Get a LOAD of This!
January's Layout-a-Day Challenge
BPS Class 2008 | Taught by Lain Ehmann

Welcome to Get a LOAD of This! January's Layout-a-Day Challenge. Right about now your brain is probably buzzing with a hundred questions about how this class is going to proceed, what is expected of you, and - most importantly - how you get your hands on one of the fabu prizes our most excellent sponsors have donated! This handout will review the FAQs of the challenge and give you a good sense of what you can expect over the next 31 days. After you read it, if you have any additional questions, please refer to the message board. There are several threads there that will most likely answer your questions. If you're still confused, leave your question on the "QUESTIONS FOR LAIN" thread.

Are you serious?
Yes, I am! People take scrapbooking way too seriously. This challenge is a way to bring back some of the fun in scrapbooking.

How do I sign up?
It's easy. Just go to www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com and enroll in the class. You'll then have access to the gallery, class information, and everything else you need to get going.

How much does it cost?
This is the best part - it's free!

How many people are signed up so far?
We currently have over 2,400 registered students.

I am going to be out of town (having a baby, working swing shift, in a coma) part of the month. Can I still participate?
My guidelines are thus: a layout a day for the entire month. Part of the challenge is figuring out how to make scrapbooking fit into your life, even if you are out of town (having a baby, working swing shift, in a coma). At the same time, though, life happens. If you want to create 31 layouts on January 31 and you think that fits your personal standards, then hey! Far be it for me to tell you that you can't participate. (Note: Daily prizes will be chosen randomly from that day's gallery entries. In other words, if you don't post on Jan. 24, you are not eligible to win that day's prize).

What is considered a "layout?"
You get to decide! 2x2", 12x12", 6x12", digital, hybrid, whatever… it's up to you.

How do I share my layouts with the other participants?
Log on to BigPictureScrapbooking.com, enter the Get a LOAD of This classroom, click on "Gallery" and "add image." Remember to add your daily layout each day so you are eligible for that day's prize drawing.

It's past January 1. Can I still join?
Yes, yes, YES! We are accepting new participants until January 15.

What's with the prizes?
We've got great prizes from our co-sponsors, including Hambly Studios, American Crafts, Simple Scrapbooks, Reminisce, Karen Foster, and more. Each day a random winner will be selected from the gallery posts from that day. So if you participate every day, you have 31 chances to win!

What about the Grand Prize?
Every participant who successfully completes the challenge (i.e., posts a layout a day for the entire month) will be entered in a random drawing to win the Grand Prize, a package worth over $100. You must have a layout in the gallery for each day of the month to win - no exceptions!

But I'm joining late… or I had a baby… or I was in a coma… or my power went out… or my cat ate my layout… or I had trouble uploading… or [insert excuse of choice here]!
I understand. Only those who uploaded a layout EACH AND EVERY DAY are eligible for the Grand Prize drawing. However, we want to reward the diligence of those who have completed 31 layouts in January. So we are having a second "Super Prize" drawing for those who completed 31 layouts in January and uploaded them by 11:59 PM MST on 1/31. In other words, if you join late or your power went out or you otherwise were not able to post and you missed a day, you can't win the "Grand Prize" but you CAN win the "Super Prize." Which will, indeed, be super! (Note: Those who are eligible for the Grand Prize will also be entered in the Super Prize drawing).

Will I get daily e-mails from you, or is there a list of daily prompts?
Nope. This isn't a traditional "class" where everything is instructor-led. I will be popping in from time to time with suggestions and thoughts and motivation, but I will not be giving daily instructions. Instead, I encourage you and the other students to get your mojo going and help each other out. There are already numerous threads on the message board about ideas for inspiration.

Can I post layouts I've made previously, before the challenge begins?
In a word, No. That kind of defeats the idea of doing 31 layouts in January, don't you think?

Wait! Don't go yet! I have more questions!
Got something I haven't answered here? Check out the message boards for your answers, including additional tips on getting your layouts in gallery-ready format, daily inspiration, and more. If you have additional questions, please add them to the "QUESTIONS FOR LAIN" thread. See you online!