Paper Crafting Tip #16: Follow through on your commitments

I know that all of my previous tips have been positive ones, but I am very upset over a swap I joined back in September on a stamping board (which will remain nameless).  The swap was due on October 19, but it still hasn't been returned.  I've posted inquiries and sent Personal Messages, but the hostess doesn't seem to be interested in following up on what happened to the packages.  She said she already mailed them, but that was more than 2 weeks ago. 

This infuriates me.  I understand that things happen, and almost nothing goes exactly as planned, but to just abandon a swap like this is very irresponsible.  I put a lot of work into those cards.  And what makes it worse is that none of the other 3 members in the swap seem to care either.

So my tip this week, fellow crafters, is to follow through on your commitments.  If you host or join a swap, make sure that you do your best to fulfill your responsibilities.  If some emergency arises that prohibits you from doing that, let the members of your group know.  Most people (especially crafters) are pretty understanding.  Just don't ignore their concerns.

Okay, so now, with all of that said, how about forming our own swap group?  I'll host a different swap each month, each with a different theme.  You'll be able to use any brand of products you want, although I'll probably use a lot of TAC products. :)  Just post a comment here, or email me, if you're interested.  It's not a commitment yet.  I'll email details to all who are interested and let you know the deadline for signing up for the "Crafty Girls Swap Group."


Anyone who joins the Crafty Girls Swap Group will receive a kit to make this adorable Christmas Penguin card.  I will include all of the materials you will need (except adhesive and coloring materials).  Please note that there might be some variation in papers.
















     Card sketch by Inky Fingers

Paper Crafting Tip #15: Chalking

Here's a great way to use those chalks you know you have stashed away in a drawer somewhere.  When was the last time you used those, anyway?  Thanks to my dear friend Tina, who designed this lovely card. 

You will need a VersaMark inkpad and a StazOn black or brown inkpad, as well as chalks.  First you you apply VersaMark over the whole piece.   After that, you apply chalks with daubers.  Then you stamp the image with Staz On.  It's a very easy, yet beautiful, technique.  For the greeting, I stamped the words in VM and then chalked over them.  I used a paper towel to smudge some black ink around the borders of the bottom layers to add some dimension.  It's one of my favorite techniques.

Now, find those chalks and get going!  Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

On a personal note, I am now the mother of a teenager.  My son just turned 13 yesterday.  I'm just not ready for this! 

Paper Crafting Tip#14: Scrapbook a photo of yourself

This month on Scrapbook Queens , I posted a challenge called "Then and
Now."  I asked the members to compare a photo of themselves from their
childhood/teenage years with a recent one.  The ultimate goal was to
create a layout incorporating the two.  This is mine.

Try scrapbooking a photo of yourself this week.  It doesn't have to be
"Then and Now," or a photo from your childhood.  Just choose a photo of
yourself and start creating.  Have fun!

Check out this adorable mini book!

Here are the directions from HP. Winter Matchbook Project

I'll post pictures of mine as soon as it's finished.  I've assembled it.  Now I just have to decorate it and get it ready for my photos.  This will be my "brag book" for the winter.

Have fun, and I'd love to see your creations!  Just email them to me, and I'll post them here.

Paper Crafting Tip#13: Start your holiday cards now!

If you're like me, everyone on my Christmas Card List expects a hand-made card from me.  That adds up to a lot of cards,  which I am sure many of you can relate to.  The only way I can keep up with this is to make my cards in batches.  I make 4 or 5 designs, and then I make the cards in groups, assembly line fashion.  It's fun to get together with friends, too.  I've already made 2 groups of cards, and I have 2 other designs in my sketchbook. 

Now, you don't have to make so many designs, of course, but I find that I get kind of bored if I try to make them all the same.  If you'd like to share your cards, please email them to me, and I'll include them in my Blogs for November and December.  I can't wait to see what you come up with!

You might have noticed that now I have changed the title of these posts to Paper Crafting Tips.  I've decided to include tips for all types of paper crafting, since most of us are involved in more than one type of crafting.

Happy crafting!

You have to check out Scrapbook Queens!

I've been chosen as the Guest Design Team Member for November on this wonderful site, and I've listed the link on the sidebar.  You have to check out this site.  They are the nicest bunch of scrapbookers you'd ever want to meet.  Everyone is supportive and encouraging, and we all share tips and ideas.  Check out my Challenge for November.  And don't forget to try my Weekend Challenges on A Shade of Blue also.  Happy crafting!