Let's go shopping

Hop on over to my new shop for "A Creative Outlet" Shirts, journals and all kinds of goodies. (Link also to left under "Dress Creative (and other fun stuff). I will be adding more designs soon. So stop on over there and check it out. Bookmark it so you can visit often. There are some awesome gift ideas over there from journals, mouse pads, and coffee mugs. You just have to check it all out.












Keep those Creative juices flowin'

XO Monica

A work in progress- Note new name

I am in the middle of the new changes so please don't mind my mess. The reconstruction process is underway.

As you can see I have changed the name from "Crop Drop and Roll" to "A Creative Outlet"

I want to thank Tara again for loaning me the idea for "Crop Drop and Roll". It is such a cute name and she was a dear to play along with helping me come up with a name. TARA- THANKS GIRL YOU ARE AN AWESOME FRIEND.

But with the new year I have been reflecting on my life and who I am ( or who I want to be when I grow up) I am not only a scrapbooker, I love all things creative. So I didn't want this blog to be limited only to scrapbooking. So please don't feel that you should only submit your scrapbooking projects. Let this be "A Creative Outlet" So let your imagination go.......Get the creative juices flowing....

A birthday Card for my nephew

I made this card for my nephew's 5th birthday.
I used my Cricut to cut the cake. I also used some scrap Fancy Pants papers. I inked the edges with my ColorBox Cats Eye ink pads. I just love those little things.

Changes are a comin'

Hello dear friends. I'm just stopping in to make a quick post to say HOWDY and to let you know that I have not ran away. I know each of you can relate as to how LIFE can sometimes take over and laugh at any plans you make. Well do not fret!! I am coming back and have some great new ideas for contests and challenges. Also I have plans to change things up a bit around here. Stay tuned...Changes are a comin'

As always I am still taking orders through my MemoryWorks website monicajo4.memory-works.com (link at right also) Check out the warehouse sale. These items are HOT HOT HOT and are going FAST!!

Do you have suggestion? Questions? Have a great tip you want to share? How about a project you just finished that you would like to share? Just send me a line at monicajo4@mchsi.com I love hearing from you.

Until next time.....
Keep those creative juices flowin'

Monica

Button challenge WINNERS!!

I am sorry for taking so long to post the winners. Sometimes Life just takes over and time flies by in a blink of an eye. (more on that in a later post) With that said I would now like to announce our challenge WINNERS!!

That's right, I said winners. We had a tie for our button challenge. Two very sweet and talent ladies I met at Scrapbook.com, Tracey Jackson and Tara Young (aka toofclnr). These two creative women are a couple of the first scrappers I met when I joined the forums and have grown to call both dear friends. And I am sure any of you who know these two ladies have visited their galleries at one time or another for inspiration. I know I have. Many congrats to both.



So without further ado let's check out their winning Layouts and get to know them a bit better.




First up we have Tracey Jackson. Her entered page is titled "Fallen 4 U"

1. How long have you been scrapping?

TRACEY: Since late 2005, I found scrapbooking by accident, decided to give it a go and have been hooked ever since

2. How would you describe your scrapbooking style?

TRACEY: Eclectic !!! I tend towards shabby chic, but I really like to try everything, I am a little of a product junkie (aren't we all) but I also like to have magpie moments and will use things I find laying around or otherwise destined for the bin.

3. What one supply or tool would you consider to be your favorite or "GO TO" item when you scrap?

TRACEY: Tool wise it would have to be my craft knife, but one thing I really can't live without is ink, I have to get a little grungy

4. Where do you tend to go for inspiration? Books, magazines, online galleries?

TRACEY: I am inspired by EVERYTHING, I like to browse magazines (non-scrapping as well as scrapping), forums and books are a constant source but I also like to look at paintings, clothing, shop displays etc

5. Who is your favorite scrapbooker(s)?

TRACEY: I really don't have just one, I have about 40 blogs I visit regularly and I am a member of a number of forums so I am constantly surrounded by unbelievable talent, I have made some amazingly good and close friends through this hobby and I believe in general the scrapbooking community is a caring and sharing one.

6. What bit of inspiration or tip would you give to beginning scrapbookers?

TRACEY: Dr Seuss said "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” You have to believe this!!! NEVER compare yourself to another scrapper, believe in yourself and your own scrapping style, comparison will only complicate things, we may not all have a natural artistic ability and we may not all have the latest tools and products but we can all create beautiful pages full of love and memories that our family will cherish for years to come, just because the 'famous' scrappers are doing it one way doesn't mean it is written in stone, have fun - YOUR WAY

Be sure to check out Tracey's Gallery HERE



Next up we have Tara Young, some of you will know her as Toofclnr on the message boards.. Her entry is titled "My Sugar Daddy".



1. How long have you been scrapping?

TARA: I have been scrapbooking for 7 1/2 years. i started with card making actually and today i can't make a card to save my soul....i switched to scrapbooking after i caught the "bug" at a creative memories party! I sold all my stamps and turned my focus to only scrapbooking....now with all the new trends...i sure wish i had some of those stamps back! :D

2. How would you describe your scrapbooking style?

TARA: I guess you would call my style "free-style" I'm not sure...i do love to just "play" i like to try different papers together and occasional paint on a page.... usually its crazy mix of things when I'm finished. I try not to be too "technical" with straight edges or measuring...i do enjoy a well balanced page though, white / negative space scares me and i think that style is so gorgeous..just wish i could pull it off bit better.

3. What one supply or tool would you consider to be your favorite or "GO TO" item when you scrap?

TARA: CHIPBOARD hands down! I love the stuff, i think i put it somewhere on EVERY page and of course my signature black and white polka dotted paper...Love that too...I have been trying not to use it as much because i noticed that almost every page i complete has that crazy polka paper...but i just love how it gives a page some contrast with the bright colors i love so much as well.

4. Where do you tend to go for inspiration? Books, magazines, online galleries?

TARA: I am a magazine FANATIC! i think i subscribe to about every one possible except scrapbook trends...which i would so love...but it's a bit expensive. I treat myself to it once in awhile though, i can't resist. I usually take 3 or 4 ideas from layouts i like and try to "make them my own" and mix them together for one idea. I do love to surf the galleries at sb.com however, amazing the talent there!

5. Who is your favorite scrapbooker(s)?

TARA: So weird because my favorite two are Elsie Flannigan and Ali Edwards and i really think they are so opposite in style, but i Love Elsie's fun accents and style, but i love Ali's way of journaling the real things in life. I love the journaling aspect of scrapbooking, although i don't always accomplish it on all my pages, i do Love to document the memories of life, good as well as bad. My goal for this coming year is to try and journal more completely on my layouts, even if it's hidden.

6. What bit of inspiration or tip would you give to beginning scrapbookers?

TARA: Ya know, i wish i had all the answers or any advice of my own, but when i met Ali Edwards, she told me something, that I'll never forget, and that's to...in her words... "Embrace Imperfections" so I interpret this meaning....your style is your style...stay true to what you love and how you scrap, and don't worry about making mistakes and making everything perfect! 25 years from now family and friends will not see those little "mistakes" they will just admire and cherish the work you have put into your scrapbooks for future generations. Have Fun with it!


You can also check out Tara's gallery HERE.

Congrats GIRLS!!! And thank you both so much for playing along. I look forward to seeing more amazing pages from the both of you.


Happy Scrappin'
Monica

Nov Buttons Challenge Entries

I'm so sorry that I am late posting the entries for the challenge. December is such a crazy month isn't it?? But Better late than never right.

First I want to thank each and everyone of you who entered. You are really making this fun for me.

I plan to start the challenges back up after the first of the year when the rush of the holidays is past.

With out further blabbering from me here are the entries for this months challenges. Good luck to those who vote. They are all wonderful pages and it is going to be tough to choose.

Unfortunately I was unable to upload the pictures of the pages. I have added the links to each of the Layouts.

PUMPKIN PIE

FALL FESTIVAL

FALLEN 4 U

MY SUGAR DADDY

Please vote to the right of the screen. Voting will end December 29th 2007 Good luck with the voting...

Just an update

This is such a busy time of year, and I have had a couple requests to extend the November Challenge. So I thought I would extend it till the 15th of December. So anyone else who wants to enter will have another week or so to finish. Just please be sure to send in your MemoryWorks wish list along with your entry if you haven't done so already. This gives me an idea of what to choose from to RAK a prize if you are the winner.

I wont be posting a challenge for the month of December due to the Christmas rush. I have decided to make several gifts this year for family, friends and the boys teachers. I will be posting pics of these as I get them finished. If you have made or are making gifts this year and would like to share, feel free to email a pic and a short description of the item and I will post it here. Other's may be inspired by you ideas.

I wish each and everyone a peaceful and blessed Christmas Season.

Monica

WINNER!!! October Challenge

I would like to announce the winner to October's Use Old Papers Challenge.

She is a very dear friend of mine. I met her over at Scrapbook.com and we became fast friends.

Congrats Kathy!!! (Scrap-Time at SB.com) You can check out her gallery here. I asked here to answer a few questions for me so we could get to know more about her scrapping style. Here are her answers.

1. How long have you been scrapping?

KATHY: For about 6 years

2. How would you describe your scrapbooking style?

KATHY: clean lines, simple, not sure I have a style

3. What one supply or tool would you consider to be your favorite or "GO TO" item when you scrap?
KATHY: I love Brads.

4. Where do you tend to go for inspiration? Books, magazines, online galleries? 1. How long have you been scrapping? For about 6 years

Here entry titled PLAYTIME.

Congrats Kathy and thanks again for playing along.

November Challenge- Buttons!!!

Happy November Scrappers!!!!

First of all I just want to say I am sorry for posting this month's challenge a few days late. I have been having some computer trouble lately. Don't you just hate it when that happens?

So I have been thinking about what to do for the November Challenge and trying to come up with some ideas. While I sitting at my scrap table looking at my stash looking for some inspiration I kept seeing my buttons. So then it hit me....I have been wanting to do some pages with the buttons on it for sometime. So this month let's break out those buttons. I want to see what you can come up with. Do you use your buttons in the center of flowers, as photo corners or to frame your photos? Do you use them in unique ways? So come on.... get them out and let's see what you can come up with. Also I would like to throw a twist to this month challenge. Since it is November and Autumn is here not to mention Thanksgiving being just around the corner let's make some Autumn/ Thanksgiving projects. You can enter a Layout of any size, a mini album, altered project for your Holiday home decor, anything your crafty heart desires.

MemoryWorks has a great selection of buttons for your projects if you would like to order. How about the FANCY PANTS BUTTONS HARVEST . Just hop on over and SHOP OUR PRODUCTS and search for buttons. Be sure to check out all the new yummy Holiday items we have in stock. Don't forget to check out the MW OUTLET while your there for items on clearance. Cause when their gone their GONE!!!

Once you finish your project for the Challenge you can email the copy to me at monicajo4@mchsi.com. On November 30th, I will be posting all entries for judging. As always the winner will be gifted an item from their WISH LIST as well as being featured here at CROP DROP & ROLL. So make sure to email me your MEMORYWORKS wish list as well.

Have a Happy Autumn and let's see all the cool creative inspiration using buttons.

DON'T FORGET!!! October's Challenge was extended until November 7th so you still have a few days left to get those in.

While you're here be sure to sign up for email updates for Newsletters, Featured Winners, Polls, New Challenges and all sorts of Scrappy Fun!!!.

And as always any comments or suggestions you have please feel free to let me know.

Happy Scrappin

Monica

Using Old Papers Challenge---UPDATE!!

I will be extending the deadline for this CHALLENGE till Novemeber 7th. That gives one extra week to get your pages emailed to me at monicajo4@mchsi.com. Don't forget to send your MemoryWorks wish list too. Thanks to all who are participating.

I will be posting November's Challenge soon. I have been tossing around a few ideas but if you have any suggestions for future Challenges I would be happy to hear them.

Happy Scrappin
Monica

MemoryWorks Express Kit November Sneak Peek

November 2007 Kit Sneak Peek!

Autumn Splendor
Falling leaves, changing colors and crisp cool air - all gentle reminders of Autumn splendor. And nothing says fall quite like our November 2007 kit - full of rich warm colors, beautiful designs and heart-warming scrapbook elements and embellishments. Plus, chances are you won't be able to resist our special acrylic themed altered project and add-on purchase! Whether it's enjoying the company of family and friends, delighting in seasonal traditions or relishing the beauty and wonders of nature at it's best - our November 2007 kit captures all that's warm and wonderful about the fall season!
November 2007 Sneak Peek PDF

Using old papers Challenge.

I am loving the pages that are coming in for the Use old Papers Challenge. Since this is the my first challenge to post I forgot to add a couple bits of information. Send a copy of you Layout to my email monicajo4@mchsi.com by October 31, 2007. I will post each layout here on the blog for voting. Voting will last one week. Then I will send a small RAK from your MEMORYWORKS wish list. IF you do not have a wish list please send one to me at the same email. Just go to monicajo4.memory-works.com (link is also at right of blog) Check out all the cool products that we carry under the "SHOP OUR PRODUCTS" link. Then just send me an email of your wishlist. Please be sure to put "WISH LIST" in the subject line. Thanks for playing.

Happy Scrappin'
Monica

Using Sketches

Up until a few days ago I hadn't used a sketch for a page. It's not that I have anything against using sketches. I think they are great for inspiration. It is just that I haven't done it. No excuse really. Well while I was running through the "Challenges" forum at Scrapbook.com I noticed a Sketch challenge for the month. So I thought to myself why not. I ended up using 2 of the 3 sketches offered for the month on the following two pages that I also entered into several other challenges. I really like how they turned out and want to say a public THANKS to Liz Qualman (Q-diggity) for the great inspiration. Check out her gallery for more great sketches.


Sketch 1

And here is my take on the sketch, the flourishes and flowers are handmade

Sketch 2



My take on this sketch.





Check out the full descriptions for my pages and products I used in my Gallery .
Also if you are needing some great inspriation or just a little kick in the hind quarters to get those pages out...check out the galleries and challenge threads at Scrapbook.com.

Happy Friday & Happy Scrappin'

Monica

The Ugly Paper Layout is finished

This is the finished page from the swap/challenge. The flowers are cut from each of the uglies using my Cricut. This is the 3x5 quote card also made from the same papers. Now lets see what you can come up with. The CHALLENGE....pick at least 3 of your least favorite papers from you stash and turn "Ugly" into "Beauty".

Using up the old papers

I know I am not the only one out there that has bought paper upon paper just to have it sit and not get used. I have more than I want to admit at this point. My boys love to get into my supplies and play when they get to "feeling crafty", so those less than desirable papers are the ones I let them get out to use on their projects.

With the thought of having all these papers I don't like and the drive to get them out of my stash, (so I can buy new paper, of course) I joined a Swap/Challenge on our consultant message board. The swap was to pick 3 of your least favorite, or should I say Ugliest Papers, cut them in half and send half to someone and keep half for yourself. Someone else sent me half of hers. Then use all 6 papers on a layout and a 3 1/2 x 5 card w/ an inspirational quote. Luckily the papers I received were not too bad at all. They actually matched each other. Mine on the other hand didn't match them selves much less the 3 pieces I got in the mail. So as of right now all 6 pieces of paper are sitting on my scrap table staring at me. My goal for the day is to finish at least the layout, maybe even the card.

My CHALLENGE to anyone of you who read this is to pick out 3-5 of your least favorite papers in your stash and scrap a page. When you are finished post the link in the comment section of this post. I would love to see what you all come up with.

When my page is finished I will post the layout as well as the not so great papers I used.

Happy Friday, and Happy Scrappin,

Monica

Ok, So I have been lacking in the bloggin area. I have no excuse for it. I really want to, but it seems that everytime I try to sit and type what comes out ends up being erased. I am an emotional person. I tend to wear my feelings on my sleeve. But when It comes to putting it all out there in written form I struggle.
So here it is, My second installment in the blog.

I have been trying to get my consulting business off the ground. The hardest part isn't coming up with ideas it is making myself do it. My fear of failure is keeping me from pushing forward and ultimately succeeding. Ironic huh???

I did sign up for a website and get business cards printed. I also sent out a few emails...Well now that I think about it maybe I am actually doing something.
This isn't going to happen overnight is it?

I have been a SAHM for so long, and sometimes I catch myself hiding behind my kids so that I don't have to go forward. I have dreams, I just have trouble making myself live them.

Oh I guess that is enough of my babbling on. And I am actually going to hit publish and not erase it all. Maybe someday I can look back on this and see just how far I have actually gotten.

"If you always do what you've always done, You'll always be where you've always been."

Well here I am trying out this blog thing. I used to keep a journal when I was younger. It had gotten into the hands of some people that I had rather not known my deepest secrets. That is when I threw it away and haven't had a journal since. So why am I blogging now? Especially when it is posted for anyone to see? Well, I am older, and would like to think a little wiser, and not as insecure as I was way back then. As I have gotten older I have learned that the things about myself that I believed made me different, made me less normal then others , I wanted to keep secret are now the same things that bothered most everyone I meet. It is comforting to know that your not the only one. And that is but one of the many things I have learned. I am still learning with each passing day. My children have taught me more about myself then anything. Being a mother is the greatest gift. And I have been blessed with 4 absolutely amazing boys. I give my children partial credit for saving my life, the other part belonging to GOD. If it weren't for having my children I would have stayed on a road of self-destruction, and quite possibly not even be here to babble on as I am. I changed for my children. Not because I wanted to at the time, but because I knew I had to for their sakes. I didn't have all 4 at that time, but the years have passed by, and more children have been born. I sometimes stop to look at where I came from and where I am now. I am liking who I am now and wouldn't go back for nothing in this world. Ironic to think that I didn't want to change, yet I didn't like who I was. Now that I am changed, and still changing, I like myself more then I ever have. I am still growing and changing, and at this rate one day I may even LOVE myself.