BWC# 26 The Animal In Me

Hello SHCG! I am so sorry for the delay on posting this, silly me waited to the last minute and couldn't get in. Thank you Sharon for helping me out, you are awesome!

In response to BWC 24 - Grocery List, All Tied Up:
Sharon's "Rice Terraces: A Feast for the Senses" (left and right sides). Awesome job Sharon!

I decide to deviate a bit from the Holiday theme as we will all be scrapping that soon enough.

Here is our challenge: The Animal In Me

1.Locate one photo of YOU that reminds you of an animal ( e.g. hair is all poofed out so you look like a lion, personally I don't have one like this).

2. Add dimension/texture somehow, with pop-up dots, feathers, layers of animal PP.

3. Use embellies of some kind that symbolize or are the animal that you are.

4. Add a journaling block and describe which animal you are.

This may take some thinking but I think it will be fun to see what the animal in all of us is.

Happy Scrapping!

November '09 TRAKking

Here’s the TRAKking for November ’09. My cut-off date for late critiques this time was 12/12. I gave extra credit for on-time JFS critiques. BWCs & ?OMs are optional but I’m recognizing those who responded for fun! Please let me know if you have any questions. :)

Sharon (Blushpea)
Check-ins: 4/4

Submissions: 5 for critique, 1 JFS

Total # of layouts to critique: 18

Critiques within 10 day window: 30

BWC responses: 1

?OM responses: 1

Brenda (Twinscrapbee)

Check-ins: 4/4

Submissions: 0

Total # of layouts to critique: 23

Critiques within 10 day window: 36

Lisa (Gelidy Gelato)

Check-ins: 4/4

Submissions: 2

Total # of layouts to critique: 21

Critiques within 10 day window: 0

Critiques after 10 day window: 14

Jesse (*Jesse*)

Check-ins: 3/4

Submissions: 3

Total # of layouts to critique: 20

Critiques within 10 day window: 12

Critiques after 10 day window: 8

Marlene (MaRLeNeF)

Check-ins: 4/4

Submissions: 1

Total # of layouts to critique: 22

Critiques within 10 day window: 10

Critiques after 10 day window: 13

BWC responses: 1

Chris (CMLeach)

Check-ins: 4/4

Submissions: 2

Total # of layouts to critique: 21

Critiques within 10 day window: 24

Brian (fuchsboi)

Check-ins: 0/4

Submissions: 2

Total # of layouts to critique: 21

Critiques within 10 day window: 0

Denitza(Denitza)

Check-ins: 4/4

Submissions: 0

Total # of layouts to critique: 23

Critiques within 10 day window: 32

?OM responses: 1

Michelle (Chell Ray)

Check-ins: 4/4

Submissions: 3

Total # of layouts to critique: 20

Critiques within 10 day window: 12

Critiques after 10 day window: 6

Amanda (lifeinthefastlane)

Check-ins: 4/4

Submissions: 3 for critique, 12 JFS

Total # of layouts to critique: 20

Critiques within 10 day window: 15

Critiques after 10 day window: 3

Margaret (Scrappinmomto2girls)

Check-ins: 2/4

Submissions: 0

Total # of layouts to critique: 23

Critiques within 10 day window: 1

Wendy (WendyGirl)

Check-ins: 3/4

Submissions: 2

Total # of layouts to critique: 21

Critiques within 10 day window: 5

Critiques after 10 day window: 9

Taysha (Scrapping Diva)

Check-ins: 4/4

Submissions: 0

Total # of layouts to critique: 23

Critiques within 10 day window: 21

Critiques after 10 day window: 3

BWC #25 Advent Calendar

Sharon managed to find her way into Starvation Creek while taking on Denitza's BWC #23 Page Maps Challenge.

Starvation Creek (SHCG Page Maps Challenge)
by Blushpea
Scrapbook.com

Everyone, but Sharon, are all still tied up making their lists for her BWC #24 Grocery List, All Tied Up challenge, while I'm checking mine twice. Let's see what Sharon's checked off her list now that she's tied up her loose ends:

Rice Terraces: A Feast for the Senses (left side) - SHCG "Grocery List: All Tied Up" Challenge
by Blushpea
Scrapbook.com

Rice Terraces: A Feast for the Senses (right side) - SHCG "Grocery List: All Tied Up" Challenge
by Blushpea
Scrapbook.com

In the meantime, the lists (and the challenges) go on. The inspiration for this challenge comes from the myriads of advent calendar variations that have been inspired by the Advent calendar.

Scraft your ?OM Holiday Top 25 response. This may come in the form of a layout, actual calendar, album--any way the Holiday spirit fills you.

In keeping with the advent theme, your work must include all 25 numbers and submitted by December 25.*

TRAKkers: Extra points for memberzz who reveal pieces behind "windows", but not required.

*Special note: The due date for this challenge occurs after the final BWC of the year on December 20, which will be posted by Michelle.

?OM Holiday Top 25

What's in your Holiday Top 25? This can be a list of songs, movies, books, gifts (given and/or received), food and drinks, symbols, events, memories, or a combination of all of these AS LONG AS they are centered around the Holidays and winter. On the flipside, this list can also be a Holiday Worst 25.

Please title your post, then rank and list your entries beginning with #25 and ending with #1 as your favorite entry.

Here's a sample ready-made list from Moviefone that you can cut and paste into your own post:

Best Christmas Movies: Top 25 of All Time*
25. The Polar Express (2004)
24. We're No Angels (1955)
23. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
22. Joyeux Noel (2006)
21. Gremlins (1984)
20. The Santa Clause (1994)
19. Bad Santa (2003)
18. The Dead (1987)
17. The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
16. Die Hard (1988)
15. Love Actually (2003)
14. The Bishop's Wife (1947)
13. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
12. Holiday Inn (1942)
11. A Christmas Carol (1951)
10. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
9. Babes in Toyland (1934)
8. Home Alone (1990)
7. Christmas in Connecticut (1942)
6. Elf (2003)
5. White Christmas (1954)
4. Scrooged (1988)
3. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
2. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
1. A Christmas Story (1983)

(*My apologies in advance; the selections do not include a varied representation of ethnic groups.)

Alternative Response: Picture of the Day participants may want to submit a typed list of their photo subjects for each day, numbered from 1-25.

BWC #24 - Grocery List, All Tied Up

Hiya SHCG! I'm taking my turn early since our dear Wendy must still be healing (feel better, Wendy). First, let's whoop it up for Marlene's response to BWC 23, Page Maps, thanks Marlene! Check it out if you haven't already.

Me at 40
by MaRLeNeF
Scrapbook.com

I've been looking forward to hostessing a multi-layered challenge, it's been a while since we had one. So I bring you Grocery List, All Tied Up. I challenge you all to create a LO that has the following ingredients:

1) Grocery - Must include a reference to FOOD or EATING. It can be literal ("Grandma's Pumpkin Pie," "Our Fave Italian Eatery") or figurative ("He is the APPLE of my eye,” “TASTY Days of Summer”);

2) List - Must have a list of some sort. You can list things like in a recipe ("Take one frazzled girl, add one tropical destination..."), you can do strip journaling or you can
lay your journaling
out in a column
all list-like
like
this...
whatever "list" means to you, anything goes; AND

3) Tie It Up - Use ribbon/fiber in any way you wish. Paper ribbons are acceptable.

The "List" & "Tie It Up" components were inspired by challenges #1 & 3 ("Work Those Words" & "Ribbon Border") from Elsie Flannigan's "53 Scrapbooking Challenges," which Brenda gave me a while ago- thanks, girlfriend! The "Grocery"/food components was mine... perhaps I was hungry when I thought of this, LOL.

Hope you have fun w/ this & look forward to seeing what y'all can come up with! :)

Secret Santa Swap '09

Scrap Happenzz Secret Santa Swap '09

Who(does it): Any Current Active Member interested (sorry, pledgeZZ, next year, k?)

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): Parcel Post must be shipped by December 12th. Priority or Express must be shipped by December 17th UNLESS a person's travel plans dictate later.

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, Sharon, by 12:00AM EST Thursday 11/26, Thanksgiving (as in late night Wednesday 11/25). Send me your mailing & email addresses. I will assign Secret Santazz shortly thereafter. Santa names to be randomly picked. Re: shipping, please let me know if you have any travel plans to maneuver around (i.e. "don't mail until after Xmas, we'll be out of town) or any shipping preferences (i.e. "send UPS but not Fedex to my address"). And PLEASE, update your own wishlists in the meantime, so your Santa can be in the know 'bout the stuff you're cravin!

October 2009 TraKKing :)

Posting this here for Marlene:

Sharon (Blushpea)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 22
Critiques within 10 day window: 20
QOM responses: 1
BWC responses: 1

Brenda (Twinscrapbee)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 22
Critiques within 10 day window: 21
Critiques after 10 day window: 1

Lisa (Gelidygelato)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 22
Critiques after 10 day window: 20

Jesse (*Jesse*)
Check-ins: 3/4
Submissions: 1
Total # of layouts to critique: 22
Critiques within 10 day window: 16
Critiques after 10 day window: 5

Marlene (Marlenef)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 1
Total # of layouts to critique: 22
Critiques within 10 day window: 15
Critiques after 10 day window: 6

Chris (Cmleach)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 22
Critiques within 10 day window: 20

Brian (Fuchsboi)
Check-ins: 2/4
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 22
Critiques within 10 day window: 0
Critiques after 10 day window: 0

Twinstars (Jen)
Check-ins: 2/4
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 22
Critiques within 10 day window: 5

Denitza (Denitza)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 22
Critiques within 10 day window: 20
QOM responses: 1
BWC responses: 2

Wendygirl (Wendy)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 22
Critiques within 10 day window: 17
Critiques after 10 day window: 3

Chell Rae (Michelle)
Check-ins: 2/4
Submissions: 4
Total # of layouts to critique: 22
Critiques within 10 day window: 13
Critiques after 10 day window: 4

Scrappinmomto2girls (Margaret)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 22
Critiques within 10 day window: 14
Critiques after 10 day window: 4

Lifeinthefastlane (Amanda)
Check-ins: 3/4
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 22
Critiques after 10 day window: 6

Scrappindiva (Taysha)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 22
Critiques within 10 day window: 9
Critiques after 10 day window: 7

Any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask me

?OM Thanksgiving Disasters

Let's give thanks to Lisa for her ?OM idea. Fall, family, fireplace, feast, fun--phooey! Time to dish the dirty details. What is the most disastrous Thanksgiving you've had? Serve it up!

MTB Calendar: 2009 Urban Cyclocross

MTB Calendar: 2009 Urban Cyclocross

Posted using ShareThis

BWC # 23 " Page Maps"

BWC # 23 "Page Maps"

We all know about "Page Maps", but do we try to used them as much as we can?!? Well, I know I'm not. The sketches can be a great help to people, like me, that have lost the scraft mojo, or just to give people some different ideas. For this BWC I dare you to use a sketch form the Page Maps site-pick one, and use it to create a lo , a card, a tag, an ATC...
Here is the link to November Page Maps
The due date for this BWC will be November 22nd. Have fun and I can't wait to see all your creations!

Here are the responses to BWC #22-Halloween LO without Halloween Themed Supplies:

1. Sharon-

Ghosts of Halloweens Past (left side) - SHCG "Halloween LO Without Halloween-Themed Supplies" Challenge By Blushpea

Ghosts of Halloweens Past (right side) - SHCG "Halloween LO Without Halloween-Themed Supplies" Challenge By Blushpea

If you haven't checked her great lo, make sure you do that right now!

BWC #22 - Halloween!!

It looks as though everyone is still working on Brian's BWC #21, Scaredy Scrapping, so we'll catch those on the next challenge (please correct me if I'm wrong - I didn't find any submissions for this in the critique thread, but let me know if I missed one!)

Your new challenge:

BWC #22 - Halloween Challenge
With Halloween coming up this week, I'm sure everyone will have lots of fun pictures!! Your challenge is to create a Halloween-related layout without using any purchased/pre-made Halloween-themed products. This can be a completely non-traditional Halloween layout, or a more traditional layout using hand-made embellishments, or whatever else you come up with - but you are not allowed to use anything Halloween-y that you've purchased (this includes rubber/clear stamps!)

September '09 TRAKking

Here’s the TRAKking for September ’09 (Marlene & I alternate tRAKking duties).

NewbieZZ – We tRAK participation based on our group guidelines (see 1st post of this thread) & award a RAK at the end of each quarter to the person who participated the most (if there’s a tie or if it’s close, we do a random drawing of those closest). PledgeZZ plus the last RAK-winner aren’t eligible to win the RAK.

The total # of LOs to critique varies per person. For example, if there are 10 total LOs posted by the group, but I posted 2 of them, then my total number to critique would be 8. My cutoff date for late critiques was 10/13. I also tRAKked BWC & ?OM responses, which are OPTIONAL.

Note that Marlene & I do tRAKking similarly but there are slight differences because it’s so involved & we go w/ what works for us; this is NOT a complaint, we both enjoy doing this! But thought I’d put it out there in case anyone’s wondering why that’s so.

Please let me know if you have any queZZtions!

Sharon (Blushpea)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 18
Critiques within 10 day window: 18
BWC responses: 1
?OM responses: 2

Brenda (Twinscrapbee)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 20
Critiques within 10 day window: 20

Lisa (Gelidy Gelato)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 4
Total # of layouts to critique: 16
Critiques within 10 day window: 1
Critiques after 10 days: 15
?OM responses: 1

Jesse (*Jesse*)
Check-ins: 2/4
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 20
Critiques within 10 day window: 5
Critiques after 10 days: 12

Marlene (MaRLeNeF)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 1
Total # of layouts to critique: 19
Critiques within 10 day window: 10
Critiques after 10 days: 4
BWC responses: 1

Chris (CMLeach)
Check-ins: 3/4
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 20
Critiques within 10 day window: 19

Brian (fuchsboi)
Check-ins: 1/4
Submissions: 1
Total # of layouts to critique: 19
Critiques within 10 day window: 0

Jen (twinstars)
Check-ins: 3/4
Submissions: 1
Total # of layouts to critique: 19
Critiques within 10 day window: 0
?OM responses: 2

Denitza (denitza)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 18
Critiques within 10 day window: 18

Becky (Becky Scraps)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 18
Critiques within 10 day window: 12

Michelle (Chell Ray)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 5
Total # of layouts to critique: 15
Critiques within 10 day window: 3
Critiques after 10 days: 11

Amanda (lifeinthefastlane)
Check-ins: 2/4
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 20
Critiques within 10 day window: 0

Margaret (scrappinmomto2girls)
Check-ins: 3/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 18
Critiques within 10 day window: 13
Critiques after 10 days: 2

It was a very close race for the July–September RAK… none of the RAK-eligible memberzz participated 100% “perfectly” but there was super-participation from Brenda, Lisa & Chris– yes, despite a month of not submitting, &/or late critiques here & there, you 3 consistently participated fully enough – checking in regularly, critiquing all or almost all LOs, posting works – that I needed a random drawing to settle things. It was just too difficult to compare what you all did (e.g. trying to compare all-on-time critiques & no submissions, vs. submissions but all late critiques, stuff like that) so I drew names from the 3 of ya. And the winner for our 3rd quarter SHCG RAK is....... CHRIS! Chris, please be on the lookout for your RAK. Congrats!!

Things that go bump in the night ?OM

Thanks to Brian's newest BWC for inspiring this ?OM. In turn, may this inspire you to add to your journaling for Brian's BWC.

In the past we've had quezztions prompting our memberzz to share fears and phobias, or scary movies and spooky stories, but what about the bone-chilling sounds associated with these? We can probably all agree that the sound effects that accompany these experiences heighten our emotional response. For example, the guttural sound that the vengeful spirit produces in the horror flick "The Grudge" forever traumatized me. (Click on link with caution for full effect.) What sound sends chills up your spine? Link it... if you dare!


P.S. I tried to add an image, but I scared myself so badly I decided to publish this post without it.

BWC #21 - Scaredy Scrapping

First, thanks to Denitza & Sharon for their responses to the Doodle challenge... and Denitza also caught up with the ATC LO. Thanks again.

BWC #21:

In the spirit of the season, it's time for something a little scary! Scrap something that frightens you. And do it in a color you don't normally work well with. (springboard ideas: phobias, horror movies, sharks, bad dinner parties... whatever makes you ill at ease... appropriate photos may have to take a backseat in this one.)

BWC #20 - Catch-up Biweekly Challenge

Can't believe I didn't post this to the blog yet...

Remember those episodes of sitcoms that just piece together scenes of past episodes? That's this BWC. You get a couple more weeks to work on Chris' excellent doodling challenge (I'll re-post here) OR any of the past challenges EVER.

Chris' Doodling Challenge BWC #19 - Let's get out our markers, pens, colored pencils...whatever doodling material suits you and let's DOODLE a layout! Yes, you heard me right. I want you to doodle EXCLUSIVELY on your layout. No pattern paper, no ribbon, no brads....just a base cardstock, your photo(s) AND you're favorite coloring tools. That's it! Have fun!

CLICK HERE - Link to list of SHCG Past Challenges

?OM

Thizz quezztion comes to you from Margaret (scrappinmomto2girls) who might be feeling guilty about feeling guilty. Do ya feel her? Then feel this:

Do you ever try to justify things you want to buy or do, and then end up talking yourself out of whatever it is?

August 2009 TRAKking

Marlene posted this in the thread so I am posting it here for her....

August 2009 TraKKing

Okay, finally got this done. I want to point a couple of things out, mostly for Sharon for Sept. TraKKing.

1) I included two layouts that were posting in Sept. towards August since they stated it was for August:

Janet's WTTS

Margaret's Starving Artist(nikki)

2) Amanda posted 12 layouts on 8/10. I counted all of those layouts except for the 2 close-ups towards her critiques since this was before our discussion of what is for critique and what is for just sharing. Just thought it would be easier that way.

3) I did not trak any layouts that were just for sharing.

4) I didn't count the Question of the Moment. I can't get on the blog during the day and I had a hard time figuring out who answered on the blog and here since it's so many pages back. I also wanted to get this done and posted, so I didn't take the time to go back and double check.

If anyone has any questions about the trakking, please let me know. Thanks

Sharon (Blushpea)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 4
Total # of layouts to critique: 41
Critiques within 10 day window: 37
QOM responses: 1
BWC responses: 2

Brenda (Twinscrapbee)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 4
Total # of layouts to critique: 41
Critiques within 10 day window: 29
Critiques after 10 day window: 8

Lisa (Gelidygelato)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 41
Critiques within 10 day window: 26
Critiques after 10 day window: 12
QOM responses: 1
BWC responses: 1

Jesse (*Jesse*)
Check-ins: 3/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 41
Critiques within 10 day window: 25
Critiques after 10 day window: 7

Marsha (Mars4554)
Check-ins: 0
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 41
Critiques within 10 day window: 0
Critiques after 10 day window: 0
BWC responses: 0

Marlene (Marlenef)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 41
Critiques within 10 day window: 36
Critiques after 10 day window: 3
BWC responses: 1

Chris (Cmleach)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 41
Critiques within 10 day window: 38

Janet (Janet28rn)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 41
Critiques within 10 day window: 39

Brian (Fuchsboi)
Check-ins: 1/4
Submissions: 1
Total # of layouts to critique: 41
Critiques within 10 day window: 3
Critiques after 10 day window: 8

Twinstars (Jen)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 3
Total # of layouts to critique: 41
Critiques within 10 day window: 23
Critiques after 10 day window: 1

Denitza (Denitza)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 41
Critiques within 10 day window: 34

Becky Scraps (Becky)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 41
Critiques within 10 day window: 33

Chell Rae (Michelle)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 41
Critiques within 10 day window: 8
Critiques after 10 day window: 2

Lifeinthefastlane (Amanda)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 11
Total # of layouts to critique: 41
Critiques within 10 day window: 14

Scrappinmomto2girls (Margaret)
Check-ins: 3/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 41
Critiques within 10 day window: 21
Critiques after 10 day window: 2

BWC #19 - Doodle

There are several previous BWC responses that need recognition before we start.

Response to BWC #16, Mini LO on an ATC:
Sharon's Rosey's Belated Birthday ATC

Response to BWC #18, Make Your Own Stamp:
Marlene's A Gift For You
Lisa's Great Britain Vacation 2006 Day 10 (Chester Wall)
Lisa's Great Britain Vacation 2006 Day 10 (Tea Time, Cheese)

Onto the challenge! Let's get out our markers, pens, colored pencils...whatever doodling material suits you and let's DOODLE a layout! Yes, you heard me right. I want you to doodle EXCLUSIVELY on your layout. No pattern paper, no ribbon, no brads....just a base cardstock, your photo(s) AND you're favorite coloring tools. That's it! Have fun!

Labor Day ?OM

Inspired by Canada, New York City celebrated the first Labor Day in the U.S. in 1882. What was your first paid job?

BWC #18 Make Your Own Stamp Challenge

Don't miss these great responses to BWC #17, Scrap a ?OM

Jesse's Texas - Sharon's Independence Day

SHCG BWC #18 - Make Your Own Stamp Challenge

Working with an eraser from a pencil or block create your own stamp and add the results to a page or card.

This simple square stamp was made from a pencil eraser.


The stamps in this second example were made from a white eraser. Layering a few different ink colors produced surprising realistic bricks.

Please post your ideas on this Scrapbook.com challenge thread. HAVE FUN!!!

?OM: Shoezz

What is your favorite pair of shoes? Share the story behind ones that you own(ed), or simply ones you dream(t) about. Or, if they don't exist, what would your perfect pair look like? If possible, include an image.

July 2009 TRAKking

Here’s the TRAKking for July ’09 (Marlene & I alternate tRAKking duties).

NewbieZZ – We tRAK participation based on our group guidelines (see 1st post of this thread) & award a RAK at the end of each quarter to the person who participated the most (if there’s a tie or if it’s close, we do a random drawing of those closest). PledgeZZ plus the last RAK winner aren’t eligible.

The total # of LOs to critique varies per person. For example, if there are 10 total LOs posted by the group, but I posted 2 of them, then my total number to critique would be 8. My cutoff date for late critiques was 8/22. I didn’t include departed memberzz.

Note that Marlene & I do tRAKking similarly but there are slight differences because it’s so involved & we go w/ what works for us; this is NOT a complaint, we both enjoy doing this! But thought I’d put it out there in case anyone’s wondering why that’s so.

Please let me know if you have any queZZtions!

Sharon (Blushpea)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 13
Critiques within 10 day window: 13
BWC responses: 2
?OM responses: 2

Brenda (Twinscrapbee)
Check-ins: 3/4
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 15
Critiques within 10 day window: 11
Critiques after 10 days: 4

Lisa (Gelidy Gelato)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 13
Critiques within 10 day window: 0
Critiques after 10 days: 13
?OM responses: 1

Jesse (*Jesse*)
Check-ins: 2/4
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 15
Critiques within 10 day window: 7
Critiques after 10 days: 6

Marsha (Mars4554)
Check-ins: 0/4
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 15
Critiques within 10 day window: 0
Critiques after 10 days: 0

Marlene (MaRLeNeF)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 4
Total # of layouts to critique: 11
Critiques within 10 day window: 6
Critiques after 10 days: 5
BWC responses: 3

Chris (CMLeach)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 3
Total # of layouts to critique: 12
Critiques within 10 day window: 12

Brian (fuchsboi)
Check-ins: 1/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 13
Critiques within 10 day window: 2
Critiques after 10 days: 2

Jen (twinstars)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 13
Critiques within 10 day window: 6
Critiques after 10 days: 7
?OM responses: 2

Janet (janet28rn)
Check-ins: 4/4
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 15
Critiques within 10 day window: 14
Critiques after 10 days: 0
Sharon

BWC #17 Scrap A ?OM

First, previous BWC responses:

BWC #15 - Summer, Punches, Savings:
Marlene's Friends

BWC #16 - Mini LO on an ATC:
Marlene's Mini LO on an ATC ("I love these guys")

BWC #13 - 90 Degree Rotation Monochromatic Lift:
Sharon's Friends in Our Hood
Brenda's Black & Chrome

BWC #14 - Complementary Colors:
Brenda's Orange Crush

BWC #10 - Card from a Sketch:
Brenda's Birthday Toast

Now for the new challenge.... since there have been some good, thought provoking questions raised as ?OMs, I challenge you to scrap a ?OM. Here are the list of ?OM that have been asked:

When did you realize you could make it on your own?
What is one state you haven't traveled to that you would like to visit?
What is one thing you plan to do, complete, or accomplish before the "daze' of summer have gone?
And finally, the most recent ?OM regarding style (your strengths, weaknesses, etc.)

Here's my LO for the challenge...

Style ?OM

Now that we've welcomed new memberzz in our group, it's a good time to reacquaint ourselves with our scrafting styles and strengths so that we can continue to help each other improve upon them. To do so, I have a multipart quezztion for every one of us to answer.
1) Share with the group what you consider to be your scrafting strengths.
2) If you feel you tend to fall into a certain style, share that, too. (If you click on a lo in your gallery, then Edit Image, then Style, you'll get a list to consider.)
3) Share your scrafting goals and what aspects of your style you'd like us to focus on when critiquing your work.
4) Include any suggestions you would not consider using.

Here is a sample response I concocted that does not necessarily reflect my own views:
I am a multiphoto scrapper and my pages show a smooth flow from one photo to the next. Most of my pages appear to have clean and simple lines, few embellishments, and little journaling. I'd like more suggestions on how to incorporate more embellishments, patterned paper, and journaling without compromising my clean and simple style and overpowering my photos. I prefer simple embellies and I do not like to use flowers and flourishes.

The more information you include, the better we can help each other. Over time your style may evolve. Please feel free to update accordingly.

BWC #16 Mini Layout on a ATC!!!

Hey SHCG peepz, it's time for a new challenge!!!

Before I give you all the details, let's see our responses to our past challenges:

BWC #11 Happy Holidays by Sharon's "Coney Island" (2 pages)

BWC #14 Complementary Colors by Sharon "Our Last Day" (Portland/San Fran 6/06) (2 pages)

BWC #15 Summer, Punches, Savings by Marlene "Friends" (1 page)

Okay now for the details. Since it's the lazy days of summer I figured I'd come up with a fairly easy challenge for you all. Most of us have been in ATC mode, so your challenge is to scrap a mini layout on a ATC! Easy as that. I have a picture of what I did in the SHCG critique thread if you guys want to check it out.

I can't wait to see what you all come up with!

Hugs, Marlene :)

?OM

With stores already stocking back-to-school and Halloween merchandise, autumn appears to be falling upon us before summer's had its time to shine. What is one thing you plan to do, complete, or accomplish before the "daze' of summer have go-one?

June '09 tRAKking

Here's Marlene's tRAKking for June '09

If you have any questions please let me know, thanks

Sharon (Blushpea)
Check-ins: 5/5
Submissions: 5
Total # of layouts to critique: 17
Critiques within 10 day window: 12
Critiques after 10 day window: 0
Critiques missed: 0
BWQ responses: 1
BWC responses: 1

Brenda (Twinscrapbee)
Check-ins: 4/5
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 17
Critiques within 10 day window: 17
Critiques after 10 day window: 0
Critiques missed: 0
BWQ responses: 0
BWC responses: 0

Lisa (Gelidygelato)
Check-ins: 5/5
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 17
Critiques within 10 day window: 3
Critiques after 10 day window: 9
Critiques missed: 3
BWQ responses: 0
BWC responses: 0

Mel (Queenmel)
Check-ins: 0/5
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 17
Critiques within 10 day window: 0
Critiques after 10 day window: 0
Critiques missed: 17
BWQ responses: 0
BWC responses: 0

Jesse (*Jesse*)
Check-ins: 3/5
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 17
Critiques within 10 day window: 1
Critiques after 10 day window: 16
Critiques missed: 0
BWQ responses: 0
BWC responses: 0

Marsha (Mars4554)
Check-ins: 0/5
Submissions: 1
Total # of layouts to critique: 17
Critiques within 10 day window: 2
Critiques after 10 day window: 0
Critiques missed: 14
BWQ responses: 0
BWC responses: 0

Marlene (Marlenef)
Check-ins: 5/5
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 17
Critiques within 10 day window: 9
Critiques after 10 day window: 8
Critiques missed: 0
BWQ responses: 0
BWC responses: 0

Chris (Cmleach)
Check-ins: 4/5
Submissions: 3
Total # of layouts to critique: 17
Critiques within 10 day window: 13
Critiques after 10 day window: 0
Critiques missed: 1
BWQ responses: 0
BWC responses: 0

Janet (Janet28rn)
Check-ins: 5/5
Submissions: 3
Total # of layouts to critique: 17
Critiques within 10 day window: 14
Critiques after 10 day window: 0
Critiques missed: 0
BWQ responses: 0
BWC responses: 0

Brian (Fuchsboi)
Check-ins: 1/5
Submissions: 1
Total # of layouts to critique: 17
Critiques within 10 day window: 2
Critiques after 10 day window: 1
Critiques missed: 13
BWQ responses: 0
BWC responses: 1

Twinstars (Jen)
Check-ins: 5/5
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 17
Critiques within 10 day window: 15
Critiques after 10 day window: 0
Critiques missed: 0
BWQ responses: 1
BWC responses: 1

And the winner for our 2nd quarter SHCG RAK is.......

JEN

Congrats!

BWC #15 Summer, Punches, Savings

Marlene's response to the last challenge proved to be very "complementary."

SHCG BWC# 14 & HHN#14 Eternal
by MaRLeNeF
Scrapbook.com

Sharon's spread left our bicolored hearts in San Francisco.

Our Last Day (Portland/San Fran 6/06) (left side) - SHCG Complementary Colors Challenge
by Blushpea
Scrapbook.com

Our Last Day (Portland/San Fran 6/06) (right side) - SHCG Complementary Colors Challenge
by Blushpea
Scrapbook.com

Orange you glad my page didn't leave you feeling too blue?

Orange Crush
by Twinscrapbee
Scrapbook.com

Your next challenge is to create a layout with any summer theme that is relevant to you. Dust off your old paper punches and use them in a way you haven't before. For example, layer them for dimension, form a frame around a photo,* punch shapes out of epoxy stickers or fabric,** or any other innovation that comes to mind. Finally, when you upload your lo to your gallery, share at least one money saving tip that you applied while scrafting for this challenge.

(*Please note that border punches are discouraged for making frames unless you describe how you used them in a way that is new to you.

**Ideas were borrowed from a scrap mag.)

?OM

Lots of interstate travel this month among our group. Marlene trekked out to PA and Chris to NC for a weekend, while Sharon flew to TX and Lisa to NY, and Brian's made a trip of TX and OK. Makes me wanna travel, too!

What is one state you haven't traveled to that you would like to visit?

BWC #14 - Complementary Colors

PLEASE PARDON my delay in posting this! The holiday weekend threw me off. First off, shouts out to Jen for her response to BWC #13, Rotated/Monochromatic Lift - fab job, Jen!

BWC #12
by Twinstars
Scrapbook.com

Okay onto the challenge, which I've been formulating for a while but one of Jen's LOs reminded me of it! Complementary colors are colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel (I've also seen them called contrasting colors...). Red/green, orange/blue, purple/yellow & all the various hues of each of those. The effect can be dramatic or subtly interesting depending on the brightness/paleness of the hue you use. Your challenge for the next week & a half is to create a LO/card/project that uses complementary colors.

Here are some color wheels for your reference...


I adore this variation of the common color wheel because it shows various shades of the main colors

Not a traditional wheel but has interesting info on color

Wiki article on complementary color

A color wheel that ties color to music!

Here's a link to Jen's LO that reminded me of this, it uses the same color scheme that I've been planning to use on one of mine (hopefully soon, if I get some time in!).

Lorikeet
by Twinstars
Scrapbook.com

(Jen I didn't ask you beforehand if I could do that, please let me know if you mind my posting your LO...)

Hope you all have fun with this! :o)

Quezztion of the Moment (aka ?OM or QOM)

Prezzenting the revised version of our BW?, also formerly known as the ?OW, the Quezztion of the Moment! Since our group had a split decision on whether or not to keep this feature, I've agreed to maintain a more loosely based version of it. Here's how it workzz: In keeping with our tradition, I'll begin by posting a quezztion on a Sunday and give memberzz two weeks to respond. During those two weeks, anyone can pm me with a request to post the next ?OM. This request can come in one of two forms: 1) Send me the instructions for your quezztion and I will post for you; OR 2) Let me know that you want to post the next quezztion yourself. If there are multiple requests, I will generate a waiting list on a first come first served basis. On the other hand, if I don't get any requests, I will post the next ?OM. Finally, if four ?OMs in a row go unanswered, I think we can all agree that this feature needs to be retired from our group.

Now, onto the good shtuff--the quezztion! Independence Day is just around the corner, but for the younger me, my freedom couldn't come soon enough. When did you realize you could make it on your own?

BWC #13

Great job to Brian and Sharon on the last BWC, Go Green:

Brian's "Beauty"
Sharon's "Mill City Museum" (3 pages)

This week's challenge (for which I didn't have time to make a sample!): Pick a favorite LO from the sb.com gallery (or anywhere you'd like - please just be sure to link to the original with your completed LO!), rotate it 90 degrees and scraplift, using a monochromatic color scheme.

May 2009 TRAKking

Here’s the TRAKking for May ’09. As always, BWCs & QOWs are optional but I’m recognizing those who responded! Please let me know if you have any questions. :)

Sharon (Blushpea)
Check-ins: 4/4

Submissions: 2

Total # of layouts to critique: 19

Critiques within 10 day window: 19

BWC responses: 2 (3 BWCs)

BWQ responses: 2

Christy (Cmeinstlouis)

Check-ins: 0/4

Submissions: 0

Total # of layouts to critique: 21

Critiques within 10 day window: 0

BWC responses: 0

BWQ responses: 0

Brenda (Twinscrapbee)

Check-ins: 3/4

Submissions: 0

Total # of layouts to critique: 21

Critiques within 10 day window: 16

BWC responses: 0

BWQ responses: 0

Tiffany (Whenscraphappenzz)

Check-ins: 0/4

Submissions: 0

Total # of layouts to critique: 21

Critiques within 10 day window: 0

BWC responses: 0

BWQ responses: 0

Lisa (Gelidy Gelato)

Check-ins: 4/4

Submissions: 3

Total # of layouts to critique: 18

Critiques within 10 day window: 7

BWC responses: 0

BWQ responses: 1

Melissa (Eat Sleep Scrap)

Check-ins: 0/4

Submissions: 0

Total # of layouts to critique: 21

Critiques within 10 day window: 0

BWC responses: 0

BWQ responses: 0

Jesse (*Jesse*)

Check-ins: 4/4

Submissions: 2

Total # of layouts to critique: 19

Critiques within 10 day window: 9

BWC responses: 0

BWQ responses: 0

Marsha (Mars4554)

Check-ins: 1/4

Submissions: 2

Total # of layouts to critique: 19

Critiques within 10 day window: 14

BWC responses: 1

BWQ responses: 0

Marlene (MaRLeNeF)

Check-ins: 4/4

Submissions: 3

Total # of layouts to critique: 18

Critiques within 10 day window: 15

BWC responses: 0

BWQ responses: 0

Chris (CMLeach)

Check-ins: 4/4

Submissions: 3

Total # of layouts to critique: 18

Critiques within 10 day window: 18

BWC responses: 2

BWQ responses: 0

Deb (Digi Deborah)

Check-ins: 0/4

Submissions: 0

Total # of layouts to critique: 21

Critiques within 10 day window: 0

BWC responses: 0

BWQ responses: 0

Brian (fuchsboi)

Check-ins: 2/4

Submissions: 1

Total # of layouts to critique: 19

Critiques within 10 day window: 7

BWC responses: 0

BWQ responses: 0

Jen (twinstars)

Check-ins: 4/4

Submissions: 3

Total # of layouts to critique: 18

Critiques within 10 day window: 18

BWC responses: 0

BWQ responses: 0

Janet (janet28rn)

Check-ins: 4/4

Submissions: 2

Total # of layouts to critique: 19

Critiques within 10 day window: 19

BWC responses: 0

BWQ responses: 0

BWC #12

Thanks to Chris for her response to the last challenge:

tradition
by CMLeach
Scrapbook.com

For my challenge, let's go green. Do a layout using only reclaimed items from packages, old bills, or other paper products... but nothing new or intended for crafting. (need a springboard? I was thinking of doing a page for a barbecue I went to using labels from cans of food for the background paper -- of course, there are a thousand other ideas)

Oh, and if you've got some other items (soda can tabs, clothes tags, pieces of ribbon from your birthday presents, or whatever), then use those as your embellishments! Enjoy.

SHCG Spring/Summer (Sprummer?) '09 ATC Swap

Participants:
Sharon/blushpea
Jen/twinstars
Brian/fuchsboi
Marlene/MaRLeNeF
Jesse/*jesse*
Brenda/twinscrapbee

There was a tie between the 2 winning themes so we're gonna combine them both! The theme for these ATCs will be Words About Solitude To Live By. Reminiscent of our last ATC swap (wow, from Aug. 2007) Love In Another Language (when the 2 themes, Love and Another Language, tied).

Think of an ATC as a tiny scrapbook page or a tag. They are 2.5" x 3.5". You can use any type of A/L free media on the card, but the foundation of the card itself should be made of heavy CS. I usually use a playing card because they are the perfect size, or pretty close.

Not all trading card enthusiasts subscribe to the A/L free policy, but for our purposes I would ask that you adhere to it. Depending on the materials used, you can definitely use Mod Podge as a sealant. If that's not the route you choose then please use quality adhesive. Also note that smoke/odor free products are important, as always, so please be considerate of others in this respect.

You will be making one card for everyone who participates plus yourself. You can make them all the same or all different - the choice is yours!

Here are some great links (I just copied most of these from our blog, please let me know if any of the links no longer work).

Excellent Article with tons of technique suggestion and lots of examples:
http://www.cedarseed.com/air/atc.html

A whole ATC community! http://www.atcsforall.com/

http://www.tracyroos.com/ATC.htm

One specific example with step-by-step instructions: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art14192.asp

Sarah's very useful link with many examples:
http://www.art-e-zine.co.uk/atc3nov3.html

More examples within the same link:
http://www.art-e-zine.co.uk/atc2nov03.html


You can also search the SHCG blog, sb.com 's gallery & the internet to find more info & wonderful examples.

I will be circulating a PM to the participants re: mailing. You will all be mailing to the other participants, due date being Saturday July 18, 2009.

Biweekly QueZZtion, May 31, 2009

Okaay, since the last BWQ generated the cyber-sounds of crickets chirping, I'll ask another one!

What is your "uniform" at work & in life? Meaning the clothes/outfits you tend to wear the most? Sure we all try to change things up but there are just some outfits that prevail over others because we like them, they're comfortable, or because we have to! (in cases of those of you who have actual required "uniforms").

At my last job which was a casual-dress office, I probably wore casual pants (jeans or chinos of different colors ) & long sleeve tees (of different colors) probably 80% of the time. Both cut slim & flattering, but comfortably. My current job is more office-y so now I tend to wear a step up these days - trousers & different flavors of buttondown shirts. But outside of the office, I still gravitate towards that casual office combo. In the summer, it's sundresses, for work or play; the location dictates the hemline &/or the cover-up over it, if any. And I tend to wear flats most of the time... I want shoes that can comfortably take me on a 20 block walk if that's what I feel like doin'!

The clothes we gravitate towards are like good friends some days... even within a dress code, there is something comforting about wearing your "sure thing" outfits. Share a bit about your "uniforms." :)

April 2009 TRAKking!!!

Sharon (Blushpea)
Check-ins: 4/5 (1 week on vacation)
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 24
Critiques within 10 day window: 17
BWQ responses: 2
BWC responses: 2

Christy (Cminstlouis)
Check-ins: 1/5
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 24
Critiques within 10 day window: 0
BWQ responses: 0
BWC responses: 0

Brenda (Twinscrapbee)
Check-ins: 2/5
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 24
Critiques within 10 day window: 11
BWQ responses: 0
BWC responses: 0

Tiffany (Whenscraphappenzz)
Check-ins: 0/5
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 24
Critiques within 10 day window: 0
BWQ responses: 0
BWC responses: 0

Lisa (Gelidygelato)
Check-ins: 5/5
Submissions: 3
Total # of layouts to critique: 24
Critiques within 10 day window: 3
BWQ responses: 0
BWC responses: 0

Mel (Queenmel)
Check-ins: 0/5
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 24
Critiques within 10 day window: 0
BWQ responses: 0
BWC responses: 0

Jesse (*Jesse*)
Check-ins: 3/5
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 24
Critiques within 10 day window: 11
BWQ responses: 0
BWC responses: 0

Marsha (Mars4554)
Check-ins: 4/5
Submissions: 6
Total # of layouts to critique: 24
Critiques within 10 day window: 1
BWQ responses: 2
BWC responses: 1

Marlene (Marlenef)
Check-ins: 5/5
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 24
Critiques within 10 day window: 6
BWQ responses: 1
BWC responses: 1

Chris (Cmleach)
Check-ins: 5/5
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 24
Critiques within 10 day window: 22
BWQ responses: 1
BWC responses: 0

Deb (Digi Deborah)
Check-ins: 0/5
Submissions: 0
Total # of layouts to critique: 24
Critiques within 10 day window: 0
BWQ responses: 0
BWC responses: 0

Janet (Janet28rn)
Check-ins: 5/5
Submissions: 2
Total # of layouts to critique: 24
Critiques within 10 day window: 22
BWQ responses: 2
BWC responses: 0

Brian (Fuchsboi)
Check-ins: 3/5
Submissions: 4
Total # of layouts to critique: 24
Critiques within 10 day window: 2
BWQ responses: 0
BWC responses: 0

Twinstars (Jen)
Check-ins: 5/5
Submissions: 3
Total # of layouts to critique: 24
Critiques within 10 day window: 21
BWQ responses: 2
BWC responses: 1