July Challenge

Havin' a Blast by Joni

This is my "double whammy" layout. Used the sketch & the July challenge!!

I replaced one of the photo spots for a title box, otherwise I stayed pretty true to the sketch. I used Fancy Pants Rusted Sun line & added a few extras here and there. The sun/flower at the top left is just a strip of paper accordian folded and then adhered into a circle and then "pushed" down and adhered (it likes to pop off... so I ended up using wet glue) and then a fun brad in the center. This is one of my favorite easy embellies to make...usually it looks like a flower, but I kind of like how it looks like a sun on this page. When I was finished, I realized the layout needed just little extra "umph"...so I added the eyelets to the bottom dotted paper in random matching colors.

June Stitch Challenge Winner!

And the Winners are:




Sara for her layout You Amaze Me














and Angie for her Aubrey layout


Both ladies will be offered a spot on the August Guest Design Team.

Thanks to all who participated in our June Challenge. We look forward to your entry in our upcoming July Challenge.

Meet Our July Guest Design Team Member Ren-Yi

"I am a software engineer by day and a creative jill of all trades by night. I have always a project on hand that involves some sort of yarn or floss, since I've been introduced to knitting & crocheting 3 years ago through our company's Project Linus community event. I also use to cross-stitch in high school. However, in the summer I lose interest to work on large, warm projects, and my only creative outlet is usually the kitchen, where I love to experiment in both baking and cooking. That was until certain friends (ahem - Steph, Laurie, Belinda) had a brilliant idea to creating the "Swapping Sisters" group, where the girls promised to send me "kits" so i could create cards. Kits, after all, are low-key ways of dappling into paper crafting; i wouldn't have to own too much supply, just a little adhesive and basic card stock -- or so I was told. I went out to Michael's to purchase a Towbow adhesive, some Glue dots and a pack of card stock paper and went at my first project (refurbishing a journal for a boy) only to realize that none of the tools i had handy were any help. So somewhere between six months and now I have accrued one paper craft tool/supply/other vice after another -- and I'm completely hooked. Let's just say that my love for paper, ink and clear stamps have turned into a "must buy" list and "must do" project list. I love challenges and sketches, since they bring me out of my comfort zone and I get to play along with other wonderful, creative ladies. A last little secret about my paper crafting addiction? I bought a sewing machine because I thought stitching on cards is hot...But if anyone asks, the sewing machine was to hem pants for little people. Really. ;)"
My blog

Meet our July Guest Design Team Member Christy

Thank you for inviting me to be a guest designer on Scrap Our Stash. My name is Christy. I have been with my wonderful husband for 17 years. He and my son are the inspiration for my scrapbook pages . You'll also see quite a lot of our dog and our two cats as well. I drive them all a bit crazy sometimes because I can never have too many pictures of them.
I started scrapbooking about 7 or 8 years ago. My first experiences with scrapbooking were with Creative Memories products. A friend talked me into going to a crop with some photos of my son and the next thing I knew, I was hooked for life.I only started submitting my projects for challenges a few months ago. My husband ( and some on-line friends) encouraged me to do so and I am glad that they did. I love challenges like the ones posted here. They help me stretch my stash as well as giving me the opportunity to try new things. I feel I have come a long way since I started scrapbooking. However, I always want to do what I can to challenge myself and take my work to the next level. I'd also love to become a better photographer. I hope you'll pop by my blog and check out some of my other projects as I work toward that goal.
You Are... by Christy

June Challenge / Sketch Challenge 2 Combo

First 5K by Laurie

Design Team Member Laurie submitted this layout for both the June Stitch Challenge and the Scrap Our Stash Sketch Challenge 2. She said, "this layout consists of both the June stitching challenge and Robin's great sketch. I started out with my four pictures, found the background patterned paper with stitch lines and then knew I wanted to try out stitching each of the panels. I'm still new at getting a straight line with my sewing machine, but I hide that fact a bit with my distressing. I find it works wonders!

Now it's your turn to take one or both of the challenges. Check out all the details below.

June Challenge

Italian Dinner by Brittney

Design Team Member Brittney created this layout for the June Stitching Challenge. This is what she said, "Stitching is probably my favorite thing to do on a page. It adds a lot of fun texture without adding too much dimension - which makes it easier to get the pages in the album! These photos are from our recent vacation in Italy."

Don't miss getting your project submitted before the deadline - see all the details in June Challenge - below.

June Challenge

Hello by Ren-Yi

Guest Design Team Member Ren-Yi submitted this card for the June Stitching Challenge. Here is what she shared about her experience: "I recently bought a sewing machine to learn how to sew. In case anyone is searching for a entry-level with lots of functionality I recommend getting a Brother CS6000i. According to a sewing friend, my machine was very intuitive to use. I can't really make that kind of assessment since I'm a newbie to any kind of sewing, so I will take her word on it. Since SOS was offering a June Stitch Challenge I saw this as a perfect opportunity to get down & dirty with the basics of sewing. So off I went to design a card based around stitching. Other sewing projects were also on my mind and I was picking up fabric, when I decided that I would cut a little corner off and use it in my card. I thought of creating an easy shaped template to cut out the space, fill the negative space with fabric, backing, and poly-fill to create a cushiony, three-dimensional card, and add a hand-written sentiment on the bottom to give it more of that "stitched with love" feeling. Here is what I learned
* Do not use organic shapes as your first sewing assignment. Stick with straight lines. And practice navigating around.
* Read the sewing machine's manual. There is a tension knob to help adjust threading so that the bottom thread does not poke through the top. And practice various tension settings on card stock.
* Choosing the stitch length directly effects how easily one can navigate the curves. Practice in this would have also helped.
* Pre-piercing the sentiment with a pushpin or needle makes it easier to hand-stitch the sentiment.
* Use heavier card stock.

I am a little disappointed in some of the off-track stitching and boo-boos that happened, but as a first-attempt or proof of concept I think I managed to achieve what I wanted to. I will definitely try this kind of card again after I have become more comfortable sewing and getting to know the ins and outs of my sewing machine. Let's see if I can't give it a cleaner look then...In the meantime wish me luck on my pajama pants. Here is hoping that both pant legs come out the same length! What was your first sewing project? Any pointers?"

Now it's your turn - do you have a new sewing machine you need to try out - or have you always wanted to stitch on a layout - but just haven't yet - or is stitching on a layout or card just an everyday thing for you? Why not take the challenge and send a picture to scrappinpsycho@live.com. Hurry, the challenge ends on June 30th. See all the details below in June Challenge.

June Challenge

The June Challenge is to Stitch on your project. The stitching can be: machine stitching, hand stitching, pen stitching, or even rub-ons.

You can do as little or as much stitching as you choose.

To participate in the Challenge just submit your projects by sending a picture and description to scrappinpsycho@live.com. All projects will be posted here at Scrap Our Stash. All submissions must be received by 6:00 PM Central Time on June 30th. A winner will be chosen and given the opportunity to be a Guest Design Team Member for the month of August!

Scrap Our Stash Sketch Challenge 2

Arizona Ostrich Festival"


Design Team Member Amy sent the following for the Scrap Our Stash Sketch Challenge 2. She said, "for the sketch i chose to use more pictures than paper, but kept the same design. Doing so i was able to incorporate 7 pictures on my layout! I also really loved copying the sketch by using my decorative felt border. This sketch also helped me combine different patterned papers (which i don't normally do), but thanks to October Afternoon and their great coordinating papers, i was able to make it work!

Now it's your turn to take the Sketch Challenge. Just complete a layout based on this sketch and send it to scrappinpsycho@live.com . You could win a spot on the Guest Design Team. Check out all the details in Scrap Our Stash Sketch Challenge 2 below.

June Challenge

Rocks by Joni


Design Team Member Joni submitted this layout for the June Stitch Challenge. Here is what she said.

"This story is from a few months ago, but I finally got the photo I needed to document it. I had blocked (no layering) all my pieces and finished the layout and realized it just needed a little "extra umph". So I hand stitched XXX's in 2 different spots and it adds a little touch to pull all the pieces together without overwhelming the photo or story. I just punched 4 holes for the top and 4 holes for the bottom of the X's (yes, I used a tool from Timeless touches that has evenly spaced holes, but you can just use a ruler, or do it by eye) ...and used embroidery floss to make the stitches. Here's my tip when doing this...instead of making knots on the back of your layouts, I just scotch tape the end when I start and then scotch tape the end of the floss when I'm done (using that second tape to usually tape as many of the stitch backs as I can...just to keep them there!!)

This layout tells a really funny story....click on the layout to enlarge and read it. If it's not big enough, head over to my blog and click on it...I leave my layouts large so Grandma can click to get the layout large enough to read the journaling"!

Now, it's your turn to complete a project using stitches. Submit a picture and brief description of your project to scrappinpsycho@live.com. The June prize will be awarded randomly to one of our submissions. A winner will also be selected to become a Guest Design Team Member for the month of August.

$$Frugal Friday Tip$$

Using Collage Photos by Laurie

For this Frugal Friday tip, it sometimes pays to pay attention to your junk email, specifically those that offer things for free! One such promotion I find regularly is free (or reduced price) is collage prints at places such as Walgreens.

I've found collage prints to be a fun and easy way to get a variety of picture sizes for a one-page layout with multiple photos. The following photos in this post show how you can start off with an 8x10 and finish with a multiple photo layout. The process to create the print was easy online: just upload your photos, select collage print, and shuffle the photos around until you get the proportions that you desire. Getting the print can be done in a store or shipped (for a little extra). For this layout, I wanted the photo of my DH to be my focal point so I shuffled the photos on the store's website until I liked the final result. My second picture shows all of the photos cut apart. As the photos have whitespace between them you could also leave borders around the photos. Finally, my last photo shows the completed page following a sketch that allowed for different photo sizes. I find this is a great way to get out of a rut of only 4x6 photos, which I find myself in sometimes. Trimming at a 4x6 works, but sometimes it's nice to have the photos scaled in proportion already.

As another example, here is a layout that merely uses a 5x7 collage print entirely. Of course, Walgreens (or any other drug/pharmacy store) is for convenience due to the prints being on sale or sometimes free. This tip can easily be done at home with your desired photo paper size and a photo printer. Just start off with a canvas in Photoshop of the same size as your paper and drop photos in scaled to different sizes. Thanks for letting me share my Frugal Friday tip!

If you have a project in which you have used this tip - or if you have a frugal tip you'd like to share - just email a picture and description to scrappinpsycho@live.com. Who know's you may just be featured as our next Frugal Friday Tip.

June Challenge

Reader Angie submitted this layout for the June Stitch Challenge.

Thanks, Angie!

Now it's your turn. Email pictures of your completed project to Scrappinpsycho@live.com for a chance to be chosen for the August Guest Design Team Member or you could win the June Prize packet. See all the details in June Challenge below.

June Challenge

Three is the Magic number by Kathy


I completed this layout of my 3 adorable grandchildren for the Stitch Challenge.


I had actually sewed a circle on a piece of white cardstock a long time ago just for the fun of it - and set it aside. When I saw this layout at Two Peas by mafswife I had to lift it. Fortunately I remembered this stitching. So, I trimmed around the stitching and placed it on the layout - this was much easier then it would have been to actually stitch on the page after everything was in place.

I also also used a Frugal Friday Tip to cut letters out of fun foam instead of purchasing the foam letters. I also completed another layout with stitching and posted it on My Blog

Now it's your turn to take the challenge. Send your stitch project to Scrappinpsycho@live.com . You could be chosen to be on the Guest Design Team - see all the details in June Challenge below.

June Stitch Challenge

A Good Book by Kimmarie



Design Team Member Kimmarie submitted this layout for June's Stitching Challenge. The layout is an 8 x 8.

She said, "I took this picture of my daughter Emma reading to a school duck named Max. Every couple of month's the kids would bring home a backpack with a stuffed animal and a bunch of books to read to it and the family. This backpack was filled with accessories for the duck and 11 books. Emma read 9 books to her duck, Max. I then would write in a journal about how well she did and how she played with the stuffed animal. My pictures came out a bit dark but it was still worth scrapping. I put bling on the pattern paper around the 7 and E because she is 7 years old and her name begins with "E". I added hidden journaling behind the picture, stitched along the bottom of the matting and stamped with my new {ippity} stamps titled Books A Flutter. See more stamps at Ippity in my Korner.

Do you like to stitch on your creations? If so, send us a copy and we will put it on our blog. Send your creation to scrappinpsycho@live.com. Also check out The Scrap Our Stash Sketch 2 challenge listed in the right margin.
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Scrap Our Stash Sketch 2

My Box Babies - by Christy S.

Guest Design Team Member Christy submitted this layout for the Scrap Our Stash Sketch 2 Challenge. Here is her description.

For my take:
Yellow is one of those colors that I just don't work well with. It's my least favorite color and so I end up with a lot of it in my stash. When I initially started this Lo about my pets, I was using a pet stack which had a lot of yellow in it. The pet-themed papers just were not working for me. However, I still wanted to challenge myself to use up some yellow. Since my title is "LOVE (heart) my Box Babies)", I settled on some Sassafrass paper strips with heart prints. I inked the edges of the paper with Colorbox Chestnut Roan ink. I made a heart from chipboard and ribbon scraps. I used my cricut basic George font along with CK Sloppy and CK Blackout. I added some yellow heart buttons that were in my stash. Though I found this sketch challenging, it allowed me to use up a lot of scrap paper.

Now it's your turn to complete the sketch challenge. See the sketch and details on how to submit your project in Scrap Our Stash Sketch Challenge below.

June Challenge

You are number 6 by Joni


Design Team Member Joni submitted this layout for the June Stitching Challenge. This is what she said:

"I had picked out this photo and was ripping pieces of yellow fabric that I was intending to use like ribbon....but when I was done ripping and looked down at my cardstock, there was this cool random design. So, how to adhere it and keep the design?? So, I layed a blank 8x10 transparancy over the fabric strips and took it to my sewing machine.... I randomly stitched on the yellow trying to be sure to get lots of places that overlapped. Then I "ripped off" the transparancy off from the stitching. I had to cut in some places to get it off, but it worked well to keep my original design. I kept the stitching yellow so it may be hard to see, but I wanted to share this example of stitching that wasn't really showing...but rather was used like an adhesive element.
I loosely used sketch 67 from the Scrappiest."

Send a picture and brief description of your "stitching" project to scrappinpsycho@live.com. You could be chosen as a winner of either the June Challenge Prize Package or be chosen to be a member of the Guest Design Team. See all the details in June Challenge below.

Scrap Our Stash Sketch Challenge 2

Design Team Member Robin has created the following sketch exclusively for the Scrap Our Stash Sketch Challenge . The challenge is to do your version of the sketch. You can stick to the sketch totally - or just use something from the sketch as inspiration on your layout. The Sketch Challenge will go from June 15th until July 14th. All entries must be received by Midnight Central time on July 14th. At least one winner will be chosen and given the opportunity to become a Guest Design Team Member for the following month. Design Team, Guest Design Team and Reader's submissions will be posted here for your inspiration.

To submit your project: send a picture along with a brief description to scrappinpsycho@live.com. All projects will be shared here.

June Challenge

Love You Card by Kimmarie

Design Team Member Kimmaire submitted this card for the June challenge. The challenge is to stitch on a layout, card or anything scrappy. She said, "I chose to create a card with my new stamps. My scrap room was a bit of a mess so I didn't have time to dig out my sewing machine. I decided to hand stitch with floss. My first time, so I guess this could have fit in with May's "Out of the Box" challenge as well. I actually enjoyed the hand stitching and will definitely be doing it more. I did clean my room finally so I will be taking out my sewing machine to stitch on a layout or two for the rest of the month's projects. This card is made with "A Moment In Time" stamp set and "A Bit of Burlap" from the {ippity} Spring 2010 Collection. I think I may give this card to my husband for our anniversary in August. (maybe I will make it in another color, he isn't a big fan of pink. lol)

Supplies:
{ippity} A Moment in Time and A Bit of Burlap stamps sets Ippity in My Korner Bazzill Kraft cardstock
Stampin' Up cardstock and hemp twine
Floss
Stazon Brown Ink
Martha Stewart stamp/punch
Crystal Stickers

Do you stitch on any of you creations? Share them with us at SOS and we will be glad to upload it to the blog. Email Kathy at scrappinpsycho@live.com Be sure to read the post from June 1 and see the prize for a random contributor of June's Stitch Challenge donated by DT member Joni. "

June Challenge

Sisters Reunited by Monica

Design Team Member Monica submitted this layout for the June Stitching Challenge. She said, "For my stitching I used a rub-on stitch along the striped paper. I also noticed after I finished that the frame that I used has stitching on it too! This is a lo from last summer when my mom's sister from Hungary came to visit, their first time in the US!



Now it's your turn to take the stitch challenge! Send a picture and description of your completed project to scrappinpsycho@live.com. You could be one of our next Guest Design Team Members. See all the Details below in June Challenge.

$$Frugal Friday Tip$$

Storage Tubs by Christy

July Guest Design Team Member Christy submitted this frugal tip. She said, "I like to recycle when I can, so when I bought these sturdy dishwasher soap containers, I wanted to find a way to re-use them. With a little spray adhesive,some patterned paper and some ribbon or trim, they become the perfect storage tubs. Make sure you wash them out well before you use them. I put mine right into the dishwasher. Then I choose the patterned paper. You may need to cut the patterened paper down a little to get the right size. Apply spray adhesive. As you place the paper on the container, smooth it towards the edges to remove wrinkles. For corners or edges, cut slits or tabs in the paper and fold the paper down as you adhere it for a more crisp look. You may need an additional adhesive to keep these corners down. Now apply the ribbon or trim of your choice. If you want a glossy look, spray with a clear acrylic coating or apply a solution of watered down elmers glue with a sponge or brush."

If you have used ANY of the Frugal Friday Tips from here at Scrap Our Stash - we would love to share them with our readers. Just send a picture and brief description to scrappinpsycho@live.com. If you have a frugal tip you would like to share - please forwad it to the above address. We would love to share it with our readers.

June Stitching Challenge

Fathers' Day Card by Belinda

Reader Belinda submitted this cute card for the June Stitch Challenge. She said, "I love adding stitching to my card -- it's a great way to add a nice border sometimes to help outline part of the project. Masculine cards are the perfect candidate for stitching as well since guys tend to not appreciate the ribbon and glitter we love to add to cards. ;-) So I added some simple faux stitching to my card here. The lawn mower was drawn from hand (based on an image online) and the grass pulls out to reveal the rest of the statement. If you like this card, I'd also like to ask for you to vote for it at the Paper Crafts Idol competition."



If you would like to join the challenge just send your project to scrappinpsycho@live.com along with a brief description. You could be chosen to be a member of our Guest Design Team. See all the details below in June Challenge.

Scrap Our Stash Sketch Challenge 2

New Neighbors by Robin

Here is Robin's take on her own Scrap Our Stash Sketch Challenge 2. She said, "I used a kit I received from Queen Scraps to create this page (if you can't post that, it's ok). I used K&Co Poppy Seet Patterned Paper, rub-ons & cardstock stickers & Borders, Prima Flowers, Bazzill Cardstock."
Now it's your turn to complete the sketch Challenge - see all the details in Scrap Our Stash Sketch Challenge 2 - below.