Challenge #5

This time of year is synonymous with falling leaves, pumpkins and costumes -- and what costume would be complete without a mask?! This month we're challenging you to use masks on your layouts and papercrafting projects. We're not talking about the scary kind... but those that will let you create cook looks with some "white space."

Almost any product can serve as a masking tool. Here are just a few examples: premade masks/stencils (Heidi Swapp has a lot of great options), masking fluid (Dr. Ph. Martin's and Masquepens are two choices), assorted tools and embellishments (such as punches, frames and stickers) and even masking tape.

If you're looking for more direction, there are a couple great tutorials available at www.creatingkeepsakes.com/alphamasks and www.creatingkeepsakes.com/stampmasks. You can also check out the October 2006 issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine for several more examples of masks in action.

We can't wait to see what you come up with!!

Challenge #4

For such a long time, trends were moving towards telling our stories fewer pictures and more words. But the truth is, how many people attend a party or event and take only one photo? Or end up with one picture that says it all? Well, the tides are turning and multiple photo layouts are back!! (Or, if you followed BH and her wonderful sketches, they never left.)

Our challenge to you this month is to celebrate any day this month. Choose any day this month and take that day's worth of pictures. Then, scrapbook those pictures in a one or two page layout. For example, we are planning to meet up on the 21st. Take 21 pictures that day and then do a layout using them all. Or, take 10 pictures of things that you love on the 10th and scrapbook them. Remember, this is a layout challenge.