:WANTED: A penny for your thoughts...

There have now been 6 editions of my Daily Inspirations available for download here on the AMOM blog and I have had so much fun creating them and seeing the creativity of all those that have taken advantage of them.

However, as each month has gone by, I am feeling the need for change.

Obviously, I want these prompts to be as useful as possible to those of you who are using them and I have found some limitations with the current format and delivery of my Daily Inspirations downloads. There have been some prompts I have not been able to share with you because they simply don't fit neatly into a tiny little square (as cute as they may be).

I have been taking notes, playing with different ideas and working on a few different 'prototypes' so to speak. I am hoping to unveil the new and improved version (most likely under a new and improved name as well!) within the next few months, but before I do so, I wanted get some feedback from all of you - the users of these Daily Inspirations downloads.

Here are my main questions:

1. What do you like about the current format (pdf including grid of prompt squares)?
2. What do you dislike about the current format?
3. Which prompts have you found the most useful/inspiring?
4. Which prompts have you found the least useful/inspiring?
5. Are there any types of prompts that you feel are missing from the current format?
6. If you have not already entered a layout for the monthly drawing, what is holding you back?

You can answer one, a few, or all six, but the more feedback you can provide the better. Every insight and suggestion will be taken into consideration.

It's not quite feasible for me to really give each of you a penny for your thoughts, but your opinions are sincerely wanted. So, if you will take a few moments to let me know what you think in the comments, I will enter you in a random drawing for the complete Wanted Crafting Kit by Cosmo Cricket!!

Please leave a comment with your thoughts on the above questions and be sure to include your name (first name only is fine) and email in order to be eligible for the drawing.

I would like everyone to have sufficient time and opportunity to contribute, so I'm going to leave this drawing open through next Monday, July 20th, 11:59 p.m. However, even if you miss the drawing deadline, please feel free to comment even after this date if you wish as your opinions will still be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance and I can't wait to here what you have to say!!

:WINNER: Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2 by Creating Keepsakes

Thank you to everyone who everyone who entered the drawing for Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2 as part of the review I posted earlier this week!

Boy, scrapbookers sure do LOVE our scrappy supplies and tools, don't we?! I had a great time reading through all of your comments and seeing what your pantry staples are.

For me, it's patterned paper, my fiskars trimmer and ink. I use other items also, of course, but these are the things I use nearly every layout I create!

Without further delay, the True Random Number Generator at RANDOM.ORG has spoken and the winner of a free copy of Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2 is.....

Congratulations, AMY!! Your frustrations of searching for this special issue are over and it will be in your hands soon! Please watch your inbox for further instructions on how to claim your prize.

Now, for those of you that didn't win, don't dispare.

I actually have one more copy of Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2 to give away and will be doing so soon...stay tuned!

:QUOTES: According to Webster, Rubinstein, & Flavia...

JEAN WEBSTER (1876-1916, author; from Daddy-Long-Legs):
"It isn't the great big pleasures that count the most; it's making a great deal out of the little ones."

ARTHUR RUBINSTEIN (1882-1987; Russian pianist, composer):
"I have found that if you love life, life will love you back."

FLAVIA:

"In nothing are we as rich as in our memories; they are pictures painted by our hearts, and nothing can erase them."

:PHOTOS: 4th of July fireworks...

I hope you all had a great 4th of July.

We had a busy one, for sure. One of my husband's cousins got married that day, so we spent a majority of the day enjoying the wedding festivities, but we did still make it to Springfield just in the nick of time to enjoy the fireworks show.

Somehow, it just wouldn't seem right to not see the fireworks display on the 4th of July.

I didn't seem to get quite as many 'keepers' this year as I have gotten the past couple of years, but I did get few that were rather unique. How many fireworks photos does one really need anyway? For some reason I keep taking them though. I'm just always fascinated by beautiful colors and patterns they create in the night sky.

Here are my five favorites from my dozens of shots this year (in no particular order):

NUMBER ONE:
NUMBER TWO:
NUMBER THREE:
NUMBER FOUR:
NUMBER FIVE:
READER RESPONSE:
Which one is your favorite?

:REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2 from Creating Keepsakes

When it comes to scrapbooking, time is always of the essence for me. Therefore, I always looking for resources that help me to get more done in less time.

Of course, quality is also important to me, so when I saw that Creating Keepsakes had a second edition of Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking coming out, it was on my wish list right away.

Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2 delivers some great 'recipes' for building strong, yet memorable, layouts. The style of the layouts remind me very much of those you would see in our beloved (and missed) Simple Scrapbooks magazine - clean, graphic, linear.

Even if you consider yourself a more elaborate scrapper when it comes to layering and embellishment, I think this special issue may still have something for you. After all, every layout needs a solid foundation to be successful and that's what this issue can offer.

This issue has a cooking theme that runs throughout that makes it a fun read.

It starts off with a section at the front called "The Scrapbooking Pantry" which outlines the basic tools and supplies necessary to using the 'recipes' included in the issue.

From there, the edition is broken down into 3 chapters which are fairly self-explanatory:

1. Pantry-only Pages
2. The Pantry + 1
3. The Pantry + 2

There are 83 layouts included. There are single page layouts included, but I would say that the majority are actually double-page spreads which sets it apart from many of the magazine issues and idea books currently on the market. The layouts included are of both the 12 x 12 and 8 1/2 x 11 variety.

If you're looking for some 2-pager inspiration, this issue is definitely for you. If you are more of a single-page scrapper, you can always still take inspiration and scrap lift one half of any given layout.

Each featured layout includes:

• a timer - clock element showing how long it takes to lift the layout
• from the pantry - a list of supplies used
• instructions for creation in 3 easy steps
• a tip for making the layout even easier (and/or quicker to complete)

There is also a special icon used throughout the issue to indicate the layouts that use strictly 4x6 photos.

Another fun feature is that about a dozen of the layouts also include a card created from the scraps of the featured layout.

GIVEAWAY:
One lucky reader will be the recipient of a free copy of Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2.

To enter, leave a comment to this post with the following:

NAME:
EMAIL:
TELL ME: What supplies are in your 'pantry'? In other words, what tools or supplies do you use on nearly every layout you create?

Leave your comment by Thursday, July 9th, 2009, 11:59 PM (CST) in order to be considered to win.

I will announce and contact the random winner via email on Friday.

WANT TO READ MORE OR PURCHASE?
Visit the Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2 page at Amazon.com. You can also read more of my reviews for other recommendations.

UPCOMING REVIEW:

Scrapbook Secrets: Shortcuts and Solutions Every Scrapbooker Needs to Know by Kimber McGray

Want me to review your book on the AMOM blog? Contact me for further details and consideration.

:SPONSORS: July 2009 AMOM Sponsors...

FEATURED SPONORS:

GET IT SCRAPPED!
The July classes at Get It Scrapped! just right for your summer schedule. Since Get It Scrapped! is not offering any classes in August, be sure to check out the July lineup and grab a class to give you inspiration and play throughout the summer.

In September look for more art journaling and digital scrapbooking classes, photo editing for fun effects, scrapbooking with fabric, designing for details, photographing children, and a whole lot more.

Scrapbooking Everyday Life with Debbie Hodge starts July 7

Each of these lessons offers so much to think about that they’re great for beach reading and brainstorming. You’ll find and scrapbook the material of your everyday life with prompts, detailed approaches, examples, journaling lessons, and sketches (3 sketches per lesson=18 sketches with layered templates for digital scrappers). Check out a free preview lesson for ideas on how to scrapbook your “everyday places” and a journaling lesson that shows you how to write meaningful journaling that’s not sappy.

Cards: Beautifully Handmade with Tania Willis starts July 13

This is the perfect summer class -- grab your scraps and trimmer, some adhesive, a basket of extra embellies or your favorite stitching tools, and settle onto the porch to create. The children in your life can craft along next to you. Tania will show you tons of awesome ways to add detailing that wows, and she'll inspire you to look at the goodies in your stash in new ways.

Still More Mad Digital Skillz with Pattie Knox starts July 14

Learning new Photoshop techniques for digital scrapbook pages is satisfying on so many levels: there’s the mental challenge of learning and mastering new skills, the joy that accompanies creating, and the pleasing feeling that comes from having your memories and photos on great-looking scrapbook pages. Learn “still more” advanced techniques while getting new ideas for using your digital products and showcasing your stories. Sign up now for 6 new lessons and another bundle of awesome supplies from the designers at DesignerDigitals.com.

NICOLE LOMBARDO

Another very talented creator of handmade goods, Nicole specializes in custom designed die cut scrolls, 12x12 lace papers and more. They are amazing and nothing you'll ever find at your LSS or big box store. She's adding new designs and colors all the time, so don't miss out.

WOULD YOU LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BECOMING A SPONSOR OF THE AMOM BLOG? If so, please contact me and I would be happy to provide you with further details.

:HAPPY 4TH OF JULY:

ERMA BOMBECK:
"You have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks, and soldiers who file by the White House in a show of strength and muscle, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, the potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness. You may think you have overeaten, but it is patriotism."