Sugar Pie Scraps

Retirement Sale: 60% OFF EVERYTHING!!

2012-02-10T15:28:00.001-05:00

I'm sad to say that the time has come for me to step down from designing. This was a very difficult decision for me because I love designing and I love the extra income but I am currently attending school to become a teacher and with all of the homework I have I simply don't have the time that it takes to design. I have at least 2 more years of school so I don't see the work load getting any lighter lol. I really hope to be able to design again in the future and I hope to be able to come back to GS because it is the BEST EVER!! Thank you to all of my fans! I will miss it but I will still be in digiland scrapping along with you every chance I get! Enjoy my retirment sale....60% OFF thru the end of February! I plan to still do some freebies here and there when I have time so that everyone doesn't forget about me in case I'm able to return to designing in the future....so keep a check on my blog for some freebies from time to time. :)

Who, What, Where, When, Why???

2012-02-03T09:40:00.001-05:00

Wow! It's been a while since I had something new to share with you. I am going to school to become a teacher and I have 19 credit hours this semester. Needless to say....it's kicking my butt! LOL However, I did squeeze in some design time and I have something new for you this week! Does your child ever ask 5,000 questions? I know mine does. He is always asking, "what is this, where did we get this from, WHY???". The other day he said, "Mommy, where did we get this house from?' I said, "we bought it". He looked at me with a real serious look on his face and said "but Mommy....did it really fit in the store?". LOL That kid cracks me up! I created this Who, What, Where, When, Why kit to scrap about moments like this that I want to remember. It can also be used for an interview with your child. It will be neat to ask them the same questions each year and then look back and see how their answers change from year to year. It is also very versatile and can be used for many other types of layouts as well. Purchase the kit February 3-5 and get 25% off PLUS the Border Clusters FREE!!

Purchase the kit......and get these clusters FREE!! They will be included with the kit download! Feb.3-5 only!

Some CT Inspiration:

Also, now through Valentine's Day you can get either one of my Valentine's kits for only $1.00! Take advantage of this special offer!

MSS Store
I will be closing my shop at Me So Scrappy and going back to being exclusive at GingerScraps. I loved MSS but I am so busy with school that I don't have the time to keep up with two stores. My shop at MSS will close in a couple of weeks. Hope to have something new for you again soon!

MSS Blog/Facebook Hop! Freebie!!!

2012-01-21T13:45:00.000-05:00

I hope you're enjoying yourself on our MSS Blog Hop! Here is what I have for you. Make sure to make every stop along the way! :)

Download Here: http://www.mediafire.com/?7c3a90q8pjo0ziq

Me So Scrappy FB Page
Blue Umbrella Designs
WendyBird Designs
Kara Swanson Designs
Sugary Fancy Designs
Aprilisa Designs
Find Your Bliss Designs
Sweet Digi Scraps
Pixelily Designs
Rainy Dayz Designs
Sugar Pie Scraps---You Are Here!!!
Me So Scrappy FB Page

New Releases, Exciting News & Freebie

2012-01-06T14:58:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's! I am finally getting back into the swing of things after the holiday rush. I have 4 new releases for you this week.

First up is my portion of the January Buffet. It's called Colors of My Life. Perfect for project 365/52 layouts. Because I'm late getting the word out and the $1 Bake Sale is already over, you can use this coupon sps_colors-$1 to grab them for only $1.00 each today through January 10th. You can find the whole Colors of My Life collection HERE.

Next up is the second in my Scrap Like A Sugar Pie Chef template series. This time you can scrap like Sugar Pie Chef LaShawn. She has gorgeous layouts and these 4 templates are based on layouts that she created. Grab them for 25% off through Sunday!

I also have some exciting news! If you haven't already heard, Me So Scrappy has opened a shop and I'm selling there! I will have one exclusive product per month in my Me So Scrappy store along with the other items that I release at GingerScraps.

Me So Scrappy is also holding it's first ever CT call. If you're interested you should apply! There are a lot of fabulous designers to work with!

Last but not least, I have a freebie for you this week created by Sugar Pie Chef Vicki with the new Colors of My Life kit . Enjoy!

New Release: Dear Santa Collab with Down This Road Designs & Freebie

2011-12-16T00:01:00.004-05:00

I am so excited to show you my new release for this week. I was honored to team up with the very talented Angie of Down This Road Designs and we've put together this awesome collab just for you! Purchase between December 16-18 and get 25% off AND the Word Art FREE!! DO NOT add the Word Art to your cart. It will be included in the Dear Santa Collab downloads. I hope you love this kit as much as I do.

And last but not least...here's your freebie. It's a page border cluster. Enjoy!

December Bake Sale & Freebie

2011-12-01T15:57:00.003-05:00

Can you belive it's already December?? You know what that means....it's almost CHRISTMAS!!! I just love Christmas time. The mini I have for you for the December Bake Sale is all about Christmas. It's called Who-Village and it will be only $1.00 December 1st-5th!

I've also added two previously released products to the Bake Sale. You can grab Glittery Christmas and Snow, Sledding & Sweets for $1.00 each December 1st-5th only!

If you missed my Black Friday Grab Bag you can still grab it for $5.00 until midnight tonight. Tomorrow it will be broken up into seperate packs.

Now for your freebie. It's a page border cluster created by Sugar Pie Head Chef Lorianne. Enjoy!

Cyber Monday 50% off!!!!

2011-11-28T11:22:00.000-05:00

HURRY!!! Sugar Pie Scraps is having a super sale at GingerScraps!

Leaping Letters the grab bag is great for scrapping all about your little learner! Crystal was inspired by her son's love for letters right now. He is always asking "What does ______ start with?!" and sounding out his letters. Too cute! I also used this kit to scrap about my daughter's love for coloring! Here is the LO I created:

Full previews of the grab bag are available in the store and images above are linked! HURRY! Sale ends at midnight tonight!!

Guess My Fave Designer: Winner Announced!!!

2011-11-06T22:34:00.004-05:00

Thanks for all of your guesses on who you thought my favorite designer is! Yes, I do love Kat's Creations...she is my online bestie. We've been friends for close to 2 years :) However.........my absolute all-time favorite designer is.............................................................................................................................
Connie Prince! I completely LOVE her style and how she comes up with so many different ideas. She is also a very sweet person which is important in my opinion. She has even been sweet enough to help me out with my designing and give me some ideas and pointers. I hope to one day be half as good of a designer as she is! So there you have it...Connie Prince is my designing HERO!! :)

I decided to go with the first person to guess correctly.....so the winner is wahoolady! Congrats! Contact me at sugarpiescraps @ yahoo.com to request your $10 code for my store.

Thanks again to everyone who played along! :)

Happy DSD and a RAK

2011-11-05T11:52:00.000-04:00

Happy DSD all!!! I have been having lots of fun looking at new releases and grab bags and contemplating on what I might buy. Have you bought anything?! Can I suggest Zig Zag Zebra?! These minis are PACKED, I don't even think the qualify as minis! Crystal did an awesome job putting them together!

And please, don't be fooled, she did not just recolor the same mini 5 times! There are unique items in each, and I can really appreciate that! Thank you Crystal! Don't forget, this is on sale, big time! Like 50%!! Get it this weekend, while you can! And hey, if zebra stripes just aren't your thing, there's a lot more awesomeness to choose from!

Yesterday I stayed busy with FUN chats and speed scraps and there are more today! GingerScraps has a lot going on if you need something to do. I've been so inspired by the new goodies and super challenges, they can be found here. There are two speed scraps today - one at 3 pm central and one at 8 pm central, come join the fun!
Ok, ok, onto the RAK right?! You do know what a RAK is right? No, not a hat rack, not a chest rack, nope, not a deer rack...It's ok to say no :) When I started in the digiland I had to Google it...in case you don't know I'll save you the trouble and just tell you: RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS! Basically it means YAY! You might get something FREE! :)
I love learning little random facts about the designers I follow and love, don't you? Did you know even designers have favorite designers?! This is your chance to guess who Crystal's favorite designer is! Just comment with your guess and tomorrow morning someone will win $10 to her store!!

Friday Entree DSD Edition, Sale, Freebie & More!

2011-11-04T00:04:00.001-04:00

It's that time of year again....the digi-scrapper's black Friday lol. I just LOVE DSD! There are lots of items that I have on my wish lists that I hope to purchase this weekend. I hope everyone has a great time with all of the festivities in digiland!

I have something new for you to celebrate DSD...my first ever Grab Bag!! I don't know about your neck of the woods...but in the south the new craze is zebra stripes, especially with the tween/teen girls. All three of my nieces are crazy about them. I created a grab bag dedicated to all those zebra stripe lovers out there...young and old.

The "Zig Zag Zebra DSD Grab Bag" contains 5 mini-kits in black & white, lime, pink, purple and teal. Each mini-kit contains 8 papers and 20 elements that can be mixed-n-matched to create a variety of fabulous layouts. Full reveal is in the store images. You get all 5 mini-kits for $5.00 this weekend only! After DSD weekend the grab bag will be split up and placed in my store at regular price. Don't miss out on this one!!

By: Me (Crystal)

By: Heather

By: Gina

By: Conny

By: Shauna

By: Bethany

By: Judy-GingerScraps CT

Also, everything in my store is 40% this weekend (Nov. 4-6). The grab bag is not included but that is because it's already 50% off and I didn't think you'd want to go back down to 40% lol. Not only is my store 40% off but the entire GingerScraps store is 40% off and we have lots of exciting festivities taking place this weekend so make sure to stop in the forums and check it out!

Also, I'm hosting my very first challenge at GS this month and it's a template challenge. I would love for you to join me! It's Nov. 1-15 in the forum.

I also have several other things going on during DSD weekend! Get spotted wearing my blinky in the GingerScraps forum and you might just get RAK'd! I will also be posting random coupons on my Facebook Fan Page throughout the weekend so keep your eyes open for that! I will also have a contest going on my blog on Saturday so be sure to check back!

And last, but certainly not least...if you've stayed with me through this long post you deserve a freebie! I have created a paper pack for you that is an add-on to the Zig Zag Zebra DSD Grab Bag. It incorporates all the colors together. Enjoy!

Friday Entree: 2 New Releases & Freebie!

2011-10-28T00:01:00.003-04:00

It's Friday! And I have TWO new releases for you this week. First up is a template set based on the layouts of Sugar Pie Chef Jessica. "Scrap Like Sugar Pie Chef Jessica Vol. 1" is the first in a template series I will be doing based on my CT's layouts.

Up next is a very versatile kit with bright, bold colors....Flower Power! Buy the bundle and save!! You get the full kit and the stacked papers for one low price!!

As always new releases are 25% off thru Sunday!

I picked 2 winners from Wednesday's Appetizer post! And the lucky winners are..........

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2011-10-28 02:01:32 UTC

Congratulations Connie & Kim K please contact me at sugarpiescraps at yahoo.com and let me know if you would rather have the kit or the template set. I will then send you the coupon code!

And last but not least. I hope you enjoy your freebie!

2011-10-27T06:35:00.002-04:00

Hi all! Gina again, I'm back with another 5 Star Rating! This week I found this super silly layout created by Lisa! She used Sugar Pie's So Silly kit and Sugar Pie's Scrap Like Crystal Volume 2 templates. I love the funky slant on the layout, it is so fun and perfect for a funny photo. Speaking of funny photo - look at that huge thing! I love how Lisa treated the photo so that it remains the focus of the layout without taking away from the fun elements and great quote. Awesome job Lisa! Why don't you go to Lisa's gallery and leave her some love too?! Someone will be back next Thursday with another 5 star rating so in the meantime go upload your Sugar Pie layouts to the Sugar Pie Scraps Gallery!!

Come back tomorrow to check out two great new releases!

Wednesday Appetizer: 2 Chances to Win!!

2011-10-26T14:26:00.000-04:00

It's Wednesday and I have two sneak peeks for you today. I have a new template set and a new kit releasing at GingerScraps Friday and you have a chance to win them! I will choose one winner for the template set and one winner for the kit. Please specify in your comment which you would prefer to win. Check back on Friday for the full reveal and the winner! Leave your comment below!

Friday Entree: Scrap Like Crystal Vol. 2

2011-10-21T09:23:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday everyone! I have a brand new template set for you this week! It's the 2nd in my Scrap Like Crystal series. Grab it for 20% off thru Sunday!!

The winner from Wednesday's Appetizer is...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2011-10-21 13:20:16 UTC

Congratulations Daydreamer!! Please e-mail me at sugarpiescraps at yahoo.com to request your coupon code!

Thursday Five Star Rating!

2011-10-20T05:46:00.008-04:00

Hey all, Gina here, proud to be a Sugar Pie Chef and it’s Thursday, time for a five star rating! I really had fun browsing Sugar Pie Scraps GingerScrap gallery, there are so many great layouts there! But this one by jengscraps (Jen) especially caught my eye. I LOVE the huge double heart cut out and use of patterned paper. And of course that precious baby face!! So cute! Jen used Sugar Pie’s This Is Why I Scrap, a perfect kit for scrapping about scrapping! It’s pretty obvious that this adorable baby is the reason Jen scraps, make sure to go to her gallery to see some great layouts and leave her some love.

I’ll be back again next Thursday for another 5 star rating so get your layouts in the Sugar Pie Scraps gallery, I can’t wait to see them!

Wednesday Appetizer: Chance to Win!

2011-10-19T15:38:00.001-04:00

It's Wednesday...and that means it's time for a little appetizer! I have a brand new template set releasing at GingerScraps on Friday and here is a little peek at it.

Would you like a chance to win? If so, leave a comment below and I will announce the winner on Friday! Good luck!

**Also, I'm looking for wahoolady that won last week's new release. I can't find an e-mail address for you so please contact me to get your coupon! sugarpiescraps at yahoo.com.**

Friday Entree: New Release-This Is Why I Scrap & Freebie

2011-10-14T09:35:00.002-04:00

It's Friday! You know what that means...it's time for a new release! I am really excited about this week's release. The kit is called "This Is Why I Scrap". I Scrap because I want to preserve memories. There are so many things that my son (now 3) does and says that are so funny and precious. I want to be able to remember them...so I scrap them. Buy the bundle and save!!! Remember all new releases are 25% off thru Sunday!

The winner of the kit from Wednesday's Appetizer post is....

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2011-10-14 13:36:32 UTC

Congratulations wahoolady! I will be e-mailing you your coupon code!

And...here's your freebie! Enjoy!

Thursday 5 Star Rating

2011-10-13T00:01:00.003-04:00

On Thursdays I or one of my CT members will be browsing thru the Sugar Pie Scraps gallery at GingerScraps and picking out a layout that we feel deserves a 5 Star Rating. Today I have chosen You are my Sunshine by MamaCake (Gina). I absolutely love the large blended photo in the background and the clustered photo in the bottom corner. This layout was created using the "My Happiness" kit. Gorgeous page Gina! Make sure to leave her some love in the gallery.

Wednesday Appetizer! Chance to Win!

2011-10-12T12:34:00.000-04:00

It's Wednesday...and that means it's time for a little appetizer! I have a brand new kit releasing at GingerScraps on Friday and here is a little peek at it.

Would you like a chance to win? If so, leave a comment below and I will announce the winner on Friday! Good luck!

New Release: The Silver Lining & Freebie

2011-09-30T00:51:00.000-04:00

Every cloud has a silver lining, but it's not always easy to find it. I created "The Silver Lining" as a tribute to my pastor and his faith in God. He was recently diagnosed with bone cancer and his wife is battling cancer as well. He is one of the strongest people I know and his faith inspires me. Purchase between now and Monday and save 25%!

Buy the bundle and save!!!

Since the kit was made in honor of my pastor, I also scrapped a layout about him.

And here's your freebie created by Sugar Pie Chef Charlie...Enjoy!

New: So Silly & Freebie

2011-09-23T09:39:00.002-04:00

Do you have a silly billy around your hosue? If so, this is the perfect kit for you! So Silly is perfect for scrapping about all of those silly things children do and say. Grab the bundle and save! All parts are 25% thru September 26th!

I had to use this kit to scrap these photos of my son at Disney World. He had so much fun getting all of the characters' autographs!

Last but not least.....here's your freebie! It's two cluster frames created especially for you by me. Enjoy!

New Release, CT Announcement & Freebie!

2011-09-19T20:19:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone! I'm sorry I am incredibly late with Friday's new release but I had a LOT of homework to get done over the weekend. In case you're not aware, I've started back to college to get my teaching degree so I have been extremely busy lol. So....because of my lateness I am offering everyone a coupon code so that you will still be able to get 25% off my new release from Friday. The offer is good thru the 21st.

At checkout:
If you would like to purchase the kit alone use coupon code: sorrySPS-SLACK25
For just the clusters and word art use coupon code: sorrySPSSLACK25C and if you wish to purchase the bundle, use coupon code: sorrySPSSLACK25B

Now...I guess you'd like to see the new release huh? Here it is!

I also have two RE-RELEASES this week. The first is a collab I did with Spinky Dink Scraps called Num Nums. The second is a collab I did with Connie Prince called Build, Destroy, Repeat.

I had an AMAZING response for my CT call! There were so many wonderful applications that it was very difficult to choose. I ended up picking more than I originally planned. If you didn't make it this time please apply again in the future! Congrats to the new Sugar Pie Chefs!

And....last but not least here's your freebie! It's five papers that coordinate perfectly with my new release "Now We Have Everything". Enjoy!

Sugar Pie Scraps CT Call: Layout Artists, Bloggers & Freebie Maker

2011-09-06T23:05:00.001-04:00

It's that time! I am needing a few layout artists, bloggers and freebie makers! If you love my products and would love to be a "Sugar Pie Chef" now is your chance!

CT Call

Have you heard? I am now an exclusive designer at GingerScraps! I am super excited to be a GingerBread
Lady, but now I need to add a few new Chefs to my team! I need a few layout artists, bloggers & a freebie maker.

CT Requirements

-1 layout with each new release & post at GS, DST and one other gallery of your choice.
-Check into the CT forum at least twice per week.
-Keep CT forum discussions confidential.
-Try to be active in the GingerScraps forum.
-Participate in one challenge per month.

Blog Team Requirements

-1 blog post per week on your day.
-Advertise blog post at GS, DST & DSA.
-Participate in CT forum discussions.

Freebie Maker

-Create freebies with my products my blog and/or newsletter
-Advertise freebie at GS, DST & DSA.
-Participate in CT forum discussions.

Please send your name, username, teams you are on, the position you are applying for & a link to your best gallery to: sugarpiescraps at yahoo . com

Receive full access to my products!

Applications due by 9/13

Announcement will be made on 9/16

Scrap Like Crystal Templates & Sale

2011-09-02T14:27:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone! I created a template set this week based off of some layouts I have done. So...now you can scrap like me! Grab them now at 30% off!

Creative Inspiration from the Sugar Pie Chefs & the GingerScraps CT

And....I have a little announcement to make!

Don't forget about my retiring products that are on sale now! I have several products that I will not be taking with me to GingerScraps when my Polk Dot Plum store closes on September 7th. Just head over to my PDP store and look for the kits that say (Retiring 9/7) in the title.

New Release, Announcement, Sale, Freebie

2011-08-26T00:32:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone! I am so excited about the new kit I have for you this week. It is by far my favorite kit to date! The title of the kit is My Happiness. I love how well the colors go together. My CT really fell in love with this kit because you can use it for so many different layouts. I really hope you love it too! Grab it now while it's 25% off!

Need a little help getting started on your layout? Grab these Stacked Papers to help jump start things!

Add an extra special touch to your layouts with this Word Art pack!

So...I know what you're thinking...I'd like to have all of those but I don't want to spend that much money. So I've put together a Bundle just for you. Grab all 3 parts at one low price and SAVE!!

I couldn't leave out the gorgeous inspiration from my personal CT, the GS CT and the PDP CT.

I also have an announcement to make...I enjoyed my guest month at GingerScraps so much that I have decided to stay on as a permanent designer there! I'm so excited to be a part of the GS team! Unfortunately, this means I will be leaving Polka Dot Plum. I really LOVE the Plum but I can only manage one store at the moment and I have to do what's best for me. I have some retiring products that will not be going with me to GS so grab them on sale before they're gone forever! I will be closing my PDP shop on September 7th. After that, they will be gone for good! Just head over to my PDP store and look for the kits that say (Retiring 9/7) in the title.

And....last but not least...here's your freebie! It's an add-on for my new My Happiness kit. Click the image to download. I hope you enjoy it!

New Release: Let's Get To Work!!

2011-08-19T09:13:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone! I have a brand new release for you this week! Let's Get To Work is exclusive to my guest spot at GingerScraps.

Let's Get To Work! Does your little one love Handy Manny? If so, this is the perfect kit for you! The kit contains 12 papers and 40 elements. With bright colors and fun elements this kit is sure to bring lots of scrapping fun! Grab it this week for 25% off!

CT Inspiration:

I also have two re-releases this week that can be purchased at GingerScraps at 25% off! Grab them at this deal while you can!

Bubbling Fun

I created this kit in honor of my son who LOVES bubbles! He loves blowing bubbles and playing with his bubble gun. I think bubbles can be fun for us adults too!

Father of the Year

Purchase Father of the Year this week at 25% off and get the Add-On Pack for FREE! Now that's a SWEET deal right??

ScrapMatters Birthday Blog Train Freebie

2011-08-06T10:45:00.001-04:00

ScrapMatters is FOUR!! And we're celebrating!!!

And now what you've been waiting for...your freebie! I hope you enjoy this quickpage freebie created by me using the new ScrapMatters Design Team Collab "Garden Party". Click image to download.

Make sure to stop at every stop along the way because...there's a BONUS! While riding the ScrapMatters 4th Birthday Blog Train, take a moment to check your downloads for a BONUS photo puzzle piece. There are 10 pieces total and when you find all 10, you can complete the puzzle, upload it to your favorite photo hosting site and send a link via PM to Kat through the ScrapMatters forum. All completed photo puzzles must be received by August 8th.

Here is the complete list of stops. Enjoy the ride!!!

1. Scrapmatters.com blog: http://scrapmatters.com/wordpress/

2. Andrea: http://andilynndesigns.com/

3. Wendy: http://wendys-craftycreations.blogspot.com/
4. Val: http://geniabeanascraps.com/
5. Mary: http://plumdumplingdesign.blogspot.com/
6. Jaime: http://simplyjstudio.blogspot.com/
7. Jenn: http://www.confessionsofadigitalscrapper.com/
8. Amber: http://stolenmomentsdesign.blogspot.com/
9. Angie: http://downthisroaddesigns.blogspot.com/
10. Tanya: http://crossbonecuts.blogspot.com/
11. Erica: http://ericazane.blogspot.com/
12. Krisi: http://krisiskreations.blogspot.com/
13. Steph.designs: http://lesdigisdesteph.blogspot.com/
14. Lina: http://ldragdesigns.blogspot.com/
15. Ana: http://sugaryfancy.com/blog/
16. Jenn H: http://truebluestudio.blogspot.com/
17. Elise: http://www.elisespieces.com/
18: Amy: http://justus-mylifeinpictures.blogspot.com/
19: Cheri: http://dreambigdigi.blogspot.com/
20. Christina: http://www.wimpychompers.com/
21. Yari/Jady Day Studio: http://www.jadydaystudio.com/
22. Kimbytx: http://kimbytx.blogspot.com/
23: Calliclaire: http://www.calliclaire.blogspot.com/
24: KimB: http://kimbsdesigns.blogspot.com/
25. Jenn http://www.thetypativescrapper.blogspot.com/
26. Fran http://franscraps.blogspot.com/
27. Ophelia http://www.navaja77digiscraprealm.blogspot.com/
28. Amanda http://mhkscraps.blogspot.com/
29. Heidi http://myfamilyscrappings.blogspot.com/
30. Fiona http://mydigaddiction.blogspot.com/
31. Kendall http://majorscrapitude.blogspot.com/
32. Neverland Scraps http://neverlandscraps.blogspot.com/
33. Heather K http://createdbyheather.blogspot.com/
34. Manda http://sankostudio.blogspot.com/
35. Melissa http://yzerbear.blogspot.com/
36. Trista http://tristaree.com/
37. Annisa http://themeyersfamilystory.blogspot.com/
38.Chel: http://scrappingchelcreations.wordpress.com/
39. Melanie: http://live-capture-create.blogspot.com/
40. Heather W: http://heatherw25.blogspot.com/
41. Sharon: http://quietangelsb.blogspot.com/
42. Amy: http://melniczenkomusings.blogspot.com/
43. Cathy: http://scrappycath.blogspot.com/
44. Kat: http://katdesigned.blogspot.com/
45. Becca A: http://www.beccas-paper-view.blogspot.com/
46. Crystal: http://www.sugarpiescrapping.blogspot.com/ <<<-----YOU ARE HERE
47. Day: http://digiinspirations.com/blog/

New Kit, Guest Spot & Freebie!!

2011-08-01T10:04:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! So sorry I've been MIA for a while. I got busy with some things in real life and haven't had any designing mojo. I recently started doing some photography so I was inspired to do a kit about that. Click contains 35 elements, 12 papers & 1 alpha. You can get Click exclusively at GingerScraps...which is where I am the August Guest Designer Yay!!!! Check out my bio here and my store here. I will be adding more items to my store throughout the month!

I also have this matching wordart freebie for you to enjoy! Click image to download.

Totally random

2011-07-18T17:27:00.000-04:00

Good evening everyone, Kara here, I know it's been a few days since a blog post has been made, and I apologize for that. I assure you Crystal will have some news for everyone soon! So, is everyone keeping cool? It's a hot one here in Ohio today, we finally have gotten some rain, but nothing like what we need? Our poor farmers here are having it bad, their crops are fried, and it's not looking good at all! My grass is so brown, and my poor flowers, they just are not surviving. How's the weather your way? Too much rain, not enough rain? Have any pics ya wanna share? We'd like to see anything you'd like to share! Well, that's all for today, but like I said Crystal does have some news coming soon so keep checking back, you won't be disappointed :)

Man It Is HOT!

2011-06-14T07:29:00.000-04:00

Living in the South you expect hot temperatures...but not this hot this early in the year! We have been sweltering for the past several weeks and there is no end in sight. So what does your family do to beat the heat? My nephew has a kiddie pool that he loves, my daughter and I just stay in the AC, and my husband loves ice cream.

Hopefully the weather will ease some...but then again I should not complain. We are very lucky to have avoided all the severe storms that have occurred recently. But then again asking for suggestions is not complaining...technically:)

So share your beat the heat secrets...trust me I need them!

New Release: At the Car Wash & Chance to Win!!

2011-06-08T11:43:00.001-04:00

I have another new release this week called "At the Car Wash". I had so much fun making this kit! I drew all of the themed elements myself...so I was pretty excited about that. My CT and the Sugar Plums made some FANTASTIC layouts that showcase just how versatile the kit is. I hope you like it!

Visit DST for your chance to win it!!!

**CT/Sugar Plum Inspiration**

Bubbling Fun Quickpage

2011-06-03T22:12:00.002-04:00

Just a real quick note before Friday comes to an end. I wanted to share a quickpage I made with Crystal’s new kit, Bubbling Fun. Here is the kit preview. It’s available at Polka Dot Plum.

Here is the quickpage I made for you. Enjoy!

New Release:Bubbling Fun!!

2011-06-01T08:58:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone! It's been a while since I had a new release but I am thrilled to be back in business. For those of you who don't know I lost my full time job on May 2nd and now I'm a SAHM. It took me a while to get adjusted and I lost my designing mojo there for a while....but thankfully it's back in full force!

Today I have a new kit for you called "Bubbling Fun". I don't know about your kids...but my son LOVES to play with bubbles. I think he would blow bubbles all day if we let him. So in honor of him and a request from a CT member I created this bright, fun kit about bubbles. It's also versatile enough to be used for non-bubble layouts as well. I hope you love it as much as the CT did!

**CREATIVE INSPIRATION**

I also have a new "Summer Templates" set that is part of the June Plum Pickins. I hope you like it!

PDP Challenges

2011-05-16T02:00:00.000-04:00

Casey here to share a confession...so maybe I don't usually do a lot of site challenges. But I decided to check out what was going on this month at PDP. I am glad I did. Thus far I have three challenges under my digi-belt and am having a great time. For instance, I was able to pick up a great template and complete a layout in no time thanks to the Template Challenge and Crystal's Plum Pickins' Beautiful Papers and Elements.

Take a look at the layout and the papers and elements...

Be sure to check out the challenge area of the forum, stock up on Sugar Pie goodies, and join in the challenge fun!

Num Nums Quickpage

2011-05-13T20:56:00.002-04:00

Crystal recently re-released an oldie but a goodie. It’s a collaboration with Spinky Dink Scraps called Num Nums. This is a great kit for scrapping all those pictures you have of your little ones trying new foods.

To help you get started, I’ve made a quickpage.

I love fonts!

2011-05-10T01:00:00.029-04:00

Happy Tuesday friends, Kara here with today's randomness. I am a font junkie, I have probably over 200 + fonts on my laptop. The free fonts are what I love the most, although I do buy some at times too. Right now my current favorite font is called Pea Kara Cornejo. You can get this and many other fonts at kevin and amanda .com. I like Pea Kara Cornejo not just because it has my name..but it's just a fun font. So, tell me what is your favorite font, I am always looking for new ones :)

iNSANE iNSD

2011-05-09T09:13:00.000-04:00

Good Morning! Casey here and...I survived iNSD...and it was a blast! Oh the sales, the fun, the lack of sleep, and the deals!! There were lots of great kits, templates, grab bags and more available for relatively cheap and I got my fair share. For Mother's Day my husband told me to get what I wanted. He knows how much I enjoy scrapping and he loves to look at my pages too. He is so supportive of me...I am too blessed. Then came Mother's Day and it was wonderful! Sleeping in, pancake breakfast (prepared by the Wonderful Hubby), and then all sorts of fun and snuggling with the baby.

One thing that I wanted to share this morning is a recipe for Chocolate Pound Cake...I tried this and it is rather yummy!!

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 cups margarine, melted

3 cups white sugar

1 cup milk

5 eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 can Duncan Hines Icing

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Thoroughly grease a 10-inch fluted tube pan. Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a bowl until thoroughly combined.

In a large bowl, mix the melted margarine, sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract; beat the flour mixture into the margarine mixture with an electric mixer set on Low until the batter is smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.

Bake in the preheated oven until the top of the cake forms a crust and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Cool cake in pan on wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes before removing pan, then allow cake to cool completely.

Ice with Duncan Hines Chocolate icing

Notice there is a slice taken out of it...even before I could get it iced;)

ScrapMatters iNSD Blog Train Freebie!

2011-05-07T11:00:00.005-04:00

Welcome to stop #47...that's right, I said 47! There are 49 stops in all!! I am so excited to be participating in my first ScrapMatters blog train! I hope you enjoy this stacked paper freebie I made for you using the gorgeous new kit "Timeless" by the ScrapMatters design team.

Click here to download. **link expired**

Make sure you follow the entire train for lots of fabulous goodies!! If you get lost you can always go back to the ScrapMatters blog. Have a happy iNSD weekend!!

1. Scrapmatters.com blog: http://scrapmatters.com/wordpress/

2. WM[squared] - Wendy: http://wendys-craftycreations.blogspot.com/
3. Krisi's Kreations - Krisi: http://krisis-kreations.blogspot.com/
4. Band Geek Designs- Liz: http://bandgeekdesigns.wordpress.com/
5. Jady Day Studio - Yari: http://jadydaystudio.blogspot.com/
6. Jennifer Labre Designs - Jenn: http://www.confessionsofadigitalscrapper.com/
7. Wyld Web Designs - http://wyldwebdesigns.com/wordpress/
8. Chelle's Creations - http://chelles-creations.blogspot.com/
9. Stolen Moments - http://stolenmomentsdesign.blogspot.com/
10. Haynay Designs - http://www.haynay.blogspot.com/
11. Plum Dumpling Designs - http://plumdumplingdesigns.blogspot.com/
12. Jeanine DeOre Design Studio - http://jeaninedesigns.com/
13. Inspirations from Day - http://www.digiinspirations.com/blog/
14. geniaBeana Scraps - http://geniabeanascraps.blogspot.com/
15. Wimpychompers Creations- http://www.wimpychompers.com/
16. Simply J Studio - http://simplyjstudio.blogspot.com/
17. Erica Zane - http://zane-escraps.blogspot.com/
18. Scrapmuss Designs http://scrapmuss.ru/
19. Graham Like the Cracker http://gltcblog.wyldgrahamcrackers.com/
20. Kimbytx- http://kimbytx.blogspot.com/
21. jubeejewels - http://jewelleslayouts.blogspot.com/
22. TanyaH666 - http://crossbonecuts.blogspot.com/
23. Kat http://katdesigned.blogspot.com/
24. Heidi (scrappurple): http://myfamilyscrappings.blogspot.com/
25. Jenn (jk703) - http://thetypativescrapper.blogspot.com/
26. Cami (camijo) http://camijoscraps.blogspot.com/
27. Jen (jendavey) http://thedaveydaily.blogspot.com/
28. Fran (Fran98765) http://franscraps.blogspot.com/
29. Melanie (scrappymelly) http://scrappymelly.blogspot.com/
30. Heather (snowdrop) http://heatherw25.blogspot.com/
31. Cheryl (gonewiththewind) http://cherylisadomesticgoddess.blogspot.com/
32. Fiona (canadianmommy) http://mydigaddiction.blogspot.com/
33.Amanda (abhall76) http://mandasmemories.blogspot.com/
34 Fonnetta (fonnetta) http://www.icedlatteprincess.blogspot.com/
35. La'Shawn (shawnbear) http://the3cbears.blogspot.com/
36. Ami (steami) http://ofnofixedaddresscards.blogspot.com/
37. Sarah (sporte91) - http://growingupsharp.blogspot.com/
38. Cara (colson) - http://caraolsondesigns.blogspot.com/
39. Sharon (quietangelsb)- http://quietangelsb.blogspot.com/
40. Kairyn (Kairyn Lisa) - http://kairynlisadesigns.blogspot.com/
41. Cathy (scrappycath) - http://scrappycath.blogspot.com/
42. Chel (Chel) - http://scrappingchelcreations.wordpress.com/
43. Kayla (keepscrappin) - http://www.keepscrappin.blogspot.com/
44. Annisa (lionsimba) - http://www.themeyersfamilystory.blogspot.com/
45. Kelli (kellig) - http://adayinthelife-golden.blogspot.com/
46. LeAnn (scaccogirl) - http://scaccofamily.blogspot.com/
47. Crystal (Sugar Pie Scraps) - http://www.sugarpiescrapping.blogspot.com/ <----YOU ARE HERE
48. Amanda (dznyscrapper) - http://mhkscraps.blogspot.com/
49. Down This Road Designs (Angie) - http://www.downthisroaddesigns.blogspot.com/

Father of the Year freebie

2011-05-06T21:02:00.002-04:00

In honor of Crystal’s design-a-versary, she let everyone pick the kit she was going to make. Father of the Year is the result.

Before I get to your freebie, I wanted to make sure you knew about the sale at Polka Dot Plum for iNSD.

And now for your freebie. I’ve made a quick page for you from Crystal’s Father of the Year kit. Click on the link for the direct download.

New Release: Father of the Year & Cluster Frame Freebie!!

2011-05-03T23:45:00.000-04:00

On my 1 year designiversary I held a poll on my blog to vote for the swatch and theme of my designiversary kit. This kit is a direct result of those votes! The theme was Fathers and Sons but I chose to also add in a few word arts for grandpas and daughters as well to make the kit more versatile. My son LOVES his Daddy so I had to scrap with this kit myself.

Today thru Thursday, if you purchase the "Father of the Year", the add-on is free!! No need to add it to your cart, it will be included in the downloads when you purchase the kit. Sweet right??

If you haven't already heard, Polka Dot Plum will be having some AWESOME guest designers from now until December! May we are starting out with Spinky Dink Scraps and Laura Banasiak!!! Make sure to check out their stores at PDP during the month of May!!

Sugar Pie Chef Lorianne put together this cluster frame freebie just for you!! Click photo to download. Enjoy!

Tuesday Randomness

2011-05-03T07:51:00.000-04:00

Hello all, Kara here, the new blog gal for SPS!!Today I will like to let everyone know (if you already don't know) that May is Cystic Fibrosis awareness month. CF is a big deal to me, as I am living with this disease. So this month I am doing all I can to make people aware of this life threatening disease. I linked you up to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation website so you can read all about CF. Now I am going to post some facts about CF.

Are you aware that every single day a baby is born with Cystic Fibrosis? 1 in every 3000 live births is diagnosed with CF. Are you aware also that every single day a person with CF dies? Is that ok with you?

Are you aware that CF is the most common, deadly, genetic killer of children and young adults, attributing to 484 deaths per year, 40 per month, 9 deaths per week, and one death each and every day?

Are you aware that a median predicted age for someone diagnosed with CF is mid 30’s? Is that a long enough life to you?

Are you aware that if you are in a room of 100 people, statistically there will be 5 symptomless, unknowing carriers for this devastating disease? That’s more than 12 million Americans.

CF is not a faceless disease.

I lost my brother to this disease almost 5 years ago, and since then I am doing all I can to make people aware, this is not a disease to take lightly. I fight daily to live, I end up in the hospital about every 2 months. I have had surgeries to save my life, and have had many close calls to death. So please take a few minutes out of your day to read about CF. Also, purple is the color for CF (my favorite color) all this month I am trying to wear purple in some way to show my support. I wear purple silly bands daily, my nails are painted purple, and I am hoping to get purple extentions in my hair soon. I'd love to see a picture of you showing your support, so post us a pic of you wearing purple in some way. I hope everyone has a great day!

Kara

[inter]National Scrapbook Day Sale

2011-05-02T09:58:00.001-04:00

Hey everyone! Casey popping by to make sure you are aware that May 7th is [inter]National Scrapbook Day! Every year when this special day rolls around there are tons of sales that we scrapbookers have to take advantage of. The best one that I have seen yet is Persnickety Prints offer! Take a look at the details show in their add below. They are also doing giveaways and have a free kit for us to enjoy!! So be on the look out for great sales and happenings around digiland! By the way I have used Persnickety in the past and they are awesome!!

Friday Quick Page

2011-04-29T14:03:00.000-04:00

Since my last freebie was very girlie, I thought I’d offer something very boyish this week. Crystal’s kit, In a Boy’s World definitely fits the bill.

I’ve created a quickpage for you. I hope you enjoy it. Click the preview to download.

A Total Standout!

2011-04-28T22:16:00.002-04:00

The GSO (gallery standout) I'm sharing with you today was seriously a "no contest" LO (layout). It really is outstanding in every possible way. Not much else left to say about it really. So, my congratulations to Cardinalskate on her LO entitled Thoreau. Now, without further ado:

Don't forget to click on the LO to head on over to the gallery to leave this GSO some love!

Get Scrappin',
Tobi-Dawne.

Monday Miscellany, Sharing Seger

2011-04-25T10:19:00.000-04:00

Good morning everyone, Casey here and I am running late with this post. So when I thought about a quick post that would actually be something that I wanted to write about I immediately thought about music. My husband treated me to the best concert every on Saturday...Bob Seger! It was my first time seeing him live and it was AWESOME!!!

So just in case some of you have never heard of him I wanted to share a few of my favorites so you can be exposed to great, old school, Heartland rock and roll! My ultimate favorite is Against the Wind. Below is a link to You Tube that has the audio...there is no video...the song pre-dates slick music videos, and MTV. Some other favorites are Old Time Rock and Roll, Chances Are (from the movie Hope Floats...duet with Martina McBride), and a more recent tune Wait for Me (with a real music video).

I encourage you to take a listen...and see if you are like me and love some Seger;) I hope you have enjoyed Miscellaneous Monday!! Oh and I am sure that there will be some LOs dedicated to the concert...be sure to let your music find a way in to your scraps too:)

Monday Mayhem...Pandora

2011-04-18T01:00:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! Casey here to share something totally non-scrapbook related. I am now blessed with DSL Internet. We had previously used satelite Internet. The satelite service had several restrictions most annoying of which was upload and download limits per day. I was forever breaking the quota and being put in the 'Internet penalty box'. No more!!

With this new found Internet freedom I am loving YouTube, E-How and Pandora radio. Today I want to share about Pandora. This is the best thing sine sliced bread! Being a music lover and having rather eclectic taste this website is right up my alley. The premise behind Pandora is that it is trainable radio. In other words you can teach your personalized station what kind of music you prefer and it plays only those songs that fit your profile. Training is so easy you wither give a song a thumbs up or down. You are allowed a certain number of skips per session and there are details about each artist and song available. So I may hear Bob Seger, AC/DC, Steve Miller, Bad Company, or The Four Tops...at any given moment;)

For me this is so much fun...especially while scrapping! So check it out...it is free, fun, and easy-peasy:)

1 Year Designiversary Blog Train Freebie & Sale!!!

2011-04-14T23:00:00.001-04:00

Today is my 1 Year Designiversary!! I am so excited and I have a lot of fun things planned for this weekend!! First of all, the voting has closed for choosing the theme of my Designiversary kit and the winning theme is..."Fathers and Sons". I am really excited to get started on this kit!! I hope to have it ready by April 27th!

Join me tonight at 9 pm EST in the Polka Dot Plum chat room for fun, games & prizes!! Also, my entire store is 40% off Friday-Sunday!! Wear my blinky in the PDP forum and you might just get RAK'd by my CT! We're having Bingo...or as we like to call it SPSGO in the PDP chat room on Sunday. I hope you can join us for all of the fun!!

And now...to kick things off my CT has made some fabulous goodies for you in celebration of my designiversary! I am hosting the freebie made by Lorianne. Click image to download. Enjoy!

Make sure you visit all of the other stops on the blog train to pick up all the goodies!!

Sugar Pie Scraps <--YOU ARE HERE

Sugar Pie Chef Bobbie

Sugar Pie Guest Chef Kate
Sugar Pie Chef Blogger Casey
Sugar Pie Chef Mira
Sugar Pie Chef Jessica

Sugar Pie Chef Becky

Can't "Overlook" this GSO!

2011-04-14T01:00:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone! It's me, TD. Long time no post. LOL But I'm back at'er, with your weekly Gallery Standout.

My pick this week really is a standout, in every possible way. I absolutely love it! The journalling along the side is fabulous. I love the paper strips running both vertically and horizontally behind the text. I love the fluidity of the layout. Love the clustering behind the photos. And love the use of the circular photo masks. It really is just an all around fabulous LO.

So congratulations to Kimberly (Gypsyk) on her lovely layout entitled "The Overlook". Nice work Kimberly!

The image is linked, so click on it to leave Kimberly a little gallery love. After all, don't we all enjoy a little flattery? :)

New Release & Template Freebie!!

2011-04-13T09:39:00.002-04:00

I am so excited about today's new release, "DYEing for Easter". The main reason I am excited is because I made most of the themed elements myself! Once I started going...I couldn't stop..so this is one HUGE kit! There are 14 papers & 75 elements!!! I have seen a lot of kits for Easter, but none specifically for dyeing eggs....so I made one! I hope you like it!

Don't miss out on all the fun this weekend! April 15th is my 1 Year Designiversary and the CT and I have a lot of fun things planned! We will kick off with a chat on Friday night at 9pm PDP. And don't forget the 40% off sale Friday-Sunday! Get spotted wearing my blinky in the PDP forums Friday-Sunday and you might get RAK'd by my CT!! See the ad below for all of the details!!

And...here is your template freebie. Click to download. Enjoy!

Sneak Peek and Voting Is Still On!!

2011-04-11T01:00:00.004-04:00

Happy Monday everyone! Casey here to share some sunshine! Crystal sure made my morning a bit brighter by allowing me to post this Sneak Peek for your ogling pleasure. All those fresh, bright, Springy colors always make me smile...and smiling is what you are going to be doing on Wednesday when she releases this kit...which is very appropriately themed for a certain Holiday that is fast approaching. (Huge Hint given)

Until Wednesday you will just have to bide your time and maybe enjoy one of the other great products Crystal has waiting for you at her Polka Dot Plum Store. Sugar Pie Scraps is teeming with gorgeous designs that are sure to help you make your memories look wonderful! Oh and don't forget to cast your vote for the theme of SPS' Designiversary kit theme...you can do that here. Take a look at the winning color swatch and the theme choices...have you voted yet? Until next time...Happy Scrapping:)

Winning Swatch Announced...Now Choose the Theme of My Designiversary Kit!

2011-04-08T13:26:00.000-04:00

Wow I was so excited to have so many votes on the color swatch for my Designiversary kit! Thank you so much to everyone that voted! It was close between several, but the overall winning swatch was.....

This was one of my favorites too so I'm super excited! Now that you've chosen the swatch...it's time to choose a theme. I have 5 suggestions below. Please vote for the number of the theme you like best. Please only vote one time. Everyone that votes will receive a discount coupon to purchase the kit when it is released and one lucky person will win the kit! Voting will be open thru Thursday, April 14th. The winning theme will be announced on Friday, April 15th and I will then begin work on the kit!

Let the voting begin!!

Magically Pink Freebie

2011-04-07T10:40:00.001-04:00

Pink. Not a favorite color of mine, but I do like it. Now, my daughter? She’s a pink freak! She has loved this color from a very young age. No shade has gone untouched, light to dark, she loves them all. As she has gotten older, her love for pink has diminished a bit, but only because she wants to be “more grown up”. She deems pink a color for younger girls, not for 16-year olds. When we set out to buy a prom dress this year, she was adamant “NO PINK!” One hour and five dresses later, we left with a gorgeous dress in, you guessed it, PINK!

Once I reviewed the pictures my husband had taken, a layout started forming in my head. I remembered Crystal had a pink kit in the store and set out to use it. I am very happy with how this layout turned out. The selective coloring is perfect to focus on the dress that she so adamantly did not want to be pink, as well as blend with the kit. Here is my final layout.

As a special treat, I have made this layout into a quickpage for you. Click on the preview to download.

Designiversary Celebration!!

2011-04-06T09:56:00.001-04:00

I don't have a new release this week...but I do have some NEWS! April 15th is my 1 Year Designiversary! I am so excited!! The CT and I have a lot of fun things planned so make sure to mark your calendars! You can grab my new fan blinky on the right side of the blog...courtesy of Kat's Creations.

And don't forget to vote in my Customer Choice Designiversary Kit! The winning color swatch will be announced Friday and then it will be time to vote on a theme! Here are the colors. Go HERE to vote for your favorite!

Also, this Friday night (April 8th) is 80's Night at the Plum. Join us for a fun chat, games & prizes!!

Grillin' Season Is Here

2011-04-05T01:00:00.014-04:00

Hi all! Casey here to share something totally not scrapbook related. But hey not everything in life is about scrap-booking...right;) My husband and I are avid grillers so I am always on the lookout for new ideas and recipes to try.

One of my favorite places to eat out is Red Lobster (for those not familiar this is a seafood place that serves all sorts of fish, shellfish, and they also do steaks and pasta). Anyway, I think they have the best shrimp scampi on the planet...so when I found this recipe at Food.com I was so excited. Take a look and just so you know the recipe is rated at 5 out of 5 stars;)

What you Need

1/4 cup light olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup minced garlic
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/2 lbs shrimp

How To Do It

In a medium, non-reactive bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, black pepper and crushed red pepper.
Set aside.
Thread thawed shrimp onto skewers and cover with marinade for 30 minutes.
Preheat grill for high heat.
Grill, brushing occasionally with extra marinade, for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until done.

I cannot wait to give this one a try. If you are a recipe guru leave a comment and link us up to your favorite...I have been needing to expand my culinary repertoire. Oh and you can read all the comments and see photos of the scampi here at Food.com!

Flow...We Made It

2011-04-04T07:35:00.001-04:00

Good morning everyone! We made it...that is we made it through our series on design principles. This is the last post where we will be dealing with Flow (remember our acronym ECBARF). I have enjoyed writing this series and hope that something here has helped you in journey to create layouts that you and your family can treasure for years to come.

OK lets jump right in there. What is flow? Flow is really the combination of emphasis, contrast, balance, alignment, and repetition. It is the concept of all these design theories working together to create a layout that captures the eyes, guides it through your designs and to be honest...pleases the eye. Since we have already touched on each one of the individual theories I thought it might be a good idea to take a layout from the Sugar Pie's PDP Gallery and point out how a layout achieves flow.

Our example is this gem from Ulrikaulrika. When I saw this in the gallery I was very taken with it. But after thinking about it terms of ECBARF it made the concepts mesh together in my mind.

Emphasis: In this layout both the title and photo are emphasized. The size of the photo and the contrasting alpha colors help draw your attention, or emphasizes these 'pieces' of the design. Also note now Ulrikaulrika's element placement draws additional attention to her photo.

Contrast: As mentioned in the emphasis section the contrasting alpha colors help catch your eye and add emphasis...see how these two concepts go hand-in-hand. But that is not the only example of contrast. Notice how the bright blue paper really sets off the design...it pops behind the photo and against the background paper. Don't be afraid of color...sometimes that extra splash is all you need to take a layout from good to AWESOME! Oh and I almost forgot take note of how Ulrikaulrika has combined different fonts for a bit more contrast;)

Balance: Moving on to balance now. This layout is weighted to one side but that does not mean that it cannot be balanced. In fact it is balanced using vertical balance. Even though the photo is a bit wider than the blue paper block note how the orange asterisk element is used to bring the layout back in to balance.

Alignment: When you glance at this layout you immediately notice that for the most part it is center aligned. The journaling, blue paper block, and photo and elements work together to achieve alignment.

Repetition: Ulrikaulrika uses color and shape repetition in this design. Both her photo and paper blocks are rectangular. Her use of stitching on both these peices adds a bit more rectangular shape repetition. She also repeats element types with the buttons 'securing' the photo to the page.

Flow: Lets talk about how the eye flows through this layout and why.

Z-Flow: Ulrikaulrika uses a visual triangle to move your eye through her photo by way of the button elements. This is probably the first thing your eye did when you glanced at the layout. Don't ask me why...just except it and move on;) Seriously everything that I have read says that it is a tendency of the eye to follow the triangle.
Next you probably picked up on the title of the layout...the colors grab your attention (contrast).
Then your eye drifts lower to the journaling.
Alignment and balance help control how the eye roams too...the key parts of this particular design are constructed in such a way to keep you focused.

I hope this discussion helps some and that if you have read all the posts in this series you are a bit more comfortable with your style, design, and are even more psyched about scrapping! I'll be back soon with more tips, tricks, and some great Sneak Peeks;) And don't forget to cast your vote on the Designiversary Kit contest! Here is a quick look at the color swatches you can vote on!

Build, Destroy, Repeat Collab by Sugar Pie Scraps & Connie Prince

Choose the Colors of my Designiversary Kit!

2011-04-01T23:39:00.001-04:00

April 15th is my 1 year Designiversary! I am so excited about all the fun things my CT and I have planned for this month to celebrate. I will be hosting a chat at Polka Dot Plum on April 15th at 9 p.m. EST. There will be a BINGO or as we're calling it, "SPSGO" hosted by my CT member Lorianne at PDP on Sunday April 17th. My CT will be checking the PDP forum April 15-17th and giving RAKs to people caught wearing my blinky. I will be having a sale April 15-17th and I will be creating a kit chosen by you!

From now until April 7th, you can vote for your favorite color swatch from the 6 choices below. Please leave a comment below with the number of the swatch you choose. Please only vote once. On April 8th I will be back to announce the winning color swatch and to give you theme choices. You will then vote on a theme from April 8-15th and then I will announce the winning theme on the 16th. After the color swatch and theme have been chosen I will begin working on the kit and hope to have it ready by the end of April. Everyone that comments will receive a discount code for the kit when it is complete and one lucky winner will get the kit for free!

Here are your color choices. Remember...only vote one time for one swatch. Can't wait to see which one wins!

Spring Renewal - Polka Dot Plum Blog Hop FREEBIE

2011-03-29T23:22:00.001-04:00

As of April 1st I will be an exclusive designer at Polka Dot Plum. I am very excited about being able to concentrate all my energy toward one store. With that being said...what better way to start out than a blog hop! The designers at PDP have put together a Spring Renewal Blog Hop just for you! We hope you enjoy our creations. These free downloads are only available until April 15th, then it will all be packaged up & available for sale at Polka Dot Plum!!

Here is my portion! I have also included a coupon in the download that is good thru April 15th so make sure you check it out too!

Download Here

Make sure to stop at every blog so you don't miss anything. Have fun!

Farynar's Wings
Sweet Tomato Designs
Laughing Sun Designs
Designs by Sweet Mesquite
Sugar Pie Scraps <---YOU'RE HERE
Jumbbumble Designs
Rhonda Sunflower Designs
Tree City Studio
Kat's Creations
Pixie Keepsakes
Lilly Lane Market
Polka Dot Plum Designs

Quick Spring Guest CT Call! Ends April 1st!

2011-03-28T11:36:00.002-04:00

I am having a super quick call for Spring CT Guests. If you would like to apply please do so by April 1st. Good luck! Ad is linked to my store.

Forgot to mention I also need a link to your most complete gallery...oops :)

Saturday Singles at PDP!!

2011-03-26T01:00:00.007-04:00

I am so glad it's the weekend...and with the weekend comes Saturday Singles at PDP! I have two new relelases in the SS category this week. As you know I just released a kit called "Spring is in the Air". These are two add-ons to that kit, one religious and one not. They will be $1 each today at PDP! Make sure you grab them while you can! Also, if you haven't already picked up "Spring is in the Air" you can do so thru Sunday for 20% off! Hope you have an awesome weekend!

Spring Freebie!!

2011-03-25T15:58:00.001-04:00

Hi all! Casey again :) I have some great news I had to drop back by and share...Crystal has a freebie and a special sale she wanted me to share with you! Sugar Pie Chef Guest Mira created a great stacked paper freebie using Spring Is In the Air...take a look at the preview below! You can download here. And to make a freebie even better Spring Is In the Air is on sale through Sunday for 20% off...so why not shop a little and start the weekend off right?

Repetition...Sometimes Repeating Yourself Is A Good Thing

2011-03-25T14:08:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone...Casey back again to pick back up on our design principles blog series. We are now on R of the ECBARF acronym. R stands for repetition. If you are like me you find yourself repeating what you say way too much...whether it is No to the little one or just about anything to the husband I repeat...a lot. While this is rather aggravating in conversations it is a unifying principle in scrapbook design. Repetition of shapes, colors, lines and the like in layouts help provide a cohesive appearance.

There are several ways to incorporate repetition into layouts. You can repeat shapes, colors, elements, and even motif. Take a look at how scrappers have used Sugar Pie Scraps designs to create layouts that use repetition...

Ok lets look at this layout from lnewhouse. Notice how the blue color is repeated numerous times but there are lots of other colors mixed in too to break the repetition up a bit. The blue tone is repeated in the alpha, elements and papers and yet is not overpowering or boring. Notice also how the green button, red paper punch, and blue paper punch are repeated...creating several visual triangles that lead the eye and also provide unity via repetition! What a great layout that showcases Sugar Pie and Connie Prince's great collab Build, Destroy, Repeat.

Moving on to this lovely layout from Bobbie76. Look at how she repeats the purple hues but also adds hints of green so the purples are not overpowering or like we said earlier...boring. She has also used several rectangles providing shape repetition. Check out the five paper rectangles...some are narrow, some are wider. Her ribbons give two more and then three rectangular photos and three rectangular frames. Wow that is a lot of shape repetition but doesn't it look great!! Also check out how she uses the purple flowers...all this works together to create one beautiful finished product!

From purple girlie to bright and boyish! nof007750 also creates awesome layouts that use the design theory of repetition. Take this this one for example. Note her repetition of orange and yellow...the striped paper, blocks and ribbon. There is also shape repetition present...her shape of choice was also the rectangle...her photo, title paper, striped bottom paper, blue background paper, and the green and orange blocks are all examples of shape repetition. The angles are different for some elements but the shape is the same...pretty crafty...muwhahaha!

OK lets talk about one more type of repetition...thematic or motif. This can be achieved by using elements and colors that correspond with the subject you are scrapping. For this lets look at beckyroy's layout Hunter's First Snow. Her photos of the little one out in the snow are awesome and notice how she continues that cold outside theme with the heavy coat, mitten, hat, and snow flake elements. This use of theme or motif is also repetition...not overpowering...but way awesome! She also repeats shapes via her photos and the color scheme repeats the brown and blue tone with splashes of yellow. A beautiful layout that is another great example of repetition and Sugar Pie Scraps awesome products.

To read a more in depth discussion of repetition in design be sure to check out the Digi Files blog. And to see the products used in these layouts and more from Sugar Pie check out her Polka Dot Plum store. Until next time...happy scrapping!

New Release: Spring is in the Air & Quickpage Freebie

2011-03-23T08:46:00.005-04:00

I am so happy that spring is finally here! Today I have a brand new spring themed kit for you called "Spring is in the Air". The kit will be 20% off thru Sunday!

And the winner from the Sneak Peak drawing at DST was CardinalsKate Congrats!! Check your PM at DST for your coupon code!

Here is some creative inspiration from the Sugar Pie Chefs!

Don't forget to visit the Polka Dot Plum store on Saturday for "Saturday Singles". The category won't show up until Saturday and every product in that category will be $1 Saturday only! I will have two add-ons to Spring is in the Air available for $1 each in the Saturday Singles section this Saturday!

And here is your freebie! A quickpage created by my CT member Bobbie. Enjoy!

Download

Sneak Peak & Chance to Win!

2011-03-21T10:41:00.001-04:00

So, it's officially spring and I don't know about you but I couldn't be happier! I love spring...the flowers, birds singing, Easter and warmer weather! So it's no surprise that my new release for this week is a spring theme. I have a sneak peak for you today and the kit will be released on Wednesday. Make sure to visit DST for your chance to win the kit!

Make sure to come back Wednesday for the full reveal and the winner of the kit! Have a great week!

Super Font Finds

2011-03-18T01:00:00.017-04:00

Hi everyone Casey here! I have been super busy the past several days and now my daughter has an ear infection. With that said I am going to take a break from the design series we have been exploring the past several weeks. I will pick it back up next week. So instead of ECBARF lets talk fun...free...fonts!

I love fonts and I love it when I can find them for free! As I browsed the Sugar Pie Scraps gallery at PDP I was taken by the fun and quirky fonts we choose. Fonts are sometimes an overlooked design tool. We think of them simply as a way to title our pages or record our memories as we journal. But the right font or combination of fonts can be a big boost! Take a look at the layouts below and notice how fonts add to them. Under each layout is the name of the font(s) used and links to where you can snag them for free!

Fonts: Oh Photo Shoot and SF Carissa

Layout by Me

Fonts: Luismi Murder; Lovitz

Layout by loridigi

Font: Jailbird Jenna

Layout by Bobbie76

Font – MTF Skinny Jeans

Layout by enu0828

Check out more layouts using Sugar Pie Scraps' products here at the PDP Gallery.

And just because I am in a sharing mood here are three more fonts that I love and find myself using a lot! Underwood Champion is a nice typewriter font that is great for journaling and subtitles. Shark in the Water is another great journaling font that I use a lot...since I found it recently;) And last but not least Impact Label and Impact Label Reversed. I love to use the Reversed when I put captions 'on' photos. It gives texture and makes the words really pop!

Impact Label

So the next time you are looking through galleries take note of fonts, track them down and snag them...remember more often than not they are free! If you have a favorite font leave a comment...we would love to snag your free font find too!!

DSA Fresh Face Designer for March & Mini-Kit Freebie

2011-03-15T10:07:00.000-04:00

I am very thrilled to say that I am the Fresh Face Designer in the March issue of DSA's Enabler which released today! If you would like, you can visit page 22 of the Enabler to download my mini-kit freebie!

New Release & Freebie

2011-03-11T01:24:00.004-05:00

It's finally here! New release time and this week's new release is special to me because I had the honor of teaming up with my favorite designer, Connie Prince to bring you Build, Destroy, Repeat. This kit is bright, fun and kid-friendly. Perfect for scrapping your little ones stacking their blocks, building, and having fun! I love the theme of this one because my son loves to build with the blocks, but his favorite part is the destroying. The kit will be 25% off for the first week. So, enough of my rambling....here is our collab!

My CT had so much fun with this kit. Here is some inspiration from the Sugar Pie Chefs!

And here is some more inspiration from some of Connie's CT members.

Thank you so much for all of your comments on my blog. I used Random.org to choose a winner and the winner is...........

Ana Carol

Congrats Ana! Please send me an e-mail (sugarpiescraps @ yahoo . com) and I will get your coupon code to you.

And now it's freebie time! I actually have 2 freebies for you! One of my CT members, Lorianne created this awesome cluster frame for you to enjoy! Click image to download.

And Blog Team member Casey also made this quickpage freebie. Click the image to download. Enjoy!

After you download these freebies...head over to Connie's blog for another freebie!!!

More exciting news! I will be the Fresh Face Designer in the March issue of DSA's Enabler Newsletter. I am very excited about this opportunity! If you do not already receive the Enabler, make sure you sign up before the 15th. You will get an exclusive mini kit from me!

Sneak Peek...Huge News...and A Chance to Win!!

2011-03-09T01:00:00.037-05:00

**CONTEST CLOSED**

Hi everyone Casey here with huge, ginormous, monstrous news! Crystal has been working with *drum roll please* Connie Prince on a brand new collab! We have to wait until this Friday (3/11) but if the preview is any indication to the awesomeness of this collab it will be well worth the wait!!

Take a look at all those bright colors what a tease this preview is! Anyway for a chance to win this great new kit just leave a comment here and a winner will be chosen this Friday, "The Grand Reveal Day"! Be sure to stop back by to get all the gorgeous details!!

More exciting news!! Sugar Pie Scraps was chosen to be the Fresh Face Designer in the March issue of DSA's Enabler Newsletter!!! Sign up to receive the newsletter before the 15th and you will get an exclusive mini-kit!

Monday Miscellany

2011-03-07T22:19:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone!

Just popping in real quick to share a great site! It’s called Pinterest. I’m sure you’ve probably heard the buzz and it’s definitely worth checking out. It’s kind of like a giant corkboard to pin your favorite stuff too. I use it to keep track of quilts I see online that I especially love. It would be great for sharing your favorite layouts, or keeping track of layouts you might want to scraplift or even those that inspire you. You can make different boards for whatever strikes your fancy. Check it out, you just might get addicted!

Left, Right, Center...whats the big deal about alignement?

2011-03-04T00:06:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone Casey here with another post in the design principles series. This week we are on A. A in the ECBARF acronym stands for alignment. We all know what this means probably. We use it when we type a letter, position trinkets on a shelf, or stack towels in our linen closets. Do we want to align things on the left, right, center or justified? Oh the possibilities. Well in scrapbooking the principles are pretty much the same. Let's dig a little deeper...

Alignment has two primary purposes in scrapbooking: to create order and to create visual connections between elements. When I first read this over at thedailydigi.com I was rather confused. I wondered how alignment choices could create any of these things. I had always thought that alignment was something that only came into play when typing journaling...not placing elements or photos. But after considering the rest of the article it made much more sense.

When thinking about alignment it is helpful to establish a 'hard line'. A 'hard line' is one that is emphasized strongly via your placement of photos, elements, journaling, etc. In my Moments in the Car layout notice that the strongest or most defined line is the one to the left of the large photo. Almost every piece of my layout is matched to that line. While it is the 'strongest' it is not the only alignment line present. Notice how each of the paper blocks are aligned in a grid pattern and how I left aligned my text to correspond with the initial 'hard' line.

OK so establishing a conscious line that you want to emphasize is important when setting up your alignment scheme...but how does alignment create visual connections and order? Here is where we get a little deep. Alignment helps define whitespace. Whitespace is the area or areas of our layouts that are not occupied by photos or elements. So in my layout there is quite a bit of whitespace...it just happens to be white this time;) Now look at the second graphic with the alignment lines shown...see how they almost mark off the whitespace regions...almost like margins on a piece of notebook paper. Thus alignment can help provide structure or order to your design. A neat way to help you get started on this new path toward alignment is to use ruler guides. In PSE you can click on the left or upper ruler and drag guides down...these guides are excellent tools to help you build aligned layouts.

Now how to create visual connections between elements? When elements are arranged with alignment in mind they seem to flow better. In other words the eye follows a path to each piece of the layout. Notice how ScrappinDuck used alignment to unify her layout...although the layout is fun and has a free/scattered look if you look closely you can see the alignment lines...your eye follows left to right first and then settles on the center...the adorable photo. So visual connections were made that pulled you through her design.

There are lots of different alignment types you can use centered, horizontal, vertical, and various combinations. Remember that you can start anywhere on your layout...don't be tempted to always start in the center. Below are a few more examples of layouts that use alignment to create gorgeous unified layouts. Oh and by the way they also use Sugar Pie Scraps' products;)

Scrapper: beckyroy

Layout: 2/16 All About Me

Sugar Pie Scraps' Product: My Love Kit

Scrapper: Kristi8004

Layout: Sledding

Sugar Pie Scraps' Product: Snow Sledding & Sweets Kit

Scrapper: vwesley

Layout: Waiting for Christmas

Sugar Pie Scraps' Product: Glittery Christmas Kit

Scrapper: tomosia

Layout: Loyal

Sugar Pie Scraps' Product: My Love Kit

One caution though...don't be so caught up in trying to use alignment that your design becomes too rigid. It is OK to break alignment when you want...as long as it pleases the eye and makes you happy! Remember that at the end of the day technical designs theory is a good foundation but our main purpose as scrappers is to capture moments...so don't let alignment stress you. Keep scrapping and all these fun things will come...in time and with practice. Here is some homework...browse galleries look at how other scrappers are using alignment and maybe scrap-lift a layout. You might find that incorporating this design principle is easier than you think. For a more in depth discussion of alignment be sure to check out Debbie Hodge's great article over at the dailydigi.com.

This Weeks Gallery Standout!

2011-03-03T22:30:00.002-05:00

Hey Everyone! Tobi-Dawne here with another GSO for ya'll. I'll admit to some difficulty choosing this time. So many absolutely fabulous layouts out there already created using the newest Sugar Pie Scraps kit... it was really tough to pick just one. But I did it. :)

This smashing (and he's hoping it was just smashing, and no crashing) LO is by Shauna (aka tomosia. I loved the layered papers, and the clustering of elements, and all the white space... literally white space. ;) It's just a winning layout, all around.

So, till next week... Keep scrappin'!

New Release: In A Boy's World

2011-03-02T08:54:00.001-05:00

I have a brand new release for you today called "In A Boy's World". I was inspired to create an outdoors type kit because my son LOVES to play outside and he loves to throw sticks in our creek. My creative team was fantastic with suggestions for the kit and I am very happy with how it turned out. I am also very proud because I actually created a lot of the elements in the kit myself. The kit will be on sale at PDP & Scrapable until Monday.

Head over to DST for your chance to win this kit!

St. Patrick's Day Recipe

2011-03-01T11:21:00.004-05:00

Hello again ladies, Kerin here!

Today I have a Irish recipe for you that would be great for St. Patrick's Day!

Roast Leg Of Lamb with Rosemary

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 mins
Ready In: 1 day, 1 hour, & 35 mins
(don't get scared ladies!)

Nutrition:
Calories: 790 | Total Fat: 55.4g | Cholesterol: 224mg
(per serving, recipe yields 6 to 8 servings)

Ingredients:
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons prepared Dijon-style mustard
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 pounds whole leg of lamb
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

Let's Get Cookin':

In a small bowl, combine the honey, mustard, rosemary, ground black pepper, lemon zest & garlic. Mix well & apply to the lamb. Cover & marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
Place lamb on a rack in a roasting pan & sprinkle with salt to taste.
Bake at 450 degrees F (230 degrees C) for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) & roast for 55 to 60 more minutes for medium rare. The internal temperature should be at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C) when taken with a meat thermometer. Let the roast rest for about 10 minutes before carving.

Enjoy!
-Kerin

A GSO in Honor of Dads!

2011-02-24T21:53:00.002-05:00

The Gallery Standout for this week is one that really touched my heart. It's by beckyroy, and she used Sugar Pie Scrap's kit My Love. Not really much to say about this one. Despite the journaling having been X'd out because of it's personal nature, I believe it speaks for itself. Really lovely. Sentimental without being sappy - a hard line to walk.

So congrats! A truly wonderful GSO.

Be sure to click on beckyroy's layout and leave her some gallery love. The image is linked, so one click'll do ya.

And keep posting those layouts. You never know who's will show up here next!

Take care,
Tobi-Dawne.

Find Your Balance

2011-02-23T01:08:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone Casey here. I hope everyone is having a great week and enjoying that today is hump day...now the slow descent to another glorious weekend! Since we normally have a little crafting time on those lovely weekends I thought it was a good idea to go ahead and discuss balance. If you remember we are going through the design acronym ECBARF. Thus far we have touched on Emphasis and Contrast...click the links to check those posts.

Balance...ah that elusive state where our lives and check books are in a state of calm and proportion. Well, there are things we can do to make balance not so elusive...in our scrapping. Have you ever completed a layout and just thought something was off? When you looked at it did your eye not snap to the focal point or did your elements and photos look our of place? Well, there is a chance that the layout could have been out of balance. I find this the most challenging design element to implement into my layouts.

So let's discuss what balance means and how to incorporate this principle into scrapping. First off let's think about balance in terms of you and I. When we are in balance we can walk, run, function without tipping to one side or falling...well most of us can I seem to be an exception...I'm such a klutz (off point). With that in mind balance means nearly the exact same thing in scrapping. A balanced layout is one that is pleasing to the eye and flows well.

To talk about balance in scrapping one has to think about a couple of different things. For a more in depth discussion of each one of these topics and for more example layouts please click on over to the Daily-Digi's Balance post. But for now let's get the Cliffs Notes Version.

I'm afraid that in school I was not the best math student...this extended into algebra and geometry. So when I first started reading about the X and Y axis in balance I started having flashbacks...but no worries it is not that bad! I had rather think about balance from the perspective of recess...like in terms of a see-saw. When two children of equal weigh use a see-saw it is balanced out and works pretty well. But let's say I get on the see-saw, at 5' 10" and 145 pounds I don't think my see-saw would work so good with say a third grader. The same olds true for your layouts. If the layout has more heavily 'weighted' elements, photos, etc to one side or the other the balance is thrown off kilter. So we have to use our balancing knowledge to distribute the 'weight' of our elements, photos, etc more equally. There are several ways to do this. Below is a discussion of the different methods used to incorporate balance and great example layouts using Sugar Pie Scraps products.

Horizontal Balance: This design by enu0828 is a great layout to demonstrate horizontal balance. For a moment envision a see-saw under the layout photos and elements. Do you think the see-saw would work well or would there be one side significantly 'heavier' than the other? Because the elements and photos have similar sizes and visual 'weight' the layout has horizontal balance. (Kit: Thankfulness by SPS)

Vertical Balance_ Vertical balance is identical to horizontal balance...just turn it on it's side. For instance take a look at greengrrl's Pudding layout. Imagine the layout sliced down the middle of the element and photo cluster...would you have two equal parts? Pretty close I think and what a cute layout! (Kit: Its Potty Time Girl by SPS)

Radial Balance: OK how many of you have ever watched the ripple effect...you know where you drop a droplet of water into a pot or sink and it causes ripples to radiate out from the center. Ahhh...this can happen in scrapping too! The great thing is it can work for squares and rectangles not just circles. Take a look at lnewhouse's layout IHeartU...imagine the ripple effect...pretty cool huh? Notice how your eye comes back to the center of the layout and her gorgeous photos...that is balance and emphasis working hand-in-hand. (Kit: My Sugar Pie by SPS)

Alright now we need to talk about the kinds of balance we can use.

Symmetrical: Back to geometry when something is symmetrical it means that it is the same on both sides. For example, a circle when folded in half is identical on each side of the crease. Whether the fold is top to bottom or side to side the outcome is the same...identical halves. Symmetrical balance is the same. Look at this layout by SugarPie...again imagine folding the layout...is it symmetrical? Crystal's elements are weighted similarly, and placed in balance. (Kit: Glittery Christmas by SPS)

Asymmetrical: Now the more tricky topic...asymmetrical balance. Asymmetrical means that a shape or objet is not the same on both sides. Remember those really cute dresses and skirts from a few years back...with asymmetrical or handkerchief hems...well that is the idea...they were jagged thus asymmetrical. How does one use asymmetry to achieve balance? Take a look at beckroy's layout. Notice how there is an element cluster in the upper right corner and then her main element and photo cluster. The distribution of the 'parts' of her layout adds weight to the various elements that brings the layout into balance. While the upper right cluster is smaller the distance away from the 'main' cluster and the use of whitespace helps add weight and balance. (Kit: My Love by SPS)

I hope you are able to take the information in this post and apply it to your layouts. Until next time...happy scrapping. Be sure to check in often as I continue this series...next up alignment.

A Dog Gone GSO!

2011-02-17T19:18:00.002-05:00

Okay, the title of this post is my lame attempt at a little dogged humour. ;) This week my pick for Gallery Standout features the sweetest little canine companion. And who better to choose as your Valentine - a dog's love is never in doubt, and they can be counted upon like no other. So congratulations Shauna, both your Valentine AND your LOs are winners in my book. :D

Shauna's lovely layout is linked, so be sure to click on it and leave her a little gallery love. After all, who doesn't like a little love. :) Shauna used Sugar Pie Scrap's kit entitled "My Love" for her loverly LO.

Keep scrappin' and keep posting. You never know who's LO will catch my eye next. It could be yours.

Take care,
Tobi-Dawne.

Contrast...that little something that makes a big difference!

2011-02-16T01:13:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone...Casey here with the next installment in my ECBARF series. Remember that ECBARF is the acronym used to signify the major design concepts we use in scrapping. Last week we covered E for emphasis so this week we tackle the big C. C represents contrast...and contrast is the term used to describe how an element stands out against it's surroundings. Contrast makes certain pieces of a layout pop and adds overall visual interest.

Contrast is something we have to be careful with...too much and our layouts can become overly busy or confusing to the eye...not enough and we are left boring and blah. Finding the happy medium takes practice. So to help you along your digi-scrapping journey I have included several examples of layouts (using SPS digi-kits;) that used contrast well and a description as to how contrast was used. Oh and don't forget to read a more in-dpeth discussion of contrast you can click on over to the Daily-Digi.

CrazyKiera used several contrasting methods in this layout. Notice how her title is done in a more beefy font than her journaling. This draws the eye to the title and adds visual interest. Also notice how she has used the lighter white paper for the wave shape. The shape and color draw the eye and adds a bright splash...contrasting against the darker paper used and the other rectangular shapes. Last but not least her use of the aqua colored ribbon amidst the element cluster adds a another bright splash of color and a touch more contrast as well.

nof007750 created this cute layout! Take a look at how creative her title is. Her use of a different font, font color, and size all add contrast and grab your attention. This is a great way to add interest...what a cute layout.

melissavt designed a bright fun layout that is simple yet gorgeous. She uses contrast by combining a black and white photo with color pics. This is a great technique when working with multiple images.

shawnbear created a darling layout using shape contrast. Notice that her photos are all cropped in rectangular shapes and that the page borders are squares. Both of these shapes have hard edges/angles and are repeated throughout the layout. This repetition provides cohesion but she incorporates contrast via the scalloped circle paper. The eye is immediately drawn to this area and helps you focus on her title and photos.

beckyroy also uses shape contrast. Notice how she uses the circle in the background with all the other rectangles and squares. She also uses contrasting colors throughout the layout...but this is not overpowering because she kept busy patterns to a minimum. She also used the great alpha to grab your attention...the black and yellow lettering really pops when you first look at the layout.

I hope you enjoyed this post and that it helped explain the concept of contrast. Be sure to keep an eye out for my next post on balance. Until next time...happy scrapping!

Monday Miscellany

2011-02-14T06:13:00.000-05:00

I'm going to share something very different with you today. It's not scrap related but it affects my ability to scrap, so it's important to me.

I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hyper-Mobility type. Now most of you have probably said "what the heck is that"? A few of you may have said "I actually know what that is". For the majority of you, I'm going to share. The easiest way to explain this is my tendons and ligaments act like taffy. Most everyone else's tendons and ligaments act like rubber bands. This means my joints are more likely to dislocate and be out of place. I am a chiropractor's nightmare. If you've ever heard the term "double jointed", it applies to me. People like me are the definition of double-jointed. I have a wider range of motion and the ability to twist my joints and limbs in ways that another person cannot. You know that scratch you can never reach on your back? I can.

I am a recently diagnosed ED patient. If it had not been for my daughter wanting to play basketball, we would have never known that not only did I have ED, but my daughter has it as well. It's good we're both diagnosed. Her early so she can prevent the damage that I've already done to my body. Me, because I now know why I've had certain health issues all my life and always had doctors looking at me like I'm a hypochondriac. I am an atypical patient, in that, I do not show symptoms very easily.

So, how does this affect my scrapping? My finger joints frequently pop out of place. It's pretty painful and frequent mouse usage does not help. My wrist and elbow joints don't usually dislocate but can become painful from overuse of a mouse and laptop. My neck is in a constant state of pain for various reasons. On a good day, I can scrap and be at the computer for most of the day. On a bad one, I'm lucky to be there for one hour.

There are many other “symptoms” I have that affect my daily life, but it would sound like a laundry list for whining if I listed them all here. Now that I’ve shared this with you, I’d like to also share some more information about the disease. There is also a “Spoon Theory” page, I’m going to share because it is very appropriate for someone like me. I hope I’ve been able to share something new with you and maybe helped you gain an understanding of why someone like me who is “always sick” is truly sick and not just “faking it”.

So You Think You Might Have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

But You Don’t Look Sick, The Spoon Theory by Christine Miserandino

TD w/a GSO

2011-02-10T20:43:00.004-05:00

Tobi-Dawne here with another Gallery Standout!

Now, I know... some might be inclined to complain. You've already seen this layout. But I can't help it if I'm not the only blog hostess who spotted this gem. ;) So you've already seen it, it's worth seeing again. LOL

That said, I'm happy to present you with this weeks GSO.

The image is linked, so be sure to click it and leave sidsymarie some love. After all, we all enjoy getting a little "gallery love" don't we?

Sidsymarie's LO "4 Months" was created using Sugar Pie Scraps' kit "My Sugar Pie", which was inspired by Crystals own little man. A perfect combination!

Well, that's it from me today. :)
Keep scrappin', and keep posting! You never know who's layout I'll snag next.

Scrappily yours,
Tobi-Dawne.

Where To Start...When You Are New?

2011-02-09T01:00:00.031-05:00

Hi All!

Casey here a new member of the Blog Team here at SPS. I am really excited to be here and look forward to sharing various thoughts, tips, and goodies with you. So let's get started...

When I first started scrapping back in 2009 I knew nothing about scrapping or design. I simply knew that I loved taking photos, I had a brand new baby, and I wanted to preserve our family memories. So through the magic of the Internet I found digital scrapping. I had no natural talent or training period so this new hobby was a bit daunting. So in the back of my mind I thought that this hobby would probably not last...and yet here we are in 2011 and I am more addicted than ever. So as I thought about a topic for today's post I wondered what would I have wanted to read as a new scrapper...what would have helped me get a good start. As I do random posts here I will discuss the concepts held in the acronym ECBARF. You can read an awesome series of articles at The Daily Digi that covers in great depth this topic as well...

The letters stand for Emphasis, Contrast, Balance, Alignment, Repetition, and Flow. When applied in scrapping each one of these principles can help improve your designs. So we will tackle the first letter E or Emphasis in this post. When I sit down to do a layout I normally have the goal of telling a story...how I relate that story is the fun part...what do I want to emphasize in order to really make the layout pop and make my story come alive? Normally I emphasize either my photos, title, or journaling...the three main components of most layouts. Take a look at these example layouts made with SPS digital kits. And read more about how to add emphasis at the Daily Digi.

Title Emphasis--Notice how sidsymarie uses a large title and bold color to allow her title to pop against the other darker colors of her layout! And don't forget to look at that little cutie too;)

Journaling Emphasis--Take a look at how lnewhouse focuses your attention to the journaling on this layout. Her use of the adorable red heart and wrapped text is wonderful. By the way her photos are WOW too!

Photo Emphasis--Penny's layout is an awesome example of how to emphasize your photo(s). Your eye is immediately drawn to her large photo and the simple embellishments and journaling make this layout beautiful.

I hope that you enjoyed this post and be on the look out for the next post where we will talk about C...Contrast. Until then happy scrapping!

Contest Reminder!

2011-02-08T12:22:00.012-05:00

Howdy! This is Kerin here your blog hostess of the day!

I'd just like to quickly remind everyone of the awesome February Challenge!

Since it is February the month of Valentine's day and the air is filled with love, your challenge is to scrap about someone you love! If you'd like to use one of your Sugar Pie Scrap kits that would be great, but it isn't a requirement. You must scrap about a person and you must include a photo of the person. When Crystal first told you about the new February Challenge she reminded you about her awesome "My Love" kit, but don't forget she also has the super cute "My Sugar Pie" kit which would also be perfect for this challenge, but again it isn't a requirement. You can get them both over at Polka Dot Plum.

For inspiration, here are some layouts that the Sugar Pie Chefs have been busy working up over in the kitchen!

To enter, simply upload your entry to a gallery and post the link to it below in a comment. All entries must be received no later than 12:00am EST (midnight) on Monday, February 21st. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, the 22nd.

I personally cannot wait to see what everyone cooks up! I'll see you all next Tuesday take care.

-Kerin,
Blog Team

Monday Miscellany

2011-02-07T22:12:00.004-05:00

Hi! My name is Dj and I am your hostess for today. Mondays are kind of a grab bag around here. You never know what you're going to get when you stop in! Since I am a "hostess", I decided to share a little recipe with you today.

The recipe I'm sharing is called Spicy Beans and Short Rib Stew. It's kind of a long name, but this is what it was called in the Good Housekeeping magazine it came from in the 1980s. Yes, it really is that old. My mom tore the recipe out of the magazine back then and it has been a family favorite ever since. One of these days I may even get a picture of the original recipe and scrap it as a keepsake.

Without further ado, here is the recipe, complete with my up-to-date changes.

Spicy Beans and Short Rib Stew
(from Good Housekeeping Magazine circa 1980)

1 pkg (16 oz) dry pink beans (I use 2 cans of pink beans)
3 tbsp oil
3 lbs beef chuck short ribs (I buy a roast and cut it into pieces)
2 tbsp chili powder
5 tsp sugar
4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 lb small white onion
1 cup tomato juice
1/4 cup cider vinegar
Water

About 4 1/2 hours before serving: Rinse beans in running cold water and discard any stones or shriveled beans. In 8-quart Dutch oven or saucepot over high heat,heat beans and 8 cups water to boiling; cook three minutes. Remove from heat; cover and let stand one hour. Drain and rinse beans; set aside. In same pot over medium-high heat, in hot salad oil, cook beef short ribs, a few pieces at a time, until browned on all sides, remove short ribs to large bowl as they brown. Spoon off fat remaining in Dutch oven. Return beans and short ribs to Dutch oven; add remaining ingredients. Cook on high heat until done. Serve with rice and cornbread.

My variations: I cook this in a crockpot on low all day. I brown the meat and place it in the crockpot with all the other ingredients. I drain the canned beans, but it's probably not necessary. I adjust the amount of chili powder, my kids aren't too keen on spicy foods.

New Release: My Sugar Pie & Grand Opening Sale

2011-02-04T09:40:00.003-05:00

I cannot believe it's already February. Time sure does fly since I've gotten older. I can remember being little and it seemed like it took forever for months to go by. I guess that means I'm getting old LOL. Everyone knows that the month of February is all about LOVE! Valentine's Day is right around the corner and I have a brand new kit for you to celebrate the "Little Man" in your life!

I don't know how many of you know this, but I have an adorable son named Landen. I have always called him Mommy's Sugar Pie...which is where I came up with my design name "Sugar Pie Scraps", because my Sugar Pie is my inspiration for scrapping. My Sugar Pie will be 2.5 on Valentine's Day and in honor of him I have created a fun, doodley, kid/boy friendly Valentine's kit. I am very proud of this kit because I actually made some of the doodles myself. I wanted it to be more boy oriented with no pink & purples...so I bring you "My Sugar Pie". You can get this kit at Polka Dot Plum & also at my brand new store opening today at Scrapable! The kit is 30% thru next Friday! Make sure you keep checking back at my Scrapable store. I will be adding more products throughout the week and they will all be 30% off!

Because this was in honor of my Sugar Pie I couldn't resist doing a layout to show him off. So I introduce you to my Sugar Pie, Landen!

Here is some more inspiration from my fabulous Creative Team!

If you haven't already heard, my new store is opening today at Scrapable! And of course I can't open a new store without having a Grand Opening Sale for you all!

Make sure you visit my blog Monday-Friday for daily posting by me & my fab new blog team. Monday is random posts, Tuesday is a challenge, Wednesday will now be new release day, Thursday will be gallery standouts & Friday will be sneak peak day.