Hello all… Kylie here! :o)  Hope your week, so far, has been full of smiles, laughs and sunshine moments!  The holiday season has come & gone and it’s finally time to share the next Shabby Shoppe Blog Template Challenge ~  the first one for 2012!  And can you believe that we are now up to number twenty?!!  That’s a whole lot of FREE templates to play with…and haven’t we had a ball along the way!  Joining in our monthly template challenges is super simple and so much FUN…we love bringing them to you!! :o)  This month’s template has a little added sparkle and is perfect if you’ve got any holiday happy-snaps or New Year’s Eve party pics to scrap.  We really hope you enjoy this latest challenge and have lots of fun scrapping with it…it’s all yours, so – to download…CLICK HERE (or simply click the preview image below)!

Now, before we get to all the gorgeous inspiration… let’s go over the GUIDELINES for our template challenges here at the Shoppe?!

The ‘deadline’ for this challenge is FEBRUARY 26th :o) We will announce the template challenge winner on March 1st, when we share Template Challenge TWENTY-ONE! As you probably know, we now announce the winner on the same day we debut a new template challenge. The ‘winner’ of the challenge will receive a $25 gift card to the Shabby Shoppe! Please note that for our template challenges… we select the ‘winner’ randomly – so everyone has a chance to win… beginners and experienced scrappers! It’s a great way to jump in and give digi scrapping (and templates) a try :o)

In order to be entered into the template challenge – you must post your layout in the Shabby Shoppe’s gallery (in the SHOPPE BLOG CHALLENGES gallery) and then post a comment HERE at our blog (on this post only) with a link to your layout in our gallery. This will enter you into the challenge :o) Please keep in mind that all layouts must contain at least 75% SP product (purchased or free). To be eligible for the challenge – you must scrap with the easy-as-pie layered template!

We also have several fun ways for you to obtain ‘EXTRA’ entries to the challenge (please note that in order to qualify for any EXTRA entries – you must first complete a layout with our easy-as-pie template and submit that to our gallery and blog) :o)

• For an extra entry, leave a SEPARATE comment letting us know that you have one of our blinkies (available by clicking on the blinkies link in the sidebar) either on your blog or in all of your forum signatures (be sure to include a link to your blog or signature in your post).
• For an extra entry, leave a SEPARATE comment letting us know that you have facebooked or twittered about our template challenge (don’t forget to include the link in your post).
• For an extra entry, leave a SEPARATE comment letting us know that you have blogged about our template challenge (again, be sure to add your blog link to your post).

So, that means that you have the possibility of entering the challenge up to 4 times! Just be sure each entry is a separate comment, as we will be using a random number generator to choose the winner. Be sure to get your entries in by MIDNIGHT (eastern time) on FEBRUARY 26th, and again…the winner will be announced in early March (the 1st to be exact)!

So again…here is your newest Easy-As-Pie Layered Template! <–click this to download OR click the preview image at the top of this post :o)

Your download includes:

• 12×12 Layered psd template with drop shadows (you can opt to turn them off or use your own)
• 12×12 Layered TIFF template with drop shadows

In the event this is your first time scrapping with a layered template – SP has created a quick and simple tutorial on how to use our Easy-As-Pie templates in PSE and PS. You can find it HERE. We’ve tried to cover the basics, but if you have any questions, please let us know and one of the Shabby Team Members will do their best to answer it.

A little bit of inspiration goes a long way…so with that in mind, lets check out some gorgeousness from the team!  Please remember that you can always visit the Shabby Artist Gallery for more information about each layout – we will be uploading throughout the day/night.

First off…one of mine.  A couple of NYE photos and lots of sparkle!!!  I had a bit of fun with the colour scheme too…always good to try something a little different! ;o)

For my next layout…what can I say ~ Clementine and Gracie, ahhhh…pure scrap sweetness!  Oh and it sure helps that my niece is as sweet as pie too!

Next…we have an extra-cute and playful page by Kim!  What a happy layout…full of wonderful details and cool ideas!

Jenelle created a layout full of sunny summer goodness!  Her lil’ goggle boy is adorable…a day full of fun memories for sure.

The fun and adventures continue with Rosy and her precious page!  Cute, cute, cute!

And finally…a bright and colourful ‘girls just wanna have fun’ kinda page by Casharina. Love how Casharina tweaked the page too, an extra photo and the extra journaling down the side – love that!! :o)

{ Remember to link up to this post only to enter template challenge TWENTY }

And, finally – let’s not forget about TEMPLATE CHALLENGE 19’s winner!!  YAY!!  This time, the ‘lucky’ number was TWENTY-FIVE…and that means that krista824’s lovely challenge entry was selected :o)  A great memory scrapped beautifully!  CONGRATULATIONS, krista824!! You will be receiving a $25 gift card to the Shabby Shoppe in your email box (be sure to check spam folders) this morning…have fun shoppe-ing and thanks for joining in the template challenge fun!

And, as always…a huge THANKS to everyone who participated in the last template challenge. We are so thrilled that you did…and hope you are inspired to scrap some gorgeous pages with our newest template!

Thanks for stopping by today…I’ll be back tomorrow with a Food Friday treat!  See you then! :o)

KylieChallenges, Free (not desktops), Uncategorized 4 Comments

Hi there!! :o)  Kylie here to announce the ‘winner’ of Kim’s awesome HERE WE GO A-CAROLING recipe challenge!  Thank you all SO MUCH for participating and joining in the musical fun!  

You guys definitely ‘rocked’ this latest challenge!!  We LOVED looking through all the entries (see more here!) and truly think every single one is a ‘winner’!  Each and every layout is so special and wonderful…plus there’s just something so joyful about adding music into the scrapping mix.  So, choosing our winners was NOT EASY, not at all!  (I know I went back and forth a million times before making the final decision for this very post…at the eleventh hour I might add!!)  We fell in love with ALL of them!  And, we really did not go by any specific criteria for choosing the ‘fave’ three layouts – it had to do with everything from design to journaling, etc.  Sooooo, HERE ARE OUR THREE WINNING LAYOUTS for our caroling challenge (in no particular order)…

First we have the gorgeous crysowens and her twinkling Oh (giant) Christmas Tree layout.  Full of fun and sparkles and merriment!!  This awesome layout sure does brighten our little Shabby Shoppe world with it’s ‘presents’…hee, hee!!

Next is O’ Holy Night (also shining ever-so brightly!) by the lovely jltanner.  The whole page is truly precious…especially the photo of the beautiful nativity set, complete with gorgeous bokeh!  Love the design, love the stars, love all the fonts…and love, love, love the carol!

And finally, the super-cute 2 Front Teeth by the sweet and very talented Amber.  Little Emily’s adorable photo is showcased wonderfully – all the perfect trimmings…and then some!  And on a personal note, I too have been singing this song to my youngest niece lately…but I’ve swapped the ‘two’ for just ‘one’! ;o)

CONGRATULATIONS, girls :o) You should have each received a $10 gift card to the Shabby Shoppe (be sure to check your SPAM folders) via email – have fun shoppe-ing :o)  AGAIN, thank you SO much, to everyone, for participating and joining in the challenge fun!  EVERYONE did an amazing job with our little ‘scrap’ recipe.

Tomorrow, Shabby Princess will be sharing her DECEMBER projectSCRAP check-in with you all!!  Very much looking forward to that one!! :o)

KylieChallenges, Shoppe News, Uncategorized 5 Comments

Hello everyone!  Kim here and I am happy to be “hosting” our next scrapbooking recipe challenge!  As our blog is about to go on a little “holiday vacation” (more on that from Kylie tomorrow), we thought it would be fun to leave you with a challenge to inspire you to scrap while we’re gone.  I hope you will join along with me and the rest of the team!

So what is this challenge all about, you ask?  It is inspired by one of my favorite things… music!  I am a singer and music lover and for me, music is always a part of my holiday celebrations.  So are you ready??  Because here we go a-caroling!!

If you choose to sing along with us, you will have a chance to win one of THREE $10 gift cards to the Shabby Shoppe!  You have three weeks to scrap your layouts.  To be eligible to win, you must post your layout in the Shabby Shoppe Blog Challenge Gallery AND post a comment here on this blog post with a link to your layout.  All entries must be posted by midnight (US Eastern Time) on Sunday, January 8th.  We will announce the winners on January 11th.  Please keep in mind that all layouts must contain at least 75% SP products (purchased or free) and follow the recipe below.  Ready to get started?

(Recipe card made with Made from Scratch recipe card template no.4, Sugarplum Dreams kit and Sugarplum Additions, and glitter scatter from Sandbox Additions. Fonts used are Print Clearly and Amelie.)

~*~ Here is a little more explanation than what’s on the recipe card ~*~

• Use a carol to inspire – This is intentionally open to your interpretation.  I would love to see how a song can inspire YOU in creating a layout!  And if you don’t want to use a holiday carol, it’s OK to pick another kind of song to get the inspiration going. We just want to see you scrap!
• Strike a chord – Use any 3 patterned papers that you think coordinate
• Make sure there’s harmony – Use your favorite fasteners or find those fun fasteners that you may not have used yet – examples: staples, ribbon, bows, buttons, stitching, metal fasteners – but be sure and use 2 different kinds
• Repeat the chorus – Choose any element that you’re using in the layout and use that element several times (or more!)
• Don’t forget the lyrics – Add journaling to tell the story of your layout
• Ad libitum – Finish off the layout with any additional papers and elements you want

And here is what I’ve created with the recipe!

I can think of several ways I could use carol inspiration in a layout, but this is one I like to use often… making a line from a song the title of my layout.  And “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was PERFECT for this layout, as he really was rockin’ around the tree last Christmas!  I used a mix of holiday kits, but I must say that I especially love those ornaments from Twas the Night.  I fell in love with those ornaments three years ago when I bought this kit – my FIRST digital kit ever!  I find new ways to reuse it all the time as it coordaintes well with many SP kits.

Can’t wait to see what you create!  Be sure and stop by the blog tomorrow as Kylie sends us off on vacation with a few special treats.  But from me and the rest of the team, hope you all have a happy holiday and we’ll see you in 2012!

KimChallenges, Inspiration, Uncategorized 14 Comments

Hi everyone!  It’s Kylie back with you again! :o)  Hope everyone has had a beautiful week so far…can’t believe we are up to Thursday already (not to mention it’s December 1st!! eek!)!  The great thing about that is…it’s TEMPLATE CHALLENGE DAY!  Yes, now that we are up to number NINETEEN, let’s make it an official Shabby Shoppe holiday ;o) - it is the holiday season after all! lol!  And to celebrate this special time of year, I have included a sweet LITTLE GIFT with TEMPLATE CHALLENGE 19…you get a FREE 12×12 (high res) piece-a-cake page with your easy-as-pie layered template!  The piece-a-cake page will be included in the download of the template, so no extra steps are required to obtain it.  It is just our little way of saying thank you for participating in our challenge and help you document your holiday memories past & present…so ENJOY your goodies!!

To download…CLICK HERE (or simply click the preview image below)!

 I had heaps of fun designing this latest template as a way to jump-start your scrapping.  With Thanksgiving just gone and Christmas speeding towards us at a rapid pace I got to thinking about lists…yes, lists!  Like I don’t have enough of them already, lol!…the dreaded TO-DO lists mainly! ;o)  But in this case I was thinking more along the lines of thankful for lists, christmas wish lists, favourite things lists, anything lists!!  And, with that thought dancing about my head, I added a little hanging journal tag just for this purpose.  So when you scrap a page for the template challenge feel free to be inspired by the ‘list’ idea or just use the tag for standard journaling…or you could even use the space to add a third photo instead…scrap it your way!! :o)

Now, before we get to all the gorgeous inspiration… let’s go over the GUIDELINES for our template challenges here at the Shoppe?!

The ‘deadline’ for this challenge is JANUARY 29th - yes, that’s right you have 8 whole weeks…heaps of time to scrap a page over the holidays, and then some!! :o)  We will announce the template challenge winner on February 2nd, when we share Template Challenge TWENTY!  As you probably know, we now announce the winner on the same day we debut a new template challenge.  The ‘winner’ of the challenge will receive a $25 gift card to the Shabby Shoppe!  Please note that for our template challenges… we select the ‘winner’ randomly – so everyone has a chance to win… beginners and experienced scrappers!  It’s a great way to jump in and give digi scrapping (and templates) a try :o)

In order to be entered into the template challenge – you must post your layout in the Shabby Shoppe’s gallery (in the SHOPPE BLOG CHALLENGES gallery) and then post a comment HERE at our blog (on this post only) with a link to your layout in our gallery.  This will enter you into the challenge :o)  Please keep in mind that all layouts must contain at least 75% SP product (purchased or free).  To be eligible for the challenge – you must scrap with the easy-as-pie layered template!

We also have several fun ways for you to obtain ‘EXTRA’ entries to the challenge (please note that in order to qualify for any EXTRA entries – you must first complete a layout with our easy-as-pie template and submit that to our gallery and blog) :o)

• For an extra entry, leave a SEPARATE comment letting us know that you have one of our blinkies (available by clicking on the blinkies link in the sidebar) either on your blog or in all of your forum signatures (be sure to include a link to your blog or signature in your post).
• For an extra entry, leave a SEPARATE comment letting us know that you have facebooked or twittered about our template challenge (don’t forget to include the link in your post).
• For an extra entry, leave a SEPARATE comment letting us know that you have blogged about our template challenge (again, be sure to add your blog link to your post).

So, that means that you have the possibility of entering the challenge up to 4 times!  Just be sure each entry is a separate comment, as we will be using a random number generator to choose the winner.  Be sure to get your entries in by MIDNIGHT (eastern time) on JANUARY 29th, and again…the winner will be announced in early February (the 2nd to be exact)!

So again…here is your newest Easy-As-Pie Layered Template! <–click this to download OR click the preview image at the top of this post :o)

Your download includes:

• 12×12 Layered psd template with drop shadows (you can opt to turn them off or use your own)
• 12×12 Layered TIFF template with drop shadows
• 12×12 piece-a-cake page (PNG format)

In the event this is your first time scrapping with a layered template – SP has created a quick and simple tutorial on how to use our Easy-As-Pie templates in PSE and PS. You can find it HERE. We’ve tried to cover the basics, but if you have any questions, please let us know and one of the Shabby Team Members will do their best to answer it.

For the first little piece of inspiration I wanted to show you the FREE piece-a-cake page in action!  Here’s what I created with it…super simple -> a couple of cute photos of my ‘model’ niece, a little text and ta-dah, all finished!!  :o) Well, I did have to scrap the whole page to begin with, lol, but you don’t have to worry about that bit, hey?!! ;o)

Now, how about some more inspiration from my fellow Shabby Artists and I using Template Challenge 19? 

Thanks again for the wonderful inspiration, girls…all completely gorgeous :o)  Remember that you can always visit the Shabby Artist Gallery for a closer look and for more information about each layout – we will be uploading throughout the day/night.

…and, now you have seen the template and some of our ideas…we can’t wait to see YOURS :o) I hope you enjoy the template (and create some special pages with our piece-a-cake page)! – Happy Scrapping to y’all!!

{ Remember to link up to this post only to enter template challenge NINETEEN }

And now it is finally time to announce the winner of TEMPLATE CHALLENGE 18! – saving the BEST for last! YAY!!  This time, the ‘lucky’ random number was 21… and that means that Retiredlady’s JEDI layout was selected! :o)  What a COOL page – just perfect to capture her little Jedi warrior in action!  CONGRATULATIONS, Retiredlady!!  You will be receiving a $25 gift card to the Shabby Shoppe in your email box (be sure to check spam folders) today…have fun shoppe-ing and thanks for joining in the template challenge fun! 

And, as always…bunches of THANKS goes out to everyone who participated in the last challenge.  We loved that you joined in the FUN and we LOVED each and every version of template challenge 18!  One thing is for certain, our beautiful gallery members never cease to amaze us…so looking forward to seeing what you come up with for this next challenge!

Thanks for stopping by! :o)  The beautiful SP will be here tomorrow with a FUN and very timely post!  I’m literally bursting to see it, (I know a little dramatic, hey?!!) but seriously, I really can’t wait ;o) 

KylieChallenges, Free (not desktops), Uncategorized 42 Comments

Hello all… Kylie here! :o)  Are you ready for another Shabby Shoppe Blog Template Challenge?!!  Of course you are! LOL! They are always heaps of fun to play with and we LOVE bringing them to you!  Best of all, it’s just the thing to get a page-full of wonderful memories scrapped – and hey, half the work is already done… sooo you’ve gotta love that! ;o) Template EIGHTEEN was designed with minimum fuss…to let your photos shine!  I really hope you enjoy working with it.  And don’t forget, you can dress it up or dress it down…scrap it your way.  I can’t wait to see what you come up with!  Happy Scrapping! :o)

To download…CLICK HERE (or simply click the preview image below)!

Now, before we get to all the gorgeous inspiration… let’s go over the GUIDELINES for our template challenges here at the Shoppe?!

The ‘deadline’ for this challenge is NOVEMBER 27th:o) We will announce the template challenge winner on December 1st, when we share Template Challenge NINETEEN! As you probably know, we now announce the winner on the same day we debut a new template challenge. The ‘winner’ of the challenge will receive a $25 gift card to the Shabby Shoppe! Please note that for our template challenges… we select the ‘winner’ randomly – so everyone has a chance to win… beginners and experienced scrappers! It’s a great way to jump in and give digi scrapping (and templates) a try :o)

In order to be entered into the template challenge – you must post your layout in the Shabby Shoppe’s gallery (in the SHOPPE BLOG CHALLENGES gallery) and then post a comment HERE at our blog (on this post only) with a link to your layout in our gallery. This will enter you into the challenge :o) Please keep in mind that all layouts must contain at least 75% SP product (purchased or free). To be eligible for the challenge – you must scrap with the easy-as-pie layered template!

We also have several fun ways for you to obtain ‘EXTRA’ entries to the challenge (please note that in order to qualify for any EXTRA entries – you must first complete a layout with our easy-as-pie template and submit that to our gallery and blog) :o)

• For an extra entry, leave a SEPARATE comment letting us know that you have one of our blinkies (available by clicking on the blinkies link in the sidebar) either on your blog or in all of your forum signatures (be sure to include a link to your blog or signature in your post).
• For an extra entry, leave a SEPARATE comment letting us know that you have facebooked or twittered about our template challenge (don’t forget to include the link in your post).
• For an extra entry, leave a SEPARATE comment letting us know that you have blogged about our template challenge (again, be sure to add your blog link to your post).

So, that means that you have the possibility of entering the challenge up to 4 times! Just be sure each entry is a separate comment, as we will be using a random number generator to choose the winner. Be sure to get your entries in by MIDNIGHT (eastern time) on NOVEMBER 27th, and again…the winner will be announced in early December (the 1st to be exact)!

So again…here is your newest Easy-As-Pie Layered Template! <–click this to download OR click the preview image at the top of this post :o)

Your download includes:

• 12×12 Layered psd template with drop shadows (you can opt to turn them off or use your own)
• 12×12 Layered TIFF template with drop shadows

In the event this is your first time scrapping with a layered template – SP has created a quick and simple tutorial on how to use our Easy-As-Pie templates in PSE and PS. You can find it HERE. We’ve tried to cover the basics, but if you have any questions, please let us know and one of the Shabby Team Members will do their best to answer it.

I think it is time for some inspiration, don’t you?! lol :o) Please remember that you can always visit the Shabby Artist Gallery for more information about each layout – we will be uploading throughout the day/night.

I always have sooo many ideas (and sooo many old photos I haven’t yet scrapped!) and that always leads to scrapping more than the one page. (I know, I know…digi-scrap addicts anonymous here I come!! LOL!). So here are my two very different pages using the new template…

cute, fun and extra cheeky…

and then…sweet, pretty and full of love(hearts)! :o)

Anna’s page really is pure happiness! The dreamy colours, the photos, the combination of sweet papers and elements – ALL of it…so lovely! :o)  Jenelle’s page is so stinkin’ cute – love the theme! It all works together so perfectly and I feel as though I could step right into the page and be right there…on the farm! :o)

 Kim scrapped the perfect back-to-school page! Bright, colourful and completely adorable! And you can’t beat those Hopscotch School Additions for extra cuteness!

Both Casharina and Rosy scrapped their precious every-day moments brilliantly! FUN times…their layouts just make me SMILE!! :o) And I love how they both tweaked the template…a change here, an extra photo there…fabulous work!

{ Remember to link up to this post only to enter template challenge EIGHTEEN }

And now it is time to announce the winner of TEMPLATE CHALLENGE SEVENTEEN! – YAY!! This time, the ‘lucky’ random number was 10… and that means that MaggieShaffer’s We are Family layout was selected! :o) A beautiful page, in every way! CONGRATULATIONS, MaggieShaffer!! You should have received a $25 gift card to the Shabby Shoppe in your email box (be sure to check any spam folders) this morning…ENJOY the shoppe-ing and thanks for joining in the challenge fun! And, as always…THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the last challenge. We soooo appreciate it and love seeing all your wonderfully creative pages!!

Again, have heaps of fun with this month’s challenge and we hope to see you back here TOMORROW for a sparkling post by Jenelle that is sure to get you scrapping!!  Bye for now! :o)

KylieChallenges, Free (not desktops), Uncategorized 71 Comments