Merry Christmas!

To all of you checking in on this very special day we want to extend a very Merry Christmas from all the team here at Scrap Shotz! We hope you have a wonderful day and continue to enjoy a beautiful holiday season ! Be sure to check in to the forums and share your holiday stories with us when you can, and also be sure to come back as we gear up for a new year with exciting things to come!
Happy Holidays Everyone!

Spotted in the Gallery!

Well the DT all got together to post a nice easy challenge for everyone in this busy month of December! Check out the challenge here!

This layout caught my eye... Nicole joined our clan recently and I am very excited abotu her first gallery post! It's a gorgeous take on the DT Challenge...hopefully the first of many fabulous things to come!

Love the layout...this little guy just melts my heart...what a cutie!

And Lastly...

Today is a frigid and blustery Friday in Calgary! To enhance the Christmas spirit and spread some warmth and good cheer, here are a few last minute ideas for Christmas - I hope you enjoy them!

Sometimes I find it hard to wrap a stunning gift - they say you don't get a second chance for a first impression. So this year, I have searched for ideas of stunning and (the all important) easy gift wrapping ideas. This is perhaps my favorite blog of gift wrapping ideas. Check it out here. (Please note that it may take a few minutes for it to load. It is chock full of amazing ideas - so grab a coffee and sit for a bit!)

And what about this? Cricut and Slice (and even Cuttlebug) girls, consider adorning your gift like this! I adore it!

If you still need to pick up a few gifts, consider For the Hard to Impress person (source: Chatelaine), purchasing vouchers for experience packages available across Canada, ranging from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Go here for more details.

Or for the Film Affecionado (source: Chatelaine), check out the amazing catalogue of DVDs available. Choose from the classics, recent releases and hard-to-find titles. Click here for further information.

I hope these few ideas warm up your day! I am off to bake some butter tarts with my little one! Have a wonderful day! Don't forget to leave me a comment about what you think of these ideas!

Spotted in the Gallery!

This week many of us participated in a Got Sketch Mini class. I found it on the Got Sketch Blog and joined right away...it was a free class!!!

What a great inspiration!

I noticed a couple of layouts in our gallery that were inspired by one of Janna Wilson's sketches...check them out!

This one is from carebear...



And another version of the sketch from Julie...




If you didn't have a chance to get in this free class...be sure to watch for the next class offering...you won't be disappointed!

Christmas Mini

I don't know about you, but I have quite a difficult time scrapping Christmas photos. I have an embarrassing little amount of holiday layouts in my albums. It's not that I don't have the pictures...quite the opposite in fact - I have an overwhelming amount actually. Unfortunately most of those photos are of pretty poor quality. From composition to color, they are just not user-friendly. However, Christmas is such a special time of year, it does need to be documented. I was beginning to feel guilty of my lack of holiday cheer in my scrapbooks, so I finally decided to do something about it. My solution...a Christmas mini-book. My mini is based on how my kids celebrated Christmas last year and some of the traditions that we hold dear to our heart as a family. I chose papers and embellishments from the Love Elsie 'Noel' line. I wanted something that was busy, bright, and fun...just like my children at Christmas. Here is the cover and a few of the pages within the album.


I still have some finishing touches to do, but the album is well on it's way and so is my guilt. If I never scrap another Christmas photo again, which I'm sure won't happen, at least my kids have a glimpse of what Christmas was like when they were little. If you have any holiday albums completed, I'd love to see them - post in the SSZ gallery if you have a chance. I have plans to do another Christmas mini based on special ornaments in the family and you may just spark an idea or two for me!!

Spotted in the Gallery!

Well I'm feeling a bit emotional today so it's gonna be a long one! I was really struck buy this layout of Stephanie's in our gallery this week. Not just by the design and color, but by all the things it brought to mind.

Things like how many photos just like this one never get documented with any details, and some without names or dates...

Things like how many things we take for granted when our friends and loved ones are still here to chat with...

Things that we never talk about, and things left unsaid...questions we never asked and answers we never got...

It makes me want to grab a notebook and start writing down everything I can think of to ask my Mom...things to talk about...photos to take, and photos to get details about...so much to do and so little time...

Thanks for listening...here's the layout that inspired my deep thoughts tonight...

Do you feel like a challenge???

The DT has changed things up a bit this month for the challenge. We chose a layout sketch and a card sketch and decided to see how we each interpreted them. The results are absolutely stunning.

And to top it off, everyone who participates in the challenge will be entered in a draw to win a $20 GC to Scrap Shotz!! Why not give it a try. You never know. Check out the Design Team Challenge forum for the sketches and the gorgeous DT work.

Here are a few DT creations to get you in the scrapping mood.

Amber did this gorgeous layout using some elements from the August Scrap Shotz Kit Take 2

And Jess did this beautiful card using this month's Scrap Shotz Kit "Frosty Holidays"

Tips for a Pseudo-Martha Christmas!!!

December is here...and my girls cannot be happier! LOL Although we have had an unusually warm "winter" thus far, I am definitely starting to feel the spirit of Christmas in the air. Yes, the stores have all the usual Christmas fixins’ and carols are playing on the radio but what makes it Christmas for me is thinking about what special little gift I can make for my special friends and family.

Do you ever feel the "need" to create and/or find the perfect gift for that special someone? I know I do! And this year, I am going to give myself permission to accept some help to create that extra-special gift. So let me share some of my latest finds, ok?

For my brother, I am putting together a recipe book of all our childhood favorites. Some printable cards can be found here.

For my girls' bedroom doors, we are making these luscious ribbon wreaths. Instructions can be found here.

For my husband, my girls each make something special for him. This year, they are making these cute notebooks. It is easy enough for little hands but puts the stamp of "SPECIAL" all over it. The girls will draw some pictures in the books and add some photos and when he travels, he will have them close by.

For my daughter, neices and my daughters' close friends, my daughters and I are spending a day making these unique pieces. Aren't they the perfect finishing touch to any outfit? Click here for the instructions.

For the music affecionado in my group, I am going to burn a CD of their favorites. Rather than putting the CD in a regular jewel box, I am going to make these. Does this not win the Most Creative Wrapping Award?

There is a Diva in every crowd. These are sure to be a winner! I know I'll be whipping up a few of these too! And what a better way to use your punches and paper scraps!

For the grandparents or the person that has absolutely everything, I know they will go ga-ga over these delicious photo cubes! Thank you Martha!

What is gift giving if you can't give yourself a little something something? *wink* *wink* Well I am going to make myself a few of these! I love lists and these are irresistable!

So what do you think? I hope I have inspired you to think outside the norm and spend some quality time with your friends and/or children to create some of these easy to make gifts so that you too can have a Pseudo-Martha Christmas!

Leave me a comment and let me know what you think, ok?

December 1st...

so you know what that means... it's REVEAL DAY for the Creative Team!!!!

This month's kit Frosty Holidays features some beautiful papers from SEI and some very fresh and funky embellishments from Prima, Maya Road, Ranger and Making Memories.

"Frosty Holidays" features a gorgeous assortment of products from 5 different manufacturers!! We start with 8 beautiful papers from the SEI Alpine Frost Line, and 8 bazzill cardstock in Java, Cream Puff, Pomegranate and Malted Milk. Then we have glittery alphas from Making Memories, along with their mocha pebble brads. From Prima we've added an elegant Felt Gate embellishment. From Maya Road comes the package of rich velvet blossoms, and a package of "Frosty Treats". We've finished it off with one of the brand new Ranger Stickles, in Ruby Red.

You can check out all the beautiful creations by the very talented Creative Team in the gallery.

But here are just a few to wet your appetite...

Amber

Virginia

Jen

Laura

Nonie

Such a busy time of year....

Just think, less than a month till Christmas.... (aakkk!!!) Are you ready???

If you're like me, you probably find yourself so busy this time of year that you don't seem to have time to get much scrapping or crafting done.

Then I had a thought..... SKETCHES!!!

What a great way to keep up with your scrapping during such a busy time. Sketches are a very easy way to keep yourself motivated and scrapping. And there are such great web sites to get wonderful sketches from. Here's a list of just a few...

PageMaps

Got Sketch?

So Sketchy

Sketch This

Gettin' Sketchy

Pencil Lines

Scrap Scemes

And you can even check out the sketches section of our very own gallery for some great sketch inspiration.

Give some sketches a try this holiday season. I bet it'll keep you hopping through the new year.

Also, don't forget, Monday is December 1st which means the Creative Team will be revealing their creations with the scruptious December kit Frosty Holidays featuring the beautiful SEI Alpine Frost collection.

Spotted in the Gallery!

You know how once in a while you'll set your eyes on a layout...and there's just something about it...you can't quite place your finger on it and you don't know why...but you fall in love with it? Well that happened to me this week when heather uploaded this layout for a challenge from our last crop. I don't know why it hit me like it did, but it did! LOL So much, that I did a SHAMELESS lift of it today!


Here it is from the gallery of Heather M...

Scrappy Hour and Card Kit

Yup, yesterday was the reveal of the November Card Kit Urban Cheer and also our monthly scrappy hour.

Our last card kit of the year is sure to please! We've put together a fabulous package starting with the Basic Grey Urban Prairie Paper line (18 sheets of coordinated solids and patterns), added in a sheet of matching chipboard die cuts and more than two-dozen coordinating Basic Grey brads in assorted sizes. Along with the colorful paper and accents, you will also receive a Daisy Bucket sentiment stamp, a Prima image stamp with sentiment plus a whole package of Cloud 9 Epoxy Quotes! These are bound to sell out quickly, don't miss your chance to get one!

Check out the gorgeous projects the very talented Jen created using our card kit.

Our very own Virginia hosted a fun little project for our Scrappy Hour that is just perfect for this time of year. Her gorgeous bows are so fun and easy to make. Check out her tutorial here to make your own. You'll be so glad you did.

Holidays are nearing!

Well holiday crafts are well underway here at Scrap Shotz and I am delighted to show off some of these FABULOUS projects found from a few of our members in the SSZ gallery!!! An adorable Christmas ornament gift set by Jacqueline, a perfect wintry card by Scrapmilly, a gorgeous star ornament by Julie and two outstanding advent calendars by Lorraine! These ladies are getting ready for the season that's for sure! If you are looking for more Holiday ideas, be sure to check out the 12 Days of Christmas challenges currently being offered by our design team in the forums and also check in tomorrow night (8pm eastern) for Scrappy Hour with Virginia and we'll see what she has up her sleeve for us! Also, if you're wondering about what to serve your guests these holidays, look back through the "What's Cooking" section of the forums and you're sure to find some great ideas!Check out the "Oreo No Bake Cheesecake "Recipe by Sheri HERE- it looks FABulous! ;)
~Amber

Spotted in the Gallery!!!

I was so thrilled with this birthday party set that Brenda (scrapmilly) made! I just LOVE cupcakes so it was an easy choice for me this week! She made some more cupcake cards so you'll have to check out her gallery to oooh and aaah over them too!

Does it get earlier every year???

Is it me or do the rest of you feel that the Christmas season seems to get earlier every year. This year I couldn't believe how soon the holiday decorations were out!  Of course, I'm not complaining because I've already bought a few things!! I just love the holiday season.

Seeing as there's so much of it around us already what better time to start working on little projects and gifts for your family, friends and your home.

Last year I made an advent calendar.  Not your typical one but something I know my kids look forward to every year.  If you've never made one now is a perfect time to do so.  You could even get your children to help you.

I made mine from a large 36" sqaure wooden magnet board which I painted brown.  I found some small round tins and glued magnets on the back of them and covered some of the tops with patterned paper, each one I adhered a rub-on number, I tied some ribbon around a few of the tins, I used my Cricut machine to cut out part of the title and holly leaf design as well as some little tags, some chipboard letters (which I painted).  I had a blast making this and am so excited to fill it with little candies, craft ideas, stories or jokes, etc for our family to do during December.

Here's a couple of pictures of my project. Hope you like it!

Spotted in the Gallery!

This week's pick is from Neisey (aka Denise). She's been a member of the SSZ family since 2005 and has wowed us with many fabulous projects.You can check out more of her work here

I just love this layout...the color combo...the fab photos...gorgeous work Denise!

The Twelve Days of Christmas Challenge

The DT has decided to change the challenges up for the month of November. I like to think of November as the 'calm before the storm' and instead of running around frantically in December for all those last minute gift ideas, wouldn't it be nice to get a head-start on your gift list? Well, we want to help you out with that...hence 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' challenge. Come on, you all know the song right?!? For each day of the song, a DT member has thought of a challenge that could be given as a gift to that someone special. So far we've had 4 days up and the ideas have been fantastic. Let's see...we've had a gorgeous stained glass card, a lovely sentiment box, a snazzy container to hold some yummy cookies and a cute embellished picture frame. You can check them all out here. I can't wait to see what's next...can you?

Don't forget ladies, there is also a $20 gift card up for grabs. All you have to do is try one challenge from each DT member for your chance to win. Good luck and I can't wait to see all those wonderful gifts. There's going to be a lot of happy people this holiday season!!

It's the first Tuesday of the month....

So that means it must be 10% Tuesday!!!

Shop until midnight and save 10% on almost all regular priced items storewide! Use the coupon code "tuesday10" when you check out.

There is also so much new stuff in the store.

The Basic Grey Wassail is literally running out of the store.

The new Crate Papers Lemon Grass and Mia are in and are absolutley gorgeous. If you haven't gotten your hands on this you'd better get some.

Also, the new Ranger Distress Stickles are in stock as well as some new Tim Holtz Grungeboard and Fragments.

The new Pink Paislee Pixee Stix are just the cutest and coolest thing in glitter.

And so much more!! What better time to check out the new goodies than 10% Tuesday!!!

Spotted in the Gallery

Well we had a very productive week in the gallery with our DT reveal! This kit is just fabulous and the girls did not disappoint!

But without further adeau I'd like to introduce Rebecca! She is a new member here at SSZ and she has already caught my eye with her very first gallery upload!

November Kit Reveal Day

This month's kit Perfect Prudence features the Prudence line from Crate Paper and is a real beauty.

Our favorite line from Summer CHA. Crate Paper is back and better than ever! "Perfect Prudence" features almost the entire Prudence Line! Includes 6 double sided Patterned Papers, 2 die cut papers, Glitter die cut package, Giltter Die Cut Borders, Epoxy Buttons, Textured Brads, Rub Ons, and Alphas. We've added 8 matching cardstock in Aqua, Java, Bark and Auckland. The last two items to tie it together, are 2 yards (assorted) of Making Memories Paperie Ribbon, and Prima Gemstones in Sage.

The Creative Team worked just wonders with this kit. The work is just gorgeous.

Here are some layouts from the Team.

Laura

Cari


Nonie

Virginia

Make sure you check out the Gallery at Scrap Shotz for the rest of the beautiful Creative Team creations.

Guess Who Got Boo'ed Today!!!

Me! Yes, me!

Have you ever been boo'ed?

It is the cutest gesture at Halloween. Basically, someone leaves you a Halloween themed gift basket at your door anonymously and you return the favour to two other people in anonymity as well. I am eager to find out who left my gift basket because it was a scrapper's dream come true! In addition to the black, orange, green and flourescent yellow cardstock. yummy chocolate treats, a somewhat garish orange and black pompom garland and some jack-o-lantern candles, my basket contained the following goodies:

Halloween is a frightfully fun time of the year for the young and old. Yes, I do dip into the Halloween treats; how can I not? They are sitting oh so cute in my pumpkin bowl chanting, "Eat me, Eat me" and well, I do! Take a look at this unbelievably cute candy caddy from the current issue of Scrapbooks etc.; isn't it darling? These can be made in 30 minutes or less and wouldn't they put a smile on your little goblins face at lunch time? (These are decorated take out containers! Use your scraps and little bits of ribbon and voila! an instant hit!)

If you are looking for a unique way to package your treats, why don't you give Amber's quick make an take a whirl? It is so cute and so fast and will set you apart from all your neighbours.

What about pictures from this fun day? I don't know about you but my photos are either blurry or dark and I am just plain unhappy with them! This year, I am going to stage a bit of a photo shoot before my trick or treaters go off trick or treating. And to make it fun, I have invited a few of my girls' friends over for the shoot...before it gets dark! (Yes, a bribe or two may find their way into their hands and mine!)

I wish you all a Happy Halloween! Enjoy the day and stay safe!

Spotted in the Gallery!

We've had another great gallery week at Scrapshotz! This week's pick is from one of our newest members...Anna Sigga. She has wowed us with her work so far and this week is no exception! Here's my fave for this week! Thanks for dropping by!

Hello. My name is Cari Locken and I'm so excited to be a part of the Scrap Shotz design team and community.  Last weekend we had our online crop and it was great to meet so many wonderful & talented ladies!

I live in Surrey, British Columbia with my husband Tim and our 3 children.  Actually we just moved back here after spending 10 years in Edmonton, Alberta.  So life is full of major changes for all of us right now but we're all settling in quite nicely.

I started scrapbooking almost 12 years ago but I "really" got hooked when I was pregnant with our 1st child.  I just love preserving our family times, events, and everyday moments.  Plus my kids love looking through the albums and seeing pages about them. 

I've met so many wonderful people through this "hobby" and have made some life-long friendships.  I've also had opportunities to teach at scrapbook stores and other crafting shows. In fact, I'm looking forward to teaching a few classes in a couple weeks at BC's Creative Expo.  If you live in the area (and in need of some Christmas projects) you're more than welcome to take part in my classes. I'd love that!  Feel free to check out my blog or my class list HERE for more info on my class projects.

Thanks for letting me share a little bit about me.  I am already so excited about the SS November Kit and I'm pretty sure that you will love it!!!