Got Scraps? Then You Might Have a Gift, Too...

It's time to turn your scraps into layouts... and maybe a gift or two while you're at it!  In case there's a little bit of busy going on in your life right now, this particular Got Scraps Challenge is designed to be combined with other challenges (oh, like maybe the sketch challenge, with a little planning) or to be a kick-start to some gift giving.  And just like always, this challenge is designed to get you scrapping quickly and with a minimum of fuss.  You can do as much or as little as you like, in whatever style suits you.

Ready?  We're going to shake things up a bit and go a little out of order from the usual formula... which will actually make it easier to make a gift out of that special photo. 

Step 1:  Find that special photo... and maybe a frame while you're at it.

This 5x7 photo is from our last little mini trip to heaven.  I mean, the North Shore.  The 8x10 frame?  Pulled that out of the closet.

Step 2:  Find an almost-dead kit to match your photo.  No kit?  No worries - go dig through your scrap pile and find some coordinating patterned paper scraps.

Crate Paper Random was perfect for me... a touch of pink and orange to match our clothes with blue and grey to match the sky, water, and rocks.  The patterns didn't matter so much as I knew I would be using small pieces of it.

Step 3:  Cut some squares... any size, using any tool you prefer.

I used 1x1 squares.  I was going after colors more than patterns, so the smaller size worked for that.

Step 4:  Shop your stash for the extra bits, like alphas, journaling blocks, cardstock, and coordinating embellies. 

I got an awesome care package in the mail literally 15 minutes before I started this project.  The ribbon, brad, flowers, and phrase stickers are from that package.  I love you, my happy-mail friend!  THANKS!

Step 5:  Finish.  Make this layout your own.  Do your thing! 

And there it is!  My style is thick and lumpy, so I left the glass out of the frame.

I used glue dots and a squirt of Glossy Accents to hold the buttons and flower in place... just some extra insurance!

Check it out!  I made a gift for my husband for his desk at work.  I used some scraps.  AND... I used some stuff out of my stash AND the mailbox.  All with the power of squares. *love*

Now it's your turn!  I challenge you to turn squares into layouts... or gifts... this month.  You have until December 31st to link up your layout here for a chance to win a $10 gift certificate to the TSR Store.  Oh, and if you do happen to kill a kit - or four - stop by the Message Board and record it in our Kit Killer thread.  We're on our way to a goal of 225 dead kits by the end of the year - come help us out!

- Theresa/Savi