Speed Scrappin at 6am

Yes, you read that title right... I got up at 6am this morning (An hour earlier than I had to - on a Monday no less!) to attend and complete a speed scrap at the Lilypad!  Sometimes I think I'll do anything for a coupon, hahaha.

Here were the instructions:

Step 1: Choose a lightly patterned background paper. Then add at least 3 other papers to your page, hanging off two different edges. These can be angled for more interest.

Step 2: Secure these top papers down with at least 2 different items... either tape, staples, stitching, brads, pins etc... The more fasteners, the better.

Step 3: Add one photo to your page and frame or mat it.

Step 4: Place several elements behind (at least 3) and on top (at least 3) of your photo. Beginner Note: the flatter elements go in the back and the more dimensional elements go on top.

Step 5: Add doodles or paint. Note: you can use the technique from Day 3 if you choose to cross your paper or photo with your doodles/paint.
Or you can just add the doodles/paint to the background paper.

Step 6: Add a dimensional title to your page (alpha, stitch, etc) and add your date/journaling.

Step 7: Shadow and add as much extra stuff as you want. :)

And here is my page:

click image for credits

I know I kind of skimped on step 6, but what kind of journaling can you do of a picture of your own face at 6 in the morning after you've already used this picture in 3 other layouts, haha.  I completed my layout in about 40 minutes, uploaded it, got ready for work and even left the house on time!  My husband didn't notice I got out of bed early... nobody tell him, I don't want him to know I can actually wake up in the morning when I want to!  :)

This speed scrap and layout are part of The Lilypad's month of challenges... if you're not doing it yet, you should be!  Lots of chances to win prizes and everyone who completes all 31 challenges will receive a $20 coupon to the store!  (I told you I'd do anything for a coupon!!)  Check out the details here: http://the-lilypad.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/330-Month-of-Challenges-2014

Thanks for reading!!

♥ Catherine

Freebie: Everyday is a Fresh Start Mini Kit

Yesterday Marisa posted a new design challenge at Pixel Scrapper - to make a mini kit with 6 papers and 12 elements... I don't think I've ever completed a challenge so quickly!  Sometimes inspiration hits and everything falls into place, and I just love how this mini kit turned out.  I don't really do New Years resolutions, I believe everyday brings the opportunity to better ourselves and work towards our goals.  For instance, improving my design skills... I'm pretty proud that I used a few new tricks while I was putting this kit together tonight.  I hope you like it, let me know if you make any layouts... enjoy!

Download here: 4shared, dropbox

There aren't too many posted just yet, but keep an eye out in the forum for more freebies from other Pixel Scrapper members!

♥ Catherine

Freebie: "The Best Is Yet To Come" Pixel Scrapper January 2014 Blog Train

2014?!  Where did the time go?  But isn't that what we say every year?  :)

I'm kicking off the New Year here on my blog with a bold and vibrant freebie... enjoy!

Download here: 4shared, dropbox

For a list of all of the blog train participants, see this forum thread at Pixel Scrapper, happy travels!

♥ Catherine

2013 Year End Wrap Up: Digi Edition

Its been about 6 months now since I first discovered digital scrapbooking... and I didn't waste any time jumping right into the digi world - joining forums, participating in challenges, making new friends, and of course shopping - oh my gosh, the shopping!!  Then after just a few months I started dabbling in kit design (be sure to check out my freebies) and have joined a couple of awesome creative teams for some amazing designers.  This is the longest I've ever stuck with any crafty pursuit and I don't see my obsession ending any time soon!

I don't have a particular scrapping style, some days I like to do minimal style pages and other days I just want to make big beautiful bursting clusters, most of the time I fall somewhere in between.  I've scrapped at least 150 pages in the last 6 months and I'd like to showcase a few of my favorites.  For credits, the images are linked to my Pixel Scrapper gallery.  See my complete gallery here.

 

I used this for our digital Christmas Card this year, it made the list 

because I really like the photos - happy times.  :-D

I actually made this page today, and I might have set a personal best 

for fastest layout made!  It's only 6 pieces but is so striking.

I've had this photo of Marcie in my "Pictures" folder for a while, 

then came the template, and when Brooke released the 

Encourage kit... the page practically made itself.

I just love all of these circles!

 

I love that baby's big beautiful grin - and the element rainbow. :)

I used a photo mask for the first time to make this page, it was also the

 first time I blended a photo with the background paper.  It was 

a risk for me at the time and I love how it turned out.

Looking ahead to 2014, I don't really have any "resolutions" (I don't do those!), but I do plan to work on my design skills, keep up better with this blog, participate in more blog trains, set up a facebook page, and make sure to have FUN!

Thanks so much for reading... Happy New Year!

♥ Catherine

Freebie: Christmas Lights Quick Page

Hat of Bunny just released a beautiful new Christmas kit - Christmas Lights.  It was designed to capture the magical and festive spirit of Christmas that twinkling strands of lights bring.  Whether you are driving around town looking at the lights or decorating your Christmas tree, this kit will help you document the sense of wonder during these moments with its bright, warm colors and sparkles.

For a limited time you can purchase individual packs for $1 or buy the whole kit for just $3.

Scrap Takeout

With Love Studio

A little inspiration:

photo credit

by Grace

 

I have one quick announcement before we get to your freebie.  Trust me, you're going to want to take a moment to read this:

Find this awesome deal at:

Scrap Takeout

With Love Studio

And now for your freebie, I converted one of my layouts into a quick page.

Download here: 4shared, dropbox

Merry Christmas!

♥ Catherine

Freebie: Winter Wonderland Glitter Alpha

I participated in another designer challenge at Pixel Scrapper, this time the challenge was to make an alpha.  I'm merrily enjoying the Christmas Spirit at the moment and decided that the alpha should match the Pixel Scrapper Blog Train "Winter Wonderland" - so of course it is glittery!  However, I couldn't decide on a single color to use so I made three sets.  :)  Although alphas can be a bit tedious and time consuming, Sheila's new glitter glue styles made it really easy.  Hope you like the alphas, enjoy!

Download here: 4shared, dropbox

If you are interested in the background paper shown in the preview, you can find it here in my blog train contribution from earlier this month.

♥ Catherine

Shimmer

Today I'd like to show you a beautiful new release from Key Lime Digi Designs - Shimmer.  Its a gorgeous kit in blues, aquas, natural hues, and everything that sparkles and shimmers.  It's the perfect kit to scrap your wonderful winter memories!

 

Here is some gorgeous inspiration from myself and the KLDD CT:

Sandy, Conny, Susan, Cath

Check out the Key Lime Digi Design blog for even more inspiration!

Shimmer is part of Mscraps December 2013 Memory Mix, check out all of the coordinating pieces.  They're all on sale until; December 20th for 20% off, with buy more save more discounts!

Happy Scrapping!

♥ Catherine