Scrap A Little

Have you ever had a moment during your creative time where you just felt the need to put your feet up, grab whatever is in front of you, and scrap whatever you wanted to? No pressure, no super complicated challenges- just good, fun, scrapbooking with an iced tea and, perhaps, a good gal pal.

This is the feeling I immediately got when I first visited the blog of Helen Croft. Her blog, Scrap A Little, has such a relaxed, fun and inviting feel. There is no hidden agenda here other than to provide some inspiration to the scrapbooking world. Helen’s sweet spirit, humbleness, generosity and downright talent are exactly what someone would need if they were looking for a fresh breath of “scrappy” air. Come along with me as we learn more about Helen and get a glimpse at her talented Design Team as they create layouts based on some of Helen’s sketches.

1. What is the overall goal/purpose of this blog?

To inspire with sketches and to share tutorials with fellow scrappers.

2. How do you determine your challenges/posts?

I don't have a certain system, but I try to alternate between sketches, tips, tutorials and other scrappy ramblings.

3. How have your personal scrap booking styles or approaches changed since you started the blog?

First of all, I don't get as much scrapping done as I used to because I spend more time in front of the computer. Also I think I'm more critical of my work now; if it's not good enough to show on the blog, I won't waste my time!

Father in Law by Fon Mee Chung

Supplies: Paper: BasicGrey, Alphabet: BasicGrey, Making Memories, Brad: Pink Paislee, Specialty Paint: Shimmerz, Maya Road, Ink: Tim Holtz (Ranger Industries), Doodlebug Design, Sketch: Scrap A Little # 16, Other: doilies.

What being on this team means to you It is an honor to be included in a design team which can act as the catalyst for others to start creating the life art. I'm glad that I can be some sort of an inspiration for others. It also encourages me to do better, to learn more and to share with others what I know about scrapbooking. I just love that we are able to create layout using Helen's sketches.

Journaling: Noble. Patient. Kind. Gentle. Royal. Loved.

1st Birthday by Bev Code

Supplies: Paper: BasicGrey, Cardstock: Die Cuts With A View, Bazzill Basics Paper, Flowers, Pearls: Prima Marketing, Ribbon: Offray, Bling: Martha Stewart Crafts, Ink: Tim Holtz (Ranger Industries), Glitter Glue: Stickles (Ranger Industries), Glaze: Glossy Accents (Ranger Industries), Sketch: Scrap A Little #22, Other: embroidery floss, buttons. Tools: Electronic Cutter, Cartridges: Cricut (Provo Craft), Other: sewing machine.

What being on this team means to you: Being on a fabulous team as Helen's Scrap A Little Design Team is amazing. We get to share and inspire each other and the members of her blog. We all have such different amazing talent. Even when we use the same sketch we surprise ourselves with the large variety of finished layouts. We each bring something unique to the team which makes it more versatile for the member who's interested in learning and developing as a scrapbooker. We strive to inspire and share with use of new techniques, use of different new machines and the vast choices of papers, colors , textures and style. Under the guidance of our fabulous leader Helen who shares her sketches, floral techniques and vast knowledge on a great blog I think we make a great TEAM. It is a pleasure to work with fellow team members who share in the same passion for scrapping.

Design Notes: This is a layout of my own personal 1st Birthday… using an old photo of many years ago. Because of the aged photo I chose antique type papers called Capella by Basic Grey. I Ranger inked just lightly the background and one of the circles to date it slightly.

Happy Family by Kristie Coleman

Supplies: Paper, Journaling Spot: October Afternoon, Cardstock: The Paper Studio, Sticker: Me and My Big Ideas, Jute: Darice, Button: Favorite Findings, Ink: Colorbox (Clearsnap), Sketch: Scrap A Little #23.

What being on this team means to you: Helen was one of the very first bloggers I started to follow back over a year ago. Her incredible layouts and tutorials inspired me to become the scrapper that I am today. Almost all of my layouts include at least one of her flowers and this one has two!

Journaling: Each year we take a family portrait while on vacation. This year we used our camera timer. June 2010.