Retail Recovery!

Wow, the first month of the year is quickly coming to a close and what that means here at ScrapShotz is we will be having our first online crop of the year beginning tomorrow, Friday January 30th at 8 pm EST! The theme of our crop will be Retail Recovery and the design team has been dropping hints in the Online Crops forums as to what you might expect to find! Pictured above is one of those hints! The crop will run throughout the weekend with plenty of fun challenges, games, make & takes and don't forget prizes, as well as plenty of time to get your projects uploaded into our gallery for everyone to enjoy! We also have a ScrapShotz gives back challenge with all proceeds going to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (February is H&S month!)So having said all that-We cannot wait to see you tomorrow for the kick off !

Spotted in the Gallery!

OK this pick is all about digital scrapping! Kathy's class has been so fabulous and we have learned so much already! I am thoroughly impressed with what I have personally accomplished... and I know others feel the same!

So I thought I'd share some of what we're been creating in and out of class this week!

The first lesson was all about how to create a layout...we all had the same kit and tried to duplicate the steps that Kathy had directed us to...

Here's one from Lorraine... her gorgeous DD



This one is Kelly's... I LOVE this photo!!!



Then we had homework... just to play around and create some beautiful stuff! And that we did...

Patti did this one of her DS... love it!




And here's one I did...(is that allowed???) LOL I just fell in love with this kit!



So today we were excited to have our second lesson and we were not disappointed! Look what we learned how to do!!!

Nonie and Julie both did a "girly-style" layout...





While Stephanie did a little different take on the lesson with this one...



It has been a fantastic class so far! We have all been experimenting with new things and are getting more and more comfortable with it all the time! Can't wait for next week's lesson!


*Please note that digi info/ credit on the layouts will be listed in the gallery...thanks for looking!

Subitting Your Work!

So tell me. 

And be honest.

When was the last time you submitted something to a magazine for possible publication?

This past week, last month, last year, or ... NEVER?

I know.

I know.

Some of you are thinking "Oh no. I don't want to do this."

But, hear me out.

O.K.? ;)

Well, consider my little post today somewhat of a challenge to you.  I understand that for some of you this is something that you try to keep up with on a regular basis but others of you it may never have crossed your mind or you are think you have no chance at all of getting published.

To those of you who have never submitted I want to encourage you to give it a shot.  I know you might be timid about sending your work in but you just never know what they are looking for.  You really don't.   If you're not sure what to submit you can check out the magazine sites online and see what calls they have going (I will post a list at the end of this post).  If you feel you have nothing that fits those specific calls then you can always submit something under a "general" category.  I've had a few picked up that way myself.

Some tips:

• take a good, clear photo of your finished layout/card/altered project
  
• keep a record of the supplies you used (because they will ask for that)
  
• if you used a computer font (make note of what it was)
  
• submit often  - please don't give up after your first try
  

Always remember this is a talented field we are dealing with and there are many, many scrapbookers out there.  Pat yourself on the back for submitting in the first place.  I know that the waiting is the hardest part of all and then seeing people post that they "got that call" can sometimes be even hard to bear.  But, put a smile on your face because you know that your work is amazing and you created it for you & your family to enjoy. Please don't ever give up!

I've worked for Canadian Scrapbooker since it first began (yes, I'm going to put in in a little plug for them right now! ;)) and they are awesome at getting new faces published. Plus if you think you have a photo that would work for the cover - SEND IT IN!!! They would love to see it!

Ok. Here's a list of some magazines that have calls out.

Canadian Scrapbooker

BH&G Scrapbooks etc.

Memory Makers

Creating Keepsakes

Paper Crafts

Scrapbook & Cards Today

Scrapbook Trends & CARDS - Beads magazine and PaperCrafts are also listed here

Pubs Calendar - is a great place for all sorts of calls and contests

I know there's a few more but my mind  is drawing a blank right now.

So I do hope that this has helped some of you.

Encouraged some of you.

Given you that extra little "push" you needed.

Hugs to you all!

Cari

Scrappy Hour and so much more

Our Scrappy Hour project this month was by our very talented Creative Team member Amber. She created a gorgeous 12x12 layout using 8 shipping tags. Check out the tutorial here.

Here are a couple of her wonderful layouts using this technique.

Make sure you post your layouts for our Scrappy Hour. We'd love to see your creations!!

We also have the release today of our new January Kit Take 2 - Stylin Seaview featuring a new to Scrap Shotz Canadian company Blackriver Designs.

Our long awaited first card kit of 2009 was released today as well. Make sure you check out the gorgeous Love Song kit featuring the Making Memories Love Notes Line.

Just click on the pictures to get these gorgeous kits, you don't want to miss out!!


And if that's not enough for you kit subscribers, make sure you check out the new add-ons in the store for the February Kit featuring Jenni Bowlin.


Here's a reminder to mark your calendars for the weekend of January 30-February 1 for our Retail Recovery Online Crop. There will be lots of challenges and inspiration, not to mention games, make-n-takes and prizes. You won't want to miss it!!

Spotted in the Gallery!

OK it has been too cold for too long in many parts of this great country we call home...time for some Summer Lovin'!

Nonie created a challenge for us this week to do some fun summer layouts... this one was an easy pick as my personal favorite.

It's from Catharine... (cathp) and it's a stunner! How's this for a great summer feeling!



Check out the challenge (and the rest of the fabulous summer layouts) here

Hope that helps make your day a little warmer! Feel free to whip up a fab layout and join in the summer lovin' fun!

Refresh Your Year!!!

Like many of you, I am deeply inspired by Ali Edwards. What I love about Ali is that she is down to earth and she speaks to Me. Like many of Ali fans, I too have chosen a word to live by this year; my word is Refresh. Refresh has also been described as rejuvenate, revitalize, renew and reinvigorate. I want to revitalize all areas of my life – not big changes but small changes that all add up to a big change – and that includes scrapbooking too!

This year, I am refreshing my passion for this amazing hobby that has allowed me to make new friends and see my life in different ways by learning new ideas and techniques! That’s right, I am shaking it up! So I registered for Kathy’s Digi Diva and Just Shoot Me classes which starts on January 19 and January 26, respectively – I am quivering with excitement! Just to feel a bit more comfortable with Photoshop Elements or to shoot a clear picture in manual mode – wow, that is BIG for me!

I am also reinvigorating my stash by participating in the Trash Your Stash challenge. I am looking at my existing stash and breathing new life into what I have on hand by mixing and matching with items I never thought I would – and you know what? I like it; I really do! What is more satisfying that using up all those gorgeous papers and embellishments that you have lovingly purchased? How about joining me as I experiment with different sizes – have you tried a 6x12 layout? And what about Amber and Jess's series of challenges - Capture Your Culture challenges? These challenges are some of the details our family and friends in years to come want to read about along with the birthdays and playdates and vacations. Come on, give it a try!

As well, I have adopted Ali’s number one guiding creative philosophy: “It is OK.” Yes, it IS OK to just let go, to feel the freedom to create in any style, on whatever inspires you at the moment and to be imperfect. There I said it, to be imperfect! So stopping waiting for the perfect photo to pair with the perfect papers and the perfect accents – just go for it! Try it – it is an amazing feeling! And don’t forget to share your projects in our gallery which is just brimming with inspiration – Scrap Shotz has a bevy of talented ladies!

Another important area that I am refreshing is my lifestyle. I am working to consistently incorporate healthy choices and exercise into my busy family life. I am not saying it is easy and that I will not slip here and there but I want to try. Join us in the Health & Wellness forum for some everyday helpful tips. Share your successes with us. If you need a pick-me-up, this is where you will find it too!

So are you going to join me in refreshing your life?

Spotted in the Gallery!

Well it's been another week! I can't believe how quickly time passes! We had a very busy week learning to skate (the kids... not me...) and then it was a weekend full of Birthday parties to attend.

So this week I was in the mood for...

...a card!!!

I know all you cardmakers have probably been muttering under your breath because I never pick cards.... BUT in my own defense...there are not many uploaded... so if you're a card maker... get crackin'! LOL


Here's one from Kerry ( Cardstock'nScissors)... love that butterfly trail!



Thanks for looking! Have a great week!

Active Living

Okay, for all of you who are fans of Ali Edwards you know that she chooses a word a year to be her motto, her inspiration, her zen shall we say. Well this year is my first time taking part and after much thought and consideration I have my word. My word to live by for 2009 is 'active'. I think this word encompasses all aspects of my life - yes, I need to get more physically active, but I also want to strive to be a more active participant in my life. I want to get involved, I want to learn, I want to make the most of my time.

So that being said, I just signed up for one of the classes that SSZ is offering - "Digi Diva Wannabes!". It surprised me a little at first that I was so intrigued by this class. I'm not at all a digital scrapper and have never really been that interested in it before. I could never give up traditional scrapping with paper and embellishments - I love to create with my hands and I get a rush just feeling all the different textures of supplies. However, it would be nice to know a little bit more on how to manipulate my photos and learn a few techniques in Photoshop (I am really such a beginner!!). This class just sounds like it would be the perfect introduction to this somewhat new frontier for me . If you're interested in this particular class, there's a chance to win your registration fee. See the details here.

Kathy has many more classes to participate in if you're not keen on being a Digi Diva. You can see them here. I took a photography class last spring instructed by Kathy and she is an absolutely wonderful teacher. She has a knack for explaining terms in a natural, easy to understand way; and I loved that I could do the lessons at my leisure. I now have a binder of all the lessons and refer to it often. If you haven't taken a class by Kathy or if you're on the fence about signing up, I'd highly recommend that you take the plunge...you won't regret it! Maybe we'll be classmates!!

Spotted in the Gallery!

Well it's that time again! The gallery has been a pleasure to view in this New Year! Between the gorgeous DT reveal of the January kit (you NEED it BTW LOL) and all the recent uploads it was sensory overload!

It was a difficult choice but this week's featured layout is from the very talented Chelsea.You can check out her gallery for more gorgeous creations.

I just love what she's done with this paper...the shaped background to the great circle elements! Beautiful!

Happy New Year!!!

It's 2009 and there is so much happening at Scrap Shotz this year you're gonna love it!!

After a busy holiday season, we're anxious here to get back into our SSZ groove. This month you will find our regular features have all returned, plus a little extra something at the end of the month!

Our reveal of this month's stunning SSZ kit featuring the classic feel of the Heidi Swapp Dining Room line will take place tomorrow, Jan 2nd. Make sure you come by and check out the gallery, as the DT have been working some beautiful magic with this baby! (As always, once the DT reveal upload begins tonight, the gallery will be locked for the day and will be ready for regular uploading on Jan 3rd). Here's a little sneak peak of this gorgeous kit.

There will be some new DT challenges up for your motivational pleasure tomorrow (Jan 2nd) as well, and then a few more on Jan 15th. Try your hand at a few of these, as you never know which one will be the famed Mystery Challenge which could earn you a $20 spending spree at SSZ!

January 6th is 10% Tuesday, in case there's anything you missed during the Boxing Day sale. January 15th brings our next KT2 and Card Kit reveals... the KT2 will be a new manufacturer to SSZ, you'll want to check it out.

For your seasonal card needs, make sure you check out our next Card kit... the LOVEly collection we've chosen will hit the right Notes we think!

Our lovely and uber-talented Amber will be your hostess for this months Scrappy Hour on the 21st! Make sure you make some time to come and complete a fun project plus have a little peek at the February Kit and shop for some add-ons.

Make sure you mark, bold and highlight your calendars for the Jan 30, 31st, Feb 1st and 2nd weekend!! We are busily planning our next awesome online crop and it's going to be a tonne of fun! This one is our RETAIL RECOVERY CROP and your DT will have some fabulous challenges coming your way.

A note about the February reveal... since it will fall smack dab in the middle of the crop, the reveal will be posted on the Snap Shotz Blog on the 1st of February and then featured in the gallery upon completion of the crop.

Phew!!!! And that's just for January!!

Stay tuned here on the blog and at the store and forums for more exciting news in the coming months.