Sketches: Creatively Yours

Brand New!! Sketch #3-12

2012-01-27T00:01:00.067-04:00

Here is another brand new January 2012 Sketch for you today, created by 'Yours Truly.' I had so much fun developing this one! Hope you love it as much as I do! We'd love to see what you create, so be sure to put a link to your creation in the comments section. We'll be by to visit and leave you some luvs. Would wouldn't enjoy that?

Sketch #3-12 created by
S: CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald

And now, here's a fresh look at what the S: CY Design Team has come up with for Sketch #3-12! They had a ball with it, as you will see!

First... here's a LO from our Guest Designer, Lois Sokolan... who created a LO or card with every single sketch this month! Wow Lois, you 'rocked it out,' as we say, LOL! So thankful for you and your contributions to our Blog in January!! Great stuff! MUCH appreciated.

"Beavers" layout created by
S: CY Guest Designer
Lois Sokolan

"Captured," "Snapshots," and "First Photo,"
all 7-4-2011 layouts created by
S: CY Design Team Member
Heather Bridges Topich

"Game on" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member
Renee Hagler

"Retired: Remembering with you" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member
Maggi Harding

"Leaves" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member
Patchi Moussatche

"What a view: The temple of Poseidon" layout
created by S: CY Senior Designer
Ann Seleshanko

"Outdoor Dude '[07]: Noah, age five" layout created by
Team Leader Ali MacDonald
Notes~ All papers and inks are from CTMH. Stamp: '7Gypsies'. Lettering: 'BasicGrey'. Tiny letter stickers: Cosmo Cricket.
Photo credit: Noah's AMAZING 2007 school Team. Thank You!

Thanks to all our Design Team Members for their creations this week. The layouts run the gamut from fun and fanciful to artistic and vintage-- all in the name of memory keeping. How wonderful is that? We're so lucky here at S:CY to have Team Members talented in so many varied styles! It's a gift, really, and one we celebrate here.

A huge WARM thanks to Lois Sokolan for working with us as our Guest Designer this month here at S: CY. We really appreciated your dedication and creativity, Lois. THANK YOU.
Our S:CY Design Team Call is still going strong! Don't forget to get your application in .
:o) S:CY DT Call Deadline: Jan 30th.

We have a beautiful new creation using last week's Card Sketch! It just came in to me this Am- and when I saw it, I thought- Why not post it? So....everyone, why not go have a peek? Thanks for sharing with us all the way from Australia, Vikki! Here is the link: Vikki's CARD
You can leave some luvs while you're there!

Have a wonderful week everyone! Be sure to become an S: CY Blog "Follower." The place to do this is on the right of your screen- check it out. See you soon!

~

Card Sketch #112

2012-01-20T00:01:00.041-04:00

Our Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko has a totebag full of special talents and they include both sketching and creating wonderful CARDS!
Today marks the first S: CY Card Sketch of 2012. Thanks Ann!

Sit back, relax, and enjoy this beautiful sketch and our Design Team's creations...

S: CY Card Sketch #112 created by
Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko

"Free Hug Coupon" card created by
S: CY January 2012 Guest Designer
Lois Sokolan

"Best Wishes" card created by
S: CY Card Crew Design Team Member
Lindy Rabenstine

"You're the Bee's Knees" card created by
S: CY Design Team Member
Jennifer Cassista

"Wintertime" card created by
S:CY Card Crew Design Team Member
Michelle Hodges

and the final 2 cards...

"Thank You" card by S:CY Senior Designer
Ann Seleshanko

"Happy Birthday" card created by
S:CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald

That's it for this week everyone! A HUGE "Thank you" to our January 2012 Guest Designer Lois Sokolan, for her work this week. Thanks to Ann, our Senior Designer, for the great sketch. And, very warm "Thank yous" go out to all of our S: CY Designers who, once again, have created special things for us! Be sure to check out everyone's blogs, they each have such beauty and creativity to share.
Don't forget the S: CY DT Call! Lots of applications are coming in-- be sure to send YOURS!
Have a wonderful weekend, my friends!
~

Time for Sketch #2-12

2012-01-13T00:01:00.112-04:00

Welcome to S: CY everyone!
Hope you're having a great day so far. To make your day even better, we have another brand new scrappy Sketch allllllll ready for you... it's a multi-photo sketch created by our S: CY Senior Designer, Ann Seleshanko!
Enjoy!

Sketch #2-12 created by
S: CY Senior Designer
Ann Seleshanko

First let's share the adorable creation of our January 2012 Guest Designer Lois Sokolan.

"Big Jump: 3, 2, 1" layout created by
S: CY January Guest Designer
Lois Sokolan

Lois notes: "The 'Big Jump' layout is my now 2 year old grandaughter who had just learned to jump!"

Here is a detail shot of the gorgeous title, with its' crackled look... as Lois has told us, she "loves" her chipboard!

Closeup shot of title

Second closeup shot of title for above LO, created by
S: CY Guest Designer
Lois Sokolan

"Farmyard Buddies" 2-page layout created by
S: CY Designer
Patchi Moussatche

"Distinguished Grad" layout created by
S: CY Designer
Renee Hagler

"Sandy Claws" layout created by
S: CY Designer
Cheryl Casas

Cheryl notes: "I used 7 different pictures that I cut out to make this scene of the Nightmare Before Christmas. Sandy Claws was featured at Disneyland in the Haunted Mansion for the month of Christmas, so that is where we saw all of this in 2011. When I saw the 4 boxed grid from Ann's sketch, I automatically thought of a present."

"Field Trip: Science Museum" layout created by
S: CY Designer
Heather Bridges Topich

Journaling reads: "You told me, 'It was the best field trip ever!' I’ll never forget how you WANTED me to sit beside you on the bus and held my hand at different points throughout the day. You loved the IMAX movie about forces of nature and the crime solving lab. I loved watching you explore and play and having you all to myself. I love being with you... I love being your mom. Thank you for being so sweet. I love you!"

"Our Family" layout created by
S: CY Senior Designer
Ann Seleshanko
[Photo Credit~ Lisa McDonald]

"A Slurpee with my Bro' " layout created
by S: CY Team Leader
Ali MacDonald

Journaling reads: Bryan, just look at the way your little brother is looking at you. He is so thrilled with the blue Slurpee that you brought back to him when Dad took you to the store! Noah knows how cool and delicious it tastes and how much he’s been enjoying it. The expression on Noah’s face as he looks at you says it all. He adores you… AND that Slurpee! Thank you for being such an awesome big brother. You always have been, and I know you always will be.

Love you both~ Mom

Photos~ Summer 2011

Journaling~ Jan. 2012

Those are all of our wonderful S:CY Design Team interpretations for this week. A (((hug))) of thanks to my good friend and S: CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko for yet another USEFUL and fun-to-create-with Sketch! Special thanks to January Guest Designer Lois Sokolan for her creative and fun interpretation of Sketch #2-12. Warm Thanks to our Design Team Members as well for their work. As you can see, they've been busy! They ALL make me so, so proud to be their Team Leader!! THANK YOU...

Wonder what can YOU create with this new S: CY sketch? We'd love to see what you come up with! Just post your link in the Comments section and our Team will be sure to go visit and leave you some "luvs."

Remember, too, that we have a DT Call out here at the Sketches: Creatively Yours Blog at this very moment... if you'd like to read all about it, please go HERE and see what it entails. We can promise you a positive experience and you'll love your time with us, so do consider applying. :)

The DT Call is open until January 30th at midnight, AST. Questions? Just email Ali at peteali@eastlink.ca and I'll get right back to you. Promise!

Here's hoping that everyone has a wonderful day and enjoys the upcoming weekend! Chat soon!
~ and the whole S: CY Team

Our first Sketch of 2012!

2012-01-06T00:01:00.070-04:00

Hello everyone,

Welcome to S: CY and a whole new series of sketches for a new year-- 2012!! This month we also have Lois Sokolan from British Columbia Guest Designing with us, and so January promises to be a real treat for the eyes and a BIG boost for your sense of creativity.

The first Sketch of 2012 is below. Enjoy! What will YOU create with the sketch? Be sure to share a link with us in the Comments section! We'd love to see your work and the S:CY Team will visit and leave you some love.

Sketch #1-12 created by
S: CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald

"Love" layout created by
S: CY January Guest Designer Lois Sokolan
Lois, who loves chipboard, told me that "all the swirly parts on the 'Love' layout are covered chipboard and sanded edges... what a job that was!"

"Papa a Paris" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Maggi Harding

"It's a Girl" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member Jennifer Cassista
Jennifer emailed a little note to me with this LO: "I never scrap pictures of me and I really never scrap pictures of me from work, but here goes- LOL."

"Gateway to Love" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member Cheryl Casas

Cheryl notes that "Seeing the curve on the sketch for the photo gave me the idea to use this gate. It curves and hugs the photo for interest. The flourish in the corner is a Prima resistant canvas, as well as the scalloped border.There are a couple of pieces of Prima packaging on this LO as well. I used a Scraps of Darkness kit to create this page of my dh and I at our local animal park in November 2011."

"Hiking in BC, August 2011" layout created by
S: CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko

"Brindle" layout created by
S: CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald
(Journaling can be read on my BLOG. )

That's it for today, everyone... Please be sure to visit the S: CY Designers' Blogs to see more of their beautiful creations and to learn more about them as people and scrappers! :o)

Additionally, don't forget that we have a Design Team Call out this month for the S: CY Blog! Be sure to read all about it HERE.

Have a wonderful weekend! Chat soon!!
Be Creative!

Our January 2012 Guest Designer

2012-01-01T00:01:00.007-04:00

Bravo!! It's 2012!!

Today I have the pleasure of not only welcoming you all to a brand new year at Sketches: Creatively Yours, but also to welcome our January Guest Designer Lois Sokolan!

January 2012 S: CY Guest Designer Lois Sokolan

Lois, who is from British Columbia, shared her bio with us...

"I have been scrapbooking since 2003 when my daughter introduced me to it via a weekend at a scrapbooking convention in Bellevue. Before that, my ‘style’ was pretty simple, glue a photo on a page, slap a sticker here and there and jot a few words and voila, it was done!! When she said to me that I should see what was out there, I had no idea of what she was talking about but I sure found out when we also went to a few scrapbooking stores! After that there was no turning back and now I have a huge room stuffed full of all the things I ‘need’ including little pieces of paper that I can die cut for lettering!

Yes, I am obsessed and am not good at sharing either! But, I do like making things for people so I guess that balances out. I have 5 grandchildren so there is always a photo to take and a page to make... their smiling faces are my inspiration. I have always like to create and have done ceramics, made porcelain dolls, sewn clothing for my kids and have always loved to plant and move things around in the garden but scrapbooking is my salvation, my stress reliever and sometimes the only thing that keeps me sane when things are tough.

My favorite embellishment is chipboard and I am embarrassed to say that I have so much that it takes up 6 drawers 12”x 12” and 3” deep; and without my glue and tweezers I would be lost!

I am usually to be found at the Sisterhood of Scrap forum – that is where I met Ali – everyone is so friendly and kind and I have found a great bunch of friends there.... I also like the Paper Passion – the forum is great and the store has lots of good things to dream about and it’s Canadian too ... the shipping is quick and Lacintha who is the owner is very nice!

I have a blog that I try to keep up but sometimes life gets in the way... or I get stuck on Facebook for too long! I also do genealogy and have been tracking my family as well as my husband's and my extended and birth family... I enjoy the mystery of it all and have way too much information stashed away in filing cabinets. I am trying to scrap my family tree but it seems to be taking forever!

I am tickled pink that Ali asked me to be January’s Guest Designer and really enjoyed all the sketches... thank you my friend!"

Here are some of Lois' favourite projects...

"Good Times" Mini-album
created by Lois Sokolan

"2010: Proud" layout
created by Lois Sokolan

"Love" pearl encrusted mini-album
created by Lois Sokolan

"Memories" heritage-style box
created by Lois Sokolan

I am soooooo looking forward to having Lois with us here at Sketches: Creatively Yours this month. Stay tuned, everyone!

Welcome Lois!! And, welcome 2012!! Happy and creative New Year to us all!

A little tidbit: Be sure to check out our S: CY Design Team Call!

DESIGN TEAM CALL!

2011-12-30T12:01:00.001-04:00

Sketches: Creatively Yours announces

a Design Team Call!

Closing Date is January 30, 2012

All scrappers, all over the world, are welcome to apply!

[Current S: CY DT members are asked to wait one term before reapplying. TY so much! ]

How to Apply:
NOTE: No previous DT experience is necessary!

Send a short bio about your life and scrapbooking.
Mention any other DTs you currently serve on.
Include a link to your Blog.
Attach a small picture (headshot if possible) of yourself.
Send us one LAYOUT or CARD (any size) that you feel best represents your recent work and expresses your talent as a scrapbooker or cardmaker. Use your creativity and PLAY!
Specify whether you want to be considered for the S:CY Layout Team or the S:CY Card Team.
Send your creation and information to: peteali@eastlink.ca as an email attachment, NO LARGER than 1 mb please.

IMPORTANT~ Please include your name in the file you attach.

*Successful applicants will be notified by February 5th, 9 PM (AST) by email. :o)

Design Team Members' Basic Responsibilities:

*I send out an email very early (1 month before due dates***) with sketches designated for each week of the next month.
*DT members choose 2 or 3 sketches (YES: YOU CHOOSE) of the 4-5 sketches sent to you for the whole month. You complete the 2-3 you have chosen and send the creations to me by the noted due dates. They are due back on Wednesdays by midnight AST. I will post a sketch and the matching DT creations at S: CY on the designated Fridays. Of those 4-5 sketch choices, one will be a card sketch, designed by our Senior Designer, Ann Seleshanko.
(Please Note: Supply lists for your creations are not necessary unless digital elements are included. Then they must be listed.)
*Comment on the work of your fellow DT members and anyone who provides us with a link to THEIR work. :o)
*Display our "I Design for" Blinkie on your blog and wherever else permitted.
*Tell others about S: CY and invite visitors to the site.
*Term is 6 months: March 1, 2012- August 31, 2012
(*** Except for March, where the turn-around time will be shorter. That month, since the DT members will just have been notified of their positions on Feb 5th, the sketches will be received 3 weeks before the first March due date rather than 4 weeks before.)

BENEFITS for our DESIGNERS:

You'll receive a "Proud Designer for..." blinkie to display.
You will be able to choose 2-3 of the 4-5 sketches provided EVERY MONTH. No "ASSIGNMENTS!!"
Your work and your Blog link will receive excellent exposure on our beautiful Sketch Blog when we do our weekly posts.
There will be a "Designer Q & A Spotlight" feature done on each designer on the team. This means more exposure for you and your work! (Participation is optional.)
We have interesting and talented Guest Designers EVERY MONTH! Having your work featured alongside theirs will be a positive experience.
You'll have convenient access to a private DT-only Blog site where communication with the Design Team will take place.
I'll provide you with a well-written letter of reference should you ever need one with regard to your time as a DT Member at S: CY. There is no time limit to this benefit, and I will do it as many times as requested.

Since we are not affiliated with a store we cannot send out kits or other incentives to our Designers.
Questions? Please feel free to contact Ali MacDonald, peteali@eastlink.ca
Thanks for visiting our friendly Sketch Blog, and applying for our DT positions.

~

Just wanted to share today...

2011-12-30T09:10:00.000-04:00

Good morning all, It's going to be a GREAT day! Today I received the following email and wanted to share it with you all...

"Hi Ali, I stumbled onto your old blog today where there was a sketch I liked....this is what I made using your design.

http://vikkisstampingcreations.blogspot.com/2011/12/creatively-yours-sketch.html

Regards,

Vikki"

This was a sketch by my good friend, and our S: CY Founder, Noella Arsenault! Vikki's email made my day, and I was thrilled to be able to tell her we have an S:CY DT call going out soon, and to be on the alert for it if she's interested in applying.

Tell all your friends. S: CY is a no-stress environment and we have a wonderful array of interesting and talented Guest Designers lined up until June, so be sure to apply when you see the call! Have a HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!!

Favourite Products!!

2011-12-19T15:09:00.043-04:00

Hope everyone is having fun getting ready for the Holiday Season no matter where you are!
Since the S: CY Team takes December off to recognize the need for and accomodate family time, we planned ahead. I had the DT send me lists of their favourite products and items related to scrappin'!!
So, today, I am posting categorized lists of the DT faves complete with links, so you can check out the things the S:CY DT really likes! Enjoy!

Adhesives:

Glue dots (Ali)
Ribbon Glue by Making Memories (Ali)

Memory Tape Runner XL Permanent by Thermo O Web (Patchi)

Sticky Dimensional Stickers By Sticky Thumb (Patchi)

Ribbon Adhesive by GlueArts (Patchi)

Pop Up Glue Dots and the 3M Scotch ATG gun (Ann)

Page Protectors:

Memory Book Page Protectors by C Line Productions Inc: "These are the ONLY type of page protectors that I use. They're well-made, sturdy, and are top-loading. Work superbly in my 3-ring albums! I buy them in packs of 50."

Albums:

We R Memory Keepers (WRMK) Albums are the best on the market. Here's why I truly believe this to be so... Ali's article.

D Distressing Tools:
Craft mat : Maggi says that this is "An essential tool to protect your desk top surface. I get ink, paint, alcohol ink, glue, you name it on mine and it comes right off!"

Heidi Swapp Edge Distresser: Michelle likes this tool "because I love to distress a lot of my scrap projects!!!"

Prima’s Ingveld Bohme rasper: Maggi says "I love this tool, it is such a great distressing tool, I find that I’m not using my Distrezz-it-all very much anymore."

Alcohol ink Distresser Tool by Tim Holtz: "Great for applying all kinds of inks!!" says Michelle.

CTMH Sponge Daubers: I find this is an amazingly helpful little tool- keeps your fingers a lot more clean when distressing paper edges or sponging with ink! They come in a pack of three.

Zutter Distrezz-it All Machine: As Cheryl says: "Distressing is so much easier now!"

Tools in General:
The Purple Cow 2 in 1 paper cutter is Ann's fave trimmer.
My fave trimmer is the Euro Trimmer you can see here.
Fiskars punches. Heather admits that "I've had to stop even looking at these because I have a basket full and no room for more! Clip It Up needs a punch shelving system!"

Patchi tells us that "Most of my favorite tools are by We R Memory Keepers"
Her "most favorite" are:

- Sew easy stitch piercer
- brad setter
- Magnetic mat & ruler

Vagabond – Maggi reports that this is "a pricey tool but I dearly love it because I don’t have to stand up and jam a platform into something like the Cuttlebug while simultaneously trying to hold the Cuttlebug down and turn a crank. That was a PITA that I can do with out. Love that the Vagabond is electric."

  Making Memories Tool Kit II: Cheryl tells us that "I love to use my tools to set eyelets."

Cuttlebug: As Michelle says: "I love to use this to emboss so many things!!"

As a CTMH Consultant, I have a list of tools from CTMH that have saved my sanity. Here they are~
CTMH Micro-tip scissors
CTMH Rub and Remove Eraser
CTMH Bone Folder

My number one tool, which is a huge help for anyone experiencing numbness or not-so-nimble fingertips... is the CM Multi-Purpose Tool. I have been using this tool for years.... I have replaced the original but it is a GODSEND, LMTY!

   Ranger Heat gun – Maggi says "I love this heat gun because it is quiet and doesn’t have such a strong wind coming out to blow your stuff all over the place!! I’ve burner thru 3 of the Marvy ones that Michael’s sells, that’s a lousy product if you ask me!!"
  Magnetic mat: A note from Maggi: "This is the greatest product I have bought in quite a while. I didn’t know such a thing existed until recently. It allows me to completely design my LO without glueing down anything. I can then pick up the LO and prop it up somewhere and get a good look at it to see if everything is as I want it to be. I really can’t say enough about this fabulous product!!! I am not sure but they may be out of production but I did see them for sale at various internet stores."

Lettering:
    Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type: I have noticed that there are many colours available... the link will take you to a closeup of the green ones.

Glitz Tiny Alphas: Another fave of mine... "These even come in a 'grunge look.'" Close up view.

Ann loves tiny Letters like these from My Little Shoebox.

. Adorn-it Tiny Black Alpha Stickers: Cheryl reveals that These always get me out of a bind when I have no more space for a title."

   Embellies:
Michelle tells us that she thinks that "October Afternoon's Little Flags  embellishments are so adorable!"

I have a love affair going on with these CTMH Opaques, in both Pearl and Licorice!

  Inks, Paint, Markers and Mists:
  Tim Holtz Distress Ink, in Black Soot is Cheryl's fave. As she puts it: "Got to ink it up dark!"

Prima’s Ingveld Bohme chalk inks: On this topic, Maggi says that "these inks are a lot like Color Box Cat’s Eye inks but they have a nice handle that you can hold onto and most important, the ink pads do not shred and fall off like the Cat's Eye inks do. Love, love, love these!!!"

CTMH Inks: The best inks, hands-down, IMHO are those by Close to My Heart. The design of the ink pad is amazing and lends itself so well to both stamping and scrapbooking projects! And there are sixty, yes--- 60 (!!) colours available.

Glimmer Glam Glitter Paint and Mist by Tattered Angels: "I love to add paint & mist to my projects" says Michelle.

White and Black Gesso: Cheryl adds that "both make a great base when you are painting."

Copic markers are what Ann swears by for all her card-colouring needs!

American Crafts Slickwriters Quick-dry ink and a durable acrylic tip makes this the ideal marker for writing on any surface, including photos, stickers, ribbon, vellum, metal and glass. (I use these often for many purposes, not the least of which is writing on the back of photos!!)

Stamps:
Ann votes for Kraftin' Kimmie stamps! She loves their designs.

Kits:

Scrapdango kits: Heather says "I've been a subscriber for about a year but a message board member for longer than that. The owner, puts together super fun, really PACKED kits each month (you can choose from either a masculine or feminine version, depending on your style). I just love the crops and challenges over there, too!"

Scraps of Darkness Kits "Every month is like Christmas for me when I open my newest kit and find all the latest products matched so perfectly together" says Cheryl.

Papers:

Studio Calico papers: Heather tells us that she is in love with the SC papers! "Seriously... any SC papers, but especially the Memoir line. I used to look at papers with prints like this and have no clue what to do with them, but watching so many of their designers as time goes on, I find that I now tend to scrap in a similar manner to them when I use only 1-2 photos (which, okay, doesn't happen THAT often). Those girls rock!"

Close To My Heart's Fall/Winter lines like the Sonoma collection, the Elemental collection and the Typeset collection are a few of my faves.

Organization:
The Scraprack: "Best tool I ever bought was the Scraprack! I can find anything I need to scrap within 30 seconds!"

Clip It Up: Heather tells us that "I love organization. If I have something packed away in a drawer, I'm never going to use it. I love how the CIU lets me arrange things, as if I had my own little store to shop from."

Patchi reports that she loves "Kaisercraft's "Beyond The Page Collection". They are really sturdy and can be decorated in many different ways. I have the paper and ribbon organizers, but I left them as-is for now." (Patchi)

Classes:

Karen Russell's Photographer's Workshop: Heather says: "I know it's not a scrapping supply per se, but how often do you scrap without photos? Before this class, I always took sub-par pictures in Auto mode. Never again!"

Lain Ehmann’s classes such as Layout a Day, which is also called LOAD, are sooo inspiring!! Ali and Ann both did LOAD last February and are signed up for this coming session too!

Freebie classes like those available at Big Picture Classes can be fun and informative. Keep an eye out as they regularly feature new and inspiring offerings at ZERO cost! What a deal!

General Inspiration:

Pinterest was cited by several Design Team members including Renee, Ali, and Heather as a source of major inspiration! As Heather put it.... "Okay, so it's not really a scrapping supply, but it is definitely my biggest source of inspiration for all things crafty and creative!"

For inspiration and ideas related to fonts, I recommend Dafont.

Craft Gossip is an amazing source of inspiring ideas that you can quickly scroll through. The links are provided and will take you right to the original posts. I subscribe to this daily and receive it in my email. There is also a Scrapbooking specific one- see column on the left, visible when you click on the main link.

Another source of scrapbooking inspiration and NEWS is Scrapbook Update, which is edited by Nancy Nally. Also, be on the lookout for their weekly "Noteworthy" posts. They'll help keep you abreast of what's happening in the busy scrappy world!

I have yet another source of inspiration! Angie at Scrapscene will help you stay up to date and inspired. You'll know about contests and challenges-- Read about who earned a spot on the Design Teams you've seen advertised-- Follow awesome "speedlinks" to creative eye candy every Saturday-- PLUS read posts about REAL scrap studios and spaces!! You'll find all this and MORE at Scrapscene-- you will NOT be disappointed!

Scrap Sketches by Moma - This is an amazing source of beautiful sketches that you can use in your creative scrappy endeavours! "Moma" (Monika) has been a guest at S: CY in the past and we LOVE her work!

Sisterhood of Scrap (SOS) is a fun and friendly Forum not affiliated with a store where you can make a ton of like-minded scrappy friends, receive TLC if you need it, share support, and most of all, participate in INSPIRING, fun challenges!! There are prizes and RAKS too :) EVERYONE is welcomed and valued at SOS.

Well, you now have a list of our DTs faves and recommendations from everything from paper to sketches, to fonts. Enjoy the surfing!

Hope everyone is having a blast getting ready for the Christmas Season, if this is something you celebrate. We are eagerly looking forward to a wonderful family time and will have an extra service dog staying with us for 3 weeks. So exciting!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

~ and the whole S:CY Team

Sketch #23-11

2011-11-25T00:00:00.015-04:00

Welcome to S:CY Everyone!
We have a brand new 12x12" layout Sketch for you to enjoy.
Again, I worked at creating a multi-photo layout sketch for you. It's one that features space specifically for 2 slender pics... maybe ones that you've cropped smaller to pinpoint some aspect of each photo... There's also room for a larger "focus" photo where the eye can rest. That pic can be smaller than 4x6, as seen in the Sketch. The journaling area here is shaped, allowing for more creative license in that area as well. The accents suggested here are florals, but anything goes, it's up to you!
Lets talk about titles... Do you like fun ones? "Plays" on words? Maybe headline style, eye-catching titles? One word "attention-grabbers?" How about deciding on size: Big & long?? Smaller, mini-sized or somewhere in the middle?? Will your title be sideways, border-grazing, or right-across-the-top as far as its' placement goes?
A title "area" is not suggested on this sketch.... I have purposefully left it up to you.
As you can see, this sketch provides LOTS of options. We'd love to hear what you think of this week's Sketch and we're excited to see what you'll create with it!

Sketch #23-11 created by
S: CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald

We have a selection of DT members' layouts for you to enjoy, of course! Each one uses Sketch #23-11 as inspiration.
The DT Members' layouts span the seasons but I have noticed some fun colour palettes that are carried through several of them. We have a summer-y palette... an autumn-style one and a Christmas-y coloured one, too!
How fun is this? It was totally RANDOM!
Let's have a go at sharing that inspiration, now, and have a peek at what they all came up with!

"First Swim Meet" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member Heather Bridges Topich

Journaling reads: "You were SO excited- you finally got your hand marked for the 4th meet of the summer. You had your cap on from pretty much the moment we got to the pool... even though you would have to wait through 27 other events. You only had to stop twice on your lap- a huge accomplishment! Coaches Kevin and Jenny were so thrilled. You finally got to play with the big kids! SO proud of you, Bella!"

"HOW many did you have?" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member Patchi Moussatche

"Joy" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member Jennifer Cassista

"Merry" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Rita Barakat

"My boy" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member Renee Hagler
[Notes~ Renee mentioned that "This is Pink Paislee paper and embellishment ("Old school" collection. My absolute fave for boy layouts. Classically cool.)" She also told me that the bling came from her stash.]

"Miss Priss: Tootsie" layout created by
S: CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald
[Notes- I used the BasicGrey "Pyrus" collection for this layout
and reversed the sketch left to right.]

"My Brother, My Hero" layout created by
S: CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko

This week marks the end of November here at S: CY. Thank You to Carla Robinson, our November Guest Designer. We love your style and what you created with the sketches this month, and hope you come back to "Guest" with us another time! A hearty "Thanks" to you, Carla!

**Don't forget to pop over to Sisterhood of Scrap, a Forum that Carla owns/manages. There, you will find friendly scrappin' folks waiting to welcome you to a community that is both supportive AND creative! Lots going on there, so be sure to check it out. ALL are welcome at SOS. :o)**

The end of November also means that we end our current year here. Hard to believe, but 2011 is complete for us now... the S: CY Admin and Design Teams will take the month of December off from Sketches and creations on the Blog. We'll be back; in full force -- in January 2012!
I promise that I WILL be writing up a blog post or two, though, in the month of December, so be sure to keep us on your radar! One S:CY Blog post will be all about our Design Team Members' scrappy-favourites, so STAY TUNED.
Remember to be CREATIVE this season... it's such great stress management in a busy time, and so much fun, too!
See you soon!!
~

Card Sketch #9

2011-11-18T00:01:00.004-04:00

Hello everyone!
Welcome to Sketches: Creatively Yours!
Today we have a new Card Sketch for you from Ann, our Senior Designer.
The sketch boasts space for blocks of patterned paper with a central embellie- a graceful oval shape is suggested.

As you will see, our Design Team had many different interpretations and came up with some beautiful cards using this Sketch. Let's have a look!

Card Sketch #9 created by
S:CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko

First, we have the pleasure of sharing an interpretation of this card sketch from our November Guest Designer, Carla Robinson.

"Holiday Greetings" card created by
S: CY November Guest Designer, Carla Robinson
[Notes: Carla told me that she received the darling snowman
image that she used on her card from a stamped image swap. She added that "the paper is Bo Bunny 'Winter Joy.' I inked all the papers with Pinecone
(brown) ink. Sentiment is by Stampin' Up."]
]

"Thinking of You" card created by
S: CY Card Crew
Design Team Member Lindy Rabenstine

"Thankful for You" card created by
S: CY Card Crew
Design Team Member Michelle Hodges
[Notes: For this festive Thanksgiving card, Michelle told me that she used the colourful Bella Blvd. "One Fall Day" collection. She said: "I fussy cut the pumpkin and leaf. I added some black and blue bling to the flowers and a orange bling to the title strip. Very fun sketch!!"]

"It's Been Forever" card created by
S: CY Design Team Member Renee Hagler
[Notes: Renee used Tinkering Ink patterned paper, a digital stamp by Mo's Digital pencil, markers by Copic, cardstock by Recollections and Prism, and a rubber stamp by Michael's for her card creation.]

"Merry & Bright" Christmas Card created by
S: CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko
[Notes: Ann used Bazill cardstock, Imaginisce paper, a Kraftin' Kimmie stamp, her Copic markers, Baker's twine and Tim Holtz Distress ink to create this card.]

"Happy Birthday" card created by
S: CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald
[Notes: I used the "Curio" collection by BasicGrey for this card. The card's base is Close To My Heart cardstock in "Terracotta." The ink used on CS and pp edges is CTMH's "Chocolate" and the greeting is stamped in CTMH's "Desert Sand."]

Thanks for coming to visit us, everyone. Hope you've enjoyed the card variety represented here today!

Thanks to Ann for the beautiful and versatile Card Sketch, and a big Thanks to our November Guest Designer Carla Robinson for the card she created this week! A warm TY to the the S: CY Design Team for once again sharing your talents with us here. You make me feel so proud!

Now for the question: "What will YOU create with this sketch??!"

Don't forget to pop over to Sisterhood of Scrap, where you will find friendly scrappin' folks waiting to welcome you to a community that is both supportive AND creative! Lots going on there, so be sure to check it out. ALL are welcome at SOS. :o)

Here is some special information for our readers and followers:
Be sure to try out any of the S: CY Sketches... and leave a link in our "Comments" Section, below... because... Guess what?? We'll be using the link(s) you share to visit your Blogs and Galleries, leave some love and take note of what we see and love for very near-future S:CY DT and Guest Designer opportunities here at S: CY!

So... don't be shy about sharing! Here is our link: http://www.creativelyyourssketches.blogspot.com/

Tell all your friends! All are welcome to come and play!!
Just be sure to indicate the sketch you have used and when you do that, please link back to the Sketch right here at S: CY.

See you soon! Thanks for popping in!

~

Remembrance Day 2011

2011-11-11T11:45:00.007-04:00

November 11, 2011... Here in Canada it is Remembrance Day. This is a day when we show "remembrance for the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace" (Veterans Affairs Canada). We are thankful to them all, and especially to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our country and what we stand for.
THANK YOU.

The Guard of Honour (a member from the Royal Canadian Navy at left and from the Royal Canadian Air Force at right) at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, Remembrance Day, 2010

Welcome to Sketches: Creatively Yours, everyone!
Today we have a new sketch to share... Hope you like it!

Sketch #22-11 created by
S:CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald

"First Swim Meet" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member
Heather Bridges Topich

Journaling reads: "You had some trepidation at first. Okay, you really did NOT want to do swim team. You spent much of the first practice NOT in the pool. So, we took it slower, letting you work your way up to doing laps in the pool. Miss Jenny kept encouraging you, and you became more willing to just dive in. I think you were excited to wear your team swimsuit and cap, and you did exactly as you were told when you were in the clerk of course. You paused a few times in your 25 free that first night, but YOU FINISHED IT after not thinking that you could. We were so proud. You amaze me, Zachary. Great job, little swimmer!" [Note~ Zachary is Heather's eldest child. I asked! ;) ]

"Howl-o-ween" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member Cheryl Casas
Cheryl created this LO using a Scraps of Darkness Kit.

Christmas layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member Maggi Harding

"Summer Hike: Fairmont" layout created by
S: CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko

"Sand Dollar" layout created by
S: CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald

Journaling reads: Daniel, in grade four, your school’s teachers helped their classes do a study of different aspects of Grand Pré, the National Historic Site. Your class was tasked with exploring the Tidal Mud Flats so vital to that area. The creature you were asked to focus on was the Blue Mussell. You drew it, too, and talked about its’ special features. Your class did a montage of a tidal mud flat on the wall, complete with the students’ drawings and 3-D representations of some of the creatures found in a Tidal Mud Flat. You can see it in the background of this photo. Here you’re holding one of the papier-maché Sand Dollars made by your class. This exploration was such an amazing way to learn about and explore a topic! You also had a class trip to the Historic Site in late spring.

~Daniel, Grade 4, Spring 2010

Thank You, S: CY DT members so very much for the varied and interesting interpretations of this new Sketch... Makes me really happy to see all that you've created with a sketch and some embellies, plus your wonderful memories!!

Come back and see us next week for some more
S: CY goodness!

Remember: We have some extra special info for our readers and followers! Be sure to try out any of our Sketches...and leave us a link in our "Comments" Section, below... because... Guess what?? We'll be using the link(s) you share to visit your Blogs and Galleries, leave some love and take note of what we see and love for very near-future S:CY DT and Guest Designer opportunities here at S: CY!

So... don't be shy about sharing! Here is our link:http://www.creativelyyourssketches.blogspot.com/
Tell all your friends!

Just be sure to indicate the sketch you have used and when you do that, please link back to the Sketch right here at S: CY.

See you soon! Thanks for popping in!

Sketch #21-11

2011-11-04T02:45:00.088-03:00

Here's a brand new S: CY Sketch created by our Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko.
Today, we'll also show you many ways to interpret the Sketch because once again this week, we have a series of excellent Design Team interpretations. :o)
***Be sure to leave us a link to your creations using this Sketch or ANY OTHER S: CY Sketch. We are always looking to share new talent and may feature YOU on our Blog in a future post!! But-- you need to leave us a link so our Team can find our way to your FB album, Gallery or Blog to leave you some "love!" . Do it-- (Yes, I'm BOSSY! LOL) Don't be shy!***

Happy Friday! Enjoy!

Sketch #21-11 created by
S: CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko

To start the day off, we have an interpretation of Sketch #21-11 created by S:CY Guest Designer Carla Robinson. Carla encourages ALL S:CY readers and followers to come by Sisterhood of Scrap Forum where everyone is welcome and is encouraged to create and share. There's a great Gallery, loads of activities, chances to win prizes and RAKs... and lots of FUN! Be sure to check it out-- See you there!

"Little Grey Mouse" layout created by
November 2011 S: CY Guest Designer Carla Robinson

And, onward we travel view to the creations of our S: CY Design Team~!

"Family Time" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member
Jennifer Cassista

"30 Days of Being Thankful" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member Rita Barakat

"I believe" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member
Maggi Harding

Maggi has asked that we let you all know about the following: This layout was done with the beautiful Riddersholm papers from

Denmark

, available at the Flying Unicorn . Flying Unicorn invites everyone to post their creations in their forum. For every project uploaded to the gallery in November, $1 will be donated to Women in Distress up to $1,000. Check Maggi's blog for more details!

"Happy Hallowe'en" wreath created by
S: CY Design Team Member
Patchi Moussatche

"Haunt" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member Cheryl Casas
Cheryl created her layout with a Scraps of Darkness Kit.

"Brotherly Love" layout created by
S: CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko
[Photo Credit: Virginia Wong]

"Our Tree: 2009" layout created by
S: CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald

Thanks to Jennifer, Patchi, Maggi, Cheryl, Ann, & Rita for your amazing and varied interpretations of this Sketch... Thank You, Ann for the creative "template" you made for us to use this week.... and thanks for your beautiful layout, Carla! It's such a pleasure having you with us this month!

Have a super week everyone.
~

November Guest Designer!!

2011-11-01T00:01:00.016-03:00

Hello everyone, today, despite the beginning-to-be-winter weather here in the Maritimes, I'd like to extend a WARM welcome our November 2011 Sketches: Creatively Yours Guest Designer... Carla Robinson!!

S: CY November 2011Guest Designer
Carla Robinson

I met Carla through the Sisterhood of Scrap blog which is now the SOS Forum-- and have known her for a few years now. Love her work.

Carla sent me her bio to share with you. Read on, and get to know her better... I guarantee she has some "good stuff" to share with us this month.
Carla, thanks for being with us!

Carla's bio:

Carla lives in Newfoundland, Canada, with her husband and four of the best teenagers in the world :-) She has homeschooled her children for the past 13 years. She loves making memories with her family as they enjoy hiking, playing games and spending time outside. This year she has taken on the challenge of caring for 3 additional kiddies during the week -- totally cutting into her scraptime! In her spare time Carla also likes to read, to sew and bake/decorate cakes.

Carla started scrapping over 6 years ago and STILL has lots of photos left to scrap :-) Her style is usually a clean look with the emphasis on the photos, though she has been known to "grunge" it up a bit. She scraps 12x12 layouts and not too much in the way of altered items.

Carla owns the Sisterhood of Scrap online scrap forum and is also a design team member for Lovebug Scrapbooking -- a scrapbook company in British Columbia. She "tries" to keep up with her scrappy blog, The Pursuit of Scrappyness and also her cooking blog, Cooking with Carla .

Here are some of Carla's favourite layouts...

"Love you" layout created by
Carla Robinson

"In my cardboard box" layout created by
Carla Robinson

"Be yourself" layout created by
Carla Robinson

...and a final treat from Carla:

"The hat makes the man" layout created by
Carla Robinson

You're all invited to have a peek at Carla's blog, for more inspiration.

Additionally, the Sisterhood of Scrap Forum managed and owned by Carla, always welcomes visitors and new members. **Please register first... it ONLY takes a second. (One nice thing about SOS is that spammers are absent!)**

SOS welcomes ALL ... here is a little more about this special place, from Carla...

"At Sisterhood of Scrap, you can find "sisters" being kind, uplifting, encouraging, helping you 'soar to new heights' in the craft and supporting you in the ups and downs of life, and giving each other a chance to shine. We are so thankful for our sisters, and the inspiration and creativity they share. We have new events each month -- lots of ways to get creative, have fun and WIN prizes :-) "

So, come one, come all, to Sisterhood of Scrap! I guarantee you'll love its friendly and creative atmosphere... and I bet you'll want to stay! (I sure love it there! It's my go-to place for scrap-happiness...)

Thanks for being with us here at Sketches: Creatively Yours for the month of November, Carla! Looking forward to the inspiration you'll be bringing along with you during your time @ S: CY.

Welcome to November 2011, everyone! Let's make it AWESOME!

~

Sketch #20-11

2011-10-28T04:08:00.043-03:00

Hello again S: CY peeps!
Great to see you all! We're so glad you popped by the blog today. :o)

It's Friday again, so today we reveal a new sketch. This one's for a layout... it boasts room for multiple photos, some patterned paper(s), some edging (hmmm... perhaps scalloped?) and some ribbon or trim- could be paper or fibre, whatever strikes your fancy! Let's have a look-see!

Sketch #20-11 created by
S:CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald

Our October Guest Designer, Andrea Wiebe has created a layout for us this week with the sketch above. It's a "2- pager," which is something we always enjoy seeing here at S:CY! It ought to help get us into the Christmas Spirit, too! Here's Andrea's creation:

"Merry 2010" layout created by S: CY
October 2011 Guest Designer Andrea Wiebe

Left side of "Merry 2010" double-page LO created by
October Guest Designer Andrea Wiebe using S: CY Sketch #20-11

Right side of "Merry 2010" double-page LO created by
October Guest Designer Andrea Wiebe using S: CY Sketch #20-11

Now let's have a peek at what members of the Sketches: Creatively Yours Design Team have created with this week's Sketch.

" {Fire Station} " double-page layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member
Patchi Moussatche

"My Best Friends" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member Maggi Harding

"Graduate" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member Renee Hagler

"Love's triangle" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member Cheryl Casas

Cheryl noted: "I scrapped some characters from the movie Red Riding Hood. I flipped things around. The scalloped edges and top strip are inside my big heart. The strip from the bottom of the sketch became the vine. The journaling turned into the clock."
[Cheryl used the October Scraps of Darkness kit for this LO.]

"So Happy Together: Summer 2011" layout created by
S: CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko
(Photo credit: Ryan Seleshanko)

"Small Storm: 2010" layout created by
S: CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald
Journaling reads: January 2, 2010
Snowed a bit
**6 cm**
Blew around a lot
Pretty-at-dusk pics
TY Kate!!

Thanks, everyone for popping on over to S: CY today to see our newest Sketch and what the Design Team created for us! We love having you here.

Remember: We have some extra special info for our readers and followers! Be sure to try out our any of our Sketches...and leave us a link in our "Comments" Section, below... because... Guess what?? We'll be using the link(s) you share to visit your Blogs and Galleries, leave some love and take note of what we see and love for very near-future S:CY DT and Guest Designer opportunities here at S: CY!

So... don't be shy about sharing! Here is our link: http://www.creativelyyourssketches.blogspot.com/
Tell all your friends!

Just be sure to indicate the sketch you have used and when you do that, please link back to the Sketch right here at S: CY.

Thanks to our S: CY Design Team for their creations this week, and a very BIG Thank You (((HUG))) to our Guest Designer Andrea Wiebe this month- we've enjoyed your visit and hope you can come back again soon!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. :o)
~

Card Sketch # 8

2011-10-21T04:00:00.037-03:00

Welcome to yet another Friday at S:CY everyone!

Today we have a treat for you in the form of a brand new Card Sketch that our Senior Designer, Ann has created for us.

This sketch boasts a border, a circular centre, plus three rectangular elements. Hmmm... could those be rectangles of patterned paper?

Card Sketch #8 created by
S: CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko

As soon as I saw this Sketch, I was eager to see what the DT would send me as interpretations. There is so much leeway here for creativity! I couldn't wait!

Let's have a look at what came through, based on Ann's Card Sketch #8, shall we? ;o)

"Thinking of You" card created by
S:CY Design Team Member Jennifer Cassista

"With Love" card created by
S: CY Card Crew Team Member Michelle Hodges

'Together we make a Family" card created by
S:CY Card Crew Team Member Lindy Rabenstine

"Warm Wedding Congratulations" card created by
S:CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald

"Happy Birthday" card created by
S:CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald

" 'Tis the Season" card created by
S: CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko

Warm thanks to our S:CY Design Team for more wonderful cards this week, and special thanks to our Card Crew gals, Michelle & Lindy for their special attention to this sketch!

Ann, thanks for the creative Card Sketch... I know #8 has sure helped me 'knock out' a couple of needed cards! Much appreciated!

Remember:
We have some extra special info for our readers and followers!

Be sure to try out our any of our Sketches...and leave us a link in our "Comments" Section, below... because... Guess what??

We'll be using the link(s) you share to visit your Blogs and Galleries, leave some love and take note of what we see and love for very near-future S:CY DT and Guest Designer opportunities here at S: CY!

So... don't be shy about sharing! Tell your friends, too! Be sure to indicate the sketch you have used and if at all possible, please link back to the Sketch right here at S: CY.

Have a wonderful week everyone.

~

Sketch #19-11

2011-10-14T00:01:00.005-03:00

Our talented Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko has sketched out a useful & fun template for us this week. It has space for three square photos, horizontal embellies (...perhaps ribbon? maybe some paper strips?) ... and additional interest in the form of the classic visual triangle of embellishments.
Have a look-see!!

Sketch #19-11 created by
S: CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko

First off, our October 2011 Guest Designer Andrea Wiebe has created a beautiful LO for us to enjoy. Imagine the immediacy of this: she and her family have JUST RETURNED from a little vacation ("YAY for Air Miles," as Andrea said,) to Disneyland!
Here is the LO that Ann's Sketch inspired our Guest Designer to create!

"Day 1: Disneyland" layout created by
S: CY October Guest Designer Andrea Wiebe

And, here is a closeup of some detail:

Detail Shot of "Day 1: Disneyland" layout by
Guest Designer Andrea Wiebe

Now, let's continue on and see what the S: CY Design Team has come up with using this cool scrappy sketch by Ann!

"Sweet Pups" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member Cheryl Casas

"Student of the Month" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member Heather Bridges Topich

"Cherry Delish" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member Patchi Moussatche

"Roll Tide Class Project" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member Renee Hagler

"Pray" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member Rita Barakat

Detail shot of "Pray" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member Rita Barakat

Detail shot of journaling on "Pray" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member Rita Barakat

"My Guys" layout created by
S: CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko
[Photo Credit: Lisa McDonald]

"2009 Peacock Splendour- Oaklawn Farm Zoo" layout
created by Team Leader Ali MacDonald

Thanks for the beautiful layouts, S:CY Team. You literally skyrocketed your creations using this sketch. I am always so proud of what you do here! Way to go!
Andrea, TY for your addition to this week's layouts as our October Guest Designer! Love having you here. Your positive energy is so wonderfully contagious!
Ann, thank you for creating this sketch for us. As you can see, we all used it well as a jumping off point, to spark your creativity! I can tell that it will be one that is returned to again and again as we create our memories in scrapbook page form!

IMPORANT! READERS and FOLLOWERS PLEASE TAKE NOTE... :o)
Be sure to try out our Sketches... use them as inspiration in ANY MEDIA!! Then, leave us a link in our "Comments" section, below... because... Guess what?? We'll be using the link(s) you share to visit your Blogs and Galleries, leave some love and take note of what we see and love for very near-future S: CY DT and Guest Designer opportunities!
So... don't be shy about sharing! Be sure to indicate the sketch you have used and if at all possible, please link back to the Sketch right here at S: CY.

See you in just a few days with more delicious S: CY "yumminess!"
~

Sketch #18-11

2011-10-07T04:00:00.009-03:00

Hi Everyone! Welcome back!!
Time for another Sketch here at the S: CY Blog- it must be Friday!
Sketch #18-11 provides space for 2 smaller square photos, and a larger horizontal photo, in addition to some side-interest which could be scalloped or other style of edging.
Let's have a peek at the latest S: CY Sketch!

Sketch #18-11 created by
S:CY Team Leader
Ali MacDonald

What did the Sketches: Creatively Yours Design Team come up with this week? I can't wait to show you! Here we go!

'A Little Lovin' is all you Need" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member
Jennifer Cassista

"Bye Bye Baby" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member
Heather Bridges Topich

"Hyder" layout created by
S: CY Design Team Member
Maggi Harding

Maggi's journaling reads:

Hyder, Alaska sits at the head of the Portland Canal and although it is in Alaska, it identifies more with Canada as Stewart, BC (pop. 700) is just across the border. Hyder has no connection to the USA, you can only get to Hyder by driving through Canada, by air or sea. It is notable for being the only place in Alaska not to use the statewide 907 area code, instead using the area code of 250 allocated for British Columbia. Tourists will also find that Hyder uses Pacific Time Zone, the common currency is Canadian (with the exception of the US Post Office, which only accepts American currency), they observe Canadian holidays, send their children to Canadian schools, and when there is trouble, the famed Canadian Mounties step in. (From Wikipedia)

We traveled to Hyder for one reason and that was for bear viewing at the US Forest Service Fish Creek Wildlife Viewing Area. We watched a brown bear and her spring cub fish for salmon in the creek. She didn’t seem to be at all disturbed by the people on the viewing platform but she did keep a watchful eye out for other bears, particularly males, as they will kill cubs so that the females will mate with them.

There’s not much in Hyder, the streets are gravel, many of the buildings are rather derelict in appearance and many are closed.

"All because two people fell in Love" layout created by
S:CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko

That's all for this week folks... so glad you popped over! Thanks to Heather, Maggi, Jennifer and Ann for their interpretations of my Sketch this week. LOVE what you have created with #18-11! Maggi, loved reading your journaling. Hyder reminds me of a little place close to our area here in the Annapolis Valley.

Here's some extra special info for our readers and followers!

Be sure to try out our Sketches...and leave us a link in our "Comments" Section, below... because... Guess what?? We'll be using the link(s) you share to visit your Blogs and Galleries, leave some love and take note of what we see and love for very near-future S:CY DT and Guest Designer opportunities!

So... don't be shy about sharing! Be sure to indicate the sketch you have used and if at all possible, please link back to the Sketch right here at S: CY.

See you in a few days!

Our New Design Team!

2011-10-03T06:00:00.085-03:00

Today I have the more-than-enjoyable task of revealing to you the new Design Team for the Sketches: Creatively Yours blog!

We have a very strong and exceptionally talented group of ladies on this term's Design Team, and I am so excited to introduce them to you! Each brings a special skill or talent to the table... and to add a cherry on top, we have some widely varied styles represented.

These gals have it all... they can do ANYTHING. From traditional to shabby chic, steampunk, whimsical, dreamy, romantic; contemporary, crisp, and graphic, you will get a peek at everything imaginable as far as styles go!!! You will also get a peek at the keen love of storytelling through journaling that some of our Team Members have developed. At S:CY we encourage Designers to create in whatever media that a Sketch inspires. When I open my emails, I'm always excited to see what the gals have created. Members of this Team add their signature styles to layouts, altered items, mini-albums and cards... and I know we will see it all represented this term!

We also have a special treat for you over the next few months! We're welcoming a Guest Artist to the Sketches: Creatively Yours Design Team.

Please help me extend a warm "How do you do?" to S:CY Guest Artist Virginia Wong!

S:CY Guest Artist
Virginia Wong

Here's one of Virginia's recent fave projects:

"Me, right now" layout created by Virginia Wong
Virginia says "I rarely if ever scrap about me let alone take a picture of lil ol' me so this layout is special to me!"

***We will be able to spill the beans soon & will share a bio that will tell you a wee bit more about Virginia in the next week or so. For now, just know we have this fabulous Guest Artist working along with our Design Team!***

Onward we go! This whole team is exceptional! So happy to introduce each of them to you ...

Our next Design Team Member is Jennifer Cassista ~ WELCOME to this elegance-loving scrapper who hails from Ontario!!

S:CY Design Team Member
Jennifer Cassista

Jennifer's Bio:

Hi everyone, my name is Jennifer and I am thrilled that Ali asked my to be on her Design Team this term. I love working with the wonderful sketches - they never fail to inspire me. I have been scrapping for a few years now and I have to admit that it is my creative outlet. By day and by night I am a labour and delivery nurse. When I find a free moment I can't wait to dig into my stash and get a little inky! My 2 kids roll their eyes when I get my camera out but they are great sports and will (mostly) grin and bear all the crazy photo ops. (My husband, on the other hand, runs and hides when I get the camera out.) I look forward to working with this wonderful team over the next few months and being inspired to "take it to the next level."

Here is one of my favourite recent layouts. I love distressing things yet keeping it elegant. It is where I am happiest.

"Forever" layout created by
Jennifer Cassista

I would be thrilled if you checked out some of my other work right HERE.

I'm excited to announce that Cheryl Casas is with us for the next 5 months! So glad you're sharing your talent at S: CY!

S:CY Design Team Member
Cheryl Casas

Cheryl's Bio:

Hi everyone! My name is Cheryl. I am 31 years old, a mom to 3, a wife to 1 and a massage therapist to the rest of the world lol. I have been scrapping for 2 years and it is my passion!!!! I am so thankful for finding this love of mine. It really gives me the sense of calm that I often need. Plus, I have been so blessed with meeting so many fabulous people, I am forever grateful. I tend to be very versatile with my scrapping style, always trying new techniques and styles. Therefore, I love working with sketches!!! So I am super excited to be here on the DT for another term!!!!

Here is a recent fave project of Cheryl's:

"You are the key" layout created by
Cheryl Casas
[Credit: Scraps of Darkness kit]

Designer Renee Hagler is lending her skill at scrappin' and cardmaking to the S:CY Team too! How lucky are we?

S:CY Design Team Member
Renee Hagler

Renee's Bio:

Hi, my name is Renee and I am addicted to scrapbooking. I love pictures, both taking them and scrapbooking them. I also enjoy other papercrafting like cardmaking, copic coloring and vinyl work, as well as crocheting and my newest craft, knitting. When sitting down to scrapbook, I like to take a sketch, flip it, twist it and make it my own. I look forward to sharing a few projects with you.
Here's my Blog LINK.

Renee asked me to share this photo display that she created with you today, as it is a fave project of hers.

Photo display created by
Renee Hagler

Bravo! Maggi Harding's here for the current Design Team term! Welcome Maggi!~

S:CY Design Team Member
Maggi Harding with her 'spoo fur-kids

Maggi's Bio:

Hi! My name is Maggi and I live in NC with my wonderful husband and two standard poodles that we refer to as the spoos. They are my children and of course, I do a lot of layouts featuring my furkids.
My husband and I have been married for 19 very happy years, and in those years we’ve lived in Washington DC, Fairbanks, Alaska, Denver, CO and North Carolina. No, we are not currently military, but my husband is a retired Navy pilot and I am an Army brat. That means that moving is second nature to us and every 2 - 3 years we get the bug to move. However, I have nailed the furniture down and I’m not moving again! We do like to travel with the spoos in our motorhome and that means I also do a lot of travel layouts.

I think I’ve always been a scrapper, I just didn’t know it! I had scrapbooks as a teen with all kinds of ephemera in them. Unfortunately, in my later years, I was so embarrassed by my silly childhood collections that I destroyed them! There was a mostly disintegrated leaf from a tree at Paul McCartney’s house in there. That is a clue to my age. Then in 2005, I started scrapbooking as we know it today and I’m completely OCD about it!
I describe my style as vintage/shabby chic with touches of bright color. I love scrapping 12 x 12 pages but I also have a real love for making paperbag albums and ATCs. For me, scrapbooking is an artistic adventure, what can I create, how can I make this piece of paper come to life? Along with scrapping the pictures, I love to tell the stories and often reflect on how to tell the story hidden in my photographs. I was fortunate enough to get a huge box of old photos from my Mom and have been scrapping those for most of the last year so I have really been developing my “vintage” style.

You can find Maggi's Blog HERE.

Here is one of Maggi's favourite pages from her recent work:

"Grace:" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Maggi Harding

Journaling reads:

1953 Verdun, France – Dad had already gone to his duty station in Verdun, so you had to fly to France with a baby, Margaret, and Craig, almost 5 at the time. The plane was struck by lightening and caught fire so we made an emergency landing in Newfoundland. By that time, you must have been scared out of your mind and wondering why on earth you were traveling to this foreign land.

There you were, in France, living in a house with bullet holes from WWII in the front door. Our French landlady & her son had hidden in a cabinet in the kitchen when the Germans forced their way into her home. Fortunately, they didn’t look there and she was ok. ou and Dad lived on the French economy and with the grace that you’ve had all your life, you accepted the situation and set about learning to speak French. You and our landlady, Madam Gaillard, sat with the French/English dictionary and learned to communicate. By the time we came home from France, you were speaking fluent French.

Still more creativity: Now we welcome S: CY Designer Heather Bridges Topich! Awesome to have you with us!~

S:CY Design Team Member
Heather Bridges Topich

Heather's Bio:

I am a stay-at-home mom of 3 kids, but I do anything BUT stay at home. I'm the main errand girl-cleaner-launderer-cook-problem solver-message returner-volunteer in our house.

I have been scrapbooking since college but have only been very active for the past five. I have a whopping... or embarassing... 18 albums full of layouts (not including minis, altered art pieces, or cards that I've created)! I would call my scrapping style sometimes shabby-chic, sometimes whimsical, and, lately, very clean-lined. I'm paint-phobic, and I'm working on becoming a better photographer. I am so honored to serve another tour of duty with S:CY!

You can visit my blog HERE.

"Que c'est beau" ("How beautiful") layout created by
Heather Bridges Topich

Exceptionally excited to extend the hand of welcome to Designer Rita Barakat! Welcome to the S: CY Team, Rita!

S:CY Design Team Member
Rita Barakat

Rita's Bio:

Rita Barakat is mixed Media Artist new to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. She hand painted murals for a living before stumbling onto scrapbooking. She loves incorporating art into her scrapbooking. Journaling her heart onto her pages is her passion. She is currently designing for Clear Scraps, Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft, Creative Memories and Ta Da Creative Studios. She has written scrap-therapy curriculum for teens and is the Square Foot Scrapbooking Coordinator for Scrapbooking from the Inside Out. Previous teams include Glue Dots, GCD Studios, Shimmerz, Best Creation and Momenta.

You can find more of her work on her blog right HERE.

Here's a recent favourite project of Rita's:

"Attitude is Everything!" layout created by
Rita Barakat

Patchi Moussatche is racing along the Design Team track with us this term. Thrilled to have you with us, Patchi!

S:CY Design Team Member
Patricia (Patchi) Moussatche

Patchi's Bio:

My name is Patricia Moussatche, but I'm known as Patchi. I'm a scientist by profession and mother of two boys aged 3 and 5. I turn to scrapbooking and card making to release my daily stress and creativity. I blog over at LO and Read I have also post some of my work on Flicker and I have been published in SNR. I like doing a bit of everything, so you will see a mix of 1- and 2-page layouts along with a variety of cards on my blog. I enjoy using bright colors, scrapping vacation pictures, mixing patterned papers, decorating boxes, multi-photo layouts and making cards with scraps. And of course I love working with sketches - they are so inspiring!

"Out in the sun" layout created by
Patchi Moussatche

Onward to some more news! This term, we have a team of two gals who have, at my special request, dedicated themselves solely to cards. They'll be creating knock-out beauty using S:CY card Sketches every month!

Sooo.... something special rounds out the S:CY Design Team: A Two-Designer "Card Crew!"

A warm "Welcome" is extended to our Card Crew Designers Lindy Rabenstine and Michelle Hodges! So happy you've accepted this role at S:CY!

S:CY Card Crew Designer
Lindy Rabenstine and daughter Gracie

Lindy's Bio:

I am a wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend. I have a very energetic five year old daughter and I’m married to the love of my life. I work full time outside the home and when I’m not cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, washing dishes or picking up after my husband and daughter you can find me scrapping. I have recently starting making cards and some other craft items. I also love to read, go camping and hiking and just spend time with my family and friends.
Here is a recent fave project of Lindy's for your viewing pleasure, created especially for her daughter Gracie:

"Floral Vase" created by
S:CY Card Crew Designer Lindy Rabenstine

S:CY Card Crew Designer
Michelle Hodges

Michelle's Bio:

I am Michelle Hodges and I live in South Texas.
My husband and I have a six year old daughter. I’m a SAHM and I volunteer at our daughter's school and at church.
When I’m not scrapping I enjoy spending time with family, being outdoors, Church activities, and traveling.
I started scrapbooking twelve years ago and I started getting involved in the online scrapping world right after our daughter was born!
My scrapbooking style is shabby-chic, artsy, simple with clean lines and some vintage. When I’m not creating tags, cards, or LO’s. I love to alter items, and create Mixed Media projects. I love to use misting, inking, paint and layering when I create! I’m looking forward to working with Ali & Ann’s amazing sketches again and getting to know the DT members and the S:CY fans!!
You can read my Blog HERE. :o)

Here is one of Michelle's favourite projects: a Card called "Heartfelt..."

"Heartfelt" card created by
S:CY Card Crew Designer Michelle Hodges

Ann Seleshanko and I will be staying on as your S:CY Senior Designer (Ann) and Team Leader (Ali). So happy to be with you! We'll be sharing the sketching responsibilities this term.

Welcome to the S:CY Design Team everyone!!!!

Welcome to our readers and Followers... thanks for coming along for the ride!

SPECIAL INFO: Be sure to try out our Sketches...and leave us a link in our "Comments" Section, below... and... Guess what?? We'll be using the link(s) to visit your Blogs and Galleries, leave some love and take note of what we see and love for very near-future S:CY DT and Guest Designer opportunities! So... don't be shy about sharing! Be sure to indicate the sketch you have used and if at all possible, please link back to the Sketch at S: CY.

I know we're going to have a fabulous term! Welcome, Welcome!

OCTOBER Guest Designer Andrea Wiebe!!

2011-10-01T00:01:00.028-03:00

Are you ready??

We're in for a treat this month: October is going to be pretty special!

I am so thrilled to welcome none other than talented scrapbooker, Andrea Wiebe to the "Sketches: Creatively Yours" Blog fore the month of October 2011!

Andrea has been a Guest Designer here at S: CY before, but it had been FAR too long since that visit. I was so happy when she accepted my invitation to come back!

S:CY October Guest Designer
Andrea Wiebe

Andrea is a Mom of 3 and homeschools her kiddos. She is currently on the Design Team for Maya Road. A former designer at Upsy Daisy Designs, she has also designed for ScrapInStyletv.com, Ninabrook Designs, The Story Matters and Scrapbook Star.

Her work has been published in Canadian Scrapbooker, Memory Makers, Scrapbook Trends and Paper Trends magazine. Andrea has also contributed work to various publications by Leisure Arts, Memory Makers Idea Books and Pinecone Press.

Here is a favourite project that Andrea has shared with us:

"Sequence" layout created by
S:C Y Guest Designer Andrea Wiebe

An avid crafter, Andrea enjoys sharing photos of her crafty endeavours via a Picasa album. You can find that HERE. Additionally, here is a LINK to a tutorial by Andrea on the Maya Road blog. It's for a gorgeous Petalled Ribbon Flower! Enjoy!

Welcome to S:CY Andrea! We're so glad you're with us for the month!

~

Sketch #17-11

2011-09-30T00:01:00.079-03:00

Hi Everyone!

I have an extra special treat for you today as we end the month of September and close out the current S:CY Design Team's term. Can you believe how quickly April to September has passed? Yikes! But, wow... here we are!

S:CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko has created one of her amazing layout sketches to highlight the end of September.

Ann's Sketch has both horizontal and assymetrical elements... plus some well placed circular embellishment areas for us to "play with!" Let's see it, shall we?

Sketch #17-11 created by
S:CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko

We have eight Design Team Member creations based on Ann's sketch to share with you today. They are each unique and special... Enjoy them!

"Missing your hugs" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Mandy Harrell

"Wait for me!" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Tammy Pyette
[Credits: BG 4 and 6 from RPENN_expressyourself, vine is mcato-monkeyingaround-vine and Element_FancyFrame was used to frame picture as well as a layer mask to make the border on the bg layer.]

"2011" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Maggi Harding

"New reader" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Heather BridgesTopich

"Going Home" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Cheryl Casas
Journaling reads: It is such a great feeling to be on the corner streets of my house. That means I am close to being home.
[Credits: Cheryl used the September kit from www.scrapsofdarkness.com]

"Summer Fun!" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Heather Getson

"Why Scrapbook? Moments like These" by
S:CY Senior Design Team Member Ann Seleshanko

"Des Jeans Bleus" layout created by
S:CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald
Journaling reads: Bryan started school in the year 2000 and he learned the "Jeans Bleus" song with Mme. J. O'T. He called her "Dam O'Toodle" **Grin** Here is some artwork he created that year. It was a self-portrait, and in it, he is wearing his "Blue Jeans" and telling about some of the things he liked at the time: his teacher, the French book characters "Dina" and "Dinomir," and school. So cute! WTG, Bryan!

Warm Appreciation:

I want to take some time now to say a special thanks to our current Team, who are completing their S:CY Design Team Term (April-Sept 2011).

Each of your has done a special job of interpreting Sketches here at S:CY, and sharing a little of yourselves & your lives as you do so. Thank You so much~ Ann and I wish each of your much success in your future scrappin' endeavours!

I have linked each of the out-going Design Team's names to the S:CY Spotlight Feature individually written and published here on the Blog during their term.

Warm Thanks to the outgoing S:CY Design Team:

Amy Manis
Cheryl Casas
Heather Bridges Topich
Heather Getson
Helen Hollinger
Jackie Plank
Lindy Rabenstine
Maggi Harding
Mandy Harrell
Michelle Sheehan
Patchi (Patricia) Moussatche
Renee Hagler
Sylvia Galindo
Sylvia Tomala
Tammy Pyette

And... a HUGE "Thank You" hug to my right-hand girl, Ann Seleshanko, who will continue to fulfill the role of S:CY Senior Designer here on the Blog.

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

The next time we see you, it'll be Oct 1st and we will be announcing and introducing our October Guest Designer! You will be as excited as we are when you see who it is!

The beginning of October will continue to be fantastic... on October 3rd, we will be introducing a smaller, yet still very multi-talented new S:CY Design Team!

See you soon again, here at S:CY! Are you a "Follower" yet? Make sure you are!

~

Card Sketch #7

2011-09-23T00:01:00.003-03:00

Hello Everyone! It's that magical day here at S:CY: FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!

That means we have a little something new to share with you all! Today, it's a card Sketch! In addition, we have a set of Design Team interpretations... and as you will see, this week, the sketch inspired more than cards!

Onward..... to the Sketch!

Sketch #7 by
S:CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald

As I kinda "hinted," the Team has some really NEAT interpretations of Card Sketch #7 to share with you this week.

"Adore" Card created by
S:CY Design Team Member Lindy Rabenstine

"Hallowe'en Card" created by
S:CY Design Team Member Amy Manis

"It's been forever" card created by
S:CY Design Team Member Renee Hagler

Tammy had fun with the Card Sketch and used it as inspiration to create a layout of her kids using photos from this summer!

"Summer Happy" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Tammy Pyette
[Credits: The titles of the elements I used were "bg__flowery slurp" (the floral part of the background) and "Title__be happy" (happy botton on bottom), unfortunately I did not label them with a website so I'm not certain where I found them on the Web.]

"There's Magic..." card created by
S:CY Senior Design Team Member Ann Seleshanko

"Merci" card created by
S:CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald

It's a thrill to see cards representing a variety of seasons, themes and styles in the DT submissions... Plus, to have a layout inspired by Card Sketch #7 is a little "extra" treat! Great job everyone!

Please try the Sketch on the next card or layout you create and leave us a link to it in the "Comments" section here on the S: CY Blog (see below) so that we can all go visit! Our Team love to see YOUR interpretation and would be sure to leave you a note!

Special thanks to each member of the the S:CY Team who provided us with their creations for today's Sketch. It's always so much fun collecting and sharing them all with our Blog readers. I think I have the most enjoyable job of anyone on the Team! LOL

Have a wonderful weekend and week ahead. Ooooh, BTW....psssst....Next week, as we approach the very end of September, Ann has a great layout Sketch to share with us. Don't miss it!

~

Designer Spotlight: Tammy Pyette

2011-09-20T00:01:00.003-03:00

Today we are putting S:CY Designer Tammy Pyette in the spotlight here at S:CY as we get to know a little more about another of our Team Members.

S:CY Design Team Member Tammy Pyette
(with adorable baby Rilla)

Tammy is someone I know IRL, so this is an easy one to "put to paper," so to speak!

In her current career, Tammy is wife to a guy in the Royal Canadian Air Force and "Mama" to 4 kiddos (really cute...). She's also a photographer. She does a lot of my younger 2 kids' photos... and with her quiet way, has a special gift in getting great shots of my littlest guy, who has special needs.

Along the topic of photography, I asked Tammy what she'd choose if someone told her that she could ONLY scrap photos of scenery-- what would draw her in and become her favourite? She replied "Mountains. You can find a little bit of everything in the mountains. Trees, rock, glaciers, snowy caps, wildflowers, water falls, rivers, rapid runs, calm mornings, brilliant sunsets....it's all in there." Tammy shoots with a Canon Rebel as well as "a couple different Nikons. Depends for what and where."

Like many Moms, Tammy's favourite subjects to scrap are her four kidlets! "They do and say the darnedest things!" says Tammy.

"Snowshoe: Valley View Provincial Park"
created by Tammy Pyette
[Credits: I made the background, ribbons, etc. using Photoshop brushes.]

Tammy is a digital scrapbooker. Always on time with every S:CY assignment, she's also creative in many other areas. As she tells it "I would like to build each of my pages completely from my own stuff….unfortunately time doesn’t always allow for that so I have a collection of digital papers to draw on and I almost always search for premade brushes before I take the time to create my own. With a toddler, a preschooler, and 2 kids homeschooling (one of whom has special needs) I have to do all I can to save time. When it comes to wants (rather than needs) fast and free usually wins out."

"Zac with his 'Miss Riss'- New Best Friends" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Tammy Pyette
using S:CY Sketch 01-11 below
[Credits: papers and embellishments from packages found at Shabby Princess except for the paw prints which were created using Photoshop brushes. Some of the papers and embellishments are as you see them on the Shabby Princess site, others have been altered.]

Sketch 01-11 created by
S:CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald

Tammy's favourite way to build a page is to "use a location shot for the background, add the favourite pictures from there to the page, and any elements (flowers, etc) from location pictures."

For “go-to” stock resources, Tammy gives us the addies of several sites that she likes:
Paper - http://www.shabbyprincess.com/

A bit of everything - http://www.deviantart.com/

Brushes - http://www.brushlovers.com/, http://www.brusheezy.com/
http://myphotoshopbrushes.com/brushes

Fonts - http://www.1001freefonts.com/ http://www.dafont.com/

Quotes - http://thinkexist.com
http://www.quotegarden.com
http://www.quotegarden.com

Tammy quips that although she has given us three sources for quotes, most of the quotes she uses lately come from her kids!

Like many scrapbookers, Tammy has other intereswts anbd skills. One of her hobbies is sewing. I have seen her work- she's awesome at it! She's been teaching her eldest daughter, Brielle, how to sew, too. Brielle made her own Christmas dress one year.

Tammy also does counted cross stitch. I'll let her tell you about that in her own words. She explains it best! "Although I have decided to go completely digital with my scrapbooks, I do like more traditional crafts. I like to satisfy my need for hands-on crafts with things that I can't do on my computer, such as cross stitch. I'm never satisfied with the published patterns and almost always alter them to be more personal.

Cross stitch on right side of screen created by
Tammy Pyette

"In this (above) cross stitch I changed the little girls teddy from brown to white, because my daughter's special bear is white. I also took the old fashioned hat and suspenders off the boy, lightened his hair colour, and personalized his toys. He is carrying a fishing pole with Nemo on the end of it. My oldest son loves fishing and always use to tell me he wanted to 'catch a giant Nemo fish!' I also took the hankie out of the pocket and put in a train engine named Skarloie (one of his fav. characters from Thomas the Train). I'm still not quite satisfied with the boys hair, I may still go back and add a bit more red, but for the time being it is done. (I haven't stretched and framed it yet so you can see the fabric creases in the photo, but I won't be doing that for a while.)"

Tammy organizes her layouts chronologically... "by date. By the month for sure, then by day unless they don’t flow well that way. For example, I'll move things around within the month to arrange for certain pages to face each other."

In terms of storing her digital layouts, Tammy told me that she has them printed into books! What a great system. "I’ve printed most my albums at http://www.photobookcanada.com/ but I think I actually prefer http://www.heritagephotobooks.ca/ .
The glossy covers are much nicer. I’ve got a couple new printing places I’m looking into. I’ll probably try a new one next year."

Tammy doesn't make mini-albums, but she has a very interesting "TAKE" on the concept that makes a creative gift idea. "I make 'year in review' calendars for grandparents, great-grandma, and one of my Aunts. I don’t tend to mail them any photos throughout the year, since they like printed rather than computer screen images, so they get a year's worth every Christmas."

Tammy has some wonderful thoughts on the concept of being "caught up" with scrapbooking her photos. "I am as caught up as I want to be, :o)" she says. "The first couple weeks of each month I work on doing pages for the previous month, so by mid-January my album for the previous year is ready to print!"

"If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun"
layout created by Tammy Pyette
[Credits: All the papers, elements, and masks were from different areas on the freebies list at http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com.]

The layout above has a special story. The photo was taken just this summer (2011) while at her sister's wedding. Tammy explains that Brielle and Xander were "picking flowers in the Devonian gardens! ...ooops. Throwing them into the stream! ...ooops. But the kids sure had fun! And it kept them happy while the photographer took pictures. (I think it's my favourite photo from the whole wedding!)" Tammy also asked for help from the Team and our readers re: this LO. She says "I'm not thrilled with the quote I've got on there so if anyone has any other suggestions which fit that moment I would love to hear them." (You can post any suggestions in the Comments section right here on the S:CY Blog.)

As mentioned, Tammy has 4 kids. She plans separate albums for each. As she explains..."I plan to make a separate, more individually personalized album for each child, but I’ll do that when they’re in their teens and I’m sitting around waiting for them to come home in the evenings. For now I just want a yearly account for me, complete with cute sayings and precious moments, right now, when they're fresh in my mind."

"Pretty Lilla Rilla- 6 months" created by
Tammy Pyette
[Credits: Everything is from www.shabbyprincess.com vintage florals collection.]

There is a LOT to be said for making sure those precious memories are captured quickly, because as cliche though it sounds, those kids do grow WAY too fast!

Tammy, thanks for sharing your creativity with us here at S:CY for this feature today. An extra big Thank You for allowing us a brief window into the world of a digital scrapbooker, crafter, military wife, and Mom. Keep up the great scrapbooking work we've been witness to this Term!! ~

Sketch 16-11

2011-09-16T00:01:00.055-03:00

Hello everyone, welcome to another Friday at S:CY. :o) I am so happy you popped by!

The fact that it's Friday means that we have a new Sketch to share with you all!

This Sketch can be adapted easily for cards or layouts, as you will see in the DT interpretations. Additionally, it is a multi-photo sketch, one that can help you to scrap the piles of pics (or virtual piles of digi pics) that are no doubt building for many of us--because we ALL love to take photos, right?!

Let's get to it and see what the S:CY DT came up with.

Sketch 16-11 created by
S:CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald

"I love Christmas" card created by
S:CY Design Team Member
Amy Manis

"Beach Day 2011" triple-page layout (A, B & C) by
S:CY Design Team Member
Heather BridgesTopich

"Grammy's Paint Box" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member
Patchi Moussatche

"Ella Grace" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member
Michelle Sheehan

"Lake Izac Tavern" 2-pg layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Lindy Rabenstine

"Steam Age" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Maggi Harding

"What an Artist" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Heather Getson

"Japan" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Tammy Pyette

"Beach Baby" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Tammy Pyette

"Christmas Morning" layout created by
S:CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko

"Christmas Decor" layout created by
S:CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald

WOW, just look at what we have this week: Bright LOs & subtly-toned LOs... a "steampunk-styled" vintage LO, a "triple pager," a yummy card, "digi" LOs, two "double-pagers," Christmas LOs, a baby LO, a "crossing-cultures" LO, traditional paper LOs... oh, the list could go on! So many categories and ways to express art!

Once again, a BIG thanks to the entire Sketches: Creatively Yours Design Team for their excellent creations. I love what you did with the Sketch!

Have a great week everyone! You deserve it. Be sure to take some special time just for you. Hmmm....I think I will take a trip to the library for some "new" books. You?

~

Designer Spotlight: Sylvia Galindo!

2011-09-13T00:01:00.039-03:00

Today we're shining a spotlight on S:CY Design Team Member Sylvia Galindo, who hails from Copperas Cove, Texas, near Ft. Hood. Sylvia enjoys where she lives, saying she's been there awhile and likes "the small town atmosphere."

This gal is one busy professional! As she tells it... "I work in Radiology. I work in 2 hospitals. I do CT scans Monday thru Friday. I also work in another Hospital about an hour away every other weekend. I do CT scans and x-rays there. I am also studying for my Quality Management registry."

S:CY Design Team Member
Sylvia Galindo

As the hard-working Mom to a daughter who loves to dance, Sylvia has a ready-made source of scrappy inspiration literally right at her fingertips. As she tells it: 'My daughter is my favorite subject to scrap. She really is the apple of my eye. She dances so beautifully so that I will always have another beautiful dress or pose to scrap."

In fact, one of Sylvia's Dance layouts featuring her daughter Irene was part of her application to the S:CY Design Team in March 2011. She joined us here in April.

"Beautiful Dancer" layout created by
then-S:CY DT Applicant
Sylvia Galindo

Sylvia says she's not sure if she has a certain 'scrappin' style.' She told me that she feels that her pages reflect more of the subject in the layout. She also mused..."I do a lot of inking though. Maybe I have a shabby style?"

Sylvia calls herself a nighttime scrapper. "I am definitely a night-owl. The ideas and inspiration really seem to flow at that time. I can't scrap in the A.M. at all although sometimes I will just sit there and stare at my scrappy supplies or think about a picture that I may want to scrap later."

Sylvia loves to scrap but she also loves to read and watch favourite TY shows.
She told me that "When the mood strikes I have been known to crochet a blanket or two, and when Irene's dance season starts I'm taking her to dance conventions and competitions and making dance goodies for the team."

Like most of us,Sylvia is a gal with definite preferences. I asked her about some of these... and here are her answers!

Fave COLOUR of all time: "I like a dusty subdued pink the best."

"Irene" layout created by
Sylvia Galindo

Fave EMBELLISHMENT Company: "Prima flowers are on a lot of my layouts."

"Fall Fun: Count your Blessings" layout created by
Sylvia Galindo

Fave CARDSTOCK company: "I like the weight and texture of Bazzil's cardstock the most."

Current camera:"I have a Canon rebel DSR. I want to get a small point and shoot, though, that I can easily carry with me so I won't miss any photo ops".

There's no way of getting around it... like MANY of our S:CY Designers, Sylvia and her daughter Irene are animal lovers. As Sylvia tells it... "We have 3 dogs and a bunny. A husky/shepherd mix name Boo. She is 9 1/2 years old. She is very vain and dainty and always likes to put her best foot forward. A rottweiler named Joker. He is also 9 years old. He loves loving. If you give him a little snuggle he starts prancing around like a puppy. A German Shepherd named Rocky. He's the baby at 7 months old. Believe it or not he actually tries to eat rocks. I am also trying to teach him German! Our bunny is a girl named Daisy. She's so soft and cute and we love it when she gives us little kisses."

"Lady" layout created by
Sylvia Galindo

Calling herself "the ultimate procrastinator," Sylvia loves deadlines because they help her get to work. "A close deadline really gets me into gear and I get busy." If a scrappin' ' rut decides to make an appearance in her creative life, Sylvia generally walks away from what is blocking her and "I move on to another project." She says that new pictures and paper help to inspire her.

"All Smiles" layout created by
Sylvia Galindo

The amount of time Sylvia spends on a layout varies. "It depends on the layout. I've done 2 layouts in a single night and have had layouts take a week. I will stop in the middle of a layout and come back to it several times also if I'm not 'feeling' it" says this busy scrapper.

Sylvia absolutely loves to make mini albums and has a great storage tip to go along with them. She explains, "I love to have them themed ie. about a certain event or day. I love how I can open them and actually feel the paper and embellishments rather than inside a plastic sleeve. I like to make them super chunky and not necessarily contained by having embellishments coming off the page. I store them in the vintage looking empty hat boxes and cases I can get from Micheals." (Love your storage idea Sylvia!!! It's perfect!)

In terms of organization, Sylvia explained how she keeps order in her albums. First of all, like 'Yours Truly,' she likes a certain type of album. "I really love the We R Memories Keepers 3-ring binders. My layouts are really, really chunky and these are perfect. I can easily add and remove pages depending on how quickly I fill up the album. I won't lie, my post-bound albums looked ridiculous the way I had them stuffed full!"

Sylvia organizes her layouts by theme. "If I have a theme that encompasses more than one year then I go by year in the theme." Because of Irene's chosen activity is dance, Sylvia says "My daughter has a dance album for each season that she's been dancing. If I need more than one album for a season then I match the album color. If I have a variety of layouts that don't have a theme then I try to match the time frames the pictures are from."

I asked Sylvia how a person can pass on, or let go of, things she thinks she will no longer use. She replied "I'm not sure how a person can "let go" of scraps or stuff she knows she won't use. I'm still trying to figure that one out for myself! I always think if I get rid of something then I'll have a layout that will be missing that one thing to make it perfect. So yes, I have stacks of 'a little somethings' all over my scrap space."

Sylvia is very fortunate, because her daughter likes to scrapbook! "My daughter will scrapbook and make altered projects when the mood strikes her. She blows me away with the amazing things she comes up with. She's a true artist." Her daughter also understands her need to scrapbook! Says Sylvia, "Everyone else just looks at me like I'm crazy when I tell them it's my scrapbook time."

"True Beauty lies within" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Sylvia Galindo
using Sketch 06-11

Sketch 06-11 created by
S:CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald

Sylvia is continuing to pursue her hobby and is fine with the probability that she will never be 'caught up.' As she says "I don't think anyone can ever be. Unless they stop taking photos. I don't mind never being caught up though. I have plenty of paper I am itching to use!"

Sylvia, I think we ought to form a club for scrappers with lotsa paper they're itchin' to use up! *wink* Thanks for allowing the S:CY Spotlight to shine on you today, and for showing us some more of your work... it's always so nice to learn a more about the members of our Design Team!

~

Card Sketch #6

2011-09-09T06:00:00.080-03:00

Hi everyone! Hope September is perking along for all of you. What a busy and challenging time of year this can be! :o) Love it, though!

This week we are sharing a Card Sketch. Although I create a large number of cards, you rarely see me share a sketch for one here at S:CY. For some reason, I keep those in a little collection all by its' lonesome! LOL! Anyway, here's one from me. Hope you like it!

Card Sketch #6 created by
S:CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald

In this Sketch, there is an opportunity to use ribbon and patterned paper, as well as a rectangular image and unusually-placed sentiment. Let's see what the S:CY Design Team came up with this week..!

"Let it Snow" card created by
S:CY Design Team Member Lindy Rabenstine

"Sending you Happy Thoughts" card created by
S:CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko

"Thank You" card created by
S:CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald
[Note: Sketch was flipped one quarter turn counter-clockwise for this card and the position and shape of the greeting was changed.]

"Thinking of you" card created by
S:CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald
[Note: Sketch was flipped 1/4 turn counter-clockwise for this card, and positioning of pp strip for the greeting was reversed.]

Hope you've liked this week's card Sketch and DT interpretations.

Feel free to try out the sketch for a card or even a LO... leave us a link in the Comments section so that we can pop by and visit! :) Would love to see what you create!

Have a super week, everyone! Chat soon!
~

Sketch 15-11

2011-09-02T06:00:00.041-03:00

Welcome to September everyone!!
This my favourite month, such a great time of the year! Of couse this favouritism has NOTHING whatsoever to do with the fact that the kids are headed back to school, or that I have a birthday coming up.Teehee... Nope, no influence at all... LOL, can you see the innocent look on my face??! ;o)

We have a great month planned for you here at the S:CY Sketch Blog, too.

First up this month is an awesome layout Sketch by our very own Senior Designer, Ann Seleshanko.

This Sketch creates ample room for two photos plus embellishment(s) and accent strips.

Layout Sketch #15-11 created by
S:CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko

There's room for white space too!

What did our designers do with this versatile Sketch? Let's have a peek, and see what looks it inspired.

"I Adore You" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Amy Manis
(Please note that Amy has a new Blog & it has a new addy! Click on her name or the link on your right in the DT list column to access it. Thanks everyone!!)

"Mr Sandman" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Cheryl Casas

"Celebrate 50 Years!" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Tammy Pyette
(These photos show highlights of a visit made as part of Tammy's summer trip across Canada with her family~ Summer 2011.)

"So Tough" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Mandy Harrell
(Mandy told me this little critter was her dog "Skidder" when he was a puppy.)

"Great Aunty Cheryl" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Michelle Sheehan

(Please join Michelle back at her old Blog... There has been a change. The link is http://michelle-just-me.blogspot.com/ Thanks! )

"A Little Curious" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Patchi Moussatche

"Summer Carwasher" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Renee Hagler

"The View from the Acropolis" layout created by
S:CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko
(This LO shows two of the pics Ann and her family took on their dream trip to Greece in the summer of 2010.)

"Warranted" layout created by
S:CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald
(Journaling reads: Pete was promoted to Warrant Officer on 19 April, 2011 @ the 14 AMS Honours and Awards Parade, with promotion effective 1 April 2011. So proud of him!
14 Wing Greenwood, NS, Canada.)

Hope everyone is enjoying a great start to this productive and beautiful month. Thanks for popping by the S:CY Blog, it a real pleasure to have you along.

Remember, if you try Sketch 15-11, be sure to leave a link in the comments section so that our Team can visit your Blog or Gallery, and leave some love!

See you next week!!
~