Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Are you wearing green? Are you feeling lucky?

It’s time for another episode of Digi World Wednesday, where I bring something from the digi world to you — like introducing you to a new-to-you digital scrapbook site, or perhaps reminding you of an old favorite. Since I’m sponsoring The Digi Dares this week, I thought it’d be a good time to post about them. I’ve been enjoying their challenges for a while now, though it’s true that in the recent past I’ve participated less often due to time constraints. I hope to get more organized and streamlined soon so I can play more! (Psssttt! You still have time to play along with this week’s dare, and get a coupon from me! Check out Digi Dare #171.)

The Digi Dares host weekly challenges that “[dare] you to scrap outside the box.” If you’re looking to be stretched, these challenges are for you! Not only are their challenges inspiring, but you also have a chance to win prizes! Each challenge is sponsored by a different designer, so a total of 4 designers each month. You’ll receive a discount coupon from the sponsoring designer for the week, just for playing along that week. If your layout is randomly picked as a winner, you’ll receive (2) $10 coupons from the darer/designer. And the darer’s pick receives a $10 coupon from each of that month’s sponsors! So play along all month for your chance to possibly win a $10 coupon to my store, plus 3 more coupons from the other March sponsors.

Here are the 3 layouts I’ve completed this year because of their dares. (I wish I had more time to play along — if I did, I’d be at The Digi Dares every week!)

For Dare #163:

{Credits}

For Dare #166:

{Credits}

For Dare #171:

{Credits}

I love how their challenges really do dare me to scrap outside my box. They stretch me and help me tell the stories that may have remained untold without their inspiration. (I even got a GSO with my Positive Change layout!) If you’re like me and have a hard time keeping track of all the fun things in digi land, you can add their site to your reader, or even sign up for their newsletter.

Check out what Ellie did for Dare #171:

What are you waiting for? Go check out this week’s dare … and be inspired every week! (And go make someone’s day lucky!)

(Just a minor note … I’m posting the Digi World Wednesday post today, even though it’s Monday … we’ll have a QT spotlight and free template for you on Wednesday. )

Get Well Soon Mailbox created by fabulous hybrid artist Andrea, a member of my CT.
Visit her blog, Playing with Paper — you won’t be disappointed.

Ok, back to the somewhat irregular program! I’m in the process of dabbling into some hybrid projects. This is a somewhat scary venture for me, as the whole reason I do digital is because my paper scrapbooks lack any sort of beauty. So I’m a bit afraid that my hybrid projects may follow the path of my paper scrapbooks. Despite my fear, I am going to push forward and give paper, scissors, & glue an honest try. I have 2 personal projects I’m working on — one is a simple card, and the other is my 10 Things album I didn’t finish (ok, barely even started) for February’s portfolio at SSD. I know I can’t complete it to earn points, but I am determined to complete it for myself. I promise I’ll post both on my blog at some point in the (hopefully near) future — even if they turn out ugly.

I decided that I’m probably not alone in my hybrid fears … and maybe some of you would find some hybrid resources helpful. Or maybe you are AWESOME at hybrid like some of my CT members and have some suggestions for resources. So, here’s a quick list that I’ve compiled. If you know of any more, link me up in the comments and I’ll check them out, and maybe even add them to my Resources page. (All of the links below will be added to my Resources page by the end of the week.)

All About Hybrid

What Is Hybrid? (Jessica Sprague)
Hybrid Scrapbooking 101 (Scrapbook Ideas)
Hybrid Help (The Daily Digi)
Hybrid How-Tos Master List (Sweet Shoppe Designs forum)
Adhesives (Andrea on the Sweet Shoppe Designs blog)

Other Sources of Hybrid Inspiration and Help

Hybrid Chatter (Sweet Shoppe Designs forum)
Hybrid Help blog category (The Daily Digi)

Some Galleries with Hybrid Inspiration:

DigiScrapAddicts
My Scrapbook Art
Scrap Orchard
Sweet Shoppe Designs
The Digi Chick

And with those lists, I will now leave you to (hopefully) finish up a hybrid printable for release this Friday. Please leave me comments with suggestions for future hybrid posts, and of course links to hybrid resources if you have them.

As promised, I am here to share with you a really cool site: Log Your Memory. I love their tag line … “Log Your Memory … to later jog your memory.” Isn’t that clever? A great description of their community in a nutshell. Here’s what Kristin shared with me to give you a basic overall of what they do: “We are a community that supports real life, everyday scrapping and storytelling through our Memory Logbook, friendly forum, gallery, etc.”

Let’s take a closer look at what this site has to offer you.

Memory Logbooks — Log Your Memory offers a very unique series of products in their store to help you record and “jog” your memories about your life, to help make your scrapbooking not only easier but also more meaningful. The All-in-One Memory Logbook is a scrapbook planner, idea book, journal, and sketchbook — all wrapped up in one book. This book is PACKED with great stuff — monthly & daily calendars; space to document daily memories, jot down ideas, or create lists; a “story list” so you can track the important/pages and stores you haven’t shared yet; weekly pages for sketching layout ideas; weekly challenge questions; inspirational real-life layouts; annual & monthly questionnaires; & monthly worksheets for documenting holidays, birthdays, and other celebrations. If you’re just interested in one particular month, you can buy the monthly version of the logbook. Or, if you just want the challenges (like me), you can buy the Real Life Challenges Logbook. Not sure which one to buy? Try comparing your options.

If you’re interested in purchasing a logbook, please don’t miss the coupon from Log Your Memory at the bottom of my Saturday blog post. (Please note that the coupon is only valid in their on-site store for the download-able versions of their logbooks. If you’d like to purchase a bound, physical copy you can do so through their sister site, but the coupon won’t work.)

Book Club — Once you’ve bought any version of the logbook, you can become a member of the Book Club, which includes special access to exclusive activities and programs. One new program they’ve started, just for Book Club members, is a weekly chat each Monday to help you with the weekly challenges. I definitely need this motivation, and I’m so excited to be the guest designer this month so I can provide you with a FREE template each week. If you can’t make that chat, that’s okay — you’ll be able to access the template for a limited time in the private Book Club forum. Each week, if you complete your layout by Thursday, you’ll receive a free download with pieces to a kit I created for Log Your Memory — so if you participate all 5 weeks, you’ll have the ENTIRE kit, for free!

Blog – Log Your Memory’s main page is their blog. They post new content nearly every day, with a huge focus on real-life scrapbooking. They provide information, challenges, and inspiration, among other things. I’m a big fan of scrapbooking everything about my journey, not just the fun vacations, birthdays, and other major events, but also the nitty-gritty everyday life … and the hard things. And this is what Log Your Memory is all about.

Community Forum & Layout Gallery — This is the place to make friends, share your layouts, and receive encouragement and motivation on your scrapbooking journey. They have a very friendly community, so make yourself at home!

Challenge Chats — I already mentioned the chats for Book Club members, but Log Your Memory also offers chats for all registered members on Thursday nights (registration is free). Here is March’s complete challenge schedule. You may want to make particular note of tomorrow, March 4th, at 9 pm Eastern. I’ll be hosting a template challenge, which of course means a free template. But I’ll have other prizes as well, including a free alpha, so you won’t want to miss it. Hope to see you there!

You may remember that I mentioned the 14 journaling challenges at Log Your Memory a few weeks ago in a blog post. Well, they’ve extended the deadline, so you have until the end of March — which is so great, ’cause I ran out of time to play along last month. I have this obsession with office supplies and I want those pens. You can read more about the deadline extension on their blog, as well as information about the challenge series.

So, if you’re interested in a community to help you scrap your everyday, real-life journey, you should definitely check out Log Your Memory. There’s still time to register for the Book Club and play along in the challenge to receive the first download to a super fun kit from me. And be sure to stop by tomorrow night and chat with me.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

If you’re looking for a great place to learn how to digitally scrapbook, or if you’re looking to improve your skills, I think you should check out Scrapper’s Guide.

My mom decided she wanted to try digital scrapbooking, but she’ll be the first to admit that computers are not her forte. When she purchased Photoshop Elements from Costco, it came bundled with Linda Sattgast’s CD on how to digitally scrapbook. My mom was thrilled and found the video tutorials easy to follow. She also loved that she could print out tutorials, which she has in a binder and adds to as she learns new things. Scrapper’s Guide definitely empowered my mom, and it’s so fun to see how much she’s learned, not only about digital scrapbooking but also about computers. If you’ve been frustrated trying to learn digital scrapbooking, you might want to try their Beginner Training CDs. She teaches for both Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, and you can buy the CD that matches the software version you have.

If you’re looking to improve your skills, their Premier Membership might be just the thing for you. Every month you get an exclusive kit, a set of quick pages, 4 training videos, a PDF manual for each video, and more! It’s $8.99 per month, so the kit and quick pages alone make it worth the deal … so it’s definitely a steal with all its other features. (If you sign up for 1 year, you get a discount … I think it’s 12 months for the price of 10.)

I love their Tip of the Week, a free little newsletter with a nifty tip for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. I’ve learned some great tricks from these little tidbits. I’d definitely recommend this newsletter.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

If you haven’t fanned or followed the designers at Scrap Orchard you are missing out! We started another round of Twitter/Facebook Tag the other day and this time we’re giving away free templates. Yep, that’s over FIFTEEN free templates from some of your favorite designers. Like this one I created just for our fans and followers:

We gave away each other’s templates, so you’ll have to go play along to find the one from me. Go to SuzyQ Scraps fan page for the free template.

And if you’re already a fan/follower, I hope you enjoyed this treat from us!

If you do a layout with the template, link me up! I’d love to see your creation!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and it’s had me thinking about love, chocolate (of course!), traditions, and something sweet I can do for my hubby. I have a little gift for you at the bottom of the post, just to say “I love my fans!” but first I thought I’d show off some yummy love kits — a couple I own and a few on my ever-growing wish list.

I ABSOLUTELY love this super yummy collab from Amanda Heimann and Ziggle Designs.

And isn’t the vampire in this kit totally cute (and definitely a unique take on a love kit)? Gotta love this one from Ziggle Designs and Amy Sumrall.

I also picked up the February Mystery Mega from Scrap Orchard — I don’t have a preview of this one, but here’s a layout I did with it last night for the Mega Challenge at SO. A definite must-have if you’re looking for something more grungy with great elements for teenagers and adults.

Ok, so now to the ones on my wish list. I am a big fan of Shawna Clingerman (I think most of my wish list at SSD is comprised of her fun stuff) and this is definitely on my next-to-buy list. I definitely don’t have enough kits for scrapping about me and dh.

Then there’s this adorable one from Jady Day Studio called Sweet Love o’ Mine. Love that owl and tree!

I’m seriously in love with the colors and patterns in All You Need Is Love by Dani Mogstad.

And isn’t the bear in Love You to Bits by AnnaBV Designs absolutely adorable?

Finally, I’ve been eying Sweet Tart by Digital Design Essentials — love me some ricrac and that alpha looks YUMMY!

Thanks for letting me show off some of my fave love kits! And now, on to the freebie — because I love you this much. (Click on image to download.)

I designed it to be generic enough to work with lots of different kits, but the colors definitely coordinate with Love Monsters.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for a sneak peek of this week’s release and a chance to win it. And, come back Friday for the full reveal and another freebie from me.

and more Project 365 templates!

All right, as promised, I have some winners to announce.

First, the winner from last month’s blog challenge is … stacy (pewtertm)! Congrats! You’ve won a $10 coupon to my store — send me an email at suzyqscraps AT gmail DOT com to claim your prize!

And the Lucky Post for January was … JANUARY 30TH! Congrats to quietangelsb, Joy, britanee, and abcrew! You’ve each won a $7 coupon to my store — send me an email to claim your prize!

Thanks to everyone who has been posting comments — I love to read them! Join us in this month’s color challenge for your chance to win a $10 coupon to my store. I’m replacing the Lucky Post with a new little game of sorts, so check back tomorrow for details!

Now back to our regularly scheduled program — Digi World Wedneday. Yesterday I promised to link you up to sources for 2-page templates (and I’ve got some new Project 365 templates for you that caught my eye!). Now, if you already have a stash of 12×12 templates, you can follow Janet’s 3rd tip in her 2-Page Layouts {Using Templates} article I posted for you yesterday to see a trick to using them to create a 2-page layout. (I tend to do this method, as I don’t scrap 2-page layouts very often.) However, you can find some pretty awesome 2-page (or 24×12) templates on the web.

First, check out Yin Design’s blog, Simply Yin. She frequently posts free templates, including 24×12. Check the sidebar on the right for links to the templates in your category. Try a few out, and if you like them, maybe think about dropping a few dollars at her store. Here’s an example of one her free templates:

Mandagirl is another source of free templates — I love her style! Leave her a sweet comment if you download.

Then, of course, I couldn’t link you up to Janet’s awesome tutorials without linking you up to her store at SSD. Search “2 page template” to quickly find several options. Here are just a couple in her store that I’ve had my eye on:

Penny Springmann at SSD also has several 2-page templates (search “2 pagers”), including some awesome ones inspired by Project 365.

(Psst! In case you didn’t know, SSD is celebrating their 4th birthday, so all of these templates — and more! — are 34% off thru Feb. 4th!)

Finally, have you seen these super fun Project 365 Templates from Scrapping with Liz? She’s a new Orchard Girl at SO and I think you’re going to love her stuff!

Have yourself a terrific Wednesday! If you do any 2-page layouts, link me up to them! And stay tuned for tomorrow’s sneak peeks AND a new announcement.

I LOVE learning! I don’t know about you, but I just seem to THIRST for knowledge. Books are one of my favorite ways to learn — I can mark them up, jot down notes in the margin, and refer to the book over and over again. I also enjoy classroom learning. Campus Education Week has been a fun one to attend the past several years — sometimes I’ve made it to lots of classes, other times only a handful (like when I was pregnant, lol). We live further away now, but last year we were able to arrange with my mom to watch our little boy during the day so dh and I could attend classes from 8 until 4 from Tuesday thru Friday. (Thanks Mom!) My favorite classes are the ones on relationships. And I just LOVE Connie Sokol’s class.

So, back to digital scrapbooking (and related stuff) — I thought I’d share with you some of the classes I’d really like to take … the ones I’d sign up for TODAY if time and money were not an issue.

DIGITAL SCRAPBOOKING CLASSES

Yes, I still scrapbook (on occasion … but I’m really wanting to make more time for it, ’cause I miss my therapy!) and I still have so much to learn. So here’s a list of classes I’m interested in taking.
A Library of Memories by Stacy Julian (www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com) — this will have to wait until next year, ’cause I missed this year’s registration
The Photoshop Brushshop by Tiffany Tillman (reneepearson.com)
Kid Perspective by Deanna Lambson (www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com) — FREE and self-paced
No Excuses Journaling by Lain Ehmann (www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com)
Pen Tablet Basics for Scrapbookers by Jessica Sprague (www.jessicasprague.com)
Type + Writer by Liv Esteban and Jessica Sprague (www.jessicasprague.com)
Type + Writer 2 by Liv Esteban and Jessica Sprague (www.jessicasprague.com)
Now We’re Rockin’ With Photoshop – Class 2 by Jessica Sprague (www.jessicasprague.com)
Digi: In Deep – Class 3 by Jessica Sprague (www.jessicasprague.com)

PHOTOGRAPHY & PHOTO EDITING

Seeing as digital photos are a big part of scrapbooking (lol!), I have some interest in taking better pictures. I don’t want to be a photographer … I don’t want to take prize-winning photos. But I’d love to be able to take better pictures, so instead of finding 2 gems amid 100 shots, maybe I’ll find them in a dozen or so.
Oh Shoot! Beginning Digital SLR Photography by Candice Stringham (www.jessicasprague.com)
Photo Editing: Good-to-Great Workflow by Jessica Sprague (www.jessicasprague.com)

DESIGNING

I’d love to learn more to improve my designing — not just my skills, but also my efficiency. I’m self-taught in the programs I use, and I just KNOW I’m missing out on a lot of fun stuff. I’ve had my eye on a couple of classesfor Illustrator.
Illustrator 10-Week Course by Steve Laskevitch (creativetechs.com)
Illustrator 101: Designing for Yourself by Carina Gardner (www.jessicasprague.com)

BLOGGING

I’m working on improving my blogging skills (which reminds me, I need to post on the family blog sometime …) and just found out about a conference on blogging (from How To Blog at The Daily Digi). It’s not too far away (meaning, less than 6 hours) and near family so I wouldn’t have to pay for lodging. Very tempting … and I could meet Steph and Katie from The Daily Digi. Hmm…
Casual Blogger Conference

So, what would you like to learn more about? Have you taken any digital classes? Do you have any on your wish list?

In the digi scrap world there are SO many challenges to help inspired you and encourage you to scrap meaningful pages for your cherished (and not so cherished) memories. Challenges really helped me develop my digital scrapbooking skills when I was first starting out — challenging me to try new things and stretching me and growing me. But since designing, my scrap time has taken a drastic hit. So, this year I set a goal to scrap 120 pages from me — 2 years ago, that would have been easy. This year, that’s going to take quite a bit of work and focus. I’m getting really behind in my scrapping, so I really need to get back on track. To help me accomplish my goal, I’ve decided to get back into challenges. And today I’m going to share with you 3 of my favorites sites for challenges, and the 3 pages I’ve scrapped so far.

SWEET SHOPPE DESIGNS

I’ve been playing along with the challenges at SSD since April 2008, when I first discovered their site. Over time, their challenge format has changed, and I am so excited about this year’s format — Sweet Shoppe Portfolios. And since they’re one of my favorite places to shop, I love to play along so I can earn discount coupons. Sadly, I didn’t play in as many challenges as I would have liked to last year, but this year I plan to be more active! I love the Treat of the Month challenge, and I’m so glad it made it to their new portfolio format, so I decided to start my portfolio with that one. Each month, SSD spotlights one of the scrappers on their site and then challenges you to lift a layout from the scrapper’s gallery — this month they’re featuring Jaclyn Bernardo (mrs_jb). I lifted her layout Together. And this is what I came up with (kit is Slink Slither and Plod, my collab with Misty Cato):

Some of the January portfolio challenges I want to try next:
#7 Before I Die …
#9 January Looks Like …
#10 Colorific
#18 Iconic
#20 Eyeball Benders
#25 Two Sides of Sweet
#30 Digi Scrap Rewind
#31 Book of Me 2010 — definitely this one!
#33 Mini Album — because I have a color printer now and I want to try it out!

Just remember, Sweet Shoppe Designs requests that you use mostly products by their designers on your layouts — so be sure to follow the rules if you’re going to play along!

THE DIGI DARES

I must admit, I don’t play along with the dares as often as I would like, but I’m challenging myself to play along once a month if I can manage it. I was especially moved by this week’s dare to scrap about change. Here’s what I came up with (using a background from Krafty Stash #2, paint splats by Sara Amarie (retired), Alpha Files No. 4 by Krystal Hartley at SSD, Foamy Stamp Alpha by Traci Reed at SSD, and burst shape clipping mask by Britt-ish Designs at ScrapMatters):

Why play along with The Digi Dares? Well, they pick 2 winners each week — one is random, and one is picked by the darer … and the winners receive gift certificates to one of the sponsors of the month. Sweet deal, huh? Who knows, maybe one of these months I’ll be a sponsor …

SCRAP ORCHARD

And I couldn’t leave out Scrap Orchard! I’ve been a member of their site since they first opened their doors nearly 2 years ago, and I’ve been a sporadic participant in their challenges in the past. But, now that I design there, I’ve been wanting to be more active in the challenges. If you play along, you can earn discount coupons to the store. You earn 1 point for each challenge you complete — 2 points if you use more than 90% SO products on your layout. (I believe SO’s current gallery policy is at least 1 item on your LO must be from an SO designer.) They post a new challenge every day, and you have the rest of the month to work on them. I decided to play along in the color challenge first (using And Many More … {Bright}, Stitch Hiccups #1, and Tag! You’re It! Alpha):

So there you have it, 3 of my favorite places to be challenged — and where I intend to be challenged this year! Of course, my creative team always hosts a challenge here on the blog, and you can win a $10 coupon to my store. There’s still time to play along in Melissa’s scraplift challenge this month — it’s on my list!

So, where what challenges do you participate in?

Since it’s Wednesday, and time for another Digi World post, I thought I’d share with you some of the digital scrapbook magazines that I enjoy reading, and a few of the ones that have caught my eye that I hope to try out this year.

4 DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK MAGAZINES I READ

1. Simply Sweet Magazine — Wow. I think this is absolutely one of my favorite magazines right now. Not only is the magazine simply yet beautifully designed, it’s packed with inspiration to help me scrap right now. And it’s filled with yummy eye candy from some of my favorite designers. It’s published quarterly, and I eagerly anticipate each new issue and buy it as soon as I open my newsletter from Sweet Shoppe. I totally recommend this magazine — it is definitely worth the price (especially when you snag it for 20% off on new release day) and it comes with an exclusive kit. Love it!
2. Flourish — Published by My Scrapbook Art, this little beauty is definitely worth downloading — and it’s free! I love the tips & tutorials, and the inspiring layouts. Plus, the featured designer always provides a free product, so it’s a fun way to “meet” new-to-you designers, or receive a little treat from a favorite designer. (Psst! You might want to sign up for it before February’s issue is released. I’m just saying.) Be sure to look for the various coupons available inside. It recently received a face lift and looks so gorgeous — I *think* it’s usually available near the beginning of the month, but don’t quote me on that. January’s issue isn’t out just yet.
3. The Fix — A super fun & funny little free magazine put out by DigiScrapAddicts. Browse through some of their back issues if you want a sample of what’s inside. I love that they feature some of my favorite designers — but I also love that they introduce you to newer designers in the Fresh Faces article (which includes a freebie). If you’re looking for a laugh, be sure to read the interviews with the featured designers. And be sure to check out the coupon section at the end for super savings. The magazine is released around the 15th of every month.
4. DST Insider — This is DigiShopTalk’s free magazine. It’s packed with useful info and great layout inspiration. And it’s another good source for coupons. It’s generally available the first of the month.

4 DIGITAL SCRAPBOOK MAGAZINES I’LL BE TRYING SOMETIME THIS YEAR

1. The Artisan Notebook — You can buy this direct from their site, or at one of your favorite stores, like Scrap Orchard. I’m excited about this month’s topic — Age Progression. I actually just purchased it, so I hope to find time to peruse it soon.
2. Scrap ‘n Art — This is technically a scrapbook & paper crafting magazine, as well as a digital scrapbook magazine. I’ve been meaning to give it a try for several months — I actually just paid for a 1-year subscription, but I haven’t had a chance to check it out yet.
3. Scrapbook News and Review — This magazine looks like a really neat combo of scrapbooking, photography, altered art, and other media.
4. Digital Artist Magazine — I must admit that I’m hesitant to give this one a try. Last year they had a lot of trouble publishing on time and just recently switched to a bimonthly format. So I figured I’d give them a couple of months to work out any more bugs, and then give them a go.

So what are some of your favorite digi magazines, and why? Which ones are on your wishlist?