Ann's Card Sketch 3

Hello again, everyone!

Thanks for popping by!

I have a treat for your sketch-loving eyes this week! ;)

Today's Card Sketch, which was created by S:CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko,  features both horizontal and vertical elements... plus "a little something" circular!

How do you like it? Isn't it gorgeous!?

Thanks Ann!

 Card Sketch 3 created by
S:CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko

Here's what the S:CY Design Team Came up with this week! Enjoy all of these creations!

First, a card from our June Guest Design Team Member...

"All-occasion" card created by
June S:CY Guest  Designer Lain Ehmann 

"Anniversary" card created by
S:CY Design Team Member Jackie Primmer-Plank



 "So sweet" card created by
 S:CY Design Team Member Amy Manis



"In Sympathy" card created by
S:CY Design Team Member Heather Bridges Topich



"You're so..." card created by
 S:CY Design Team Member Lindy Rabenstine



"Bumblebee" all-occasion card created by
 S:CY Design Team Member Sylvia Galindo



"Happy Birthday: TWO" card created by
S:CY Design Team Member Patchi Moussatche

 

"Celebrate" card created by
 S:CY Design Team Member Helen Hollinger



"Enjoy the Ride" card created by
 S:CY Design Team Member Renee Hagler



"Celebrate" card created by
 S:CY Design Team Leader Ali MacDonald 



"For You" Card created by
 S:CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko


Hope everyone is having a wonderful end-of-the-week!! Enjoy your Friday and the weekend, of course!!

Thanks so much for your wonderfully versatile June Sketch,  Ann... :)

Warm "Thanks" to our June Guest Designer Lain, for  the beautiful card.

Thanks to the entire S:CY Design Team for the beautiful card creations they submitted for our Sketch Blog post this week! Those cards will DEFINITELY brighten someone's day!!

Have a GREAT weekend everyone!

~

Sketch 09-11

Hello S:CY followers and friends!
It's FRIDAY again!!


With early summer in full swing here in the Maritimes, life is busy... I know it's the same for everyone, all over!!

I want to shout out to all the S:CY Designers and our June Guest Designer, Lain Ehmann, to say a BIG THANKS for all you're doing for S:CY in terms of your creativity every week and for passing the word about the inspiration that is right here, free for the taking. Telling everyone you know about S:CY is MUCH appreciated!


This week's S:CY Sketch once again provides scrappers with a multi-photo opportunity for creativity. A centrally placed title and an off-centre journaling block add some interest.... and an arched element in contrast to two small squares provides a bit of challenge to those "up for it!"

 Sketch 09-11 created by
 S:CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald

Hope you like this week's S:CY Sketch. Please be sure to post a link to your creations in the  "Comments" section so that we can see what you do with this  sketch:  "a guide to inspiration!" We'll pop by to say hello and leave some love.

Enjoy these beautiful DT creations!!


"Valentine's Fundue: 2-2011" layout created by
S:CY June Guest Design Team Member Lain Ehmann

"Kiss the Princess" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Jackie Primmer-Plank



"You and Me at the Zoo" layout created by
 S:CY Design Team Member Amy Manis



"Back Then" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Mandy Harrell

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

[Credits: pixie dust brush was from http://rl-brushes.deviantart.com/art/Pixie-Dust-Trails-brushes-21343581]




 "May Hugs and Snuggles" created by
 S:CY Design Team Member Tammy Pyette
[Credits: Papers and elements from DDiva.]

 

"Annie Meets Pinata" layout ceated by
 S:CY Design Team Member Heather Bridges Topich



"Brother * Sister" layout created
by S:CY Design Team Member Sylvia Tomala 



"Playing in the Saronic Gulf" layout created by
 S:CY Senior Design Team Member Ann Seleshanko



 "Walking" layout created by
 S:CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald
[This LO was created for Day 26 of May 2011 LOAD with Lain Ehmann]

Journaling reads:

WALKING

Because Noah’s Autism Spectrum Disorder can cause him to impulsively bolt away, possibly into a dangerous situation, someone still needed to hold his hand when we were out with his Dog Guide.
In this photo, you can see how we did outings/walks with Noah and Argo before we had the waist belt (tether) training. Pete would hold the leash, Noah held Argo’s harness handle, and Bryan (or another sibling/grown up) held Noah’s other hand to keep him safe from bolting.

In May 2011, as soon as the Lions Foundation of Canada’s Head Trainer Chris Fowler came and taught us how to use the waist belt, another “pair of hands” was no longer necessary. :)

Here’s why….Once Noah and Argo were tethered together on outings, just one grown up was needed. That person held Argo’s leash. If, while out, Noah tried to bolt, all the adult would have to say is “Argo: STAY!” Argo will immediately lie down so that Noah cannot bolt away into danger. (Ever try to drag a 73 lb Labrador Retriever? Nope! Not possible! **wink**)

What a help and wow, does it ever ease our minds that Argo knows EXACTLY what to do should it be necessary to protect Noah!!!


Photo of Daddy, Argo, Noah (9) and big brother Bryan (15 ½) in April 2011 on an outing before the tether belt training. :)

Thanks for stopping by everyone! Have a wonderful week! Be sure to try the sketch and let us see what you create by leaving us that all-important link in the "Comments" section!!!

 ~ Ali and Ann, and the S:CY Design Team Members

FEATURED DESIGNER: Ann Seleshanko

For Ann Seleshanko, loving the Canadian Rockies is part of who she is. Living close to the mountains is a bonus for this history buff and Mom of 2 boys, ages 8 and 11. Married to hubby Darren for 13 years, Ann has been a part of the Sketches: Creatively Yours Team since early 2009, and Senior Designer here since later that year. 

Ann Seleshanko
S:CY Senior Design Team Member

 A scrapbooker for 13 years and a cardmaker for 9, Ann says “I’m totally addicted.” She has also been passing her love of the craft on to others, saying ”I’ve been teaching off and on for 7 years. I have taught mini book classes, layout classes & card classes.”
She adds, “Cardmaking is where I have my real fun. I love to sit and make cards for hours. I make a lot of cards for friends and family.” Ann’s Copic markers are a fave tool. She is a Copic Certified Designer and says her cards "just don’t feel complete" without a Copic-coloured image to top them off.

"Thank You" card designed and created by
S:CY Senior DT Member Ann Seleshanko

Ann’s linear style is crisp, with a clear focus placed on her photographs. In Ann’s own words, her scrapbooking style is “very clean without a lot of clutter.” She also mentioned me that patterned paper and stamps are her scrappy weaknesses.

She told me that she is often able to include her children Ryan and Kyle in her hobby by “asking them about patterned paper choices” which she says they love to give their opinions on. “The boys are the subject of most of my layouts,” says Ann.

Ann names scrapbook celebrity Ali Edwards as having influenced her scrapbooking approach, stating “it’s not so much her scrapping style that has inspired me but her philosophy to embrace your own style and that ‘it’s ok’. I have also recently found Lain Ehmann and love her Layout a Day classes. ( http://www.layoutaday.com/ ) The classes prompt you to do so much more scrapbooking.”

When I asked her to name her favourite brand of patterned paper, Ann gave three: Echo Park, Basic Grey and Little Yellow Bicycle. Ann says that her favourite part of creating cards and SB pages is “probably picking papers. I love my patterned paper and love to sift through it to find the right paper for a project.” (Sound familiar?? LOL)
This gal has four go-to cardstock colours. All are from Bazzill. They are White bazzill (textured), Cream puff, Kraft and Java. Ann told me “I’m always using these.”

"Do I know You?" layout created byS:CY Senior Design Team Member Ann Seleshanko
(Note: This was Ann's "LOAD" Day 13 layout for
the May 2011 Layout a Day class w/ Lain Ehmann.)

In terms of products and tools, Ann likes her Copic markers, her ATG Adhesive Gun, her sewing machine, and lately- pearls have made the fave list! Stamps too-- Magnolia, Kraftin' Kimmie and CC Designs are her favourites. She confides that she "can't pick just one!" 

Ann does have a preferred size for her scrappy pages, saying “I tend to scrap in mostly 12x12 format but I am starting to branch out.” She works well-ahead of deadlines and I can testify without a doubt that she is amazing at meeting them. As she puts it “I don’t like to feel rushed.”

I asked Ann about how she feels with the idea of “being caught up” or “up to date” with layouts/pages and photos. She immediately replied “It used to bother me, it doesn’t any more. I just scrap what I want when I want. Scrapbooking is supposed to be fun- the minute it becomes a chore for me it’s time to pack it in.” Her approach must be working: Ann has been published in Canadian Scrapbooker and Cards magazine, and has served on multiple Design Teams.

As you’ve probably deduced, Ann is well-organized. She has a few methods of keeping her small scrappy items safely stashed... for example, she keeps her buttons in clear bins that she can sort through, while her brads are in little containers that she can see the contents of at a glance. Moving on to lace and ribbon, Ann told me that she sorts and stores it in clear plastic bags that she can easily hang on her ‘Clip it Up.’ Layouts are sorted by themes such as Christmas, Halloween, seasons, etc…

"Christmas at the Lake" layout created by
S:CY Senior Design Team Member Ann Seleshanko 
(Note: This was Ann's "LOAD" Day 9 layout for
the May 2011 Layout a Day class w/ Lain Ehmann.)

 Ann loves mini albums and likes to share them with others. She told me that “I store them here and there, but keep most of them in a basket in our family room so people can look through them.” In order to make her scrappin’ time really count, Ann tries to “only scrap if I’m motivated and inspired. If it’s not ‘coming’ to me I step away from my desk and come back later.”

In terms of sketches, Ann says “I love sketches as a starting point for creating. I love how one sketch can take on so many different forms.” Sketching a monthly card “idea map” for us here at S:CY has become Ann’s trademark contribution since she became Senior Designer in October 2009. It also provides a welcome break for me! ;)

 Here is one of my fave S:CY card sketches from Ann...

March 10, 2010 card sketch created by
S:CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko

And, here's a surprise for you: One of Ann's layout sketches from her time as S:CY Guest Sketch Artist!


Nov 25, 2009  LO Sketch by
 S:CY Guest Sketch Artist Ann Seleshanko

Here's Ann's sketch interpretation, featuring her favourite season, autumn:

"Autumn Splendour" created by
S:CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko

When I asked her about scrapbooking quirks, Ann described herself as a “neat freak” and said: “I have to clean up after every project or I just can’t get focused on the next one!”

Ann has many hobbies…like baking. Just a couple of weekends ago, she made Banana Cream and Chocolate Cream pies for a potluck that she, Darren and the kids attended with friends. I can testify that she has good recipes, too: her lasagna recipe is now an A+ fave at our place. (I'll post  it on the S:CY Facebook page for you.)

Ann  also likes to make her own jams and jellies, and if life ever slows down, a return to quilting is in the overall plan! She's begun to dabble in photography and would eventually like to take some courses. Ann volunteers at her boys’ school and among other things, has played a big role in fundraising activities for a new playground this year.

I am so happy to count Ann among my close friends (we talk pretty much every day and did Lain Ehmann's LOAD together TWICE), and I'm ever so thankful to have her alongside me as our Senior Designer here at S:CY. She helps make things MUCH more creatively fun!

Thanks for letting us have a peek into your scrappy world, Ann!  

Ann’s blog can be found HERE. Be sure to visit and enjoy!

Sketch 08-11

Hi everyone!

Time for a brand new Sketch!
This sketch features room for 4-5 photos. Do you like to create multi-photo pages?

I sure do... hey, I have 4 kids! I absolutely NEED to do multiphoto pages! LOL

I also get a lot of requests for Sketches that feature multi-photos. I really love sketching those.

This one sure fits the bill! Have to say... it's one of my  favourite S:CY sketches... ever!


Enjoy!

 Sketch 08-11 created by
S:CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald

"Picture Day" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Heather BridgesTopich

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

BTW: a HUGE Congrats to
 Renee's son, who Graduated from middle school ~Grade 8~  in late May! BRAVO!!!!!!! 

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

Journaling reads: "On our drive through Canada, either in British Columbia or Yukon Territory, we came upon this herd of bison. The new calves were so cute butting heads and play fighting at dominance even at their young age. It is interesting that they begin these life lessons not so long after they are born. The rest of the herd was busy grazing along side the road while the “youngsters” do what kids do – squabble and fight with each other!"

"Track" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Jackie Primmer-Plank

"Out in the Sun" 2-page layout created by
 S:CY Design Team Member Patchi Moussatche



"The Puurrrfect Pet" layout created by
S:CY Design Team Member Tammy Pyette
[Credits:  Small glitch...This free lace background was downloaded awhile back, and Tammy would appreciate it if someone who recognizes it could provide the necessary info so that she may give proper credit. TY!]

Journaling Tag reads: "Brielle wanted a kitty who would love to cuddle, let her carry him like a baby, and sleep on her bed. Midnight was happy to oblige."

"The Puurrrfect Pet" layout [version #2] created by
 S:CY Design Team Member Tammy Pyette
[Credits: http://www.shabbyprincess.com/ backgrounds again, with Carrie-Stephens-SD-glass-dots, and GardenPartyFloralButterfly, however nothing is exactly as I found it. The colours and some textures were changed. Still don't know where online I got the lace. It would have been a free download. Normally I keep the site in the filename, but this time the search comes up with nothing. I've had it a while: file name "teagallery-overlay 2" if this helps...]



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

[Credits: word art from http://shop.scrapbookgraphics.com/Manu/
(colours were changed)
-papers and most embellishments from http://www.shabbyprincess.com/
(colours were changed)

-Heart and scroll work was cloned and embossed from the outline of Ali's sketch :o) [What a compliment, TY Tammy!]

Journaling reads:

"From Zac's first day in the Jolly Jumper, Grizzly wanted to be his best friend. He would kiss him every chance he got. Despite having his nose picked, his whiskers and ears pulled, and his eyes poked, Grizzly loved and protected his little buddy. He even threatened to bite Steve when he didn't like the way he was playing. If Zac squealed, or Steve made a noise that sounded a bit too much like a growl, Grizzly was right there.

The first time Grizzly walked passed Zac in the Jolly Jumper he froze and turned back for a better look. Then he started to wag all over and kissed Zac so much that I had to pick him up! I really believe that was the moment Grizzly realized Zac was a person, not just another pet."

"R.I.P." layout created by
 S:CY Design Team Member Cheryl Casas 

"Pumpkin Carving "  layout created by
 S:CY Design Team Member Lindy Rabenstine

"Winter Fun" layout created by
 S:CY Senior Designer Ann Seleshanko 

"Love my Horse: Kate & Grace" layout created by
 S:CY Team Leader Ali MacDonald

 (A special "TY" to friend Lois S. in BC who sent me the pretty butterfly used on this LO of my DD Kate and her horse Grace!)

"All Part of the Dream" layout created by
S:CY  Team Leader Ali MacDonald

Thanks to all our Designers for having fun with this Sketch today. I truly LOVE to show off your work here at S:CY... you make me so proud!

It's really awesome to see so many multi-photo layouts, what a treat, girls... I can tell you put a lot of energy and love into these  pages.

And-- basically, THAT'S what it's all about: the LOVE you put into it.  

Be sure to leave us a link if you have a chance to try this Sketch. We'd love to pop over to your site or Blog and wave hello!

Have a super weekend everyone!

~ 

Lain Ehmann: our June Guest Designer!!!!

Wow, a "warm" welcome to JUNE everyone... How can it ALREADY be June?

Well, it IS June. And so... we have a real treat for you here at Sketches: Creatively Yours this month! (Doing a little Happy Dance...)

It is my pleasure to introduce you to our June 2011 S:CY Guest Designer: Lain Ehmann!

June 2011 Sketches: Creatively Yours Guest Designer
Lain Ehmann

Here is a little info about Lain...

Bio~

Take a helping of Rachael Ray, a sprinkle of Martha Stewart, and a dash of Ellen DeGeneres, shake well until blended, and what do you get? Lain Ehmann, scrapbook lover!

Lain is a fast-talking, fast-scrapping human dynamo with three kids, tons of ideas, and more books than she could ever read in this lifetime. The author of several books on scrapbooking, including "Snippets: Mostly True Tales from the Lighter Side of Scrapbooking" and “20 Simple Secrets of Happy Scrapbookers” (co-authored with Stacy Julian), Lain loves sharing her philosophy of guilt-free, simple scrapbooking.

Lain blogs at Layout A Day,  and hosts a membership site, ScrapHappy. 
I asked Lain to share a favorite LO  with us today... here is some scrapbookin' eye candy for you to enjoy!


 "Rosy Cheeks" layout created by Designer Lain Ehmann

 Lain also shared another project that is a real fave of hers... 


Lain's book: "Snippets: Mostly True Tales from the Lighter Side of Scrapbooking" 

 Lain's book, as seen above, is something I cannot wait to get my hands on! :o)

All 7 reviews written by readers and posted on Amazon.com rated Lain's book 5/5 stars. You know what that means: it's definitely a great read!!!!
 
Would you like to read those reviews? 
You can check them out right HERE.
 
Lain has MORE great stuff coming!
 
Let's see...

Do you want to:
Scrapbook faster
Love your pages more
Actually USE your stash
Connect with what you love best about this hobby of ours??
Well, then... I think it's important that we fill you in on a very special something! It's called The Mother LOAD- A Scrapbooking Marathon, and it's being offered through Big Picture Classes! It's part of their 4Experts series for 2011.

Be sure to click that link to read all about it, then sign up to join in on the learning and fun!!

Welcome to Sketches: Creatively Yours, Lain! We are looking forward to the scrappiness you'll bring to the Blog as you play along with us this month!

Thrilled you're here. :o) 

 ~ Ali, Ann and the S:CY Design Team