Hi Experimenters!

Sometimes it seems as if we get so caught up in our day to day lives, that we forget to stop and enjoy the here and now. This weeks' challenge is a lengthy one, it comes from Divia and it's one we should all do now and then...

Set forth a time, and no matter what time it is, or what you are doing, snap a photo. It can be of your children who happen to be running down the hallway with a trail of toilet tissue behind them. It could be that you just finished filling the dogs' bowl, or maybe you are outside admiring the turning of fall. No matter where it is, where you are, snap a photo of that moment....the NOW.

Complete your page with journaling. Dig inside to express how you feel at that moment...that point in time. After all, scrapbooking is about memories...preserving them, no matter how small they may be. It is usually the small memories we hold dear as we grow older...how the laundry smelled after washing, how mom's apple pie made your stomach growl everytime you smelled it...or how you always have a pile of toys to pick up after the kids go off to school. No matter how small or minute, the now is what we live for, so let's capture it!
******************************************************
Listen
By Leslie

Leslie Says:

I LOVE this challenge this week. When I was loading the pics from Friday night's Senior Walk, I KNEW this picture speaks VOLUMES of how I felt that night. Of how I'm STILL feeling. The feeling of knowing, of realizing this is my daughter's last year in band. The feeling of pride as we walk her across that football field :) I love that girl!

Journaling:

(listen...) to the here & now. this moment. This.....I could stay in this place forever. This very memory. Walking my girl across the field as she is being honored as a senior. Experiencing this with her is something I will cherish. ~Savannah & Mom - Oct. 24, 2008~

****************************************************************
The Easy Life
By Sasha

Journaling:

As I look at this picture, I think to myself, that you have no worries in the world. We do all that for you so that you can sleep peacefully at night, and be the kids and adults you are destined to be.

*****************************************************
Just An Overwhelming Mess
By Mia

Mia Says:

I decided to take a photo of my space, which hasn't been cleaned in more than a month due to non-scrappy issues arising. The clutter is so symbolic right now as to how cluttered my life is but my hobby is as well. LOL!

Journaling:

This is my right now, an area that hasn't been cleaned in almost 2 months. Things have just gotten in the way that my space has been neglected to the point where the mess is just too much. Reminder: MUST clean up this week!

************************************************************
Right Now This Moment
By Divian

Journaling:

This moment is priceless. it is time standing still. it is life preserved. life captured on camera. it is you. my lil four year old mini me. it is you. this moment, this time, this photo, it is all you.


*****************************************************
As you know, we are being sponsored monthly be the oh-so-generous Scrap N' Art Magazine! They are sponsoring us here at The Design X every month! We will be giving away a VERY GENEROUS prize pack each month for those of you who have played along!

Here's how it works:

There will be approx. 4 challenges a month. All YOU have to do is play along with at least one challenge during the month to be eligible for the Prize Pack! Hint: The more challenges you play along with, the better shot you have of winning!
At the end of the month we will put your name in a hat (one time for each challenge participated in during the month) Ex: if you do two challenges, your name will go in the hat two times. Make sense? Still with me?!

So! You wanna see what you are playing for this month?!

Here is the October Prize Pack from Scrap N' Art!

Contents: (Some Items Not Pictured)

A huge kit of 12x12 papers and embellishments from Piggy Tales
A 12x12 paper pack from Luxe
A pack of Black Magic color-core cardstock from Core'dination
Hide & Seek album from Piggy tales
Blackboard ring album from Cosmo Cricket
Breast Cancer Awareness adhesive variety pack from 3L
Swirls doodle template from Crafter's Workshop
5th Avenue embellishment set from Making Memories
Rub On Tool from Basic Grey
Home & Family rub-ons by K&Co
Pack of white foam Thickers

You know the drill!

Once you have completed your layout, please leave us a comment in this post with a link to your layout to be eligible for the October Prize Pack! We can't wait to see YOUR takes on the challenge! We hope that if you've never joined us for a challenge here at The Design Experiment, that you are inspired to do so today!

And remember this week (Challenge #33) is the last challenge you can participate in to be eligible for the October Prize Pack!

******************************************************
Here are the people eligible from Challenge #3o, #31, and #32 for the October Prize Pack!

Haberdawoman (Ch# 30, 31, 32)
Busybel(Ch# 30,31)
Darlene D(Ch#30)
Glenda T. (Ch# 30, 32)
Jen ( Ch#30, 31)
Benga (Ch# 30)
Julie O (Ch# 30, 31, 32)
charity.sorrells (Ch# 3o)
Heather (Ch# 31) 
Gladie(Ch#31)
andrewsbnr(Ch# 31)
Laura  (Ch #32)
Sophie P. Waquet(Ch #32)
Juliana (Ch #32)
Jiggy Jen (Ch #32)

If you participated in Challenge #30, #31, or #32 and
don't see your name here, please let us know!!!

It's that time again!

Can you think back to five years ago? What was your life like then? Who were you as a person? Do you think that person from five years ago would recognize who you are now? That's what this week's challenge is all about!

Sometimes it's hard to live in the now. To be aware and thankful of all the wonderful things around us right now. The days fly by so fast and memories seem to fade just as quickly.

So our challenge is to write a letter to your future self to be opened in 5 years.

This letter could be a reminder of all the wonderful things that you have in the here and now, a list of things you would like to have, or where you think you will be in 5 years from now. Just make it real, make it heartfelt, just make it you.

***************************************************

Our Super talented Guest Designer this week is Jenn Olson!

A Bit About Jenn:

Jenn Olson lives in Moses Lake, Washington, a little dot in
the middle of the state.  She has been married to Eric for
nearly 14 years and has three children, Ella (11),
Evynn (8), and Seth (5).  She started scrapping in1997
and has continued in many shapes and forms since then,
ending up with a love of paper and digital combined.

Jenn stays home with her children, and owns her own
photography business.  She was a Creating Keepsakes
Hall of Fame winner in 2006 and has been published in
Creating Keepsakes, Simple Scrapbooks, and several
online digital publications.

Thank you so much for being our guest this week Jenn!
We are in love with your creation!!!

**********************************************
Letter to Me
By Jenn Olson  

Journaling:

So many moments are happening every day. Open this
letter in 5 years and let me know.


****************************************************
Dear Me 
By Divian

Journaling Snippet:

life has a way of changing us. it has a certain way of sometimes
making us forget what is most important in life. although life
may be hard at times and seem unfair, just remember, dear
self, to always hold your head up high and love like there is
no tomorrow. the ability to love is most remarkable and the
one thing that no matter what cannot be taken from you.

***************************************************
Do Not Open 'Til 2013
By Emily

Emily Says:

This ended up being so completely therapeutic for me.  I sat down
at my desk to write this letter while everyone was out of the house.
Just me and my thoughts.  As the thoughts poured onto the paper,
it was a huge release.  I also included letters to my husband and
children just in case, God Forbid, I'm not here in 2013.

**************************************************
Dear Dena
By Dena

Journaling Excerpt:

Well girl, if luck and God have been on your side, you should be
the ripe old age of 35. Turning 30 was hard enough for you, so
hopefully 35 has been much kinder. As a 30 year old, you have
had your ups and downs.  You have struggled to find your place
in your own world. I hope by now that you have accomplished
at least several of those goals that you set for yourself 5 years ago. 

I want to remind you that life is precious. That your family is
precious and to never take them for granted. I also wonder if
you have decided to add a member to the family as well.
Something that you have flip flopped back and forth with for
years now. I guess only time will tell.

************************************************
My Future
By Amy

***************************************************
Looking Forward 2 A New Me
By Sasha

Journaling:

I look forward to the years I can look back and say I took that step in motivating myself towards a new me, I chose Weight Watchers I look forward to the years I can look back at this LO and this Picture and think …Who was that girl, oh yah she was my past.

**************************************************
As you know, we are being sponsored monthly be the
oh-so-generous Scrap N' Art Magazine!  They are
sponsoring us here at The Design X every month! We
will be giving away a VERY GENEROUS prize pack each
month for those of you who have played along!

Here's how it works:

There will be approx. 4 challenges a month. All YOU have
to do is play along with at least one challenge during
the month to be eligible for the Prize Pack!

Hint: The more challenges you play along with, the better
shot you have of winning!

At the end of the month we will put your name in a hat
(one time for each challenge participated in during the
month) Ex: if you do two challenges, your name will go in
the hat two times. Make sense? Still with me?!

So!  You wanna see what you are playing for this month?!

Here is the October Prize Pack from Scrap N' Art!

Contents:  (Some Items Not Pictured)

A huge kit of 12x12 papers and embellishments from Piggy Tales 
A 12x12 paper pack from Luxe
A pack of Black Magic color-core cardstock from Core'dination 
Hide & Seek album from Piggy tales 
Blackboard ring album from Cosmo Cricket 
Breast Cancer Awareness adhesive variety pack from 3L 
Swirls doodle template from Crafter's Workshop 
5th Avenue embellishment set from Making Memories
Rub On Tool from Basic Grey 
Home & Family rub-ons by K&Co 
Pack of white foam Thickers

You know the drill!

Once you have completed your layout, please leave us a comment
in this post with a link to your layout by Sunday, 7PM PST, to be
eligible for the October Prize Pack! We can't wait to see YOUR takes
on the challenge!  We hope that if you've never joined us for a
challenge here at The Design Experiment, that you are inspired to
do so today!

******************************************************
Here are the people eligible from Challenge #3o & #31 for the
October Prize Pack!

Haberdawoman (Ch# 30, 31)
Busybel(Ch# 30,31) Darlene D(Ch#30)
Glenda T. (Ch# 30)
Jen ( Ch#30, 31)
Benga (Ch# 30)
Julie O (Ch# 30, 31)
charity.sorrells (Ch# 3o)
Heather (Ch# 31) 
Gladie(Ch#31)
andrewsbnr(Ch# 31)

If you participated in Challenge #30 or #31 and don't see your
name here, please let us know!!!

Hi Experimenters!!!

Wow, this week just flew by! Did it fly for you to?

I'm always wishing that the beautiful Autumn months would last longer than they do. It seems as if we say goodbye to Summer and before we know it, the Holiday Season is upon us! There is just something magical about Fall! The smell of the crisp air, the burning leaves, trips to the pumpkin patch, hayrides...it's just such a FUN Season! So this week we ask:

What are your favorite things about the fall? Is it the cool weather, the changing of the leaves, fun fall recipes? What do you love most about fall?

******************************************************
Friday Night Lights
By Leslie

Leslie Says:

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of fall

is how much I love to go to the high school football games on

Friday nights. I love the chill in the air, the game, the excited fans,

the popcorn, the blankets...and most of all the halftime!! My daughter

plays in her high school marching band. The thrill in the air when

the band takes the field is felt by everyone around us!

So that's what fall says to me...

Journaling:

My favorite part of fall is most definitely Friday Night football at the high school. Watching the

game, hearing my sweet girl & the band at 1/2time, the chill in the air, hot chocolate, popcorn....it all just screams fall :)

****************************************************************
Fall Traditions
By Sasha

Journaling:

When I think of Fall, I think of
Warm fuzzy socks that will make my feet feel cozy
Nice cup of cocoa that will make my body warm
Beautiful changing leaves that will make my photos pop
Time to prepare of the holidays and big feasts
The changing weather and the stiff breeze of coolness
I think winter is just around the corner.

***************************************************
Autumn Walks to School
By Emily

Emily Says:

I took these pictures last week on the way to school with my kids. I LOVE living here, so close to Mt. Rainier, and wanted to remember these Autumn afternoon walks to PM Kindergarten forever!



******************************************************
Fall Favorites
By Kimmi


*****************************************************
Why I Love Fall:
By Amy

Journaling:

Why I love fall: cooler temps, warmer clothes, beautiful colors. It's totally my favorite season.

************************************************************
A Portrait Of Fall:
By Dena

Dena Says:

One of the greatest things about living in the Pacific Northwest is experiencing our Fall season. It is the most beautiful time around here. We have two huge dogwood trees in our front yard that provide more than an ample amount of leaves for Zoe to play in. I love watching her have fun rolling about and just plain ole going crazy in our yard. So yeahhh, I do love Fall!

*****************************************************
As you know, we are being sponsored monthly be the oh-so-generous Scrap N' Art Magazine! They are sponsoring us here at The Design X every month! We will be giving away a VERY GENEROUS prize pack each month for those of you who have played along!

Here's how it works:

There will be approx. 4 challenges a month. All YOU have to do is play along with at least one challenge during the month to be eligible for the Prize Pack! Hint: The more challenges you play along with, the better shot you have of winning!
At the end of the month we will put your name in a hat (one time for each challenge participated in during the month) Ex: if you do two challenges, your name will go in the hat two times. Make sense? Still with me?!

So! You wanna see what you are playing for this month?!

Here is the October Prize Pack from Scrap N' Art!

Contents: (Some Items Not Pictured)

A huge kit of 12x12 papers and embellishments from Piggy Tales
A 12x12 paper pack from Luxe
A pack of Black Magic color-core cardstock from Core'dination
Hide & Seek album from Piggy tales
Blackboard ring album from Cosmo Cricket
Breast Cancer Awareness adhesive variety pack from 3L
Swirls doodle template from Crafter's Workshop
5th Avenue embellishment set from Making Memories
Rub On Tool from Basic Grey
Home & Family rub-ons by K&Co
Pack of white foam Thickers

You know the drill!

Once you have completed your layout, please leave us a comment in this post with a link to your layout to be eligible for the October Prize Pack! We can't wait to see YOUR takes on the challenge! We hope that if you've never joined us for a challenge here at The Design Experiment, that you are inspired to do so today!

******************************************************
Here are the people eligible from Challenge #3o for the October Prize Pack!

Haberdawoman
Busybel
Darlene D
Glenda T.
Jen
Benga
Julie O

If you participated in Challenge #30 and don't see your name here, please let us know!!!

Hi Experimenters!

Can you believe we are at Challenge 30 already?! WOW! What an incredible journey it has been so far!

This week we are focusing on music. No matter how old you are, or what part of the world you come from, music is a part of life. It really is the universal language. Think back to your childhood, or that first dance with your significant other. There are moments in our lives that are defined by different music. So this week we ask:

What is the soundtrack to your life? Are there certain pieces of music that define moments for you?

*****************************************************************
Our wonderful guest designer this week is someone who we adore! She plays along with us almost every week, and we think she has real style! The talented Anilu Magloire!

A bit about Anilu:

My name is Anilu Magloire and I am from Mexico City. I'm SAHM/Scrapbooker who fell in love with the hobby about 3 1/2 years ago.

I have been married for 10 years to a very cool man, named Juan and we have the most adorable 5 year old girl, Natalia.
We moved to Miami 5 years ago and I love living here.

I started, like most of us, wanting to create something cool to record my baby's memories. I never looked back. I am pretty sure I'll die holding a piece of kraft card stock. I have a pretty simple style. Most of my pages have white or kraft backgrounds and smaller pics. My friends keep telling me I have to journal, but I always have a hard time with that. Although I love and hoard embellishments, I have a hard time using anything more than a few pieces of patterned paper.

I loved making this for The Design Experiment, and I am very excited about being invited to participate!
Thank you Anilu! We are so excited to have you this week!

****************************************************
Clocks
By Anilu

Journaling:

Clocks by Coldplay always takes me back to a window seat on an airplane, landing by night in beautiful Mexico City. Last time I went home, I had this song blasting on my iPod and I can see the amazing lights of my gorgeous city below me. Oct. 2008



*****************************************************************
Life Soundtrack
By Emily

Journaling:

The Sound of Music
I have lived the sound of music since I can remember. I remember staring at Julie Andrews on the television screen, wishing I could be just like her when I grew up. She is the reason I love music, and strange as it sounds she is like a mother to me in some ways.

Mary Poppins
It’s plain and simple. Every night before bed mom would sing “Stay Awake” from Mary Poppins. It still soothes me to this day. I knew that when my kids were born, I would be singing it to them too, and I do.

Phantom Of The Opera
Listening to Phantom was one of the defining moments of my Childhood. Sarah Brightman, hitting that high C at the end, wanting to be her, to be able to do THAT. Phantom was my first introduction to Opera, and I have been hooked ever since!

Collin Raye: I Think About You and Shania Twain: The Woman In Me
These two cd’s were the soundtrack of a summer I will never forget. It was Dad, Me and Sarah, Tracy and the boys, in the car mile after mile, to The Grand Canyon, and Four Corners. It was a happier time in our lives together, and those songs are special to me.

Veruca Salt: Eight Arms To Hold You
I still remember the first time I heard Veruca Salt. It was Geometry class at lunch, and Shannon made me listen. I remember being so moved by the music. It was the epitome of my Sophomore year, listening to Veruca and writing, Feeling those strange adolescent feelings and identifying with Veruca’s music. My copy of that CD is well worn and loved.

Nina Gordon: Tonight And The Rest of My Life
When I found out that Nina left Veruca Salt, I was devastated. She was my absolute favorite in the bad, but when I heard she was coming out with her solo CD, I knew I had to be first to get it. I waited at Best Buy the day it came out, and immediately took it home to listen to each song. Almost 10 years later, It’s still one of my favorite CD’s to listen to. It’s one of those CD’s you have to make EVERYONE listen to!

Madame Butterfly
Senior Year. I was obsessed with opera. Wanting to sing it, hear it, live and breathe it. I KNEW I had the power inside me, it was just waiting to be unleashed. The first time I sang Madame Butterfly’s “O Mio Babbino Caro” I felt like the earth had opened up and all possibilities had been unleashed. I still feel that same sense of power when I sing that aria today.

************************************************************
Innocence
By Kimmi

Journaling:

Kimmi Says:

Lyrics:
Waking up I see that everything is ok
The first time in my life and now its so great
Slowing down I look around and I am so amazed
I think about all the little things that make life great
I wouldn't change a thing about it
This is the best feeling
This innocence is brilliant, I hope that it will stay
This moment is perfect, please don't go away, I need you now
And I'll hold on to it, don't you let it pass you by
-Avril Lavigne

Journaling:

This is is definitely one of my favorites. All of my life, I have struggled finding peace and happiness and now I'm happier than ever. I wouldn't change a thing about it.




**************************************************************
Soundtrack
By Amy

Journaliing:

Brown Eyed Girl, By Van Morrison
Save A Prayer, By Duran Duran
Hotel California, By The Eagles
Lose Yourself, By Eminem
I Can Only Imagine, By Mercy Me

***************************************************
Soundtrack Of My Life
By Amy

Journaling:

I ADORE the challenge for this week. Music is such a powerful force. It can bring tears to your eyes, transport you to a specific place and time, can help fix a broken heart. So for this challenge, I thought of songs that could do and have done all of the above for me. From Joan Jett (who was one of the first people I remember listening to as a 4 yr old) to Pearl Jam (the music of my teenage years) to Zeppelin and the Beatles (because they ROCK!). This challenge also panders to my love of making mix tapes, well CD's now. So with the help of Itunes and my computer, I have a CD to go along with the page. I think my daughter will enjoy finding this years down the road.


****************************************************
I Must Have Done Something Right
By Leslie

Leslie Says:

I have a very favorite Christian Pop band. They sing a song that I just adore. To me it applies to me and my family. The band is: Relient K. Song: "I Must Have Done Something Right" I chose certain parts of the song for my journaling and the title of the song is my layout title. (My journaling says: "We should get jersey's 'cause we make a great team...If anyone could make me a better person you could. All I gotta say is I must have done something good....I came along one day and you rearranged my life all I gotta say is I must have done something right!"



**********************************************************
Because You Loved Me
By Sasha

Sasha Says:

I thought of one of my favorite songs that means so much to me, and makes me think of my hubby. He met me when I was at my weakest and he loved me regardless of my nightmares, regardless of my past. The song that stands out to me is from Celine Dion 'Because you Loved Me'.

*******************************************************
Music By Divian
Divian Says:

I love music, I listen to literally all types. I love Nightwish, Shania, Puddle of Mudd, TI, Gnarls Barkley, The Carpenters, Patsy Cline, you name it, I love it. I find that there are songs no matter what the genre that speak to me, motivate me and get me through trying times. Those songs, that music, I am thankful.

******************************************************************
Okay, so now I get to spill the beans!!!

We have been going through a transition period here at TDX, news girls, new sponsors, etc...and then the announcement last week.

WELL, here is the deal. We have been so blessed by the amazing people at Scrap N' Art Magazine! They are going to be sponsoring us here at The Design X every month! We will be giving away a VERY GENEROUS prize pack each month for those of you who have played along!

Here's how it will work:

There will be approx. 4 challenges a month. All YOU have to do is play along with at least one challenge during the month to be eligible for the Prize Pack! Hint: The more challenges you play along with, the better shot you have of winning!
At the end of the month we will put your name in a hat (one time for each challenge participated in during the month) Ex: if you do two challenges, your name will go in the hat two times. Make sense? Still with me?!

So! You wanna see what you are playing for this month?!

Here is the October Prize Pack from Scrap N' Art!

Contents: (Some Items Not Pictured)

A huge kit of 12x12 papers and embellishments from Piggy Tales
A 12x12 paper pack from Luxe
A pack of Black Magic color-core cardstock from Core'dination
Hide & Seek album from Piggy tales
Blackboard ring album from Cosmo Cricket
Breast Cancer Awareness adhesive variety pack from 3L
Swirls doodle template from Crafter's Workshop
5th Avenue embellishment set from Making Memories
Rub On Tool from Basic Grey
Home & Family rub-ons by K&Co
Pack of white foam Thickers

You know the drill!

Once you have completed your layout, please leave us a comment in this post with a link to your layout to be eligible for the Ocotber Prize Pack! We can't wait to see YOUR takes on the challenge! We hope that if you've never joined us for a challenge here at The Design Experiment, that you are inspired to do so today!