Workshop » Gratitude

Materials

Patterned paper and accessories » My Mind's Eye, Andrea Victoria Collection (golden damask, petals, golden beads and stripes)

Orange Swirls » Zva Creative

Gratitude lettering » Jigsaw Shimmer Swash Brown by Making Memories

'Blessings' embellishment » Metal Vintage Antique Copper Expressions by Making Memories

'Give Thanks' and tree die cuts » QuicKutz

This layout is part of the November shipment in the Amber's Possibilities Monthly Autoship Club from A Page 4 All Seasons.

Says Amber Packer, lead designer and blog coordinator of My Mind's Eye: "I love the gold, gray and cream combination in the Andrea Victoria Collection from My Mind's Eye.

Even though they released this collection early this year, I knew I would be using it for a fall layout or two. The bursts of color in the Petals paper remind me of colorful fall bushes and trees just before the leaves drop. I wanted to portray that feeling in this layout."

All the products used in her Gratitude layout are made by Utah-based companies. "We are really lucky here in Utah to have so many scrapbooking manufacturers close to home," she says.

Packer has been teaching scrapbooking classes since October 2003. She is a fixture on ABC Channel 4's "Good Things Utah," demonstrating how to use scrapbooking products in home décor.

In May 2009, Amber was hired by Bountiful-based My Mind's Eye as the lead designer and blog coordinator (www.mymindseye.typepad.com). You also can find designs by Packer at Fancy Pants Designs, QuicKutz, Glitz Designs and Scrap Within Reach.

Buy the Book

20 Simple Secrets of Happy Scrapbookers, by Stacy Julian and Lain Ehmann (Ella Publishing, $5.99)

Can scrapbooking make you happier? Stacy Julian and Lain Ehmann believe so, and they've got some data to back them up. In their new downloadable e-Book, the veteran scrapbookers explain how recent research into the science of happiness validates the hobby.

Products We Like

Family Tree, Beyond the Page Collection » Kaisercraft, $13.99

Die Cut Felt Ribbon » Martha Stewart Crafts, $6.99

Cakes Bitsy Clear Acrylic Stamps, Nook and Pantry Collection » BasicGrey, $5.99

Metallic Cards, 25 Days of Christmas Collection » Little Yellow Bicycle, $4.99

Craft Bucket, Ranger Ink Inkssentials » $7.99

Try This

Beads and jewels bring a touch of sparkle to layouts, and it's easier than ever now that so many manufacturers sell adhesive-backed bling. For more elaborate designs, use a stencil to draw a shape and evenly space the beads along the design.

One for the Money

Create your own photo corners by cutting off the corners of used envelopes. Make them as large or small as you like, and make them match your project using ink, paint, or stamps. Source » Scrapbook.com