:BE INSPIRED: Creativity Prompts Snippet

One of the main new features of the recently released :Be INSPIRED: Creativity Prompts is the addition of sketch prompts (by popular demand).

Here's the :Be Inspired: Sketch #1:

If you'd like this and other great scrapbooking inspiration free for the taking, download the FREE August 2009 :Be Inspired: Creativity Prompts now and start scrapping!!

You've also got 25 days left to submit entries for the August drawing, so don't miss out on this sweet prize...

For complete details and instructions, check out the :Be Inspired: Creativity Prompts Information & Instruction Sheet.

:FIVE FAVES: Just the right amount of flourish...

Swirls and curls have always been a favorite embellishment for scrappers and these days you can find flourishes in every size and medium imaginable.

Here are a few of my favorite options for adding a little flourish to your designs.

#1 - Flourish Edge Craft Punch by Martha Stewart
This flourish punch is the perfect way to add a unique edge to numerous parts of your layout. Don't stop with just cardstock or patterned paper. How about using this punch on your photos?

#2 - Clear Swirls Say It In Pearls by Prima
Use these gems to some sparkle with a more elegant touch.

#3 - Heart Flourish Wood Mounted Stamp by Hero Arts
The little hearts add the perfect touch to this lovely swirl stamp!

#4 - Actopus To Zelephant Octopus Swirls Flat 12X12 Paper by K&Company
While this design of bubbles and sea creatures certainly isn't your typical flourish, it's perfect for a fun and summery theme.

#5 - DigiKit - Garden Vignettes Collection: Swirly Brushes by Carina Gardner

Use these digital brushes and you can make them any size or color to suit your needs.

READER RESPONSE:

What is your favorite flourish tool or product on the market right now? Give us a link...

:LAYOUT: The Artisan

In a couple weeks, we have our annual community festival - Riverboat Days. It's filled with fun activities...a parade, arts in the park, fireworks, music and more. (You can see pics from last year here.)

I always look forward to it.

This was a layout I completed with a couple pics I took while taking in the arts in the park last year.

I thought the kraft, die-cut paper added a certain ‘craftsman’ flair to the layout and supports the theme. The circle shaped paper and sticker mimic the shape of the bowl in the photos and the strips break up the journaling and allow the photo to show through better.

Journaling:
Even though I don’t usually make any purchases, I still like to walk through all the craft booths during Yankton’s annual Riverboat Days.

This year there was a man making pottery next to his booth and it was quite captivating to watch him. Even Kaitlin didn’t want to leave his booth until he was finished with this bowl. Pottery is one craft that I’ve always wanted to try…maybe someday I’ll give it a spin.

Supplies:
Adhesive: Duck
Cardstock: DCWV
Patterned Paper, Letter Stickers, Circle Sticker: Creative Imaginations
Rub ons: Making Memories
Ink: Colorbox
Font: Cambria

:QUOTES: on TRUST according to Meir, Goldberg, and that 'unknown' guy

GOLDA MEIR (1898-1978; 4th Prime Minister of Israel):
“Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.”

NATALIE GOLDBERG (author, motivational speaker):

“Trust in what you love, continue to do it, and it will take you where you need to go.”

UNKNOWN:
“Follow your heart, but be quiet for a while first. Ask questions, then feel the answer. Learn to trust your heart.”

:DAILY INSPIRATIONS: July 2009 Daily Inspirations giveaway winner...

We have a winner for the July Daily Inspirations drawing!

By random drawing.....................

CONGRATS goes to JENNIFER C. of Illinois!!

Jennifer submitted four layouts for last month's contest (which certainly didn't hurt her chances for winning the random draw) and has graciously agreed to allow me to share her submissions with you, so here they are!

For the Red, White & Blue Color Prompt:


For the Create a Wave Technique Prompt:


For the Black/Teal/Green/Pink Color Prompt:


For the Thread the Needle Day Prompt:


And for all her crafty efforts, Jennifer will soon be receiving the complete Cosmo Cricket Honey Pie Crafting Kit in her mailbox!!

Have fun and be crafty, Jennifer!

REMINDER:
The August 2009 :Be Inspired: Creativity Prompts (the NEW & IMPROVED version of Daily Inspirations) are already available for download, so head on over and get scrapping! This month's prize is a grab bag of amazing Making Memories products with a retail value of over $25.00!!

:SPONSORS: August 2009 AMOM Sponsors

FEATURED SPONORS:

GET IT SCRAPPED!
Their taking a bit of a break this month as there are no new classes starting until September, but don't let that fool you. Get it Scrapped is still a hopping place!

They have a ton archived classes available that you can take at your own pace and still get assistance from the instructors when needed. Check out your options:

Embellishments: Beautifully Handmade with Tania Willis
MORE Mad Digital Skillz with Pattie Knox
Product Pizzazz 102 with Doris Sander
Product Pizzazz 101 with Doris Sander
Mad Digital Skillz with Pattie Knox
Digital Templates with Pattie Knox
Beginning Photo Editing with Lynn Weber
Intermediate Photo Editing with Lynn Weber
Art Journaling 101 with Dina Wakley
Art Journaling 102 with Dina Wakley

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.

:MEMORYWORK: August 2009 Kit - "Untamed"

Have an adventure on the wild side!

With bold, brave colors and courageous, confident designs, the August 2009 MemoryWorks Express kit is packed with just enough wildness and wonder to untame your most rough, rowdy, and riotous adventures.

Patterned Paper
{1} 12x12 Actopus to Zelephany - Wood (K & Company)
{1} 12x12 Actopus to Zelephany - Alphabet (K & Company)
{1} 12x12 Actopus to Zelephany - Alphabet Quilt (K & Company)
{1} 12x12 Scallop "Root Beer" (Collage Press)
{1} 12x12 Knave of Hearts - Charming (Collage Press)
{1} 12x12 Knave - Journaling Cuts (Collage Press)
{1} 12x12 Sundowner Motel (OctoberAfternoon)
{1} 12x12 June Bug - Aggie (BasicGrey)

Solid Cardstock
{1} 12x12 Nautical Blue Light (Prism)
{1} 12x12 Tawny Dark (Prism)
{1} 12x12 Candle Glow Medium (Prism)
{1} 12x12 Spring Willow Medium (Prism)

Embellishments
{1} Adrian Magnetic Clips (Creative Imaginations)
{1} 1/4 oz Dark Red Round Buttons (Creative Imaginations)
{1} 1/4 oz Gold Round Buttons (Creative Imaginations)
{1} 1/4 oz Green Round Buttons (Creative Imaginations)
{2} Dark Red Flowers.(Creative Imaginations)
{2} Green Flowers.(Creative Imaginations)
{2} Gold Flowers.(Creative Imaginations)
{1} Chocolate Connection Words (Creative Imaginations)
{1} 97% Complete Sticker Family Matters (7 Gypsies)
{2} 97% Vintage Journal Pages (7 Gypsies)
{1} Captivating Alphabet Stickers (Pink Paislee)
{1} 18" Red Felt Ric Rac (Creative Imaginations)
{1} 18"Gold Twill (Creative Imaginations)
{1} One Yard Olive Green & Ivory (May Arts)
{1} School Chipboard Box Set (Fancy Pants)

Bonus Cards
{1} Nautical Blue Light (Prism)
{1} Tawny Dark (Prism)
{1} Candle Glow Medium (Prism)
{1} Spring Willow Medium (Prism)
{1} Sugar Cream (Prism)
{5} 5 3/4 X 4 3/8 Natural Envelopes

ALL FOR ONLY $29.95!! (plus $6.50 S&H)

Take a look at the amazing projects the MemoryWorks Design Team created using this yummy kit in this month's Idea Express!

If you are interested in this kit or subscribing to the MemoryWorks Express Kit Program, please contact me today for further details!