I'll just start right off by saying I love the techniques in Scraptastic! As a former (and now current, once again) member of the North Light Craft team, I was familiar with many of the supplies Ashley Calder uses on her pages—things like gel medium, modeling paste, gold leafing. But I loved learning Ashley's techniques for these materials and for incorporating them into scrapbook pages.

And I love, too, how Ashley breathes new life into so many techniques I already knew how to do. Including something as simple as paper or ribbon weaving. I've made a woven placemat or two in my day, but I never thought to incorporate this skill onto my scrapbook page.

Here's Ashley's layout that inspired me to give it a try:

And mine, that oddly enough even uses the same color palette:


Don't forget to go here for your chance to win a copy of Scraptastic! And here to learn more about Ashley and the book.

Until next time,
Christine

I’ve been wanting to make a digital page for a quite a while. Last night, I got the urge to make a Thanksgiving layout, so I thought I’d try my hand at digital and use our free digital kit by Corina Nielsen. And since Eileen already shared about gratitude, I thought I’d make a light-hearted Thanksgiving page.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve looked forward to Thanksgiving for one reason: Nana’s (my grandma) stuffing. Sure, I fill my plate with tons of Thanksgiving treats, but the helping of stuffing far outweighs all the rest. Nana passed away several years ago, but my mom took over her stuffing-making duties (and my sister had the pleasure last year).  Sadly, I will be at my in-laws this year so I won’t be able to partake of Nana’s yummy stuffing goodness. But dreaming about the herbs and spices Mom promised to make me for Christmas instead inspired this quick layout.

What are your favorite Thanksgiving treats?  Let us know in the comments section! And from all of us at Memory Makers Books—Happy Thanksgiving!

It’s one week until Thanksgiving, and my stomach is starting to grumble for all the awesome side dishes it’ll soon encounter. (That’s my favorite part about Thanksgiving dinner…all the sides!)

The upcoming holiday has had me thinking…what am I thankful for this year (other than delicious side dishes)? And for me, this year has been all about the people in my life.

I made this layout about a month ago, in response to a challenge posted on the MM Magazine blog asking the very same question. I kept the layout light hearted with the fun patterned paper, because that’s how all of these people make me feel - happy, playful, light hearted and loved - and for THAT I am so thankful.

What is it that you’re thankful for this year?

- Eileen

I've been in the book-making business for 15 years now (yikes!), but I never quite get over the thrill of seeing the books I had a hand in creating on the shelves of a store. I know how much work goes into each one of the books. The hours the author spends creating the art and writing the text. The hours put in by the editor and designer to create a package that fits the author's work. The hours spent by production and the printer to get the book actually made. So to see it all come together and actually make it all the way to the customer is pretty cool.

When I walked into my local Archivers this past weekend, I was so happy to see so many new Memory Makers books front and center on the shelves. It warmed my heart, indeed. (So forgive me for being petty and blurring out the covers of the non-MM Books :)



Until next time,
Christine

It’s day number five of our 601 extravaganza! Don’t miss this exciting last chance to win a free copy of 601 Great Scrapbook Ideas! Simply click here to be linked to our forum for full details on how to enter.

Chapter Five is titled Open Heart and showcases layouts celebrating our connections to those we hold dear--whether it be the soulmate you've chosen to share our life with, a family member who has blessed you with a lifetime of unconditional love, a cherished friend who just makes life more fun, or a furry, four-legged companion who fills your heart and home with joy. This final chapter is packed with inspiring ideas for truly capturing the family ties and friendships that make you who you are.

I've had this photo of my good friend Ana Lisa (Ani for short) and me for quite some time. Since college graduation to be exact. It was a beautiful spring day and everyone headed over to the lake by Carson Park to celebrate our mass exodus from academia and grand entrance to the "real world." (If we only knew what we were all in for!). I met Ani in the Towers Hall dormatory freshman year when we both worked at the front desk selling frozen pizza and pop to our rowdy classmates. (Ah, those were the days!). It has now been six years since graduation and she is still one of my very best friends. Whether she's offering a kind word of support, a shoulder to cry on, or a daily does of inspiration, she's a friend I hope to know until with both little old ladies getting together on a Sunday afternoon to share stories of our grandkids over tea.



I created this 8.5 x 11 layout to showcase the photo of that fun day. I wanted to keep it clean and simple so I used a white cardstock background framed with ribbon in fresh spring colors. The chipboard frame made it easy to highlight the photo and simple rub-ons and a quote summed up the title and journaling.

Check out 601 Great Scrapbook Ideas for more inspiration on scrapping photos of the important people in your life. And don’t forget to leave a post on our forum with one of your layouts for a chance to win a free copy of 601.

Amy