WeScrap challenge and an important reminder...

WeScrap CHALLENGE:
It was my turn to post a monthly challenge over at WeScrap yesterday, so here is my challenge for the month of June:

One of my favorite things about the 'art' of scrapbooking is DESIGN.

I am always on the lookout for design inspiration for new layouts and one of my favorite places to look is magazine ads.

Obviously, advertisers want to 'sell' their product, so they are going to do their best to make sure that their advertising is effective. You can bet that most of the ads out there are being designed by 'professionals'...so, why not steal (beg... borrow... whatever you want to call it) some of their expertise.

Here is an ad I saw (and LOVED) recently in an issue of Martha Stewart Living.


All layouts inspired by this ad are due by June 17, 2008. Post your submissions in the Challenge Contest - June gallery and label them JillMarie's Ad Challenge - 'Title of your project'.

Also, leave a link in the comments here if you don't mind so we can all be sure to admire your work!!

REMINDER:
Don't forget to check back in tomorrow for the announcement of the first LUCKY winner of the A Page Out of Life book giveaway AND a very exciting surprise visitor to the A Matter of Memories blog...

National Scrapbooking Day Challenge

As with basically every other online scrapbooking community, there are big plans for National Scrapbooking Day (which is tomorrow, by the way...as if you didn't know) on the International Scrapbooking Association website - challenges, games, make-n-takes, prizes and more!! It all starts tonight, so stop on by.

Here is the challenge that I posted for the event:

Jill Marie's "N-S-D" Challenge
Isn't it great that this wonderful hobby of ours has it's very own day?? In honor of that, I decided to present you with a challenge based off the National Scrapbooking Day acronym.

Your challenge:
Create a layout using numbers, products types, and product lines/brands that correspond with each letter of the acronym NSD. Confused??

Here are some examples:

N:
Create a layout using the number Nine in the title.
Create a layout using Nine buttons.
Create a layout using the Narratives line by Karen Russell.

S:
Create a layout about your daughter's Sixteenth birthday.
Create a layout using Staples.
Create a layout using Scenic Route papers.

D:
Create a layout using a Digital kit.
Create a layout using Doodlebug papers.

You only need to have one element for each letter (although you could do more if you're really ambitious)! :-) Remember, these are only examples...there are tons of other possibilities. Get creative and have fun with it with this "N-S-D" Challenge on National Scrapbooking Day!!

If you'd like to participate, head on over to my challenge post in the ISA forum for instructions on where to post your creations.

Scrapbooking challenge over at WeScrap

Today was my day to post an April Challenge over at WeScrap:

Did you know that today is Great Poetry Reading Day? To commemorate the day, I challenge you to create a layout commemorating your favorite poem or to use a poem as the journaling for a layout.

Post them to the “Challenge Contest – April” gallery and title your project like this: “Your title – Jillmarie’s Poetry Challenge”. Be sure to link your creations here also so that we can admire them and I can be sure you receive appropriate points. Good luck and have FUN!!

Due: May 2nd at 11:59 pm EST.

Remember, you always get 2 scrap points for uploading to the gallery, here's your chance to earn a few extra!!

Extra Scrap Points:
1 point for completing the challenge, uploading and linking by due date
2 points if you use create a visual triangle on your layout
3 points if you compose your own original poem for use on your layout

You can check it out here.

Here is my example layout:

I wrote the poem included on this layout after a piano performance I attended at the college where I work:

simply something like magic…

there was simply something like magic
about the sound that came
with the sway of his body
as he sat that brought a shiver to mine

there was simply something like magic
about the bounce of the light
off the backs of his hands
that brought tears to my eyes

there was simply something like magic
about the movement of his fingers
that made every hope and
dream I ever had well up inside my chest

there was simply something like magic
about the brush of every ivory key -
no matter gentle or full of force -
that had the power to move my heart

there is simply something like magic
about this man, his piano and passionate notes

April Card a Day Challenge at WeScrap

Ally & Lucy are conduting a 'Card a Day' Challenge over at WeScrap for the month of April.

Ally asked if I would create a sample for her beautiful sketch to post today and here's what I came up with:

Products used: ALL American Crafts...

An Unfaithful Blogger...

Boy, have I been neglecting my blog for the past month or so...have to apologize. It has just been a very busy time lately...work, travel for work, travel for family for fun, soccer, everyday life. Looking at the calendar this morning, I realized that I've spend NINE NIGHTS in a hotel and the better part of THIRTEEN DAYS away from home within the past five weeks. That might not be a lot to some, but to me, that's a huge amount of time away from home!

In the mix of it all, I've decided to take on another endeavor related to my beloved hobby of scrapping that I've been spending quite a bit of time prepping for. I am very excited about it and will be sharing more on in the coming weeks. (Nothing like a little tease...!) I am a little concerned, however, whether or not I'm ever going to have time to actually scrap again!!

Therefore, I have decided that I'm going to take a break from my "Sunday Spur for Scrapbookers" posts...in case you didn't notice, I haven't been keeping up with those lately. However, when I do run across any great source of scrapping inspiration, I will certainly share it here. It may just be in a less 'formal' format.

SSFS #31 - Inspired by Target...But Not What You Think

I really like Target...they carry products with innovative design, creative color combinations...there's inspiration around every corner of the store.

However, for this week's Sunday Spur, I didn't even need to enter a Target. I just had to subscribe to their emails. Yes, what would be 'junk mail' or 'spam' to some, I quickly discovered was a great source of inspiration for scrapbooking. Specifically, 'title' inspiration.

In every Target email, there are several short phrases to introduce a few featured products and after receiving only a few emails, I already have a list of great title ideas for future pages and here it is...in () is the featured products the phrase was meant to highlight and following are a few of my ideas for how to use them as a scrapbook layout.

Fall head over heels (featured products)
*Kids (or adults!) frolicking and somersaulting in a pile of raked leaves...fall is in the air, after all!

Clean up his act (men’s clothing)
*A little boy in the tub (with a before photo of him in the mud) or a layout of the man in your life that seldom dresses up.

Ready to keep it cool (kids – back to school)
*Summertime themes such as pools, Popsicles, and snow cones.

Fabulous fall touches (home décor)
*Photos showcasing the splendor of fall foliage.

An extra reason to sleep in (bedroom)
*New linens...or a snuggly little one invading your bed.

All work and just a hint of play (office furniture)
*Scrap your job and the fun aspects that help you to enjoy the work you do.

What every home needs (furniture)
*Showcase the favorite rooms/items in your home.

Our favorite bedtime stories (bedroom)
*Record the nightly bedtime routine for your child/ren.

Who’s coming to dinner (dining room)
*Thanksgiving will be here before we know it. Who will be at your table for dinner and why is their presence necessary/important?

Can you think of any other ways to use these phrases as a spur for a layout title or topic? If so, let me know.

If you'd like to see how Target's emails can inspire you, you can sign up by registering at the Target website.

SSFS #30 - The Question Every Scrapper Should Ponder

Why scrapbook?

I get it...some people just don't understand the concept of scrapping. Why spend all that time, effort, money just for a pile of pictures?? And in all actuality, I probably would have been one of those people about six years ago.

For me, so much has changed in six short years.

Debra Roby posted the "Why Scrapbook?" question on her blog at BlogHer the other day and many scrapper's have logged on to voice their opinion.

Here was my response:

I began scrapping in 2002 shortly before the birth of my only daughter, Kaitlin, because I couldn't find a baby book that I liked. I thought, "Well, I'll just make my own." Little did I know that making a baby book for her would turn into a HUGE OBSESSION...

I enjoy the whole process…taking pictures of the people and places that I love, finding new and beautiful product to showcase those photos, and preserving the stories and feelings behind the photos through journaling.

It makes me feel fulfilled that I am recording memories that I might have forgotten completely. It makes me feel fulfilled that my daughter will have a better record of the portion of her childhood she is not old enough to remember for herself as well as a testament to how precious she is to me. It makes me feel fulfilled that one day her grandchildren will not have to wonder what their grandmother looked like or what her life was like as a child (as I do of my grandmothers). They will be able to relive it together through her scrapbooks…and maybe even learn a little bit about me, too, in the process.

That was my answer today. Tomorrow I could probably come up with five different reasons. Scrapbooking is just that much a part of my life now...it's part of who I am.

There are some very insightful and inspiring responces to this very personal question already in the thread. Reading others responses helped me to 'discover' even more reasons why scrapbooking has become so engrained in me.

YOUR CHALLENGES THIS WEEK:
*Visit Debra's post and read her post and the comments.
*Then, ponder the question for yourself. Why do you scrapbook?
*Put you reason in writing as a comment to Debra's post (remember to leave a link here) or in the comments right here if you prefer.

SSFS #29 - Top 5 Favorite Flickr Friends

For this Sunday Spur for Scrapbookers, we're focusing on inspiration for improving your photography for use in your scrapbook pages. I have recently discovered the joy of Flickr...I am already amazed at the quantity and quality of the photos there. It has been a great source of inspiration for me in my own photography. Here are my top 5 favorite Flickr friends right now:

#1 - *Pretty in Pink* - She lives in Montana (in other words...beautiful scenery) and has the cutest little girl. These two facts in conjunction with her stellar skills as a photographer make for some GREAT photos. I go to her often for inspiration for photos of my own daughter...

#2 - toddlertoes - Her real name is Heleen and she lives in Europe. Again, great skills. Seems to primarily shoot toddlers and nature type shots and I LOVE the creative angels she uses.

#3 - princess poses - From her profile: "I am a SAHM and RN with a love of capturing my children's everyday moments. They on the other hand are not always so fond of it. Now that my princesses are getting a little older it is allowing me some time to focus on what I like to do. Photographer is one of them. I love being able to take photos for family and friends just to see them enjoying the moments captured in their life."

#4 - Wynona R - A photographer from Salt Lake City, Utah who has an amazing talent for unique composition and lighting! Her photography business website has more great examples of her work.

#5 - NicholeVan - Gorgeous use of lighting...in her profile, she states that she owns no professional lighting and uses only natural lighting - AMAZING. I am also in love with her use and fascination for rustic/grungy/vintage locations for her photos...so 'moody'. From her profile: "Ok, so obviously I'm obsessed with faces, minimalism and my own kids. I love simplicity. Clean, crisp lines that allow you to focus on one idea, one person." Her professional photography site has oodles of breathtaking photo samples.

I would love to be able to post some of their pictures here, but don't want to infringe on any copyrights...so, I guess you'll just have to visit their Flickr pages to see how wonderful they are. Of course, my favorites mainly involve photos of people, especially children, but there are photographs and photographers of EVERY kind on Flickr, amateur and professional.

YOUR CHALLENGE(S) THIS WEEK:
*If you're ahead of me (which I suspect many of you are) and have already discovered the joy of Flickr, share 5 of YOUR favorite Flickr friends with us in the comments here or with a link to your own blog.
*If you haven't yet discovered the joy of Flickr, head over there NOW and create your own account, upload a few photos to share, and start building your favorite Flickr friends list.
*If you'd like to visit my Flickr page while you're at it and offer some praise and/or constructive criticism, that would be great, too!

SSFS #28 - Three Things Quiz

Here's a great little quiz for your Sunday Spur this week to give you some journaling inspiration:

THREE THINGS
Three things that scare me:
1:
2:
3:

Three people who make me laugh:
1:
2:
3:

Three Things I love:
1:
2:
3:

Three Things I hate:
1:
2:
3:

Three things I don't understand:
1:
2:
3:

Three things on my desk:
1:
2:
3:

Three things I'm doing right now:
1:
2:
3:

Three things I want to do before I die:
1:
2:
3:

Three things I can do:
1:
2:
3:

Three ways to describe my personality:
1:
2:
3:

Three things I can't do:
1:
2:
3:

Here's my answers:

Three things that scare me:
1: rats
2: state of the environment
3: war

Three people who make me laugh:
1: my 5 year old daughter, Kaitlin
2: my brother, Lee (when he's not crabby)
3: Mike Rowe (from Dirty Jobs)

Three Things I love:
1: family
2: scrapbooking
3: taking pictures

Three Things I hate:
1: not having enough time for the things I love
2: bills
3: swearing

Three things I don't understand:
1: any language other than English
2: my husband :-)
3: why the government doesn't pass more laws to help the environment

Three things on my desk:
1: phone
2: files
3: laptop

Three things I'm doing right now:
1: um…answering these questions
2: sipping on tea
3: listening to Daughtry

Three things I want to do before I die:
1: she my daughter grown up and happy
2: travel
3: and travel

Three things I can do:
1: scrapbook
2: take good photos (but still have a lot to learn)
3: flare my nostrils

Three ways to describe my personality:
1: friendly
2: reserved
3: helpful

Three things I can't do:
1: ice skate
2: play the piano
3: ballroom dance

Your challenge: Take the three things quiz, post to your blog and leave us a link...then go create a great new all-about-you page!

SSFS #27 - Request Some Free Inspiration Delivered Directly to Your Mailbox - Catologs

Catalogs are a great sourse for scrapbooking inspiration. Not only does perusing the latest in mail order shopping help you to discover the latest trends in color, texture and design, but you can also garner ideas for your layouts based on the way they arrange their products on the page...after all, isn't their overall objective to make the presentation pleasing to the eye (in order to encourage us to buy)? We may not be trying to make anyone buy anything through our scrapbook layouts, but we are generally trying to 'lead' the eye to our focal point.

Best of all, there are literally thousands out there that you request for FREE! (Hopefully, the value of this free scrapbooking inspiration will make up for the $$ you might be spending when you see some of the great products.

Here are five of my favorite catalogs:

#1 - The Land of Nod

The Land of Nod is a leading catalog, web and retail store company, based in Northbrook, Illinois, specializing in children's furniture, bedding and accessories. The company designs the majority of their items themselves. Their catalog cover designs are always unique and inspiring and the artwork itself can actually be ordered as a print. I've often been tempted to work to cover design in a layout in some way.

#2 - Anthropologie

Anthropologie was founded in 1992 by a small group of people with a love for making things that inspire the imagination. They are known not only for their wonderful clothing, jewelry, and home products, but also for their creativity in their catalog and web design.

#3 - Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn began in 1949 as a single store in Lower Manhattan and is founded on the idea that home furnishings should be exceptional in comfort, style and quality. They also offer catalogs called Pottery Barn Kids (furnishings targeted towards children) and PBteen (furnishings targeted toward teens). These are obviously wonderful for finding the latest in color combinations, etc. for your child and teen layouts.

#4 - The Company Store

The Company Store started out as The La Crosse Garment Company in 1911. The products are based on the fine workmanship of the Scandinavian ancestros that settled in western Wisconsin in the 1800's. It began with warm down comforters and featherbeds they knew so well in the "old country" and expanded from there. They also have a Company Kids catalog with products especially for children.

#5 - Crate&BarrelCrate&Barrel was opened by a husband and wife team in 1962 and in just a little over 40 years has grown to 7,000 associatiats and 150 stores. They attribute their success to the focus on the "3 P's" - People, Product and Presentation. By people, they are attune to both their employees/associates as well as their customers. By product, they are committed to innovative, high-quality design. By Presentation, they strive to present their products to help your eye focus on shape, form, color and function.

YOUR CHALLANGE TODAY:
*Visit one of the above (or all of them if you wish), sign up for their free catalog and wait for some free inspiration delivered directly to you mailbox...in about 1-6 weeks. :-)

*Do you know of other free catalogs that have served as inspiration to you? Please share them in the comments here.

SSFS #26 - 10 Print Ads for Scrapbooking Inspiration

Last week, the Sunday Spur for Scrapbookers consisted of the inspirational qualities of business cards. This week, print advertising is taking the spotlight. Included here are 10 ads that I find inspiring - some on many levels - and hopefully you will find some inspiration in them as well.

Ad #1 - Songi - This ad has such a sleek, simple design. I love the position of the two photos and the line which 'grounds' the title and separates it from the 'journaling' (perfect for list style journaling).

Ad #2 - Imaz Wholesale Imports - Not only am I intrigued by the block design of this ad, I am also drawn to the colors...the deep red, browns, greens and harvest orange. A great combination for a fall layout. It also reminds me that detail photography can be quite dynamic. How about taking some close-ups of your favorite things and create a layout around them.

Ad #3 - Vision Wallcoverings - Not all photos must be 'perfect' in order to scrap them. How about a photo like this of yourself to use on a layout about how busy your life is? How about a photo like this of your child(ren) to use on a layout about how quickly they are growing up?

Ad #4 - Ireland - This layout inspires me with its design, colors and its shapes. The 'waves' cut into the photos would be perfect for a pool or beach layout.

Ad #5 - Duke Performances - This ad is perfect inspiration for the journalistic scrapper's out there...there is plenty of room to record your memories. I envision a layout where the photos at the top are those of you family or friends. The area at the bottom is perfect for recording your memories and/or unique details about each one.

Ad#6 - Betrothed - LOVE the layout of this ad. The circular cut-out at the top is the perfect contrast to the square photos. Also love the color combination here - pink, fuchsia, sage green.

Ad #7 - George Fox University - Have a dynamic photo? Enlarge it so that it spans the width (or length) of your layout like it does in this ad. I also love the title treatment in this ad...the large title that overlaps the photos. As far as design, if I were to scraplift this layout (and I just might!), I would move the journaling block to the bottom right and the emblem (my embellishment) to the top right to create (I think) a more effective visual triangle.

Ad #8 - Publication Council - How about stealing a title? I liked this one..."Looking Back, Looking Forward." This would certainly be a GREAT title for a self-reflection layout. Or, if you find 'all about me' layouts difficult, you could use it for a layout looking back on your child's life and what you hope for them as you look forward.

Ad #9 - Mercy - This layout reminds me that I need to scrap more about my daily life...like what do I do on an average Tuesday (again, stealing the title). Add a few photos that you take to showcase your day. And what about that list-like text along the left hand side? I think it's perfect for a timeline: 5:20 a.m. - Husband's alarm goes off, he continually hits snooze. 5:40 a.m. - Husband finally gets up. Go back to sleep. 6:45 a.m. - Shower 7:15 a.m. - Wait Kaitlin up....)

Ad #10 - Rooms of Wonder - Inspired by the photo...love the innocence. Like the color combination of the pink and green as well as the wave on the bottom right and top left.

Here's one I've done:

I'm willing to bet that you recognize the ad that this design idea was lifted from. The title, photo placement, captions and circle embellishment were all inspired by a Hanes ad (this particular one featured Kevin Bacon...so was just nice to look at!)

YOUR CHALLENGE?

#1 - Leave a comment here. Tell us which one is your favorite ad from above and why.

#2 - Create a scrapbook layout using one of the ads above as your inspiration. Remember to leave us a link!

SSFS #25 - Business Cards for Scrapbooking Inspiration?

Sure, why not? Anything can be inspiring, especially this great set of business cards featured on Flickr by Daily Poetics including 541 'cards' for inspiration!

Card/Challenge #1 - The design of this card could easily be transformed into a layout. The color combination is also modern and inspiring.

Card/Challenge #2 - How about this...a unique rope treatment to embellish the outer edges of a 'rustic' layout. The center element could be your photo & title which could flip up to reveal your journaling.

Card/Challenge #3 - This is a great idea for a page element...a pocket to hold numerous tabbed journaling cards and/or photos.

Card/Challenge #4 - A great reminder that not all great design is square. Create some circle embellishments or, what the heck, create your entire layout in the shape of a circle.

Card/Challenge #5 - Not only are these cards extremely inspiring in shape, color and texture, but also in typography. Take a cue from this card when creating your next journaling block.

Card/Challenge #6 - Not all business cards are created the same...and neither do scrapbook layouts. How about using corrugated cardboard as the base for your next layout?

Which card/challenge is your favorite? Let us know...if you take one of the above challenges on your next layout, be sure to share it with us here by leaving a link for us in comments. Are there other cards from the Flickr set that especially inspired you? If so, leave a link to the card and tell us why?

SSFS #23 - Jesh de Rox Fine Art Photography

I came across a beautiful website earlier this week that I thought I would share with you as a bit of inspiration. Jesh De Rox is a fine art photographer that lives in Western Canada and, as you will see from his gorgeous website, he prides himself in getting to know his clients. Even your journey through his portraits is somewhat customed tailored to you personality...or at least your mood at the moment.

I am sure you will will enjoy his photography as well as his site. This guy is talented on so many levels...if you look deep enough, you'll also find that he's also a very gifted musician. Please visit and come back to let me know what you thought.

SSFS #22 - Using Blogmemes and Email Surveys for Journaling

Blogmemes (a meme is defined as a bit of cultural knowledge or an attitude that spreads through a population) and email surveys may sometimes seem like a waste of time, but they can be great writing prompts for scrapbook journaling. I have used them before in my own scrapping and idea was also featured in the August/September 2007 issue of Digital Scrapbooking magazine.

Here's a great blogmeme I found on Kay Rogers' blog that I thought was great:

My roommate and I once:
Never in my life have I:
High school was:
When I'm nervous:
My hair:
When I was 5:
When I turn my head left:
I should be:
By this time next year:
My favorite aunt is:
I have a hard time understanding:
You know I like you if:
My ideal breakfast is:
If you visit my home town:
If you spend the night at my house:
My favorite blonde is:
My favorite brunette is:
The animal I would like to see flying besides birds:
I shouldn't have been:
Last night I:
A better name for me would be:
I've been told I look like:
If I could have any car, it would be:

You could use all, some or even just one as the spark for journaling on a great scrapbook page about you or someone else close to you. Take a shot at it! Here's my answers:

My roommate and I once: This is sad...I honestly can't think of anything worth listing here.
Never in my life have I: Skydived...and never will.
High school was: Up and down...I really lacked self-confidence back then.
When I'm nervous: Get an upset stomach.
My hair: Is long, straight and a light brown color with a very slight hint of red.
When I was 5: I remember playing Goldilocks and the Three Bears in Mrs. Westbrock's classroom and Father Hermann coming to visit. For for several years after he often called me 'Goldilocks'.
When I turn my head left: I see a very messy basement!
I should be: Doing laundry...giving Kaitlin a bath...scrapbooking...
By this time next year: I'll be one day shy of 32....ugh!
My favorite aunt is: Joyce, she shares my interest in family history.
I have a hard time understanding: Anything my husband tries to explain to me! :-)
You know I like you if: I tease you with a smile.
My ideal breakfast is: Coffee, with Coffeemate French Vanilla creamer and sweetener.
If you visit my home town: You will miss it if you blink as you drive by...
If you spend the night at my house: You will sleep in a more comfortable bed than us! When we upgraded to a queen size, we actually downgraded in quality (it was a hand-me-down).
My favorite blonde is: Kaitlin
My favorite brunette is: First thought...Sandra Bullock...she's a great actress.
The animal I would like to see flying besides birds: Horse
I shouldn't have been: So insecure in my high school/young adult years.
Last night I: Went out to supper at China Town with my Mom, Dad, Scott (brother), Barb (his fiance), Justin & Kaitlin to celebrate Scott's birthday...then came home and watched 'The Da Vinci Code'...very good movie!
A better name for me would be: Jillian...I've always wished my name had just a little more pizazz.
I've been told I look like: My sister, Lynn. Or, since I'm older, I guess she looks like me.
If I could have any car, it would be: A new Dodge Stratus...I don't really care about cars too much and my Stratus has been good to me for the past eight years, but I could use an update.

I'd love to hear my reader's responses as well! If you take the challenge, give me a link to you answers in a comment here! Happy journaling!

SSFS #21 - Scrapbooking Your Heritage

All this posting on last weekends Czech Days this week got me thinking that this week's Sunday Spur was simply obvious -