Scrappy Squared

Update

2007-09-05T16:05:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to take a moment to update everyone on the "lack of updates" on this website.

I am currently trying to ensure that this blog (as it is a blog, not a sales website) complies with all the regulations set out by Close to My Heart.

From this point on, I will not be able to share sales info with you (my apologies!!), but there are always updates on the latest great sales campaigns at www.closetomyheart.com.

As far as I know, I am still able to share my pages with you, my friends, to help keep you inspired! If you have ANY questions about the techniques, materials used, how to purchase them, and new fantastic products, please contact me directly (scrappysquared@gmail.com).

Sorry for the delay in posting! I hope to get some more artwork up here soon!

April Club Layout

2007-04-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

My sincere apologies for the delay, and the lack of posting of new ideas lately! I always hope to remedy that and get ideas up on a more regular basis around here. I do have lots of ideas and layouts to share, but they never seem to make it from my craft workshop, to my camera, to the computer.

For now... here is the next layout for the scrapbooking club. There are two options (as usual). The first one features the "More to Adore" paper with chocolate, blush, hollyhock and colonial white colors. The second one matches the "Rough and Tumble" paper, with a random stamped patterned paper and featuring outdoor denim, cranberry, clover meadow, buttercup and colonial white colors. The outdoor denim background showed up particularly bad with my camera lighting, but hopefully you get the idea.

The layouts also feature hand stitching (though not yet shown on the second layout). The first layout has some two-color stamping too, which we will learn at the club.

If you want to bring your own papers, here are the dimensions:
DARK: 2 pages (12x12) + 6.5x4.5 mat
MEDIUM: one 9x5 and two 4.5x6.5 mats
LIGHT: one 4x4, one 4x2.5, one 1.5x6 and one 4x11
PATTERNED: one 8x12 (you can random stamp a piece of cardstock instead)

The only other embellishments are embroidery floss (I have several colors, let me know if you want a specific one) and 3 brads.

March Layout

2007-02-26T19:41:00.000-08:00

Here is the layout for the Triple S Scrapbooking Club Night on March 23rd:

It features paper crinkling and waxy flax along with the Sonata paper pack and a color scheme of buttercup (base), blush (light) lilac mist (med), hollyhock (dark) and chocolate (dark neutral).

The alternate color scheme (shown below) features colonial white (base), lilac mist (light), key lime (med), desert sand (dark) and chocolate (dark neutral). This color scheme also uses a different piece of B&T from the Sonata paper pack.

For those who would like to bring their own paper, you will need the following supplies (preferably pre-cut):
-base: 2 full pages + small scraps (approx 3x2)
-light: one 2x2 and scraps (approx 2x2)
-med: three 4.5x6.5, one 4x4 and one 2x2
-dark: one 3.5x11.5, one 3.5x3.5 and scraps (approx 3x3)
-dark neutral: two 8x4, one 2x2, one 3x2.5
-B&T: one 2x8, one 6x8
-1 button, 1 eyelet, approximately 14 inches of waxy flax (you could use embroidery floss instead, but we'll be looking at how much easier waxy flax is!)

Those who plan to use one of the color schemes shown, please let me know by email (scrappysquared@gmail.com) by March 16th. You will also have to bring a $5 supply fee (not required for those who wish to bring their own supplies).

Commitment to the club MUST BE MADE by March 16th. We are trying to get 2 clubs running so that everyone can choose which of two club days works best for them (depending onthe month). Four more people are needed to get the second club going, and I am currently keeping a wait list to ensure we have enough to run the second club.

Email me to confirm your space in the club and/or to get more details. Everyone is very excited about getting this started!

Fun with Waxy Flax

2007-02-23T09:38:00.000-08:00

With another 16-page workshop this weekend, I decided to feature another one of the layouts from that workshop. This time, I completed the layouts with a new paper pack (Best Friends Forever) for a completely different look...

You can also rotate any of the layouts for a different look, which is one of the many beauties of the Cherish layout book!

I've also added some embellishing. This one features waxy flax, which will also be featured in March's club night. Here, I've simply used it to tie between eyelets. Waxy flax is somewhat sticky, and is a BREEZE to work with. You don't have to worry about holding it tight to tie. Simply pull it taught, and press down... it sticks!!! Then you can tie a knot much easier than you could with embroidery floss.

Here's a close up:

We'll try more techniques with waxy flax on Club Night. There's still room in the club... contact me at scrappysquared@gmail.com for details!

Window Charms

2007-02-17T09:50:00.000-08:00

With several half finished layouts in the works right now, I'll focus the next few posts on various embellishment ideas that you might not have tried yet.

Here are window charms. They are clear epoxy stickers that add dimension to anything! You can simply cover a piece of cardstock with the charm to make it any color you want, or you can put a stamp behind it to highlight the stamp. They work great for alphabets too, making each letter stand out (particularly with the Cobblestone alphabet!). AND, you get TONS in a package! Hope you have fun with these!

Club Night!

2007-02-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

Club night will officially be starting in March! I'm very excited about this! There is now enough interest that the Triple S Club will begin.

The schedule is yet to be solidified, but the club will generally meet on a Friday night. We will complete a 2 page layout, learning new techniques and having lots of fun in the process. The commitment is 8 months, and $25 a month (product purchase). The benefits are amazing! Lots of free product and deals, a guaranteed minimum of $30 free product on your "hostess" month, free idea books, booking stamp sets, incentive gifts and MORE! Not to mention the great friendships!

Contact me if you would like to be a part of this great opportunity!

A special thankyou

2007-02-03T10:25:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to thank all my customers and friends for their patience over the last month. As I am transitioning back into my career after my maternity leave, my scrapbooking and papercrafting hobby and business have not gotten the attention that everyone is used to. My customers have been amazing... still attending the few workshops I've offered, still expressing their thanks for my efforts and business skills, still placing orders. Not one person has complained about the lack of new ideas and techniques on this website. For that, I thank everyone!

I hope to get back full-force into what I love... keeping people inspired and motivated to complete their scrapbooking projects.

Thanks again!

Final Layouts

2007-01-03T18:57:00.000-08:00

And finally, here is the last layout set of the 16 page class...

It's called "Give me Ten" and is sooo cute once the journaling and pics are added. As soon as I've finished embellishing the layouts, I will also post "final" pictures.

A second class has also been added in February due to the demand. Contact me if you're interested!!!

Because you're all so patient

2006-12-21T10:16:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the delay! Crazy time with the holidays, and a teething baby!

Here are a few more of the layouts. Below are (in order, sets of 2)
Graphic Texture (4 small photos go in the hollyhock areas to complete the checkerboard pattern)
Portrait Collection
Treasure Tags
Puzzle Junkie

2 more sets to come soon!!!

Next set of pages

2006-12-16T10:10:00.000-08:00

Here are the next two payes of the 16 page workshop. This layout is the "Elegant Showcase" layout from Cherish. I plan to embellish it up a little with some paper flowers.

Ready... Set...

2006-12-15T11:58:00.000-08:00

Here they come, pics of all of the 16 pages that will be created in the upcoming workshop.

I've completed all the layouts solely with the More to Adore level 2 paper packet, and 17 additional pieces of cardstock. I haven't added any embellishments yet, only distressed the paper where I felt appropriate. All in all, the 16 pages took me slightly over 4 hours.

First up, 2 pages made from the "Silver Screen" layout in the Cherish book...

Last minute gift ideas

2006-12-14T10:09:00.000-08:00

I know that lots of you are scrambling to get all your gifts together for Christmas. Small brag books are a great idea for those you want to give a little something to, but don't know what to get, or you're watching your budget.

Here's what's called a "squash book". They are fun to make, and even more fun to look at! A great little coffee table brag book.

Outside...

Looks simple enough, right? But it's amazing what it opens up to...

Photo Christmas Cards

2006-12-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

Since they are sent out, I guess it's safe to post my Christmas cards. This cards was fairly simple and I was able to encorporate a photo. Many people think that if they are going to do photos, they can't make their own cards - nonsense! If you do decide to make cards with photos, do NOT get wallet size pics printed. They really overcharge for these. The best thing to do would be to photoshop 4 images on a 4x6, and have 4x6 photos printed at a fraction of the price. Or, if you can, print your images on a 8.5x11 photo sheet at home.

A friend (thanks Jamie!) also had the ingenious idea of getting a 4x6 pic printed, cropping it slightly and adding it to a 4x9 piece of cardstock. This way, it fits in one of those long envelopes. I can't wait to see her final product!

No photos

2006-12-07T18:33:00.000-08:00

I've hit another technical glitch, and can't seem to upload any photos these days. I'm working on it!!!

Till then, let me introduce you to a product you might not have tried - watercolor pencil crayons! These are fantastic for adding a little extra color to your layouts, or coloring stamped images. You can add water from a waterbrush, or use a blending pen to give it a real watercolor look. Or, you can just blend them with a sponge tip for a muted effect.

Hope you try them out sometime!!

Faux bows

2006-12-03T18:54:00.000-08:00

I love the idea of a faux bow... it's great when you are sick of using plain knots, but still can't get a real bow to look right!

To make a faux bow, cut a piece of ribbon twice the width of the bow you want. Place a glue dot on either end, and fold those ends in to meet the middle. If you want, do a smaller piece as well (as I did above with the Hollyhock ribbon). You can then lay that ribbon piece on the larger ribbon piece. To finish the bow, cut a piece about twice the width of the bow and wrap it around the center (secure with glue dots). You can attach it with a glue dot as is, or you can add a brad to the center. If you add a brad, be sure to poke a hole first with an awl, otherwise you will have a tough time getting the brad through all the layers of ribbon and glue.

This technique looks great with on it's own, or on top of a length of ribbon. Enjoy!

You heard me right!!!

2006-11-29T21:17:00.000-08:00

Ok, I can't contain myself. I was going to wait until I had a flyer made up... but I can't. I'm too excited about my new upcoming workshop. 16 PAGES!!! That's right! 16 beautifully coordinated pages in one afternoon! I'm planning a January workshop where YOU get to choose your paper palette, pay only $35, and go home with 16 complete layouts! Can you tell I'm excited?? I'm excited! Details will come in a newsletter, plus you will be able to see the completed product at my open house on December 30th (and, of course, I'll post them all here!).

This will be a pre-registration required event... so DO contact me if you are interested. Space will be limited to 8 people.

I'm excited!

Texturizing

2006-11-27T08:40:00.001-08:00

Here is another way to texturize your paper. I used the textured Blush cardstock to start, wrinkled it into a ball, smoothed it out and then sanded it. It gives a really neat effect. You can also use the textured paper on its own and sand it, and the grooves really pop. Also, using inks or chalks has a great effect too.

Happy texturizing!

Quick layouts

2006-11-24T08:28:00.000-08:00

I made these 2 page layouts in less than an hour thanks to the Cherish book. I never really thought I would use this book, as I tend to like to do my own layouts.... but my own layouts often take HOURS to figure out! This way, I chose the layouts to go with the number and types of photos I wanted to showcase, flipped them to suit my photos, cut all my pieces and went from there. I find it easiest to put the book away once I have my basic layout and then embellish from there. But, I'm sure there are lots of people too who will use the book for embelishment ideas.

PS - For those in the states, the book is available at most major bookstores. It's a great Christmas idea!

Back to my standards

2006-11-21T09:12:00.001-08:00

I did another Birthday card featuring the types of colors I work with most frequently (as mentioned in a previous post). I did venture out into different shades though! This card features Chocolate, Vineyard Berry and Baby Pink. I really like the way the two pinks went together... something I wasn't expecting till I tried it! Just goes to show - try stamping two inks side by side before you rule them out together!

Not sure if I've mentioned Dimensional Elements yet, so my apologies if this is a repeated tip! I used the Dimensional Elements Ribbon Accents here and covered it with cardstock. Once covered (glue stick works fine), I let it dry a bit, then use a cutting knife and self healing mat to cut away the tricky parts. Scissors don't always get close enough and are difficult for intricate patterns. I do the same when cutting out letters. Then, sand away... it covers any cutting imperfections and looks great!

Joy - in more ways than one!

2006-11-20T10:53:00.001-08:00

This is about my 12th attempt at posting this card... so if it works... there truly will be JOY!

Another Christmas card to get your creative holiday juices flowing. This one is SOOOO simple and quick. From start to finish, you're looking at under 2 minutes! I simply dry embossed the Sweet Leaf cardstock to spice it up, and added some Ritzy Ribbon stamping to the New England Ivy strip, stamped the Rustic "Joy" and glued it all together. So easy! Great for bulk card-making!

I hope that lots of you are starting to think about making your own cards this season. It truly does add a special touch to your holiday mailings!

Back but...

2006-11-20T10:32:00.000-08:00

I am back from vacation and was thoroughly planning on getting lots of ideas onto this website... and then the switch to "Blogger Beta" floored me. I can't get the flickr import working at all!!! So, it may be a few more days until I can get things up and running again. I'm so sorry! I have lots of ideas to post, but no means of getting them here :(. Hopefully soon!

Take a Leap!

2006-11-12T15:15:00.000-08:00

First of all, my apologies for the delay in getting more posts up! I've been away on vacation, and though I had intentions of posting from sunny California... it didn't happen. Go figure!

I'm back, and today I'm encouraging you to try new color combinations. I have a tendency to stick with what I know I really like. This usually includes one shade of brown (Cocoa is my favorite, followed closely by Chocolate), one main color (favorites include Blush, Hollyhock, Twilight, Sweet Leaf, Petal and Sunflower), and another accent which is often in the "beige" catagory (I love my Bamboo).

So, today I ventured out and tried a Autumn Terracotta/Vineyard Berry combo. I NEVER would have tried this... but I was feeling adventurous. I'm very happy with how it turned out! It just goes to show you that you don't know until you try!!! So, go pick out a color you use seldomly and try to pair it with something new. Get inspiration from a B&T paper (this one was from the Harvest set), but know that you don't have to choose only colors from the paper (this paper showed only Cocoa as an accent, which I forced myself not to use!).

Good luck!

Workshop Class

2006-11-01T19:38:00.000-08:00

I can't wait 'till November 26th! That is when we will be having a class to do these adorable coaster frames. The frame is made using coasters (like from a typical bar) decorated with cardstock and B&T papers, and then made into a frame with the photo hinges. These make such a cute present! In the class, you will be able to choose from a variety of color combinations (and letter, of course, which is stamped using the E-level stamp set Rustic Alphabet). You will complete a frame for only $5!

Space will be limited, so be sure to let me know ASAP if you would like to attend.

For those of you not lucky enough to be on the beautiful west coast of Canada, try these at home! They will make fantastic Christmas stocking stuffers.

More easy Christmas cards

2006-10-30T07:14:00.000-08:00

I hope that lots of you are starting to think about making your own cards this season! I've got lots more ideas coming for those of you that are. There are also lots of great classes planned to get you started, or you can contact me to host your own class. One class makes three cards for $5 - great deal!

Here's a card that features a technique I don't think I've talked about - chalk popping! Chalk popping not only looks good, it's quite fun to do. Using a versamark ink pad, stamp your image. You won't be able to see it very well, but once you start applying chalk, it appears! I use a simple sponge dauber and dab on the image. Rubbing doesn't tend to work very well, and you will risk smudging your image up.

The snowflakes were chalk popped in Vineyard Berry chalk. I LOVE that the soft chalks match the CTMH colors! I also used a sponge dauber to apply ink (another great use of the daubers) to the "Merry Christmas" square.

As an aside, I apologize for recent troubles with this website. I've been working hard at getting it to work in all platforms and browsers, but I may have to resort to switching the site over to another blog service. I will keep you posted. Till then, know that I have been *trying* to post all my ideas, they just don't want to stay on the site!

Quick and Easy!

2006-10-29T07:44:00.000-08:00

For the next couple of posts, I hope to show you some quick and easy Christmas card ideas. I know, I know... it's still early, but if you plan on making your own cards, it's easiest to do a few at a time.

I've made some of these cards as flyers for an upcoming workshop (when you're a CTMH consultant, "flyers" takes on a whole new meaning!). So, they had to be quick and easy! There isn't much in terms of embellishments, which is great if you are planning lots of cards.

This card features some Liquid Glass. It's a great way to add a little something to a stamp. It's hard to see in the scanned image, but it gives it some texture and shine. It's applied to the dots and the top of the "snow" in the above card.

I also used a basic white cardstock as my base and random stamped it. This way, you can print off the writing you would like on the inside of the card and decorate the top of it.

Altogether, I think this card only cost about $0.08. A great option for saving money this Christmas!!

The desire to change

2006-10-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

This is a pretty basic layout that I created to match one that was already completed in my album. It features more random stamping (which I LOVE - a great way to spice up cardstock) and a simple color-blocking layout.

Not seconds after uploading the picture, however, I had the urge to go and change things. This has always been a challenge for me... resisting the desire to do too much on a page. Also resisting the desire to go back to old layouts I've completed and change them to match my current scrapbooking style. However, I feel it's important to keep reminding myself, and everyone else, that although your style may change throughout the years, the photos are still displayed beautifully and with love and care... and that's what really matters!

So, remember, keep it simple and keep your goal in mind. Not every page has to be "the best you've ever done" in order for it to be gorgeous!

But... I did make one little change. Can anyone guess what it might have been (not including adding photos!)?

Oh, and I'm trying to remember to post layouts before I add pictures to prevent the annoying flash glare. Hopefully I'll continue to remember ;)

Things I've Learned

2006-10-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

So, these above layouts actually have some non-CTMH papers in them. *Gasp*... yes, I do use SOME other scrapbooking supplies... lots of which I had prior to learning about CTMH. I don't discourage anyone from using a mixture of supplies, it's pretty much inevitable. But, I have learned something from this "kit" that I had purchased. I purchased a kit (from a company that I will keep nameless) that had a beautiful album and matching papers and elements. I loved it, but I spent far too much money on it. I blame it on the pregnancy. Though the album is beautiful, I do actually prefer the strength and quality of the CTMH albums (and the page sizes, they are fantastic... you never have to bend pages to get them in when they have elements on them).

But, my biggest frustration is that #1 - there totally wasn't enough in the kit to complete the album, which isn't so much a problem if it wasn't paired with #2 - I can't find anything to MATCH the stuff that it came with!! This is a major frustration of mine when shopping at the large scrapbooking and crafting stores. You can get totally overwhelmed with the amount of stuff there, and you find something you like only to have to spend a ridiculous amount of time trying to find elements, inks, etc to match it! ARGH!

So, I don't mean to be bashing people over the head constantly with reasons why I like CTMH... but this is certainly another one of them!!! I know that when I buy paper, inks, whatever, that there will always be stuff to match it. It's so much easier. And, I'm a little picky when it comes to matching.

Ok, that's all the ranting I'll do about that.

I used photo hangers in the above layouts too. I love those! I've got two different uses for them above, one uses a hanger for the top of a tag, the other layout uses two hangers on a book plate to attach ribbon. There are lots more too. Play with them!

Card block BEGONE!

2006-10-20T21:56:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I finally got past my card-making-creativity block... for the time being, anyways! I've started on the Christmas cards for various upcoming classes, and done a few additional cards as well. Yay!

This card features something I'm in LOVE with these days... dimensional elements! I love the look of these when covered in cardstock and distressed (with sandpaper). It almost looks like a piece of wood. I also did some random stamping on this piece.

The stamp in the dimensional frame was done in two colors by covering one side with clear tape, inking, then removing the tape (do NOT forget that step!!!). I then did the same while covering the opposite side.

Also, as a side note... my scanner simple did not do justice to some of the colors here. The frame is done in Indian Corn Blue - anyone who has seen this color knows that it is not so purpley. The scanner makes it look like it clashes both with the random stamping ink, and the Amethyst B&T paper. Honest it doesn't ;)

Speedy Scrapbooking

2006-10-19T08:19:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the last few days I've hit a bit of a creativity block. I've been trying to come up with some new, fantastic cards for upcoming classes, but I'm just blocked... so today I'm posting another idea from my last class.

This is a great tip for those like me who have TONS of pictures that are awaiting scrapping. I used the photo storage pages, and matched a set to the "adorable" layout of a few days ago. By adding some mats and a journal box, you can make a storage page look great next to a layout. It's super speedy, and still looks great!

I was also asked a lot about the dual colored stamping in the above layout. To do this, I simply stamped the image in Sweet Leaf ink (the green) on a piece of cardstock, then another image in Hollyhock on another piece of cardstock. I cut out the inner part of the Hollyhock image, leaving a little bit of white around it (to ensure good coverage of the Sweet Leaf). Then, I just glued it on top. You can also do dual colored stamping using tape to tape of part of the image while inking, just be sure to remove the tape before you stamp!!

I hope your days are "creativity-block-free"!

Prisma Glitter

2006-10-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

The second I was introduced to prisma glitter, I LOVED it. The photo just doesn't give it justice, but it looks absolutely gorgeous. I used it on the maple leaf in the above card. To use it, it's best to use and adhesive sheet. Cut the sheet to the desired size and peel the backing of one side. Adhere to the picture and peel the other side off. Then, sprinkly the glitter liberally over the image, pressing down a bit with your fingers (be prepared to be glittered yourself... all... day... long...). Shake off the excess glitter, and you have a gorgeous sparkling image.

I can't wait to use this on some snowflakes for Christmas cards! I think it will really make the cards!

Class Layout

2006-10-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

We had fun at the class yesterday creating the above layout. It follows along with a lot of the ideas I've been posting about lately - using your cardstock to it's greatest potential, money saving ideas and getting the most use of your stamp sets.

Another idea encorporated into this layout is ribbon stamping. We used a simple piece of White Daisy grosgrain ribbon, and stamped it with the Ritzy Ribbon stamp set. This gives you the option of adding a little something extra to your ribbon, and making it any color you want. You can also dye the white ribbons with any of the CTMH re-inkers.

Also... a little bit of blog housekeeping. I just wanted to let everyone know that I have decided to include all the layout details in the photo details (click on the photo, and it should take you there). This way, the details don't clutter up all the entries, but you still have access to all the info on colors, papers, etc used in the layout. And, I'm still working on fixing some of the problems of this site in Internet Explorer. For those of you using that browser, send me an email to let me know if it's better, or if it is still garbling some of the site for you. I hope it's fixed for you soon!!

Paper flower fun

2006-10-13T08:42:00.000-07:00

I must say... originally I was not a big fan of this paper packet (Just Chillin paper packet). But, I found that once I paired it with some favorite embellishments, I really loved this layout! So, that's a handy tip - use favorite embellishments to make a not-so-favorite paper come to life!

I used Just Blooms paper flowers here, and paired two together, attaching them with a sparkly brad. I inked the white flowers with a touch of Vineyard Berry ink using a sponge dauber. I love that trick! That's how I "antiqued" the Desert Sand cardstock too (using Desert Sand ink and a sponge dauber). Sponge daubers are so cheap, and so useful. You can get even more use out of them by cleaning them with the Spritz stamp cleaner (gets them way cleaner than just soap and water!).

To make sparkly brads, you can take any ordinary brad (any color too!) and heat it with a craft heater. Then, dip it in embossing powder and reheat. Quickly transfer it to your glitter, coating it well. I find it really helps to then reheat it a little more. It makes sure that the glitter doesn't flake off the brad. You can also use this trick to make any brad any color. Just use the embossing powder (with no glitter). You may find it works best to coat the brad 2 times with the embossing powder (heating and cooling in between). I love how this makes every brad so versatile!

Random stamping

2006-10-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

Spring Thankyou, originally uploaded by scrappysquared.

Random stamping can turn ordinary white cardstock into a great background. I've used it here in a simple thank you card, but it works great for entire page layouts too. You can see it in the "friends" layout in the recent project pictures as well.

The textured cardstock in this card also adds a little something. The Sweet Leaf blocks on the left are textured, and I brought out the texture a little bit using some chalk.

Two easy and inexpensive additions to make your pages beautiful. Happy scrapping!

More dry embossing

2006-10-09T20:38:00.000-07:00

Here's a layout featuring dry embossing:

It just goes to show you that you don't need to have all the fancy papers you see to make a great layout. This layout (designed by Andrea York) uses Pink Carnation cardstock that is dry embossed using a stylus, then sanded. The photo boxes (yet to be filled) are Desert Sand cardstock. It also features the new Just Blooms paper flowers, centered with a gold brad. The stamp sets used are the Rustic alphabet, Whimsy lowercase alphabet and Sketchin's (a great versatile set). Behind the cake stamp, the paper has been sanded as well. Inks used were Desert Sand and Pink Carnation. Two tiny pieces of ribbon finish it off.

Simple tip... if you can't tie a good bow, a knot looks just as good! It saves a lot of ribbon too!

A little something

2006-10-07T19:51:00.000-07:00

I don't have a lot of layout samples completed yet... I will be posting lots as soon as they are completed. For now, though, I thought I'd post a card with a technique on it.

I view cards as mini scrapbook pieces. You put similar effort into the layout and design, but then you get to give it to someone... which makes it that much more special. I still consider myself to be a scrapbooker first and foremost, but cards just come with the territory. And, I'm getting more cards done than layouts these days, so a card it is.

This card took only minutes to design and complete. It uses only basic cardstock, and a stamp set (Totally Chic MyAcrylix set).

The background cardstock (Pink Carnation) has been dry embossed and sanded. The dry embossing makes the lines that you see (that are also raised). You can do this easily with an embossing stylus and your standard paper trimmer. Use the groove in the paper trimmer as your embossing guide. You can do all sorts of patterns (as long as they are lines). Once you've completed the pattern, simply turn it over and sand the embossed lines. This will expose the white core. I also sanded the edges of the card, and a little on the black cardstock. To make the inner flower of the purse pink, I simply stamped my primary image in black ink on the white cardstock, then stamped the image again on another piece of paper with pink carnation ink. I cut out the flower and glued it on.

A simple and easy to make your cardstock look special. Enjoy!

Starting off

2006-10-05T20:09:00.000-07:00

It is sooooo common for new scrapbookers to get completely and totally overwhelmed. So, a common question is: "What are the best products to start out with?". Good question...

Get a paper trimmer. One that can be used for 12" paper. Most craft stores carry them. I've found great prices on them at Walmart. You shouldn't have to spend more than $20 on it.
Some sort of adhesive. The fancy ones are nice, but glue stick works just fine. Don't be fooled by the "acid free" glue sticks that are pricey. ALL glue sticks by nature are acid free. By cheap ones at Dollar Stores, or at Costco. Also, two sided tape is really helpful - especially for pictures (I wouldn't use glue stick on a photo... though perhaps there are people that would?). Tombow is a great one (available through CTMH).
Paper. Choose a color palette that you like, and get some coordinating pieces. I love that CTMH products come in groups of colors, so you already know what looks great together. Also CTMH cardstock has white core - this is essential to getting good use out of your cardstock. You can do fabulous layouts by distressing cardstock if it's white core. I'll show examples of this in future entries. Some coordinating B&T papers (background and texture) are great too. You will always use paper! If you aren't sure where to start, a paper packet (containing both cardstock and B&T papers) is a fabulous starter set. The My Reflections paper packets give you everything you would need for a great layout - cardstock, coordinating colors, coordinating B&T papers. They also have coordinating embellishment packets too!
Some sort of embellishments. The best way to get the most for your money is to get embellishments that either go a long way (a pack of white eyelets or brads... brads are best if you don't have an eyelet setter, or white ribbon is a great embellishment) OR that can be reused. Stamps make amazing embellishments if you stamp and cut out the images, or build up the image by stamping on various colors of paper and piecing them together. I'll show examples of these soon too. They are a great way to embellish and save money! My advice would always be to start with brads, ribbon and a favorite stamp set & ink that is versatile. As mentioned before, you can also get coordinating embellishment packets to go with the My Reflections paper packets.

Down the road, I would also suggest a set of letter stamps. Because CTMH MyAcrylix stamps are set on separate blocks, you can write any word you want on a block and have a unique stamp every time. This is GREAT for titles and giving themes to your layouts. The acrylix alphabet sets are considerably cheaper than the rubber stamp sets!

A couple other cheap things that are great to have on hand are a good pair of scissors (small with a good point), some sandpaper, a piercing tool and an acid-free/pH-neutral pen.

Of course, you also need a scrapbook album and lots of pictures! Key features of a good album are that it opens flat, is built with page protectors so that you can easily change the order of layouts, has room for more pages and possible extender posts.

You can accomplish a LOT with these basic starter sets. Over the next several posts, I'll show you what I mean!

And it begins

2006-10-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

Welcome! I've started this blog for several reasons.

Primarily, it is here to give scrapbookers lots of new ideas, techniques and creative motivation.
It's also hear to answer any questions you have about scrapping or paper crafting (feel free to email me on the link at the top). I will often post about questions I'm asked.
And, of course, because I'm an independent consultant for Close to my Heart products, I intend to show them off as best I can (which isn't hard to do, they are great products). If you ever want to order these products, you can contact me by email. I'll keep the site updated with current promotions and give aways!
I'll also keep you updated with upcoming classes, as well as post the work afterwards.

I hope to have some updates every few days. Please enjoy, ask lots of questions, and have fun scrapbooking!!!