paper: pretty paper. true stories. {and scrapbooking classes with cupcakes.}

I almost always mix up my manufacturers when I scrapbook and tend to pull a piece of paper from this collection, some die cuts from that collection and some completely unrelated ribbon to form the mix that I want. But occasionally it can be quite liberating to take it back to just one collection or designer and work within that range.

Your next crafting challenge is to create a project with predominately one collection or manufacturer’s supplies — choose your favourites! Make a scrapbook page, card or other project and upload it to share. Leave a link in the comments and one comment will be randomly chosen to win a prize pack of scrapbooking supplies from a manufacturer of your choice!

So… what will your favourite be today?

xlovesx

Comment [22]

Nine times out of ten, I take pictures that are zoomed in close (well, maybe not with a zoom lens but still — framed closely) and I have to physically remind myself to take shots that include more of the scene. So if I have to remind myself, well… I’m going to remind you too. Just this once.

Your challenge is to zoom out and take a photograph of a whole scene. Depending on your camera, you may need to do this with your feet or your lens!

Post your image on Flickr, on your blog or in another online photo gallery. Leave a link to it in the comments on this post to be entered.

One winner will be randomly chosen to win a prize pack of scrapbooking supplies from American Crafts, ready for your next crafting project.

Please see this post for all the deadlines and details about this weekend.

Now… what scene will you find? Indoors and outdoors both welcome!

xlovesx

Comment [35]

I always prefer to keep crafting rather than clean up, so at this point in the weekend I have plenty of little pieces of paper, odd die-cuts and punched shapes all cluttering up my workspace. It’s time to stick them to something!

Your next crafting challenge is to create an embellishment that uses layers of little pieces — patterned paper scraps, die cuts, punched shapes, pieces of packaging or fabric or ribbon. Whatever you like really!

You don’t have to complete the entire layout to participate – you can take a picture of just the embellishment you have created if you prefer. Or stick it on a page or card or tag. Leave a link in the comments to where we can see what you created.

One randomly chosen entry will win a prize pack of scrapbooking supplies to brighten your day and create plenty more layers!

See this post for all the deadlines and details for this weekend’s crop.

xlovesx

Comment [24]

If you’ve been crafting this weekend, what does your crafting space look like right now? I’ve shown you mine – now show me yours!

Your challenge is to take and post a photograph of your crafting space. Think about creative angles or depth of field to capture a moment of in-progress crafting rather than tidying everything up for a magazine-styled image.

Post your image on Flickr, on your blog or in another online photo gallery. Leave a link to it in the comments on this post to be entered.

One winner will be randomly chosen to win a prize pack of scrapbooking supplies from Imaginisce, perfect for adding to your creative scene.

Please see this post for all the deadlines and details about this weekend.

I can’t wait to see what supplies are on your table right now!

xlovesx

Comment [61]

As promised, a third sketch for our third day of cropping! This one uses a row of photos right across the page. You can use two 4×6 landscape images or you can change it up with a row of portrait photos printed at a smaller size.

You can use any type of embellishment you would like where there are stars indicated on the sketch, and fill the large box in the middle of the page with your photos.

Upload your project to an online gallery or your blog and leave a link in the comments on this post. One randomly chosen entry will win a prize pack of scrapbooking supplies!

Can’t wait to see what you make!

xlovesx

Comment [26]

When it comes to pictures of people, do you have a preference over posed portraits versus natural candids where the subject is unaware of the camera? Choose your favourite for the next photo challenge.

Your challenge is to take and post a photograph of a person – either a posed portrait or a candid shot. Time to coerce those nearest to you into smiling for the camera… or being sneaky and not warning them at all!

Post your image on Flickr, on your blog or in another online photo gallery. Leave a link to it in the comments on this post to be entered. One winner will be randomly chosen to win the Scrapbook Inspirations Summer Ideas Book with a little bonus gift from me too. Please see this post for all the deadlines and details about this weekend. So… are you going to put on a trench coat and go under-cover with your camera? Or do you have a willing subject ready to get ready for a close-up?

xlovesx

Comment [37]

Over all of this weekend, you’ve seen some of my favourite techniques and colours become challenges, so I had to include a quadrant challenge too! Backgrounds made of four patterns or colours are one of my absolute favourite ways to start a page. From there, you can choose just how simple you want to keep things, right up to adding the whole kit and caboodle for a detailed and layered project.

Consider yourself challenge to create a project (scrapbook page, card, tag, etc!) with a background made from four quadrants. They can be solid coloured or patterned – even shades of one colour for a monochromatic look!

Take a picture of your project and post it online, then add a link in the comments here. See this post for all the details and deadlines for this weekend.

One randomly selected entry will win a custom portrait (person or pet) as a Little Musing by SJ Dowsett. You will love her amazing drawings — she creates the cutest details about your personality in a picture. I love this picture she drew of me and frankly wish I could wear that little cartoon outfit every day when it gets cold!

Can’t wait to see what you build from your quadrant background!

xlovesx

Comment [25]

Have you learned to use your camera’s timer function yet or are you still taking group shots that don’t include the person behind the camera? The timer (or a remote, if you prefer) can make for some great shots since you’ll be limited by your surroundings. The shot above isn’t the most excellently composed picture by a long shot, but give that I could balance my camera on a road sign and I didn’t have a zoom lens with me, I think this is particularly lovely for a set-the-timer-and-run picture! This photo was a similar situation, but I actually rested my camera on the ground and aimed it up by balancing the lens on my handbag.

Your challenge is to take and post a photograph that includes you! I encourage you to have some fun with the timer, but you could also go with other self-portrait techniques. Check out this article for some great suggestions.

Post your image on Flickr, on your blog or in another online photo gallery. Leave a link to it in the comments on this post to be entered. One winner will be randomly chosen to win this adorable handmade owl in navy AND this supercute one in red from etsy seller Vivikas. Vivian makes seriously cute and original plush toys — definitely check out her shop full of fabulousness. Please see this post for all the deadlines and details about this weekend. And of course, you have some time to work on this, so don’t feel pressured to take a self-portrait just as you get out bed, for those who are just waking up and joining us!

xlovesx

Comment [25]