Member Spotlight--Laura-Lee Audit

Tell us a little about yourself. I have been married for 8 years and we have a son 6 and a daughter 2. I work full time at our local community college where I ensure the night school Engineering courses are published in our catalog three times a year.
What is your all time favorite scrapping supply? My all time favorite scrapping supply is zots, love those little things. They make my life so much easier!
What got you started scrapping? I got started scrapbooking when my son was just a baby and thought I would make him a baby book. I finished it and was bursting to work on other albums.
Describe your style... My style is clean and fun, although I'm not afraid to try things outside of my zone.


Tell us about your scrap space. It is a space and I like it. I can tinker while the kids play. I could use some more counter space though.
Where do you find your inspiration? I find inspiration from everywhere, the color of sippy cups, page titles from conversations, silly photos, and of course the ideas the ACB design team girls come up with.
How do you start a layout or project? Do you start with supplies,photos or a sketch? I usually start a layout with the photos, then the paper and all the yummy embellishments. Just recently I have found a love for sketches and am really enjoying completing them.
What is your favorite manufacturer to work with? I have many manufacturers I like to work with, We are memory Keepers, Bo Bunny and fancy pants to name a few.

What is your favorite supply or technique? I also look to buttons for my layouts, it's like a staple right now. Ribbon and flowers would be my next choice.

Are you a scrapbooker or an artist? I think I'm both a scrapbooker and an artist, I think my ability to go beyond the page tells me I have the talent for other fun projects like sewing, tole painting and home decorating.

by: C. Mercer

Rock, Roll and Remember

Growing up in South Florida, I always had romantic fantasies about winter. It was so pretty, and children playing in the snow always looked so happy in pictures. I thought if I could live somewhere that had winter, life would be as perfect as life can get. Ironically, many years later, my husband would get a job offer in New England that brought this Southerner to the north. And I loved it just as much as I thought I would!

So when another job offer brought us south again, I thought my snow-themed scrapbook layouts were gone forever. But then an emergency trip to New Hampshire came up over the holidays that put us right smack in the middle of a lot of snow! My layout called “Farewell ‘08” was inspired by the incredible January Goodies Kit, featuring the Bo-bunny “Winter Whispers” line. I used the Bo-bunny paper, Cat’s Eye Brown chalk, Chipboard snowflakes covered in Ranger Perfect Pearls, and Kaiser Craft rhinestones. The title was cut using the Wishblade.

I was still totally in love with this kit, so I dug out some more pictures and went to work! “New Year’s Eve 2008” uses two more sheets of patterned Bo-bunny paper, two edges of the diecut paper sheet, and scraps of the double-sided Bo-bunny card stock. I threw in more chipboard snowflakes and letters, some Ranger Perfect Pearls to embellish them, and my journaling! Another layout from the same kit, but one will go in my 2008 Family Album, and the other will be the first page of my 2009 Family Album!

My final layout, “2 Decades of Crue” is special. It’s personal and it’s part of who I am, so even with just one picture, I figured out a way to make it into a two-page layout. Now, while the layout itself is relatively simple and probably has absolutely no meaning to anyone but me, the reason it’s here is because all of us have that something special, with either very few or no pictures at all, that we want to scrapbook… In this case, I was lucky that I had some memorabilia to add (see second photo with close-up of guitar pick), as well as a story that I wanted to document. So if you find yourself in the situation that you want to scrapbook something that’s important but that doesn’t have a lot of photos, this might be something that gets you started!

I used the Kaiser “Grunge” paper set, Bazzill card stock, and some “Rock Star” stickers by Creative Imaginations.

Toadly cool techniques...

Ok, bad pun, but it matched the title theme for my layout. For this months supplies I got to work with Fancy Pants Daily Grind and some Core'dinations Chocolate box papers. I had a blast playing with them and of course pulled out my institchz and tried some new techniques! The first one I'm quite proud of. I took a piece of Chocolate Core'dinations paper turned it to the backside and used my circle Institchz temple and piercing tool and punched circles. Then, I turned the paper over and SANDED over the circles, it made the core color show through even more. Then I took some Colorbox chalk ink over it as well, giving it an even more distressed look. So basically I added texture and grunged it up. I love working with the coredinations because of all the possiblities. The second technique is one that Gail shared earlier this month, thickers and glossy accents, except mine has a twist. I used the vinyl thickers, applied chalk ink to show the dimension and then used CRACKLE ACCENTS over the top. It made my letters rise a little but I think it added to the dimension of the layout as well.

This collection is one of my favorites in the store. It's so versitile for girls, boys, and any season. It has journaling cards, die cut shapes and papers to die for, so check it out in the store and thanks for stopping by!

Winter Blues....

No! Not what you are thinking, the "Winter Blues" ...as in sad and tired of it already??? never-not me! I love winter (well, ........usually I love it). I mean "winter blues" as in Bo Bunny Winter Whisper blues and browns and creams and what an awesome January Kit of the Month! There are still some left in the store if you hurry you can get one too! I just LOVE it and I made these two layouts with it:

I also made cards, and tags, a keychain or two, and a book mark,...and I still have stuff left! You get everything you see here practically including the glitter transparency and rub-ons and ribbon and MORE believe it or not - there are these incredible chipboard Maya Road snowflakes (check out the gallery and see what my friend Becky did with those) I altered them with paint and glossy accents and used them as a key fob for my locker at the ski slope we frequent. This kit is such a GREAT deal....

Truth be told, I also did a few layouts with the Prima Spaceboy line but I love this so much I wanted to blog on it and I have a neat trick to teach you too. I am SO excited!! As I sit here in New Hampshire and look out my window at the flakes STILL falling from yesterday's storm and the snow we are now measuring in feet right outside my door, hey I can show you. It is like this:
Get the "picture" ?? hahaha:) My mind wanders thinking of the beauty of it all - I just love the sparkling crystals of snow when it is real cold they stay neatly formed even on the outdoor surfaces like railings and cars...it was -27F here Saturday, I know, I was lugging totes of scrappy supplies to my crop out there....I wasn't out long but I sure did enjoy the pretty shiny whiteness of it all. And today I wore sunglasses this afternoon as the sunlight glistening off the snow everywhere was blinding! I always try to absorb this look and the feel of it all right after a fresh fallen snowstorm as it does not stay like this long- the cars and snowmobiles track across these untouched mounds of driveway and the yard. The snowplows, shovelers and maintenance folk with the salt and sand keep us safe but they muddy the pretty whiteness all too soon and we lose the beauty to the practicality of winter-life in NH! But,I always wanted to duplicate the beauty of this in a layout and I am excited to tell you, I found a GREAT technique for this! If you love white, shiny and sparkle as much as I do you will want to try this technique. I love it as much as I love THICKERS and everyone knows I LOVE my THICKERS- check this out, I combined the two! Look close at the Boardin' layout title-I'll help you... and it's even better in real life, trust me.Can you see how cool these letters are?
They shine and twinkle! I know you all know my DT and Consultant friend Ginnifer...well, Ginnifer has been altering her Thickers with Ranger glossy accents and all kinds of stuff so I took the idea from her and altered these white foam thinkers too - I love the result. I chose my title, then I lightly laid the letters out on a piece of wax paper. I coated each of them with Stickles (Icicle ones of course) and let them dry. Then I covered them all again with the Ranger Glossy Accents and let THAT dry- as it dried they curled a bit. If I liked the curling effect I let it happen (like the "a" and "r" here a bit) but if it got out of hand I just pushed them back down firmly with my paper piercer onto the wax sheet and all was well. When they dried they were like hard tiles and still had plenty of AC stickiness on back so I was able to pop them right onto my layout! How easy and cool is that?? I love the effect!

Now YOU try- you alter your title on a layout using a new technique and tell us about it here or on the AC Bailey General forum- I will start a scrap chatter thread called Blog Challenge 1/19 for this and on 2/19 I will draw and post here a random winner from all who post a new idea...like my friend Gin did - it inspired me and I hope I inspire you!

And,...I am hoping those of you who have SNOW are out enjoying it, those of you who don't have enjoyed seeing it on this post.

Oh, the Prima Spaceboys stuff?? Keep checking back, I will sneak it on here another day this month. Heck, I may even teach another cool technique then too or do another give-away...who knows. You will have to come back and see....I love being a tease!
Happy Scrapping -
Gail (scrapqn)

Kaiser Craft Sublime

I needed some bright colors this month! Spring is a long way away for us here in Chicago. It was 40 below the other day if you can believe it! However that is also a great excuse to stay inside and just scrap! And since you can scrap whatever your heart desires, why not bring a little spring into your life now. ;)

In January I had the opportunity to work with Kaiser Craft's Sublime paper set... and I loved it! The lime color is right up my alley but isn't too "hot" or in your face bold. It's a great choice to try out some strong bright colors if you aren't sure they are your thing. Trust me, with this set they will be! :) Here's my two favorites from the month:

The last layout above uses a Slick Writer (available in the store) to write on the photos themselves. I LOVED using this pen, it doesn't bleed or smear, and worked like a dream! I highly recommend you get one to try (and prepare to want one in every color!).

You can see these layouts up close and personal along with two other altered projects using this set by visiting us in the ACB Gallery and Forum. We'd love for you to stop by! :)

Hope if you are in a climate like mine you are staying warm. Have a great rest of the month!

All the best,

Jess

January 15......

This month seems to be flying buy. Here at AC Bailey Designs the new year brings so much that is new and exciting like new products from the CHA convention this month to the Design Team finding ways to inspire and encourage. If there is one thing I know about 2009, AC Bailey Designs along with it’s Design Team will be strive to help you all achieve your creative dreams.

Being part of the Team at AC Bailey Designs, I get to see first hand the strength each and every member bring to the team from the challenges to the inspirational tips and ideas. I am always amazed. So if it is inspiration you are looking for come join us I think you will agree with me that AC Bailey designs Forum is one of a kind.

The layouts I am posting was inspired by one of my fellow DT member Becky. Becky is always throwing out little tidbits of information that she read somewhere and then encouraging you to use this in your daily scrapbooking. When she posted about layouts using no patterned paper. I jumped to the challenge and came up with the double layout below

I hope you enjoy.






To make these Lo's I used Cinnamon Stick, French Vanilla and Maraschino Bazzill, QC Mini Felt Borders green vines distressed with Powderpuffs Mocha Mania and Banana Bliss Ink, Scenic Route Winter rubons, and Bulk Buttons

Have a wonderful day

Emma

P.S. Remember to come see us on the web

A bit of Fancy!

Well, Fancy Pants paper that is. This month I got a chance to play with the Fancy Pants "All Fall" line and I just loved it! Beautiful colors and patterns, but don't let the name fool you...it's not just for fall! Here's a set of all occasion cards I made That would be great for any time of the year:





And here's a LO I did of my son, nephew and husband. Both of the boys have the same name, which would explain the title :)



Thank for Looking!
Elisabeth

Settings Goals for the New Year

Each year, I always take the time to set goals for the new year. Unlike "resolutions" which seem to be made to be broken, goals are a solid way to evaluate yourself. A way to keep yourself on track throughout the year. Yes, you may have times when you're not 100% behind those goals, but if at the end of the year, you've at least moved in the direction, you can feel successful! :)

So as a little reminder to myself, I take the time to put together a mini album. It usually sits in a little spot that I walk by each day, so it can be a visual reminder to me. This is the one I made this year!


This year's journal features the fun patterns and subtle colors of American Crafts Everyday line! You can check out ACBailey's offering of this lovely line here. If your interested in seeing more of the pages, head over to the gallery! :)

And good luck on reaching your goals for the new year! :)

I am in Hog Heaven!!

I used to be so intimidated to use large, busy patterns. I think they scared me and I wasn't really sure what to do with them. My way around it was to cut out small parts of the paper and the rest kind of sat wasted in my scrap drawer. Not anymore!!!!!!! I love the challenge of making something different, love the patterns and cuteness of this Sassafras Lass Hog Heaven paper set. I think you will love it, too.

This layout was one of my favorite projects this month and shows how you can use a bold pattern without it looking overly busy and messy. I loved mixing the Sassafras Lass Hog Heaven with some of the American Crafts Everyday embellishments. The pink, brown, blue and orange went so perfectly that I couldn't resist. I also played around in my Picasa (free from Google) photo editing program to do the spot color on the squishy orange ball that Aimee loves so much.



Thanks for stopping by the blog today! Happy scrapping!!

:) Becky

Chatting about "Chatterbox"

What is all the "Chatter" about? Could it be Chatter box/Together . A great paper set for making Valentine cards or that very special layout for your favorite Valentine. This set has great matching embellishments, felt borders and so much more. I used Bazzill card stock and that very cool Fiskars threading water border punch to make the scallop edges you see on the layouts. It is my "favorite" go to tool at this time.

This layout has some of the Creative Imaginations felt flower border ribbon on it. You can cut each flower off and use it as single embellishments or use it as shown, as a border. This stuff has so many possiblities!!!

My next (go to supply) is American Crafts Thickers. I used the pajamas ( felt) alphas in the above layout. They come in many choices ( believe me). Hope to see you at AC Bailey (www.acbaileydesigns.com) . We have a great community of scrapbookers and card makers!! by: C. Mercer

Layout Sketch of the month

Hi everyone! It's Elisabeth, bringing you the sketch of the month and a couple great takes on it by a few of our design team members.
I Love what Lisa did with the sketch, she kept the same basic design, but smooshed it up into the center and added lots of "white space" around the central design, and you gotta love the letter Z in the tittle!I adore the homey feel of Jessica's layout, just perfect for the topic! OMG, don't those cookies look yummy?!!!

Look for the January newsletter to see my take on this month's sketch!

Prima Peaches Hybrid CD

This CD is loaded with fun quickpages!! I admit...I was hesitant to use quickpages. I always sort of thought of them as "cheating." Isn't that silly?? They're such a great way to get started in the digital scrapping world and for those with more advanced skills, you can always add some elements and tweak them to make them your own. I made a couple digital layouts with the CD and also a hybrid page. Here are the digi pages:

And I used a quickpage as part of my hybrid layout. I added some shadowing and a journaling spot to the quickpage before printing it. Then I attached a Prima Peaches Journaling card to the side for a fun little shape. Some Stickles, letter stickers, and Prima flowers complete the page nicely. :) Here's how it turned out:

All of the Prima goodies that I used to create the layouts are available in the AC Bailey store!! Check 'em out!! You know you love Prima! ;) Thanks for stopping by!!

~Phoebe

Happy Little Christmas

January 6th is Epiphany - the 12th Day of Christmas - some call it Little Christmas, others call it 3 Kings Day - but it technically ends the holiday season. Trees are taken down and decorations stored away until next year. I cheated and took everything down on Sunday because I knew I had a busy week ahead. Tonight after work, I wanted to do something to celebrate Little Christmas, so I did my annual Christmas Card layout. I cannot take credit for this idea - I saw it on Ali E's blog a year or two ago and I have done it ever since. It takes away the anxiety of pitching cards in the trash every year and is a wonderful way to commemorate the Christmas season and end your album if you are a chronological scrapper. I challenged the consultants over at ACBailey to do the same.

Did you ever start a project and get halfway through it and know that something wasn't quite right? That's what happened to me when I started this layout. I just knew something wasn't quite right, so I dug out last year's layout and sure enough, I used a square punch and the squares were smaller, which threw everything off. In addition, this year my cards were just not cooperating - the colors seemed too bright and I was having a rough time getting good pieces of the cards. It also seemed that this year everyone took close ups of their children and a small inch and a half square would only give me an eye and maybe a piece of a nose or an ear. So I had to improvise. Fortunately I had some Basic Grey Wassail Paper left from the December Kit of the Month and I was able to use some die cuts that I found the matched them perfectly. I used Stickles to "bling" it up a bit and some Glossy Accents to make a piece of chipboard as shiny as a real ornament.

I really loved that BG Wassail. Every year I get the grandkids to put on antlers and we sing Christmas Carols - this year, I got my sister and her family to pose for photos, but they wouldn't sing. I used some of the photos I took of my sister's family on Christmas Eve and made this Kaiser Hanging Keepsake for her. I was so very simple to do. Adhere the papers using Mod Podge, embellish, and tie it together with coordinating ribbons. I also used Queen and Co. Felt to embellish. And this is a twofer - just flip it over and you can do an entirely different set of photos and use different papers!! A real value - all you need to do is change the ribbon!

We had an awesome Online crop over at the ACBailey Community Forum this past weekend. Scrappers from all over the country logged on, chatted, played games, did some serious scrapping creating layouts and cards from twelve challenges - one from each of the Design Team Members. I did a "Progressive Challenge", where the scrappers are given instructions and they construct a layout step by step. If you'd like to see some of the fabulous work that was done, hop on over to the ACBailey Community and check out the gallery of the Unfinished Business crop.

Until next time, have yourself a Merry "Little Christmas".

Dee

Some Prima Hybrid Projects

If you haven't checked out the new Prima lines and the CD's that coordinate you don't know what you are missing! First the papers are embossed with glitter which gives any project wonderful texture and dimension. And the CD's coordinate perfectly and offer you more papers, some great embellishments and word art. One of my favorite products in this line was the Peaches Journal Book shown here.

I used these cute cards for journaling in the mini album I created to celebrate all the wonderful women I have the honor of being friends with. I started with a mini album from Maya Road and covered it with lots of pretty Peaches papers. Then I used the strips from one of the cards as name plates. Each journaling card tells when I met my friend and how, and also what thier best traits are. I think this is a wonderful topic for a mini and a great keepsake to have around.



The other great thing about the Prima products is the Chipmates. There are three different ones and you use them to build your own epoxy stickers. First you take the sticker sheet and run it through your printer to print off the ones you want. Some of them have fun word art on them, and some are blank so you can add journaling to them for customized journaling blocks. Then you peel off the sticker and attach it to the matching chipboard piece and finally attach the matching epoxy sticker on top and voila! you have a great new embellishment. Here you can see a couple that I used on my cards.

The Unfinished Business Online Crop

Starting tomorrow at 6pm the AC Bailey Design Team will be hosting a fun online crop to help you get those projects done that we all tend to put on the back burner. And we would love for you to join us! There will be lots of games, prizes and challenges to help you get motivated to scrap, scrap and scrap!!! So if you are up for it please come on over and sign up here.