I have been offered (and I have accepted!) a position on the Scrapbook Essentials Design Team for 2008!!! Woohoo!

I’m really excited about working with Meg and the rest of the team: Megan Renfree, Janenne Sloan and Janine Worthington!

I have been an ardent supporter of SE since its conception, entering the very first Monthly Layout Competition, and joining the Message Board the week it was launched. I don’t belong to any other scrapbooking forums and SE feels like “home” to me, so to be on the DT is like a dream come true!

It has been difficult to keep this news a secret for the last 2 days! But now the announcement has been made, and I can shout from the rooftops! Can you hear me shouting?
Needless to say, I am so excited about what the future holds for me in 2008!

Sadly, I have to bid farewell to the Paper Pesto Design Team. My HUGE thanks to Kate, Fiona & Steph for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to realise my true potential as a scrapbooker, artist and designer. I’m extremely grateful!

MY ENTRY
Since the new DT has been announced, I can share my entry with you. I had LOTS of fun working on it!

1) Single layout with the theme of “Moments”:

DEFINING MOMENT
The journalling reads: “A real defining moment in my life was finally accepting myself and learning to change my attitude about things. Learning that being an optimist is not a personality trait, but a state of mind. An actual CHOICE.”

2) Double layout using at least 3 photos, and showcasing a particular technique:

PURE SWEETNESS
The techniques I chose for this layout are cutting patterns/designs from patterned paper, as well as beading:

3) Off-The-Page project that would be suitable for a Christmas Gift:

TEACHER SURVIVAL KIT
Ethan will be giving this to his teacher for Christmas.
I covered a chipboard box with Basic Grey “Recess” papers and matching “Recess” ribbons, and then added the school/teacher embellishments.
Inside, Ethan and I have put all kinds of things to show how much we appreciate his teacher. Along with the items, there is a note which says:

Dear Mrs Steele,
Thank you for being my teacher this year.
Mummy and I have made you a “Teacher Survival Kit” to thank you and let you know how much I appreciate you.
It contains:
Gold coins – because you are worth your weight in gold
Rubber band – because you are so flexible
Toothpick – because you always “pick” out the good in people
Paperclip – because you hold everything together
Sunflower seeds – because you have helped me to grow
Battery – to help you keep going (and going, and going)
Clothespeg – to help you “hang in there”
Extra gum – for all the “extra” things you do
Mints – because you are worth a mint to me
Tea Bag – to remind you to relax daily
Panadol – for those painful days
Bath salts – to take you away when you need a quiet break
Candle – for when you are up late marking homework
Eraser – to remind you that everyone makes mistakes
Marbles – to replace the ones you’ve lost while teaching me!
Lifesavers – because you are lifesaver to your students
Band Aid – because you have helped heal hurt feelings and broken dreams
Smarties – because you’re so smart
Ear plugs – for when you just can’t handle any more questions!
I will miss you so much next year. Please can I come and visit you sometimes?
Love, Ethan xox

Now I can’t wait to check out all the other DT entries which will soon be up in the SE gallery!