Not sure why I decide to take this challenge- very unlike me to get it together enough to finish a layout and actually enter something
I am still bitter about not winning anything in the Spellbinders die cut contest last month.

There is still time to enter Contest by Scrapbboks,etc . Idea is to Scraplift a page layout with your own twist. They have had 10 contest- one each week. Ahh- know I know why I entered- it was a contest over 10 weeks I entered the last contest on the LAST day.

Here is the original photo they want you to scraplift from:

I am quite happy with result- it is one of my favourite photos of my kids and I like the way layout turned out. I used Basic Grey Euphoria Papers, lots of die cuts and letter from my Quickutz Silhouette machine and got pretty crafty with inks and paints.
I absolutely ADORE this line of paper. Never thought I would get excited about plum and ice blue together but it works for me!

I kept curved lines at top from original layout. Instead of felt boats I used 3 other elements : pieced flowers, flourish and tag/journaling . Instead of stitching along paper edge I used small flowers to accent.
Changed title words and used paper instead of chipboard.

You can rate/vote/comment on my layout at Scrapbooksetc.on their site here: http://my.scrapbooksetc.com/app/sharemy/photoDetails.jsp?photoId=274700287

My work area was a disaster after making this:

I held out for a loooong time on getting one of these. It wasn’t until I fell in love with Quickutz die cuts that I even thought about getting a die cut machine.

My preference has been a Cricut or Silhouette but there is a a ot to be said for a machine that you can take anywhere and buy a single die for under 10.00.

Lowest price On Cuttlebug

While -wasting time- researching buy watching crating videos I saw link for this deal, CreativeExpress.com
They have their Cuttlebug’s for sale at 39.99.
This is a fabulous price.

Update- the site had moved and they have different Cuttlebug bundle. try here

I am challenging myself to make up a series of 10 cards to clear out some of my scrap book stuff. I would love if you want to join in!
Here are the parameters I have set for myself:
- I cannot buy anything to complete these cards. No new stamps, dies or paper. The only exception is adhesive.
- I cannot use elaborate techniques- the idea is to do them fast and not get sucked into a vortex where one card takes 3 hours.
-I am debating whether to use use any embossing. Card makers will have the supplies but most scrap bookers I know don’t.
I may do simple quilling that the average scrapbooker will know or could learn easily.

I am working on using up some of my supplies- card stock I am not crazy about, left over paper bits, ets as well as trying out some new tools.

I am trying to put together a series of cards that are easy and fast to do and with supplies at hand- supplies that most scrapbooker or card maker will have.
To start with I have cut 10 cards from my card stock. I am going to do them to fit 5 1/2 by 5 1/2 inch envelopes and they are about 5 3/8 x 5 3/8 after being folded. I have also sketched out my design ideas. I have done 5 card sketches and will do two card for each sketch idea.

I will also post my “sketches” when I post the cards. or maybe tomorrow. might be interesting to see how closely i stick to my plans!
What am I talking about? I kind of sort of draw out before I start. I have a design background and I like to plan a bit and sometimes work from a formula. Most times I like the organic approach to making cards and doing my scrapbook layouts and let the supplies “speak to me” but the idea behind this project is to get a bunch of card done quickly , using up existing supplies and have a selection of card I can pull out and use on short notice.

I am making a sympathy cards, birthday cards for both kids and adults, Thank-you cards, Thinking of you cards and Congratulation cards. Cards you might for last minute gifts or sudden event.
I am constantly caught sort on new baby congratulations card and sympathy cards an want to have some to send out quickly.

If you deice to join in let me know- post about your plan and what “limits” you have set for your self.

I find digital scrapbooking fun for kids and teens, They get results very quickly and appeals to girls you like to “play” with ideas and color. I noticed they had some Mother’s Day layouts and did a bit of searching to find other free layouts for Mother’s Day.

Digital Scrapbook Mother Day Layouts:

http://www.smilebox.com/scrapbooks/holiday-greetings/mothers-day-scrapbook/

From Families.com http://scrapbooking.families.com/blog/scrapbooking-mothers-day-layouts

http://scrapbooking.about.com/library/weekly/aa051101a.htm