Swirlydoos Scrapbook Kits

Grab a cuppa Jo......

2012-01-28T05:03:00.004-07:00

And plop down in to your favorite comfy chair....
and join me for awhile!!!

Hi PEEPS......Lynne here...coming to you with another
Technique Video....oh the fun we are going to have!

How about.....a bit of Canvas....some Beeswax......a Handmade template and some Petaloo Flowers!

This is the little ditty I created........and you can toooo!!!

ohhhhh......here is a handy dandy product list...
Melting Pot
Project Pan
Beeswax ~ I used white
Adirondack Color Wash ~ or any other spray
Distress Stain
Canvas Corp Canvas ~ or any canvas
something to make a stencil with
(you will have to watch to figure that out)
some flowers for dippin!
Iron
Heat tool
Newsprint or paper bag
Vintage Lace
Kraft Resit Paper ~ or whatever you would like to use for you card!

sooooo.....no more small talk....

LET THE CREATING BEGIN!!!

SwirlyNews Friday!!!

2012-01-27T05:55:00.000-07:00

T-G-I-F!!!!!!!!

Lots going on right now over on the boards! First CHA. WooHoo!!! Our fearless leader, broken foot and all, are headed to CHA to gobble up as many of the latest and greatest goodies for our subscribers! She has our wish list in hand!! Good Luck Krissy! Hope you post some photos!!

SWIRL-A-PALOOZA

Coming to you the weekend of February 18th! The Design and Education Teams are busy making plans. We are hoping to have a few fun challenges, maybe a Ustream class........ Anywho, please mark your calendars and plan on spending some quaility time with your favorite Swirly Sistahs for the day! Oh, and I should mention that we have 2 VERY SPECIAL PRIZES that are going to be awarded then. I can't say anymore, otherwise I will blab everything and then, well, it won't be a pretty and glittery ending for me. LOL

Our Education Team has been working on some future planning and supply lists so we can make sure to have everything in the store for you so you don't have to go hunting and fishing around all over to get what you need. Speaking of the Education Team, there is another ULTRA fabulous video tutorial coming your way tomorrow...HERE, ON THE BLOG! We also have some product reviews heading your way as well.

The DT is waiting for their February kits. Hopefully they will have that super gorgeous box of inspiration in their hands in the coming week. Make sure to check back here and on the forum for our Blog Hop date announcement. You can subscribe to us by email, or just stop back frequently and check the list of events over on the right.

Have a fabulous weekend!!!

Product Pick Thursday

2012-01-26T09:38:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't heard, ALL 2011 main, add-on, and spotlight kits are now 50% off, and they are going FAST! Here are a few that are still available:

The Christmas Wishes main kit:

It's always nice to have MORE Christmas stuff- perfect for getting a hop on next year's cards! The vintage feel never goes out of style!

The clock project kit:

The paper in this kit is wonderful, but if it doesn't fit your home decor, you could save it and use paper that does! And, there are soooo many Maya Road clocks in there- all sizes!

The Rendezvous flower add-on

These flowers went fabulous with the Rendezvous kit, but they are so versatile, they will go with nearly every project you make. And, for only $10!

Grab your 2011 kits at half off soon before they are gone!

January Challenge Highlights

2012-01-25T10:09:00.003-07:00

This month, like every month, we have such awesome entries for our challenges here at Swirlydoos! I'm always amazed at the level of talent on our boards, so I thought I would highlight what's been happening.

First off, January's Round Robin challenge is complete, so don't forget to vote! Thank you so much for hosting this month, Tracey!

The SGC (Swirly Girl Challenges) are wrapping up, so if you haven't got your entries in yet, DO IT!!

Look at what Jackie made for the "Moment 2012" challenge:

What a great moment to capture! Lovely design too!

And, I spotted this beauty by Linda. She made this for the "One Word" challenge!

Barbara did such a great job with the Mystical Winter Sketch Challenge. Just look at those leaves!

And, last but not least, I wanted to share Jeannie's fabulous layout for Ang's Butterfly Challenge:

So, keep those entries coming, ladies!

Card Day

2012-01-24T09:27:00.000-07:00

To warm you guys up for our Card Adventure, which starts next Tuesday, January 31st, I created this card, Featuring ET member: Lynne's *Stenciling with Gesso* technique.

A step by step photo tutorial for this card, can be found HERE

I hope to see you all next week, when the Card Party is starting!!!

Layout Of The Week January 22, 2012Lisa Duke(feathers)

2012-01-22T20:58:00.001-07:00

I read within a poet’s book
A word that starred the page:
“Stone walls do not a prison make,
Nor iron bars a cage!”

Yes, that is true; and something more
You’ll find, where’er you roam,
That marble floors and gilded walls
Can never make a home.

But, every house where Love abides,
And Friendship is a guest,
Is surely home, and home-sweet-home:
For there the heart can rest.

Lisa has created a beautiful LO of her sons family. The colors compliment the photo beautifully. Just about all of the embellies were hand crafted by Lisa. The flowers, the leaves and all of the distressing. There is stitching and layering. Then there are the little unexpected surprises like the butterfly peeking out of the peek a boo torn paper on the edge and the lace and trim tucked into here and there. Just beautiful in every was!!! Go visit Lisa's blog for closeups and details.
CLICK HERE

January Technique kit. Canvas tutorial.

2012-01-21T06:00:00.001-07:00

It's me Tiffany. I had so much fun making this layout. I used the District Market canvas that is in the January technique kit. You can purchase the kits at Swirlydoos. In the video I use a tag i made using some techniques found in this video tutorial here.

Here is the finished layout.

If you missed any of the video tutorials from myself or Lynne you can find them here. Make sure you subscribe to the channel.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask. You can comment here or you can always find me on the swilrydoos forums here.

Swirlydoos Designer Spotlight & New DT Member

2012-01-20T04:20:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday!! In case you didn't know, we have changed how we reveal our monthly projects. First, we have a really, really big blog hop and then our designers will reveal the rest of their projects little by little for the rest of the month!

We have, IMHO, the BEST International Design Team members around. Today's blog post is dedicated to two, of our four, international DT's, Irene Tan and Karola Witczak. I think you will agree with me when I say that these projects will leave you speechless. If I could just crawl into their heads for just 5 minutes......*sigh* a girl can dream can't she? LOL

Take a look, and try not to drool, at the amazing work Irene did with our January kit.

Take a look at that gorgeous ruffle around Irene's picture. She gave me the instructions and I have posted them in the tutorial section!! Irene will be off teaching in Belgium and France in February!! We wish you safe travels and can't wait till you are back and working with the March kit!! In the meantime Irene is enjoying the Chinese New Year holiday with her family. Happy New Year Irene!! XO

We're aren't done yet. Take a look at all of the gorgeous projects that Karola created with our January kit!

I'm guessing that right about now you are full of inspiration and knocking people out of the way to get to your scrap room. I'm right there with ya!! For even more inspiration take a look in our gallery and come visit with us in the forum.

We have a brand new design team member!!!! Personally, I am so excited to FINALLY be working with her. We have stalked each others blogs and online galleries for quite some time. Please welcome our fourth International Designer, Vicky Alberto!!!!!!!!

Be sure to stop by Vicky's blog CLICK HERE
and her Scrapbook.com gallery HERE

Welcome to our crazy Swirly world Vicky!!!

Have a beautiful winter weekend!!

~Product Pick Thursday~

2012-01-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

New items are slowly but surely making their way into the store! This week, I want to share my favorite new product to hit the Swirly shelves: the Graphic 45 Ornate Metal Door Plate and Knob.

What a perfect piece of symbolism for so many inspirational projects!! This is a beauty!

I found this gem made by Tracey (tgregory) hanging out in the gallery:

Thanks for sharing your art with Tracey!

Go to the Swirlydoos store and get yours today before they are gone!

December Swirlyhues Winners

2012-01-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

We had some amazing entries in the December Challenge. It's always so hard to just pick two. These winners just took our breathe away!! Congrats girls!!

Peggy is our Swirly Siren this month. The DT loved Peggy's amazing ghost stamping. She followed Camilla's Mica Chipboard tutorial using Lindy's Magicals on the trees. Fabulous work Peggy!!!

Cheryl is our Betty Blue. How can the DT not pass up that sweet photo!! She used Lisa G’s puffy poinsettia tutorial. Just look how gorgeous those flowers are!!

Thank you to all who played. There's still chances to win the Swirlyhues Badges. Just play along in this Months Swirlyhues Challenge. You can find all the info HERE

Card day

2012-01-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

The last weeks I told you that we are going to have some FUN changes, when it comes to our card section and making cards. You can read all about those changes (read schedule) right HERE

We are having a Question and Answers thread now, which can/will be very helpful.

Also there will be a monthly Live Chat, where we can talk all about making cards.

Date's for the Chat will be posted HERE

And for now (cause I think there is enough to read already) I'll leave you with this card:

tutorial can be found HERE

BLOG HOP WINNERS

2012-01-16T04:34:00.001-07:00

Oh My Word!!! You hoppers are amazing! Krissy and the members of the Design and Education teams were blown away. You are all so sweet and made us all smile! So, from the bottom of our scrappy little hearts, THANK YOU!!!!!

Now...on to the winners! YOU HAVE 7 DAYS TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE!!!! Please email Lisa@swirlydoos.com with your name and mailing address. She will contact the manufacturer and have the prize sent to you.

Using Random.org to choose our winners.....here they are:

Swirlydoos Prize Pack Winner - 4Him

Crafter's Workshop Prize Pack - Scrappygal

Petaloo Prize Pack - Scrapbookdoll

Shimmerz Prize Pack - Jerzey Girl

Prima Prize Pack - Vintage Rose

Congratulations ladies!!! Thanks again for spending time with us on the hop and we hope to see you around next month!! Make sure to stop into the Swirlydoos forum and see what's going; challenges, chat, tutorials....tons of fun stuff. We would love to have you.

Layout Of The Week January 15, 2012* Kathi Simmons*

2012-01-15T16:47:00.000-07:00

Wow...All we can say is wow...Now this is a tag!! Well, actually it's a name tag!!
Kathi belongs to a local group called All Things Tim. One of our projects was to make a name tag..This is Kathi's. It is an ATC, all decked out with a pin on the back. The detail is amazing!! The embossing, the metal pieces, the wonderful inking. We just adore the way Kathi placed her name on the banner. This is not a LO, but it sure is a wonderful little piece of art, worthy of a spotlight this week. An inspiration for sure!! Beautiful tag Kathi. Lucky you to belong to such a wonderful group!!

Technique Tag Tutorial

2012-01-14T04:55:00.001-07:00

As I promised.....today is the reveal of my first Education Video using this months Technique Kit!! and ohhhhhh what a GLORIOUS kit it is!!
This kit and others are available at Swirlydoos!!

I am so honored (and nervous) to be apart of such a TALENTED group of ladies!!

My canvas was a part of the Swirlydoos' January Kit Reveal Blog Hop BLOCK PARTY if you missed this, there is still time to participate.....and you don't want to miss this,

cause there is some A~MAZING inspiration to be had!!

so without further adieu......the tag and tutorial!!!

Enjoy......

Welcome to Swirlydoos' January Kit Reveal and Blog Hop Block Party

2012-01-12T04:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Swirlydoos' Mystical Winter kit reveal Blog Hop Block Party!!

Happy New Year and Welcome!!!

This month's kit, Mystical Winter, is a stunning kit. It is packed with papers from Bo Bunny and TPC Studio. We have flowers from Petaloo and Prima. There are mists from Tattered Angels and Shimmerz paint, stamps.....the list keeps going. Check out our home page for kit details and availability. Here is a picture of this month's kit.

We have some amazing projects and tutorials for you to see today. As a bonus we have 4 manufacturer blogs that are joining in the fun!! There are 5 prize packs up for grabs so make sure to follow along and have fun!! Here is what you could win:

Swirlydoos

The Crafter's Workshop

Petaloo

Shimmerz

Prima

Also, Bo Bunny is doing a FaceBook shout out for our hop today. If you get a chance please stop by and say hi!

You have until midnight, eastern time, on January 15th to complete the hop. In order to qualify to win here is what you need to do:

1: Visit all of the blogs and leave a comment on each. This way we know you were there. Become a follower if you're not already. Take your time. There are beautiful things to see along the way.

2: Before you leave each blog, look for the “special” words and write it down.
Once you have visited all the blogs and collected all the special words, they will create a sentence.

3: Finally, go back here to the Swirlydoos blog and leave a comment letting us know how much fun you had AND tell us the sentence that was created with all of the special words you collected.

Winners will be announced on THIS blog on Monday, January 16th. You have 7 days to claim your prize!!!!!!!

Ok, now grab a cuppa somethin' and have a wonderful time. The party starts over at Heidi's blog.

In case of a problem (Blogger, TypePad issues, whatever) here is the order of the hop and their addresses. Please let us know if you experience any difficulty. Thank you!

Heidi Kelley CLICK HERE

Crafter's Workshop CLICK HERE

Lynne Forsythe CLICK HERE

Petaloo CLICK HERE

Lisa Valentine CLICK HERE

Prima Marketing CLICK HERE

Angelica Franssen CLICK HERE

Shimmerz CLICK HERE

Tiffany Morgan CLICK HERE

Lisa Gregory CLICK HERE

Rae Moses CLICK HERE

Paulien van den Bosch CLICK HERE

Karola Witczak CLICK HERE

Back to Swirlydoos!!

January Swirly Girl Challenges

2012-01-11T19:02:00.003-07:00

It's already the 11th, and the January Swirly Girl Challenges are under way! This month our lovely hostesses have put together challenges you'll LOVE!!

First off, Erica is hosting the "Moment 2011" challenge: make a layout using your favorite pic or moment from last year. Here is her FABULOUS example to get you inspired to jump in to the challenge:

Then, there is Cheryl's "One Word" challenge: describe January where you live using one word. This challenge is PERFECT for this month's Mystical Winter kit! Check out Cheryl's beautiful example:

We can't wait to see what you ladies come up with for these challenges!!!!!

2012-01-10T15:19:00.000-07:00

Alright ladies...... We have some amazing fun things coming, and today I'll give you a hint of what you can expect

I'm not gonna spill all the surprises yet, cause otherwise they aren't a surprise anymore!

But, I promise IT WILL BE FUN!!!!
The Card Section is under my wings and I would like to see all of you making cards, but not only cards, tags and fun little gift boxes too. I had so many ideas swirling around in my head that it was hard to make them all fit! I have come up with a 4-5 week schedule, and every week we will look at different part of card making.

First - LIVE CHAT---- I would like to offer you a live chat where we all can talk about
cards, and why we think they are hard to do. What do you want to learn? etc etc.
I'll get back on that later.

Questions and Answers----I would like to introduce a Q&A thread, (which will be posted on the blog too)
**** The more questions... the more answers.... the more we learn****
So come on, shoot me a question!!!
I'll create a Q&A thread where you can ask everything card related.

How does this all sound?

A little mysterious?

well..........

January SwirlyHues Challenge

2012-01-10T04:30:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day that you can submit projects for our December SwirlyHues Challenge. The DT will begin voting tomorrow and the winners will be posted here this Friday.

Your hostess this month is me, Lisa V! I've chosen a few rich colors from our January kit which will reveal on Thursday. A special sneak peak for you; the DT examples below are made with January's kit, Mystical Winter!!!

Here is the storyboard...

Blue: R49, G103, B127

Dark Brown: R62, G29, B20

White: R230, G230, B232

Here is my example

Angelica's example

Rae's example

Lisa G.'s example

This is Paulien's example

Important to know: This challenge is open to EVERYONE; members and non-members alike.

The Rules:

1) Must stick to the hues provided. You may add black or white, but it can NOT be more than 5% of your total page and can NOT be a main element.
2) You must interpret the sketch provided.
3) Now for the Swirly-fying element – you MUST use one of our tutorials on your page. Here is a LINK to our tutorials. It is really to our forum. Just scroll down. Our tutorials are separated by category. You can choose anything your beautiful, creative heart desires.
4) Create a post on your blog for your SwirlyHues entry.
5) If you have a blog, please use our link in the right hand side bar to upload your challenge entry. (look underneath the SwirlyHues links) If you DO NOT have a blog, upload your gorgeous creation to the SwirlyHues album in our gallery no later than midnight eastern time on February 10th. Click HERE to get there. You will need to register to upload photos. It's free! Use the following format to name your item: SH Jan 2012 (insert your project name here). Your photos can be no larger than 600x600. In the description please tell us what tutorial you used and a link to your blog post. If you don't have a blog, just let us know that.
6) 2 winners will be chosen; 1^st and 2^nd place. Each winner will receive one of our highly coveted blog badges (see the right-side bar). Winners will be posted to the Swirlydoos blog on the 13^th of the month (unless otherwise noted), as well as our Facebook page. Check back here to see your name and then contact LisaV at Lisa@Swirlydoos.com She will make sure you get your blog badge and then we'll add you to our blog for the month! Superstahhhhhh *strike a pose*
7) The next challenge will be uploaded to our blog on February 10^th!

Layout Of The Week January 8, 2012 Barbara Lochridge

2012-01-08T05:29:00.000-07:00

This weeks fabulous Heritage LO comes from one of our newest members, Barbara Lochridge. In one of her posts, Barbara said that she didn't compare to the work that she has seen in Swirlydoos..WHAT???? Are Ya Kiddin us??? If this LO isn't the epitome of a Swirly layout than we don't know what is!! Barbara, you are already Swirlifying our world!! Barbara is also a big Cricut user, and that is a plus when it comes to your LO's as you can create sooo many embellies just from paper! There are a lot of great pieces on this LO. The DA lamp post is perfect!! Barbara used Donna Salazars Spellbinders dies for some of the leaves and flowers. She did some fabulous stamping for the corset and sentiment, The little fan is so flippin cute!! The layering and distressing are all so perfect for this beautiful heritage page. Great job Barbara!!
Head on over to Barbara's blog to see more of her fantastic work, and get ready to be inspired!!
CLICK HERE

Imagination Lab. Emboss resist technique tutorial.

2012-01-07T06:00:00.004-07:00

I am so excited to be bringing you the first tutorial for the education team. It is called emboss resist. It is fairly easy and makes your layouts and projects look fabulous.

I made a video to show you how it works. I hope you enjoy the video. I have written out the basic steps to do this technique. You can find these under the video.

You will need:
embossing powder
versamark ink
stamps
inks and sprays
heat tool
paper towel
distress tool

Step 1: Stamp desired images on your project using the versamark ink.
Step2 :Cover the stamped images with embossing powder.
Step 3: Dump excess powder back into the container
Step 4: Use your heat tool to heat set the powder. You will see the powder begin to melt.
Step 5: Spray desired amount of ink n your project. You can add as many colors as you want. I like to go light to dark.
Step 6: blotch off the excess inks and liquid.
Step 7: (optional) you can take you blending tool with some distress inks and in a circular motion go over the images to make them pop even more.

Can't wait to see your projects.

Hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Make sure you subscribe to the youtube channel.

Tiffany Morgan.

New Stuff Happening & January Kit Reveal Info

2012-01-06T04:29:00.003-07:00

I wanted to let you girls know that we have some really, really exciting stuff in the pipeline for our most favorite people in the world!!!

Starting with the blog:

Saturdays will be devoted to the Imagination Lab!!! Lynne and Tiffany will be rotating through the schedule. We are working out the finer details but here is some of what you can expect to see:

VIDEOS!!! Yes!!! We are uploading tutorial videos to our YouTube channel. So if you aren't a subscriber, run over there and do it now!! It is under SwirlydoosKits!
Product Reviews
Monthly Tag & Technique with a possible challenge thrown in
Fabby tutorials - (Lynne's words LOL) - this could be one of their tutorials or a really cool one they have stumbled on.
This is a sampling of things that we have been talking about so be sure to pop in on the Blog this coming Saturday and then check out our YouTube Channel!!

Also on the blog Angelica and Rae will be alternating Wednesdays. They will be spotlighting our monthly blogger as well as all of the monthly challenges we have going on...INLCUDING photos of the gorgeous projects submitted. Make sure to check it and see if your work has made the front page!!

Rae will also be spotlighting a mooooooost have product from the Swirly store on Thursdays!! *let the hip checking begin*

Paulien is currently revamping Tuesday's Card challenge. She has some fantastic ideas!! Here are some things you can expect seeing on the blog Tuesday's:

Q&A - If you don't see yourself as a card maker....why? Do you have specific questions, "issues with cards" you need to work through , just about anything! this is the place to ask the questions. Paulien may even host a live chat in the Savage Chat Room if there is enough interest!!
Applying scrapbook techniques to cards
Mixed media techniqes (will be working with Lynne on this)
A challenge may even be thrown in.
She has more ideas, but these are just a few.

Have you really looked at the right side menu lately?

There is a gallery showing at the top. This includes pictures of our kits, Design & Education Team projects and mooost importantly, it includes Challenge Winner projects too!
There is also a calendar of events. You can look here to see everything coming up. This includes challenge info, Blog Hop/Kit Reveal info, etc.
We also have little video snippets from our YouTube channel. Keep an eye on this! Our Education Team will be adding to these.
Take a look at the blog badges that could be ALL YOURS!!! You can't win if you don't play!

We are also changing how we reveal our monthly projects!!!

You can begin to see the Swirlydoos DT revealing monthly projects ALL month long!! This will surely keep those mojo juices flowing!! What you can expect is this:

The DT will have the majority of the projects revealing on reveal day in the blog hop
Then you can expect to see the remaining projects getting revealed throughout the rest of the month. Our international team members get their kits later so you wil see a lot of their projects coming out later. This will certainly keep everyone in the loop and keep the mad-creativity flowing 24/7!!!

We are revealing our January kit, Mystical Winter, with another sensational blog hop on Thursday January 12th!! Hope to see you!!!

Product Pick Thursday

2012-01-05T16:43:00.003-07:00

Have you seen the new TPC Studio stamps in the store? There are five new sets to choose from. These Winter Collage images are soooo pretty, and would match perfectly with the new Mystical Winter kit arriving at the doorsteps of our subscribers very soon!

Card Day

2012-01-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited to tell you that we have some AWESOME NEW things coming up this season, with cards and tags.

We are working out all of the fun details right now, but here is a little of what you can expect:

Techniques galore

Question and Answer Sessions

Pictures of projects, Etc......

So Check back here next week for more information!!!

Layout Of The Week January 1, 2012 Nadia Cannizzo

2012-01-01T08:31:00.001-07:00

All You Need Is Love

Love will make you stronger
Make homes happier
the past forgotten
and the future worth living for...

Happy New year everyone...We have a fresh new start! And with that, there is Hope...

To start the new year, we were struck by the journaling on Nadia's beautiful LO. With just a change of a few words, the meaning rings so true. We will leave some of the past today, we will look forward to what the future will bring us in the coming year. Some of us will let go, and that's OK...
The beautiful layering and punching on this LO makes the page very sweet. So delicate. The birds and the butterflies are placed so delicately going in both directions and the flower spray is perfection!! But the star of the show is the sweet photo. I would like to share with you some of Nadia's thought which were very moving. She said,
"As my children grow up, and as they move on from me and don't need me as much {sigh!}, this is what I hope my children KNOW and BELIEVE. I wish they never had to got to school ..or move away or whatever. For me, there will never come a day when I will be happy when they are away from me, or will never consider my self content and " free" when they are otherwise occupied in life. But alas, I am smarter than that and I know that healthy and well adjusted kids need their mums to cut the umbilical cord at some point. I have to let them go when all I want to do is love them and protect them. And I might suffocate them with love ..I do..I wont deny that, but like my mum always says " no one ever died from too much love" .

Our wish is that everyone in Swirlyville Love More, and dont harbor anger. Love always wins in the end...
Have a Peaceful New Year...

And don't forget to grab your LOTW beautiful badge!!

RUN LIKE FORREST GUMP - HUGE SALE

2011-12-29T05:10:00.005-07:00

30% OFF EVERYTHING END OF THE YEAR SALE!!!!!

We are clearing our shelves and guess what.......

That's right! I talked to him personally and he said that a happy wife makes for a happy life and you should get whatever your beautiful heart desires! I'm not kidding. That's a direct quote!!! Oh, well then he finished the conversation by saying "Who's your daddy?!" I suppose you know what that means? *giggle, snicker, snort*

We need to make room for all of the CHA Winter 2012 new releases! Now is the time to stock up on necessities, or snag some of our MUST have scrapbook kits! Just to whet your appetite....ALL Swirlydoos' Main kits, including our newest Christmas Wishes kit, are on sale for $25.55! WHAT? Stop rubbing your eyes, you read that price right!

Click here to get to the store!

Before and After SGC

2011-12-28T09:36:00.001-07:00

This week I wanted to highlight the Swirly Girl Challenge hosted by our sweet and talented subscriber Kim.
Here is Kim's original layout

and here is her after.

This before entry is by Niesia

and here is her after.

This challenge ends on January 1st. For the rules and more details, please visit the SGC forum.

Have a safe and Happy New Year!!

Card day

2011-12-27T11:50:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.

When I visited our gallery this morning, I was so happily surprised to see all the beautiful new aditions, and I would like to share a few of them with you.

The first ones are from Linda (Lindapekrul)

Aren't they beautiful?!!! I love the different shapes.

Gorgeous work Linda.

Then, and this was hard to choose, Jackie (Jax) loaded lots of beautiful tags to the gallery and I picked a few to share here

Jackie shows us different techniques and I think she did an awesome job on these beautfiul tags!!!

Regina (Mharms) loaded the next tags to our gallery

These have such a romantic feel to them, and the use of feathers and trims are simply gorgeous!

Thank you ladies for sharing these awesome tags.

The night before the night before Christmas

2011-12-23T05:53:00.004-07:00

Happy Friday!!! Today is the night before the night before Christmas!!!!!!!!! *screams and runs out of the room* Too many things left to do and too little time. *panting*

It was the night before the night before Christmas and throughout the forums screaming could be heard "There is too much left to do!"

The ribbon wasn't glued, the stickles hadn't dried and there was still a card left to make, or two.

The stockings from December's tech kit have been hung by the chimney with care, and I'm hoping my cat doesn't see the ribbon hanging from there.

The savages crawled into bed and said tomorrow must be better. What's a sugarplum? Is it a candy or a prune?

In the wee hours of the morning light, Krissy threw open the store doors and shouted "30% off everything will make it alright. "

The savages scurried around and hip checked to their delight exclaiming Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Thank you for your friendship and support during this year. We really, really, really have the most incredible members and Designers at Swirlydoos. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family from ours. XO

Featured Blogger QT

2011-12-21T09:05:00.000-07:00

One Wednesday out of every month we would like to feature a Swirly Sister's Blog. Our amazing ladies are incredibly talented and work wonders with the Swirlydoo's Kits.

This week our featured Blogger is: QT

Please visit her blog for Swirly inspiration: LSA Design Studio

Cherish

This was QT's entry for the November Round Robin Challenge. We love her fabulous distressing and misting. Truly a swirlygirls style!

Thank you so much QT for sharing your talent with us!

For more information on the Swirlydoos Monthly Kits and Challenges, please visit our website.

Happy Scrapping!

Card Day and.....

2011-12-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

Today I would like to share some Christmas projects from our DT.

Tags are always a great fun thing to do, experimenting new techniques or just using up your scraps.

They are the perfect little touch to go with a gift.

Here's a darling little pocket tag from Angelica. I thought it was the cutest!

And this beautiful tag from Lisa V. Look at that beautiful background! She created it using molding paste.

And then our Flower girl. Lisa showed us how to create a snowy look using Puffy Paint and she even added, that gorgeous flower, as a bonus. A tutorial for this beautiful flower can be found in our tutorial section.

And the last one from Paulien. (that's me) I used the broken glass technique and gave it a twist by adding Distress Stain Picket Fence, to give it a milky washed look.

I also spotted this beautiful card from Lisa V

*********************************************************************************

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!

A little heads up to our most favorite Scrapbooking Savages...

EVERYTHING IN THE SWIRLYDOOS STORE IS ON SALE 30% OFF UNTIL 2012!!!!!!

If you've had your eye on something, grab it while we have it! We will be sending a news blast email out in 24 hours - so enjoy a little "uncrowded shopping" just for you on 12/20/2011!!!

CLICK HERE TO START SHOPPING NOW!

Thank you all for your love, support and friendship!

2011-12-18T08:48:00.001-07:00

NO PLACE THAT FAR

This gorgeous Layout just blew us away. More so for the meaning behind the page. Tacey's neice is fighting Cystic Fibrosis, and although she is a strong little girl, the effects the disease has on her fragile little body can be devastating. She is an angel here on earth that has many people who love her very much. Aunt Tracey is one of them. The distressing adds to the beautiful charm of this page with its soft beautiful colors. Everything on this page echoes LOVE... The angel wings fashioned from the photo corner piece is a perfect touch. It's always in the little details that emotions show through what the artist is trying to portray. We love everything about this page Tracey, and we pray that one day a miracle cure will come in Viviens lifetime... Bless little Viv..See Traceys SB.com Gallery for more of her beautiful work... CLICK HERE

December SwirlyHues and Blog Hop Winners

2011-12-16T17:04:00.000-07:00

Check out December's SwirlyHues Challenge!

Your hostess for this month is the uber-talented and gorgeous Angelica! Look at what she chose for you!

Dark Brown: R69,G34,B15

Cream: R252, G255, B224

Deep Red: R143,G20, B2

Here is Angelica's beautiful example

Another example from DT member LisaV

Important to know: This challenge is open to EVERYONE; members and non-members alike.

The Rules:

1) Must stick to the hues provided. You may add black or white, but it can NOT be more than 5% of your total page and can NOT be a main element.
2) You must interpret the sketch provided.
3) Now for the Swirly-fying element – you MUST use one of our tutorials on your page. Here is a LINK to our tutorials. It is really to our forum. Just scroll down. Our tutorials are separated by category. You can choose anything your beautiful, creative heart desires.
4) Create a post on your blog for your SwirlyHues entry.
5) Upload your gorgeous creation to the SwirlyHues album in our gallery no later than midnight eastern time on January 10th. Click HERE to get there. You will need to register to upload photos. It's free! Use the following format to name your item: SH Dec 2011 (insert your project name here). Your photos can be no larger than 600x600. In the description please tell us what tutorial you used and a link to your blog post. If you don't have a blog, just let us know that.
6) 2 winners will be chosen; 1^st and 2^nd place. Each winner will receive one of our highly coveted blog badges (see the right-side bar). Winners will be posted to the Swirlydoos blog on the 13^th of the month (unless otherwise noted), as well as our Facebook page. Check back here to see your name and then contact LisaV at Lisa@Swirlydoos.com She will make sure you get your blog badge and then we'll add you to our blog for the month! Superstahhhhhh *strike a pose*
7) The next challenge will be uploaded to our blog on January 10^th!

************DRUM ROLL*********

First , Krissy and the Design Team want to take a moment to give a heartfelt thank you for another successful Hop. We were all just taken aback by your very kind and generous comments. A big thank you goes out to the manufacturers that were a part of the hop as well; Clear Scraps, Bo Bunny and Petaloo. You are all amazing!!

Here are the lucky winners of our December Blog Hop Block Party. Please remember that you have 7 days to claim your prize. Email Lisa at Lisa@Swirlydoos.com with your name and mailing info so we can get you your prize!

Amy!!! You've won a Glitz Prize Pack From Swirlydoos!

Nicole!!! You have won $25 worth of product from Clear Scraps!

Erin D!!! You have won the Bo Bunny Blitzen Prize Pack!

LaQuette Akins!!! (where is your avi girl? LOL) You have won the Petaloo Collection!

Char!!! You have won the May Arts Prize!!!

Congratulations ladies! We really appreciate your support and I hope to hear from you soon!!! Stay tuned to our blog for upcoming information on our next Hop.

SwirlyHues Winners!!!!

2011-12-16T04:36:00.000-07:00

Our November SwirlyHues challenge came to and end and we were just blown away by the entries! It is amazing to see people's interpretation of color and the sketch.

The voting was close!!! I mean really close!!! Here are our winners!!

Manda is November's Swirly Siren! She is a master with misting and we all loved how soft and touchable this looks. Manda used two of our tutorials on her page; Faux Stone and Template Stitching. Isn't it beautiful. To see more of Manda's inspiring creations, please visit her blog at www.mandadk.blogspot.com

JennieA is November's Blue Betty!!! Jennie used a vintage photo of her mother and embellished it so beautifully. Jennie used 3 tutorials!! She used Camilla's Layering and Clustering technique, a technique from Lisa V's 101 Gesso tutorial, and Lisa G's Swirly Hibiscus tutorial. Beautifully done Jennie!! To see more of Jennie's beautiful creations, please visit her blog at http://jennie-livethedream.blogspot.com

Congratulations ladies!!! Make sure to email me at Lisa@swirlydoos.com so that I can get you your blog badges. I also need an avi from you so I can put your beautiful faces on our blog!!

Make sure to stop by tomorrow because we will be announcing our Blog Hop winners as well as unveiling our December SwirlyHues challenge!!

Product Pick

2011-12-15T05:59:00.000-07:00

Swirlydoos has a great section in the store for different seasons. We are in the middle of winter and for wintery projects you can find (amongst many things...) white flowers:

...and snowflakes from Dusty Attic:
...and perfect glimmer glam from Tattered Angels.Good luck with your layouts about winter.

Welcome to Swirlydoos' December Blog Hop Party!!

2011-12-14T04:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Swirlydoos December Kit Reveal Blog Hop BLOCK PARTY!!! We are having a party and you are all invited. We have some amazing projects for you to see today and as a bonus we have 3 manufacturer blogs that are joining in the fun!! There are 5 prize packs up for grabs so make sure to follow along and have fun!!

Take a look at our December kit Christmas Wishes. It is full of holiday cheer.

Check out the prizes that are up for grabs!!

**Swirlydoos - Glitz Prize Pack

**Clear Scraps - $25 worth of product!!!

**Bo Bunny - a collection of Blitzen papers and assorted embellishments

**Petaloo - 54 pc Canterbury Flower Collection

**May Arts - Loads of Ribbon

You have until midnight, eastern time, on December 16th to complete the hop. In order to qualify to win here is what you need to do:
1: Visit all SIX blogs and leave a comment on each. This way we know you were there. Become a follower if you're not already. Take your time. There are beautiful things to see along the way.
2: Before you leave each blog, look for the “special” words and write it down.
Once you have visited all the blogs and collected all the special words, they will create a sentence.
3: Finally, come back here to the Swirlydoos blog and leave a comment letting us know how much fun you had AND tell us the sentence that was created with all of the special words you collected.

All winners will be randomly drawn and you will have 7 days to claim your prize!! Winners will be posted here on the 17th. Have a great time!!!! The block party starts over at Lisa Gregory's Blog.

Here is the order just in case:
Lisa Gregory http://what-a-beautiful-mess.blogspot.com/
Clear Scraps http://clearscraps.typepad.com/
Angelica http://angelicascrappenings.blogspot.com/
Bo Bunny http://bobunny.blogspot.com/
Lisa Valentine http://www.randomonpurposelife.blogspot.com/
Petaloo http://petaloo.typepad.com/
Back here to Swirlydoos

If you are unable to access a blog, or it hasn't been updated due to Internet connection, Blogger, TypePad, and acts of God problems, please let us know you are missing that word when you come back here to comment.

Card Day

2011-12-13T11:18:00.000-07:00

As reveal day is coming closer I just want to take you back to our
last month's kit *Beau Jardin* I so LOVED that romantic kit. While I was looking through
our gallery, I saw the most GORGEOUS projects made with this kit. Today I would like to share this
B E A U T I F U L card, made by one of our DT members. It catched my eye, because of the romantic feel
it has, but also it was brilliantly (is that a word?) designed. Here it is:

Gorgeous work LisaV!!!!

I also came across the next AWESOME project, made by JennieA

Look at all the detail.....Absolutely Love this steampunk tag.

Layout Of The Week December 11, 2011* Jan Connors*

2011-12-12T04:30:00.002-07:00

First, London, for its myriads; for its height,
Manhattan heaped in towering stalagmite;
But Paris for the smoothness of the paths
That lead the heart unto the heart's delight. . . .

Fair loiterer on the threshold of those days
When there's no lovelier prize the world displays
Than, having beauty and your twenty years,
You have the means to conquer and the ways,

And coming where the crossroads separate
And down each vista glories and wonders wait,
Crowning each path with pinnacles so fair
You know not which to choose, and hesitate --

Oh, go to Paris. . . . In the midday gloom
Of some old quarter take a little room
That looks off over Paris and its towers
From Saint Gervais round to the Emperor's Tomb, --

So high that you can hear a mating dove
Croon down the chimney from the roof above,
See Notre Dame and know how sweet it is
To wake between Our Lady and our love.

And have a little balcony to bring
Fair plants to fill with verdure and blossoming,
That sparrows seek, to feed from pretty hands,
And swallows circle over in the Spring.

There of an evening you shall sit at ease
In the sweet month of flowering chestnut-trees,
There with your little darling in your arms,
Your pretty dark-eyed Manon or Louise.

And looking out over the domes and towers
That chime the fleeting quarters and the hours,
While the bright clouds banked eastward back of them
Blush in the sunset, pink as hawthorn flowers,

You cannot fail to think, as I have done,
Some of life's ends attained, so you be one
Who measures life's attainment by the hours
That Joy has rescued from oblivion.

This LO is a knock out!! We love the way the Alan Seeger poem was used for the journaling! The position of the photo's, especially the one of the Eiffel Tower is wonderful. It gives perspective to just how massive the Tower is and leads you to the next photo. Very artistic. The gorgeous spray of flowers and little touches like the french doily, gives the LO a very romantic feel. After all, Paris is the city of romance. Think Casablanca!! Beautiful work Jan...We love it!!

Big, Ginormous News!!!!!

2011-12-10T04:06:00.000-07:00

I have some really exciting news! We have some new Designers joining our team as well as a brand new "department" to unveil!!

Before I get to the introductions, it is with a heavy heart that I tell you Camilla Ekman will be leaving the DT. :( Camilla has been a member of our team for a year and there comes a time when we all must stretch our wings. To me, as well as to others, she has been a mentor, a friend, and a beloved Swirly Sister. I've personally learned so much from her and was always amazed at her willingness to jump in and help out at a moment's notice. Camilla was more than a member of the DT. She jumped into the forums and made herself at home. In the process she found a forever family. I hope that we will continue to see you around the threads and in the challenges. We wish you continued success, health and happiness in all of your endeavors. Once a Swirly Girl, ALWAYS a Swirly Girl!!! Thank you so much and WE LOVE YOU!!!!!

_______________________________________________________________________

Our Swirly DT is growing!!! I am over-the-top excited and keep pinching myself. Please join me in giving a warm, Swirly welcome to our newest Design Team members (in alphabetical order)

Heidi Kelly - Heidi's Blog

Rae Moses - Rae's Blog

Karola Witczak - Karola's Blog

______________________________________________________________________

This has been a long time in the making! Our members mean everything to us. When they ask, we try really hard to deliver. Our members are always asking for tutorials and classes. We have some fearless members!! Krissy is passionate about paying it forward and helping others who want to learn, learn. It is from that passion that a whole new department within Swirlydoos was created

INTRODUCING, SWIRLYDOOS' NEWEST DEPARTMENT

The Swirlydoos Imagination Lab

The Imagination Lab is a place where you can go and throw paint at the wall, get all goopy, shred paper and ink to your heart's content. But, the fun doesn't stop there!!! We have two new designers joining us. Their official titles are Education Team Designers. I wanted to call them Imagineers but I think Disney might have a problem with that. These two ladies are going to rock the house with tutorials, tips, tricks, challenges and so much more. Come around the forums and learn more. Please join me in giving a warm, Swirly welcome to your newest Education Team Designers (in alphabetical order)!!!

Lynne Forsythe - Lynne's Blog

Tiffany Morgan - Tiffany's Blog

These 5 ladies will be kickin' it Swirly style beginning in January!!! I can't wait!!! Welcome to our crazy world!!!

Make sure to come back on 12/14. We will be having our December Kit Reveal Blog Hop Block Party!!!! Lots of prizes and inspiration!!!!

ANNOUNCEMENT

2011-12-09T04:09:00.001-07:00

Big, really big, ginormous news!

Come back to our blog tomorrow and read all about our super, exciting news.

Product Pick

2011-12-08T05:54:00.000-07:00

Alterable projects make perfect Christmas gifts. How about altering a photo tray? This one is from 7gypsies and holds small mementos, ATC cards of photos. You find alterable projects in the Swirlydoos store.

Card Day

2011-12-06T04:11:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again, and I don't know about you, but I LOVE to recieve Christmas cards.
Especially handmade Christmas cards. I really treasure them. They bring so much joy.

Whilst browsing our gallery I came across this lovely card from Jackie.

Look at the gorgeous details. The stitching, embossing, matting... it is simply gorgeous!!!!

Are you gonna make your own Christmas cards this year? I do, and here's one of them:

I know this time of year is a very busy one for each and everyone of us, there for, give yourself a break.... get creative and make some Christmas cards.

Layout Of The Week December 4 2011 Niesia

2011-12-04T07:29:00.001-07:00

This absolutely stunning layout was created by Niesia!! What amazes us is that Niesia says that she is new to scrapbooking. She credits her work here from the inspiration she gets on this site. Thank you! Well, by the looks of her work here, she is definitely Swirliyfied!! Every inch of this LO drips gorgeousness. The techniques used are just fabulous, from the masking to the art work on the sweet Dusty Attic Fairy. The tag with the journaling is perfectly tucked behind the circle and sweet photo. This is what Niesia says about the LO.

"This picture was taken by my husband, Tom on the first day of me being a Mom. It’s one of the most cherished pictures of mine and the November kit was a perfect inspiration/match for it. I hope that my photo can do justice to the beauty of papers and their colors..."

Well we think you did it!! You have created a masterpiece!! Well done and well deserved!! Congrats on Layout Of The Week!!

Product Pick

2011-12-01T05:52:00.003-07:00

How do you store your lovely layouts? You really need to get a beautiful album to match your masterpieces. How about this album from American Crafts. I love the colour and the flowers are so cute. Swirlydoos has a variety of albums here.

November Swirlyhues Entries

2011-11-30T10:00:00.001-07:00

I wanted to showcase some of our entires for the Swiryhues Challenge. Just look how beautifully some of the entries are for this palette. The tutorials mixed with the sketch are bringing stunning creations to our gallery.

By Jennie

By Pascale

By Amber

Here is our beautiful Storyboard

For more inspiration, rules and good old fashion fun you can visit the Swirlydoos Gallery and/or Swirlyhues Challenge Thread.

Please have your gorgeous creation in the SwirlyHues album in our gallery no later than midnight eastern time on December 10th.

Layout Of The Week November 27 2011 Kathi Simmons

2011-11-27T03:55:00.001-07:00

The trunk smelled of mildew and dust
As I opened the latches covered with rust
So many memories lie there asleep,
A long, lacey dress and dried rose bouquet
Placed lovingly there from my wedding day
Still dance with aroma in thoughts I keep.

A photograph book now yellowed with age
Brings smiles as I fumble through each precious page
And tears for the loved ones now gone,
How often I wonder what Mother would say
If she were alive and could see me today
I close the book slowly and sadly look on.

Bronzed baby shoes from when I was small
Newspaper clippings I vaguely recall
And trinkets from years quickly passed
Fill that old trunk I treasure so dear
It holds my whole life, my childhood so near
And each day henceforth until it's my last.

This gorgeous layout from Kathi takes us back to a day when little girls kept the things they loved most in a trunk under the bad. The sepia toned photo is a modern day version of that old vision, it is Kathi's granddaughter Madison kneeling on top of that old trunk (valise) and the photo is stunning. So Kathi has created the perfect frame in her scrapping for the photo. She has carried on the theme of old lace with her wonderful punching and distressing. She brings the feeling of old antique doilies with paper and ink. Superb!! There is a touch of stitching with pearls and pearl flourishes,just like you would find on an old lacy garment. The addition of tea roses and a few ornate pieces just brings this whole beautiful layout together. Just beautiful Kathi, we really love this one!!

Product Pick

2011-11-24T09:23:00.002-07:00

I have seen lots of gorgeous creations in the gallery where you ladies have used different masks. So perfect to create a background of your own. The Swirly store carries some of Prima's latest masks, like this one:

You can use mists or ink to create a pattern. Here are some awesome layouts I found in the gallery:

Layout by Joyce:Layout by Peggy:
Thanks for the inspiration, ladies!

Featured Blogger Natasha

2011-11-23T08:55:00.001-07:00

This months featured blogger is also our Guest Designer Natasha. If you played along in the blog hop you seen just how talented she is. Her blog is filled with tutorials, tips and information. Not to mention her gorgeous scrapbook pages with how to's.

Please visit Natasha blog at : moments-of-tranquility

Memories

Natasha guest designed with our November Kit "Beau Jardin". We at Swirlydoos would like to thank her for her beautiful creations and spending time with us on the Swirlyboards.

Card Day

2011-11-22T04:34:00.000-07:00

Today is a bit special, as it is the last Day of our Blog Inspired Card Challenge.
It aches a little, BUT I'm very proud to show the FANTASTIC entries.
You ladies have done an amazing job.

This was the sketch we worked from:

and here are the entries,
first up, this beautiful card from Peggy

and this super cute one from Jackie

another beauty by Cheryl

and mine

I wanna thank all the ladies who participated in the last couple of weeks.
You all have been such a great source of inspiration.
Keep your cards coming into our Gallery, cause we really love them!!

Layout Of The Week November 20 2022Jan (msjan1) and a special "Thanks" to Peggy!!

2011-11-20T06:44:00.000-07:00

“The road of life twists and turns,
and no two directions
are ever the same.
Yet our lessons come from the journey,
not the destination.”
Enjoy the journey...

This is the week of Thankfulness. I know that we are all thankful for something. Jan is thankful that her sister in law allowed her to use this beautiful photo of her nephews for her LO. Her sister in law shared the whole album with her. What a beautiful LO Jan. Your technique on the DA is just awesome!! Jan mixed some copper UTEE, TH Distress embossing powder in Vintage Photo and Black Soot which she then used to emboss the DA autumn circle. Such a rustic feel to it!! Her flowers were all collected from various Swirlydoos kits and all of the papers were from the "Rendezvous" kit. This LO is Jan's entry for the November Round Robin Challenge. Gorgeous Jan, we just love this one!!

On a personal note, We want to thank Peggy, for her endless work on taking charge of Round Robin month after month!! We are Thankful for all that she has done for Swirlydoos in keeping us creatively entertained with all of the wonderful twists that we are challenged with every month. It forced us to work outside of our comfort zone sometimes, and made us better scrappers!! This month, Peggy is stepping down as hostess to take a much needed breather. Jan is one artist who has offered to help out with Round Robin when she can, but she will need help. Swirlydoos will welcome any creative artist's who are willing to assist in a group effort to keep this wonderful challenge going!! Let us know if you are interested!! You all have very creative minds, we would love to see you host this challenge!!

Please visit Jan's Blog for more creative inspiration!!
CLICK HERE

SwirlyNews Friday

2011-11-18T04:34:00.001-07:00

HAPPY FRIDAY SWIRLY SCRAPPERS!!!!!

What a crazy week. I just realized that Thanksgiving is NEXT WEEK!!!!!! I don't have my Christmas lists complete yet.....OMG!!! Time has certainly crept up on me.

Well, around the Swirlydoos forum there is a LOT going on. First...ADD ONS ARE COMING, ADD ONS ARE COMING!!! I've seen the goods for December and as usual Krissy is going to rock your scrappy dreams! I think, I said think....you will see the add ons revealed sometime today. *big toothy grin*

Coming up on Monday, 11/21 at 7pm eastern time, we are going to have a live chat with our Guest Designer Natasha Naranjo Aguirre!!! Make sure to be in the Savage Chat room!!!

We crowned two new SwirlyHues Winners. They are Kathi and Peggy!!!!! Here are their pages

STUNNING work girlies!!! Make sure to click the link to the right for November's SwirlyHues challenge. Remember, you DO NOT have to be a subscriber to play along. It is open to anyone!!!!!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Product Pick

2011-11-17T07:49:00.003-07:00

Swirlydoos is offering magnificent kits every month and on top of that....sometimes Krissy puts together SPOTLIGHT KITS. The most recent one is called "Romantique" and is filled with gorgeousness from Prima. Don't miss out on this fantastic kit!

Get yours here!

November Challenges

2011-11-16T09:48:00.001-07:00

With the holidays quickly approaching, what better way to get your scrap on with fun and easy challenges. The Swirlydoos November Challenges are up and running!!! Ready to play??

Here is the sketch for November. If you would like to join in on the forum fun, please visit the Sketch Challenge Thread

This layout was made by our fabulous guest designer Natasha. Have a question for Natasha? Please visit the Get to Know Natasha Thread.

LisaG is hosting this months SwirlyHues Challenge. We just love the soft color palette and beautiful sketch to round out this month's kit. Remember anyone can play!!! Please visit the Swirlyhues Thread for more details.

When I saw MandaK's layout in the SwirlyHues gallery

Card Day

2011-11-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

And wow... do we have some PRETTY ones to share.
While I was browsing through our Gallery I came accross some Gorgeous Fall cards.
First card is made by Christy

and then Peggy her card

Cheryl:

Jackie:

and another beauty from Shell:

All these gorgeous creations represents Fall Season in a BEAUTIFUL way!!!!
Awesome job ladies.

Last week I posted, the last sketch for this year, for our Blog Inspired Card Challenge.
You still have another week to complete your card, which we would love to see, with a Christmas feel to it.
Please load your cards into the Card section of our Gallery.
Here's the sketch again, for reminder

I have created this card, with our B E A U T I F U L November ***Beau Jardin***kit

Of course I did a "step by step" photo tutorial for you, which can be found HERE
Hope you like it and we are looking forward to see your Blog Inspired Cards. So.........
Let's create!!

Layout Of The Week November 13, 2011 Lisa (feathers)

2011-11-13T04:59:00.000-07:00

Posted: Sun Nov 13 2011, 06:42AM

G randpa when I think of all those hours on you knee.
R eminiscent of the times you've had such faith in me.
A nd how you boasted to your friends how somehow you “just know”…In
N ot too long I'd make you proud but I'm so proud of you!
D earest Grandpa you're the reason life is so complete.
F or teaching me of victory and not to fear defeat.
A nd through your gentle nurturing my confidence has grown.
T o me you've been the greatest blessing life has ever known.
H eartfelt love and blessings are my wishes for you know.
E xpressing that your kindness be returned to you somehow.
R ecalling how you've touched my life with long-lasting impressions

I pray you feel my love for you through all my small
expressions!

Wow....This page is pure floral fantasy!! Look at those soft colors. Look how soft those petals look. Just like velvet rose's on a sweet summer morning. Love the berry vine with the beautiful leaves, perfectly clustered. And the sweet flower tucked into the corner. Very nice..Lisa started out with a vision of this LO and not wanting to make it to girlie frilly as her husband is in the picture, but as the LO evolved she thought to herself, her husband is a big softie when it comes to the grand babies. When she showed it to him he didn't say anything about to many flowers!!! Now that's LOVE!! So, the star of the show? The photo. Grandpa and his brand new granddaughter. It doesn't get any better than that!! The layering and the title work finish up this page beautifully. Thank you Lisa for sharing this wonderful page with us! We absolutely love it!!
Visit Lisa's Blog CLICK HERE for closeups and details.

November SwirlyHues and Blog Hop Winners

2011-11-10T04:29:00.000-07:00

The lovely and talented Lisa Gregory will be your host for this month's SwirlyHues Challenge! *clapping & cheering*

Here is the month's storyboard!

RGB Values:
Pink: R249, G202, B212
Green: R195, G210, B129
Brown: R150, R127, B86

Here is Lisa's gorgeous example:

Here is another example created by DT member Angelica:

The Rules:

1) Must stick to the hues provided. You may add black or white, but it can NOT be more than 5% of your total page and can NOT be a main element.

2) You must interpret the sketch provided.

3) Now for the Swirly-fying element – you MUST use one of our tutorials on your page. Here is a LINK to our tutorials. It is really to our forum. Just scroll down. Our tutorials are separated by category. You can choose anything your beautiful, creative heart desires.

4) Create a post on your blog for your SwirlyHues entry.

5) Upload your gorgeous creation to the SwirlyHues album in our gallery no later than midnight eastern time on December 10th. Click HERE to get there. You will need to register to upload photos. It's free! Use the following format to name your item: SH Nov 2011 (insert your project name here). Your photos can be no larger than 600x600. In the description please tell us what tutorial you used and a link to your blog post. If you don't have a blog, just let us know that.

6) 2 winners will be chosen; 1^st and 2^nd place. Each winner will receive one of our highly coveted blog badges (see the right-side bar). Winners will be posted to the Swirlydoos blog on the 13^th of the month (unless otherwise noted), as well as our Facebook page. Check back here to see your name and then contact LisaV at Lisa@Swirlydoos.com She will make sure you get your blog badge and then we'll add you to our blog for the month! Superstahhhhhh *strike a pose*

7) The next challenge will be uploaded to our blog on December 10^th!

************DRUM ROLL*********

First , Krissy and the Design Team want to take a moment to give a heartfelt thank you for another successful Hop. We were all just taken aback by your very kind and generous comments.

Here are the lucky winners of our November Blog Hop Block Party:

Karen!!!! You've won the Swirlydoos Glitz Prize Pack!!!!!!!!

Becky Dunham!!!! You've won gobs of ribbon from May Arts!!!!!!

MerryStamper!!!!! You've won 5 Templates from Crafter's Workshop!!!!

Jennifer!!!! You've won the $50 prize pack from Clearsnap!!!!

Larissa Heskett!!! You've won a pile of blooms from Petaloo!!!!

YAY!!!!!!! Noise makers and confetti!!!!! Please email Lisa at Lisa@Swirlydoos.com with your full name and mailing address so we can have your prizes mailed to you!! Congratulations!!!! You have 7 days to claim to your prize!!

Keep checking back for upcoming information on our December Kit Reveal Blog Hop Block Party!!! Thank you everyone *mwah*

"Beau Jardin" Anatomy of a Layout

2011-11-09T09:23:00.002-07:00

November "Beau Jardin" Anatomy of a Layout

By: Robin Shelin

Hey everyone!!

This month it's my turn to do the anatomy! Yay!!! I thought and thought about what to do, because when I saw that fabulous, sequined blingy blue vine I knew exactly the picture I wanted to use with it!! I wanted something artsy, kinda funky!! This is what I came up with!

I used an old Martha Stewart punch, my trusty rusty edge distresser, black ink, Denim and Indian Corn Glimmer Mist and that FABULOUS chicken wire mask, which I LOVE to pieces!!! I distressed the white paper here with the distresser and glued it onto a piece of black cardstock.

I didn't get the cardstock add on because I wasn't quick enough (Savages!!) So I used a piece of paper that I had that was close in color, and punched all the way around it. Then I glued it on top of the white paper.

Then I laid the mask down on the lined paper we got in the kit and misted with the Denim Glimmer Mist. Then I misted over it with the Indian Corn. After the mist was right, I punched all the way around it.

When I punched the paper, I punched it , then punched over it again in random spots. I wanted it messy and torn up looking.

Then I glued that paper on top of the red one. The misting caused the paper to warp really bad, so I used a lot of Zip Dry glue and used a brayer to get it flat. I kinda lifted up the punched edges a little to get a more textured look.

Ok, that takes care of the background!! Now, on to the embelishments...

I had fun with the rub-ons!!! First I rubbed the small tower on a piece of transparency paper. If you look a the flowers on yours, you will see that they are green. Although pretty, not the color I needed. So, after I rubbed it, I colored the flowers with the Indian Corn Glimmer mist. I used a very small paint brush, let it set a few minuted then dabbed it off randomly with a q-tip, still leaving color on and around the flowers. Then I scanned it into my computer and printed it out 8x10 on transparency paper. Did it twice so I could get more flowers. I also scanned the phrase and the butterflies so I could print them out bigger. Here you see the original small rubs and the larger scans.

Here are the flowers I used and that fabulous sequined vine!!! I changed the color of the butterflies in photo shop. The original ones were green.. Again, pretty, but not the color I needed. I used some glossy accents and Diamond Dust on the wings to get them sparkly like the vine.

The shoes in this pic are the shoes my niece wore on her wedding day last July. I thought they were so awesome that I had to get this pic! Her sister in law is a scrapper, and she is the one who put the bling on them!!

Tuesday, which means..........

2011-11-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

We had set the deadline, of our Blog Inspired Card Challenge, on today.
We are very happy and proud, to share the next cards, here on our blog.

This was the sketch, we were working from:

And here are the cards that were entered.
Lisa:

Peggy:

Shell:

Cheryl:

Paulien:

See, how fun it is, to use a sketch, that was originally designed for a layout, to use it as inspiration for a card.

Each one of the entries are simply Gorgeous!!!!!

Today I'll post the last sketch for this year. The Holidays are sneaking upon us, and that means

Christmas cards and projects. So.... let's give it a twist and create a Christmas card after the sketch.

The deadline for this sketch will be November 22th.

Can't wait to see your entries ladies!!!!!!

November Kit Reveal Blog Hop Block Party!!!!

2011-11-07T04:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Swirlydoos

November Kit Reveal

Blog Hop BLOCK PARTY!!!

That's right, we are having a party and you are all invited.

We have some amazing projects for you to see today and as a bonus we have 3 manufacturer blogs that are joining in the fun!! But wait! We also have a Guest Designer along for the ride this month, Natasha Naranjo Aquirre!!! *confetti in the air and noise makers galore* There are 5 prize packs up for grabs so make sure to follow along and have fun!!

Take a look at Swirlydoos' November kit, Beau Jardin. Breathe it in... I love how beautifully Kaisercraft and Glitz play together. Scrumptious! The main kit is peppered with bits and bobs of nothing but FUN! This month's coordinated add ons are spectacular! So much so, that when Krissy unveiled them to our subscribers, all but one has sold out! There are only a few of the embellishment kits left. Check out our home page click here to see the add on kits.

LOOK at the pile of goodies that are up for grabs!

Swirlydoos is going to present one lucky winner with this over the top Glitz package!

May Arts - a GOB of ribbon .....*singing: Heaven, I'm in heaven*
Crafter's Workshop - 5 Templates, that's right 5 TEMPLATES!!!!!!
Clearsnap - A prize valued at $50 WOW!!!
Petaloo - check out the photo of the prizes!!!

You have until midnight, eastern time, on November 9th to complete the hop.

In order to qualify to win you need to do just 3 easy things. Here they are:

Visit all EIGHT blogs and leave a comment on each. This way we know you were there. :) Become a follower if you're not already. Grab a cuppa somethin' and take your time. There are beautiful things to see along the way.
Before you leave each blog, look for the “special” word and write it down. Once you have visited all the blogs and collected all the special words, they will create a sentence.
Finally, head back to the Swirlydoos blog and leave a comment letting us know how much fun you had AND tell us the sentence that was created with all of the special words you collected.

All winners will be randomly drawn. Winners will be posted on this blog, Swirlydoos, on the 10th, which also happens to be the same day November's SwirlyHues Contest is unveiled. YAY! You will have 7 days to claim your prize

Go forth and have a great time!!!! Your blog hop block party starts over at Angelica's place!

Just in case something happens along the way and links don't work, here is the order of the blog hop and the links:

Angelica CLICK HERE
Crafter's Workshop CLICK HERE
Lisa V CLICK HERE
Petaloo CLICK HERE
Natasha CLICK HERE
Clearsnap CLICK HERE
Lisa G CLICK HERE

In case of a catastrophic problem with any of the blogs (site down, not updating,etc) please let us know when you come back at the end and we'll give you credit for the missing special word.

Layout Of The Week November 6, 2011 Elizabeth Bottoms

2011-11-06T10:05:00.000-07:00

You know you are in love
when you see the world in her eyes,
and her eyes everywhere in the world.

- David Levesque -

Elizabeth took a recent trip to Columbia to attend her sisters wedding. This gorgeous LO is that of her sister and brother in law at the moment right after their first kiss. Elizabeth said the moment was magical and oh so sweet. It is amazing that Elizabeth used 3 different collections from Bo Bunny. Et cetera, Timepiece, and Noel. Perfectly matched and used beautifully!! She followed a wonderful sketch by Gabrielle Pollacco. CLICK HERE Love the corner flower cluster and chipboard combo. Elizabeth left a wonderful spot for journaling. She fussy cut the doorway from the Timepiece paper, split the door in half as to open the door, and left a spot where her sister can add her own journaling on thoughts of her wedding. Beautifully done. We love this one Elizabeth! Very special indeed. You r sister is lucky to receive a piece of art as this. And you are lucky to have captured that moment for her.
Visit Elizabeth's Blog to see more of her beautiful work!!
CLICK HERE

SwirlyNews Friday Edition

2011-11-04T04:20:00.001-06:00

Happy Friday Scrappers! Lots going on this week!!

First, I want to make an announcement. We will be having Natasha Naranjo Aguirre with us as a Guest Designer for the month of November!!!! YAY!!!!! I'm sure that you have seen her work and found yourself picking your jaw up off the floor! Here is a link to her blog Natasha will be joining us on our Blog Hop Block Party coming up on Monday 11/7!!! Please join me in giving her a warm welcome!

Next, our SwirlyHues challenge for October is winding down. You have until 11/10 to submit your beautiful projects!! Click the link over on the right for the October SwirlyHues challenge to see the details!

I wanted to also welcome our dear, sweet Angelica back! Ang took off October to move her family not just to a new home, but to a new STATE!!! Welcome back sweetie!!!!

Krissy is busy packing, weighing, invoicing and shipping. If you haven't received your invoice or CNS yet, no fears.....it's coming!!!!

Have a beautiful weekend!!!!!

Product Pick

2011-11-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

I just love to use overlays and I'm so happy that Krissy often puts overlays in the monthly kits. But you have to look at the ones I found in the Swirlydoos store....These are paintable transparencies from Prima. Have you tried them? I wish I had.

Card Day

2011-11-01T09:04:00.000-06:00

Happy Tuesday, Card Day everyone!!!!

Last week I've posted this sketch, and set the deadline date on November 8th.
So we have another week to create a card after this sketch. I also promissed to
have a card ready this week, but due to health issues, I've have to prospone that till next week. sorry for that.
BUT...... Lisa (Featherrs) have already created a card for this challenge and WOW.... so so Beautiful.
Here it is:

I haven't said too much, have I? Lisa used the Midnight Waltz kit for this Gorgeous card.
Lisa..... Awesome job!!!!!

We love to see your entries, so.... let's make some cards!!!!!

Layout of Halloween WeekCheryl(merrihew) 10-30-2011

2011-10-30T07:51:00.000-06:00

What a perfect way to end the month...Creepilicious is all we have to say!!! Cheryl, what a great Shadow Box piece of art you have created here!! Just outstanding! Love how the moon glows and just lights up the whole design! Very creative. Our favorite part of the whole LO??? Oh, they are all out favorite parts, from the creepy tree with the hanging jack-o-lanterns to the haunted house that contains the things we fear the most...But the Prima vine with the bats...How very unPrima is that!!! LOVE IT!! Congrats on a project very well done!!
Happy Hallows Eve Everyone!! May your ghosties whisper sweet nothings in your ear!!!

SwirlyNews Friday

2011-10-28T04:44:00.002-06:00

Hi Girlies!! Happy Friday to everyone! :) The weekend is coming, the weekend is coming!!!!!

I wanted to start your weekend off with some inspiration. These are recently added projects to our gallery. The photo above was submitted by Nadia Canizzo. Isn't it breathtaking????

Look at the fussy cutting and gorgeous flower clusters that Patti Hamil did on this gorgeous page!

I just had to finish this off with a Halloween project submitted by Cheryl Merrihew. Isn't it awesome?!

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!!!!!

Product Pick

2011-10-27T06:00:00.000-06:00

Oh my world! Look at these blooms from the Swirlydoos store. They really are must haves. The first ones are fabric flowers and I love the neutral colours.

Then there are more colourful ones. The vibrant colours can add so much to your layouts.

Visit the Swirlydoos store to see even more flowers!

Challenge Updates

2011-10-26T04:31:00.004-06:00

I wanted to show you some of the projects that have been submitted for our challenges.

Kathi submitted this stunning piece of work for our October SwirlyHues Challenge!

Check out this beautiful page from Connie

There is still time to enter the SwirlyHues challenge. Click on the link over on the

right for the details.

This is a beautiful entry into our Round Robin challenge from our member Lynnise.

Here is a link to our challenges forum. Head on over and jump on in!!!

Card Day

2011-10-25T07:39:00.000-06:00

Today I would like to present the cards that has been entered for the Blog Inspired Card Challenge.

First up is a card mady by Jackie (aka Jax)

Jackie used Swirlydoos *Rendezvous* kit for this BEAUTIFUL card. She combined these papers and embellishments so gorgeously.

The next card is made by Peggy:

Look at the Beautiful stamping!!! Peggy colored her stamped image with distress inks and wow.... it looks AMAZING.
Thanks for playing along girls!!!!
Here's your next sketch:

Now for the deadline..... let's see.... How about getting your cards uploaded in the card gallery by November 8. That is 2 weeks from now. I can't wait to see your cards. I'll get one ready for next week and share it here with you.
Happy card making!~!

Layout Of The Week October 23, 2011 Christy

2011-10-23T09:16:00.002-06:00

I needed the shelter of someone's arms and there you were
I needed someone to understand my ups and downs and there you were
With sweet love and devotion
Deeply touching my emotion
I want to stop and thank you baby
I just want to stop and thank you baby
How sweet it is to be loved by you ...

This beautiful layout was created by Christy. The distressing and the masking is absolutely beautiful. Love the new Crafters Workshop Chicken Wire stencil, just fantastic. A touch here and a touch there is all you need!! Of course the photo is the highlight of this page. The look on your daughters face is PURE BLISS. So precious! Christy altered the background paper by dry brushing gesso over it and after it dried, she sprayed on some Glimmer Mist in Candle Glow. The to top it off, she used some Prima Ink with her Chicken Wire mask in a couple of random places. The perfect touch of creativity. The photo is matted on corrugated paper from Creative Imaginations and layered over twine, flowers and vintage lace from my Grandmother's collection. The layout is pure bliss..Thank you for sharing!

SwirlyNews Friday

2011-10-21T04:26:00.000-06:00

Woo Hoo!!! The weekend is coming!

Take a look at this gorgeous entry in our SwirlyHues challenge! Patti submitted this and we LOVE it! She decided to use a few of our distressing tutorials and it looks great! Click on the link to the right for October's challenge and make sure to submit your entry!

Our October Kit Sketch Challenge will be going up in a few days and so make sure to check that out. Speaking of kits, invoices have started going out for the November kit!!!!!

Have a gorgeous weekend!

Product Pick

2011-10-20T12:04:00.002-06:00

I spotted those fabulous flower vines in the Swirlydoos store.

And just look at this stunning layout by Nadia Cannizzo where she uses that exact flower vine. So inspiring.

Featured BloggerManda_K

2011-10-20T08:28:00.002-06:00

Our lovely Manda has just recently revamped her blog and it looks fantastic (even though she calls her blog "Let's Not Get Too Fancy"...LOL). I just love Manda's scrapbooking style and I love the fact that she writes a bit about how she's created her layouts. Make sure to pop by herblog. Thanks for the inspiration, Manda!

Card day

2011-10-18T12:37:00.000-06:00

Hello friends,
Today is actually Card Day, but since all the members are playing with their fresh arrived October kits....
I'm gonna extend the deadline. How about getting your cards in, in the Swirlydoos Card Gallery by October 25th! Remember... if you gonna get your card uploaded in the gallery, we will share it here on the blog.
Here's the sketch again, for reminder:

Lets give it a try girls!!!!!

Instead of showing you a card, I;m gonna share a tiny sneak from our October kit, which will be revealed SOON!!!!!
Here's my peek:

I tell ya..... this kit is so versatile and full of brand new stuff. You don't wanna miss it!

Layout Of The Week Sandi Clarkson 10-16-11

2011-10-17T08:30:00.002-06:00

If we let our children explore the world in their own way, and let them grow with confidence that they can achieve anything they want to in life...

Bravo to Sandi for creating a beautiful layout full of texture and color. It certainly does not distract form the gorgeous photo of "one" of her 16 (yes I said 16!!) grandchildren... Sandi is a wonderfully sweet and very talented Scrap Artist. Layering paper, lace and trim is something Sandi always seems to do with perfection. Her eye for design always compliments her layouts. This one is no exception. All the elements just seem to melt into place on the page. Beautiful work Sandi. We love it!!
Please visit Sandi at her blog for more beautiful inspiration.
CLICK HERE

SwirlyNews - Friday Edition

2011-10-14T04:12:00.000-06:00

It's FRIDAY!!!!!

Is it just me or has this been a long week?

Lots of stuff went on this past week:

1. We announced our first SwirlyHues Winners

2. Our new SwirlyHues challenge started up

3. Our monthly challenges are in full swing

4. October kits are shipping and lots of people already received their CNS *yay*

5. The DT unveiled their September projects

6. We are anticipating the November Add-On reveal to be imminent

7. October kit will be unveiling SOON.

PHEW! I'm sure I missed something. LOL

I hope everyone has a great weekend! I will be working with my October kit :)

drum roll We Have Our Winners!!!!!!!!

2011-10-13T04:04:00.000-06:00

OMGoodness! WINNERS WINNERS WINNERS

WE HAVE WINNERS!!!!!!

Thank you so much to all who participated in our first SwirlyHues challange. We were really blown away by everyone's gorgeous projects and all of the techniques and tutorials used.

Can I tell you how difficult the voting was? Seriously, two votes later we have our very first SwirlyHues Blog Challenge WINNERS!!!!!!! Soooooooo, without further ado,

Our first place winner is Sandi Smith!!!! Her gorgeous page Me @ 38 is just stunning. She chose to use our Altering Chipboard with Crackle Paint Tutorial and she did a gorgeous job! Here is a link to her blog page if you want more details Click HERE. Sandi, make sure to email me at Lisa@Swirlydoos.com so I can send you your blog badge and get your mailing address cuz you also won that incredible Trish Ladouceur Special Edition Swirlydoos CHA kit that is valued at $67!!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!

Our 2nd place is winner is one of our own!!! Cheryl Merrihew!!!!! Cheryl's page is called Serene and she chose to use Lisa G's Fairy CosmoFlower Tutorial and can you say WOW? I thought that she bought them from Lisa. She did a gorgeous job with the colors and her interpretation of the sketch is gorgeous. Cheryl doesn't have a blog.....YET, but you still need to email me so I can send you your badge. You can add it to your signature line as well as your bio at other online galleries. Congratulations!!!!!!!

Congratulations once again ladies! We posted October's SwirlyHues challenge on Monday. We have a link on the right side that will take you to it. We hope to see your beautiful creations in the gallery!

BTW - our September kit is revealing today and our October is revealing next week!!!!!

Featured BloggerHelga Lind

2011-10-12T17:17:00.004-06:00

Helga is the wonderful owner of My Happy Place in Blogger land..And what a beautiful creative Blog it is! Helga's style is incredibly beautiful and her layouts are a feast for the eyes! I always enjoy a cruise through her blog. She has been a Swirly Girl for quite some time!! Helga lives in Iceland with her husband and 2 beautiful children.
Please go check out Helga's Blog http://helgashappyplace.blogspot.com/
Her work with Swirlydoos kits is truly beautiful!!

Card Day

2011-10-11T09:31:00.000-06:00

Yep that's right. And today we are getting back on track with the weekly "Blog Inspired Card Challenge"
I've selected the next sketch for you:

This sketch was made by Beggahuna, our sketch artist, and can be found in the Sketch Gallery

I already gave it a go and came up with this sample card:

Hope you get some inspiration, and play along with us.

Then, I really need to share this next card with you:

I found this beautiful card, from Peggy, in our Gallery. She was inspired by this month's card tutorial and
made this BEAUTIFUL Anniversary card. Look at the delicate distressing and that darling heart.
Gorgeous work Peggy!!!

Remember, if you play along with the Blog Inspired Card Challenge, upload your card in the Card Gallery before next Tuesday, and we will share your entries, right here on the blog.

SwirlyHues - October Challenge

2011-10-10T04:03:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone! It's time for another SwirlyHues challenge. Our inaugural challenge went soooooo well. We loved the entries and the techniques that everyone used from our tutorial section. You still have a few hours to submit a project for our first contest. You have until midnight eastern standard time tonight! Click HERE to go to our first challenge. We will be posting the 1st and 2nd place winners on the 13th so stay tuned to see if you won!!!

Design Team member extraordinaire, Robin Schelin, is your hostess for this month's challenge. She picked some fabulous colors for you, and our kit subscribers will find these colors in our card stock add-on for October's kit! Woo Hoo.

Here is this month's storyboard.

RGB Values:

1. Yellow-Orange / R: 237, G:157, B:6

2. Blue / R: 0, G: 68, B: 100

3. Greyish-Tan / R: 180, G: 161, B: 128

Here is Robin's gorgeous example:

The Rules:

1) Must stick to the hues provided. You may add black or white, but it can NOT be more than 5% of your total page and can NOT be a main element.

2) You must interpret the sketch provided.

3) Now for the Swirly-fying element – you MUST use one of our tutorials on your page. Here is a LINK to our tutorials. You can choose anything your beautiful, creative heart desires.

4) Create a post on your blog for your SwirlyHues entry.

5) Upload your gorgeous creation to the SwirlyHues album in our gallery no later than midnight eastern time on November 10th. Click HERE to get there. You will need to register to upload photos. It's free! Use the following format to name your item: SH Oct 2011 (insert your project name here). Your photos can be no larger than 600x600. In the description please tell us what tutorial you used and a link to your blog post. If you don't have a blog, just let us know that.

7) The next challenge will be uploaded to our blog on November 10^th!

Layout Of the Week 10-9-11Nadia Cannizzo

2011-10-09T07:22:00.002-06:00

In Life, you don’t feel too guilty;
God knows our human frailty;
Don’t worry, your life was worthy;
God’s ways are strangely noteworthy.

Sometimes, as mothers, we feel challenged...Are we good moms?? Are we doing right by our children?? We are always asking for strength. And sometimes we pray. And we are ever so grateful when our prayers are answered. Yes Motherhood can be challenging at times. But we don't give up!!
If anyone knows a little about my friend Nadia, she has been going through some rough spots in the past few months, (she needs your prayers...) Rough, I mean, she thinks she lost her MOJO!!!! She didn't scrap for months!! Absolutely NO desire to scrap!! What???Then something magical happened..She opened up her Vintage Fae kit and her Mojo came creeping back!!! And with a vengeance! Dont you love it!!?? Look at this gorgeous page of her precious girls. The softness just conveys a calmness in Nadia's life right now. Your journaling says it all..He delivered..
So glad you are feeling better Nadia. And sooooo happy that you are creating your beautiful art again.
And for those of you who don't know, Nadia is the creator of Once Upon A Sketch.And even though she temporarily lost her mojo, she kept up the challenges like a true champ...Thank You for all of your inspiration!! Congrats on LOTW..We love this Layout to pieces...

SwirlyNews - Friday Edition

2011-10-07T05:56:00.001-06:00

Happy Friday Scrappers!

Here we are....October! Aahhhh....for those of us who get to experience a change in seasons, this is undoubtedly my favorite. There is nothing quite like the gorgeous New England fall colors and the cooler nights.

Our first SwirlyHues challenge will be coming to end on Monday and the next will be starting up the same day!! We will be announcing our 1st and 2nd place winner a few days after that so make sure to stay tuned and see if you are a winner!!!

We have some fabulous Swirly Girl Challenges going on right now that have all of the fun and flavor of this Halloween and fall season.

We will also be introducing some Guest Designers that we have lined up for November and December!!! We are very excited to have these brilliant and talented ladies working with our kits. Stay tuned!

Have a tremendous weekend!!! Make someone smile.

Product Pick

2011-10-06T12:43:00.002-06:00

I'm in love with these new Say it in Crystals borders from Prima. The Swirlydoos store has them in different colours and I cannot wait to use them on a layout. They have such great texture - both lace and crystals. And they are so elegant - perfect for a layout "swirly style".

Challenges at Swirlydoos

2011-10-05T05:00:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone!! I wanted to show you a few of the pages that have been submitted so far for our SwirlyHues challenge. All of the submissions so far are just divine!!! It is so great seeing everyone using tutorials and trying something new. In short, you are rocking our world!!! You have until midnight Eastern Standard Time on the 10th to submit your page to the gallery! We have a prize pack worth $67 for our inaugural prize AND we have those kick ass blog badges to the right! Bragging rights my sistahs!

We have lots of other challenges that go on EVERY month in Swirlyville. Click HERE to go to our Challenges Forum and jump on in, the water is perfect!!

Card Day

2011-10-04T07:43:00.000-06:00

Here's a card I made with this month's RENDEZVOUZ kit.
That kit is A M A Z I N G!!!!
You can find a step by step photo tutorial right HERE

We have prospone the weekly card challenge a bit, because every member recieved their
Rendezvouz kit, and really.... everyone just wanted to play with it. Lol.
I don't blame you girls!!!!!
So, the challenge will be back, and an announcement and sketch will be posted here on the blog.

In the meantime.... Have you seen the Swirly Hues Gallery????
WOW..... so many awesome pages over there. Check it out!!

Layout Of The Week 10-2-11 Sherri (Sherinae)

2011-10-02T03:18:00.000-06:00

Located along the Douro river estuary in northern Portugal, Porto is one of the oldest European centres, and registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. Its settlement dates back many centuries, when it was an outpost of the Roman Empire. Its Latin name, Portus Cale,[7] has been referred to as the origin for the name "Portugal," based on transliteration and oral evolution from Latin. In Portuguese the city is spelled with a definite article as "o Porto" (English: the port). Consequently, its English name evolved from a misinterpretation of the oral pronunciation and referred to as "Oporto" in modern literature and by many speakers.

One of Portugal's internationally famous exports, port wine, is named for Porto, since the metropolitan area, and in particular the adegas of Vila Nova de Gaia, were responsible for the production and export of the fortified wine.

We thought you may have wanted a little history lesson on the place of Sherri's travels. Back in 2005, Sherri visited Oporto, Portugal where she took a cruise down the River Duoro, while enjoying a glass of Port with new friends. Looks like you had a flippin fabulous time Sherri. Well, this LO is a knock out!!! So beautiful!! The color combo is AMAZING!! The techniques you used , you created to perfection! The design is off the hook as are your use of multiple photos!! You look beautiful!! Wow, we love it!! The zipper almost makes the viewer want to unzip it and let all of your travel stories spill out. Very creative feature indeed. Outstanding work here Sherri..It really caught our eye in the gallery this week!!

SwirlyNews Friday Edition

2011-09-30T04:24:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday!!!

Guess what happened last night? ADD ONS WERE REVEALED!!!!!!! Holy smokes they are gorgeous. This is for the October kit. If you haven't been over to the add on thread you better get over there before everything sells out. Our November kit isn't far behind,so stay tuned.

We will be revealing our September and October kits together. When I know the date I will pass it along.

Our SwirlyHues Challenge is getting some beautiful entries. You have until the 10/10 to get your entries in. Remember that we have a prize valued at $67 to the 1st place winner. Our other challenges are winding down and others are going to start up. We are a busy bunch!

Oh, and Happy World Card Making Day! Lots of festivities taking place over the weekend all over the web.

Have a great weekend!!!

Product Pick

2011-09-29T12:57:00.003-06:00

Have you tried the new Ingvild Bolme chalks from Prima? I have. And I must say that they are fantastic to use. Not only do they have a rich colour and a firm surface, they are perfectly shaped to fit your grip. The Swirlydoos store carries multiple different colours of these chalks. Check them out!

Layout Of the Week 9-25-11 Kathy aka Thelma

2011-09-25T04:57:00.001-06:00

Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate,
The first one said,
"Oh my, it's getting late."
The second one said,
"But we don't care."
The third one said,
"I see witches in the air."
The fourth one said,
"Let's run, and run, and run."
The fifth one said,
"Get ready for some fun."
Then whoosh went the wind,
and out went the lights,
And five little pumpkins rolled out of sight!

October is just around the bend and so is the witching hour!! We love All Hallows Eve..And we love this Gorgeous creation by Kathy aka Thelma.We waited in anticipation when Kathy posted that she was hunting for miniature Halloween things for her Configurations Box. My oh my, we didn't expect THIS!! A Fantastic collection of all things Halloween!! The 5 little pumpkins sitting on the top reminded us of this cute little poem...We just had to post it. That is the cutest (really adorable) skeleton ever!! The collection of bones and all things fall is just darling! I hope you sent this to Timmy, cause if you don't we will!!! This Halloween Configurations Masterpiece deserves a Spotlight on his Blog!! We will insist!!
Beautifully done Kathy!!! We bow with a standing ovation!!!!! Clap Clap Clap!!! (or is that the sound of chattering teeth we hear???)

SwirlyNews

2011-09-23T04:23:00.001-06:00

Happy Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This has been an exciting week at Swirlydoos. Wanna know why? Do ya? Because our luscious September kits have been finding their way to door steps and front porches all over! We won't talk about the poor postal workers who were stalked and then knocked over in the pursuit of the "box". Let's just keep that part quiet.

I would like to wish a small "gang" of savages well on their get together this weekend in North Carolina. A mini Swirly Camp is taking place!!! We have such a great community of ladies on our forum. Have a fabulous time and pour a glass for me!!!

We have an awesome Gesso tutorial that Paulien posted in the tutorial section, and our monthly challenges and our SwirlyHues challenge are looooooking g-o-o-d!

Stop by and check them out! Have fun with your kits!!

Swirlyhues

2011-09-21T09:54:00.002-06:00

The September Kits are arriving daily to our subscribers.....totally worth the wait, ladies!!!!

The Swirlyhues Challenge is underway! And what better way to use your kit ;)

Not a subcriber, no problem!! Anyone can play!!!

Here is a page I created using the September Kit, Rendezvous. Using the sketch and hues, this page was cake to put together.

Here is our first Storyboard

The Rules:

1) Must stick to the hues provided. You may add black or white, but it can NOT be more than 5% of your total page and can NOT be a main element.

2) You must use the sketch provided.

3) Now for the Swirly-fying element – you MUST use one of our tutorials on your page. Here is a LINK to our tutorials. You can choose anything your beautiful, creative heart desires.

4) Create a post on your blog for your SwirlyHues entry.

5) Upload your gorgeous creation to the SwirlyHues album in our gallery no later than midnight eastern time on October 10th. Click HERE to get there. You will need to register to upload photos. It's free! Use the following format to name your item: SH Sept 2011 (insert your project name here). Your photos can be no larger than 600x600. In the description please tell us what tutorial you used and a link to your blog post.

6) 2 winners will be chosen; 1^st and 2^nd place. Each winner will receive one of our highly coveted blog badges (see the right-side bar). Winners will be posted to the Swirlydoos blog on the 13^th of the month (unless otherwise noted), as well as our Facebook page. Check back here to see your name and then contact me, LisaV, at Lisa@Swirlydoos.com I will make sure you get your blog badge and then I’ll add you to our blog for the month! Superstahhhhhh *strike a pose*

7) The next challenge will be uploaded to our blog on October 10^th!

For our inaugural kick-off party we're giving away, in addition to our smokin’ blog badge, a Trish Ladouceur Class Kit from the Swirlydoos exclusive class she taught at CHA in Chicago to our 1^st place winner! A $67.00 Value!!!!!!!!

Card Day

2011-09-20T11:50:00.001-06:00

This past week we had 2 players, on our Weekly Blog Inspired Card Challenge, and wow...
they made some amazing cards!!!!
First up is Cheryl her card

This card was made with love, that is obvious. We love your take on the sketch Cheryl!!!

Next up is this weeks entry from our lovely Peggy, who hit a record last week.
Congratulations Peggy!!! (lol)

A beautiful masculine card. Awesome distressing and those pocket watches are sooo cool!!!!!

Thanks ladies for playing along. Now on to the new sketch for this coming week:

And here's my sample for it:

Again I would like to point out the rules..... they are so simple...
Use the sketch as a guide and Have Fun!!! upload your card in the Swirlydoos Card Gallery before next Tuesday and we'll be happy showing your cards here on the blog, next Tuesday.

I would also like to take the opportunity to tell you..... that there are some AWESOME NEW tutorials posted in the forum. So grab a cup of coffee and Click HERE to see for your self. Flowers - Medallions - a Gesso class....too much to mention. Really you don't wanna miss out on them. And what's so cool about it, beside learning a new technique, is that there are even more tutorials to choose from, for using at your SWIRLY HUES pages.

Layout Of The Week 9-18-11Bonnie Friesen

2011-09-18T22:00:00.000-06:00

This week we bring you the beautiful work of Bonnie Friesen. She scrapped the photo of her beautiful Great Niece's. There are a few wonderful techniques in this LO that just leave us inspired. The gorgeous Dusty Attic Foliage Bonnie used Distress stains and Rock Candy Distress Stickles. The stains are rich in color and the Stickles leave the piece with a wonderful sparkle. Krissy opens up those DA special orders now and then . You have to jump on it and get some!! For the title chipboard she first painted it with an acrylic antique white, then splattered Rangers Espresso paint with an old toothbrush, and then splattered some green Distress stain. When that was dry she put a thick layer of Glossy Accents on top. You cant buy that in a store!!
But the special part about this LO are the flowers...Bonnie took off of some of her mom's many silk flower arrangements after she passed away. She explains that it is nice to look back a see little pieces of her here and there. How sweet is that!!
We just love this LO Bonnie...Fantastic page!!

SwirlyNews

2011-09-16T04:26:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday Swirly Scrappers!

Thank you to everyone who made our SwirlyHues kick-off a success. The feed back was great and because ANYONE can play, we are looking forward to some gah-geous creations! Here are just a few so far:

This beautiful page was created by one of our members, Connie. She was so happy with it that she already framed it! LOL We LOVE it Connie!

This was done by our DT member extraordinaire, Lisa Gregory. She is using our brand new September kit, Rendezvous! Hot! *sizzle noise* Isn't she beautiful? MWAH!

Remember, we have one hell of a prize for the 1st place winner of our inaugural challenge! It has a $67 value!

Guess what savages? CNS's started going out this week to subscribers!!!! I just have to tell you that when you open the box, you will agree with me that it was more than worth the wait!

Have a safe and happy weekend.

Product Pick

2011-09-15T12:07:00.003-06:00

Like LisaV said about the September kit...O.M. "effing" Godness!!! I peeked into the Swirlydoos store!!!!

The store is Prima heaven! Have you seen all the beautiful stuff that our dear Krissy has added to the store?

How about some new flowers...

And the new Resin treasures...

And new bling...

Do not miss out on all this gorgeousness!

Card day

2011-09-13T08:22:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone,
Finally the word is out, SWIRLY HUES is a fact and we are all so very excited about it.
And how about that AMAZING prize package and those STUNNING badges!!!!!!
We are looking forward to see your pages.

Now on to another Blog Inspired Card challenge post.
This past week, one of our members, Peggy created a BEAUTIFUL card.

A lovely way of delicate distressing and sweet layering, finished with a gorgeous bow and vintage dangling.
Gorgeous card Peggy!!!!

Here's the new sketch for this week

and here's my sample using the sketch

I hope you will be inspired by the sketch and I'm looking forward to see your cards.
Remember to post your card in Swirlydoos Card Gallery before next Tuesday.
The rules...... Use the sketch as inspiration and HAVE FUN!!!!

9-11 Tribute...

2011-09-11T11:37:00.000-06:00

We thought we would forgo the usual layout of the week post, and give everyone a chance to comment or offer prayer on today's Memorial...As Americans, we must never forget what our Country has gone through in the last 10 years. For those of us who knew someone closely connected to that day, our prayers are with you and their families.

INTRODUCING - SWIRLYHUES

2011-09-10T06:01:00.000-06:00

Welcome to our SwirlyHues kick-off party!!!!

We are off-the-hook excited this morning to bring to you our newest Swirlydoos creation, SwirlyHues!!!!

We love all of the color challenges out there and wanted to create one of our own with a Swirlydoos twist! We are going to mix it up a bit so fasten your seatbelts! Each month the hosting Swirlydoos Designer will decide if you get to work with 3 colors or, shades of one and we go monochromatic! We have some of the best tutorials on the planet and decided that to truly make this a Swirlydoos event you will need to choose one of our tutorials and use that on your page. Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezie!

For our inaugural challenge we have a moooost have prize for you!!!!!! Prize info is at the bottom of the post. J

Here is our first challenge storyboard!

The Rules:

1) Must stick to the hues provided. You may add black or white, but it can NOT be more than 5% of your total page and can NOT be a main element.

2) You must use the sketch provided.

3) Now for the Swirly-fying element – you MUST use one of our tutorials on your page. Here is a LINK to our tutorials. You can choose anything your beautiful, creative heart desires.

4) Create a post on your blog for your SwirlyHues entry.

6) 2 winners will be chosen; 1^st and 2^nd place. Each winner will receive one of our highly coveted blog badges (see the right-side bar). Winners will be posted to the Swirlydoos blog on the 13^th of the month (unless otherwise noted), as well as our Facebook page. Check back here to see your name and then contact me, LisaV, at Lisa@Swirlydoos.com I will make sure you get your blog badge and then I’ll add you to our blog for the month! Superstahhhhhh *strike a pose*

7) The next challenge will be uploaded to our blog on October 10^th!

That’s it for the rules now go get creative and have FUN!!!!

**Inspiration photo from The Creative Mint http://acreativemint.typepad.com/

SwirlyNews - Happy Friday

2011-09-09T04:25:00.000-06:00

YAY!!! The weekend is coming! The weekend is coming!

Soooooooo guess what tomorrow is? Our top secret new challenge will be unveiled tomorrow!! *doing the cabbage patch* I can tell you this; the name of our challenge is SwirlyHues and oh boy are we stoked! And a little nervous. LOL

This challenge is for ANYONE, not just subscribers! How great is that? The grand unveiling will take place at 8am eastern standard time. Come on over and join in the party, swirly style!!!!!

Swirlydoos Scrapbook Kits

Grab a cuppa Jo......

SwirlyNews Friday!!!

Product Pick Thursday

January Challenge Highlights

Card Day

Layout Of The Week January 22, 2012***Lisa Duke***(feathers)

January Technique kit. Canvas tutorial.

Swirlydoos Designer Spotlight & New DT Member

~~~Product Pick Thursday~~~

December Swirlyhues Winners

Card day

BLOG HOP WINNERS

Layout Of The Week January 15, 2012*** Kathi Simmons***

Technique Tag Tutorial

Welcome to Swirlydoos' January Kit Reveal and Blog Hop Block Party

Welcome to Swirlydoos' Mystical Winter kit reveal Blog Hop Block Party!!

January Swirly Girl Challenges

January SwirlyHues Challenge

Layout Of The Week January 8, 2012 ***Barbara Lochridge***

Imagination Lab. Emboss resist technique tutorial.

New Stuff Happening & January Kit Reveal Info

Product Pick Thursday

Card Day

Layout Of The Week January 1, 2012 ***Nadia Cannizzo***

RUN LIKE FORREST GUMP - HUGE SALE

Before and After SGC

Card day

The night before the night before Christmas

Featured Blogger *QT*

Card Day and.....

December SwirlyHues and Blog Hop Winners

SwirlyHues Winners!!!!

Product Pick

Welcome to Swirlydoos' December Blog Hop Party!!

Card Day

Layout Of The Week December 11, 2011*** Jan Connors***

Big, Ginormous News!!!!!

ANNOUNCEMENT

Product Pick

Card Day

Layout Of The Week December 4 2011 ***Niesia***

Product Pick

November Swirlyhues Entries

Layout Of The Week November 27 2011 ***Kathi Simmons***

Product Pick

Featured Blogger *Natasha*

Card Day

Layout Of The Week November 20 2022***Jan*** (msjan1) and a special "Thanks" to Peggy!!

SwirlyNews Friday

Product Pick

November Challenges

Card Day

Layout Of The Week November 13, 2011 ***Lisa*** (feathers)

November SwirlyHues and Blog Hop Winners

"Beau Jardin" Anatomy of a Layout

Tuesday, which means..........

November Kit Reveal Blog Hop Block Party!!!!

Layout Of The Week November 6, 2011 ***Elizabeth Bottoms***

SwirlyNews Friday Edition

Product Pick

Card Day

Layout of Halloween Week***Cheryl***(merrihew) 10-30-2011

SwirlyNews Friday

Product Pick

Challenge Updates

Card Day

Layout Of The Week October 23, 2011 ***Christy***

SwirlyNews Friday

Product Pick

Featured Blogger***Manda_K***

Card day

Layout Of The Week ***Sandi Clarkson*** 10-16-11

SwirlyNews - Friday Edition

*drum roll* We Have Our Winners!!!!!!!!

Congratulations once again ladies! We posted October's SwirlyHues challenge on Monday. We have a link on the right side that will take you to it. We hope to see your beautiful creations in the gallery!

BTW - our September kit is revealing today and our October is revealing next week!!!!!

Featured Blogger***Helga Lind***

Card Day

SwirlyHues - October Challenge

Layout Of The Week January 22, 2012Lisa Duke(feathers)

~Product Pick Thursday~

Layout Of The Week January 15, 2012* Kathi Simmons*

Layout Of The Week January 8, 2012 Barbara Lochridge

Layout Of The Week January 1, 2012 Nadia Cannizzo

Featured Blogger QT

Layout Of The Week December 11, 2011* Jan Connors*

Layout Of The Week December 4 2011 Niesia

Layout Of The Week November 27 2011 Kathi Simmons

Featured Blogger Natasha

Layout Of The Week November 20 2022Jan (msjan1) and a special "Thanks" to Peggy!!

Layout Of The Week November 13, 2011 Lisa (feathers)

Layout Of The Week November 6, 2011 Elizabeth Bottoms

Layout of Halloween WeekCheryl(merrihew) 10-30-2011

Layout Of The Week October 23, 2011 Christy

Featured BloggerManda_K

Layout Of The Week Sandi Clarkson 10-16-11

drum roll We Have Our Winners!!!!!!!!

Featured BloggerHelga Lind

Layout Of the Week 10-9-11Nadia Cannizzo

Layout Of The Week 10-2-11 Sherri (Sherinae)

Layout Of The Week 9-18-11Bonnie Friesen