Posted by Art_Teacher on Thursday, September 2, 2010

  Stuck in a rut?  Missing your mojo?  Inspiration is as close as your closet!  For this week's reveal, we each went to our own closets and chose items that helped us stretch our creativity.  Interesting colors, patterns, clothing obsessions, or even just a memorable story about an article of clothing were all considered, as we perused our closets.  Hopefully, you can find something in your closet to jump start your scrapping!

Inspired by colors and patterns:

Nature Lover by Art_Teacher/Laura

 

Laura was inspired by the patterns in this jacket and created this layout.

 

Laura explains, "For this reveal, we were finding inspiration in our closets. I just love the colors, the whimsical print, and the way this jacket pops, so I used it for my layout. I tried to incorporate the colors, the leaves, the black doodles, the circle dots, and the overall feel of the jacket into my layout of my cousin's little boy, who loves trees .".".".."      ."
 

---

Inspired by the closet, itself:

Me Today: Xander 8-25-10 by Mommybruno/Cassandra

  

Cass "was inspired by the actual closet itself - the rod the clothes hang off, specifically. I reproduced that here by hanging all my elements off the wood-look paper. Just a fun way to document a day in Xander's life! """
 

---

Inspired by a favorite item of clothing:

Love Shoe by FairyMouseMom/Egle

 

Egle exclaims, "I LOVE opening up my closet to get out this pair of shoes. I had my daughter take these pictures of me and get some close-ups of the shoes!"
 

---

It's In Our Jeans by Art_Teacher/Laura

 

Laura says, "I chose an item from my closet that shows what a Buckeye fanatic I am! I wear these jeans every year to Buckeye football games or when watching them at home. I took several close-up photos of the embroidery to show the detail, and was thrilled to come up with the play on words for the title!"
 

---

Inspired by a clothing addiction:

 USA by Smiley-Scrap8/Ronny

 

Ronny tells us, "Walk into your closet and look around, take inspiration from what you see. What I saw was way too many flag t-shirts. Ever year we buy flag shirts for the 4th of July and my closet shows it. So I made a layout all about our tradition and I even used one of the shirts as my inspiration for the USA title."
 

---

Dear Bathing Suits...by FairyMouseMom/Egle

 

Egle shows her sense of humor by writing "a little note to my bathing suits that did not get to be worn this past summer."
 

---

Jacket Obsession by Art_Teacher/Laura

 

Laura admits, "For our closet inspiration reveal, the first thing that hit me when I went into my closet was a whole section of jackets in various colors and patterns, so I decided to do a layout about my addiction. LOL!
 

---

Inspired by special memories of those who wear the clothes:

Precious Baby Clothes by Mommybruno/Cassandra

 

Cass reminisces about memories related to her son's baby clothes saying, "Closets are all about clothes (at least mine are!) and I decided to scrap some old pictures of Xander wearing some of his cute little baby clothes. Is there anything cuter than baby clothes? I don't think so! My pics from back then are very low res, so I had to keep them kind of small. You should still be able to see the cuteness though, LOL! "
 

---

Ordinary Adorable Day by Digi Guest CT dshepard/Danna

 

Danna was inspired by this shirt of her daughter's:

Danna tells us how she created her layout, narrating, "I chose a shirt from my daughter's closet that I've always liked that has lots of bright colors and glitter, but with a black background. The kit "Brooklyn" by Bella Gypsy caught my eye because of the rainbow that was similar to the shirt. I did have to change the colors a little so they went with the shirt better. I was so thrilled to find the glittered frame in the kit to help mimic the thick pink border around the cat."
  

---

Inspired by bargains:

Cha-Ching by FairyMouseMom/Egle

 

Egle sums up her reveal layouts stating, "My layouts this week are focusing on things that have been or will be going into my actual closet, thus showing a little part of me and my style."
 

---

Inspired by a need for closet cleaning and organization:

Digi Scrapping Organization by Mommybruno/Cassandra

 

Cass takes the theme in a totally different direction explaining, "To some people (not me, unfortunately!) closets are about organization. Shoe racks and clothes organized by color. My closet may not be so well put together, but my digi supplies sure are! And what better way to show that than to use these cute plastic sleeves, full of digi embellishments!" 

---

Boundless Energy by Janell

 

Janell says, "My closet inspiration came from cleaning out the bottom of my closet and there was my son's vest. I don't know how it got there, but it reminded me that I had these adorable pictures of him from last year that weren't scrapped yet...so BAM!!! Thank you closet for holding the vest for me until the perfect moment."
 

---

We hope this has given you some new ideas and maybe the motivation to clean out your closet (and the cobwebs from your mind) and get inspired!  Below are some of the fabulous designs used in this reveal, which are available in our shoppe!

         

      

        

         

       

       

       

       

Posted by Art_Teacher on Thursday, September 2, 2010

Posted by ScrapGoo on Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Welcome to September!  School's back in and hopefully that means most of you have more time to scrap.  You should have plenty of summer photos to work with by now so you'd better get down to business because you know those holidays are just around the corner!  Oh, yes, I can hear your groans and grumbles but it's true!  This month's challenges ought to get your creative juices flowing!

Remember:

- only one LO per challenge will enter you into the points drawing

- LOs cannot be entered into more than one challenge category

- *please* only enter LOs that meet the specific challenge instructions  

 

---

Ad Inspiration Challenge - By MamaK321 (Kristianne)

Paper or Digital Scrapbooking

Ad inspiration is about taking ideas, such as colors, patterns, title or keywords, theme, font styles, and element placement, and using them to create your own layout. You can break the ad inspiration down to a basic sketch, copy a prominent design straight from the ad, or you can alter a design to fit your own layout. Most ads are 8.5x11" but you can adapt the ad to fit any size. Remember, this is not a sketch and you are not required to follow every detail. You can use either one or both pages of this ad to inspire your layout. The key is to really LOOK at the ad and find the pieces that INSPIRE you!

---

Altered Object Challenge - By JulesinParadise (Jules)

Paper or Hybrid Scrapbooking

A couple of Christmases ago, I was given a tool box all of my own. It was really kind of cool as all the tools had some pink on them and it came with a bunch of fun things like duct tape, washers (both metal and plastic), some little hinges, nails ...well, you get my drift.





Now all of us have access to someone's tool box be it our own, a husband, boyfriend, dad or uncles... so my challenge to you this month is to dig out the tool box and, using at least one item from it or from all the little odds and ends you find for a tool box, create a layout, card, altered object or embellishment for any of these (be sure to post the completed layout, project, card etc.).

So, here is a Bon Voyage card with an exterior message area I created using a rubber washer and a hinge from my tool box...



I've shown you mine, now show me yours!

---

Card Challenge - By bluejeans7 (Angela)

Paper or Digital Scrapbooking

This month's card challenge is all about punches. I want you to use 2-3 different sized punches of the same shape. On my card I used 3 different sizes of circle punches.

---

Color Challenge - by Art_Teacher (Laura)

Paper or Digital Scrapbooking

One of my favorite color combinations is blue and brown, plus it seems to go well with most photos. Also, these colors remind me of the coming Fall, blue for the sky and brown for the grass and the leaves. With the hot, dry weather here, our grass is already brown! So, this month's color challenge is to use blue and brown for your layout. You may use other neutrals (grey, black, white, cream), but no other colors, except on the photos. However, you may use as many shades of blue and brown as you like. If you want to stretch yourself, try toning your photo sepia, like my example here.

---

Countdown Challenge - By sarahwhithers (Jennifer)

Paper or Digital Scrapbooking

For this challenge you will create a layout using a countdown method of items. I will list five different kinds of things (eg. elements, papers, photos) for you to use in your layout. Every month there will be five new items for you to use. This month, since it's back to school for a lot of kids out there, I went with a words theme! What's more school like than using words!

5 - different colours
4 - lines of journaling (other than the quote)
3 - word title
2 - wordart elements (can be any kind of words on an element)
1 - quote

You are welcome to use more than these items (eg. 5 word title instead of 3 is fine) just as long as you meet the required list and numbers asked for each. An example is seen below.

---

Die Cut Challenge - By Dianedi (Diane)

Paper  Scrapbooking

For the month of September, create a background on a layout using your die-cutting machine! (Cricut, Sizzix, Slice etc...) Theme of your layout is your choice! Have fun!

---

Digi CT Reveal Challenge - By Janello (Janell)

Paper or Digital Scrapbooking

For September take inspiration from "I Scream, You Scream, We all scream for ice-cream" Digital CT reveal.

Example Layout by nun69:

---

Digi Designer Challenge - By MamaK321 (Kristianne)

Digital only

This month scrap a layout using products from the featured designer Amy Teets!

---

Digi Do-Able Challenge - By Smiley-Scrap8 (Ronny)

Digital Scrapbooking

Welcome to another edition of Digi Do-Ables! 

This month the template was made using an original layout by Andrea (aceason).  Go into the Digi Shoppe and use that template to create your own layout. Flip it, change it, or just use it as it is, it's up to you! 

Here is the template:


My Layout:

---

Faithbooking Challenge - By Keling (Sara)

Paper or Digital Scrapbooking

On hiatus

---

Heritage Challenge - By JanetM (Janet)

Paper AND Digital Scrapbooking

Siblings. cousins, friends we all have some pictures growing up together. This month I want you to scrapbook a picture of you with another childhood playmate and tell about it. No posed pictures or studio ones, a candid fun picture this month. Have fun with this challenge!

---

Hybrid Challenge - By Smiley-Scrap8 (Ronny)

Paper AND Digital Scrapbooking

Use the scrapbooking tip of the week from August 26, 2010 as inspiration for a hybrid card or layout. You may make a hybrid stamp as shown in the tutorial or any other hybrid embellishment to include on your card or layout. (please state in your gallery what element is hybrid)

Here is my example:

---

Journaling Challenge - By Jenn Kellams (Jenn)

Paper or Digital Scrapbooking

This month's journal challenge will be to create a layout about a goal you are setting for yourself. I began school last week as a student teacher and this is something we are doing with all of our classes. It really got me thinking about what I need to do in my life. It can be any goal such as family, home life, sports, academics, financially, etc. Can't wait to see what kind of goal you set for yourself!

---

Manufacturer Challenge - By 4peasinourpod (Pam)

Paper Scrapbooking

The month of September is Echo Park!

This is an up and coming new company with a colorful, whimsical and classic theme all rolled into one!

Here is an example using only stickers from their Halloween line

---

Musical Inspiration Challenge - By Kimandasmo (Cindy)

Paper or Digital Scrapbooking

This month I want us to think about why we scrap. For me it is to preserve memories for myself, my family and future generations. Find a song with the word memories, or that is focused on preserving memories and use that song and its' lyrics as inspiration for your project.

I chose to use lyrics to a song by PM Dawn... Set Adrift on Memory Bliss.

Here is my example:

---

One Word Challenge - By Jenn Kellams (Jenn)

Paper or Digital Scrapbooking

The one word challenge will be "Change". Use this word somewhere on the layout, preferably in the title. Of course your layout will reflect some kind of change! Can't wait to see what you come up with!

---

Photography Challenge - By nun69 (Angie)

Photography 

I want you to share a NEW photo of you and your friends! I know we ALL have them {even if they are furry} so get your camera out, set the timer and snap away! I just spent the weekend in Vegas with my girlfriends so it was all about FRIENDS and FUN!

---

Scraplift the GCT Challenge - By Kimandasmo and SarahA (Cindy and Sarah)

Paper or Digital Scrapbooking

This month's Paper GCT is averys_mom! Visit her gallery here and choose a layout to scraplift. Please be sure to also show us which one of hers you choose!

I chose to lift her One Sweet Chick layout:



Sarah's example:

---

Scrap Your Life Challenge - By nun69 (Angie)

Paper or Digital Scrapbooking

Since summer seems to be coming to an end, I want you to scrap about that special summer treat that you always miss once summer is over! For us it is ALWAYS watermelon!

---

Sketch Challenge - By Laura Fiore and 4peasinourpod (Laura and Pam)

Paper or Digital Scrapbooking

Sketches are super fun and make scrapping oh-so-easy! This Juliana Michaels sketch has so many fun details... the octagonal shape, the repeated embellishment strips and the circle details all give you lots of options when it comes to completing this sketch! Use it all or use a little, the choice is yours!



Pam's example:

---

Supply List Challenge - By Beth-W (Beth) and Scrapgoo (Jess)

Paper or Digital Scrapbooking

This month your list is:

- a metal embellishment
- something border punched
- silver, gold, or brass color(s)
- tiny alphas

Jess' example:

---

Theme Challenge - By ScrapGoo (Jess)

Paper or Digital Scrapbooking

When school begins so does the chaos!  What helps with this?  Lists!! I am a list maker from way back... from to-do lists to grocery and menu lists to fun lists like the one I made for this layout.  So my theme challenge to you this month is to scrap a layout with any sort of list.  

---

Trends & Techniques Challenge - By Megamay (Meg)

Paper Scrapbooking

Now that all the CHA releases have come out, some trends seem to have emerged. One of them that I noticed is doilies. Doilies are everywhere - on patterned papers and transparencies, on stamps, straight up paper doilies, rub-ons, punches, and I even saw a tutorial on how to build your own out of stamps you may already have.

So that is your challenge this month, use some type of doily in your project. It can be any type, like I mentioned above, or even a real crocheted one like I used. (Just a search for 'doilies' here at ACOT yields lots of ideas - lots from Hambly and Basic Grey.)

---

Posted by ScrapGoo on Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Posted by bluejeans7 on Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Please welcome our paper GCT for September..... averys_mom!  Mandi got to work with the new Sassafras Lass Indie Girl line.  Get to know Mandi better and check out the amazing projects she created!

  Name:  Mandi Spangler

Family members:  Dh- Eddie and Dd- Avery

Pets:  1 cat

Birthday:  September 16

Favorite television show?   Glee

Favorite movie?   Way too hard to pick just one!

Name 3 of your favorite candy bars.   Twix, Three Musketeers and Snickers

Name 3 musical artists you enjoy.   MercyMe, Casting Crowns and TobyMac

Favorite (NSR) store to shop?  Costco

Favorite (NSR) magazine publication?   Food Network Magazine

Name 2 of your favorite colors.   Red and Turquoise

Favorite thing to do with your family?   Go to the beach

Favorite thing (non-scrap related) to do without your family?   Cross stitching

What's your favorite scrapping tool to use when scrapbooking?   Cricut

Name 3 of your favorite SB companies/lines.   American Crafts, My Mind's Eye and Echo Park

Name 3 of your favorite embellishments to work with.   Thickers, flowers and bling/buttons

What are your favorite adhesives?   Glue Glider Pro High Tac and Glue Dots. Sakura Quickie Glue pen for small Cricut cuts.

What is your top two fave holidays?   Christmas and Halloween

What's the one thing you must have readily available when you sit down to scrap?   Cutterbee Rotary trimmer

What would you like the ACOT members to know about you?   Hello Cherries! I am beyond thrilled to be the Guest Creative Team member for September! My birthday is this month, and I couldn't think of a nicer birthday present than to be GCT!    I am a stay-at-home homeschooling mom to my almost five year old dd, Avery. My dh, Eddie, and I have been married for 10 years, but we have known each other since the 4th grade! I have been a crafter for as long as I can remember and a scrapbooker since 2001. I became really serious about scrapbooking in 2008, found ACOT that year during the February crop and have been here ever since!



I chose Sassafras Lass Indie Girl for my reveal. This line was way outside my comfort zone! Normally I scrap using bright colors, pinks, purples and turquoises, so the muted colors were definitely a challenge to me.

For my first layout, I converted a color photo of my dd to sepia. I had been wanting to use the lyrics of the song "Find Your Wings" by Mark Harris for quite some time, and this photo seemed to work perfectly for that. I used the backside of the Free Spirit paper for my background. I cut out a set of wings using my "Once Upon a Princess" Cricut cartridge out of glitter cardstock, trimmed it down and embossed it with my Cuttlebug. I attached the wing to my photo and used KaiserCraft bling to embellish it, then matted the photo on metallic DCWV cardstock. I printed out the song lyrics and double matted them on the backside of the Headphones On paper and pink cardstock. I used a combination of the border strips and the border stickers to create a layered strip along the bottom of the song lyrics and photo. I used a combination of the Chocolate and Pink glitter alphas for my title, which is the last three words in the song. Then I finished off the page with Prima bling and flowers with Creative Charms vintage brads for centers.

 

For my second layout, I wanted to go with a more whimsical feel, so I chose a photo of my sister and myself when we were kids. I used the backside of the Eclectic Elegance paper for my background. I loved the stitching on it, so I found embroidery floss to match it and chose several places to stitch over the printed stitching. I took a Maya Road Tree Album chipboard piece, Smooch Spritzed the trunk with Log Cabin and cut out the tree top from the Affection paper. I added clouds cut using the "Graphically Speaking" Cricut cartridge and the Headphones On paper. I outlined them with backstitching, then stitched a sun peeking out from behind the clouds. I added a banner to the tree from the Flag Banners sticker sheet and embellished it with floss and an acrylic bird. I used Tiny Type letters by Cosmo Cricket and the Chartreuse glitter alphas to spell out my title and then placed a few flowers around the base of the tree.

 

For my third layout, I was inspired by the backside of the Mellow paper. It felt very Art Deco to me, so I chose to use it to scrap my Great grandparents wedding photo from 1923. I used the backside of the Pocahontas and Me paper to mat the majority of the elements. I used Log Cabin Smooch Spritz on a Technique Tuesday chipboard frame to frame my photo. I layered stickers from the Flag Banners sticker sheet with older Making Memories ribbons to create a strip along the bottom third of the page. I then clustered Prima flowers, gave them KaiserCraft pearl centers and layered a Prima Say It With Pearls corner over the flowers and the chipboard frame. I used Making Memories Passport alphas for my title and the Chocolate glitter alphas for my subtitle.

For my fourth layout, I had an idea for a handmade flower I wanted to use, so I chose to use it on a layout about my mom. I kept this one really simple. I added the border strips from the Mellow paper to DCWV cardstock and matted the photo and flower leaves on a piece of the backside of Eclectic Elegance. I used a Bazzill stitching template to stitch the swirl alongside the photo. For the flower, I used one of the early Flowers on Friday tutorials and then added in stickers cut apart from one of the banners on the Flag Banner sticker sheet for additional petals. I used a Prima flower and a Creative Charms brad for my flower center. The title letters are the Pink glitter alpha.

After I finished my layouts, I wanted to do some altered projects. I had this frame just laying around begging to be altered, and a rub on quote that went perfectly with my photo. I base painted the frame brown, then decoupaged the backside of Free Spirit onto the frame. I Smooch Spritzed two different sizes of chipboard photo corners, one in Log Cabin and one in Navy Twinkle. I used a photo corner punch to punch corners out of the Pocahontas and Me paper, then layered all three photo corners together. I cut a piece of acrylic to fit my rub on quote and adhered the rub on to it. I backed the acrylic with a piece of vellum to make the writing show better. I added a few Prima flowers centered with Pebbles, Inc. Candy Dots and done!





For my last project, I wanted to get a start on some of my Christmas gifts! I hadn't used the front side of the Free Spirit paper yet and wanted to find a way to do so. I cut squares of Free Spirit and the backside of Affection slightly smaller than 1.5"x1.5" and adhered them back to back. I sandwiched the papers between two pieces of Memory Glass and added a Memory Frame. A jump ring, and chain and a clasp and I had a reversible necklace!





I hope you enjoyed my projects and thank you so much for letting me be GCT for September!

 

Products Used

   

   

   

   

     

     

Posted by bluejeans7 on Wednesday, September 1, 2010