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31 Pages in 31 Days 2017: Day 31 WE MADE IT!

WOOT WOOT!!! We made it! Thirty-one straight days of scrapbooking. WOW!!! If you've just wandered in in the middle of the show, click here to read about how 31 Pages in 31 Days got started, what immersion scrapbooking is, and why it works for me.

It's been an amazing month, and drumroll, please.....I am pumped to share that my personal final page count for the month is 52 pages!!! I think that might be a record for the #31pagesin31days challenge series. What an awesome boost to my albums this has been.

Today I have the final inspiration layout to share, and then we'll get to some fun stuff like free prizes! I tried to save a really good page for the last spread of the year. This one counts in my book, if for no other reason than it took me forever to fussy-cut all those animals!

The super cute Birthday Memories suite is adorable, but I only got the papers and not the matching stamps and dies, so having to hand-cut them is my fault : ) but ya gotta make cutbacks somewhere, right?

One thing bothers me about this paper. The eye naturally wants to read from left to right. But the animals are all marching right to left, so my title piece had to be in the upper left corner (usually a design no-no). However, I helped ameliorate this issue by adding the smaller text in the lower right corner, so the eye could go there first and then travel backwards along the parade of critters and wind up at the headline. It's a little thing, but scrapbookers care about details like that!

Left page, above; right page, below

Make these pages at home! Here's the supplies you'll need:

• Brights Best 12" X 12" Cardstock Pack
• Birthday Memories Designer Series Paper
• Whisper White 12" X 12" Card Stock
• Real Red 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock
• Large Numbers Framelits Dies
• Number Of Years Photopolymer Stamp Set
• Real Red Classic Stampin' Pad
• Pacific Point Classic Stampin' Pad
• Banner Triple Punch
• Layering Ovals Framelits Dies
• Stitched Shapes Framelits Dies
• Glitter Enamel Dots
• Stampin' Dimensionals
• Mini Stampin' Dimensionals
• Paper Snips Scissors

 

Such sweet artwork! It reminds me of the original Richard Scary books we had as children.

All right, let's move along to the winner of our month-long comment contest!

Let's hear it for Kim Carleton, who left the random winning comment on August 18th. Email me with your shipping address, Kim! [email protected]

I said I had a SURPRISE up my sleeve for the final day and I do indeed!

I have a huge scrapbooker's grab bag to give away, all kinds of stuff like papers, die-cuts, embellishments, Memories & More cards, washi tapes--you name it! So let's do one final giveaway. Leave a comment and let us know what your favorite spread was from the 2017 31 Pages in 31 Days series. The winner's name will be published in the Sept 5th newsletter. Make sure you subscribe!

Thanks a million ba-jillion for sharing this fun series with me. See ya next year!

31 Pages in 31 Days 2017: Day 30

I'm going to make my page goal! Did you make yours? I hope you've been enjoying Song of My Heart's annual scrapbooking challenge, 31 Pages in 31 Days. I sure have had a ball making the inspiration pages for you!

I'll admit, though, I'm ready to turn to my fall decor projects and get to work on my Christmas cards. I have a short attention span, and it's hard to me to commit to 31 days of anything--even scrapbooking!

Today's inspiration page is for our camping enthusiasts. The irresistible critter papers are from Pick A Pattern, and I drew the fun and fresh color scheme from them. The colors are Crumb Cake, Flirty Flamingo, Emerald Envy, Crushed Curry and Basic Black.

The die cuts are from the Mini Treat Bag Thinlets--kind of a fun and unexpected use for those dies. Why not, right?

And once again my handy-dandy Labeler Alphabet stamps were perfect for when I had more things to say but didn't feel like journaling a lot. I used those stamps and a Mini Paper Clip (on sale on the Clearance Rack right now!) to play up the 1950's office supplies feel that looks so cute with the art style and colors.

Gotta have it? Click the links to go shopping! 

Thanks for your support of the 31 Pages in 31 Days blog series.

Neutrals Best 12" X 12" Cardstock Pack	Pick A Pattern 12x12 Designer Series Paper	Labeler Alphabet Photopolymer Stamp Set
Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad	Flirty Flamingo 3/8" Striped Ribbon	Basic Black Solid Baker's Twine
Mini Treat Bag Thinlits Dies	2-1/4" Circle Punch	2" Circle Punch

 Okey-dokey folks, this is it.... tomorrow is the final day! I'll be posting the last inspiration page, my final page count, and the winner of the comment contest in the Day 31 post.

I saved an amazing layout for last, and I also have another little surprise up my sleeve. Hmmm, what could it be?

I guess you'll just have to plan to be here for the big finale!

31 Pages in 31 Days 2017: Day 29

Hey scrappers! Thanks for joining me for Day 29 of our 31-day blog series! I have enjoyed myself so much this month, and I hope you've found plenty of inspiration, too. Even if you just had to pin it for later because things are too nuts right now!

Today's inspiration pages are all about the garden. Our hibiscus is just going crazy this year. Evidently whatever combination of rain and sunshine we had this summer, it really liked! I love taking pictures of the blooms in our own yard. It's fun to chronicle how the foilage grows from year to year, too.

I had most of a whole sheet of this pretty (but busy) pattern of peach florals on a black background, so I revisited the diagonal layout from Day 19, this time reversing the direction of the diagonal and making the angle sharper (and the edges torn.) It still kept the nice left to right progression of the page.

I cut the letters from the Wood Textures paper stack and sponged them with green, to suggest moss. The dragonflies were cut from the new Champagne Foil paper (coming in the 2017 Holiday catalog!) and the Detailed Dragonfly thinlets.

It was still lacking "something," so I fussy-cut several flowers to sprinkle around. Then the dragonflies looked more at home.

Wanna give this one a go at home? Here's what you'll need to gather: 

Click any link to Shop Stampin' Up! with Lyssa!

Peekaboo Peach 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Basic Black 12" X 12" Card Stock	Tangerine Tango 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock
Whole Lot Of Lovely Designer Series Paper	COMING SEPT 1st Champagne Foil Sheets	Wood Textures  Series Paper Stack
Old Olive Classic Stampin' Pad	Stamping Sponges	Clear Faceted Gems
Detailed Dragonfly Thinlits Dies	Large Letters Framelits Dies	Big Shot home die-cutting system

 Just two days left to leave comments and be entered to win a complete set of the pages we made in this month's Scrapbooking Summer School! Who is going to get that lovely package? Not you, if you don't comment! : ) See you tomorrow for Day 30!

Easy new "Night in Bethlehem" Christmas card

As soon as I spotted Night of Bethlehem in the 2017 Holiday Mini Catalog (page 26), I knew it would find a home on my stamp room shelves! I prefer inspirational Christmas cards, and this one, with adorable artwork and beautiful sayings, was a no-brainer.

You can go really fancy or super clean with this set, and I was so pleased to experiment and find a design simple enough for my Christmas Club ladies to make during our monthly sessions. If you'd like to recreate this card at home, here's the instructions!

1. One pack of Basic Black cardstock will make 48 card bases.
2. Cut two 4x5.25 inch pieces of Whisper White for each card base (front, and inside to write on).
3. Die-cut the Bethlehem scene right out of the front of the Whisper White cardstock front, about an inch from the bottom edge.
4. Adhere the Whisper White front "negative" onto the Basic Black card base with SNAIL adhesive.
5. Use mini dimensionals to attach the Bethlehem scene back into the Whisper White card front, slightly lower than where it was cut from. This will leave a rim of Basic Black cardstock showing through to highlight the die-cut cityscape.
6. Stamp stars and sayings as desired, inside and out. Embellish with rhinestones.

****Please note: the Night in Bethlehem stamp set (in wood mount or cling-mount) and Bethlehem Edgelits bundle will be available beginning September 1st.****

Click any link to shop with Lyssa! 

Night In Bethlehem Wood-Mount Stamp Set	Night In Bethlehem Wood-Mount Bundle w/dies	Bethlehem Edgelits Big Shot Dies (alone)
Night In Bethlehem Cling-Mount Stamp Set	Night In Bethlehem Cling-Mount Bundle w/dies	SNAIL Permanent Adhesive Runner
Basic Black 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock	Big Shot Home die-cutting system
Big Shot Magnetic Platform	Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad	Smoky Slate Classic Stampin' Pad
Mini Stampin' Dimensionals	Stampin' Dimensionals	Rhinestone Basic Jewels

There's so many different holiday styles to choose from in the Stampin' Up! 2017 Holiday Mini Catalog! Did you get yours yet? They have begun arriving already. If you don't have a demonstrator or haven't ordered in a while and have dropped off my mailing list, please email me at [email protected] for a free copy! You'll be blown away by the incredible ideas inside. The hardest part will be narrowing down which designs to make this year!

31 Pages in 31 Days 2017: Day 28

Day 28!! Here we go! Is it possible I'll make it through this year without missing a single day? I guess we'll find out soon enough! Today's inspiration page is another birthday layout, but this time it's for a guy.

This page started off with a mirror-image flip of a Scrapbooker's One-Sheet Wonder (Vol. 3, Layout #16) and kind of morphed from there.At first I wasn't sure about the color scheme, but in the end I really liked it, especially after I added the Lemon-Lime Twist ribbon banners to pull out that "hot" accent color from the Naturally Eclectic patterned papers.

Suggested Stampin' Up! Color Combinations:

Marina Mist

Tranquil Tide

Night Of Navy

Pool Party

Lemon Lime Twist

I was able to use up a ton of pesky little scraps of patterned paper making the pennant banners, which always makes me feel so thrifty! Besides, it gave me a chance to play with my latest toy, the new Quilt Builder dies (available Sept 1st in he 2017 Holiday Mini Catalog). I love how it can cut the banners and adds the "stitching" at the same time.

Can't wait to play with those Quilt Builder framelits some more. Check out this set of cards I made with it earlier! I just need more hours in the day, that's all there is to it.

Thanks for visiting today! See you tomorrow for Day 29. We're almost there!

Painted Harvest sunflowers and sneak peeks

I have a treat for you today--a sneak peek of a brand new stamp set and punch bundle that I've chosen to feature for the Class of the Month this September! Painted Harvest and the new Leaf Punch are available in the 2017 Holiday Catalog beginning Sept. 1st, bundled together for a 10% savings.

I've already created all the projects for next month, and let me tell you, this set is going to knock your socks off! Not only does everyone love sunflowers, the variety of leaf images and the wonderful new Leaf Punch are going to be so handy for all your other floral stamps, too. The classic cursive sentiments are lovely. It's the perfect set to both celebrate summer AND carry us over into the warmth and color of autumn.

I can't wait for September! Watch for the monthly club code on the first, and be ready to snatch up your stamp set and punch bundle ASAP. I would not be surprised if this one temporarily sells out, especially since the Leaf Punch goes so well with the #1 best-selling Daisy Punch.

Not familiar with Class of the Month club? Click here for details!

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31 Pages in 31 Days 2017: Day 27

Hi everyone! Thanks for joining us for today's inspiration scrapbook page, and don't forget to be leaving comments on every official 2017 31 Pages in 31 Days post, for a chance to win the entire selection of sample pages from this year's Scrapbooking Summer School class series. I will draw the winning comment on August 31st and post it with my final page total for the month. Can't wait to see what we get done!

Today's inspiration page--another birthday layout, as promised--has a fun color combo of purples and pinks, with a scatter of daisies to underscore the girly-ness even more. I had a lot of fun with the wonderful color-coordinated products Stampin' Up is so famous for!

Suggested Stampin' Up Color Combo:

Wisteria Wonder

Whisper White

Sweet Sugarplum

Berry Burst

Metallic Gold

Support more blog series like 31 Pages in 31 Days when you shop with Lyssa!

Sweet Sugarplum 3/8" Striped Ribbon	Gold Faceted Gems	Mini Glue Dots
Daisy Punch	Daisy Delight Photopolymer Stamp Set	Daisy Delight Photopolymer Bundle w/set
Berry Burst Classic Ink Stampin' Pad	Sweet Sugarplum Classic Ink Stampin' Pad	Pear Pizzazz Classic Ink Stampin' Pad
Fresh Florals Designer  Paper Stack	Happy Birthday Thinlits Die	Metallic Gold Foil Sheets 12x12 2pk

 Join me tomorrow for the Day 28 inspiration page, a masculine birthday layout for just about any age. Which do you find easier to make--guy pages or girly ones? I actually like doing masculine ones because they're a little more of a challenge and it makes me stretch creatively since so many of my dies and papers are pretty feminine. How about you?

31 Pages in 31 Days 2017: Day 26

For those of you visiting Song of My Heart for the first time, we're nearing the finish line on a month-long scrapbooking blog series and challenge. Every single day in August--each year now for several years--I post an inspiration page for you to copy outright or just enjoy. People from all over the world play along on the challenge support group on Facebook. Join us just to see what everyone's making, or to participate and get some of those albums finished up!

And if you're not a scrapbooker, I've still been posting all my usual cards, news and design tips this month, too. Just keep scrolling!

I needed to make some birthday spreads, so you'll see several in the next few inspiration pages. We always need ideas to make them different every year. I remember when my kids were little, it felt like if it wasn't a zoo page, it was a birthday page.

This year my daughter's layout is celebrating her "big girl" room makeover, for which she chose colors of turquoise, aqua, and hot pink.

I incorporated the strip from which I punched my accent stars to scatter around the page. VERY old scrapbooker's tip! Washi tape helped with the casual, "bulletin board" type of layout I was using.

My baby girl is all about the bling, so I continued the star theme with some of the Metallic Enamel Shapes in silver.

Want to recreate this project at home? Here's the Stampin' Up supplies you'll need:

Neutrals Best 12" X 12" Cardstock Pack	Bermuda Bay 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock	Melon Mambo 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock
Pool Party 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock	Melon Mambo Classic Stampin' Pad	Bermuda Bay Classic Stampin' Pad
Thoughtful Banners Photopolymer Stamp Set	Duet Banner Punch	Metallic Enamel Shapes
1" Circle Punch	1-3/4" Circle Punch	2" Circle Punch

I also used a couple of retired items on this page, the little star punch, some Project Life accessory kit washi tape, and the Birthday Bright stamp set. I find all sorts of bargains on the Clearance Rack, especially for scrapbookers. Click here to go check out the deals, and I'll see you back here tomorrow for Day 27!

31 Pages in 31 Days 2017: Day 25

I know it's back to school season for many of us, so I thought it appropriate for today's inspiration layout to be a school picture page. This one celebrates first grade! See the cute little die-cut number 1 tucked in the upper left corner?

This easy layout uses three 3x8 inch strips of patterned paper and a 6x6 cardstock mat. The fun papers I used are from the Pick a Pattern Designer Series Paper pack (you really need to see this pack if you are a scrapbooker.)

My favorite part, though, is the Labeler Alphabet stamps, which are perfect for spelling out anything you need to say. You get two different complete alphabet styles in this set for just $17.00, which makes it one of the best bargains in the book! (page 180 in the 2017-18 Catalog).

Make this memory page at home! Click any link to shop with Lyssa.

Labeler Alphabet Photopolymer Stamp Set	Whisper White 12" X 12" Card Stock	2016-2018 In Color 12" X 12" (30.5 X 30.5 Cm) Cardstock
Flirty Flamingo 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock	Pick A Pattern Designer Series Paper	Crushed Curry Solid Baker’S Twine
Flirty Flamingo 3/8" Striped Grosgrain Ribbon	Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad	Large Numbers Framelits Dies

 See you tomorrow for Day 26! We're nearing the finish line. I can't wait to add up my final page count!

31 Pages in 31 Days 2017: Day 24

Wow! I can't believe it's time to post the last Scrapbooking Summer School project for 2017! My class participants have been getting a package a week for the past four weeks, containing kits for three double-page layouts and one single. By the end of the month, if they completed the kits and the three homework challenges, they will have met the 31 Pages in 31 Days challenge. It's a VERY fun way to play along, and I hope you'll consider joining the "student" roster next year!

Each student got their own pack of Memories & More pocket-style cards, and we've had so much fun learning ways to use them on traditional 12x12 scrapbooking. They make fantastic photos mats and enough journalling boxes to make an entire album's worth. But this spread has got to be one of the most out-of-the-box ways we've used them yet. It reminds me of the 80's!

One of the things we learned to do was cut or punch out elements from the Memories & More cards. That's how we layered them for this fun, dimensional page title. Also, if using the cards as photo mats, you can punch or trim out useful bits from the interior of the mat, where the photo will cover it, and use those bits to carry the pattern over to other parts of the page.

But the best part about using the Memories & More packs is that you get a LOT of patterns in one convenient format--WAY more than you'd get buying a pack of double-sided Designer Series Paper for the same price. So for those of you who don't like to keep reusing the same papers in your albums, or let them go to waste, the M&M packs are going to be really fun and economical.

Need supplies? Click to Shop with Lyssa!

Perfect Days Card Pack	Basic Black 12" X 12" Card Stock	2016-2018 In Color 12" X 12" Cardstock
Bermuda Bay 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock	Glue Dots	Stampin' Trimmer
Glitter Enamel Dots	Lemon Lime Twist 1/2" Finely Woven Ribbon	Bermuda Bay 3/8" Mini Chevron Ribbon

 That wraps up Day 24! I will see you back here tomorrow for a fun Back to School layout for Day 25. Don't forget to leave comments on any official 31 Pages in 31 Days post to enter to win the complete set of all the pages we made in Scrapbooking Summer School. What a gigantic boost that will be to someone's albums!

Last chance to get August's Class of the Month!

It's the final chance to join Song of My Heart's new "no commitment" club, Class of the Month, for August 2017!! All SEVEN (yes, there's another special bonus fancy fold this month!) of the projects created for you this month use Coffee Cafe, our featured stamp set. The deadline is the 25th of each month. 

I hope you'll play along with our fun new program whenever you can--and remember, every fifth time you participate, you get a $30 shopping spree and I pay the shipping! Read all the details about the club and how it works here.

See some sneak peeks above! These two cards use Stampin' Up's new quick-dry Embossing Paste, and are just a couple of the seven projects featured in this month's COTM Club PDF. The cards range from easy to intermediate and even advanced. You'll love growing your skills as you build your collection with solid product choices and plenty of inspiration!

The August 2017 COTM Club Suggested Order Total is: $35.50

• ORDER any product(s) of your choice, totaling at least $35.50 before shipping & tax. It doesn't have to be the coffee stamps.
• DON'T FORGET: If you have a Bonus Days coupon, you can use it on anything in August. Your club order just needs to still total $35.50 or more before shipping and tax AFTER the coupon has been subtracted.

Ready to participate? The August COTM Code is NG7DH42N. To join, just place your order of at least $35.50 (before shipping and tax) at http://bit.ly/shopwithLyssa no later than August 25th, and the project files will be emailed to you within 24 hours. You'll also be receiving a hand-stamped thank you card from me, with the FREE Product Sample of the Month inside, something new from the Holiday Catalog! 

What will you learn this month as a VIP club member?

Take the class along with us!

31 Pages in 31 Days 2017: Day 23

Hey everyone! Thanks for tuning in for Day 23 of 31 Pages in 31 Days! I can't believe I haven't missed a day yet!! How are you doing on your goal? If you're playing along, leave a comment or ask to join the Facebook challenge support group. People are posting AMAZING things there! I've gotten a bunch of ideas stashed for my next round of immersion scrapping.

Today's inspiration page a sweet anniversary page with the irresistible Daisy Punch. I just can't get enough of that flower!

The measurements for this layout are SO easy, I just have to share. Cut a sheet of 8.5x11 in quarters. Arrange three of the pieces as shown above, and cut the fourth in half to make the two smaller mats. Voila! Nearly-instant layout.

I used quite a few different products on this page, when all was said and done. Here's a complete supply list:

Product List: Need supplies? Click to shop with Lyssa!

• Subtles Best 12" X 12" Cardstock Pack
• Night Of Navy 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock
• Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock
• Color Theory Designer Series Paper Stack (daisy center, die-cut "love")
• Color Theory Card Pack (one card, trimmed down)
• Delightful Daisy Designer Series Paper
• Daisy Punch
• Classic Label Punch
• Glitter Enamel Dots
• 5/8" Burlap Ribbon
• Linen Thread
• Mini Stampin' Dimensionals
• Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Pad
• Pear Pizzazz Classic Stampin' Pad
• Swirly Bird Photopolymer Stamp Set (tiny flower)
• Sunshine Sayings Wood-Mount Stamp Set (saying)
• Sunshine Wishes Thinlits Dies ("love" die-cut)

 

That's it from me today--it's the first day of school for us! Although we might put off the traditional front-porch pictures until the chickenpox scabs are totally off! I was so proud of the way my kids handled themselves through this unexpected epidemic. MOMMY may have felt like throwing a fit, but the kids never did, even though it effectively ruined their last three weeks of summer. Ah, well. We all lived, including me!

Have a fantastic day, friend! Thanks for making Song of My Heart a part of it.

Ready to Make It? Vintage Christmas Card

Instructions for Vintage Father Christmas card designed by Lyssa Griffin Zwolanek for Song of My Heart Stampers. All supplies Stampin’ Up! "Ready to Make It?" cards can be created in fifteen minutes or less, with limited supplies. Try one today!

Stamps: Father Christmas (wood, cling)

Ink: Early Espresso

Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Tranquil Tide, Crumb Cake

Embellishments: Linen Thread

Tools: sponge, Paper Snips

Instructions:

1. Card base is Cherry Cobbler 5.5x8.5 inches folded in half. Tranquil Tide mat is 4x5.25 inches, and Crumb Cake layer is 3.75x5 inches.

2. Stamp the upper part of the filigree frame in Early Espresso ink on the top of the Crumb Cake piece. Stamp the lower part of the filigree frame on the bottom edge.

3. Stamp the Father Christmas image in the middle, just right of center. Stamp the bag of toys next to him on the lower left.

4. Stamp the smaller saying in the empty area above the bag of toys.

5. Sponge all four edges of the Crumb Cake layer to weather the paper.

6. Use the edge of your Paper Snips to scrape the edges of the Crumb Cake and Tranquil Tide pieces, to roughen and distress.

7. Layer the stamp piece on the Tranquil Tide mat and adhere to Cherry Cobbler card base. Wrap Linen Thread around the card several times and tie off in a bow at the top, with long trailing ends.

8. Stamp inside saying and stamp envelope to match, if desired.

Thanks for stopping in to Song of My Heart today for real-life papercrafting tips and tricks! Please feel free to shop my Stampin' Up store for all your crafting needs, and be sure to check out the rest of the cards in the Ready to Make It category here!

It's fun to be fancy... but it doesn't have to take tons of time to make beautiful handmade cards for Christmas. This year, plan on a simpler design that's still lovely, but can actually be accomplished during a busy season. Song of My Heart Stampers can help with that!

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31 Pages in 31 Days 2017: Day 22

I don't know if you are playing favorites this month, but I am! Today's inspiration page for #31pagesin31days is one of the best layouts I've discovered yet, for using the Memories & More pocket-style cards in traditional 12x12 scrapbook layouts. See what you think! Could you make this one work?

I made a sketch for this one so you can deconstruct it and see how easy it will be to make. I used six 3x4 cards and two 4x6 cards from the Color Theory Memories & More card pack, and two 6x6 sheets from the Color Theory Designer Series Paper Stack. Love how it all coordinates flawlessly!

Left page above (basic sketch); right page below (sketch turned 90 degrees)

I think the deck is stacked in favor of this spread regardless of the layout, just because fall is my favorite season! What's yours? Can you adapt this sketch to make some pages about it? Don't forget to throw in some pages about the little things as you're celebrating the big things.

Make this layout at home! Here's what you'll need to gather: 

Click any link to shop with Lyssa!

Neutrals Best 12" X 12" Cardstock Pack	Color Theory Designer Series Paper Stack	Color Theory Card Pack
Glitter Enamel Dots	Crushed Curry Solid Baker’s Twine	Glue Dots
Old Olive 3/8" Mini Chevron Ribbon	Crushed Curry 3/8" Mini Chevron Ribbon	Linen Thread
Soft Suede 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock	Crushed Curry 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock	Stampin' Dimensionals

I hope you're enjoying all the inspiration this month! I sure am enjoying the excuse to focus on what got me into papercrafting to begin with.

Happy stampin' and scrappin'!

31 Pages in 31 Days 2017: Day 21

If you're just joining us, welcome to Day Seven of my annual scrapbooking challenge, 31 Pages in 31 Days. This one-of-a-kind blog series has been going on for many years now! You can view hundreds of past years' worth of pages here. Read about immersion scrapping and why it works here. Ready to play, or just want to see what everyone else is doing? Join the Facebook challenge support group here.

I hope you'll play along if you can, and if you can't, pin the sketches, color combos, embellishment details and whatever else caught your eye and save the inspiration for later.

Today's inspiration pages are a quilt-inspired bonanza of patterns from the Whole Lotta Lovely and Pick a Pattern Designer Series Paper packs. Some of the patterns are a bit much in a full sheet of 12x12, but they pair together so perfectly, it's easy to make a "random" page that actually color-coordinates quite well.

Ha ha!  I just noticed how much higher the left-hand page is than the right. Hmmm.... I will have to see if I can get that moved down. Probably once it's in the album not a soul in the world would notice except me. But it would bother me every time I looked at it!

The borders are simple. Just punch out 2 circles (I used a 1.5 inch punch) from each pattern of paper, and slice in half. Use the four halves to decorate the top and bottom edge of an 8.5 square mat. The title is from the Happy Celebrations stamp set and could be colored in, if desired. I'll wait to see what color I can draw out from the photos.

Ready to scrap? Support Song of My Heart's annual

31 Pages in 31 Days blog series and shop now!

Whole Lot Of Lovely Designer Series Paper	Pick A Pattern Designer Series Paper	Happy Celebrations Photopolymer Stamp Set
Hearts & Stars Elements	Classic Label Punch	Glitter Enamel Dots
Basic Black Archival Stampin’ Pad	Crushed Curry Solid Baker’S Twine	1-1/2" Circle Punch
Perfect Days Card Pack	Whisper White 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock	Subtles Best 12" X 12" Cardstock Pack

Thanks for joining us for today's page, and don't forget to be leaving comments on every official 2017 31 Pages in 31 Days post, for a chance to win the entire selection of sample pages from this year's Scrapbooking Summer School class series. Imagine, 28 professionally-designed and executed layouts instantly ready to add photos and slip into albums!

See you tomorrow for Day 22!

31 Pages in 31 Days 2017: Day 20

How can it be August 20th already? Wow! Is it just me or did summer kick into hyperdrive for the last couple of weeks? Welcome to Day Twenty of 31 Pages in 31 days, my (you guessed it!) 31-day-straight challenge to produce one scrapbook page per day. I've actually more than beat my goal if you count double-page spreads! But I'm still going to share an inspiration page every day to cheer you on to the finish.

Today's inspiration page is one I made with pieces from the homework packet my Scrapbooking Summer School participants got for Week Two. They can do anything they want with the contents of the envelope and the goal is to use as many of the pieces as possible.

I used the fun, vintage-inspired Guy Greetings stamp set to create some masculine patterns on scrap cardstock strips. They were all eleven inches long, so I just kept adding strips until I had the full 11x11 background in place.

The hats stamp in this set is all one piece, with the hats arranged in a strict grid of rows. I think it's more fun to have the hats appear to have been tossed in the air, so I cut the stamp apart into the six individual hats. Did you know you can do that?

That's it from me today. Fifteen-year-old Dan still has the chickenpox, so we're binge-watching Star Trek: the Next Generation together. I know it won't be very long before he's not home for me to baby any more, so I'm trying to remind myself of that when the to-do list is hollering at me. I want him to remember a mom who thought he was more important than whatever I hoped to cross off today.

Make it so, Number One.

Honor Flight project and August demonstrator amazingness

it was great to see my wonderful group of Stampin' Up teamies last week, after a break during July. We always have so much fun! And this month, we had a brand new 2017 Holiday Catalog to drool over together. BONUS!

First things first, though! We had 80 Honor Flight cards to make this month, thanks to Kathy Van Duser's amazing organizational skills.I donated the new Loyal & True stamp set and Kathy designs and preps all the pieces so we can run an assembly line. We're on our third year with Honor Flight as our team charity project, and we all just love it.

We spend a lot of time stamping the fun Make N Take projects that people volunteer to bring, too. And of course, swapping samples! We always have a contest to see who brought the best swap, and boy is it hard to pick. Rashanda King won this month with this adorable spinner card. It was Rashanda's month, let me tell you--she had two recruits, a promotion, the winning swap, AND she had a new baby! Congrats!!

A highlight of the meeting nights is always the display boards and samples people bring to share. I loved this awesome shadowbox project Diane Vander Galien made from an old Paper Pumpkin kit. Diane is a whiz at adapting the monthly craft subscription kits into even more amazing projects than they were originally designed to create.

I hurried to assemble a couple of the ornaments in the new holiday decoration kit coming up in the 2017 Holiday Catalog, so I could bring them to the gathering to show in person. They were MUCH easier than expected, and turned out truly adorable.

This kit is going to be amazing for not only ornaments, but wreaths and package toppers, too! (I should have put something in the photo to show the scale; these are each about the size of your palm).

I also brought a sample of our NEW acetate card boxes! Yes, we are getting gift packaging that exactly fits our cards and envelopes! I am really excited about this one. The pack shown below holds 4-5 cards and envelopes, depending on how heavily embellished they are. What a great gift that will make this Christmas.

We had a lot of wonderful things to celebrate this month--13 new members, 3 re-joins, 2 promotions, many anniversaries, and some really amazing sales totals. Our team is on fire! I also brought some of my goodies from Thailand to show a little bit of how Stampin' Up pampers us on these incentive trips. Look at the teeny gold elephant necklace! Too cute.

Lori Brausen was awarded a gorgeous bouquet in appreciation for her work as our membership moderator, approving all the demonstrators around the world who want to join the Song of My Heart Business Demonstrators group on Facebook. I could never manage checking up on the active status of thousands of demonstrators. So thankful for Lori!

I could go on and on... these evenings are so inspirational! I seriously have the BEST ladies. I'm so thankful that the Lord brought each one of them into my life. They sure make a difference for me... and in our team... and in our community.

Thanks for giving me a chance to brag! And I'd be a bad friend if I left you today without offering you the chance to join us. If you've got questions, email me at [email protected], and if you're ready, click here! http://bit.ly/joinSUnow

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31 Pages in 31 Days 2017: Day 19

For those of you visiting Song of My Heart for the first time, we're in the middle of a month-long scrapbooking blog series and challenge. Every single day in August--each year now for several years--I post an inspiration page for you to copy outright or just enjoy. People from all over the world play along on the challenge support group on Facebook. Join us just to see what everyone's making, or to participate and get some of those albums finished up!

And if you're not a scrapbooker, I'm still posting all my usual cards, photo tutorials and design tips this month, too. Call me an over-achiever!

I really like today's layout! I was inspired by a diagonal paper that Scrapbooking Summer School participant Jana Turbyfill used for a layout she shared on the challenge support group. I cut a sheet of Delightful Daisy 12x12 in half diagonally and the spread grew from there. It had a super pretty color scheme.

Stampin' Up! Suggested Color Combo:

 

I used a LOT of papers and tools on this page! Here's the list....

Stampin' Up! Shop with Lyssa:

• Subtles Best 12" X 12" Cardstock Pack
• Delightful Daisy Designer Series Paper
• Soft Sky 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock
• So Saffron 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock
• Chocolate Chip 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock
• Dapper Denim 8-1/2" X 11" Cardstock
• Crushed Curry 8-1/2" X 11" Card Stock
• Layering Ovals Framelits Dies
• Large Numbers Framelits Dies
• Milestone Moments Photopolymer Stamp Set
• Dapper Denim Classic Stampin' Pad
• Rhinestone Basic Jewels
• 1/4" Copper Trim
• Big Shot

 Sometimes you keep it simple and sometimes you drag out every tool and paper you own. What can I say? You totally understand, or you wouldn't be here spending your time with me, right?! Thanks for making Song of My Heart a piece of the happy in your day.

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31 Pages in 31 Days 2017: Day 18

I've got Christmas on the brain this weekend as I prep for the opening night of Christmas Club 2017! I can't wait to see my local stampers. What with one thing and another, it's been too long! And we're all itchin' to start our holiday cards.

So it's no surprise today's inspiration layout is a Christmas wreath! These are fun to do because you can use just one good large photo, or tuck smaller, not quite as great photos all around the wreath. Quite versatile.

Isn't that sweet? My circles are 2 1/2 inches, but you can use smaller punches or die-cut your circles if you prefer. I LOVE the patterns in the Be Merry 12x12 pack. It just takes all the guesswork out of coordinating. The wood-patterned sheet is from the new Coffee Break pack.

It was fun to use up scraps of special ribbon and even a few old Real Red buttons. You just can't go wrong with the wreath!

Are you ready to give this one a try? Go for it! I'd love to see your layouts popping up on the 31 Pages in 31 Days Facebook group. There have been some truly amazing spreads posted, and more are added every day. See you there!

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31 Pages in 31 Days 2017: Day 17

Are we having fun yet? We sure are! Welcome to the 2017 edition of 31 Pages in 31 Days, my annual scrapbooking challenge and blog series. Today is Day Seventeen and the inspiration page is a yummy combo of Sweet Sugarplum, Bermuda Bay and Smoky Slate.

I used sequins and washi tape from an old Paper Pumpkin kit (don't forget about the 50% off sale for new subscribers!) inside a Clear Envelope for the fun little shaker element. The foil-printed acetate window sheets (one in the shaker, and two covering Sweet Sugarplum mats) and the silver foil stickers are from the Perfect Days Memories & More card pack.

Some unexpected fun! Have you ever put an interactive element on one of your pages? What a fun way to use sequins!

See you tomorrow for Day 18! Thanks for stopping by.