Method Playground

Distress Ink Video

2011-03-06T08:48:00.004-05:00

I'm posting this video of Tim Holtz demonstrating his new Distress Stains at CHA. The video is from Scrap Time.

Scrap Time - Ep. 600 - Tim Holtz shows Ranger Distress Stains and a Contest from Mark Giles on Vimeo.

Imaginisce Reviews and a Winner!

2011-02-16T11:18:00.004-05:00

I've got a RAK with a few goodies I picked up at CHA for Jukebox! Thanks for your comment! Please send us your addy and I'll get your RAK in the mail. I've got a Perfect Crafting Pouch by ScraPerfect, a brand new Stickles color from Ranger, brand new GCD Studios, and a few non-CHA handmade tickets made by Susie Bentz.

And, Craft Critique has a great review of Imaginisce's new cordless glue gun, the i-bond. We saw these at CHA and were impressed, although my friend Karen wishes they'd make them in any other color than pink. It uses four AAA batteries. The tool is more portable - no searching for an outlet!

CHA Favorites

2011-02-06T16:46:00.005-05:00

Well CHA came and went -- all too short. And tiring. The booths were fabulous. There was lots to see and lots of things I'm looking foward to seeing in my local scrapbook store.

After I got back I realized that I didn't really take photos of the booths, but seemed to have filled my iPhone up with samples. You'll have to forgive the quality of the photos - there's only so much I could do with the phone. Here's a few of my favorites:

The Idea-ology Booth - this was all inspiration! I also saw quite a few demos by Tim of his new products - Distess Stains, glassine paper, stamps, etc. You can see quite a few of them used in one of his Configuration boxes:

And these tags-

The Girls' Paperie had some of the best paper for spring. And this wonderful wreath:

Petaloo has really increased their offerings. More elaborate and detailed flowers, vines and branches. I really loved this new paper banner, which was used in the layout below.

And flowers were everywhere, including lots of ways to make them yourself. Cosmo Cricket has their new Glubers, large thin glue circles to which to adhere your fabric, trim or paper. Hero Arts made flowers several ways with stamps, fabric and felt. And so much more - but that's another post.

Above - from the Cosmo Cricket booth. All the flowers on the layout and below were made with their Glubers.

CHA Bound

2011-01-28T10:32:00.003-05:00

Yes - we've been awfully silent lately. Please be patient as we make a few adjustments to our blog.

But today we're CHA-bound.

I don't know about you, but I've been watching the sneak peeks come out over the past few weeks. And there's definitely a lot to be excited about. Personally, I'm chomping at the bit to see Tim Holtz's new products in person. You can view Tim's blog with all his new products here. My favorite? His new reflection stamp, the tissue tape dispenser and Distress Stains.

Craft Critique has a long list of CHA sneak peeks.

What product has caught your eye? What are you not-so-patiently waiting for? Leave a comment here and we'll pick a lucky winner for a RAK.

Tim Inspired!

2010-12-14T00:01:00.001-05:00

Here are the 2 tags I've made so far.

Tag #1: Inspired by the design of Day 6. The only Tim Holtz product on this tag is the little tag...
Proving you don't have to go out and buy a bunch of stuff to make a tag like his!
Just do your own thing. :)

Tag #2: Inspired by Day 7.
I made the poinsettia out of sticky backed canvas, but I drew & hand cut my flowers myself.
The background was stamped with a scarlet lime stamp. The letters were Hiedi Swapp letters covered with Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam. I did stamp them with script like Tim, but the paint covered it up.
I think I'll be making a few more them. They are quite time consuming but they come out lovely!

More Tags!

2010-12-13T15:29:00.004-05:00

Tim's 12 Tags were all posted yesterday, with two bonus ones on the 12th. Did you see them all?

You still have plenty of time to enter for our Tim Holtz RAKs.

And here's a couple I finished this weekend. Tag 10 using plastic from packing - simply ingenious and it works so well. Honestly it's my favorite tag of those I've made (so far). The pictures just don't do this technique justice. I've going to be on the lookout for packing I can reuse come Christmas morning!

Remember, you have until December 21st to post your project(s) here.

Quick Christmas Tags

2010-12-08T11:32:00.004-05:00

Aren't these cute? Ali Edwards did a few quick and easy tags for the 20 Days of Holiday Sharing at Two Peas. Here's a link to her blog with instructions. All you need are tags, random chipboard letters, scrap paper and your favorite mist.

December Challenge - Tags!

2010-12-07T09:07:00.004-05:00

December is well upon us and everyone is busy running around trying to find the perfect present, baking cookies, or like me searching for that new Tim Holtz die. Everyone's getting busy and starting to feel overwhelmed. So, we're going to do something different this month and have a monthly challenge based on Tim Holtz's 12 Tags of Christmas.

Tim's tags is something I look forward to every year. They seem to get better and better and really open your eyes to how to use products. Tim posts a tag a day from December 1st through December 12th. He's done some truly beautiful tags this year.

Your challenge: use one of Tim's tags as inspiration to create your own tag, card or layout.

And you have all month to do this. Right through to December 31st. We'll be doing a random drawing at the end of the month for RAKs - yes that's plural - and I've got some wonderful Tim Holtz product to send out.

You can make multiple items for this - as many times as you like. Just leave us a separate comment linking us to your creation. Let us know which tag inspired you and which technique(s) you did. Each comment you leave gets you an extra chance to win.

Here are a few completed tags I've done. Look for posts from our team members as they share their projects.

Tag #3 - Tissue tape flowers. Who'd thought? They are quick to make and just gorgeous. I think they'd be beautiful with inked edges, as well. Or sprayed with glimmer mist.

Tag #4 - I used sticky backed canvas for this one.

Tag #5 - embossing metal is fun. But watch your hands! It does get hot. I didn't have white UTEE so I experimented. I used white paint with clear UTEE. That didn't get me the look I wanted, so I heated up the UTEE and added a thick layer of white embossing powder. Bingo!

So get out your heat guns, distress ink, and tags!

Chipboard Winner

2010-11-06T20:02:00.003-04:00

Gracie Ann Tan!

What a gorgeous LO! Love the way you altered those letters!
Email me at (lostinadreamofjosh@gmail.com) and I'll get your chipboard prize out this week. :)

~Kimmy

Challenge 73 - Glow in the Dark!

2010-10-25T19:56:00.007-04:00

Halloween is just around the corner and for this challenge we're getting spooky. I've seen lots of fun Halloween embellies, papers and accents, but the thing that really caught my eye this year is the glow-in-the-dark products. Martha Stewart has glow-in-the-dark glitter. So does ModPodge.

So your challenge is to use a glow-in-the-dark product. Any kind, any way you want. And please, let us know what & how you used it.

Post your layout by Sunday night, November 7th to be considered for a RAK.

Yes, it does glow, although it's a bit hard to photograph....

Here's what the team did --

Deborah

I used Martha Stewart's glitter in two places - the chipboard swirl and a rub-on "stickez" product by Studio G. Here's the chipboard glowing in the dark:

For my project I used Glow in the Dark Paint by DecoArt. I painted all the little stars on the patterned background paper with it, and then the corrugated letter P.

Very hard to photograph, but you get the idea.

Photojojo has a cool tutorial for making your PHOTOS glow in the dark!

Miwako:

I use ModPodge on canvas sticker (Little Yellow Bicycle) and all other steckers in my LO(epoxy stickers: LYB, pop-up stickers: Melange Creative Imaginations) itself are the glow-in-the-dark products. Those are not newest but I love it stil now. The title is Fancy Pants glitter cut,too.

Also, I use Dimentional fabric paint (bronze metallic color) of the doodle .

Challenge #72 - Chipboard

2010-10-11T10:56:00.002-04:00

After a month's hiatus we're back and ready to go!

For this challenge take some of that chipboard in your stash and alter it!
The prize for this challenge will be an assortment of chipboard goodies!

Kimmy

I altered my letters by covering them with Gesso and then sprinkling embossing powder on the wet paint. I didn't heat the embossing powder. For the border piece I glimmer misted, stamped & embossed, and added some clear crackle paint.

Deborah

I used a piece of grungeboard that had been embossed using a Tim Holtz alterations die, then stamped and heat embossed, then painted over with acrylic paint. Once the paint was tacky I wiped the piece with a slightly damp paper towel to remove paint from the heat embossed image.

Miwako

I use white chipboard alphabet for this title which was aleterd by my handwriting. Other printed chipboad of Fancy pants is so cute.

Helga

I used an assortment of chipboards in this layout. Some chipboards were just simply inked around the edges and some were painted then inked and then applied Glossy Accents.

Challenge #71- Vegetal Layout

2010-08-30T08:00:00.002-04:00

Whew! Summer is winding down, kiddos are returning to school, and life is getting back into a rhythm. And we here at Method Playground are resuming our challenges.

This week we challenge you to use some kind of vegetation on your project. It can be florals, leaves, grass, dried, silk, paper. Whatever you chose, but we want to see your layouts in full bloom! Here are some inspiring pages from the design team:

Kimmy: I went with a garden theme. My picture looks like it was taken in an enchanted garden... so I enhanced it with misting over some real tree branches/leaves for my background. I also used a bamboo transparency & some fake flowers & leaves. I added some butterflies and misted dragonflies to enhance the garden theme. :)

Deborah: I also misted over real leaves and branches to make my background. I also used top of a parsley branch that had gone to flower to paint on top of my misted background. I ended up not using flowers, but little shells as accents.

Miwako: I love this stitched paper by Prima. I cut out the sides of paper. My twins played flower petals in the flower garden. The petals looked like dancing with them. I separated the pearl swirls because I want to feel moving on my layout.

Helga: Here is a simple layout I did using dried plants by PRIMA.

Michelle: These photos are of a favorite outdoor spot. The garden pictures went perfectly with this challenge. I created these flowers using the Tim Holtz Tattered Florals Sizzix die. Please visit my blog later in the week for a tutorial.

White Doily

2010-07-26T12:24:00.000-04:00

Simply White

The challenge for the next two weeks is for you to create a WHITE LAYOUT...meaning your layout should be all white. Beige and off-white is allowed and we will also allow you to use one other color but please use it minimally. Another requirement is that you should use a doily on your layout. Here are samples made by our very talented design team.

Helga- This is a layout that I enjoyed making. It is the first time I used an all white layout. I never expected that it would turn out so attractive.

Amanda - I kept it simple with a distressed cream/white/gray background and collage and metal elements.

Kimmy~ I couldn't find a traditional paper or crocheted doily, so I used a Basic Grey scrapbook "doily" which I cut into a more traditional doily shape.I layered transparency & embossed paper inked with silver over it...love the subtle but classy effect of the white letters on white. I created the flowers from a ruffled fabric ribbon which I gathered.

Michelle: This challenge took the guess work out of the color scheme. And being restricted to one color made the paper choices easy! I created a mat out of a cluster of paper doilies. I used corsage pins to tack the trim into a ruffle, and more trim to create a flower. The frame of buttons completes the vintage feel of this LO.

Challenge #68 : Slideshow & Winner !

2010-07-23T04:33:00.000-04:00

So sory for waiting to announce the winner and thank you for join my challenge. After much delay, here's the slideshow and winner.

The winner is........................................................

Davi !!!

It's very difficult for me to pick one because all cards and layouts is beautiful were so creative and beautiful. I love davi's choice the color, ribon and all things. Davi, please let me know your address and I'll send the RAK for you.

Miwako

Challenge 70 - Slideshow and Winners

2010-07-18T15:36:00.002-04:00

Thanks to everyone for their patience. After much delay, here's the slideshow and winner for our border challenge. I found that iPads are great for some things while on vacation, and blogging just wasn't one of them.

As usual, everyone's layouts were so creative and beautiful, it was hard to pick a winner. And the RAK goes to ...

Issa Virtucio-Lucido !!!

Please send us you addy so I can get your Die-namics dies out to you.

Challenge #72 - Reflection (7/5/10)

2010-07-05T21:29:00.000-04:00

I challenge you to use a reflective surface on your layout, card, or project. For example, you could incorporate Heidi Swapp's shaped mirrors (birds, hearts, etc.), small mosaic mirrors from craft stores, mirrored cardstock, old sunglass lenses, etc. or make your own surface from aluminum foil. The challenge is to use the reflective surface creatively and effectively to tell your story (and to photograph the finished page effectively!).

Kimmy:
I used reflective tape (which I embossed) metallic silver paper, a metallic silver overlay, a metallic butterfly accent, & some mirrors (behind my letters, my green shirt was reflected in them when I took the photo.)

Michelle:
Loved this challenge so much I made two LO's. For the first, I used four-plies of heavy duty aluminum foil and ran it through an embossing folder.

On this LO, I used some round little mirrors from the craft store to accent the squares of paper (geesh, it's hard to photograph mirrors!).

Challenge 69 Winner

2010-06-21T09:12:00.001-04:00

By random drawing, the winner for the Scraplift challenge was MICA! Congrats to you - send me your address and I'll get a RAK out to you this week.

Challenge 69 Slideshow

2010-06-21T09:11:00.000-04:00

Challenge #70 - Borders

2010-06-14T19:40:00.004-04:00

I've never been a big punch person -- until they came out with lots of cool edge punches. It's my favorite tool these days. Edge punches are just one of many things you can use for borders. There's stickers, die cuts, and rub-ons to start. And if you have a die cut system such as a Cricuit or Cuttlebug you can get border dies as well. Tim Holtz has a new line out with Sizzix. My Favorite Things Stamps has just come out with Die-namics, a steel die that can be used in most systems. I've got a couple of these already :)

Your challenge is to use a border in your project. Any way you want. Then, post your creation here by Sunday, June 27th to be eligible for a RAK. I've got a new Die-namics die (or two) for one lucky participant. And My Favorite Things Stamps will add in one of their new sunshine die cuts!

According to their website, the Die-namics dies will not only cut through paper, but thin chipboard, cork, felt, bubble wrap, acetate, sticky-backed canvas and more.

Here's what our team did:

Deborah -

Amanda -

I tried to use borders in several ways. First, I painted a subtle white frame around my photo. I then layered a punch out border and a border trimmed from a 12x12 sheet. I used a border punch on the quote piece to get the notebook edge. Lastly, I layered a border trimmed from a 12x12 sheet as my title.

Helga

Kimmy-
I used border paper, border stickers & border punches on my layout.

Paloma:

Michelle:

Challenge #69 - Scraplift

2010-05-23T17:29:00.010-04:00

Have you ever had "scrappers block"? You know... where you sit down with the intention of doing some scrapping, and you just sit and stare blankly at the page? Well, I have! (in fact, I have had a nasty case of it for quite awhile now). When I am stuck, one of my favorite techniques is to do what is lovingly referred to as "scraplifting."

This week, let's go ahead and scraplift. I found this fun layout on Deb's blog, and it made me want to pull out my goodies. Let's see your take on her layout. Take what you want from it.... maybe the photo placement, maybe the color scheme, maybe the embellishment placement. Show us your interpretation!

The challenge ends in 2 weeks, on Sunday, June 13. As always, there will be a RAK given out to someone who participates.

THE LAYOUT TO SCRAPLIFT:

Jennifer:

I really liked the simplicity of the design, so I stuck to the basic layout. Instead of placing a scalloped edge on the right side of the photo, I did one on the left. Instead of the vertical title, I placed mine horizontal. I also kept my embellishments very simple, although I placed them in a similar way.

Deborah:
I rotated the sketch and chose to focus on the large flower.

Kimmy:

Amanda:

I kept the relatively simple construction of the original, using just one sheet of 12x12 patterned paper and one 3.5x12 strip of patterned paper. I moved the strip of embellishments to a location behind/overlapping the photo and created the overlapping portion of the strip from layered stamping and rubons.

Michelle:

I stayed true to this sketch. I loved Deb's simple design accented with clusters of embellies.

Helga

I really loved the layout. It has inspired me a lot!

Challenge #68 : Love Antique.

2010-05-18T04:31:00.004-04:00

So, next challenge is………………….. antiqueness !

I love antique and vintage taste so much. I love old paper, score, dictionary, ribbon, bottom, toy, fabric, of cause photo. And then, let’s try antique process as you like way. Example is using coffee or tea on paper or fabric etc, if you don’t have a kind of walnut inks you can use same way. I always use coffee or tea. But I think anything is ok in kitchen or somewhere. Please try and enjoy yourselves new easy way. It’ll not be same but you can enjoy accidental meeting at every moments. Also, sand paper or stone are very useful tool for it. I’m interested in waxwork, too.

Miwako:

I used a baby photo which was taken 40 years ago. (It was me!) This photo has naturally changed to feel past time, and then, I can use my finger only for distress because the paper becomes so weak. Also, I soaked jurnaling card and gaze into TEA. I used tea bag to get same color on 12inch paper, please see my blog if you want to know more details of the tecuniques. And dripped some vanilla essense at randam for the stains. You see the center letter paper and labels take waxwork,too. One buttom, ribbon and paper bobbin are real vintage.

one more layout of same taste. My process (using tea bag and stains) which is almost same my both layouts is up in my blog, please click and see it!

KIMMY:

My aunt found this photo of the ship my grandpa served on in the navy and told me an interesting story to go with it that demanded to be scrapped. I used paper from Girls Paperie & LOTS of primas.

Deborah:

I used tea to stain some white paper and fabric flowers and ended up drying them with my heat gun to go along with this photo of me & my brothers from the 70's.

Michelle:
I used flea-market-found vintage trim, a doily, and a handwritten letter along with a photo of my grandmother as a little girl. Couple that with a handmade book-page flower for an antique touch. Detail shot on my blog.

Paloma:

Office Supply Winner!

2010-05-09T16:45:00.002-04:00

The winner of the Office Supply Challenge is...
Yvonne Yam for her LO "Almost a Man"
Yvonne email me and I'll get your kit to you! : )

Thanks to all who participated. Lots of lovely layouts!!!

~Kimmy

Challenge #67: Fill your Pockets!

2010-05-04T09:00:00.004-04:00

For this week's challenge, we're asking you to create your page inside a sectioned page protector: think trading card holders, sleeves for stickers, 4x6 photo holders, etc. If you don't have any of these on hand, you can create pockets by stitching a regular page protector and cutting open the top layer to add your elements. Fill the pockets with photos, journaling, accents, and memorabilia. But don't stop there. Go ahead and add more embellies (or even your title) on top of the protector. Have fun and link up your pages here by Monday, May 17 to be entered into a random drawing for a RAK. Details on that soon.

Get inspired by these creations from the design team:

Michelle:

I used a page protector designed to hold stickers and embellies. After fitting in all the photos and papers, I added the title, some epoxy stickers, chipboard stars, brads, and journaling spots to the top of the protector.

Kimmy:

I bought this sectioned photo holder awhile ago with the intention of doing this with it, but never got around to it until now. I used most of the pockets to house photos, but created embellished cards to fill the rest. I used some Hambly lace transparencies inside of some pockets, allowing the wall to show through. Some of the elements on the embellished cards are outside the plastic. For example: the rhinestones, buttons, flowers, & envelope. I love how it came out! My favorite thing about it is that I can swap the photos out since I made the cards generic.

Deborah:

I used an 8x8 page protector for this project I used my sewing machine to make the three pockets on the protector, then filled them with paper and a crochet sample I made learning a new stitch. I decorated both the outside and inside of the pockets.

front:
back:

This project was inspired by Shimelle's Something for Almost Nothing online class. I used two different American Crafts page protectors -- a 6x12 and a 10x12 sized to hold five 4x6 photos. I cut the right side off the 12x12 protector and sewed it behind the 6x12 one. I sewed six pockets on the 6x12 one, sized to hold some of the valentines my daughter got from school this year. The rest of the valentines are in the Maya Road kraft envelope.

front:
interior:
back:
Miwako: I use 12 inch protector (fancy pants) for packing newborn baby dress of my daughter. I had seen such paking idea at Ali Edwards Blog for her baby's album project. I've been thinking to try that idea...the time has come!! This dress is fasten only 2 points on protecter because I want to very easy for packing off to use if my daughter has baby in future. Also, photos, jounaing card, tags which was real used on my list and baby are fixed by pins and I put stickers on protecter directry. Finaly, saw the top of the protecter using embroidery thread and 2 bows are blineding the end of thread.

Challenge 64 - Cardboard - WINNER!

2010-05-02T17:56:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the delay! Turns out when you buy your first house, the rest of your life comes to a halt for a few weeks!

Without further ado, Sharmaine Kruijver, you are the winner of the cardboard challenge! I loved your original take on cardboard flowers. E-mail Me with your mailing address and I will send you your prize.

Thanks everyone who participated!

Office Supplies

2010-04-22T22:02:00.000-04:00

Our next challenge is to use office supplies creatively on your LO: paperclips, staples, notebook paper, grid paper, calendar grids, binder clips, post it notes, envelopes, etc....Have fun with it!

Kimmy:

I tried to limit my supplies to JUST office products. I used very few scrapbook products on this page. The background is office inspired paper by October Afternoon which I used a padded envelope to stamp on with black paint. Other office supplies used include: yellow legal pad, 2 envelopes, 2 stamps, giant paper clips, white out, a CD, a binder clip., a file folder tab, a page from a planner, a label sticker and a date stamp.

Michelle:

Office supplies are the perfect accents to a page about the first day of school. On this LO, I used graph paper in place of patterned paper, a manilla folder tab to hold the title, staples to attach the ribbon, a paper clip and binder clip as embellies, an index card for a journaling block, a manilla shipping tag stamped with a library card as an accent, a metal rimmed tag to top off a ribbon flower, and a sticky label to write some deets.

Paloma:

I love office supplies! For this layout I used a red index card with letter P, white out here and there, round protectors, labels,tags, staples, clips, a calendar page to date the photo and blue fluorescent pencil around two adhesive corners!

Helga:

I made this quick and simple layout using masking tape, staple wires and a punch card.

Deborah:
I used a variety of supplies on mine: masking tape, mailing labels, binder clip, paper clip, tag, & staples. Under my button I placed a metal key ring and a round Avery label.

Miwako:
I like grid line note. Also I found beautiful color index and date label at office supplies shop. So fun!

The prize!! This Alphabet Soup KIT from Rusty Pickle, along with some assorted office products.

Link us up to your office supply page by Sunday, May 2nd for a chance to win it!

Flower challenge entries

2010-04-19T08:00:00.003-04:00

Here are the entries for the Flower Challenge. I'm so sorry for the delay. Thank you so much to those who submitted their entries. They were all great! It was really difficult to choose the winner.

And the winner is...

BEC

Congratulations! You will be receiving an Email from me regarding your Rak.

Welcome Spring!

2010-04-05T12:24:00.003-04:00

It's already spring and when it is spring we always think of FLOWERS! So for my challenge I would like you to create your own flower embellishments and use it in your layout or projects. The more unique the flower is the better. Can't wait to see what you can come up with!

Helga

Here I used patterned papers and created it into rose-like flowers.

Paloma

This flower has been made from an egg box! It’s so easy, try it! Here you are the link: http://www.edenscrap.com/article-tutoriel-oeufs-avec-boite-a-oeufs-tutorial-flowers-with-eggs-box-43558014.html

Michelle:

I gathered a bit of crochet lace into a ruffle circle and added a paper rose to the center. More deets on the how-to are at my blog.

Deborah:
I made flowers by layering die cuts, buttons, brads, and fabric. For the fabric flowers I used pieces of lace, stitching a running stitch through the end and gathering together loosely. Once gathered, I wound the lace around about three times to make a layered flower. It helped to stitch the lace together in the back 2-3 stitches per layer.

Kimmy:
I made my flower with pieces of white silk. It was cut into 6 uneven circles 2 of each size, so that each set were each a little smaller than the last. Then using a candle lighter the edges were melted so they curled up. Be careful!! I kept burning myself, so my pyro friend had to finish that step for me! Then I misted each set of circles a different color, layered them, and used a decorative brad to connect them together. I topped that with an asterisk from one of the alpha sets I used in my title.

Layouts for the challenge are due Sunday, April 11th, by midnight Eastern. Next Challenge will be posted on the following Monday.

Thinking OF the box: CARDBOARD

2010-03-22T08:00:00.009-04:00

Challenge 64 is to use cardboard on your layout... stamp with the corrugated edges, die cut it, pull it apart and use it for texture, whatever you can think of!

A couple of notes. There are two general types of cardboard floating around out there: the type used to make boxes and the type not used to make boxes. Because boxes need strength, the cardboard used to make boxes has a smaller (tighter) corrugation and heavier-duty glue. This type of cardboard is much harder to pull apart. I like to use the white cardboard presentation boards sold at craft and office supplies stores. For one, they're cheap. For two, when you pull it apart, you get a corrugated surface, a kraft paper surface, and a white paper surface. For three, this type of cardboard is really easy to pull apart for its separate layers. I like to use a rotary cutter to cut my cardboard to size.

Cardboard is not archival safe, so, never use one-of-a-kind original photos with it. But that is no reason not to use it at all! If you are really concerned, don't place your photos such that they are touching the cardboard on your layout (if you look at my layout below, you'll notice my photo is matted, and therefore not touching the cardboard).

One person will be chosen to win Marthe Le Van's "Stencil Me In" (a $25 value!) for entering this challenge:

Winner of the RAK will be posted on Monday, April 5.

Layouts for the challenge are due Sunday, April 4th, by midnight Eastern. Next Challenge will be posted on the following Monday.

Have fun! - Amanda

Now....to the inspiration:

Amanda: I used white corrugated cardboard (see intro paragraph) to create a tear-away storybook look on my layout. The white lined paper (where I drew the Mad Hatter scene) is one layer of cardboard and the brown corrugated paper is another.

Paloma: I used cardboard in three different ways: as an embellishment (the flower vase!), as a stamp (on the cardstock) and as a paint brush (notice the drops of paint?).

Miwako: I want to up 2 layouts. At first, I made boder accent and a kind of flame for photo mat.

Next, I used cardboard as 12 inch paper. I peeled it (leaved around center) at first and painted white. I always can't clean up any box because my cats love staying into box especially cardboard box, also at now....my twins join to scrambled for it, OMG!

Helga: I cut the cardboard into a heart shape then created a hanging layout of my niece and her child.

Kimmy - I used corrugated cardboard as borders on my page.

Michelle:

I ran some cardboard through a die cutting machine, spray painted the flower shapes, peeled away some of the paper to reveal the corrugation, and embellished with buttons and a few swipes of a dry brush.

Deborah:
I also used cardboard as my paper. I peeled away some of the paper, then used a combination of dry brushing paint, spraying Glimmer Mist, and swiping on a bit of rock candy distress paint.

White Out!

2010-03-08T18:29:00.000-05:00

Kimmy:

Hybrid page. I printed out some digital papers & labels (Audrey Neal-Sistv & MissMint) for this one. I used the white out as paint. I used lace tape as a mask (it was bright pink before) on black cardstock & used both the positive & negative images on the LO. I also painted the letters and buttons with white out. Sketch from Sketchy Thursdays. Amanda -

For this challenge I created an art journal page. I used white out tape to create journaling spots on my page. I like the slightly distressed look the white out tape gave me. It worked well because it seemed willing to stick to all the different layers of may page (the bird is a photo transfer).

Miwako: I used white out tape for points of layout design. It was scratched to make naturaly using edge of scissors. Also, I used white out pen for words on photos, too.

Deborah:

I ran a scrap of cardstock through my Cuttlebug, then used a Tim Holtz foam applicator to swipe the white out over the embossed image. I also ran several lines on my page for journaling. I tried to stamp with the white out, but the stuff dries too darned fast!

Michelle:

I used white out tape to write the letters in my title, and ran a few lines to hold my journaling.

Heat Embossing Winner!

2010-03-08T09:46:00.002-05:00

We had some lovely work for this last challenge and as usual I had a hard time just picking one winner. But I'm going to give the RAK to Jasmine, whose mom taught her to emboss for the first time - and she made a lovely flower card.

Jasmine - send us your addy and I've got a trio of the brand spankin' new Tim Holtz Distress Inks for you (and for mom)!

Challenge 62: Heat Embossing

2010-02-22T16:00:00.012-05:00

Do you like a bit of texture on your layouts? A bit of shine? A little something extra? Well then, this challenge is for you. Get those heat guns ready.....

Your challenge is .... add some HEAT EMBOSSING.

Heat embossing is such a versatile technique. There's lots of embossing powders to choose from: clear, shiny, textured and glittery and in a wide variety of color. You can add a stamped image or just layer the powder on an embellishment like chipboard. You can use it as part of a resist technique. Add a title. Be subtle or be bold!

Just post your creations here by Sunday, March 7th. I've got a selection of some of the brand spankin' new Tim Holtz Distress Ink colors for one lucky participant.

Here's how our team used this technique:

Deborah:

I used UTEE to emboss several embellishments giving them a clear, glossy look.

Paloma:
I used a embossed paper which was chalked in pink and I embossed the word "look" and added crackeled finish on it.

Michelle:

I gave scraps of paper a fresh new look by stamping and heat embossing them.

Amanda:

You don't have to have a stamp to emboss an image! I punched the "birds on a wire" from cardstock with a Martha Stewart punch, rubbed them with embossing ink, covered them with black embossing powder, and heated. I found the result pleasantly distressed, however, if you want a more finished look you could add a second layer of embossing ink and embossing powder.

Kimmy:
I stamped & embossed the big chipboard bracket with a grid texture blue and then spritzed it with red glimmer mist, the embossing powder resisted the mist and really made the embossing stand out. I also stamped and embossed the paper flowers, with white in the middle, which turned out messy so I worked with that and inked the edges of the flower with Versa Mark ink which I coated with blue embossing powder and heated to set creating these fun, artsy embellishments.

Miwako - Uh..... at first, to tell the truth, I didn't have a heat gun....ah! And I've just gotten a heat gun yesterday. But I found a embossed paper which was just the right for my image if I had it and might to do before I hard this challenge. I want to make a gorgeous skirt part of dress for wire torso. This wire torso is so simple and it is able to change the shape as you like.

Helga

I Stamped and heat embossed the fairy an a clock and swirl accent on the page.

Challenge 61: Ruffles !!!!

2010-02-07T06:18:00.005-05:00

Jen here, posting with today's challenge!...

I don't consider myself much of a girly-girl, especially when it comes to clothing. However, I just knitted a scarf that has a ruffle down the length and I LOVE it! It got me thinking how great a little ruffle can be to spiff up a layout, as well as a piece of clothing.

So here is your challenge.... add a RUFFLE TO YOUR LAYOUT. Use paper, use fabric. Whatever you want.

As always, you have 2 weeks to link us up for a chance to be considered for a RAK from me.

Here is what the team has for you:

Paloma: Ruffles! How do you put ruffles on a « manly » layout? Because DH had picked this one and he even wrote the journaling... What’s a girl to do?! I had no choice but to play the game and look for a way to include ruffles in the layout! And here it is : the « I » in the title is a ruffled piece of fabric. And what do we learn from all this? You can include ruffles everywhere… and anywhere!

Helga

I used paper and lace to create my Ruffles!!!

Amanda - I created flowers from paper ruffles. Instead of layering each paper fold over the previous paper fold, I simply offset them a bit to create a flower shape. For the paper, I used a black-white-gray paper collage.

Miwako- my choice is crape paper and the end of paper (Sassafrass Lass).

Michelle--

I created a fabric ruffle to *skirt* my layout, and a ruffle fabric flower accent. Both of these came together in a cinch. The how-to is on my blog.

Kimmy-
I got out my sewing needle for this one (and I loathe sewing!!). I used the striped fabric to create ruffled flowers. I had some striped paper that was similar to my fabric and created a ruffle with that too which I layered my title on. I drew my color inspiration from the "By the Sea" scene in "Sweeney Todd".

Deborah -
I used some ruffled ribbon underneath my photo block, then I made a psuedo-ruffle using a piece of ribbon and staples.

Go Green Winner!

2010-01-27T21:43:00.003-05:00

You ladies rocked this challenge! I was amazed by all the creative uses for stuff that would otherwise be thrown in the trash. From packaging and wrappings, to food cans, mirrors, and spiral binding--nothing was safe from being altered or added to your projects. Check out the creations in the slide below.

The winner of the camera strap is Lora! Please email me your addy and I will get it in the mail to you. For those of you who would like to make your own camera strap, here's a tutorial so you can whip up your own.

Challenge#60: Warm Wool

2010-01-24T17:49:00.018-05:00

I live in Japan, now is winter season, today is cold day too.

My challenge is…… wool !!! playing with felt, woolen yarn, raw wool ( I love needle felting! ). Using 12 inch size felt instead of pp, making felt embellishment, knitting….please enjoy to give something warm on your project.

MIKAWO-

PALOMA-
For this challenge I chose to work with felt. I just love felt! Felt is warm, it has a smooth texture and it gives a very interesting “depth” to layouts. I used it on the green leaf on the left of mine, for an elegant finishing touch and… for the frame around the main subject of my layout! I took a piece of felt and cut a frame in it, to give the picture a sort of Polaroid feel to it. All this must have taken me just a couple of minutes! To fix it, I didn’t hesitate to use my sewing machine on the layout. It only takes a couple of stitches but of course, you can sew it by hand for a more personal touch.

KIMMY-
I dug up all the felty bits I could find in my stash. I used felt flowers , felt to mat the photos and some felt trims. Great way to use up those bits and pieces! Since I hate sewing I attached everything with ZipDry Glue and Glue Dots.
MICHELLE-

I used a bit of felt to piece a cute little owl for this LO. The pattern for this little cutie can be found here. The felt added a homespun touch which I echoed in the stitched borders and crocheted trim.

DEBORAH-
I ended up going a bit simple on this one, using a piece of orange felt to mat my photo, as well as felt stick-on alphas for my title I found at Michaels. I really like the texture of the felt.

Helga
I used felt on my title and my embellishment. Felt can be a great embellishment for boy layouts.

Amanda -

I die cut star borders out of red, glittery, adhesive felt. I then back the self-adhesive stars with different patterened papers.

Challenge #59 Prize

2010-01-20T21:22:00.004-05:00

Here's what's up for grabs this week for the Go Green! challenge. One lucky winner will receive a camera strap slipcover. This strap will fit over most DSLR/SLR camera straps and is padded for extra comfy-ness!
Check out the challenge here and link up your creations in the comments by Sunday midnight!

Make It Messy Challenge Winner

2010-01-18T19:07:00.003-05:00

The winner of the make it Messy Challenge is....

Katie! I love how you stepped out of the box to use a non art supply to mess up your LO! You Coffee Genius!! Your prize is a kit from The Scrapbook Get-Away. Pick the one you want, email me @ lostinadreamofjosh@gmail.com with your information and I'll have it sent your way! :) Thanks to all who participated! Great LOs everyone!

~Kimmy

Challenge #59: Go Green

2010-01-11T08:00:00.015-05:00

It's a brandy new year, filled with lots of new goals, resolutions, and good intentions. Let's start the new year off by going green! I'm not talking color here (although green is one of my faves!), I'm talking upcycling. Before you toss that cereal box, junk mail, or product packaging, take a second look. What wonderful piece of art could you create with it? What fabulous accent could you fashion to embellish your next layout, card, or project? You have two weeks to link up your upcycled project in the comments here. Up for grabs: a super comfy slipcover for your camera strap. Deets to follow later this week. Have fun creating your projects, and be happy that you're doing something great for our Earth, too!!

Miwako:
[inside]I reuse a small paper box (size: 7x4.5 inch) using as gift package of tea. I'll use this decolate box as a keeper of ATC (exchanged with my friends). This upcycle is very easy way as you can make decolate box, just choice favorite paper (or fabric) and wrap the basement, and then add some embellishments on it.
I've just moving my brog to　http://chichin-puipui.blogspot.com/
this linked post is http://chichin-puipui.blogspot.com/2010/01/mp59-go-green.html

Amanda:

This 2-page layout includes 3 upcycles - 1) the denim background was actually cut from a pair of "well loved" jeans, 2) the circle background was cut from a brown paper shopping bag, and 3) the title letters were cut from a newsprint magazine.

Michelle:
The embellishment in the lower left of the photo was made from the plastic packaging from Basic Grey's magnetic snaps. I used alcohol inks to color each one and then drew swirls with a Sharpie pen--easy peasy (and free!)

There are a few upcycles going on in this LO. The bracket is cut from a cardboard coffee cozy. The letters s and c were cut from the leftover negative of the alpha sticker sheets--these would have otherwise ended up in the trash bin. The tree was stamped onto a piece of cellophane packaging and cut out.

Kimmy:

I took this Christmas gift card tin and gave it a makeover with the new kit from Scrapbook Get-Away. Now I can reuse it for a birthday! :)

Deborah:

This layout uses several upcycles, too. The background is a paper bag cut to 12x12. I ran a strip of the bag through my cuttlebug and inked it for a strip of paper (lower left). I also grabbed two things out of my recycling bag - a paper towel roll and the plastic top of a spice jar and used them to stamp circles on my patterned paper.

Paloma

I love strips on the bottom of the papers, with trade mark, collection name and code bar. I use to keep them on a plastic bag because i don't like to put them through away, they are so cute! Here you are some of them around a pic showing my scrap table when I'm working on a layout!

Helga

I also used the label strips from my patterned papers. I used them as flowers and stems for flowers.

Challenge #55 (Negative Space) Winner!

2009-12-29T13:02:00.002-05:00

Sorry it has taken me so long to get around to posting a winner, but with no further ado, the winner is:

Timi O. Mercado

Timi, send me an e-mail and I will send you details regarding your prize! Thanks all for participating!

Cute as a Button Winner!

2009-12-28T22:35:00.002-05:00

The entries are in!

All the projects look great I had a difficult time choosing the winner but only one should win! And the winner is...

Issa Lucido! I will be contacting you for the shipping arrangements of your RAK.

Challenge 58: Make it messy

2009-12-26T08:53:00.011-05:00

One of my favorite things about creating is experimenting with different mediums. For this challenge I want you to do just that. Choose a wet medium (acrylic paint, glimmer mist, watercolors, ink, tea, even children's bubbles with dye in them works!) and then drip, splash, or splatter that medium on your project. Have fun making a mess!!

Jennifer: I mixed water with acrylic paint (equal amounts) and dripped some of the mixture onto the layout. Then I took a straw and blew the puddles in different directions. It looks a little like a blood bath (oops!), but it sure was fun to do. :)

Helga

I mixed water, distress ink, and perfect pearls to mist my background paper.

Kimmy: I used this technique on the cover of a mini album I made my dad for Christmas. I spritzed the background with red & blue glimmer mist (over the skyline mask) then I used an eyedropper to drip the same color blue glimmer mist on the top of the book. I blew through a straw to make them look more like stars and added stickles in the middle of each, then layered the title on top.

Michelle:I went a bit crazy with this one and got very messy (so did my table top!). Starting with a bare piece of canvas, I layered lots, and lots of acrylic paint. Once dry, I added some graffiti-style lettering with a black sharpie. And if that wasn't enough, I used a few squirts of spray paint. A machine-stitched border finishes the page. I have to admit this style is a bit out of the norm for me, but it was very freeing to let go, get messy, and have fun! A play-by-play is blogged at Life Made Creations.

You've got 2 weeks to link us up to your creation. :)

Challenge 56 Cute as a Button

2009-12-14T05:56:00.003-05:00

Buttons, buttons, buttons! I love buttons! You guessed it right...I challenge you to use buttons on your layout. Wait, there is a twist. I want you to use your buttons creatively. You can alter or dress-up your buttons first before using it on your layouts. You have until December 27 to post a link to your layout on the comments section of this post. Come back next Monday to see the RAK that I will be giving out to the most creative button.

Here are the layouts created by our wonderful design team:

Helga

I stitched the buttons differently.

Here is another layout this time I used alcohol inks to alter the buttons.

Kimmy-
I decorated these plain buttons with a white opaque pen before adding them to my Christmas goodie box. :) Easy peasy & adorable.

This is another altered button project I've done. I crushed buttons and used them to cover a chipboard shape. There's a tutorial on my blog if you want more info!

Michelle--

I love using buttons on my layouts. They give that little extra bit of homemade goodness and added texture to a page. For this layout, I stitched buttons as a frame around the patterned paper--cute as a button!

paloma--

When dotting my i’s, I decided to give myself a little more leeway: in the word ‘kisses’, I dotted my i underneath and instead of the usual dot, I chose a button in the shape of a star. To complete the special note I wanted for that particular dot, I added a rub-on on the starry button. There are also many ways of crossing your t’s. Two square buttons can do just the trick. Add to that a large round button, and you’ve got an easy ‘o’. I sewed my buttons like I normally would and there it was!

Deborah--

I also used alcohol ink to alter my buttons, then stamped on them with black archival ink. To make the colors really show up I layered one button on top of a lighter colored sticker.

Miwako

I made big snow flake by white small bottons. The bones made wire at first, please see my blog if you want to know more details. Also I used glitter on some bottns. I think this way is nice for using a lots of botton was left over.

Challenge 55 - Using Negative Space

2009-11-30T08:00:00.002-05:00

This weeks challenge is to design using negative space. You know, the "outside" of die-cuts, the "backing" of chipboard letters, the "other part" of stencils. You can use the "actual" piece of negative space on your layout, or use it like a stencil with spray ink, paint, etc. You could even journal within negative space. Here's what our Design Team came up with:

Amanda -

I created a stencil using a photo. I then spray inked the "negative space" around my stencil, which included the shadows in the photo, to create a background. I then used some of the white space in the spray inked image as a place to put my photos and title. A complete "how-to" for the background will be available on my blog after this post goes live.

Helga P. Vergara -I used the backing of my chipboard embellishment set as a frame for my photos.

Kimmy
I used the negative space from some Maya Road chipboard people as a reverse mask to create my lady on the right. I covered the man shape with paper and then sprayed glimmer mist into the lady shape. After it dried I outlined it with a pen to give it more definition, then I decorated it. I also used the negative space from the chipboard 3 in my title as an accent near the photo. Made mainly with the Fall Bliss Kit from Scrapbook Get- Away.

Michelle -

I used the backing from a sheet of chipboard letters and painted it in two tones of green. The circles are the perfect spots to place photos, papers, and embellishments. The letter E is also a leftover chipboard negative.

Deborah -

I used the edge from a bracket sticker to frame a piece of patterned paper. I also used the negative space from the chipboard arrow as a mask to ink a few arrows along the bottom of my patterned paper.

Now it's your turn! Can't wait to see what you come up with.

Challenge 54 - Slide Show & Winner!

2009-11-29T11:02:00.005-05:00

I was thrilled to see all the fantastic layouts for this challenge - taking design ideas from a magazine. You guys always make it hard to choose!

A little late, here's the slide show. We just got back from a trip to Australia and, well, leave it to my husband to leave out important things -- including that I'd be virtually internet-less during the stay. So, without further ado . . .

And the winner for this challenge is July Gaceta! Please send us your addy via the email link.

Challenge 53 Winners!

2009-11-15T20:07:00.003-05:00

Oops! I missed posting the winners by a full 6 days.... sorry to those of you who came looking earlier this week to see if you were selected. I just realized tonight as I was getting ready for tomorrow's challenge (a FUN one, by the way) that I had not posted the winners yet.

So, our winners are:

KeriK, who gets the first add-on for her wonderful minibook! Make sure you take a look at this beautiful book, folks.

and, by random draw:

Penny, who gets the second add-on.

Thanks again to Studio Calico for the goodies. Ladies, send me your addresses and I will get those kits out to you lickity-split.

Ribbon Titles

2009-11-15T10:07:00.013-05:00

Challenge 55 - Writing with ribons!

Finding a title can be the best part of scrapbooking... as it can be the worst nightmare. After all, it IS the final touch in a layout, isn't it? What a pleasure to go through our stash looking for letters in the right size, the right colour, the right design ... Well, this time we are going to write our title not with those beautiful alphabet letters but with... ribbon(s) or anything similar! I hear you sigh: it's so difficult to glue, it's not easy... I know, I know but... it's also so beautiful too!! Why don't you have a go and show us what you can do? You have until December 6th to show us your full creativity! Have fun!
Here you are what we've done!

Jennifer- I made my title out of small pieces of ribbon, which I adhered with a Scotch photo-splits runner. (Sorry about the wonky background color - white/off-white confuses my scanner!)

Amanda- I created a portion of my title by adhering strips of ribbon to a chipboard letter. I went through several design iterations of this page, one of which includes the entire title with the ribbon treatment. You can see these other iterations on my blog after this post goes live.

Michelle- There are so many great ways to interpret this challenge! I ran a wide red ribbon through a die cut machine to create the heart. The letters are hand cut from twill tape and machine-stitched to my page. I was planning to use Fray-Stop to prevent stray threads around the cut ribbon, but decided I liked the home-spun look it created.

Kimmy- I drew my large letters on a piece of cardboard backing then covered them with strips of ribbon. Inspired by a sketch from Scrapbook Get-Away.

Miwako - I use a wire mesh ribbon which is narrow tube, material is very soft and easy to fix a variouse shape. I play to mix a lots material (poststamp, metal, race, pearl, line stone, vintage, romantic and fantastic). I think that this ribbon is useful for making balance of the different feel materials.

Challenge 54 - Design Ideas from Magazines

2009-11-02T14:16:00.038-05:00

If your house is anything like mine, you probably have magazines lying around the house. And if you're really like me it's waaaaay too many magazines. And that doesn't even count the daily deluge of catalogs we're getting now that it's getting closer to Christmas.

So my challenge to you is a design challenge. Pick something from a magazine to inspire you, design-wise. It can be an ad or photo, a pattern, a color combination, a page design - whatever you like - and use it on a layout.

Here's what our team came up with:

Deborah:
I chose to mimic the array of mushrooms in the above picture. However, I used Halloween embellishments to frame my photo, instead of text.

Miwako:

I was inspired by a page of wedding catalog magazine. I love this colore, score and ribbon and feel so crassic and nostalgic. I use variouse ribbons in my layout and imagine cristimas decolation and gift package.

Paloma:

For this challenge I chose to work little flags like the ones you see in fancy fairs and other such festive gatherings and that I keep finding in scrap layouts and magazines.
To hold them together, I chose a white thread/wire because it winds and unwinds nicely throughout the bubbles. Little flags, bubbles looking like white balloons everywhere: yes, this was a festive time... but hush now, the baby is asleep!

Michelle:

I tore this ad from a boutique baby catalog several years ago and filed it away in my art inspiration binder. This week's prompt was the perfect excuse to finally work this into a layout. I was drawn to the playful circles and happy colors, and repeated both in my layout:

This page was done on a piece of duck cloth canvas prepped with gesso.

Amanda:

I was inspired by pieces in the November/December 2009 Somerset Studio magazine. These pieces were wedding themed created with a neutral color scheme. I loved the color scheme applied to the theme, but wanted to create a more urban distressed look, instead of vintage look distressed look.

I will post a layout how-to on my blog after this pose goes live.

Kimmy:

I was inspired by the back cover of my Crate & Barrel catalog. I loved the multicolored, layered circles & duplicated them with Glimmer Mist (which I rubbed on with a piece of felt). The ornaments inspired my Christmas theme & the vertical lines of the silverware inspired my title placement.

Helga:

I used this page from an airline magazine. I was really struck by its color and page layout particularly the white space on top. I used these elements as my inspiration in creating my layout.
Here is my take:

So break out your magazine stacks, rummage through your junk mail and see what inspires you! Post your creations here, and your inspiration piece, by Sunday night, November 15th to be considered for a RAK.

Check back....

2009-11-02T13:38:00.002-05:00

Thanks to all who participated in the Patterned Paper challenge. What a great range of layouts we had! Take a look at the entries in the slide show below, and then check back NEXT Monday, when I will announce our winners.

Also, Challenge 54 will post later today!

Challenge 53 Slide Show

2009-11-02T13:36:00.000-05:00

RAKS!!!!

2009-10-29T09:08:00.005-04:00

Here are the pics of the RAKs that are up for grabs for this challenge. Both were donated by Studio Calico and are former, SOLD OUT add-ons. This could very well be your last chance to get your hands on these add-ons, so come play with us!

SOPHIA:
ENVELOPE BOOK:

To read a great tutorial on how to put together this envelope book, go check out: http://www.studiocalico.com/features/tutorials/1-how-to-make-an-airmail-envelope-book

Remember, you have until Sunday night at midnight, EST.

One RAK will go to the player who I feel really embraced the challenge, and the other will be RANDOMLY CHOSEN, so everyone has a great chance of winning!

Challenge 53: Make Patterned Paper With Cardstock

2009-10-17T16:52:00.017-04:00

Things are new and fresh here at Method Playground! We have 5 new team members who are sure to breathe new and fresh ideas into the blog, and we could not be more excited about it.

Times of change always make me look back and reflect, too. I decided that this challenge would blend the old and the new....so.....

Let's go back to our first ever challenge and do it again!

I highly encourage you to flip back and see what folks did with this challenge the first time around, but for those of you who want to get right to it, here it is:

MAKE PATTERNED PAPER WITH CARDSTOCK

That's it. Make just a small accent piece or transform a whole piece of paper into a new pattern using cardstock. The choice is yours.

As always, you have 2 weeks to submit your creations for a chance to win a RAK. (More on that later). The deadline is 12midnight e.s.t. on Sunday, November 1.

Here is what the team did:

KIMMY:

Kimmy created 2 patterned papers. For the black one she glimmer misted the colored scrap papers, punched out the butterflies and adhered them to the black glimmer misted paper in a pattern. For the white background piece, she splattered glimmer mist in coordinating colors all over the page.

HELGA:

Helga took the challenge a different way and created her patterned paper using Distress Inks, water and stamps.

AMANDA:

Amanda created the green scroll background with her Cricut. The silver cardstock in the foreground was embossed with a Cuttlebug embossing folder and then sanded (making the raised image appear to be brushed metal).

MICHELLE:

Michelle used five different techniques to create her own patterned paper swatches.

MIWAKO:

Miwako created her patterned paper by starting with a base of ivory cardstock. She used her favorite distress inks (especially Tim Holtz's tattered rose) and also stamped with acrylic paint onto the background.

JEN:
I used a small punch to punch orange circles out of cardstock, which I then glued to a piece of graph paper, making a patterned paper on top of a patterned paper.

DEBORAH:
Deborah used a mask and Maya Road mist on her background cardstock. The black cardstock has die cuts layered on top.

Now let's see what YOU can do with cardstock!

Announcing Our New DT Members!!

2009-10-13T20:56:00.005-04:00

Please join us in welcoming our new Playground Girls!

Amanda Berens
I am 32 years old, have been married for 9 years, and have been scrapbooking since 2003. I once swore I would never scrapbook, back when all I knew of scrapbooking was that it was expensive and formulaic. However, out of frustration with a box of random photos and boredom with my current craft endeavors, I took a beginner's scrapbooking class and haven't looked back since. In 2007, I began dabbling in mixed-media techniques and started to develop my own style. My husband calls it "deconstruction". I usually don't use an item the way it is intended to be used, I look at an item and ask myself, "now, what ELSE can I do with this?". My day job is civil engineering, I like to see myself as a kind of personal superhero...."Engineer by Day, Mixed-Media Artist by Night" (complete with costume change from business casual to painty jeans and tank tops).

Michelle Neddo
I am a stay home mom to three boys, and married to my high school
sweetheart. I have been scrapbooking, in one form or another, since the
80's (gosh, does that make me sound old?) I love challenges as a way to
stretch my artistic limits. I am absolutely tickled to be a member of this
creative team, and can't wait to pull out all the stops & have a ball on the
playground with you!

Kimmy Jaster
I am a single, 30 year old, 4th grade teacher. I live in the same small Arizona town that I grew up in. I've been scrapbooking more than half my life.I started way back in junior high school, and boy has my style changed since then! I don't have any children of my own, but my adorable 3 year old "niece" Kaitee, ( who is really the daughter of my best friend since kindergarten) is my pride and joy. I love taking pictures of her and scrapbooking her. I love being messy when I scrapbook: paint, glimmer mist, and glitter are a few of my favorite things. I also love using unconventional things and trying new techniques on my layouts.

Miwako Shinohara

My name is Miwako Shinohara, I'm 39 years old, and live in Japan with
husband, 2 girls twins (4 years old) and 4 cats. I love cats, flowers,
sweets and craft of course scrapbooking is special. I like to create a lots
craft in my dairy life and I want to find a small joy at every single day by
such creations.
I've started scrapbooking in June of 2007, previously my main hobby was
flower arrangement works. So, I try to mix a lots craft works in
scrapbooking freely. Anyway, I'm honored and so happy to join Method
playground DT because I love to try new technique and find a something. I'm
currently on the DT for SUN-K Co.(Japanese scrapbooking shop).

Helga Vergara

Hi! I'm Helga Payawal-Vergara and I'm from the Philippines. I am happily married to my very supportive husband Gilfred. Scrapbooking has been my creative outlet since 2003. I love to scrap photos of my family especially our son Ike. He is so lucky that I got into this hobby even before he was conceived. I was able to document his growth and milestones. As a scrapbooker, I love to layer papers and different elements. I usually hand cut paper designs to use as embellishments. I like to use multi-photos on my pages. Since I usually scrap photos of my son I usually use bright colors. I love to combine red and blue or yellow, orange and brown simply because they are colors that would complement boy layouts. I also love to experiment and combine different techniques just so I won't get bored with my designs. This has also made me a better scrapbooker.

New Design Team Members Chosen

2009-10-04T21:08:00.002-04:00

A heartfelt thanks to all of you who took the time and energy to apply. We were so impressed with your work and your willingness to put yourself out there. We had such a hard time with this decision - we wish would could have added so many more people. Please PLEASE continue to play with us at Method Playground.

Look for a post later this week with our newest gals and then we'll be back on with the challenges!

Design Team Call!

2009-08-28T14:22:00.000-04:00

Are you a scrap technique junkie? Do you love to try new things with your scrapbooking? Method Playground, a scrap technique challenge blog, is looking to add some new designers. perhaps you will be one of them!

A bit about us: Method Playground posts technique-based scrap challenges every other week on a rotating basis. We also love to utilize guest hosts (like Ali Edwards, Layle Koncar, Teresa Collins - to name a few!). We strive to be a fun, low-stress challenge blog. We do this because we enjoy playing and sharing.

Requirements:
(1) Post a challenge to the MP blog on a rotating basis (approximately every 3 months). Provide a RAK to a person(s) of your choice.
(2) Participate in the other bi-weekly challenges given by your co-designers (2 layouts/month - easy peasy!) We hope you will participate as much as possible, but we understand that sometimes life gets in the way of scrapping.
(3) Give feedback to those who participate in our challenges.

Application: If interested, please submit the following:
(1) 3 layouts. Please tell us a little about any techniques you used (please keep the attachments under 100K).
(2) Links to any other blogs or online galleries that you want us to see.
(3) Link to a resume (if you have one).
(4) A short paragraph telling us why you would like to be a part of our team.
(5) A list of 3 sample challenges that you might use if chosen (you are not required to use these if you are chosen - we just want to see your ideas!)

Previous design team work is not necessary. This is also not an exclusive gig - you are free to do whatever other scrapping you like!

Please apply via email: methodplayground@gmail.com

DEADLINE is Sept 20, 2009. New designers will be notified by October 1, 2009.

Challenge 52 - Doodling

2009-08-25T11:28:00.003-04:00

Doodling - it was really big a couple of years ago, thanks in large part to Elsie Flannigan.

Well, let's give it another shot. Your challenge is to doodle - and you can interpret that how you like. Just post your creations by Sunday, Sept 6th!

Here's what we did:

Jennifer
Jennifer used a simple black marker to add doodled circles inside the patterned paper circles and to add "stitches" along some paper edges.

Deborah
Deborah used glimmer mist and a mask made from a scrap of cardstock and her Slice machine to make several starfish shapes around her photo. She then doodled over the masked area.

Paloma
Paloma really thought outside the box and used string to doodle on her layout - around her journaling block and photo.

Challenge 48 Winner

2009-08-24T16:11:00.003-04:00

sorry this took so long - Staci and I kept missing each other on this - but the winner is Megan A. with her 1st party layout! Thanks for playing along everyone! Just email me (bhurd1976@msn.com) - i have your prize pack from Lily Bee waiting for your addy.........

Challenge 50 - Winner

2009-08-24T10:58:00.006-04:00

Thanks to everyone who participated and stepped out the box! You guys are a small but talented group :)

The winner of this challenge is Jingle!! I loved how she used the cookie cutters to mask part of her layout. So ... please send me your addy so I can get your Studio Calico gift cerificate out to you.

Slide.com is giving me bad code right now... but here's a link to view the slide show for this challenge.

2009-08-10T09:59:00.004-04:00

This fortnight’s topic : the masking tape !

Hi everybody ! Time for a new challenge technique!
Ever thought about using some… masking tape ? That’s right, that’s our challenge : to use this paper-like tape everywhere or anywhere on your layout. You could cut it into pieces that you then put on the background, or use strips of it with some gesso on it or you can tape your photos with it on the cardstock… Use your imagination ! Want some more ideas ? How about using the masking tape to write on it or paint it ? It’s all up to you !

By the way, here is what I did with it ! Have fun… till 23th august at 00.00!

Challenge 49 Winner

2009-08-08T21:09:00.002-04:00

I'm writing to you from vacation, so no time for a slideshow this time (but please go take a look at the entries - great stuff!). Without further ado, the winner of my challenge is:

MEL!

Mel, I loved that you really embraced the challenge and did not even use the patterned paper. You showed us all how much you can do with so little. Please send us an email and I'll make sure your Piggy Tales RAK gets to you. :)

Thanks for all who participated.

Challenge 50 - Cookie Cutters

2009-07-27T16:18:00.005-04:00

While you're waiting for all the new CHA goodies to hit the stores, let's find a few "new" things to do with your current supplies. Everyone's got at least one cookie cutter lying around - right? Well, let's get creative with them!

Your challenge is to use cookie cutters in creating your layout. You can interpret that however you wish. Tell us how you used them when you link up your layout.

Are you kids getting restless? Put them to work, too! Give them some cookie cutters and playdoh or let them make their own creation along side you.

Just link up your layout by Sunday, August 9th to be eligible for a RAK. Since it's summer and taking the kids anywhere takes me three times a long, I'm going to give one lucky participant a gift certificate to Studio Calico.

Here's what the team did:

Deborah:

I had several star cookie cutters in different sizes, including a large one. I used them two ways: stamping onto paper with Tim Holtz's Distress Paint and tracing around them and making Shrinky Dinks. I chose to use Distress Paint because it comes with it's own brush and it was easy to "paint" the edges of the cutter. For the smaller Shrinky Dinks, I stamped them with Staz-on ink before shrinking.

Challenge 49 - Simplify

2009-07-13T11:52:00.008-04:00

I don't know about you, but I feel overwhelmed alot of the time... by my to-do list, by housework, by my kids. Sometimes, I even feel overwhelmed when I sit down to scrapbook! There are so many products out there, and sometimes I drive myself nuts trying to find the perfect embellishments.

When that happens, and I feel like my products are ganging up on me (!), I try to simplify. What do I REALLY need? Some paper. Some photos. The rest is all just icing.

So here is your challenge.... SIMPLIFY.

Specifically, I mean you need to limit yourself this way for this challenge:

(1) You may use cardstock (however much you need) and ONE sheet of patterned paper (double-sided is ok).
(2) You may use as many photos as you like
(3) You may use pens, markers, pencils, paints.
(4) You may not use any other embellishments unless you make them with that cardstock or patterned paper.

Remember that simple does not have to mean plain ... you can do alot with a sheet of patterned paper - I swear! After this challenge, go back and use chipboard, stickers, jewels, the works. But for right now, give it a try. Simplify!

This challenge concludes at Midnight on Sunday, July 26th. Link us up here or send us an email to qualify for a RAK donated by Piggy Tales ... A complete collection of one of their newest releases, Row, Row, Row Your Boat:

To see more of this collection, go to: http://piggytales.typepad.com/piggytales/2009/05/index.html

Jen's Layout:

The title was made by doodling inside some leftover Piggy Tales Chipboard letter forms.

Deborah's Layout:

This Sassafras Lass paper is double-sided and border on the bottom of the paper. Deborah used her Slice to cut the flowers and letters.

Challenge #46 - Envelopes - Slideshow and WINNER!!!

2009-07-05T18:36:00.013-04:00

I'd like to express my appreciation for all of the BEAUTIFUL PAGES submitted for Challenge #46 - Envelopes!!... You have out-done yourselves AGAIN ladies!! Stunning... Simply inspiring... Thank you all again!!

And, now for the WINNER... Drumrole please!...

... BEC!! You are our winner for Challenge #46 - Envelopes!!... Congrats lady!!

Please e-mail me (pamelapalmarini@hotmail.com) with your e-mail address, so I can send you out the code for your FAB Gift Certificate for URBAN ANTHOLOGY kits... Plus, Kari, the owner has offered an added bonus of a DISCOUNT CODE, so your GC will go a bit further in the UA store... WOO-HOO!!!

Congrats again and thank you to all of the ladies who "played" along!!

#48 - Guest Designer Staci Taylor

2009-06-29T16:20:00.006-04:00

Hey ladies - We want to welcome the fabulously talented Staci Taylor to Method Playground for this challenge. She is so creative and i'm so glad she agreed to join us. Here is more about Staci:

I live in Maryland with my hubby of 7 years and my two little ones (ages 4 and 2) who keep me hopping all day long! I work part-time as a School Psychologist, and full-time as a mama ;-) I started scrapping 5 years ago when I was pregnant with my son, and it didn't take long for me to become addicted! Thankfully, my wonderful artistic husband supports my habit (I mean hobby!). I feel very blessed to be on the design teams for the manufacturers Fancy Pants and Luxe, as well as the online store/kit club, Create My Keepsake. My work has been published in Memory Makers and Scrapbook Trends magazines, and you are always welcome to visit me on my blog: http://www.creatingmyeveryday.blogspot.com/

Here is her challenge and example:

My challenge is to use chipboard as a guide to do hand stitching. For my layout, I poked holes with my stitching needle around each chipboard letter in my title, and then stitched through the holes. You could use this technique not only on letters, but on shapes as well. You could also use grungeboard, acetate, or anything else that has some thickness to it - the possibilities are endless!

Your deadline is July 11th. We hope you will join us! Make sure you link your projects to this thread. There is a fabulous prize pack from Lily Bee Designs for the winner. If you havn't seen thier product just click on the link to go check it out. My layout (brenda) was created using Lily Bee rub on's and paper!

Here are the layouts from the team!

Mine (Brenda):

I used these chipboard circles from Scenic RouteJen's Layout:Debs Layout:

Challenge 47

2009-06-15T05:18:00.007-04:00

Hi, girls !

New fortnight, new assignment ! For this particular assignment, we want you to use anything ranging form napkins to tissue paper, kitchen paper or toilet paper. How’s that ? You have 15 days as usual for this assignement. The final deadline is 28 June.

Here’s what the DT has done :

1) Pamela

The background paper is created with tissue paper, gloss medium, paint, and ink.)

2) Jen

She twisted tissue paper and then wound beaded wire around it to shape it.

3) Paloma

She used pieces of napkins to create a foggy city (look at behind houses…).

4) Deborah

She used tissue paper to create flowers, then sprayed them with Maya Mist and Glimmer Mist

5) Brenda

She used tissue paper as a ruffle - stitching it on with the sewing machine.
So what do you think ? Are you up to par ? Thanks to submit till Sunday 28th at noon !

Greetings

Slide Show & Winner - Glittered Embellies!

2009-06-09T10:08:00.004-04:00

Thanks to everyone who played along with the challenge! Again, we were amazed by your creativity. It's always so hard to choose just one layout and you guys didn't make it easy for me. Here's the slide show without further ado ....

And congratulations to Elina! She really rocked the glitter -- adding touches to the flowers, leaves and her title. Please email us your addy!

Here's Elina's layout:

Challenge #46 - Envelopes

2009-06-02T08:19:00.010-04:00

I have a simple and straight forward challenge for you this week...

Use an envelope or envelopes of any size, color, etc... on your scrapbook page, in whatever way you see fit! They can be functional (holding stuff) or decorative, background or embellishment, office or home, old or new... Just use envelopes!!

PAMELA's pages...

BRENDA's page & detail...

PALOMA's page...

DEBORAH's page...

Remember to link your page to this post by Sunday, June 14th, 12 midnite PST!... I will pick a winner from the participants, and the lucky artist will receive a GIFT CERTIFICATE to the fabulous kit site, URBAN ANTHOLOGY!!... Have fun, make art, and share!!

Challenge 45 - Glittered Embellies

2009-05-18T16:06:00.009-04:00

Do you like glitter? There's a good supply of scrapbook items you can purchase with glitter - fabric flowers, brads, and stickers to name a few. Which is all good. But sometimes you want something a little more custom. And there's so many different kinds of glitter out there from coarse to fine in any color you could want.

So, my challenge to you is to use a bit of glitter and make an embellishment. Need some ideas? Add to an existing embellishment. Glitter chipboard. Use glue dots. Use a glue pen. Here's what our team came up with:

Jen's layout:
Jen's not a big fan of glitter because it can be quite messy to work with. Her solution - dunk the adhesive backs of epoxy stickers into glitter then use glue dots to adhere them on her layout.

Deborah's Layouts:
Two different kinds of glitter were used on this layout. The tree was made by tracing over a stamped image with a fine glue pen then covering with Doodlebug glitter. The paper flower was brushed with Glossy Accents and then sprinkled with iridescent flakes I found in the paper-making section.

Glue dots were applied directly to this layout and coated with fine glitter. The same glitter was applied to the button.

And here's the RAK for this challenge. I've got a collection of things from the new Breaking Free line from My Mind's Eye -- plus a bit of Martha Stewart glitter.

Post your creations by Sunday, May 31st to be eligible for the RAK.

Notes... A reminder and Challenge #43's page entires and WINNER!!!

2009-05-16T09:56:00.010-04:00

First... Two more days for Challenge #44, and a chance to win that COOL kit from SCRAP'N SUPPLY SHACK!!...

Second... A review of the clever pages you all shared with us for Danielle's magazine clippings challenge (#43)... I was amazed by the creativity these five ladies showed!!

ERIN's PAGE...

JEANIE's PAGE...

JOANN's PAGE...

TESSAH's FIRST PAGE...

TESSAH's SECOND PAGE...

And... MEL's WINNING PAGE!!!!...

SAWEEEEEET Mel!... You are our winner!... Send your addy to Danielle Quarmby ASAP at... qteakits@gmail.com... SUPER CONGRATS!!!

Challenge 44 - Decorative Tape

2009-05-05T08:35:00.006-04:00

Tape is no longer just for packing up boxes and wrapping presents... tape is everywhere in the scrapbook world, in the form of DECORATIVE TAPE. All of it is fun and easy to use.

There is clear tape with patterns on it
http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/shop/68535/

There is fabric tape
http://www.kandcompany.com/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=6142
http://www.studiocalico.com/shop/item/92

There is lacy, holey tape
http://www.amazingpaper.com.au/cat/index.cgi/shopfront/view_by_category?category_id=16326

There is "gaffer tape"
http://www.shopatron.com/product/part_number=17642/533.0

There is patterned paper tape
http://www.makingmemories.com/Products/detail/Packaging-Tape
http://www.heidiswapp.com/tapepatterns-time.aspx
http://www.eksuccess.com/products_detail.php?product_id=7974&sess_id=bba4c084c069e8ad9246f65480d7e681

This week, the challenge is simple - USE DECORATIVE TAPE ON A LAYOUT. See what fun ways you can come up with and link us to your layout.

You have until midnight on Sunday, May 17th to play along. The winner will get this RAK (a May 08 Add-On Kit) from The Scrap'n Supply Shack:

To see the way that the team used decorative tape for the challenge, please take a look at the article that ScrapStreet Magazine did on Method Playground this month!

Scrapstreet.com Article

Hey all... Just a couple of notes...

2009-05-02T13:12:00.005-04:00

Two more days for Challenge #43, and a chance to win that FAB*U*LOUS "Honey Bee Happy" kit from Danielle!!...

Also, I still need addresses from... Heather and Yukari! (For Challenge #41... I have Tomomi's, and I am just waiting a bit longer, so I can get everybody's RAK postal at one time.)...

Plus... Keep your eyes peeled for something WAY WAY WAY fun for Challenge #44!!

Challenge #43 - Magazine clippings/pages - with Guest Hostess................................ DANIELLE QUARMBY of Q-tea Kits!!!!

2009-04-21T19:23:00.021-04:00

I'm a kind of quirky, arty 28-year-old scrapper with a love of photography, 2 little kidlets and 1 on the way, a computer nerd hubby and a tendency to value creativity above housework. I'm on the colour team for Australian scrapbooking mag Scrapbook Creations, and have also written 9 feature articles for them over the past 2 years, as well as being contributing layouts to other features in the magazine. In 2007 I was one of the runners-up for the Memory Makers Masters competition, which is probably my most thrilling achievement in scrapbooking! A close second was getting my layout on the cover of Scrapbook Creations last December. I've been running Q Tea Kits since July 2007, and May 2009 will be the last kit before closing the business. I'm excited to see what creative directions will be next - I have a lot of ideas!

For Challenge #43, I challenge you... to use magazine clippings and/or magazine pages ON YOUR PAGES... That's right! Incorporate something on your scrapbook page that comes from a magazine... Cut it out, tear it out... And, use it ON your page, and IN your design... Have FUN!! Think outside-of-the-box!!

For my example layout, the title "Where the Wild Things Are" was a title page for a fashion spread in a children's fashion magazine called Bambini. I just stuck it to the background paper and went from there, adding gesso, stickers, some items from Q Tea's May kit and a photo of my daughter at her grandparents a couple of years ago.

I had so much fun doing this, that I made another one too...

And, the Method Playground designers have also created their own pages to inspire you some more...

DEBORAH's layout...

PALOMA's layout...

JENNIFER's layout...

Jennifer used the whole magazine page out of a cruise brochure (the theme of her layout). She also used her Making Memories Slice to cut individual letters out of colorful portions of the brochure to make her title.

PAMELA's layout...

So... Remember to link your layout to this post, by midnite PST on Sunday, May 3, and you could be the VERY LUCKY RECIPIENT of this FABULOUS RAK from Q-tea Kits, "Honey Bee Happy"...

Good Luck!!... Danielle

Three items of business...

2009-04-18T10:39:00.014-04:00

1). Only 2-days-2-go to play along with Paloma's "frames, frames, frames" challenge, (Challenge #42)... Don't miss your chance...

2). And, just to peak your curiosity... We have a FAB artist coming on April 20th to be our guest hostess... She is one of my most favorite scrapping/papercraft artists, and we are honored and excited that she will be acting as our April 20th hostess and sponsor... Come back on Monday, and meet my friend! You will definitely be challenged!!

3). And, finally, the winners from my challenge (Challenge #41 - Monochromatic Color Scheme)... Please allow me to thank you all for your gorgeous pages and for all of your MP support! I was overwhelmed with having to choose winners from such a pool of stunning work... Thank you again for all of the beauty you shared with us!... A slideshow with all of your work can be seen just below...

I had a hard time narrowing my choice down to even three... Some of my favorites have been pulled out into this post, and they would be my HM pages... So, cheers to you ladies... Marielle, Mel, Sigmagirl, and Miwako... I LOVED your breathtaking work!!!!

And, without further adieu... My choices for the best-of-the-best are... Heather, Yukari, and Tomomi... You ladies just blew me away!!!!... I need you three to please e-mail me with your addys so I can send you a little token of my awe and appreciation... pamelapalmarini@hotmail.com...

Thanks again to all of the fabulous artists that made monochromatic pages!!... I am humbled... Peace and make art... Pam

MARIELLE's HM page...

MEL's HM page...

SIGMAGIRL's HM page...

MIWAKO's HM page...

HEATHER's BEST-OF-THE-BEST page...

YUKARI's BEST-OF-THE-BEST page...

TOMOMI's BEST-OF-THE-BEST page...

Challenge 42 - Frames

2009-04-10T10:52:00.011-04:00

I’m very sorry, I’m so late but… with Easter I lost track of time ! But I’m back on track, yes ! And this is the challenge for this week:
You have to use more than one frame,but less than one hundred, in your layout. You can put them where you want; they can be big or small; in any material: plastic, cardstock, magic mesh, up to you !

Look at what the DT members have done :

Deb: She has used some empty frames on the right of the layout, why not?

Jen: She has used them to hide some journaling and photos!

Pam: Look at this beautiful heart frame! Amazing, isn't it?

And you, are you up to it ?
Post your creations here by Sunday, April 19th to be eligible for a RAK.
Have a good Easter!

Paloma1815

Check back

2009-04-06T19:53:00.001-04:00

It seems here at MP we all have "a case of the Mondays" today (does anyone remember that from the movie Office Space?). We will have our new challenge up for you soon, so check back!

LOVIN' all the MONOCHROMATIC pages!!...

2009-04-04T12:20:00.003-04:00

Only two more days to post your take on CHALLENGE #41!!...

Thank you ladies for playing at MP... We appreciate your LOVIN'!!... Pam

Slideshow & Winner! Challenge #40

2009-03-25T16:54:00.002-04:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in our "non-traditional stamping" challenge!

The winner for this challenge is Grace Tolman - she stamped on pieces of leather to make trees for her layout. How creative! Grace, please send us your addy and we'll get your RAK right out.

Challenge #41 - Monochromatic Color Scheme

2009-03-22T19:02:00.014-04:00

This time around... I want to issue a color scheme challenge... Here it is... Simple, straight forward, and very versatile!

Use a monochromatic color scheme on your page... Period!... Any subject, any materials, any journaling, any title, any size... Just make the page a "one color wonder"!!

Monochromatic color schemes, by definition... Use one hue (color), plus tints and shades (lights, mediums, and darks) of that chosen hue, and possibly, achromatics (whites, blacks and grays), or possibly neutrals (browns, beiges, tans, etc...).

How do you choose your hue?... Randomly, inspirationally, emotionally, etc... Or, the hue you choose can reflect the "feel" and or theme/subject of the photos... Red for love, blue for sadness, green for nature/serenity, etc...

So... Remember to have fun, check out the FAB DT examples below, and then LINK your take on the challenge here, by Sunday, April 5th, 12 midnite EST... And, I will pick a winner from the participants, and I will send a RAK off to the LUCKY WINNER!!

Good luck and make some art!!

PAMELA's layout...

BRENDA's layout...

JENNIFER's layout...

DEBORAH's layout...

5 Patterned Papers Slide show & Winners!

2009-03-16T15:42:00.004-04:00

Thanks to all who participated. I let random.org pick 2 winners from the 33 participants, and here are the lucky winners....

KIMBERLY
SHARONA B.

Send us an email with your address and I will get each of you an add-on kit from Studio Calico
And here is a photo of that kit, ladies. The name is "Sophia" and it is GORGEOUS.

#40 - Non-Traditional Stamping

2009-03-09T15:17:00.020-04:00

Are you a stamp addict? Got some new stamps laying around that you've been waiting to use? Tired of stamping on paper? Your challenge: stamp on something other than paper. It can be ribbon, fabric, acrylic, buttons ... the possibilities are endless!

Our sponsor for this challenge is ScraPerfect and they gave us the Perfect Printing Pouch to use for this challenge. The pouch was created to stop printing ink from smearing on vellum paper -- but it does so much more. But you can use it when stamping or with markers, and it works on many surfaces from textured paper to fabric to Sculpy. It stops bleeding and smearing on vellum, shiny papers, textured cardstock, transparencies, twill tape, ribbon, muslin fabric, shrink plastic, wood, postage stamps, mulberry paper and other challenging surfaces. The print quality is crisp and the ink dries quickly with different inks including ink jet printers, water based and permanent markers, gel pens and stamp dye pads. Try it with Staz-on ink on acrylic. You will be amazed! It also contains a drying agent so the ink is dry within 15 seconds of coming out of the printer. When stamping, the pouch prevents embossing powder from sticking where it's not wanted, too!

Here's how we used it:

Deborah:
I stamped on ribbon, a clear button, and a scrap of acrylic. To help keep the ribbon straight, I used a bit of adhesive and tacked it onto my craft mat before stamping. The button was stamped and embossed.

Paloma:
Paloma used the pouch on twill before running it through her printer, as well as two pieces of cotton fabric.

Pamela:
Pamela stamped on fabric. The photo was altered first with bleach and watersoluable crayons, scanned, and printed on fabric, using freezer paper and an ink-jet printer. Then, after adhering it to cardstock, she stamped the wood pattern, clockface, some words, and the little frames by October Afternoon in fabric and solvent inks.
Jennifer: Jennifer used the pouch on some vellum and ran it through the printer to print out a digital frame. She also stamped with some blue ink on fabric for her heart embellishment.

Guest Designer Susie Bentz:
I gave Susie one of the pouches and asked her to try it out. She stamped on the ribbon and some shrinky-dinks.

So break out those stamps! You don't need the Perfect Printing Pouch to participate - just stamps, ink and your imagination. Post your creations here by Sunday, March 22nd to be eligible for a RAK.

Challenge #38 slide show and Winner

2009-03-02T16:27:00.002-05:00

Thanks so much for playing ladies! It was so hard to choose!

**The winner is SHARONA for her "my baby' layout! Email me at bhurd1976@msn.com and i will get a package out to you ASAP! Thanks!

#39 - Pattern Paper Pandemonium

2009-02-23T07:51:00.004-05:00

We all love it... patterned paper. Flowers, polka dots, ledger, script - the paper manufacturers have thought of it all, and they know just how to coordinate all those beautiful papers to give us the perfect paper lines.

But why let the manufacturers have all the fun with that mixing and matching of papers? It can be a little daunting to put "unmatching" papers together on a layout, but it can also be a whole lot of fun. So, here is my challenge to you...

Use at least 5 different patterned papers from at least 5 different manufacturers. It's that simple.

Here is what the team did:

Paloma: Paloma totally went for it and used all kinds of patterns on top of a neutral cardstock. Some papers she left in strips, some she used for some handcutting. Somehow they all work together, though. Gorgeous.

Pamela: Pamela found a way to use all those extra strips of paper that we all accumulate. Notice how the blue tones seem to clash, but when put together in small amounts they seem like they were made to go together.

Deb: Deb used a bit of everything - writing, polkas, florals. She managed to avoid the use of a "base" cardstock at all. Lovely. (Basic Grey, Pink Paislee, Sassafrass Lass, Scenic Route, Imagination Project, and Jenni Bowlin)

Brenda: Brenda used a pattern paper as her base and then added in small bits of papers to add bursts of color. Using a punch with different patterned papers is a great way to give a cohesive look. (Studio Calico, Making Memories, Pink Paislee, Chatterbox and Cosmo Cricket)

Jennifer: I kept my basic design fairly plain. First I picked a background paper and then leafed through my stash to find a patterned paper that jumped out at me (in this case, it was the yellow, red, green floral pattern from Basic Grey). I then pulled out papers that had some of those same tones in them. I used 4 punches circles of each of 5 papers for an overlapped scallop look. I cut out a square of the last to use as a place to journal.

Ok.... hope that gives you a jumping off point. The possibilities are literally endless. If you want to REALLY be brave, set out a bunch of papers, close your eyes, and choose a few to use. I think you will like the results.

You have until Sunday, March 8th at midnight EST to complete this challenge. I am doing things a little differently this time, and everyone who enters the challenge will be put into a drawing for a couple RAKS. I will randomly choose 2 winners who will get a fabulous add-on kit from Studio Calico. (PHOTOS LATER)

Please make your submissions new, although you are welcome to combine with a layout you are doing for another challenge elsewhere.

Have fun!

And the winner is... STEF !!!!!

2009-02-18T03:02:00.003-05:00

Congrats Stef! Send us your private adresse to send you some stuff.

Challenge 38 - Photo collage

2009-02-09T14:48:00.004-05:00

Okay ladies - don't let the title scare you. Even if your not good with computers or photo editing you can still make this work - I will explain later. But first - let me explain how this came to me. I am very challenged when it comes to 2 page layouts and i like the extra space on my layout and being able to include more than 1 or 2 photos. SO that is where this comes in to play........I want you to create a photo collage for your layout. For mine, I just created a new document and changed the size to a 4x6 - Then i slid the photos i wanted on the project one at a time and resized them so it created a grid. You can use the white lines or not and have all of the photo edges touching. If you don't have the ability to do this on the computer just cut and paste your photo's so they are in a collage of some sort - with the edges touching.

So lets see what you can create with this photo challenge!! Post your layouts in a gallery or on your blog and link them here so we can check them out! Thanks for your participation and let me just tell you the prize for whoever wins the challenge is fantabulous - maybe I will tempt you later this week with a picture!!

My Layout (brenda)Deborah's layout

Pam's layout

Jennifer's Layout:

Slide Show Challenge 37 - Write on your photos

2009-02-09T09:20:00.009-05:00

Mist Winner Announced

2009-02-02T21:09:00.002-05:00

April has chosen a winner for her mist challenge, and the lucky girl is TIPO!

April said, "I loved how she wasn't afraid to spray onto that gorgeous Sassafras paper. Plus she added apples and other intricacies - She's a true risk-taker and it paid off. I also wanted to say it was hard not to choose Hanna's and Grace's. Theirs really caught my eye as well."

Thanks to all of you who played. Tipo, please send us an email and I will forward it on to April so she can get that incredible RAK out to you.

Mist Slide Show - Winner TIPO!

2009-02-02T21:08:00.000-05:00

Challenge 37: Journaling ON the photos

2009-01-26T11:42:00.010-05:00

Journaling is an essential part of a layout. Usually, you put it around your pics: on the top, on the bottom, on the right or on the left, anywhere. This time I challenge you to write the journaling ON your photo(s)! Yep! That's it! It’s easy, it’s fun and you have a lot of possibilities. You don’t believe me? Look at what the DT members have done for you:

Jen: Instead of writing on the photo, she enlarged and printed the photo and then she used a set of those tiny stamps on wood blocks: one by one! It didn’t take more than 20 minutes. No Photoshop needed for that one. Pretty simple, isn’t it?

Brenda: She wrote her thoughts in a bubble and stuck it on the photo! She added additional lines on a tag outside of the photo.

Pam: The text was written on the photo first, then she stamped it on the paper... Actually, the photo was printed on that paper right in the middle, and she simply added everything to the photo paper! Easy as pie!!

Deb: this layout has a large photo but she journaled on it via PS before printing it out.

Paloma: She simply applied some rubons on the photo because her hand-writing is so awful. That’s just too easy, don’t you think?

Now is your turn! How do you manage to write your journaling ON the photo? Leave your link in your comment. Deadline: February 8th at 12 p.m. Thanks a lot!

Slide show and WINNER for Challenge #35 - Simply Ir-resistible!

2009-01-24T01:53:00.004-05:00

Thank you ladies for ALL OF YOUR FAB ARTWORK!!!

As always, it was a tough decision, and after some deliberation... I have chosen...

JENNIE as this challenge's WINNER!!! Love your sweet "Little Dreamer" page!! (Please e-mail me at pamelapalmarini@hotmail.com with your addy, and I will send out your RAK ASAP!!

Thanks again everybody, for getting a bit messy, and trying something new with us!!!

Mist RAK

2009-01-14T21:06:00.002-05:00

OK, folks... just in case you need some incentive to get out those mists, check out this RAK from April Foster and Studio Calico!

This January add-on project kit is valued at $41 and includes the following:

PATTERNED PAPERS: Animal Friends (Cosmo Cricket); Blankey (Cosmo Cricket); Playtime (Cosmo Cricket); Wake Up (Cosmo Cricket); Louie (October Afternoon)

EMBELLISHMENTS: White Grid Panorama Window Chipboard Album (Scenic Route); Retro Mix Blackboard Alphabet (Cosmo Cricket); Playtime Alphabet Rub-Ons (October Afternoon); Jack's World Blackboard (Cosmo Cricket); Jack's World Adhesive Die Cuts (Cosmo Cricket); Urban Prairie Buttons (Basic Grey); My House Everyday Felt Flowers (American Crafts); Night Light Cardstock Stickers (October Afternoon); Haute Cosmo 2 Ribbon (American Crafts); Giraffe 3 Ribbon (American Crafts); Alligator 4 Ribbon (American Crafts)

To check out more photos, go to:

http://www.studiocalico.com/kits/add_ons

Mist with April Foster

2009-01-12T19:39:00.003-05:00

Last month, the stitching challenge was hosted by Scarlet Namvong. She mentioned being one of two creative directors at Studio Calico. I am the second half of that duo

My name is April Foster. I was born in Texas, relocated to Tennessee, and later Kentucky, so watch out, I have a killer Southern accent! I became interested in scrapbooking in high school in a school club where I was the Historian. From there, it’s become my hobby, obsession, and major part of my life. I love that I am able to meet so many amazingly talented and inspiring people through this hobby and that it has caused me to continue to challenge myself creatively.

So, now I want to challenge you to use Spray Mists in your scrapbooking. Here’s what I like about them:

-- They’re relatively inexpensive considering the number of uses you will get out of them (~$7 for a 2 oz bottle which so far hasn’t run out for me)

-- They give you a way to stretch your embellishments and alphabets

-- They can be used to give your projects a funky look (I’m a very linear scrapper, so anything to make my layouts look new and exciting is a plus for me)

-- If you don’t like painting chipboard with a brush, this is a wonderful alternative (You can see more about this on the video-tutorial on my blog)

-- They dry very quickly, so it makes for faster scrapbooking

SORRY FOLKS, APRIL'S LAYOUT HAS BEEN REMOVED FOR PUBLICATION!

For an AWESOME tutorial on using these mists, see April's blog at: http://aprilfoster.blogspot.com/2009/01/maya-mist-tutorial.html

Here is what the team did with the challenge:

DEB:

BRENDA:
JENNIFER:

PAMELA:

Ok, you have seen the challenge. Now get out those sprays and go for it! You have 2 weeks to complete this challenge. Please post here by midnight on Sunday, January 25th to be considered for a RAK. Enjoy!

Winner of Stitching Challenge

2009-01-11T20:14:00.004-05:00

From Scarlet:

Congratulations to Debra Lynn! I almost gasped when I saw the bird and branch that she stitched on her "Lucky Day" layout. I'd love to know your secrets, Debra! Did you draw the bird free-hand or did you use a pattern? Spill it, girl! And the circle that frames the title is just the perfect touch... so very fabulous. Thanks so much to everyone who participated in this challenge. I hope you enjoyed it!

We agreed, Scarlet - absolutely lovely. Here is the layout in proper (non-sideways) form. I goofed in the slideshow.

Debra Lynn, please email us (click link on right) with your address and Scarlet will get that wonderful Studio Calico kit out to you.

Challenge 34 Slideshow is up!

2009-01-04T08:21:00.002-05:00

Thanks to all who participated in Scarlet's Hand Stitching challenge. Check back soon to see who will be receiving that gorgeous RAK!

Challenge 34 Slideshow

2009-01-04T08:19:00.000-05:00

Challenge #35 - Simply Ir-resistible!

2008-12-30T12:12:00.015-05:00

This challenge is to use good old-fashioned "resist" techniques on your page...

Crayon texture resist (like you did in elementary school), with the addition of a water-based second step, such as watercolor paints or wide waterbased markers, is a good simple way into this technique!... (My basic directions for the simple process I use follow.)

First... I use white or light colored Crayola Construction-paper Crayons and either write free-hand on watercolor paper or cardstock, as I did in both of these examples, (or I use a texture board---homemade, found, or store-bought---on a thinner paper, to create texture) for my first step.

Second... I use Crayola Watercolors, Crayola Water-based Markers, watersoluable crayons, or Twinkling H2Os for my second step. I pat them to help them dry and control the "puddling", and/or polish them a bit from the top of the crayon layer, as with the markers.

That's it! It's super easy, and can be SUPER-FREEING!! Fun and artsy are the name of the game here!...

And, yes... There are other types of resist techniques... Such as embossing ink/stamp/powder and dye-based ink OR rub-ons and dyebased ink, for example... But, I am looking for good old-fashioned CRAYON RESIST here, when I look for the winner of this challenge... Yes, I am pushing you to get a bit messy and HAVE SOME KID-TYPE FUN!!!... So... GO PLAY!! Loosen up and get artsy!!

You have until 12 midnite on January 12th to post a link to your page... I will pick a winner (for a RAK from me), post a slide show that week, and leave love for everybody who "walks on their wild artsy side"!! (Please post your links connected to this post... It makes finding your art a lot easier!)

In the mean time, I am posting two examples of my own... Time Flies---big written crayon words and marker, and Real Love Stories---big written crayon words and Twinkling H2Os... PLUS, you will find a very cool example of crayon resist, from Jennifer, that uses crayon drawn stripes and watered down acrylic paint... In addition, Deborah has supplied us with an example of an alternative resist process, using embossing/stamping supplies and watered down acrylics, to create the snowflake embellishments... That way, once you've got that Ir-resistible "bug", you can keep experimenting!!

PAMELA's layouts...

JENNIFER's layout...

DEBORAH's layout...

Slideshow - Flocking!

2008-12-17T14:52:00.003-05:00

Without further ado here's the slide show for the flocking challenge --- and the winner of this challenge is Shemaine! Please email us your addy so we can send your Studio Calico RAK to you.

Challenge 34 - Hand Stitch with Embroidery Floss

2008-12-15T13:21:00.009-05:00

You guys are in for a treat this week.... our Guest Host is Scarlet Namvong - here is her challenge:

A little bit about me:

Hi! My name is Scarlet Namvong and I am one of the Creative Directors of Studio Calico, a monthly kit club and online community. I believe that scrapbooking is more than memory-keeping. For me, scrapbooking is a creative outlet, a vehicle for learning and experimentation, and a way to connect with like-minded people.

Through scrapbooking, my interest in other crafts has grown. I had never wanted a sewing machine until I “needed” one to stitch on my layouts, but now I crave designer fabrics as much as I covet pretty paper. I find myself wishing I could knit, crochet, embroider…

Since I work with paper more than I work with fabric, I have challenged myself to integrate sewing into my scrapbooks, most commonly through hand-stitching. What started with a basic back-stitch has expanded into an entire repertoire of stitches, including lazy daisy stitch, blanket stitch, threaded running stitch, cross-stitch, and the list goes on and on.

Who says that creative stitching should be limited to sewing projects and wall hangings?

My challenge to you:
Get out your needle and embroidery floss and stitch!

Here are few of my favorite things about hand-stitching on layouts…

First, it is cheap and the creative possibilities are almost endless. Embroidery floss typically costs less than 30 cents a skein, and there are so many colors available. Get into the habit of picking up a few colors each time you visit the craft store. Take along a scrap of patterned paper from a project that you are working on or choose a combo that coordinates with the other items in your cart.

Second, stitching on your layouts adds an element that is uniquely yours. You may be using the same papers and embellishments that hundreds of other scrapbookers are using, but your stitches are designed by you.

Third, stitching is a gift. Have you ever received a wall hanging or pillow that was stitched just for you? The person who made it for you poured hours of time and love into creating something for you to cherish. I feel the same way when I stitch on my layouts. To me, the homespun feel that stitching creates says, “I created this for you with my heart and my hand.” The layouts on which I take the time to stitch always seem more special to me somehow.

Here’s the layout I created for this challenge:

I used three different stitches here… a basic cross-stitch, a threaded running stitch, and a back-stitch (with a few cross-stitches mixed in just for fun).

What tools do you need to stitch on your layouts, you ask? What is a threaded running stitch and how did you learn how to do it? Can you show me some other examples of ways you have integrated stitching into your layouts?

So glad you asked… for the answers to these questions or for the chance to ask questions of your own, please visit my blog at http://mybestlife.typepad.com
I’ll post several more tips and layouts for you to enjoy this week!

PALOMA'S LAYOUT: Notice how Paloma did "traditional" cross-stitching to write the first word of the title and to add a little design element. She also added stitched right onto her patterned paper - adorable.

BRENDA'S LAYOUT: Brenda reminded us that stitching can be simple to be effective. Notice how she used hand-stitching around her patterned paper, as freehand element by the butterfly, and as a way to highlight the journaling strips. Lovely.

JEN'S LAYOUT: I love to cross-stitch (and hand-stitch in general, for that matter!) on my layouts, but sometimes I do not want to go through the hassle of lining all those little holes up. Here, I went the lazy way and let my background paper do the work for me. I chose a pattern with a small dot - made it very simple to stitch.

DEBORAH'S LAYOUT: Deborah decided to cross-stitch a tree on her layout. Like Jen, she chose a patterned paper with small dots to make it easier to line up her stitches.

Now give it a try. Take a break from wrapping presents, making cookies, and going to parties and get something crafty done! You have 2 weeks to complete the challenge - Midnight on the 28th is the cut-off.

And just in case you need some added incentive, check out this AMAZING rak, being provided by the ever-generous Studio Calico. This November kit, named Fountain Square, is full of goodies and is valued at $34.50!

Paper Poking Winner

2008-12-11T13:38:00.003-05:00

Is MICA!! Congrats, Mica. Please email me and I will get back with you about your prize.

As for the slideshow, I seem to be having some technical difficulties, so I'm afriad the slideshow will have to be skipped this time around. Sorry everyone!

Please check back Monday for a new Challenge and host - we have an AWESOME guest coming up. :)

Challenge - Flocking!

2008-12-01T18:50:00.013-05:00

It's now officially the holiday season. All the malls and stores are decked out with season decorations, Santa's in the house, and Christmas music is playing everywhere. At my house we're sitting by a warm fire watching Rudolph and drinking hot chocolate with marshmellows. Which got me to thinking about winter and Christmas and holiday glitz. And warmth, fuzzy sweaters, scarves and mittens. And flocking - just like those Christmas tree displays.

Flocking is fun -- it's a great way to add texture and interest to your project. But you don't have to settle for buying flocked paper and embellishments, you can do it yourself with a bottle of flock and a bit of glue.

My challenge to you is this: use flocking on a layout. Just link up your projects in the comment section by Sunday night, December 14th to be eligible for a RAK.

And our friends at Studio Calico are sponsoring this challenge. They've donated one of their fabulous Key Lime kits for us, which includes a bottle of flock from Doodlebug:

And here's what our team did:

I used loose flocking with a glue pen on my layout. For the tree, I first stamped it in a light ink on my patterned paper, then traced over the image with a glue pen before adding the flocking. On the brown floral paper I just traced directly over the flowers on the paper.

Jen used the Key Lime kit from Studio Calico to create her tree. She used the flocking on the branches and the "star" at the top of the tree.

Let's see what you can do with flocking! Remember, post your projects on this thread by Sunday, December 14th.

Winner of paper pleating challenge!

2008-11-25T22:33:00.003-05:00

Congrats to Jenni!

She is the RAK winner for this challenge!

Thanks for sharing you beautiful projects with, it is always such an honor that you play along with us!

Jenni, please email us your mailing address so we can get a box out to you!

This is also my last post as a Playground Girl, life has gotten a little more hectic for me in the last few months, and I have had to make some tough choices. I have loved having the opportunity to play with new techniques and make new friends, thank you for that!

Happy Creating!!!!

Becky Olsen

Challenge 32 - Paper Poking

2008-11-17T11:12:00.007-05:00

POKE YOUR PAPER!

Ok, I could not come up with anything more clever or catchy. ;) My challenge to you this week is to use a needle to poke holes into your paper. Do it freehand, do it with a sewing machine... however you like. The result is a subtle design element that is fun and FREE.

Here is what the team did:

JEN: For my layout, I made a spiderweb with poked holes. First, I drew my web design lightly with a pencil on the cardstock. I then sewed over the lines with my sewing machine, which was not loaded with any thread. Lastly, I erased the lines. I have to say, it was really fun!

PAMELA: Pamela punched one big circle, then went back and forth from the 1st hole to the 15th, to the hole to the right of the 1st, to the hole to the left of the 15th, and repeated from there. Try it!

DEBORAH: Deborah stamped onto a scrap of vellum paper and used that as a pattern to poke holes for her snowflakes.

PALOMA: Paloma punched holes into circle rings, and she further separated the individual words with punched lines.

This challenge is being hosted my http://www.scrapperie.com/, a monthly kit club. The owner, Sandi, has graciously agreed to provide the RAK for this one - an October kit of goodies.

To take a look, go here: http://www.scrapperie.com/boutique/images/oct08ext.jpg. I used one of the October kits to make my "Widow" layout.

You have 2 weeks.... submissions are due on Sunday, November 30th at midnight. Have fun!

Slide show and WINNER for Challenge #30 with Guest Hostess... Wendy Rago!

2008-11-15T16:14:00.009-05:00

Thank you ladies for ALL OF YOUR FAB ARTWORK!!!

It was a seriously tough decision, and after considerable deliberation... I have chosen...

AMANDA BERENS as this challenge's WINNER!!! GORGEOUS... Amanda... SIMPLY STUNNING work!!! (Please e-mail DT member Pam Palmarini at pamelapalmarini@hotmail.com with your addy, and she will pass it on to me, and I will get you your beautiful BAD GIRLS kit!)

Thanks again everybody, for pushing the 3-D "envelope" so artfully!!!

All my best... Wendy Rago