CREATE: Issue 5, May 2014 by Scrapbook Generation

create scrapbook generationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

ISSUE 5 - MAY 2014

four fun & free sketches inspiration: Simple Stories 174 helpful design ideas

limited edition kit based on the May sketches • one double-page layout • two single-page layouts • one card • one tag • color photos • sketches • cutting guide

$20 www.scrapbookgeneration.com

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words friends with

a letter from the editor

When you live in the same small town your entire life, and that town has a population of 1,293 (and no, I didn’t leave any zeros off that number) the pool of potential friends diminishes each year. Some people move. Some die. Some remember that you gave their kid an “F” in English II because he didn’t know a participle from a popsicle. But I digress. What I never expected when we opened Scrapbook Generation almost 10 years ago was that it would come bearing friends. It was a wonderful gift. In the beginning, the friends we made were all local. In talking with the strangers who walked in and shopped and cropped with us, it didn’t take long to feel like we were all getting to know each other. As the years passed, many of these customers moved over to the category of friend. We’ve commiserated about sick children, frustrating husbands, and elderly parents. We’ve visited hospitals and attended weddings and birthdays. We’ve shed tears at more than one funeral. I count these customer/friends as a true and ongoing blessing in my life. Then, a few years ago, people started showing up at our retreats and special events from California, Washington, Florida, Pennsylvania, and everywhere in between. Next thing we knew, Janet M was jetting in from Australia to crop at SG. Her son lives in Seattle, so she DID go visit him first, but still! Social media has also contributed to the friends situation. If you are active on scrapbooking forums, you quickly develop relationships. Some people we’ve met via the computer have sought us out, and vice versa.

In January, a group of ladies who are very SG-friendly met for a crop in St. Louis. There, I made another new friend -Stacey G from Canada. We stood beside each other when we took a group photo on an Stacey G escalator, and once from Canada, a back in the real very large place! world, we started playing Words With Friends every night, which may not have been the best move I ever made, because Debbie S she usually beats me from Mansfield, like a drum. a very small And I could go place! on for quite some time. Corresponding with Irit in Israel and Lynette in South Africa and Ruth in Australia. My pool of friends and potential friends has exploded! I’ve gone by many titles in my life. Daughter. Student. Pianist. Sister. Teacher. Mother From Hell. (Oops. Didn’t mean to say that last one out loud!) But I’ll have to admit that the title “friend” is a pretty good one to have. I just need to figure out how to thump Stacey G from Canada a little more often in our nightly battle of wits.

Debbie Sanders

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contents MAY 2014

Sketch Support

It’s About Time

Design expert Allison Davis shows how to get five distinctive looks from her free two-page sketch for May.

Sketch designer Debbie Sanders shows how to save time -- or not -- when using a sketch as a starting point for a layout.

115

A Great Idea

135

Mighty Mini

Simple Stories shares the process of taking an idea and turning it into a fabulous product; plus two bonus stories about SS.

Simple Stories

Design team members of this popular company share their talent, using four free SG sketches to make 27 gorgeous projects.

Yes. Mini-albums are small. But Lindsey Amschler knows how to pack big style and enjoyment into that tiny package.

8 party time • 11 stitching • 18 sketch anatomy • 120 sketch book

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scrapbook generation’s

create

143

Anything Goes

184

Question Please

199

Readers Gallery

Former writing teacher Debbie Sanders shares some tips on using the Q & A format for journaling on scrapbook layouts.

Allison Davis has four seasonal minisketches that are just perfect for pocket page scrapbooking and so much more.

149

Team Challenge

SG’s talented CREATE team takes on color and design, then shows how to repurpose a simple sketch into just about anything.

Scrapbook Generation fans from all over the globe show their interpretations of recent SG sketches.

ks • 126 life documented • 223 submissions instructions • 244 hello

create scrapbook generationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF debbie sanders SKETCH ARTISTS

allison davis & debbie sanders CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ON THE COVER LOVE YOU

by Allison Davis

Patterned paper: Simple Stories; cardstock: Bazzill; chipboard, die-cut hearts: Simple Stories; letter stickers: Simple Stories; jewel hearts: Prima; stickers: Simple Stories, Authentique; jewels: KaiserCraft; burlap hearts: Simple Stories; ink: Colorbox; floss: DMC.

............................ Scrapbook Generationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CREATE is published monthly by Scrapbook Generation, Inc. and is available as a free download.

Feedback and comments can be sent to debbie@scrapbookgeneration.com.

Manufacturers interested in advertising in CREATE should contact karin@scrapbookgeneration.com.

Any company interested in having its design team featured in CREATE should contact debbie@scrapbookgeneration.com.

All rights reserved. All Scrapbook Generation sketches are for personal use only and are not to be used for kits, clubs, workshops or for resale in any manner. The sketches should not be copied, duplicated, or transmitted by any electronic means.

allison davis

PRODUCTION & TECHNOLOGY stacey atchley

ADVERTISING karin rush

CREATE TEAM christy arthur lindsey amschler stacey atchley ruth bonser allison davis katrina hunt noey hunt lynette jacobs jennie mcgarvey julie mowen karin rush debbie sanders steffanie seiler nikki sivils

8 CREATE

arty time by Lindsey Amschler

• Gift bag: Ink the bag to give it an aged, vintage appearance. Cut a variety of patterned papers and embossed foil paper into squares. Piece them together onto the bag to form a background. Adhere additional patterned papers, stickers, and die-cuts to the bag. Use a pen to draw faux stitching lines around the paper background. • Drink bottle: Emboss foil paper and adhere to the bottle. Adhere additional patterned papers. Add die-cuts, wood veneers, and twine to the bottle. • Card: Recreate the patchwork look of the gift bag onto the card by cutting smaller squares from patterned papers. Adhere to the card front. Adhere wood veneers, stickers, and additional masculine embellishments to the card. Use a pen to draw faux stitching lines to accent the paper.

Patterned paper: Simple Stories; cardstock: American Crafts; stickers, die-cuts: Simple Stories; foil paper: Ranger; enamel dots: My Mind’s Eye; wood shapes: BoBunny; embossing folders: Sizzix; paint, stamp: Ranger; pen: Uniball; ink: Ranger, Colorbox; twine: My Mind’s Eye; other: bag.

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sew easy to

stitch

with lindsey amschler, katrina hunt, and allison davis

When stitching meets scrapbooking, beautiful things happen! A few well-placed stitches with embroidery floss can take your project to the next level. Check out the clever stitch-worthy techniques our trio of designers has come up with to make the most of this simple product.

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fun techniques ahead

lindsey amschler

12 CREATE

stitching

Create a simple border by using the blanket stitch. Pierce holes one-fourth inch apart. With a threaded needle, pull the thread up from the bottom. Send the needle through the next hole and loop the thread around the stitch before pulling tight. Repeat around the card.

Project 1 - patterned paper, stickers: Simple Stories; cardstock: American Crafts; enamel dots: My Mindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eye; thread: We R Memory Keepers; ink: Ranger. Project 2 - patterned paper, die-cuts: Simple Stories; enamel dots: My Mindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eye; embroidery floss: DMC; ink: Ranger. Project 3 - patterned paper, stickers: Simple Stories; cardstock: We R Memory Keepers; embroidery floss: DMC; ribbon: Hug Snug; ink: Ranger; pen: Uniball.

2 3

Use leftover paper scraps by creating a crazy quilt-style card. Simply layer and adhere the scraps onto a piece of cardstock. Then stitch all the patterns together using different colors of thread and a variety of stitching styles.

Create a unique journaling card by stitching onto cardstock. First stitch a line down the cardstock with red thread. Then stitch as many lines as you would like across the card with blue thread.

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katrina hunt

14 CREATE

stitching

Use a straight stitch or a crossstitch to tack letters down. It adds a little something special to a title or greeting.

Project 4 - patterned paper: Echo Park Paper; cardstock: American Crafts; letter stickers: American Crafts; punch: Martha Stewart; ribbon: May Arts; adhesive: ThermOWeb. Project 5 - patterned papers: Echo Park Paper; cardstock: American Crafts; stickers: Echo Park Paper; embroidery floss: DMC; adhesive: ThermOWeb. Project 6 patterned paper: Pink Paislee; cardstock: WorldWin Papers; pen: Signo Uniball; adhesive: Therm O Web.

6 5

Faux stitching is perfect if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a machine or donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like to hand-stitch. Add a little flair by adding dots in random places in the stitching.

Use french knots to add texture without a lot of bulk. These are also great to fill in flowers, arrows, and other shapes. My tip: practice on scraps first!

CREATE 15

allison davis

16 CREATE

Stitching on chipboard is just about as easy as stitching on paper. It can be a great way to accent a simple embellishment.

stitching

Use three to six different shades of the same color to create an ombre effect with stitching.

Stitching is a great way to add a personal touch to title and journaling cards. To add dimension and texutre to this 3x4 card by Simple Stories, I added a few stitched lines to accent the diagonal stripes.

Project 7 - patterned paper: My Mind’s Eye; cardstock: American Crafts; chipboard, stickers, enamel dots, enamel heart, button: My Mind’s Eye; embroidery floss: DMC. Project 8 - patterned paper: Simple Stories; cardstock: American Crafts; chipboard: My Mind’s Eye; embroidery floss: DMC. Project 9 - 3x4 card: Simple Stories: embroidery floss: DMC.

anatom dotted lines show the center and dividing point of a two-page layout

MAY 2014 FREE SKETCH

position embellishments just like the sketch, or not...your choice

22 xx 22 PH otoO phOT

3x4 PHOTO

22 xx 22

PH phOT otoO

photo sizes make it easy to organize images before starting the project

3x4

PHOTO

sizes of all elements help save time...use them, or do your own thing

6x4 PHOTO

22 xx 22 PH phOT otoO

3x4 PHOTO

MEASUREMENTS:

PLACEMENTS:

• Left page blocks: 3 X 4”

• Right page mat is ab

• Striped strips: 1/4 x 12” • 2x2 photo mats: 2-1/4 x 2-3/4”

DIRECTIONS:

• Journaling strips: 1-1/4 x 1/4”

• Dotted lines indicate

• Right page large vertical background strip: 5 x 12” • Right page overlay background strip: 2 x 12” • Right page trio of accent strips: 1/2 x 10-3/4” • Right page mat behind 3x5 photos: 6 x 8”

af place hints ta guessw of pos ite

of an SG sketch

scrapbook

™

generation {an allison davis sketch}

strips and blocks show where patterned papers can be used

3x4

3x5

PHOTO

TITLE

T I T LE

long title

22 xx 22 PH phOT otoO

key shows suggested pattern sizes for a wellcoordinated layout

3x4 PHOTO

bout 2” from the bottom of the page

e optional handstitching.

few ement ake the work out sitioning ems

solid/embell.

small pattern

stripe

large pattern small pattern

photos

the number of photos used on the sketch is available at a glance

™

Allison Davis

New download sketch products released every month, all at won’t-break-the-bank prices starting at 49¢.

™ A sampling of items in the Allison Davis summer bundle

Allison Davis sketch products available for immediate download • seasonal and themed “bundles” including single-page sketches, double-page sketches, titles, quotes, and embellishment instructions • individual sketches • groups of two-four sketches • online classes like the hugely popular “Sketch Support”

™

www.scrapbookgeneration.com

sketch

support by allison davis

Nothing could possibly make scrapbooking any easier than using a sketch. And forget the idea that a sketch stifles creativity. Sketches can actually do the opposite, unleashing new ways to look at photos, paper, embellishments, and all the fun ways they can be combined.

layouts using an Allison Davis sketch ................

sketch support from allison davis

At first glance, the five layouts below have nothing in common. But look closer, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll discover they have everything in common. Allison Davis is ready to take you on a tour of her creative process, using the free sketch she designed for this issue. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll learn how she switches up backgrounds, changes photo size and orientation, flips the sketch, and even transforms a two-page sketch into a one-page layout.

22 CREATE

22 xx 22

ph otoo phoT

3x4

phoTo

22 xx 22

pho phoTo to

3x4

phoTo

6x4

3x4

phoTo

3x5

phoTo

T I T LE

TITLE

long title 22 xx 22

pho phoTo to

3x4

phoTo

3x4

22 xx 22

pho phoTo to

phoTo

Allison Davis has written articles for Creating Keepsakes, and been a CK Dream Team member, hall of Fame member, and Scrapbooker of the Year finalist. She created the Sketch Support website, and has been an instructor at CK conventions and at My Creative Classroom. She is the author of 13 bestselling sketch books. She is a past member of the Fancy pants design team and designed sketches for BasicGrey. Allison is a member of the Simple Stories “Life Documented” design team, creating monthly sketches for them. her work at SG includes designing monthly kits and clubs. ALLISoN’S BLoG: www.allisondavissg.typepad.com

allison davis 24 CREATE

SKETCH VARIATION #1

COCOA BEACH PIER BY ALLISON DAVIS Patterned paper: Simple Stories; cardstock: Bazzill, American Crafts; chipboard: Simple Stories; die-cuts: Simple Stories; stickers: Simple Stories: foam alphabets: American Crafts (cocoa); chipboard alphabet: American Crafts; alphabet stickers: Making Memories; overlays: Simple Stories; enamel dots: Simple Stories; ink: Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink; embroidery floss: DMC.

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SKETCH VARIATION #1

change

26 CREATE

I had one big picture that I wanted to make the focus of the right page, so instead of using the two 3x5 photos suggested on the sketch, I used one large 6x5 photo. This is always an easy way to adjust a sketch to fit the photos you want to use. Just simply replace a group of smaller photos with fewer, larger photos or vice versa.

change

If you ever w papers, patt breaking up on a sketch strips. I did th background page. I wan papers and using one la a few smalle smaller strips

22 xx 22 OT PH toO pho

3x4 PHOTO

22 xx 22

PHO phoTO to

3x4

PHOTO

6x4

3x4

PHOTO

3x5

PHOTO

TITLE

T I T LE

long title 22 xx 22 PHO phoTO to

3x4

PHOTO

22 xx 22 PHO phoTO to

sketch support from allison davis

want to include more terns, or colors, try p a larger piece of paper into multiple pieces or hat with the d pieces on the right nted to include more more colors. Instead of rger strip accented with er ones, I used several s in place of all of it.

change

I loved the design of the 12x4 strip in the Good Day Sunshine collection and wanted to find a way to work it into the design of the sketch. I ended up using it in place of the middle row of three photos. I didn't want to completely eliminate three photos from the layout so I added three small photos on top of that strip.

CREATE 27

allison davis 28 CREATE

SKETCH VARIATION #2

IZZY AND MINNIE BY ALLISON DAVIS Patterned paper: Simple Stories, Carta Bella; cardstock: American Crafts, Bazzill; stickers: Simple Stories; die-cuts: Simple Stories; alphabet stickers: Simple Stories; heart punches: EK Success, Recollections; embroidery floss: DMC; ink: Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink.

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SKETCH VARIATION #2

change

30 CREATE

I moved the middle block of photos and cards to just covering the left page. I love the Simple Stories Insta-squares and thought it would be fun to make this sketch work with those. I used a combination of the 3x3 Instasquares and photos to create that same block. I did slightly change the arrangement of the paper, photos, and journaling block.

change

Since the middle photo block was moved to the left page I was left with a lot of open space on the right page. It worked in my favor because I had more photos that I wanted to include. I extended the background to fit with the design on the left page.

22 xx 22 OT PH toO pho

3x4 PHOTO

22 xx 22

PHO phoTO to

3x4

PHOTO

6x4

3x4

PHOTO

3x5

PHOTO

TITLE

T I T LE

long title 22 xx 22 PHO phoTO to

3x4

PHOTO

22 xx 22 PHO phoTO to

sketch support from allison davis

change

I didn't use all the background pieces on the right page. With the strips that I did use, they may not be exact as they are on the sketch but they do follow the general design of the sketch.

change

I used the cat paw print stickers in place of the three smaller background strips on the left page. I love finding ways to have fun with the theme of my layouts and I thought it would be cute to make it look like a cat walked across the page!

CREATE 31

allison davis 32 CREATE

SKETCH VARIATION #3

HANGING WITH DAD BY ALLISON DAVIS Patterned paper: Simple Stories; cardstock: American Crafts, Bazzill; stickers: Simple Stories; alphabet stickers: Simple Stories; metal gears: Tim Holtz; wood hearts: Studio Calico; embroidery floss: DMC; ink: Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink.

CREATE 33

SKETCH VARIATION #3

change

34 CREATE

For this layout I had a lot less photos to use and they happened to be all the same vertical orientation. To make that work, I used four 4x6 photos in place of most of the photo block and then used a 4-inch strip of patterned paper to fill in. It is all still the same size as the photo block on the sketch, it's just made up in a different way.

change

Instead of using two small 2x2 photos on the top left of the photo block, I used two 3x4 photos. Since I had so much open space on that patterned paper strip I decided larger photos would be a great way to fill that area.

change

22 xx 22 OT PH toO pho

3x4 PHOTO

22 xx 22

PHO phoTO to

3x4

PHOTO

6x4

3x4

PHOTO

3x5

PHOTO

TITLE

T I T LE

long title 22 xx 22 PHO phoTO to

3x4

PHOTO

22 xx 22 PHO phoTO to

sketch support from allison davis

I moved the journaling over to the 4-inch strip of patterned paper, by the two 3x4 photos. Since the 4x6 photos took over the journaling space I had to find a new home for it. It fit nicely with those photos!

change

On the right page I just used one 4x6 photo in place of the two 3x5 photos and then adjusted the background piece to accommodate that change.

change

I used arrows in place of the three smaller background strips. They might not look like the sketch or even be close to the same size, but it still follows the general design of the sketch.

CREATE 35

allison davis 36 CREATE

SKETCH VARIATION #4

ON THE ROAD AGAIN BY ALLISON DAVIS Patterned paper: Simple Stories; cardstock: Bazzill, American Crafts; die-cuts: Simple Stories; stickers: Simple Stories; alphabet stickers: Simple Stories, American Crafts, Cosmo Cricket; embroidery floss: DMC; ink: Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink.

CREATE 37

SKETCH VARIATION #4

change

38 CREATE

I changed the middle grouping in the photo block to a simple row of three 6x4 photos. I had less photos to use for this layout so I had to find a way to simplify that block and include less photos.

change

I included another 2x2 photo to the grouping of photos on the top left of the photo block. I wanted to include all three pictures of the state signs so I had to rearrange them to make it work.

22 xx 22 OT PH toO pho

3x4 PHOTO

22 xx 22

PHO phoTO to

3x4

PHOTO

6x4

3x4

PHOTO

3x5

PHOTO

TITLE

T I T LE

long title 22 xx 22 PHO phoTO to

3x4

PHOTO

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sketch support from allison davis

change

I flipped the photos on the right page and used two 5x3 photos instead of the two 3x5 photos suggested on the sketch. I also included an extra 2x2 photo on the right side.

change

For the background piece I just used four 3x4 cards as the background accented with cardstock arrow strips. I used the Simple Stories Travel Sn@p! Set. Using the 3x4 cards for a background made putting this layout together super easy!

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allison davis

SKETCH VARIATION #5

LOVE YOU BY ALLISON DAVIS Patterned paper: Simple Stories; cardstock: Bazzill; chipboard hearts: Simple Stories; die-cut hearts: Simple Stories; alphabet stickers: Simple Stories; jewel hearts: Prima; stickers: Simple Stories; jewels: KaiserCraft; burlap hearts: Simple Stories; word sticker: Authentique; ink: Colorbox Fluid Chalk Ink; embroidery floss: DMC.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

The heart shape is so versatile. It goes with many themes, and I find myself using hearts over and over to illustrate what my sons mean to me.â&#x20AC;?

CREATE 41

SKETCH VARIATION #5

change

I took just the right side of the sketch and used that design for a onepage layout. To keep the focus on the photo, I removed the edge of the photo block that had the journaling card and two 3x4 I used just one 5x7 photos. photo in place of the two 3x5 photos. Since there isn't a huge size difference between them I didn't have to adjust anything else to make it work.

change

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change

I reduced the height of the background strip and turned the other strips on the sketch to banner strips. I also added an extra strip to the background.

22 xx 22 OT PH toO pho

3x4 PHOTO

22 xx 22

PHO phoTO to

3x4

PHOTO

6x4

3x4

PHOTO

3x5

PHOTO

TITLE

T I T LE

long title 22 xx 22 PHO phoTO to

3x4

PHOTO

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sketch support from allison davis

change

Because I had a picture with a larger height I moved my title to the right of the photo. There was a cute piece of paper with the word "love" punched out of it so I thought it would be great doubling as both that background piece and my title. I had to find a place to add my journaling since I eliminated that space from the sketch. I thought the space above the title was just perfect!

CREATE 43

time

it’s about

by debbie sanders

The way I figure it, there are two types of scrapbookers: those who have all the time in the world, and those who don’t. It’s not typically a life sentence. There will be periods when you can’t keep up with all the demands on your life. But there will also be times when you have leisure hours to fill.

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THE 30-MINUTE LAYOUT For me, one of the easiest ways to save valuable time scrapbooking is to narrow down decisions about supplies. First, use a sketch with measurements. I used the one-page sketch I designed for this issue, and made only a few supplybased alterations. Second, use supplies from one collection (like A Charmed Life by Simple Stories, above).

46 CREATE

Once you’ve selected papers and adhered them to the page, it’s just a matter of choosing a few matching embellishments and attaching them. It just doesn’t get any easier!

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THE 3-HOUR LAYOUT Identical papers, identical photos, but a huge difference in time management! I personalized this layout mainly by hand-stitching. I stitched directly on the layout, but also added accent stitching to diecut flowers and the journaling pocket. I also made my own star and heart epoxy embellishments, punched a decorative border, and added Distress Stickles to the chipboard title. If you have the time, it’s so much fun to “do it yourself.”

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embellishment

title

journaling

QUICK: Embellish with diecuts from an ephemera pack, top.

QUICK: Use a large title sticker and coordinating word strip, top.

QUICK: Add die-c made pocket, to

CUSTOM: Choose letter and word stickers, and use glitter glue to add texture to a chipboard die-cut, bottom.

CUSTOM: Punch border on journa hand-stitch acce around a die-cut

CUSTOM: Add stitching and a jewel to an ephemera diecut, stitch a border; bottom.

quick 48 CREATE

or not!

PICK YOUR SPEED!

embellishment

overall

cuts to a preop.

QUICK: Use brads, chipboard, and stickers, top.

QUICK: All items are pre-made, from the same collection, top.

a decorative aling cards, ent borders t, bottom.

CUSTOM: Use paper from the collection to make epoxy star and heart shapes with a specialized tool, bottom.

CUSTOM: Most items began with pre-made embellishments which were enhanced, or specifically made just for this layout, bottom.

CREATE 49

my sketch layout ..................

title and

long title

DEBBIE’S TIP #1 I wanted the banners at top to be colorful, but still be a good base, with no competing patterns, for an embellishment cluster below the title. Solid paper seemed too plain, so the perfect solution was the tone-on-tone diagonal striped paper that was part of the collection.

3x4

PHOTO

2x2 PHOTO

DEBBIE’S TIP #2 With two crucial items (the banner cluster and the journaling pocket and cards) breaking the linear grid of photos and papers, I wanted this middle area to be solid. That way, both break-out areas stand out as focal points of the layout.

DEBBIE’S TIP #3 To add more color to the predominantly blue pre-made pocket, I carefully unsealed both sides, then traced the shape of the pocket edge on gold paper. Next, I cut out the area I had traced, and adhered it to the inside of the pocket for contrast. While the pocket was still open, I did the hand-stitching to accent the die-cut. It was easy to seal the pocket again, and a way to add my own touch to a premade embellishment.

50 CREATE

30-minute layout: Patterned paper, stickers, ephemera pack, chipboard, brads, pockets: Simple Stories; twine: The Twinery. 3-hour layout: Patterned paper, chipboard, ephemera pack, pockets: Simple Stories; letter stickers: American Crafts; word stickers: My Mind’s Eye; border punch: Fiskars; twine: The Twinery; embroidery floss: DMC; epoxy shape tool: Epiphany Crafts.

simple stories

creates When the Simple Stories design team meets up with four sketches from Scrapbook Generation, beautiful things happen. Find out some fun inside details about Simple Stories, the company, then sit back and prepare to be inspired as the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest products join SG sketches.

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projects by the Simple Stories team

did you know?

Simple Stories is a familyowned and operated business, started by husband and wife team Kevin and Amber Crowell. Kevin often jokes he’s living the “American nightmare” -- owning a business and working with his wife. In reality they really do love working together.

Twenty-seven percent of Simple Stories employees are actual family members: Kevin’s brother, Amber’s mom and their sister-in-law. Better yet, the rest of the employees who aren't related are considered family – a close-knit staff that has so much fun together.

Kevin and Amber have been in the scrapbook industry since 2002, when they started MemoryWorks, a home-based consultant scrapbook company.

54 CREATE

meet the team The Simple Stories team: seated - Layle Koncar, marketing director; Sherman Crowell, sales director; Kevin Crowell, vice president of operations; Amber Crowell, president and creative director; Ryan Gregson, graphic designer; LuAnn Roche, warehouse; standing - Tara Savage, assistant graphic designer; Anita Bennett, warehouse; Kay Hamer, warehouse; Jodi Howell, office manager; Sue Kendall, marketing and design coordinator; Jodi Stacy, key account manager; not shown - Ronda Garets, accountant; Lynette Taylor, graphic designer; Becky Crowell, sales rep; Amanda Bartholomew, warehouse; Nate Kendall, warehouse.

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launch as a s ie or St le mp Si d di en wh wholesale comp any?

The ﬁrst Simple Stories collection, “Life Documented” was launched through MemoryWorks consultants in 2009. The Simple Stories concept was such a hit with customers and consultants, that Amber and Kevin launched the Simple Stories brand to wholesale customers at the Winter 2011 CHA show in Los Angeles, becoming the ﬁrst company in the scrapbook retail market to offer a variety of sized elements and card inserts for pocket-page scrapbooking.

who likes to give Kevin and tions? c e l l o c r o f Amber ideas

Kevin and Amber’s three kids (ages 12, 10 and 9) constantly give them “ideas” for themes for their future collections (stemming from their latest obsessions), including a wolf, Minecraft, and Animal Jam themes. They sometimes even sketch sayings and drawings for these “collections.”

ns has o i t c e l l o c y n Simple Stories made? just how ma Since its launch, Simple Stories has produced 50 collections to date, and designed over 1,800 unique 4x6 card designs and 1,600 3x4 unique card designs, not to mention hundreds of different sized elements.

56 CREATE

At that ďŹ rst CHA show in 2011, Kevin and Amy ate at a little pizza joint where cameramen and sound techs were running around. They later found out that Taylor Swift was ďŹ lming a music video in the basement.

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So far, there has been zero percent turnover at Simple Stories...people stay and don’t leave! The Crowells say they have the best employees who do so much behind the scenes to make them successful.

he Crowells are huge Disney freaks and have taken several trips to Disneyland and DisneyWorld. “Say Cheese” was on Amber’s list of collections to create from the start of Simple Stories and it has been one of the most popular lines.

apartment building. Amber was preparing a skit for her sorority's Rush and needed to ﬁnd someone with a karaoke machine (they were brand new at the time). After knocking on several doors with no luck, Kevin opened his door and lent her his karaoke machine. The rest is history. And yes, during their courtship they karaoked many times together to their favorite songs.

Speaking of music and dancing, Kevin is the guy at the end of the fun Simple Stories SN@P! The company still gets video. He’s holding the requests from fans to SN@P! album and dancing reprint some of the on the green screen. Kevin ﬁrst collections, especially wouldn’t let Amber put the “Generations” and “Baby footage of him dancing in Steps.” the real video, but she surprised him and had it Amber and Kevin added as a clip at the end. have been married It’s still everyone’s favorite almost 19 years. part of the video! You can see the video here: They met at Utah http://www.simplestories.co State University and m/videos. It’s had over lived in the same 57,000 views!

11 12

58 CREATE

ways on l a s a w n o i t the idea list? what collec

CREATE 59

60 CREATE

When vendors visit the Simple Stories warehouse they comment how it is the cleanest, most organized warehouse they’ve seen.

The Simple Stories owners love to do fun things with their employees – just last summer they rented a movie theater to watch a new movie release and invited everyone’s family to attend.

Simple Stories team members Layle Koncar, Amber Crowell, and Sue Kendall.

CREATE 61

up for the challenge... Every month, Scrapbook Generation’s CREATE magazine brings you a winning combination...four sketches and a leading manufacturer’s design team. Get inspired by the 16 gorgeous creations the Simple Stories design team members have made, then download the free SG sketches and try them out yourself.

allison davis

free download sketches for May 22 xx 22 PHO to phoTO

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T I T LE

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...the Simple Stories design team Wendy Antenucci Andrea Corriveau Nancy Damiano Kristine Davidson Alissa Fast Donna Jannuzzi Sue Kendall

title and

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Rebecca Keppel Layle Koncar Heather Leopard Cari Locken Angella Peardon Melissa Stinson Lisa Swift

free download sketches for May

WORD WORD

debbie sanders

one PAGE sketch

DEBBIE SANDERS

Five photos. A pocket full of journaling space. And still plenty of room for a fun banner and embellishment cluster. Best of all? Perfect fit for Simple Stories elements.

64 CREATE

SIMPLE STORIES & the ONE-PAGE SKETCH

title and

long title

3x4

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download here with dimensions & directions CREATE 65

“

Loved the clusters and pocket in the sketch. I found the design easy to use and appreciated the ease of putting my style into the layout.”

ANGELLA PEARDON “My tip: using raffia for a ribbon bow, for a different texture and a natural fiber on your layout.” ANGELLA’S BLOG www.4ft9inchcreator.typepad.com

hello sunshine BY ANGELLA PEARDON {for Simple Stories} Patterned paper: Simple Stories; SNAP pockets, bits ‘n pieces, cardstock stickers, enamel dots, burlap stickers: Simple Stories; metal clip: Maya Road; other: raffia, pins.

CREATE 67

“

I loved working with this sketch because it allowed me to use a lot of photos AND embellishments on a single layout. I also loved the hand stitching…it added a great touch to the layout.”

ANDREA CORRIVEAU “I used a paper-piercing ruler to make the holes for the hand-stitching -- made it super easy!”

i {heart} summer BY ANDREA CORRIVEAU {for Simple Stories} Patterned paper: Simple Stories; cards, stickers, cut files: Simple Stories.

CREATE 69

“

I basically stayed true to the sketch although the placement of some of my embellishments and photos are not quite the same.”

CARI LOCKEN “I enjoyed using this sketch as it allowed me to use some great photos of my mom with her grandchildren. The photos had a lot of wonderful color in them so I chose to keep the patterned papers simple.” CARI’S BLOG www.myandmythoughts.blogspot.com

happy 70th grandma BY CARI LOCKEN {for Simple Stories} Patterned paper: Simple Stories; stickers, die-cuts: Simple Stories; cardstock: Core’dinations; border punch: Fiskars.

CREATE 71

“

As soon as I saw this month's sketch I was immediately drawn to the horizontal row of 3x4 photographs. I simplified the design by moving the journaling space so it would be in line with the photos.”

DONNA JANNUZZI “I also eliminated the two small detail photos, and instead put a circular die-cut in their place. These changes to the design reflect my personal style, but still keep the feeling of the original sketch.” DONNA’S BLOG www.donnajannuzzi.blogspot.com

so lucky BY DONNA JANNUZZI {for Simple Stories} Patterned paper: Simple Stories; chipboard accents, stickers, brads, die-cuts: Simple Stories; wood veneer: Studio Calico.

CREATE 73

“

I love how the sketches take all the guesswork out of the design process yet still give me the flexibility to express my creativity in a fun, unique way. This sketch gives you the possibility to use five photos, maybe even six (on one page!) or as few as two, when paired with items like Simple Stories Sn@P cards. The possibilities are endless.”

HEATHER LEOPARD “I followed the sketch more closely than usual but I chose to offset my photos a bit instead of straight across. I also made them just slightly larger (about 1/4") than the sketch calls for so they would overlap each other and extend off the page. I also added a bit of straight and zig zag stitching to add a finished look. Creating the pocket was easy...I just combined a straight edge tag with a scalloped tag from the Simple Stories DIY collection and then added a SN@P card and stickers on top.”

HEATHER’S BLOG www.thespottedleopard.blogspot.com

goodbye third grade BY HEATHER LEOPARD {for Simple Stories} Patterned paper: Simple Stories; stickers, cards: Simple Stories; card foundations: Simple Stories DIY kraft cards; other: enamel dots, twine.

CREATE 75

“

The layout sketch was a bit intimidating for me as I'm not used to creating with multiple photos. Once I got started with my layout everything seemed to fall into place quite easily. No need to be intimidated!”

KRISTINE DAVIDSON “The sketch requested two small photos, and three 3x4 photos. Instead of creating with multiple pictures I added some Simple Stories 2x2 elements and also a smaller picture and journaling strips.” KRISTINE’S BLOG www.KristineDavidson.com

summer fun BY KRISTINE DAVIDSON {for Simple Stories} Patterned paper: Simple Stories; stickers, cards: Simple Stories; cardstock: Bazzill; pen: Sakura; office tag foundations: Simple Stories DIY; other: twine.

CREATE 77

“

I absolutely loved using Debbie's sketch! Although I didn't use it literally, I drew inspiration from some of the elements on the sketch, like the library pocket, extended banner, scattered embellishments and the border at the top of the page.”

LISA SWIFT “The Bits & Pieces (die-cuts) from the Simple Stories Homespun collection made it easy to create the banner. I just used multiple diecuts and overlapped them, giving it the look of one, continuous banner.” LISA’S BLOG www.lisarukinswift.com

so sweet BY LISA SWIFT {for Simple Stories} Patterned paper: Simple Stories; 6x6 paper pad, stickers, diecuts, brads, pocket, tag, twine, enamel dots: Simple Stories; cardstock: Doodlebug; vellum: Office Max; doily: Riverbank Revels Trimcraft; bitty bag: Canvas Corp; tag: The Paper Studio; photo turns: Creative Impressions; buttons: Joann’s, SEI; punch: Fiskars; ink: Tsukineko: twine: The Twinery.

CREATE 79

“

I loved that the layout sketch included a banner and the (Simple Stories) SN@P Summer die-cuts had an adorable banner that coordinated perfectly with my photos.”

REBECCA KEPPEL “I loved using the layout sketch! I always find it difficult to design with multiple photos and the sketch made using a handful of photos easy and fun! It was simple to alter the sketch to suit my needs, too. I changed two 3x4 photos into one 4x6 without a problem. The sketch was a perfect compliment to the bold and bright Simple Stories Summer Paradise and Summer SN@P cards.” REBECCA’S BLOG www.myclutteredcorner.com

love summertime BY REBECCA KEPPEL {for Simple Stories} Patterned paper: Simple Stories; cardstock: Simple Stories; cards, stickers: Simple Stories.

CREATE 81

“

I have never tried using multiple flags, but the sketch made it so easy to try layering all the fun flags that Simple Stories has included in the DIY sticker package.”

WENDY ATENUCCI “I chose to rotate the sketch to allow for my horizontal pictures and I replaced the envelope of tags with another picture. I loved the room included in the sketch for the long title.” WENDY’S BLOG www.antenucci.blogspot.com

check out my wheels BY WENDY ATENUCCI {for Simple Stories} Patterned paper: Simple Stories; chipboard, stickers, frames: Simple Stories; letters, icons, words, office tags: Simple Stories DIY.

CREATE 83

ALLISON DAVIS

wo t PAGE sketch

Love the clean lines of grid design? This sketch is a balanced mix just waiting for a story that needs telling, with ample room for both photos and journaling, ala Simple Stories style.

84 CREATE

SIMPLE STORIES & the TWO-PAGE SKETCH

22 xx 22 PH otoO phOT

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download here with dimensions & directions CREATE 85

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The left side of the sketch reminded me of a pocket page and I created a pocket page for the left side of the sketch. I was also inspired to hand-stitch a little on a few of the cards. So fun!â&#x20AC;?

86 CREATE

hello springtime BY ALISSA FAST {for Simple Stories} Patterned paper: Simple Stories; stickers: Simple Stories.

“

Being a non-double-page scrapbooker, I loved the inspiration the sketch provided

ALISSA FAST www.alissafast.typepad.com

and a direction on how to spread my story across the double page spread.”

CREATE 87

“When I have bulkier embellishments such as chipboard, brads and enamel dots, I adhere them to the top of my pocket pages vs. inside so the photos and cards lay flat in the pockets. I even adhere stickers and sequins to the top of the pockets! On this trip I wasn’t able to make it to the famous Las Vegas sign to snap a photo. No worries, I just googled the sign, found one on the internet and printed out to use in my spread!”

88 CREATE

a perfect day BY LAYLE KONCAR {for Simple Stories}

Patterned paper: Simple Stories; decorative brads, bits & pieces, chipboard stickers, SN@P cuts, enamel dots: Simple Stories; clear stickers, overlays, word and letter stickers: Simple Stories DIY; pocket pages: Simple Stories.

“

Most of my scrapbooking these days is pocketpage style, so I thought it would be fun to take Allison’s sketch and apply it to a pocket page spread instead! I stayed pretty true to her sketch overall, but decided to www.laylekoncar.typepad.com use the Simple Stories 6x12 pocket page designs and the coordinating 2x12 and 6x12 elements on each page.”

LAYLE KONCAR

CREATE 89

“When working with designs that include large, linear blocks of photos and paper, I like to break up the lines by having some sort of organic shape cross the boundaries of a few of those lines and also pop outside the edge of the box. On this layout I used flowers on both the left and right sides of the page to do just that.”

90 CREATE

mom’s day lunch BY MELISSA STINSON {for Simple Stories} Patterned paper: Simple Stories; stickers, enamel dots: Simple Stories.

“

I've always loved working with Allison's sketches, and this one was especially fun because of the inclusion of 3x4 photos and patterned paper slots. They were the perfect spaces to include some journaling cards from the paper collection.”

MELISSA STINSON www.scrappyjedi.com

CREATE 91

â&#x20AC;&#x153;To add dimension and a bit of pop to the smaller 2x2 photos, I placed foam dots to give them a little lift. This keeps them from getting lost on the page.â&#x20AC;?

pooltime games BY NANCY DAMIANO {for Simple Stories}

92 CREATE

Patterned paper: Simple Stories DIY; label stickers, journaling stamps, clear photo stickers, enamel dots, cards: Simple Stories DIY and SN@P.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

The 12-photo sketch was perfect for telling the story of how we spent one long, hot summer. It let me include all of my favorite photos and still left enough room for bright, fun embellishment clusters.â&#x20AC;?

NANCY DAMIANO www.thepaperorchard.blogspot.com

CREATE 93

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The designer element cards by Simple Stories make scrapbooking fun, easy and beautiful. Die-cut and designer element cards add that special touch to all of your memories!â&#x20AC;?

94 CREATE

forever and always BY SUE KENDALL {for Simple Stories} Patterned paper: Simple Stories; cards, chipboard stickers, decorative brads, insta-squares: Simple Stories.

“

I love how Allison’s sketch lends ease in using several photos of different sizes and

SUE KENDALL

dimensions all on one two-page layout.”

CREATE 95

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I changed up the second page a little bit by adding another larger mat to the first one under the two photos and then eliminated the three small strips behind that. I also added a small 'wave' border punch along each striped strip on page one and another punched border on page two.â&#x20AC;?

96 CREATE

awesome summer day BY CARI LOCKEN {for Simple Stories} Patterned paper: Simple Stories; stickers: Simple Stories; enamel dots, office tag foundations, typeset stickers, letter stickers, label stickers, icon stickers, word stickers, clear photo stickers, banner burlap stickers: Simple Stories DIY; flowers: Petaloo.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

This was a fabulous sketch because I don't often scrapbook double-pagers. It gave me the opportunity to use a multiple number of photos from our day at the beach last summer. I used the www.myandmythoughts.blogspot.com sketch as my base and moved around some of the embellishments in order to fit with my photos.â&#x20AC;?

CARI LOCKEN

CREATE 97

ALLISON DAVIS

greeting

CARD sketch A simple design based on repetition lets this card message take center stage. In a playful way, a cluster of embellishments breaks the grid.

98 CREATE

SIMPLE STORIES & the CARD SKETCH

T I T LE

download here with dimensions & directions CREATE 99

simple stories design team + scrapbook generation sketch

Nancy Damiano

Patterned paper: Simple Stories; ephemera: Simple Stories.

100 CREATE

Kristine Davidson

Patterned paper: Simple Stories; stickers, brads: Simple Stories; other: twine.

CREATE 101

simple stories design team + scrapbook generation sketch

Wendy Atenucci

Patterned paper: Simple Stories; enamel dots, bits and pieces, chipboard: Simple Stories.

102 CREATE

Layle Koncar

SN@P set cards: Simple Stories; bits and pieces, stickers: Simple Stories.

CREATE 103

simple stories design team + scrapbook generation sketch

Lisa Swift

Patterned paper: Simple Stories; stickers, die-cuts, enamel dots: Simple Stories; vellum: Office Depot; doily: Riverbank Revels Trimcraft; ribbon: American Crafts; card base: The Paper Studio.

104 CREATE

Rebecca Keppel

Patterned paper: Simple Stories; stickers: bits and pieces, enamel dots, chipboard: Simple Stories.

CREATE 105

simple stories design team + scrapbook generation sketch

Angella Peardon

Patterned paper: Simple Stories; cardstock stickers, enamel dots: Simple Stories; other: cardstock, raffia.

106 CREATE

decorative

TAG sketch

DEBBIE SANDERS

Patchwork squares create a happy backdrop for a spring-themed pinwheel. But donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop there. Just think of all the possibilities.

108 CREATE

SIMPLE STORIES & the TAG SKETCH

WORD WORD

download here with dimensions & directions CREATE 109

simple stories design team + scrapbook generation sketch

Andrea Corriveau

Patterned paper: Simple Stories; stickers: Simple Stories; other: cardstock, embroidery floss.

110 CREATE

Donna Jannuzzi

Patterned paper: Simple Stories; chipboard, die-cuts: Simple Stories; stamp: Paper Smooches; rhinestones, enamel dots: Doodlebug; twine: Martha Stewart.

Heather Leopard

Patterned paper: Simple Stories; stickers: Simple Stories; other cardstock.

Layle Koncar

Patterned paper: Simple Stories; decorative brads, bits and pieces: Simple Stories; other: twine.

CREATE 111

simple stories design team + scrapbook generation sketch

Melissa Stinson

112 CREATE

Patterned paper: Simple Stories; stickers: Simple Stories; bakers twine: My Mindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eye.

great papers + great sketches amazing layouts

Scrapbook Generation’s

Scrapbook Genera

tion

meets

3x4

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SKETCH 2 -MEASUREMENTS: • Striped strips: 3/8 x 12” • Bingo cards: 3 x 4” • Large banners, from left, all 11” 1-1/2”, 2”, 15/16”, tall: 1-1/2”, 1-1/2”, 2” 1”, 2”, • Small overlay banners, from left: 1/4 x 11-1/2”, 1/2 x 11-1/4”, 3/8 x 11-1/4”, 1/4 x 11-1/4”, 1/2 x 11-1/2” PLACEMENTS: • Left page blocks and photos are page 2” from the bottom of the

title

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SIMPLE STORIES BLOCK • Far right 6x4 block is 5-3/4” from the bottom SUGGESTIONS: of the page • Adhesive only in the middle of the butterflies a 3-D effect will give them • To add more photos, substitute the 6x4 photos two 3x4 photos for any of • To add a larger photo, substitute 3x4 photo at far a 4x6 photo for right the

photos

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look

we’ve got the

by debbie sanders

Over the past couple of years, Scrapbook Generation has partnered with Simple Stories in several ways. Here’s a close-up view of that collaboration, plus an inside look at how Simple Stories takes an idea and turns it into a product you can’t wait to use!

DESIGN

product

how it works

Ever wondered how someone’s idea becomes a scrapbooking product ready for store shelves? We asked the Simple Stories team to share their design process. The ﬁrst step for them is having a philosophy, a vision for what makes them different from other scrapbooking manufacturers. Owner and idea-leader Amber Crowell describes the company attitude. “Since the inception of Simple Stories almost ﬁve years ago, our vision has always remained the same: inspiring products to share your story in a simple, yet meaningful and beautiful way,” she said. “It's not about journaling every day, taking a photo every day or even scrapbooking every day. It’s just a simple system to share your story -- whatever it is, whenever you want and however you choose. Whether you scrapbook traditional layouts, pocket pages -- or a combination of both -- the Simple Stories system offers no pressure, no stress, no ‘being behind’ and no ‘having to get caught up’ scrapbooking – or as we like to call it, SNAPbooking!” Amber said the design process is lengthy. “So much goes on into the design in all of our collections, more than the regular customer would even realize,” she said. “This is especially true for our cards, elements and pocket page inserts. We want your albums to be beautiful and a representation of you and your memories, so we are very detail-oriented when picking colors, patterns, icons, quotes, sayings and even the fronts and backs of each card...everything!”

“We are very detail-oriented when picking colors, patterns, icons, quotes, sayings, and even the fronts and backs of each card...everything!” -Simple Stories

simple stories style

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sketch to product

Simple Stories was the first company to offer 6x8 binders and card and element sizes like 2x2, 4x4, 3x3, 2x12, 6x12, and 4x12. “There’s a reason why customers love our product -- coordinating designs and colors along with innovative, time-saving products that make it easy to create albums and keep memories quickly,” Amber said. Here’s a peek into the Simple Stories design process.

simple stories style

1. They choose a color palette - and go through many rounds and samples with their designers to get to the perfect look.

2. They conceptualize the icons and overall theme and look for a collection. “We have amazing illustrators that can draw just about anything,” Amber said. 3. They choose and design patterns to go along with the collection and to be used in the elements. 4. They sketch the elements, cards and even embellishments and send to the designers so they get the look just right. It is definitely a collaborative effort. The designers don't design anything without the collaboration of Amber (owner and creative director), and several drafts and revisions are made leading up to the final result.

DESIGN

product

how it works

“One thing we hear constantly from our customers is how they love our pocket page products and designs; our simple, time-saving approach to scrapbooking.” -- Simple Stories

The Simple Stories team enjoys this step-by-step process. “We love designing simple and turn-key products for our customers and love seeing their end results. Nothing makes us happier,” Amber said. “We look forward to providing quick, easy and beautiful scrapbook products for many years to come.”

CREATE 119

simple stories & scrapbook generation

TOGETHER

Two companies, each with the same goal. Make scrapbooking easy, quick, and gorgeous. Beautiful papers, beautiful sketches. A match made in heaven.

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“We have been blown away with the response to these sketch book collaborations.” -- Amber Crowell, Simple Stories

120 CREATE

Unique in every way. The two sketch book collaborations between Simple Stories and Scrapbook Generation are unlike anything else available in the papercrafting ﬁeld. What’s different? To start with, SG sketches are the only ones in the industry with complete dimensions and placements. Add in the fact that both books include color layout examples using one manufacturer’s collections exclusively, and you have Sketch Fusion and Sketch Magic. When Scrapbook Generation designers Allison Davis and Debbie Sanders were considering a new direction for their sketch books -including color examples -choosing the company to work with was an easy decision. “My mom and I were both instantly drawn to Simple Stories,” Allison said. “We use Simple Stories often in not just our store classes and kit clubs, but in our own personal scrapbooks as well. Being mother and daughter, I think it's in our genetic code that we aren't supposed to agree on things, but we do agree on Simple Stories and how much we love using their products. That, mixed with how our

customers were responding to classes, kits, and sketches based around their products, was just the natural evolvement of our relationship with Simple Stories to collaborate in some way.” Simple Stories designer Amber Crowell believes that the SG sketch style blends well with Simple Stories products. “Allison and Debbie's style is just perfectly Simple Stories,” she said. “There's no way to describe it. They just have this way of combining patterns, colors, papers and our elements to create an inspiring, yet simple creation. Allison and Debbie’s layouts are some of my favorites -- and they are a perfect combination with our Simple Stories products and coordinates.” Avid scrapbooker Janet, a Pennsylvania crafter known to many on national message boards as “cherrypicker,” is in total agreement. “When making page kits for scrapbooking later, I can just simply pull out one of these books, a Simple Stories collection, and I am good to go,” she said. “It simply does not get any easier or faster than that. What a huge timesaver!”

The collaboration between Scrapbook Generation and Simple Stories? “Very exciting! What better way to fully enjoy and use a product line than to see Scrapbook Generation sketches paired with the Simple Stories papers and embellishments. I already love both, so what better way to utilize both than with a book featuring them together.” -- Janet (message board name: cherrypicker) from Pennsylvania

“Customers have loved our sketch book collaborations with SG -- it’s the perfect match! Scrapbook Generation sketches are all about making it easy for scrapbookers, and Simple Stories products are designed so customers can share their story in a simple, yet beautiful way. Together, the result is quick, easy and amazing pages!” -- Amber Crowell, Simple Stories owner

“When you take two products that are designed to make scrapbooking easier and less time consuming and put them together, what’s not to like? With the sketches we give you a layout design that is easy to follow and Simple Stories gives you beautiful products that are easy and fun to use.” -- Allison Davis, Sketch Fusion and Sketch Magic sketch designer

What do you especially like about the sketches in these books? “One of my favorite things is that they indicate the size of the elements, mats, etc. used so there's no guesswork. Simple Stories products also have very specific elements in consistent sizes like 3x4, 4x6, 4x4, 6x8 and so on. So it's a no-brainer when using the sketches along with Simple Stories products - it's all spelled out for you and it really couldn't get any easier.” -- Amber Crowell, Simple Stories owner

“The sketches are so versatile. They can be used for any topic, theme, style, and level of scrapbooking. The sketches also are strong designs allowing the option of having just one-page layout designs as well as two-page spreads. Also, the sketches can be rotated, and mixed for even more layout options. Truly endless options.” -- Janet (message board name: cherrypicker) from Pennsylvania

“My personal favorite part of these sketches is that they will work with any Simple Stories collection. We used specific collections to make the layout samples, but we’ve been thrilled to hear from people about how easy it is to use any Simple Stories papers -- no matter how old or how new. It’s still a perfect fit.” -- Debbie Sanders, Sketch Fusion and Sketch Magic sketch designer

simple stories & scrapbook generation

TOGETHER

..................................................... Allison said she values the Simple Stories/Life Documented philosphy of sharing memories in a quick, simple, and meaningful way. “This philosophy really shows in their products,” she said. “All of the different elements are beautiful, creative, well-designed, and all while being so simple to use. They have really taken the hard part out of scrapbooking. I like to think I do that with my sketches. I believe because we have similar principles and desires for our products, combining my sketches with the Simple Stories products is just a good match.” Allison’s favorite part of creating Sketch Fusion and Sketch Magic? “Making the layouts! Simple Stories is pretty much my go-to for scrapbooking and having an excuse to make lots of layouts with all of their newest products? It just doesn't get better than that,” she said. Sketch Fusion and Sketch Magic are sketch books with a mission! “Our previous books were just focused on our sketches,” Allison said. “These books not only show you how to put together a layout based on our sketches, but how to use Simple Stories products, too. Because Simple Stories has core designs in each collection (the 3x4 elements, the 4x6 elements, 4x4

elements, 6x8 elements, 2x12 and 4x12 elements, etc.) you can use the sketches in these two books with any of their collections.” Amber highly recommends the series to people who love to use Simple Stories products. “We know scrapbookers are busy and they don't have hours to complete one page,” she said. “That’s the foundation of the entire Simple Stories product line and vision. We provide the tools and designs necessary to make it easy to scrapbook your story. That's also the same mission of Scrapbook Generation -providing tools to make it easy to keep up with our scrapbooking and albums through their sketchbooks.” The sketches are great timesavers, but the result looks like you’ve used tons of time. “With Simple Stories’ beautiful, pre-designed elements and products, combined with the simple Scrapbook Generation sketches, the results are layouts and pages that look like you spent hours - but are really so simple,” Amber said. “And that's what it's all about!” Janet considers the sketch books a staple of her scrapbooking process. “ I adore Allison’s and Debbie’s style, so having these books is a great resource/tool in my stash,” she said. “Not only are they super

“Having a finished layout in color in the same book as the sketches is not only inspiring, but more compact and handy. It ’s like a mini scrap magazine and sketch book wrapped into one.” -- Janet (cherrypicker)

CREATE 123

simple stories & scrapbook generation

TOGETHER

..................................................... fun and easy to use, but they are also very affordable. I cannot wait to see further editions of this collaboration.” Amber also considers the collaboration between the companies to be worthwhile. “We have been so impressed with the entire staff at Scrapbook Generation,” she said. “Their projects are amazing and they

12 x 2

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BEST DAY EVER

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long long Both Sketch Fusion and

Sketch Magic show clearly where Simple Stories blocks and strips are to be used.

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ttern bell.

really know what they're doing when compiling these sketch books. We've been amazed at how quickly and how well-done they are. We look forward to future collaborations, and feel so lucky to have Allison as a permanent member of our Simple Stories design team so we can continue to share quick and inspiring ideas, sketches and projects!”

SKETC H 1 -- M EASUR • Striped EMENT S

NEY

JOUR

All sketches in both books are for two-page layouts. Perfect for using lots and lots of photos!

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PLE SIM IES R STO CK BLO

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ENTS: ASUREM : 12 x 2” 10 -- ME w photos x lo SKETCH be and x 3/4”, 12 e ov ab 1/2”, 12 rips /2” (left o t m: 9 x L rge st

LAYLE KONCAR

or almost a year, Simple Stories and Scrapbook Generation sketch designer Allison Davis have been working together to bring fans of both companies a free monthly sketch and inspiration to go with it. This monthly feature -- Life Documented -- is a way to show scrapbookers just how easy it is to combine traditional layouts with the pocket page layouts that Simple Stories devotees love so much. Marketing director Layle Koncar oversees the Life Documented feature on the Simple Stories blog, and she explains how the series works. Q: Why did Simple Stories decide to do a month sketch feature with Scrapbook Generation’s Allison Davis? A: Allison has such a way of simplifying the entire scrapbooking process. It was a

no-brainer to invite her to host a monthly blog feature combining her fabulous sketches with our Simple Stories products. We’d received such great feedback from customers from the sketch book collaborations between Scrapbook Generation and Simple Stories, I really wanted to offer our readers the same ideas, on an ongoing basis. Q: How well do Simple Stories products transfer from pocket pages to traditional layouts? A: Allison has been able to take the Simple Stories concept of simply trimming our signature, cut apart element pieces and inserting them in our pocket pages – we like to call it SNAPbooking! - and combine with her own personal design style for gorgeous layouts, time after time. The monthly sketch feature on our blog gives others a peek into Allison’s design process and shows just how

LIFE

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allison davis & simple stories

concept it and love it! Q: Will this traditional page and pocket page combo continue to be featured? A: I asked Allison to keep a very specific focus when creating her sketches for our blog readers each month – to combine a standard 12x12 layout along with a Simple Stories pocket page in order to help scrapbookers bridge the gap from traditional 12x12 scrapbooking to Pocket Page scrapbooking. We’ve heard many times from scrapbookers how much they appreciate this and enjoy playing with pocket pages as a result. The Life Documented sketches by Allison Davis are available to download on the Simple Stories blog: http://www.simplestories.com/blog/lifedocumented-good-day-sunshine

easy scrapbooking with Simple Stories products can be. Q: How does Allison’s style blend with the Simple Stories’ style? A: Allison has a very linear, simple style and that’s right in line with our scrapbooking philosophy. Her attention to detail is what makes her pages pop – especially her hand stitching. Q: How do people who visit your site respond to Allison’s Life Documented sketches? A: They LOVE them! Sometimes we hear from customers that they don’t quite understand the concept of our cutapart element pieces. Once they see Allison’s sketches and her layouts, they tell us they get our SNAPbooking

“Allison (Davis) has such a way of simplifying the entire scrapbooking process.” -- Layle Koncar

layout and sketch by Allison Davis

6 x 4 photo

TITLTITELE

2.25 x 2.25 photo

1.75 x 1.75 photo 2.25 x 2.25 photo

TITLE

1.75 x 1.75 photo

2.25 x 2.25 photo

1.5 x 2.5 photo

4 x 6 photo

T I T LE

3 x 4 photo

1.5 x 1.5 photo

ALLISON DAVIS

he Life Documented series and Allison Davis have been a perfect match. As the sketch designer for the ongoing series, Allison enjoys combining her design skills with the ease of using Simple Storiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; products. Each month, she shares a sketch, a layout, and then goes into detail about her design process, showing close-up shots of special areas of the layout. Allison Davis explains some of her collaborative process in this series of questions and answers. Q: What do you like about creating monthly sketches for the Simple Stories Life Documented series? A: In general I just love creating sketches. If I'm bored or stressed or watching TV, I'll sit there and crank out a bunch of sketches. It's become kind of a hobby of its own. So

getting to make them for a company that I love, that is icing on the cake! Q: How are these sketches different from other sketches you do for Scrapbook Generation? A: The Life Documented sketches focus on mixing traditional scrapbooking with pocket page scrapbooking. One side is basically a one-page sketch and the other side uses one of the many Simple Stories pocket page designs. The plus side to these sketches is that even if you aren't a pocket page scrapbooker you can still use these sketches and the Simple Stories cards and elements. Q: Why do you like the combination of pocket pages and a traditional single page layout? A: It's kind of like the best of both worlds. Pocket page scrapbooking is so much faster for me and with the Simple Stories elements I

LIFE

documented

allison davis & simple stories

design part so easy I get to focus more time on the creative finishing touches like my favorite, hand stitching! Q: How long does it take you to make a Simple Stories sketch? A: It doesn't take me nearly as long as other sketches. The pocket pages and elements make it so easy. Their products are so inspiring that I usually find one element I love and the ideas for using it just flood my brain. Usually that's how the whole process of making a Life Documented sketch starts. I find one element that really stands out to me and design around it. Another Life Documented sketch by Allison Davis is available to download on the Simple Stories blog: http://www.simplestories.com/blog/lifedocumented-snp-dog

don't really have to put a whole lot of thought into it. I might add some stitching here and there or a few small photos to a card but for the most it's just a ‘put in the pocket and go’ situation. I don't know if I could ever go full pocket page scrapbooking just because I enjoy creating my own designs so much. With this traditional/pocket page style, I still get to do just that. Q: What do you like about working with Simple Stories products? A: I like that every layout I put together with Simple Stories goes together quickly. I feel like their products are so well-designed that it makes the whole process easy. Since they have made the

“I like that every layout I put together with Simple Stories goes together quickly.” -Allison Davis

layout and sketch by Allison Davis

TITLE

long title 4 x 6 photo

2.5 x 3.5 photo

2x2 photo

2.5 x 3.5 photo 6 x 4 photo

2.5 x 3.5 photo

PENNY GRIMSLEY

exas resident Penny Grimsley uses the Life Documented sketches on a regular basis. She shares what makes the sketches and Simple Stories products so useful to her. Q: Why do you appreciate the free monthly sketches on the Simple Stories site? A: I’m a huge fan of Allison Davis sketches. She has the ability to cleanly lay out for us a pattern for creativity with easy to follow instructions. Pairing that with her layout example is just icing on the cake! I love to see how Allison can interpret her own sketch with her signature style. For example, the sketch released on May 6 using Good Day Sunshine showed a solid background for the “traditional” page, and Allison ended up creating a sunburst there. She is always “upping the game” with her creations. Hand-stitching that sunburst was

just truly spectacular. It’s really nice to be inspired in a style that you can adapt to yourself - and end up making a memory. Q: What do you like about the combination of a pocket page with a "regular" page? A: I am currently working on my own “Magical Memories” albums. I have taken five trips to Walt Disney World and decided to do an album for each park, versus each trip. We can all get overwhelmed by vacations, or other events that are photo heavy. When I saw the Life Documented sketches, I knew this was the way to go with my Disney memories! I could have some fun with scrapbooking my memories, but I could also be fast and flexible. These sketches offer me the perfect combination of creativity plus get ‘er done. I can do a feature page for, say, Midway Mania in the traditional layout style, and

LIFE

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allison davis & simple stories

then simply slip supporting photos and paper into the sleeves on the companion page using the pockets. The combination layouts just flow naturally! Q. How do these particular sketches help you streamline your scrapbooking process? A: I went to a retreat in January and in the span of three days I was able to complete 56 pages - 28 “traditional” layouts with 28 companion pocket pages. Most of these pages used the Life Documented Sketches. I came home with a full album, and now I get to enjoy going through and adding finishing touches. Q: Do you anticipate the sketch release each month?

Every time a new sketch comes up, I’m excited and eager to see the choices we’ll have with the new combination. The other day I was thinking “You know - those pocket page sketches would also work on a page without the pockets!” I’m sure others have already realized that, but it was an "aha" moment for me. Q: Is this a great collaboration? A: Simple Stories is my favorite manufacturer. The fact that they have my favorite scrapbooker on their design team is just pure joy. The beauty of the Life Documented layouts and sketches invited me to pair my traditional layout love with the ease of the pocket pages. I’ll have to say I would never have thought of, on my own, the pairing of a solid 12x12 sleeve on one side with pockets on the other side. But, after having done that 28 times, I’m hooked!

“Every time a new sketch comes up, I’m excited and eager to see the choices.” -- Penny Grimsley

layouts by Penny Grimsley

STACEY GRAGLIA

anada resident Stacey Graglia is another scrapbooker who has put the Life Documented sketches to use on a regular basis. She is a firm believer that the Allison Davis sketches and Simple Stories products combine to make her creative process an easier one. Stacey shares her thoughts about the Life Documented philosophy. Q: Why do you appreciate the free monthly download sketches by Allison Davis on the Simple Stories site? A: These free sketches are tools I can use again and again. They inspire me to grab my Simple Stories collections and use them right away. Q: What do you like about the combination of a pocket page with a "regular" page? A: I still love 12x12 layouts. These sketches

give me the best of both worlds. They are great for vacation albums! I can introduce a section with one of these sketches, then include more photos in pocket pages following this spread. Q: How do these particular sketches help you streamline your scrapbooking process? A: Allison's easy to follow instructions help me get layouts done in no time. Her details on how to add those little extras to the pocket cards really dress up my plain pocket pages in ways that wouldn't occur to me. Q: What about the versatility of

LIFE

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allison davis & simple stories

the Life Documented sketches? A: Allison's sketches are one of my favorite features on the Simple Stories blog. The sketches are so versatile, they could easily be used as a double paged spread instead of with a facing pocket page.

“Allison’s sketches are one of my favorite features on the Simple Stories blog.” -- Stacey Graglia

layouts by Stacey Graglia

small size, big

impact by lindsey amschler

Mini-albums have been around for a long time, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve taken on new life with the popularity of Instagram photos. These mini slices of life are the perfect size to document just about anything, including fond memories of furry family members.

a blank album becomes a work of art with the right touches ................

lindsey’s simple process 136 CREATE

• Decorate chipboard album pages with spray mist and ink edges. • Adhere patterned paper and photos to the chipboard pages. • Add titles, sentiments and journaling to pages and cover. • Decorate pages with embellishments, such as stickers, diecuts, stamped images, and enamel dots. • Use binding rings to hold the album together. • Use pens to add small accents around photos and embellishments.

tiny letter stickers are perfect for adding name s

INSTAMAGIC...INSTAEASY Create a quick and simple -- yet adorable -- mini-album by using small Instagram photos. Mini-albums are the perfect size for these fun photos.

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RECORD IT

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to document the memories and photos of the furry family members. Finding just the right pet-themed embellishments makes the project go quickly!

n add a c r e d ed bor h c n u p A m page u b l a iin m a to e tons of styl

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paw prints and a little pet humor make a fun page

SHOWCASE IT Mist the pages with dark colors to give the mini-album an old or grungy look. This technique is a great way to carry out the pet theme.

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and x i m n u f just have match items you love

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Album by Lindsey Amschler: Patterned paper: Simple Stories; cardstock: Bazzill; stickers, die-cuts: Simple Stories; enamel dots: My Mindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eye; letter stickers: October Afternoon, Doodlebug, Simple Stories; wood veneer: Maya Road; ink: Ranger; punch: Martha Stewart; stencil: Heidi Swapp; chipboard grid album, twine: American Crafts.

playing the card

game by allison davis

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just something about the versatility of 3x4 and 4x6 title and journaling cards that appeals to most anyone working to preserve memories. These tiny blocks can be transformed into handmade bits of scrapbooking heaven with just a few simple touches.

letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrate!

................

use for: pocket pages • traditional layouts • title c

allison’s 4x6 ANYTHING sketch

you are sweet

Make a lollipop out of paper by cutting two circles, one slightly lighter in shade and smaller. Cut little slits out of the smaller circle and adhere to the larger circle. Add accents like twine and stitching.

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Above - Patterned paper: Echo Park Paper; cardstock: Bazzill; letter stickers: Lily Bee Design; bakers twine: My Mind’s Eye; embroidery floss: DMC. Right Patterned paper: Simple Stories; cardstock: American Crafts; letter stickers: Lily Bee Design; pen: Zig; embroidery floss: DMC.

cards • journaling cards • greeting cards • more

allison’s 3x4 ANYTHING sketch Cover a card in banners for any celebration. Try mixing it with different shapes too. I used triangle banners, but you could use circles, hearts, stars, or square banners!

let’s celebrate!

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Create a pretty landscape with flowers made from patterned paper and chipboard, accented with stitched stems and paper leaves.

Right - Patterned paper: My Mind’s Eye; cardstock: Bazzill; chipboard: My Mind’s Eye; word stickers: My Mind’s Eye; heart punch: Recollections; embroidery floss: DMC. Next page - Patterned paper: My Mind’s Eye; cardstock: Bazzill; chipboard alphabet: BasicGrey; heart punch: Recollections, EK Success; number stickers: Lily Bee Design; paint: Jenni Bowlin; embroidery floss: DMC..

allison’s 4x3 ANYTHING sketch

bloom & grow

use for: pocket pages • traditional layouts • title c

may 2014

allison’s 6x4 ANYTHING sketch

Use half-inch strips to cover the background and add a few stitched lines. Add a large word or the month, like I did. Finish with small embellishments like hearts, stars, or butterflies.

cards • journaling cards • greeting cards • more

customer loyalty program

embrace

color ..................

the

c r e a t e team color challenge

We gave half of the SG CREATE team members this challenge: use this six-color palette as the focus of a layout. They found the colors work for a variety of topics. Check out their creations, then take the challenge yourself!

the

c r e a t e TEAM COLOR CHALLENGE katrina hunt

"I LOVED this month's color challenge. I tried to stay as true to the colors as possible and I even changed the color on the house from black to brown in spots by sanding down the chipboard and using ink to recolor it to black. The Simple Stories collection was the perfect combo of colors!"

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hello sunshine by Katrina Hunt (Springfield, Missouri) www.paperscissorsandglue.blogspot.com Patterned paper: Simple Stories; die-cuts: Simple Stories; chipboard: Pebbles; doily: Wilton; ink: Prima chalk ink; twine: May Arts; adhesive: ThermOWeb.

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the

c r e a t e TEAM COLOR CHALLENGE

christy arthur

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The color challenge this month was a challenge! The colors are beautiful, but finding supplies to match each color was difficult, especially that bright green color! The challenge gave me the chance to break out of my usual pattern and create using a different color palette than I am used to, which was a good experience.â&#x20AC;?

152 CREATE

memories by Christy Arthur (Battlefield, Missouri) www.thearthurz.blogspot.com Patterned papers: October Afternoon, BasicGrey, Crate Paper, American Crafts: cardstock: Bazzill.

CREATE 153

the

c r e a t e TEAM COLOR CHALLENGE lynette jacobs

“I loved working with these colors. Blue and yellow are always complimentary and I love the little dash of green that goes with it. I was also fortunate to still have some Teresa Collins ‘Everyday Moments’ in my stash and all I needed to add was the green. I have five grandsons and I have found these colors are perfect when scrapping photos of them.”

154 CREATE

adorable by Lynette Jacobs (Port Elizabeth, South Africa) www.creativemoments-lynette.blogspot.com Patterned papers: Teresa Collins; cardstock: Bazzill: wood arrows: Studio Calico; chipboard circle, title: Blue Fern Studios; brads, word stickers: Teresa Collins; stamps: Prima; floss: DMC; other: panpastels, chipboard circle, gelatos.

CREATE 155

the

c r e a t e TEAM COLOR CHALLENGE noey hunt

“I loved using this combination of blues. It was fun to layer them in the foundation of my layout. And it was super easy to find photos to use with this color combination - it's very versatile.”

156 CREATE

ducks by Noey Hunt (San Jose, California) www.noeyspapers.com Patterned paper: Bella Blvd, Recollections, Creative Imaginations, The Paper Studio; letters: Glitz; embellishments: Little Yellow Bicycle, Hambly Studios; sketch: Scrapbook Generation.

CREATE 157

the

c r e a t e TEAM COLOR CHALLENGE julie mowen

“Once I chose the papers and the sketch, the layout came together rather quickly. In my stash I found just a few sheets of patterned paper from one of my favorite Pebbles collections. It matched the colors in this month’s challenge pretty well, however, I didn't have any of the coordinating stickers or chipboard pieces. I fussy cut several flowers from one of the papers and used those as decorative elements on the page.”

158 CREATE

oh so happy by Julie Mowen (Birmingham, Alabama) www.yesiscrapbook.blogspot.com Patterned paper: Pebbles; cardstock: Bazzill; tab sticker: October Afternoon; letter stickers: American Crafts, Simple Stories; mist: Heidi Swapp; ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink by Ranger; sketch: Scrapbook Generationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s One-Page Sketches, volume two; other: enamel dots, washi tape.

CREATE 159

embrace

design the

..................

c r e a t e team sketch challenge We gave half of the SG CREATE team members this challenge: use a Debbie Sanders sketch from the assortment of individual SG sketches available for immediate download. The one-photo sketch is 6x6-pad-friendly, and features layer after layer of papers and embellishments.

the

c r e a t e TEAM SKETCH CHALLENGE jennie mcgarvey

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This sketch made me sit right down to create! I was very inspired by the layering of different patterned papers and embellishments -- I knew they would all come together for something very fun. I stuck to the overall design of the page but definitely changed up some of the elements for a masculine, yet bright and fun page.â&#x20AC;?

162 CREATE

three today BY JENNIE MCGARVEY (Newburgh, Indiana)

............................. Jennieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog: www.jenniemcgarvey.typepad.com

Patterned paper: Studio Calico; cardstock: Bazzill; wood veneer: Studio Calico; chipboard: Studio Calico; tags: Studio Calico; paint: Ranger.

CREATE 163

the

c r e a t e TEAM SKETCH CHALLENGE jennie mcgarvey

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was so inspired by this sketch, I had to play twice. I loved the overall placement of the elements and knew it was just perfect for a variety of pages. So, I used it this time and changed it quite significantly. However, most of the items are all in the same places - just changed from the original sketch. For instance, I used 3x4 cards in place of the clusters of banners. I also used a smaller photo than indicated in the sketch. The overall look is quite different on the surface, but if you dig deeper you can see that the overall design is still there!â&#x20AC;?

164 CREATE

buried in the sand BY JENNIE MCGARVEY (Newburgh, Indiana)

............................. Jennieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog: www.jenniemcgarvey.typepad.com

Patterned paper: Pink Paislee; stickers: Pink Paislee; vellum: Crate Paper; stamps: Scraptastic; wood veneer: Pinkfresh Studio, Studio Calico; paper clip: Freckled Fawn; letter stickers: American Crafts, BasicGrey.

CREATE 165

the

c r e a t e TEAM SKETCH CHALLENGE ruth bonser

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I used all 12x12 papers, though it is created for the 6x6 option, but I wanted to try it with something different. The photo is one of many from a weekend away for my 10-year wedding anniversary earlier this year and was complimenting stories told on surrounding pages, so it was a chance to play with the lovely ephemera vellum by Maggie Holmes and lots of patterns everywhere! I love the way the sketch gives so much opportunity to include variety. By having lots of pieces in it and all of them smaller in size, you can easily use both sides of a sheet of paper, sometimes more than one per side. The banners are also a fabulous home for all kinds of texture and I wrapped some in twine, put stickers or vellum on top of others. It was great to be able to use the space left from only one photo to have lots and lots of creative play.â&#x20AC;?

happy journey BY RUTH BONSER (Sydney, Australia)

............................. Ruth’s blog: www.scrapmachine.com

Patterned paper: My Mind’s Eye, Chickaniddy; twine: The Twinery; stickers, enamel shapes: My Mind’s Eye, Chickaniddy, BasicGrey; vellum: Create Paper; metal accents: Webster’s Pages; die: Lawn Fawn.

CREATE 167

the

c r e a t e TEAM SKETCH CHALLENGE nikki sivils

“I love this sketch. So fun and so easy to put together, but looks like it’s complicated. I completed this layout in a little under an hour. I love this picture of my nephew, Jacob and I. He’s always loved his auntie! (And I adore him, too!) The Bella Blvd collection, Max, was perfect for this picture of us together!”

168 CREATE

favorite dude BY NIKKI SIVILS (St. Louis, Missouri)

............................. Nikkiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog: www.nikkisdoghouse. blogspot.com

Patterned paper: Bella Blvd; stickers: Simple Stores; ink: Colorbox; pen: Sharpie.

CREATE 169

the

c r e a t e TEAM SKETCH CHALLENGE steffanie seiler

“I used the sketch pretty much as is, really only making changes to the embellishments to suit my theme. I was so excited to see that the measurements of the background papers were 6x6 -- I went straight for my 6x6 pad that I just happened to have in this collection! Now I really want to download Allison (Davis’) class on using 6x6 pads for creating larger layouts! The stencil background was almost an afterthought. I had the background papers and banner strips down and then remembered this stencil, which reminds me of the chain-link fence behind my son in the photo. I masked off my papers and strategically placed the stencil only where I wanted it, held it firmly in place and used an inking sponge until I achieved the desired color intensity.”

170 CREATE

be the target BY STEFFANIE SEILER (Portland, Oregon)

............................. Steffanie’s blog: www.steffanies.blogspot.com

Patterned paper: Echo Park; stickers, small alphas: Echo Park; chipboard alphas: Girls’ Paperie; stencil: Crafter’s Workshop; wood veneer: Studio Calico; ink: Stampin’ Up; washi tape: We R Memory Keepers; die-cuts: Silhouette America; pen: American Crafts; other: cardstock, brads.

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the

c r e a t e TEAM SKETCH CHALLENGE lindsey amschler

"I loved how easy it was to adapt this sketch to add additional photos. This sketch had lots of layers which I love when creating a layout. I used mostly pre-made embellishments that coordinated with my paper line to make this page quick and easy."

172 CREATE

happy moments BY LINDSEY AMSCHLER (Springfield, Missouri)

.............................

Lindsey’s blogs: www.lindseyspaperscraps.blogspot.com www.twocrazycrafters.blogspot.com

Patterned paper: Simple Stories; stickers, die-cuts: Simple Stories; letter stickers: Doodlebug, American Crafts, Simple Stories; enamel dots: My Mind’s Eye; enamel heart: We R Memory Keepers; ink: Ranger; pen: Uniball.

CREATE 173

the

c r e a t e TEAM SKETCH CHALLENGE karin rush

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This was an easy sketch to use! When I saw the 6x6 accent squares I knew that I wanted to use one for the sunglasses and one for the bathing suits and the third square would be the stripe. I kept the banners solid colors to highlight the same summery colors in my patterned papers. The matching stickers were easy to add and I was quickly finished with a great memory from my vacation in Hawaii.â&#x20AC;?

174 CREATE

summer BY KARIN RUSH (Springfield, Missouri)

............................. Karinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blog: www.scrapbookgeneration. blogspot.com

Patterned paper: Carta Bella; stickers: Carta Bella; ink: Colorbox; other: brads.

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customer loyalty program

embrace

options the

..................

c r e a t e team challenge We challenged the SG CREATE team to use Mayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s card and tag sketches for as many different projects as they could think of. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing how easily the small sketches translate to larger projects and are springboards to creativity.

c r e a t e TEAM OPTIONS ..........................................................................................................................................

the

May sketches...great for tags, cards, and so much more.

WORD WORD

T I T LE

178 CREATE

katrina hunt

Patterned paper: Imaginisce; cardstock: American Crafts; adhesive: Therm O Web.

greeting card "This is a great way to use up those scraps of 6x6 paper that you have lying around. My card is sized 5x5-inches and then I just stretched the tag sketch out and cut my squares at 1-inch. I did add a couple of strips to cover the seams. Some cute die cuts and I have an adorable card to give to someone.â&#x20AC;?

Patterned paper: Simple Stories; cardstock: American Crafts; stickers: Simple Stories; enamel dots: We R Memory Keepers.

gift bag "I really liked the look of the three bigger banners on this card sketch, so I recreated a similar look on a small gift bag. I was able to quickly finish the bag by keeping the title and embellishments in the same areas as the sketch."

lindsey amschler

CREATE 179

the

c r e a t e TEAM OPTIONS greeting card

“This tag sketch was easily translated to a card. I used a 1.25” square punch as my starting point and resized everything from there. I decreased the amount of ‘white’ space by adding an additional row of squares. The butterflies are punched from a Starbucks coffee sleeve. I felt they complimented my papers nicely as embellishments rather than the pinwheel used in the sketch.”

steffanie seiler Patterned paper: Studio Calico; punches: Martha Stewart, EK Success; twine: My Mind’s Eye; pearls: Recollections; stamp: Close to My Heart; ink: Stampin’ Up; other: cardstock, embroidery floss.

180 CREATE

scrapbook layout

“To modify the card sketch, I turned the banners sideways and alternated which direction they went. I also moved the title to the upper left corner and added some journal notes on the bottom right.”

Patterned paper: Crate Paper, Elle’s Studio, Simple Stories: cardstock: Bazzill.

christy arthur

CREATE 181

the

c r e a t e TEAM OPTIONS

greeting card “I loved this sketch for the tag and that is why I couldn't wait to create a card with it. I hardly had to modify it at all -it was perfect for a card just as it was.”

jennie mcgarvey Patterned paper: Pink Paislee, American Crafts; cardstock: Bazzill; stamps: Paper Smooches.

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scrapbook layout â&#x20AC;&#x153;I love the challenge of turning a card or tag sketch into a page. I found this one easy and I loved using banners and hearts in the upper corner.â&#x20AC;?

Patterned paper: Teresa Collins Designs; cardstock: American Crafts; chipboard, sequins, Teresa Collins Designs; chipboard heart: Melissa Francis; small heart: Maya Road; micro beads: American Crafts; flowers: Prima, Petaloo.

lynette jacobs

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customer loyalty program

write

getting it

by debbie sanders

We ask questions every day. Most have a short shelf life. However, life questions, and their answers, can be the basis of something truly special, offering the unique point of view of the people in your life. Scrapbook layouts with true impact. Memorycapturing at its finest. If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tried the question and answer format yet, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re missing out!

examples of Q&A journaling

...............

QA &

JOURNALING

Q & A possibilities for scrapbook layouts.

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1. Yearly â&#x20AC;&#x153;favoritesâ&#x20AC;? interview with a child 2. Questions about a specific event or activity 3. Questions designed to elicit feelings 4. Same question asked to several people or family members 5. Child interviewing an adult

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take a look at how four scrapbookers......................................... use the Q &A format. CREATE 187

“

Often times, we, the scrapper, tell the story. I want to make sure to capture not only my story but those of my family. An added bonus was having Mia’s handwriting to convey her words!”

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LAYOUT BY SUZANNA LEE

QA &

JOURNALING

Suzanne Lee’s journaling is all about capturing stories. “In life, we each have our own perspective and that point of view gives us a story to tell,” she said. “The tone and feel of an event, and even its meaning, can change radically depending on whose perspective is being presented. I chose the Q and A format for this layout for that reason; to capture my daughter's point of view.”

Patterned paper: American Crafts; cardstock: Core’dinations; puffy stickers, vellum, washi tape, embossing folder: American Crafts; die-cuts, stickers, Bella Blvd; chipboard: Studio Calico: other: Silhouette.

“

Speech bubbles are such a trend these days that I knew that I wanted to do this Q&A layout using a speech bubble format.”

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LAYOUT BY LYNETTE JACOBS Patterned paper: Teresa Collins Designs; cardstock: American Crafts; brads, stickers: Teresa Collins Designs; chipboard: Celebr8; title: Quickutz; die-cuts: Silhouette.

QA &

JOURNALING

Lynette Jacobs set out to use speech bubbles as a design element.

“My initial idea was to add the speech bubbles to the individual photos. It just looked too messy and cluttered. I used a Scrapbook Generation sketch with rather large ‘white areas.’ The neat freak in me won out and I started stacking the speech bubbles in the white spaces. It worked and flowed well so I cut some extra icon speech bubbles with the Silhouette and added it in to fill the space. I love the way the sides are framed by the hand stitching and the "full look" the result has.

LAYOUT BY RUTH BONSER

I loved using this journaling format! I showed the photo to my daughter and then asked her about it. She had been crazy excited to start pre-school, and looking at her photos she remembered that excitement, and talked a little about her pre-school experience.â&#x20AC;?

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QA &

JOURNALING

Ruth Bonser found the question-and-answer format useful in recording her daughter’s pre-school excitement.

“I wrote what she said while we were talking,” she said, “but next time I would write it on scratch paper with a pencil so I can scribble faster and not worry about what it looks like, to catch every word and be able to respond in a more timely way. As she is only small and the journaling was in a pocket, with room to include any amount I wish, I decided to also add a card with a more descriptive explanation of the photo and event, to give more context to the Q&A. I tried to use my typewriter for the aqua card, but it was playing up. Since it was an imitation library card I decided the failed attempt could just be added pattern and wrote over the top with the same sharpie marker I had used to record the Q&A.”

Patterned paper: Simple Stories: BoBunny, My Mind’s Eye; die-cuts, chipboard: Simple Stories; enamel dots: My Mind’s Eye; journaling cards: My Mind’s Eye; letter stickers: Simple Stories; pen: Sharpie; other: metal arrows.

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“

Being interviewed by Drew at Grandparents Day was a hoot. He didn’t like long answers, since he had to write them down. Near the end, he was condensing everything to two words. And he couldn’t believe Barbie was my favorite toy!”

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LAYOUT BY DEBBIE SANDERS

QA &

JOURNALING

Sometimes a question-and-answer layout possibility just falls in your lap! I was able to enlarge a photo of my grandson holding the sheet from an interview he did with me at a school event to readable size. His handwritten record of what I said is precious to me, and it was such an easy way to include it on the layout without taking up too much space. Patterned paper: Pebbles; letter stickers: American Crafts; chipboard embellishments: Pebbles; heart sticker: Simple Stories; twine: The Twinery.

QA &

1 2 3 JOURNALING

as easy as... Choose a topic. Any topic. Sports. Parties. Hobbies. World events. You name it.

Plan a few questions. Or find some online. Or make it up as you go along. It will all work.

Choose a person to interview. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t limit yourself to children. Go for it!

and here are some questions to get you started!

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question & answer journaling questions to ask children

1. What is your favorite book? 2. What is your favorite toy?

18. What is your favorite family activity?

3. What is your favorite TV show?

19. What do you want to be when you grow up?

4. What is your favorite movie?

20. Who is your best friend?

5. What is your favorite song? 6. What is your favorite color?

21. What is something you want to learn how to do?

7. What is your favorite board game?

22. What are you really good at?

8. What is your favorite electronic game?

23. What makes you happy?

9. What is your favorite outdoor game? 10. What is your favorite pizza topping?

25. What would your best day ever be like?

11. What is your favorite food?

26. What is great about being a kid?

12. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

27. What is the nicest thing you have done for someone?

13. What is your favorite snack?

28. What do you like best about your family?

14. What is your favorite breakfast? 15. What is your favorite animal? 16. What is your favorite holiday? 17. What is your favorite school subject?

24. What makes you sad?

29. Which person in your family are you most like? Why? 30. What is the one word that describes you best?

customer loyalty program

readers

gallery We invited readers to send layouts and cards and tags based on the four sketches by Allison Davis and Debbie Sanders featured in the March issue of CREATE. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re happy to share what scrapbookers around the globe are doing with SG sketches!

................

55 PROJECTS

UP FOR THE CHALLENGE... In March, the Teresa Collins design team created beautiful projects with the four sketches below by SG sketch designers Allison Davis and Debbie Sanders. Then, it was your turn! Check out the following pages to see how CREATE readers interpreted the layout, card, and tag sketches from our March issue.

free download sketches for March

z MESSAGE

message

4X4 PHOTO

TITLE

long title

4X6 PHOTO

allison davis 4X6 PHOTO

2X2 PHOTO

4X4 PHOTO

4X4 PHOTO 2.5 X 3.5

2.5 X 3.5

PHOTO

2X2 PHOTO

scrapbook

â&#x201E;˘

generation Your local scrapbook store. Virtually.

...SG sketch fans from around the globe! If you missed these free sketch downloads from March, 2014, you can still access them. They are available at www.scrapbookgeneration.com

free download sketches for March WORD 2.25 SQUARE PHOTO

title

sub-title 4x4 PHOTO

2.25 SQUARE PHOTO

debbie sanders

READERS GALLERY

all 4 fun BY LISSA MITCHELL (CASTLE ROCK, COLORADO) Patterned paper: Crate Paper; cardstock: Bazzill; journaling card, die-cuts, wood veneers, acetate letters, frames: Crate Paper; ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink by Ranger.

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THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX SKETCH Don’t have time to cut lots of tiny banners? Use a vertical column of purchased embellishments.

Lissa’s use of frames to accent three photos forms a visual triangle and draws attention to favorite photos.

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READERS

throwin’ rocks in the river

GALLERY

BY AMY ELKINS (WASHOUGAL, WASHINGTON) Patterned paper: Die Cuts with a View; letter stickers: BasicGrey, We R Memory Keepers, 7Gypsies.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX SKETCH Your photos are oriented in a different direction than the sketch? Reverse the sketch to better fit your photos. Amy’s use of a 12” wide photo is a great way to showcase a favorite memory. The bigger the better!

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happy birthday

BY MICHELLE NAJOUR (MOUNTAIN HOUSE, CALIFORNIA)

Patterned paper: We R Memory Keepers; cardstock: Close to My Heart; die-cuts: Creative Imaginations; bling: Queen & Co; floss: American Crafts.

you make us smile

BY AMY CUNNIFF (DUANESBURG, NEW YORK)

Patterned paper: Echo Park Paper; cardstock: Bazzill; stickers: Echo Park Paper; embroidery floss: We R Memory Keepers; ink: Colorbox; pen: Creative Memories.

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READERS GALLERY

zoo fun BY MICHELLE SALAZAR (WOODINVILLE, WASHINGTON) Patterned paper: KaiserCraft; cardstock: Bazzill; stickers: KaiserCraft; letter stickers: American Crafts, KaiserCraft; embroidery floss: DMC.

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THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX SKETCH Have larger embellishments than shown on the sketch? Use them in place of one or more of the photos.

Michelleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use of hexagons to frame her photos adds color and movement to her layout.

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READERS GALLERY

showered with love

by michelle salazar (woodinville, washington)

Patterned paper: my mind’s eye; cardstock: bazzill; stickers: my mind’s eye; letter stickers: american crafts, my little shoebox; embroidery floss: dmc; ink: colorbox, memento.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX SKETCH Don’t want to crop some of the photos? Leave them larger, and move the banners to the bottom of the layout. Michelle’s trio of banner garlands connected by hand-stitching is the striking focal point of her layout.

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merry christmas

by anna meade (louisville, KentucKy)

Patterned paper: echo Park Paper; stickers: echo Park Paper; bling: queen & co; ink: tim holtz distress ink by ranger.

happy spring

by corrina colquhoun (canada)

Patterned paper: simple stories; cardstock: bazzill; flowers: recollections; pearl flourish: my mindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye; punch: eK success; embroidery floss: we r memory Keepers.

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READERS GALLERY

love this

by diane iversen (mt. vernon, missouri)

Patterned paper: We r memory Keepers; chipboard, stickers: my mindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye; glitter glue: stickles by ranger; other: cardstock, hemp twine.

Check out the clever use of hearts and their negative shapes at the bottom of Dianeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s layout.

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THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX SKETCH Like the design but don’t have enough photos for a two-page layout? Use one page of the sketch, and even rotate it like Diane did.

One of the most striking areas of Diane’s layout is her use of random stitching and knots around the mat.

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READERS

santa cruz beach boardwalk

GALLERY

BY TRACEY GILLETTE (PLEASANTON, CALIFORNIA) Patterned paper: Little Yellow Bicycle; cardstock: Bazzill; embellishments: Little Yellow Bicycle.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX SKETCH Want to add more journaling? Use one of the photo areas for a journaling block. By using a die-cut circle as a mat for her photos, Tracey brought a different dimension to the layout.

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hey holly!

BY LORI BROWN (MANHATTAN, ILLINOIS)

Patterned paper: K & Company; cardstock: Close to My Heart; pen: EK Success; other: paper flowers, brads.

happy birthday

BY TRACI JORGENSEN (SYRACUSE, UTAH)

Patterned paper: Trimcraft, Colorbok: ink: Craftsmart.

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READERS GALLERY

you are my sunshine by bev code (canada)

Patterned paper: Paper House; stickers: Paper House; accents: creative embellishments; dew drops: Robin’s nest; ink: Tim Holtz distress Ink by Ranger; ink stitches: Sew easy ink roller by We R Memory Keepers; other: washi tape, brads, buttons, ribbon, arrow, metal accent, flag.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX SKETCH Title you would like to use doesn’t fit in the spot? Move it outside the grid and use that area for another photo! Bev’s use of a die-cut wave border instead of banners coordinates with the water theme of her layout.

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time of wonder

by jennIfeR PIoTRofSKI (canada)

Patterned paper: basicGrey; cardstock: die cuts With a view; stickers: basicGrey; letter stickers: american crafts, october afternoon: stamp: K & company; marker: copic.

gone fishing

by elIzabeTH ReMPel (canada)

Patterned paper: bobunny; cardstock: Stampinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Up; letter stickers: american crafts; chipboard: Maya Road; mist: Glimmer Mist by Tattered angels; fishing flies: cabellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

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READERS GALLERY

lily BY MARY BEZDICEK (JACKSON, MINNESOTA) Patterned paper: BoBunny; die-cuts, stickers: BoBunny; flowers: Prima; glitter glue: Stickles by Ranger; bakers twine: American Crafts; other: Aileenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Paper Glaze.

love BY CORRINA COLQUHOUN (CANADA) Patterned paper: Simple Stories; cardstock: Bazzill; twine: American Crafts; flowers: Recollections.

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Irit used texture paste, bling, wood, chipboard, and more to enhance her layout.

talk southern to me BY IRIT SHALOM (ISRAEL) Patterned paper: Paper House Productions; cardstock: Coreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;dinations; chipboard: Wycinanka; inks: Clearsnap; masks: Tando Creative UK; bling, swirls: Flourish with a Bling; other: washi tapes, texture paste.

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READERS GALLERY

mckee gardens BY BEV CODE (CANADA) Patterned paper: Paper House; letter stickers: Cosmo Cricket; rub-ons: Maya Road; stickers: SRM; stick pin: Little Yellow Bicycle; punch: Tonic Studio; button: American Crafters; pen: Staedtler; other: twine, stickers, rub-ons, metal accents.

you + me BY CHRIS ROBERTSON (CANADA) Patterned paper: Close to My Heart; cardstock: Close to My Heart; stamps, ink, washi tape: Close to My Heart; pens: Creative Memories.

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Penny rotated the sketch to the right to allow room for a large and colorful title.

#so happy together BY PENNY GRIMSLEY (PLANO, TEXAS) Patterned paper: Simple Stories; cardstock: Bazzill; brads: Doodlebug, Bazzill, Heidi Swapp; twine: Lawn Fawn; embroidery floss: DMC; doily: Martha Stewart; border punch: Martha Stewart.

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READERS GALLERY

on my mind BY LISA DONES (HAYWARD, CALIFORNIA) Patterned paper: Authentique; film strip transparency: Tim Holtz; washi tape: Queen & Co; embellishments: Stampinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Up; bling: Prima.

bubble bath BY TRACI JORGENSEN (SYRACUSE, UTAH) Patterned paper: Colorbok, Die Cuts with a View; other: buttons, embroidery floss, stickers.

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Suzanna carried out her color scheme with die-cuts, sequins, and mist splatters.

forever & ever BY SUZANNA LEE (GLEN ALLEN, VIRGINIA) Patterned paper: Simple Stories, Studio Calico, My Mindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eye; twine: The Twinery; clip: Studio Calico; embossing folders: Sizzix, Darice; mist: Smooch; cut file: Lori Whilock; dies: Elizabeth Craft, Memory Box; stamps: American Crafts; ink: PaperTrey Ink.

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READERS GALLERY

knee board BY JENNIFER PIOTROFSKI (CANADA) Patterned paper: Echo Park Paper; cardstock: Die Cuts With a View; letter stickers: American Crafts; marker: Copic; ink: VersaColor; punch: We R Memory Keepers; other: buttons.

be merry BY TRACEY GILLETTE (PLEASANTON, CALIFORNIA) Patterned paper: Simple Stories; letter stickers: American Crafts, BasicGrey; embellishments, brads: Simple Stories.

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Christine used a splash of stars in a variety of shapes, colors, and materials for a lively look.

first year swim team BY CHRISTINE MEYER (MILFORD, ILLINOIS) Patterned paper: Pebbles; stickers: Paper House Productions; die-cuts: Pebbles, wood veneer: Studio Calico; washi tape: My Mindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eye; twine: The Twinery.

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READERS GALLERY

be yourself BY AMY ROLLER (SPARTA, MISSOURI) Patterned paper: Bella Blvd, KI Memories, Colorbok; letter stickers: Cosmo Cricket, Colorbox; bling: My MInd’s Eye; embellishments: Bella Blvd, Echo Park Paper; pen: Sharpie, Sakura; paint: Ranger; ribbon: American Crafts.

noteworthy memories BY HOLLY MCLELLAN (MOBILE, ALABAMA) Patterned paper: We R Memory Keepers; cardstock: We R Memory Keepers; stickers: We R Memory Keepers; letter stickers: Cosmo Cricket;l wood letters: EK Success; wood veneers: Recollections; enamel dots: My Mind’s Eye.

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Instead of banners, Lissa grouped a collection of arrows together for the same effect.

fabulous, amazing, cool BY LISSA MITCHELL (CASTLE ROCK, COLORADO) Patterned paper: Pink Paislee; ephemera: Pink Paislee.

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READERS GALLERY

garden girls

BY JENNIFER COWAN (ROGERSVILLE, MISSOURI) Patterned paper: October Afternoon, Studio Calico, Fancy Pants Designs, Little Butterfly Wings; embellishments: Studio Calico, American Crafts, October Afternoon; mist: Heidi Swapp; other: twine, ink.

zoo BY JEANIE JONES (COLLINSVILLE, OKLAHOMA) Patterned paper: Die Cuts With a View; cardstock: Bazzill; stickers: BoBunny; animal wire clips: Pier One Imports; stencil: Crafters Workshop; embroidery floss: DMC; twine: May Arts; button: ink: Colorbox.

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Stacia opted to use one photo instead of three, freeing up another area for fun touches.

mommy kisses are awesome BY STACIA BRANDT (MANHEIM, PENNSYLVANIA) Patterned paper: Elleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Studio: cardstock: Bazzill; word stickers: Heidi Swapp; letter stickers: October Afternoon; chipboard: Studio Calico; gems: Queen & Co; twine: Doodlebug; ink: Prima; pen: Sharpie.

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READERS GALLERY

my little beach bum

by wendy tipton (republic, missouri)

patterned paper: echo park paper, pebbles; cardstock: bazzill; stickers: echo park paper, Joleeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s; enamel dots: my mindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye; twine: doodlebug; ink: colorbox.

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THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX SKETCH Like a one-page sketch but would like to use more photos? Add a simple grid design for the coordinating page.

Wendy switched the single-page layoutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s large banner cluster from left to right to blend with the extra page.

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READERS GALLERY

today BY RENEE WHITE (PINE BLUFF, ARKANSAS)

Patterned paper: Teresa Collins Designs; stickers: Teresa Collins Designs, Mambi; enamel dots: My Mind’s Eye, Teresa Collins Designs; washi tape: Teresa Collins Designs; twine: American Crafts; doily die: Sizzix; stamps: Teresa Collins Designs; ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink by Ranger.

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Renee’s use of a bold paper works with her photos, which have solid backgrounds.

customer loyalty program

READERS GALLERY

forever BY AMY CUNNIFF (DUANESBURG, NEW YORK)

Patterned paper: BasicGrey; cardstock: Recollections; flowers: The Paper Company; floss: We R Memory Keepers; stamp, ink, dies: The Stamps of Life.

thinking of you BY HOLLY MCLELLAN (MOBILE, ALABAMA) Patterned paper: Simple Stories; cardstock: The Paper Studio; epoxy sticker: Me & My Big Ideas; flowers: Prima; bling: The Paper Studio.

to the moon & back BY LORI BROWN (MANHATTAN, ILLINOIS) Patterned paper: Close to My Heart; cardstock, stamp, ink: Close to My Heart; epoxy bubble caps: Epiphany Crafts; other: brads, buttons, washi tape.

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Irit used a variety of items in circle shapes to form the backdrop for her message.

thinking of you BY IRIT SHALOM (ISRAEL) Patterned paper: Paper House Productions; cardstock: American Crafts; die: Sweet Stamps, Cherry Lynn Designs; stamp: Inspired by Stamping; ink: Clearsnap; bling, pearls: Flourish with a Bling; chipboard: Wycinanka; other: glitter.

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READERS

forever GALLERY

BY CHRISTINE MEYER (MILFORD, ILLINOIS)

Patterned paper: Studio Calico, Paper House Productions; stickers: Paper House Productions; wood: Studio Calico.

you’re amazing BY AMY ROLLER (SPARTA, MISSOURI) Patterned paper: Echo Park Paper; cardstock: Stampin’ Up.

smile BY LISA DONES (HAYWARD, CALIFORNIA)

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Cardstock: Bazzill; stickers: Simple Stories; letter stickers; American Crafts; flowers: Petaloo; punch: EK Success.

do not be discouraged

The blending of metal and burlap and pearls gives Christineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s card extra punch.

BY CHRISTINE MEYER (MILFORD, ILLINOIS) Patterned paper: Paper House Productions; stickers: Paper House Productions; metal: Momenta; gems: Queen & Co; burlap: Little Yellow Bicycle; mist: Tattered Angels.

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READERS GALLERY

she sells sea shells BY BEV CODE (CANADA) Patterned paper: Paper House; sticker: Little Yellow Bicycle; paint: Ranger; punch: Kreaxions; pen: Staedtler; other: rub-ons, metal accent, twine, stickers.

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weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for

READERS GALLERY SUBMISSIONS

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

FOR THE JULY 2014 ISSUE OF CREATE

Submissions should be sent to submissions@scrapbookgeneration.com. Be sure to have JULY READERS GALLERY as the subject of the email. Submissions must be based on one of the four free sketches in this issue (two-page layout, one-page layout, card, tag). An individual may submit more than one project, but each project must be sent in a separate email. All files sent should be under 1MB.

title and

long title

Include your name and address.

If your submission is chosen for publication, we will contact you with information about sending a second photo meeting more specific requirements, plus a supply list.

3x4

PHOTO

2x2 PHOTO

The call for the July 2014 issue ends June 8, 2014.

We're so excited to see how your style merges with SG sketches!

one of the four sketch choices for july

READERS GALLERY

summertime BY LISA DONES (HAYWARD, CALIFORNIA) Patterned paper: Simple Stories; cardstock: Bazzill; stickers: Simple Stories.

adventure is worthwhile BY IRIT SHALOM (ISRAEL) Patterned paper: Paper House Productions; stamps: Inspired by Stamping; ink: Clearsnap; pearls: Flourish with a Bling; metal: Tim Holtz for Advantus; other: ribbon, twine, metal bird.

snapshots BY AMY ROLLER (SPARTA, MISSOURI) Patterned paper: Echo Park Paper; cardstock: Stampinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Up; pen: Sakura.

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Every element and layer of Bevâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tag advances the water and beach theme.

fun times BY BEV CODE (CANADA) Patterned paper: Paper House; corrugated paper: My Mindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eye; stickers: Paper House; accents: Creative Embellishments; stitches: SRM Stickers; stick pin: Little Yellow Bicycle; ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink by Ranger; other: twine, metal charm, washi tape.

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READERS

beauty GALLERY

BY TONYA WILSON-TRANTHAM (SALE CREEK, TENNESSEE) Patterned paper: My Mind’s Eye, Paper Studio, Piggy Tales; cardstock: Robin’s Nest, Colorbok; flowers: Prima; dew drops: Robin’s Nest; ink: Tsukineko; other: sequins, seam binding, lace.

hello spring BY HOLLY MCLELLAN (MOBILE, ALABAMA) Patterned paper: Simple Stories; stickers, flair: Simple Stories; epoxy sticker, acrylic title: Heidi Swapp; ribbon: Offray; ink: Tim Holtz.

to: from: BY JENNIFER PIOTROFSKI (CANADA)

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Patterned paper: BasicGrey; cardstock: Bazzill; stamps: Tin Box Creations; ink: Versa; marker: Copic; other: brads.

Christine expanded the banner area and used bright, happy colors to match her message.

happy day BY CHRISTINE MEYER (MILFORD, ILLINOIS) Patterned paper: Paper House, Echo Park Paper; enamel dots: Studio Calico; twine: The Twinery.

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READERS GALLERY

you are simply the best BY DIANE IVERSEN (MT. VERNON, MISSOURI) Sticker: Echo Park Paper; other: cardstock, ink, embroidery floss, string.

b&c BY SARAH UTTING (JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA) Patterned paper: Authentique, My Mindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eye; cardstock: American Crafts; letter stickers: American Crafts; stamp: Reprint; ink: Ranger; glitter glue: Ranger; embroidery floss: DMC.

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Michelle gets double duty from the tag sketch by using it for a greeting card embellishment.

an irish blessing BY MICHELLE MCCLURE (TEMPLE CITY, CALIFORNIA)

Patterned paper: Pebbles; stamp: My Sentiments Exactly; ink: Prima, Tim Holtz; embossing powder: Mark Enterprises; brads: Creative Impressions; ribbon: Jillibean Soup; embroidery floss: DMC; punch: EK Success.

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• Card: The small squares on this issue’s tag sketch were a perfect way for me to use up paper scraps. I created a card by adding extra squares and additional sentiment. • Patterned paper, stickers, stamps: Simple Stories; cardstock: American Crafts; embroidery floss: DMC; ink: Ranger; enamel dots: My Mind's Eye; punch: Martha Stewart.

hel

..........................................

by Lindsey Amschler

“I love hellos that last a lifetime, and goodbyes that are invisible, inaudible, and otherwise undetectable.” JARoD KInTz