Aggie Shoots. Aggie Scraps.

I am trying to keep my mind off other things as I’m set to deliver a talk in front of 150 people this coming Tuesday. I think I have public speaking anxiety – I haven’t delivered a speech since 2005, and that is my wedding day! I used to do this all the time!

However, you need to look at this —

We are thrilled to share that the latest issue of Simply Sweet Magazine is finally on sale. This issue is even better than the first, and it’s packed with ideas for EVERYONE! Our theme for this issue is vacation and travel, which is a subject that I absolutely love.

Sometimes you just need to get away from it all, and everything from a multi-week trek across Europe, to a week at your favorite theme park, to a trip to your local zoo can be just the ticket! Even if you don’t travel often, most of us have vacation photos that we need to scrap, and this issue has tons of inspiration on how to do just that! Here’s a sneak peek at what’s waiting for you in the shoppe…

The exclusive free downloads included with this issue are so fun and versatile, and the kit is packed with way more stuff than we could fit into the preview too! Even better… because Simply Sweet is a new release, we’re offering it 20% off today ONLY, so head to the shoppe to pick it up NOW!

Sylvania light bulbs are on top of my to-look for list today but I cannot help but blog about this. I mentioned it in passing already but here you go:

SSD Debut Magazine: SIMPLY SWEET!

Sweet Shoppe Designs proudly presents Simply Sweet Magazine. In the debut issue of our in-house idea digest, our team tackles a subject close to everyone’s heart, Home & Family. Not only is Simply Sweet packed with gorgeous layouts and inspiration featuring Sweet Shoppe products, you’ll also want to think of this issue as your go-to guide for creative ideas that will get you scrapping pages for your loved ones, which you may not have thought to scrap otherwise.

Inside this issue:
Ask SSD – your burning questions answered
All About We – share your family’s stories
Inspired by Home – find inspiration in every room in your house
Family Biographies – a new take on an scrap standard
Bittersweet – tackle life’s difficult subjects
Hybrid Inspiration – a step-by-step tutorial & hybrid home helpers
and Lots, LOTS more!
Every issue of Simply Sweet also includes EXCLUSIVE downloads which will never be available elsewhere!
This issue’s exclusives:
Lil’ Birdhouse by Eva Kipler, Traci Reed, Susan Bartolini, Julie Billingsley, Melissa Bennett & Zoe Pearn.
Lil’ Birdie Quickpages by Lizzy Reiber, Amy Carey, Aggie Aviso, Teresa Victor, Tracy Ducar & Sue Setiadji.

Seriously, this issue is really good – and Im inspired to complete a book for my family. I just wish I had time (as always)

These were part of my Christmas gifts Amore included a book for me.

Love love love the Journaler’s handbook.

Get published!
Here’s how you can be involved:

1. Select a sketch from those pictured here and, using it as a guide, create a well-executed, memorable layout to submit to CK. Please note: These sketches are for our April and May 2008 issues. You aren’t required to use seasonal pictures, but they are a plus.

Use solid-colored cardstock, patterned paper or textured paper—whatever works best for your layout. Choose the page size (8 1/2″ x 11″ or 12″ x 12″) you prefer. You can scrapbook black-and-white or color photos—it doesn’t matter.

NEW!: We’re now publishing single pages inspired by one side of the sketch as well. Let’s see what you can do!

Looking for past Becky sketches? Visit www.creatingkeepsakes.com/sketches!

2. Special Instructions

April 2008 Instructions: A long, horizontal strip of pictures stretches across the two pages. This leaves a lot of “white space” for either a nice “visual break” or a great opportunity for embellishing. There is plenty of room for journaling. Due November 9, 2007.

May 2008 Instructions: Do you have a lot of pictures to get onto one layout? This sketch could be just what you need. Here I’ve included 26 small, square photos, a larger photo, and the “focal point” photo, which would be the largest element on your layout. There’s going to be a lot going on, visually, so keep that in mind when choosing a background – maybe solid would be best. Due December 7, 2007.

3. When your layout is complete, e-mail an electronic version to editorial@creatingkeepsakes.com. Be sure to include “Becky’s Sketch” in your subject line. Note: Attached files MUST be less than 300K. Include a supplies list for the layout as well.

You can also send color copies or photographs of the layouts to:
Becky’s Sketch
Creating Keepsakes
14850 Pony Express Road
Bluffdale, UT 84065

If your layout is selected, we will contact you with contract and payment details. Let’s see what you can do!

In order to maintain fresh content in our magazine, we ask that you please submit layouts that have not been posted in online galleries or personal blogs that are available to the general public. Thank you.

Have you seen CK’s new look?

It is more streamlined and graphic and I absolutely love it! Im excited to get the magazine next year. Im actually still deciding which magazine to subscribe to