September Challenge at NDISB - Week One

If you are stopping by for the September 2012 Inspire Me Blogtrain - you are in the right place!  Click here !

A new challenge has been posted at NDISB!  Head on over and have some fun!  HERE!

Hope you are enjoying the end of summer...by the Shore.

Take the CAK Challenge

This is the fourth of five challenges at Natural Designs in Scrapbooking for the month of August!  I think you're gonna like it!  (CAK = Customer Appreciation Kit)

And by the completing this challenge by the end of the month, you will receive the following mini-kit which fully coordinates with our August CAK.

So head on over and jump into the CAK challenge!  Challenges 1,2,3 are also still open! An a new challenge will be posted next week!    5 Challenges ~ the chance for 5 FREE mini-kits!

(and don't forget, I have a new facebook freebie ready for you to download - here)

We are getting a sneak peek of Fall today in Colorado - cooler temps (ahhhh)....by the Shore.

A New Challenge at NDISB!

Each week a designer at Natural Designs in Scrapbooking will present a new challenge – and when you complete that challenge, we have a ‘mini-kit’ for you that fully coordinates with our monthly Customer Appreciation Kit.  And you will be able to get that Customer Appreciation Kit for FREE with only a $5 purchase. So, come and play with us, spend a minimum of $5, complete our 5 challenges, and you will have a massive mega kit – all for FREE.

Pamla shared this week's challenge and you will love it!

Head on over to our challenge forum and join the fun!

Complete this week's challenge and you will get the following mini-kit!

Hope you join me on this challenge...by the Shore.

August Week 2 Challenge

The newest challenge at Natural Designs in Scrapbooking has been posted.  The August Week 2 challenge is from Chantal at Chunlin Designs.  The prizes for our August weekly challenges fully coordinate with our August CAK - My Best Friend.

Here is a sneak peek at the prize for week 2. (super cute - isn't it)

And here is a preview of the prize for the August Week 1 challenge I issued last week.  (I love bling)

Join us as we complete the challenges, collect prizes and add layouts into our "to be printed folders".

Happiness....by the Shore!

A NEW CHALLENGE AT NDISB

Natural Designs in Scrapbooking has restructured their monthly challenge & challenge rewards and you are going to love it. I will personally host one of the 5 challenges each month-and mine is a Challenge Potpourri!  

  The first challenge has been posted  - come on over and join the fun! 

 

Wow...it's getting closer to the weekend...by the Shore!

Recipe for Adventure!

Welcome to by the Shore designs…whether you are participating in ADSR7 (the Amazing Digital Scrap Race) and are on a detour or are simply stopping by to say hello – I’m glad you’re here. The Amazing Digital Scrap Race is hosted by Natural Designs in Scrapbooking and we are all having a blast.  I just love all of the layouts that are showing up in the gallery so far! 

Are you ready for a digital scrapbooking challenge? I decided to serve you a Recipe Challenge as you need to stay nourished on this journey. One of my favorite recipes is a Three Bean Casserole. My favorite aunt, Bonnie, shared this recipe with me years ago and I hope she's okay that I spread the love. It’s easy to make and is a real crowd pleaser. (Check the end of this post for the recipe) OK, back to the detour! This ADSR7 detour is a layout challenge – A Recipe for Adventure. Make sure you use all 7 “ingredients” and create a layout following the recipe directions. The most important part is to have fun!

RECIPE FOR ADVENTURE!

Ingredients:

1. One cool beverage

2. Facebook Freebie from by the Shore designs - link to facebook on my sidebar

3. Two Patterned Papers (minimum – add more if desired)

4. Two Solid Papers (minimum – add more, if desired)

5. Three photographs

6. Three different elements (you can use these elements multiple times if desired)

7. Two favorite fonts

Directions:

Grab your favorite beverage (see ingredient one) and enjoy! It’s important to stay hydrated on your adventure!

The word ADVENTURE must appear somewhere on your layout. Head over to my facebook page, ‘like’ me, and download my ADSR7 Freebie. At least one item from this freebie must be added to your layout.

Add the remaining ingredients (special note: ingredient one should NOT be added to your page) You may always add more to your layout, but the required ingredients listed above must be included. Mix well, season to taste.

When you have completed your layout – head on over to NDISB and upload it to our Challenge and Contest gallery.  Make sure you tell us in the comments what beverage you were enjoying (ingredient one) For the record, I am currently enjoying a cold diet caffeine free Dr. Pepper.

For everyone that successfully completes this detour and posts their layout in the gallery no later than May 17^th, I will send a discount coupon to my store at NDISB (will be a private message on your NDISB account)   Note: even if you are not an ADSR7 participant, if you complete the detour challenge as indicated and upload your layout to the NDISB Challenge and Contest gallery - I will send you a discount coupon too.

It’s that easy!

And speaking of easy – here is the recipe for Three Bean Casserole.

(The recipe 'card' was created using my Shades of Gray Collection) I hope you have enjoyed this detour. Make sure to come back and visit me…by the Shore. 

(subscribe to my RSS feed on the sidebar; facebook and twitter links are there too)

Scrapbook Challenge

The March 2012 Blog Train can be found HERE

Each week, the digi-gurus at jessicasprague.com issue a scrapbooking layout challenge. This past Friday the challenge was a lyrical one. Choose one of your favorite songs - use that song and the lyrics as your title - and have fun!

This one was just toooo easy. Last October, I attended Spraguefest in LasVegas. My friends and I had a blast in Jesscia Sprague's digital classes - but we also enjoyed a margarita (or two) in Margaritaville. Good friends, good classes, and a good drink in your hand - who can ask for more....

If you have not scrapped about a favorite song - I encourage you to give it a try. I have done this many times. Some layouts are fun like this one, other ones are reflective and thought provoking and a few bring back fond memories.

Enjoy scrapping...by the Shore.

August 1,2,3 Scrap!

Happy Third Thursday! This is pammie~k from ‘by the Shore designs’. Welcome Back to 1,2,3 Scrap! ~ a scrapbook challenge where I provide you with three ‘requirements’ and you take it from there!

This month’s 1,2,3 Scrap ! challenge has a strong focus on COLOR!

I love color (bright bold colors are my favorites, pastels come in a close second) One of my favorite internet sites is www.kuler.adobe.com! If you have not checked it out, it is a fabulous tool. Bookmark this site and explore all of the fabulous color options that are available! I stumbled on Kuler a few years ago and it is definitely a keeper!

Black and White – as much as I love color, I also like the classic look of black and white. Converting photos to black and white is a wonderful approach to take when you have the perfect paper and elements for a layout, but the color does not necessarily go with your photos. On the flip side, when I have a photo that is color rich – I might use black and white papers so the photo takes center stage.

Let’s move on to our challenge….


August 1,2,3 Scrap!

1. Choose your favorite base color on Kuler – then use one of the following color ‘rules’
a. Analogous – base color with adjacent hues
b. Monochromatic – one color with varying intensity and lightness
c. Triad – three colors from around the traditional color wheel
d. Complementary – two opposing colors on the traditional color wheel
e. Shade – subtle variations of the base color/hue

You choose the base color and let Kuler help identify the additional colors in your palette http://kuler.adobe.com/#create/fromacolor -

Try to use only paper and elements that fall within your selected color palette.

2. Convert your photos to black and white. If you wish, you may pop the color of one item in your photo – as long as it is within your color palette identified in requirement one.

3. And your final requirement is to take color away from your title (think transparent or vellum) – use a bold text for your title and the color white – reduce the opacity as low as you feel comfortable so that you can ‘see thru’ the letters. In Photoshop (or PSE) I add a white stroke to the text on the layer above or below to add a bit of definition around the letters

If you have questions, please ask . (I know my directions might be a bit confusing) Give it a whirl! For those that complete the challenge and post your layout no later than September 15th in the Faith Sisters 1,2,3 Scrap! Gallery and the 1,2,3 Scrap Forum! (here) I will send you one of ’by the Shore designs’ layered templates or quick pages of your choice. Just send me a private message at Faith Sisters with your email address and your template or quickpage choice and I will email it directly over to you. I will work on this challenge in the next few days and post my own layout (back to school week is here and I am up to my eyeballs in number 2 pencils, school paper, backpacks, etc)

Be sure to come back next month – Third Thursday – for another edition of 1,2,3 Scrap! Until then, have a wonderful ‘rest of summer’.

July 1,2,3 Scrap!

It is the Third Thursday of the month, and it is time for another round of 1,2,3 Scrap! Please join me on this fun and easy challenge. I will provide you with 3 simple "requirements" for your layout - and you take it from there.


This month we go back to the basics of writing. In grade school, we learned to incorporate the 5 W's when writing. Who? What? Where? When? and Why? (if I recall, we also threw in how occasionally) By answering these 5 simple questions, we can share with our reader what they need to understand our story.


We are also going to share a little bit about ourselves. Everyone has one thing they love to spoil themselves with - not a necessity but something we do for ourselves ' just because'. So indulge me - what is your favorite indulgence?

The three requirements for this month's 1,2,3 Scrap! Challenge


1) create a layout of your favorite indulgence using a single picture

2) journal using the 5 W's

3) use at least 2 different fonts on your page


To help get you started - I have a journaling page for you - pre-filled with the 5 W's..... you can download it >>>>> HERE

Here is my indulgence. Yes, I admit it - I love Starbucks. I know a lot of people that NEED their morning coffee - that jolt of caffeine to get their day started. But....that's not me. I always order my drinks decaf. I know, I know...some of you are shaking your head thinking 'why even bother'. The warmth of the drink is comforting, the flavor of the coffee is 'just right', the sweetness of the drink (even if it is sugar free and non fat) brings a smile to my face every time.

When you are done with your layout, please post it in our 1,2,3 Scrap! gallery - and let us know in our 1,2,3 Scrap! forum - both at Faith Sisters.

Thanks for playing along - and be sure to come back next month for a new challenge on the third Thursday of the month.

Are you ready? 1,2,3 Scrap!

1,2,3 Scrap!

Checking my calendar - yes, it's the third Thursday of the month - time for our 1,2,3 Scrap! challenge.

If you are new to the challenge, the “rules” are simple – I will provide three ‘requirements’ for your layout – and you take it from there. It is great to see how different each layout is from the others. This month’s challenge will focus on the photos in your layout….

Are you ready…..

1. You will use two and only two photos. One photo should fill most of the page and the second
photo will be significantly smaller.


2. Photos may not be the same “shape”.


3. The smaller photo should have a minimum of 3 mats/layers between it and the background layer.

Everything else on the layout is fair game. When you are done, please post your layout in the 1,2,3 Scrap! gallery – here

Each participant that completes a layout following this month’s 1,2,3 Scrap! challenge will receive a coupon for my recently released Photo Mask Collection (shown below) In order to receive the coupon, I simply ask that you post your layout before July 5th in the 1,2,3 Scrap! gallery and provide a link here in the 1,2,3 Scrap! forum at Faith Sisters.
.


I look forward to seeing what you design! So, ready to go?….1,2,3 Scrap!

Day 5 of the 7 days in May

Day 5 of the 7 Days in May - another template challenge. LivE designs shared this fabulous template. I loved it so much, I did not change a single thing. I was thrilled to be able to work on this layout and relive some very precious memories.

you can download this template for free as long as you do so before day 6 of the challenge is posted - so head on over to the general forum at jessicasprague.com


Two days left in the 7 Days in May ~ I have completed 5 layouts so far and am anxious to see what days 6 and 7 bring. Won't you join me, I love a good challenge!

p.s. schools out for the summer! let the fun begin!

Day 3 ~ 7 Days in May

Can you say "Happy Dance" ~ I have added another layout to my "to be printed" folder. Day 3 of the 7 Days in May at jessicasprague.com was a color challenge. Here is the original inspiration and the color palette.

We were asked to use a minimum of 3 of these six colors - we could add black and white - but no other colors. Here is my layout for this challenge.

Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings - I love a challenge!

1 1/2 days left till the girls begin summer break. (WOOHOO!)

Have a great day ....by the Shore

Day 2 ~ 7 Days in May

It's Day 2 of the Seven Days in May Challenge at Jessicasprague.com. Today's challenge used an image as inspiration with the words....and then.... We had to include those words on our layout and then continue with a title and/or journaling. Everything else was fair game. Liv provided a fabulous template that could be used - I chose to 'do my own thing'. (The template can be downloaded if you hurry - must be downloaded before Wedensday's challenge is posted)

When I heard the words...and then... I could not help but finish it with...there were six. Our sixth grandbaby was born this weekend. And he is simply precious.

I use paper and elements from kits available at Persnickety Prints. Make sure you head over to the general forum at jessicasprague.com, download today's freebie and participate in today's challenge. It's fun, it's easy and I simply love having another layout in my "to be printed" folder!

Have a great day....by the Shore

I Love a Challenge

Over at jessicasprague.com, the 7 days of May have begun. Starting today (5/23) a different challenge will be posted in the general forum and many (if not all) will include a freebie.

Today, LivE hosted the challenge and had a free template. I simply love templates which allow for many pictures ('cause you know I just love to snap away when having fun with my girls) And with a template as perfect as this, I can simply add paper, pictures and "voila", my layout is complete.

Here is my take on the challenge - short and sweet!

And this layout is also a sneak preview of one of my upcoming paper kits -"Just Because" to be released this week at Faith Sisters!

I can't wait to see what challenge will present itself tomorrow. Hope to see you there!

April 2011 1,2,3 Scrap!

It is the third Thursday of the month and time for 1,2,3 Scrap! at Faith Sisters. Wow – April already, this year is flying by.

Did you check out the layouts from our March challenge? FABULOUS!

For anyone new to 1,2,3 Scrap! here is the ‘scoop’.

I will provide 3 specific requirements that need to be included in your layout (or hybrid project) – and you take it from there…. I find that when I am given a challenge – I actually work on and complete a layout (I know, a novel concept) Challenges will often stretch me to try something new I may not have attempted in the past.

Let’s get rocking on our April challenge.

1. Most everyone has a “look” that they use for a majority of their layouts. When you create a layout, where is your eye drawn to – where is the focal point? Center? Right? Bottom? Top? For me, I have to admit that 90% of my layouts have a focal point in the lower right hand corner. Requirement One of this month’s 1,2,3 Scrap! – have the focal point of this layout in a different place – stretch yourself to go somewhere else on the page.

2. Use a minimum of 3 photos

3. Theme of your layout will be an Easter memory or tradition. (if you wish to choose another holiday – that’s okay too) Traditions are so important to family. They create bonds from one generation to the next.

A jellybean hunt has always been a favorite family tradition. I remember as a young child that on Easter morning we would head to my Grandparent’s home still dressed in our Easter best. Upon arrival we would discover that the Easter Bunny had once again hidden jelly beans all over the main level. My brother, sister and I would have so much fun trying to find them all (and I would bet that Grandma was finding unclaimed jelly beans in nooks and crannies on the 4th of July.) The tradition (and memories) continued in my parent’s home and still occurs today in our home.

What special Easter memories do you have? What traditions have carried forward into the next generation? I cannot wait to see what you share.

And simply by completing this challenge by May 15 (must post it in the Faith Sisters 1,2,3 Scrap! gallery and share the link in our 1,2,3 Scrap! Forum), I will send you a discount coupon for $3 off anything in by the Shore designs store at Faith Sisters. (And you will find a lot of digi goodies to choose from)

Are you ready? 1,2,3 Scrap!!!

(And have a Blessed Easter. He is Risen!)

Providence 365 - Week Nine

Humility

The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Matthew 23:11-12

Humble is often defined as being not proud or arrogant, when what you do is offered in a spirit of deference or submission; an unpretentious act, not seeking recognition.

How did Jesus serve? When did He serve? Where did He serve?

His life among us was about service. He came here to serve, not to be served. He was strong, He was compassionate, He cared, He loved and He served…with humility.

How do you serve? When do you serve? Where do you serve? And do you serve with humility? Humility is not something that we simply decide to have as a character trait. It is a trait that simply is. It is loving others and serving others – as Jesus would do. It is the acts that we do to help others simply because it is the right thing to do…for them – not for us.

Now, you may be thinking I am going to ask you to create a layout based on your service to others. Yet, to do so, you would not be humbling yourself. With that in mind, I want you to reflect on an individual in your life that has set the premier example of service and humility – someone who was strong, compassionate and one who served in humility. Dedicate your layout to them. Share what you have learned from their acts of service.

I have a dear friend who I have known for years. Whether Judy was volunteering in a church or assisting someone with a project at work; she never looked for praise (in fact, she would often give credit to others) When serving; she was hard-working, dedicated and cheerfully did whatever was needed – always with a warm heart, a gentle spirit and with love. While I grew up in a Christian household and attended church regularly – I do not think that is was until I met Judy that I truly saw and recognized the face of Jesus. It was through Judy that I grew close to Christ and moved further along in my faith walk. Here is my layout for this challenge:

And here is a freebie for you with word art to get you started. You may download it here

When you have created your layout, please post your layout in the Providence 365 Gallery and let us know here on the week nine thread of Providence 365 forum at Faith Sisters .
Have a blessed week.

DECEMBER 1,2,3 Scrap!

by the shore Designs hosts the Designer Challenge at Faith Sisters on the third Thursday of the month. Please join me this month! The challenge follows.

* * *

What a wonderful time of the year! During the season of Advent we prepare for a celebration of the birth of Christ. The hustle and bustle; decking the halls, Christmas parties, shopping and the sharing of family traditions are all part of our daily lives in December. Taking time to reflect on the TRUE meaning of the season is something that we each need to do – as often as possible. God’s gift to us came in the form of a newborn Baby Boy.

This week, an email arrived in my in-box. It is one I have seen for the last few years during the Christmas season – and it still moves me…please let me share this message with you :

The "W" in Christmas

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six-year-old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."

I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row-center stage -- held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down -- totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a “W." The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W." Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

And He still is! I hope this special message is one that helps you reflect on CHRISTmas and the reason for this celebration!

AND HERE WE GO!!!!

Our December 1,2,3 Scrap! challenge is about Celebration

1. The theme of your layout is Celebration! Perhaps you can share how your family celebrates Jesus’ birthday. Perhaps it is the celebration of a milestone, a family birthday, a promotion. The choice is yours.

2. Use three photos. (Try to make them all close-ups – really zoom that camera – or crop tool – in close)

3. Use only 3 different papers and only 3 different elements (but you can use these as often as you wish on the layout.

For those that participate in our December 1,2,3 Scrap Challenge, my gift to you will be my just released “Bethlehem” quick page.

Simply post your layout in our 1,2,3 Scrap! Gallery and provide a link to the layout in our 1,2,3, Scrap! Forum

Are you ready? 1,2,3 Scrap!

November 1,2,3 Scrap! Challenge

It is the third Thursday of the month - time for our November 1,2,3 Scrap! Challenge.

Thanksgiving is a holiday to express thankfulness, gratitude, and appreciation to God, family and friends for which all have been of material possessions and relationships. Traditionally, it has been a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. In Canada, Thanksgiving is held in October; in the United States, Thanksgiving is held in November. We each have so much to be thankful for - year-round.

This month's challenge ~ create a layout or card with the following:

1. Use the words Thanksgiving or Give Thanks in your layout
2. Use however many pictures you choose, but at least one of the pictures needs to include
YOU. (I know this is hard, but you can do it)
3. Use a heart somewhere on your layout.

If you are creating your layout or card digitally, please use some of the papers and elements in our Faith Sisters Store.

To help you get started, here is my Give Thanks Word Art - created just for this challenge. You may download it for free here

Please post your layout (or card) in the 1,2,3 Scrap! Forum and the 1,2,3 Scrap! gallery. Spread the word and let everyone know how much you have to be thankful for.

I can't wait to see what you create this month!

Are you ready? 1,2,3 Scrap!

November at Faith Sisters

November has been a fun month at Faith Sisters ~ and it is barely 1/2 way over. The My Sweet Sweet Song Challenge is in full swing as is our Theme-A-Ma-Jig challenge.

Our Designer Challenges are on Thursdays (check them out in our forum - here) Speed Scraps on Tuesdays (here) and lots more.

Don't forget that my 1,2,3 Scrap Challenge returns this week (Third Thursday of the month) - you can check it out in the 1,2,3 Scrap Forum or come back here....I am looking forward to this challenge as we reflect on all we have to be thankful for (hint hint)

Have a great day ~ by the Shore

October 1,2,3 Scrap! Challenge

It's time for my third Thursday Designers Challenge at FaithSisters.

1,2,3 Scrap!

For those that are new to the 1,2,3 Scrap! Challenge, I will provide you with three "requirements" for a layout. Take the challenge, complete a layout and have FUN!!!!

Head on over to Faith Sisters to the 1,2,3 Scrap Forum

Here is the layout I created for the challenge - can you guess what the three "requirements" might be.

I also have a freebie to share, just for participating in this month's challenge....my mini mini Family Love kit

So, what are you waiting for - come on over and join us in the challenge!

Until next time, have a great day.....by the Shore.