Scrappy Inspiration!

Hi everyone... it's back to school for us this week, and for me that means a serious scrappy day! Every year, I treat myself to a full of scrapping when the kids and DH go back to school... really looking forward to getting some new projects done. But, until I do, I'd love to share a 2 page layout I did recently along with a special treat. Our very own Debbie Gaydos made a sketch based on my layout... you know how much we love Debbie's sketches, and 2 page ones are an extra special treat. I did this layout with Fancy Pants products, and guess what? A little birdie told me that new Fancy Pants stuff will be coming to AllyScraps VERY soon. Can't wait, love me some Fancy Pants.

Here's my page, Fresh Picked.



Here is Debbie's sketch.



Hope you have the time to make a layout using Debbie's sketch, now that the kiddies are back in school! This week is sure to be an exciting one here on the blog. Chris Hertel will be doing an extra special blog post on Wednesday, and we'll be seeing more super projects from our guest designer Kimber McGray on Friday. Always something fun going on at AllyScraps.

Thanks so much for your input about what you'd love to see on the blog in coming weeks. You're likely to see most of what you've asked for. Layouts, tutorials, cards, sketches, altered art and MORE. I've picked a winner from the comments, and the winner is BabyBokChoy!! Big congrats to you. Send me an e-mail with your contact information to allyscraps@gmail.com by next Monday at midnight, and we'll send you out a fun prize. Love giveaways? There will be another one soon, so keep checking out the blog! Have a great week. ~ Dana

Jillibean Soup is here!

AllyScraps is proud to bring Jillibean Soup to the store. We have 3 new ranges including fabulous journal sprouts, printed twill and stamps.

And as if that wasn't enough, Kimber McGray from Jillibean's design team is our Guest Designer this month.

First up is a beautiful selection of Kraft papers and co-ordinating journal spots - the hottest on the block! Kimber has used Bit of Bibble Babble as the background Cup of Yak and Journal Sprouts. I love the way Kimber has layered her journalling.



How cute is this lil' house?! I adore the Ground Round paper featuring the school house. All the double-sided papers are just so versatile. See the door and window, taken from the journal card on Beef Bullion. And how about the fabulous printed twill?

How about getting started early on those Christmas projects? Kimber has done the most AMAZING projects to inspire us.


I love the trees the way the colours of Grandma's soup range co-ordinate so well.



This clever Christmas card featuring Frozen Crab Meat and Tomato Soup sounds quite a combination!



This uber-cool mailbox is just the thing for those Christmas cards. How adorable!

Lastly, So Sweet is exactly right! I love the combination of Can Beef Consomme with traditional Christmas colours.



Dont forget that stocks are limited! Check out the full range here. All our new goodies from CHA can be found in this handy What's New section.

Shipping is only $4.95 anywhere in the U.S.

Check back soon as we've got more exciting projects to share.

Kimber & Morag x

Just the Paper Mam

What is the number one thing you have in your scrapbook supplies? What is the one item that you have the most of?

Paper!

On this layout I basically only used paper. There is a lot you can do with paper. You can cut out shapes, distress it, punch it, fold it, sew on it... and more. I chose 2 double sided patterned papers and 2 sheets of elements - all from the FABULOUS Cosmo Cricket line - boyfriend.

After choosing gray as my solid background base, I cut and distressed my paper edges. Doing this adds some dimension to your layout without adding bulk. I also distressed the elements that I cut out.



Here's a close up of the cut out elements. I used some foam squares under the Happy Place element for even more dimension:


And the foam American Crafts Thickers I used for my title also add dimension without the added bulk:



The Supplies

All these delicious Cosmo Cricket Boyfriend papers and elements are in stock NOW in the Ally Scraps store!!

Cosmo Cricket Boyfriend Collection 12x12 Elements
Cosmo Cricket Boyfriend Collection 12x12 Borders
Cosmo Cricket Boyfriend Collection 12x12 Patterned Paper - Art Appreciation
Cosmo Cricket Boyfriend Collection 12x12 Patterned Paper - Fitting In
Cosmo Cricket Boyfriend Collection - Sticker
My Little Shoebox Mini Alphabet Stickers - Red Lipstick
American Crafts Thickers

Get out your paper and play today! When you are finished, be sure to share it with us in the Ally Scraps gallery, we'd love to see it!

Exciting BLOG news at AllyScraps!

September is almost here, and that means some new and exciting things will be going on at the AllyScraps blog! Glad you stopped by. This month we will be sharing lots of cool scrapbooking inspiration guided by some really wonderful guests! You'll notice more frequent postings, blog challenges and lots of fun.

First off, we welcome Kimber McGray. It's our real pleasure to have Kimber joining us this month, she will be sharing some awesome projects and doing features with brand new products from Jillibean Soup and Core'dination cardstock. Here's a little about Kimber...



Always a crafter of some kind, Kimber McGray started scrapbooking 4 ½ years ago and has never looked back. Obsessed would be a mild way of describing her love of paper crafting. Over the past three years, Kimber's work has been published in Memory Makers, Creating Keepsakes, BHG Scrapbooks Etc., Scrapbook Trends, Cards, CardMaker, Scrapbook and Cards Today magazine regular issues, as well as featured in different Idea Books. Her work has also appeared in major ad campaigns for We R Memory Keepers. Kimber was also announced as a Hall of Fame 2007 winner with Creating Keepsakes. Kimber's 1st book, Scrapbook Secrets was recently released in May 2009. Her 2nd book with F&W Publications will be released early 2010. She enjoys working with all different aspects of the industry by designing in all realms. She is currently designing for 4 different Manufacturers: Jillibean Soup, Unity Stamps, Core'dinations Cardstock and Inchie Arts. This helps her keep her work fresh and new as well as challenge her to use different products daily. She lives in Carmel, Indiana, with her husband Bill of 10 years and two children, Andrew (6) and Laura (4).

Chris Hertel, just finishing up a stint on our regular design team will also be joining us. We've asked her to share her computer expertise this month, sharing a few hybrid tips with us and awesome layouts too!

On September 17th we will be having another special guest. Nikki Sivils will be joining us for a "manufacturer chat" and a peek into her scrapbook world. There will be tons of Halloween inspiration with her fun products and a special giveaway too. Hope you'll join us for some fun!

I will be posting some cool projects and a fun challenge or two. But first, how about a giveaway... If you leave a comment on this post and tell me what kind of things you'd love to see on our blog, you'll be entered into a drawing for a fun prize! So, get going, I look forward to hearing your ideas! Check back next Monday to see the name of the lucky winner. Have a great week, Dana

Truly, Madly, Deeply

Are you in love with patterned papers too?

I have a serious addiction! I hoard papers because they are beautiful. They are often left for months because I can't bear to cut them! I am seeking help. LOL.

Bo Bunny have been a serious contributing factor to my problem - their papers are just so wonderful. I've had these Flirty collection papers for ages - aren't they gorgeous?



The Flirty Birds have been used as is almost, except the bird's tail has be cut out to overlay the heart paper.



Collect a few little embellishments and ribbon - check out these cute pins from Maya Road. There are other beautiful chipboard pieces and flowers in there too!



Add a cute bird cage (because one should always include some sort of home for the birds). This one is from We R Memory Keepers and are the best bargain at just 99c!


Finally, top off with a couple of cute kids goofing around!

Cathy has LOADS of new CHA stuff arriving almost daily. I love the new lines from My Mind's Eye (who as you know are my favourite). There is also the latest from Pink Paislee, Jenni Bowlin and Little Yellow Bicycle.

Don't forget to check out this amazing collection from a new company - Nikki Sivils. She has wonderful cutting-edge designs!

To see all the latest products just check out the What's New section. How easy is that?!

Hope you'll come and join us in the forum. In the meantime, happy scrapping!

Morag x