A note about Melanie

Hello everyone!

We wanted to let you all know that as of this Friday, Mel will no longer be with us, here at Elle’s Studio. With a sad heart we have to say goodbye, but we wish her luck with her new (and very exciting) adventure she has in store! She has been such a joy to have around here and will definitely be missed. But, even though we are super sad to see her go, we feel blessed with the time we got to spend with her and to know that she is going to a great place, on a grand adventure and we wish her nothing but the best life has to offer!

Now I know some of you are wondering what will be changing around the blog and I’m glad to say that not much will be changing! We will be carrying on the sketch challenges, and filling in the gaps here and there.

We will be back on a regular blogging schedule starting in September – but the rest of August is going to be a little rocky because of our move we had planned, so please bear with us 🙂 

We all agree that Mel will be adored where she’s going – it has been such a joy to work with her these last couple of months! We love ya, Mel!

Meet Our Design Team Week – Say Hello to Waleska

I’m a mama to 2 sweet and silly boys. I’m also an accountant (but not your typical boring kind :)).  I live in SoCal with my high school sweetheart hubby, the two previously mentioned adorable boys and a cute yellow lab.  I love scrapping (of course), photography and shopping for shoes and jeans. I scrap mostly our everyday in a simple and colorful way.
Name : waleska
Location : southern california
Twitter : waleskaneris
What are your three favorite Elle’s Studio products?
What are three products you can’t live without?
white cardstock, clear ruler and glue dots.
Where do you scrapbook?
We have a little den right up the stairs. my desk + bookshelf fit there perfectly… it’s small and cozy but it works for me and i love it.

Can you share a just created scrapbook layout using Elle’s Studio products?

What do you listen to/watch while scrapbooking?
nothing. i rarely turn on the tv during the day and only listen to music while i work out. during the summer, i just listen to the boys playing (or fighting) in the background.
Do you record every moment or just special ones?
all. but i like scrapbooking about our everyday life the best.

Where do you scrapbook?

What is your favorite thing about scrapbooking?
there’s no rules. no right or wrong. i get to tell stories with pretty papers, tags and stamps any way i want 🙂
Want a chance to win Waleska’s three favorite Elle’s Studio products – Everyday Large Journaling Tags, Lil’ Snippets: Days Of The Week – Today – Turquoise and Summer Memories Large Journaling Tags?  Leave a comment on this post welcoming Waleska to the ES team. Link must be posted by 11:59p on Sunday, August 14, 2011.

Meet Our Design Team Week – Say Hello to Allison Waken

My name is Allison Waken and I was born, raised, and currently live in Phoenix, AZ. I have a husband of 10 years, 2 boys (8 and 7) and 2 dogs. I love photographs in whatever format they come in. I work full time at home and do most of my scrapbooking late at night (good thing I’m a night owl!). I work with both paper and digital supplies.
Name : Allison Waken

Location : AZ
Blog : Allison Waken
Twitter : AllisonWaken

What are your three favorite Elle’s Studio products?
Why did you start scrapbooking and how did you get started?
I started when I was in grade school. I have tons of little pages here and there that I put together. Obviously it’s much different than what I do now, but it’s always been a creative outlet for me. The only products I had were whatever I could find at the craft store. I think I really started getting back into it when I realized how many amazing products are out there!
Where do you scrapbook?
I scrapbook in the kitchen. I carry whatever I think I might need and make a huge mess on the table. I like to be a part of what’s going on around the house whether it’s a movie, or just the boys playing. I make a huge mess, but it’s what works for me right now! All my supplies are stored in my office in boxes, but since I work at home and spend time in there actually working I prefer to scrapbook somewhere else.
Can you share a just created scrapbook layout using Elle’s Studio products?

Do you record every moment or just special ones?
I don’t record every moment but I do like to record everyday or non-special moments. The pictures of everyday life are the ones I love looking back on so I try to include a lot of those in my scrapbooking.
What is your favorite thing about scrapbooking?
I think my favorite thing about scrapbooking is that it’s a mixture of a creative outlet (for me) and documenting memories (for my kids). I’m not great at storytelling so I try to include photos that tell the story along with a few quick notes about the photos.
Where do you scrapbook?

Do you have a scrapbooking goal?
My scrapbooking goal is just to not stop. Whatever the format, paper, digital, with accents, or not. Recording memories is important to me and I want to continue doing it for as long as I can.
Want a chance to win Allison’s three favorite Elle’s Studio products – Handmade Layers Pennants Blank , Summer Memories Large Journaling Tags and Pennants – Turquoise ?  Leave a comment on this post welcoming Allison to the ES team. Link must be posted by 11:59p on Sunday, August 14, 2011.

Meet Our Design Team Week – Say Hello to Marcy Penner

 
I’m a pretty simple girl. I married my high school sweetheart and we have three kidlets. For the last 11 years we’ve been living on the family farm and renovating a 120 year old farmhouse in Canada. Yes. Still renovating! 
 
Back in the day I earned my Bachelor of Education degree, but an artistic life has always been calling my name. I’m always busy doing something creative… photography, scrapbooking, decorating… you name it! I love that scrapbooking combines so many of my hobbies into one! It’s the perfect fit.
 
Name : Marcy Penner
Location : Winkler, MB, Canada
Twitter : marcypenner
What are your three favorite Elle’s Studio products?
  1. Handmade Layers Pennants – Blank
What are three products you can’t live without?
My sewing machine, mists and patterned paper
 
Where do you scrapbook?
I have a little studio off the living room. It’s the perfect location in our busy house. We’re planning an addition one day and my room might relocate at that point, but for now it’s good. A lot of the room is thrift store finds and pieces we’ve put together (my worktable is made from two old doors… my new mist shelf is from old bench boards). I plan on emptying it out this winter to paint the walls and ceilings… not looking forward to that!
Can you share a just created scrapbook layout using Elle’s Studio products?

What do you listen to/watch while scrapbooking?
I usually put a Supernatural DVD in my computer while I’m scrapping. I know them off by heart so it’s usually background noise.
 
What is your favorite color combination?
In my home and on my pages I love grey, yellow, green and aqua. Any combination of those is good for me!
 
Where do you scrapbook?

What is your favorite thing about scrapbooking?
I love taking pictures and I love making art. So scrapbooking, to me, is the perfect combination. My kids are growing so fast and I have a horrible memory for important stuff (I’d be a GREAT phone-a-friend though… Queen of Useless Facts over here) so scrapbooking will let me, essentially, freeze time and relive these moments that I treasure!
Want a chance to win Marcy’s three favorite Elle’s Studio products – Handmade Layers Pennants – Blank, Everyday Journaling Circle Tags and Lil’ Snippets: Labeled – Turquoise & Lime? Leave a comment on this post welcoming Marcy to the ES team. Link must be posted by 11:59p on Sunday, August 14, 2011.

Meet Our Design Team Week – Say Hello to Leslie Ashe

Hi, I’m Leslie Ashe! I live in Fort Worth, Texas (home of the stockyards, best Tex-Mex ever & some serious HEAT) with my husband Alan. We have two amazing college bound kids: Savannah & Shaypher. Hands down, my FAVORITE people on earth! My one spot stop for any sort of inspiration.
Scrapbooking began for me over 14 years ago and I haven’t looked back since. Creating is my outlet, my life song, my everyday.
When I’m not in my little studio, you can find me curled up with a good book, with my family or out snapping as many memories as I can get in.
I’ve been blessed beyond belief to have work published in Scrapbook Trends, Cards, Simply Handmade & Creating Keepsakes, along with several idea books.
It’s such an honor to be a part of Elle’s team. Thank you for having me, I’m so excited!!
Name : Leslie Ashe
Location : Fort Worth, Texas
Twitter : LeslieAshe
 
What are your three favorite Elle’s Studio products?
What are three products you can’t live without?
My husband just answered this for me. He said: him, Hobby Lobby & Michael’s. I say: Elle’s tags, adhesive & my trimmer!
What do you listen to/watch while scrapbooking?
Either my iTunes or I have a movie going. I have to have background sounds. It’s my motivation
Can you share a just created scrapbook layout using Elle’s Studio products?

What is your favorite color combination?
Right now it’s gray, orange & yellow with a tad of turquoise in the mix. (my all time favorite color is pink though.)
Do you record every moment or just special ones?
I record every moment because you never know when you’re capturing a memory.
Where do you scrapbook? What is your favorite thing about scrapbooking?

I like that I can scrap about my every day life, which will one day be in the past all for my future generations.

Want a chance to win Leslie’s three favorite Elle’s Studio products – Handmade Layers Large Journaling Tags, Mix & Match Vintage Number Sets – Pink and  Everyday Journaling Circle Tags? Leave a comment on this post welcoming Leslie to the ES team. Link must be posted by 11:59p on Sunday, August 14, 2011.

Meet Our Design Team Week – Say Hello to Keshet Starr

Keshet is a twenty-five year old law school grad living in the New York/ New Jersey area with her (very patient and scrapbook-supportive) husband, Steve.  Keshet began scrapbooking at sixteen, when her father, a business consultant, worked for a scrapbook company and came home with a bag of free product.  He has since complained that it was his most expensive consulting job ever! After discovering the online scrapbooking community a year ago, Keshet has done a lot less homework and laundry but had a lot more fun! When she’s not scrapbooking, Keshet enjoys baking, reading novels, creative writing, photography, and entertaining.  She has been published by Scrapbooks Etc., Creating Keepsakes, Scrapbook Trends, Ella Publishing, and Scrapbooking.com. Keshet designs for Scarlet Lime, Ella Publishing, Elle’s Studio and Write.Click.Scrapbook.
Name :  Keshet Starr
Location :  Elizabeth, NJ
Twitterkeshetstarr
What are your three favorite Elle’s Studio products?
  1. Pieces of Life Note Tags
Why did you start scrapbooking and how did you get started?
I started scrapbooking in high school.  My dad is a business consutant, and he consulted for a scrapbooking company and received a bag of free product.  Well, my father wasn’t about to take up scrapbooking at that point in his life, but I discovered the bag of product in the basement and the rest is history!
What are three products you can’t live without?
Label stickers, rub-ons, and my Tim Holtz tiny attacher!

Can you share a just created scrapbook layout using Elle’s Studio products?

  
What is your favorite color combination?
LOVE pink, yellow and aqua.  I would use that on every layout and every wall.

Where do you scrapbook? 
I scrapbook in our second bedroom, which is part guest room and part scrapbook room.  The bad part is that I have to clean up my mess a lot for guests, but the good part is that it keeps my room from becoming a disaster!  

Do you record every moment or just special ones?
I like to include a mix of everyday moments and events in my scrapbook pages.  Even though I struggle with scrapbooking vacations (too many photos, I think!), I love having a record of those types of events.
Want a chance to win Keshet’s three favorite Elle’s Studio products – Handmade Layers Date and Place Strips, Owl Love you Forever Scallop Circle Tags and Pieces of Life Note Tags?  Leave a comment on this post welcoming Keshet to the ES team. Link must be posted by 11:59p on Sunday, August 14, 2011. 

Meet Our Design Team Week – Say Hello to Laura Kurz

Marrying into the Navy in 2000 took Laura to the great state of Oklahoma, where she found a scrapbook store on almost every corner. With a husband who was often deployed and time on her hands, a hobby was born. A memory keeper from an early age, scrapbooking made sense to Laura. 
She has since been published in Memory Makers Magazine, Creating Keepsakes Magazine, Simple Scrapbooks, and numerous idea books. She is a member of the Creating Keepsakes Hall of Fame, a former Garden Girl at Two Peas in a Bucket, and currently also serves on the Design Team at Studio Calico.
Laura lives near Annapolis, Maryland with her husband, Ken, two-year-old son, Charlie, and soon-to-be-born baby girl. She received a degree in journalism from Lehigh University in 2001 and a master’s degree in writing in 2010 from The Johns Hopkins University. Since graduating from college, Laura has worked in the public relations and communications field, with positions at the University of Oklahoma, the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation, and most recently, St. Paul’s School.
 
Name : Laura Kurz
Location : Annapolis, MD
 
What are your three favorite Elle’s Studio products?
Why did you start scrapbooking and how did you get started?
When my husband and I were first married, we lived in Oklahoma (he was stationed there in the Navy). Back then, there was a scrapbook store on almost every corner, so I just kind of fell naturally into the hobby. How I miss those stores on every corner now!
 
What are three products you can’t live without?
Kraft cardstock, anything with butterflies, and tags of any sort (why do you think I love Elle’s Studio??)   
 
Can you share a just created scrapbook layout using Elle’s Studio products?
 
What do you listen to/watch while scrapbooking?
HGTV. I am obsessed with Bang for Your Buck, Dear Genevieve, and House Hunters. If I’m not watching HGTV while scrapbooking, I’m probably watching Law and Order on Hulu.
 
What/who inspires you?
Graphic design. There’s nothing more appealing to me design-wise than a really well-designed piece (whether it’s a scrapbooking page, an invitation, or a brochure). I love perusing Pinterest for inspiration every day.     
 
Where do you scrapbook?
 

Do you record every moment or just special ones?
I’m definitely an “every day moments” kind of scrapbooker. I keep a “one line a day” journal for my son (and will for my daughter when she’s born) and it’s actually really helpful when I go back to scrapbook old photos. I like remember every day things along with the major life events.

 

Want a chance to win Laura’s three favorite Elle’s Studio products – Everyday Journaling Circle Tags, Lil’ Snippets: Notes and Monthly Vintage Strips?  Leave a comment on this post welcoming Laura to the ES team. Link must be posted by 11:59p on Sunday, August 14, 2011.

Meet Our Design Team Week – Say Hello to Stephanie Klauck

My name is Stephanie and I am from a small town in Ontario, Canada but live right on the US border. I am married and have 2 great kids who are usually the subject of my scrapbook pages. I have been papercrafting since around 2003 and love the creative outlet this hobby provides. Aside from crafting I also love some TV time (Gossip Girl, Dexter, Grey’s and Brothers & Sisters are some of my favs), Nascar and curling up with a good book.
Name : Stephanie Klauck
Location : Ontario, Canada
Twitter : stephanieklauck
 
Why did you start scrapbooking and how did you get started?
When I got married to my husband Steve, my mom gave each of us a scrapbook she had created. The one to me was all about Steve and his life from birth until right before we met. His was the same but about me. She created these albums for a couple of months leading up to the wedding and we had no idea. And those gifts were the best we could have ever asked for. We still look at those albums 8 years later and laugh and chat about the people we were before we were an us. I knew the minute I opened that gift that I wanted to preserve my memories like that and I’ve never looked back.
 
What are your three favorite Elle’s Studio products?
What are three products you can’t live without?
Three products I can’t live without would have to be patterned paper, stamps and my Silhouette die-cutting machine
Can you share a just created scrapbook layout using Elle’s Studio products?

What do you listen to/watch while scrapbooking?
I love Adele in the background if I’m in a music mood. The TV is usually set to reruns of Criminal Minds.
Where do you scrapbook?
We have a cottage style house which I love but it isn’t the roomiest. Because of that I scrapbook in a corner of my bedroom and use part of the closet for additional storage.
  

Do you record every moment or just special ones?

I record all different moments. I actually prefer to document the everyday normal moments of life over the actual occasions like birthdays and the holidays. And when I do document the occasions I tend to focus on a special part of the day rather than the holiday itself.
Want a chance to win Stephanie’s three favorite Elle’s Studio products – Handmade Layers Tiny Tags, Everyday Journaling 3″ Circle Tags and  Vintage Mix & Match Numbers – Turquoise? Leave a comment on this post welcoming Stephanie to the ES team. Link must be posted by 11:59p on Sunday, August 14, 2011. 

Savoring Summer Update

It’s hard to believe it’s already August, and that the school/fall schedule is just around the corner!

Now is a great time to get caught up on your Savoring Summer albums, so I thought I would take this opportunity to share a few pages of my own Savoring Summer album. I am having so much fun putting it together!

These are my pages for the month of June. As you can see I am mixing Instax photos and regular photos within the album.

Don’t forget to add memorabilia to your album! For this page, I included the ticket from the baseball game we attended.

I took many photos at the game and had a hard time choosing my favorite for the album, so I included them all by using an Elle’s Studio tag as a pocket for the photos. I adhered the tag on all sides except the top. I then adhered “tabs” with the artisan tape included in the kit. The photos are snug in the pocket, yet easy accessible when I want to look at them!

What fun and creative ideas have you implemented in your Savoring Summer mini album? We love looking through the Savoring Summer Flickr group and seeing your albums and great ideas. Be sure to add your album to the group– you never know, it may be featured on the Elle’s Studio Blog!!

WINNER : July Guest Designer Favorites

Many thanks to all of you who welcomed our July Guest Designer, Jen Gallacher, with open arms.  We loved reading what you deemed your favorite from the projects she created.  We don’t know how you were able to choose!
We randomly selected one commenter to receive Jen’s three favorite Elle’s Studio products :
Congratulations to :
Be(e) said…


That card is breathtaking!! Great work! Thanks for inspiring!!
July 23, 2011 10:29 AM

Be(e), please e-mail me the following information to : melanie [at] shopellesstudio [dot] com by 8.21.11 and we’ll get you your prize!

Name :
Contest : July Guest Designer Favorites
Mailing Address :