We are so excited about our guest blogger today. I have known Lori for over 12 years, so I was thrilled when she agreed to be our first guest blogger here at Simple Stories. I hope you enjoy her post as much as we did!
Hi, I'm Lori Allred and I am so excited to be asked to Guest Design for Simple Stories. I happened upon their booth at the CHA Winter show, and it is the one company's catalog I put in my tote bag and carried with me everywhere (for a few months in fact). I was going to be the first to buy it all when I found it at my local scrapbook store. I was drawn to the beautiful designs of course, but even more then that their collections were designed FOR ME. You see, I recently started scrapbooking what I call "4x6 style" and find I can scrapbook a lot more, a lot quicker and still enjoy it. I love creating an intro 12x12 page with a coordinating collection and then simply putting all the remaining photos in the 4x6 photo sleeves, designing an occasional journaling card in place of a photo or two. And Simple Stories has created their lines for this purpose in mind.
Destinations was the first collection I pulled out and started working with and it was the perfect fit for my trip to Seattle last fall. I had so many photos and I wanted to use them all. The collection fit my pictures perfectly and everything pulled together so quickly. I even had time to pull out my i-rock heat set gem tool from Imaginisce and add that extra bling details to the titles and journaling cards. I also loved how perfectly the die cuts from my Cricut worked with this collection.
And I couldn't stop with just creating with the Destinations collection. I was shopping my local scrapbook store and happened upon the new arrival, 100 Days of Summer collection and bought it ALL. What a fun collection for both those summer photos, but also making cards with a variety of sentiments.
And the 100 Days of Summer collection was simply perfect for a few photos that still needed scrapbooking of my kids at the beach. What a great collection and it also worked perfectly with the i-rock rhinestones I applied to the layout. Again the designs and textures of the papers fit my style perfectly. I love that it has a "little" distressing to the design, but not too much and I of course LOVE the colors they used to create this and all their collections.
Now you know what type of products I love to create with, let me tell you a little more about me. I am a social media guru by day, a wife and mom of two teenagers by night. I am old enough to know better, but still young enough to get in trouble. I always enjoys spending time with my family and most of all playing with and collecting scrapbook supplies. My experience within the scrapbook industry has spanned over fourteen years. Over the years I've gained valuable experience in working for Creating Keepsakes magazine, a large retail store chain and most recently a couple of popular manufacturers. In addition, my design work has been published in a majority of craft and scrapbook publications and websites. I continue to designed and teach paper crafting classes around the world at crafting events and I love meeting people who share my same love of paper and pretty things! In addition I recently returned from teaching in New Zealand, but I recently became involved with the hottest new craft project around, My Craft Channel. You can find me blogging at allreddesign.net all hours of the night or on Facebook (so come friend me)!
Thank you Lori for some great inspiration! We are not only excited to have Lori be our guest blogger but we want to give a lucky reader some of Lori's favorite products too! Leave us a comment here on our blog and we will randomly choose a winner for a Destinations kit, then visit Lori's blog and leave her a comment to win an Imaginisce i-rock tool from Lori! Comments for the contest will close Friday at midnight MST.
Fantastic layouts, congrats
Posted by: Vitoria B | July 06, 2011 at 05:42 AM
Congrats on Guest Blogger Lori!!!! I love your work!!!!
Fantastic projects!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Lindy | July 06, 2011 at 06:08 AM
Love those cards!
Posted by: Sandy Liles | July 06, 2011 at 06:37 AM
What awesome projects by Lori, love that gal...♥
Posted by: Sophia Allison | July 06, 2011 at 06:39 AM
Love the layouts Lori! The Destinations collection is one of my favorite too.
Posted by: Marcia Dehn-Nix | July 06, 2011 at 07:26 AM
Both collections are gorgeous, and all of Lori's projects are amazing! Just started following her blog a couple days ago - and boy I'm glad I did!
Posted by: DeeDee Catron | July 06, 2011 at 07:30 AM
Thank you Lori! Awesome projects....thanks for sharing your talent with us!
Amber :)
Posted by: Amber | July 06, 2011 at 08:29 AM
Wooooo-hoooo Lori !!! Fabulous projects !!
Posted by: Aida Haron | July 06, 2011 at 08:36 AM
Very cute style!! Love your work ;)
Posted by: Ashley Rock | July 06, 2011 at 08:55 AM
Love what you did with these two collections, Lori!
Posted by: Heather Leopard | July 06, 2011 at 08:55 AM
awesome projects Lori!! Love what you did with the kit!! (please don't count me toward the drawing).
Posted by: Lacey I | July 06, 2011 at 09:21 AM
Wonderful project by a wonderful guest designer! Congrats Lori!
Posted by: HeatherC | July 06, 2011 at 09:28 AM
Just love Lorie's simple designs with Simple pages! Great job!
Posted by: Irit S | July 06, 2011 at 10:04 AM
love everything! great job lori
Posted by: renee griffith | July 06, 2011 at 10:08 AM
ADORABLE!!! I love how you used the twine, and you are right the cricut cuts are PERFECT. I love the i-rock elements. they just give it that extra pzazz!!!!
Posted by: Lindsay Schlotterbeck | July 06, 2011 at 10:10 AM
Great layouts! I am in love with Simple Stories...
Posted by: Mandie Wade | July 06, 2011 at 10:10 AM
Awesome pages and I love the use of colors. Id love to get the papers. I in the Tacoma area. So nice. Enjoy your summer.
Posted by: Chris Poindexter | July 06, 2011 at 10:12 AM
I love all of Lori's projects! Congrats on being guest blogger.
Posted by: Holly B | July 06, 2011 at 10:13 AM
How wonderful! Congratulations Lori...what an honor that would be! And thank you for the chance to win the i-rock!
Posted by: Lois R. | July 06, 2011 at 10:14 AM
Lovin all of your projects and wish You would pick me for some goodies!!! Have a great day!!
Posted by: Susan Grier | July 06, 2011 at 10:15 AM
Love these projects!
Posted by: katy young | July 06, 2011 at 10:20 AM
They look so HAPPY! Love the layouts
Posted by: b. poteraj | July 06, 2011 at 10:28 AM
oh these are GREAT projects!!!
Posted by: Teadybear28 | July 06, 2011 at 10:28 AM
The circle strips are adorable. I love what you did!
Posted by: Sharon Gullikson | July 06, 2011 at 10:28 AM
What a great way to remember. So cute!
Posted by: Natasha G.P. | July 06, 2011 at 10:29 AM
Wonderful works!!! Love all of them.
Posted by: Tini | July 06, 2011 at 10:38 AM
I also like Simple Stories and love what you have done with it.
Posted by: Michele S | July 06, 2011 at 10:40 AM
Love the layouts!
Posted by: Darlene Rozman | July 06, 2011 at 10:44 AM
I love the idea of the Simple Stories. Congrats, Lori, on your GDT spot. You are fabulous :)
Posted by: June Houck | July 06, 2011 at 11:02 AM
Love your projects and the way you worked the lines!!! It's so much fun to see your work and of course, we all LOVE you!!!
Posted by: Rhonda V. | July 06, 2011 at 11:14 AM
Oh Lori ! thanks for sharing your beautiful work with us !!!! Big hugs!!
Posted by: Marielle | July 06, 2011 at 11:18 AM
Awesome post girl!! Love this whole concept!!
Posted by: cari Locken | July 06, 2011 at 11:21 AM
What fabulous projects ~ the concept of 4x6 scrapbooking was recently introduced to me and I'm excited to see your ideas. Thanks for sharing and the chance to win. Off to check out Lori's blog
Posted by: Alycia Tedford | July 06, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Love the simple 'block' style organization to your layouts, Lori, - love the bright colors too! Very inspiring, thank you :)
Posted by: Dawn LaVigne | July 06, 2011 at 11:58 AM
I love this 4x6 style! and I LOVE this paper!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Christine
Posted by: christine hatchell | July 06, 2011 at 12:04 PM
I love Lori All-RED! You are soooo blessed to have her as a guest designer! She ROCKS just like her I-ROCK! And her lay-outs are just beautiful! Destinations would be awesome to scrapbook some of our vacations! 100 Days of Summer is too cute!
Posted by: QueenMary | July 06, 2011 at 12:05 PM
I love the 4 x 6 style you showed us. It does look like it would save alot of time. I may have to try it. I love the destinations and summer collections. Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Roxie Griffith | July 06, 2011 at 12:32 PM
Lovely work!!! :-)
Posted by: Kelly Massman | July 06, 2011 at 01:37 PM
Two great collections to work with. Great layouts.
Posted by: Audrey silver | July 06, 2011 at 02:20 PM
Awesome layouts! Congrats!
Posted by: Janet | July 06, 2011 at 02:47 PM
I really like Lori's style. It's not too overworked and very inspiring.
Posted by: Elaine | July 06, 2011 at 02:51 PM
Love all the projects!!
Posted by: jennybean | July 06, 2011 at 03:04 PM
Lori totally rocked it!!! Love all of the projects!
Posted by: Robyn | July 06, 2011 at 03:11 PM
I just found this blog, and am loving it. I had to pin 2 of Lori's LOs to my pinterst account. Love her work!
Posted by: Kath Freeman | July 06, 2011 at 03:32 PM
I love would love to win the Destinations kit. I have so many wonderful vacation memories to scrapbook.
Posted by: Kanike | July 06, 2011 at 04:05 PM
Awesome projects, Lori! I love them.
Posted by: Tonya T | July 06, 2011 at 04:11 PM
Love the layouts, great projects
Posted by: Kristen Simpson | July 06, 2011 at 04:36 PM
I love all your layouts and will be visiting your blog and facebook. I like the way you used the Cricut diecut on your page. That is very cute!
Posted by: Betty Roark | July 06, 2011 at 04:41 PM
I am always looking for new travel collections, I really like Destinations.
Thanks for sharing your talent and a chance to win.
Posted by: Carol Douglass | July 06, 2011 at 04:57 PM
Awesome job Lori! I love the 100 Days of Summer projects she did! FABULOUS!!!
Posted by: Angie | July 06, 2011 at 05:34 PM
Love these layouts and the Destination collection!
Posted by: Wendy Orme | July 06, 2011 at 05:59 PM
Totally amazing! Thanks for the chance!
Posted by: Sarah Webb | July 06, 2011 at 06:07 PM
great stuff !
Posted by: Laura Stewart | July 06, 2011 at 08:33 PM
lovin these. Makes me want to go on vacation!
Posted by: don lambson | July 06, 2011 at 08:45 PM
The Destinations kit is my favorite one! Love Lori's wonderful work with both Destinations and 100 Days of Summer. Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Cynthia B. | July 06, 2011 at 09:50 PM
This collection is my favorite, love all your creations Lori !
Posted by: isabel | July 07, 2011 at 02:11 AM
Really beautiful, congrats Lori. Love to see your work and your blog.
Posted by: Alexandra M | July 07, 2011 at 02:12 AM
This is fantastic, Great projects !
Posted by: La Zaz | July 07, 2011 at 05:56 AM
Welcome Lori to Simple Stories. Your layouts and cards are simply adorable. Like Lori I came across your products in a scrapbook store and I immediately fell in love with the papers and stickers. I really love the borders and journal cards, they are the best! I would love to win the Destination Kit since I have many photos of my trip to NY and these awesome kits are exactly what I love in papers and stickers, it defines my style exactly. Thanks Lori and Simple Stories for great ideas and products.
Posted by: Ana | July 07, 2011 at 10:34 AM
Wonderful cards and layouts! TFS
Posted by: Doris Widder | July 07, 2011 at 12:18 PM
Lori, Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Bonnie J | July 07, 2011 at 12:45 PM
Wow luvin the layouts they are great! Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Joyce Carlson | July 07, 2011 at 04:22 PM
Gorgeous creations, Lori! I love SS papers, and your samples have really sent my head whirling with ideas!
Posted by: Cheri Howard | July 07, 2011 at 06:00 PM
I love the layouts you did with Destinations. The Simple Stories paper lines have become my new favorites.
Posted by: Jill | July 07, 2011 at 06:05 PM
Love the LO's and fantastic cards too! What great collections to work with!
Posted by: Jenny Johns | July 07, 2011 at 06:53 PM
Your layouts are great! I just sent my daughter on a 3 week vacation to Boston/Cape Cod and I think the Destinations kit would be the perfect way to display all her photos!
Posted by: Carol | July 07, 2011 at 08:09 PM
Great projects! The Destination line is the only line I haven't seen yet.
Posted by: KimR | July 07, 2011 at 09:35 PM
Awesome inspiration!! Thanks for sharing - you are quite talented! ;) Thanks for the opp!
Posted by: Jessica R | July 07, 2011 at 10:10 PM
Wow! Just got the 100 Days of Summer and should have gotten 2 sets! I want each and every element! I love all these wonderful samples and layouts! I am a photo-heavy scrapper and just finished a mini album with almost 60 photos from a recent trip to the county fair. I love it but it took me a long long time to complete. Simple Stories will help me "catch up", get more done so I won't feel so overwhelmed! I want to be out making more memories, not just scrapping my past memories. Kwim? Can't wait to get all the collections! I'm so excited!!
Posted by: KarenScraps | July 07, 2011 at 10:31 PM
I love love love this collection, Lori, your projects are adorable.
Posted by: Paulo | July 07, 2011 at 11:54 PM
Love what you did with these 2 collections, Congrats Lori.
Posted by: Guillauma | July 07, 2011 at 11:56 PM
Great layouts and cards. I love that you used your Cricut too.
Posted by: Celeste B. | July 08, 2011 at 05:46 AM
Great layouts and cards! Love how you fit so many photos on your layout! Great inspiration!
Posted by: KellyG | July 08, 2011 at 06:31 AM
Love the layouts! Have the Summer Collection and would love to add the Destinations Line to my stash! Thanks for the chance!
Posted by: SandraL. | July 08, 2011 at 07:08 AM
What great pages and cards Lori!! Love your work.
Posted by: Michelle | July 08, 2011 at 08:51 AM
Wonderful projects! Great inspiration. Love the papers.
Posted by: Jean Marmo | July 08, 2011 at 12:39 PM
great layouts Lori.
Posted by: MaryAnn N | July 08, 2011 at 01:26 PM
Woohoo!!! Thanks for the chance to win some goodies!!! Destination kit is AWESOME!!!
Posted by: JULIE URBAN | July 08, 2011 at 05:56 PM
Wow! Thank you I will be checking Lori's Blog out regularly now. Thanks for reintroducing me to someone I had forgot I really liked.
Posted by: Heidi | July 10, 2011 at 07:37 PM
Awesome projects! hugs Marley
Posted by: Marley | July 11, 2011 at 12:47 PM
Makes me want to call in sick at work and stay home and do some scrappin'!
Posted by: Mary Kay | July 11, 2011 at 12:55 PM
Love Lori's projects and cards. What inspiration. Great paper collections I love Simple Stories. TFS [email protected]
Posted by: pam bray | July 12, 2011 at 04:42 PM
All I can add to the above comments is I agree. For a procrastinating scrapbooker,like myself, these collections and this blog has renewed my enthusiasm to get going and unload all those boxes of photos including ones from my late father's and brother's collections.The journaling cards are ideal for the notes to accompany old photos and the generations collection looks as though it is calling me to action!!
Posted by: Flora MacCafferty | July 12, 2011 at 07:50 PM
Destinations is such a great collection!
Posted by: Janelle | July 12, 2011 at 08:02 PM
Fabulous proyects. I love layout. Nice collection!!
Posted by: Lady Rafols | July 13, 2011 at 08:06 AM
Very nice layout!
Posted by: Michelle Looi | July 13, 2011 at 06:06 PM
Wow, I love these projects. Really cute. Simple Stories' collections and concept are just genius!
Posted by: Izzyb | July 14, 2011 at 07:09 PM
Great great new kits the customers will love
them I can't wait until we can order them.
Yeah!!!!!
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