Spotted in the Gallery!

OK we all know that I am so jealous of anyone who can sew...so I thought I'd share a really cool sample from our gallery of some gorgeous stitches! Now I'm no seamstress so maybe I'm easily impressed, but I totally love the stitched border debby did on this layout! So fancy!



Please post all your fabulous stitching in our gallery so I can be wowed some more! I sure hope I can graduate to at least sewing a straight line in the near future!

Are You Ready?

Spring is here…or so the calendar says! LOL Spring is one of my favourite times of the year to take pictures. With only 3 months of school and extra-curricular activities left, there seems to be an overwhelming number of recitals, concerts, field trips and special days marked in our Family Calendar! Eeek! With all these special events are exciting photo opportunities! *wink* But how do you make the most of them?

Well, I did some digging around for you and summarized some photography tips from various magazines and blogs. Hope you enjoy them…

1. Plan Ahead. Often at your star’s performance, flash photography or videography is not allowed. But how do you capture their performance? Well, consider taking photos at your star’s dress rehearsal. The lighting will be almost the same as the actual performance and you won’t have anyone sitting in front of you!


2. Use a Tripod. The lighting conditions at the auditorium or classroom is often not ideal. To steady your shot while the aperture is open, mount your camera on a tripod.

3. Check Your Mode. If you are using one of the creative modes such as portrait or sport, make sure you are selecting the mode that maximizes the existing lighting conditions. In a darker theatre hall or auditorium, give Night mode a whirl! (It’s the one with the moon and stars on it usually!) Alternatively, if you are at Track & Field day, try the Sport mode so you can freeze your athlete in motion.

4. Bump Up Your ISO. Crank up your ISO as high as possible to let in as much light as you can.

5. Get in Close. The flash on your camera is not effective when you are sitting in the audience and your actor is on stage. So, move closer to the action! Get up close and personal!

6. Master Your Timing. We often miss “the” Kodak moment because we have mistimed a shot. Prior to the event, itemize your preferred shots…and when the time arrives, have your finger at the ready so you don’t miss the shot!

These are a few suggestions which I hope will be helpful to you! Have fun and enjoy snapping! And please please please share your bounty with us in the gallery, forum or on your layouts!

Spotted In the Gallery!

well we had a busy week in the gallery this week with DT challenges and scrappy hour. So why not pick one of each this week!

Here is a layout that Tanya created for Laura's "Button Up" Challenge... it's a beauty!



The scrappy hour treat bag was a hit! Here are a couple of versions of the project...

This one was made by Nonie...



And another from Denise (pajama scrapper)



Thanks for checking out the gallery choices of the week!

Scrappy Hour is here...

along with some real goodies.

Laura our "Hostess with the Mostess" has featured the cutest little Easter Treat Bag. It doesn't have to be just for Easter either. Use whatever papers and embellies you have on hand for a cute little bag for any occassion.


To see her instructions check out the forums here.


Also, the reveal of the April Kit Fabulous Finery, featuring the awesome new Fabulous line by Chatterbox, is in the store along with all the gorgeous add-ons. (sort by title for all the April add-ons)


And we have a brand new Card Kit released today as well. Fresh and Dreamy is full of the gorgeous Fresh Line by Dream Street. The amount of gorgeous cards you can make with this kit is unbelievable. You have to get one for yourself to believe it.


To see some of the gorgeous cards that our Fabulous Jen made using this kit check out the forums here.

As always, our special Card Kit is a one time get-it-while-it-lasts so make sure you check out yours before they're all gone.

Scrappy Hour Sneak Peak

This Saturday I am hosting my first Scrappy Hour at SSZ and I'm pretty excited about it! Since Easter is coming up in a few weeks, I've come up with a quick little project that could come in very handy for that particular occasion and plus, look real cute!! I think I've stayed true to the 'hour' part, so it's something that won't take too long and really there's not too much you need.

Here's your list of supplies:

- 12 x 12 piece of pp or cs
- something to make a circle of approx. 8 1/2" diameter (I used a lunch plate)
- scissors
- something to score with
- scraps or paper that match your larger pp or cs
- adhesive
- various embellies


Scrappy Hour starts at 8:00 EST! You can sign in and see the rest of the project in the 'On-line Classes' Forum on Saturday night. I sure hope you can join me and if not, come and check it out when you can!!

Spotted in the Gallery!

Well this was a great week for cards! With the introduction of a new Card Crew we've had fresh exciting challenges to get us going! Here are a few of the cards that were put up for Ellen's stamp kissing challenge... it's amazing how differently everyone interprets the challenge! Fabulous work ladies!

This one is from Lorraine...



From Jillian..



Gorgeous one by Jen



And one from kelly




Our new challenge from the Crew this week is Lorraine's Keep it Simple challenge

Here is Denise's take on the challenge and I'm sure we'll have many more additions to the gallery this week!




So make sure you check out the new Card Crew challenges and be sure to upload to our gallery! We'd love to see your work!

Spotted in the Gallery!

Well it's that time again ladies and I'm happy to report that I have found an absolutely gorgeous mini album in our gallery this week! I am a big fan of minis and am always very excited to see new ideas and fabulous creations! Well this one by debby is a stunner...I LOVE it!!! Be sure to visit her gallery to see more photos of this one...the inside pages are totally amazing!!!




I'm always on the lookout for awesome gallery posts so make sure you get your creations uploaded to the gallery... you never know when you might pop up as the "gallery fave of the week"!

Scrap Shotz Card Crew!!

We've started a new feature here at Scrap Shotz that is so exciting!! We just know you'll love it!!


Please join me in welcoming our very first CARD CREW into action!


The SSZ CC will feature SSZ members who will post rotating card challenges on a weekly basis for your inspirational pleasure.

Your first SSZ Card Crew members are:

Wendy (wendance)

Ellen (elcrafty)

Lorraine (lorraine)

Thank you ladies, for agreeing to share your talent and creativity with us!

Watch for the first CC challenge to be posted on Monday!

NEW GOODIES!

Well the new products from the latest CHA are starting to roll into the store and there is so much to choose from! Here are some of my personal favorites!

Truffle paper by Bo Bunny

Rhinestone buttons by Jenni Bowlin,
Pink Paislee Petals, and chipboard alphas Captivating


and this gorgeous patterned paper called "Communique Pen in Hand" by Graphic 45!

There are SO many more fabulous new products in the store and still more to come, so make sure you check everything out today! Here's a link to the newest goodies in store HERE!
Have fun shopping and be sure to share some of your favorites here too in case I missed them!
Have a great week!
~Amber

Reveal Day!!!

This month's kit is the beautiful Magnificent Marrakech featuring the gorgeous Marrakech line from Basic Grey.

The Creative Team really worked their magic with this kit. Here is just a few of the fabulous creations. To see them all check out the gallery.

Amber

Cari

Jen

Laura

Nonie

Virginia