Thursday, November 6, 2008

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~

Sunday, November 2, 2008

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~

Monday, October 27, 2008

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~

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

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~

Monday, October 20, 2008

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~

Saturday, October 18, 2008

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~

Friday, October 17, 2008

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~