The biggest and most popular scrapbooking competition in the UK is back! Yes, we’re renewing our hunt for the most talented scrapbookers in Britain, with the Best of British Scrapbooking awards 2008.

We’re looking for six winners: three in the Best of British Scrapbooking category, and three from the Best New Scrapbooking Talent (open to anyone who has been scrapping for under a year). From this shortlist one scrapper will be named as overall winner.

All six winners will receive a commission for ScrapBook inspirations, plus their layouts will be displayed at the Stitch and Craft Show in London next year. And that’s not all! We’ve also got a bumper selection of prizes from a host of companies (full details are coming soon).

Joanna Campbell Slan, judge and founder of the Best of British Scrapbooking awards, has some helpful entry advice. “Every year a few entries stand out immediately. Winning entries exhibit their own style, revealing the scrapbooker’s personality. They also display a sense of adventure in their use of design, technique, colour and embellishments.

“In addition, entries must have some journaling. It doesn’t have to be extensive; you can say a lot with a few words, but you do have to say something. I’m so looking forward to receiving your entries so go on, be bold!”

How to enter
There are two categories to choose from: Best of British Scrapbooking and Best New Scrapbooking Talent. We’ll be looking out for layouts that show imagination, good design sense, a range of techniques, great photos, and remember that journaling and subject matter are also key!

Best of British Scrapbooking
Select six layouts that you feel show off your skills the best. It doesn’t matter what theme or subject they have, but try to choose layouts that show the range of your talent. Photograph or scan them and write 50 words about each one explaining the story or inspiration behind it and a brief list of supplies. Send an email to bob2008@futurenet.co.uk with the six layouts included as .jpg attachments and the written details within your email, clearly marking which description goes with which layout. You also need to include your full name, address and phone number. In the subject line of the email write: BEST OF BRITISH.

Best New Scrapbooking Talent
To enter this category, you must have started scrapbooking after 22 August 2007. Choose six of your favourite layouts that show a range of your skills and photograph or scan them. Write 50 words explaining each layout and provide a supplies list. Send an email to bob2008@futurenet.co.uk with the six layouts included as .jpg attachments and the written details within your email, clearly marking which description goes with which layout. You need to include your name, address and phone number. In the subject line of the email write: NEW TALENT.

Please make sure you read the rules of the contest before entering! Check back here soon for tips and advice on making your entry stand out from the crowd!

Closing date for all entries is Friday 22 August 2008

Thinking of entering the Best of British Scrapbooking contest? Make sure you read the following rules before entering. Details of how to enter are here.

1. The Best of British Scrapbooking competition is open to all residents and scrapbook stockists within the UK (you must be aged 18 or over).
2. Entries must arrive by the final deadline of 22 August 2008.
3. Double-page layouts count as a one layout towards your entry.
4. ll entries must be original, not from a class, must not have been entered into any previous competition or published previously in UK publications (or currently submitted to be considered for publication). Layouts displayed in online galleries can be submitted, but should be removed before entry. Any contestants breaching this guideline will be disqualified.
5. You may only enter one category.
6. Entries must include a full name, address, phone number, list of supplies and a brief description of each layout.
7. Do not send original layouts at this point. We will contact those shortlisted, and the winners will be announced in issue 47.
8. No responsibility will be accepted for entries that are lost.
9. The entries will be judged by Joanna Campbell Slan using the following criteria in equal measure:
- Are the projects unique, well designed and do they reflect excellent craftsmanship?
- Do the projects showcase innovative principles or techniques?
- Do the layouts express meaning through journaling, art or photos that provides value or insight to viewers?
10. The prizes provided by sponsors will be divided between all of the winners.
11. Decisions of the judge are final and binding in all respects.
12. Winners may be asked to participate in publicity (including being photographed) in relation to the competition. The winning layouts will be displayed at Stitch and Craft Show 2009 and will not be returned until after that date.
13. Employees of Future plc and any sponsoring company are not eligible to enter.

For a full set of Future Publishing’s competition rules see p92 in the July issue, or visit http://www.futurenet.com/futureonline/competitionrules.asp