Scraptastic Club Challenge #1

The rules for this challenged seemed very easy: * you can only use one sheet of patterned paper * you have to use word stickers for your journaling (no hand written paragraphs here!) Sounds easy enough, right? Not so much, not for me at least. Don't get me wrong, I love the layout. However, it's so hard not to just start journaling away. Granted, there really isn't a whole lot to tell. I took Nathan to one of those places where you paint, then they fire it off and it's ready for you to pick up. But I.journal.everything! lol Despite it's challenges, I loved a challenge that took me outside my comfort zone. And, I'm really pleased with the layout. :-)

The Trouble With Cub Scout Layouts

Ever since my son joined cub scouts three years ago, my biggest struggle with scrapbooking his activities has always been being able to find any kind of Cub Scout embellies. I've found a few different ones online, but shipping for a couple packs of stickers and things is just so expensive. Michael's isn't much help either, they have one (yes, only one) pack of stickers - but it's for an Eagle Scout. Although my son insists he will become an Eagle, that's a long way off. I did find a couple things, too, at Tuesday Morning and was ecstatic about that. However, it does make scrapbooking Cub Scout related activities very challenging and has definitely made me become very creative. For this layout, I used a few things I knew Nathan would want to preserve, and would help me "fill space" in this layout. So, I was able to use his participation certificate, participation patch (because he can't wear it on his uniform), and leatherworking bead holder. I absolutely love this layout and am highly impressed by the super sticky, Super Tape. I was definitely pessimistic that it would work, but it holds the necklace on the page like a boss. lol

Christmas In July, Anyone?

I don't think I've ever scrapped "in season," and this year is no exception. lol Usually, we don't have a ton of Christmas pictures; mostly just pics of decorating the tree and opening presents on Christmas morning. This year, however, I have enough pics for probably 4-5 two page layouts. There is just so much going on at Christmastime here in NC. Last Thursday, when I took my son to Michael's for their kids crafting workshop, I picked up a couple paper packs. Usually, I try to stay away from paper at Michael's, most of it is so cheap and thin. These two paper packs, however, are a good weight of paper. They're definitely thinner than cardstock, but a lot thicker than regular paper, and such a great deal! Each paper pack was half off, making them $9.98, and I also had a 25% off coupon - good even on sale items. Such a deal, I got two paper packs for a total of $18.66. With this deal, I bought a pack that is sold under Michael's "Recollections" brand. I felt really guilty buing it because it's Amy Tangerine's "Sketchbook" collection. It came with patterned paper, stickers, vellum and tags; how could I resist?! The reason I feel bad is because nowhere on the pack does it even mention that Amy designed them. And, a couple weeks ago, peaople were discussing this on the twopeas.com message boards. Amy came on and said she had no idea Michael's was doing this, so she's probably not benefiting from it. I.just.couldn't.resist! The other pack I bought was the Christmas paper I used in this layout, and I absolutely love it. I'm pretty picky when it comes to Christmas paper. It's difficult for me to find paper that I like because I like lots of bright colors, and more than just the traditional red and green, with a splash of gold. This collection fits my style perfectly! There are lots of bright colors, yet you still get that Christmas feel to them. I know these aren't for everyone, but they're definitely for me. :-D

Scraptastic July Challenge #2

I love working on the challenges posted on the blog over at scraptasticclub.com. For this one, there was a sketch you had to use. In addition, you also had to use feminine paper on a masculine layout, or vice versa. In a way, this challenge was perfect for me. I always want to buy the pretty "girly" papers, but can never use them because I have a son. :-/ Being drawn to these pretty papers is what convinced me that I needed to do a Book of Me album. The papers used in this layout were from the July Scraptastic Club kit and are from the Simple Stories Summer Picnic collection. These papers are so adorable and, even though the style is very country, work really well with a lot of my summer and camping pictures. I had a lot of fun doing this layout.

I've been doing more scrapping lately than I have in awhile, if only I could blog more often. lol What is the secret to consistent blogging? Someone please help! :-) Maybe if I had a set schedule - if I designate days to blogging, maybe then it will get done. Hmmm. . . Tuesdays and Fridays seem like feasable days to try and post. Wish me luck. . .