Creative Memories Traditional 411 Blog

Welcome to the Baby Blog Hop!

Thank you for joining us today for the Baby Blog Hop! 

We're going to be hopping to ten additional blogs today, visiting many of our Design Team members on their own blogs to see some projects they've created using the new It's A Boy (CAN) and It's A Girl (CAN) collections. Even if you don't have a baby, you'll find ideas for using these vibrant collections in other projects!

Let's get started with projects Melissa Ullmann from the Home Office and Member Melissa Marti from our Design Team!

I can't believe that it has been ALMOST 17 years since we welcomed our "baby" into this world! At 6 foot-1inch, he really isn't a baby anymore.  They grow oh so fast!  I had a couple of birth photos that I had not yet scrapbooked, and am so glad that I had waited, as the It's a Boy Collection is the perfect fit! 

My son not only brought sunshine to my day but to my life.  He brings the sunshine on the cloudiest of days! 

Layout by Melissa Ullmann - Creative Memories Home Office

Melissa Marti just recently gave birth to her little guy, and little does she know, he will be 16 in a blink of the eye! (Shhhh, don't tell her!) 

He will hopefully appreciate his momma's work and enjoy looking back at all of the special moments in his life...like these in her layout using the It's A Boy Digital Kit (CAN).

Layout by Melissa Marti - Design Team Member

Blogs are featuring the following 'It's A Boy' and 'It's A Girl' products from Creative Memories.

12x12 Stack Pack (containing 24 sheets of double-sided paper, 2 sheets of die-cut shapes)

12x12 Embossed Cardstock (18 sheets)

Mat Pack (60 pieces)

Title Stickers

Stickers

Digital Kit

NOW - let's get moving! Your next stop is Beth Thomander's blog...
and your first clue is the letter B!

We'll see you at the finish - over on the Digital 411 Blog.

And don't miss the Secret Surprise Promotion - going on now through April 18. Spend a minimum of $75 online and earn a Secret Surprise Pack worth over $50 with at least 4 scrapbooking products for just $15!

Baby Blog Hop

Join us on April 10-11, 2012 for a Blog Hop! 

What's a blog hop? 

A blog hop is a bit of a scavenger hunt, hopping from blog to blog. For ours, we will "hop" through our Design Team member's blogs, starting from our Traditional blog!

What will we see?

We'll see LOTS of inspiring projects - both traditional and digital - by the Creative Memories Design Team, using two of the NEW It's a Boy and It's a Girl Baby Collections. You'll have the chance to check out some new blogs that feature Creative Memories products, plus see some non-baby uses of these versatile new collections.

Are there prizes?

Why, of course! We'll be giving away one of each of the complete collections at the end of the blog hop.

How do I win?

On each of the blog stops, you'll be given a letter to write down. On the last blog, you'll be asked to enter a code, which will put you into the running for the prizes! Fill out the entry form at the end of the hop for your chance to win.

Use this image to spread the word on Pinterest!

Virtual Crop Challenge 10: Card Sketch

If you've been with us since yesterday, you have as many as nine layouts completed featuring nine important individuals. Congratulations on celebrating the rich relationships in your life! 

For the final challenge, we want you to pick one of those people and use the following sketch to create a card for them. It is World Card-Making Day, after all!

Take a few minutes to write a special message on the inside of the card. Tell that person how much you appreciate who they are, and how special they are in your life. When was the last time you sent or received a card for no specific occasion? It's time to make someone's day!

Then next steps are easy: Address - Add Postage - Mail.

Here's an example of a traditional card:

And a digital card:

Without a doubt, you'll put a smile on their face (perhaps even a tear in their eye)!

Remember - to be eligible for prizes, post an image of your completed project to our Facebook Page and fill out the ENTRY FORM ( we have to know where to mail your prize, of course!).

We have truly enjoyed spending the weekend with you. And speaking of rich relationships, we have enjoyed each and every layout shared, and feel like we know you all personally now! 

Best to you in all your scrapping endeavors-

Kristen Jacobs (social media) & Melissa Ullmann (design team)

Virtual Crop Challenge 9: Scraps

Chevrons are all the hype right now. Just take a look at Pinterest!

Where does this funky zig-zag fit into your decorative arsenal? Besides just looking cool, they add color and dimension to any layout. And they are really easy to create!

During this challenge, I'm going to show you how to create chevrons two different ways. 

First, by cutting several pieces of paper to measure 3" x 1/2". 

 

Start by folding each end to a point like so. 

Once you have several pieces folded, marry the points together by lining them up edge-to-edge.

Stack the pieces to create chevrons across the layout. 

Placing chevrons across your layout helps anchor your photos in place. 

You can either leave the pieces standing up or adhere them down, if desired. 

I prefer the dimension that the "flaps" add, so I'm leaving them up!

Our traditional layout celebrates the relationship of Karen Thompson with her youngest daughter Peri. The youngest of three girls, Peri entertains her Mom by mimicking her big sisters...which also makes for some super cute stories to share at work! Being the youngest, Peri is also a sweet girl with a gentle heart and Mommy's little helper.

Do you see how the chevrons anchor the photos, making them the focal point in the layout?

Here's one more option for making quick and easy chevrons. Using the Square Maker, punch several squares of your desired color.

Use the Personal Trimmer to cut those square shapes in half, from corner to corner.

Line up with tips of each triangle so that they meet up with each other.

Continue that pattern on both the top and the bottom.

Let's try it on a card...

Fill in with triangles for the next row of chevrons.

Trim away any excess from the edges of the card using All Purpose Scissors.

Viola! Isn't this one perfect for World Card-Making Day?


Jill created this digital layout for us about the relationship that her friend Jen has with her three children. The autumn colors and accents in this layout go perfectly with a story of blessings! I love that she calls her kids turkeys...so cute!

The challenge is now yours!

Create a layout about someone who is near and dear to your heart and use one of these techniques to add chevrons.

Remember to post an image of your completed project on our Facebook Page and, if you haven't already, complete the ENTRY FORM to be eligible for door prizes!

Virtual Crop Challenge 8: Word

I'm guessing that many of the people you have a rich relationship with could also be referred to as FABULOUS! 

fab·u·lous/ˈfabyələs/

Adjective:

Extraordinary, esp. extraordinarily large Amazingly good; wonderful

Agreed?

Kristen Jacobs, our social media manager, has a couple of special friends she considers to be pretty FABULOUS! They just shared a wonderful weekend together in California this year. And although they don't all live near each other, vacations like this one allow them to enjoy some quality time catching up (right where they left off!). The best friendships are the ones that never skip a beat!

Traditional Layout designed by Melissa Ullmann

What do you think of those pink alphabet stickers? Let me show you how I made them!

Using the White Swirly Monogram Stickers, leave your letters on the sheet.

Using the Perfect Plum Chalking Ink (ask your Consultant how you can get these at a Croptoberfest event), "paint" over the tops of the alphabet sticker.

Once covered to your liking, let dry for several minutes.

Remove the alphabet sticker from its sheet and adhere to layout. 

Design team member, Jill Klasen, created this layout for a good friend and her daughter. They treasure the time they spend together at the park and wanted something special to remember the times they spend there. Wouldn't this make a stunning Photo Panel?

How FABULOUS! 

Digital Layout designed by Jill Klasen

Now, it's your turn. For this challenge, create a layout using the word FABULOUS! 

Remember to post an image of your completed project on our Facebook Page and, if you haven't already, complete the ENTRY FORM to be eligible for door prizes!

Happy scrapping!

Virtual Crop Challenge 7: Ad Inspiration

Inspiration is all around you.

Visualize yourself walking through the grocery store. Look on the shelves. What jumps out? The colors of the macaroni and cheese box. The layout of the cereal box. The piles of produce, stacked layer upon layer.

Or how about the magazine rack in your living room? Pull out any magazine and look through the ads. 

Ads (and cereal boxes) are created by designers, who typically have a good eye for balance, color, font and placement. A great source for layout inspiration can be found right on your coffee table or inside your cupboards!

For this challenge, interpret this ad as a scrapbook layout!

Our traditional layout is about the blended and blessed family of our Creative Director and Writing Manager - Corinne and Greg Skoog. 

Having six kids between the ages of 13 and 21, and a son-in-law, can sometimes pose a difficult task when trying to "gather the troops". 

This past weekend, they managed 26 minutes on a little adventure together. Afterwards, they realized that they are all connected, and their family relationship means something different to each one of them. 

Our digital layout is about the relationship between Mya and her itty-bitty kitten named Muffin. 

Mya found the kitten at the end of her driveway, and brought her home in her backpack since she was so afraid the kitten would get away.

Now Muffin is now a member of the family and sweet little Mya treats her like a child of her own. 

Give it your best shot and post your layout to our Facebook page. If you haven't filled out the ENTRY FORM yet, do so now to be eligible for door prizes.

Happy Scrapping!

Virtual Crop Challenge 6: Journaling

Do you ever hear a song on the radio that immediately makes you think of someone?

Music can drive emotions, especially when it makes you think of someone special or relive a special memory. Why not journal that on a layout?

I used the words to a John Denver song, "Sunshine on my Shoulders", to journal on this layout about my friend Jenny's family as they strolled through the park on a nice sunshiny day!

Traditional layout created by Melissa Ullmann

To create the sunshine effect on the layout, I used scraps of pattern papers. (Who else loves to find uses for scraps?)

Cut your scraps down into triangles. 

Find a point on a 12" x 12" piece of paper as the gathering point, where all the tips of the triangles will come together. 

Once the entire layout is covered, trim it down to 11" x 11". Adhere to a base piece of cardstock as shown in the final layout. 

Whether your song is about sunshine or not, this adds a nice touch to your layout!  

Our digital example uses the lyrics from the song, "In My Daughter's Eyes." Such a beautiful way to express the love between a parent and child!

Digital layout created by Jill Klassen

What song do you hear that makes you think of someone you love dearly? For this challenge, create a layout for that person and use some of the lyrics as your journaling. And as always, share your layout on our Facebook page. Take a second to register for prizes by filling out the ENTRY FORM, but you only need to do that once all weekend.

Happy Scrapping!

Virtual Crop Challenge 5: Multi

In my lifetime, I have most certainly watched the evolution of the photograph change. 

What takes my memory furthest back is the Polaroid photo. 

I know that they aren't "safe", but we can give our photos that same look by getting a little creative. This is also a great way to add a lot of photos to a layout, while maintaining a clean look.

Look how I was able to capture all these shots with my husband on one layout! 

It's all about numbers..... 

Traditional layout designed by Melissa Ullmann

You can easily create this look by adding an 1/2" to the width and an 1" to the length of the photo mat. So, if your photos is 3" square, then you'll want to make the mat 3-1/2" x 4". I used the exclusive Croptoberfest Chalking Inks to add a soft edge to my mats.

Our digital example captures the playful connection of siblings in the fading summer sun. They are carefree, and have no worries.   

Digital layout designed by Jill Klassen

For this challenge, create a layout using at least 6 photos and add a "polaroid" effect!

Be sure to share your layout on our Facebook page and fill out the ENTRY FORM if you haven't already. The next challenge will be posted in two hours on our Facebook page.

Are you interested in attending a crop in your area? Check with a Consultant (US / CAN) for upcoming Croptoberfest events in your area! And party hosts earn free products - bonus!

Virtual Crop Challenge 4: Shape

Welcome to day two of the Croptoberfest Virtual Crop! If you're joining us for the first time, you can still go back to complete the first three challenges anytime today (1: Color, 2: Sketch, 3: Number).

Let's talk trends. Doesn't it seem there's always a shape or two that are all the hype of scrapbooking? Flip back through your scrapbooks. What shape trends do you see from the past?

We've recently seen butterflies, pinwheels, birds, and owls. 

And right now, there are a lot of hot air balloons floating around! 

This weekend reminds me of them, too, having lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The first two weekends of October are the International Balloon Fiesta! 

So for this challenge, we want you to use a hot air balloon as a shape in your layout!

I created this layout about my nephew and godson Mason, who lives in New Mexico. He is too young at the precious age of 3 to really comprehend how special he is to me, but no matter what he puts a HUGE smile on my heart! He is my special little guy.

Traditional layout by Melissa Ullmann

To create the dimensional hot air balloons, I used our Custom Cutting System Circle Patterns to cut circles, and then layered one on top of the other with Foam Squares to make them look as if they are lifting right off of the layout!

To enhance the clouds already on the patterned paper from the Dream Specialty Paper Pack, I used the Black Dual Tip Pen to dot along the edges. 

Jill's digital layout celebrates the love of her longtime sweetheart (a.k.a. hubby). I love how the hot air balloons give meaning to love "is in the air".  Let's give these two a collective ahhhhhh!

For this challenge, you can either start with patterned paper that already has hot air balloons on it, or create some of your very own. 

Let's see your layouts!  Post a photo of it on our Facebook page. If you haven't filled out the ENTRY FORM yet, do so now to be eligible for door prizes throughout the weekend. Challenges will be posted every two hours today - with the final challenge at 8 p.m. CT.

Remember, there are Croptoberfest events happening all over North America in October. Be sure to check with a Consultant (US / CAN) for upcoming events and ask how you can earn free products by hosting a party.

Virtual Crop Challenge 3: Number

Welcome back for our THIRD challenge! 

1 - 2 - THREE!

You got it! For this challenge, we are doing everything in three's! 

3 patterns of paper...

3 flowers...

3 photos...

3 stickers...

3 circles...

3 pen colors...

3 epoxy stickers...

Whatever you use, use it in three's!

In our first example, we're featuring a layout that celebrates a mother's thoughts for her son on his first birthday.

Ada Weichmann-Adolph, a manager at the Home Office, recently celebrated Teddy's first birthday! (Is he not seriously cute with those little glasses!) The pictures remain the focus, but see how the three's balance the layout.  

Traditional layout created by Melissa Ullmann

Jill shares this digital layout about her friends take a special trip every year for their anniversary, and how this time together is an integral part of their relationship.

Three papers, three flowers, three ribbons, three fonts and three photos!

Digital layout created by Jill Klassen

It's your turn. Remember, keep it to THREE'S! Post a pic of your completed layout on our Facebook page when you're done. You only need to fill out the entry form once during the crop.

This is the final challenge for tonight, but we will be back with challenge #4 at 8 a.m. CT. Tomorrow you'll see seven new challenges, posted on our Facebook page every two hours. The final challenge will be at 8 p.m. CT.

Happy Scrapping!