Welcome to our Baby Shower Blog Party! We’re kicking off with a spotlight on one of the fabulous QTs, a challenge, and a free template. For details on the blog party schedule check out Saturday’s blog post.

Our QT Spotlight is on Sherly.

What is your screen name? nietis

Are you married/have children/pets? I am married to a very loving husband for 3 years now

Where is home for you? Home is in tropical Bali Island of Indonesia

Snacks…Salty or Sweet? I’d prefer salty over sweet, but I love chocolate and ice cream =)

Beverage of choice? Orange juice or water.

PC or Mac? PC at the moment.

How long have you been digi-scrapping? More than 1.5 years now.

How did you get in to digi-scrapping? I saw a friend do some digi-scrapping on her blog and I asked her about it. After that I was hunting for freebies and tried it and instantly hooked!

What is your favorite Suzy Q Scraps kit? Giggle monster! It’s a super cute kit!

What is the most challenging part of scrapbooking for you? Taking new photos and using themey kits.

What are your favorite movies/TV shows? Twilight saga, How to train your dragon, Prince of Persia and many more. *Yep, I share the love of movies with my husband *

What is something unique about you? Oh this is hard. Mmmm… I am super neat-freak. Does that sound unique? I hope so.

Now that you’ve gotten to know a little more about Sherly, I picked some of my favorite layouts she has done with SuzyQ Scraps kits to share with you.  All the images are linked to Sherly’s gallery so pop over and leave her some much deserved love for these fabulous inspirations!

Here’s a freebie template and a challenge for you! Use this template, inspired by Sherly’s layout “Inside Your Hug,” to create a layout OR hybrid project. Leave a comment with a link to your layout or project. Anyone who plays along will get a 30% off coupon to SuzyQ Scraps’ store, with one lucky winner receiving a $10 coupon! Deadline is 7/31 at 11:59 pm Eastern. Have fun creating with it and make sure to link us to your layout!  Click the image to download. Enjoy!

Thank you Sherly for your awesome inspirational layouts!  These four are just a small taste of the absolute gorgeousness you can find in Sherly’s gallery to inspire your next layout.  Don’t forget to leave Sherly some love,  link us up to your creations, and join in on our Blog Party!!!

Every kit that Suzy comes up with becomes my new favorite and this week is no exception. Take a look at what SuzyQ Scraps has in store for those of you in this wonderful world of digital scrapbooking!

It’s not hard to guess at the subject of this collab between SuzyQ Scraps and Laura Banasiak but how about guessing at the title? Why don’t you take a shot at the name these talented ladies have given this awesome kit.

Leave a comment on the blog and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win this week’s new release from SuzyQ Scraps. Want more chances to win? Share this post on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter, then come back here and leave another comment letting us know where you shared it. (Comments must be posted by 9 pm Eastern Thursday night.)

Come join in the chatter, you might just walk away with this fabulous new kit.

Hello SuzyQ Fans!! Are you ready to get a glimpse of what SuzyQ Scraps has coming your way this week? Make sure you read all the way to the end of this post because there is a chance for you to win one of SuzyQ Scraps’ new releases.

This week at Scrap Orchard you will find this pack of, well, if I tell you then it would be a sneak would it? Let’s see, you can color it, you can add to it, you can do about anything you want with these cute little guys, and that’s all I’m gonna say because I don’t want to give it away – or do I?

They are so adorable!

Okay faithful fans you know the way this works by now right? Leave a comment on the blog and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win this week’s new releases from SuzyQ Scraps. Want more chances to win? Share this post on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter, then come back here and leave another comment letting us know where you shared it. (Comments must be posted by 9 pm Eastern Thursday night.)

Until next time – make some memories, be a blessing to others, and enjoy life!

This month’s blog challenge was about Obsessions. What is it that you just seem to be fanatical about? Is it a person, a place, or a thing? I have been thinking long and hard about my obsessions. I would have to say that digi-scrapping has become an obsession of sorts. I even dream of layouts and design ideas something that I know I didn’t do a year and a half ago.

Now to the hiding question. I looked through the comments here on the blog and you all have been unusually quiet for this month’s challenge. I know around here the month of May gets really hectic around our house and maybe that’s what is going on in your life too. Sometimes I think I need a keeper just to make sure I’m not forgetting to do something that is really important. So here’s a reminder to get cracking on a layout for this month’s challenge. Remember, there’s a $10 gift certificate from SuzyQ Scraps waiting to be claimed by one of you!

Here’s a recap of what the full challenge is:

* Scrap a layout about an obsession — TV show, clothing item, collection, etc. — anything you’re obsessed with.
* Show us your obsession — use one picture prominently, or use several smaller pictures.
* Use whatever colors fit your obsession.
* What digi scrap supply are you obsessed with? Use a lot of it on your layout, or make it a prominent feature.

Prefer hybrid? Here’s the hybrid twist on the challenge:
Freedom of choice! Create any hybrid project that either shows or holds your obsession — like maybe a hybrid box to hold your coin collection, or a wooden cube with different red papers adhered to each side to show off your obsession with the color red. Be creative!

Here are some samples of LuAnn’s obsession that’s a perfect example of hybrid for this challenge.

You don’t have to use SuzyQ Scraps‘ designs, but she loves it when you do! Upload your layout to your favorite gallery or other photo site and then link us up in the comments. This challenge runs all month long, so you still have half of the month left. Link us up by May 31 at 11:59 pm Eastern to your layout or hybrid project. And don’t forget — you’ll receive a 25% off coupon just for playing. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the lucky winner of the $10 gift certificate!

It’s time to get to know another QT a little bit better. This time it is Amanda’s turn! Yes, you need to focus and pay attention there may be a test over these answers later (just kidding!).

1. What is your screen name? Manderin Oranges

2. Are you married/have children/pets? I am married! My hubby and I have been married since September of 2003. We have 4 year old twin boys and a 2 year old girl – along with our french bulldog/beagle, Maylee!

3. Where is home for you? We are making our home here in rural Minnesota! Loving the small town vibe and the community!

4. Snacks…Salty or Sweet? Depends on the day! Maybe a little of both!!

5. Beverage of choice? Lately Ive been diggin’ water and crystal light! Healthy and oh so tasty!

6. PC or Mac? PC

7. How long have you been digi-scrapping? Just over a year now! I did mess around with other graphical endeavors in Photoshop prior to that tho!

8. How did you get in to digi-scrapping? I kinda sorta just stumbled upon it actually .. I had a few friends who I was on a private message board with who were huge digi scrappers and I thought it looked fun, so I gave it a try!

9. What is your favorite Suzy Q Scraps kit? I think I have to pick Sunshine!! I just really love the vibrant fresh colors in it! So summery!

10. Do you have any other hobbies besides digi-scrapping? I’m really into my Poker league.. we meet a few times a week and play for points and prizes! Tons of fun and an amazing group of people!!

12. What are your favorite movies/TV shows? Would you laugh if I said I don’t watch TV? Yikes! I really just don’t have time

13. What is something unique about you? Hmm… I can wiggle my ears I think that’s pretty unique! Oh and I blush like super easily .. I can almost guarantee you that just talking right now about me blushing has me redder than a barn door! Eeeks!

Here are three fabulous layouts by Mel. Click on each one to go her gallery to check out the credits and leave her some love!

SuzyQ Scraps turned this layout of Amanda’s into a template for all of you! (Isn’t that generous?!)

Click on the image or link below to download.

DOWNLOAD TEMPLATE FREEBIE!

Thanks Amanda for being such and inspiration! Now for the test for all you blog readers. How many children does Amanda have? What citrus product is in her name? And when are you going to show us what you created with this fabulous template created by SuzyQ inspired by Amanda?!

Until next time…..

Does that ring a bell with anyone? Have you ever been searching for the perfect title that is either witty or sums up your entire feeling inspired by your layout? Slogans can be just the answer. Think about it, aren’t there certain slogans that stay in your memory long after you’ve heard them? I remember hearing “Where’s the Beef” and “We Love to See You Smile” in the 1980′s growing up. That second one would make an excellent layout title!

Here are a few more to get you thinking…..
Nike: Just do it
Adidas: Impossible is nothing
Almond Joy: Sometimes you feel like a nut
Audi: Never follow

SuzyQ Scraps QT jumped on the slogan wagon and created several inspiring digital scrapbook layouts to get your creative juices flowing.
Amber

Bre

Julie

Keyr

Mel

Shannon

Sherly

Susan

So next time that you are searching for just the right words to add to your layout, turn to the experts. I bet there’s a snappy slogan just waiting out there to fill in that space.

Don’t forget to play along in the monthly blog challenge as well as the inspiration challenge. Both of these have fabulous prizes from SuzyQ!

Now where did I place those “nutty” photos…….

It’s time to announce SuzyQ’s Standout choice for April! Every month Suzy will pick a layout from the SuzyQ Scraps’ Scrap Orchard Gallery and select one layout. The layout artist will receive a $10 coupon to SuzyQ Scraps’ Store. This is another way Suzy is showing you her appreciation as a customer! To show even more appreciation, anyone that participates in our standout challenge will receive a 40% off coupon to her store!

SuzyQ’s Standout choice for April is y_baros for her layout Pieces of You.

This beautiful layout was created using SuzyQ Scraps’ Bundle of Boy, using an awesome template by AnnaBV Designs.

Now for the challenge:
Scrap a layout using y_baros’ layout as inspiration. You can be inspired by anything — the subject, the circles, the colors, the elements, the title, the kit, whatever. Your layout must use 100% products by SuzyQ Scraps to qualify for the prizes. Link us up to your layout in the comments by Sunday, April 25th at 11:59 pm Eastern — be sure to tell us what inspired you. Everyone who participates (& uses Suzy’s designs) will receive a 40% off coupon! So leave us a comment with your link! We can’t wait to see what inspired you and your own interpretation of the challenge!

I love games! Well, except for those that require a lot of coordination and balance. Those kind require skills I really don’t have. It’s been a while since we had a blog game so I decided I would get one going.

It’s Scavenger Hunt time! To play along just take a look at the graphic below, go find the matching kits/products in SuzyQ Scraps’ store, and then send your answers to suzyqscraps AT gmail DOT com. Everyone who submits correct answers by Sunday March 28th at 11:59 p.m. EST will receive a 25% off coupon to Suzy’s store — one lucky winner will receive a $5 coupon! (Suzy is so generous!!!)

Ready? Set. GO!!!

I hope you are reading the blog every day because things are always changing around here! You never know what will hop — I mean pop up. The glimpses we’ve been giving you into the new releases weren’t getting to you before the product hit SuzyQ Scraps store at Scrap Orchard, so we decided to give you more time to drool over what is coming up next. (Why in the world did I just hear laughter in my head on that one? You know the one – the BWAHAHA one.)

I am super excited to be showing you this sneak peek into SuzyQ Scrap’s newest digital scrapbooking kit collab. It is so adorable!

See I told you it was adorable! Because Suzy is just as sweet and adorable as this kit she’s giving you a chance to win this kit! Leave a comment here telling what you would do if you were the Easter Bunny trying to hide your true identity. Would you be in this endeavor all alone or would you have help?

Would you like even more chances to win? Share this post on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter, then come back here and leave another comment letting us know where you shared it. (Comments must be posted by 9 pm Eastern Thursday night.) One of you will walk away with this adorable kit full of goodies!

Have fun!

Have you ever created a digital scrapbook layout and gotten stuck trying to come up with words that adequately describe what you are thinking?  Adding a quote to a layout is a fabulous way to share your feelings about the moment you have captured in a photo.  Sometimes when I’m looking for inspiration to get started on a layout I’ll look for a quote first and when one snags my attention then just the right photo or kit comes to mind.

Take a look at these layouts created by Suzy and the QTs that show you how easy it is to incorporate quotes into a layout.

Now that you’ve had some visual inspiration I have a challenge for you!  Create a layout using a quote and 100% SuzyQ Scraps’ designs, then come back and link us up to your layout before Saturday, Mar. 13th at 11:59 pm Eastern and earn a 25% off coupon to use in SuzyQ Scraps’ store.  That’s not all!  One participant will be randomly chosen to win a $5.00 gift certificate to Suzy’s store!

Don’t have any of SuzyQ’s designs?  Still want to play along?  I know of a way you can get a SuzyQ freebie to use!  Suzy has an add-on freebie available at Log Your Memory, where she’s the guest designer this month.

To make it even easier I am going to give you 10 of my favorite quotes.  You don’t have to use one of these quotes for the challenge but we can always use more inspiration!

Kids: they dance before they learn there is anything that isn’t music.  ~William Stafford

Boy, n.: a noise with dirt on it. ~Not Your Average Dictionary

The only thing worth stealing is a kiss from a sleeping child. ~Joe Houldsworth

Love unlocks doors and opens windows that weren’t even there before. ~Mignon McLaughlin

To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world. ~Author Unknown

Families are like fudge — mostly sweet with a few nuts. ~Author Unknown

You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them. ~Desmond Tutu

Remember, if you’re headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns! ~Allison Gappa Bottke

Giving up doesn’t always mean you are weak. Sometimes it means that you are strong enough to let go. ~Author Unknown

Every day is an opportunity to make a new happy ending. ~Author Unknown

I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Until next time — Happy Scrapping!