Merry Christmas, Bloggers!

Most of you are probably all snuggled in for the day with your families, but eventually you might hop online and check in with the outside world. Just in case, we wanted to have something here for 'ya!

First of all, Merry Christmas!

In case you're new around here, CS® creates formulas that help make efficient use of your time and supplies. In addition to the Assembly Line Scrapbooking instructions made specifically for each collection, your membership also includes a monthly layout card.

(When your kit ships on the 1st, 15th or 20th of the month, members receive an email containing a link so that you can view/print the instructions.)

The fun part is that you can use any formula with any set of papers, embellishments, stamps, etc. These little instructions are a great resource for when you're experiencing a creative drought. Gather up the papers listed for making the layout, trim according to the instructions, and assemble. By then, your inspiration is sure to kick in, and you'll be able to add photos, journaling, a title and a few embellishments.

So, here's how it went for me today. I'll note the time stamp on the photographs I took during the process so you can see how quickly it works!

11:30am Select photos from the stash and confirm that they'll fit will onto the layout plan.

11:33am Select the paper collection to match well with the photos. I chose to go with the Serenity kit and picked out the four sheets required for the layout.

11:35am Next, trim the papers according to the instructions/diagrams.

11:37am Arrange the trimmed elements onto the page while consulting the diagram.

11:40am Trim the photos to fit onto the mattes. (Subtract 1/4" from the length and width of the matte.)

11:44am Adhere everything to the page.

11:49am Creativity is kicking in . . . look at how those circular Dazzle stickers from Aurora Borealis fit onto the 12x12 White Print from Serenity!

11:50am Add the sweet "serenity" ribbon from the JR collection beneath the featured photo.

11:54am Add a few captions to the photos and stamp a UM Serenity image above the border strip on the left side. And . . . done!

Tah-dah! Two pages completed in less than 30 minutes. Time for lunch!

With the Pro-Scrapbookers League (PSL) coming up, think about pre-making several batches of layouts inspired by the instructions you already have on hand.

Best wishes for a creative holiday and a happy new year!
Tricia