To win the entire Margarita collection:

Simply "Like" our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter, then leave a comment on this post by Friday morning, June 3rd 2011, letting us know that you did one of these two things AND if you have any fun summer vacation plans. I'll randomly select one winner and announce them with the Friday morning post. Good luck!

Supplies: Mariachi Paper (35440) - Margarita, Flamenco Paper (35419) - Margarita, Havana Paper (35435) - Margarita, Merengue Paper (35438) - Margarita, Rocky Road (71516) - Pow!, Aqua (59504) - Pigment Ink, Dear Lizzy Christmas Song (89387) - Ribbon, Tent (59141) - Clear Stamps

Step 2: Time to start playing with paper while the ink dries. I cut a strip measuring 1 1/4 x 3 1/4", scoring at 1/2 and 2 3/4. The birds need a door so I punched a small hole in the middle of my paper strip. Then I shaped my strip, making a rounded little house; the back flaps are barely overlapping.

Step 3: Make the bottom piece. We can't have those birds falling out of their house can we?! I used the first house piece as a template, tracing around it, and making a few flaps. I used a strong adhesive to fasten the flaps to the inside of the house. 

Step 4: Every house needs a roof! I punched out a scalloped circle (2 3/4") from a gorgeous Pow! paper. Find the exact middle and cut away 1/3 of the circle. Glue the ends together, making a rounded shape. 

Step 5: Adhere ribbon along the bottom edge as a cute trim. Finish the house by adding the roof. To get it to fit as I wanted I had to adhere it using dimensional dots. Step 6:  I just love cutting out details from patterned paper and the Margarita papers are filled with cute details. Some fun circles, pretty flowers, and beautiful butterflies were cut out. Then I layered them on my canvas background. 

Step 7: Finishing touches. Give those flowers a little crinkle to add some dimension. Glue down your birdhouse and voila: you've got your own super cute mini canvas with a summer-feeling to it!

What a cute little piece of bright, happy, and fun home decor! Thanks for the step-by-step tutorial Mahlin!

Margarita is a bright, colorful and pattern-heavy summer line with a subtle Latin flair. The collection features the unforgettable parts of paradise vacations—tropical flowers, beach umbrellas and fruity drinks. ¡Olé! To start out this festive week, Becky Williams and Céline Navarro have each created a layout, a couple of cards, and a sweet vacation-themed mini album with this new line.

Supplies: Horchata Paper (35432) - Margarita, Tamale Paper (35434) - Margarita, Rumba Paper (35436) - Margarita, Guacamole Paper (35427) - Margarita, 12x12 Cardstock Black (71260) - AC Cardstock, Summertime (42197) - Remarks, Paradise (42198) - Remarks, Iguana Azure (53192) - Thickers, Sun-Kissed (43391) - Minimarks, Decorative Tags (85552) - Bits, Dot Glue Runner (61713) - This to That

Supplies: 4x6 Journaling Cards (64010) - JustWrite, Refreshing (42199) - Remarks, Mambo Paper (35424) - Margarita, Foam Tabs (61710) - This to That

"The JustWrite cards are fun to use as-is or you can do like I did here - I cut the 'Come Getaway' from one of the cards to use as an accent on another card and popped it up with foam tabs for added dimension."

Supplies: Havana Paper (35435) - Margarita, Sangria Paper (35441) - Margarita, Empanada Paper (35429) - Margarita, Decorative Tags (85552) - Bits, Summertime (42198) - Remarks
Céline says, "I was simply in AWE when I saw the Margarita line on the American Crafts website! What a perfect line to celebrate Summer! I couldn't resist using this line to create my Road Book for my future trip to Greece - the colors are so vibrant, the textures fantastic and, well, it just makes me happy!"

Supplies: Salsa Paper (35421) - Margarita, Empanada Paper (35429) - Margarita, San Juan Paper (35439) - Margarita, Pico De Gallo Paper (35426) - Margarita, Sun Kissed (43391) - Remarks, Pow Caramel (71517) - Pow!

Stay tuned for tomorrow's tutorial and a super great giveaway!

Check out what a retailer in Australia made from American Crafts and Pebbles paper:

The amazing things you can create with paper! Wow!

Hope you're having a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Congratulations to the winner of all this paper, Denise Coulter:

Thanks for all the new "likes" and "followers"!

To wrap up Barcodes Strip week, Amy Tan, Céline Navarro, and Jenny Chesnick share a colorful group of projects:

Supplies: Spree Paper (35400) - Hello Sunshine, Zippy Paper (35411) - Hello Sunshine, Daybreak (78049) - Details, Sunbeam (72011) - Delights, Frankie Fudge Paper (35342) - Confetti, Buttercream Bobby Paper (35338) - Confetti, Sunset Fountain (53183) - Thickers, Decorative Tags (85533) - Bits, Brown .05 (62326) - Precision Pen
Supplies: Delight Paper (35399) - Hello Sunshine, Bliss Paper (35395) - Hello Sunshine, Sunbeam (72011) - Delights, Fantastic Limeade (53109) - Thickers, White (229) - Ultimate Gel Pen

Amy says, "Since American Crafts started making double-sided paper with a bonus strip at the bottom, I have wanted to incorporate them onto my pages. I prefer keeping some of them attached, and I like the look of mixing collections. For this colorful layout, I used photos of my cousin, Cindy and I at a local craft shop."

Supplies: Pina Colada (72013) - Delights, Pow GP Charcoal (71522) - Pow!, Sunkiss Phrases (43391) - Remarks, Barcode strips from Margarita and Peachy Keen patterned papers

Céline says, "I love love love barcode strips! What a clever idea! For this cute card, I simply cut my POW! glitter paper with my Big Shot to have that frame. Then I glued several barcode strips onto cardstock, added my frame on top, and decorated the card. That's it! Fun and easy way to make quick cards for your loved ones!"

  Supplies: Flamenco Paper (35419) - Margarita, Cozumel Paper (35420) - Margarita, Pico De Gallo Paper (35426) - Margarita, Guava Paper (35427) - Margarita, Cha Cha Paper (35428) - Margarita, Salsa Paper (35421) - Margarita, Rumba Paper (35436) - Margarita, Havana Paper (35435) - Margarita, Tamale Paper (35434) - Margarita, Horchata Paper (35432) - Margarita, Brads (35549) - Elements, Decorative Tags (85552) - Bits, Confetti Clubhouse (77247) - House, Journaling Cards (64010) - JustWrite, Sun Kissed (43391) - Minimarks, Twine White (58477) - Ribbon, Sunny Reef (53119) - Thickers, Berry Marigold (53036) - Thickers
Jenny asks, "Don't the bright and bold colors of Margarita make you want to take a nice long vacation? I created this page with a photo of my husband and I on our summer vacation last year. I used the border strips from my patterned papers to create unique floral embellishments. I always feel like the separate patterns are just an added little bonus!"

Hope you've been inspired to make good use of your patterned barcode strips from all the projects you've seen this week! And, don't forget to check out our Facebook Challenge which is to create a layout using barcode strips. An awesome prize goes to the winner!

Today Sarah de Guzman and Leah Farquharson share a few more layouts and cards featuring barcode strips!

Supplies: Jovial Paper (35398) - Hello Sunshine, Sunrise Borders (53185) - Thickers, Daylight (78048) - Details, Sunny Side (72010) - Delights, Sunbeam (72011) - Delights, Hello Sunshine Pearl Brads (85545) - Elements, Sunset Blush (53182) - Thickers

Sarah notes, "The patterned strips of paper add so much color to a layout! It's simple to create a layout with them. All you have to do is take the strips and layer them on top of each other. Then add a photo on top of the strips. Embellish around your page to make your layout pop!"

Supplies: Sweetwater Cabin Paper (35367) - Campy Trails, 12x12 White Cardstock Pack (71259) - AC Cardstock, Campy Trails Buttons (85536) - Elements, Twine
Supplies: 12x12 Kraft Cardstock (71464) - AC Cardstock, Campy Trails Buttons (85536) - Elements, Silver Lake Trail Paper (35346) - Campy Trails

"I always used to think that the little strips at the bottom of patterned paper was such a waste! I'm so glad that American Crafts decided to add fun coordinating prints to the bottom of each strip because it works great with all sorts of cards! Just by adding these strips, I was able to quickly create a couple simple cards. Besides, instead of cutting into a whole 12x12 piece of paper, I was able to save paper by tearing off the already perforated strip."

  Supplies: Barcode strips from Hello Sunshine pattermed papers, Cedar River Trail Paper (35359) - Campy Trails,  Glow Paper (35408) - Hello Sunshine, Sunrise Natural (53180) - Thickers, Metal Rimmed Decorative Tags (85546) - Bits, Reinforced Decorative Tags (85547) - Bits, Fabric Brads (85544) - Elements, Pearl Brads (85545) - Elements, Good Morning (42194) - Remarks

Check back tomorrow for the winner of the giveaway and a few more great projects!

You're going to love ALL the creations featuring barcode strips made by the talented Amy Heller! 

Supplies: Sweet On You Paper (35374) - Peachy Keen, Easy As Pie Paper (35393) - Peachy Keen, Neat-O Paper (35392) - Peachy Keen, Easy Peasy Paper (35382) - Peachy Keen, No Sweat Paper (35378) - Peachy Keen, Gossamer Paper (35409) - Hello Sunshine, Shout (72009) - Delights, Charming Chap (78046) - Details, Peachy Keen Corduroy Brads (85538) - Elements, Peachy Keen Metal Rimmed Tags (85542) - Bits, Campy Trails Paper Tags (85534) - Bits, Emerald Hay (53022) - Thickers, Forest Vanilla (53162) - Thickers

"I created this layout about my daughter, Lauryn. She is just my type of girl. Not too frilly, but not a tomboy. Intellectual but so, so funny! Cautious but very adventuresome! And she's very driven and outspoken. She's her own person and I really wanted to capture that about her - not only that I'm proud of her because I'm her Mom, but because even if she weren't, she'd be my type of girl. Using the 'extra' strips of patterned paper on the bottom of each sheet is really a great creativity stimulant. Not only because its an additional pattern to play with, but also because it really pushes you to think about how to get the most of a 1/4" strip of paper. I really wanted to play up the colors in the Peachy Keen line (which I LOVE!!) and emphasize other elements in my layout. So, I used the yellow strip with the adorable bicycle on it (Easy As Pie Paper - 35393) to recreate the fun Delights piece (Shout Paper - 72009) down on the bottom left corner of my page. The yellow strip was perfect as well, because it really brings out the yellow in my daughter's shirt in the photos as well as the creamy yellow tones in my Thickers."

Supplies: Gleam Paper (35414) - Hello Sunshine, Spree Paper (35400) - Hello Sunshine, Frolic Paper (35403) - Hello Sunshine, Easy As Pie Paper (35393) - Peachy Keen, Hello Sunshine Decorative Tags (85547) - Bits, Dusk (58637) - Ribbon, Confetti Buttons (85529) - Elements

"I fell in love with Hello Sunshine the moment I laid eyes on it when it was first released. So when I went to make a card with this collection, I thought it would be the perfect line for creating a shower card. It has all the cutest elements without being overtly baby or wedding in theme. I love the umbrellas and all the bright, fun colors. To add depth and weight to the background I used the brown strip from the bottom of a sheet from The Classics (A Wrinkle In Time Paper - 35301) and cut that strip in half so as to not overpower the light feel to the rest of the card. I also hand cut along the bottom edge of the card which is the strip from Hello Sunshine (Gleam Paper - 35414). Lastly I even used a shallow border punch to give one of my strips a scallop shape, adding even more interest on the card."

Supplies: 12x12 Straw Cardstock (71042) - AC Cardstock, Timberline Resort Paper (35357) - Campy Trails, Caribou Creek Paper (35351) - Campy Trails, Hidden Lake Paper (35361) - Campy Trails, Big Pine Creek Paper (35369) - Campy Trails, Appleton Cove Paper (35348) - Campy Trails, Annie Amaretto Paper (35344) - Confetti, Gossamer Paper (35409) - Hello Sunshine, Campy Trails Paper Tags (85534) - Bits, Camy Trails Postcards (64009) - JustWrite, Confetti Buttons (85529) - Elements, Hot Dog (89397) - Ribbon, Hello Sunshine Fabric Brads (85544) - Elements, Forest Vanilla (53162) - Thickers, Meadow Popcorn (53166) - Thickers

"Every year we go back to our home state of Washington for a month of summer fun in the forest, lakes, and beaches of the great Pacific Northwest. Last summer my son Peyton had a ball 'fishing' in my parent's lake. I knew I wanted my projects with Campy Trails to focus on these super fun photos of his first casts of the line into the lake. I used the strips of paper from the bottom of my Campy Trails papers to create a strong vertical pattern on the right side of my page. These lines bring the focus down to the title. To re-emphasize this as well as bring the eye to the photos, I created a fishing pole out of the Campy Trails brown ric rac ribbon and used the orange buttons as the real and the top of the hook which was simply made from a paper clip. Lastly, since I wanted my fish to be blue and larger than the ones on my patterned paper I had, I hand drew him on matching blue patterned paper with my white Galaxy Marker."

Supplies: 12x12 Ash Cardstock (71078) - AC Cardstock, No Sweat Paper (35378) - Peachy Keen, Oh So Dandy Paper (35372) - Peachy Keen, Easy As Pie Paper (35393) - Peachy Keen, Charming Chap (78046) - Details, Forest Vanilla (53162) - Thickers

"I'm in LOVE with the Peachy Keen line of papers. All the adorable Details pieces that coordinate with it are so fun, quirky, and bold, that I knew I wanted my next card to feature the uber bright yellow vintage telephone as its centerpiece. For my sentiment I used the bottom piece from the Oh So Dandy varnished paper - perfect for the 'dandy' feel of that super cool phone. It would make a great note card to a friend."

Supplies: 12x12 Taffy Cardstock (71022) - AC Cardstock, Bliss Paper (35395) - Hello Sunshine, Radiant Paper (35396) - Hello Sunshine, Dandy Paper (35397) - Hello Sunshine, Spree Paper (35400) - Hello Sunshine, Gleam Paper (35414) - Hello Sunshine, Zippy Paper (35411) - Hello Sunshine, Glee Paper (35402) - Hello Sunshine, Neat-O Paper (35392) - Peachy Keen, Peachy Keen Corduroy Brads (85538)  - Elements, Dusk (58637) - Ribbon, Charming Chap (78046) - Details, Sunny Side (72010) - Delights, Rose Brads (85522) - Elements, Fantastic White (53110) - Thickers, Sunrise Geranium (53178) - Thickers, Doll Waterfall (53169) - Thickers

"For this layout I used strips and product from the Hello Sunshine and Peachy Keen collections. I used those fun leftover pieces to create a flag banner at the top, as well as a fan of strips down at the bottom of my page. One additional element that I created was a strip of cut up strips. I trimmed my strips into 1/4" squares then randomly adhered them to a larger strip, spacing them out equally. This gives my fan of strips at the bottom an additional design element of pattern and color."

Supplies: 12x12 White Cardstock (71081) - AC Cardstock, Dandy Paper (35397) - Hello Sunshine, Annie Amaretto Paper (35344) - Confetti, Holly Hazelnut Paper (35323) - Confetti, Appleton Cove Paper (35348) - Campy Trails, Evergreen Point Paper (35358) - Campy Trails, Coconut Cody Paper (35328) - Confetti, Peppy Paper (35405) - Hello Sunshine, Glee Paper (35402) - Hello Sunshine, Decorative Tags (85547) - Bits, Confetti Buttons (85529) - Elements, Peachy Keen Corduroy Brads (85538) - Elements, Large Fabric Brads (85500) - Elements, Campy Trails Large Fabric Brads (85535) - Elements, Dusk (58637) - Ribbon, Hot Dog (89397) - Ribbon, Sunrise Geranium (53178) - Thickers, Doll Waterfall (53169) - Thickers, Sunrise Limeade (53179) - Thickers, Suprise! (42185) - Remarks

"For this layout I used a variety of barcode strips to bring the eye over to my very long title which meanders all the way down to the tag nestled within the pictures of my daughter. Since she was a very little tike, she LOVED playing on the tire swings at the playground. And still, at almost 9 years old, she loves to be spun around wildly just like when she was little. She's growing up, but she still enjoys those little things. When I saw the tag from Hello Sunshine, I knew I wanted to create a layout around that theme and it worked out great with all my Thickers!"

Supplies: Triple Chocolate Charlie Paper (35332) - Confetti, Holly Hazelnut Paper (35323) - Confetti, Archie Angel Food Paper (35329) - Confetti, Vickie Vanilla Swirl Paper (35341) - Confetti, Confetti Buttons (85529) - Elements, Shout (72009) - Delights, Dusk (58637) - Ribbon, Happy Birthday to You (70065) - Large Flair, Hot Dog (89397) - Ribbon

"I love using these trendy tubes for gifts and party favors. And they are PERFECT for using up those 1/4" strips! Wrap them around the lids and the tube itself, and voila, instant wow! For these tubes I tried to take the strips as far as I could. I trimmed them down the center to get twice the usage, then curled them like curling ribbon. I even took pieces of them and used them as additional umph to the already darling Shout Delights. With my second much taller tube, I wrapped the tube itself with darling cupcakes paper and used them for ribbon streamers along with my super cute Large Flair."

Great work Amy - WOW! Thanks for inspiring us all with new and creative ways to use barcode strips! Here is a little questionnaire with Amy:

How did you get started scrapbooking?
I was introduced to "modern" scrapbooking back in 2004 when I was invited to a monthly crop group after we moved across the country for my husband's schooling. My daughter was not nearly two at the time and I was excited to start documenting her life and ours. As a graphic designer by trade, I was immediately drawn to all the paper, ink, cutting tools, and color! I knew it would be a hobby for life. But it wasn't until my son was about two, back in 2008, that I became truly addicted to this craft.

What would you say your scrapbooking “style” is?
I'm not sure what my "style" is, as I am constantly trying to push myself and try new things. However, I do know 1) I love color, 2) I love pattern, 3) I love fresh and vibrant pages, 4) I love layering. I would like to think of myself as creative and whimsical, but who knows! :D

What is your favorite technique?
I LOVE layering color, pattern, and texture. The more the better. To me, the challenge is always to use as much product as I can and still make a page cohesive, tight, and well-designed. I also sew on nearly every project I do, so that's way up on my list of favorite techniques as well. 

When do you find time to scrap?
Really the only time I have to scrap is when my kids are in school and on the weekends. I am not a night person at all, never have been, so unfortunately I don't scrap after everyone's in bed. I wish I could, I'd get a lot more accomplished! Luckily I have a very supportive husband who allows me to have the weekends entirely to myself to create as much as I'd like. Gotta love him! ;)

On average, how long does it take you to complete a project?
Boy that's tough, it depends on the project. But I would say probably a couple hours to create a typical one page layout and maybe a half hour for a card.

What is your favorite thing about American Crafts?
Um - what ISN'T to love?! I think that American Crafts has set the standard on so many levels, it's hard to pick just one. From spot on trends in color, design, and quality, everything is top notch! The AC products I use on a daily basis are Thickers, cardstock, and my precision pens, can't live without those!

Be sure you stop by Amy's blog because she is one amazing scrapbooker and crafter! See you again tomorrow for even more barcode strips fun!

To win 100 (!!!) sheets of patterned papers with patterned barcode strips:

  Simply "Like" our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter, then leave a comment on this post by Friday morning, May 27th 2011, letting us know that you did one of these two things AND what your favorite color combintation is. I'll randomly select one winner and announce them with the Friday morning post! Gooood luck!

Poki Nobeno all the way from Japan has created a one-of-a-kind project using barcode strips: A book cover!

Keep reading to find out how she made this so you can make one of your very own.

step 1: Cut a piece of white cardstock the same size as the poket diary cover as a base.

step 2: Tear off the barcode strips from the patterned papers you wish to use. 

step 3: Line up the barcode strips in the order you like then glue them to the white cardstock cover. 

step 4: Straight stitch across all the long edges of the barcode strips by machine.

step 5: Cut off the excess part of the strips, place the new cover in a protective sleeve, and wrap it around your book! 

All done!

Poki concludes, "Sometimes the barcode strips are thrown away, but gathering them together makes cute and colorful works. I am thinking of making a photoframe with them next time!" 

Our weekly giveaway will be posted in a few hours so make sure you drop by again later today!

You know those thin 12" long strips of paper at the bottoms of American Crafts patterned papers that have the barcode on them and then the other side is a pattern and you just don't want to throw them away but don't really know what to do with them? Never fear! This week our talented Design Team has come up with some creative solutions to make the most of these patterned barcode strips! Wendy McKee,  Shannon Zickel, and yours truly, have each created a layout to show you how to use this fun and versatile product.

Supplies: Barcode strips from Confetti patterned papers, Lucky Lemon Twist (35331) - Confetti,  12x12 White Cardstoc (71081) - AC Cardstock, Heart White (53092) - Thickers

Wendy says, "I used lots of different strips from the bottoms of the papers. I chose ones that match all the colours in the photograph, then I used them to mat the photo instead of plain cardstock. I added a banner looking finish to each of the strips to add more detail. I used a normal yellow piece of paper to cut up and make it look like a sun even though it was freezing that day! I tried to copy the writing on the ice cream sign for the placement of the title."

Supplies:  12x12 Kraft Cardstock (71464) - AC Cardstock, Big Pine Creek Paper (35369) - Campy Trails, Thing of Beauty Paper (35370) - Peachy Keen, Dainty Paper (35404) - Hello Sunshine, Forest Gardens Paper (35226) - City Park, Trail (64003) - Remarks, Gate (85509) - Remarks, Forest Chestnut (53159) - Thickers, Sunny Side (72010) - Delights, Sunshine (72012) - Delights, Sotheby's (42457) - Remarks, Chestnut (59512) - Pigment Ink, Leaf (59508) - Pigment Ink, Powder 59505) - Pigment Ink, Clay (59513) - Pigment Ink, Black Precision Pen .03 (62311) - Pens & Markers 

Shannon remarks, "I gasped when I first saw the new AC papers with the coordinating patterned tear off strips on the reverse of the barcodes. I have been known to use lots of small strips on my layout, and these strips now simplify the process - I know I will have perfectly coordinating strips to go with my design and no more cutting, just rip and go!"

Supplies: Barcode strips from Margarita, Confetti, Peachy Keen, Hello Sunshine, Campy Trails, and The Classics patterned papers, 12x12 Vanilla Cardstock (71041) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Kraft Cardstock (71464) - AC Cardstock, .03 Brown (62316) - Precision Pen, Hardcover Brown Sugar (53137) - Thickers, Coffee Velvet with Scallops (58348) - Ribbon, Solid Glue Runner (61711) - This to That, Party Favor (72007) - Delights, Dedication (82303) - Mementos, Prince (82302) - Mementos

I love the look of paper weaving - any excuse to use tons of patterned papers on my layouts is OK in my book! Plus it lets me use a subtle amount of pink on my little boy pages. To create this weaved barcode strips heart I cut a 10" square of scrap cardstock, weaved my favorite barcode strips across it, then I flipped the whole piece over and drew a heart on the back, trimmed around it, and glued it to my background cardstock. I also handcut a banner from Kraft cardstock - I love the bit of dimension it adds!

Come back tomorrow for a step-by-step photo tutorial using barcode strips that is ultra cool!

You wanted to know how to make the Mixtape flowers on Pooi's layout and card from this past week (and let's be honest, I want to know how to, too!) and she graciously granted our wish! Here is a step-by-step photo tutorial teaching us how to make these wonderful Mixtape flower embellishments:

Step 2 - Use a pair of decorative scissors to cut a spiral into the circle, from the outside to the inside.

Step 3 - This is how the spiral looks like after cutting the entire circle.

Step 4 – Tear different pieces and colors of Mixtape then wrap them around the spiral. Remember to tear the Mixtape and not neatly cut is because the tearing leaves the edges raw and adds character to the flower. Plus it's easier to just tear the Mixtape than take the time to cut it.

Step 5 - Make sure all the white parts are covered with Mixtape.

Step 6 -  Next, start to roll or twirl the spiral from the outer edge to the inner edge using your fingers. You can also use a small stick in the twirling process if you need that little help.  

Step 7 - This is what the little lovely bloom should look like at this point - (I'm holding it tightly with my fingers:

Step 8 -  Leave the flower on the table to let it spring or ‘grow’ bigger, adjust it to the size that you want, then curl the edges.

Step 9 – Lastly, put some glue at the bottom of the flower to stick it down. Add a pretty brad in the center. And most importantly, HAVE FUN making these and I bet you will never want to stop, lol :)

Thanks so much Pooi! I'm sure we're going to start seeing these pop up everywhere. If you create a Mixtape flower, make sure to leave a comment here with a link to your blog post showing us - we'd LOVE to take a look!

Congratulations to the randomly selected winner of the Flowers & Butterflies giveaway, Aimee Maddern:

Until next week's giveaway - thanks to all who submitted! It was fun to find out which flowers are your favorite!

Michelle Lanning and Caroline Ikeji are finishing off this week with gorgeous layouts and cards:

  Supplies: 12x12 Kraft Cardstock (71464) - AC Cardstock, Bliss Paper (35395) - Hello Sunshine, Glee Paper (35402) - Hello Sunshine, Brilliance Paper (35415) - Hello Sunshine, Spree Paper (35400) - Hello Sunshine, Sunset Blush (53182) - Thickers, Daylight (78048) - Details, Sunbeam (72011) - Delights, Sunshine (72012) - Delights, Tenderness (78034) - Details

Supplies: Breezy Paper (35406) - Hello Sunshine, 5x7 White (71346) - Cards & Envelopes, Sunrise Borders (53185) - Thickers, Sunbeam (72011) - Delights, Sunshine (72012) - Delights

Supplies: Dandy Paper (35397) - Hello Sunshine, Delight Paper (35399) - Hello Sunshine, Dainty Paper (35404) - Hello Sunshine, Glow Paper (35408) - Hello Sunshine, Delicate Paper (35413) - Hello Sunshine, Gleam Paper (35414) - Hello Sunshine, Sunrise Geranium (53178) - Thickers, Forest Chestnut (53159) - Thickers, Sunrise Borders (53185) - Thickers, Sunnyside (72010) - Delights, Sunbeam (72011) - Delights, Sunshine (72012) - Delights, Dawn (58620) - Ribbon, Good Morning (42194) - Remarks, Good Afternoon (42195) - Remarks

Caroline says, "I love butterflies and flowers - they are the perfect spring motif! I wanted to find a spring-ish photo to go along with this theme, so I dug through my photos and realized I never scrapped this one from my NYC trip last spring. I pulled out all the lovely flower and butterfly accents from the Hello Sunshine line and used lots of them on this page! I wanted to create a fresh, happy, and springy feel."

Supplies: Breezy Paper (35406) - Hello Sunshine, Bliss Paper (35395) - Hello Sunshine, Blithe Paper (35416) - Hello Sunshine, Hello Sunshine Borders (53185) - Thickers, Hello Sunshine Metal Rimmed Decorative Tags (85546) - Bits, Hello Sunshine Pearl Brads (85545) - Elements

"I started with the 'Thanks"'metal rimmed Bits tag - loved the cute little floral pattern on it. I wanted to create a stream of flowers and butterflies across the center of the card, so I combined the tag with a Details flower, and a flower and butterfly cut from the Breezy paper."

That's a wrap on this week! Usually we don't have posts on Saturdays, but we had to make an exception for tomorrow - Pooi is going to teach us how to make her Mixtape flowers! So come back at 9am PST so you'll have all day to get crafty!

We're back to share some flowers & butterflies-themed cards by Jenny Chesnick:  Where There's A Wish Supplies: 12x12 White Cardstock (71081) - AC Cardstock, Gentle Badger Paper (35253) - Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Graceful Swan Paper (35248) - Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Metal Rose Brads (85513) Elements, Pastels Large Pearl Brads (85316) - Elements, Duchess (89389) - Ribbon, Damsel (43387) - Minimarks, Exquisite (42181) - Remarks, Dimensional Dots (61709) - This to That

Find You, Be You Supplies: 12x12 White Cardstock (71081) - AC Cardstock, Elated Iris Paper (35257) - Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Noble James Paper (35250) Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Pastels Large Pearl Brads (85316) - Elements, Exquisite (42181) Remarks, Blackberry (59203) - Clear Stamps, Denim (59502) - Pigment Ink, Dimensional Dots (61709) - This to That

Jenny says, "Butterflies and flowers seem to be a staple for many scrapbookers these days. I particularly love the Elated Iris paper with the hidden butterflies among the floral patterns. I used my Blackberry stamps to create my own floral pattern on the punched out butterfly accent."

The giveaway winner will be announced tomorrow morning as well as the wrap-up projects!

I'm excited to annouce the Guest Designer of the Week: AnnaMarie Mondro!

Her flowers & butterflies layouts, cards, and project are so beautiful and inspiring. I won't ramble any longer, I'll just let you take a gander:

Supplies: Blithe Paper (35416) – Hello Sunshine, Breezy Paper (35406) – Hello Sunshine, Delicate Paper (35413) – Hello Sunshine, Brilliance Paper (35415) – Hello Sunshine, Sparkle Paper (35410) – Hello Sunshine, Daybreak (78049) – Details, Daylight (78048) – Details, Sunny Side (72010) – Delights, Dawn (58620) - Boxed Ribbon, Good Afternoon (42195) – Remarks Books, Good Morning (42194) – Remarks Books, Doll Waterfall (53169) – Thickers, Vera Taffy (42931) – Thickers

"I fell in love with Hello Sunshine as soon as I saw it online and it did not disappoint in real life! The colors are bright and happy and scream warm weather and big smiles, just like the photo of my youngest daughter!! :) The paper flowers found in the Delights embellishment pack work wonderfully for random placement of elements and/or lined up to create a border piece. The premium ribbons also have patterns that are as lovely as their patterned paper counterparts!"

Supplies: 12x12 Cardstock Sunflower (71038) – AC Cardstock, Bliss Paper (35395) – Hello Sunshine, Breezy Paper (35406) – Hello Sunshine, Blithe Paper (35416) – Hello Sunshine, Daylight (78048) – Details, Metal Rimmed Tags (85546) – Bits, Dawn (58620) - Ribbon, Lullaby Sunflower (42959) – Thickers

"Even though Hello Sunshine is filled with yummy bright colors, I found that I could pull out certain sheets of the patterned papers and layer them in such a way as to create a soft card counterpart to the brighter layout shown above. There are also some wonderful phrases or words to be found on the Bits metal rimmed tags and this card was actually created around that same tag. I also added pop dots to the Remarks stickers to add further dimensionality to the card."

Supplies: No Sweat Paper (35378) – Peachy Keen, Sweet on You Paper (35374) – Peachy Keen, My Darling Paper (35390) – Peachy Keen, Fancy Free Paper (35377) – Peachy Keen, Baby Doll Paper (35384) – Peachy Keen, Sunrise Borders (53185) – Thickers, Twist (72008) – Delights, Just Dandy (82304) – Mementos, Doll Waterfall (53169) – Thickers , Daiquiri White (42743) – Thickers

"Who says boy layouts can’t have flowers, butterflies, or pink on them??!! :) Again, the softer color palette of Peachy Keen  gives just the right amount of softness to complement these super sweet black and white photos of my little guy J, and yet it doesn’t end up feeling girly at all. I also gently bent and creased the chipboard border accent piece to allow it to form more of an arc shape, which complements the soft curves already throughout the page (clouds, scallops, etc.)"

Supplies: 12x12 Cardstock Chestnut (71408) – AC Cardstock, Peanut Butter Benny Paper (35322) – Confetti, Lucy Lemon Twist Paper (35331) – Confetti,  Pin the Tail (42186) – Remarks Dimensional Stickers, Bows (87648) - Boxed Ribbon, Party Favor (72007) – Delights, Doll Waterfall (53169) – Thickers

"The Confetti line is such a fun and happy collection! I often try to keep birthday cards on hand for the many birthday parties that my kids are invited to throughtout the school year and I really love how bright and yet boyish this card turned out. American Crafts cardstock is SO easy to trim and score as well! The dimensional stickers added to the front of the card help balance out the dimension from the Thickers at the top, and I love how the candles easily line up with the pattern on the paper."

Supplies: 12x12 Cardstock Kraft (71464) – AC Cardstock, Fancy Free Paper (35377) – Peachy Keen, Sweet on You Paper (35374) – Peachy Keen, Thing of Beauty Paper (35370) – Peachy Keen, My Darling Paper (35390) – Peachy Keen, You’re a Peach Paper (35381) – Peachy Keen, Metal Rimmed Tags (85542) – Bits, Twist (72008) – Delights, Forest Vanilla (53162) – Thickers, Meadow Black (53163) – Thickers, Doll Waterfall (53169) – Thickers

"I love the softer color palette of the Peachy Keen collection. Because I was using a smaller photo of my oldest daughter on this page, I wanted to create a layout that was simple – I cut random strips of the patterned papers and arranged them around the photo in a way that manages to keep the eye drawn to the picture – one of those layouts where I like to play with just 'bits and pieces' so they don’t overwhelm and instead bring the photo to the forefront."

Supplies: Radiant Paper (35396) – Hello Sunshine, Delicate Paper (35413) – Hello Sunshine, Breezy Paper (35406) – Hello Sunshine, Illuminate Paper (35412) – Hello Sunshine, Daylight (78048) – Details, Dawn (58620) - Ribbon

"Both of my daughters play soccer and when they have a game the jewelry has to come off. My youngest daughter usually likes to put it right back on afterwards and so we’ve talked about having something that she could easily hang a bracelet or two without having to dig constantly in and out of her jewelry box. The Hello Sunshine line also happens to coordinate nicely with my girls’ existing room décor so when I saw this little birdhouse at the craft store, I knew it would be a perfect little dresser décor piece that could also hold a bracelet or two. Again, I love that with this line, you can pretty much mix any of the papers and the patterns coordinate together so nicely!"

Stunning projects AnnaMarie! Each one is so beautiful and unique - wow! Here's a bit more about her:

How did you get started scrapbooking?
I had a close friend who was a scrapper and she was always trying to get me interested in it, but it wasn’t until after the birth of my second daughter that I became more interested in the idea of preserving memories on paper rather than simply filing away pictures into a photo album. I signed up with my friend for a couple classes at the LSS and quickly fell in love with patterned paper and embellishments… the rest is history!

What would you say your scrapbooking “style” is?
That has always been a hard question for me to answer because I honestly don’t know the answer! I love color and details and I enjoy creating a more simplistic layout as much as I do one that has lots of layers and bits and pieces. One of the things I love most about scrapping is that you are not restricted to any “set” way… you are always free to evolve your style by experimenting with different things, and if you’re happy with it, that’s all that matters!

What is your favorite technique?
I’ve been playing a bit more with misting – I love the little splashes of color and pop it gives to an otherwise neutral background, especially when combined with masking techniques. However, my favorite technique right now is using border punches – I LOVE my border punches! J

When do you find time to scrap?
I have four kids ranging in age from 9.5 to (almost) 16 months, so my days are pretty busy! I am a night owl by nature, so the bulk of my scrapping usually takes place after the kids are in bed, when I don’t have to worry about interruptions and/or little hands getting into anything they shouldn’t. :) However, during the day, I will try to take time to jot down ideas, sketch, and/or print out pictures so that I am making the most of my time later that night when I am finally able to sit down and play with paper!

On average, how long does it take you to complete a project?
I feel like I am the world’s slooooooowest scrapper! On average, a project can take me anywhere between 1-3 hours depending on interruptions and/or my need for perfectionism that day. :-P I also try to challenge myself to make each layout a little bit different than the last one.

What is your favorite thing about American Crafts?
I kid you not when I say that I may have just about every set of Thickers ever made :-P LOVE my Thickers!! Also I love the fun, bright colors of the papers and embellishments, the fact that so many of the lines coordinate nicely with one another, and if they don’t, simply flip to the reverse of the patterned paper and you will find another lovely option for colors and/or pattern choice. I also love that American Crafts’ new releases are always in step with current trends and that it is a company I can rely on for releases that offer something for momma scrappers of both girls AND boys!

Visit AnnaMarie's blog to see all the scrappy things she's created and to learn even more about her!

To win this fun assortment of butterflies and flowers-themed product:

Leave a comment on this post by Friday morning, May 20th 2011 telling us what your favorite flower is, and I'll randomly select one winner to recieve it all! Good luck!

Maggie Holmes is in the spotlight today to share with us how to make this adorable flowers & butterflies garland:

Maggie shares, "I thought it would be fun to spruce up this corner of Emily's room with some simple and easy-to-make garlands. The fun thing about creating your own is that you can customize them to match your color scheme!"

Step 1: Choose your papers and some punches. I chose a mix of colors/patterns and different punches. You could also use another cutting tool or machine if you don't have punches.

Supplies: Elated Iris Paper (35257) - Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Charming Collin Paper (35263) - Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Hyde Park Paper (35238) - City Park, Fairmont Gardens Paper (35242) - City Park, Friendly Fern Paper (35092) - Dear Lizzy Spring, Ender Paper (35317) - The Classics; Other: Punches, sewing machine, thread, scissors

Step 2: Punch out a bunch of your shapes. For mine I decided to create a garland out of the butterflies and then two garlands out of the other circle shapes so I kept them separate as I was punching. Also, if you don't like the back side of some of your papers, you can punch double of that shape and glue them back-to-back with some adhesive.

Step 3: Use a sewing machine to stitch the shapes together and create your garlands. You will want to pull out a long piece of thread first so that your garland has a "tail" for hanging. Then you just push each shape through as you sew. You can space them out as close or far apart as you like and also make the garland as long as your heart desires!

Step 4: Enjoy your garlands and use them to decorate your home or decorate for a party! I simply draped them over this old blue door that I have in Emily's room. I draped them at different levels and angles. Super quick and easy and I think it adds just the right touch I was looking for!
Is that the cutest little girl's room or what? Thanks so much for sharing this easy-as-pie tutorial Maggie!

Check back in a few hours for our weekly giveaway!

They flitter, they float, you take time to stop and smell them, they're pretty, and fun to chase. I'm talking about flowers & butterflies - which coincidentally is the theme of the week on the American Crafts blog! Our designers have created some beautiful layouts, cards, and projects which will get you in the perfect mood to start scrapping your early spring pictures. Today, Leslie Ashe and Chin Pooi created a layout and card each featuring flowers & butterflies.

Supplies: Illuminate Paper (35412) – Hello Sunshine, Suzie Strawberry Paper (35330) – Confetti, Lucy Lemon Twist Paper (35331) – Confetti, Neopolitan Nellie Paper (35327) – Confetti, Daylight (78048) – Details, Presents (78043) – Details, The Classics Medium Brads (85525) – Elements, Party Favor (72007) – Delights, Basic Ribbon Spools (58232) – Ribbon, Chestnut Stroll (53118) – Thickers, 12x12 Kraft Cardstock (71464) - AC Cardstock

Supplies: Wonderland Paper (35310) – The Classics, Ender’s Game Paper (35317) – The Classics, Illuminate Paper (35412) – Hello Sunshine, Breezy Paper (35406) – Hello Sunshine, Frolic Paper (35403) – Hello Sunshine, No Sweat Paper (35378) – Peachy Keen, Hello Sunshine Pearl Brads (85545) – Elements, Sunny Side (72010) – Delights, Good Morning (42194) – Remarks

"If there’s anything I truly love to use on projects, it’s flowers and butterflies! The flowers that are ready made like the ones I used on this card make for a fast easy and FUN project. Little tip: hand cut leaves to tuck behind flowers and fold up on the edges to make them somewhat dimensional." 

The randomly selected winner of the American Crafts Cardstock Packs and the $50 Silhouette gift card is Kathy K:

Congrats Kathy - check your email! We'll have another chance to win awesome AC product next week!

We're wrapping up Silhouette & AC Cardstock week with some layouts and cards by Robyn Werlich, Jennifer Gallacher, and Melanie Louette. Take a peek:

American Crafts Supplies: Sunset Blush (53182) - Thickers, Sunrise Natural (53180) - Thickers, Sunshine  (72012) - Delights, Decorative Tags (85546) - Bits, Good Morning (42194) - Remarks, Plastic Rose Brads (85539) - Elements, Hello Sunshine Fabric Brads (85544) - Elements, Stumpy Meadow Paper (35347) - Campy Trails, Buffalo Lake Paper (35350) - Campy Trails, Holy Moly Paper (35391) - Peachy Keen Silhouette Die Cuts by American Crafts: botanique_butterfly_C00068_27175, dear_lizzy_banner_C00001_27175 

Robyn says, "I love my Silhouette die cutting machine! When American Crafts started adding their designs to the store, I was in heaven! For this layout, I die cut the large butterfly twice and the small banner in the bottom right hand corner. I love how they add that perfect little detail to the finished layout. For the title, I took the chipboard Thickers letters and sprayed them with brown mist to change the color. Such fun techniques to throw in together!"

American Crafts Supplies: 12x12 Cardstock Chestnut (71048) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Cardstock Caramel (71045) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Cardstock Kraft (71464) - AC Cardstock, Timberline Resort Paper (35357) - Campy Trails, Rocky Point Paper (35365) - Campy Trails, Elk Creek Trail Paper (35354) - AC Cardstock, Cedar River Trail Paper (35359) - Campy Trails, Dandy Paper (35397) - Hello Sunshine, Sparkle Paper (35410) - Hello Sunshine, Cool Cat Paper (35389) - Peachy Keen, Easy Peasy Paper (35382) - Peachy Keen, Fellow Fog (53175) - Thickers, Fabric Brads (85535) - Elements, Black (59500) - Pigment Ink, Dryer (59104) - Clear Stamps, Caramel (58510) - Ribbon, Brown (57101) - Ribbon Silhouette Die Cuts by American Crafts: dear_lizzy_fence_C00018_27175, dear_lizzy_banner_C00001_27175, flower_C00038_27175

Jennifer says, "I love creating scenes on my layouts so I used the fence Silhouette American Crafts die cut shape and used the 'Tent' clear stamp to give each of the fence posts a woodgrain texture. I then cut the triangles from the Dear Lizzy Banner shape and attached them to the fence with white twine. To create the card, I used the negative part of the die cut and layered patterned paper beneath the petals, the leaves, and the stem. You can use this technique with embossing powder, markers, or cardstock to create an entirely new look."

American Crafts Supplies: 12x12 Cherry Cardstock (71026) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Carrot Cardstock (71032) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Lemon Cardstock (71039) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Cricket Cardstock (71060) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Powder Cardstock (71064) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Grape Cardstock (71010) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Kraft Cardstock (71464) - AC Cardstock, 8.5x11 White Cardstock (71156) - AC Cardstock, Sentiments Large Set (59004) - Clear Stamps, Powder (27144) - Zing!, Heat Tool (90502) - Zap!, Dot Glue Runner (61713) - This to That Silhouette Die Cut by American Crafts: dear_lizzy_rainbow_C00024_27175

American Crafts Supplies: 8.5x11 White Cardstock (71156) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Chocolate Cardstock (71047) - AC Cardstock, Cherry Chip Paper (35336) - Confetti, Presents (78043) - Details, Hannah & Henry (42541) - Remarks, 3/8 Grosgrain (58456) - Ribbon Silhouette Die Cut by American Crafts: Dear Lizzy Doily C00013-27175

Melanie says, "Since doilies are hot right now, and AC has a few really nice ones for Silhouette, I decided to try one out on a card. I have to say, this machine fascinates me! I was pleasantly surprised to see that the intricate shape was perfectly cut and detailed with the cardstock, even though I re-sized the doily considerably smaller to fit my card. This card was really fast to put together - I just adhered the doily onto my round card (also cut with the Silhouette), added the punched scalloped circle and 'Detail' sentiment to the middle, and finished it off with the subtitle letter stickers and a ribbon."

If you don't have a Silhouette already, I bet you're dying to get one now! Have a great weekend everybody and see you again right here on Monday!

We're back again to share some cards made using a Silhouette and AC Cardstock by Susan Weinroth and Cindy Tobey!
American Crafts Supplies: 12x12 Powder Cardstock (71064) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Stone Cardstock (71079) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Ash Cardstock (71078) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Aqua Cardstock (71058) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Bubblegum Cardstock (71018) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Vanilla Cardstock (71041) - AC Cardstock, Round Tags (85542) - Bits, Plastic Rose Brads (85539) - Elements, Just Dandy (82304) - Mementos,  Shout (72009) - Delights, Dear Borders (53176) - Thickers, Jitter Paper (35373) - Peachy Keen, My Oh My Paper (35376) - Peachy Keen, Baby Doll Paper (35384) - Peacy Keen, Fancy Free Paper (35377) - Peachy Keen Silhouette Die Cuts by American Crafts: Dear Lizzy Heart Circles, Heart, Love Phrase

Susan says, "American Crafts die cut patterns for Silhouette machines - paired with their fabulous cardstock - make card creating a breeze! I love to give my die cut shapes for my cards a little extra dimension both with colored mist and foam adhesive."

  American Crafts Supplies: 12x12 Cardstock Butterscotch (71035) - AC Cardstock, Sweet On You Paper (35374) - Peachy Keen, Fancy Free Paper (35377) - Peachy Keen, Shout (72009) - Delights, Bow Tie (89398) - Ribbon, Audrey (42191) - Remarks, Super Swell (42193) - Remarks Silhouette Die Cut by American Crafts: Flower (C00039_27175)

Cindy says, "I selected one of the AC flower die cut designs for my card and added a Delights flower to it. I love the delicate intricacy that the die cut flower adds to my card."

Tomorrow the winner of the giveaway will be announced and we'll have some final Silhouette + AC Cardstock creations!

When I asked the American Crafts Design Team who should be the Guest Designer to feature Silhouette die cuts Nichol Magouirk was recommended with flying colors - and I can see why! She is so talented and crafty - I'm sure you'll be inspired!

Check out the amazing layouts, cards, and cute shadowbox Nichol created for her guest design spot:
 American Crafts Supplies: 12x12 Kraft Cardstock (71464) - AC Cardstock, Graceful Swan Paper (35248) - Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Refined Percy Paper (35259) - Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Noble James Paper (35250) - Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Wonderful Alice Paper (35247) - Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Fashionable Peony Paper (35266) - Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Sophisticated Jack Paper (35260) - Dear Lizzy Enchanted, Serenade Puffy (53153) - Thickers, Campy Trails Brads (85124) - Elements, Variety Tags (77242) - Bits, Journaling Cards (64005) - JustWrite Silhouette Die Cuts by American Crafts:  flourish_C00032_27175, flouish_C00033_27175

Nichol says, "To create the decorative flourish border in the Silhouette Software, I changed the cutting mat size to 12" long and resized the flourish to 1" tall. Then I duplicated the image repeatedly until I had a row of seven flourishes that all slightly overlapped. I removed a few of the small areas to be cut by clicking the ungroup button and deleting anything I didn't want to cut. Then I clicked and dragged around the entire border and clicked the 'weld' button so that the software would create a continuous border to be cut all at once instead of individual flourishes. It was really quick and easy to do and makes a really nice statement on this feminine layout. I wanted to incorporate some die cut flowers on my page and chose to use another flourish design. I simply cut the flourish in a couple of sizes from several pieces of patterned paper and layered them on punched circles, adding a brad embellished with pearl gems."

American Crafts Supplies: 12x12 White Cardstock (71259) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Cherry Cardstock (71250) - AC Cardstock, Gossamer Paper (35409) - Hello Sunshine, My Darling Paper (35390) - Peachy Keen, My Oh My Paper (35376) - Peachy Keen, Frankie Fudge Paper (35342) - Confetti, Doll Fabric (53171) - Thickers, Journaling Cards (64005) - JustWrite, Sunnyside (72010) - Delights, Stream (61733) - Mixtape Silhouette Die Cut by American Crafts: flower_C00040_27175

"I wanted to incorporate some sort of a floral element on this page to help break up all the hard lines from the layered papers, however, I wanted it to make a big impact. I die cut the flower from cardstock, once from white and once from pink, and layered the pink flower over the white flower to give it a bit of dimension without bulk. Then I used a white pen to add dot detailing along the design to really make it stand out."

 American Crafts Supplies: 12x12 Kraft Cardstock (71464) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Rust Cardstock (71251) - AC Cardstock, Black Fork Paper (35363) - Campy Trails, Wolf Creek Paper (35362) - Campy Trails, Cedar Rivertrail Paper (35359) - Campy Trails, Hot Dog (89397) - Ribbon, Decorative Tags (85534) - Bits, Campy Trails Brads (85124) - Elements, Doll Fabric (53171) - Thickers Silhouette Die Cuts by American Crafts: flourish_C00034_27175, botanique_butterfly_C00068_27175

"Because my layout was photo heavy, I wanted to balance the design with the a large title and larger scale die cut embellishment. I die cut the butterfly at 3.5" wide from cardstock and framed it by cutting circles from the bottom layers using a Coluzzle tool. I love the way the circles frame the butterfly and draw attention to the design. I machine stitched the center of the butterfly to secure it to the page and left the wings loose. To add emphasis to the Thickers title, I die cut a couple of flourishes small (1" tall) and added a flourish to each end."

American Crafts Supplies: 12x12 White Cardstock (71259) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Spinach Cardstock (71251) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Sunflower Cardstock (71251) - AC Cardstock, Glow Paper (35408) - Hello Sunshine, Round Tags (85542) - Bits, Dusk (58637) - Ribbon, Exquisite (42181) - Remarkts, White Mini Jewel Brads (85282) - Elements Silhouette Die Cut by American Crafts: dear_lizzy_lemons_C00023_27175

American Crafts Supplies: 12x12 White Cardstock (71259) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Spinach Cardstock (71251) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Pool Cardstock (71249) - AC Cardstock, Sunnyside (72010) - Delights, Just Dandy (82304) - Mementos, Journaling Cards (64005) - JustWrite Silhouette Die Cut by American Crafts: flower_C00048_27175

"I wanted to create a custom flower die cut background design for my card. I started by resizing the flower design to approximately 1.5" wide in the Silhouette Software. I duplicated the design and slightly overlapped the two flowers, then I repeated that step until I had a block of sixteen flowers overlapping. I clicked outside the design and dragged to create a box around the shape and then clicked the 'weld' button. Anywhere the flowers overlapped was welded together to create a lace paper. I resized the design to 4.25" to fit the front of my card and cut the design from cardstock."

American Crafts Supplies: 12x12 White Cardstock (71259) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Crimson Cardstock (71247) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Black Cardstock (71260) - AC Cardstock, Waterfront Park Paper (35229) - City Park, Lincoln Park Paper (35228) - City Park, Skyline Paper (35235) - City Park, Courtland Gardens Paper (35232) - City Park, Fairmont Gardens Paper (35242) - City Park, Doll Black (53168) - Thickers Silhouette Die Cuts by American Crafts: dear_lizzy_heart_circles_C00021_27175, dear_lizzy_fence_C00018_27175, dear_lizzy_dreams_C00016_27175, dear_lizzy_bicycle_C00003_27175

"I love creating customized framed projects for my home. I used four Dear Lizzy Silhouette shapes to create this frame for my daughter's room. I layered vellum over the cloud background paper before adhering anything to help make the die cut shapes stand out more. I popped the fence up on foam adhesive and adhered the bicycle to the fence. Several of the hearts are adhered with foam dots as well. To die cut the hearts, I ungrouped the design in the Silhouette software before cutting to remove the outer circle design."

Want to know a little bit more about Nichol? Your wish is my command!

Hope you enjoyed getting to know Nichol and seeing how she rocked her Silhouette and AC Cardstock! Check out her blog for tons of stellar ideas!

Wish I could enter the giveaway this week myself - it's that good! Here's what's up for grabs for one lucky randomly selected winner:

All of these packs of American Crafts cardstock:

AND a $50 download giftcard to Silhouette!

For your chance to win, leave a comment on this post by this Friday morning, May 13th 2011, and I'll announce the winner with the Friday morning post. Good luck!

Silhouette and AC Cardstock week continues with two more divine layouts by Cindy Tobey and Kelly Purkey.

American Crafts Supplies: 12x12 Cardstock Vanilla (71041) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Cardstock Banana (71502) - AC Cardstock, My Darling Paper (35390) - Peachy Keen, Sweet On You Paper (35374) - Peachy Keen, Fancy Free Paper (35377) - Peachy Keen, Super Swell (42193) - Remarks, Fellow Fog (53175) - Thickers, Shout (72009) - Delights, Good Golly (70068) - Flair, Bow Tie (89398) - Ribbon, Rose Brads (85539) - Elements, Medium Jewel Brads Elegant (85294) - Elements, Large Jewel Brads Elegant (85309) - Elements Silhouette Die Cut by American Crafts: Dear Lizzy Doily (C00014_27175)

Cindy says, "I was thrilled when I found out American Crafts has die cut designs for the Silhouette. I was immediately drawn to all the Dear Lizzy doily designs. I decided to go big with the doily but used soft colors of cardstock so that it wouldn't overpower my photo. I love how the doily leads your eye right to my parents' wedding photo. "

American Crafts Supplies: Holly Hazelnut Paper (35323) - Confetti, Elk Creek Trail Paper (35354) - Campy Trails, 12x12 White Cardstock (71081) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Black Cardstock (71082) - AC Cardstock, Sunflower 12x12 Cardstock (71038) - AC Cardstock, Sunrise Black (53177) - Thickers Silhouette Die Cut by American Crafts: Dear Lizzy Bee (C00002_27175)

Kelly says, "I love my Silhouette and how easily it cuts through AC Cardstock - it's a great combination like peanut butter and jelly! I found this cute Dear Lizzy bumble bee in the Silhouette store and just wanted to make a page using him. I cut him out in multiple sizes, then added patterned paper behind his body. The design just made me happy, so I added a little photo and a quick title. The whole layout was made to celebrate happiness and it makes me smile!"

Come back in a few hours for a giveaway that you won't want to miss a chance to win!

Did you know American Crafts makes downloadable die cuts for Silhouette? And super cute ones at that! Our talented design team teamed up with Silhouette this week to show you how you can use this awesome tool with American Crafts Cardstock to create some one-of-a-kind layouts, cards, and other projects. Let's get started with a pair of layouts by Jen Jockisch and Melanie Louette!

 American Crafts Supplies: 12x12 Cardstock White (71081) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Cardstock Parfait (71499) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Cardstock Taffy (71022) - AC Cardstock,  12x12 Cardstock Caramel (71045) - AC Cardstock, Hardcover Aquatic (53138) - Thickers, Decorative Tape (61734) - Mixtape, Decorative Tape (61733) - Mixtape, Fabric Brads (85524) - Elements, Large Jewel Brads Metallic (85304) - Elements, Mini Jewel Brads Metallic (85274) - Elements, Medium Glitter Brads Metallic (85349) - Elements, Large Glitter Brads Metallic (85364) - Elements, Medium Glitter Brads Brights (85348) - Elements, Medium Brads Brights (85393) - Elements, Small Brads Brights (85378) - Elements, Black .01 Pen (62301) - Precision Pens Silhouette Die Cuts by American Crafts: Dear Lizzy Grow, Dear Lizzy Heart Circles, Dear Lizzy Doily, Dear Lizzy Tree Branch 

Jen shares, "I really, really love my Silhouette. And now that American Crafts has released some of their designs in the Silhouette store, I love it even more. I used the Dear Lizzy doilies on this layout and just separated the individual pieces to create my circles. I layered some Mixtape underneath and then placed the doilies on top and used my craft knife to cut the extra tape away. I love this look and will definitely be doing this again!"

American Crafts Supplies: 8.5x11 White (71156) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Powder (71064) - AC Cardstock, Bliss Paper (35395) - Hello Sunshine, Radiant Paper (35396) - Hello Sunshine, Borders (53185) – Hello Sunshine, Reinforced Decorative Tags (85547) - Bits, Heartstrings (89384) - Ribbon, Dot Glue Runner (61713) - This to That Silhouette Die Cuts by American Crafts: Dear Lizzy Butterfly, Dear Lizzy Title, Dear Lizzy Heart & Flowers

Happy National Scrapbooking Day! Are you scrapping the day/night away? Here's a bonus Pebbles/AC swap layout made by the American Crafts In-House Scrapbooker Ann-Marie Morris to celebrate this special holiday:

Pebbles Supplies: So Cute Paper (751146) - New Addition, Glitter Flower Brads (747076) - Happy Go Lucky, Jewel Candy Dots (747087) - The Mr & Mrs American Crafts Supplies: Delight Paper (35399) - Hello Sunshine, Radiant Paper (35396) - Hello Sunshine, Brilliance Paper (35415) - Hello Sunshine, Cedar River Trail Paper (35359) - Campy Trails, Heavens to Betsy Paper (35387) - Peachy Keen, Holy Moly Paper (35391) - Peachy Keen, Sunrise Natural (53180) - Thickers, Sunny Side (72010) - Delights, Sunshine (72012) - Delights, Good Afternoon (42195) - Remarks Books, Super Swell (42193) - Remarks Books, Hardcover Aquatic (53138) - Thickers, Subway Robin's Egg (53147) - Thickers, Solid Glue Runner (61711) - Glue Runner

Have a great weekend and see you all again on Monday!

The randomly selected winner of one current American Crafts line and one current Pebbles line is Marvy Penner:

Thanks for all of your feedback about your favorite lines - always much appreciated!

To wrap up Pebbles swap week, Sarah de Guzman, Ce´line Navarro, Suzy Plantamura, Melanie Louette, and Cindy Tobey have each created a layout showing how well Pebbles and American Crafts go together:

Pebbles Supplies: Cloud Nine Paper (751090) - Happy Go Lucky, Happy Paper (751091) - Happy Go Lucky, Cheery Paper (751080) - Happy Go Lucky, Layered Embellishments (747073) - Felt Stickers, Happy Go Lucky Embossed Stickers (732036) - Stickers, Glitter Boysenberry (747080) - Candy Dots

Sarah says, "This layout is all about me! I think it's a great idea to document pictures of yourself. Besides, it allows you to journal whatever you want. In this particular photo, I was having such a blast goofing off with the fan, so I decided to use bright and cheery colors! Also, I love all the embellishments that coordinate so well with this line. On top of being cute, the cute little flowers add so much to my page."

Pebbles Supplies: Dandy Paper (751089) - Happy Go Lucky, Carefree Paper (751083) - Happy Go Lucky, Enchanted Paper (751108) - Ever After, Happy Go Lucky Layered Embellishments (747072), Flower Brads (747089), Jewel Flower Brads (747075), The Mr & Mrs (732044) - Dimensional Stickers, Ever After (732049) - Dimensional Stickers American Crafts Supplies: Decorative Tags (85511) - Bits, Good Morning (42194) - Remarks, Gee Golly (42192) - Remarks, 12x12 White Cardstock (71081) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Kraft Cardstock (71464) - AC Cardstock

Ce´line shares, "I wanted soft, girly, beautiful feminine papers and products to make a layout about MY CAT! Yeah, I'm a new cat owner and I haven't scrapbooked them too often since I got them, but June (my she-cat) is such a very girly cat. She's sweet, cuddly, and adorable, so I really needed to use products that would match her personality. Pebbles and American Crafts products match each other so well that I couldn't help mixing them together - and SEE - it works! Love it! Feel free to mix and match the products, the papers, all of it, because Pebbles and American Crafts papers are so versatile that it's really easy to make any project your own."

Pebbles Supplies: Tickled Pink Paper (751084) - Happy Go Lucky, Happy Paper (751091) - Happy Go Lucky, Buttons (747069) - Happy Go Lucky, Pearl Candy Dot Flourishes (747081) - The Mr and Mrs, 12” Cardstock Stickers (732048) - Ever After, Icons Dimensional Stickers (732049) - Ever After, Flower Brads (747101) - Ever After, White Candy Dots (744234) - New Arrival American Crafts Supplies: Fancy Petal (53112) - Thickers, Fancy Strawberry (53111) - Thickers, Sunset Blush (53182) - Thickers, Pond (89392) - Premium Ribbon

Suzy says, "I love the Pebbles girly lines (Ever After and Happy Go Lucky) with all their pink! They worked perfectly with some pictures of my daughters I have been wanting to scrap for some time. These photos were taken by Maggie Holmes at my daughter’s 11th birthday dress up party. I cut circles from the flower paper to use as frames for my photos, drawing the eye to them. I used lots of the Pebbles Ever After embellishments to keep the page extra girly! Last, I added some Thickers and ribbon from American Crafts that matched perfectly to complete the layout."

Pebbles Supplies: Enchanted Paper (751108) - Ever After, Cardstock Stickers (732048) - Ever After, Icons Dimensional Stickers (732049) - Ever After, Flower Buttons (747097) - Ever After American Crafts Supplies: 8 1/2x11 White Cardstock (71273) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Robin's Egg Cardstock (71063) - AC Cardstock, Dot Glue Runner (61713) - This to That

Melanie says, "I fell in love with the soft, feminine look of this line instantly when I saw it, even though I rarely get a chance to scrap girl pages. I had these photos of my niece from two summers ago that I had been waiting to scrap, and knew that it would be a perfect fit. I love the pale pinks and greens, those sweet flower buttons, and the all over fairy tale feel to this line, totally gorgeous!"

Pebbles Supplies: Royal Banner Paper (751115) - Ever After, Splindid Paper (751081) - Happy Go Lucky, Cloud Nine Paper (751090) - Happy Go Lucky, Cheery Paper (751080) - Happy Go Lucky, Dimensional Stickers (732049) - Ever After, ABC Stickers Pink (732045) - Ever After, Glitter Flower Brads (747101) - Ever After American Crafts Supplies: 12x12 Cardstock Spinach (71051) - AC Cardstock, Invitation (72006) - Delights, Crocheted Flowers (77237) - House, Duck (89391) - Ribbon, Duke (89390) - Ribbon, Taffy (58425) - Ribbon, Sunflower (58571) - Ribbon, Good Morning (42194) - Remarks, Typo Mustard (42979) – Thickers

Cindy shares, "I love the colors of the Happy Go Lucky collection from Pebbles. I paired it with the Ever After collection for this page about my daughter's drawing of a castle. The Ever After dimensional stickers were perfect for my page theme. I also added some American Crafts ribbon, Delights, and a crocheted flower which coordinate beautifully with the Pebbles products!"

I love all the mixing and matching of Pebbles and American Crafts on these five fabulous layouts!

Tomorrow is National Scrapbooking Day! Do you have any big plans? We'd love to hear!

Pebbles and American Crafts go together on more than just layouts, they also work perfectly on cards as you'll see right here, right now with these cards by Michelle Lanning, Susan Weinroth, Becky Willams, and Leslie Ashe:

Pebbles Supplies: Splendid Paper (75108) - Happy Go Lucky, Cloud Nine Paper (751090) Happy Go Lucky, Happy Go Lucky (732036) - Embossed Stickers, Happy Go Lucky (732038) - Dimensional Stickers

Pebbles Supplies: Delight Paper (751086) - Happy Go Lucky, Splendid Paper (75108) - Happy Go Lucky, Cloud Nine Paper (751090) - Happy Go Lucky, Happy Go Lucky (732036) - Embossed Stickers

Michelle says, "For these cards I was inspired by the festive colors that remind me so much of spring and a hint of summer. I went with a 'garden' theme and made little spring scenes to accompany the sentiments. I went with non-tradtional colors for the grass in the Life is Good card. I loved that green paper so much that I wanted it as the base of the card.  And so as not to make them too similar, I used some shears for the grass on the second card. Going with a theme always helps me work through a card set!"

Pebbles Supplies: Ever After Buttons (747097), Ever After Dimensional Icon Stickers (732049), Ever After Border Stickers (732048), Splindid Paper - Happy Go Lucky (751081), Royal Garden Paper - Ever After (751106), Enchanted Paper - Ever After (751108) American Crafts Supplies: Doll Waterfall (53169) - Thickers

Susan says, "I love the flower shaped buttons that Pebbles makes, yet don't create alot of girly pages (being the mom of two boys!). I love to use all of these fun girly embellies on the cards that I create. Placing the flower shaped buttons on my 'i love you' card was the perfect finishing touch."

Pebbles Supplies: Carefree Paper (751083) - Happy Go Lucky, Royal Banner Paper (751115) - Ever After, Ever After Flourish Stickers (732051) American Crafts Supplies: Dot Glue runner (61716) - This to That, Heartstrings (89384) - Ribbon, Fantastic Wine (53107) - Thickers

Pebbles Supplies: Cloud Nine Paper (751090) - Happy Go Lucky, Splendid Paper (751081) - Happy Go Lucky, Prince Charming Paper (751111) - Ever After, Ever After ABC Stickers (732046), Birds Happy Go Lucky Layered Embellishments (747072) American Crafts Supplies: Sunny Reef (53119) - Thickers, Fantastic Wine (53107) - Thickers, Fantastic Salmon (53108) - Thickers

Pebbles Supplies: Enchanted Paper (751108) – Ever After, Royal Banner Paper (75115) – Ever After, Splendid Paper (751081) – Happy Go Lucky, Cloud Nine Paper (751090) – Happy Go Lucky, Happy Paper (751091) – Happy Go Lucky, Dandy Paper (751089) – Happy Go Lucky, Cheery Paper (751080) – Happy Go Lucky, Carefree Paper (751083) – Happy Go Lucky, Layered Embellishments (747072) – Happy Go Lucky, Flowers Dimensional Stickers (732044) – The Mr & Mrs, Buttons (747097) – Ever After, Raspberry ABC Stickers (732045) – Ever After American Crafts Supplies: Fantastic Limeade (53109) – Thickers, Specialty Ribbon (58510) – Ribbon

Leslie says, "I just LOVE using banners and use them as often as I can for projects (plus, they are so HIP right now!). Pebbles makes such GREAT products such as paper and embellishments that look so fun all mixed together. Tip: Make banners POP by using 3D adhesive!"

Pebbles Supplies: Enchanted Paper (751108) – Ever After, Carefree Paper (751083) – Happy Go Lucky, Cardstock Border Stickers (732048) – Ever After, Buttons (747097) – Ever After, Layered Embellishments (747072) – Happy Go Lucky American Crafts Supplies: Fantastic Limeade (53109) – Thickers, Fantastic White (53110) – Thickers, Specialty Ribbon (58510) – Ribbon

"Orange and green are two of my favorite colors to create with right now. Adding pink (my absolute favorite color) to the mix makes me happy! It also makes projects pop with color. On this card I used a large scalloped border punch to give it an interesting effect for ANY fabulous girl!"

Pebbles Swap week wraps up tomorrow with more layouts and cards! Don't forget to enter the giveaway on Tuesday's post!

Joining us today is a member of the Pebbles design team: Guiseppa Gubler!

She did an excellent job showing just how perfectly American Crafts and Pebbles products blend together!

Pebbles Supplies: Fairy Tale Paper (751104) - Ever After, Ever After (732048) - Border Stickers, Princess Tiara Paper (751105) - Ever After, Ever After (747097) - Buttons, Thrilled Paper (751088) - Happy Go Lucky, Cloud Nine Paper (751090) - Happy Go Lucky, Blue (747079) - Candy Dots American Crafts Supplies: 12x12 White Cardstock (71081) - AC Cardstock, Suzie Strawberry Paper (35330) - Confetti, Fruit Punch Frannie Paper (35325) - Confetti, Frolic Paper (35403) - Hello Sunshine, Dusk (58637) - Ribbon, Good Afternoon (42195) - Remarks, Party Favor (72007) - Delights, Doll Waterfall (53169) - Thickers

"My kids are growing up and I miss those fun toddler pictures. When I am around my nieces and nephews I find myself taking lots of photos of them. This layout is of my little niece Kaycee. I love the fun, bright colors in her shirt and thought that it really resembled  some of the colors and patterns in both the Pebbles and American Crafts collections. I love layers, machine stitching, and popping up embellishments. I also enjoy cutting into patterned paper to use the fun patterns and designs. That is how I did this layout. I used a lot of different patterned papers, layered them, and stitched them onto the layout. I cut out the trees out from the Hello Sunshine collection and popped them up. I also made some cute banners to go on the trees, again using different patterned paper. I stitched the banner onto the tree. Oh my... it turned out super cute!"

Pebbles Supplies: Wedding Day Paper (751095) - The Mr & Mrs,Wedding Veil Paper (751103) - The Mr & Mrs, The Mr & Mrs (747081) - Candy Dot Flourish, The Mr & Mrs (747085) - Metal Flowers, Happy Go Lucky (732034) - ABC Stickers American Crafts Supplies: Mother Always Says Paper (35388) - Peachy Keen, Baby Doll Paper (35384) - Peachy Keen, Heavens to Betsy Paper (35387) - Peachy Keen, Decorative Tags (85542) - Bits, Hello Sunshine Pearl Brads (85545) - Elements

"Yep... this is my other niece Jaycee and she is a twin to Kaycee. I couldn't resit creating another layout of my other cute niece playing with her grandma's glasses. I thought the Mr & Mrs Pebbles collection and the American Crafts Peachy Keen collection made a beautiful combination. Once again, I did some hand cutting and lots of layering. The beautiful metal flowers from Pebbles added the perfect touch to the flowers I cut out from the Peachy Keen paper!"

Pebbles Supplies: Carefree Paper (751083) - Carefree, Delight Paper (751086) - Delight, Happy Go Lucky (732036) - Embellishment Stickers, Happy Go Lucky (747070) - Paper Flowers, Happy Go Lucky (732038) - Dimensional Stickers, Ever After (747098),- Jewel Flowers American Crafts Supplies: 12x12 White Cardstock (71081) - AC Cardstock, Fruit Punch Frannie Paper (35325) - Confetti, Lucy Lemon Twist Paper (35331) - Confetti, Very Berry Bree Paper (35335) - Confetti, Pin the Tail (42186) - Remarks, Hot Dog (89397) - Ribbon, Serenade Spermint (53152) - Thickers, Sunrise Geranium (53178) - Thickers

"This layout totally resembles my daughter Janica's personality. She is spunky, funny, and I never know what she is going to say. This is the girl who thought she was eating meat wolf for the longest time when it was just meatloaf. She finally got so upset that we were having it to eat again that she told me, 'I don't want to eat wolf anymore mom!' She just cracks me up and having her around always brightens my day! I wanted to create a layout that resembles her personality: fun and bright! I picked a lot of patterned papers from both Pebbles and American Crafts. They all coordinate so nicely. I then clustered embellishments from both manufacturers to create a fun off the wall look... kind of like my daughter. I added a fun pleated border and popped up one of the pictures for dimension."

Pebbles Supplies: Princess Tiara Paper (751105) - Ever After, Enchanted Paper  (751108) - Ever After, Ever After (747098) - Jewel Flowers, Thrilled Paper (751088) - Happy Go Lucky, White (747081) - Pearl Candy Dot Flourishes, The Mr & Mrs (747085) - Metal Flowers American Crafts Supplies: Splendor Paper (35401) - Hello Sunshine, Dusk (58637) - RIbbon, Good Afternoon (42195) - Remarks, Fancy Petal (53112) - Thickers

"I wanted to create a card that was a little more feminine with a shabby chic feel to it. I took a look at some of the back sides of the patterned papers and they were perfect. That is what is so great about Pebbles and American Crafts, I can always find something on the other side of the patterned paper if I think the front side isn't going to work. The card base itself is from the Hello Sunshine collection and the pleats and both scallops are the back sides of Pebbles and American Crafts papers. I used some ribbon from the Hello Sunshine collection and stitched it in the center of the pleats. For the title, I popped up a journaling block from the Hello Sunshine collection and added Thickers. I also added the fun metal flower from the Mr & Mrs collection and the flower jewels from the Ever After collection. The combination of all of these created the shabby chic feel I wanted!"

Pebbles Supplies: Glee Paper (751082) - Happy Go Lucky, Carefree Paper  (751083) - Happy Go Lucky, Happy Go Lucky (747077) - Fabric Brads, Happy Go Lucky (747067) - Toothpick Flags, Happy Go Lucky (732038) - Dimensional Stickers, Royal Banner Paper (751115) - Royal Banner, Magical Paper (751112) - The Mr & Mrs, Fairy Tale Paper (751104) - The Mr & Mrs, Ever After (747098) - Jewel Flowers, The Mr & Mrs (747092) - Spiral Paper Clips American Crafts Supplies: Fishing (70067) - Flair, Hot Dog (89397) - Ribbon, Wolf Creek Paper (35362) - Campy Trails, Fox Park Forest Paper (35353) - Campy Trails, Smores (89396) - Ribbon, Postcards (64009) - Just Write, Salmon Cove Paper (35366) - Campy Trails, Big Pine Creek Paper (35369) - Campy Trails, Decorative Tags (85534) - Bits, Confetti Assorted Buttons (85529) - Elements, Doll Waterfall (53169) - Thickers

"I really enjoyed creating this mini album. I got to put some of my cute nieces and nephews as well as my kids in it. I used a lot of the Happy Go Lucky Pebbles collection and Campy Trails American Crafts collection. They went together so well! I found this mini album at a yard sale and kept it for the perfect project and this was it! I wanted a lot of details in this mini album: I hand cut some of the patterns out of patterned papers, I used a lot of pop dots, and I also used my Silhouette to create all of the details. Each page is different, resembling the people in the pictures. I used different patterned papers on each page to make it pop and give it a fun and happy feel. Each page has a caption about camping with kids. I am so happy with how this turned out and the mix of Pebbles and American Crafts products has made this album fun and unique!"

Thanks for sharing your talent with us Guiseppa! Let's all get to know her better!

How did you get started scrapbooking?
My younger sister started scrapbooking with a friend and she thought it would be something I would enjoy, so she got me to buy my first scrapbooking supplies at none other than Pebbles in My Pocket! Pebbles in My Pocket really got me excited about scrapbooking and kept me stocked with all sorts of fun supplies.

What would you say your scrapbooking "style" is?
I use a lot of clean lines in my scrapbooking, but I do love to mess things up a bit and embellish a lot. I don't know that I have ever determined what my scrapbooking "style" is, I just go with whatever feels and looks good to me. Call it what you would like... it is just Guiseppa "style."

When do you find time to scrap?
I usually scrapbook during the day while my kids are at school. That is my time. It does help that my kids are a little older, no babies or toddles running around my house.

What is your favorite technique?
I have told people this before and I don't know if this is really a technique, but I love using pop dots. I go through so many I should have taken stock in them!

On average, how long does it take you to complete a project?
Usually if I am uninterrupted, I can get a couple of projects done a day, but most of the time that doesn't happen and I get a one project done a day. I am super picky and have to make sure it is just perfect before I make the commitment and adhere everything down.

What is your favorite thing about American Crafts?
I love the fact that American Crafts products are so colorful. There are so many different, fun styles and designs on their papers and embellishments that I never have any problems finding the right supplies to use for my projects. My American Crafts stash is huge and I dig into it all the time. Most of my projects end up having some sort of supply from American Crafts on them.

Guiseppa has a blog which you should definitely visit and see all her fabulous creations! More Pebbles swap projects will be featured tomorrow so see you then!

To win an entire current American Crafts line AND an entire current Pebbles line, leave one comment by Friday morning May 6th 2011 letting us know which current AC and Pebbles line is your favorite and why!

Choices of current lines from American Crafts include:

  Choices of current lines from Pebbles include:

Simple as that! Good luck!

Here comes another bunch of Pebbles swap projects by Leah Farquharson, Mahlin Wiggur, Poki Nobeno, and Jennifer Gallacher!

Pebbles Supplies: Cloud Nine Paper (751090) - Happy Go Lucky, Cheery Paper (751080) - Happy Go Lucky, Enchanted Paper (751108) - Ever After, Dimensional Stickers Ever After (732049), Ever After Glitter Flower Brads (747101)

Leah says, "I always favor simple projects - ones that take a few elements and just accent a photo. This project was no exception. I decided to take a simple hanging frame that I found at my local craft supply shop and turn it into a fun way to showcase a recent photo with my mom for mother's day."

Pebbles Supplies: Tuxedo Paper (751097) - The Mr & Mrs, Cloud Nine Paper (751090) - Happy go Lucky, Royal Banner Paper (751115) - Ever After, Splendid Paper (751081) - Happy Go Lucky, Border Stickers (732041) - The Mr & Mrs, Layered Embellishments (747084) - The Mr & Mrs, Flower Brads (747101) - Ever After, Dimensional Stickers (732049) - Ever After, ABC Stickers (732039) - The Mr & Mrs American Crafts Supplies: 12x12 White Cardstock (71081) - AC Cardstock, Heart White (53092) - Thickers, Sunny Salmon (53120) - Thickers

Mahlin says, "I just adore how the softer Pebbles colors blends with the brighter American Crafts colors and creates harmony. And the pinks work for a boy's page too!"

Pebbles Supplies: Carefree Paper (751083) - Happy Go Lucky, Happy Paper (751091) - Happy Go Lucky, Splendid Paper (751081) - Happy Go Lucky, Tickled Pink Paper (751084) - Happy Go Lucky, Green ABC Stickers (732034) - Happy Go Lucky, 12" Cardstock Stickers (732048) - Ever After, Icons Dimensional Stickers (732049) - Ever After, Ever After Ribbon (780008) - Ever After American Crafts Supplies: Reinforced Decorative Tags (85547) - Bits

Pebbles Supplies: Cheery Paper (751080) - Happy Go Lucky, Splendid Paper (751081) - Happy Go Lucky, Layered Embellishments (747072) - Happy Go Lucky, Ever After Buttons (747097) - Ever After, Ever After Ribbon (780008) - Ever After American Crafts Supplies: 12x12 Kraft Cardstock (71464) - AC Cardstock, Sunrise Black (53177) - Thickers

Poki says, "The photo was taken under a full-bloomed cherry blossoms tree this spring. The Pebbles products tone of sweet pink and pale blue fits the color of cherry blossoms perfectly.  I used spray mist to create a soft mood. I painted the letter stickers very lightly with white paint to increase the soft look. My favorite Pebbles product is the ribbon set, especially the floral one. These items are perfectly matched with products of American Crafts!"

Pebbles Supplies: Splindid Paper (751081) - Happy Go Lucky, Cloud Nine Paper (751090) - Happy Go Lucky, Dandy Paper (751089) - Happy Go Lucky, Carefree Paper (751083) - Happy Go Lucky, Cheery Paper (751080) - Happy Go Lucky, Embossed Stickers (732036) - Happy Go Lucky, Flower Brads (747089) - Mr & Mrs American Crafts Supplies: 12x12 Cardstock Wine (71009) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Cardstock Kraft (71464) - AC Cardstock, 12x12 Cardstock White (71081) - AC Cardstock

Jennifer says, "I enjoy making my stickers dimensional so I will often use adhesive foam squares to "pop" part of a sticker like the clouds on this page and the title sticker. I also enjoy slightly altering stickers to help them match my theme or vision a little bit better. For the long-stemmed flowers, I hand cut stems and leaves from cardstock. I then cut the leaves from the flower stickers and mounted the actual flower pieces on top of the stems. Little alterations can make stickers much more versatile. And I wanted some playful pieces on this layout about my darling, little niece Zadie."

Come back in a few hours for the weekly giveaway - you definitely won't want to miss this one - then the Guest Designer of the Week makes her debut tomorrow!

Looking for a boost of inspiration? Look no further than our newest Contributing Design Team Gallery! Here is just a snippet of all the wonderful creations you'll see if you check out the gallery over on the left column.

Enjoy!

They go together like peanut butter and jelly. Like macaroni and cheese. Or more appropriately for the scrapbooking world: like paper, scissors, and glue. I'm talking about American Crafts and Pebbles!

This week the AC design team has collaborated with Pebbles to show you just how well these brands coordinate together. Shannon Zickel, Wendy McKee, Amy Tan, and Jenny Chesnick each created a layout featuring Pebbles and AC product.

Pebbles Supplies: Happy Paper (751091) - Happy Go Lucky, Splendid Paper (751081) - Happy Go Lucky, Cloud Nine Paper (751090) - Happy Go Lucky,  ABC Stickers Green (732035) - Happy Go Lucky, Dimensional Stickers (732038) - Happy Go Lucky, Chipboard Flowers (747071) - Happy Go Lucky American Crafts Supplies: 12x12 White (71081) - AC Cardstock, Big Pine Creek Paper (35369) - Campy Trails, Gossamer Paper (35409) - Hello Sunshine, Gee Whiz Paper (35383) - Peachy Keen, Chestnut Pigment Ink (59512) - Stamping, White Pigment Ink (59528) - Stamping, Black Precision Pen .03 (62311) - Pens & Markers 

Pebbles Supplies: Splendid Paper (751081) - Happy Go Lucky, Cheery Paper (751080) - Happy Go Lucky, Carefree Paper (751083) - Happy Go Lucky, Happy Paper (751091) - Happy Go Lucky, Sparkle Paper (751113) - Ever After, Royal Banner Paper (751115) - Ever After, Ever After Buttons (747097) American Crafts Supplies: Sunrise Natural (53180) - Thickers

Pebbles Supplies: Enchanted Paper (751108) - Ever After, Royal Banner Paper (751105) - Ever After, Splindid Paper (751081) - Happy Go Lucky, Cloud Nine Paper (751090) - Happy Go Lucky, Enchanted (732049) - Dimensional Stickers, Orange Fruit (747035) - Layered Embellishments, Cupcakes (747027) - Layered Embellishments American Crafts Supplies: Serenade Chestnut (53153) - Thickers, Fantastic Limeade (53109) - Thickers, 12x12 White Cardstock (75219) - AC Cardstock, Brown .05 (62326) - Precision Pen

Pebbles Supplies: Shake Paper (751044) - Cats & Dogs, Prrrfect Stripe Paper (751047) - Cats & Dogs, Sassy Cat Paper (751049) - Cats & Dogs, Dog (743700) - Tags, Dog (732016) Dimensional Stickers American Crafts Supplies: 12x12 White Cardstock (71081) - AC Cardstock, Sunny White (53122) - Thickers, Chit Chat Chesnut (42901) - Thickers, Love Variety Buttons (85509) - Elements, City Park Assorted Buttons (85518) - Elements