Saturday, December 27, 2008

QueZZtion of the Week: 12/28

To get everyone starting off the New Year, share with the galzz (if you don't mind) your resolution(s) for 2009. If you don't believe in resolutions, that's just fine by me. Instead, share with the rest of the group your good advice for making this year's resolution work.. or share some support for their upcoming hard work.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

BWC #26 (12/21/08) Your Favorite Page from 2008





kudos to Sharon for a fabulous response to our last BWC "What Makes The Holidays Special and Meaningful to You".

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the final challenge of the year let's reflect upon what we scrapped this year. Which of your pages from 2008 are you the most proud of? Please list Your Favorite Page from 2008 and I'll add them here. Please also share why you like the page.
Gelidy Gelato said... I got this pattern paper in a LSS raffle. It was something I never would have bought for myself but it was absolutely perfect for this subject. I created the briefs in Photoshop and had to search the internet for wings, angels, as well as a photo of a building that resembled the actual building. I tried two popular scrapbook trends chipboard & doodling for the first time. Finally I entered this page into a challenge, my first challenge. This was a big achievement for me and the page I am most proud of from 2008. It is humorous and was made from just three photos (and really boring photos at that).

MaRLeNeF said...
My favorite page from 2008 is my SHCG BWC #15: What Would You Say? layout. I love how it turned out, it's very girly. I also love it because I didn't go crazy trying to figure out how to put the page together, I just went with the flow and it all came together on its own.

CMLeach said... It was between my newest LO or a no-picture, reflective journaling LO. They both have such interesting aspects to them, and it was such a hard choice to make. That being said, I picked my "07 Tree" LO (the brand-new one) because I feel like it is one of my greatest artistic endeavors. There's just so much going on, and yet I feel like it all just...works. There is sentimental value to pieces within the LO (both in the ornaments in the picture and in embellishments used) and it just gives me a wonderful feel to look at it. It makes me want to continue the Christmas season...just on and on...

QueZZtion of the Week - 12/21/08

Okay, my Celebrity Crush QOW from last week was a dud so I'll ask another queZZtion - Talk about the last time you DANCED, both in public & in private!

The last time I danced in public was last Thursday, at my company's big holiday party. They allegedly scaled back for this party, which meant a DJ instead of a band, but that was awesome because after the initial quiet phase, the dancefloor became PACKED for the whole night, I was told moreso than it ever has been! I believe the 1st song my friends & I danced to was Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" & the last song of that set was Michael Jackson's "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough" (I HAD wanted to dance to Justin Timberlake's "Sexy Back" earlier but I was in the middle of a new glass of wine & involved conversation so I put it off). It was great spirited fun - all ranks of employees were shakin their groove thangs when not chatting, eating or drinking!

The last time I danced in private was when I was cleaning up after scrapping yesterday, youtubing old songs I love. Alice in Chains' "A Little Bitter" always gets me going... I'm such a rock star on that bassline when I'm alone! :p

Sunday, December 14, 2008

QueZZtion of the Week - 12/14/08

Goin' light 'n fluffy 'n girly in this week's... This has been asked in various sb.com tags but not here - talk about a celeb crush you had while growing up!

For me, my Beatles-fans older sisters turned me into a fan at an early age, & I had a big fondness for Paul McCartney by age 3. But, as some of you already have heard, I had a HUMONGOUS crush on Sting growing up. I LOVED The Police, knew their albums back & forth, pored over all their lyrics. I had aspirations to be an actress & when Sting started in his movie career, I was sooo jealous of all his leading actresses, I thought, that could be ME if I was older & lived in NY, LA or London, LOL! My desires were tied together in a dream that was not just romantic (he would be more of a man than any boy in suburban Houston, & rescue me from the normalcy of my life, etc), I wanted to WORK w/ Sting, hahaha! Granted, I had a healthy dose of real life crushes too, as well as other celebs I liked, but Sting was the frontrunner.

A few years ago, when visiting my parents' house, my husband found my adolescent journals that talked about all of this - he DIED laughing over the girlhood melodrama in those pages! Then, when I got into Sting's son's band (Fiction Plane - they're really good), DH would walk around the house saying "Sting's out, Sting's son's in!" LOL (PS I don't think these infatuations played a part in my playing bass later in life but it's pretty coincidental that that's the instrument I eventually was drawn to).

Okay, your turn! :)

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

November Trakking

BlushPea
Weeks Checked In 5/5
Submissions 2
Critiques 29/29

cminstlouis
Weeks Checked In 3/5
Submissions 0
Critiques 11/27

CMleach
Weeks Checked In 5/5
Submissions 2
Critiques 29/29


DigiDeborah

Weeks Checked In 4/5
Submissions 4
Critiques 25/25

EatSleepScrap
Weeks Checked In 0/5
Submissions 0
Critiques 0/27

GelidyGelato
Weeks Checked In 5/5
Submissions 4
Critiques 24/26

Janet28rn
Weeks Checked In 5/5
Submissions 5
Critiques 26/26

Jesse
Weeks Checked In 4/5
Submissions 2
Critiques 20/25


MarleneF

Weeks Checked In 5/5
Submissions 5
Critiques 23/25


Mars4554

Weeks Checked In 5/5
Submissions 1
Critiques 17/26


ScrappinKitty

Weeks Checked In 5/5
Submissions 5
Critiques 1/22

TwinScrapBee
Weeks Checked In 5/5
Submissions 0
Critiques 18/27


Whenscraphappenzz

Weeks Checked In 1/5
Submissions 0
Critiques 0/27

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Question of the week - Dec 8, 2008

If you could do whatever you wanted to to your living space, what, if anything, would you change?

Monday, December 8, 2008

BWC #25 12/7/08

Hey guys I know this time of year is really busy for most of us so we are going to keep the challenge this time pretty simple. Do a LO that shows what is your reason is for loving this season, whether it be your family, friends, or fur babies, what makes the holidays special and meaning full to you. Hopefully by the end of doing the LO everyone will remember that the holidays are not about stressing because you can't find that certian gift for someone, the economy sucks, or that you have parties by the ton to go to and don't have a thing to wear, but they are about being with the people (and animals) that you love.
Hope you enjoy the challange, and from my family to yours, Merry Christmas.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

BWC #24: Holidaze in Haste

Marlene, Marsha, and Sharon all found their quickies to be very satisfying. Find pleasure in their passionate postcards below.



The Holidaze have us feelin' the need for more speed. Let's decorate our first ever SHCG virtual Christmas tree!

You have a total of FIVE minutes to:
1. Grab your scissors, adhesives, and paper trimmer.
2. Cut a solid cardstock into an ornamental shape.
3. Choose 2-3 coordinating holiday themed patterned papers/scraps.
4. Pick a ribbon that you will use to hang your final product, and any embellies you might use, (e.g. ricrac, glitter, sequins, brads, etc.).
5. Don't forget some of your favorite pens, markers, and ink pads.

Now, you will have only FIVE minutes to conceptualize how you might create a tree ornament with the following inscription: "SHCG 2008." Once your five minutes are up, you have FOURTEEN minutes to work on the ornament. You do not have to use all the items you selected, and you may return to your stash for new items. However, you must stop after your time is up, even if your piece is unfinished. Hang the ornament on your tree and take a picture of it. When you upload, include the date, the start time from when you gathered your materials, and the stop time.

Don't forget to allow public embedding so that, once we have collected all the responses, we can figure out how to make a virtual tree that shows off all of our ornaments. In order to have our virtual tree complete in time for Christmas Eve, please upload by noon on December 24th.

A note on critiques: Please refrain from commenting on a response being unfinished, and focus critiques on elements of design.

Instructions for alternative responses:
Don't have even 24 minutes? Slash that in half, or a fourth. Show up to our virtual tree trimming wearing your holiday finest! Go to http://weloveholidaysweaters.wehatesheep.com/and use your online knitting skills to go balls out on a Holiday sweater of your own design. While you're there, take a moment to check out what everyone else is wearing. You have until noon of the 24th. When you are done, email your sweater to Brenda (pm for addy) who will keep your masterpiece a secret until we have our party! Shhh. Wouldn't wanna spoil the surprise.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

BWC #23: The Quickie Challenge

You want answers?! You can find them in Marlene and Lisa's responses to the QOW Challenge.



It's time to down that caffeine and grab your timers! You have a total of FIVE minutes to:
1. Grab your scissors, adhesives, and paper trimmer.
2. Cut a solid cardstock into a 4"x6" piece.
3. Choose 2-3 coordinating patterned papers/scraps that you really fancy, but you can never seem to find a use for.
4. Pick a few stickers (including alphas), rub-ons, stamps, embellies, and ribbon that you might use. Flat is fine.
5. Don't forget some of your favorite pens, markers, and ink pads.


Now, you will have only FIVE minutes to conceptualize how you might create a postcard with the following quote from Pablo Picasso: "Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life."



Once your five minutes are up, you have THIRTEEN minutes to work on the postcard. You do not have to use all the items you selected, and you may return to your stash for new items. However, you must stop after your time is up, even if your piece is unfinished. On the back of the postcard, write the date, the start time from when you gathered your materials, and the stop time. Put a stamp on the postcard, and mail it to the next person who posts her response to the challenge. The first person who responds to this challenge will receive my postcard. If only two of us respond, we will exchange postcards.

A note on critiques: Please refrain from commenting on a response being unfinished, and focus critiques on elements of design.

Sometimes, a quickie is all a girl really needs!

QueZZtion of the Week - November 23, 2008

Thanksgiving is upon us in just a few more days. It's one of those holidays where we run around crazy in order to prepare our homes, our meals...and let's not forget...mentally prepare ourselves for the impending takeover of our homes. Or, maybe you don't have that preparation as no one comes to you, but instead you go somewhere else. Whatever the case may be, in the midst of knowing who you will see and what all needs to be done, it is sometimes easy to forget that the true purpose of the holiday is written in it's name....

It is time to be THANKFUL. This gives me my question: What are you thankful for this year?

On that note, I'll begin: I'm thankful for....
- my husband, who sacrifices time we could have together to make an honest living and provide for us so we can clear up debt
- my family, specifically my mother who listens without judgement, my father and sister just for always being there, my grandmother who is still with us, and the extended family I was able to reconnect with this year
- my job for providing me headaches (oh, wait... not thankful for that part, except that it means I HAVE a job) because I get to be with 24 third graders all day, many of which show their affection and make me realize how important I am in their lives
- my old friends who have remained by my side through the years
- my new-found friends who have blessed me by letting me into their lives
- the roof over my head
- my ability to go back to school to (supposedly) better myself
- and the furball in my lap (my cat), who shows me daily her love and provides me comfort when I most need it.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Secret Santa Swap - Amended

OK people have suggested that we revise the terms of the Secret Santa Swap to be more wallet n eco friendly. Here's the revised terms (the "What" part revised):

***
Secret Santa Happenzz Swap
Who(does it): Whoever wants to!
What (do I have to do): Get your person a scrapbooking gift (from their wishlist if possible), value is to be $10.00 to $15.00. Also a handmade card. You can also include any handmade items you wish. OR create a Secret Santa bag of scraft toys for your person with a value from $10.00 to $15.00 that come from your stash and which may include any handmade items you wish. Please also include a handmade card. Use your person's wishlist to generate ideas of her likes and scrafting style. You might even find items from your stash that are on her wishlist.
When (do I have to ship this by) (do I have to ship this by): Parcel Post must be shipped by December 12th. Priority or Express must be shipped by December 17th.
Where (do I ship it): To your super secret special assigned gift recipient (to be assigned).
Why: Because giving is groovy!
How (can I join in this ultra fun event): Please PM me by midnight Monday 11/23 (as in late night Sunday 11/22). Send me your mailing & email addresses. I will assign Secret Santazz shortly thereafter. Santa names to be randomly picked.

***

Please note that I know even putting together such a bag, & shipping it, will still be an expense both of time, energy & money (though less $ than buying a new pressie), so NO PRESSURE or OBLIGATION to those of you who still don't want to, or can't, participate. But if you already unsubscribed to the Secret Santa Swap PM, kindly let me know ASAP if you want to participate now given these newer terms.

:o)

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Secret Santa Swap

I posted this in our main chat thread but wanted to post it here for easy finding/reference. NOTE: MARLENE’S QOW is below the TRAKking posts further down the page - be sure you check it out!!


Okay some members have thought a Secret Santa Swap would be a nice idea so let's do it! Last year's QueenMel-led swap was a success so I am lifting a lot of this straight from what she did last year. Goshdarn* that QueenMel rocks (*I originally said "daaamn" but got bleeped). Anyway, I will also be sending this to each member via PM to effectively reach out to members who have been too busy to read the thread as often as they’d like.

Secret Santa Happenzz Swap
Who(does it): Whoever wants to!
What (do I have to do): Get your person a scrapbooking gift (from their wishlist if possible), value is to be $10.00 to $15.00. Also a handmade card. You can also include any handmade items you wish.
When (do I have to ship this by) (do I have to ship this by): Parcel Post must be shipped by December 12th. Priority or Express must be shipped by December 17th.
Where (do I ship it): To your super secret special assigned gift recipient (to be assigned).
Why: Because giving is groovy!
How (can I join in this ultra fun event): Please PM me by midnight Monday 11/23 (as in late night Sunday 11/22). Send me your mailing & email addresses. I will assign Secret Santazz shortly thereafter. Santa names to be randomly picked.

Thanks & look forward to another fantastic holiday for SHCG!

Unofficial Interim TRAKking for Sept & Oct

I posted this in our main chat thread but wanted to post it here for easy finding/reference. NOTE: MARLENE’S QOW IS RIGHT UNDER THIS POST! Be sure you check it out.

As it’s been a while since our beloved QueenMel came by (miss you, babe!) I've done some unofficial interim tRAKking for Sept and Oct (actually Melissa did post all but the critique component for Sept); tRAKking is a great resource for everyone to note participation. Mind you, my method doesn't hold a candle to QueenMel's precise methods. As I said when I’ve done interim tRAKking in the past, QueenMel: I hope you realize I am NOT trying to step on your toes by doing this, I was only doing this for my own benefit and thought I'd share because I thought the group would benefit as well!

As you all know, there are 3 guidelines to being in this group - posting 2 scrafty projects a month (hey we're a critique group, we gotta have stuff to critique!), critiquing others' works and checking in weekly. I didn't track everyone's critiques of works but chose a random LO smack dab in the middle of each month to see who critiqued it. For Sept. I chose Jesse’s Friendship for 10 yrs (for Jesse, I chose my Xmas Day 05 pt 3). For Oct. I chose Lisa’s Great Britain Vacation 2006 Day 8/Arthur’s Seat (for Lisa, I chose Marlene’s Gotta Wear Shades Monochromatic LO).

Again, QueenMel posted all of the Sept. tRAKking excluding the Critiques part, so I’m filling in the blank in the method described above. October will look different because I am only putting forth a rough picture of the numbers that QueenMel regularly tracks: I am only going to state the month of the last check-in in the Main Thread, and whether or not the person submitted the scrafty minimum of 2 items in the LO thread (as well as whether or not a person critiqued the random Oct. LO). I’m sorry it’s not as scientific as Melissa’s methods but it’s difficult for me to catch up on works already posted without having followed along and I’d like to give everyone some sort of general picture on activity…

September Unofficial Interim TRAKking

(Random LO: Jesse’s Friendship for 10 yrs; for Jesse, Sharon's Xmas Day 05 pt 3)

Sharon:
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions:3
Critique of Random LO: yes

Christy
Check-Ins: 2/4
Submissions:4
Critique of Random LO: yes

Brenda
Check-Ins: 3/4
Submissions:5
Critique of Random LO: yes

Tiffany
Check-Ins: 3/4
Submissions:1
Critique of Random LO: no

Lisa
Check-Ins: 3/4 (went to Italy)
Submissions:2
Critique of Random LO: yes

Queen Mel
Check-Ins: 2/4
Submissions:1
Critique of Random LO: yes

Janet
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions:0
Critique of Random LO: yes

Amanda
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions:6
Critique of Random LO: yes

Jesse
Check-Ins:3/4
Submissions:2
Critique of Random LO: yes

Marsha:
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions:2
Critique of Random LO: yes

Marlene
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions:2
Critique of Random LO: yes

Chris (Pledge)
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions:2
Critique of Random LO: yes

October Unofficial Interim TRAKking

(Random LO: Lisa’s Great Britain Vacation 2006 Day 8/Arthur’s Seat; for Lisa, Marlene’s Gotta Wear Shades Monochromatic LO)

Sharon:
Last Check-In: Oct
At least 2 submissions: yes
Critique of Random LO: yes

Christy
Last Check-In: Oct
At least 2 submissions: no
Critique of Random LO: no

Brenda
Last Check-In: Oct
At least 2 submissions: yes
Critique of Random LO: yes

Tiffany
Last Check-In: Sept
At least 2 submissions: no
Critique of Random LO: no

Lisa
Last Check-In: Oct
At least 2 submissions: yes
Critique of Random LO: yes

Queen Mel
Last Check-In: Oct
At least 2 submissions: no
Critique of Random LO: no

Janet
Last Check-In: Oct
At least 2 submissions: yes
Critique of Random LO: yes

Amanda
Last Check-In: Oct
At least 2 submissions: yes
Critique of Random LO: no

Jesse
Last Check-In: Oct
At least 2 submissions: 1 submission
Critique of Random LO: yes

Marsha:
Last Check-In: Oct
At least 2 submissions: yes
Critique of Random LO: yes

Marlene
Last Check-In: Oct
At least 2 submissions: yes
Critique of Random LO: yes

Chris (Pledge until 10/24)
Last Check-In: Oct
At least 2 submissions: yes
Critique of Random LO: yes

Deborah (Pledge)
Last Check-In: Oct
At least 2 submissions: yes
Critique of Random LO: no

---
That’ll help people tRAK participation until the super-duper goddess of tRAKdom, QueenMel, returns! Hope it helps.

Now for the fun part, the RAKking. Well, the last time I did unofficial tRAKking I awarded Janet for Mar/Apr/May, not realizing that QueenMel does her RAKs quarterly, meaning according to her, I won for the 3 month period ending March, and Janet ended up winning by QueenMel’s count, for Apr/May/JUNE…oops on me. So the next RAK to be awarded is for the period of the months JULY, AUGUST and SEPTEMBER. QueenMel previously posted July and August tRAKking. Janet is disqualified because she won last time, as are any pledges (I’m disqualifying myself). No one participated 100% in that time. There are two members who participated the most for that quarter – One had a month where she critiqued all but 5 LOs and checked in “only” 3 outta 4 weeks, the other had a month where she only posted 1 thing to the LO thread and checked in only 2 outta 4 weeks. But these 2 do shine in their level of activity in the 3-month period ending September, so… I’m RAKking them both! Please congratulate CHRISTY and JESSE for splendid participation during JULY, AUGUST and SEPTEMBER!! Christy, Jesse, please PM me your mailing and email addresses.

AND, I’m giving a slightly bigger RAK to you both than usual. Why? It’s because it was about one year ago that I was voted to be the coordinator of this group and I’ve loved it sooo much! As our former leader left last year, I actually PM’d 2 other members urging them to step up to take her place… I was rather surprised when I was voted in myself. But I embraced the challenge. This group has stretched my creativity so much, I've had so many firsts - ATCs, swaps, challenge responses, challenges hosted, contest entered - all because of this group. But not only that, this group has put me in contact w/ you marvelous and incredible women. We've supported each other creatively and personally. It's been beautiful to be a part of this group and it's a real joy to serve as coordinator (difficult as it gets at times). I am truly thankful to know you all! Scrap Happenzz is such a happy spot in my life - Happy Anniversary to Me!!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

QueZZtion of the Week - November 16, 2008

With the holiday season coming upon us, there's so many great holiday movies. I love watching March of the Wooden Soldiers on Thanksgiving Day, the old Laurel & Hardy film. I've been watching it every year since I was a little girl. I also love watching The Christmas List with Mimi Rogers, she makes a list of all her wishes and each one comes true! So tell me, what's your favorite holiday movie?

Sunday, November 9, 2008

i love black friday. i think everyone should go out on black friday and go shopping and get all the good sales. it is just plain fun. there is a lot of excitement in the air and people are out mostly to have fun and get their stuff. i have a link to the black friday adds. my quezztion is: go to the black friday site-
http://bfads.net/
and tell me what you would buy if you had $500.00. to spend. the stores are listed on the left hand side of the screen just click one and the sales will pop up.

Monday, November 3, 2008

QueZZtion of the Week - Nov. 2, 2008

Pardons for being a day late w/ this, galzz... Today I'm asking about "What Lies Beneath..." - no this is not an underwear, nor a horror/suspense film, QOW. Talking about something more ordinary - list & discuss what is under your BED right now! Perhaps you have confessions, or even organizational wisdom, to share. Just curious.... ;o)

I'll start. Under our bed we have -

- A heated mattress pad which was a GODSEND when we lived in the 'burbs a few years ago. These days in our city home, our heat is pretty rockin & it doesn't get as cold so this doesn't get much use...

- My several pairs of cold-weather boots. Yes you warm-weather babez, some of us hafta own more than one!

- A box of my old journals spanning from college to present day. They used to be in my closet but I was fishing them out so much for sb journaling that I moved them here.

- A list of guitar chord progressions for a song & an Eddie Bauer catalog - these fell off from DH's nightstand, he's such a cutie...

- Enough dust bunnies to knit a pair of gloves! I try to sweep under there but sometimes during the express cleaning jobs it doesn't always happen....

How about YOU?

Monday, October 27, 2008

BWC #22: Topic and Technique (aka the ?OW Challenge)

Sharon and Brenda caught yellow fever from Marlene's Monochromatic Challenge. Take the proper precautions before you check out their scrafty symptoms. You might catch a variant scrafting strain:





ETA: In other monochromatic news, everything's coming up roses for Marsha in her response:




We are soon approaching another SHCG anniversary, our Quezztion of the Week's first on November 14. Christy started the tradition asking us to list 6 things we are thankful for. Since then, we've had 40 more questions, and two more to go until we begin a second year of getting to know each other better. (We missed a total of 9 weeks of questions, in case you were wondering why it didn't add up to 52.) I've always wanted to create mini los for each question and keep them in a book, so I've been waiting for the chance to finally share my idea for this BWC.




Choose a ?OW (either one you've answered or one you'd like to answer), and materialize it into a layout. If you chose a question that you've answered, you can cut and paste your response, and voila! Instant journaling!

I've compiled a chronological quick reference list of the ?OWs. For further detail please click the Quezztion of the Week link in the Categories sidebar of our blog, or pm me for further clarification.

1. Thanksgiving: 6 things I am thankful for using the letters in TURKEY.
2. 3 most important things my house that I can't live without
3. Top 10 things on my Christmas list and/or Tiffany's "What Is Your Fine?" ?OW alternative: http://whenscraphappens.blogspot.com/2007/12/what-is-your-fine-alternative-to.html
4. The story behind a scar or mark on my body
5. (Five) Favorite Christmas gifts I received as a child
6. My (2008) New Year's Resolutions
7. What puts the sweet in your home sweet home?
8. My favorite pet
9. My favorite birthday memory
10. My Chinese Zodiac Sign
11. What would you undo?
12. The first thing I think of when I wake up, and the last thought before I go to sleep.
13. The best and worst dates I've ever had
14. My favorite smells
15. My quirks
16. My favorite ice cream flavor
17. My lucky charm
18. Can't scrap without my...
19. My fave/least fave embellishments
20. Whatchu readin'? Share a book.
21. My all-time favorite movie
22. There's always room for non-physical self improvement: what I'd change about myself
23. SB storage tips
24. I wanna be a famous...
25. My priorities: one year ago vs. the present
26. What are you wearing right now? (description and background)
27. One good father figure memory
28. My favorite quote
29. Laws of attraction: a physical feature I find attractive
30. My favorite games (past and/or present)
31. A household chore I love and one I hate
32. My favorite teacher memory
33. My fall faves
34. Now, this is my kinda music! vs. Please turn that sh!t down!
35. Scrapblock: how I cope
36. Everyone's a critic: a not-so rotten tomato vs. What's all the fuss about?
37. My favorite ghost story
38. My game show category... for the lead!

39. My previous life: if I could time travel to a past era
40. Eco-conscious green scrafting
41. My favorite candy/sweet treat

42. What lurks under my bed
43. Black Friday site shopping with $500
44. My fave Holiday movie
45. Thanksgiving: Giving thanks in 2008
46. Remodeling my living space
47. My adolescent celeb crush
48. The last time I danced in public/private
49. 2009 Resolutions/Advice for keeping them

That's the "topic" part of the challenge. For the "technique," your lo must include patterned paper on which you've added your own doodling. For example, one idea I got from a magazine, take big polka dots pp, draw stars in them, and scribble circles around the dots. Be sure to describe your additional doodling, and don't forget to check "Doodling" in the Styles section when you upload your lo.


I think this just may be what I need to "inch" me out of my scraft hiatus. I hope you have as much fun as I did rereading the responses and getting to know everyone all over again.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

QOW October 26

In the Halloween spirit, what's your favorite candy/sweet treat to eat? (sorry, didn't intend on all that rhyming!) Make our mouths water and share...

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Quezztion of the Week - October 19, 2008

There are lots of posts on saving money by using materials not neccessarily marketed for scrapbooking and by reusing scraps but Do you ever think "GREEN" about this hobby?
Do you make an effort to use your scraps and materials you find in everyday life? Do you pass materials on so someone else can use them? Do you purchase used instead of new?

Saturday, October 11, 2008

BWC # 21 ~ GO MONOCHROMATIC!

Congrats to the following SHCG girls who completed their Fabby Fanatics layouts:
Jesse's True Fan
Marsha's My Wild Card
Marlene's I Love LeSportsac

My challenge to all of you is to create a monochromatic layout. You may choose one color and all it's shades and tints plus a neutral color such as black, white or tan. Also, all the embellishments must be in the same color family. I'm so excited to see what you all come up with and I hope you enjoy this challenge.
Happy scrapping!!!

Quezztion of the Week - October 12, 2008

I was the first to answer Sharon's game show QOW, so now it's my turn :)
If you could go back in time and live in any time period, where would you choose? I just love watching Little House on the Prairie and if I could choose one time to go back and live in it would be that era. I know that's probably not the most comfortable or easy living time period but the whole idea of living in a small community and having the whole focus of life on family compared to how things are today, I would love that. So, where would you choose to live?

August Trakking

Sharon:
Check-Ins: 5/5
Submissions:3
Critiques:25/25

Christy
Check-Ins: 5/5
Submissions:1
Critiques:21/27

Brenda
Check-Ins: 4/5
Submissions:1
Critiques:19/27

Tiffany
Check-Ins: 5/5
Submissions:1
Critiques:24/27

Nitza
Check-Ins:3/5
Submissions:1
Critiques:0/27

Lisa
Check-Ins: 4/5
Submissions:2
Critiques:2/23

Queen Mel
Check-Ins: 5/5
Submissions:3
Critiques:11/25

Janet
Check-Ins: 5/5
Submissions:0
Critiques:27/28

Amanda
Check-Ins: 5/5
Submissions:8
Critiques:8/20

Jesse
Check-Ins:1/5
Submissions:0
Critiques:0/28

Marsha:
Check-Ins: 5/5
Submissions:4
Critiques:22/24

Marlene
Check-Ins: 5/5
Submissions:2
Critiques:18/26

Chris (Pledge)
Check-Ins: 5/5
Submissions:2
Critiques:26/26

Friday, October 10, 2008

September Trakking: Working Copy

Sharon:
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions:3
Critiques:

Christy
Check-Ins: 2/4
Submissions:4
Critiques:

Brenda
Check-Ins: 3/4
Submissions:5
Critiques:

Tiffany
Check-Ins: 3/4
Submissions:1
Critiques:

Nitza
Check-Ins:0/4
Submissions:0
Critiques:

Lisa
Check-Ins: 3/4 (went to Italy)
Submissions:2
Critiques:

Queen Mel
Check-Ins: 2/4
Submissions:1
Critiques:

Janet
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions:0
Critiques:

Amanda
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions:6
Critiques:

Jesse
Check-Ins:3/4
Submissions:2
Critiques:

Marsha:
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions:2
Critiques:


Marlene
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions:2
Critiques:

Chris (Pledge)
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions:2
Critiques:

Sunday, October 5, 2008

QueZZtion of the Week - Oct. 5, 2008

Okay since I answered Marsha's ghostly QOW first, I'm up.

When you're watching a game show, what topics come up that leave you yelling at the TV, because you KNOW you'd SWEEP the category if you were on the show? For example, any time "80's Music," "80's Pop Culture" or "Pop/Rock Music" come up as a topic on any show, I friggin ACE the category. Those "Jeopardy" contestants may know their nuclear physics, their world dictators & their hemispheric geography. But at least I know who sang "Pass The Dutchie"!! What game show topic are you a whiz at?

Sunday, September 28, 2008

BWC #20 - Fabby Fanatics!

First things first....

Marlene responded to BWC #19 with "NY Bagel" and Marsha responded with "Best Food of the Year." Great job Marlene and Marsha!

On to the new BWC....

My topic is Fabby Fanatics. Your mission is to create a LO showing what you are the world's biggest fan of. It can be anything- a sports team, a band, a brand of clothing, whatever you are fanatic about! You must have a photo of your "trump card"... that is, the thing that proves your superiority in the world of fan-dom. (For me, it's my University of Iowa tattoos. :) ) My LO will be forthcoming as an example.

Happy scrapping!

QueZZtion of the Week - Sept. 28, 2008

the big spooky holiday is coming up! so what is your favorite ghost story? do you even believe in ghosts? or have you had a personal encounter with a ghost? tell that story.

my favorite ghost story is 'the haunting' the old black and white movie with julie harris and claire bloom from 1963. the new one is tacky lacking character development and i don't care one whit what happens to the characters in it. they can all get eaten by the ghosts for all the personality they have.

however the black and white one is truly scary and even believable. i have seen it multiple times and it still scares me. i tried to watch it at 2am in the morning many years ago. i knew the story and what would happen, but i still ended up sleeping with my 7 year old son.(for protection?) as dh was out of town. In 'the haunting only one person gets killed and it makes total sense. there is no gory scenes for the sake of seeing blood. the unseen tenants in the house are truly after one person and they want her. the house itself is scary to look at and the black and white cinematography enhances the fright.
to quote the opening line:
'hill house has stood for 90 years and might stand for 90 more. silence lays steady against the wood and stone of hill house and whatever walkes there walkes alone!'

just don't watch it alone... in the night...in the dark...!

i have never had an encounter with a ghost, but it sure is fun scaring yourself silly with imagination!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

QueZZtion of the Week - Sept. 21, 2008

Okay it's my turn this week.  Everyone's a critic & sometimes the famous critics get it wrong! You can talk about a movie, music album, book or TV show or all 4 for this one.  Discuss a movie, album, book &/or tv show that is/was critically acclaimed that you didn't like at all.  Then, discuss something that did NOT receive critical acclaim that you LOVED!  Let your thumbs up/thumbs down be HEARD this week!

Monday, September 15, 2008

BWC #19

Congrats to those who finished the last BWC!!
Marlene's My Son
Sharon's Xmas Day 05 Pt. 1 (left and right)
Sharon's Xmas Day 05 Pt. 2 (left and right)
Sharon's Xmas Day 05 Pt. 3 (left and right)


The Challange this week is to create a LO of your fave food or drink :) The twist is that there can be no humans on it, and you have to use fiber some where on the LO. Those who finish with doing both twists will get their name put in a bucket for a chance at a RAK from my stash. Here is an example of the one I did the other day. (BTW for those who commented on the fiber, its light green, not yellow lol)
Can't wait to see what y'all come up with, happy scrapping!!!!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

QueZZtion of the Week: September 14

I've been in a scrapbooking "lull" the past few months... just no desire to scrap (believe it or not). Has this ever happened to you? How did you get out of it?

Sunday, September 7, 2008

QueZZtion of the Week - Sept. 7, 2008

Okay this one comes from our fabulous pledge Chris:

We play music in the hallways of our elementary school every day and that got me thinking, what is your favorite type of music, and why is it? On the flipside, what type of music do you absolutely abhor?

Sounds like a fun one, everyone! Dig in. :)

Sunday, August 31, 2008

QueZZtion of the Week - August 31

All right gals... Fall is my favorite season and it is just about upon us all. What is your FAVORITE thing about the fall? Wearing sweatshirts, college football, the leaves changing color... the list goes on!

BWC #18 - "The Big B Bonanza"

First, lemme acknowledge these BWC responses to BWC 17, "A Good Sport"!

Sharon's "After Christmas Fun (left side)"
Sharon's "After Christmas Fun (right side)"

Marlene's "Endless Energy," which is also a response to the Paper Ruffle Challenge.

Great work! Please check these out if you haven't already.

NOW... inspired by Tiffany's recent multi-level BWC, I'd like to return to one of those scavenger-hunt-type challenges similar to my 1st SHCG WC, "Stashoffont" (dated 7/3/07). This week I present the Big B Challenge ! I challenge you to include in your LO all of the following:

- A color that begins w/ "B";
- A BUNCH of pics (at least 3 for 1 page, 6 for a 2 pager);
- An embellishment or technique that begins w/ "B";
- Bulleted journaling.

Note plurals of the above are certainly accepted (e.g. using brown AND blue, brads AND burnt edges, etc); I don't want to imply from the above wording that I only want ONE of each...the more the merrier!

Also note that most aspects of this BWC came up when I was playin' around with the "Random Challenge Generator;" the link to this appears handily dandily in the right side of the blog!

Your deadline is 2 weeks, 11:59PM on 9/13/08 to be exact. It's also been a while since I gave a prize so I will be posting a poll of the responses, the winner of which will receive this Ally Scraps Grab Bag. I've ordered this previously for myself & it rocked, it's not castoff rejected stuff, they give you some very cool supplies (I used one of the pps I got in my "i'm NEW here" LO to give you an idea...) & it's so fun to get! Of course, as w/ any of our BWCs, you can post after the deadline but you won't be eligible for the prize.

Hope you Babezz have a Bodacious Blast Bringing it for this Big B Bash! Can't wait to see what y'all come up with. :o)

Sunday, August 24, 2008

QueZZtion of the Week 8/24/08

My queZZtion this week might be a little self-serving. I totally have school on the brain, and it seems some of you do, as well. Some examples, Christy is the mom of a college freshman, Chris will be the teacher of a fifth-grade classroom, I am sure Marlene's boys are getting ready to start, too.

I'd like you to think back and try to remember your favorite teacher of all time. What was your teacher's name? What grade level did they teach? What made them so special? Do you have one memory of them that stands out above others? Have you ever contacted them to tell them how you feel?

School's back in session, babiezz.

Monday, August 18, 2008

BWC 17: "A Good Sport"

Thank you for participating in the Paper Ruffle Challenge.

The following members rose to the challenge:

Lisa's Great Britain Vacation 2006 Day 6

Lisa's Great Britain Vacation 2006 Day 8

Sharon's Pike's Peak '05 LO

Marsha's Auntie and Me

Brenda's Punk Inchies

BWC: In honor of the olympics, create a layout that has to do with sports. The sport can be one you participated in during your school years, one you watch now as a fan, one your kids participate in, anything related to sports and physical activity.

Have fun! And, Michael Phelps ROCKS! Go Swimming!

July Trakking

Sharon:
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions:2
Critiques:33/33

Christy
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions:4
Critiques:30/31

NJ Mel
Check-Ins: 0/4
Submissions:0
Critiques: 0/35

Brenda
Check-Ins: 1/4
Submissions:2
Critiques:18/33

Tiffany
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions:2
Critiques:33/33

Nitza
Check-Ins: 1/4
Submissions:0
Critiques:0/35

Lisa
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions:2
Critiques:17/33

Queen Mel
Check-Ins: 3/4
Submissions:4
Critiques:13/31

Janet
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions:2
Critiques:33/33

Amanda
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions:6
Critiques:8/29

Jesse
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions:1
Critiques:29/34

Marsha: (Pledge)
Check-Ins: 2/4
Submissions:6
Critiques:26/29

Deanna (Pledge)
Check-Ins: 1/4
Submissions:0
Critiques:0/35

Marlene (Pledge)
Check-Ins: 2/2
Submissions:2
Critiques:25/29

Chris (Pledge)
Check-Ins: 1/1
Submissions:2
Critiques:28/29

Saturday, August 9, 2008

QueZZtion of the Week: August 10

Hmmm... I hadn't put much thought into this week's QOW because I didn't realize it was my turn (but thanks for the reminder, Sharon!).

So... off the top of my head, here goes:

What is one household chore you actually ENJOY doing? On the counterpart, what is the one you HATE?

Sunday, August 3, 2008

QueZZtion of the Week 08/03/08

All righty, I'm up this week as I was first to answer Christy's fun embarrassing moments QOW (GREAT fun reading people's answers to that one, BTW!). So here goes... In honor of the upcoming Olympics, let's focus on GAMES! What were your favorite games growing up, what are they now? You can talk board games, card games, real-life games (i.e. sports), video games, you name it! C'mon out & PLAY!

Saturday, August 2, 2008

BWC 16: "Paper Ruffles"

First we would to acknowledge members who have participated in recent challenges. GREAT WORK LADIES!
Responses to The Kid Speaks To Me challenge:

QueenMel's "Hey...we wanna know"

Tiffany's "i {heart} Elvis"Marlene's "What Would You Say?"

Marsha's "Youth Is Wasted On The Young"

Sharon's "today you are YOU!" (which is also a response to the Stars and Stripes Forevahhhh challenge)

Tiffany's "Show Us The Candy" is a response to these challenges: Movie Quotes, Inchies, Yum Yum (Dove chocolate quote), Write on Your Photos, BWC 12 Sketch challenge, Lift Away and Stars and Stripes For-evahhhh.

Gelidy's "Birthday" Inchies (even if she made too many)

Marsha's "All American Girls" is a response to the Stars and Stripes For-evahhhh challenge.

Brenda's "Napan Valley" is a response to BWC 12's Sketch challenge.

Brenda's "Cheers" is a response to the Lift Away challenge.

This bi-week challenge is to incorporate a "Paper Ruffle" on your page.



http://www.scrapbook.com/forums/showtopic.php?tid/1474205/
Please join the fun and embed your page on the scrapbook.com "Paper Ruffle" Challenge thread.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

QOW: July 27, 2008

Heres something that we dont like to talk about but it can be really fun! First we have to accept that none of us are perfect!
SO! Tell us about your most embarrassing moment!

Monday, July 21, 2008

BWC 15: "The Kid" Speaks to Me

First of all, I would like to recognize:
Amanda for her gorgeous submission of "All American Girl" for the Stars and Stripes Forevahhhhhhh BWC and Melissa for her submission of "1 Small Step" which was her delayed entry for Write on your photos.

We've all seen the "What I would tell this girl" layouts where our older self tells the younger self a few life lessons and such. This week we are to switch.

I recently watched the movie "The Kid" starring Bruce Willis (you know, the guy from Moonlighting). In the movie he runs into his eight year old self. The eight year old reminds me of what he forgot and helps bring him to terms with a time of his life he would rather forget. The eight year old self is shocked to find out that when he grows up he is not married, is not a pilot and is not the proud owner of Chester "the worlds greatest dog". Bruce Willis did not grow up to be anything like what he had envisioned as a child. The two work together to change Brucey-Boy's future. So....

What would your child self say to you?

Sunday, July 20, 2008

QOW: July 20th

What's the first thing you notice about a man/woman in the sense of attraction? Ultimately, what's that first PHYSICAL feature that just gets you all hot and bothered?

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

QueZZtion of the Week- July 14

Ok I'm a little late adding this due to my CRS (can't remember sh*t) but here it is. What is your favorite quote? What about this quote makes it your fave?

Saturday, July 12, 2008

2nd Quarter Winner

The Winner is:
Janet...checked in every week, met submission requirements and critiqued 98% of what was available to her

Others that were in the running are:
Lisa & Brenda & Christy!

*Sharon was not eligible due to she won 1st Quarter
*Pledges are not eligible

June 2008 Trakking-NOT delayed! Ha!

Please note that MOST folkzz did critique everything, just not in the 10 window. Keep in mind there were vacations etc........So ladiezz, here goes:

Sharon:
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions: 4
Critiques: 34/35

Christy
Check-Ins: 3/4
Submissions: 2
Critiques: 27/34

NJ Mel
Check-Ins: 0/4
Submissions: 0
Critiques: 0/35

Brenda
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions: 5
Critiques: 34/43

Tiffany
Check-Ins: 1/4
Submissions: 0
Critiques: 23/33

Nitza
Check-Ins: 0/4
Submissions: 0
Critiques: 0/35

Wendy
Check-Ins: 1/4
Submissions: 1
Critiques: 0/35

Lisa'
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions: 7
Critiques: 16/30

Queen Mel
Check-Ins: 0/4
Submissions: 0
Critiques: 0/35

Janet
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions: 17
Critiques: 33/33

Amanda
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions: 4
Critiques: 6/31

Jesse
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions: 3
Critiques: 29/36

Vanessa (Pledge)
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions: 5
Critiques: 0/30

Marsha: (Pledge)
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions: 3
Critiques: 11/32

Deanna (Pledge)
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Critiques: 14/33

May Trakking-Delayed

Sharon:
Check-Ins: 5/5
Submissions: 12
Critiques: 17/18

Christy:
Check-Ins: 3/5
Submissions: 2
Critiques: 19/19

NJ Mel
Check-Ins: 0/5
Submissions: 0
Critiques: 0/18

Brenda:
Check-Ins: 5/5
Submissions: 1
Critiques: 17/21

Tiffany
Check-Ins: 1/5
Submissions: 0
Critiques: 0/18

Nitza
Check-Ins: 1/5
Submissions: 0
Critiques: 0/18

Wendy
Check-Ins: 4/5
Submissions: 0
Critiques: 16/20

Lisa
Check-Ins: 5/5
Submissions: 6
Critiques: 12/15

Queen Mel
Check-Ins: 0/5
Submissions: 0
Critiques: 0/18

Janet
Check-Ins: 5/5
Submissions: 2
Critiques: 21/21

Amanda
Check-Ins: 5/5
Submissions: 1
Critiques: 11/18

Jesse
Check-Ins: 5/5
Submissions: 1
Critiques: 17/20

Vanessa (Pledge)
Check-Ins: 1/5
Submissions: 0
Critiques: 0/18

Marsha (Pledge. Came in at end of month)
Check-Ins: 2/2
Submissions: 4
Critiques: 1/10

Deanna (Pledge. Came in at end of month)
Check-Ins: 1/1
Submissions: 1
Critiques: 3/7

How Trakking is Being Done-UPDATED!!

I love being the trakker, as I am a nerd and like this sort of thing. So galzz, here's what's up the trakking. Thanks to a wonderful teachers book I bought (and still have my old binder) I will be trakking:

1. Submissions : When you post something for critique, it gets logged in my system

2. Weekly Check-Ins: Simply trakking the weekly check-ins. They will be logged in the month that the week ends.

3. Critiques: I am trakking critiques on each project. This information will vary when it is posted. If a project is put in the thread at the end of this month, you'll still have some time in March to critique. I am following the 7 to 10 day rule from the group guidelines. . I will post how many done/how many possible. The second number varies per person because they do not critique their own stuff. Also, there are a few "exceptions" in this. For example: Lisa posted 10 layouts at once and asked for two to be critiqued. If you only critiqued two, you get credit for those, but will NOT be logged as not completing some as she only asked for two. BUT if you critiqued all of them, you will get that credit for those as you did take the time to do it. If I post that you did not critique everything, you are more than welcome to PM me to find out what project it was. I may have missed your name when going through the comments and please let me know if that happened.

4. Tie Breaker Info . I am no longer trakking BWC. I will also not be trakking the QOW that has gone away. If there is a tie, your names go in a hat. I have been informed the QOW is coming back, but I don't think I'll track it. I kept messing up and didn't credit pledges since they have to post in the thread (and when I'm reading the posts, I'm not trakking). Make Sense? So for now I'm going with the hat method.


I will be upholding Sharon's rule of no wins two quarters in a row. For those of you who don't know, Sharon won for the first quarter. Janet won second quarter, which was previously announced by Sharon.

I will be posting trakking info under the trakking Section of our group blog. Please let me know if that causes an issue for you. If anyone has any question on any of this, please feel free to shoot me a pm.


**If you would like to question/debate/change my methods, please do the following:
1. Tell me to get my list of ten that I am allowed so I can prove to hubby that the following is ok
2. Send Ron Wood, Sam Elliot or John Travolta to my front door and have them let me know that you sent them and they are mine for the weekend. Do not worry about the other 7...they will do you no good as they have never been put on the list.
3. After the above have been completed, you may very well be my bestest friend.

Friday, July 11, 2008

April Trakking Results-Very Delayed

Here is the April Trakking. Please note that I have not trakked members who are not with the group anymore, so you don't get credit or dinged for critques on their work.


Sharon
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Critiques: 14/15

Christy
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions: 4
Critiques: 11/13

NJ Mel
Check-Ins: 1/4
Submissions: 2
Critiques: 0/17

Brenda
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions: 1
Critiques: 15/17

Tiffany
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions: 1
Critiques: 0/16

Nitza
Check-Ins: 3/4
Submissions: 0/17
Critiques: 0/17

Wendy
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Critiques: 11/15

LIsa
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Critiques: 15/15

Queen Mel
Check-Ins: 2/4
Submissions: 0
Critiques: 0/17

Janet
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Critiques: 14/15

Amanda
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions: 1
Critiques: 12/16

Jesse
Check-Ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Critiques: 12/15

Vanessa
Check-Ins: 0/4
Submissions: 0
Critiques: 0/17

Monday, July 7, 2008

BWC #14: Stars and Stripes Forevahhhhhhh

Hey, my peepzz!

Let's recognize the fabulous participants of the last challenge, as well as those that responded to older challenges. (I'm so jealous!)

Jesse's "I Love You" responds to the Sketch challenge


Brenda's "Luxury Suhweet" responds to the Cardstock, Cardstock, Cardstock and Write On Your Photos challenges.


Brenda's "We Make a Great Team" responds to the Stashoffont challenge.


Sharon's "i'm NEW here" responds to the Lift Away! challenge.

(Thank you to Sharon for helping me out here!) If I missed anyone please private message me and I will add you right in!

Now it is time for this bi-weekly challenge.

In honor of America's Independence Day (yeah, I know it is 3 days late), I challenge you to a multi-leveled challenge. If you complete any level of the challenge, it counts. If you complete all levels of the challenge, you get a RAK from me. :D

Stars & Stripes Level 1: Create a layout of any size and incorporate either stars OR stripes somewhere on the layout.

Stars & Stripes Level 2: Create a layout of any size and incorporate stars AND stripes somewhere on the layout.

Stars & Stripes Level 3: Meet level 2 criteria and use red, white, and blue as your color theme.

Stars & Stripes Level 4: Meet level 3 criteria and include in your journaling at least one of these words: independence, freedom, country, flag, or fireworks.

Stars & Stripes Level 5: Meet level 4 criteria and include either a picture of a flag OR fireworks somewhere on the layout.

Stars & Stripes Level 6: Meet level 4 criteria and include a picture of a flag AND fireworks somewhere on the layout.

There you go. Pick your level and have fun!

Sunday, June 22, 2008

BWC #13 - June 22: LIFT away!

First off, KUDOS to our SH gals who have completed recent biweekly challenges:

Kitty: www.scrapbook.com/gallery/image/layout/1533135.html - Write on your photos challenge AND
www.scrapbook.com/gallery/image/layout/1516483.html - No photos challenge

Lisa: www.scrapbook.com/gallery/image/layout/1510003.html - Take the Inchie Challenge

Sharon: www.scrapbook.com/gallery/image/layout/1536299.html - Sketch challenge



Secondly, I love to gain inspiration from everyone in the gallery and particularly my online friends. For this BWC, pick a layout of someone IN this critique group and LIFT their page or style this time around. Use anything for inspiration - a color, a style, a photo, etc... just don't forget to share with us who (and/or what) you gained inspiration from!

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Question of the Week - June 15

Honoring Father's Day, what is ONE good memory you have of your father (or any other dad-like figure in your life) that sticks out in your mind? Share whatever you are comfortable sharing... it doesn't have to be your favorite memory ever but rather one thing that first comes to your mind.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

May 2008 TRAKking

Please note that RedMelizza's BWC & Christy's QOW are under this post - check 'em out!

So I’ve done tRAKking for May during Queen Mel’s (hopefully temporary) hiatus from the group.

As you vets know, this is a record of member participation re: our 3 guidelines (checking in weekly, submitting at least 2 works a month & critiquing the LO thread).

The bottom number of the “Critiques Done” is the max you could leave, the top number is what you left with the 10 day suggested guideline (as Queen Mel has explained before). The bottom number will vary per person because we don’t critique are own work AND because in some instances people got credit for critiquing more than requested (as with Lisa’s event LOs & my mini book). The Newbiezz were tRAKked only for the time since they joined.

I also didn’t bother putting explanations for the absent members…just know they’re away & that I hope they reappear soon because we miss them & their participation!

I didn't tRAK optional stuff like BWC & QOW responses, the way Queen Mel used to (for tiebreaking purposes) but I may do it for June because it's fun to know, perhaps working w/ a 10 day guideline for the QOW too (though I DO hope Queen Mel returns before June is up, I sent her a note by regular mail recently...)

Please PM me with any questions/comments.

1. blushpea = Sharon
Weeks Checked In (of 4): 4
Submissions made to Critique Thread: 11
Critiques Done: 19/21

2. cmeinstlouis = Christy
Weeks Checked In (of 4): 3
Submissions made to Critique Thread: 2
Critiques Done: 16/18

3. Fiery Redhead = Melissa
Weeks Checked In (of 4): 0
Submissions made to Critique Thread: 0
Critiques Done: 0/20

4. twinscrapbee = Brenda
Weeks Checked In (of 4): 4
Submissions made to Critique Thread: 1
Critiques Done: 18/23

5. whenscraphappenzz = Tiffany
Weeks Checked In (of 4): 0
Submissions made to Critique Thread: 0
Critiques Done: 0/20

6. ~Alma Scrapera~ = Nitza
Weeks Checked In (of 4): 0
Submissions made to Critique Thread: 0
Critiques Done: 0/20

7. WendyGirl = Wendy
Weeks Checked In (of 4): 3
Submissions made to Critique Thread: 0
Critiques Done: 25/26

8. Gelidy Gelato = Lisa
Weeks Checked In (of 4): 4
Submissions made to Critique Thread: 6
Critiques Done: 19/20

9. Eat Sleep Scrap = Melissa
Weeks Checked In (of 4): 0
Submissions made to Critique Thread: 0
Critiques Done: 0/20

10.Janet28rn = Janet
Weeks Checked In (of 4): 4
Submissions made to Critique Thread: 2
Critiques Done: 23/23

11. Vanessajd2285 = Vanessa
Weeks Checked In (of 4): 1
Submissions made to Critique Thread: 0
Critiques Done: 0/20

12. Scrappychicdesigns = Nicole
Weeks Checked In (of 3): 3
Submissions made to Critique Thread: 2
Critiques Done: 0/6

13. Scrappin Kitty = Amanda
Weeks Checked In (of 4): 4
Submissions made to Critique Thread: 1
Critiques Done: 14/20

14. *jesse* = Jesse
Weeks Checked In (of 4): 4
Submissions made to Critique Thread: 1
Critiques Done: 21/24

15. mars4554 = Marsha
Weeks Checked In (of 2): 2
Submissions made to Critique Thread: 5
Critiques Done: 1/9

16. DeAnna Johnson = DeAnna
Weeks Checked In (of 1): 1
Submissions made to Critique Thread: 1
Critiques Done: 2/7

Also, since I did interim tRAKking for March & April, I figure I can go ahead & do the 3 month RAK to the person who met all the guidelines 100% for all 3 months. Only one person did – JANET! Congrats Janet, you’ll be getting a RAK from me (but gimme a couple weeks, I still gots to do June bdays…)

I’m making a new rule that no one can get the 3 month RAK twice in a row, to be fair to others. There were TWO other wonderful members who had met the guidelines for March & April, & were close to doing 100% of May…

Thanks to you all for another great month bustling w/ scraftivity!
Sharon

Monday, June 9, 2008

Quezztion of the week June 8th, 2008

Ok, sorry, a bit late on this one.....

My question:

If you could go anywhere, where would you go and with whom?

Get as creative as you want!

Saturday, June 7, 2008

BWC #12 Sketch Challenge

I'm a day early, but I leave for vacation tomorrow so I wanted to make sure I got to post the challenge on time. First, here are the responses to the "write on your photos" challenge":

WTC by Blushpea
a day in may by mars4554
awake or asleep by mars 4554

Now for this weeks challenge... I was looking at sketches and thought that we hadn't done that many sketch challenges. So this weeks challenge will be to do a LO based on this sketch:



Can't wait to see what everyone comes up with.

Sunday, May 25, 2008

QueZZtion of the Week - May 25, 2008

Memorial Day is the traditional "start of summer" for most of us. What do your summer plans consist of for this year?

BWC #11: Write on your photos.

Christy's Dove chocolate inspired Yum Yum challenge has our members eating more chocolates than scrapping about them! Until we've all had our fill, please chew on my response to BWC#7, which was actually inspired by Christy's challenge:

For this BWC, I did some research and checked out all of our current members' galleries, and the los we've uploaded since January. With the exception of Wendy's Masterpiece lo, I noted one technique we have yet to try--scraft a piece that incorporates writing and/or doodling on your photos. Use the negative space on a photo to handwrite your journaling. Cover up an unsightly image or background with some of your own doodling.

This idea appears as Challenge #9 in Elsie Flanigan's book 52 Scrapbooking Challenges. Here are some examples from her blog:

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

QueZZtion of the Week 05/18/08

OK nobody answered my last QOW, no biggie, so lemme give ya an easy one this time:

Describe what you are wearing RIGHT NOW! Provide descriptions/history, if any, of the stuff you're wearing.

Easy breezy, eh?!

Sunday, May 11, 2008

BWC #10 Yum Yum

First let me thank Brenda for the inspiring Inchie challenge! Definately a cool, fun challenge.

Both Brenda (Twinscrapperbee)
and Sharon (Blushpea)

answered this challenge!
Ok ladies. I do believe that most, if not all of us are chocolate lovers. I adore Dove chocolate!
For those of you who also love those little bite size portions of pure heaven, you know that inside the wrappers there are little phrases like:

"Smile before bed, you'll sleep better"
"Make your eyes twinkle"
"Laugh uncontrollably...it clears the mind"
"Smile, people will wonder what you're up to"
"Smile at yourself in the mirror"

Use a Dove phrase in a LO. If in fact you love chocolate then I suggest you grab a bag of these bite size morsels yourself and find a phrase you would like to use. If you dont like chocolate or dont want to ruin a diet (everyone needs a splurge now & then though) then use one of the phrases I listed above. If you dont like any of the phrases above, let me know, I need a reason to go get another bag and I'll find more suggestions for you! hehehe, Thats how I sacrafice for my girlzz!

QueZZtion of the Week, 05/11/08

OK I'm up next since I couldn't wait to share my Led Zeppelin fantasy in my last QOW responses, LOL...

What would you say you cared the most about exactly a year ago, and how does it compare/contrast to what you care about these days?

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Interim TRAKking for March & April '08

I posted this in our main chat thread but wanted to post it here for easy finding/reference. NOTE: DON'T FORGET: BRENDA'S INCHIE BWC & JESSE QOW ARE RIGHT UNDER THIS POST! So don't let this big ol' blog entry of mine distract from them, check 'em out!!

SO I've been doing some interim tRAKking for March/April & it's been a great resource for me to note participation. Mind you, it doesn't hold a candle to QueenMel's precise, detailed & helpful tRAKking (not to mention her ultra-cool tRAKking of optional BWC & QOW responses) but since she's on hiatus (temporarily, I hope) this is just a snapshot that's been tiding me over, so maybe you'd benefit from seeing it to. Before I post this, a note to our beloved QueenMel: I hope you realize I am NOT trying to step on your toes by doing this, I was only doing this for my own benefit & thought I'd share. I miss you terribly (not just your tRAKking, YOU!). Please let us know you're OK when/if you can.

OK some explanations - well, as you all know, there are 3 guidelines to being in this group - posting 2 scrafty projects a month (hey we're a critique group, we gotta have stuff to critique!), critiquing others' works & checking in weekly. I didn't track everyone's critiques of works but chose a random one from late March (my "Egg's Nest/B&B" LO posted on 3/31, smackdab in the middle of the March/April period), as everyone gets 7-10 days to critique a LO & that gives people an ample grace period to do so. For myself, I used Christy's Christmas 2007 LO, posted 4/5. Not very scientific but since I didn't track LO critiques from inception the way QueenMel did, that was the best I could do. AND I didn't track weekly posts, I only posted everyone last post if it was in April, & then spelled out May (because that's technically outside of the tRAKed period of March/April, but shows you are super up-to-date on posts)!

That'll do until QueenMel's return... I hope we don't have to deal w/ this but if she doesn't return, we'll revisit the RAK part of the tRAKking. I just can't deal w/ that right now but want to add some incentive eventually if... Also, Jess is included on this, because she was a member during March/April (& because I'm in a bit of denial that she's leaving!). OK without further ado...

SHCG Interim Ad hoc TRAKking for March/April 2008

1. blushpea = Sharon
March 2 LO submission – Yes
April 2 LO submission – Yes
Critique of random LO – Yes
Last board post – May

2. X3Jessicalouise = Jessica
March 2 LO submission – No
April 2 LO submission – No
Critique of random LO – No
Last board post – May (leaving group)

3. cmeinstlouis = Christy
March 2 LO submission – No
April 2 LO submission – Yes
Critique of random LO – Yes
Last board post – 4/24/08

4. Fiery Redhead = Melissa
March 2 LO submission – Yes
April 2 LO submission – No
Critique of random LO – No
Last board post – 4/16/08, also does continuous blog updates/work

5. twinscrapbee = Brenda
March 2 LO submission – 1 LO
April 2 LO submission – 1 LO
Critique of random LO – Yes
Last board post – May

6. whenscraphappenzz = Tiffany
Gave group advance notice of schedule conflicts
March 2 LO submission – No
April 2 LO submission – 1 LO
Critique of random LO – No
Last board post – 4/27/08

7. ~Alma Scrapera~ = Nitza
March 2 LO submission – 1 LO (informed group she’d only have 1 this month)
April 2 LO submission – No
Critique of random LO – No
Last board post – 4/27/08

8. WendyGirl = Wendy
March 2 LO submission – 1 LO
April 2 LO submission – Yes
Critique of random LO – Yes
Last board post – 4/25/08

9. Gelidy Gelato = Lisa
March 2 LO submission – Yes
April 2 LO submission – Yes
Critique of random LO – Yes
Last board post – May

10. Eat Sleep Scrap = Melissa
March 2 LO submission – No
April 2 LO submission – No
Critique of random LO – No
Last board post – 4/6/08

Pledges:
1.Janet28rn = Janet
March 2 LO submission – Yes
April 2 LO submission – Yes
Critique of random LO – Yes
Last board post – May

2. Vanessajd2285 = Vanessa
March 2 LO submission – Yes
April 2 LO submission – No
Critique of random LO – No
Last board post – 3/25/08
(may be absent due to medical reasons)

3. Scrappychicdesigns = Nicole
March 2 LO submission – 1 LO
April 2 LO submission – No
Critique of random LO – No
Last board post – May (absent from early/mid March through 4/21)

4. Scrappin Kitty = Amanda
March 2 LO submission – 1 LO
April 2 LO submission – 1 LO
Critique of random LO – No (this surprised me because you seem to regularly critique!)
Last board post – May

5. *jesse* = Jesse
March 2 LO submission – Yes
April 2 LO submission – Yes
Critique of random LO – Yes
Last board post – May

Note, I'm not trying to be the Scrap Police! Obviously Real Life takes precedence sometimes. But this group has been through a lot & decided as a group on these participation guidelines to keep the group active & moving forward. The above tRAKking is so you all can note your participation. I hope you find this useful!

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

QueZZtion of the Week, 05/04/08

Posting this for our fabby pledge, Jesse!

You can suddenly be a celebrity... what do you want to be famous for & why? Would you want to be an Oscar-winning actress or start your own scrapbooking line that is highly sought-after? Silly OR serious answers welcome; silly AND serious answers encouraged!

Sounds like a fun one! Have at it, grrlzz!

Monday, May 5, 2008

BWC #9: Inchies!

Before we inch along to the next challenge, don't forget to see how Sharon and I measured up to her own previous challenge.





Inchies are 1"x1" squares that are sort of like ATC offspring. These are totally doable and the possibilities are absolutely endless. My idea to help get the creative wheels turning again is to challenge you to create an inchie (or a few) inspired by one of your los or scrafty projects. Do you still have scraps from one of your pieces, poor quality photo prints, old stickers, leftover alphas, or unused packs of embellies? Use them on an inchie. Share your mini-masterpieces. Beware, the inch-worm can be contagious!

Monday, April 28, 2008

QueZZtion of the Week, 04/28/08

I'm posting this on behalf of the excellent, quick-draw Amanda, who answered the last one first in the body of our main thread:

How do you store your
- PP
- CS
- Embellies
- Ribbon
- Tools

or any other sb organisational tips that work for you?

Monday, April 21, 2008

Queztion of the week 4/20/08

I'm a day late, sorry gals!

Now I know all of you are darned near perfect, BUT:

Name one, non physical item you would change about yourself. I'm not talking plastic surgery here, I'm talking self improvement. If you are perfect, tell us why you think you are!

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Eliminating dust and scratches on photos in Photoshop

Photoshop has a neat filter that will eliminate most dust and scratches. The Dust and Scratches filter looks for spots that differ from their surroundings in color or brightness then blurs the surrounding color into the spots to eliminate them.
  • In Photoshop open your image and create a duplicate layer.
  • Working on the duplicate layer, choose Filter > Noise > Dust & Scratches. A Dust & Scratches pop-up window will appear.
  • Use the radius slider to control how much you blur.
  • Then use the Threshold slider to restore the grain. The Threshold slider fine tunes the blurring to only the very different spots.

To prevent a photo that is just too blurry there may be some large spots left after applying the filter. These can be corrected using other methods. And there may be spots blurred that you actually want like highlights on jewelry. These can be restored by erasing the blurred area so the original layer below shows through or by cut & pasting the area from the original layer.

The filter is fun to play with. Additional layers can be added of the trouble areas and filtered even more. Sorry this web browser doesn't let me put images that are detailed enough to really show off the dust removal but hopefully you get the idea from these...

Now you see it Now you don't

Monday, April 14, 2008

Quezztion of the Week 4/14/08

After reading Sharon's fabulous bi-weekly challenge, I was inspired to ask all of my scrafty ladiezz this quezztion:

What is your all-time favorite movie? What makes it your favorite? Why would you recommend it to someone?

Frankly Scrafterzz, I DO give a damn, so let's here them...

Sunday, April 13, 2008

BWC #8 - Movie Quotes

Time for another Biweekly Challenge! First off, a nod to recent challenge responses...

BWC #6 - Color Your World
Greg's Mind! - blushpea
Masterpiece - WendyGirl

BWC #7 - Scrap An Event Without Photos
my own private concert - Whenscraphappenzz
my own private concert (hidden journaling) - Whenscraphappenzz

Great work, scrappers! Please check out these terrific pages if you haven't already.

SO... I've always loved those challenges when people are asked to use various titles - of movies, songs, books, etc. Here is my twist on those challenges. Below is the link to The American Film Institute's 100 Top Movie Quotes. This week, I challenge you to scrap a LO that incorporates one of those quotes in your title or journaling.

Please note that adaptation of the quote is allowed, provided that the quote remains recognizable. Some examples of such adaptation - "Suzy, I don't think we're in preschool anymore," "Say hello to my little Wishblade," "May the sunscreen be with you," "Frankly my dear, I don't do meatloaf..." You get the idea!

Here's the link
The American Film Institute's 100 Top Movie Quotes

Look forward to seeing what you all come up with!