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4. IF YOU LIKE JOURNALING THIS IS FOR YOU!

These are really creative layouts! They are so much fun to design!

They include so many different sizes of photos! It gives you all the

info already in the layout! So cool :) XD

These layouts are already written out to be awsome! They are usually

used for journaling!

If YOU like journaling than this is for you!

Have fun journalists!

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5. These sketches-layouts are mostly used for very special occasions. For instance
weddings, calenders, maybe birthdays and best friends photos.
These are nice for those particular dates. They have the sparkle and intelligence.
These sketches-layouts include ribbon, sparkle, and glitter especially the white marble!
I like these becuase you use different tools, different kinds of things than you would usually use for some layouts. But every single sketches-layouts have meaning to them. So make them special and creative do what you want with scrapbooking! It's tons of fun!

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These sketches-layouts are rather easy, and awsome! The vacation one is used with polaroid photos , and it looks amazing! The others are awsome, except for no.2. This one needs 1.5" X 6" Photo and 3"X 5" most of packages you buy donm't come with a 1.5" X 6" unless you could frame thm out to be a wallet photo. If you know what I mean. All you have to is cute and paste and write or type! It's a lot of fun! I have much more of my fav sketches-layouts I love to use!

Here are some of my favourite sketches-layouts, from google.ca just in case
you fans of the site don't have time to look them up.
Some of these sketches-layouts, are very easy and complex.
So why not try them!

Try another size!

Do you only scrapbook in 12"x12"? Have you thought about trying a different size? I've discovered a few new sizes and I LOVE it! I've recently switched to doing 8-1/2"x11" but I also like doing 6"x12" layouts! I've done 8"x8" albums, 6"x6"...the possibilities are endless...

Here are a few examples of some 6"x12" layouts I recently did.

So give it a try! Step out of the box and do a different size layout! Have fun!

Hi! My Name is....

Hi! My name is Amanda N! I have the priviledge of being a part of the Scraptastic Memories Design Team. I hope to inspire you with my projects and how-to's and to help spur you on to create beautiful paper projects.

I am married to my hubby for almost 4 years [in two weeks!] and we have two beautiful children together - 2-1/2 year old boy and a 3 month old daughter. They are the subjects of MANY of my layouts and mini books.

I have been scrapbooking for about 10 years [on and off] and stamping for about 5 years. I love this hobby! It is so much fun creating new projects with all the great products available. I have been on a few design teams and I have also taught classes at a LSS. I now run my own scrapbooking business in which I scrapbook for people. What else could I ask for? I get to scrapbook and get paid for it!

I got hooked on scrapbooking because I love to take picutres and I LOVE being creative. As a child, I would cut out pictures and glue them into books...I am very passionate about being creative and I love to display it in many facets. I have always dabbled in various crafts. My parents' house was hodge-podged from top to bottom at one point! I did the folk art painting for a bit; I've decorated cakes [which I still do occasionally!] but for some reason scrapbooking stuck. I love expressing myself in this way. It's my stress relief!

I am happy to be a part of this team and I look forward to sharing my projects with you.

Cheers!

Amanda

Heres an easy small layout.
This layout contains messages, long photos, title, and lots of scraping!
So all you have to do is take pictures and craft or paste them. Make fun or funny blurbs about those pictures. Any kind of blurb is fun and creative! So have fun and decorate!!!!
All you have to do is use your imagination!!!!

History of scrapbooking
In ancient Greece, hypomnemata were a form of notebook for recording one's own copies of what one had heard, read, or thought that might be worth remembering. There is little evidence in the archaeological and historical record that this practice was undertaken anywhere else previously. That one had to make one's own hand-written copies of what someone else had written reflected the expense of hiring a scribe to do so.
With the advent of affordable paper, precursors to modern scrapbooks became available to a wider array of people. Beginning in the 15th century, commonplace BOOK, popular in England, emerged as a way to compile information that included recipes, quotes, letters, poems and more. Each commonplace book was unique to its creator's particular interests. Friendship albums became popular in the 16th century. These albums were used much like modern day yearbooks, where friends or patrons would enter their names, titles and short texts or illustrations at the request of the album's owner. These albums were often created as souvenirs of European tours and would contain local memorabilia including coats of arms or works of art commissioned by local artisans.[1]Starting in 1570, it became fashionable to incorporate colored plates depicting popular scenes such as Venetian costumes or Carnival scenes. These provided affordable options as compared to original works and, as such, these plates were not sold to commemorate or document a specific event but specifically as embellishments for albums.[2] In 1775, James
Granger published a history of England with several blank pages at the end of the book. The pages were designed to allow the book's owner to personalize the book with his own memorabilia.[3]The practice of leaving pages to personalize at the end of books became known as Grangerizing.[4] Additionally, friendship albums and school yearbooks afforded girls in the 18th and 19th centuries an outlet through which to share their literary skills, and allowed girls an opportunity to document their own personalized historical record[5] previously not readily available to them.
The advent of modern photography began with the first permanent photograph created by Joseph Nicéphore Niépce in 1826.[6] Photography became available to an ever-widening population with the invention of George Eastman's paper photographs in the late 1880s and the mass production of the Kodak Brownie, a camera designed to be simple (and inexpensive) enough for a child, in 1900.[7]This allowed the average person to begin to incorporate photographs into their scrapbooks.
Old scrapbooks tended to have photos mounted with photomount corners and perhaps notations of who was in a photo or where and when it was taken. They often included bits of memorabilia like newspaper clippings, letters, etc. With the availability of printed material it is likely that the content of scrapbooks shifted away from one's own hand-writing or drawings or those of one's family members toward commercially available printed mat ephemera, memorabilia collections and journaling.[citation needed] Modern scrapbooking has evolved into creating attractive displays of photos, text, journaling and memorabilia.[citation needed]


Wikipedia.com

SCRAPBOOKING TOOLS!
Here are some greatthings you might wnt to have while scrapbooking!

1.) Scissors - are like bringers of order. Scissors shape the little bits of paper into forms that you can use in your scrapbook.
1 a.)Conventional paper- Conventional paper-cutting scissors – These scissors are made to cut and to cut straight.
1 b.)crafting scissors Crafting scissors – This type of scissors can be bought at different art supply shops.

2.)Puncher – This nifty scrapbooking tool is used mainly to punch holes into paper.
a) Conventional – This type of puncher produces round holes.
b) Shaped – This type of puncher, pretty much works in the same manner as the conventional puncher.

3) Tweezers – Tweezers are often used as scrapbooking tools in order to enable the crafter to put in a design or to glue in a bit of paper neatly.

4) Computer – This can be an excellent scrapbooking tool because of the fact that it can do a variety of things.

new layouts as promised!

>>some new layouts of me...I am working on a book of me project! The first is my 1st airplane ride on papas plane, and the 2nd is my prom! The 2nd one is not done yet...it needs something, just not sure yet what it needs! I used my cricut on both pages..using storybook and going places on the first layout, and soley storybook on the 2nd one. On both layouts, all paper is DCWV paper!!
Scrap ya later, Cath T

some new layouts!!

ok after all those tips and tricks..i think I am at 50 posts! hehehe so I am off to create some new layouts today!! If Zachary naps that is! LOL!! knowing my luck he wont nap now!! hehe oh well, there is always tonight right?
Scrap ya later,
Cath T!

fun lil tips to make baby book memorable!

Tip: Memorabilia for Baby Scrapbooks
A baby scrapbook is an essential memory book for every household. Parents are so excited when it comes to the arrival of a new baby. When starting a book featuring your precious little one, the proper scrapbook supplies and baby scrapbook ideas are good to have on hand. Whether you are creating a baby boy scrapbook or a baby girl scrapbook, here are some items that are fun to include in your baby scrapbook album.
Baby shower invitations, list of gifts received, cards and photos
Ultra sound pictures
Mask or piece of hospital gown dad wore
Hospital bracelets
First pair of booties
A lock of baby’s hair
Grocery or gas receipt from the first week baby was born
Baby’s footprints, birth certificate from hospital, etc.
Band-Aid from first immunization
Diaper from first package
Outfit worn home from hospital
Christening clothes
Label from first jar of baby food These items are wonderful memories that will be entertaining to look at in the future. Memorabilia will help make your baby scrapbook layouts exciting and a baby memory scrapbook will be a treasure for many years to come.

Baby scrapbook colours

Color combinations can be tough to determine. What colors will look fabulous in your books? What colors are good for baby boys and which colors are better for baby girls? Questions about color combinations are prevalent among scrappers as they create their exclusive baby scrapbooks.Here are some color suggestions for baby scrapbook pages:Baby boy themed pages are traditionally done in blue, reds and greens. Baby blue, tan, and kiwi green are a great combination for baby boy pages. Try a medium shade of blue with a deep red color and brown to accent. Boy pages turn out well with yellow, too. Use yellow, green and turquoise colors for some fun scrapbook pages. Moving on to baby girls, pink is a common color used for page layouts with "girly" themes. Yellow is a fabulous color for girls too. Combine it with a bubblegum pink and kiwi green and your have an adorable mix. Use dark purple with a vanilla cream color and medium pink for another choice. Try medium blue, plum and key lime green.There are many possibilities when it comes to colors, and experimenting with different combinations is recommended. You don't have to stick with traditional colors like blue and pink. Expand your horizons and come up with various color combinations and accents to make your pages "stand out".

Tips for photos of babies

An important part of creating an adorable layout for your baby scrapbook is high-quality photos. Babies are so much fun to photograph, but often times the pictures turn out too dark or too blurry. In order to take better photographs of your baby there are few tips you can follow:
1. Stand directly over the baby when photographing him or her on their backs. This will ensure a clear direct shot of the child.
2. Use a high quality camera. Digital photos or automatic cameras work best. If you buy a disposable camera make sure it is a quality brand so your photos don’t suffer.
3. Keep your camera handy so you can capture all ranges of emotions. Although we like happy faces, it is fun to see how our babies react and photograph their sour faces, sad faces, confused faces, etc.
4. Pick a certain time of the week or month to have “picture time.” Documenting your baby’s growth and changes can be a great addition to your baby scrapbook. Bath time can be the perfect time to take pictures of how much you child has grown. A few fun shots in the tub are fun, but doing a “photo shoot” in a clean outfit right out of the tub is the ideal time to take some wonderful photographs.
Taking quality photos is not difficult if you pay attention to detail and follow a few simple tips like those listed above.
Scrapbook albums are the best way to preserve wonderful memories of your baby. You can adorn your pages with fun embellishments, delightful photos and even some baby scrapbook quotes and poems.

Baby's book of 1sts!

One idea for a baby scrapbook theme is a "Book of Firsts". In this album you can record milestones for your infant/baby. Your page layouts can be created around a certain milestone. For example:First Words
First Steps
First Tooth
First Haircut
First Foods
First Bath
First Birthday
First Christmas
First Easter
First
Trip to the Zoo
This exclusive baby scrapbook will be unique for each child. Include sentimental items in your book such as "locks of hair" for your first haircut page, Christmas or birthday cards for the "firsts" in those categories and lots and lots of pictures for the "first steps" etc. Use journaling spaces on your pages to keep record of "first words" and funny phrases your child says when they begin to talk. Baby scrapbooks don't have to be traditional, you can come up with any type of theme you want for your scrapbook pages. Make the book fun and interesting to look at for future generations.

digital scrapbooking tips from scrapbook.com

Digital scrapbooking beginners should know a few basics in order to effectively create beautiful digital scrapbooking layouts on their computer. The first and one of the most important things to know is how to work the digital scrapbooking software. Make sure you read the instructions or run the tutorial so that you can get the most out of what the software has to offer.
Photos are another important part of your scrapbook layout. You want to make sure your photos are proportionate to your scrapbook page. In most cases, you will have to resize the photo in order to fit it into your page layout. It is a good idea to resize the photo ahead of time before you try to load it on to your page. If you download your digital photos into a program like Photoshop, you can easily resize the photo by holding down the shift key while you use the arrow to determine your size; this will keep your photo proportionate so you are not distorting your images. Once you have the right size,you can move the photo to your scrapbook page layout.
One of the most appealing parts of digital scrapbooking is the layers. You can layer the pictures and the photos in order to create colorful masterpieces. Learning how to layer with your digital scrapbook software is probably the most difficult part. Always save your layers and name them appropriately. For example, if you are saving a picture of a baby rattle then name it “rattle” so you know exactly what you saved. If you save your layers with numbers, it can get confusing.
Another fun tool with digital scrapbooking is shadowing. You can accent your pictures and images on your pages by shadowing. Too much shadowing can make your pages look dark or fuzzy. In order to fix this, you can adjust your drop shadowing until you get the effect you want.
Digital scrapbook templates or digital scrapbook kits are a fast and easy way to make your layouts without much effort. The pages are already done with frames, custom shapes and borders; all you have to do is add your photos and print. These types of templates can easily be downloaded from a program or you can also find many different kinds of templates online with a free download.
Digital scrapbooking is a timesaving way to scrapbook. Some beginners may be weary because of the vast amount of digital scrapbook software and information, but once you learn your way around the programs, you will be “hooked” and on your way to creating gorgeous layouts and lasting memories.

"Quill" you scrapbook? heeheheh

Quilling Technique
Scrapbooking has come a long way in the last 10 years. There are so many scrapbooking resources, tips and techniques available to eager scrappers. Scrapbook magazines feature projects, new trends and crafting techniques like quilling.
Quilling or the art of rolling paper strips into designs is an old crafting technique that will make your scrapbook pages unique. Here is what you will need for quilling on your scrapbook pages:
A quilling tool. This is a tiny metal tool that looks similar to a dry embossing tool, but it has a point on the end with a needle-like head.
Thin strips of paper. Using lightweight paper is best because cardstock doesn’t roll as easily. Cut your strips about 1/16” to 1/8” wide.
Scrapbooking glue. Liquid adhesive will probably be the easiest to work with.
The first step is to thread your paper through the needle head on your quilling tool, you can easily do this by slightly wetting the end of the strip of paper so it is easier to thread. It will also make it automatically roll around the needle so you can start to make your first paper roll. Practicing a couple of times might help you to familiarize yourself with the quilling tool and the paper rolling process.
You can choose to roll your paper strips tightly or more loose. For a tight roll, you will want to glue the end of the paper right when you take it off the tool, while holding it in place. For a looser paper roll, you can set the roll down and let it loosen a little before you glue the end.
The paper rolls don’t have to be just circles. Once you get the hang of the quilling technique you can experiment with different shapes by rolling each end of the paper or pinching one end to create a different shape. Quilling rolls can be made into flowers, balloons, bows, leaves, etc. Decorating your pages with quilling designs will give you a distinctive look for your scrapbook layouts. With quilling, your only limitation is your own imagination.
Scrap ya later,
Cath T!

Liquid Applique-Diamond Gloss, Gloss Accents, Liquid Glass (all names it goes by!)

There are so many scrapbooking products to choose from that it is hard to decide what to use on your scrapbooking pages. Dimension on your scrapbooking layouts creates a lovely appearance for your pages. If you are looking for some new ideas for scrapbooking then trying a new product can help you come up with some original designs. Using a product called liquid applique will help you achieve dimension on your scrapbook layouts and also add some character to your stamps, letters or die cut shapes.
When using liquid applique on your scrapbook layouts, you should remember to use it sparingly. Gently squeeze the tube on the item or area where you want to apply it. Go over the letters or fill in the shape you desire. Liquid applique works best if you let it dry overnight, but if you can’t wait for it to dry you can use a heat embossing tool to dry it instantly.
Liquid applique can help emphasize a certain area of a shape or picture, such as the center of a flower or the candles on a birthday cake. You can color your liquid applique with ink to enhance an element of your scrapbook page. Extra fine scrapbook glitter can be added to the liquid applique for extra sparkle.
Using liquid applique on your scrapbook designs can assist you in making your pages unique. Experimenting with new products will help keep the excitement alive in your scrapbook routine.

organization!

Organizing Your Scrapbook Ideas
Ideas for scrapbooking are found through many resources. Serious scrappers subscribe to scrapbook magazines or buy scrapbooking books full of techniques and ideas. Scrapbooking idea books and magazines can pile up if they are not properly organized.
Here are some organization ideas for your scrapbooking magazines and scrapbook idea books:
Use magazine holders to organize your scrapbook magazines and books. Sort the magazines by month and year so they are easy to reference.
If you are only interested in saving specific ideas instead of the entire magazine, you can organize your ideas for scrapbooking into 3-ring binders and page protectors
Organizing scrapbooking tips and ideas will help you locate these suggestions when you need them. Keeping an organized scrap space will help you create beautiful layouts more efficiently.

dont throw away your scraps!!!

Paper scraps from your scrapbook layouts can have many uses. You don’t have to waste your scraps; use them for other projects and pages. Here are some ideas for using up your scrapbook paper scraps:
Use your scraps to cut out shapes with hole punches. Hole punch shapes are typically no larger than 2 inches, so you don’t need a lot of paper to create these cute little paper embellishments.
Depending on the size of the scraps, the paper can be used in die cutting machines to make adorable die cut shapes. Typically die cut machines require the paper to be slightly bigger than the size of the die cut you are creating. Square pieces of scrap paper are perfect for making die cut shapes.
Beautiful borders and backgrounds can be created from scrap papers. Use 2 inch-thick scraps from a 12 x 12 page and cut the edges with decorative scissors to make a fabulous page border. You can also use long strips of paper to create striping or weave the paper strips to construct a raised page background.
Use your paper scraps to cut pages for mini albums. Cardstock scraps make great mini album page bases. You can also use the scrap paper for journal blocks.
Never throw away your scrap paper; there are so many uses for these paper scraps. As you create your layouts you will come up with more and more ideas for these otherwise useless pieces of paper.
Scrapbooking paper and supplies can get expensive and paper is an essential part of your scrapbook layouts. Organize your paper into drawers or binders, so you have it on hand to use on your scrapbook pages.

Scrapbook in a box or EXPLOSION BOXES

Scrapbook-in-a-box has become a popular trend for scrapbookers. This compact scrapbook makes a wonderful gift for special occasions such as Mother's/Father's Day, baby showers, weddings, etc. Here is what you will need to get started: 5 sheets 12x12 cardstock (coordinating colors) Scissors Empressor guide (or quilter ruler) Scoring tool Stamps (desired images) Inkpads (desired colors) Adhesive Paper trimmer Simple Instructions: Random stamp your cardstock with your choice of stamp images. It is helpful to have a theme in mind so you can focus your colors and stamps around a certain theme. First you want to make the lid. Pick one of your pieces of stamped cardstock to use as the lid. Place it face down on your table. Using your ruler/Empressor guide, place a dot at the exact center of your paper. Now fold the corners in so that they touch the center dot. Be sure to make your creases nice and sharp - use a bone folder if you have one and fold all 4 sides. (If you don't have a bone folder you can use the edge of your fingernail, or the plastic handle of a pair of scissors). Next, fold in each side to the center and then unfold. After folding up each side, unfold completely. Turn your paper so it is in front of you lying in a diamond shape. Draw four lines on the side creases (left and right sides). This is where you are going to fold into the center to make your lid. Cut on these 4 lines. Do NOT cut all the way to the center. Do NOT cut on all four sides, only two opposite sides. You will make a total of 4 cuts. On the two sides you did not cut, fold them in, this will build up one side of the box. Put adhesive on the triangular flaps to hold them in place. Put a small amount of adhesive on the 2 remaining flaps. Fold them up and over to make the last two sides. Your corner with the adhesive will attach to the bottom of the lid. On the inside view of the lid you will see the corners of all the flaps lining up in the center so that your box is "decorated" inside and out. You can double mat a photo for the top of the lid if desired. Making the box base part of your scrapbook starts with your remaining cardstock. Cut the remaining cardstock into three sizes: Bottom layer 12x12 - This will also be the base for your box. Second layer 11 3/4 x 11 3/4 Third layer 11 1/2 x 11 1/2 Top layer 11 1/4 x 11 1/4 - this will be the first set of flaps you see when you open the box. Using your Empressor guide or quilter's ruler, measure up four inches from the bottom of the cardstock. Score a line all the way across the paper. Turn the paper 90 degrees, and repeat. You will have 4 scoring lines all 4 inches from the edges of the paper. Repeat with all your pieces of cardstock. Cut out the four corner squares on each piece of cardstock. This will give you 4 pieces of cardstock shaped like crosses (or an x). You will also have 16 squares (4x4). Save the extra squares to use for matting photos. Take your bottom (largest) cross and place your second largest cross on top and glue only in the middle of your box. Make sure you center the cross so that a little of the edge of the bottom cross shows around all sides. Adhere the next smallest cross - remember to only put adhesive in the center box. Finally, adhere the smallest cross to the top of the stack. Now you have your base completed and can add your photos, journaling, and scrapbooking embellishments. You may want to adhere your photos before you glue the flaps together. Remember not to put anything in the center of the box because it will be covered up. These scrapbooks are versatile and easy to assemble. Give the gift of memories and tie them up in a box for the recipient to enjoy for a lifetime.

Tear Bears!! LOVE EM!!!

"Tear Bears" are all the rage among scrappers. These little paper-piercing creations have taken the industry by storm. There are several different patterns that can be used to create these bears. You can make your own pattern, use one off the Internet or buy a pattern book. Here is what you will need to make your own "tear bear". Handmade mulberry paper (it has to be able to tear easily when wet) Bear or other character pattern Water Q-tip or water pen Chalks Inks Pens Trace your pattern onto heavy weight paper or plastic and cut out parts of your bear separately. Now trace the body parts (head, legs, arms, ears) onto the mulberry paper and use a Q-tip or water pen to wet the outline of your pattern. Make sure the water soak completely through the paper. Next, carefully tear along the shapes of your pattern. The wet paper will tear easily and since mulberry paper has several layouts there will be "fiber-like" edges where you have torn the paper (this makes it look like fur on your bear). Once you have torn out your bear parts let them dry completely and then you will be ready to assemble your bear. Use your adhesive to glue the bear together and pose him however you would like. You can use chalks or inks to outline the bear and add some color to his body. Use die cuts or pens to dry a face. Some scrappers like to dress their bears with paper clothing make from die cuts or templates. These bears can be used on your scrapbook pages, tags, cards, etc. You can personalize your bear any way you would like. “Tear” animals or characters have become popular too. You can offer variety with other options and patterns. Hints: Tear your paper slowly because you may slip and tear in a place you didn't want to tear. Use a thin plastic to trace your pattern and hold it on the paper as you tear, this will help you to tear more evenly and get more shapely pieces. Don't over due your body shading or faces.

Ideas for craft punches!

Craft punches can be used to add some character to your scrapbook page creations. Craft punches come in many shapes and sizes. Here are some common types of craft punches.Hearts.Heart punches are great for valentine layouts, baby themes or wedding pages.Flowers.This shape is extremely versatile. It can be used for "little girls" scrapbook pages. Spring themed pages and anniversary layouts.Stars.Star shapes are another punch that can be used for many purposes. Fourth of July pages look great decorated with stars. Star punches can be used for toddler pages or a "super star" themed page.There are other types of punches that can be used for your page layouts. There are corner rounder punches that will round the corners of picture mats or other parts of your layout. Several types of decorative punches are available at scrapbook supply stores and craft store.A paper punch will add variety and originality to your scrapbook pages. You can create many designs and patterns with these little items. -Scrap ya later, Cath T!

sharp and clean craft punches!!

Craft punches like any tool get worn and dirty. Paper dyes may rub off onto the metal and your punch may start to get dull. Caring for these and other scrapbooking tools will help preserve them and make them last longer.In order to keep your punches clean and sharp you can punch through wax paper several times, the wax keeps the edges of the punch fresh. Clean your craft punches with rubbing alcohol, which will remove any access stickiness and wash off residue. Also punching them thru tinfoil can resharpen them!
Scrap ya later,
Cath T.!!

Funky fibres

Fiber strands are quite the rage among avid scrappers. They can be used to accent may aspects of the page layout. You can string them through eyelets, tie them in knots or bows, wrap them around your stamped images or die-cuts, use them as tag toppers, etc. Dying them with your re-inkers can also customize fibers so they will match your color combinations. Put on some latex gloves so you don't color your fingers and drop some re-inker (in a coordinating color) in a craft jar. Place the fiber strand into the jar and press down until it is fully saturated in the ink. Then, let it sit for one or two minutes depending on how dark you want the color (darker colors take longer). Remove the fiber strand from the jar and squeeze out the excess of ink. Rinse it in cool water and allow it to dry completely. You can create funky colors and designs with your inks. Try creating a tie dyed effect by tying loose knots in the fiber before you dye it. Also you can use different colors or just color parts of your fiber strands. There are many different things you can do with color and your fibers. Let your imagination loose and see what you come up with, you are sure to make some “funky fibers” that will accent your layouts beautifully. Hint: If you are in a hurry you can heat your colored fibers in the microwave to speed up the drying process.

Templates!!!

Scrapbooking templates can be used for many tasks. There are several types of templates available. Templates can be used for lettering, tags, envelopes; scrapbooking die cut designs, etc. Here are some different types of templates you can use for your scrapbooking pages: Lettering Templates. These templates can assist in creating many different lettering designs and fonts. You can trace the letters onto your page "header" or cut out each letter separately to place in the desired area of your page. Envelope Templates. These templates can help you create many different sizes of envelopes. You can use small envelopes for decoration on your scrapbook pages. You can create custom envelopes to fit different sizes of cards that you make from your scrapbooking supplies. Envelopes can be used for many things. Envelope templates come in a variety of sizes. Die Cut Templates. This type of template is usually a picture or image of some sort. Some popular templates include, flowers, hearts, shapes, and many types of silhouettes. Die cut templates are used to add character to your scrapbook pages. These template are also used for paper piercing and other techniques. Templates can assist you in making perfect designs for your scrapbooking layouts.

mosaic borders

Mosaic Borders

Mosaic borders are a great scrapbooking technique, not only to add interest to a page, but as a way to use up scraps of paper. Cut your scraps into equal size squares. One quarter of an inch squares are a good size. I cut mine into inch squares using a trimmer and then cut each into quarters with scissors. Sort the squares by color and store in zip-lock bags. When placing squares onto the page, there are a few scrapbooking techniques to keep in mind. Mount them on contrasting card stock to give the effect of mortar. For adhesion, you can use a continuous piece of photo tape (if the squares are close together). Otherwise a piece of tape runner on the back of each square works well. An inexpensive scrapbooking technique to enhance a page is to create a frame for a photo, border the page or follow a line across a double page spread to connect the two together.

Ribbon Accordian Album

Ribbon Accordion Album

Accordion albums bound together with ribbon are easy to make by following a few simple steps. The mini-albums are held together by colorful ribbon and the pages fold together like an accordion. Start by cutting 4 x 8 stripes of cardstock and carefully score them in half (but do not cut them all the way through), then place them side-by-side 3/8” apart. Lay two ribbons that measure 19 ½ “ across the strips, one piece 3/8” from the top and the other 3/8” from the bottom. Now tape one end of each ribbon and secure to your workspace. Use liquid glass to attach the ribbon to your cardstock and let it dry thoroughly. Apply strong adhesive to the top of each cardstock strip, fold the scored section and adhere it to the bottom of the cardstock. Finally trim the ribbons and add photos and journaling. You can embellish your mini accordion ribbon albums with patterned papers and other embellishments. These make fabulous gifts for teachers, parents, grandparents, mothers-to-be, etc.

Scrap ya later,
Cath T!

Heat embossing tutorial

Embossing Tutorial
Materials needed:
StampColoured Pigment Inkpad/or Embossing InkpadEmbossing Powder (many available - Metallics, Pearl Metallics, Tinsel, Clear, Sparkles etc)Heat tool/Toaster (Paint stripper works but be very careful)Piece of folded card to use as a funnel Before you start:
There is very little difference in embossing powders except that the finer the powder the better the finished embossed designs.
Before starting, always wash your hands very well. Oil from your hands can make the powder stick in places you do not want it to stick.
You can emboss on paper, wood, terra cotta, glass, mirrors, and other media so experiment!!
Highly detailed stamps are not best for beginners...select word or deeply etched stamps to start
Instructions:
1. Ink up your stamp with either the coloured pigment inkpad or embossing inkpad. If you are using a coloured pad, use clear powder over the top and you will see the colour of your pad. If you are using a metallic powder just use the embossing inkpad (make sure your stamp is completely dry, the fluid in the pad does not like water). Stamp your stamp.
2. Sprinkle your powder over the stamped image, be generous and make sure you cover the whole image.
3. Shake off excess powder onto your folded card and funnel this back into the powder container.
4. Now to heat the powder. If you are using a heat gun hold it about 10cm away from your work and gently move the hot air over the image until the powder has melted and is glossy. If you are using a toaster, place the image right side up over the toaster (so the powder doesn’t fall into the toaster!) and gently move it around until powder is melted. A hairdryer wont work as it will blow the powder off your image.
Tips:
Be careful not to burn your powder. You can tell when it is burnt because it goes a flat colour instead of being raised and glossy. Another good way to tell when it is burnt, is that your card scorches!! If the embossing is cracking its been overcooked - use less time to heat your embossing.
The powder will not melt evenly so make sure entire image is done.
Experiment with mixing small amounts of different colors of embossing powder for fun effects.
Make your own embossing ink by mixing 1 part water and 1 part glycerin.
Most ink pens will work as an embossing pens - I have found that only the water-proof ones, such as Crayolas will work. Permanent ink pens don't work! If you huff on the ink it will become wet again, then you can apply the powder.

How To Create a Crackled Effect With UTEE

STEP BY STEP:How To Create a Crackled Effect With UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel)
From Memory Makers Scrapbooker's Survival Guide
Supplies Needed:Stamped Image and/or Patterned Paper, Clear Embossing Ink, Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel (Ranger Industries), Tweezers, Heat Gun, Waxed Paper
Crazing, a veined effect most often found in antique dishes, can be easily imitated by layering clear UTEE over stamped images and/or decorated paper. Create your own UTEE crackled effect with these easy steps:
Apply a generous coat of clear embossing ink to top of image (stamped or patterned paper). Pour UTEE onto wet surface, covering image. Shake off excess. Hold paper with tweezers and melt enamel with heat gun.
While melted enamel is still hot, pour a second layer of UTEE on top. Heat to melt. Place on waxed paper to cool.
When cool, gently bend paper backwards in different directions. You'll notice hairline fractures in the UTEE finish, producingan instant crazing effect.
Easy as 1, 2, 3! Your own crackled effect in a matter of minutes!

Stamping 101

Stamping 101
You don't have to have a lot of stamping experience to create beautifully stamped layouts. All you need is this quick beginner's course and your own creativity.
*Ink*• Be sure to use acid-free, archival and permanent ink; it won't damage anything on your pages, and it won't fade.
• If you want to emboss a stamped image, be sure to use
pigment ink, which dries much slower and also has more vivid color.
*Color*
• Using watercolors adds a nice, soft touch to stamped images. Stamp your design with archival or waterproof ink, or heat-emboss it to keep the ink from smearing. Color the outer edge of the stamped image with watercolorpencils, markers or crayons, then blend the color toward the center with a wet paintbrush or a blender pen.
• Try coloring the image with chalk and using a blender pen tointensify and blend the color. Be sure to wipe the blender pen on a paper towel between colors.
• For multi-colored stamped images, ink the surface of a stamp with brush markers. Marker ink may dry quickly on the stamp, so remoisten the ink before you stamp by huffing (exhaling) on the stamp. If the marker ink beads up, clean the stamp, then rub the surface with fine sandpaper to remove anyresidue that may have built up.
Stamping Off
Stamping off produces a lighter, more subdued stamped image that's ideal for backgrounds. Simply stamp once or twice on scrap paper directly after inking to reduce the ink intensity, then stamp on the desired paper orsurface.

Inks VersaMark VS VersaFine

VersaFine: Looking for an ink to give you extremely fine detail? An ink that you are able to watercolor or marker over and it won't bleed? Then look no further! This natural oil-based pigment ink dries instantly on matte cardstock. You won't believe it till you see it. Available in 10 colors, no inkers needed. Inkpad lasts3-5 times longer than regular inks.

VersaMark: Finally a pad that lets your personality shine through! VersaMark is a necessity in every crafter's toolbox. Easy for beginning stampers to use, but
versatile enough for experienced stamp artists to create unparalleled masterpieces.VersaMark allows you to perform a number of amazing techniques!
Stamp your image onto text-weight paper to explore the possibilities of watermarking, orstamp subtle tone-on-tone images onto colored cardstock. Create a resist image by stamping on glossy and brayering with dye ink. And VersaMark is so sticky that it will act as “glue” for chalks and pigment powders. You won't believe what you can do with just one ink pad!

Vellum tips and ideas

Vellum tips & ideas
1. Use as a card overlay.
2. Make a vellum shaker.
3. Use as a mat – tear edges or cut with decorative scissors.
4. Dry embossing – stamp on paper, place under vellum and "trace" with stylus.
5. Reflection technique – stamp on vellum, then turn it over and upside down, stamp again. Looks like a reflection of original image.
6. Use white ink to stamp snowflakes on white vellum.
7. Stamp on front of vellum, color with bright markers on the back. Gives an opaque look.
8. Do powder embossing – excellent powder choices are white, gold, silver.
9. Make These Items From Vellum To Add A Special Accent To Your Page or Cards:
· Princess dress
· Snowman / snowballs / snowflakes
· Frosting on a cupcake / cake
· Windshields for cars
· Glass front for an oven door
· Lenses in glasses (use brown for sunglasses)
· "Rose" colored glasses
· Mermaid tail / scales (green)
· Pool / Lake / Beach water
· Waves (layer three blues - cut or tear)
· Sand (layer three browns - cut or tear)
· Raindrops or puddles (light blue)
· Leaves (spring or fall colors)
· Flowers and flower petals, dandelion
· Clouds
· Fish / fins for fish
· Wings: Butterfly, bee, dragonfly, fairy, angel
· Squares for ice cubes (white)
· Flame for candle (orange)
· Circles for bubbles (white)
· Light bulbs
· Christmas lights / Christmas balls on trees
· Lamp shade, window shades
· Sheer curtain / shower curtain
· Table cloth
· Bug jar / flower jar
· Aquarium glass
· Baby bottle
· Ghost
· Wedding dress / veil
· Confirmation or baptism gown
· Smoke
· Blue birds
· Berries
· Lightning
· Jewels
· Fire
· Lips
· Ladybugs
· Rose petals
· Bruises on paper dolls for boo-boos (purple)
· Seaweed
· Critters: Frogs, caterpillars, snakes

What To Do With Your Out-Of-Style Stash

Do you have a large collection of older PP, stickers & embellies, I know I sure do and I just can't bring myself to part with it. Here are a few tips on giving new life to old supplies:
It is nearly impossible to keep up with all the new SB products and still have a layout that looks fresh and cutting edge but here are a few ways to breathe new life into older products.
Paint is one of the easiest ways to change the lookany embellishment or paper. Dry-brush paint across patterned paper for a distressed look. You can also paint and sand metal embellies to add colour and dimension. Try painting older letter stickers a new colour to match your newer paper and embellies.
Ink can transform your PP to a great aged and distressed appearance when you rub the ink pad across the surface or ink just the edges. Colour-wash inks and dye can give PP, tags, etc. a whole new look. Try dipping the entire item, crinkling it up before you dip it or spritzing it with a spray bottle of dye or colour-wash ink.
Sandpaper is also a quick and easy way to get an aged or distressed look. Sand PP so the white base appears through the design. For a quick update, lightly sand and ink older stickers.

Cuttlebug Sandwich Stack Rules!

Special Thanks to posters on the Splitcoast Stampers boards for all their input into this compilation
www.splitcoaststampers.com

Cuttlebug Sandwich Stack Rules!
Important Sandwiching Notes:
Cuttlebugs differ from machine to machine, and the space between the rollers can vary, so be SURE to ALWAYS err on the THIN side; you can pass the sandwich through the machine again, but if you start out too thick, you can potentially break a plate or otherwise hurt your new ‘bug!
If a cardstock or chipboard shim is noted, always try the sandwich without first, then add cut-to-size (the size of the plates) cardstock or chipboard layers until the appropriate thickness of the sandwich is determined.

Cardstock
Chipboard
Magnetic/ Metal Sheets & Thin cork (Media)
Cuttlebug Dies
Plate "A", Plate "B", Die (cutting side up), Cardstock, Plate "B"
Plate "A", Plate "B", Die (cutting side up), Chipboard, Plate "B"
Plate "A", Plate "B", die (cutting side up), Media, Plate "B"
Cuttlebug Embossing Folders
Plate "A", Plate "B", Folder (with cardstock inside), Plate "B"
Plate "A", Plate "B", Folder (with chipboard inside), Plate "B"
Plate "A", Plate "B", Folder (with metal sheet inside), Plate "B"
Big Impressions Texture Plates
Plate "A", BI texture Plate, Cardstock, Silicone Rubber pad (from BISK), Impressions Pad (from BISK)
*BISK-Big Impressions Starter Kit


BigShot Embossing Folders
Plate "A", Plate "B", Folder (with cardstock inside), Plate "B", Cardstock shim


BigShot Large Dies
Plate "B", Cardstock, Die (cutting side down), Plate "B"


Brass Embossing Stencils
Plate "A", Plate "B", mouse pad (cut to size, rubber side up), Cardstock, Brass stencil, Plate "B"
Sandwich may need to pass through several times based on cardstock thickness


Fiskars Texture Plates
Plate "A", Fiskars texture Plate, Cardstock, tan Wizard pad, black or tan Wizard pad, (possible Cardstock shim,) Plate "B"
Also try:
Plate "A", Fiskars texture Plate, Cardstock (lightly misted with water), 2 layers Fun Foam, Chipboard Shim, Plate "C"
Also try:
Plate "A", Fiskars texture Plate, Cardstock (right side towards TP), Rubber Plate (made from Plumber’s rubber gasket), Plate "C"


QuicKuts Dies (Grand)
Plate "A", Plate "B", Die, Cardstock, Plate "C"


QuicKuts Dies (Regular)
Plate "A", Plate "B", Die, Cardstock, Plate "C"
Plate "A", Plate "C", Die (cutting side up), Chipboard, Cardstock shim, Plate "B"

Revolution Dies
Plate "A", Plate "C", Die, Cardstock, Plate "B"


Sizzix CutNFold Dies
Plate "A", Die, Cardstock, Plate "B", Chipboard shim
Also try:
Plate "B", Cardstock, Die, Chipboard shim (maybe 6 layers)


Sizzix Embossing Folders
aka Simple Impressions
Plate "A", Plate "B", Folder (with cardstock inside), Plate "B"
Also try:
Plate "A", Chipboard shims, Folder (with cardstock inside), Plate "B"


Sizzix Original Dies & other Steel Rule Dies
Plate "B", Cardstock, Die (cutting side down), Plate "B"
Plate "B", Chipboard, Die (cutting side down), Plate "B"

Sizzlit Dies
Plate "A", Plate "B", Die (cutting side up), Cardstock, Plate "B"
Note: Provocraft suggests using Place" C" instead of the second Plate "B", however, CB owners have cracked plates, so try with two "B" plates first.


Wizard Spellbinders Dies (to cut)
Plate "A", Plate "C", Die, Cardstock, Plate "B"


Wizard Spellbinders Dies (to emboss)
Plate "A", Plate "B", Die, Cardstock, Tan Wizard pad, Plate "B"







Special Thanks to posters on the Splitcoast Stampers boards for all their input into this compilation
www.splitcoaststampers.com

ABc's of me

Creating a BOM 9Book of Me is bcoming extremely popular here are some tips and ideas for an ABC of me book.



Another ABCs of Mehttp://www.scrapyourstories.com/abcs-of-me2.htm
Another way you could do an ABCs of Me layout is to describe yourself using words starting with each letter of the alphabet. Here's a word list, compiled by professional lifewriting and scrapbooking instructor Mary Ihla, to get you thinking.
- A -
absent-minded, accomplished, acerbic, adaptable, adroit, adventurous, affable, affectionate, ageless, aggressive, agile, agreeable, airhead, aloof, altruistic, ambitious, amenable, amiable, amusing, angry, antagonistic, apple-polisher, appreciative, ardent, argumentative, artistic, artsy-craftsy, astute
- B -
bashful, beautiful, belligerent, benevolent, big-hearted, bitchy, bitter, blabby, boastful, bold, boring, bossy, bouncy, brash, brave, bright, brown-noser, bubbly, bullheaded, buttinsky
- C -
cagey, calculating, calm, candid, capricious, careful, caring, caustic, cautious, charitable, charming, chatterbox, cheapskate, cheeky, cheerful, chickenhearted, childish, classy, comical, communicative,, compassionate, competent, competitive, complacent, composed, conceited, condescending, confident, conservative, consistent, conventional, cool-headed, cordial, courageous, courteous, cowardly, coy, crabby, crafty, cranky, creative, critical, cry baby, cultured, cunning, curious, curt, cynical
- D -
dainty, daring, dauntless, deceptive, decisive, defensive, defiant, deft, deliberate, delicate, demanding, demure, dependable, dependent, determined, dictatorial, difficult, dignified, diplomatic, direct, discerning, discriminating, dispassionate, distinctive, docile, domineering, down-to-earth, dramatic, drama queen, dreamy
- E -
eager, earnest, earthy, easygoing, eccentric, effervescent, efficient, egocentric, egotistic, elitist, eloquent, emotional, empathetic, enthusiastic, ethical, even-tempered, exacting, expressive, extravagant
- F -
facetious, faint-hearted, fair-minded, fanatical, featherbrained, feckless, feminine, fibber, fiery, finicky, flamboyant, flighty, flirty, foolhardy, forceful, forgetful, forthright, frank, friendly, frugal, funny, furtive, fussy
- G -
gabby, garrulous, generous, genial, genteel, gentle, giddy, giggly, giving, go-getter, good-hearted, gossiper, gracious, greedy, gregarious, grouchy, grumpy, gung-ho, gutsy
- H -
happy, hard-boiled, hard-headed, headstrong, heartless, helpful, helpless, heroic, high-minded, high-spirited, honest, honorable, hopeful, hot-blooded, hotheaded, hot-tempered, humane, humble, humorous, hypocritical
- I -
idealistic, idiosyncratic, imaginative, immature, impartial, impassioned, impatient, impetuous, impish, impractical, impudent, impulsive, incisive, inconsistent, independent, indifferent, indulgent, ingenious, innocent, innovative, insensitive, intelligent, intense, intolerant, intrepid, intuitive, inventive, irascible, ironical, irresponsible, irritable
- J -
jaunty, jester, jittery, jocular, jokester, jovial, joyful, judgmental, jumpy, just, juvenile
- K -
kind, kindhearted, know-it-all, knowledgeable
- L -
lackadaisical, laconic, laid-back, languid, lazy, leader, lenient, lethargic, levelheaded, liar, liberal, lighthearted, listener, lively, live wire, loafer, logical, loner, loquacious, loud, loving, low-keyed, loyal, lucky
- M -
magnanimous, malleable, mannerly, masterful, materialistic, matter-of-fact, maudlin, meddlesome, melodramatic, merciful, merry, messy, methodical, meticulous, mettlesome, mild-mannered, militant, milquetoast, miserly, mistrustful, moderate, modest, moocher, moral, mule-headed, multifaceted, musical
- N -
naive, narcissistic, narrow-minded, neat, neighborly, nervous, nervy, nice, nit-picky, noisy, nonchalant, nonconformist, nosy
- O -
obedient, obliging, oblivious, obnoxious, observant, obsessive, obstinate, offbeat, old-fashioned, open-minded, opinionated, optimistic, orderly, ordinary, organized, orthodox, outgoing, outspoken, overbearing, overconfident
- P -
passionate, patient, patronizing, penny-pinching, pensive, peppy, perceptive, perfectionist, perky, persevering, persistent, persnickety, persuasive, picky, pigheaded, placid, plainspoken, playful, pleasant, pliant, plucky, Pollyanna, pompous, positive, possessive, pouty, practical, pragmatic, prankster, preachy, precise, prejudiced, prideful, prissy, procrastinator, proficient, prompt, proper, protective, proud, provincial, prudent, prudish, prying, pushover, pushy
- Q -
quarrelsome, querulous, questioning, quibbler, quick, quick-tempered, quick-witted, quiet, quirky, quixotic
- R -
radical, rash, rational, realistic, reasonable, rebellious, recalcitrant, reckless, refined, relentless, reliant, reserved, resilient, resolute, resourceful, respectable, responsible, responsive, restive, restrained, reticent, righteous, risk-taker, romantic, rowdy, rude, ruthless
- S -
sagacious, sage, sanctimonious, sanguine, sarcastic, sassy, saucy, savvy, scheming, schmaltzy, scrappy, scrupulous, secretive, secure, selective, self-absorbed, self-assured, self-confident, self-controlled, selfish, selfless, self-reliant, self-sufficient, sensible, sensitive, sentimental, serene, serious-minded, shallow, shameless, shiftless, shifty, show-off, shy, silly, sincere, skeptical, slow, sly, small-minded, smart, smart-aleck, smarty-pants, sneaky, snobby, snooty, sociable, softhearted, solemn, sophisticated, sourpuss, spiritual, spontaneous, stalwart, standoffish, starry-eyed, steady, stick-in-the-mud, stingy, stouthearted, straightforward, strait-laced, stubborn, stuck-up, studious, stuffy, sulky, suspicious, sweet, sympathetic
- T -
taciturn, tactful, tactless, talkative, tease, temperamental, tenacious, tenderhearted, testy, thinker, thoughtful, thrifty, thorough, tidy, tightfisted, tightlipped, touchy, tough-minded, tranquil, troublemaker, trustworthy, trusting, two-faced
- U -
unabashed, unbending, unbiased, uncompromising, unconventional, undaunted, under4standing, uninhibited, unique, unpredictable, unreasonable, unreliable, unsophisticated, untruthful, uppity, upright, uptight
- V -
vain, venturesome, veracious, verbose, versatile, very (anything), vibrant, virtuous, vital, vivacious, vocal, vociferous, volatile, vulnerable
- W -
wacky, warm, wary, wavering, weak, weak-minded, weary, weepy, weird, well-mannered, wench, whimsical, whinny, wide-eyed, willing, wise, wisecracker, wisenheimer, wistful, witchy, withdrawn, witty, woebegone, wondering, wordy, workaholic, worldly, worrywart, wry
- X -
xtra (anything)
- Y -
yakker, yearning, yellow-bellied, yenta, young-at-heart, youthful
- Z -
zany, zealous, zestful, zippy, zonked

ABc's of me

Using walnut ink or tea staining

Walnut Ink and Tea- Staining
Staining gives your paper a lovely golden-brown color that looks very vintage. The technique combines very well with crumpling of your paper, as the walnut ink or tea bring out the texture you have created.
a. WALNUT INK
Dissolve walnut ink crystals in warm water according to directions on package—and desired strength. Many people use distilled water—however I usually use just regular tap water.
TEA
Instant tea crystals or coffee work best for staining, but regular tea bags are fine too. Mix the tea much stronger than you would drink 2-3 teaspoons in ½ cup of hot water or 1 tea bag in hot water….........soak for 10 minutes or more.
Pour the liquid mixture into a small glass or plastic pan. (Do not use metal, as it will react with the tea). Submerge your paper completely, and then blot it on a piece of paper towel.
Use a paintbrush or foam brush to apply the liquid to the paper like watercolor paint.
Consider applying with a sea sponge, or a toothbrush for a flecked splatter.
Store the liquid in a spray bottle and spray over a plastic coated container or over your kitchen sink for easy cleanup. Let the excess drip off and then lay the paper flat to dry on a paper towel.
***WALNUT INK VERSUS TEA STAINING
You have to experiment and see what you like better, but walnut ink is more brown, whereas tea is a bit orange. Let yourself experiment and try both to see.

12 tips for terrific titles

"12 Tips for Terrific Titles"

1. The easiest way to use the many lettering templates is to flip them
over and trace the word on the "back" of your card stock. (Remember
your word must be spelled backwards)
2. When you start to cut your title out get rid of as much excess paper
that is surrounding your traced letters.
3. Always remember to move your paper not your scissors when
cutting.
4. When you reach the end of the scissor blade on a cut don’t remove
the blade, simply slide the scissors along the cut as you open them
and continue on. (This will prevent those little "teeth" you will leave if
you pick up your blades.)
5. Always work with a sharp craft knife. I recommend using the "snap
off" blades because they are easy to get a new blade.
6. When using your cutting mat there is no need to use a lot of
pressure. You’ll get tired quicker and make it harder to cut by dragging
the blade into the mat.
7. Instead of using the "holes " for certain letters provided on the
lettering template use a 1/4" circle, triangle or oval hand held punch.
8. Fonts on your computer can be used the same way the
ettering templates are by using the "outline" command in your
program and "flipping" the title horizontally. (This will print the ink lines
on the back of the title and makes it unnecessary to cut them off with
your scissors.)
9. Draw any kind of pattern on your paper before you are going to cut it
out. This will create a more even flow of the design. (Stickers,
creative tearing, and decorative scissor edges should be done
before cutting also.)
10. If you are going to chalk, ink or "spray" your titles using the
lettering template as a stencil it is often easier to do it on a separate
piece of paper rather then on your page. (Better to ruin a piece of
card stock then a whole scrapbook page.)
11. To prevent over spray from inking, chalking, or "spraying", use
sticky notes to cover the neighboring letters.
12. If you are not happy using your own handwriting to journal in
your scrapbook ,there are many web sites to get free fonts that look
very much like handwriting. The many Cd’s that are available have
good journaling fonts also.

Off The Page Projects

I think one of my favourite things in scrapbooking would have to be off the page projects. Some people see the word often and have no idea what off the page projects are others look and admire and think oh I couldnt do anything that gorgeous so dont even give it a go. You should it is so much fun and if you dont like your end results you can always take it off and start again. Basically an OTP project is anything that isnt on a page to go in an album. What you can do as an OTP project is endless paint cans, clocks, trash cans, tissue boxes, cannisters, tins, milk cartons, mdf albums, boxes, cupboards, photo frames, wall canvases almost anything you can think of can be decorated. I started looking at other peoples trash as my OTP treasures and I have inherited so many goodies to alter that I may never have enough time to complete them all . Now all my friends and family consider their trash before they throw it out often they will bring round a box saying I was going to throw this but can you use it. I have made so many gifts and it truly is rewarding to see someone fall in love with one of your OTP projects they really are rewarding.

Here are a couple of examples of some of my OTP projects.

adding 3d images from your patterned paper

Sometimes it is hard finding just the right embellishments for your page.If there are any elements on your page that you could 3d this can often sort your problem out right away. I often buy 2-3 sheets of the one patterned paper especially if I know I would like to 3d some elements on the page. So grab your spare piece of paper and cut out the pieces you would like to 3d I usually just cut them out one by one and organise them before deciding exactly how many I would like to 3d. Once you have all you would like cut out and organised on your page add some double sided foam tape or foam squares to the underside of your cut outs and stick them right on top of the corresponding shape on your page. I love using this techniques because it is always going to match and it gives your page some dimension too. I have again added an example of a page to show you what I am talking about.

Sometimes simple is best

Sometimes we tend to over embellish I know this is one of my biggest problems. I tend to embellish till there is not a tiny piece of space left and forget the photo is the most important part of the LO. But in some cases simple can be best and a nice photo with a small amount of embellishing just to compliment the photo works best. here is an example I have always loved this pic of my DD I have used it a couple of times on different LO but this time I wanted it to be simple to show off my gorgeous little girl without my embellishments taking over. I think it worked I love the simplicity of it all and I hope you do to.

Using stickles

Using stickles or here in Australia we have Kindy glitz can be so much fun. I use mine on flowers sometimes with a paintbrush if I want precise coverage but usually I will use it straight from the bottle like a pen. It is so easy to use and has such a stunning effect. Sparkles and bling are all the rage at the moment and if you have not tried stickles yet please do it really is a lot of fun and the outcome is stunning.

Here is a page of my DD and lots of stickles used along the lines of the flowers and butterflies. The limit is your imagination. Go on have a try you will love it.

Dry Brushing

Dry brushing is a very nice distressed look but is a lot softer than what we do with ink. To dry brush using a paint brush dip your brush into the paint and either with a paint tray or a scrap piece of paper brush away the excess paint so there is very little paint left on the brush then brush along the edges of your page or photo. Very simple yet very effective. I have added an example of a page of a mini book I made for my DD a few years ago as an example. Have a try it can be really fun and have a really nice effect.

Distressing

Distressing is one of them techniques you either love or you dont but given the right page it can make the entire LO. I can remember the first time I distressed I was trying so hard to make it perfect and even. I have since learnt that quick and inprecise brushing of the stamp pad against your edge is best. Sometimes the rougher you are the better.

If you have never tried this technique before just grab a scrap piece of paper/card and hold it at an angle against your stamp bad and brush the edge of your pad against the paper going along all of the edges not being precise at all and it does not need to look even at all it is not meant to look perfect hence the name distress. Just practice a little and dont be scared pretty soon I am sure you will be addicted to distressing too.

Here is one example of a mini book I made for my DH a few years ago.

Creating "Bubble" patterned paper

Want to create your own paper that is a little different from the rest? Well give this method a try and you will be creating "Bubble" paper in all shades of colours.

The great thing is you only need a few basic supplies, most of which you should already have on hand

Supplies Needed:

Dishwashing Liquid

Water

Food Colouring(or any liquid colour)

Straws

Bowl

paper

Method:

Place 2 drops of dishwashing liquid in a bowl and mix with water - so that it looks like it would when you are washing up, all bubbly (Fig.1)

Next add colour of your choice directly into liquid, add as many or less as you like, keep in mind though that the stronger the colour the more intense it will show up on your paper at the end. (Fig.2)

Agitate the colouring and dishwashing liquid together to blend the two together

Next blow bubbles into mixture with your straw until the bubbles are quite high in the bowl. (Fig.3)

Place paper on top of bubbles and gently push paper down to transfer the coloured mixture to paper. (Fig.4)

This method can be repeated over and over again to fill the entire paper with pattern, in either the same colour or a different one.

Have fun!!!!!

Heirloom recipes!

after seeing Ashley's page kits with recipe kits..it got me thinking about my nanas scrambled eggs..and in turn, a recipe book to honour her and the things she used to make for us as a kid..Scrap ya Later, Cath T!

Give your recipe scrapbook some old-fashioned charm with an heirloom-style design. Start with a 6 x 6 album from any craft store; they will typically run you about $6. Then, cut your cardstock into 6 x 6 pieces and attach your typed recipes. Now, its time to decorate! Use old postcards, wrapping paper, postage stamps, newspaper clippings, old photos, music, etc. To make your "recipes to remember" scrapbook even more interesting, you can include food-related tidbits from magazines or newspapers and food history information and stories. You can buy vintage-style scrapbook paper and embellishments if you don’t have access to the other decorative items listed above.

Another suggestion is to be creative with your scrapbook recipe book pages. You can create pocket pages where the recipe can be removed. Or, print your recipes on decorative tags to create some movement on your pages. Scrapbooking family recipes can be so much fun.

Once you have produced one of these 6 x 6 heirloom albums you will be hooked and want to continue scrapping more books. Use these recipe cookbooks for Christmas gifts, wedding gifts or any occasion

printing transparencies..from scrapbook.com

Printing Your Transparencies

Pre-printed transparencies are available for purchase at scrapbook supply stores and print shops. You can also print on your own transparencies. You can print journaling, or images, or create your own designs.



There are some important things to know before you try this, though.





Make sure you have the right kind of transparency for the printer you are using. Since there are different types of transparencies, if you're using an inkjet printer, be sure you have transparencies made for an inkjet.



If there is a “rough” side to the transparency that is the side that you want to print on because it will adhere better. You can print backwards on the rough side. This way, you can have the smooth side up and provide additional protection for the ink on the transparency.



To add appeal to your transparency, sprinkle embossing powder on it while your ink is still “wet,” and heat emboss your lettering. Be careful to keep your heating tool a little bit further away so it doesn't pucker of melt your transparency.



There are many options for using transparencies for scrapbooking. A professional looking transparency will add a unique twist to your scrapbook page layout, so print carefully.

ink me!

Inking is a scapbooking technique that offers lots of variety. There is no specific way to ink your pages or images. You can't use as little or as much ink as you would like for your project. The creativity is up do you. Ink as much as desired.

You will need:

· Scrapbooking paper (cardstock, B&T paper, vellum, etc.)

· Sponge (dry and clean)

· Ink pads (your choice of colors)

· Other scrapbook supplies of your choice such as stamps, scrapbooking die cuts, stickers, scrapbooking templates, etc.

First, cut out your desired mattes and papers.

Then, dab the paper onto the inkpad turning it in various directions. You will have smudged color on your paper. You can use a sponge to fill in the color in uneven areas if you would like. The easiest route is to rub the edges of your paper against your ink pad, this will make a border around the image or your entire page.

Inking is used to add depth to your pages. It also gives it an "antique" or "weathered" look. It enhances your paper and adds color to the overall layout.

Hints:

You want to make sure you lightly dab the paper onto the pad and don't press too hard or you might get a large, dark ink spot in one isolated area.

Lightly brush the ink across corners and edges of paper. You can also use a stipple brush for a different type of "inking effect".

This technique works best with non-glossy papers.

You can softly ink around your photo mats to give them texture and make them stand out behind your photograph.

Inking your pages or card creations can add a unique twist to your scrapbooking creations. Instead of coloring your images dab them in a little ink for shading and your done.

making your own chipboard letters!

Step By Step - Making Your Own Chipboard Letters

1) Print an extra large letter from your computer on to regular office paper. You can select any size you wish by typing the font size number into the select box on your word processing program. The letter shown here was 150 pts in size. However, different fonts are different sizes.
Adhere this printed letter onto a piece of chipboard and use sharp scissors to cut it out.

2) Remove the paper from the chipboard letter and glue the chipboard letter wrong side up to the back of a piece of patterned paper or cardstock.

3) Cut out around the letter and you will have a chipboard letter covered in patterned paper. The edges will be a bit rough since you have hand cut the letter.

4) To smooth out the edges and give your letter more dimension, sand the edges with sand paper or a sanding block.

5) Adhere the finished letter to your scrapbook page using foam tape for even more dimension.

peekaboo pages!!

Peek A Boo Pages can be used for a title page or for a multiple page layout within an album. They can be made for CM pages, post bound pages or top loading pages. Materials: Album Pages or Cardstock Ruler Circle Cutter Circle Cutter Template Exacto knife Pencil
Peek A Boo Title Page (uses 2 album pages or 2 pieces of cardstock) Design your layout on page 2 with the photos that you want to peek through to the title page. Decide what shape opening that you want the hole to be for your "peek a boo" Use a window or a light box and a pencil to determine the placement of your holes in page one. Decide whether the hole will be round, square, rectangular or if you will use a template and make a 'fancy" shape. Trace the shape for the hole onto the page with your pencil. Use a circle cutter or regular scissors to cut away the paper for the peek a boo hole. Add the title and journalizing to all pages and add a page protector or slip it in your top loading page protector.
Peek A Boo Titles for a multi page layouts This is a GREAT way to stretch special lettering, sticker art or a stamp design. Design your artwork or title on page 1 and page 4. (see example) Don't place your artwork too close to the edge of your page. Be sure to leave enough room to cut the peek a boo hole LARGER than the artwork. Decide what shape opening that you want the hole to be for your "peek a boo".The opening will need to be larger than the artwork that will peek through. Use a window or a light box and a pencil to determine the placement of your holes in page 2 and 3. Decide whether the hole will be round, square, rectangular or if you will use a template and make a 'fancy" shape. Trace the shape for the hole onto the page with your pencil. Again, make sure that the hoe is big enough for the artwork to be seen in its entirety. Use a circle cutter or regular scissors to cut away the paper for the peek a boo hole. Add photos and all the other finishing touches to the pages and add a page protector or slip it in your top loading page protector.

Stamping in your scrapbooks

Stamps can be used in your scrapbooks to add variety. Stamps can be an economical way to add decoration in your albums. The same stamp can be used in a variety of ways over the years and this same stamp can be used for cards, invitations and other decorative items as well.

Coloring the images in the next step. There are a variety of options. Pens, chalks, pencils can be used to create different effects in your artwork.

Chalks- chalks give a soft look to your art work. Chalks are made by CrafT Products and retails about $15.00 from scrapbooking stores and rubber stamp demonstrators. I highly recommend buying the chalk eraser when you purchase the chalks.

Pencils such as ZIG Memory Pencils- have soft color but can damage the embossing as you are coloring in your design.

Scrapbooking Pens such as ZIG pens- I recommend brush tip for coloring in the embossed outlines as the brush flows easily over the raised surface of the embossing giving an even color. The ZIG pens are waterproof, fade resistant and come in 48 colors, a selection that should make any design come to life

Embossing- Embossing is done with pigment inks that are slower drying than dye inks. There are also special embossing inks that can be used. For a beginner I recommend using a colored pigment ink (such as Color Box) and a clear embossing powder. Stamp your image and then sprinkle embossing powder over the image. gently rock the powder over the design to get maximum coverage. Then tap the excess powder onto a clean sheet of paper (I suggest printer paper not cardstock) and use the paper to funnel the excess powder back into your jar. If embossing powder ticks to your paper in areas that were not part of the design use a Q-tip, paint brush or toothpick to remove the excess powder. This is especially important when using colored embossing powders. After you are happy with the powder then take an embossing tool and heat the image from the bottom of the paper so that you do not blow off your embossing powder. You can also use an electric stove and hold the paper over a burner or use a toaster however I recommend the heat gun for best results and ease of use.

Click on any image to see a larger image.

The same stamp can be used to stamp a background paper, a border or enhance your titles. These four pages show 4 different ways to use the spider web stamp. Stamps can also be used to decorate cards, letters, envelopes, party decorations and place cards.

"Coming Home"

You could ask me to recall my childhood home and I could tell you all about the layout of the house and all the little details I remember from my younger days. But do I have a record of them captured on film - unfortunately not. Back then nobody thought to capture the little pieces, nook's and crannies. What a shame, now that home which was such a special place for me has been sold to many different owners dince then. All the aspects of the house have probably been removed or altered, so now all I have is just memories.
For me now I strive to create a home with special memories and details where my famly and friends can come in and enjoy themselves and create new memories along the way. My home has been the backdrop of so many events, celebrations and not so great times and I dont want to forget them in years to come. More importantly by recording these things now, my children will one day have a meaningful account of there childhood home. Dont let the details of your home go left un-recorded, now go-on record your home's Cozy, not so cozy and little bits in-between, and be glad that you have left nothing to just your memory.


When considering what to photograph try these to start with:

1. entryway
2. Fireplace
3. display of family photograps
4. collections or displays of special items
5. family calenders
6. Kitchen/meals area
7. family car
8. pets
9. indoor/outdoor play areas
10. gardens
11. laundry
12.bookshelves
13. sleeping areas
14. view outside your favourite room
15. video/dvd collections
16.closet/wardrobe
17. jewellery
18. mens business shirts hanging
19. magazine/book pile
20. anything else that you fancy.