldn’t change them. I figure it chronicles my changes over the years.

What does scrapbooking mean to you?

Hmm, that’s a tough question… it provides a creative outlet and relaxation for me. I enjoy every aspect of it. It also brings joy to my family, who often look through the various albums that I’ve made.

What is your can’t live without scrapping tool?

Do you mean besides the obvious MUST HAVES, like trimmer, adhesives and paper? I would have to say that my Wishblade is by far my favorite “tool.” On the cheaper end of the spectrum, I couldn’t scrap without my Tweezer Bees!

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 find a lot of inspiration in layouts that others share. I tend to take a little from here and a little from there; whatever works with the photos that I’m working on at the time and am inspired more by a technique than anything else.

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

I followed a friend over and am I ever glad I did! I’ve been on a lot of boards, but the Scrapdango community has an almost family feel to it. All of the members care so much for each other, the creative team is amazingly talented, the owner is extremely giving and everyone is so much FUN!

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

My favorite layouts are ones that go together quickly with an uncluttered look to them; where the photos are showcased and the story is told. Here are a couple of my favorites from this year.

This one is a photo of my 11 year old that my 13 year old took. I found the photo by accident, and it took my breath away seeing a different side to my usual tomboyish little girl.

Like so many other layouts that I’ve done, this one shows how much fun we have together as a family. The 11 year old received a pogo stick as a gift and everyone including dad wanted to show her how it was done! LOL



You can check out Suzanne's gallery here: Scrapdango Gallery

She also has two amazing blogs you can check out here: O' Scrappy Day , A Year in the Life

Thanks so much Suzanne for letting me feature you as our first ever.... Dango Girl!! I wonder who will be next???

~Tara~

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Free Font!!!

Download Kalocsa Flowers by No Image Fonts free at dafont.com (http://www.dafont.com/kalocsa-flowers.font) and make your spring pages blossom!

Blog Challenge #3

Howdie Dango Girls. I have another challenge for you to do. This one is alot of fun and I love doing these. I hope you will too.

Spring Layout Bingo: Below is a Bingo Card. You are to complete a layout using any elements that would make a straight line. It doesn't matter which way the line is going as long as you use all 4 elements in that line. Just like making a line on a regular bingo card only you will have a beautiful layout once you're done.



Everyone who participates and creates a layout will earn a ballot for the blog prize draw. The first draw is on April 15th. You recieve a ballot for every tip, technique, and challenge you complete!! There are so many chances to win. Keep checking the blog for extra ways to win!

Please email your creations to: thynner5@yahoo.ca or post a link on the blog.

Have fun!!

~Tara~

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Quote Challenge Winner

I had posted a challenge on the board for our members to use any of the quotes that I have been posting everyday, on a layout. I had some wonderful creations to chose from. It wsa great to see how you girls chose to use the quotes on a layout. It's not as easy at it seems.

I had my darling Paige pick the winner this week from a John Deer Hat and she chose..................... Suzanne!!


Here is Suzanne's lovely layout:


Congrats Suzanne on winning the quote challenge! Look for more challenges in the future!


~Tara~

Check it Out!!

I have some amazing creations to share with you today!! I am amazed at how many wonderful layouts and card you have been sending me for the blog challenges. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside to know that not only are you reading the Scrapdango Blog but, that you are doing the challenges too.

I have this beautiful, sweet layout sent in by Christine (pink lemonade). She did the following layotu for the first Blog Challenge. She was to use a quote on her layout:



I was also sent this amazing and creative card from Colleen. Apparently she shares my addiction for fonts! Just look at all the amazing fonts she used. I think I may have my first member in the Font Addiction Club!!
I am also thrilled to share this totally charming and adorable card from Lois. Look how cute this is. Love the font Lois!!


All of you have recieved a ballot for this month's Blog Prize Draw. There is still plenty of time to earn a ballot. You can send me in a tip or technique for the blog, complete any of the challenges or more ways to earn. Just keep checking in every day. You never know!

~Tara~

Monday, March 24, 2008

Free Fonts

I just happened upon a site that offers some great free fonts for Scrapbookers. After spending an hour feeding my font adddiction I thought I would take the time to share the site with our blog readers.

You can check out these amazing and fun fonts here: Free Scrapbook Fonts

I hope you will find one that will inspire your next creation.

Happy Scrapping!

~Tara~

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Congratulations to...

The winners for our Willow Traders Anniversary challenges are...

Challenge #1: Ribbon Dispenser
Lan

Challenge #2 and #3: Free Scrapdango March Sugar Kit
Melanie Stanczyk

Congratulations!

Friday, March 21, 2008

Font Friday Challenge

Hello Dango girls.It's time for another blog challenge.

I wanted to share my love for fonts with your girls. I am hoping to form a support group for font addiction soon.

I have found this cool, fresh new font. It is called "Girls Are Weird". Obviously a boy created it!!

Please click on the link here to check it out and to download it on your computer for.... free!Dafont ~ Girls Are Weird

If you need instructions on how to load your new font on your computer you can find them here: How To Install

I would love for you to load this fun font on your computer and either use it in a title, on a card or as your journaling on your next layout. If you do, you will recieve a ballot for this month's blog draw!! You can email it to me at: thynner5@yahoo.ca . Please put "Scrapdango Blog Challenge" in the subject line.

Happy Scrapping!

~Tara~

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Scrapdango Updates

Hi Dango Lovers!

I just wanted to let you know the newsletter has now been posted on the forum. You can view it here: Scrapdango February Newsletter. Once again the design team has come up with a fantastic newsletter full of scrappy inspiration!
If there is anything you would like to see in upcoming issues of the newsletter you can email me at: thynner5@yahoo.ca and please put "newsletter ideas" in the subject line. Anyone who does, will be entered into this month's blog draw. We love to hear what you love about Scrapdango and would like to either see, read or learn about in our newsletters.
Thanks to our very own Sandie who puts together the newsletter. You have to agree that she does a great job!!
After a long and tedious waiting period, Carrie has finally posted the sneak peaks for next month's kits. They really are amazing. I am lucky enough to be able to work with the Sugar Kit and I have to admit, I will be ordering the Spice one too!! They rock! Without further adieu.... here they are:


Sugar Kit:

Spice Kit:


Don't forget about our amazing Guest Designer Contest. People have been asking questions. If you have a question please check out this thread and post them in there. GT Contest. Good luck again to all who apply!!

A big Scrapdango Hello to our newsest members this week: Lucy Chesna, Rose S., Jo-ann, thecircleguru, PMSforever, MichelleD, momymilr, Audrey and amberhelga. We hope you enjoy yourselves and we look forward to getting to know you better.

~Tara~

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Nothing New Challenge!!!!

Nothing new challenge!!!

Use up that old stash, none of these can be less than a year old!!

10 pieces of pp
15 ribbons, fibers or material (can combine)
20 embellishments

AND no new pictures, get out and scrap those photos that have been sitting around for at least a year!!

Have fun....make sure you send your layouts as an attachment to info@scrapdango.com!

Deadline: Sunday at midnight.

2, 4, 6, 8 Who Do We Appreciate? Challenge

In celebration of Willow Traders 3rd year anniversary, we have a very fun challenge for you! 2, 4, 6, 8 who do we appreciate?

Your challenge is to use:
2 photos
4 papers
6 stamped images
8 rub ons or stickers

And the subject is someone or something you appreciate.

Have fun with it!

Send your projects to me to upload here. Send to info@scrapdango.com. All entries will go in a drawing for a free Scrapdango March Sugar kit!

Deadline: Sunday midnight




Monday, March 17, 2008

Check it Out!!

I am so very excited right now! I posted the first blog challenge the other day and I had recieved two entries for the challenge. All within 24 hours of the post.


I have to share the layouts with you. They are both so pretty and unique from eachother.


The first one I recieved was from one of our newest memebers, Rose. She did this sweet layout of her daughter:


I love the colors she chose and her pictures are really sweet. Great touch with the butterfly!



The next one I recieved was from Holly. Her layout is quite eye-catching:

I really love how the doodling draws attention to the beautiful photo. Again, love the butterfly accent!

Both Holly and Rose recieved a ballot for this months Blog Prize. There are still lots of opportunities to get ballots. Just keep your eyes on the blog! You have plenty of time to do this challenge as well. Please send yours to: thynner5@yahoo.ca and put "Scrapdango Blog Challenge" in the subject line.

Thanks again to both Rose and Holly for letting me post their lovely creations on the blog.

Happy Scrapping!


~Tara~

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Special Announcement





There... my other secret is out. We are having a special Guest Designer Contest. (Please click on the image to view it full size!)
We will be choosing three people to act as DT Members. Each winner will be assigned a month to serve and will recieve a full Scrapdango Kit to play with too!

So... put on your thinking caps and showcase your special friend(s). Don't forget to wrap them in spring colors and tell us what makes them special to you.

The details of the contest can be found on the forum here: Scrapdango

They will be posted on Monday afternoon. Our blog readers get the first peak!

Happy Scrapping and good luck!


~Tara~

Saturday, March 15, 2008

First Blog Challenge

Well... it's official. I am posting the first Scrapdango Blog Challenge! I am so excited! I have decided to take it fairly easy on you. At least for now.


Your first challenge is a Quote Challenge. Please use the following wonderful quote on your next layout or card:

"Happiness is as a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you." ~Nathaniel Hawthorne

Here is the layout I did using this quote. The scan squished my poor butterfly.

Please send your completed creation to me at: thynner5@yahoo.ca, load it in the gallery or link it here in the blog to be entered into this month's blog draw. Please put "Scrapdango Blog" in the subject line.
Have fun and Happy Scrapping!

~Tara~

Friday, March 14, 2008

Wanna Win a RAK???

I wanted to know if anyone would be interested in winning our first official blog RAK!! Hmm... I thought so.

I have decided that since we are starting this wonderful blog that I wanted to start it off with an easy blog contest. I will be posting challenges, sketches, quotes, fonts, tip, and techniques on the blog. All you have to do is complete any of these and link them to the blog, load them in the gallery at the Scrapdango forum or email them to me at: thynner5@yahoo.ca . Please put "Scrapdango Blog Contest" in the subject line. You will have a chance to win the following amazing book published by Scrapbook & Cards Today magazine:



This contest will run for one month. To be eligible to win this RAK you must complete anything on the blog only!! The challenges at Scrapdango will not be eligible to win. All creations will be due April 15th. There will be tons of chances to win!! You can send in and link as many creations as you would like. You will get a ballot for each one I receive. So keep checking the blog for new chances to win! Your first challenge will be posted tomorrow.
~Tara~

Thursday, March 13, 2008

The Secret is Out!!

I have been teasing the girls on the forum about having some scrappy secrets!!

This is the first of several secrets I have been keeping from the Dango Girls!

Carrie and I have been working behind the scenes to start this awesome blog for everyone. We want to share with our members more of the wonderful things that we have at the forum.

You will find tons of inspiring sketches, challenges, tips and techniques. We will be featuring fellow Dango Girls. We will announce contests, contests and giveaways. We will showcase Design Team projects and reveals. The blog will be an extension of the fun filled forum we have all grown to love!

I look forward to bringing you lots of Scrappy Inspiration on the blog and I hope you will call this blog home.

Check it out tomorrow for another secret to be spilled!

~Tara~

Welcome!!!

Welcome to our newest addition...our Scrapdango Blog!!! We are so excited to add our blog and we have some super-duper exciting things planned for you here! Thanks for stopping by and we hope you will enjoy all the excitement Scrapdango has to offer!

Sincerely,
Carrie Leavitt
Scrapdango Owner