Scrapbook Process: NSD Layout #3 - Mirroring Pages

It got too late in the day to take photos and post my last layout for National Scrapbooking Day, but I still wanted to post it since I was pleased at how it turned out. Two of my three goals were finished: completing three layouts and using stash that was over a year old.  I totally forgot about the stamping goal, so that didn't make any of my layouts this time. The nice thing was that made a point of utilizing a lot of older stash, including several Cricut diecuts from swaps that you will see on this double layout:

The patterned papers are from Basic Grey, the blue cardstock is Bazzill, the balloons, party hat and cake are from a Cricut swap.  The acrylic "wishes" and "party" titles stickers are from Joann's (I believe their own brand).  Because this layout is for my son's scrapbook, I wanted it to be fun, simplistic, brightand with more photos.

This layout was also completed for the first challenge on the Basic Grey blog for National Scrapbooking Day.  Their challenge was to: Create a project using a craft knife or scissors to cut around the designs on patterned paper.  However, once I got started designing the layout, I completely forgot about the cutting!  I finished instead by trimming around three of the balloons so that I could slide a photo into the slit.

I hope you were able to get a lot accomplished yesterday -- but most importantly -- you had a wonderful time with your craft!

Scrapbook Process: NSD Layout #2 - Using Different Fonts

TIP:  Experiment with different sets and sizes of letters to complete a title.

Since I had out my Bo Bunny "Timepiece" collection, I decided to do another layout with a cute black and white photo of my youngest.  So here is my second layout of the day, which completes the #9 Challenge at Two Peas in a Bucket!

As part of this challenge, you can download the JPEG freebie that is to be incorporated into your layout.  The "Love" ticket is part of the set of six you can download for FREE HERE.  I simply printed it on kraft paper and trimmed it out. 

The "I Adore You" diecut is from My Minds Eye "Lost and Found" collection.  The heart I cut with my Cricut and I used Thickers as part of my title.

Scrapbook Process: NSD Layout #1 - Ruler Distressing

TIP:  Use your ruler to easily rip your papers to make a distressed look. 

After a couple hours, I finally finished my first layout for today!  This is for the #10 Challenge over at Two Peas in a Bucket. They are offering 10 challenges with opportunities to win a prize package.

For this layout, I used 3 papers from the Bo-Bunny "Timepiece" collection.  I ripped the papers for a little more distressed look, and added the rest of the elements from my stash.  The photo is of my sweet hubby and my youngest son.  Love these two madly!

On to the next challenge!

Frugal Scrapbooking: Embellishments by the Bulk

I love medallions -- they are fun to make and add some dimension to your cards and scrapbook layouts!  I have been making them for awhile now, but I loved the article in the new issue of Cardmaker magazine (pages 42-44) that gave some techniques and ideas for making medallions in different variations.

After reading the article, I got jazzed again to make medallions, so I decided to make some in "bulk" to use on future projects.  (That way I only had to get my glue gun out once!)  I left buttons and other embellishments off so that I can do customization when I use them later.  

There are step by step instructions in the article, but here is my way for making standard size medallions:  

• Use a 12" strip of paper, anywhere from 3/4" to 1-1/2" wide.  The wider the strip, the bigger the finished medallion.  (I find 3/4" - 1" size are great for cards, larger sizes for pages and projects)
• Score paper strip at every 1/4 inch.  For a wider set medallions, do 1/2 inch increments on 1-1/2" wide strips. 
• Try a more lightweight printed paper or card stock -- although you have to score more carefully, they do seem to work to shape better.

After scoring:

• Overlap the ends of the strip to make a ring, using super sticky double stick tape to adhere the ends.  (I know some crafters prefer hot glue, glue dots or even staples, but I find the tape works best for me at this step.)  1" wide strips are good for beginners.  
• Punch a 1" circle, laying on a gluing mat.  Add a nice dollop of hot glue.  
• Take your paper strip ring and carefully press it into shape, adhering it to the glued circle.  Hold in place until glue starts to dry, then set aside until completely dry. 
• Embellish with buttons, pins, hardware, ribbon -- ideas are endless! 

Other ideas:

• Try border punching your strip first for some nice edging, or using a striped paper for some fun circles.  
• Add as a fun embellishment to frames, banners, and wreaths.  
• Attach ribbon to a medallion to make a badge for someone to wear for a special occasion.  

Have fun and feel free to comment below on what worked for you!

Scrapology Class: Can you "AdLib?"

We will be playing with the new Bo Bunny "AdLib" papers this Saturday at Scrapology!  Your class kit includes materials to make two cards (one with a popup), a gift bag (with giftcard pocket and tag) and mini album/journal.  Check out their website for pricing and details! 

Scrapology Class: Getting Twiggy with Little Yellow Bicycle!

This new line by Little Yellow Bicycle has been so fun to work with for my new class this month!  I took an idea from their website and created my own little birdhouse with the papers and embellishments:

There are also four cards to complete as part of the class also:

Card Making Process: Gatefold Valentine Card

I hope you all have a wonderful Valentines Day tomorrow -- I thought to commemorate the day I'd post a couple of the projects that I have been working on:  a gatefold card using miscellaneous papers from Hobby Lobby that I had in my stash.

Card Making Process: Glossy Apple Accent Card

I finally picked up a bottle of the Glossy Accents (by Ranger) while checking in at Scrapology last week.  While going through my school themed stash, I came across four of these simple apple diecuts (I think they were from Creative Memories):

I knew they would be cute on Teacher cards, but they were . . . well . . . dull.  Ta-da!  Glossy Accents!

I started around the outside to make sure I got to the edges (you can use the bottle tip to move it around), then worked toward the middle.

This is when I was done -- I did use the bottle tip to take off just a little bit of that pool at the bottom of the apple.  It's okay if the paper bows a little.  It drys flat.  Make sure you give it plenty of time to dry.  I played it safe by letting it dry an hour, but it may only take 30 minutes.

Voila!  The finished apple on the card.  Really dresses it up, doesn't it? Makes old stuff look new.

You can notice the bubbles at the bottom of the apple?  I learned -- don't shake the bottle!  LOL  But you don't really notice it unless you look up close like this!

Have any of you had experiences with Glossy Accents?  Let me know or post your project using Mr. Linky below!

Scrapbook Process: Finding the Scrapping "Mojo"

Ever have those days when you want to scrap, but just can't get the inspiration? I have those days too, and sometimes it's just a day or so, or a couple weeks. However, I have found some ways that help get your "scrappin' mojo" going:

• Search the internet for scrapbook blogs that update regularly. Subscribe to their feed so that you get new creations almost daily in your email box. Looking at what they are doing will often inspire you. Some of my faves are listed in the right margin! ------>
• Join a scrapping group. CafeMom, Ning, Facebook and other networking sites have groups with activity in which to participate and new friends to keep you motivated. Also check YouTube for numerous craft videos by some real energetic crafters!
• Clean your scrapping area. By reorganizing or straightening your space, you will often start the excitement when you again see a new stamp you had purchased, papers you forgot you had or other goodies in your stash. Add any finished pages to your photo albums too.
• Go through your photos. If you have taken several photos lately that need to be filed, or edited on your computer, now is the time to sit and do them. For editing, choose a couple select photos, make copies and then use one of your software programs to try something different: black and white, sepia, borders, color tinting, etc. Having a unique photo can create that spark of creativity for a new page.
• Look for new sketches. Many times, I let my photos dictate my layout, but other times, I just need help! There are many free sketches online at scrapbooking sites or blogs. Pagemaps is a great one, with new ideas each month.
• Go shopping. Yes, if you have a little extra spending money this week, go to your favorite craft store and choose ONE new item that will jog an idea. (Don't overdo your shopping, or you'll overwhelm yourself when you need to find your jumpstart!) Stores like Archivers are great about displaying all the newly released products and plenty of ideas for those products (including workshops!) to teach new techniques.
• Try a different media or page size. Always a 12x12 scrapbooker? Try making cards, an altered item and especially, a different size page. Use stamps if you don't normally use them. If you subscribe to new blogs or check YouTube, you'll glean new enthusiasm.
• Do a different type of page. If you always do your pages by chronological events, devote your next pages to purely a specific subject. What about pages about you? Journal thoughts, ideas, dreams, things in your past.
• Finally, don't push it. After all, this is our hobby, and sometimes a break is a good time to allow experiences to happen that will encourage us to scrap and to journal about.