It’s that time yet again…International Scrapbook Day starts on May 2nd! And let me tell you…the party has already started! There are so many awesome scrapbook designers and shops that are hosting virtual crops, Zoom events, and more!

If you are looking for a place to hang and to play along with creative challenges, no worries! Come join me for the Victoria Marie iNSD 2020 Party, hosted on the Victoria Marie Facebook Group! To join the group, click HERE.

Here are the party details!

When: Saturday, May 2, 2020

Time: The first challenge will be posted at 10:00 am CST.

Where: Victoria Marie Facebook Group – Click HERE to join!

SCHEDULE and CHALLENGES

Here is the lineup for the Victoria Marie iNSD 2020 Party!

10:00 am | The Color Challenge: For this challenge, select a color palate that is completely different from the colors you typically use on a scrapbook layout. Example: If you use pastel colors for most of your projects, trying using neutral or bold colors! This is a great way to stretch your creative skills! Prize: Elle’s Studio Prize Pack

2:00 pm | Victoria Marie LIVE Bonus Challenge – Mixed Media Play: Calling all mixed media lovers! For this bonus challenge, I will create a layout using mixed media products LIVE on the Victoria Marie Facebook Group. Participants will be challenged to create a layout using mixed products (use what you have on hand). Prize: Mixed Media Mini Pack

5:00 PM | Shape It Up Challenge – If you enjoy using shapes on your scrapbook projects, this challenge is for you! For this project, participants will create a layout that features shapes as design feature. Circles, squares, triangles, hexagons…any shape is fair game! Prize: Echo Park Prize Pack

Deadline: All challenge submissions are due by Friday, May 8th by 11:59 pm CST. Winners will be announced on Monday, May 11th on the Victoria Marie Facebook Group.

How to Submit Projects: All projects will need to be uploaded to the designated “album” on the Victoria Marie Facebook Group. The individual project albums will be located under PHOTOS on the group page and will be featured as a post in the group discussion feed.

You must play along with the challenges (1 or all 3) in order to be entered to win a challenge prize! Also, you can enter more than 1 project per challenge!

The format of your project is completely up to you – scrapbook layout, traveler’s notebook spread, planner spread, mini album, pocket layout…DO YOU BOO!

Let’s have fun and celebrate iNSD 2020! I look forward to hanging with you!

Hey Scrap Bosses!

Are you looking for storage solutions for your scrapbooking and crafting supplies? Today on the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel, I am featuring the Stackable Mini Jewelry and Makeup Organizer Set by Lotsa Style. To learn more about this product and more, click HERE!

Lotsa Style is offering a limited time discount to all Victoria Marie Scrap Bosses! To purchase the Mini Stackable Organization, click HERE! Be sure to use code 30VICTORIA during checkout.

To see my full review, click on the video below.

This organizer measures roughly 3 x 10 x 2 inches and is perfect for organizing a variety of crafting tools and supplies.

Top portion is removable, revealing more storage for additional supplies underneath. I’m using this organizer to store my most used tools to include acrylic blocks, blender tools, and roller date stamps.

This organizer fits perfectly in any crafting space and can also be used at scrapbooking crops and retreats! Overall, I am very impressed with the usability of this product. It is good quality and a great storage solution for crafting tools!

Grab yours today and don’t forget to use the discount code 30VICTORIA during check out!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Disclaimer: This review was provided by Victoria Marie Designs for Lotsa Style. Victoria Marie Designs received no monetary compensation for this review, only the product featured in this post and on the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel. All unbiased reviews and opinions are that of Victoria Calvin, owner of Victoria Marie Designs. Victoria only reviews high quality products, by reputable companies.

Hey Scrap Bosses! Check out my latest video, Side Hustle, now available on the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel!

This layout features a products from the March 2020 scrapbooking kit from the Hip Kit Club. I recently rejoined the Hip Kit Club after a short break and absolutely fell in love with this kit! A list of available products are provided below.

At the beginning of March, I took a part-time job with my former employer. A co-worker quit abruptly and the agency needed to replace her position quickly. What started out as a temporary position and a way for me to make some extra cash while I continue to build Victoria Marie Designs, turned into a semi-permanent position.

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to accept this job, but I loved the opportunity to get out of the house for a few hours during the week. Working at home for myself can be a bit isolating. Also, I wanted to make some extra cash to help pay off a couple of credit cards, add to our savings, and cushion Victoria Marie Designs (for those months when my income is variable – a reality of freelancing). I have never been too proud to take a side hustle.

I wanted to document this story because (1) I want to remember all of the steps it took for me to create and grow a success business. Taking a part-time job and contract position in addition to running a business is nothing to be ashamed of, and (2) there is a second part of this story that I will share in an upcoming video. You’ll have to wait to see!

Meanwhile, check out the process video for this layout on the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel! Photos and product links are listed below. Enjoy!

This 12x 12 inch layout was so much fun to create! The March 2020 kit by the Hip Kit Club features so many awesome products!

Layered florals and butterflies add a touch of whimsy and movement to the layout.

A 4×6 inch cut apart pocket card was used for journaling. Each block was typed on my computer using a text box, sized to fit into the open journaling spaces of the pocket card.

A frame backed with pattern paper created the perfect anchor for a cluster of butterflies and a coffee cup.

Look for more process videos and scrapbook projects to come. Thanks so much for stopping by!

*** Available Supplies ***

Disclaimer: Affiliate links are provided in this post.  Victoria Marie Designs receives a small commission whenever these links are used. NOTE: These links are FREE for you do use.  All opinions and reviews are that of my own.  I only recommend products that I use for both business and personal reasons, and from reputable companies that I trust. 

Hey Scrap Bosses!

I’m back with a brand new process video on the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel and Blog!

A few weeks ago, Ali Edwards hosted an impromptu storytelling journey called Pieces of Us – A Self Portrait Community Project. According to Ali, she created this project for the following reasons:

1. To get yourself in the story. Literally. 
2. To play and experiment with your camera (most likely I’ll just be using my iPhone). 
3. To practice developing your own photo voice. 
4. To practice loving ourselves using the lens of our cameras. I love this as a February project. 
5. To play along with a community of storytellers. 

Hundreds of storytellers from all over the world participated in this project, sharing daily photos and words via Instagram. I truly believe there is space to tell our stories through photos as well as words, to be introspective, honest, and raw about where we are now and our perspective on life. This was the perfect project do just that.

To complete this project, I created a 12 x 12 scrapbook layout featuring the photos the I took and the journaling I wrote that correspond with each prompt. This was a fantastic project and I am so glad that I took the time to strengthen my storytelling voice through photos journaling!

Take a look at the process video for this project, now available on the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel. Photos of this project are posted below! Enjoy!

Supplies Used:

• Numbers – Elle’s Studio Jane Alphas
• Pattern Paper – Becky Higgins
• Die Cuts – Vicki Boutin
• Tag – American Crafts
• Wood Veneer – American Crafts

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Hey Scrap Bosses!

Welcome to a new week and a new scrappy challenge! As we continue social distancing and establishing a new normal in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, I want to do my part to engage and support the Victoria Marie Scrap Boss Community! With this in mind, let’s dig into a new challenge!

If you have plans to organize your scrappy space, this new challenge is for you! Join me this week for the Victoria Marie Scrap Boss Spring Clean Challenge! Starting Monday, March 23rd, we are going to designate 1 hour out of our day to address specific areas in our scrappy spaces.

Schedule and Challenge Details

Be sure to download and print the VM Scrap Boss Spring Clean Schedule and Challenge Details HERE!

This week, we are going to focus on the following:

• Monday 3/23 – Challenge 1: Paper
• Tuesday 3/24 – Challenge 2: Stamps
• Wednesday 3/25 – Challenge 3: Embellishments
• Thursday 3/26 – Challenge 4: Tools
• Friday 3/27 – Challenge 5: Washi Tape
• Saturday 3/28 – Challenge 6: Wild Card! Anything Goes!

For each challenge, set a timer for 1 hour and see how much of your scrappy stash you can organize! Don’t forget to purge and donate (when you can) any unwanted products. Focus on keeping only the items that you absolutely love and will use on future projects!

To prevent overwhelm and stress, consider working on a small section of supplies at a time. Once you complete one section, move on to the next until the section is cleaned and organized.  Pace yourself!

If you have organized a specific section/product listed above, or if you don’t have the products listed,  select another area or product to purge and organize, and follow the posting guidelines as stated for each challenge on the VM Scrap Boss Spring Clean Challenge PDF.  

To review the challenge details and schedule, click HERE!

Safety First: If you plan to donate items, it is recommend that you wait until the coronavirus pandemic has subsided and it’s safe to go to public facilities.

Enter to Win a Scrappy Organization Mystery Prize Pack!

For each day that you participate in this challenge, you will be entered to win a Scrappy Organization Mystery Prize Pack!

POST: Post a before and after photo of each project on the Victoria Marie Facebook Group to be eligible to win the Scrappy Organization Mystery Prize Pack! 

There will be a designated post for each challenge, available at 10:00 am CST on the Victoria Marie Facebook Group. The more challenges you complete, the greater the chance you will have to win the prize!

To join the Victoria Marie Facebook Group, click HERE!

All submissions are due by Sunday, March 28th by 11:59 pm CST. A winner be selected and announced on April 1st on the Victoria Marie Facebook Group.

Stay tuned for bonus content, Facebook LIVE and Zoom opportunities to come this week!

Let’s get busy!!!! Happy organizing!

Hey Scrap Bosses!

As you all know, the world has been rocked by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Many towns and cities all over the world have issued quarantine orders or citizens are voluntarily practicing social distancing with the goal of reducing the spread of COVID-19. It is easy to get bogged down with daily reports of this virus and it’s social and economic impact on individuals and our communities.

My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones to this virus, to those who are currently being treated by medical professionals, to those who are on the front lines of this virus, and to everyone who has been adversely affected (i.e. laid off from work, etc.). We are all at risk and it is so important that we continue to stay informed, consume information from reputable sources, and practice social distancing.

While we are in the midst of battling this virus, it can be easy to feel anxious, nervous, and scared. There is so much uncertainty and it is important to take a break from the news and to engage in healthy activities, to relax, and to remain as calm as possible. With that being said, I truly believe that there is power in engaging in creative hobbies – from music, to crafting, drawing, or simply coloring. And it’s also important to connect with others.

So, grab your scrappy supplies and photos, and let’s have an online scrapbooking crop!

VICTORIA MARIE SCRAP BOSS ONLINE CROP

Starts: Wednesday, March 18th – Sunday, March 22nd

Includes: Daily ONLINE challenges, prizes, games, and lots of fun and interaction with your fellow scrappy peeps!

Challenge Projects are Due: March 31, 2020 at 11:59 pm CST

Prize Winners will be Announced: April 3, 2020

Online Crop Held: Victoria Marie Facebook Group – Click HERE to join!

DETAILS

• The Victoria Marie Online Crop will be held in the Victoria Marie Facebook Group. To play along, be sure to join the group!
• There will be one challenge per day, starting on Wednesday, March 18th – Sunday, March 22nd.
• The daily challenges will be posted at 10:00 am CST (Central Standard Time). There will also be bonus challenges, interactive games and polls through out the event!
• All challenge posts will be organized as “albums” in the Victoria Marie Facebook Group. There will be an album for each challenge. Instructions for accessing the albums and posting your projects can be found HERE.
• Participants will be notified when the challenges are posted to the Victoria Marie Facebook Group.
• When you are ready to play along, simply select the challenge of your choice and make the corresponding project based on the challenge requirements.
• The challenge posts will remain indefinitely on the Victoria Marie Facebook Group Page. It is NOT necessary for you to be online at the exact time when the challenges are posted. Just dive in when you have a chance.
• When you complete a challenge, be sure to post a photo of your completed project in the comments section of the challenge post in order to be eligible to win a prize.
• You will have until March 31, 2020 at 11:59 pm CST to complete the challenges. There will be a prize for each challenge. Complete 1, 2, or all of the challenges – that’s up to you! Also, you can post more than 1 project for each challenge, but you must post at least one (1) project in order to be eligible to win a prize.
• Winners will be selected using http://www.Random.org and announced on Friday, April 3rd on the Victoria Marie Facebook Page!

CHALLENGES

Download and print the Scrap Boss Online Crop Schedule and Challenge Descriptions HERE! This document contains the details for each challenge along with directions for accessing the challenge posts and how to submit your projects. All challenges will be posted by 10:00 am CST on the Victoria Marie Facebook Group!

• Wednesday, March 18th – Kit It Up Challenge
• Thursday, March 19th – Game of Die Cuts Challenge
• Friday, March 20th – Back in the Day Challenge
• Saturday, March 21st – Scrap Attack Challenge
• Sunday, March 22nd – Technique Madness Challenge

Join Me LIVE on the Victoria Marie Facebook Group! During this event, I will be popping in LIVE on the Victoria Marie Facebook Group to say hello and to share some of my favorite scrapbooking techniques, tips, and ideas. There may also be a couple of bonus challenges and prizes! Woo hoo!

Remember, you can play along whenever you want throughout this event. All challenge projects are due on March 31, 2020 by 11:59 pm CST!

There is UNITY in COMMUNITY friends! Let’s have fun and make pretty things! The first challenge will be posted tomorrow at 10:00 am CST – be sure to join the Victoria Marie Facebook Group to play along!

See you then!

Hooray! It’s launch day!

The Victoria Marie Scrap Boss Project Planner is now available in the Victoria Marie Shop!

The Scrap Boss Project Planner retails for $19.99 (USD) and is available for INSTANT download after purchase. This 8.5 x 11 inch PDF planner can be printed using your home printer or by your local print shop.

Included with the Scrap Boss Project Planner PDF is a How To Guide that will explain the features of this product and tips for printing the planner.

SEE THE SCRAP BOSS PROJECT PLANNER IN ACTION!

Click on the following video to see a quick overview of the Scrap Boss Project Planner, available on the Victoria Marie YouTube Channel!

GRAB THE SCRAP BOSS PROJECT PLANNER TODAY!

To purchase the Scrap Boss Project Planner, click HERE or select the SHOP page in the menu bar above.

I am so excited to share this product with you! Thank you so much for your support. Enjoy!

The Victoria Marie Scrap Boss Project Planner is just a day away from launching and I couldn’t be more excited! If you haven’t heard about this awesome new product coming to the Victoria Marie Shop on March 6th, click HERE!

So far, I have shared some of the features of the Scrap Boss Project Planner. Now, I want to share how I will use this planner to design, plan, and organize my scrapbooking projects!

The Scrap Boss Project Planner features a variety of fun spreads that will make the practice of planning scrapbook projects a breeze! One of the major features of this planner is the Monthly Project Planning spread.

Using this multipage spread, I can breakdown my scrapbooking projects by month, sketch layout designs, make product lists, jot down ideas, tools, and creative techniques I want to try, and much more. I will refer to my project planner as I work through my creative projects each month.

Also, using the My Creative Goals page, I can list all of my priority projects, then breakdown tasks related to my goals using the Master Task Tracker.

Not only is the Scrap Boss Project Planner flexible and easy to use, it is portable! I can take this planner with me to the coffee shop for a quick project planning session, to crops and retreats, and keep it by my craft desk for quick referencing.

Be sure to stop by the Victoria Marie Shop starting March 6th and grab the Scrap Boss Project Planner! This planner is a fantastic tool to help you design and manage your scrapbook projects!