LOAD? Again??

Layout A Day: The Few. The Proud. The Insane.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but… we’re offering the ever-popular Layout a Day (LOAD) challenge this October! Yes, that’s only a few weeks away.

Here’s the scoop:

You sign up. You join. You get a daily prompt and inspiration email, and you create a layout a day. Every day. Yes, 31 layouts in 31 days. Yes, EVERY DAY!

Let’s recap:

*Create a layout a day for the entire month of October.

*Upload your creations to our online gallery and group at Flickr. 

*Bask in the admiration of your sister scrapbookers.

*Be eligible to win fabulous prizes!

 

Anyone who participated in a previous LOAD challenge will tell you it is nothing short of life-changing -- in a good way! It's helped blocked scrappers get going again. It's helped bored scrappers find inspiration. And it's even helped a scrapbooker or two lose weight (seriously!). 

 

Here's what you'll get:

-Access to our online gallery and message board at Flickr

 

-Daily inspiration email from me with a prompt (you don't have to use it), quotes, humor, and the occasional juicy tidbit about what's going on in the scrapping world

 

-The opportunity to win the Grand Prize (for creating and uploading a layout each day for the entire month) as well as surPRIZES along the way that I'll dole out as I see fit ;)

 

-Tons of fun, inspiration and laughs!

 

-A cute blinkie to add to your site so everyone knows how awesome you are.

 

-Gratuitous pictures of Hugh Jackman for no good reason other than I think he pretty much rocks.

 

The participation fee is $10 for the month.

 

I know you have questions, so read on...

FAQ #1. Sounds great! How do I sign up? 

Answer: You can Paypal me at lainehmann <at> comcast <dot> net., or contact me for my mailing address. Can't wait to have you join in!

FAQ #2. I'm doing the Project 365 thingy. Does that count as a layout?

Answer: My rules are very loose - if you think it's a layout, I think it's a layout. 

FAQ #3. Are there minimum size requirements for the layouts?
Answer: Let's be reasonable. 6x6, I can go with. Anything smaller... well, let's just say you might want to do TWO to count as one layout. Just my opinion.

FAQ #4. What's with the daily email?
Answer: Last year I received suggestions from several people that they would like a daily challenge. It's an easy thing to add, so I'm doing it!

FAQ #5. What if I don't want to do the daily challenge?
Answer: You don't have to! You can scrapbook about anything you want -- the daily challenge, your dog, your kids, your wedding album, Hugh Jackman, your bunions -- it's entirely up to you!

FAQ #6: What if I miss a day? Can I "catch up?"
Answer: For the purposes of this challenge, we are creating a layout a day. That means there is no "catching up" or "banking." However, for your personal satisfaction, if you want to stay up all night on May 30 and complete the 12 layouts you missed, you have my blessing. But to be eligible for the Grand Prize Drawing, I need to see a layout a day in the Flickr gallery. 
FAQ #7: What about cards, altered items, ATCs, etc.? Do they count as layouts?
Answer: Nope. A layout is a layout. If you want to participate with cards, or some other form of paper art, you are welcome to -- but again, you will not be eligible for the Grand Prize or surPRIZE Drawings. 
FAQ #8: Can I upload layouts I've already created?
Answer: (Seriously, I got this question last year...). Nope. Pages must be created during the month of October.

FAQ #9: What if my washer explodes, we're hit by a hurricane, the power goes out, I get sick, I decide to go to Tahiti, etc.? 
Answer: Then you will have my sympathy, compassion, or envy, depending on your circumstances. But again, to be eligible for the Grand Prize Drawing, you have to upload a page a day for the entire month (have I said that enough yet?).
FAQ #10: I don't have a Flickr account. How do I get one?
Answer: You pop on over to Flickr and sign up! It's free and extremely easy.

FAQ #11: How will you decide who wins the Grand Prize?
Answer: At the end of the month, everyone who has uploaded a page each day during the month will be entered in a drawing. Then I will pick my favorite person. Haha! Just kidding. It will be random. Entirely random. Really, really random.

FAQ #12: I'm in a different time zone. Can I still play?
Answer: I hope you will! The daily challenges may go out a bit late for you, but you can work ahead or backwards on those as you desire. And when I look at daily uploads, I'll be going by 12 midnight California time. So that should cover everyone except you Hawaiians out there. If you're playing and you're in Hawaii, let me know and I'll adjust accordingly. 
FAQ #13: I'm a digi (hybrid, organic, paper, recycled) scrapper. Can I participate?

Answer: Yes! All scrappers (with the exception of Paris Hilton) are welcome! And I may even let her join in if she pays her $. 

FAQ #14: Um, Lain, aren't you like starting a new company? Are you insane?

Answer: Yes, I am! Thank you for reminding me. Haha. Because things might be a tad crazy around here (!!) I've enlisted the help of the very able and extremely fun Tami Morrison to help me with the administration tasks. She or I will respond to your questions and make sure you get the answers you need in a timely manner. And we might even make you laugh.

FAQ #15: I'm a manufacturer, kit club owner, store owner, etc., and I'd like to donate prizes. Would you be open to that?

Answer: Does Hugh Jackman have pecs??? OF COURSE I'd be interested! Email me at lainehmann (at) comcast.net and we'll talk. 

 

(That last pic actually might be George Michael. I'm a little suspicious of the towel-and-golfing thing.)

Are you ready? I'm taking signups starting NOW. See FAQ#1 above for more info on payment. 

 

Comments

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=827469567]

Hey Lain, October is one of my busiest months of the year - so why on earth am I considering doing this?

BTW - 6 degrees of separation - my hairdresser's mother knows Mrs Hugh Jackman :)

[Amy]

Awesome! I've finished the last three LOADS... and I'm in with this one as well! Maybe this time there is prize with my name on it!

[Etta]

The answer is YES, YOU ARE INSANE!

[Maureen]

Did this once, thinking of doing it again, but was looking forward to working in my own time zone since you moved right down 128. Loved what I got done when I did it in Feb, hope I can manage the extra three days.

[Miss Niki]

You made my day! I can't wait to get started. I have visions of layouts dancing in my head!!

[Kiera]

Those gratuitous pics (and pecs) totally made my day.

[Ann Grounds]

Okay, I see know why Hugh makes for good eye candy. I am going to have to see some of his movies to get a better look.

I'm in for Oct LOAD---and just to be sure---you still going by 12 midnight Pacific time now that you are on the East coast?-just checking

[Barb]

Okay, eeeew on the George Michael picture, but the rest of it... woooohooooo! I'm really excited that you're going to do this again. Can't wait to play! :)

[Melissa]

This is exactly what I need to get some layouts and mojo going on around here! So glad I saw this!
Melissa

[TracyBzz]

I did the Deb & May LOAD challenges and it was AWESOME! I already know that I will be out of town for 6 days in October. But I may just sign up anyway. It's such a great challenge.

[Dawn Berreth]

Lain: I would love to get involved as I am a "blocked" scrapper and am so way behind it's overwhelming to think about. I like the challenge of a LOAD, but I just can't afford it. I will try to do it, I just won't sign up (I'm ok with that)... looking forward to seeing what everyong comes up with!

[Abbie]

Oh Lain... you ARE nuts. But so am I. I. AM. IN... Much to my husband's chagrin... I told him about LOADOCT and he groaned. Don't get me wrong, he's 110% supportive of my addiction, er, HOBBY. But he also knows how obsessed I get during LOAD and how little sleep I get and he's dreading it already. To him I say tough Stickles! Deal me in!

[Kylie]

Woohoo! I'm in! I LOVE LOAD!

[Mercedes]

Ugh I fell off the wagon last time thanks to a trip we had to take and we're due to close any day on our new house which means moving (only 1/2 mile thank goodness) and I can't believe I'm saying this but I'm going to try anyway!

[Lee]

Yay! So happy for me that you are insane :) Can't wait to complete another LOAD. The timing is perfect.

[Holly Moss]

Awwwww, Lain!!! You know I <3 you, however, I am out of the wonderful & magnificent adventure that is LOAD this round . . . {sniffle, sniffle, sniffle}.

I did the craziest thing in my entire life (to date, anyways): I signed up to be the PARENT COORDINATOR for my daughter's Cooperative Preschool this year and it has been absolutely CRAZY!! School starts next week for her & I still have tons to do. From what I hear, this is just the beginning of the madness.

I haven't scrapped a thing in almost 2 months . . . I'm losing my mind . . . I miss my friends . . . I really want to cry.

Have fun w/LOAD ~ I know it will be just as successful as the last, if not MORE SO!

My thoughts (what few scattered pieces I have left) will be with you and all the rest of the creatively talented LOADSTERS!

xoxo
HollyM
Lynnwood, WA

[Lain]

Just think -- even if you only get 10 layouts done, that is TEN LAYOUTS! ;:)

xoxo

L

Lain Ehmann
CEO, Ella Publishing Co.
"Memorable reads for memory keepers."
www.ellapublishing.com
lain@ellapublishing.com
408-348-2156

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=580640254]

This is exactly what I need to get my albums done, but... there's no way I'd be able to keep up (I also do Swap-bot). Oh, if only I didn't have the 9-5 bit in my life! Good luck, everyone! Maybe you could stipulate one per week and I'd be able to join :)

[Jennifer McGuire]

I think I need to do this!! I'll let you know.

[jenniekader]

I'm in. Is it ok to scrap from page kits I've made up. No photos are cropped, it's just a collection of photos, patterned paper, card stock and embellishments together.....

[Gab]

Love all the Hugh pics!! I'm hoping I can join you again ... will give myself a few weeks to get organised!

[Lain]

Kits are fine!
I don't have your email or I'd respond directly!
xoox

L

Lain Ehmann
CEO, Ella Publishing Co.
"Memorable reads for memory keepers."
www.ellapublishing.com
lain@ellapublishing.com
408-348-2156

[Carmel Keane]

Tell me how people have lost weight doing LOAD - I've lost sleep but no weight so I must be doing something wrong - please share!!!

[Lain]

I don't have your address, Sandra, but you are welcome to join and do just one a week!
After the last LOAD, a group actually started to do one layout a week. I think they're still going strong!
xoxo

Lain

Lain Ehmann
CEO, Ella Publishing Co.
"Memorable reads for memory keepers."
www.ellapublishing.com
lain@ellapublishing.com
408-348-2156

[Dorrie]

SOOOOOO... I think I might do this...I think it's insane...I don't think I've done 30 layouts all year, never mind doing one a day...
Pros...I am home all day (for now) sucking on bonbons and getting fanned by my man servant... so I guess I could spare the time..
Cons...my friend Katie is doing this too and frankly she can pump out 6 LO's before i have chosen the pics for one....she really is a show off...
But I am a competitor and I WILL prevail...
Ok I'm going to sit now and think about what I have just done...
see you the 1st of the month...
Here we go!