Link to my Sketch Blog. http://gotsketch.blogspot.com

Valerie's Blog:
http://valeriesalmon.com

Valerie's Sketch and Scrap Gallery (MSW)
Click here!

Valerie begins her very own album of select layouts from all entries submitted in her sketch challenges. Her top pick (layout-entry) in EVERY sketch challenge she initiates will automatically be attached with a digital "ribbon." All ribbons come with a unique number (it can't be grabbed by anybody else!) and becomes a part of the exclusive VS Sketch and Scrap Album available for online viewing only here at MSW.

Imagine, a ribbon of your own attesting Valerie's seal of approval!

The digital "ribbon" concept was something we at MSW and Valerie thought about very thoroughly. While we wanted to have scrapping goodies to come with being the top pick, we decided not to do it on a regular basis. Huh? Why?

As we always said... the goodies are gravy. In this instance however, what could possibly beat having a "master scrapper" critique your work and learn from her? A few sheets of scrapping paper? C'mon. I for one would waive any goodie pack for a chance to learn as much as I can from Valerie herself and see what makes her layouts standout easy! (in case you haven't noticed yet, yes, am a drooling fan of Vals! Haha!). THAT IS A PRIZE WORTH WINNING - MY LAYOUT IN HER GALLERY with her seal of approval.

We at MSW are amazed at the support Valerie had extended to the site and to Filipina scrappers in general. Quick! Name one who does the same things she does: sponsor challenges of HER OWN, give away her PERSONAL stocks as prize, painstakingly take the time to write comments and kudos, and yes, (now) OFFER to write/sketch a column on a regular basis just to help out fellow Filipino scrappers find their own scrapping voice and style. I honestly believe no one compares. I might have missed one or two good Filipino scrappers who might have done the same thing from outside the country for us once or twice, given the opportunity --- but on doing so on a regular basis? No one yet compares. :)

Ladies, we consider it one of our blessings here in MSW to be able to host Val's Outline column and her exclusive album of top picks. Now lets all scrap and work to have THAT digital ribbon attached to one of our layouts and mounted in the Gallery for life by participating on any of her upcoming Scrap and Sketch challenges like this one! :)

And up for grabs for THIS Sketch Challenge is Valerie's F-I-R-S-T DIGITAL RIBBON LADIES! Be the FIRST in a list that's sure to become an exclusive group of highly talented scrapbooker! Go earn one! Wow! - Mabelle

It wasn't until I had my first sketch challenge that I realized that:

1. there are so many sketch-crazy scrappers out there :)
2. these little "blueprints" really do help inspire ideas
3. I enjoy sharing my sketches & seeing them come to life through the eyes of other designers

I hope you will join me by participating in this fun, fun way of getting your creative juices flowing.
I look forward to seeing all the fabulous layouts coming my way. If it's anything like the submissions we had last time, I will have yet another difficult time selecting the winner.

The challenge is on!

Val's NEW Sketch! See the "ribbon?" -- just a "sample" of the upcoming digital "ribbon" of Valerie for her top picks (read column on the left about the oh-so-precious "ribbon!"). Click the sketch for a zoom view minus the ribbon and start scrapping! Go earn a "ribbon!"

Sketch Challenge Rules:

1. Open to Philippine-based scrappers ONLY.
2. Open to any theme of your choice.
3. Be as creative as you want. I love to see creativity.
4. You may alter the sketch to make it your own.
5. Layouts must have a title, photo/s, and journaling.
6. Traditional scrapbook layouts only. No digital submissions (sorry).
7. Deadline for uploading: 11:59 pm (Manila time) of May 20, 2007
   
8. Submit your entries via email to valerie{at}myscrapworks.com AND via uploading the SAME file to the assigned album in the Sketch and Scrap Gallery. Assigned album will bear a copy of the current sketch so you'd know where to upload.
• Sign up for an account in the Scrap and Sketch gallery if you still don't have one then wait for the system to send you an automated verification email (just to see if you have a valid email address). Click the link stated in the email to activate your gallery account.
• Upload layout pages not bigger than 300k OR 800 pixels across else the system won't let you upload a file
9. Winner will be selected by me & announced during the week of May 25, 2007.
10. Winner receives a special "Valerie's Favorite" seal.

Tips on using a sketch:

1. Use sketches as your springboard to spark up your creativity.
2. Do not limit yourself on interpreting the sketch "literally." Feel free to flip it horizontally, turn it sideways, upside down, whatever you want to do to make it uniquely yours.
3. Give your title more interest
4. Turn the sketch into one that uses more photos (or a single one).
5. Spice your page up with texture, different techniques, patterned papers, and accents.
6. Have fun with it. This is YOUR page. The only one who needs to be happy is YOU.
7. The FIRST digital "ribbon" (No scrapping goodies for this challenge. Not yet ;-) and a card specially designed for the winner which Valerie will send via mail. Take a peek of some of the cards Valerie recently designed and drool! Click any to zoom!