via http://scrapbook-crazy.blogspot.com/

Talk about serendipity…this has definitely given me a push to finish my mini and also start on the other two I have already prepped the rolls for. Sometimes I have all the ideas going on in my mind…gathering supplies and planning…but have yet to execute!

As soon as I saw that lovely carousel image I knew what I wanted to create.  The montage version of it would make a perfect panel for a gatefold card.  I colored it with markers, distress inks and added white gel pen dots to certain spots. Then I embossed with clear sparkling powder over the whole image to make it a glossy sparkly panel. The rest is just random papers I had lying around a cute coordinating ribbon. I am so happy with this card and love that the design is front and center, so all the writing can be inside. You should definitely check out Lindsay’s blog and all her stamps in various shops.

Moving on to Tiffany’s Doodles Tea Time stamp set - totally cute design! I decided to go with a simple no sentiment layout again, to emphasize the image.

I used the teapot image and colored it digitally, then printed and cut it out.  Using a cute pink button and white ribbon to suspend it on the card on top of pretty shabby chic papers. Pretty cool, huh?  You can also check out Tiffany’s Garden which is her blog to link to so many other great work she has created.  Hope you have enjoyed the cards I shared today and the two lovely designers offering a wide array of digital stamps. I can’t wait to see what they have created with some of my stamps as well. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!

Recently, I started getting into digital scrapbooking and realized that I have been doing it all along, just entirely outside the industry. I am a collector of ephemera and usually create albums to celebrate a specific experience, preserve photos and create keepsakes for family.  Often I’m in such a rush to finish albums because I don’t want to forget the details and want my thoughts to be as fresh as possible. For example, I have 5 siblings…so a family event means I have to make 7 copies of an album so my parents and all of us kids can each have a copy.  It’s a lot of work! So, I switched to designing online and printing books (or scrapbooks) of photos to ease the workload and also because digital photography does lend itself to working digitally when I switched entirely off of regular film (wow, that was a long time ago).

However, I was never in tune with the scrapbooking community out there.  I didn’t know of any companies or designers specifically, it was more just buying some things that looked cool – whatever was available locally. Digitally I created my own designs – much more graphic designy in style than the layers of texture I see in many layouts today.  Now that I’ve looked into the industry of scrapbooking a bit more, I have discovered so many designers that share tips and tricks, so many household names and most recently started listening to a podcast, The Paperclipping Roundtable. I really enjoy listening to experienced folks and what they think about scrapbooking and the experience. It’s a hobby, yet it’s a way to preserve memories and there are so many ways to do it.

The podcast discusses a specific topic each week and they have talked about tools, the process, time management and why people don’t scrapbook.  As a beginner I’ve definitely thought a lot about why people do scrapbook – I mean, who would be listening to the podcast if they are NOT scrapbookers?  Perhaps the generic impression or definition of scrapbooking is what scares people away, however when people do scrapbook they form their own definition that keeps them going. I am more interested in why people DO scrapbook.  I honestly don’t think scrapbooking has to mean making pages that go in a book…unless that’s what you want. Like many out there, I am more into the process than the final result.  The act of picking a topic that allows you to relive a moment or reflect on an experience in a creative way is the “high” of it all. I know many scrapbook to preserve memories…which is great…but they are specifically your memories because inevitably it’s your interpretation of an event or experience.

Another aspect is that I think the industry controls too much how we preserve our memories…or perhaps I mean that the industry causes many to think they must preserve their memories in a certain way … to be worthy of sharing perhaps?  Which is so not the case.  If my husband stapled a few pictures onto a sheet and wrote a heartfelt sentiment to give to me that would be worth more than a glitzy packed with the latest greatest trend design layout.  That’s how I feel even after just a few short months of being introduced into this world, the frenzy (even through the web) of CHA and all the tooks and designs and jazz out there. Don’t get me wrong – I love new designs and new products to play with – I just don’t think it’s necessary for everyone and people should not feel that it is necessary. You are the only thing necessary, because you are celebrating your moments, your experiences, your thoughts. Scrapbooking is ultimately for you…and the fact that others can share in your final product, can be inspired and reminisce and pass it on in the famly, well, that’s just icing on the cake.  The creative experience is why I think you should scrapbook.  I think perhaps the industry is not doing a good job in getting that message across, so that truly everyone should scrapbook one way or another.  Otherwise, it does seem like something very far away and untouchable for those looking from the outside… how could they ever start?

You should definitely check out the list of great designers that are participating.  Check out the special 50/50 blog for more updates and information on how to join as a crafter as well.  Woohoo!

You can also check out his work online as others have blogged about it before on http://www.artsblog.it/post/3692/le-sculture-di-carta-igienica-di-junior-jacquet

My favorite are the toilet roll sculptures as I’m always impressed by those who can take used materials and things most would throw away to create something so beautiful.  They have weird contorted faces, but I find them mesmerizing.

Since I am located here in Italy and wanted instant gratification, I chose a few printable items from the shop.  Delivery by email is way faster in my current situation!  I realized that the postal service here is a bit wonky…receiving mail seems to take forever because the mail sorters have issues (or something like that).  Imagine receiving a bill you have to pay, after the due date?  Yeah.  It happens.  Sending mail out seems to work in normal timeframes though – bizarre!

Julie Green is the graphic designer behind the paper goods and designs at Up Up Creative and her printable files were waiting for me this morning in my inbox!  I have been printing out goodies on different types of paper – the results are oh so lovely!  Here’s a little peek as I just wanted to share with everyone – go check out the shop…I have to go write to people with this lovely stationery now!  Ciao!

Visit The Next Level blog, spread the word and don’t forget to add to your RSS readers. Here’s a snippet from their post that is very exciting and inspiring to me:

Our aim in designing this new informative style of blog is not only to produce really creative Weekly Challenges that are not tied to any specific brand, but also to explore new avenues, ideas and techniques with a completely fresh approach.The Next Level will not only be a fun and informative place to hang out for card crafters and scrapbookers of all levels, but it is hoped that it will also become a valuable source of information, hints and tips, tutorials, downloads and much more. We want to cover the craft of traditional card making but also add in a touch of digital, not too much to scare anyone away, but enough to explore the magical world out there at your fingertips for anyone wanting to venture.