COUNTING DOWN TO THE SPRING CRAFT & GIFT SHOW

Counting Down to the Spring Craft & Gift Show

Today is a get “my butt” in gear day. This show is going to be fantastic for Easter cards primarily because of the timing of the event. I have come up with a few design ideas that I’ve been working on in my head. Now it’s time to put it to work. Here is a sample of one of my ideas.

Simple steps to Creating the perfect handmade Easter Card:

I find that being organized is very helpful so I get all my supplies ready for this one card, this way it keeps my work area clear of unwanted materials.

Now since I know that I am going to make 25 of each image, I will work in stages. For me this is the best way to mass produce cards. Especially if you are going to be making a cards that are layered.

1. I then start stamping the image on the white cardstock with my black ink. (I am using color box pigment ink since I will be using embossing powder. The pigment ink stays wet longer and holds the powder great.)

2. Once I have stamped the image on my cardstock, I then apply my Clear Embossing Powder to the stamped image. I shake off the excess into my plastic tray since I can re-use what was shaken off. (I use a plastic craft tray that has a funnel at one end, this makes is really easy to put the embossing powder back into its original container.)

3. I then heat the embossing powder with my Embossing Heat Tool until the Embossing powder crystals are smooth and shiny. (I use a Marvy Embossing Heat Tool.)

4. Then I use my colored embossing markers to color in my image. (I use Wet Looks Embossing Markers by Marvy)

5. When I have completed coloring my image I then apply Clear Embossing Powder to the entire image and heat with my Embossing Heat Tool until the embossing powder crystals are smooth and shiny.

6. Since I am using a layered look to my card, and have the words Happy Easter stamped on purple cardstock, I would follow the same inking and embossing procedures as I did on the stamped image of the card.

7. Now all I do is assemble the card to make the final product. I use adhesive tabs to put the layered cardstock together. (I use Herma Vario permanent tab adhesive).

You have now made a perfect handmade layered card for your family, friends or customers to enjoy. I bet whoever receives this hand made greeting card will never throw it out! This is a keeper for sure.

Easter Card 2008

Have a great day and don’t forget to leave time to craft!

SCRAPBOOK PAGE LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Scrapbook Page Layout & Design

For the beginner Scrapbooker designing your first page can be scary. I know that sounds crazy, but you are looking at all the new supplies that you have purchased and thinking to yourself what happens if I mess up, I just wasted all this money on supplies. Always remember that your scrapbook pages do not have to look like anyone else’s. They can be really simple, just a picture and some journaling on a page or you can make them full of embellishments. It’s all up to you.

A lot of Scrapbookers like to start out by at least having some kind of idea of how there page is going to look like when completed. If you are not that creative you can pickup a Scrapbooking magazine and find a layout that you would like to try or there is a great book written by Becky Higgins called Creative Companion. This is a book that is filled with sample page layouts. Find one that works with the number of photographs you have, and has a design that works with your style. I refer to this book a lot when I am having a scrappers block.

Now that you have the idea it is time to gather all of the supplies you will need to get your scrapbook page looking like the sample that you have chosen. Remember, just because the sample layout that you found is all in blue and green tones, you don’t have to use them, especially is your pictures are geared towards the colors of red and yellows. Use your imagination and you will make a beautiful masterpiece that you can call your own.

Have a Great Day and don’t forget to leave time to Craft!

JOIN OTHER SCRAPBOOKERS

Join Other Scrapbookers

Now that you are a Scrapbooker a great thing to do is meet other people who share in your passion. And believe me there are tons out there. A good way is to check with your local Scrapbooking store or craft store. They usually offer classes for all levels of Scrapbooking, and as a new Scrapbooker, you will be able to see in person the experienced Scrapbookers and learn some really great tips from them. And I guaranteed that you will make a some new friend along the way that share your passion of Scrapbooking.

As I mentioned earlier, Scrapbooking classes and weekend crops are a great way to get connected with all levels of Scrapbookers. Most of your local Scrapbooking stores offer classes. They are taught by experienced Scrapbookers that have either been Scrapbooking for years or they may have a degree in Scrapbooking. That’s right, now day you can even get a Bachelor of Scrapbooking Degree from Scrapbook Design University. I have one hanging on my wall in my craft room, along with my College degrees, but the Scrapbooking one is the one that really puts a smile on my face. Anyway, the classes are not typically very expensive (and worth every penny that you spend), and in some cases your supplies will be included in the class fee, or you will get a percentage off of the materials used in that class. Classes are great because you will receive a live demonstration of the craft, and have the opportunity to learn directly from experienced Scrapbookers.

If it is hard for you to attend one of these classes, check out some of the classes that they offer online. You will be able to get all the same information and learn the newest and greatest techniques also from experienced Scrapbookers all from the comfort of your own craft room. They often have live chats, so you will be able to ask questions too!

Have a Great Day and don’t forget to leave time to Craft!

SUPPLIES ESSENTIAL TO SCRAPBOOKING

Supplies Essential to Scrapbooking:

1. Album: There must be thousands of albums available today it may seem overwhelming at first but before your purchase one think about the kind of album that you want to create.
For example, if you are creating a gift album, consider quick and convenient 6×6 or 8×8 albums. For larger projects, ones that will have a lot of pictures try an expandable 12×12 album.
Look at what albums are out there, and decide which will fit your need and personal style. Also notice the different link of binding styles. There are post bound, strap hinge, and 3-ring. All of these albums usually come with page protectors which are a MUST! and make sure that they are expandable.

2. Paper: You can choose from countless patterns and colors of cardstock and papers. This will be your scrapbook page canvas so choose wisely. Be creative when using patter paper, some of the paper companies put patterns together for you so it takes the guess work out of it, just let your creativity run wild! The most popular size papers is 12×12, but remember even if you are making a 6×6 scrapbook, you can use the other half for more pages or you can use the leftover to make borders, or just use it on other layouts when needed.

3. Paper Trimmers: Get perfect cuts with this easy-to-use tool. Your best bet would be to purchase a large trimmer. This way you will be able to cut 12×12 papers, or crop your photos. I personally have a 12×12 along with a small photo cropper trimmer. It is totally up to you but if you are just starting out and are on a budget get the large one for now, its like two tools in one!

4. Scissors: Always have a good pair of sharp scissors around just for Scrapbooking. EKSuccess makes a Teflon-coated scissors that are fantastic; adhesive from stickers won’t stick to them!

5. Pens: My favorite pens are from Zig Memory System. These pens come in hundreds of colors and also different writing tips, such as Fine & Chisel, Writers, Scroll &Brush, Calligraphy and even photo coloring. Personalize your page with handwritten messaging. Whatever pen that you choose make sure that it is pigment ink, Acid-free and archival quality, waterproof and fade resistant..

6. Adhesive: There are many different kinds of adhesives out there. You will need to test them out for yourself, and find the one that feels right for you. Some come in plastic containers that run across your page, some come on sheets, and you need to find what is comfortable for your needs. Just make sure to select an acid-free adhesive.

Have a Great Day and don’t forget to leave time to Craft!

TIPS FOR THE BEGINNER AND ADVANCED SCRAPBOOKER

Tips for the Beginner and the Advanced Scrapbooker

Welcome to Your World of Scrapbooking!

As you already know, Scrapbooking is the best way to preserve your family’s photos, memorabilia and stories. Plus, you get to show your creative side by designing a Scrapbook for a particular event in your life.

When it comes to Scrapbooking, having your own flare, style, and originality is a must. There are tons of books and magazines to give you ideas but you need to find your own personality when it comes to Scrapbooking. The magazine may have the coolest layout but the color scheme is orange and you really dislike that color, so why would you use it in your scrapbook that you will be looking at for years, use the colors that you like. Remember, putting these memories together in a scrapbook is an extension of you.

Here are just some tips to help keep your creative juices flowing.

1. Make it personal: Include journaling on your layouts to tell about the photographs and help you remember what was going on during that time period. It helps make your page more that just an old fashion photo album, the kind that the pictures stick and covered by a piece of plastic.

2. When Journaling, use your own handwriting when possible (even if you don’t like the way you write). Down the road when people are looking at you scrapbook it will have a true piece of YOU incorporated into it. Wouldn’t you like to see what your grandma/grandpa/aunt/uncle etc. handwriting looked like?

3. A quote says it all: Adding the perfect saying/quote to your page can capture the moment and help set the theme. Include a funny saying or quotes from you, a family member or even your child’s first words.

4. Add dimension: There are so many ways to add dimension to your layout now days. You can use various embellishments such as die cuts, chip board, brads, buttons, staples, fibers, the list goes on.

Here are a couple of examples.

a. If you have a die cut of a flower, you can add more dimensions by placing a button or brad in the center of the flower.

b. If you like using chip board lettering, you can add stickers to them; distress them by using sandpaper on the edges. They are usually thick enough so you may not want to add anymore height to them or you will have one chunky page.

c. Fibers – you can use fibers as a border to your page vs. stickers or paper. You can attach the fibers by brads or eyelets on each end. This is a really cool look.

5. Don’t stop with pictures: Pictures are only the beginning when it comes to Scrapbooking. You may have been at the zoo and your camera ran out of film or your batteries died, but you want to share that part in your vacation or travel scrapbook. This is where journaling comes into place. Tell a story of what happened at the zoo, you may have your ticket that got you into the zoo, put that on your page along with your memories. You can also Scrapbooking favorite family recipes, your child’s first drawing, or consider this, Scrapbooking your score card from your best golf game ever. It will be keepsake that everyone will cherish.

6. Keep your scraps from scrapping: Don’t throw out your paper scraps. You can use them to cut out shapes with hole punches, use them in die cutting machines, such as Sizzix, Quickutz, Cricut, etc. to make shapes, or trim them with decorative scissors to make cool borders, paper weaves or striping.

7. Tell a story: Scrapbook pages should tell a story. So remember to enhance the key photograph so that is becomes the focal point of your scrapbook page. If your photo is small it may get lost, to make sure that it doesn’t mat your small photos with a color that will compliment your theme. You can also use a larger mat for your smaller picture for you to embellish and journal on.

Scrapbooking is great way to share your memories with friends, families. It also looks a lot nicer than shoe boxes of pictures that you have on the top shelf of your closet.

Have a Great Day and don’t forget to leave time to Craft!

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