Point Blank Period

“Point blank, a straight shooter, putting it all out on the table”… these are all phrases that signify strength, honesty and confidence. When I hear these terms, I think of someone who is standing in her own truth. Some people view this as intimidating, even brash. But, they might not realize that a person who lives by these virtues is true to herself, yet also embraces the opinions of others. I can relate as I love to attack situations head on, communicating openly the entire way. So when I found a group of women who adore scrapbooking and subscribe to this philosophy, I was hooked. You will be too when you check out the Point Blank Period challenge blog.

The theory behind the blog is that we all have something to say and all have the right to say it. As participants, you are challenged to put yourself out there, to make scrapbooking real and relevant. In their own words, Point Blank Period is “a challenge blog with rules and twists”. They promise to provide journaling prompts that range from quirky to deep. Rules involve what colors to use, details about photos, types of embellishments, shapes or patterns. The twists might challenge you to scrap a certain size layout or add a specific technique. Upon visiting the blog, you notice the uniqueness from the visual presentation to the prompts to the background music. It all gets you thinking, moving and scrapping.

There is no doubt that any project you create from a Point Blank Period challenge will be a one-of-a-kind item. Let’s look at some beautiful creations from their super talented design team members. Each lady was asked to consider What about the holidays DRIVES YOU NUTS? Or are you really just that CHEERY?

Mrs. Scrooge by Sasha Holloway

Supplies: Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Journaling Tag: Jenni Bowlin Studio, Acrylics: Fancy Pants Designs, Flower: Evalicious, Other: letter beads, starts, gems.

What being a part of this team means to you: I am honored to be apart of this team with such great and talented CRAZY FUNNY ladies. It is a blast to create with them. I am very honored they agreed to work with me during this process. I am happy to bring a challenge blog where you can scrap about what you want, how you want as long as you follow only a simple set of rules…be yourself while you create.

Journaling:  One thing that boils my blood is around the holidays my kids do not see a Christmas card from my in-laws and yet and still folks their hands out for shiz. EVERY YEAR.

Why I Love Christmas by Maryangella Haberman

Supplies: Paper: Pink Paislee, Hambly Screen Prints, Stamps: Pink Paislee, Envelope: Maya Road, Embossing Powder: American Crafts.

What being a part of this team means to you: I am so proud to be part of this talented group of ladies and for ever grateful to Sasha for thinking I had something good to contribute. PBP has allowed me to scrap about me and to be honest because it's about telling my story whether it's a happy one or a sad one.

Journaling: I love this time of the year for all the joy and excitement it brings you. I love it because you still believe in Santa and you say he has a key to our house and that is how he is able to get in to bring you your gifts. I love it because our streets and malls are decorated which makes them beautiful. I love it because they play Christmas songs on the radio, especially "All I want for Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey. I love it because Disney has the "Very Merry Christmas" parade and Santa and Mrs. Claus are there and I love Christmas morning because not only is it the day Baby Jesus was born but also the day your cousin Devin was born.

I Say Merry Christmas by Selena Aquino

Supplies: Paper: Studio Calico, Making Memories, Cardstock: Bazzill Basics Paper, Tickets: SEI, Specialty Ink: Tattered Angels, Stamp: Inkadinkado, Ink: Close To My Heart.

What being a part of this team means to you: Being a part of Point Blank Period is a feeling of relief in my scrapbooking because I get to scrap about my true and raw feelings. This is a site where challenges are no holds barred and we get to come out of our shells and say how we really feel.

Journaling:  When I say Merry Christmas, why do some people have to be bitchy and say things such as, “Thank you, but I don’t believe in saying Merry Christmas so I say Happy Holidays.” Ya know, that is just fine and dandy that you say happy holidays, but why can’t people just be nice and say, “Thank you” and be on their merry way. Why does it have to be a huge deal? Why do I have to change what I say because people are offended. They expect me to be tolerant of their beliefs but can’t do the same for me. It is sad that people are afraid of offending people and can’t stand up for what they believe in. It’s funny that those who are offended gladly take Christmas off from work. Why should they cash is on a day they are offended by? Oh, that’s right, it’s all about being politically correct. Not gonna happen with me!