Remember my GIVEAWAY

Anyone can enter! Just leave a comment on the GIVEAWAY post down below. There is a free class and a nice bundle of fabric going to one lucky person!

All caught up

So I joined the quilt along, and needed to boogie to catch up to the rest of the group. I pressed my fabrics and began cutting my strips - all while watching the Women's College Softball World Series on tv (I'm rooting for Alabama, Florida, or Georgia!)
And before you know it, I was done! Strips cut and ready for Week 3 instructions on Monday.

I'm joining the Old Red Barn Quilt Along

Yes, yes, I'm really doing it. I'm joining a quilt along and I WILL complete a quilt this summer. Old Red Barn Co. is sponsoring a 6 week sew along, and she will post instructions for all of us quilting gals each week. I just joined them in Week 2, but I'm cutting my fabrics today, so I'll be caught up and ready for Week 3 sewing instructions on Monday. Dana is sharing her own pattern and will be available to help and give advice and tips along the way. There is a Flickr group where we'll be sharing our progress. It's already full of wonderful fabrics that I can't wait to see turn into quilts! I'm really excited, and I haven't even mentioned the GIVEAWAYS!! Each week, Dana is giving away great prizes, with the final prize being a Janome sewing machine. Oh MY, now that is some prize! If she gets enough players in the quilt along, she'll also give away the quilt she is making. So, if you are looking for a fun sewing project, and want to play along, it's not too late. You can still catch up and join the fun! Just check out Dana's blog and get ready for some summer sewing fun!


Hey, I gotta show you my fabrics. I'll admit, money has been tight this year, and I could never have done this EXCEPT I've had these fabrics on my shelf since May of 2007. That was when the quilting bug bit. I didn't do anything with them for 2 years (writing my books took all my time). So, I'm even more excited that I can create something beautiful, and not have to spend anything to do it. These are from the super delicious Heather Bailey Freshcut line, with a few Amy Butler Lotus thrown in. The stripe shown on top of the stack will be my binding, and the pink on the very top will be on the backside.

Won't you join us?!

Giveaway!!!

As most of you already know, I've been wanting to pull out the sewing machine and work on some handmade fabric projects, as opposed to my usual paper projects. Earlier this spring I started a quilt and worked with my daughters on some purses, but I took a break to complete 2 downloadable classes for Got Crafts?, and I'm just now finding the time to get back to my quilting :) I've been reading quilting/sewing blogs for a while now, and ran across an exciting new website that is about to launch.

The website SEWN will have just about everything you can think of that you would want online as a sewer. There are forums, online advice from industry experts, conversion charts, colour wheels, free patterns and class listings.

There will be interviews with all your favourite designers, quilters, patterns makers and authors. There will be tutorials, podcasts and coverage from shows and articles about all maner of exciting things.

Best of all, there are great unique gadgets - Fabricmatcher, which is an online tool which lets you match patterns to fabrics and see what your project will look like without sewing a stitch, and Find Fabric, which is the niftiest thing that will find the fabric you are looking for without you having to search for it for hours on the internet.

Plus there will be an online buy and sell area called SEWiNg, which is where you can sell the stuff you sew to the people out there who don't sew - and some of the ones who do :)

Now to the GIVEAWAYS!!!! In conjunction with the launch of SEWN, they are having a blog launch party! Not only is SEWN giving away prizes, but bloggers like me are also joining the fun with our giveaways. I'll be giving away 2 items to one lucky winner. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post, and on June 8th (launch day), I'll use the handy dandy random number generator to select a winner! What are the prizes?? :) I'll be giving away 2 1/4 yards of a yummy 100% cotton floral fabric that I purchased a while back....I had planned to do a smocked dress for my little girl, but she got big before I made the dress, lol. In addition, I'll be giving away one free pass to my downloadable class "Playing With Scraps". If you are a sewer and not interested in the free class, you can always pass it along to a scrapbooking friend! Vice versa on the fabric.



So, be sure to leave a comment on this post by June 7th, and check back June 8th for the winner (I'll need your contact info at that time). CHECK OUT all the other blogs participating in the SEWN party.

Playing With Paper - the details

If you haven't seen Playing With Paper yet, you might not know that the book contains ideas for all sorts of design elements, in addition to the patterned paper ideas and tips. There are also examples and inspiration for unique titles, accents, borders, and journaling. This is the same kind of attention to detail that I try to incorporate into my Got Crafts? classes. Here are some peeks at the book. If you've seen the book in a store, could you post a comment and let me know. I have yet to find it IRL :) I know Amazon has it at a great price, but it would be nice to actually SEE it in a store.

Who loves a challenge?

Scrappy challenges can often get us scrapping after an unmotivated period of time, or get us out of a slump (an uncreative period). Scrapsupply.com is celebrating their anniversary by playing some games and issuing some challenges, and I am playing along. For this particular challenge we were put into groups, and each member of the group chose a scrapbooking item or technique. Then, all members of the group (I'm on Team Purple) must create a layout with those items or techniques. My team list included 1)ribbon 2)journaling spot/die cut 3)flat embellishment 4)something pink (now WHO would choose pink?) and 5)something with polka dots (I didn't think of this one, but I love it).

My layout is posted in the gallery there, along with the layouts created by my team members (some are still working, as the deadline isn't until the 26th) and other teams' work as well. Be sure to check them out for inspiration!

I'm posting my layout here, too, with some detail shots. If you've never taken one of my classes at Got Crafts?, these kinds of detail shots are included for each layout, as well as detailed instructions. But, that's not all. The design process, as well as any techniques used, are also explained.

For instance, do you notice the 3 pink elements on this layout (pink ribbon, pink chipboard alphas, and pink paper)? Using pink in 3 places creates a visual triangle that leads the eye thru the layout and creates a pleasing balance.

Notice the "heavier" boat shot I placed on the left side with the "big" title above? The 3 flower and button embellishments anchor the right side of the layout, balancing those left side elements.

And although this layout is soft and pretty, look past the colors and patterns I used to the "bare bones"/basic sketch of the layout. Substitute your own papers, and use other circular embellishments in place of the flowers, and you can create a completely different "feel" for your page.



Lastly, do you love the look of scallops, but struggle using decorative scissors or don't own a scallop border punch? One trick is to use a circle punch (one of THE best basic tools). Punch circles and slip them up under the edge of your photos or paper to create a great border treatment!

What do they have in common?

Family vacation, slumber party, ice cream, beach vacation, swimming, birthday, feeding the ducks, and scrapbook friends....those are the themes for my 8 newest class layouts! And, I know you are going to like this next part, there are FOUR double page 12X12 spread designs, along with FOUR 12X12 single page designs. Whew, no wonder I'm tired! Gotta rest up to write all the class material to go along with the layouts. In the meantime, here's another little peek. This is the last peek though - for everything else you'll need to visit the Got Crafts? site!

Do you like to win stuff?

I already know your answer to that one. Do you like scrapbooking inspiration? I think I know the answer to that one, too. So head on over to the Green Tangerines Kit Club blog. Green Tangerines is throwing a HUGE blog party and not only will you find inspiration 3 times a week, but you'll have 2 chances each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (until July 1st) to WIN BIG! 2X3=6 (yes, I'm a math teacher wannabe). That is SIX chances each week to win free scrapbooking product delivered to your door. I think that is AWESOME, don't you?! So, go NOW.

And, because I've had too many posts without pics, I'm going to give you a sneaky peek of my upcoming Got Crafts? class :D And it's coming very soon!

Hope your Mother's Day was a happy one

Mine was. I celebrated with my own family, as well as my mom and sisters and their families. And, my brother was there, too. I even chose to scrap a while! I surprised myself, since I've been a bit burned out from doing the books. But, I got so excited about my newest class that I'm developing that I could just couldn't stop! You know how you get on a double-page roll, and you are scrapping photos that have been sitting for so long, and you are LOVING it? That was me this weekend, lol. Hope you all had a blessed Mother's Day!

A Birthday Celebration

One of my favorite online scrapbook stores is celebrating their 5 year anniversary with a party, prizes, discounts, and FUN.
Wendy, the owner of Scrapsupply.com, has AWESOME customer service, wonderful selection of products, and a great design team. Their monthly newsletter is full of inspiration and ideas. The latest newsletter has all the info, so be sure to check it out! I can tell you I'm going to be playing BINGO, and doing some of the challenges too!

What makes it work?

I could be talking about many things - a relationship, a recipe, or a piece of art, for example. But, I'm really talking about a scrapbook layout! lol As I work on my second downloadable class for Got Crafts?, I've revisited that age old question "what makes it work?"

The reason I ask myself this question as I'm designing (or browsing thru magazines or online galleries) is because the answers to this question will INSPIRE me, ENCOURAGE me, and TEACH me how to create layouts that I'm happy with. You see, if scraplifting a layout makes you happy and keeps you scrapping those stories and feelings that you want to share and preserve, then "it's a good thing". But, for some the goal is to really learn the HOW and WHY of a scrapbook design and apply it to their own pages to create something that makes them happy.

Asking and answering "what makes it work?" gives you key information to what you LIKE and what you might USE to design pages that you LOVE. Will the answers be the same for each person viewing the very same layout? Sometimes, but not always. You see, we all have different tastes and ideas about scrapbooking. But that's one of the things that makes this hobby so much fun! To get your own answers, you might have to really study the layout design, and imagine the layout without those key ingredients. Would it appeal to you as much? Would you repeat this technique on your own layout, or combine those colors or embellies for your own design?

So, be warned. My next class will be peppered with "the question", and some answers, too, in hopes that you will learn and grow and, most importantly, HAVE FUN!

What would this post be unless I included an example? I'm pulling out an oldie (but a favorite) to use as an example.




This was part of my HOF entry, way back when. I still smile so big when I look at it, because I remember how much fun we were having in the pool that day.

What makes it work?
(Remember, these are my own answers of why the page works for me. You might have different answers. There is no right and wrong!)

#1) the colors - the patterned paper colors don't exactly match the photos, but they are all bright and clear, and communicate happiness and fun
#2) the wavy pieces - wavy paper = water, splashing, and movement (lots of that going on in the pool)
#3) the little numbered strips - one of my favorite touches on the layout
#4) the chipboard arrows - among all the fun embellies (rubons, acrylic bubble sticker, ghost flowers, brads, and photo corners) the arrows lead your eye back to what counts the most, the photos and the story

I'd love to hear if you think this page works and why!

Where do you start writing a book?

After I pitched my book idea for "Playing With Paper", and got the green light, I was faced with the first step - actually STARTING it (a bit daunting to me!). I already had my ideas for chapter titles and a big list of techniques, but just like a layout begins with the photos (for me), my book would begin with the artwork. Knowing I must create almost 90 layouts of my own, I decided to start how I always begin, except on a bigger scale. Photos, and then papers, and finally, embellishments - piles and piles of them! Here are 3 pics I snapped of my early efforts spread across my bed before going into plastic baggies. (remember to click on the photo for a bigger view)



And in hindsight, I admit that these were very rough beginnings, as some never made it to the design phase and others were drastically changed. BUT, it was a start, and I needed these beginnings to get past that "I'm scared to death! Can I do this? What if I run out of ideas? What if they don't like it?!" phase.

How do you begin your layout designs? Do you begin with photos? When do you decide on your title wording? Do you journal first or last?

Guest blogging

I've got a post over at the Got Crafts? blog today!

"Playing With Scraps" Play Along Challenge (2)

In part 1 of the challenge, I asked that you make up a story for these photos



The real story behind these 3 photos is included in the Playing With Scraps class, but for the purposes of this challenge, I'm making up a new story. The "new" backstory is that these photos of my daughter were taken on her 9th birthday, with her hair curled for a special occasion. She's wearing her favorite color, and I think she sparkles! My words to describe the feelings I want my layout to convey are "sparkle, girly, celebrate, and spunky". With my story and my descriptive words in my mind, I began choosing scraps of paper that might help me to tell this story. I chose a bunch of different papers (knowing I didn't have to use them all), and here is what I came up with!



Notice the variety of patterns, the color range from light to dark, and the way the tones in the papers match the tones in the photos - soft with warm undertones. The final test - when you lay your photos on the scraps, do you see the subject of your photo, or do you see the patterned scraps?

In the "Playing With Scraps" download there is a scrap tutorial with more examples of telling stories with your patterned paper scrap choices, as well as 5 additional 12X12 layouts that begin with photos and scraps and become completed designs, with full instructions for each. For these photos and papers, I went one step further - searching thru my embellishments (stickers, metal, chipboard, ribbons, rubons, brads, etc.) for bits and pieces that would enhance these photos, and help tell my "sparkly, girly, spunky" birthday layout.



Although my scrappy choices were soft, pink, and romantic, with some neutrals thrown in, you'll immediately notice what I'm using for contrast on the layout. Contrast is really important, either with one of your paper scraps, a bit of cardstock, or with an embellishment. The red striped ribbon will be the POP to my layout, adding pizzazz without overwhelming my photos. The glittery threads and pink glitter alphabet stickers will shine against the soft neutral papers, matching the sparkle in her eyes.

For more tips and ideas, check out my download (linked in the sidebar). I would love to hear comments and questions!

More TV Talk

Ohhhhhh, for a few minutes last night there was a chance that Adam would be GONE ;) Not that I was attached to Matt, but I just don't care to listen to Adam.

I've been watching reruns of "Reba" on Lifetime. Anybody else think it's funny?!

I love "Medium", but the last 2 episodes have just been depressing....I'm not sure what's going on with that show.

"Lie To Me" is a good show too.

Hmmm, Survivor is on tonight. Who are you rooting for? (And you better not say the icky "Dragonslayer Coach", lol)

And the free class passes go to....

Thank you to everyone that commented! And the winners are......

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

17

Timestamp: 2009-04-30 12:29:20 UTC

Lisa said...

Yes, a few. I love sketches and page ideas for multi photos and using pattern paper. Your class sounds great.

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

5

Timestamp: 2009-04-30 12:30:57 UTC

Grandma Shelley said...

I've taken several computer scrapbook classes before...I love them...I mainly take them for the knowledge and creativity that comes from the instructor...have a GREAT day!

Lisa and Grandma Shelley, please email me at angeliagotcrafts@gmail.com for your FREE CLASS coupon code!!!!!!!!!!

"Playing With Scraps" Play Along Challenge (1)

Hi, all,
I appreciate all the comments on the Giveaway post! Thank you so much, and keep them coming, as I'll pick 2 winners first thing in the morning.

To give you a little taste of what the class is all about, I'm posting an easy "play along" challenge. Anyone can play, whether you are interested in the class or not. I think it might get your scrappy wheels turning :D

I designed the class with a tutorial that follows my design process - to help those of you that say "How do I start? How do I know what colors to choose? What makes a layout "work"?" The scrappy tutorial contains 5 examples with full explanations for how to choose scraps of paper that "talk" to you, and the layout examples later in the lesson are completely different for even more practice choosing scraps to tell your stories.

So play along with me! Above I'm showing you 3 photos. For this challenge, make up a story that you want to tell about the photos - pretend they are your photos and that you have a story that you want to share with me. With your story in mind, choose 3 or 4 words that describe the feelings, thoughts, or emotions you want to communicate thru your scrapbooking design. Post a comment with your brief story and "feeling words". On Monday, I'll post my own story and words for these photos, and we'll take the next step in our "play along" challenge! (PS. If you HAVE purchased the class, be sure to check back for something a little different than what you might expect ;) )

"Playing With Scraps" Giveaway

I've got TWO free passes for my new downloadable class "Playing With Scraps" for two lucky individuals!!

Here's how it works - Post a comment on this blog post answering these 2 questions:
1) have you ever purchased an online class/downloadable?
2) what topics/themes/techniques appeal to you in a downloadable format?

That's all there is to it. I'll draw for the 2 winners (using the Random # Generator) on Thursday morning, April 30th, so be sure to check back to see if you WIN! At that time, I'll need the winners to email me at angeliagotcrafts@gmail.com with their email addy for the free pass coupon code. If you've already purchased the class and you win the free pass, no worries - we'll refund your purchase price!

Got Crafts?

So now I can tell you what I've been busy working on for the past few weeks!

I've partnered with "Got Crafts?" (brought to you by the scrapbooking superstars, Janna Wilson and Valerie Salmon), and I'm thrilled to be able to offer you my tips, ideas, and never-before-seen layout designs with complete step-by-step instructions in an easy, downloadable format. This downloadable class is very much like the types of classes I've traveled across the US teaching with a few GREAT changes. You get MORE layout designs to inspire, fresh ideas and fun techniques that you can apply to your own stash (and we all love stash busters), AND a great price point (because I'm not having to fly, or kit and ship heavy product). Valerie and Janna are dedicated to offering a great value for all their project kits and classes, and so you can bet my class passed their stiff inspection ;)

You can see all the details here -
http://gotcrafts.typepad.com/downloads/playing-with-scraps.html

Check it out!!

PS. I'll have some giveaways shortly, but don't let that stop you from hitting the "Buy" button. If you win a free pass on my blog and you've already purchased the downloadable, we'll refund your purchase price.

today was Bunny Day

For 2 years, Michaela has begged for me to take her photo with a bunny ('cause I have one of Olivia with a bunny hanging on the wall). Today was officially "Bunny Day"!

News TOMORROW!