Christmas Photos to Take

Here's a list of the photos I've either taken or plan to take over the next few days.  You can adapt this list to include the photo ops you don't want to miss.  Merry Holidays!


Photos to Take


1.  Tree
2.  Gingerbread House
3.  Cookies
4.  Presents
5.  Christmas Eve
6.  Opening Presents
7.  Lego Village & Calendars
8.  Work Presents
9.  Village
10.  Family
11.  Family Portrait

Christmas Cookies

Making Christmas cookies with the kids. Mmmm ... I love the smells and tastes of Christmas!  And I love doing things with my children, especially at this time of year.  I'm so lucky that they still enjoy baking cookies with me.  (Most of the time, anyway.  :) )

A Quick Question

Hi everyone.  In an attempt to prioritize my life, I've been wondering whether or not to continue this blog.  I don't even know if anyone reads it anymore.  According to Blogger, I have 21 Followers (just lost one); but hardly anyone comments, and I'm not getting a lot of visits. 

Since time is precious, I'd really appreciate your letting me know if you're still reading this blog.  Just leave me a comment, and that will help me decide whether or not to keep it going.  I don't want to put a lot of effort into posts, how-tos, and videos if no one is interested.

Thanks a lot! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just popping in to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.  I'm going to attempt a Christmas Tags video soon, so check back after Thanksgiving for it.  Enjoy your turkey!

Holiday Tags Class Next Week at The Ink Pad - Photo Added

Hey guys, don't forget to sign up for my Holiday Distressed Tags class that will be held next Tuesday, November 8th, from 7:15 to 8:30 at The Ink Pad.  You'll need to call the store at 212-463-9876 to reserve your seat.  There is limited seating, so please sign up ASAP.  Directions to the store can be found here.  If you like Distress Inks, you'll love this class.

I hope to see you there.

Scrapbook Those Summer Layouts: A Fun and Simple Beach Layout

 If you're like me, you take lots of summer photos. You also want to fit as many photos on your layouts as possible. You want those layouts to be easy and fun, and you want to make good use of those tools in which you've invested your hard-earned money. I'm going to show you how to make the two-page layout below with just a few sheets of patterned paper, cardstock, buttons, thread, and one foot of ribbon, as well as your Cricut machine. (If you don't have a Cricut, you can certainly use another machine or other pre-made embellishments.)

Use solid cardstock as the base for your pages.

Cut coordinating cardstock into two 12" x 6" panels, and adhere two inches from the top of each page.

Adhere your photos to the panels, which will serve as mats for your photos. This will allow you to include photos of different sizes and orientations, yet have them look cohesive and organized.

Cut patterned paper into eight 3" x 4" rectangles, and adhere directly below photo mats. I alternated both sides of double-sided papers.

Punch decorative border strips from remaining patterned papers, and adhere to the bottom edge of each page.

Using the Cricut with the Jubilee cartridge, cut your title from your choice of papers. I cut "summer" at 1 ½" and "FUN" at 2".

Cut three 3" scalloped circles from kraft cardstock.

Adhere the title "FUN" to scalloped circles, and outline with a white gel pen.

Adhere the title to the right side of the layout, placing "summer" on the top and "FUN" on the bottom.

Add the journaling circle to the left side of the layout.

Freehand cut three circles at approximately 1 ½" and three at approximately 1" in size, all from patterned paper. The circles should NOT be perfect. Layer one of each size to create a flower.

Tie twine through the buttons and attach to the centers of the flowers.

Add ribbon (cut into two 6" pieces) and the flowers to your layout for embellishment.

Here is a list of the supplies I used for this layout:



Brights Cardstock Stack by Die Cuts With a View

Little Yellow Bicycle Journal Tablet by Deja Views

summer-themed patterned papers, such as Barefoot and Bliss by BoBunny

Cricut machine and Jubilee cartridge by Provo Craft

Scalloped-edge punch by E.K. Success

twine, such as this Baker's Twine by We R Memory Keepers

striped ribbon

buttons from my stash

Ghost Earrings (Revisited)

These were such a hit last year that I thought I'd re-post this video.  Have a fun and Happy Halloween!

November Classes at The Ink Pad

Hi everyone!  Just thought I'd pop in and give you the info. about my upcoming classes at The Ink Pad.  On Tuesday, November 8th, from 7:15 to 8:30, I'll be teaching Distressed Holiday Tags.  Then on Tuesday, November 29th, from 7:15 to 8:30, I'll be teaching Mini Book Ornaments.  You can find all of the details on the store's website (http://www.theinkpadnyc.com/) within the next week or so.  I'll probably be posting photos soon, so stop by and check them out.

Until next time, remember to be your crafty self.

J

Two Thumbs DOWN for The Scrapbook Showgram

Hi everyone.  Sorry it's been so long since I last blogged.  I've been busy working at the Fab Ink Pad in the West Village.  You really should stop by if you love paper crafting.  And that's all of you, right?

Now on to something that isn't so fabulous.  It seems like The Scrapbook Showgram with Sandi Genovese is going the way of so many other "free" shows on the Internet.  Now they are forcing anyone who wants access to past "free" shows to pay a Gold Membership fee.  Of course, this special membership includes access to exclusive forums and a gallery where you can share your projects (be still my heart!).

When I expressed my feelings to Sandi and Jim (the producer), Jim replied that they are doing this because they can't get sponsors for the show.  What a lame excuse for charging a fee for access to "free" shows!  Yes, they will still continue to air a free show every week; but if you want to watch past episodes, you have to be a Gold Member (Oh, behave!). 

Oh, well.  There are still plenty of free shows and videos on the 'net.  And I'm off to watch some now!  Thanks for stopping by, and remember to always be your crafty self.

Echo Park's Summer Days Collection

Echo Park's Summer Days Collection

Price: The whole collection is $13.99, but individual double-sided patterned papers are available for $.89 each. You can also purchase double-sided solid cardstock for $.79 a sheet. Other add-ons include: cardstock stickers (including alphabets) for $2.99 a sheet, rub-ons for $2.99 a sheet and decorative brads for $4.99 a package.

Product Description:

The Echo Park Summer Days Collection has just about everything you will need to showcase all of your summer vacation, beach, and outdoor photos. The collection includes a dozen 12" x 12" double-sided patterned sheets of cardstock, one 12" x 12" sheet of alphabet stickers, and one 12" x 12" sheet of element stickers. All of the classic summer images are included: ice cream cones, ice pops, flip-flops, flowers, birds, trees, grass, roller coasters, ferris wheels, suns, pennants, and bicycles. There are stripes, checks, polka dots, scallops, clouds, balloons, and circles. The colors are bright, festive, and fun and just looking at them will bring a smile to your face.

In Use:

It's very rare that I love all of the elements of any scrapbooking collection, but Echo Park's collections are the exception, especially the Summer Days Collection. There isn't a single thing that I don't love about the papers, stickers, and embellishments. The best thing about Echo Park's collections is that the papers are so versatile. You can use them as the base paper for your layouts, or you can cut them apart into large pieces or strips. Some of the design elements are large enough to cut out and use as additional embellishments. One of the cardstock sheets has journaling spots on one side and a bright, summery print on the back. The journaling spots help you to incorporate your journaling into your layout seamlessly and easily. I've also been known to cut apart the display sheet that comes with the collection and use the pieces on my layouts and cards. Even the small sample on the bottom of the cardstock sheets, showing the pattern on the reverse side, can be used. You really get your money's worth with Echo Park!

Tips and Techniques:

Use the papers and stickers in this collection to make bright, fun scrapbook pages for all your summer photos and cards.

Use edge punches to create your own border strips and decorative edges.

Die-cut or punch shapes to use as embellishments for your pages and cards.

Make party decorations and invitations with the colorful, fun summer designs.

Use the papers and embellishments for birthday pages and cards too.

Haunted Window Card

I just have to share this awesome video from Hero Arts!  Enjoy!

Cute Cards for Kids

Hi everyone!  I hope that everyone has weathered Irene well, and that you are all safe and sound.  We seem to be doing fine, although the wind is kicking up now.

Today I'd like to share with you the details for the cards I showed at the end of my last video.  These cards were inspired by one of Gina K's videos. 

Instead of using sponge daubers to make the circles, I used the Round Designer's Block Cube by JudiKins.  In the centers of the circles, I stamped elements from the Circle Sampler set by The Angel Company.  The adorable dolphin and octopus stamps are from the dollar bin at one of the major craft stores.  I don't remember which one, but the stamps are made by Imaginisce.

I punched the corners with a punch from Fiskars.  For a finishing touch, I added a few small punched flowers and a little ribbon.

Thanks for visiting, and happy crafting!

Just Popping In to Say Hi!

Sorry I haven't posted in so long.  I've been busy working.  :)  What a cool store The Ink Pad is!  If you live in or near NYC, you really have to stop in to check it out.  We get new "stuff" in every day.  It's like Christmas!  Here's a heads-up for you too.  I'll be teaching a Christmas Tags class in either November or December, and space is really limited.  I'll post the actual date as soon as it's finalized, which won't be for awhile.  In the meantime, you can check out the other classes that are going on now.  Here's the link:  http://www.theinkpadnyc.com/.

Exciting News!

I have a new job!  I'll be working and teaching at The Ink Pad http://www.theinkpadnyc.com/, New York City's only "real" stamp store, starting next Monday!  I hope those of you in the NYC area can stop by and say hi.  I'll let you know what classes I'll be teaching and when.  Happy Crafting everyone!

Making Cards From Scraps

Thanks for watching!  Check back soon for another fun project.

Journaling About Your Childhood

What would you say is the most important element of a scrapbook layout? Probably the photos, right? Well, that’s not entirely true. Of course, without photos there would be no scrapbook page. But think about this: If there were no journaling, all we would have is a fancy photo album. It’s the journaling that brings the photos to life and tells the story behind them. Then why do so many people leave out the journaling? Because most of us find it difficult to put our thoughts down in writing, especially when it comes to writing about ourselves, Childhood memories can be some of the most difficult to document. I mean, for some of us, that was a long time ago. (Not for me, of course.)

In this article, I’m going to give you some ideas that should make journaling about some of your childhood memories easier. I’m fortunate to have lots of photos from my childhood, since my family has always been a photo-happy bunch. Even if you have only a few, these techniques will work for you too. My layout is about my favorite summer memories, but you can use these ideas for just about any topic. First take a look at my layout, and then I’ll tell you how I approached the journaling.


The journaling reads:

“When I was a little girl, Nanny Connie would take the whole family to the beach every Monday during the summer. She would close her yarn store, and off to Rye Beach we would go.


“If I close my eyes on a hot summer day, I can almost smell the salt water and the suntan lotion. I can almost taste the meatball sandwiches that we would bring and the ice cream that we would buy on the boardwalk. I can almost feel the hot sun beating down on me as I played in the sand.


“But most of all, I remember Nanny swinging me around in the cool, refreshing water. I remember her smiling and laughing almost as much as I was. I remember her black bathing suit and the dark tan she always had. And I remember that Mondays were the best part of summer when I was a little girl.”

When I sat down with these photos, I knew that the journaling would be a very important part of my layout. I also knew that I wanted to use my own handwriting. I therefore chose a paper that already had a lot of journaling lines on it. These papers by The Crafter’s Workshop are no longer available; but their Circle Circle Dot Dot Journaling Template would work just as well here. Then I looked at the photos and closed my eyes.

I let my mind go back in time to the 1960s … to the summertime … to the sounds, the smells, the tastes … to everything I could remember about those days. Then I opened my eyes and wrote them down in no particular order. I didn’t pay much attention to punctuation or complete sentences. I just wrote down what came to mind. And what came to mind was a flood of memories that took me back 40 years.

I finished with the most powerful and happy memory of all: my grandmother. Yes, I saved the best for last, because that would be the one that stayed in my mind (and my readers’ minds) whenever I (they) read my journaling. I still get tears in my eyes when I read it, and I’ve read it many times.

The most difficult part in writing this journaling was stopping. I had so much more that I wanted to write about my grandmother, but I decided to write it down and save it for some of the other childhood layouts that I’m going to create.

Now, I’m not promising that you’ll have an overabundance of ideas and thoughts to write about the first time you try this exercise. It takes practice and patience. The more you do it, the easier it will get. Start by setting a timer for two minutes. Close your eyes, and let your mind go back to the event or time about which you want to write. Then set the timer for five minutes, and just write. Write about what you see, smell, feel, taste, and hear. You can organize it and spell-check it later. Just write. Don’t stop until the timer goes off, even if you repeat yourself. If you want to keep going, and you just might find that you can’t stop, then keep writing.

When you’re finished, step away and do something else for a little while. Then go back to it and start fine-tuning it. Put your ideas in order; check your grammar and spelling. Decide on whether you want to hand-write your journaling or type it. Make sure that you leave enough room on your layout. Or place your journaling on your layout before you do anything else, like I did. The choice is yours.

Remember that your words are just as important to your layout as your photos are. Don’t let them take a back seat, or, worse yet, have no seat at all. If you plan ahead, you won’t run out of room. And if you practice the stream-of-consciousness technique I’ve just described to you, writing will become easier and easier for you every time you do it.



Other products used for this layout:

Cardstock – Die Cuts With a View, Brights

Alcohol Inks – Ranger Industries

Daisy die cuts and borders – Cricut by Provo Craft, Walk In My Garden cartridge

Use Your Scraps

I've been reading so many questions about what to do with your scraps lately that I decided to do a video to show you what I've been doing with mine.  These little memo books are so easy to make that you'll be looking for scraps all around the house so you can make more.  Thanks for visiting and watching!

Piggy Bank Card

How adorable is this?  I just have to make one for some special little ones in my life!  Watch the video here:  Video
(This isn't my creation, but I thought you'd love it as much as I do.)

Watercolor Greetings Class at Not Just Scrap

Sunday, August 14, 2011
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Not Just Scrap in Centereach, NY

In this class, I will show you how to create beautiful watercolor backgrounds that will provide the backdrops of 3 lovely greeting cards. You will be working with Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Martha Stewart punches, Stickles glitter glue, fabric, and more! You will need to bring your basic class kit, especially a good paper trimmer and strong adhesive. Please bring a small spray bottle/Mini Mister filled with water (if you have one). If you don’t want your hands to get messy, you can bring craft gloves too. It is strongly recommended that you do NOT wear your best clothes for this class. We’re going to have lots of fun in this one!

Keeping It Edgy: The Paper Trimming Buddy

Uchida RPT900 Paper Trimming Buddy Portable Paper Trimmer

I love decorative edges! I’ve been a scrapbooker and stamper for 10 years now, and one design element that has remained popular since I started is the decorative edge. The Paper Trimming Buddy by Marvy Uchida ($20.99) makes adding a decorative edge to your project quick and easy.

Unlike decorative-edge scissors, the Paper Trimming Buddy cuts straight and accurately. You don’t have to line up your cuts, because the entire cut is done in one sweep of the blade shuttle. There are eight interchangeable blades, which are available separately for $5.99 each: Straight (comes with trimmer), Wave, Scoring, Scallop, Victorian, Pinking, Perforating, and Rhythm. The blades are very easy to change. A simple twist opens the shuttle, and the blades pop in and out. The back is labeled, so there is no way to insert the blade incorrectly. The sharp edges are retracted, until you press down on the shuttle, so there is no danger of cutting yourself.

Mats for the cutting channel are inexpensive and economical. The narrow mats can be flipped and used four times, and replacements are available at $3.99 for two.

Measurements on the trimmer are in increments of 1/16 of an inch, and the swing-out arm extends to 16 inches. (Be very careful when folding the arm back down. It’s easy to catch your finger – at least it was for me!) The locking paper holder keeps your paper secure while you’re cutting, but I find that you do need to hold your paper down as well.

Although the shuttle prevents the trimmer from being stored flat, there is a convenient carrying handle for portability and a hanging loop, making the Paper Trimming Buddy easy to take to crops and friends’ houses.

Here is an example of the cuts I made with the blades I have (Pinking, Straight, Perforated, Scallop, and Wave):

And here is the most recent card I’ve made using the trimmer (Pinking and Wave blades):

The Paper Trimming Buddy by Marvy Uchida is an inexpensive, quick, and simple alternative to border punches and dies. The blades take up little storage space, and the trimmer itself is light-weight and portable. And for an extra added bonus, you usually receive a free-style handle along with the trimmer, which allows you to use the blades to cut any free-hand shape you’d like. The blades simply pop in and out, just as they do in the trimmer. Have fun!

Product Review: The I-Bond Cordless Glue Gun by Imaginisce

I-Bond Cordless Hot Glue Gun-Product Description:

The I-Bond by Imaginisce is a cordless glue gun that is powered by four AA batteries (not included). It is made of two shades of smooth pink plastic and has a small light at the tip of the nozzle to indicate that it’s on. Using standard mini glue sticks, the I-Bond operates at a low temperature and has a fold-out stand on which to rest when not in use.

In Use:

Imaginisce has done it again! The I-Bond Cordless Glue Gun is portable and easy to take to crops, to a friend’s house, or to different rooms in your house. There’s no cord to worry about, and you don’t have to find an outlet in order to use it. The light on the end of the nozzle has a dual function. Not only does it indicate that the glue gun is on, but it also adds a little bit of light to your work area as well. Now you can get into small dark areas of your project and still be able to see what you’re doing.

The I-Bond heats up in about five minutes, and the nozzle shorter than other glue guns I’ve used. That makes it easier to reach into smaller areas of your project, and the nozzle stays cleaner too. It’s compact, cute, and pink!

A word of advice: Be sure to use rechargeable batteries, because the I-Bond “eats” batteries. Especially if – despite the fact that there is a light on the nozzle – you leave the gun on for an extended period of time. (Ask me how I know this!) The only other drawback I found is that the I-Bond is a bit heavy, due to the four AA batteries that it requires.

It’s not terribly heavy, though, and the advantages of using a cordless glue gun are worth a bit of weight. This is a very convenient little tool. Now you can bring your glue gun right to your project, even if your project is already hanging on the wall!


Tips & Techniques:

• As mentioned earlier, use rechargeable batteries for a more economical operation of this tool.

• Even though the I-Bond has a stand, use it with a heat-resistant pad or mat.

• Remember to use the stand, or you might melt something. (Trust me on this!)

• Adult supervision is highly recommended. Although it is a “low-temp.” heat gun, it still gets very hot and can cause burns.

• Work quickly, as the glue dries fast. Have everything you need close at hand while you’re working.


Project Ideas & Examples:

I used the I-Bond for many projects this month, from jewelry to home décor to scrapbooking and card-making. Here are a few of them:

These adorable medallions will make a wonderful Easter or spring banner, or fun and festive decorations on cards and scrapbook pages. Hot glue is perfect for holding these medallions together and attaching the centers.

This crumpled paper flower will look cute on a headband for my daughter that she can wear on the Fourth of July.

Paper roses are easy to hold together with hot glue, and the I-Bond gets into the tight areas under them to create a strong, solid base for them.

Happy crafting!

"De-Stressed" Background Cards July 10th

There are still some spots available, so sign up now!  I'm teaching this class at Not Just Scrap on July 10th from 1-3.  We'll be playing with Distress Inks, sprays, stamps, and die-cuts.   See you there!

Class Photos and Details

Here are the details and photos for the classes I will be teaching at Not Just Scrap in Centereach (Long Island), NY.  I'm so excited!!!
 Summer Fun Layout - Sunday, June 26, 1:00-3:00 p.m. 

In this class,  I will show you how to create a fun 2-page layout using your favorite summer photos.  You’ll need to bring four to six 4 x 6 photos with you.  If you don’t have the photos yet, don’t worry.  The pages can be completed just fine without them.  You will also need your basic class kit, a pencil, a good eraser, and a journaling pen.  Beginners are welcome, but you should have some experience using a paper trimmer.

"De-Stressed" Backgrounds Card Class - Sunday, July 10, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

In this class, you will make four stunning distressed background cards suitable for all occasions.  Using Tim Holtz’s Distress Inks, a few background stamps, and your imagination, you will see how easy it is to use the “coolest” inks on the market.  Bring your basic class kit.  Beginners are welcome.

Scrapbook Layout Design I - Saturday, July 16, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Have you ever wondered why certain colors go so well together, or why your eye is drawn to a particular page or design?  In this class, you will learn some of the building blocks of design, including color theory, balance, and the basic elements of a scrapbook page.  You will also create a 1-page layout, so please bring three 4 x 6 landscape photos with you.  This is a beginner class, but more advanced scrapbookers are also welcome.

Exciting News!

I have some fantastic news!  I'm going to be teaching scrapbooking and stamping/card making classes at Not Just Scrap in Centereach, NY!  I have 3 classes on the calendar (so far):  Summer Layout (Sunday, June 26), Distressed Cards (Sunday, July 10), and Elements of Scrapbook Design (Saturday, July 16).  More information is forthcoming, so check back soon for details and samples.  In the meantime, take a trip to the store and visit Diana.  She'll be happy to show you around and help you choose the perfect paper and embellishments for your next layout or card.  And while you're there, sign up for one, two, or all three of my classes!

Copyright Laws for Stampers

There is a very interesting (and sometimes heated) thread on a forum of which I'm a member regarding the copyrighting of rubber (and digital) stamps.  I'm getting so tired of stamp companies and designers trying to tell me what I can and can't do with MY stamps once I've BOUGHT THEM.  Here is my post in that thread:

Well, I know that people will disagree with my feelings on this subject, but this is how I see things. When I buy a stamp, I can do whatever I want with it, as long as I don't try to pass it off as my own design. A stamp is a tool, not a work of art that is bought to be hung on a wall or placed on exhibit solely as an artistic piece. If that's the case, then the stamp designers shouldn't have their designs made into stamps. (I'm not saying that the designers aren't artists, though, and I don't mean to de-value their talents.)



If I want to lend my stamps to friends or family, I will. If I want to stamp off some images to give away or trade, I will. If I want to sell cards or other hand-made projects, using hand-stamped images, I will. If a stamp company has nothing better to do with its time than come after and sue little old me, then it can go right ahead. I don't have time to research and keep track of each and every stamp company's Angel Policy (which I don't believe is enforceable anyway). If they feel that strongly about it, they should include their policy with the stamp so that I can make an informed decision about whether or not I want to buy their stamps.


There are plenty of stamp companies out there that don't have a problem with any of the things I've mentioned. I've refused to buy stamps from some companies who have made it very clear that they are very proprietary about their images and don't even want you sharing stamped images. That's my right as a consumer.


As I said, I know others will disagree with me, but that's how I feel. With all of the things I have to worry about in my life, this is very small stuff. And I try not to sweat the small stuff.

And, by the way, shame on those stamp designers and companies who are asking us, the consumers, to do their policing for them.  I refuse to rat out my fellow crafters if they aren't following "the rules."  It's not my job to study your (unenforceable) rules and then monitor my friends and family for you.  If you want that done, you're going to have to do it yourself.   Big Brother is NOT going to be watching.  Sorry.

My Review of the Gypsy by Provo Craft

Here's a link to my newest article on Scrapjazz.  Check back soon for some cool card ideas for Father's Day.  Thanks for visiting, and remember to be your crafty self.

Newest Additions to My Etsy Shop

I L-O-V-E Swarovski Crystals!  Here are the 2 newest additions to my shop.  Hope you can drop by for a look!

Die-Cut Daisy Card

(I've been trying to post this project for two days, but Blogger has had issues that are hopefully resolved now.  I hope you find it was worth the wait.  You can also find this article on Scrapjazz.)

Die-Cut Daisy Card


Daisies are one of the easiest flowers to die-cut and layer on a card or layout. You can keep it simple by using only one layer, or you can add as many layers as your heart desires. Here is a fun, quick card that you can make for spring birthdays, Easter, Mother’s Day, or whatever occasion is coming up in your life.

Here are the materials you will need for this project:


Sizzix Big Shot/Big Kick machine


Daisy Die (any medium-sized daisy die will work)

Circle Die (if your daisy die doesn’t cut a separate center)

Spellbinders Impressablities Flowers Template

Patterned paper

White core cardstock

Birthday stamp (lots to choose from at www.scrapbook.com)

Adhesive

Black inkpad

Directions:

1. Create card base by cutting white cardstock to 8 ½” x 5 ½” and folding in half to 5 ½” x 4 ¼”.

2. Cut white core cardstock to 5 ¼” x 4”, and emboss in Big Shot with Spellbinders die.

3. Sand lightly to reveal white core.

4. Adhere to white card base.

5. Cut 2 daisies out of patterned paper, using daisy die in Big Shot machine.

(Optional Steps: If your die doesn’t cut a separate center, cut a flower center using a circle die. If it doesn’t cut a leaf, you can either cut one with a die or cut one by hand. Another option is to simply leave the leaf out.)

6. Layer the daisies and leaves, and attach them to the card in the upper left section. Gently curl the tips of the daisy petals around a pencil, and fold the leaf in half vertically, to add dimension.

7. Add another half circle or other shape to the lower right section of the card.

8. Attach ribbon just below the daisy.

9. Stamp a greeting on a scrap of patterned paper with black ink.

10. Adhere greeting just below ribbon.



If you want to add even more dimension to your card, you can use foam tape or dimensional dots to your layers. Don’t be afraid to add your own embellishments and personal touches to this project. Happy crafting!

Color Pencil Technique

Here's a fantatic video by Shari Carroll from Hero Arts, showing how to color with Prismacolor pencils without using mineral spirits to blend them. I love it!

Toilet Paper Roll Flower

Hi everyone!  In celebration of the long-awaited arrival of spring, I made these cute flowers from materials that you probably have around the house.  Sorry the angle of the camera is a bit off.  I think I bumped into my tripod right before I filmed the video.  I hope you enjoy it anyway, and thanks for stopping by.  Happy crafting!

Happy Easter!

Wishing you and your family a very Happy and Blessed Easter!

A Sketch For You

I’ve been scrapbooking for more than nine years now, so I’m very comfortable with my own style and design. I know what I like and what I don’t like, what works for me and what doesn’t. I’ve found that there are certain designs that I tend to use over and over, because they offer so many possibilities for adapting them to various photos and themes. Here is a four-photo sketch based on one of my favorite design schemes, and a few of the scrapbook pages that I’ve made using it.

In this scrapbook calendar layout, I staggered the photos because I was working with different sizes and orientations. I wrote the journaling next to each photo, instead of using a journaling block. One large embellishment in the upper left corner replaced the three in the sketch that create a visual triangle.

The “LEGO Fun” layout also has staggered photos; but this time, I did make use of the journaling block and the visual triangle of embellishments. Also, in both this layout and the calendar page, I moved the borders around a little bit.

For my final example, I’ve shown how you can apply this design to a title page in a scrapbook. This is the first page in one of our holiday albums, and it provides a wonderful introduction to what is inside. Since I replaced all of the photos with die cuts that I made with my Cricut, no embellishments were necessary. A centered title looked better in this layout, and a stitched border framed the design nicely.

This is one of my favorite design schemes, and the funny thing about it is that I never really sketched it out until now. I guess I never realized how many times I’ve gone back to it without even thinking about it. It simply looks good to me. I hope that you will find it as versatile as I have.

If you'd like to share your layouts based on this sketch, please comment here.  Email me your layout, and I'll post it next week.  (There might even be a surprise in it for you!)  Thanks for stopping by, and remember to be your crafty self!

Sympathy Card For My Sister-In-Law

I made this card for my sister-in-law, Diana, and her family.  Her grandmother passed away last week.  

The background was made with alcohol inks, and the stamps are from the Gina K. Spring Mix set.  I used Lovely Lilac ink, by Stampin' Up.  The mini flat-back pearls, which I found to be the perfect touch on this card, are from Martha Stewart. 

I highly recommend small pearls on a sympathy card, as they soften the card's bright colors.  I don't like dark colors on a sympathy card, but I didn't want it to look like a birthday card either.  The pearls did the trick.

Please keep Diana and her family in your thoughts and prayers.  Thank you for that, and for stopping by today.

Cute and Fun Easter Bags

If you need to make little Easter goody bags for friends and family, I have a great project for you. 

These Easter bags are not only cute, but they’re also easy and fun to make. Here are the tools and materials you’ll need:


• 12” x 18” heavy printed cardstock for your bags

• Scraps of cardstock for your embellishments (brown, white, pink, etc.)

• Acetate

• Glue Dots Craft Dots and Glue Lines ®

• Paper trimmer

• Scoring tool (e.g. Martha Stewart, Scor Pal)

• Cricut machine and cartridges (I used Create a Critter and Tags, Bags, Boxes, and More.)

• 12” x 24” Cricut mat

Step 1: Cut out bag in desired size. I used my Gypsy to make the image the largest possible size for my cardstock. I also selected the Window feature on the TBBM cartridge.

Step 2: Score and fold tabs.

Step 3: Measure and cut acetate to appropriate size for cut-out window.

Step 4: Using Glue Lines®, attach acetate on the inside of the window.

Step 5: Assemble bag, using Glue Lines® and Craft Glue Dots®.

Step 6: Lay out scraps of paper on mat, and cut embellishments.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Step 7: Layer embellishments, and attach to bag with Glue Dots.


The last and most enjoyable step of all is to fill your bag with Easter grass, confetti, and lots of candy and treats. Happy Easter!


(I made this project while on the Glue Dots ® Design Team)


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Proud Mommy Moment

We interrupt our regular crafts schedule for this special announcement:

Haley was accepted into the private school she applied for earlier this year!  She's also been invited to the second round of admissions at the other private school she applied for.  We're so proud of her!

We now return to our regular programming....

My Crafty Life - Making Heart Earrings.wmv

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Here's a quick video showing you how to make really cute heart earrings, just in time for Valentine's Day. They take less than 10 minutes to make. Last night I made 4 pairs in under an hour. Have a wonderful Valentine's Day, and thanks for stopping by!

10 Must-Have Christmas Embellishments

I know you're probably just as sick of this snow as I am, but have you scrapbooked your Christmas photos yet?  Check out my latest article at http://www.scrapjazz.com/topics/Themes/Holidays/Christmas/3102.php to see 10 embellishments that will jazz up your layouts and add just the right finishing touches.

(I know that I usually post my articles here on my blog, but there are so many links and pictures that it would have taken a very long time to write up this post.

Enjoy, and remember to be your crafty self!

Holiday Card Collage

OK.  It's time to take those holiday cards down.  Yes, if you're like me, you haven't quite gotten around to that yet.  But what are you going to do with all of them?  Make a card collage to add to your holiday decorations next year (and the years that follow too).  It's not hard at all.

Over the past few years, our family has grown significantly. My nieces and nephew have all married, and two of them now have children of their own. That means lots of pictures, especially around the holidays. The Christmas cards I enjoy receiving the most are the photo cards. They not only showcase my adorable great-niece and great-nephews, but they also lend themselves to many holiday crafts.  This year, I decided to create a collage with the photo cards that I have received for the past three Christmases. It will hang on our living room wall this holiday season.  Putting together a collage like this isn’t difficult. Just follow these simple steps:

Supplies:

12” x 12” sheet of green cardstock

8 ½” x 11” sheet of white cardstock

Creative Imaginations Christmas/Holidays paper [double-sided]

14” of coordinating ribbon

Jolee’s Boutique Christmas/Holidays dimensional stickers

scalloped-edge punch


Instructions:

Use the green cardstock as your base.

Cut one sheet of double-sided paper to 6” x 12” and 2” x 12”.

Use the scalloped-edge punch to create a border on one long edge of each cut piece.

Alternating sides of double-sided paper, attach the 6” x 12” piece to the left side of the green cardstock and the 2” x 12” inch piece to the right side, being sure to line up the edges.

Trim photos and attach to the white cardstock, overlapping and layering as you go.

Attach the white cardstock about 2 inches down from the top of the page.

Attach ribbon over the top seam and secure on the back.

Cut your title from a photo card, and add to the layout.

Finish with Jolee’s embellishments.

Frame and hang on the wall.

What a wonderful way to enjoy those cards year after year and see how the children grow! Now it’s your turn.   I'd love to see what you create. Post a comment, and I'll send you my email address so that you can email a photo of your photo collage to me by January 31. I'll enter your name into a random drawing for a little prize from me.  Have fun!