Are you interested in a way to double your scrapbooking time? Are you inspired by other people's work? If so, then the layout swap might be just the thing for you! Here's how it works:
You will create a two-page 12x12 layout every two months. Then prepare 9 other kits. Your kits will consist of all the items shown on your completed layout along with a color photo or color copy of your design. You will only need to provide instructions if you need to explain how to finish some part of your layout.
On the designated days, you will turn in the 9 kits that you created in exchange for 9 different kits from 9 other designers. So you will end up with 10 new layouts every two months, including the one you designed yourself.
Sound like something you would like to try? Then read on for more details!1. On each kit, include your name, email address and phone number. This way a member of the swap group can contact you if they have a question about your layout.
2. Kits should be ready for quick and easy assembly. All papers should be pre-cut to exact size. A full or partial sheet is acceptable for photo mats.
3. If you want to include stamping, all stamping and coloring must be complete for each kit.
4. Small parts such as photo corners, eyelets, brads, swirl clips, etc. are required to be placed in small ziploc bags. (These can be purchased in the craft department at Porter's or you can use sandwich or snack size Ziploc bags purchased from the grocery store).
5. You MUST include a color photo of your finished layout. It should be a minimum of 4x6. You may have a photo made for each packet or you may print it off at home. Keep in mind, it is hard to make a two-page layout by squinting at a 2x2 photo.
6. You may use any product you desire...stamps, stickers, die cuts, paper piecing, etc. You must use original stickers or die cuts--no color copies of them are allowed. If paper piecing, you must include a copy of the pattern in each packet as well as any instructions needed to put it together.
7. You must include at least two embellishments or accessories in your kits. Please feel free to try new things. Accessories would include but are not limited to ribbon, brads, eyelets, clips, beads, glitter, embossing, metal-rimmed tags, metal embellishments, vellum, buttons, etc. Be creative!
8. All kits should be packaged individually in a 12x12 ziploc bag. You may purchase them from Porter's for this swap at $0.15 each. You can save and reuse the same ones all year if desired.
9. You need to commit to the group for the year. That is a total of five layouts (and kits) you will create per year. If you choose to opt out, you will need to continue until a replacement can be found.
10. Layouts will be due:
February 14th
April 11th
June 13th
August 8th
October 10th
We will not swap for the month of December. Packets must be turned in at Porter's on the 2nd Saturday of the month (see dates listed above). They will be available for pick up on the 3rd Friday of the month.
12. Porter's is not responsible for lost or stolen packets. We will only be the central location for drop off and pick up.
13. Please do quality work. You don't need to be an expert, but you expect to receive good layouts, so please return the favor. :)
So, if you've read this far and it still sounds like something you would like to participate in, contact us at the scrapbooking department in the Rexburg store. It's a great way to get a lot of scrapping done in a short amount of time. Just think...by the end of the year, you will have 50 new layouts!
Take a look at some layouts from previous swap groups:
by Kathy Davis
by Kathy Davis
by Stephanie Frisby
by Stephanie Frisby
We often get in the habit of scrapping "events" instead of the day-to-day activities. Spend some time focusing on the little things. They are part of our everyday lives that put together, make up the big stuff.
Put a spin on the traditional birthday page by journaling about your feelings regarding the event. Is is exciting, sad, or bittersweet that your young ones are growing so fast? Write it down! They will thank you someday.
Here's a great example of scrapping without photos. Write down your daily, weekly, or monthly schedule and preserve it for your posterity. I'll bet it will even be interesting for you to look back at your own life in a few years and notice how much things have changed.
Create a layout using time-lapse photos of a special event in your life. The pictures say a lot, but don't forget to include your thoughts and feelings as well.
Momentous occasions, like bringing home a new baby, can cause us to reflect on the small details of life. Enjoy the journey!
Create a checklist of things you want to accomplish in your lifetime. This could vary from places you want to travel to your heart-felt dreams and goals.
What do your teenagers do with their time? This fun layout will be a treasure in years to come, especially when we look back and say, "Can you believe how far technology has come?"
And last, but not least, I wanted to share a fun layout regarding the strange phenomenon that seems to surround all mothers...not being able to have even 60 seconds of alone time in the bathroom! Now bathrooms aren't something we normally scrap about, but why not have a little fun with it? Write about the notes the kids slip under the door or the way the phone always seems to ring the minute you step in the shower. Sometimes, even the family pet wants in. Tell the funny story and let your personality shine through!
