Don’t Worry, Be {Scrap}Happy!

Lindsy Cummings

To all fellow crafters out there, greetings from Southern Alberta, Canada. In this post – my first ever foray into the blogging world (yay to never being too old to try new things!) – I’ll be giving you a glimpse into my crafty corner of the universe. And most importantly, I’ll be sharing what I love most about the ScrapHappy community!

It All Started With LOAD221

I’ve been scrapbooking for 25+ years but, like so many following the spring of 2020, I was drawn into a whole new online world. As folks/businesses pivoted to stay current and in touch, we all began to find creative ways to turn our at-home scrappy spaces into a place that felt like the crops we all attended and loved. In January of 2021 one of my besties shared about an online seminar experience called ScrapSmarter, hosted by ScrapHappy. It was fun, and I loved hearing live from some of my favourite faces of the industry. I was also introduced to ScrapHappy host Alice Boll (who was from Alberta, too, which felt like pure close-to-home awesomeness).

But what really caught my attention was a feature at the end of the event, for an upcoming something called “LOAD” (at the time I was like, “what does that even mean?!”) based on the hit HGTV show Fixer Upper. Considering I’d previously made a whirlwind vacay to Waco, Texas JUST to see the Silos, I signed up on the spot for the intriguing February challenge event. The rest, as they say, is history!

The Biggest Initial Takeaway

After somehow simultaneously navigating what LOAD was all about and managing to complete all 28 days, what made me fall in love the most with ScrapHappy was how it challenged me to take my creativity to a whole new level. I love, love, LOVE pop-culture but using prompts based on this type of theming had never occurred to me. As an example, this TN fold-out layout I made for Day 4 ( it was only DAY FOUR!!!!) had me explore a personal manifesto. Say what?! I don’t think I’d ever journaled so much creatively…and I was so proud of myself. It’s still one of my fave Traveler’s Notebook layouts I’ve done to date.

One For All, and All For Calvinball!

Aside from LOAD, my next favourite ScrapHappy event is Calvinball (hosted each March and open to any crafter, ScrapHappy member or not). Based on a fictional game in the Calvin & Hobbes comics, Calvinball is the wildest crafting adventure I’ve experienced…and I’m here for it!!

Notebook Anyone?

For anyone nervous of chaos and a lack of rules, this might not be the event for you. However, the ever-changing list of “items” to include on your projects is what I love the most. There’s something satisfying about needing a notebook to track the permanent and temporary lists, and record how many points gained per project. Whenever I try to explain Calvinball to my friends they always ask, “is there a winner?” Well…no. But it’s sure a hoot to see who gets bragging rights atop the leaderboard, and to try to beat my own score from the year before.

At the end of the day Calvinball is simply one more reason to keep crafting regularly, with a creative twist. Plus I adore looking back at these projects (where spotting a little nugget of goodness – like a hedgehog or an avocado – brings a secret smile to my face)! Calvinball is yet another example of how ScrapHappy takes an unconventional approach to motivating & inspiring us to hang out in our craft rooms. I strongly encourage everyone to give it a go when next March rolls around.

Some Sample Calvinball Projects

This was my first Calvinball entry, in March of 2021! I liked it was a layout not unlike my original style. But when it came to finishing touches the temporary/permanent lists that are part of the “game” helped remove indecision. I earned 18 points and, although nothing was really at stake, I felt as if I’d won the lottery. In case anyone is curious, I earned points for: completed layout, star, green, something coloured, pink, dated layout, sequins, typewriter font, stamping, three patterns, unfinished project, airplanes, holographic, Nuvo Drops, fussy cutting, make, cream & white, & selfie. Phew!

Another bonus to Calvinball is it’s the one ScrapHappy event where projects other than layouts count (you can even clock time spent sewing or knitting). Since I’m also a card maker, it’s awesome showcasing that side of me as well within this community. These are two interactive cards I made in March of 2022. I just had to get that lucky clover point!

V is for Variety

Since joining ScrapHappy I have created layouts (too many to count) encompassing a wide variety of styles. I appreciate the camaraderie amongst members celebrating this diversity in design. The Circle photo galleries are a one-stop-shop for inspiration in creating layouts of all sizes, both in the physical and digital format…especially during LOAD.

Space Nerds Snapshot

My completion of Space Nerds LOAD223 offers the perfect snapshot of how variety truly is the spice of life. By the end of the month-long event I’d completed:

11 single pages (12×12),
1 double page (12×12),
6 TN spreads, and
10 digi layouts (using the Project Life App)

Many of the layouts incorporated the story or technique prompts offered, but some didn’t. That’s another thing I love about LOAD, and the ScrapHappy family in general. You have the ability to choose your own adventure.

Outside the Box Inspiration

Starting in January of 2024 ScrapHappy began featuring ‘Unexpected Inspiration Challenges’ on the blog. If you’re in a rut these posts can be a great jumping off point. So far there’s been posts about finding ways to use book & album covers, games, movie posters, cereal boxes, and wedding cakes as means for inspiration. It’s refreshing to think outside the box, and this community is the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to that.

This was a 12×12 traditional-style layout I created, which documents how I was part of my first ever ARC team.

A Back Catalogue of Ideas

Even though I created the layout in April 2024 I was able to think back on January’s Unexpected Inspiration #1: Book Covers. When creating my design I incorporated colours from the book cover, as well as a carousel die cut. ScrapHappy ideas aren’t just there as a one and done. You can always look back at past posts/ideas to get your mojo going.

Forever Grateful for Being Featured

Last, but not least, I have ScrapHappy to thank for pushing me to put my work out in the world. Prior to 2020 I’d dabbled in submitting the odd project for publication in Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine, but otherwise my work lived tucked away in albums (or piles!) in my basement scrap room. Then, I saw Alice’s call for volunteers willing to design for LOAD 521. I though to myself, “February was a blast…I think I could do this” and decided to sign-up. When I was notified I’d be receiving prompts for one of the days I was overjoyed (if not a little anxious, too). It felt like such an honour, and knowing participants were “regular” crafters like me made it less stressful. I’ve volunteered to take on prompts for nearly every LOAD since!

Creating as a feature designer is now such a highlight for me, and I love taking on the challenge of adapting the prompts to work for my personal scrapbooking. As seen in the following examples, this includes documenting about “furry friends” (when I don’t have pets), how a “death has changed me” (when I’ve been fortunate enough to have not suffered extreme loss), or a “story about money” (which I somehow managed to link to a Horror Convention). I always hope my creative spin might inspire others who feel stuck when it comes to telling their stories.

Aside from featured LOAD layouts I’m proud to say I’ve branched out further. I’m now also a design team member for a locally owned company based out of Edmonton, Alberta called Simply Stated Design. And, I took the leap to apply to join this ScrapHappy blog team (which I admit I applied for at the eleventh hour due to nerves). I have this community to thank for building the confidence needed to share my work across multiple platforms.