Monday, November 10, 2008

Page a day...with a twist (and a giveaway!)

After the many hours it took to clean my disaster of a room I realized I own a lot, maybe even too much, scrapbooking stuff. I would like to say supplies but in all honesty I don't really use a lot of it. It never fails that when I'm cleaning my room I end up finding things that I have forgotten about and right then I vow to use it sometime soon.

It never happens.

Why do I own so much and then hardly ever use it? I bought it for a simple reason, I liked it. Something about it screamed out "BUY ME!" Maybe it was the color or the style or the theme. Maybe I had it in mind for a certain layout that never was made. I think at some point my room became overwhelming. Sure it's fun to look through it all and imagine "Oh, I could make this!" or "This would be perfect for that" but when it comes down to it I rely on my go-to items - stitching, word stickers and alphabets.

It's time for a change.

After a few moments of gazing at jars of ribbon that have pretty much gone untouched, stamps that have never had a drop of paint or ink on them, package after package of unopened brads, chipboard and felt, I was actually getting a little mad at myself. This stuff is great and I just let it all sit there gathering dust. Not any more!

My point of all this rambling is that I am going to add a challenge on top of the page a day challenge. Each week I'm going to pick a product(s) that I have to use on my layouts. The ultimate goal is to use that product in a different way each time. I'm going to stretch my creativity as far as I can!

Week #1 - Ribbon

I have a separate jar for each color and then several spools of ribbon. (Your only seeing about 1/3 of my ribbon stash.) Enough to probably go around our house 1,000 times, but yet I almost never use the stuff...

Until now.
Page #1 of my page a day challenge. All week, starting yesterday and going until Saturday I will use ribbon in some way on my layouts. On this page I just used them as borders along the edges of patterned paper.

And for a little fun, each week I'll be doing a giveaway. This week since the product I'm using is ribbon this is what I'll be giving away...

but that's not all. To kick off the page a day fun I thought I would also give away more than just one thing. I'll also be giving away kits from two of my classes that I've been teaching.

One is the kit for my "Just in Case" mini album.

The other is the kit for my "Using the Same Photo Placement" class.

All comments from now (Monday) until Saturday will be eligible for the giveaways.

Now I'm off to get started on my Monday page! :)

75 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm like you, I buy stuff because it is pretty/nice/can't live without it & then never find the project for it. That being said, I would love your "Just In Case" kit - Love it, love it, love it! kristi b

Erica Hettwer said...

So, if I win one of your kits, can you come and teach me the class? LOL!!! ;)

Nicole said...

I hope I win. I recently started reading your blog and I love it so much that I put it on my blog reading list favorites.
Have a great day.
Nicole M.

Kay said...

Great googa mooga do I love ribbon!! I too have quite the stash but I do use it on everything! As excited as I am about that those kits are awesome!! **swoon**

Oh and if Erica wins and you come teach her those kits, I am sooo crashing the class! ;)

PattiM said...

I love that your challenging yourself to create with your hidden stash. And what a cute LO.LOL We all are guilty of this. The next new thing that comes out, I want it. First it was paper supplies, bling, embellies, then digi supplies, tools & gadgets, back to paper supplies-now stamps of all kinds. I have alot of unused ribbon too. Maybe I'll do some of your challenges so I can start useing my hidden (oh, that where it is) stuff.
And I would love to win one of your delicious kits. Hope you have a great week.

Hugs,

PattiM
(Pattie's passion)

I Scrap So All Moments Are Remembered!!!!

Unknown said...

I so hear you on that and yay for you actually using it -- may have to play along with you! :)

julialynn said...

I hear ya, girl. It seems like I am always buying but never using. It is frustrating that you spent all this money on this stuff that you "had to have" and then it just sits there.... But I am a suppy addict and I will happily take more, including your giveaway!!! But I think that is a fabulous idea, challenging yourseld with one supply each week, i think I may copy and try that myself. Inspiration, thanks

Jodilyn said...

I am also new to your blog. How fun to have a challenge to do a page a day and to have a challenge within that challenge. Thanks for the inspiration.

Jingle said...

I love this idea! I had to force myself to start using some things a short time ago and it did wonders! I now have trained my eye to see what is in my stash. I still fall for some of the old favorites sometimes, but at least I reach out for the new and fun items that I fell in love with, too!

Rosa B. said...

I love your layout & how you used the ribbons on it! I love embellishments & am always trying to find new ways to incorporate them! Your ribbon collection is awesome! :)

Aartee said...

Cute page! I am trying to do the page a day method with my engagement album but let's see what happens!

Unknown said...

My weakness is paper - I love, love, love paper, buy it and then on the shelf it sits. I really need to stop buying so much paper until I actually use what i have!

Laura said...

Great Idea allison. I just cleaned up my space this weekend as well and found stuff that I didn't even remember i had. I told my sister and my mom that they could "shop" in my stash and probably find whatever they need!

Penny said...

You R amazing - I always look forward to viewing your layouts, vibrant pictures and interesting journaling.

Jenny Mick said...

I am so with you on the having too much scrapbooking stuff. I get the Memory Works kit each month and other than that I have stopped buying any supplies in an effort to use up what I have. It's gone pretty well so far although it's only been 2 months!

Keep up the super cute work. I love looking at your layouts!!

Jenny Mick said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kodi Logan said...

You always have such good ideas. I love the idea of picking a product and then forcing yourself to use it! I REALLY NEED TO DO THAT. I have accumulated way more than I could ever use in this lifetime. P.S. Don't tell my husband that though! :)

Nicole Renee said...

The kit looks lovely, I love buying pretty things and even if I don't use them, just seeing them sitting on my desk makes me happy. Because they are beautiful and remind why I do this wonderful hobby. " )

Christie said...

What a great idea! I need to do this to and maybe I could use up some of my collection too. ; )

Samantha said...

I would LOVE to win one of these kits!! I'm jealous of your ribbon collection! :-)

Hanna Long said...

I love how you used the ribbon and I'm guilty too - Ribbons are one of my favorite things but I seem not to use them as much as I think I will. Thanks for sharing the inspiration.

angie worthington said...

love the layout & the scrappy goodies that you are using for your classes!...

ribbon, my weakness..lol...i have about 2 dozen jars that were given to me!..need to get them cleaned up & filled with ribbon and other small scrappy stuff....they make the prettiest displays!...

Trishamaus2005 said...

What a wonderful idea to make yourself use your stash :) I wish I could say I had a bunch of something, I am still working on building up my scrapbook stuff. I soooooooo love your "Just in case" mini-album, I was thinking of doing one of those the first time I saw it. With these supplies it would make it so much easier :D Thanks for a chance at winning and thanks for being such a great inspiration! :)

Britta Swiderski said...

I can't wait to see what you can do with your little challenges. I'm sure your ideas will be wonderful as usual! Ribbons are such a great, versatile embellishment. Have a great day!

Brit

Anonymous said...

Ug! I have been wanting one of those 7G Albums but with the expense of shipping I have not ordered one. Yes, I am practicing restraint. LOL It would be so cool to win one. Thanks for the chance
Sher

Anonymous said...

I am the same way! Its good to challenge yourself to use all those great supplies. Thanks for the chance to win some new goodies!

ac said...

Gotta say, I do the same thing. Great idea! :)

Jen K said...

thank you for your blog. I just started reading in the last week. I took your challenge to do a page a day. Lets see how that goes with a 16 month old and one on the way!

chefamily said...

I know what you mean! I am in the middle of organizing my craft room, and I can't seem to get rid of anything. I just keep telling myself that I will use it "someday". What a great challenge for yourself!

Jennifer said...

How can you part with ribbon? I love it! I love looking at it in my jars. I do tend to use it fairly often on my layouts. Love ribbon. The kits look very cool. Jennifer

Anonymous said...

I store my ribbon by color in clear jars too - love the display of different colors.

Anonymous said...

I store my ribbon by color in clear jars too - love the display of different colors.

Anonymous said...

It's sooooo much fun to buy!!! I am just like you and have numerous items untouched in my scrapbook room and keep buying more. Eventually I'll use it. Just arrived home from my cruise, and guess what??? They have scrapbooking classes on the boat, kits, albums, etc., etc.!! I was like YES.....I can even work on pages while on the way to Mexico!! Hahahaha!! Carey L.

Jessica Turner said...

I've kind of been in a product rut too, so I think I will play along. These giveaways look great!

Mel said...

OMGoodness!! I sooo needed to read this post. It's just me in a *nutshell*. I have tons of ribbon...but don't use it. I think I may do this along with you. Thanks for the much needed push in the right direction. :)
Mel in OKC, OK

Anonymous said...

I too found that I was buying things becuase I was sure I would use them and never did. So, I joined your Hall of Fame page kit club and it has made things so much easier! All the goodies in the 'Using the Same Photo Placement' class look great.

Jen Schmitt
Springfield, IL

Anonymous said...

I like your idea of using something up from your stash and challenging yourself to use it differently the whole week. Very inspiring! I look forward to seeing how it all turns out. I will have to try this myself! Thanks for offering up the giveaway! Love both of the kits!

Catherine Chiarino said...

I love reading this blog. I haven't been scrapbooking much because I had a baby 4 weeks ago and I have a 21 month old, but reading this makes me want to jump into it again. I love your ideas!
Catherine

Susan said...

Wow ~ I admire your discipline and approach to using your supplies and getting pages done. You've given me the inspiration to do the same. Thanks~
SusanB

Tracy said...

What a great idea. I want to play.
Tracy

Miss Kathy said...

Great idea for using your supplies.
I tend to buy stuff just because I like it too but I'm getting better with my selections!

~ Kim ~ said...

That is such a fun layout!! Your pages always inspire me!

Mom2TwoBoys said...

I'm definately going to participate in the challenge...I super excited to see how many layouts I can get done. Thanks for the inspiration.

the scrappy chic said...

I love your layout Allison! Good luck using your stash. I have been trying to make cards with some of mine since I can't seem to scrapbook these days!

Wendy said...

I feel your pain!! I too have a ton of ribbon I don't use and I have a weakness for paper. Sometimes I find myself in a rut because I am so overwhelmed by the amount of stuff I have. I think I'm going to see if your challenge will work for me. See what I can get done!!
BTW....I love your layouts. One of the few scrapbookers around that still does two pagers and they are such inspiration for me.

Anonymous said...

Hi! I just started to reading you blog and I go on it every day now. I love all things that have do with scrabooking and cardmaking.

Anonymous said...

Love your work.. Thanks for the sharing/giveaway chance. I love your challenge- I will have to do the same with some of my "overstocked" items. Have a great day, Karen Loper

Anonymous said...

I too love ribbon. I especailly like the items in the 2nd photo. I would love to win one of your kits. I am a big fan of your work. I can't wait to see what you come up with all week with ribbon. I think it is more difficult with layouts for boys. I know you will have some great ideas! Linda A.

LouAnn said...

I'm looking forward to seeing how you use the ribbon. I also have tons of ribbon and never use it.

LouAnn

Anonymous said...

i love your Layout! Thanks for the inspiration!!

Manuela

Holly said...

you took the words right out of my mouth...this stuff just sits around and it was such a great idea at the time i purchased it!

joscelyne cutchens said...

I feel ya. I got a new table for my scrap room and as we're moving things around I am looking at all my unused stuff that I had to have. I vow to use it up or give it away.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the giveaway opportunity! I love your stuff! :)

Unknown said...

What a fun challenge! I love using my ribbon, especially on cards :)

Jennifer said...

I'm a ribbon whore! I love finding things that have been lost in the closet!

Anonymous said...

I've been trying to use embellishments also. I pick out one and then find photos that it will work and start creating. I have dwindled down some supplies lately and then I don't feel so bad about purchasing new ones. Hope I'm a winner with your contest.
Lisa-Republic

JayKaye said...

Your blog this week is inspiring me to drag my ribbon supply out of the closet. I love the way you used the ribbon on today's layout.
Judy

Unknown said...

I love the simple lines on your layouts. You always have inspiring pages. Keep 'em coming.

Stephanie Gamble

Anonymous said...

What a great idea to use the same type of product everyday for a week! That would surely start to use up some of my stash, and stretch my creativity along the way. I love your pages!!

Jessica

Jenn said...

That's a great idea. I am going to implement using my giant chipboard stash everyday!

Jennifer

Anonymous said...

I used to live in a town that was 2 hours from the closet Scrapbook store. So, when I would go I would "STOCK UP!" Now I have a stash that is full of things that I bought just in case I needed it. I should pick out one to use for the "Page a Day." Thank you for the inspiration!

julieann said...

I felt the same way when we relocated my scraproom! I found cool stuff that I had to have and stuff I really did not understand why I bought it;) Now I am more aware of using my stash. Glad to hear that I am not the only one:) The kits look fantastic!!

sandee said...

I'm in ribbon envy. All the ribbon I own for scrapbooking/card making fits in one small tackle box! I really hope I can win some of that stash of yours! :)

Anonymous said...

I am so glad I found your blog - what fun! I would love one of your kits!!! Thanks, TanyaS

Beth W. said...

What a fun blog! Found you by mistake and have been hooked all day. Can't wait to see how you use things! Thanks! Beth

samanthadesigns said...

Good luck on your quest to use those supplies! I am inspired by your challenge and I too am going to break out all those supplies I haven't used in quite a while or never. Thanks for the blog giveaway also.

Tony and Tiffany said...

I absolutely love the page a day challenge. I think I may do that myself! I'm starting a new recipe book so i think i just might take that page a day challenge! Thanks for the inspiration!! I love the giveaway! So I guess all I can say is PICK ME!!!

The Cox Family said...

I'm a regular on your blog. With two boys of my own, I often find inspiration from you. Thank you!

Jen Cox

Allison said...

I just put a bunch of my old stuff my LSS's garage sale and gave the rest to my SIL - it felt great! Love love love your Just in Case album. Great LO too!

Anonymous said...

I have recently found your blog - and love all the stitching you use on your pages. Thanks so much for sharing!!:)
Linda J

Anonymous said...

I love using ribbon! I mostly use it as tabs on mini albums. The best way that I've found to store my ribbon is all in one huge jar. This way when I use ribbon I can just pull it all out of the jar and begin to find those perfect pieces! I know it doesn't seem very organized but it keeps my creativity flowing.

Leslie K.

Anonymous said...

What a cute page! Loved how you used the ribbon.

Erin said...

I have a little boy and you give me alot of inspiration to do cute boy pages. THANK YOU

Anonymous said...

I love ribbon and I often use it on my pages in lieu of pp. I really enjoy visiting your blog and being inspired by your two-page layouts. Thank you for posting them!
Jenn

4guysandagirl said...

Love those kits and all that ribbon! I'm finding a renewed love for ribbon also!