CK & Me: March 2010
03/24/2010 at 6:50 pm | Posted in CK & Me, General Inspiration | 3 CommentsTags: Amanda Birchler, CK, CK & Me, Creating Keepsakes, Creating Keepsakes magazine, January 2010 issue, Kelly Holbrook, Latrice Murphy, layouts, magazine, Megan Hoeppner, Scrapbook, scrapbook pages, Scrapbooking, Stephanie Howell, techniques
What is it about Creating Keepsakes magazine that keeps you coming back for more? Is it the incredible creativity of the amazing lineup of scrapbookers we include every issue that has you hooked? Or is the extra motivation to scrapbook you feel after reading an issue? Maybe it’s a combination of these ideas and more. Whatever your answer is, please know that it’s appreciated. We’re overwhelmed by your passion and commitment to both scrapbooking and to CK. And nothing makes us happier than hearing about how an issue has inspired you. In that spirit, let’s check out this month’s CK & Me featured scrapbookers.
This month, we’re switching things up a bit and showing you three fantastic pages from three talented women who were all inspired by the same layout. And that impressive layout is this one by Stephanie Howell, which was featured in CK’s January 2010 “15-Minute Layout” column.
This page by Amanda Birchler wonderfully illustrates how just about any layout idea can be transferred into a page that meets your unique needs. In this case, Amanda transformed a baby-themed layout into a page about an older child simply by switching out the colors and adding a few funky accents. Beautiful job, Amanda!
Latrice Murphy was instantly drawn to the stacked elements on the side of Stephanie’s page and knew she wanted to try that approach on her design. As her page shows us, you don’t have to stick to the same page sketch when scraplifting. Instead, she turned a single-page layout into this darling two-page spread. Way to work it out, Latrice!
Kelly Holbrook takes yet another approach to Stephanie’s design. In this example, Kelly translated a 12″ x 12″ layout into an 8.5″ x 11″ page. And, guess what?! She really did complete this page in 15 minutes, which goes to show you it can be done. Well played, Kelly!
Isn’t it awesome to see how three different scrapbookers created three unique pages all from the same inspirational layout! It makes you wonder how many more pages can potentially come from Stephanie’s stunning original. I’m certainly curious.
What about You?
What ideas have you seen in CK recently that you’ve made your own? Tell us about it by e-mailing letters@creatingkeepsakes.com for a chance to be featured on our blog and win a Creating Keepsakes special issue.
Thanks to this month’s talented trio for showing us how truly versatile scrapbooking is. We can’t wait to do it all again next month!
Cheers!
Megan Hoeppner, CK creative editor
CK & Me
02/18/2010 at 12:21 pm | Posted in CK & Me | 5 CommentsTags: Ashley Riley, Caroline Ikeji, CK, CK & Me, Creating Keepsakes, Creating Keepsakes magazine, creative editor, design, February 2010, inspiration, Jennifer Delorenzo, Maggie Holmes, Megan Hoeppner, scrapbook pages, Scrapbooking, scraplift, Summer Johnson, Susan Ott
Occasionally, I set my editor hat aside and put on my teacher sombrero. One of my favorite things about wearing this particular metaphorical cap is the chance it gives me to see scrapbookers in action. I love watching students turn class ideas into their own unique creations. I’m sharing this “What makes Megan tick” moment because it’s also why our CK & Me blog posts bring me (and the entire CK team, for that matter) such joy—they illustrate how you, our awesome readers, take ideas from the magazine and turn them into projects that are all you. So with a smile on my face and my blogger beanie on my head, it is my pleasure to introduce this month’s talented CK & Me lineup.
This layout by Maggie Holmes, featured in our February 2010 issue, is the source of inspiration on our first example.
Drawn to Maggie’s ruffled border and overall page design, Ashley Riley created this fresh layout. We love how the general design of a layout can transform by simply changing out colors, photos, and themes. Great application, Ashley!
We were tickled to see how our next creative guest was motivated by this page that Summer Johnson created for our January 2010 issue.
Inspired by the colored lines on Summer’s page, Susan Ott stitched leading lines on her page to call attention to her photos. We think it’s fun to see how this page translate from toddlers to teenagers with just a few creative twists. Well played, Susan!
Our third CK & Me VIP fell in love with this design by Caroline Ikeji, which we featured in our February 2010 issue.
Following Caroline’s lead, Jennifer DeLorenzo incorporated a handwritten note on her layout. We were drawn to the way Jennifer switched out a single photo with three smaller photos. Nicely done, Jennifer!
Each of our three CK & Me featured guests will receive a CK special issue for being featured today. Congrats, and thanks for submitting!
Do you have something you’ve done recently that you’d like us to consider for a future CK & Me post? If so, please send an image of your work, the layout or project that inspired your design, and a short description of what you found inspiring to letters@creatingkeepsakes.com with “CK & Me” in the subject line. Thanks! We love seeing how you’ve been inspired by the work found in the magazine.
And as always, we invite you to leave a comment along these lines. So put on that critique hat of yours and share your thoughts about what you’ve seen in the magazine. After all, when it comes to hearing about the pages in your magazine that are dog-eared, we’re all ears. 😉
Cheers!
—Megan Hoeppner, creative editor
CK & Me: January
01/20/2010 at 11:06 am | Posted in CK & Me | 4 CommentsTags: Carrie Leavitt, CK, CK & Me, Creating Keepsakes, Creating Keepsakes magazine, Creative Spaces, Jen Jockisch, Julia Nomichith, Kat Poole, Megan Hoeppner, reader gallery, Ria Mojica, scrapbook pages, Scrapbooking, scraplift, Teresa Sather
Take a moment to channel your inner Janet Jackson and sing, “What has CK done for me lately? Oooooh ooh ooh ya!” We regularly receive feedback from you on specific aspects you love about the magazine, and we love reading your comments. You really know how to make us feel good by sharing how our work has had a positive impact on your life.
“CK & Me” feedback definitely falls under this category. But unlike traditional e-mail messages, you also send us visual evidence of your inspiration, which warms our creative hearts. Before we look at some of the latest “CK & Me” examples, we want to thank you for submitting in this area. By sharing your motivation, you’re totally motivating us!
Now, on with the “CK & Me” show!
Do you remember this fantastic page by Jen Jockisch, featured on page 24 of our January 2010 issue?
Kat Poole certainly does. It stood out as a highlight in that issue and motivated her to create this beautiful “Baking Bread” page. The way Kat made Jen’s look her own with a completely unique color scheme and theme made us smile. When sending the layout, Kat said, “I love multiphoto layouts, so when I saw Jen Jockisch’s ‘Celebrate’ layout, I knew I wanted to scraplift it!” Here’s the fabulous result.
Not all “CK & Me” inspiration has to come in the form of layouts. Teresa Sather wrote to share her love of Julia Nomichith’s punch-storage solution, featured in our January 2010 “Creative Spaces” column.
Teresa liked the idea so much that she’s already incorporated it into her own creative space. We love how she’s stepped up the solution by attaching a strip of ribbon to the wall where her punches rest (see below). What a fantastic way to protect the wall in a decorative fashion! Teresa had this to say about her adaptation: “I am going to get the longer rail for above my work surface and use baskets on it. So happy with it. THANKS SO MUCH!”
Our third “CK & Me” example comes from Carrie Leavitt, whose reaction to this multiphoto, two-page layout by Ria Mojica, which was featured in our January 2010 “Reader Gallery” column, was 100% positive!
As you can see, Carrie used the foundation of Ria’s sketch to create this lively “X-Games” layout. We’re delighted by the way she switched up the photo sizes to dimensions that worked for her. And it’s always fun to see how a girly layout can turn all-boy with just a few product changes. Carrie shared this: “I loved the flow of Ria’s layout and the ability to show off a series of photos, which worked perfect for my layout.’”
Thanks for submitting, ladies. For being featured in our January “CK & Me” post, you’ll each receive a free Creating Keepsakes special issue, so keep your eyes on your mailbox.
Your Turn
Your idea could be our next “CK & Me” star. Whether your inspiration came from a featured layout, a technique, a tip, or an organization solution, we want to hear from you. Please send an image of your project, along with specific details for the project that inspired it to letters@creatingkeepsakes.com and put “CK & Me” in the subject line. Thanks. We can’t wait to see what you have in store for us!
Cheers!
Megan Hoeppner, creative editor
CK & Me
12/22/2009 at 4:00 am | Posted in CK & Me | 5 CommentsTags: CK, CK & Me, Creating Keepsakes, Creating Keepsakes magazine, Deena Wuest, Katie Anaya, Meg Loven, Megan Hoeppner, Rachel Wright, Scottie Ross, scrapbook pages, Scrapbooking
Ready for a little inspirational excitement? Good, because we have more “CK & Me” page examples to share with you. This, our December installment, has ideas taken from an issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine, one of our special issues, and a past sketch, which goes to show you there’s scrapbooking inspiration waiting to be found at every page turn.
Let’s begin with our special-issue inspiration. Rachel Wright found all sorts of ideas to scraplift in Super-Fast Pages with 4″ x 6″ Photos, Volume 2, including this page from talented Katie Anaya.
From Katie’s design, Rachel was motivated to create the adorable page below. Rachel commented: “This page was created using the AWESOME CK special issue: Super-Fast Pages with 4″ x 6″ Photos, Volume 2. I am LOVING this book!”
I like how Rachel added to the base design by attaching the ticket accent to the corner and including journaling across the bottom of the page. Fantastic interpretation, Rachel!
This sweet design by Deena Wuest, which was featured in our January 2010 issue, caught Meg Loven’s eye.
Out of Deena’s layout, the “Best Friends” page below was born. Meg relates: “The cute face on Deena’s layout attracted me first, and then the great clean lines of her layout just begged me to sit down and case her design! I love paging through CK each month—and I’m even more excited when a layout inspires me to drop everything, sit down, and create a page! CK has been on my scrapping table since I started scrapbooking over 10 years ago. Thanks for all the inspiration!”
Meg’s use of primary colors really gives the design a different look and feel, and I love how Meg added little bows to her photo frame. Keep up the happy work, Meg!
Layouts aren’t the only items motivating scrapbookers around here. Scottie Ross took her inspiration from our April 2009 page sketch.
As you can see, Scottie wasn’t afraid to modify this design, which I adore. There’s evidence of the sketch in the layout of the page, but the positioning has been shifted to create a completely new take. Scotties shares: “This is a double-page layout that was inspired by a Becky Higgins’ design in the April 2009 issue. This was the first time I tried one of Becky’s layouts. It chronicles the first ‘real’ Easter my grandson Jordy experienced. From the joy of dyeing eggs and tasting them to the horrors of a six-foot scowling bunny and two feet of snow—in spring.” Bravo, Scottie!
How has something in CK inspired you? Whether it’s a layout, a technique or even an ad, we want to hear from you. Send photos or scans of your “CK & Me” examples to the CK team at letters@creatingkeepsakes.com—put “CK & Me” in the subject line. Your page could be the next one featured on our blog or in our magazine. Plus, if your page is selected for the blog, you’ll receive a free special issue, which will give you even more ideas to scraplift and enjoy!
Cheers!
Megan Hoeppner, creative editor
CK & Me
11/19/2009 at 4:00 am | Posted in CK & Me | 11 CommentsTags: Ali Edwards, Andrea Kuhle, CK & Me, Creating Keepsakes, creative editor, Heather Lough, Heidi Sonboul, inspiration, Megan Hoeppner, Rita Shimniock, Scrapbooking, scraplift, Shannon Blinn
There are few things our CK team likes more than seeing how you’ve taken a layout published in CK and transformed it into your own beautiful design. That’s why it’s my pleasure to bring you this month’s “CK & Me” post, highlighting a few talented readers. Check out how they’ve used projects found in Creating Keepsakes as starting points to create their own amazing layouts!
Our first example comes from Andrea Kuhle. She found inspiration in this page by Rita Shimniok, which was featured in our November 2009 issue.
Check out how Andrea took Rita’s general page design and made it her own by completely changing the colors, the theme and the accents. We’re thrilled to see the little details Andrea has added, such as the decorative pins in place of the photo turns. Nicely done, Andrea!
Shannon Blinn found reason to celebrate when she turned to page 26 of our October 2009 issue and found this photo-filled layout by Heidi Sonboul.
Taking Heidi’s lead, Shannon created a grid-based layout so she could include her favorite photos from a special moment she shared with her grandfather. Notice how she divided the image of the flaming football into three grid squares. Great page, Shannon!
Our third example comes from Heather Lough. She was inspired by the way Ali Edwards evenly spaced her photos in this beautiful layout, which is found in our October 2009 issue.
Heather stuck with the same fall theme but changed up the colors and accents for a completely unique look. The darling tree accents Heather used bring smiles to our faces around here. Fantastic work, Heather!
Thank you, ladies, for submitting to our “CK & Me” call. You’ve made our day by sharing your beautiful designs with us! To show our appreciation, we’ll be sending you a Creating Keepsakes special issue, where we hope you’ll find more ideas to scraplift.
Have you created a page or project inspired by a recent issue of CK? If so, we want to hear from you. Simply e-mail an image of the page you’ve created, along with the name and location of the specific project and issue your inspiration came from, to letters@creatingkeepsakes.com. Please put “CK & Me” in the subject line.
In the spirit of finding inspiration, we’d love to know what you like the most about this blog. Maybe it’s the Friday guest blog posts that make your day. Or perhaps the ideas found in our Weekly Warm-Ups on Monday get your creative gears in motion. Whatever it is about our blog that keeps you coming back for more, we want to read about it in the comments section of this post. After all, we aim to please. 😉
Cheers!
Megan Hoeppner, Creative Editor
CK & Me: June Edition
06/24/2009 at 9:32 pm | Posted in CK & Me | 3 CommentsTags: 101 Expert Solutions for Scrapbooking, Ali Edwards, BasicGrey, Becky's Sketch, CK, CK & Me, Creating Keepsakes, Easier-than-Ever Scrapbooking 2, Megan Hoeppner, Scrapbook Play with Photos, Scrapbooking
Hi there, Paper-Lovin’ Peeps!
It feels like it’s been a while since my last blog appearance, and I was starting to get blog-sick—you know, like “home sick” but longing for the blog. (Is there such a thing?) Good thing it’s time for another “CK & Me” installment. And a good installment it is, too.
Let’s begin with a sketch, shall we? I bet this one looks familiar. It was our April 09 “Becky’s Sketch” design.
Aimee saw its creative potential and turned it into this shining design. Nicely done, Aimee. For a complete supply list for this page, as well as more inspiring page designs, check out Aimee’s blog.
Inspired by a project Ali Edwards created, Jennifer DeDonado created this colorfully cool monogram letter, which hangs on the wall outside her studio. To see more of her “J” collection, take a peek at her blog.
Do you remember this rock star page designed by Allison Davis, featured on page 64 of our June issue?
Well, check out how Dana has tuned it to make her own unique chord. (Sorry. I can rarely resist a pun opportunity.) See more of Dana’s stunning work on her blog.
And, the CK inspiration doesn’t end with the scrapbook pages. Cute Christine’s creativity bloomed when she saw this delicious BasicGrey ad in our July 2009 issue (pg. 3).
Moved by the “quilting” around the ad’s edge, she created a similar pattern on this page. For close-up shots of this layout, as well as plenty of pretty eye candy, take time to visit Christine’s blog.
You Win
Thanks so much, talented ladies, for sharing some of the ways you’ve been inspired by the pages CK with your blog readers! To show our appreciation, we’d like to send you a free special issue. Choose from any of the following and e-mail me at ckblog@creatingkeepsakes.com with your name, mailing address and the special issue you want by Monday, July 20 and I will be sure to get your prize in the mail.
What Have You Been Up To?
Have you recently made a blog or gallery post that shows how you’ve taken your CK inspiration and made it your own? I’m always on the lookout for the next “CK & Me” spotlights. If you’ve done something, please don’t be shy. Go ahead and e-mail me at ckblog@creatingkeepsakes.com with “CK & Me” in the subject line and a link to your post. Thanks. I can’t wait to visit your blog soon!
Cheers!
Megan Hoeppner, Creative Editor
P.S. Can you believe we already have over 4,000 people signed up for CK Online Summer Camp?! Whoo hoo! This is going to be one crazy-cool camp party. If you haven’t signed up, there’s still time to register. “Seeing” you there would make me one happy camper. I hope you’ll sign up and join us!
Weekly Warm-Up: Make It Easier than Ever (part deux)!
05/18/2009 at 12:21 am | Posted in CK & Me, weekly warm up | 5 CommentsTags: Beth Opel, Cindy Tobey, CK, Coldplay, Creating Keepsakes, Creating Keepsakes idea book, Creating Keepsakes magazine, double-page spreads, Easier Than Ever 2, easy, Frank Sinatra, Leah LaMontagne, Linda Ronstadt, Lionel Richie, Lisa Dorsey, reader gallery, save time and money, Scrapbook, Scrapbooking, scrapbooking shortcut, simple, simple scrapbooking, simplify scrapbooking, step-by-step, time-saving, weekly warm up
Gooooooooooooooood Monday, Everyone!
Let’s face it. Life can be hard. We’re always looking for ways to simplify, streamline and shortcut our tasks, processes and even hobbies. In fact, it seems that we long for an “easy button” in many aspects of our lives.
“Easy” is such a popular concept that it has frequently been reflected in our life soundtracks. Remember Linda Ronstadt’s claim, “It’s So Easy to fall in love”? Lionel Richie informed us that he was “Easy like Sunday morning.” Coldplay insisted that they were “so Easy to Please,” and Frank Sinatra encouraged us to “take it Nice and Easy.”
We know that you’re busy, so easy’s the name of the game when it comes to your scrapbooking, too. You want quick, fast, no-sweat designs and tips. Brand-spankin’ new from Creating Keepsakes, here’s the very idea book you have been looking for!
You absolutely MUST get your hand on this special issue. It has so much of what you love: double-page spreads, step-by-step instructions, and tons of tips for quick and beautiful pages using the supplies you have. Check out these terrific layouts taken from the pages of Easier-than-Ever 2:
Now that we’ve whetted your appetite, check out even more in our sneak peek. Ready to get your hands on your own copy? We’ve even got an extra incentive for you–head to our online store and use this coupon code: QEYB-5778-ULYB–before May 31, and receive 15% off your purchase of this special issue!
For your Weekly Warm-Up, take inspiration from one of the layouts above or in the sneak peek . Scraplift a technique, design, concept, etc. Be sure to upload your creations to our online gallery! And don’t forget to drop us a line for our CK and Me challenge. Send us a link to your page and describe how you drew inspiration from one of the layouts from Easier Than Ever 2 to letters@creatingkeepsakes.com. Put “CK & Me” in the subject line. You just may see your “CK & Me” story right here on our blog!
Cheers!
Beth Opel
Senior Writer, Creating Keepsakes
CK & Me
05/09/2009 at 2:28 pm | Posted in CK & Me | 3 CommentsTags: CK, CK & Me, Creating Keepsakes magazine, Elizabeth Kartchner, Jennifer McGuire, Megan Hoeppner, Scrapbooking
Since announcing our “CK & Me” challenge last Saturday, I’ve been inspired by SO MANY of your awesome designs. Thanks to all of you who’ve embraced this fun idea. Today I’d like to share a few of your creative ideas right here on our blog.
Inspired by this beautiful page Elizabeth Kartchner created for our June issue…
Nicole created this sweet design!
Inspired by this striking flower design Jennifer McGuire made in her May “Tools & Techniques” column…
Jennifer created this adorable card!
And motivated by our June issue in general, Rebekah created this happy page!
Nicely done, ladies! For being my featured layouts this week, I’m going to send you a copy of Computer Tricks for Scrapbooking 3! Thanks for playing along and sharing your ideas. Please send me your mailing address using the address listed below to receive your issue. (Put “Blog Winner” in the subject line.)
Do you have an example of how an idea in CK has inspired your scrapbooking? If so, send me a message that either contains a link to where your example is posted or has the image(s) attached to letters@creatingkeepsakes.com. Remember to put “CK & Me” in the subject line. Or you can leave a link in the comments section of this post. Either way, I look forward to seeing what you’ve been up to. Who knows, you may be in the next “CK & Me” spotlight.
Cheers!
Megan Hoeppner, Creative Editor
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