Happy middle of September everyone. I love this time of year (I was married 27 years ago today). The temperatures are awesome and the fall colors are starting to set in. Let’s see what kind of goodies we have coming out tomorrow.

Dagi’s Temp-tations has a new set:

With new CathyK kit

Blue Heart Scraps has a new Grab Bag:

With new Dagi’s Temp-tations Template

CathyK Designs has a Bundle releasing:

With new Dagi’s Temp-tations Template

With new JB Studio template

Little Rad Trio has a Grab Bag:

With new Dagi’s Temp-tations template:

LJS Digital Designs has a new kit:

JB Studio is releasing a new set of templates:

With new LJS Digital Designs kit

With new Clever Monkey Graphics grab bag

Clever Monkey Graphics has a new Grab Bag:

This week we’re spotlighting the Mix It Up Challenge hosted by the lovely Cathy of CathyK Designs. She asked that they you scrap a layout that is inspired by your favorite song. As I looked through the layouts to choose some to feature, I was blown away. Such lovely and wonderful layouts. Let’s see a few:

Aren’t they just lovely?

Remember, 10 challenges and you get this wonderful collab:

Don’t you just love those colors?

Don’t forget too…. GS Birthday starts on Friday!!

Welcome to part two of our Feature Designer blog post. Today I’ll share my chat with Dani of JB Studio.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Our goal is to do a road trip from São Paulo to Chile sightseeing all small tourist cities along the way. There are plenty of other places I’d like to visit because I love traveling.

If you had a warning label, what would yours say?

“Don’t talk to me, if you start I’ll never stop.”

What is one thing you will never do again?

I can’t think of anything right now.

What’s your favorite movie?

The Proposal

Do you love or hate roller coasters?

I like them.

Do you believe there is intelligent life in outer space?

Sure!

What was the last thing you ate?

Bread with butter.

If you were a crayon, what color would you be?

Pink.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

People who tell lies. I just can’t stand that!

Pirates or Ninjas?

None.

Country or City?

Country.

Morning or Night?

Morning.

Indoors or Outdoors?

Outdoors (if I can take a laptop with me).

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Chocolate.

Cats or Dogs?

Dogs.

Who did you look up to as a kid?

I remember looking up to some people as a teenager and adult, but I can’t remember many things from my childhood.

What is the one thing that makes you happy despite any mood?

My family.

Do you have any tattoos? If yes what and where are they- If no do you want any and what would you get?

Yes I do. I have a little heart near my knee, a half moon with stars near my shoulder – this is little, too. And the symbol of my star sign on my leg, this is a bit bigger. And well, I want to get more, but my skin is very sensitive and it’s really painful so I usually wait a lot to have a new one.

Name one television character that you simply adore?

I don’t watch much television, I don’t even know what’s is currently showing.

Thanks to Dani for playing along. Make sure to visit her GS Store, Facebook page, and blog.

Wow is all I can say. September already. It’s the beginning of my favorite time of year. I was married in September 27 years ago and it’s the beginning of all things Pumpkin.

This month we have TWO fabulous designers and I am going to split their interview into two posts. Look for Part 2 on Wednesday, September 9. I will be talking with Lorie from LJS Designs and Dani from JB Studio.

Today I’m chatting with Lorie of LJS Designs.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Without a doubt, I would go to Paris. I have had a fascination with and desire to see Paris for as long as I can remember.

If you had a warning label, what would yours say?

“Do not mistake my kindness for weakness.” I try to be kind to everyone, and I think most people respect and appreciate it, but there are those people who try to take advantage of it. When that happens, I am not afraid to show my tough side and put them in their place. I don’t enjoy it, nor do I apologize for it.

What is one thing you will never do again?

Run. When I was a lot younger and thinner I loved to run and averaged 5 miles a day. Now I am old and fluffy and have a bad Achilles Tendon, so running is out of the question. From here on out, I am a walker.

What’s your favorite movie?

I don’t actually watch a lot of movies, but I have loved the Sound Of Music since I was little. Having said that, I doubt I would sit still and watch the entire thing. My attention span for movies and tv is pretty short, so anything I watch better be commercial free, or I get up to do something while the commercial is on and never come back.

Do you love or hate roller coasters?

Neither, but I am not getting on one. I am afraid of heights, going fast and falling so a roller coaster is out of the question for me. (Yes, basically I am a big chicken.)

Do you believe there is intelligent life in outer space?

I believe there is a possibility that intelligent life exists in space, but I question whether or not we would recognize it if it were not a direct reflection of us.

What was the last thing you ate?

Burger King, cheeseburger and onion rings. It is Friday night and I don’t cook on Fridays.

If you were a crayon, what color would you be?

Red.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

Dirty dishes in the sink. We have a dishwasher. Rinse and load, people. (It’s not complicated or hard, but my family just can’t seem to do it.)

Pirates or Ninjas?

Ninjas, because black is slimming.

Country or City?

Some where in the middle. I don’t want to live in a city, but I don’t want to live in the middle of no where either. I prefer Small Town, USA.

Morning or Night?

Night. I worked 3rd shift while my son was in school, kindergarten through the first half of his Senior year, so I am definitely a night person.

Indoors or Outdoors?

Indoors. I don’t care for bugs and most of them are outdoors. At least they better be!

Chocolate or Vanilla?

I’ll take half and half in a sugar cone with the candy coating you get at DQ, please.

Cats or Dogs?

Both. I currently have three rescue dogs and two rescue cats, so I am open to both. But I am not taking any more in at this time, as the ones I have keep my hands and heart full.

Who did you look up to as a kid?

My Dad. He has always been my superman.

What is the one thing that makes you happy despite any mood?

Music. I love music so hearing and singing along to a favorite song always makes me happy.

Do you have any tattoos? If yes what and where are they- If no do you want any and what would you get?

I have one, a tiny butterfly not more than an inch wide that is just below my collar bone. I like it, but I have no desire to get any more.

Name one television character that you simply adore?

I love Shemar Moore, so I am going with Derek Morgan from Criminal Minds. I’d be his Baby Girl any time.

Thanks to Lorie for playing along. Make sure to check out her GS Store, Facebook page, and her blog.

Don’t forget to check back on Wednesday for my chat with Dani.

Have you ever wanted to try the Challenges at GS but thought there is NO WAY you can do 10 challenges in a month? How about one challenge every 3 days? When you state it that way, it doesn’t seem like so much, does it? That’s all it takes. One challenge layout every 3 days and you will have your 10 challenges for the month and get a awesome collab like this one as your reward.

Our designers make it so easy to do the challenges as well.

There are at least 3 different template-type challenges each month (the 2 Template Challenges and the Desktop Challenge).

One designer each month provides a Mini Kit to use.

Do you collect the Daily Downloads from the blog? A small download each day and by the end of the month, you have a full kit. Then you use that kit for a layout the next month. This is the kit that was the Daily Download for August that is September Daily Download Challenge.

Do you enjoy using new fonts? Each month a designer picks a new font to use for the Font Challenge. This is the font for September.

If you like using Word Art, there is a new word art provided each month.

This is just 5 of the choices you have. We also have the Brush Challenge, Buffet Challenge (using any of the current month’s Buffet kits), Color Challenge (the designer picks the colors for you to use), Designer Spotlight Challenge (using any kit by the spotlight designer(s)), Hybrid Challenge (if you love hybrid projects), Inspiration Challenge (the designer picks something to be your inspiration for a layout), Mix It Up Challenge (a surprise challenge chosen by the designer), Recipe Challenge (the designer gives you a “recipe” to follow for your  layout), Scraplift Challenge (the designer picks a layout for your to mimic or “scraplift”), and the Signature Challenge (a fun way to change out your signature monthly).

We also offer two special challenges. JB Studio does a Journaling Challenge each month and if you are a fan of pocket scrapbooking, we have a P365/52 Challenge. This one nets you four challenge points if you do each week.

So how do you keep track of what you have done? First, head over to the Cookie Jar thread in the forum and make a post to help you track them (you always have access to the edit function on your post to add links to your layout in the gallery. Then, when your challenge is done, upload it to the gallery, link it in the Challenge Forum, and place the link in your post in the Cookie Jar thread. At the end of the month, Missi checks all the posts and sends PMs out to those that have completed 10 challenges.

Still not sure you can do 10 challenges? Starting in March 2014, we implemented a new program where you can accumulate your points over several months. You will receive the collab of the month in which you COMPLETE your 10 challenges. For Example: You do 5 in March, 2 in April and 6 in May – you would get the May collab. You do 7 in March and 4 in April – you get the April collab. Only rule is that after you hit 10, challenge points are not carried over. You will start the next month over at 1.

Now leave a comment and tell us what your favorite challenge is. I think mine is a tie between the templates, desktop, and signature.

Hey there Gingerscraps friends. I have a treat for you today. I have an interview with our own Ginger (yes, she really does exist). Have you ever wondered how Gingerscraps started? Wondered about Ginger herself? Then keep reading because she has been gracious enough to answer my questions (even the fun quirky ones).

Tell us a little about yourself. Your family, children, etc.

I have 2 amazing kiddos, a 17 year old daughter and 15 year old son. We have a little tiny Maltese named Cooper, he is spoiled rotten 🙂  We have a super close extended family! Once my dad retired, he and my mom wanted to start a great adventure and travel all over the country (and beyond). They needed to make arrangements to rent their house out, and that happened to be right at a time when I needed to move. So my kids and I moved into my childhood home about 3 years ago. My brother also lives with us and my sister and her family live about 5 minutes away. When my folks come home between their travels, it gets a little crowded, but we make it work. I thank God every day that we have all been able to help each other, when there is a need, we all pull together. We are an exceptional family, they are all my greatest blessing!!

What made you decide to start Gingerscraps?

My love for the art of scrapbooking and memory keeping was the reason I started GingerScraps. I wanted to have a site where fellow artiest could gather, share, and encourage each other. Shortly after I opened GS, I found myself a single mom, and needed to support myself and my kids. However I have health issues that prevent me from working full time, in a normal working environment. I have an autoimmune disease called APS, it causes me to have small strokes as well as many other difficult symptoms. I poured all I could into GS, to build it into a business that would work for me and my family. I am very proud of our little piece of the web, and I just adore my GS family!!

I know you help with some of the collabs when needed, but do you miss designing under your own moniker?

Sometimes I miss it, but honestly I really don’t have time to design. When I do have some spare computer time, I really want to scrap more! That is what I miss the most! I think I need to schedule in scrapping time, it is just hard because once I sit at my computer, there is always work that needs to be done, so I feel guilty if I scrap. But I think that needs to end asap, I miss scrapping!

What kind of things do you look for in the designers that are invited to sell at GS?

I look for someone who is passionate about designing, wants a long term home for their work, and has excellent quality and creativity.

Please share a photo of yourself, can be silly or serious but a photo that shows us who YOU are.

I think these two layouts show myself and my kiddos 🙂 From left to right that is Me, my daughter Isabelle, her boyfriend Justin, and my son Chandler. We were sitting, on the 4th of July, waiting for the fireworks to start… so we decided to play a little selfie game. lol!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

That’s a tough one! I would love to go on a long road trip stopping at places of interest along the way. I would also love to go to Hawaii!

If you had a warning label, what would yours say?

Caution: NOT a morning person! Please bring hot black tea immediately!

What is one thing you will never do again?

Eat chestnuts roasted on an open fire… it sounds magical… but is is nasty to the max!

What’s your favorite movie?

Oh how would I ever pick one!? We love movies (and books) in our house!

Do you love or hate rollercoasters?

I LOVE them, unfortunately I can no longer go on them due to my health issues… boooo!

Do you believe there is intelligent life in outer space?

I believe in the possibility of anything.

What was the last thing you ate?

Chicken and potatoes.

If you were a crayon, what color would you be?

I think blue, I love almost all shades of blue.

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

When people chew on Popsicle sticks or chew on towels, for some reason it totally grosses me out! I might actually dry heave if I see it! I know, I know, I am weird!

Pirates or Ninjas?

Pirates!

Country or City?

COUNTRY!!

Morning or Night?

Night!

Indoors or Outdoors?

Pretty much either one is ok with me, just depends on my mood and the weather.

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Both please 🙂

Cats or Dogs?

I love them both, but I do love my little dog that doesn’t shed the most!

Who did you look up to as a kid?

My parents and my big sister Julie, and I still do to this day.

What is the one thing that makes you happy despite any mood?

Music.

Do you have any tattoos? If yes what and where are they- If no do you want any and what would you get?

I have some flowers on my right ankle.

Name one television character that you simply adore?

Dean (Jensen Ackles) from Supernatural and I LOVED Hershel (Scott Wilson) from The Walking Dead- I actually cried when he “left the show”- that scene was the worst!!

What is the current ringtone on your phone?

Very boring … it is the default iPhone ringtone.

If you were deserted on an island (with all water/food provided), what three things would you want to have with you?

Comfy bedding, a huge tub of coconut oil (good for skin, hair, cooking, and so much more!), and an iPad with games, books, movies and a solar charger.

If you could spend the day with anyone (living or dead) who would it be and why?

I would love to spend one more day with my brother Wade. He passed away about 15 years ago, I would love to have a day with him!

What songs are included on the soundtrack to your life?

That is also really hard to narrow down, but two of my favorite artists are Sara Groves and Imogen Heap. I recently got to meet Sara Groves, it was AWESOME!! I will attach two little colleges I made on my phone of that weekend.

What would you sing at Karaoke night?

Something from Pat Benatar for sure 🙂

Any special message to our members?

I want to say a BIG heartfelt thank you to my GS family!! I had this crazy dream to open up a site where crafters could gather and inspire each other, and I am so very proud of what it has grown into. I honestly feel so blessed that we have such a huge family now! GS absolutely would not be the place it is with out ALL of you!!

Thanks so much to Ginger for being so open and fun with my questions.

Did you know that Gingerscraps will be celebrating 7 years in September? Keep your eyes open for announcements coming soon. There will be extra chats, special sales, FB Hop, a Scavenger Hunt and MORE!

And with that, I ask you…. how did YOU find Gingerscraps? Leave a comment and let us know. Personally, Missi (our own missdamsel) introduced me to Gingerscraps back in 2013 when I first started digital scrapbooking.

Have a great day!!

And just like that, we’re down to the last week. Did you take a look at the Week 4 “Day in the Life” layouts. If not, jump over to the Week 4 Gallery and check them out.

On to the challenge for Week 5.

The weeks tracking and following the pirate captains every movement has proven to be very informative! You have an extensive log of what he does every day, all day. He is actually a very predictable man, he likes to stick to his strict schedule.

As you have been tracking the pirate captain, you noticed one of the other pirates doing the same thing. One day you make eye contact with each other, and exchange a knowing look. This exotic looking woman has long dreadlocks flowing down her back, big hoop earrings, and a beautiful vibrant parrot on her shoulder. You ask her what her name is, she is Madge ‘Temptress’ Reks and her bird is Alberta.

After a long conversation with Madge, you find out that she is heading a plan to overthrow the pirate captain. She (and more then half of the pirate crew) are not happy with the way the captain is treating them. They have been planning on taking him down, and have been waiting for the perfect time. You decide to invite her back to your room, to meet some of your GS friends, and you work through the night with a fail proof plan to take the captain down!

Bright and early the next day, you gather in the designated meeting spot. You all know exactly what your part in this plan will be.

Step 1- Madge will seduce the nasty old captain, and lead him out to the sun deck.

Step 2- The trusty parrot Alberta will fly right at the captain, and distract him.

Step 3- The feisty group of GingerScraps ladies will rush him, all at once! They will tie his feet with yards of ricrac, bind his hands with rolls and rolls of extra strong washi tape, blow glitter in his eyes, and if he fights back…. he will receive hundreds of paper cuts!! There is no hope for this swashbuckling, peg legged, man!

The plan goes off without a hitch! The rein of the mean pirate captain is over. Madge forces the captain and his crew to walk the plank!

To pay you for your help, she retrieves the captains treasure from his ship, and she divides it up between you and your GingerScraps crew.

You all helped save the day! And you get to finally head home, with a lifetime of stories, and a pocket full of treasure!

Week 5 – {The Battle} *The Challenge*
This last and final layout is all about your greatest battle. What has been the biggest fight in your life? What accomplishment are you most proud of? There will not be many rules for this challenge, please feel free to let your creativity lead your way!
This is for all the marbles! The prize package and the title SOLE SURVIVOR!!

The Layout Rules-

This layout is all about a battle in your life, something you had to fight for, one of your greatest accomplishments.

• There is no minimum or maximum numbers of photos allowed.
• In the Tribal Council forum post, type out your journaling, so all players can read your journaling.
• Templates ARE ALLOWED in this challenge.
• You must use ALL 100% GingerScraps products when creating your Layout.
• *Remember* Always credit the products you are using, when posting in the gallery. List the credits in the description box when uploading. When checking layouts, I need to be sure all products are from GS designers- so credits are crucial!!

Make sure to check out the Week 5 Gallery to see what our pirate-y ladies come up with.