Scrapbooking Starting Point Challenge with BasicGrey
In case you’re new around here (and welcome if you are!!), I’m currently working on about eleventy billion scrapbook pages, all on kraft cardstock. Okay, maybe fewer than eleventy billion, but it’s very high number. We went on a big trip, took 9000 photos and my crazy head decided about 1000 of them needed to be scrapbooked. I’ve just passed the 100 mark! Trouble is, the photos are from all different places and I don’t want to use the same patterned papers and embellishments for 1000 photos worth of layouts… but I do want something to make them somewhat unified. So in that album, I’m only using kraft cardstock as the background. And that means sometimes the pages can get a bit neutral heavy and leave me craving colour.
Enter BasicGrey.
This layout still fits the kraft cardstock requirement but doesn’t skimp on the colour and I loved the change of pace from crafting with these papers. They are from the travel-themed Wander collection, but most BasicGrey lines are full of colour, so even if you’re scrapping another theme you can find something lovely. For this page I added blue paint (Jenni Bowlin for Ranger in Spice Tin) and three different BasicGrey alphabets – one in chipboard, one small sticker and one large. I love their big, bold alphabets and think they look great as monograms in embellishments (like this), which helps to use more of the letters on the sheet once you have spelled out a word or two.
In general, I’m excited that I can have a big punch of colour but also follow my kraft cardstock rule. But for this challenge, you can use any colours you would like!
Now the challenge: create a layout that starts from this design. You can use any papers or colours you like, but before you add any pictures, start with that large box of paper in the background, a wide vertical strip plus a narrow stripe and a horizontal block. Then complete a layout! You can use the page above as inspiration, but it’s not required. See where this starting point sends you!
One entry will win a prize pack of scrapbook supplies from BasicGrey. Entries close at midnight next Sunday (21st August 2011).
Feel free to use the comment section to chat about this challenge, as the entries should go in the linky widget!
Thank you to BasicGrey for sponsoring this challenge. You can find them on Facebook and Twitter.
Read more about: online-scrapbooking-weekend
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13 August 2011, 03:44
Wow I love Basic Grey, think I have nearly all the collections – I frequenlty return to these for my scrapping and card making. Love this challenge idea, off to see what I can do with it.
13 August 2011, 03:44
Great layout I LOVE that map paper. Right here we go……
13 August 2011, 03:51
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that map paper. I think i will be able to sqeeze in this challenge tonight. In fact I think I will start with this one as the hardest part for me is already done – working out what to put in the background!
13 August 2011, 04:25
I don’t normally use such big blocks of pp, so this will be quite a challenge!
13 August 2011, 05:00
I love Basic Grey too and am slowly using the PPs I have (when I paper scrap, they’re often the first ones I go to ;) ). I’ve lifted your map idea to use on my LO too Shimelle. Thank you for a fab challenge xx
13 August 2011, 06:11
Going to work on this as soon as I get my shower and breakfast! Thanks Shimelle and Good luck and happy scrapping to EVERYONE!
13 August 2011, 06:14
I love a starting point!! That is such a fun layout with gorgeous colors!!
13 August 2011, 07:02
Thanks for the challenge, I enjoyed it! :)
13 August 2011, 07:05
That was really a big challenge, since I always tend to save paper… don’t know why… have tons of paper and don’t use them! Have just posted my layout :-))
13 August 2011, 07:14
Great challenge! Just finished mine. I love your page using Wander, I didn’t have any pictures that would work today, but definitely will be creating this page again!
13 August 2011, 07:18
I love this challenge – getting started is always the hardest part for me. I tend to just sit looking at my supplies for hours daring myself to pick up the scissors rather than getting stuck in! I’ve done the LO, just need to add the journalling – woo hoo – my first challenge nearly done! I should also point out that we’re having a bbq this evening and I’m catering for 20 people, so fitting some scrapping in where I can today!
Hope the sun is shining where you all are!
13 August 2011, 07:32
love this Shimelle! adjusted mine slightly x
13 August 2011, 08:14
You know me – I am scared to death of brights … but I had a go and made a page which I really like now.
Great challenge and will use that placement of papers again.
13 August 2011, 08:37
I loved this challenge, it was a great start to my Scrapbooking Saturday
13 August 2011, 08:57
Wow Shimelle, that is one big project you are working on! I am looking forward to this challenge!! Thanks so much!
13 August 2011, 09:05
I will have to give this one a try. But cleaning chores come first … that’s the Saturday morning routine. :(
13 August 2011, 09:18
Sounds easy enough… Let’s see what I can come up with.
13 August 2011, 09:50
Loved this one – thank you! And that map maper is on my shopping list! >swoon< :)
13 August 2011, 10:05
Love the design and the challange. I am on it! Thanks, I am having so much fun!
13 August 2011, 10:13
I LOVE the Wander collection from BG and it is prefect for your page AND with a kraft background!!! Great challenge! I can not believe all the great entries already!!!
13 August 2011, 10:29
Love this challenge! My page is already half done for me =) I just hopped through the 12 entries so far and it is wonderful and inspiring to see what everyone has created.
13 August 2011, 10:44
Thanks for giving me the inspiration to get started, not quite the Cleand and Simple look I thought I would do. Thanks for the challenge.
13 August 2011, 10:53
I enjoyed this one, just need to get to grips with the whole flickr thing now…maybe it’s time to start a blog???
13 August 2011, 11:04
I stuck to your design pretty close. I haven’t made this many layouts in a while.
13 August 2011, 11:08
Everyone’s layouts are looking great! I’m almost finished with mine and will post it ASAP! I am at a retreat and trying hard to keep up with posts and comments.
13 August 2011, 11:20
I really enjoyed this challenge!
13 August 2011, 11:22
Loved the Start Here design. This was fun. :) Off to next challenge. Hehe.
13 August 2011, 11:30
a great challenge thanks
13 August 2011, 11:31
I love this challenge and hope I get to this today. I scrapped our vacation last year using only kraft as the base. I love the look it gave the album!!I am working on a cruise album today but it is white. Looks like I will have to veer off the path to play today. AND NOW it looks like I will have to get the Wander line!
13 August 2011, 11:55
My black paper with the white words wasn’t as long as I wanted, but this layout was perfect because I added the brads to cover the spot where there was no paper.
13 August 2011, 12:08
I’m excited to try this challenge. I usually start with my photos, but for the sticker challenge yesterday I started with the stickers and my layout came together really fast and I love it. I’m going to see if this works for this challenge too!
13 August 2011, 12:19
I am loving seeing everyone’s work! Such great examples!
13 August 2011, 12:23
Love your layout! Thanks so much for all the challenges!
13 August 2011, 12:27
Loved this one too – I am doing some great stash busting today and another lo off my “must scrap” this list :)
13 August 2011, 12:52
Loved this one too – used some of the printables from the earleir challenge to tie-in the mini book I made. Really enjoying this day – thanks
13 August 2011, 13:04
You can’t go wrong with Basic Grey. They are still my very favorite staple. You can always find something to fit your page.
13 August 2011, 13:16
Really enjoyed doing this and am going to make a 2nd page to go with it! Love that Basic Grey paper Shim!
13 August 2011, 13:18
Completed this challenge with a wedding photo. Thanks
13 August 2011, 13:22
really enjoyed this one it came together so wekk, happy with result , thanks for challenge : )
13 August 2011, 13:26
Love the template – and the papers, and the template made a layout come together really easily – thanks!
13 August 2011, 13:33
Had fun with this starting point! I used Echo Park’s Little Boy line. I have gotten a lot of mileage out of that paper pack!
13 August 2011, 13:52
Fun – long time fan of BG. Love the challenge!
13 August 2011, 14:03
Enjoying this weekend, fab challenge.
13 August 2011, 14:25
I haven’t scrapped for ages. Thanks Shimelle. Apologies but linked to wrong challenge at first.
13 August 2011, 14:36
Done! I didn’t even realize I grabbed BG for this challenge!
13 August 2011, 15:17
This is perfect for some of the larger patterns of BG where you just can’t decide where to cut – as long as you are happy to cover some of it up. I’ve just realised I have chosen BG for it, and then selected from a different BG set for one of the smaller pieces! (and have a different BG put aside for one of the other challenges, I’m not an addict honest!)
13 August 2011, 16:18
I’ve had a go at the sketch and so has my six year old daughter. Thanks Shimelle
13 August 2011, 17:13
Like this one. Have several ideas in my notebook ready for Monday :) Think I have turned it twice lol
13 August 2011, 17:36
In response to your comment on any newcomers to your blog…that would be me! I am loving your blog. I cannot tell you how absolutely inspired I am. I love hearing about your use of kraft cardstock to unify your travel album you are working on. I did the same for an album I made documenting my wedding preparation. I had a Christmas wedding and used a beautiful red, green, and cream theme throughout the book to unify everything (I know it sounds cheesy Christmas-y, but it is very classy and timeless – or at least I think so). Anyway, love the challenge and the fun community here during this scrapbook weekend. I am thankful you are giving us a week to finish up challenges! And LOVE, LOVE, LOVE seeing what everyone else is submitting. I think it is so great how many of us are working on older projects (saw some 2008 and 2009 dates on pages in addition to some older photos). It is never too late to scrapbook what is meaningful! We don’t ever have to feel “behind” and should always feel free to scrapbook the photos that are speaking to us right now…whether that is family photos from a generation ago, a wedding from a decade ago, baby photos from last year, or the photos we took just this morning! Thanks for organizing such a great weekend! Happy Scrappin’ to all!
13 August 2011, 17:39
I love Basic Grey so much that I have been known to buy two packs of the same line. This is a fun challenge!
13 August 2011, 18:06
This is my first weekend crop and really enjoyed this challenge…hopefully be able to do more of them tomorrow :)
Thank you . :)
13 August 2011, 18:54
I enjoy working with BG – they always come up with interesting but very usable lines – a great “go to” manufacturer I find. Like the basis of this challenge Shimelle – it will give us all something to work from and I can see a lot of different takes about to come out of it.
13 August 2011, 21:09
Loving all of these challenges!!!
14 August 2011, 04:03
another fabby challenge, and I managed to create a page that means so much to me. its on the same blog post as my last challenge so you will have to scroll right down to the bottom….. but thanks Shimelle perfect xxxxx
14 August 2011, 04:59
I love this challenge. This starting point made it quite easy to complete my page. Thanks
14 August 2011, 05:19
I had so much fun using this design. Thanks a lot for it. I’ve added my link
14 August 2011, 06:02
Thank you. Another few photos from nearly ten years ago scrapped. Have linked on the linky, and here
14 August 2011, 07:11
I really enjouyed this challenge – I’ve had the Washington photos for 3 years and not been inspired to scrap them until now – thank you!
Mini x
14 August 2011, 08:26
Love this challenge!
14 August 2011, 08:54
added my link, thanks for the challenge :)
14 August 2011, 10:18
That was a fun challenge!
14 August 2011, 10:26
Thanks for the inspiration! On to the next challenge.
14 August 2011, 11:26
I’ve just linked to my LO and it’s the first one I’ve done for many months! Thanks for the challenge and thanks for the inspiration.
14 August 2011, 13:00
Since I love your sketches I really loved this challenge, thanks!
14 August 2011, 13:04
Slowly, slowly, I am working my way thru them :)
Mary Anne
14 August 2011, 13:57
I finally got chance to join in after the boys’ bedtime, yay me! Lol! Thanks for this challenge – it gave me a great easy start, which is usually the part that I get stuck on! Once I’m going it’s fine lol! x
14 August 2011, 15:15
Fun challenge, pretty much like using a sketch! It will be really fun to see how others filled in the blanks!!
14 August 2011, 16:05
This is a pretty cool challenge. I really like how different everyone’s pages are even though we’re starting from the same place.
14 August 2011, 16:54
“Basic Grey, I love thee…. Basic Grey, I doooo” – Shimelle, BG are my absolute favourite papers! I will have a go at this challenge, because I’d love to win the prize… But also, because it’s a fab challenge and I really like the design (and what you have done with it)!
14 August 2011, 17:22
This seems to be a popular challenge! Shimelle’s sketches always make great starting points (and a little bit of free BG would be nice too ;-)
14 August 2011, 17:27
I think I will be starting with this one when I catch up with the challenges in the next few days. Just wanted to say that I love your Vientiane photos and I am living our RTW trip vicariously through your images (ours were all pre digi and were all pretty rubbish!)
14 August 2011, 17:42
I just added my layout. I ended up using your entire design, it worked really well with beach photos I took today. Why mess with a great design, right!
14 August 2011, 19:17
Just added my layout! I combined this challenge with the 3 is the Magic Number Challenge. I LOVE this sketch! I will be using again and again!
14 August 2011, 20:49
Love this challenge! I added my layout!!
14 August 2011, 20:57
Loved this challenge. What a fun starting point. I will try this one again. Thanks.
14 August 2011, 21:49
Shimelle, I’ve never participated in a challenge here before. It was fun. Thanks for the inspiration!
14 August 2011, 23:00
I love your layout so much Shimelle. I am definitely going to do this style again. This was fun.
Thanks, Michelle OK
15 August 2011, 00:18
I’ve totally enjoyed your challenges this weekend….am hoping to get some more done before next week…thanks so much!
Kathy
15 August 2011, 00:53
Thanks for the fun project!!
15 August 2011, 00:54
Wow, what a lot of entries for this challenge! Maybe a more regular starting point LO would be a good way to go Shimelle? Anyway, have now uploaded my attempt.
15 August 2011, 02:56
Thanks for the weekend of inspiration. Its given me a chance to get some much needed creative time in. I have uploaded my entry.
15 August 2011, 03:25
Ok, my last one before I have to go back to work :( Thanks for all the inspiration, I’ll be completing the rest of the challenges through the week.
15 August 2011, 03:52
I loved this challenge and the layout came together so quickly because of the starting point. This is definately a method I shall use if my mojo ever disappears!
15 August 2011, 04:25
I’ve just linked up my layout…I have a feeling there will be more, I love this ‘sketch’!!
off to link up my other projects!
15 August 2011, 10:14
Hi I had great fun making this, but started without reading it through, so only the kraft paper part of it is followed;)
15 August 2011, 15:09
my first 2 linked to the wrong LO. Sorry about the three links, the third one is right
15 August 2011, 19:25
This was a refreshing change from using a sketch. Really enjoyed it xx
15 August 2011, 21:39
I had to try the challenge and found a great picture of my grandfather to use on it.
16 August 2011, 00:07
Wow! I’m the 100th person to link up on this challenge! This is simply amazing! Thank you so much Shimelle for an awesome weekend/week of scrapping!
16 August 2011, 05:02
great challenge, thanks for sharing this idea with a starting point!
16 August 2011, 06:59
I love all your challenges Shimelle, thanks for sharing your tips and talent with us. I’ve just posted my layout!! I really enjoyed that starting point yay!
16 August 2011, 11:44
Found this one tough, but pleased with the final layout – thanks for making me think Shimelle!
16 August 2011, 13:55
I Loved this challenge, will have to use it again!
16 August 2011, 14:22
love this!
16 August 2011, 16:38
My favourite challenge LO so far. Thanks for letting me enter.
17 August 2011, 05:15
Great challenge!
17 August 2011, 06:06
Thank you Shimelle for creating a cyber crop I can actually keep up with! Your challenges have been a sheer delight to do and I’ve finally managed to put the first of a few layouts I’ve created on my blog and I’ve linked about! Thank you once again!
17 August 2011, 06:46
I love this challenge, lots of fun…..♥
17 August 2011, 12:10
Thanks for this challenge Shimelle! I love the vertical strips anchored by the horizontal panel.
17 August 2011, 13:45
Great fun to undertake this, kinda like and advanced sketch! Thanks and sorry I can only show a sneak peak!
17 August 2011, 14:02
again an interesting challenge.
17 August 2011, 23:34
What an awesome starting place! Thanks so much for the inspiration!
18 August 2011, 05:32
I love BG too – I think the green photo mount is BG but Im not sure as I had cut off the strip saying what the paper was!!!!! I loved this challenge and strange enough, since I did this one after the stickery challenge – it also has stickers on – which is very ususual for me!!!!
Thanks Shimelle this was was really fun to do!!!
18 August 2011, 14:05
Loved the starting place… Am I allowed to flip it though????? Oh well too late now :)
18 August 2011, 14:18
I liked this challenge too – I’d like your paper to do a layout on this one, its lovely! Mines a little dark & not so bright – but bright paper doesn’t go too well with devils and halloween!
18 August 2011, 21:56
wowza! this was a popular challenge :)
19 August 2011, 19:58
Thanks for this challenge! I can understand why it’s so popular – your sample started out with a simple design, and then the prize is Basic Grey (who wouldn’t want to win some BG?!). Thanks for the inspiration!
20 August 2011, 04:14
Loved this challenge.
20 August 2011, 05:57
I really enjoyed this challenge, thanks Shimelle! Excited to see it’s being made a regular feature, can’t wait to try more :)
20 August 2011, 09:42
Ooh Shimelle, such a simple idea but so darn clever!! I loved this, in fact have loved everyone of your challenges! Thank you
20 August 2011, 12:18
Love your challenges. I really liked this one to help me make a page. I put my thoughts in the tag behind the photo.
20 August 2011, 16:48
Thanks for so many great challenges. I haven’t made so many layouts in a long time. I’ve linked 2 here – please ignore the first one (139) as it’s the wrong webpage.
20 August 2011, 19:05
I liked the simplicity of the design and how easy it was to do my LO!
20 August 2011, 21:06
This was a hard photo to scrap – it’s got a nasty greenish tinge, but I’m pleased with the way it all turned out!
21 August 2011, 02:54
LOve the starting point – more please!
21 August 2011, 03:00
I loved this one, thank you so much
21 August 2011, 13:52
This was a great challenge, I really enjoyed the layout Shimelle started and I loved using the brighter colours!! Thanks so much for all the fun :)
21 August 2011, 15:40
I had a sweet photo of my daughter and great-niece that I wanted to show off, and that gorgeous Lauderdale was irresistible as the background together with those big chunks of solid cardstock – great fun – definitely want to do this again! I’ll be trying the new Starting Point next week!
21 August 2011, 15:55
I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to this series of challenges! I’m quite a slow scrapper so it was great to have a point at which to start from!
21 August 2011, 16:26
I’m in! Just in time :)
21 August 2011, 16:59
Maybe I should have misted a bit of color on my main background? Or maybe it’s ok the way it is. But I had fun just following exactly what was told. On to the next one….:)
21 August 2011, 17:06
Hi – I’ve just added mine :) Work keeps getting in the way of my scrapping !!!
I decided to use a map too but placed it slightly differently. Hope you like it xx
21 August 2011, 17:25
Liked this challenge, it really pushed me to think outside of the white cardstock box!
21 August 2011, 18:58
Wow! Lots of submissions on this one!!! I love your sketches and this was a great one to play with!!! ~Jen
21 August 2011, 20:01
I loved this challenge !
21 August 2011, 23:51
This was a great challenge and I’m looking forward to future “starting point” challenges :)
27 August 2011, 17:20
I finally had time to play along. Waaaaaaaaaaaay to late for the prize, I know, but I loved this idea and still wanted to create a LO.
3 September 2011, 09:04
I chose to use this same kraft concept in a travel album I did for my daughter. I have a heck of a time getting started and this was an amazing aid in moving me along on a difficult project (difficult because it wasn’t my trip/my memories)
19 September 2014, 13:00
Hi Shimelle,
So I know that you’ve been using Kraft cardstock as your backgrounds in your travel album. I was thinking of doing the same thing. But I was wondering if you came into any trouble using pattern paper with white in it instead of cream. I couldn’t remember if you had addressed that before. I had originally was going to use the same concept with a gray background but then I realized a couple of colors wouldn’t go with it, but now I’m concerned about how white might look on kraft. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Carly