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WHAT IS CALVINBALL?
What is Calvinball?
Calvinball is a scrapbooking and crafting challenge. It runs annually from March 1 to 31. The rules change as the month progresses, you collect points for honour and glory (no prizes) and it’s a fun way to get inspired to use your supplies and make some layouts/projects.
How was Calvinball inspired?
The Calvinball Scrapbooking Challenge was inspired by the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip by Bill Watterson.
In the comic the main character, Calvin, is a young boy with a big imagination. His best friend is his stuffed tiger, Hobbes. Calvin sees Hobbes as a living, breathing tiger. These two best friends have many adventures together and one of them is Calvinball.
Calvinball is a game invented by Calvin. It’s kind of a mash up of sports games, with rules that are constantly changing as Calvin and Hobbes play it. They award points somewhat randomly and it’s a race to the finish… whatever that may be.
To learn more about how Calvinball turned into a scrapbooking challenge check out this episode of The Scrapbooking Inspiration Podcast where Melissa Shanhun talks to the Calvinball creators from the former Get It Scrapped community.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
How much does it cost?
Calvinball is FREE!
Calvinball takes place in the ScrapHappy Circle community. It has a similar feel to Facebook with a lot more functionality that will make sharing layouts so much easier!
How do I sign up for Calvinball?
If you’d like to play along, GO HERE and fill in the registration box. You’ll receive information about the challenge. You won’t be charged anything. You won’t have to enter payment information.
Scrapping starts March 1 every year but feel free to sign up at any time! You’ll start receiving emails when we’re getting ready to start.
Where does this take place? Is it on Facebook?
Not anymore! We use the ScrapHappy Circle community for Calvinball.
We hosted Calvinball on Facebook for 2019 and 2020, but some things were not easy… like chatting with other Calvinballers, searching for layouts by individuals, and tracking points.
For 2021 and beyond we’ll be on the private ScrapHappy Circle community. YAY!!!
You DO NOT have to be a ScrapHappy member to participate. Calvinball is FREE! You will need an account and you’ll receive directions by email when you sign up.
IMPORTANT LINKS
Where Do I Participate?
The BEST PLACE to look for all of the Calvinball details will be in the ScrapHappy Circle community.
At the beginning of the month we will host a LIVE event so you can get all of the details on how it works. The replay will be available after.
We will talk about the RULES, the POINTS and some of the fun things to come!
Where are the Rules?
You will find the list of rules at the top of the Calvinball GALLERY in the ScrapHappy Circle community. It will be the pinned post and updated daily with the new rules.
The POINTS: We will share information about point tracking soon!
Will there be a Calvinball Crop?
Yes! We hope you join us for live Calvinball crop. We use the Zoom platform. Grab your projects and be ready to crop, show and tell and more!
Date will be announced March 1.
Posting and Sharing
Do I have to post my layouts?
No. You are not required to post your layouts. You can participate without sharing them, but it’s always more fun when you do!
Where do I post my layouts?
Layouts should be posted in the Calvinball GALLERY in the ScrapHappy Circle community. You are not required to share your layouts.
Each layout/card/project you post will be shared as a NEW TOPIC. This will create a ‘personal gallery’ when you visit your profile and look at the topics you’ve started.
There WILL be points for sharing… these will be announced with all of the rules.
Social media sharing?
Use the hashtag #calvinball and #calvinball#### (fill in the year) when sharing on social media.
We may have social sharing points too!
All About the Rules/Points
Wondering how the points work? It’s a little complicated when you’re new, but it will seem easy once you get the hang of it! Don’t forget. You can find the Rules in the Calvinball GALLERY in the ScrapHappy Circle community. It will be the Pinned Post in the GALLERY.
How often do I have to post my points?
Post your points whenever you like. You can keep track at home (we ask that you do) and then post when it’s convenient.
Where do I post my points?
We will have an easy to use points tracker. Details will be on the CHAT space. Be sure you’re signed up for the emails so you have all of the details!
What are stackable rules?
Stackable rules make it easier to make a layout/project without having to have a ton of embellishments on your project.
If you can get a point for green, and you can get a point for a star, you can use a green star to claim 2 points.
Do multiple items get multiple points?
No. Think of it like a checklist. If you have have checked off the star category you get a point, no matter how many you use.
Are Rules retroactive?
If you create a layout on Day 2 you can’t award points from the Day 6 Rules.
Rules apply to the day you are creating.
- On Day 2 you can use all of the rules from Day 1 and Day 2.
- On Day 6 you can use all of the rules from Day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
How do Temporary Rules work?
These rules will allow us to play with different parts of our stash. They will be added, and deleted, randomly throughout the month. Check out which temporary rules are active on the day you’re creating!
How can I suggest a Rule?
We will have a Pinned Topic in the Calvinball CHAT space in our ScrapHappy Circle community where you can suggest rules.
What are NO Double-Dipping Days?
A few days during the month will be NO Double-Dipping days! This means that you can NOT stack the rules. For example if you can get a point for green and a point for a star you MUST use separate items. You MAY NOT claim two points for a green star.
This will feel familiar if you’ve been a previous Calvinballer, but will add a new element of fun for the newbies!
More Questions?
Do you have a question that needs to be answered? Once you’re signed up please leave your question in the Calvinball CHAT space and someone will post a response. If we see that question frequently it will add it to our FAQ’s here!
Haven’t joined the Calvinball Challenge yet? You can ask our Scrappy Bot (the little Pink chat bot at the bottom of the page) and get answers to many questions immediately!