So You Think You Can Scrap?

Final Results

2009-06-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

As promised, here are the final point totals for all contestants. Numbers not listed are those that did not finish each week's competition and were disqualified. If your name is not listed, and you finished all 6 weeks of the contest, email me at amy@afterfivedesigns.com so that we can fix any errors.

Again, thank you to everyone who competed, and a special thank you to all our wonderful judges who had the difficult task of choosing their favorites each week. Here's to the next one! Cheers!

Meet Our Winners

2009-05-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

First Place Advanced Overall Winner: Rebecca

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I'm Rebecca, a 40 yo Mom from Sydney, Australia. I was born in England but have spent most of my life here. I've been married 7 years this year and have 2 boys, a 4yo and an 8 month old. I've been scrapping since January 2008. I was looking for ways to dress up my photos and I came across digiscrapping and the addiction (and spending) started :) I've never paper scrapped but am very much into photography and take photos every day for my 365 blog. I'm a computer nerd, before I had the kids I worked in IT doing tech support. I've been using Photoshop for a long time but I had to learn a whole new way of using it for scrapping :) I don't think I'd ever used the layers feature until I scrapped.

Which week's layout was your favorite and why?

My favourite is my week 3 layout, Golden Child. I just love that photo and I'd been wanting to scrap it properly for so long. I'd tried but was never happy with the results. The theme for week 3 inspired me and I finally came up with a layout that does the photo justice. I've already printed it out and put it one of my scrap albums.

Which week's theme was your favorite?

hehehe You probably think it was week 3 now but actually it was week 1. I've done plenty of layouts about myself, for challenges, but this was the first that was about how others see me and it made me stop and think about how my friends thought of me. I wanted my layout to somehow show their view of me on the outside and the real me inside.

What inspires you most for your layouts?

My kids :) I scrap to preserve my memories so that when I'm gone my kids will know who I was. Being an older mother I am very much aware that I may not be around to know my grandkids but I hope this way they can know me and what life was like with me. Every time the kids do something new or I have a great photo of them, I want to scrap it. I still miss a lot though. This time around with the baby I've realised how much I've forgotten from my eldest's baby years before I was scrapping. I can also find inspiration in a fabulous new kit, sometimes I buy a kit just for one particular element or paper that inspires me :)

Do you have a favorite color scheme?

I looooove bright bold colours. I'm not much into pastels or pinks. Maybe because I'm always scrapping boy layouts :p My favourite colour is green, lush rich grass green.

What were your main reasons for entering the contest?

hehehe I wasn't going to at first and then when I saw the quality of the layouts in the galleries I almost ran away. Not the competition galleries but the normal galleries before the competition started. I felt so out classed. But I love a challenge and the chance to collect some A5D and SPD products at a discount price, as in the weekly kit, was too much to resist (don't tell DH). I figured even if my layouts sucked as long I did a layout each week I could keep shopping and it was anonymous so if I sucked, no-one would know. That and the wacom tablet, the second prize, I'll enter anything that's dangling one of those in front of me :)

What favorite music are you looking forward to loading onto your new ipod?

I like techno and classical music but mostly I'm looking forward putting some earphones on and being able to play some Nine Inch Nails without offending anyone and without my son picking up some bad language.

Are you on any CTs? If so, which?

yep just a few :)
I am on the site CT for the new Digiscrap Addicts, yep I'm an addict.
Also the Scrap Orchard site CT but they're having a CT comp next month so I'll have to compete to see if I get back in.
I also CT for some of the designers at Scrap Orchard, Pineapple Plantation Designs, Designs by Sine and Ziggle Designs.
Then there's the studio girls, Flergs, mgl Scraps and Ziska.
And I still scrap for the designer who got me started CTing, ScrapShana but now it's her whole Digiscrapaganza store :)

Who is your scrapping idol(s)?

Wow, I have so many and a whole lot more after SUTUCS. I don't want to name anyone because I don't want to leave anyone out. I particularly admire the girls I CT with because working with the same kits it makes me more aware of just how clever they are. I'm not much of an ideas person. I can scrap (after 6 weeks I know that :) ) but so often I see other scrappers' layouts and they've used a kit in a way that I would never of though of. So there's a lot of girls who's layouts I look at and say 'that's so clever' and 'why didn't I think of that' and 'so that's what that element is for'.

List your favorite cocktail (can be non-alcoholic)

I like a straight vodka & lime, equal portions, no ice or a nice Champanska - vodka, Champagne and lime cordial :)

First Place Beginner Overall Winner: Sophie

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I'm Sophie I'm 24 and Scottish. I was 21 when I had my little girl Ava Charlotte, I was studying biomed but decided 2 years in that wasn't for me. I found photoshop about a year later on the signature making forums. I work part time in my friends webdesign company mainly doing admin stuff, mostly in the music industry (sounds way cooler than it is, I type up tour dates ha ha) and my boyfriend is about to graduate as a teacher.

Which week's layout was your favorite and why?

My favourite page was Week 4. It just all sort of fell together and ended up nothing like I'd planned it. Plus if it gets one more person in the world to start listening to "sparklehorse" then my work here is done ;)

Which week's theme was your favorite?

Week 4 again. I'm addicted to music so I had trouble deciding on the best song to use. I suddenly realised a lot of my favourite songs have pretty dismal lyrics so I had to can them LOL. But I really enjoyed the challenge of fitting the right lyrics to the right colours and photos.

What inspires you most for your layouts?

Ava ;) Pretty much that's it, sometimes quotes/lyrics but mainly Ava's little cherub face.

Do you have a favorite color scheme?

Oh I'm not sure, I like golds and browns, and greys I guess I'm not big into bright colours.

What were your main reasons for entering the contest?

The challenge. It was nice to have someone else tell me what to scrap. It was way more inspiring than my own ideas. My friends were entering too so it was a fun thing to do together and see if we could spot each others styles.

What is the first thing you will purchase with your prize?

Good question! I have a wishlist as big as my arm, pretty much a kit from every designer. I haven't had a lot of pennies and bought anything for a while so there are lots of new releases to play with.

Are you on any CTs? If so, which?

Yep, since starting the contest, like my friend Ellie also said, it's totally helped me improve and push myself so now I'm lucky enough to be on 3 great teams! My friends AnnaBV Designs, Tangie Baxters and Gypsy Couture's. I'm also guesting in June for Martencja and Edeline which I'm really excited about.

Who is your scrapping idol(s)?

My friend Sheri (seattlesheri). She encouraged me and many more of our signature making friends into scrapping and she's seriously AMAZING. Also Sammi, the after5 CT whose galleries I have a minor addiction to, and about a hundred other people!

List your favorite cocktail (can be non-alcoholic)

A Bollo.... nobody knows what I'm talking about he he. I used to work in a cocktail bar and we got to make up our own cocktails as specials. a Bollo (named after a character on the "Mighty Boosh") was half shots of Midori, bombay saphire, blue bolls, taboo and topped with orange juice and lemonade... it's turquoise... ick not sure I could drink it now.

Thanks for letting us get to know you girls!

Throw the Confetti!!!

2009-05-22T15:01:00.000-07:00

And now the moment you've all been waiting for.... Envelope please....

The advanced first place winner is Rebecca Lavender-Roberts (#340)!!! Congratulations, Rebecca! She will receive a $100 gift certificate to both stores and a brand-new iPod!
Drumroll please.....

Rebecca's Entries:

Week 1:

Week 2:

Week 3:

Week 4:

Week 5:

Week 6:

The beginner first place winner is Sophie James (#173)! Congratulations, Sophie! She will receive a $100 gift certificate to both stores.

Sophie's Entries:

Week 1:

Week 2:

Week 3:

Week 4:

Week 5:

Week 6:

Congratulations, everyone! We want to thank each and every contestant for your participation in this contest. We had a blast doing it, and we hope you did too! Every layout was stunning, unique, and inspirational.

Each contestant will be able to view their points soon, so stay tuned. Also, we hope to get an interview with the first place winners, so be sure to come back for that.

Thank you, everyone!!

Second PlaceWinner

2009-05-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

Drumroll please.....

The 2nd place winner in the advanced category is Sory Reyes (#220)! Congratulations Sory! She will receive a $75 gift certificate to both stores and a Wacom tablet!

Sory's Entries:

Week 1:

Week 2:

Week 3:

Week 4:

Week 5:

Week 6:

The 2nd place winner in the Beginner category is Jillian Nugui (#247)! Congratulations, Jillian! She will receive a $75 gift certificate to both stores.

Jillian's Entries:

Week 1:

Week 2:

Week 3:

Week 4:

Week 5:

Week 6:

The overall winners will be announced in another hour! Get ready to party!!

Third Place Winner

2009-05-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

Drumroll please.....

The 3rd place winner in the advanced category is K'Lynn Goddard (#335)! Congratulations K'Lynn! She will receive a $50 gift certificate to both stores and an 8"x8" shutterfly book!

K'Lynn's Entries:

Week 1:

Week 2:

Week 3:

Week 4:

Week 5:

Week 6:

The 3rd place winner in the Beginner category is Paula Kamm (#428)! Congratulations, Paula! She will receive a $50 gift certificate to both stores.

Paula's Entries:

Week 1:

Week 2:

Week 3:

Week 4:

Week 5:

Week 6:

The second place winners will be announced in another hour! You know we have to drag out the fun a bit ;) See you then!

And the winner is....

2009-05-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

Announcement coming soon! Check back in an hour :)

Final Public Vote Results

2009-05-20T00:01:00.000-07:00

While we wait for the big reveal, we are continuing to post the results to the public votes.

Here are the results for the Week 5 Public Vote:

advanced entry #220 with 223 votes!

beginner entry #247 with 360 votes!

Here are the results for the final Week 6 Public Vote:

advanced entry #116 with a whopping 1633 votes!

beginner entry #173 with 46 votes!

Check back tomorrow for more results!

Weeks 3 & 4 Public Vote Results

2009-05-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

While we wait for the big announcement, we will be posting the winners to all the public votes. Check yesterday's post for weeks 1 & 2.

Here are the results for the Week 3 Public Vote:

advanced entry #220 with 501 votes!

beginner entry #433 with 448 votes!

Here are the results for the Week 4 Public Vote:

advanced entry #130 with 244 votes!

the beginner category was a tie. both #142 and #170 received 79 votes!

Check back tomorrow for more results!

Weeks 1 & 2 Public Vote Results

2009-05-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

Now that the contest is over, all points are being tallied so that we can announce the big winner on Friday! In the meantime, we will be posting the winners to all the public votes.

Here are the results for the Week 1 Public Vote:

advanced entry #116 with 810 votes!

beginner entry #247 with 151 votes!

Here are the results for the Week 2 Public Vote:

advanced entry #340 with 349 votes!

beginner entry #173 with 76 votes!

Check back tomorrow for more results!

Week 6 Bonus Round Winners

2009-05-13T08:10:00.001-07:00

The winners for the bonus round of week 6 have been chosen! Each of these contestants will receive a $25 gift certificate to both sponsoring stores.

By random draw, the winners are:

130
164
180

Congratulations!

Week 6 Public Vote

2009-05-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

The galleries for week 6 are closed and judging is now done! We had an awesome lineup of judges for this week that had the difficult decision of choosing some favorites. Other than the two store owners, Amy Hutchinson and Laura Deceatis, we also had the following judges:

Crissy Armstrong (Pink Ellie Designs - A5D Designer)
Laura Kaye (A5D CT)
Edeline (SPD Designer)
Indah (SPD CT)
and special guest judges Nancy Comelab and Flergs!

The top picks will be available to the public for voting May 8th through May 10th.

The judges have chosen the top 10 advanced entries and the top 5 beginner entries to go to the public vote. Anyone can vote, as many times as you want! Simply visit the voting page here to cast your vote! Voting will take place through Sunday, May 10th.

Top 10 Advanced Entries:

106:

116:

130:

152:

216:

220:

250:

270:

393:

449:

The Top 5 Beginner Entries:

142:

173:

326:

428:

451:

Good luck!

Week 5 Bonus Round Winners

2009-05-04T11:33:00.001-07:00

The winners for the bonus round of week 5 have been chosen! Each of these contestants will receive a $25 gift certificate to both sponsoring stores.

By random draw, the winners are:

322
160
211

Congratulations!

Week 5 Public Vote

2009-05-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

The galleries for week 5 are closed and judging is now done! We had an awesome lineup of judges for this week that had the difficult decision of choosing some favorites. Other than the two store owners, Amy Hutchinson and Laura Deceatis, we also had the following judges:

Nathy Geuens (Cinnamon Designs - A5D Designer)
Claire Skeps (A5D CT)
Sandrine Laprade (Bisontine - SPD Designer)
Davita Edmundson (SPD CT)
and special guest judge Kitty Chen!

The top picks will be available to the public for voting May 1st through May 3rd.

The judges have chosen the top 10 advanced entries and the top 5 beginner entries to go to the public vote. Anyone can vote, as many times as you want! Simply visit the voting page here to cast your vote! Voting will take place through Sunday, May 3rd.

Top 10 Advanced Entries:

130:

160:

171:

178:

204:

213:

220:

230:

270:

340:

The Top 5 Beginner Entries:

190:

247:

314:

427:

428:

Good luck!

Week 4 Bonus Round Winners

2009-04-27T09:57:00.001-07:00

The winners for the bonus round of week 4 have been chosen! Each of these contestants will receive a $25 gift certificate to both sponsoring stores.

By random draw, the winners are:

130
142
178

Congratulations!

Week 6: It's a Bird, It's a Plane!

2009-04-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

First, Laura and I would just like to say...
Thanks to everyone that has played along the last 6 weeks! We have had a blast! We are blown away with not only the amazing layouts in the galleries, but the hearts that shined through them. We saw a lot of raw moments and they were inspiring and touching. So thank you for sharing your memories with us and baring your souls! We all know that scrapping is about honoring our memories and the people we love, and every one of you excelled at that. We hope you are all very proud of yourselves!!

The contest of the year continues with our final week! Camila Designs and Martencja Designs from After 5 Designs have joined As You Wish Designs and Julie Bullock of Shabby Pickle Designs have joined to create this week's kit. While anyone is welcome to purchase this kit, all registered contestants will automatically receive it at a 50% discount. Use this kit to create or supplement your entry for week 5 (not required).

The kit will be 20% off to all non-contestants during the week 4 contest period. To receive the discount, be sure to use coupon code ITSABIRDIE6.

The theme this week is 'It's a Bird, It's a Plane'...

“Let the focus of this week be on an object or thing, not a person. Scrap nature, or a book, your child's toy... be original, think outside the box. Wow us with your amazing creativity!”

You can pick up the new (oh so beautiful) kit here in the shoppe. (Note that you do not have to have the kit to do your themed layout, but you will need it for the bonus rounds. You can see the official rules here. Do not log into the store with your registration number. Just log in as usual and you will get the discount on the kit.)

This kit is not required for your themed entry, though it has been designed to coordinate with the theme, so you may want to consider using it (especially at 50% off!) It is, however, required for the optional bonus round.

Instructions:

*Remember: We encourage you to use your own photos in your entries. Each week's theme has been carefully chosen so that the photo you use can be generic. You may wish to choose photos that will not reveal your identity (i.e. photos of you or your children that the judges may recognize). However, that being said, scrapping is first and foremost about your memories, so use any photo that calls to you.*

*We have an advanced and beginner level for entries. If you wish to enter the beginner level, post your layout for week 6 here. You must enter the same level each week. The prizes for the beginner level will not be as big as the prizes listed, but they will be similar. If you are just starting out, are not on a lot of CTs, you may wish to enter this category.

*Advanced entries should be posted here. If you have been scrapping for a year or more, or are on one or more CTs, you will probably want to enter this level to compete for the top prizes.

Remember to login with your anonymous number in the forums before posting (forum logins are tied with gallery logins)!!

You may begin posting your layouts Monday, April 27. Entries may be posted through Friday, May 1, 11:59pm CST. The galleries will then be closed. Remember that if you do not enter each week, you will be disqualified.

Bonus layouts can be anything you wish. There is no level categories for bonus entries. Bonus layouts must be 100% with the week's themed kit. Layouts that do not use 100% of the kit will be deleted. You may enter as many layouts in the bonus round as you wish. Each layout gives you a chance for the random-draw prize. Bonus layouts may be uploaded here.

Schedule for Week 6:
Kit Available Monday 4-27
Contestants Upload to Gallery: Mon 4-27 - Fri 5-1
Judging: Sat 5-2 through Thursday 5-7
Public Vote: Fri 5-8

Week 6 Sneak Peek

2009-04-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

Ok girls, get your thinking caps on! This is the last layout you will create for this contest! Here's the sneak peek for next week's entry:

--'It's a Bird, It's a Plane'

Let the focus of this week be on an object or thing, not a person. Scrap nature, or a book, your child's toy... be original, think outside the box. Wow us with your amazing creativity!

Week 4 Public Vote

2009-04-23T21:33:00.000-07:00

The galleries for week 4 are closed and judging is now done! We had an awesome lineup of judges for this week that had the difficult decision of choosing some favorites. Other than the two store owners, Amy Hutchinson and Laura Deceatis, we also had the following judges:

Kasia Designs (SPD Designer)
Sarah Cornish (A5D / SPD CT)
Katrina aka twentytinytoes (A5D CT)
Justyna Szymanska (Lily Designs - A5D Designer)
and special guest judges Amanda Taylor (TaylorMade Designs) and Nicole Hacker!

The top picks will be available to the public for voting April 24th through April 26th.

The judges have chosen the top 10 advanced entries and the top 5 beginner entries to go to the public vote. Anyone can vote, as many times as you want! Simply visit the voting page here to cast your vote! Voting will take place through Sunday, April 26th.

Top 10 Advanced Entries:

130:

135:

171:

172:

191:

192:

204:

220:

340:

449:

The Top 5 Beginner Entries:

142:

170:

173:

314:

428:

Good luck!

Week 3 Bonus Round Winners

2009-04-20T09:19:00.001-07:00

The winners for the bonus round of week 2 have been chosen! Each of these contestants will receive a $25 gift certificate to both sponsoring stores.

By random draw, the winners are:

432
204
449

Congratulations!

Week 5: Color My World

2009-04-19T22:16:00.000-07:00

The contest of the year continues with Week 5! Amanda R Designs and Karla Dudley Designs from After 5 Designs have joined cre@-bisontine and Sabrina Dupre of Shabby Pickle Designs have joined to create this week's kit. While anyone is welcome to purchase this kit, all registered contestants will automatically receive it at a 50% discount. Use this kit to create or supplement your entry for week 5 (not required).

The kit will be 20% off to all non-contestants during the week 4 contest period. To receive the discount, be sure to use coupon code ColorWorld5.

You can pick up the new (oh so beautiful) kit here in the shoppe. (Note that you do not have to have the kit to do your themed layout, but you will need it for the bonus rounds. You can see the official rules here. Do not log into the store with your registration number. Just log in as usual and you will get the discount on the kit.)

This kit is not required for your themed entry, though it has been designed to coordinate with the theme, so you may want to consider using it (especially at 50% off!) It is, however, required for the optional bonus round.

Instructions:

*Remember: We encourage you to use your own photos in your entries. Each week's theme has been carefully chosen so that the photo you use can be generic. You may wish to choose photos that will not reveal your identity (i.e. photos of you or your children that the judges may recognize). However, that being said, scrapping is first and foremost about your memories, so use any photo that calls to you.*

*We have an advanced and beginner level for entries. If you wish to enter the beginner level, post your layout for week 5 here. You must enter the same level each week. The prizes for the beginner level will not be as big as the prizes listed, but they will be similar. If you are just starting out, are not on a lot of CTs, you may wish to enter this category.

*Advanced entries should be posted here. If you have been scrapping for a year or more, or are on one or more CTs, you will probably want to enter this level to compete for the top prizes.

Remember to login with your anonymous number in the forums before posting (forum logins are tied with gallery logins)!!

You may begin posting your layouts Monday, April 20. Entries may be posted through Friday, April 24, 11:59pm CST. The galleries will then be closed. Remember that if you do not enter each week, you will be disqualified.

Bonus layouts can be anything you wish. There is no level categories for bonus entries. Bonus layouts must be 100% with the week's themed kit. Layouts that do not use 100% of the kit will be deleted. You may enter as many layouts in the bonus round as you wish. Each layout gives you a chance for the random-draw prize. Bonus layouts may be uploaded here.

Schedule for Week 5:
Kit Available Monday 4-20
Contestants Upload to Gallery: Mon 4-20 - Fri 4-24
Judging: Sat 4-25 through Thursday 4-30
Public Vote: Fri 5-1

Week 5 Info Posted

2009-04-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out the A5D forums for preliminary information on week 5's theme! The kit and full instructions will be available on Monday.

Week 3 Public Vote!

2009-04-16T20:20:00.000-07:00

The results are in! The judges have chosen the top 10 advanced entries and the top 5 beginner entries to go to the public vote. Anyone can vote, as many times as you want! Simply visit the voting page here to cast your vote! Voting will take place through Sunday, April 19th.

Top 10 Advanced Entries:

114:

115:

171:

172:

192:

220:

305:

335:

340:

453:

Top 5 Beginner Entries:

170:

173:

247:

325:

433:

Judging for Week 3 Underway!

2009-04-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

The galleries for week 3 are closed and judging is now commencing! We have an awesome lineup of judges for this week that will have the difficult decision of choosing some favorites. Other than the two store owners, Amy Hutchinson and Laura Deceatis, we also have the following judges:

Joyce Tatad (A5D/SPD CT)
Peggy NewLifeDreams (SPD Designer)
Nikki Beaudreau (SPD Designer)
Colleen York (A5D CT)
Catherine Paturet (A5D Designer)
and special guest judge Gina Miller!

The top picks will be available to the public for voting April 17th through April 19th.

Good luck!

Week 2 Bonus Round Winners!

2009-04-14T12:48:00.000-07:00

Week 4: Sing Sing a Song

2009-04-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

The contest of the year continues with Week 4! Jofia Designs, Vera Lim and Laura Deaceits of Shabby Pickle Designs have joined Amy Hutchinson (ah! designs) from After 5 Designs to create this week's kit. While anyone is welcome to purchase this kit, all registered contestants will automatically receive it at a 50% discount. Use this kit to create or supplement your entry for week 4 (not required).

The kit will be 20% off to all non-contestants during the week 4 contest period. To receive the discount, be sure to use coupon code SingSong4.

You can pick up the new (oh so beautiful) kit here in the store. (Note that you do not have to have the kit to do your themed layout, but you will need it for the bonus rounds. You can see the official rules here. Do not log into the store with your registration number. Just log in as usual and you will get the discount on the kit.)

This kit is not required for your themed entry, though it has been designed to coordinate with the theme, so you may want to consider using it (especially at 50% off!) It is, however, required for the optional bonus round.

Instructions:

*Remember: We encourage you to use your own photos in your entries. Each week's theme has been carefully chosen so that the photo you use can be generic. You may wish to choose photos that will not reveal your identity (i.e. photos of you or your children that the judges may recognize). However, that being said, scrapping is first and foremost about your memories, so use any photo that calls to you.*

*We have an advanced and beginner level for entries. If you wish to enter the beginner level, post your layout for week 4 here. You must enter the same level each week. The prizes for the beginner level will not be as big as the prizes listed, but they will be similar. If you are just starting out, are not on a lot of CTs, you may wish to enter this category.

*Advanced entries should be posted here. If you have been scrapping for a year or more, or are on one or more CTs, you will probably want to enter this level to compete for the top prizes.

Remember to login with your anonymous number in the forums before posting (forum logins are tied with gallery logins)!!

You may begin posting your layouts Monday, April 13. Entries may be posted through Friday, April 17, 11:59pm CST. The galleries will then be closed. Remember that if you do not enter each week, you will be disqualified.

Bonus layouts can be anything you wish. There is no level categories for bonus entries. Bonus layouts must be 100% with the week's themed kit. Layouts that do not use 100% of the kit will be deleted. You may enter as many layouts in the bonus round as you wish. Each layout gives you a chance for the random-draw prize. Bonus layouts may be uploaded here.

Schedule for Week 1:
Kit Available Monday 4-13
Contestants Upload to Gallery: Mon 4-13 - Fri 4-17
Judging: Sat 4-18 through Thursday 4-23
Public Vote: Fri 4-24

Week 2 Public Vote

2009-04-10T11:54:00.001-07:00

The results are in! The judges have chosen the top 10 advanced entries and the top 5 beginner entries to go to the public vote. Anyone can vote, as many times as you want! Simply visit the voting page here to cast your vote! Voting will take place through Sunday, April 12th.

Top 10 Advanced Entries:

138:

153:

160:

171:

220:

230:

260:

327:

335:

340:

Top 5 Beginner Entries:

173:

212:

314:

326:

329:

Judging for Week 2 Underway!

2009-04-10T10:01:00.000-07:00

The galleries for week 2 are closed and judging is now commencing! We have an awesome lineup of judges for this week that will have the difficult decision of choosing some favorites. Other than the two store owners, Amy Hutchinson and Laura Deceatis, we also have the following judges:

Sarah Cornish (A5D CT)
Kristen Rice (A5D Designer)
MK Designs (SPD Designer)
Sara Gleason (SPD CT)
and special guest judges Kay Miller and Martina (aka Cherry)!

The top picks will be available to the public for voting later today from April 10th through April 12th.

Good luck!

Week 1 Bonus Round Winners!

2009-04-07T08:57:00.001-07:00

The winners for the bonus round of week 1 have been chosen! Each of these contestants will receive a $25 gift certificate to both sponsoring stores.

By random draw, the winners are:

433
216
127

Congratulations!

Week 2 Deadline

2009-04-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

For those of you who were having problems uploading your entries for week 2 at SPD, we have created week 2 galleries at A5D for you to use. Please get your entries uploaded asap, as these extra galleries will close Wednesday!

Week 3: A Moment in Time

2009-04-05T19:34:00.000-07:00

The contest of the year continues with Week 3! Our own Catherine Designs and Pink Ellie Designs have joined MK Designs, and Silversword71 designs from Shabby Pickle Designs to create this beautiful kit for week 3. While anyone is welcome to purchase this kit, all registered contestants will automatically receive it at a 50% discount. Use this kit to create or supplement your entry for week 3 (not required).

The kit will be 20% off to all non-contestants during the week 3 contest period. To receive the discount, be sure to use coupon code Moment3.

Update: There seem to be some gallery upload problems at SPD, so week 2 submissions are still being accepted until the problem is resolved.

You can pick up the new (oh so beautiful) kit here in the store. (Note that you do not have to have the kit to do your themed layout, but you will need it for the bonus rounds. You can see the official rules here. Do not log into the store with your registration number. Just log in as usual and you will get the discount on the kit.)

This kit is not required for your themed entry, though it has been designed to coordinate with the theme, so you may want to consider using it (especially at 50% off!) It is, however, required for the optional bonus round.

Instructions:

*Remember: We encourage you to use your own photos in your entries. Each week's theme has been carefully chosen so that the photo you use can be generic. You may wish to choose photos that will not reveal your identity (i.e. photos of you or your children that the judges may recognize). However, that being said, scrapping is first and foremost about your memories, so use any photo that calls to you.*

*We have an advanced and beginner level for entries. If you wish to enter the beginner level, post your layout for week 3 here. You must enter the same level each week, so choose carefully. The prizes for the beginner level will not be as big as the prizes listed, but they will be similar. If you are just starting out, are not on a lot of CTs, you may wish to enter this category.

*Advanced entries should be posted here. If you have been scrapping for a year or more, or are on one or more CTs, you will probably want to enter this level to compete for the top prizes.

Remember to login with your anonymous number in the forums before posting (forum logins are tied with gallery logins)!!

You may begin posting your layouts Monday, April 6. Entries may be posted through Friday, April 10, 11:59pm CST. The galleries will then be closed. Remember that if you do not enter each week, you will be disqualified.

Bonus layouts can be anything you wish. There is no level categories for bonus entries. Bonus layouts must be 100% with the week's themed kit. Layouts that do not use 100% of the kit will be deleted. You may enter as many layouts in the bonus round as you wish. Each layout gives you a chance for the random-draw prize. Bonus layouts may be uploaded here.

Schedule for Week 1:
Kit Available Monday 4-6
Contestants Upload to Gallery: Mon 4-6 - Fri 4-10
Judging: Sat 4-11 through Thursday 4-16
Public Vote: Fri 4-17

Week 3 Info Posted

2009-04-03T11:06:00.001-07:00

Be sure to check out the A5D forums for preliminary information on week 3's theme! The kit and full instructions will be available on Monday.

Week 1 Public Vote

2009-04-02T23:42:00.000-07:00

The results are in! The judges have chosen the top 10 advanced entries and the top 5 beginner entries to go to the public vote. Anyone can vote, as many times as you want! Simply visit the voting page here to cast your vote! Voting will take place through Sunday, April 5th.

Top 10 Advanced Entries:

116:

204:

220:

230:

260:

315:

335:

340:

350:

449:

Top 5 Beginner Entries:

247:

265:

325:

329:

428:

Judging Underway!

2009-04-01T12:26:00.000-07:00

The galleries for week 1 are closed and judging is now commencing! We have an awesome lineup of judges for this week that will have the difficult decision of choosing some favorites. Other than the two store owners, Amy Hutchinson and Laura Deceatis, we also have the following judges:

Amy Martin (A5D CT)

Camila Maria (A5D Designer)

Lauren Pieters (A5D CT and owner of Gallery Standouts Blog)

Faith True (SPD Designer)

Petra aka Milo82 (SPD CT)

and special guest judge Hollie Haradon!

The top picks will be available to the public for voting from April 3th through April 5th.

Good luck!

Week 2 Kit now available!

2009-03-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

The theme for week two is "Flashback"

Take us back in time. Maybe to your younger years, or maybe a great old picture from the attic. Or even from grandma’s attic! Maybe it’s a picture of mom in the ‘60s, Grandpa in the ‘20s, Great-grandma in the 1800's, or you in the ’80s!! Scrap a memory in time.”

You can pick up the new (oh so beautiful kit) here in the store. For the Week 2 Kit, Nikki Beaudreau, Faith True & Kasia Designs from Shabby Pickle Designs have teamed up with Cafe J & Lily Designs from After 5 Designs. All registered contestants will automatically receive the kit at a 50% discount.

This kit is not required for your themed entry, though it has been designed to coordinate with the theme, so you may want to consider using it (especially at 50% off!) ;) It is, however, required for the optional bonus round.

Instructions:

*Remember: We encourage you to use your own photos in your entries. Each week's theme has been carefully chosen so that the photo you use can be generic. You may wish to choose photos that will not reveal your identity (i.e. photos of you or your children that the judges may recognize). However, that being said, scrapping is first and foremost about your memories, so use any photo that calls to you.*

*Following the 'Flashback' theme, create your layout (layouts may be 12x12 or 8.5x11). Think carefully of what you want to express, and put time and care into your work.

*This week, all entries will be posted in the After Five Galleries. We have an advanced and beginner level for entries. If you wish to enter the beginner level, post your layout for week 2 here. You must enter the same level each week, so choose carefully. The prizes for the beginner level will not be as big as the prizes listed, but they will be similar. If you are just starting out, or are not on a lot of CTs, you may wish to enter this category.

*Advanced entries should be posted here. If you have been scrapping for a year or more, or are on one or more CTs, you will probably want to enter this level to compete for the top prizes.

Remember to login with your anonymous number in the forums before posting (forum logins are tied with gallery logins)!!

You may begin posting your layouts today, March 30. Entries may be posted through Friday, April 3, 11:59pm CST. The galleries will then be closed. Remember that if you do not enter each week by the deadline, you will be disqualified.

Bonus layouts can be anything you wish. There is no level categories for bonus entries. Bonus layouts must be 100% with the week's themed kit. Layouts that do not use 100% of the kit will be deleted. You may enter as many layouts in the bonus round as you wish. Each layout gives you a chance for the random-draw prize each week. Post bonus round entries here.

Good luck!

Week 2: Flashback!

2009-03-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

This weeks theme is "Flashback":

Bring us back a while. Maybe to your younger years, maybe a great old picture from the attic, or even from grandma's attic!

The kit for this week will be available in the SPD Boutique on Monday, along with complete instructions. We will post again then with a link to the kit.

You do not have to have the kit to do your themed layout, but you will need it for the bonus rounds. You can see the official rules here. Do not log into the store with your registration number. Just log in as usual and you will get the discount on the kit.

Also, due to server issues, please note that the deadline for Week 1 entries has been extended by 1 day. Please get those entries in by midnight tonight!

A sneek peek of the kit:

Last Day for Week 1 Entries!

2009-03-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

Contestants, don't forget that today is the last day to submit your week 1 entries! If you do not participate each week, you will be disqualified and removed from the discount list. Get those submissions in by midnight tonight!

FAQ: Questions & Answers

2009-03-23T10:57:00.000-07:00

Q: How do I re-register in the forums with the number you gave me?

A: If you are already registered in either forum, you will need to log out of the forums in order to re-register. Click the logout button then click again on "register." Register with your anonymous number as your username and a different email address than you are using now. Any secondary email will be fine, as we will not use that email to contact you. We will use your email that you have on your shoppe account to contact you, so make sure THAT email is valid.

Q: Does the 75% need to be current site product, or can we use older product from the designers featured at these sites?

A: It can be any product that was once sold or is currently sold at either A5D or SPD by any of the permanent designers. You may not use product from guests or from designers that are no longer in the shoppe. The other 25% may come from any other source, including yourself.

Q: May we use kits from the Guest Designers Kits? Also charity kits such as Artemia?

A: Only products from current, permanent designers of either store may be used. Products from guests, collab kits, and charity kits cannot count toward the 75%.

Q: In general, how do you feel about items on the layouts that are made by the contestant? (For example, word art, or using papers we've created.) I'm thinking mostly of the bonus round, where 100% of the items on the layout should be from the kit.

A: Layouts for the bonus round MUST be 100% from the week's kit. Nothing else, not even anything you made yourself.

Q: Is it possible to quit in the middle of the contest in case work gets in the way?

A: Yes, you may quit at any time. However, you must complete all 6 weeks to be eligible for any prizes.

Q: Those of us that can't participate in the contest can still play along and post for fun, right?

A: Of course you may! We encourage you to do so! However, the galleries for the contest will be for registered contestants only. You may post your layouts in any other gallery.

Q: Can we post more than one layout for each week's challenge?

A: You may submit ONLY ONE layout for each themed week's entry. However, you may submit as many as you like for the bonus round. Each layout you submit for the bonus round will be an extra chance to win the week's random draw.

Q: What about Easter? I want to join, but I'm away for Easter holiday.

A: You must complete each week to be eligible. Each week's theme will be up ahead of time and you will have a week to complete the entry. You may need to work ahead a bit to compensate for any time you will be away.

Q: Styles are just as much of a dead giveaway. I'm not worried about people figuring out which number I am. My style is just so odd, that it's silly for me to try to hide behind one. Any ideas about this?

A:Unfortunately, this cannot be avoided. However, not all the judges may recognize you. The anonymous number system is the best we could come up with. You should be true to yourself and your style!

Q: In order to receive the 50% discount on the kit of the week, do we log in to the store and use our 'normal' user/password or do we use out 'secret number'?

A: You should use your normal login. You do not have to re-register in the shoppe with your number. Re-registration is only necessary in the forums.

Q: Which gallery do we need to post our entry layouts to? A5D or SPD?

A: The entries will be posted in the galleries of the site hosting the current week's theme. The schedule is as follows:

Week 1: After Five Designs
Week 2: Shabby Pickle Designs
Week 3: After Five Designs
Week 4: Shabby Pickle Designs
Week 5: After Five Designs
Week 6: Shabby Pickle Designs

Q: If you have my name and number on file and are also judging, doesn't that defeat the purpose of the anonymous number system?

A: The only person with access to your number and name is our tech help person, and he will not be a judge during any week.

Q: Can we journal on our bonus entries? Is that counted against the 100% rule?

A: You absolutely may journal! After all, that's what scrapping is about. Feel free to use your favorite fonts for your journaling.

Q: Can we post our layouts on our blog or in other galleries?

A: Please do not post your layout anywhere else until the contest is over. That could give away your identity.

Q: Can we use no photo if we choose?

A: Photos are not required, as long as the theme requirements are met.

Q: Can we use the same layout in the bonus round as we used in the themed entry?

A: You may not use the same layout for both entries. Please create a separate layout for the bonus round.

Q: Is the 50% discount good only on release day?

A: The discount is valid for the duration of the contest for ALL of the weekly kits.

Q: Can we use stock photos?

A: Although we encourage using your own photos, we allow you to use stock photos if you wish. You may want to do this for anonymous purposes.

Q: Are scraplifts allowed?

A: Scraplifts are not allowed. We want to see your original work!

Q: Can I do my journaling in my own language?

A: Yes! Please use your own language to journal, as long as you provide an English translation in the description.

Week 1: It's So Me!

2009-03-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

The theme for week one is "It's So Me"

Not for an all-about-me page persay, it is about the thing that people know you for. When they see this, they think of you: something that could describe you. You always wear fab shoes, or sprout the coolest hair styles. You're obsessed with a color and everyone knows it. You always say a certian word... things like that. This kit contains all the things you need to make a page that is so you!

You can pick up the new (oh so beautiful kit) here in the store. For the Week 1 Kit, Cinnamon Designs and K Studio from AFter Five Designs have joined Edeline Designs, Holly Designs, and Newlife Dreams from Shabby Pickle Designs. All registered entrants will automatically receive the kit at a 50% discount.

This kit is not required for your themed entry, though it has been designed to coordinate with the theme, so you may want to consider using it (especially at 50% off!) ;) It is, however, required for the optional bonus round.

Instructions:

*Remember: We encourage you to use your own photos in your entries. Each week's theme has been carefully chosen so that the photo you use can be generic. You may wish to choose photos that will not reveal your identity (i.e. photos of you or your children that the judges may recognize). However, that being said, scrapping is first and foremost about your memories, so use any photo that calls to you.*

*Following the 'It's So Me' theme, create your layout (layouts may be 12x12 or 8.5x11). Think carefully of what you want to express, and put time and care into your work.

*This week, all entries will be posted in the After Five Galleries. We have an advanced and beginner level for entries. If you wish to enter the beginner level, post your layout for week 1 here. You must enter the same level each week, so choose carefully. The prizes for the beginner level will not be as big as the prizes listed, but they will be similar. If you are just starting out, are not on a lot of CTs, you may wish to enter this category.

*Advanced entries should be posted here. If you have been scrapping for a year or more, or are on one or more CTs, you will probably want to enter this level to compete for the top prizes.

Remember to login with your anonymous number in the forums before posting (forum logins are tied with gallery logins)!!

You may begin posting your layouts today, March 23. Entries may be posted through Friday, March 27, 11:59pm CST. The galleries will then be closed. Remember that if you do not enter each week by the deadline, you will be disqualified.

Bonus layouts can be anything you wish. There is no level categories for bonus entries. Bonus layouts must be 100% with the week's themed kit. Layouts that do not use 100% of the kit will be deleted. You may enter as many layouts in the bonus round as you wish. Each layout gives you a chance for the random-draw prize each week.

Schedule for Week 1:
Kit Available Monday 3-23
Contestants Upload to Gallery: Mon 3-23 - Fri 3-27
Judging: Sat 3-28 - Mon 3-30
Public Vote: Mon 3-30

Can not wait to see the gallery full of some fantastic new layouts!! Let's get this party started!!!

Registration Open!

2009-03-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

We are now accepting registrations for those who are eligible to participate. Registration deadline is March 21st.

Please fill out the registration form here.

Good luck!

Official Rules:

2009-03-11T14:07:00.000-07:00

Information:

All entrants will be asked to complete one layout a week, according to a specific theme, which will change weekly.
Each week, a kit will be made available by the participating stores and will accompany the week's theme.
Each week will be hosted alternately by the stores, starting with After Five Designs, and ending with Shabby Pickle Designs.
Contest participants will receive 50% off the price of each week's kit.
While purchase of the kit is not required, all layouts must be 75% A5D and/or SPD product.
Entries will be judged weekly by a panel of pre-determined judges.
The judges will consist each week of both store owners. Additionally, one designer and one CT member from each store will be invited each week, as well as two special guest judges.
The top entries each week will then be presented for public judging.
While no entrant will be eliminated, the winner(s) of the public vote will receive extra points.
At the end of the 6 weeks, the top 3 entrants with the most points will be awarded prizes.

Bonus Round:

Each week, there will be an additional, optional bonus round.
Bonus rounds will be free-form, and have no theme.
Layouts for the bonus round must be done 100% with the week's collab kit (excluding journaling).
Winners each week will be chosen at random.

Rules:

All contestants must participate each week for the 6-week duration to be eligible.
All layouts must conform to the specific week's theme.
All layouts each week must be completed by the deadline to be eligible for voting.
Entries for the themed contest cannot be used in the bonus rounds.
Bonus rounds are optional, and do not have to be entered each week.
Entrants must be registered at both www.afterfivedesigns.com and www.shabbypickledesigns.com to be eligible.
Posting of layouts will be in special assigned galleries of each site, and will alternate each week.
Site CT members of either site are ineligible to participate (personal CT members of the individual designers may participate).
Rude or unsportsman-like comments will not be allowed on entry postings.
All rules, prizes, and specifications subject to change.

Coming Soon...

2009-03-03T21:44:00.000-08:00