Paper Crafting Tip #40: Use your black and white photos.

Because I was born in the '60s, I have lots of childhood pictures of myself as a very little girl that are in black and white.  Sometimes we get intimidated by these photos, or we can't figure out how to use them on our layouts.  Many scrapbookers think that they have to use vintage or muted colors with these photos.  Well, I'll let you in on a little secret.  I really don't like the vintage, heritage, or "shabby chic" look that became popular when I first started scrapbooking.  I don't like muted, washed-out colors.  I like bright, vibrant papers and embellishments.

You can use these lively colors with your black and white photos.  In fact, the photos stand out beautifully when you do.  Here are some layouts I've done with my photos.  The first one is from several months back, and it's a traditional layout, with everything "cut and pasted" together (my favorite way to scrapbook).  The second layout is digital.  Although it's not something I do a lot, I do enjoy creating a digital layout once in a while. 

Have fun with those "old" photos!

  

Paper Crafting Tip #39: A few Halloween ideas for you

 

These are the samples I made for Repeat Impressions .  I used the Top Score Multiboard, by Crafter's Companion , to make the tri-fold card on the left.  The pumpkins on the middle card are raised with foam tape.  For the treat bag on the right, I painted a plain brown lunch bag with black acrylic paint.  Then I made a paper medallion using the directions from Martha Stewart Crafts .  The center of the medallion is a piece of a catalog cover that I recycled by stamping, coloring with markers, and covering with Diamond Glaze, by Judikins .

Happy Scary Crafting!

Paper Crafting Tip #38: Easy Photo Corners

Sorry it's been so long since my last post.  Life has been crazy, and I've been sick, but I'm back!

Here's a quick little photo corner how-to:

1.  Punch or cut out a square. (1-2 inches is usually a good size to start with, but you can play around
     with the size once you get the hang of it.)

2.  Cut the square in half diagonally, so that you have two triangles.

3.  Line up the triangles so they match back-to-back.

4.  Cut a strip off the long edge.  The width of the strip that you cut will determine the width of the photo
     corners.

5.  Now, align the edges so that they form a corner. 

6.  Adhere to your page, and you're done!

Here is one of the layouts I made using this technique.  If you have any questions, please email or post a comment.  Enjoy!

 

Paper Crafting Tip #37: Title Tip

 

I have a great tip for you that is sure to make your titles more fun and
interesting.  Instead of using just one font for your titles, try using
2 or 3.  In this layout, I used stamps (Hero Arts) for the main title
and diecuts (Cricut) for the supporting title.  Each font is different
and adds a fun touch to the layout.  If your title is more serious, you
can choose other appropriate fonts.  Serious does not mean boring.  Try
this tip, and add some spice to your next layout.  Happy Crafting!

Paper Crafting Tip #36: Create a Title Page for Your Scrapbook

I like to have title pages in my scrapbooks.  They set the tone for the pages that follow and serve as an introduction to the album.  Sometimes I create the title page before I begin an album, and sometimes I create it later on.  I made the title page here after I finished the first layout in the album, but I knew what I was going to do before I even started the first layout.  This is the title page for our second Favorite Holidays album, and it follows the same design as the one in the first volume.  I made all of the diecuts, including the letters, with my Cricut. 

Give it a try!  Happy Crafting!

Paper Crafting Tip #35: Believe in Yourself

This week's tip is more of a self-confidence booster, rather than an actual paper crafting tip.  Last night I read some posts on a forum that made me happy that I don't participate in swaps there.  The thread was all about how people get upset and even angry when other swap members' cards don't meet "their" standards. 

I've been hosting card swaps for years, and I welcome and encourage swappers of all levels.  In fact, I encourage beginners to join, because they can learn so much from others.  And even the most experienced stamper can learn something from a beginner, whether it be color combinations, layout, or simply an appreciation for the effort and work that person put into making the card.  

I had to stop reading the thread, because it was making me angry.  How dare people criticize others because they aren't "good enough" for their elite group?  If they want to be in a swap with only "professional" stampers, then that is the kind of swap group they should join.

Most of the people who attend my workshops and join my swaps start as beginners.  They build their confidence through practice, learning new techniques, and learning from each other.  They learn to believe in themselves and in their own unique talents. 

There is enough stress in our lives, without having to worry about whether or not we can live up to others' standards with our crafting.  So this week, make an effort to have fun with your crafting.  Believe in yourself, enjoy what you're doing, and don't worry about being "good enough" for anyone else.  Happy Crafting!

Paper Crafting Tip #34: Break out your Coluzzle and make a purse card!

I just love my Coluzzle!  I've had it practically since I started scrapbooking, which is exactly 7 years ago.  I have a Cricut and a Big Kick; and, although I love them both, I still find myself pulling out my Coluzzle when I need a quick shape or envelope.  Or, as in this case, a card.  The Coluzzle Purse Template gives you the option of creating several different sizes of cards, from tag size to approximately A2 size (the one pictured here). 

What?? You don't have a Coluzzle??  Well, I can fix that!  Just email me at jeanettemg@yahoo.com to find out how to get your very own Coluzzle cutting system - and this fabulous Purse Template.  You can also find out how to get the gorgeous paper I used to make this card.  It's from The Angel Company (TAC), and I'm a demonstrator in the Bronx.  I ship to the U.S. and Canada.  Happy Crafting!